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

General: I have the honor to offer my report of the operations of the armies under my command, since the occupation of Atlanta in the early part of September last, up to the present date.

As heretofore reported, in the month of September the army of the Cumberland, Major-General Thomas commanding, held the city of Atlanta; the army of the Tennessee, Major-General Howard commanding, was grouped about East-Point; and the army of the Ohio, Major-General Schofield commanding, held Decatur. Many changes occurred in the composition of these armies, in consequence of the expiration of the time of service of many of the regiments. The opportunity was given to us to consolidate the fragments, reclothe and equip the men, and make preparations for the future campaign. I also availed myself of the occasion to strengthen the garrisons to our rear, to make our communications more secure, and sent Wagner's division of the Fourth corps, and Morgan's division of the Fourteenth corps back to Chattanooga, and Corse's division of the Fifteenth corps to Rome. Also a thorough reconnoissance was made of Atlanta, and a new line of works begun, which required a smaller garrison to hold.

During this month, the enemy, whom we had left at Lovejoy's Station, moved westward toward the Chattahoochee, taking position facing us and covering the West-Point Railroad, about Palmetto Station. He also threw a pontoon-bridge across the Chattahoochee, and sent cavalry detachments to the west, in the direction of Carrolton and Powder Springs. About the same time President Davis visited Macon and his army at Palmetto, and made harangues referring to an active campaign against us. Hood still remained in command of the confederate forces, with Cheatham, S. D. Lee, and Stewart commanding his three corps, and Wheeler in command of his cavalry, which had been largely reinforced.

My cavalry consisted of two divisions; one was stationed at Decatur, under command of Brigadier-General Garrard; the other, commanded by Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, was posted near Sandtown, with a pontoon-bridge over the Chattahoochee, from which he could watch any movement of the enemy toward the west.

As soon as I became convinced that the enemy intended to assume the offensive, namely, September twenty-eighth, I sent Major-General Thomas, second in command, to Nashville, to organize the new troops expected to arrive, and to make preliminary preparations to meet such an event.

About the first of October, some of the enemy's cavalry made their appearance on the west of the Chattahoochee, and one of his infantry corps was reported near Powder Springs; and I received authentic intelligence that the rest of his infantry was crossing to the west of the Chattahoochee. I at once made my orders that Atlanta and the Chattahoochee Railroad bridge should be held by the Twentieth corps, Major-General Slocum, and on the fourth of October put in motion the Fifteenth and Seventeenth corps, and the Fourth, Fourteenth and Twenty-third corps, to Smyrna camp-ground; and on the fifth, moved to the strong position about Kenesaw. The enemy's cavalry had, by a rapid movement, got upon our railroad at Big Shanty, and broken the line of telegraph and railroad; and with a division of infantry (French's) had moved against Allatoona, where were stored about a million of rations. Its redoubts were garrisoned by three small regiments under Colonel Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota.

I had anticipated this movement, and had by signal and telegraph ordered General Corse to reinforce that post from Rome.

General Corse had reached Allatoona with a brigade during the night of the fourth just in time to meet the attack by French's division on the morning of the fifth. In person I reached Kenesaw Mountain about ten A. M. of the fifth, and could see the smoke of battle and hear the faint sounds of artillery. The distance, eighteen miles, was too great for me to make in time to [2] share in the battle, but I directed the Twenty-third corps, Brigadier-General Cox commanding, to move rapidly from the base of Kenesaw, due west, aiming to reach the road from Allatoona to Dallas, threatening the rear of the forces attacking Allatoona. I succeeded in getting a signal message to General Corse during his fight, notifying him of my presence. The defence of Allatoona by General Corse was admirably conducted, and the enemy repulsed with heavy slaughter. His description of the defence is so graphic, that it leaves nothing for me to add; and the movement of General Cox had the desired effect of causing the withdrawal of French's division rapidly in the direction of Dallas.

On the sixth and seventh, I pushed my cavalry well toward Burnt Hickory and Dallas, and discovered that the enemy had moved westward, and inferred that he would attempt to break our railroad again in the neighborhood of Kingston. Accordingly, on the morning of the eighth, I put the army in motion through Allatoona Pass to Kingston, reaching that point on the tenth. There I learned that the enemy had feigned on Rome, and was passing the Coosa River on a pontoon-bridge about eleven miles below Rome. I therefore, on the eleventh, moved to Rome, and pushed Garrard's cavalry and the Twenty-third corps, under General Cox, across the Oostenaula, to threaten the flanks of the enemy passing north. Garrard's cavalry drove a cavalry brigade of the enemy to and beyond the Narrows, leading into the valley of the Chattooga, capturing two field-pieces and taking some prisoners. The enemy had moved with great rapidity, and made his appearance at Resaca; and Hood had in person demanded its surrender. I had from Kingston reinforced Resaca by two regiments of the army of the Tennessee. I at first intended to move the army into the Chattooga valley, to interpose between the enemy and his line of retreat down the Coosa, but feared that General Hood would, in that event, turn eastward by Spring Place, and down the Federal Road, and therefore moved against him at Resaca. Colonel Weaver, at Resaca, afterward reenforced by General Raum's brigade, had repulsed the enemy from Resaca, but he had succeeded in breaking the railroad from Tilton to Dalton, and as far north as the Tunnel.

Arriving at Resaca on the evening of the fourteenth, I determined to strike Hood in flank, or force him to battle, and directed the army of the Tennessee, General Howard, to move to Snake Creek Gap, which was held. by the enemy, whilst General Stanley, with the Fourth and Fourteenth corps, moved by Tilton across the mountains to the rear of Snake Creek Gap, in the neighborhood of Villanow.

The army of the Tennessee found the enemy occupying our old lines in the Snake Creek Gap, and on the fifteenth skirmished for the purpose of holding him there until Stanley could get to his rear. But the enemy gave way about noon, and was followed through the Gap, escaping before General Stanley had reached the further end of the Pass. The next day, the sixteenth, the armies moved directly toward La Fayette, with a view to cut off Hood's retreat. We found him intrenched in Ship's Gap, but the leading division (Wood's) of the Fifteenth corps rapidly carried the advanced posts held by two companies of a South-Carolina regiment, making them prisoners. The remaining eight companies escaped to the main body near Lafayette. The next morning we passed over into the valley of the Chattooga, the army of the Tennessee moving in pursuit by La Fayette and Alpine, toward Blue Pond; the army of the Cumberland by Summerville and Melville Post-Office to Gaylesville; and the army of the Ohio and Garrard's cavalry from Villanow, Dirttown Valley, and Goover's Gap to Gaylesville. Hood, however, was little encumbered with trains, and marched with great rapidity, and had succeeded in getting into the narrow gorge formed by the Lookout Range abutting against the Coosa River, in the neighbor-hood of Gadsden. He evidently wanted to avoid a fight.

On the nineteenth, all the armies were grouped about Gaylesville, in the rich valley of the Chattooga, abounding in corn and meat, and I determined to pause in my pursuit of the enemy, to watch his movements and live on the country. I hoped that flood would turn toward Guntersville and Bridgeport. The army of the Tennessee was posted near Little River, with instructions to feel forward in support of the cavalry, which was ordered to watch Hood in the neighborhood of Wills's Valley, and to give me the earliest notice possible of his turning northward. The army of the Ohio was posted at Cedar Bluff, with orders to lay a pontoon across the Coosa, and to feel forward to centre, and down in the direction of Blue Mountain. The army of the Cumberland was held in reserve at Gaylesville and all the troops were instructed to draw heavily for supplies from the surrounding country. In the mean time communications were opened to Rome, and a heavy force set to work in repairing the damages done to our railroads. Atlanta was abundantly supplied with provisions, but forage was scarce; and General Slocum was instructed to send strong foraging parties out in the direction of South River, and collect all the corn and fodder possible, and to put his own trains in good condition for further service.

Hood's movements and strategy had demonstrated that he had an army capable of endangering at all times my communications, but unable to meet me in open fight. To follow him would simply amount to being decoyed away from Georgia, with little prospect of overtaking and over-whelming him. To remain on the defensive, would have been bad policy for an army of so great value as the one I then commanded; and I was forced to adopt a course more fruitful in results than the naked one of following him to the South-West. I had previously submitted to the Commander-in-Chief a general plan, which amounted substantially to the destruction of Atlanta and the railroad back to Chattanooga, [3] and sallying forth from Atlanta through the heart of Georgia, to capture one or more of the great Atlantic seaports. This I renewed from Gaylesville, modified somewhat by the change of events.

On the twenty-sixth of October, satisfied that Hood had moved westward from Gadsden across Sand Mountain, I detached the Fourth corps, Major-General Stanley, and ordered him to proceed to Chattanooga and report to Major-General Thomas at Nashville.

Subsequently, on the thirtieth of October, I also detached the Twenty-third corps, Major-General Schofield, with the same destination; and delegated to Major-General Thomas full power over all the troops subject to my command, except the four corps with which I designed to move into Georgia. This gave him the two divisions under A. J. Smith, then in Missouri, but en route for Tennessee, the two corps named, and all the garrisons in Tennessee, as also all the cavalry of my military division, except one division under Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, which was ordered to rendezvous at Marietta.

Brevet Major-General Wilson had arrived from the army of the Potomac, to assume command of the cavalry of my army, and I dispatched him back to Nashville with all dismounted detachments, and orders as rapidly as possible to collect the cavalry serving in Kentucky and Tennessee, to mount, organize, and equip them, and report to Major-General Thomas for duty. These forces I judged would enable General Thomas to defend the railroad from Chattanooga back, including Nashville and Decatur, and give him an army with which he could successfully cope with Hood, should the latter cross the Tennessee northward.

By the first of November, Hood's army had moved from Gadsden, and made its appearance in the neighborhood of Decatur, where a feint was made; he then passed on to Tuscumbia, and laid a pontoon-bridge opposite Florence. I then began my preparations for the march through Georgia, having received the sanction of the Commander-in-Chief for carrying into effect my plan, the details of which were explained to all my corps commanders and heads of staff departments, with strict injunctions of secrecy. I had also communicated full details to General Thomas, and had informed him, I would not leave the neighborhood of Kingston until he felt perfectly confident that he was entirely prepared to cope with Hood, should he carry into effect his threatened invasion of Tennessee and Kentucky. I estimated Hood's force at thirty-five thousand infantry, and ten thousand cavalry.

I moved the army of the Tennessee by slow and easy matches on the south of the Coosa back to the neighborhood of Smyrna campground; and the Fourteenth corps, General Jeff. C. Davis, to Kingston, whither I repaired in person on the second of November. From that point I directed all surplus artillery, all baggage not needed for my contemplated march, all the sick and wounded, refugees, etc., to be sent back to Chattanooga; and the Fourth corps above mentioned, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, were put in the most efficient condition possible for a long and difficult march. This operation consumed the time until the eleventh of November, when, every thing being ready, I ordered General Corse, who still remained at Rome, to destroy the bridges there, all foundries, mills, shops, warehouses, or other property that could be useful to an enemy, and to move to Kingston.

At the same time the railroad in and about Atlanta, and between the Etowah and the Chattahoochee was ordered to be utterly destroyed. The garrisons from Kingston northward were also ordered to draw back to Chattanooga, taking with them all public property and all railroad stock, and to take up the rails from Resaca back, saving them, ready to be replaced whenever future interests should demand.

The railroad between the Etowah and the Oostenaula was left untouched, because I thought it more than probable we would find it necessary to reoccupy the country as far forward as the line of the Etowah.

Atlanta itself is only of strategic value as long as it is a railroad centre; and as all the railroads leading to it are destroyed, as well as all its foundries, machine-shops, warehouses, depots, etc., etc., it is of no more value than any other point in North-Georgia; whereas, the line of the Etowah, by reason of its rivers and natural features, possesses an importance which will always continue. From it all parts of Georgia and Alabama can be reached by armies marching with trains down the Coosa or the Chattahoochee valleys.

On the twelfth of November, my army stood detached and cut off from all communication with the rear. It was composed of four corps: the Fifteenth and Seventeenth, constituting the right wing, under Major-General O. O. Howard; the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps, constituting the left wing, under Major-General H. W. Slocum, of an aggregate strength of sixty thousand infantry, one cavalry division, in aggregate strength five thousand five hundred, under Brigadier-General Judson Kilpatrick, and the artillery reduced to the minimum, one gun per one thousand men.

The whole force was moved rapidly, and grouped about Atlanta on the fourteenth November.

In the mean time, Captain O. M. Poe had thoroughly destroyed Atlanta, save its mere dwelling-houses and churches, and the right wing, with General Kilpatrick's cavalry, was put in motion in the direction of Jonesboro and Mc-Donough, with orders to make a strong feint on Macon, to cross the Ocmulgee about Planters' Mills, and rendezvous in the neighborhood of Gordon in seven days, exclusive of the day of march. On the same day, General Slocum moved with the Twentieth corps by Decatur and Stone Mountain, with orders to tear up the railroad from Social Circle to Madison, to burn the large and important railroad-bridge across the Oconee, [4] east of Madison, and turn south and reach Milledgeville on the seventh day, exclusive of the day of march. In person I left Atlanta on the sixteenth, in company with the Fourteenth corps, Brevet Major-General Jeff. C. Davis, by Lithonia, Covington, and Shady Dale, directly on Milledgeville. All the troops were provided with good wagon trains, loaded with ammunition and supplies, approximating twenty days bread, forty days sugar and coffee, a double allowance of salt for forty days, and beef cattle equal to forty days supplies. The wagons were also supplied with about three days forage, in grain. All were instructed, by a judicious system of foraging, to maintain this order of things as long as possible, living chiefly if not solely upon the country, which I knew to abound in corn, sweet potatoes, and meats.

My first object was of course to place my army in the very heart of Georgia, interposing between Macon and Augusta, and obliging the enemy to divide his forces to defend not only those points, but Millen, Savannah, and Charleston. All my calculations were fully realized. During the twenty-second, General Kilpatrick made a good feint on Macon, driving the enemy within his intrenchments, and then drew back to Griswoldville, where Walcott's brigade of infantry joined him to cover that flank, whilst Howard's trains were closing up and his men scattered breaking up railroads. The enemy came out of Macon and attacked Walcott in position, but was so roughly handled that he never repeated the experiment. On the eighth day after leaving Atlanta, namely, on the twenty-third, General Slocum occupied Milledgeville and the important bridge across the Oconee there; and Generals Howard and Kilpatrick were in and about Gordon.

General Howard was then ordered to move eastward, destroying the railroad thoroughly in his progress, as far as Tennille Station, opposite Sandersville, and General Slocum to move to Sandersville by two roads. General Kilpatrick was ordered to Milledgeville and thence move rapidly eastward, to break the railroad which leads from Millen to Augusta, then to turn upon Millen and rescue our prisoners of war, supposed to be confined at that place.

I accompanied the Twentieth corps from Milledgeville to Sandersville, approaching which place on the twenty-fifth, we found the bridges across Buffalo Creek burned, which delayed us three hours. The next day we entered Sandersville, skirmishing with Wheeler's cavalry, which offered little opposition to the advance of the Twentieth and Fourteenth corps, entering the place almost at the same moment.

General Slocum was then ordered to tear up and destroy the Georgia Central Railroad from Station 13 (Tennille) to Station 10, near the crossing of the Ogeechee, one of his corps substantially following the railroad, the other by way of Louisville, in support of Kilpatrick's cavalry. In person I shifted to the right wing, and accompanied the Seventeenth corps, General Blair, on the south of the railroad till abreast of Station 9 1/2, (Barton.) General Howard in person, with the Fifteenth corps, keeping further to the right and about one day's march ahead, ready to turn against the flank of any enemy who should oppose our progress. At Barton I learned that Kilpatrick's cavalry had reached the Augusta Railroad about Waynesboro, where he ascertained that our prisoners had been removed from Millen, and therefore the purpose of rescuing them, upon which we had set our hearts, was an impossibility. But as Wheeler's cavalry had hung around him, and as he had retired to Louisville to meet our infantry, in pursuance of my instructions, not to risk battle unless at great advantage, I ordered him to leave his wagons and all incumbrances with the left wing, and moving in the direction of Augusta, if Wheeler gave him the opportunity, to indulge him with all the fighting he wanted. General Kilpatrick, supported by Baird's division of infantry, of the Fourteenth corps, again moved in the direction of Waynesboro, and encountering Wheeler in the neighborhood of Thomas's Station, attacked him in position, driving him from three successive lines of barricades handsomely through Waynesboro and across Brier Creek, the bridges over which he burned, and then with Baird's division rejoined the left wing, which in the mean time had been marching by easy stages of ten miles a day in the direction of Lumpkin's Station and Jacksonboro.

The Seventeenth corps took up the destruction of the railroad at the Ogeechee near Station 10, and continued it to Millen, the enemy offering little or no opposition, although preparations had seemingly been made at Millen.

On the third of December, the Seventeenth corps, which I accompanied, was at Millen; the Fifteenth corps, General Howard, was south of the Ogeechee, opposite Station 7, (Scarboro ;) the Twentieth corps, General Slocum, on the Augusta Railroad, about four miles north of Millen, near Buckhead Church; and the Fourteenth corps, General Jeff. C. Davis, in the neighbor-hood of Lumpkin's Station, on the Augusta Railroad.

All were ordered to march in the direction of Savannah, the Fifteenth corps to continue south of the Ogeechee, the Seventeenth to destroy the railroad as far as Ogeechee Church, and four days were allowed to reach the line from Ogeechee Church to the neighborhood of Halley's Ferry on the Savannah River. All the columns reached their destination on time, and continued to march on their several roads. General Davis following the Savannah River road, General Slocum the middle road by way of Springfield, General Blair the railroad, and General Howard still south and west of the Ogeechee, with orders to cross to the east bank opposite “Eden Station,” or Station No. 2.

As we approached Savannah, the country became more marshy and difficult, and more obstructions were met in the way of felled trees where the roads crossed the creek-swamps on [5] narrow causeways. But our pioneer companies were well organized, and removed these obstructions in an incredibly short time. No opposition from the enemy worth speaking of was encountered until the heads of the columns were within fifteen miles of Savannah, where all the roads leading to the city were obstructed more or less by felled timber, with earthworks and artillery. But these were easily turned and the enemy driven away, so that by the tenth of December the enemy was driven within his lines at Savannah. These followed substantially a swampy creek which empties into the Savannah River about three miles above the city, across to the head of a corresponding stream which empties into the Little Ogeechee. These streams were singularly favorable to the enemy as a cover, being very marshy, and bordered by rice-fields which were flooded either by the tide-water or by inland ponds, the gates to which were controlled and covered by his heavy artillery. The only approaches to the city were by five narrow causeways, namely, the two railroads, and the Augusta, the Louisville, and the Ogeechee dirt roads, all of which were commanded by heavy ordnance, too strong for us to fight with our light field-guns. To assault an enemy of unknown strength at such a disadvantage, appeared to me unwise, especially as I had so successfully brought my army, almost unscathed, so great a distance, and could surely attain the same result by the operation of time.

I therefore instructed my army commanders to closely invest the city from the north and west, and to reconnoitre well the ground in their fronts respectively, whilst I gave my personal attention to opening communication with our fleet, which I knew was waiting for us in Tybee, Wassaw, and Ossabaw Sounds.

In approaching Savannah, General Slocum struck the Charleston Railroad near the bridge, and occupied the river-bank as his left flank, where he had captured two of the enemy's river-boats and had prevented two others (gunboats) from coming down the river to communicate with the city; while General Howard, by his right flank, had broken the Gulf Railroad at Fleming's and Way Station, and occupied the railroad itself down to the Little Ogeechee, near Station 1, so that no supplies could reach Savannah by any of its accustomed channels.

We, on the contrary, possessed large herds of cattle, which we had brought along or gathered in the country, and our wagons still contained a reasonable amount of breadstuffs and other necessaries, and the fine rice crops of the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers furnished to our men and animals a large amount of rice and rice-straw.

We also held the country to the south and west of the Ogeechee as foraging ground.

Still, communication with the fleet was of vital importance, and I directed General Kilpatrick to cross the Ogeechee by a pontoon-bridge, to reconnoitre Fort McAllister, and to proceed to St. Catherine's Sound, in the direction of Sunbury or Kilkenny Bluff, and open communication with the fleet. General Howard had previously, by my direction, sent one of his best scouts down the Ogeechee in a canoe for a like purpose. But more than this was necessary. We wanted the vessels and their contents, and the Ogeechee River, a navigable stream close to the rear of our camps, was the proper avenue of supply.

The enemy had burned the road-bridge across the Ogeechee, just below the mouth of the Camochee, known as “King's Bridge.” This was reconstructed in an incredibly short time in the most substantial manner by the Fifty-eighth Indiana, Colonel Buel, under the direction of Captain Reese, of the Engineer corps, and on the morning of the thirteenth December, the Second division of the Fifteenth corps, under command of Brigadier-General Hazen, crossed the bridge to the west bank of the Ogeechee, and marched down with orders to carry by assault Fort McAllister, a strong inclosed redoubt, manned by two companies of artillery and three of infantry, in all about two hundred men, and mounting twenty-three guns, en barbette, and one mortar.

General Hazen reached the vicinity of Fort McAllister about one P. M., deployed his division about the place, with both flanks resting upon the river, posted his skirmishers judiciously behind the trunks of trees whose branches had been used for abattis, and about five P. M. assaulted the place with nine regiments at three points, all of them successfully. I witnessed the assault from a rice-mill on the opposite bank of the river, and can bear testimony to the handsome manner in which it was accomplished.

Up to this time we had not communicated with our fleet. From the signal-station at the rice-mill our officers had looked for two days over the rice-fields and salt marsh in the direction of Ossabaw Sound, but could see nothing of it. But while watching the preparations for the assault on Fort McAllister, we discovered in the distance what seemed to be the smoke-stack of a steamer, which became more and more distinct, until about the very moment of the assault she was plainly visible below the Fort, and our signal was answered. As soon as I saw our colors fairly planted upon the walls of McAllister, in company with General Howard, I went in a small boat down to the Fort, and met General Hazen, who had not yet communicated with the gunboat below, as it was shut out to him by a point of timber. Determined to communicate that night, [ got another small boat and a crew, and pulled down the river till I found the tug Dandelion, Captain Williamson, U. S.N., who informed me that Captain Duncan, who had been sent by General Howard, had succeeded in reaching Admiral Dahlgren and General Foster, and that he was expecting them hourly in Ossabaw Sound. After making communications to those officers, and a short communication to the War Department, I returned to Fort McAllister that night, and before daylight was overtaken by Major Strong, of General Foster's staff, advising me that General Foster had arrived in the Ogeechee, [6] near Fort McAllister, and was very anxious to meet me on board his boat. I accordingly returned with him, and met General Foster on board the steamer Nemaha; and after consultation, determined to proceed with him down the sound, in hopes to meet Admiral Dahlgren. But we did not meet him until we reached Wassaw Sound, about noon. I there went on board the Admiral's flag-ship, the Harvest Moon, after having arranged with General Foster to send us from Hilton Head some siege ordnance, and some boats suitable for navigating the Ogeechee River. Admiral Dahlgren very kindly furnished me with all the data concerning his fleet and the numerous forts that guarded the inland channels between the sea and Savannah. I explained to him how completely Savannah was invested at all points save only the plank-road on the South-Carolina shore, known as the “Union causeway,” which I thought I could reach from my left flank across the Savannah River. I explained to him that if he would simply engage the attention of the forts along Wilmington channel, at Beaulieu and Rosedew, I thought I could carry the defences of Savannah by assault as soon as the heavy ordnance arrived from Hilton Head.

On the fifteenth, the Admiral carried me back to Fort McAllister, whence I returned to our lines in the rear of Savannah.

Having received and carefully considered all the reports of division commanders, I determined to assault the lines of the enemy as soon as my heavy ordnance came from Port Royal, first making a formal demand for surrender. On the seventeenth, a number of thirty-pounder Parrott guns having reached King's Bridge, I proceeded in person to the headquarters of Major-General Slocum, on the Augusta road, and despatched thence into Savannah, by flag of truce, a formal demand for the surrender of the place, and on the following day received an answer from General Hardee, refusing to surrender.

In the mean time, further reconnoissances from our left flank had demonstrated that it was impracticable or unwise to push any considerable force across the Savannah River, for the enemy held the river opposite the city with iron-clad gunboats, and could destroy any pontoons laid down by us between Hutchinson's Island and the South-Carolina shore, which would isolate any force sent over from that flank. I therefore ordered General Slocum to get into position the siege-guns and make all the preparations necessary to assault, and to report to me the earliest moment when he could be ready, whilst I should proceed rapidly round by the right and make arrangements to occupy the Union Causeway from the direction of Port Royal. General Foster had already established a division of troops on the peninsula or neck between the Coosawhatchie and Tullifinney rivers, at the head of Broad River, from which position he could reach the railroad with his artillery.

I went to Port Royal in person, and made arrangements to reenforce that command by one or more divisions under a proper officer, to assault and carry the railroad, and thence turn toward Savannah until it occupied the causeway in question. I went on board the Admiral's flagship, the Harvest Moon, which put to sea the night of the twentieth. But the wind was high, and increased during the night, so that the pilot judged Ossabaw Bar impassable, and ran into Tybee, whence we proceeded through the inland channels into Wassaw Sound, and thence through Romney Marsh. But the ebb-tide caught the Harvest Moon, and she was unable to make the passage. Admiral Dahlgren took me in his barge, and pulling in the direction of Vernon River, we met the army tug Red Legs, bearing a message from my Adjutant, Captain Dayton, of that morning, the twenty-first, to the effect that our troops were in possession of the enemy's lines, and were advancing without opposition into Savannah, the enemy having evacuated the place during the previous night.

Admiral Dahlgren proceeded up the Vernon River in his barge, while I transferred to the tug, in which I proceeded to Fort McAllister, and thence to the rice-mill; and on the morning of the twenty-second rode into the city of Savannah, already occupied by our troops.

I was very much disappointed that Hardee had escaped with his garrison, and had to content myself with the material fruits of victory without the cost of life which would have attended a general assault. The substantial results will be more clearly set forth in the tabular statements of heavy ordnance and other public property acquired, and it will suffice here to state, that the important city of Savannah, with its valuable harbor and river, was the chief object of the campaign.

With it we acquire all the forts and heavy ordnance in its vicinity, with large stores of ammunition, shot and shells, cotton, rice, and other valuable products of the country. We also gain locomotives and cars, which, though of little use to us in the present condition of the railroads, are a serious loss to the enemy, as well as four steamboats gained, and the loss to the enemy of the iron-clad Savannah, one ram, and three transports blown up or burned by them the night before.

Formal demand having been made for the surrender, and having been refused, I contend that every thing within the line of intrenchments belongs to the United States, and I shall not hesitate to use it if necessary for public purposes. But inasmuch as the inhabitants generally have manifested a friendly disposition, I shall disturb them as little as possible consistently with the military rights of present and future military commanders, without remitting in the least our just rights as captors.

After having made the necessary orders for the disposition of the troops in and about Savannah, I ordered Captain O. M. Poe, Chief-Engineer, to make a thorough examination of the enemy's works in and about Savannah, with a view to making it conform to our future uses. New lines of defences will be built, embracing the city proper, Forts Jackson, Thunderbolt, and Pulaski [7] retained, with slight modifications in their armament and rear defences. All the rest of the enemy's forts will be dismantled and destroyed, and their heavy ordnance transferred to Hilton Head, where it can be more easily guarded.

Our base of supplies will be established in Savannah, as soon as the very difficult obstructions placed in the river can be partially removed. These obstructions at present offer a very serious impediment to the commerce of Savannah, consisting of crib-work of logs and timber heavily bolted together and filled with the cobble-stones which formerly paved the streets of Savannah. All the channels below the city were found more or less filled with torpedoes, which have been removed by order of Admiral Dahlgren, so that Savannah already fulfils the important part it was designed in our plans for the future.

In thus sketching the course of events connected with this campaign, I have purposely passed lightly over the march from Atlanta to the sea-shore, because it was made in four or more columns, sometimes at a distance of fifteen or twenty miles from each other, and it was impossible for me to attend but one. Therefore, I have left it to the army and corps commanders to describe in their own language the events which attended the march of their respective columns. These reports are herewith submitted, and I beg to refer to them for further details. I would merely sum up the advantages which I conceive have accrued to us by this march.

Our former labors in North-Georgia had demonstrated the truth that no large army, carrying with it the necessary stores and baggage, can overtake and capture an inferior force of the enemy in his own country. Therefore, no alternative was left me but the one I adopted, namely, to divide my forces, and with the one part act offensively against the enemy's resources, while with the other I should act defensively, and invite the enemy to attack, risking the chances of battle.

In this conclusion I have been singularly sustained by the results. General Hood, who, as I have heretofore described, had moved to the west-ward, near Tuscumbia, with a view to decoy me away from Georgia, finding himself mistaken, was forced to choose either to pursue me, or to act offensively against the other part, left in Tennessee. He adopted the latter course, and General Thomas has wisely and well fulfilled his part of the grand scheme, in drawing Hood well up into Tennessee until he could concentrate all his own troops, and then turn upon Hood, as he has done, and destroy or fatally cripple his army. That part of my army is so far removed from me, that I leave, with perfect confidence, its management and history to General Thomas.

I was thereby left with a well-appointed army to sever the enemy's only remaining railroad communications eastward and westward, for over one hundred miles, namely, the Georgia State Railroad, which is broken up from Fairburn Station to Madison and the Oconee, and the Central Railroad from Gordon clear to Savannah, with numerous breaks on the latter road from Gordon to Eatonton, and from Millen to Augusta, and the Savannah and Gulf Railroad. We have also consumed the corn and fodder in the region of country thirty miles on either side of a line from Atlanta to Savannah, as also the sweet potatoes, cattle, hogs, sheep, and poultry, and have carried away more than ten thousand horses and mules, as well as a countless number of their slaves. I estimate the damage done to the State of Georgia and its military resources at one hundred millions of dollars; at least twenty millions of which has inured to our advantage, and the remainder is simple waste and destruction. This may seem a hard species of warfare, but it brings the sad realities of war home to those who have been directly or indirectly instrumental in involving us in its attendant calamities.

The campaign has also placed this branch of my army in a position from which other great military results may be attempted, besides leaving in Tennessee and North-Alabama a force which is amply sufficient to meet all the chances of war in that region of our country.

Since the capture of Atlanta my staff is unchanged, save that General Barry, Chief of Artillery, has been absent, sick, since our leaving Kingston. Surgeon Moore, United States Army, is Chief Medical Director, in place of Surgeon Kittoe, relieved to resume his proper duties as a Medical Inspector.

Major Hitchcock, A. A. G., has also been added to my staff, and has been of great assistance in the field and office.

Captain Dayton still remains as my Adjutant General. All have, as formerly, fulfilled their parts to my entire satisfaction.

In the body of my Army I feel a just pride. Generals Howard and Slocum are gentlemen of singular capacity and intelligence, thorough soldiers and patriots, working day and night, not for themselves, but for their country and their men.

General Kilpatrick, who commanded the cavalry of this army, has handled it with spirit and (lash to my entire satisfaction, and kept a superior force of the enemy's cavalry from even approaching our infantry columns or wagon-trains. His report is full and graphic. All the division and brigade commanders merit my personal and official thanks, and I shall spare no efforts to secure them commissions equal to the rank they have exercised so well. As to the rank and file, they seem so full of confidence in themselves, that I doubt if they want a compliment from me; but I must do them the justice to say that whether called on to fight, to march, to wade streams, to make roads, clear out obstructions, build bridges, make “corduroy,” or tear up railroads, they have done it with alacrity and a degree of cheerfulness unsurpassed. A little loose in foraging, they “did some things they ought not to have done,” yet on the whole they have supplied the wants of the army with as little violence as could be expected, and as little loss as I calculated. Some of these foraging parties had encounters with the [8] enemy which would, in ordinary times, rank as respectable battles.

The behavior of our troops in Savannah has been so manly, so quiet, so perfect, that I take it as the best evidence of discipline and true courage. Never was a hostile city filled with women and children, occupied by a large army with less disorder, or more system, order, and good government. The same general and generous spirit of confidence and good feeling pervades the army which it has ever afforded me especial pleasure to report on former occasions.

I avail myself of this occasion to express my heartfelt thanks to Admiral Dahlgren and the officers and men of his fleet, as also to General Foster and his command for the hearty welcome given us on our arrival at the coast, and for their ready and prompt cooperation in all measures tending to the result accomplished.

I send, herewith, a map of the country through which we have passed; reports from General Howard, General Slocum, and General Kilpatrick, and their subordinates respectively, with the usual lists of captured property, killed, wounded, and missing, prisoners of war taken and rescued, as also copies of all papers illustrating the campaign, all of which are respectfully submitted by

Your obedient servant,

Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the army of the Tennessee from the taking of Atlanta to the commencement of the Savannah campaign.

In accordance with Special Field Orders No. 64, dated September fourth, 1864, from Military Division of Mississippi, headquarters the army of the Tennessee, consisting of parts of three corps, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth, were placed in position in the vicinity of East-Point. Arrangements were made and the troops quite well supplied with clothing, provisions, and whatever else was needed. Notwithstanding we had but one line of railroad over which to draw our supplies, we were able to obtain every thing in sufficient quantity except forage, which was never abundant, and, therefore, as soon as the supply from the country was exhausted, the artillery horses and other animals began to deteriorate.

Occasionally guerrillas and raiding parties of the enemy's cavalry broke our road, which rendered the prospect of continuous supplies precarious at best.

During the month of September, I effected a consolidation of the army of the field into two corps, the Fifteenth and Seventeenth. The portion on the Mississippi constituted the Sixteenth corps. This subserved the double purpose of strengthening the two corps in the field and facilitating the transaction of business.

It having been ascertained, beyond a doubt, that Hood was crossing the Chattahoochee, Brigadier-General Corse moved his two brigades at East-Point to form a junction with the one already at Rome, leaving Atlanta on the twenty-sixth of September, in pursuance of General Sherman's order.

I had had intimation from the Commander-in-Chief, that, in case Hood attempted to strike his communications south of the Etowah, he would turn on him.

When General Corse moved, it was yet uncertain as to Hood's intention. He was, therefore, directed, with the force at Rome, to act against any attempt of the enemy to move on Bridgeport from the direction of Gadsden. General Sherman further directed, by verbal instructions, that this force act as an observing one ready to strike in any direction the enemy might be discovered moving.

As soon as Hood's intentions were fully developed, the general movement northward commenced.

Pursuant to Special Field Orders No. 83, from General Sherman, the army of the Tennessee moved, October fourth, from East-Point to Smyrna camp-ground, making a toilsome march of twenty-one miles over a bad road.

The Fifteenth corps was commanded by Major-General P. Joseph Osterhaus, and the Seventeenth by Brigadier-General T. E. G. Ransom.

The fifth of October, the army moved to Culp's farm, which was the prolongation of the works of Kenesaw Mountain. On the fourth, it was well ascertained that Hood's entire army, excepting Wheeler's cavalry, had moved up abreast of Marietta, struck the railroad between that place and Allatoona, and, with a part of his force at least, was moving on Allatoona.

General Sherman signalled from Kenesaw, the telegraph wires having been cut by the enemy, for General Corse to move to Allatoona at once with his whole command. General Corse reports, that he started at once with three regiments on the cars and arrived at one A. M. on the morning of the fifth instant. He sent his train back for more troops, but, owing to an accident, the train was considerably delayed in returning. After General Corse's arrival, his reinforcements and the garrison made up an aggregate of one thousand nine hundred and forty-four. The General reports that as early as two A. M. a brisk fire had opened on the skirmish line, and before dawn the enemy was pressing on all sides so as to necessitate reinforcing the outer posts.

General Corse, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota regiment, had made every disposition possible for the defence of Allatoona Pass; though the place was naturally a strong one, yet it could hardly be expected that a garrison of less than two thousand men could hold out against an enemy so numerous as to be able to completely surround the place.

After a brisk cannonade from the south and west, kept up for some two hours, at half-past 8 A. M. the rebel General, S. D. French, peremptorily [9] demanded the surrender of Allatoona, “to avoid a needless effusion of blood.” General Corse instantly replied: “We are prepared for the needless effusion of blood whenever it is agreeable to you.”

The storm then broke upon the little garrison, and raged with great fury for nearly the whole day, but finally the enemy was driven from every position, and the garrison left in possession of the field.

I call special attention to the accompanying report of Brigadier-General Corse, which affords a full and graphic account of this remarkable battle. Our losses were quite heavy. The aggregate killed and wounded being seven hundred and seven; among tile wounded, Colonel Richard Rowell, Seventh Illinois veteran infantry, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota infantry, both of whom were complimented for remarkable gallantry. Also Brigadier-General Corse, quite severely wounded about midday. He never left the field, and imbued every body with his own energy and spirit. The garrison buried two hundred and thirty-one rebel dead; captured four hundred and eleven prisoners. Among the prisoners, Brigadier-General Young. We captured three stand of colors and eight hundred stand of arms.

While this battle was transpiring, a portion of the army of the Cumberland had reached Pine Hill, and the army of the Ohio was moving out on the Burnt Hickory Road, threatening the enemy's flank and rear. Doubtless these operations, together with the success of the garrison at Allatoona, determined Hood to withdraw and try another experiment.

Pursuant to Special Field Orders No. 87, from your headquarters, the army of the Tennessee took up a position between Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain, on the evening of the eighth.

In accordance with special direction from General Sherman, this army moved from its camp on the evening of the tenth, and made a forced march to Kingston, making a distance of thirty-eight miles with scarcely a halt.

During the twelfth, the march was continued to the vicinity of Rome. A brigade of General Hazen's division was taken by cars directly to Rome from Allatoona, as soon as my head of column had arrived at that place. This was in anticipation that Hood might make an attempt on Rome.

General Corse with his division and that brigade and a battery of artillery, crossed the Etowah on the thirteenth, and made a reconnoissance with a view to develop the force guarding the bridge, by which the enemy crossed the Coosa some sixteen miles below. This move was simultaneous with that of the army of the Ohio, and the cavalry on the other bank.

The fact that Hood had completely crossed the Coosa and moved northward toward Resaca and Dalton with his entire army was ascertained, whereupon I was ordered by General Sherman to move at once to Resaca, sending on one division by cars from Adairsville.

General Ransom, with the Seventeenth corps, took a cross-road which was muddy, rough, and extremely difficult for wagons. He arrived at Adairsville about twelve midnight; finding cars there, he sent Belknap's division straight on to Resaca.

General Raum, of General John E. Smith's division, was garrisoning that place. He had been able to show so bold a front that the enemy, probably still having Allatoona in mind, did not attack him except with a skirmish line. Hood, however, demanded the surrender of Resaca with a threat to take no prisoners in case of being obliged to carry it by assault. But while he was parleying with the garrison at Resaca, large bodies of his army were on the railroad northward, where he captured the garrisons at Tilton and Dalton; the latter, under command of Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth colored regiment, was surrendered by him without a blow.

The railroad track was pretty effectually destroyed for upward of twenty miles in this vicinity. The army, except Corse's division left at Rome, continued its march and arrived in Resaca on the fourteenth. Immediately the wagon-bridge, which had been destroyed by a freshet, was reconstructed and a reconnoissance made to-ward Snake Creek Gap by a regiment of General Ransom's command, which came upon the enemy about six miles from Resaca, developing what appeared to be quite a strong force, probably the enemy's rearguard.

General Sherman arrived at Resaca on the evening of the fourteenth, where he issued Special Field Orders No. 91. Pursuant to this, the army of Tennessee marched on the morning of the fifteenth, and came upon the enemy's rearguard, probably a small brigade in intrenchments, covering the mouth of Snake Creek Gap.

General Stanley was moving to the right to pass over the ridge north of the Gap, so that the army of the Tennessee simply pressed the enemy's front with a skirmish line, waiting for his position to be turned by Stanley. The enemy's force, however, was so small that a simple threat upon his right flank, as if to turn it, caused him to abandon the position and run over the ridge and through the gap. On reaching its mouth we found the pass badly obstructed by felled trees; these obstructions continued for upward of five miles. The infantry did not cease its march a moment, going over the trunks of trees and through the bushes, pushing forward as rapidly as possible, while general and staff-officers, with dismounted orderlies and detachments of pioneers, as fast as they came up, went to work vigorously to clear away the obstructions for the artillery and wagons. Smaller trees were thrown out bodily, the larger ones cut and cleared away with great rapidity, so that the pass was rendered practicable, and the head of the wagon train reached the western opening by seven P. M.

The army encamped for the night near this opening. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 92, from your headquarters, the army [10] marched toward Ship's Gap, the Fifteenth corps, Major-General Osterhaus, leading.

His first division, Brigadier-General Wood commanding, encountered the enemy's skirmishers not far from the summit of Taylor's Ridge. What is called Ship's Gap is a slight depression in the ridge, over which the road winds in a circuitous manner, seeking a gradual ascent along the spurs.

General Wood confronted the rebels with considerable force, and then threw a regiment around their flank, capturing between thirty and forty of them. The rest gave way and fled, whereupon the advance was pushed about a mile beyond the ridge, and, with the rest of the army, went into camp for the night.

In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 94, from Headquarters Military Division Mississippi, the command moved forward on the following day, and encamped at La Fayette.

On the eighteenth, the army of the Tennessee continued its march along the La Fayette and Summerville road to the vicinity of Summerville, crossing the Chattooga River near Tryon's Factory. The bridge across the stream had been partially destroyed, but was quickly repaired by the pioneer corps.

On the following day, the command moved to Alpine, and on the twentieth pushed on by two routes to Galesville, the Fifteenth corps moving to the right on the Shinbone Valley road, via Davis's Cross-Roads, and the Seventeenth corps on the direct road passing through Ringgold.

Pursuant to Special Field Orders, No. 99, Headquarters Military Division Mississippi, the army moved on the old Alabama road, and took up a position on Little River, throwing a strong advance-guard across the river, toward Blue Pond. This position was maintained until the twenty-eighth. In the mean time, however, a bridge was thrown across Little River, and Woods's and Hazen's divisions of the Fifteenth corps, with two batteries of artillery, Major-General Osterhaus commanding, made a reconnoissance in the direction of Tarkeytown, and developed the enemy in some force, occupying hastily-constructed works, extending across the valley from the mountain to the river. After a slight skirmish the enemy retired, and our forces fell back, having accomplished the object of the movement.

Bridges having been built across the Chattooga, and a pontoon having been laid over the Coosa, the trains moved in advance on the afternoon of the twenty-eighth, and were all across these rivers at daylight on the twenty-ninth.

The army followed across these rivers, the rearguard completely destroying the bridges, and encamped on Cowan's Creek, and on the following day pushed on to Cave Spring.

On the first of November, the command moved on parallel roads from Cave Spring to Cedar Town, and on the following day pushed forward in the same order, the Seventeenth corps reaching Van Wert, and the Fifteenth encamping a few mile south of Van Wert. The army continued its march, and on the night of the third, both corps encamped in the vicinity of Dallas. On the following day, the Seventeenth corps moved to Lost Mountain, while the Fifteenth proceeded in the direction of Powder Springs.

The movement continued, and the whole command reached Smyrna camp-ground on the afternoon of the fifth, and went into position, facing westward, Seventeenth corps on the right, and Fifteenth corps on the left.

I have omitted to mention the death of Brigadier-General T. E. G. Ransom, and will here introduce an order published to the troops, whilst the impression of his character was vivid and his loss peculiarly felt:

headquarters Department and army of the Tennessee, Cedar town, Georgia, November 1, 1864.

General field orders No. 21: The officers and soldiers of the army of the Tennessee will hear with deep sorrow and regret the news of the death of Brigadier-General T. E. G. Ransom, lately commanding Seventeenth army corps.

General Ransom was ill at the very beginning of this campaign, but was unwilling to leave the field, and hoping the attack of the fell disease which caused his death was but temporary, he did not cease day or night, as was ever his wont, to exert himself to the utmost in his country's service.

When the army reached Galesville, Alabama, he was compelled, by aggravated symptoms, to relinquish his command, and now we learn that on the twenty-eighth ultimo, while being carried on a stretcher to Rome, he died.¹ General Ransom was much beloved by all who knew him, and this army has lost one of its most useful officers and brightest ornaments. His noble record is too familiar to need recounting here.

While with me, in command of his division of the Sixteenth corps, after the wound of Major-General Dodge, in command of that corps at Atlanta and Jonesboro, and then in command of the Seventeenth corps during the present vigorous operations, he showed himself an officer of the highest order of merit, as also a man of a pure and elevated character. It is with a feeling of deep sorrow at our loss that I refer to this young man, so full of promise, so enthusiastic in his country's cause, so untiring in his exertions to thwart the wicked men who have raised their hands against us; but he has done well his part, and, like so many other of our comrades who have worked with us, he has gone peacefully to the haven of rest. We will cherish his bright memory, and strive to attain his irreproachable character.

O. O. Howard, Major-General.

I have said very little in my brief sketch of this remarkable campaign of nearly three hundred miles marching, of the methods of procuring supplies.

We were directed by the General-in-Chief to [11] take ten days, but so far as forage is concerned, we did not have it, and could not procure it.

After the first day, we found large fields of good grass in the vicinity of Smyrna campground and Marietta. At every halt, these fields were covered with the horses, mules, and cattle belonging to the army.

We lost large numbers of the poorer mules and artillery horses at first, and, in fact, till after passing Ship's Gap. As the ration-wagons became empty, the poorer mules were attached and sent to Chattanooga, and the good ones retained. At Resaca, at Rome, and at places in the vicinity of Rome, considerable transportation was broken up and mules assigned to the artillery, so as to be able to move it. At Galesville, pursuant to directions from General Sherman, the artillery was reduced to one battery to a division; by exchanges, the good horses were attached to the retained batteries, and the rest sent to Rome and Chattanooga.

We found plenty of forage, after passing Taylor's Ridge, in the different valleys, down as far as Little River. Vann's Valley is very fertile, and was filled with corn, sweet potatoes, flour, pigs, cattle, sheep, and fowl.

Cedar Town and its vicinity also gave us plenty of corn. The animals continued to improve, and the command was well supplied with provisions up to our return to Smyrna camp-ground. At this place we remained till the thirteenth of November, preparing for the ensuing campaign. During the twelfth, the army of the Tennessee destroyed the railroad from Big Shanty to the Chattahoochee River, burning the ties and bending the rails, a stretch of road twenty-two miles in extent.

On the thirteenth, the army marched to the vicinity of Atlanta; encamped near Whitehall.

While the sick, and the surplus stores of every kind that had accumulated at Atlanta, were being removed to Chattanooga and Nashville, General Corse was having the same thing done at Rome. On the tenth, after having destroyed the public storehouses, he evacuated Rome, and set out for Atlanta, reaching its vicinity on the evening of the fourteenth.

General John E. Smith's division, which had been guarding the railroad during our Atlanta campaign, and parts of which were located at Allatoona and Resaca, had concentrated near Cartersville by the tenth of November, and reached Atlanta the morning of the fourteenth.

By breaking up the line of communication, my army was increased in effective force by above two divisions, which had been detached.

After the reestablishment of the railroad, quite a large number of recruits joined the different regiments, so that the effective force for the coming campaign reached an aggregate of nearly thirty thousand. Taking every thing into consideration, the campaign of three hundred miles, which General Hood inaugurated with so much éclat, was to our army a positive advantage — both men and animals were better prepared for future operations at its end than at its beginning, and we certainly made more than a replacement of the damage done by Hood along our line of communication.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Captain: The campaign of Savannah is so closely connected with the campaign into Alabama, just closed, and I have so carefully stated the strength of my army, and left it concentrated at Atlanta, where it remained but one day, that I will not weary you with a repetition.

General Sherman's Field Orders Nos. 115 and 119, issued from Kingston, Georgia--so remarkable for completeness, and so explicit that they could not be misunderstood, have been faithfully adhered to. They were the means of initiating preparations fully adequate to the work that has been accomplished.

My command consisted of two army corps, the Fifteenth, Major-General P. J. Osterhaus, of four divisions, as follows: First division, Brigadier-General Woods; Second division, Brigadier-General W. B. Hazen; Third division, Brigadier-General John E. Smith; Fourth division, Brigadier-General J. M. Corse.

The Seventeenth corps, Major-General F. P. Blair commanding, consisted of three divisions, as follows: First division, Major-General Joseph A. Mower; Third division, Brigadier-General M. D. Leggett; Fourth division, Brigadier-General Giles A. Smith; one regiment of cavalry, First Alabama; one engineer regiment, First Missouri; and a bridge-train of sufficient capacity to throw two bridges across any stream that we found en route.

At Gordon, I made the following report, which I will re-submit without change:

headquarters Department and army of the Tennessee, Gordon, Georgia, November 23, 1864.
Major-General W. T. Sherman:

General: In accordance with Special Field Order No. 124, from your headquarters, dated November fourteenth, 1864, my command marched from Whitehall, near Atlanta, in two columns. The left column, Major-General Blair commanding, took the direct McDonough road. This column consisted of the Seventeenth corps, bridge-train, engineer regiment, and supply-train of General Kilpatrick's cavalry, the whole preceded by the First Alabama regiment. The right column of the Fifteenth corps, Major-General Osterhaus commanding department headquarter train, and the herds of cattle.

This column moved via Rough and Ready, turning to the left toward McDonough, about five miles from Jonesboro.

Upon the evening of the fifteenth, the command went into camp; Kilpatrick near Jonesboro, the heads of the two infantry columns near [12] Stockbridge. Kilpatrick met the enemy's cavalry skirmishers near East-Point, and drove them before him to the crossing of Flint River. Osterhaus met them not far from Rough and Ready, and again in the vicinity of Stockbridge. He found encamped at that point Lewis's brigade of rebel cavalry, reported nine hundred strong.

November 16, 1864.

The command marched to the vicinity of McDonough by three routes. General Osterhaus met the enemy's cavalry at the crossing of Cotton River. They retreated rapidly, setting fire to the bridge. Some mounted infantry that he had in advance drove them from the bridge in time to put out the fire, and save every thing but the planking. The bridge was immediately repaired, and detained the column just forty minutes.

General Kilpatrick crossed the Flint River at the bridge near Jonesboro, at seven A. M. Finding the enemy had left that place, he followed him to Lovejoy, where he occupied the strong position there, having two brigades of cavalry and two pieces of artillery, and holding the old rebel works. The General charged the works with dismounted cavalry, and carried them, driving back the enemy. Subsequently, the enemy's. artillery was overtaken by another charging column, and captured. He drove the enemy beyond Bear Station, capturing over fifty prisoners. He then moved to the left, and encamped on the Griffin and McDonough road.

November 17, 1864.

Moved to Jackson and its vicinity in three columns, encamping the right near Indian Springs, and the left at Hendrick's Mill. General Kilpatrick moved to Towaligo Creek. Some cavalry of the enemy crossed the creek, burning the bridges.

November 18, 1864.

The nearest division was pushed to Hatting's or Planters' Factory early next morning, and a part of it crossed over by the ferry. The bridge arrived at about ten A. M., was laid, and the troops commenced crossing at one P. M.; during that day and night, General Blair's corps, Third division, Fifteenth corps, and all the cavalry had crossed. The hill on the east side was steep, and the heavy rain during the night rendered the ascent extremely difficult. On the morning of the nineteenth instant, regiments were detailed in each division to assist the trains in getting up the hill. The Fifteenth corps, following the cavalry, took country roads to Hillsborough. The Seventeenth corps moved to the vicinity of Hillsborough, via Monticello. The roads now becoming very heavy, the progress was slow. We had two bridges at the point of crossing, and they were kept full all day. Yet the crossing was not completed by the rearguard until the morning of the twentieth instant.

November 20, 1864.

The command moved on Gordon in two columns, General Kilpatrick, with his cavalry, taking the Clinton road and the river-road toward Macon. General Osterhaus, with the bridge-train, cavalry-train, etc., moved toward Clinton; General Blair, with his command, via Bluntsville. The head of the right column encamped at Clinton, and the left near Fortsville. General Kilpatrick waited at Clinton until the arrival of the head of the column at twelve M., when he moved out toward Macon, on the left Macon road.

He met the enemy's cavalry about four miles from Macon, drove them in, and charged their works, defended by infantry and artillery. The head of his column got inside the works, but could not hold them. He succeeded in reaching the railroad, and destroyed about one mile of the track. The road was struck in two or three places by the cavalry, beside the above, and a train of cars burned. It rained hard during the entire night.

November 21, 1864.

The cavalry took up an advance position covering all roads debouching from Macon. General Blair continued his march direct on Gordon, reaching that place with his leading division. The right column was subdivided; two divisions, with small trains, taking the road toward Irwinton, and the rest, with headquarters, bridge-train, cattle, etc., moving on the direct Gordon road. The centre and left column met at a point, six miles from Gordon, called Pitt's Mill, where the centre made a parallel road into Gordon. Only the division of General G. A. Smith, however, reached Gordon on the twenty-first.

November 22, 1864.

The troops and trains were closed up toward Gordon, excepting General Woods's division, who was directed to take up a strong position on the Irwinton road, and make a demonstration toward Macon. The demonstration was made by General Walcott's brigade, in conjunction with the cavalry on the different roads. The rebel cavalry, in force, made a charge early in the morning, capturing one of our cavalry picket-posts, estimated forty-five men killed, wounded, and missing.

Quite a little action grew out of it, in which there was charging and counter-charging of cavalry, when, finally, the enemy were driven from the field in confusion, Walcott's infantry, skirmishing, lending a hand.

In the afternoon, Walcott had taken up a position, two miles in advance of his division, to-ward Macon, having two pieces of artillery, and had thrown up rail barricades, when he was attacked by quite a large body of infantry, accompanied by some artillery-probably a battery of four guns. The assault was made with great vigor, but was met in the usual manner, and completely repulsed.

The action continued for some three hours. Walcott was assisted by a regiment of cavalry on either flank. General Woods was present during the action, and General Osterhaus part of the time. I regret to say that General Walcott--than whom there is not a braver or better officer — was wounded; but I hope not seriously. The conduct of the troops, both cavalry and infantry, was highly commended by the general officers present.

On my arrival at Gordon, I directed General Blair to send forward the First Alabama cavalry and General G. A. Smith's division some eight [13] or ten miles toward the Oconee bridge, which he did; with instructions to move forward to-day, and, if possible, to secure that bridge, and plank it over for infantry to cross.

November 23, 1864.

The Fourth division, Fifteenth corps, with bridge-train, having roads that were almost impassable, only reached the vicinity of Clinton at night. This morning, fifty-five to fifty-six mule-teams have been sent to assist the pontoon-train through. General Woods's division is moving up this way, abreast of General Corse; General Hazen moving toward Irwinton General Blair moving along the railroad, and destroying it.

I propose, with your sanction, to move across the Oconee River at two points; one, six miles below the railroad bridge at Ball's Ferry; the other, two and a half miles above the railroad bridge at Jackson's Ferry. I have already forwarded to you despatches captured. Prisoners still estimate the strength of the enemy in our vicinity about ten thousand. The attack on Walcott was made, I think, by militia, mingled with some old troops retained at Macon. The number of prisoners of war in my hands: In the Seventeenth corps, thirty-five enlisted men; in the Fifteenth corps, eighty enlisted men. Total, one hundred and fifteen. I believe the cavalry have some fifty or sixty more in addition.

We have about forty-five wounded of our own men. The number of bales of cotton reported officially to have been burned is two thousand one hundred and thirty. A large cotton-factory, known as Ocmulgee Mill or Planters' Factory on the map-containing one thousand five hundred spindles, and giving employment to one hundred and fifty hands, and some twenty cotton-gins — have also been destroyed.

We have found the country full of provisions and forage, and have almost completely supplied ourselves, drawing very little upon our rations.

The above estimate is independent of what has been done by the cavalry. I regret to say that quite a number of private dwellings, which the inhabitants have left, have been destroyed by fire, but without official sanction. Also many instances of the most inexcusable and wanton acts, such as the breaking open of trunks, taking silver plate, etc.

I have taken measures to prevent it, and I believe they will be effectual. The inhabitants are generally terrified, and believe us a thousand times worse than we are. Having soldiers in the command who have been bitten by blood-hounds, permission has been given to kill them.

Permit me to commend to you Generals Blair and Osterhaus, and the officers and men under them; also General Kilpatrick and his command, for their faithfulness, energy, and untiring exertions to make our march a complete success. While the pleasant weather lasted, the marches were easily made; but as soon as the rains came on, the roads became very heavy, and the poorer mules broke down. But we have found a number in the country that have more than replaced our losses.

The members of my staff have given me material aid, and I hope to be able to reward them substantially, at some time, for faithful services.

Very respectfully,

O. O. Howard, Major-General.

P. S.--General Osterhaus reports the enemy's killed on the field yesterday number three hundred.

O. O. H., Major-General.

At Irwin's Cross-Roads, a second report was made, embracing operations up to that time, as follows:

headquarters Department and army of the Tennessee, Irwin's Cross-Roads, Georgia, November 27, 1864.
Major-General W. T. Sherman:

General: In accordance with instructions from your headquarters, contained in Special Field Or der, dated November twenty-third, my command marched from Gordon in two columns, the Fifteenth corps via Irwinton to Ball's Ferry,the Seventeenth corps along the railroad with instructions to cross at Jackson Ferry, two and a half miles north of railroad bridge. General Giles A. Smith, who had preceded his column with the First Alabama cavalry, drove quite a force of the enemy from two stockades, and across the bridge. He found that Jackson's Ferry was an old abandoned route through the swamp, completely impracticable; I therefore directed that General Blair's corps move to Ball's Ferry. The two heads of column arrived at Ball's Ferry about the same time on the twenty-fifth instant.

A detachment of the First Alabama had the day before reconnoitred the ferry, finding a small force of the enemy, made a raft, crossed the river, and drove the enemy back, but were, subsequently, themselves forced to re-cross the river with some loss.

On our arrival at the river we found the enemy with barricades, and quite an extended line of skirmishers.

General Osterhaus and Blair confronted them with a line which extended beyond the enemy's flanks both up and down the river ; the former placed artillery in position and made a demonstration on the front, along the road, while the latter, General Blair, sent a detachment some two miles up the river, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Kirby, of his staff; Captain Reese, Chief-Engineer, assisted them with boats to cross the river; the current was too swift to get them over by rowing, they were finally swung over, after the fashion of a flying ferry.

After working through the bayous and swamps till near morning, his men reached the road at a point that was in rear of the enemy's position; but the enemy had retreated ; Colonel Kirby came in sight of his rear-guard and wagons, but could not overtake them. The Oconee, at this place, is about as wide as the Ocmulgee at Planters' Ferry, but the current is very swift, and there are some two miles of swampy ground on the right bank, but the immediate approach to the ferry on the left bank is very good. The [14] bridges were laid so that the troops commenced crossing in two columns about twelve M.

November 26.

Generals Corse and Woods, Fifteenth army corps, reached this point, between nine and ten miles from the ferry, last night. Seventeenth corps massed near the fork of the road that leads to Station fourteen. The rear of the Fifteenth corps is now crossing. General Blair has sent a division that is destroying the railroad from Oconee bridge to a point near Irwin's Cross-Roads. General Osterhaus has sent a force to destroy the rest to Station thirteen. T directed the wagon bridges across Commissioners' Creek and the three bridges across Sandy River to be destroyed; the enemy helped me them-selves by destroying the one nearest the Oconee.

The country this side of the river is quite open and sandy, but there is plenty of forage thus far. Wheeler, with his main force, passed here the day before yesterday.

My headquarters will remain here to-day.

Respectfully,

O. O. Howard, Major-General.

In accordance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, dated Sandersville, November twenty-seventh, 1864, I issued the following order:

headquarters Department and army of the Tennessee, Irwin's Cross-Roads, Georgia, November 27, 1864.

Special field orders No. 179:

V. The army will move forward substantially as follows:

1. Major-General Osterhaus will move his left column of two (2) divisions by the Louisville road to the intersection of the Johnson road, and thence to “Johnson” this evening, being careful to clear that intersection at an early hour to-morrow morning. His right column will move by a settlement-road directly to Johnson, starting at seven A. M. to-morrow.

2. Major-General Blair will move on the Louisville road (starting his column at seven A. M. to-morrow or earlier, at his option) till he reaches the nearest parallel road to the railroad, on the south side, south of Williamson's swamp creek. He will follow this road till abreast of Station No. 10, (or Sevastopol,) where it is probable he will cross the “Ogeechee.”

Major-General Sherman proposes to accompany this column in person.

Headquarters will be at “Johnson” to-morrow night, the train moving with the leading division of right column.

The herds of cattle (other than those belonging to divisions) will follow the right column to “Johnson,” a regiment from the rear division of which will remain at this point till every thing is passed, and will then follow on to “Johnson,” carefully guarding all roads leading South.

By order of Major-General O. O. Howard. S. L. Taggart, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

The above order was literally conformed to, excepting that a portion of General Corse's division bore to the right and entered Wrightsville, the capital of Johnson county. Some considerable difficulty arose from the numerous roads through the pine woods, and from the fact that neither citizens nor negroes knew of such a place as Johnson's Cross-Roads.

At night of the twenty-eighth,the command encamped, the centre column near Riddleville ; the left abreast on the Sandersville and Savannah road; and the right, consisting of one brigade and a battery of artillery, at Wrightsville.

The next day, twenty-ninth, the two lower columns nearly formed a junction; the advance, under General Woods, encamping near Summerville, and the rest along the lower Savannah road and near Sunderland's Mill, some seven miles to to the rear of General Woods; the Seventeenth cosps on the upper Savannah road, abreast of Station No. 10 of the Georgia Central Railroad.

The character of the country, open pine woods, wire grass; quite a number of swamps along the Ohospee River and its tributaries; very few clearings or plantations. Quite a number of mules and horses were captured in the swamps, the citizens having run them off in the hope of escaping our army and Wheeler's cavalry.

November 30, 1864.

Generals Woods and Corse's divisions pushed on through Summerville northward, till they reached the upper Savannah road, and encamped near Deep Creek. General Blair moved forward to Station No. 9 1/2, effecting a crossing of the Ogeechee; at that point he rebuilt the wagon bridge, partially destroyed, and also laid a pontoon-bridge across the river.

December 1.

The three columns moved as follows: the lower on the Statisborough road, the middle upon the Savannah road, and the left along the Georgia Central Railroad, destroying it en route.

The two right columns encamped opposite Station No. 8. General Woods securing and repairing the wagon-bridge across the Ogeechee at that point. A small force crossed over and made a break in the railroad, and destroyed the depot.

The Seventeenth corps succeeded in reaching Station No. 9.

December 2.

The column preserved the same order of march. General Blair reached Millen, having completely destroyed the railroad up to that point, including the large depot and considerable lumber, railroad ties, etc.

The middle column encamped near Clifton's Ferry, having thrown a bridge over the Ogeechee at that point, and sent a brigade of General Corse's division to assist the Seventeenth corps in breaking up the railroad. In addition to the above, Scull's Creek, a wide stream, too deep to be forded, was carefully bridged in two places.

Our scouting-parties hurried on to Scarborough, a little below, and seized a mail which gave us Savannah papers of that day.

December 3.

The Fifteenth corps remained in position, excepting that two brigades of General Corse's division crossed the river, and aided the Seventeenth corps in destroying the railroad from Millen to Scarborough. The Seventeenth corps came up abreast, encamping near Station No. 7.

[15]

December 4.

The central column marched to Wilson's Creek, the left reached Station No. 5 1/2, having continued the destruction of the railroad up to that point.

The right proceeded as far as Statisborough. Hazen's division leading, encountered a small body of the enemy's cavalry, said to be four hundred strong, and had a successful skirmish with them. The road being boggy, he was obliged to corderoy several long stretches during the day.

December 5.

The two columns of the Fifteenth corps moved along their respective roads to a position nearly opposite Station No. 3.

I was with the central column, and hearing that some resistance was offered to General Blair, near Ogeechee Church, I caused a feint of crossing the Ogeechee to be made at Flat Ford. Some men were thrown over in boats, but no bridge was laid. General Sherman detained General Blair near Station No. 4 1/2 for the left wing to come up.

December 6.

Reconnoissances were made to-ward Wright's Bridge and the bridge at Eden Station (Jenks's Bridge) with a view to saving them, if possible.

Colonel Williamson's brigade of General Woods's division reached the former in time to save much of the timber, but all the planking and several of the trestles were already burned. He, however, constructed a foot-bridge and crossed over a small force which he pushed forward toward the railroad.

A small detachment went as far as the Twenty-Mile Station and returned, skirmishing all the way. This brigade skirmished considerably with the enemy near night.

Colonel Oliver's brigade, of Hazen's division, made the reconnnoissance to Jenks's Bridge, but found the bridge destroyed. I sent an officer, Lieutenant Harney, with a select party to strike the Gulf Railroad, but he found the bridge across the Cannoucher burned and the approaches were guarded by rebels, so that he was compelled to return without doing the work. Another party also sent to try for a point higher up the Cannoucher for the same purpose, was not yet heard from.

December 7.

My command moved as follows: the First division, General Woods, remained at Wright's Bridge, except one brigade of infantry, that crossed the foot-bridge and marched down the east bank of the Ogeechee toward Eden Station.

On the arrival of the pontoon at Jenks's Bridge. the Chief-Engineer, Captain C. B. Reese, finding the enemy on the other bank, threw over a regiment of Colonel Oliver's brigade and cleared the way. The bridge was immediately laid. General Corse's division had arrived by this time; one brigade, General Rice commanding, crossed over, met the enemy's skirmishers some five hundred yards beyond, drove them in, and routed a battalion of rebels behind rail-piles in a very handsome manner, capturing seventeen prisoners, and killing and wounding several more. We lost two killed and two or three wounded. This brigade then formed a junction with General Woods's brigade, from Wright's Bridge, at Eden Station.

General Hazen's division moved on to Black Creek, sending forward Colonel Oliver's brigade to the Cannoucher. The rest of the corps were encamped near Jenks's Bridge. The Seventeenth corps encamped in the vicinity of Station No. 3, ceasing to destroy the railroad after leaving Ogeechee Church.

December 8.

By the map there appeared to be a road between the Big and Little Ogeechee Rivers. As the enemy was reported in some force near the Twelve-Mile post, having a line of works in his front, I resolved to turn his position by sending two divisions of the Fifteenth corps down the west bank of the Ogeechee, which were to force a crossing of the Cannoucher, and sent forward sufficient force to break the Gulf Railroad, and secure, if possible, King's Bridge, over the Ogeechee, about a mile above the railroad, also to reconnoitre with one division between the Ogeechee rivers. The movement on the right bank led; General Osterhaus in person conducted it with his First and Second divisions.

I accompanied General Corse, who found a good ridge road on the left bank of the Big Ogeechee. We came upon some carefully constructed works some three miles and a half from Station No. 2, but they were abandoned.

The road was obstructed with trees at several points, but the obstructions were so quickly removed by the pioneers that the column did not halt. On reaching the Savannah Canal, we found the canal bridge burned. A new one was made in less than half an hour. The Ogeechee bridge, near the canal's mouth, called Dillen's Ferry, a mile and a half above, I found practicable for a pontoon-bridge.

General Corse sent forward a reconnoissance which found the enemy in force at the junction of this road with the King's Bridge and Savannah road. General Osterhaus effected a crossing of the Cannoucher with a couple of brigades, as directed.

The Seventeenth corps meanwhile moved up abreast of Station No. 2, having much corduroying to do and many obstructions to clear away.

After reaching the canal, I returned to the Station No. 2, and communicated with General Sherman in person. He was glad of the results of the reconnoissance, but directed me to allow General Blair to continue on the Louisville road.

The next day, December ninth, the Seventeenth corps came upon the enemy in rifle-pits, three and a half miles from Station No. 2. General Blair drove the rebels from them, but soon came upon an intrenched line with guns in position.

At this place the road led through a swamp densely covered with wood and undergrowth, peculiar to this region. The swamp was apparently impassable, yet General Blair moved three lines of battle, preceded by a skirmish-line, along on the right and left of the road for some two or three miles, occasionally in water knee-deep. He drove the enemy from every position where he [16] made a stand, and encamped for the night near the Station No. 1.

The Fifteenth corps marched as follows: the detached brigades succeeded in reaching the Savannah and Gulf Railroad at different points, and destroying it.

The Third division, General John E. Smith, closed upon General Corse at the canal. As soon as he was within supporting distance, General Corse moved forward toward Savannah. He encountered about six hundred rebel infantry with two pieces of artillery near the Cross-Roads. His advanced brigade quickly dislodged them, capturing one piece of artillery and several prisoners. He followed them up across the Little Ogeechee, and by my direction, took up a strong position about twelve miles from Savannah, sent a detachment which broke the Gulf Railroad. His advance crossed the Little Ogeechee, and halted about eight miles from the city. King's Bridge had been burned by the rebels. All the enemy's force was withdrawn from Osterhaus's front in the morning, except the independent garrison at Fort McAllister, situated on the right bank and near the mouth of the Ogeechee.

During the day that section of the pontoon-bridge which had been with General Blair's column, was sent to Dillen's Ferry, near Fort Argyle, and laid across the Ogeechee, thus substantially uniting my two right columns.

December 10.

The entire command closed in on the enemy's works which covered Savannah. General Osterhaus with the right column, consisting of General Corse's division, followed by General Hazen on the King's Bridge road, the central column, consisting of General John E. Smith's division, followed by General Woods, and the left, General Blair's corps, Major-General Mower's division in advance. These several columns struck the enemy's line simultaneously with the left wing of the army. The nature of the country was such as to render the approaches to that front extremely difficult. By means of the canal and the Little Ogeechee River he was able to flood the country; besides the great portion of the front was marshy with a deep stream winding through it under the cover of numerous batteries of the enemy. Pursuant to Special Field Order No. 130, from your headquarters, the army of the Tennessee simply gained ground to the right.

With regard to opening communication with the fleet, the Engineer Department under direction of Captain C. B. Reese, Chief-Engineer, was instructed to rebuild King's Bridge, which was effected by the morning of the thirteenth.

The work was a remarkable one, being completed in about two days time, considering that there was little left of the old bridge, except the posts. This bridge measured a thousand feet in length.

The General-in-Chief, in the above order, had directed General Kilpatrick to aid me in opening communication with the fleet. I therefore sent him across the pontoon-bridges, near Fort Argyle, to reconnoitre Fort McAllister and the inlets in that vicinity, and, if practicable, to take the Fort. General Sherman himself subsequently modified these directions, ordering Kilpatrick not to assault the works. General Hazen, of the Fifteenth corps, was directed to hold his division in readiness to cross King's Bridge the moment it was completed, and take Fort McAllister.

General Kilpatrick made his reconnoissance on the twelfth, drove in the outposts at McAllister, and reported the Fort defended by a garrison of some two hundred men with several heavy guns, bearing on the land approaches.

The morning of the thirteenth, I accompanied General Sherman to Doctor Cheves's Rice-Mill, where we had McAllister full in view. At the rice-mill a section of De Grase's battery was firing occasionally at the Fort opposite, three miles and a half distant, as a diversion, having for its principal object, however, to attract the attention of the fleet.

During the day we watched the Fort and the bay, endeavoring to catch glimpses of the division moving upon the work, and of vessels belonging to the fleet.

About mid-day the rebel artillery at McAllister opened inland hiring occasionally from three or four different guns, and by our glasses we could observe Hazen's skirmishers firing on the Fort; about the same time a movable smoke, like that from a steamer, attracted our attention near the mouth of the Ogeechee.

Signal communication was established with General Hazen, who gave us notice that he had invested the Fort, and also that he observed the steamer.

General Sherman signalled him from the top of the old Rice-Mill, that it was important to carry the Fort by assault to-day.

The steamer had now approached near enough to draw the fire of the Fort, when her signal-flag was described. Captain McClintock, aided by Lieutenant Sampson, Signal Officers, speedily communicated with the vessel, which proved to be a tug, sent by General Foster and Admiral Dahlgren, for the purpose of communicating with us.

Just as the signal officer of the stealer inquired if McAllister was ours, we noticed a brisker fire at the Fort, and our flags and men passing the abattis, through tile ditch and over the parapet, and then we saw the men fire upward in the air, and could distinctly hear their cheer of triumph as they took posession of the Fort. It was a gallant assault. General Hazen lost in killed and wounded about ninety men. Of the garrison, between forty and fifty killed and wounded, and the rest captured. There were twenty-two guns of various descriptions, and a large quantity of ammunition captured in the Fort.

That night I accompanied General Sherman in a small boat on a visit to General Hazen, to the Fort, and thence down the river to the steamer. Here we learned that Captain Duncan and the two scouts that I had sent down the Ogeechee, on arriving at the Savannah Canal, had succeeded in passing all obstructions, and reached the fleet, and communicated with Admiral Dahlgren. Until [17] now I had been uncertain as to the fate of the party.

After the General had written several despatches, we returned to General Hazen's quarters, feeling that our expedition had been completely successful, our supplies sure, and the possession of Savannah not far distant. It having been intimated that our future plans would be modified by specific instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, General Sherman and his officers became anxious to crown our success by the capture of Savannah. In order to accomplish this, every exertion was made; heavy guns were brought from Hilton Head and McAllister, and placed in position; the lines were worked up closer to the enemy along the dikes; good batteries constructed for small guns, and every part of the front of General Osterhaus and General Blair thoroughly reconnoitred; light bridges were constructed and fascines made so as to span the streams and fill up the ditches; in brief, every possible preparation was made to assault the enemy's works. The same was the case along General Slocum's front.

Two, at least, of my division commanders felt perfectly confident of success, in case the assault should be made.

While these preparations were going on, the General-in-Chief, having demanded the surrender of Savannah on the eighteenth instant, and having been refused, had gone to the fleet, in order to secure cooperation from the Admiral and General Foster, in the contemplated attack. He left directions to get ready, but not to strike till his return.

The morning of the twenty-first, about sunrise, Brigadier-General Leggett reported, that the enemy had evacuated his front. Soon the same report came from General Slocum, and from other officers. General Slocum moved at once and took possession of Savannah, the enemy having with-drawn to the South-Carolina shore. He had abandoned heavy guns in all the works on my front, in town, and at the different forts on the coast.

Until now, our depot had been at King's Bridge, where the army had built a good wharf, and corduroyed the main road thereto from our front, for the most of the way. Besides, the railroad between the Ogeechee and the Altamaba was completely destroyed, Brigadier-General Hazen, having the eastern, and Major-General Mower the western half. This work was completely done, as directed in Special Field Orders No. 133, from your headquarters. I have only attempted to touch upon the work really accomplished by the right wing of the army, and have purposely abstained from discussing the contemplated objects of the campaign. The former is best told in the accompanying statistical record, and the latter are already evinced in the growing confidence of our army in a speedy and complete success.

I wish to acknowledge my obligations to Major-General Osterhaus, commanding Fifteenth corps, for his great activity and energy displayed during the entire campaign. To Major-General Blair, commanding Seventeenth corps, I feel specially indebted for his hearty cooperation at all times, and for his successful accomplishment of the work allotted to his command.

I here name again the division commanders, Major-General J. A. Mower, Brigadier-General Woods, Brigadier-General John E. Smith. Brigadier-General Leggett, Brigadier-General W. B. Hazen, Brigadier-General J. M. Corse, Brigadier-General Giles A. Smith.

I cannot express too high commendation of these officers, who have worked vigorously early and late without flagging, to keep their command in order to accomplish the marches, to bridge creeks and rivers, to fight battles, destroy rail-roads, in short, who were ready without question or hesitation to set on foot and carry through the varied labors given into their charge.

I wish further to tender to brigade commanders and to other officers and soldiers of this army something of the deep sense of obligation I feel toward them, and commend them to the Commander-in-Chief, and through him to the country, for cheerfulness, for constancy, for ability, and for distinguished gallantry. Much praise is due Lieutenant-Colonel William Tweedale, for the aid he afforded the Chief-Engineer in building wagon and foot-bridges across the rivers that we met.

I tender my thanks to Admiral Dahlgren and Major-General Foster for their courtesy, and the assistance they rendered me in the operations near Savannah.

I wish to bring before the Commander-in-Chief the names of my staff, who so materially gave me assistance during the campaign. Lieutenant-Colonel William E. Strong, Assistant Inspector-General and Chief of Staff, ever afforded me the most cheerful and ready assistance. He always accompanied one or the other of the columns en route, and used every exertion to have my orders carried out to the letter and spirit. Captain S. L. Taggart, Assistant Adjutant-General, aided by Captain W. Bedford, were never too weary to issue clear and distinct orders after the day's march, and otherwise constantly afforded me aid in bearing despatches.

Captain C. B. Reese, Chief-Engineer, with the assistance of Lieutenant Stickney, have always received my warm commendations for their untiring activity, both in engineering and topograhical duty. He collated information with regard to different roads, furnished me good maps, when needed, and superintended the laying of pontoons, and the rebuilding of bridges over rivers and creeks in our route.

Major T. W. Osborne, Chief of Artillery, aided by Major M. Woodhull, Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant W. N. Taylor, A. D. C., were constant in their exertions to mobilize the artillery, and keep the animals and materials in perfect order. Major Osborne always ably assisted me in using the artillery on the field, and I always found him and his officers able and hearty cooperators, frequently giving me material aid not connected with that special department. [18] Whenever an opportunity has afforded, our batteries have been located, intrenched, and handled in the most skilful manner. Quite brisk artillery duels transpired after our investment of Savannah, where my attention was particularly called to the artillery of the command, and when I have had occasion to admire the skill and bravery of its officers and men.

Major E. Whittlesey, Judge-Advocate of the department, has afforded me substantial aid by carefully revising all the courts-martial and records of military commissions, beside doing ably other important duties connected with different departments of the service.

Captain D. H. Buell, Chief of Ordnance, receives my commendations for his carefulness in regulating the ordnance supplies in such manner as to occasion me no trouble or anxiety.

Captain E. P. Pearson, Jr., Commissary of Musters, assisted me heartily, in various ways, during the campaign, and always has performed the duties of his department with fidelity and the clearest apprehension of its requirements.

My Chief Quartermaster, Colonel J. T. Conklin, has performed cheerfully all the duties devolving upon him, omitting no exertion to secure animals and forage as needed. My Chief Commissary, Lieutenant-Colonel David Remick, has anticipated the wants of the command, and regulated the supply in such manner that no real want has been felt by any soldier of this army during our lengthy campaign. I commend him for cheerfulness, fidelity, and ability in discharging the duties of his department.

Captain D. W. Whittle, Assistant Provost-Marshal General, receives my hearty approbation for his activity in discharging the public duties of his department; for his careful record and disposition of prisoners, and for his unremitting attention to the comfort and interest of myself and staff, while acting in his capacity of Commandant of Headquarters.

No department of this army has been better conducted on this campaign than the Medical. To Assistant-Surgeon D. L. Huntington, Acting Medical Director, is due great praise for his diligence and eminent success. To him and to Dr. Duncan, the staff surgeons, the officers and soldiers at headquarters of the army are indebted for all the medical aid they require.

Major C. H. Howard, Senior Aid-de-Camp, is commended for his diligence in causing my orders to be executed; in bearing despatches by perilous and distant routes; and for affording me the sympathy and moral support of one who identifies himself completely with the interests of the service.

Captain W. M. Beebe, Acting Aid-de-Camp, receives my thanks for his generous assistance, being ever anxious to undergo any risk or perform a gallant action.

Captain F. W. Gilbreth, Aid-de-Camp, is always at the post of duty, and has spared no pains to carry my orders promptly, and see them executed.

Lieutenant E. Blake, Staff Quartermaster and Commissary of Subsistence, has shown himself remarkably efficient, and has often received my special thanks.

Captain E. H. Kirlin, Chief of Scouts, has carefully reconnoitred the country, through Captain William Duncan and the other scouts, and kept me well advised of the movements of the enemy.

Lieutenant J. A. Gladen has cherfully aided me, writing at my dictation, bearing despatches, and keeping important records.

My recommendations for the promotion of general and staff officers have already been for-warded, and will be found separate, in duplicate, accompanying this report.

The General-in-Chief has been enabled, under a providential care not to be mistaken, to conduct our noble army, thus far, to results that one year ago seemed scarcely possible of attainment.

He has secured our complete confidence, and therefore it may not be improper for me to express the faith that it is our mission, under his direction, to give the finishing blow to this hated rebellion.

Please find accompanying this, a statistical record for the campaigns.

Respectfully,

Captain: I have the honor of submitting the following report of operations of the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps during the recent campaign:

By virtue of special Field Orders No. 120, Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, November ninth, 1864, the army then in the field near Kingston and Atlanta, was divided into wings, the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps constituting the left wing of the army. Prior to this organization these corps had formed a part of the army of the Cumberland, under Major-General George H. Thomas; the Fourteenth under command of Brevet Major-General J, C. Davis, and the Twentieth corps under my command.

After the capture of Atlanta, the Twentieth corps occupied the city and the line of works constructed by the enemy, and was engaged in the construction of a new line of works, designed to enable a small garrison to hold the place. Heavy details were constantly employed in this work from October fifth to November first.

On the twenty-ninth of September, General Morgan's division of the Fourteenth corps moved by railroad to Chattanooga and Huntsville to protect our communications, which were then threatened by General Forrest. The other two divisions moved with the main army in its operations against the army under General Hood. On the twenty-fourth of October, General Morgan's division rejoined the corps at Gaylesville, Georgia. On the second of November, this corps was concentrated at Kingston, Georgia, where preparations were made for the campaign just closed. On the thirteenth of November, it was engaged in the destruction of the railroad from Etowah River to Big Shanty, and on the fourteenth [20] moved to Atlanta. During this movement the Twentieth corps was left for the defence of Atlanta. The hospitals of every corps of the army, containing many of our sick and wounded, were located within the line of works constructed by the enemy; and the nature of the movement of our forces operating against General Hood had also compelled the commanders of every corps to leave at this point a portion of their artillery, together with all surplus transportation and stores. In addition to the troops and stores, belonging strictly to the Twentieth corps, there remained at the post twelve thousand seven hundred wounded, sick, and convalescent soldiers, eighty pieces of artillery, and over five thousand horses and mules, together with much other valuable property. The duty of protecting this property, and securing supplies for the garrison and forage for the animals, devolved upon the Twentieth corps. At the time our railroad communication was destroyed at Kingston and Big Shanty the amount of subsistence stores on hand was deemed amply sufficient to sustain the garrison until communication could be reestablished; but it was subsequently found necessary to send a portion of these supplies to the main army at Rome.

The supply of forage on hand was not sufficient for the animals for over three days. I was therefore compelled not only to reduce the issue of meat to a half-ration, but to resort to the country for supplies of subsistence, as well as forage. From the tenth of October to the fourth of November, foraging expeditions were sent into the country, all of which were completely successful, and conducted with but small loss of life. About two million pounds of corn and a large quantity of fodder were collected on these expeditions, together with subsistence for the foraging parties. Great credit is due General Geary, Colonels Robinson, Dustin, and Carman, the officers commanding the several expeditions, also to Colonel Garrard and the brigade of cavalry under his command.

The Twentieth corps left Atlanta on the morning of November fifteenth, marching via Stone Mountain and Social Circle to Madison, arriving at the latter place on the evening of the eighteenth. At that point General Geary's division moved to the Oconee and destroyed the railroad bridge over that river, the other divisions moving direct to Milledgeville, via Eatonton, Geary's division rejoining the corps at Little River. The corps reached Milledgeville on the twenty-second of November. Two regiments were sent forward to take possession of the city and establish the necessary guards. The Fourteenth corps left Atlanta on the morning of November sixteenth, and moved via Decatur, Covington, and Shady Dale to Milledgeville, arriving at the latter place November twenty-third. The Georgia Railroad was destroyed by the Fourteenth corps from Lithonia to Yellow River, and from Social Circle to Madison by the Twentieth corps. It was also broken at several points between Madison and the Oconee River, and the bridge at that river burned by Geary's division of the Twentieth corps. On the twenty-fourth of November, both corps moved from near Milledgeville to Sandersville — the Fourteenth via Black Spring, and the Twentieth via Hebron. The two corps reached Sandersville almost simultaneously on the morning of November twenty-sixth, driving the enemy's cavalry very rapidly through the town. On the twenty-seventh, both corps moved toward Louisville; two divisions of the Fourteenth, unincumbered by wagons, going via Fenor's Bridge, for the purpose of protecting our left flank, and to uncover the crossing of Ogeechee River and Rocky Comfort Creek, at a point near Louisville. Two divisions of the Twentieth corps moved along the Georgia Central Railroad from Tennille to the Ogeechee River, destroying the road and bridges. The remaining division of each corps, with all the trains, moved on an interior road direct to Louisville. The bridges over the Ogeechee and Rocky Comfort Creek, had been destroyed by the enemy, but a pontoon-bridge was soon constructed by Colonel Buell; and on the twenty-ninth, both corps were encamped near Louisville. Two divisions of the Fourteenth corps left Louisville December first, crossing Buckhead Creek, five miles above the church, and passing through Habersham, reached Jacksonboro on the fifth. Baird's division moved from Louisville in support of the cavalry, and made a demonstration in the direction of Waynesboro, rejoining the corps at Jacksonboro. The Twentieth corps left Louisville December first, crossing Buckhead Creek at the church, and passing through Birdsville, struck the railroad leading from Millen to Augusta, five miles from Millen, and encamped on the fifth near Hunter's Mills. From Jacksonboro the Fourteenth corps moved toward Savannah, on the Augusta and Savannah road, the Twentieth corps taking the road through Springfield. On the tenth of December, my command reached the main line of the enemy's works in front of Savannah, and took position; the Twentieth corps on the left, with its left resting on the Savannah River; the Fourteenth on the right, and connecting with the Seventeenth corps beyond the canal, near Lawson's plantation. Our line was established as close as possible to that of the enemy, and the time spent in preparations for an assault upon his works. Batteries were established on the river in such positions as prevented any boats from passing. The steamer Ida, while attempting to pass up from Savannah on the tenth of December, was captured and burned. On the twelfth, two gunboats and the steamer Resolute attempted to pass our batteries from above, but both ganboats were driven back by Winnegar's battery, and the steamer was so disabled that she fell into our bands. She was soon repaired, and has since been transferred to the Quarter master's department.

On the eighteenth, a brigade of the First division Twentieth corps was thrown across the river, and established near Izzard's plantation, on the South-Carolina shore, in a position which [21] threatened the only line of communication still held by the enemy. A bridge, in the mean time, had been constructed by the enemy from the city to the South-Carolina shore; and on the evening of December twentieth, he commenced the evacuation of the city. The movement was discovered at three A. M. on the twenty-first, and my command was at once moved forward, and occupied the city. For a more detailed account of each day's operations I respectfully refer you to the reports of Major-General J. C. Davis, commanding Fourteenth corps, and Brigadier-General A. S. Williams, commanding Twentieth corps, together with the reports of the subordinate commanders, all of which are herewith inclosed. So far as active opposition on the part of the enemy was concerned, there was hardly an event worthy of mention in a report of this nature. The only real annoyance we experienced was from the destruction of bridges and the obstruction of roads by fallen timber; and other obstacles were very readily overcome.

The conduct of the officers and men on the march is worthy of the highest praise. They endured the fatigues of tile march with cheerfulness, and were ever ready, even at the close of a long day's march, to use the axe and spade in removing obstructions and repairing roads and bridges. The result of the campaign proves conclusively the practicability of subsisting large bodies of troops upon the enemy's country. After leaving the section of country near Atlanta, which hal already been foraged upon by both armies, we experienced no difficulty in obtaining supplies for both men and animals; even the most unproductive sections along our line of march, yielded enough for our support so long as the march could be continued from day to day. It was thirty-four days from the date my command left Atlanta to the day supplies were received from the fleet. The total number of rations required during this period was 1,360,000. Of this amount there were issued by the Subsistence department, 440,900 rations of bread, 142,--473 rations of meat, 876,800 of coffee and tea, 778,466 of sugar, 213,500 of soap, and 1,123,000 of salt. As the troops were well supplied at all times, if we deduct the above issues from the amount actually due the soldier, we have the approximate quantities taken from the country, namely, rations of bread, 919,000; met, 1,217,--527; coffee, 483,000; sugar, 581,534; soap, 1,146,500; salt, 137,000. The above is the actual saving to the Government in issue of rations during the campaign, and it is probable that even more than the equivalent of the above supplies was obtained by the soldiers from the country. Four thousand and ninety (4000) valuable horses and miles were captured during the march, and turned over to the Quartermaster's Department. Our transportation was in far better condition on our arrival at Savannah than it was at the commencement of the campaign.

The average number of horses and mules with my command, including those of the pontoon-train and a part of the Michigan Engineers, was fourteen thousand five hundred. We started from Atlanta with four days grain in wagons. Estimating the amount fed the animals at the regulation allowance, and deducting the amount on hand on leaving Atlanta, I estimate the amount of grain taken from the country at five million pounds; fodder, six million pounds; besides the forage consumed by the immense herds of cattle that were driven with the different columns. It is very difficult to estimate the amount of damage done the enemy by the operations of the troops under my command. During the campaign one hundred and nineteen miles (119) of railroad were thoroughly and effectually destroyed; scarcely a tie or rail, a bridge or culvert, on the entire line being left in a condition to be of use again. At Rutledge, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville,Tennille, and Davisboro, machine-shops, turn-tables, depots, water tanks, and much other valuabe property was destroyed. The quantity of cotton destroyed is estimated by my subordinate commanders at seventeen thousand bales. A very large number of cotton-gins and presses were also destroyed.

Negro men, women, and children joined the column at every mile of our march, many of them bringing horses, and mules, which they cheerfully turned over to the officers of the Quartermaster's department. I think at least fourteen thousand of these people joined the two columns at different points on the march; but many of them were too old and infirm, and others too young, to endure the fatigues of the march, and were therefore left in rear. More than one half of the above number, however, reached, the coast with us. Many of the able-bodied men were transferred to the officers of the Quartermaster and Subsistence department, and others were employed in the two corps as teamsters, cooks, and servants.

Two thousand three hundred (2300() stand of small arms and a large quantity of powder were captured at Milledgeville. Fifty-one pieces of artillery were abandoned by the enemy on his evacuation of Savannah. On the line in front of my command thirty-eight pieces, in addition to the above, were also found in works first entered, by the Twentieth corps. A very large amount, of ordnance stores was also found in and about the city. Brevet Major-General J. C. Davis, commanding Fourteenth corps, and Brigadier-General A. S. Williams, commanding Twentieth corps, were, during the entire campaign, constantly with their troops, and were energetic and zealous in the discharge of every duty. The Fifty-eighth Indiana volunteers, under command of Colonel George P. Buell, organized as pontooniers, and a portion of the First Michigan Engineers, under Major J. Yates, accompanied my command, and were at all times most efficient in the discharge of the arduous duties imposed on them. I append herewith a statement of casualties and also a statement of prisoners captured.

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

Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent movement of our army from Atlanta, up to the occupation of Savannah:

On the thirtieth of October, in obedience to instructions from Headquarters Military Division Mississippi, I concentrated my division at Marietta, and commenced at once to fit out a cavalry command for a long and rapid march through the enemy's country. But a few days were given for this important work. Horses, arms, and clothing had to be obtained, and regiments and detachments widely scattered ordered in. But by hard work and perseverance, in less than nine (9) days the command ordered was ready for the field.

Several regiments had been added to the old regiments, and organized into two (2) brigades, each numbering upward of two thousand five hundred (2500) men.

The First brigade, Colonel Eli H. Murray, Third Kentucky cavalry, commanding, was composed of the following regiments, namely, Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry, Colonel Jordon; Eighth Kentucky cavalry, Colonel Baldwin; Third Kentucky cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel King; Second Kentucky cavalry, Captain Foreman; and Tenth Wisconsin light artillery, Captain Beebe commanding, amounting to two thousand eight hundred (2800) men.

The Second brigade, Colonel Smith D. Atkins, Ninety-second Illinois mounted infantry, commanding, was composed of the following regiments, namely, Ninety-second Illinois mounted infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk; Tenth Ohio cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Sanderson; Ninth Ohio cavalry, Colonel Hamilton; Eighth Ohio cavalry, Colonel Heath; squadron First Ohio cavalry, Captain Dazel; and Ninth Michigan cavalry, Colonel Acker, amounting to two thousand seven hundred (2700) men.

I left my encampment at Marietta on the morning of November fourteenth, with five thousand five hundred (5500) men and six (6) pieces of artillery; reached Atlanta same day, and bivouacked for the night. Was informed by the General-in-Chief that Milledgeville was our first objective point; that my command would move on the right of the army of the Tennessee, (the right wing;) that I was to feint strongly toward Forsyth, cross the Ocmulgee, move on Macon as if to attack it, strike the Georgia and Central Railroad, and as near Macon as possible, then fall back toward our infantry, when I was to report to the General-in-Chief at Milledgeville. Seven days being given to make the march and diversion indicated.

We left Atlanta on the morning of November fifteenth, crossed Flint River, and occupied Jonesboro. A portion of General Wheeler's cavalry and the Georgia militia, under General Cobb, were reported to be at Lovejoy Station. I met and drove back Wheeler's advance next morning, and found him in position, occupying the old rebel earthworks constructed by Hood's army on its recent retreat from Jonesboro. Colonel Murray (First brigade) charged and carried their works, capturing two (2) three-inch rifled guns, (taken from General Stoneman,) and killed and wounded a large number of the enemy. Wheeler now retreated in great confusion to Bear Creek Station, where he attempted to halt and make a stand. But Colonel Atkins, (Second brigade,) being now in advance, charged him with the Tenth Ohio cavalry, when he again broke, and rapidly retreated to Griffin, a distance of ten (10) miles.

Wheeler being disposed of for a time, I separated my command, marching on two roads, that the greater amount of cotton, cotton-gins, and other valuable property might be destroyed. After pushing well in on Forsyth, and being convinced that the impression was made upon the enemy “that our forces were moving directly on that point,” I rapidly marched to Planters' Factory, crossed the Ocmulgee, and reached Clinton November nineteenth. Learning that a portion of Wheeler's cavalry had also crossed the river, and was now in my immediate front, I moved on the road to the city; forced back Wheeler's cavalry across Walnut Creek; charged and carried a portion of their works about East-Macon. The Tenth Ohio cavalry and Ninety-second Illinois mounted infantry, having the advance, did all the fighting, and behaved most gallantly. Colonel Atkins (commanding Second brigade) deserves great praise for the energy and skill displayed on the occasion.

The command encamped that night on the railroad and road leading from Macon to Milledgeville, picketing Walnut Creek, one third of the entire force being employed all night in destroying track. A detachment of Ninth Michigan [23] cavalry (Captain Ladd commanding) had already struck the railroad at Griswold Station, capturing a train of thirteen (13) cars loaded with engine driving-wheels and springs for same.

The station was destroyed, also a pistol, soup, and candle factories burned. The following day occurred the battle at Griswold Station, my command repulsing every attack made by the enemy, both of infantry and cavalry.

November 22.

Wheeler advanced with his entire corps of cavalry and three (3) brigades of infantry, drove in my pickets and skirmish line, but was finally checked and driven back by the Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry (Colonel Jordon) and Fifth Kentucky cavalry, (Colonel Baldwin,) the sabre being principally used.

General Wolcott with his infantry now came up, and the enemy was driven by him beyond Griswold Station. The same day Colonel Atkins (Second brigade) had some severe fighting on the Macon and Milledgeville road, and effectually prevented any attack upon our trains, that were this day moving from Clinton to Gordon.

November 24.

My command marched to Milledgeville and crossed the Oconee. Having met the General-in-Chief the day previous at Milledgeville, and received instructions from him to move rapidly in direction of Millen, and, if possible, rescue our prisoners reported to be at or near that point, I moved rapidly in direction of Augusta, crossed the Ogeechee at the Shoals, and struck the railroad.

November 27.

At Waynesboro; the advance, under Captain Estes, (my Assistant Adjutant-General,) having destroyed a portion of the track, and partly burned the railroad bridge over Briar Creek the day previous. During the march, my flanks and rear had been attacked again and again by Wheeler's cavalry, but without serious results, and did not prevent the column from steadily marching on. We passed through Waynesboro and encamped in line-of-battle on the railroad, three (3) miles south of the town. Several attacks were made during the night upon Colonel Murray's line, but they were easily repulsed, and did not prevent my people from destroying the track, one battalion being detailed from each regiment for that purpose.

Here, to my great regret, I learned that our prisoners had been removed two days previous. It is needless to say that, had this not been the case, I should have rescued them; the confederate government could not have prevented me.

After destroying sufficient track to prevent transportation on the road for a few days, I deemed it prudent to retire to our infantry. Accordingly, Colonel Atkins (Second brigade) was ordered to move out to the intersection of the Waynesboro and Louisville road, and there take up position. Colonel Murray was directed to move past Colonel Atkins, and take up position in his rear, and so on in succession retire from any force that might be sent in pursuit. By some misunderstanding, Colonel Atkins moved on without halting as directed, and the consequence was, that two regiments — the Eighth Indiana (Colonel Jones) and Ninth Michigan cavalry (Colonel Acker)--together with myself and staff, were cut off and partly surrounded.

But the brave officers and men of these two regiments, by their splendid fighting, broke through the rebel lines and slowly fell back, repulsing every attack of the enemy, until the main column was reached. We moved on, crossed Buckhead Creek, burning the bridge, and halted to feed two (2) miles from the creek. Information soon reached me that Wheeler was crossing with his entire force. Parties were sent out, and ascertained this report to be true.

I now determined to give him a severe repulse before marching further. Accordingly took up a strong position, and constructed a long line of barricades with my flanks thrown well to the rear. These dispositions were scarce completed ere the enemy came in sight and made one of the most desperate cavalry charges I have ever witnessed, but he was most handsomely repulsed at all points, and with hut slight loss to my command. This closed the fighting for the day. We moved on a few miles further, and encamped at the first place where forage could be obtained. The enemy made no further attempts to follow.

My losses during the incessant fighting for three days and nights were not large. From information gained from scouts, prisoners, and deserters, the loss of the enemy is estimated at six hundred (600) killed and wounded. The following day we joined the left wing of our army at Louisville. Here we remained in camp several days, resting the men and horses for the first time during the march.

December 2.

The command moved on the Waynesboro road, in advance of a division of infantry under General Baird, the object being to cover the movements of our troops, marching in several columns on Millen. A small force of the enemy was encountered and dispersed by the Eighth Indiana (Colonel Jones) and the Fifth Kentucky, (Colonel Baldwin,) nine miles from Waynesboro, not, however, without a severe skirmish. On reaching Rocky Creek, the enemy was found in considerable force on the opposite side. General Baird's infantry came up, and a force of both cavalry and infantry crossed the creek and simultaneously charged the enemy, who rapidly retreated toward Waynesboro and Augusta, being closely pursued for some distance by the cavalry.

December 3.

Marched to Thomas Station and encamped for the night, having made such disposition of my forces as to protect General Baird's infantry, deployed for miles along the track, and busily engaged with its destruction. Wheeler, who had been encamped between Waynesboro and Briar Creek, moved, in the early part of the evening, to Waynesboro, and, with a portion of his command, made a vigorous attack upon one of Colonel Atkins's regiments, encamped upon the railroad three (3) miles south of the town. This attack was easily repulsed, as were several others, made during the night. As I had received orders that day from the General-in-Chief to [24] make a strong reconnoissance in direction of Waynesboro, and to engage Wheeler whenever we met him, I directed brigade commanders to send surplus animals and all non-combatants to the wagon-train; that in the morning the command would move to engage, defeat, and rout the rebel cavalry encampment at Waynesboro.

Accordingly, at daylight the following morning, we moved out of camp, the Second brigade (Colonel Atkins) leading the advance. The enemy's skirmish line was met, quickly driven in, and finally retired upon his main line, which consisted of dismounted cavalry, strongly posted behind long lines of barricades, with their flanks well secured. Colonel Atkins was directed to move forward and take the barricades; but the enemy was found to be more strongly posted than was anticipated, and the first attempt was a failure. The Ninety-second Illinois mounted infantry was dismounted; the Tenth Ohio and Ninth Michigan cavalry, in columns of fours, by battalions, were sent in on the right, and the Ninth Ohio cavalry was placed, in the same order, on the left; the Tenth Wisconsin battery (Captain Beebe) was brought up to within less than six hundred yards, and opened upon the barricades, and the enemy's artillery, in all, five (5) pieces, was forced to withdraw. At this moment, all being ready, the charge was sounded; the whole line moved forward in splendid order, and never halted for one moment until the barricades were gained and the enemy routed. A few hundred yards beyond, he made several counter charges, to save his dismounted men and check our rapid advance. At one time he had nearly succeeded, when the Eighth Ohio cavalry, (Colonel Heath,) who had been sent out on our right, charged the enemy in flank and rear, when he gave way at all points, and rapidly fell back to the town of Waynesboro.

Here he was found occupying a second line of barricades, with artillery, as before, and his flanks so far extended, that it was useless to attempt to turn them. I therefore determined to break his centre. Colonel Murray, having the advance, was directed to make a disposition accordingly. The Eighth Indiana (Colonel Jones) was dismounted and pushed forward as skirmishers; the Ninth Pennsylvania, (Colonel Jordon,) in columns of fours, by battalions, had the left; the Third Kentucky, (Lieutenant-Colonel King,) the centre; the Fifth Kentucky (Colonel Baldwin) and Second Kentucky, (Captain Foreman,) the right. The advance was sounded, and in less than twenty minutes the enemy was driven from his position, the town gained, and Wheeler's entire force completely routed.

The Fifth Ohio, Fifth Kentucky, and a portion of the Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry, followed in close pursuit to Briar Creek, a distance of eight miles from the point from where the first attack was made. After burning the bridges above and below, the railroad bridges as well as the latter, the command marched to Alexander and encamped for the night. In this engagement, Wheeler's cavalry corps, consisting of four (4) divisions and two independent brigades, it has since been ascertained, was not only defeated and driven a distance of eight miles, but completely routed. The men of my command fought most bravely throughout the day, and it is impossible to single out, from among the officers, individual cases of gallantry, when all did so well.

My casualties on this day, as well as all others, will be found in a separate report accompanying this. Judging from the enemy's killed and wounded left on the field, his loss must have been severe; upward of two hundred (200) left in our hands were wounded by the sabre alone.

December 5.

We marched from Alexander to Jacksonboro, covering the rear of the Fourteenth army corps.

December 6.

The First brigade (Colonel Murray) marched to Springfield, moving in rear of the Twentieth army corps. The Second brigade (Colonel Atkins) moved to Hudson Ferry.

December 7.

When near Sisters' Ferry, the Ninth Michigan, (Colonel Acker,) acting as rearguard to the Second brigade, received and repulsed an attack made by Ferguson's cavalry.

December 8.

Second brigade crossed Ebenezer Creek, and the whole command united on the Monteith road, ten (10) miles south of Springfield. From this point the command moved in rear of the Seventeenth army corps, detachments covering the rear of several army corps, till the army reached the rebel lines and commenced the investment of Savannah.

December 13.

My command crossed the Ogeechee and Canoucher rivers, and marched to attack and capture Fort McAllister. Striking distance had already been reached, a reconnoissance made, and all requisite information gained, when, in accordance with the expressed wish of the General-in-Chief, I abandoned my designs of attack, and, with my command, moved to reconnoitre St. Catharine's Sound, and open up communication with our fleet. This was accomplished before ten o'clock the same day on which Fort McAllister fell.

December 16.

The command returned to the vicinity of Kingsbridge and went into camp, picketing the Canoucher and country in the direction of the Altamaha.

December 17.

Colonel Atkins, with upward of two thousand (2000) men of my command, moved in conjunction with a division of infantry, under General Mower, to destroy a portion of the Gulf Railroad, and, if possible, the railroad over the Altamaha. Difficulty of approaches and a strong force of the enemy, which could not be dislodged, prevented the accomplishment of the latter. The railroad, however, was very thoroughly destroyed, and the command returned to camp.

December 21.

The enemy evacuated Savannah, the army occupied the city, and the operations of the cavalry closed.

In carrying out the orders of the Commander-in-Chief in making the diversions indicated, some mistakes may have been made. Yet I believe [25] that the principal operations and diversions required of the cavalry have been, throughout tile march, successfully accomplished. Certainly it is a fact, that not once has the enemy;s cavalry been able to reach the train or flank of one of our many infantry columns. We have three times crossed, from left to right and right to left, in front of our army, and have marched upward of five hundred and forty miles since the fourteenth of November. Have destroyed fourteen thousand and seven bales of cotton, two hundred and seventy-one cotton-gins, and much other valuable property. Have captured two (2) three-inch rifled guns, and have them now in use. Captured and destroyed eight hundred and sixty-five stands of small arms; have taken upward of five hundred prisoners, and killed, wounded, and disabled not less than one thousand five hundred of the enemy.

We have lost four officers killed, six wounded, and two missing; thirty-four men killed, one hundred and fifty-three wounded, and one hundred and sixty-six missing. Before closing my remarks, I desire to make favorable mention of my brigade commanders, Colonels Murray and Atkins. Both have, at all times, faithfully performed the responsible duties that have devolved upon them. Always on duty, attentive to orders, energetic, skilful, and brave. Both are educated gentlemen and accomplished cavalry soldiers; both merit promotion. Lieutenant-Colonel Sanderson and his regiment, Tenth Ohio cavalry, at East-Macon; Colonel Acker and his regiment, Ninth Michigan ; and Colonel Jones, Eighth Indiana, when cut off and surrounded near Waynesboro; Colonel Heath and his regiment, at Buckhead Creek.

The Ninety-second Illinois mounted infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk; the Ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Jordon ; the Third Kentucky, Lieutenant-Colonel King; the Tenth Ohio, Fifth Ohio, and Ninth Michigan cavalry, at Waynesboro, December fourth, have all, at the various places mentioned, behaved most handsomely and attracted my special attention. The Second Kentucky cavalry, Captain Foreman, although but a detachment, at Buckhead Creek and at Waynesboro did the duty of a regiment, and deserves great praise.

Captain Beebe, commanding the artillery, and his lieutenants, Stetson, Fowler, and Clark, have performed their duty well, and to the satisfaction of their immediate commanders. I cannot speak too highly of my staff. Through the exertions of Captain Dunbar, Assistant Quartermaster, and Brookfield, Commissary of Subsistence, my command has always been well supplied. Dr. Wise, Surgeon-in-Chief Division, Captains Brink (Inspector-General,) Day, (Provost-Marshal,) and my Aids, Captain Hayes, and Lieutenants Holling-worth, Oliver, Fuller, and Griffin, have each, in his respective place, more than fulfilled my expectations. Captain Estes, my Assistant Adjutant-General, deserves special notice, not only for the faithful discharge of his eminent duties, but for his reckless daring and invaluable assistance in every skirmish and engagement. This officer deserves, and I earnestly hope that he may be promoted. Accompanying this report will be found a nominal list of killed, wounded, and missing, also Provost-Marshal's statement of captures and property destroyed. I also inclose the reports of my brigade and regimental commanders, which I respectfully request may be taken as a part of this my official report.

Respectfully submitted.

Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Fourteenth army corps since the eighth of September, when it went into camp at Whitehall, near Atlanta, Georgia.

This report will describe the movements of the corps, during our operations against Hood's forces, in his efforts to draw the army from Atlanta by destroying our communications with Chattanooga and Nashville; and will also contain a complete record of the march from Kingston, Georgia, to this place. The number of miles marched, and amount of railroad destroyed; the number of animals captured, and amount of subsistence obtained from the country, and such other statistical matter as the General Commanding desires, will be given as near as possible.

The corps remained in its camp at Whitehall, Georgia, resting from the effects of the long and arduous campaign which ended in the taking of Atlanta, until the twenty-ninth of September, on which day, at an early hour, General Morgan's division (Second) left by railroad for Chattanooga and Huntsville, to operate against Forrest's forces, then threatening our communications in the vicinity of Decatur and Athens, Alabama.

The other two divisions remained in camp, holding themselves in readiness to move against Hood, as soon as the object of the movement he was then making on our right flank could be determined.

On the third of October, in obedience to instructions from the headquarters of the military division of the Mississippi, following the Fourth corps, my command reached the Chattahoochee River, at the railroad crossing, at nightfall; but, owing to the rain and high water, the bridges became very insecure, and the crossing was not accomplished until the next morning.

The troops only marched as far as Nickajack, and went into camp to await the arrival of the wagons, detained at the river by the crossing of General Howard's troops.

On the fifth, the corps marched to connect with the Fourth corps, near Kenesaw Mountain; but owing to its being on the flank, and having to take indirect roads, and other troops and trains crossing its line of march, our progress was much impeded, and it did not connect, as desired, until the morning of the sixth, notwithstanding the troops marched until late at night, when it took [26] position on the left of the Fourth corps, at Jack's House, near Pine Mountain.

The following two days, the rain fell in heavy showers, causing the roads to become almost impassable.

The troops remained in camp, awaiting orders. Many officers and men availed themselves of the opportunity here presented to visit the different battle-grounds and cherished graves of their fallen comrades.

The news of the gallant defence of Allatoona Pass by General Corse and his command, was received and announced to the troops amid great enthusiasm.

During the afternoon of the eighth, the corps moved its camp, in compliance with orders from Major-General Stanley, commanding the Fourth and Fourteenth corps, and went into camp at Man's Hill Church, where, awaiting orders, it remained until three o'clock P. M., the tenth; when the march was resumed, and continued on the main road leading through the Allatoona Pass to the Etowah River. This point was reached by the advance of the column, after a fatiguing night's march, at one o'clock in the morning.

October eleventh, the march was resumed at seven o'clock A. M.., and the troops went into camp one mile beyond Kingston at sunset.

On the morning of the twelfth, the whole army marched for Rome. The Fourteenth corps, followed by the Fourth corps, moved by the way of Woodland, and went into camp at Hume's Mill, three miles from Rome. On the following evening, the whole army commenced its movement upon Resaca, taking the main road leading to that place, through Calhoun. Following the Fourth corps, the Fourteenth corps went into camp on the south bank of the Oostenaula, at Resaca.

At dawn on the morning of the fifteenth, the corps moved, in cooperation with the Fourth corps, in turning the enemy's position at Snake Creek Gap. On reaching Redwine's Cove, it was ascertained that no trains could possibly be taken over the mountain in this direction, and they were ordered to remain behind.

The ascent was commenced late in the evening, and the summit reached several hours after dark, when the troops bivouacked the remainder of the night on the mountain.

On the sixteenth, moved at daylight and passed down the mountain into the Gap a short distance in advance of the Fourteenth corps, and after passing into the level country beyond, by cutting a road to the side of the main one, was enabled to march the infantry abreast of the Fifteenth corps until the head of the column reached Dick's Gap, and went into camp.

During the seventeenth, the corps remained in camp, but marched early on the morning of the eighteenth through Mattok's Gap, in Taylor's Ridge, in the direction of Summerville, and went into camp four (4) miles north of Penn's Ford, on the Chattooga River.

On the nineteenth, marched for Summerville, and after much delay in consequence of coming in contact with other troops, did not get into camp at that place until late in the evening, though the day's march was but a short one.

Starting at eight o'clock, on the morning of the twentieth, and passing through Mellville, the corps went into camp at Gaylesville a little after dark, making a march of twenty (20) miles.

During the intervening days between the twentieth and twenty-eighth, the corps remained in its camp at Gaylesville. At this place, ample subsistence for the troops was found in the surrounding country, and the whole command was abundantly supplied by sending foraging parties out daily to collect it.

On the twenty-fourth, General Morgan's division rejoined the corps, from its expedition against Forrest. For a history of the movements of this division during this period, I wish respectfully to refer the General Commanding to General Morgan's report.

On the evening of the twenty-eighth, preparatory to our march to Rome, Morgan's and Carlin's divisions, with the trains, crossed the Chattooga River, on a bridge erected by Colonel Gleason, commanding brigade Third division, near the town, and on the following morning, the twenty-ninth, the whole corps marched for that place during the evening and the following morning, and went into camp on the north bank of the Oostenaula River.

October thirtieth and thirty-first, the troops remained in camp on De Soto Hill, awaiting orders, without change of position, except the movement of my trains to Kingston under escort of a part of General Morgan's division.

On the first of November, the whole of General Morgan's division marched and went into camp at Kingston, and was joined by the remainder of the corps on the of November, where it remained prosecuting its preparations for the grand campaign through Georgia, just closed in the capture of Savannah.

While at Kingston, all surplus baggage of every description was sent to the rear, and absent officers and men were ordered to rejoin their commands. I regret to report that many failed to comply with this order.

November eighth, General Morgan's division marched to Cartersville, and relieved a portion of the Fifteenth corps at that place.

Cartersville had been designated as the point to which a part of the supplies of the Fourteenth corps should be landed, and all trains with the command were ordered there, and loaded by the twelfth, on the evening of which the whole corps evacuating Kingston had concentrated.

The work of destroying the railroad from the Etowah River to Big Shanty was assigned to the Fourteenth corps, and early on the morning of the thirteenth it was commenced. The march, and complete destruction of the track, was accomplished by eleven (11) o'clock at night.

The whole corps moved early the next morning from its camp in the vicinity of Ackworth and Big Shanty, and camped at the Chattahoochee River. [27]

On the morning of the fifteenth, the corps reached Atlanta, and bivouacked in the suburbs of the city. The remainder of the day and night was spent in issuing clothing to the men, filling up empty wagons with provisions, equalizing and assigning trains to the different commands, with a view to rapid marching.

On the morning of the sixteenth, the head of the column marched on the road leading to Covington, through Decatur, and made an average march of fifteen (15) miles. On the seventeenth, moving in the same order of march, and destroying the railroad from Lithonia to Yellow River, the corps went into camp on the west bank of the river and vicinity, late in the evening.

During the night, Colonel Buell, commanding pontoon-train, laid two excellent bridges across the river, and early on the morning of the eighteenth the advance was resumed. Passing through Covington, the whole command went into camp during the afternoon, on the Uleofanhatchie River.

The bridges were repaired across the stream, and the march resumed at daylight on the morning of the nineteenth, in the direction of Eatonton, by the way of Shady Dale, in the vicinity of which place the whole command encamped for the night.

On the twentieth, the corps marched for and went into camp near Eatonton Factories. The advance of the Twentieth corps from Madisonville, on the main Milledgeville road, required a deflection to the right in the movement of my column, in order that the two corps should move on separate roads; and in compliance with orders from the General-in-Chief, whose headquarters moved with my column on this part of our campaign, I ordered the head of the column in the direction of Milledgeville, by the way of Farrar's Mill, on Murder Creek. Owing to the heavy rain which had fallen during the night, and was still pouring down upon us, the progress of our trains was exceedingly slow, and the night of the twenty-first was spent in mud and water, crossing Murder Creek.

On the twenty-second, the weather partially cleared off, and the corps marched and went into camp in the vicinity of Cedar Creek. On the twenty-third, the weather cleared off, and the roads having dried up so as to be quite passable for trains, the whole command marched, and went into camp in the vicinity of Milledgeville by the afternoon.

The Twentieth corps had already reached the city, the evening previous, from the direction of Madisonville.

On the twenty-fourth, Carlin's and Morgan's divisions, with their trains, crossed the river, and went into camp a few miles beyond the bridge, preparatory to the advance upon Sandersville. This place was reached on the twenty-sixth after two days good marching, the head of the column reaching the town about the same time as did the Twentieth corps.

A part of Wheeler's cavalry was handsomely driven from the town, by the advance skirmishers of the two corps.

November twenty-seventh, the corps trains, under escort of Carlin's division, moved by the way of Davisboro upon Louisville; while Baird's and Morgan's divisions, unembarrassed with trains, moved on the Finn's Bridge road; thus protecting our left flank from any demonstrations the enemy's cavalry might make from that direction upon our trains.

These two divisions, under command of Brigadier-General Baird, marching on a road between the Ogeechee River and Rocky Comfort Creek, reached Louisville early in the afternoon of the twenty-eighth, and immediately laid a pontoon-bridge across the creek, and commenced the passage of troops.

Owing to the movements of the Twentieth corps and trains, occupying the main road from Davisboro to Louisville, Carlin's division and my corps trains moving on that road were only able to reach the Ogeechee about three o'clock P. M.

Colonel Buell's pontooniers immediately commenced laying their bridges, and repairing the roads destroyed by the enemy, under the personal supervision of the General commanding the wing, and before night the troops and trains were passing both streams into their camps around Louisville. The road, running, as it does here, through an immense cypress swamp, required considerable labor to put and keep it in condition for the passage of trains, and it was not until noon the next day that the entire column succeeded in getting into its camps.

Early on the morning of the twenty-ninth, I received from a staff-officer a report from General Kilpatrick, commanding the cavalry, that he had succeeded in cutting the road at Waynesboro, and burned the railroad bridge across Briar Creek, and that on his return he had been for several days hard pressed by Wheeler. He also reported his command about ten (10) miles from Louisville, on the road leading direct to Buckhead Bridge. At his request, I immediately sent a brigade of infantry from Baird's division, commanded by Colonel Morton C. Hunter, to his support. He, however, experienced less difficulty than was apprehended; and joining my command during the day, went into camp on the east side of Bay Creek, supported by Colonel Hunter's brigade, until the general advance was resumed, December first.

November thirtieth, my troops occupied the same position, skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry, who made several pertinacious attempts to drive in our pickets; except General Carlin's division, which, in compliance with orders from wing headquarters, marched to Sebastopol, with a view to uncovering the crossing of the Ogeechee by other troops advancing in that direction.

December first, in the general advance of the army upon Millen, my general instructions required my column to cross Buckhead Creek, at some point between Waynesboro and Birdsville, for which place the Twentieth corps was moving. [28]

Buckhead Bridge, near the church of that name, was designated as my objective point, and Baird, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, was ordered to move in the direction of Waynesboro, and after crossing Buckhead Creek, to move down the east bank, and take position near Reynolds, not far from the church.

This, Kilpatrick and Baird accomplished by the afternoon of the second. Morgan's division, in charge of the whole corps train, moved on the direct road to Buckhead Bridge, and encamped ten (10) miles from Louisville.

On the second, Carlin's division joined the column from his flank movement in the direction of Sebastopol, and the corps went into camp at the crossing of the Birdsville and Waynesboro roads, about two (2) miles from the bridge.

The change in the direction of march of the Twentieth corps, again caused a deflection in my line of march; and on the morning of the third I caused pontoon-bridges to be laid across the creek, at a point about five (5) miles higher up the stream, and commenced crossing my troops and trains at half-past 10 o'clock.

Jacksonboro had by this time been designated, by the General Commanding, as the next objective point for the concentration of my corps; and I ordered Baird and Kilpatrick to move from Reynolds, in the direction of Waynesboro, with a view to leading the enemy to believe that our next advance would be upon Augusta.

Carlin and Morgan, after a hard day's work upon the roads, went into camp at Lumpkins Station.

Baird and Kilpatrick took position near Thomas Station, where the enemy was found in considerable force.

December fourth, Carlin's and Morgan's divisions, with the corps trains, after destroying three (3) miles of railroad, moved in the direction of Jacksonboro, through Habersham, and encamped on the farm of Mrs. Smith, thirteen (13) miles from Lumpkins Station.

Baird and Kilpatrick, after some fighting with Wheeler's cavalry, drove the enemy from Waynesboro, and across Briar Creek. Baird, in the mean time, destroyed three (3) miles of railroad, near Thomas Station.

The fifth, after a hard day's march over country roads, which required much repairing, the whole corps, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, encamped in the vicinity of Jacksonboro; the advance at Buck Creek Post-Office.

During the night, the bridge across Beaver Dam Creek, at Jacksonboro, which had been destroyed, was rebuilt by Colonel Buell; and early on the morning of the sixth, the whole column marched on the river road, and went into camp at and in advance of Hudson's Ferry, making an average march of about twenty (20) miles.

December seventh, the column moved in the same order of march. Baird and Kilpatrick, unencumbered by the trains, covered the rear.

Morgan's division and the pontoon train reached Ebenezer Creek late in the evening, and went immediately to work, cutting away the fallen timber which obstructed the road-way through the immense swamp which skirts the creeks on both sides at this point.

The pontooniers, under Colonel Buell, set to work at once — notwithstanding an exceedingly hard day's march — to reconstructing the bridge, and by noon the next day, the column commenced crossing this formidable defile.

Notwithstanding the immense amount of labor expended upon the road and bridge, to make them passable, much was still required to keep them in condition; and it was not until daylight, the ninth, that the rear of the column had completed the crossing.

During the eighth, the enemy's cavalry made several attempts to drive in our rear pickets, but did not succeed. The loss on our side during these attacks was but slight, although at times the skirmishing was quite animated.

On the morning of the ninth, marched from camp, at Ebenezer Church, to Cuyler's plantation, where General Morgan, who was in the advance, found the enemy occupying a strongly-erected field-work, disposed to dispute his advance. General Morgan immediately placed a couple of field-pieces in position, and opened fire upon the work. His infantry was soon deployed for an attack, but the near approach of night, and the impossibility of assaulting the position, through the impassable swamp in our front, caused me to defer the attack until morning; when it was discovered the enemy had abandoned his position.

December tenth, advanced Morgan's and Carlin's divisions, with trains, to the Ten (10) Mile House, and went into camp; giving the road to the Twentieth corps, advancing from Monteith, and intersecting the Augusta road.

Baird's division was ordered to cover the rear, and tear up the railroad track in the vicinity of the crossing at the Savannah, and if possible to destroy the bridge at that point.

December eleventh, moved down the Augusta road to the position of the Twentieth corps, in front of the enemy's works, and received orders to relieve the Seventeenth corps in its position on the Louisville road, and in the vicinity of the Ogeechee Canal.

This was done, and by the twelfth, the whole corps had taken position in front of the enemy; my left connecting with the Twentieth corps, near the Savannah and Charleston Railroad, and my right connecting with the Seventeenth corps, beyond the canal, near Lawton's plantation.

During the intervening days, between the twelfth and twenty-first, at which time the enemy evacuated his position, my troops were assiduously engaged in skirmishing with the enemy, reconnoitring his position, and making general preparations for the attack.

Five (5) points in my front had, several days before the evacuation, been well reconnoitred, and pronounced accessible to an attacking party. This information was duly forwarded to the General Commanding. For further information concerning the position of my troops, and the [29] enemy's works, and approaches to them, I have the honor to refer the General Commanding to the accompanying map, drawn by my Chief Engineer; it is, I think, perfectly accurate.

December twenty-first, it was discovered that the enemy had evacuated his position in our front; and the report of my Chief of Artillery shows twenty-eight (28) pieces of artillery, of different calibres, captured.

My Provost-Marshal's report shows six hundred and thirty-nine (639) able-bodied negroes turned over to the Quartermaster's department, at Kingsbrigde, in compliance with special orders from Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. This number does not include a large number retained in the different commands, as officers servants, pioneers, etc.

I would respectfully submit the following statistics, which have been collected from the reports of the different departments, and are as near correct as can be compiled from such data.

Forty-eight (48) miles of railroad track, and four (4) large and important bridges, upon the Chattanooga and Atlanta, Atlanta and Augusta, Savannah and Augusta, and Georgia Central Railroads, were thoroughly destroyed.

A large amount of cotton, estimated by division commanders at about twelve thousand (12,000) bales, was also destroyed.

One thousand seven hundred and seventy (1770) draught and saddle animals; and according to the report of the Corps Commissary, about one thousand five hundred (1500) cattle, and several hundred sheep were captured.

About one thousand three hundred and forty (1340) negroes, mostly able-bodied males, followed the column. One hundren and fifteen (115) confederate prisoners, and thirty-four (34) deserters from the enemy were taken. The Corps Quartermaster estimates that about one million seven hundred and thirty pounds of fodder, and about one million four hundred and seventy-four thousand eight hundred and thirty-four pounds of grain were obtained from the country.

What amounts of provisions for the men were obtained by the foraging parties, constantly out from the different brigades of the command, it is impossible to state with accuracy. Probably the nearest approximation which can be given, will be to state, that the corps left Atlanta on the sixteenth day of November, with but seven and one half (7 1/2) days' supplies of the substantial ration. It arrived before Savannah, December eleventh, with about five (5) days in the wagons; only three and one half (3 1/2) days having been issued and lost during the march.

Of the smaller articles, such as coffee, sugar, and salt, a much larger quantity was issued. For the rest, the corps subsisted entirely upon the country through which it passed.

Sweet potatoes, which were found by the hundreds of bushels, were the principal and most unfailing article of diet for officers and men; but flour, meal, sorghum, poultry, etc., were found in great abundance.

The list of casualties, during the time above reported, is as follows:

Thirteen (13) killed; thirty (30) wounded; and ninety-four (94) missing. See tabular list appended.

Considering the active operations of the corps since the beginning of the campaign against Atlanta from Chattanooga. the first of May last, I am proud to report its excellent condition and efficiency.

To the division commanders, I desire to ex press the many obligations I am under, for their cooperation throughout the campaigns above described, and to express the hope, that the War Department will soon make suitable acknowledgments of their faithful services.

Their reports are herewith submitted, and attention asked to them, for many details omitted necessarily in this.

Since the entrance of our troops into Savannah, the corps has occupied its present camp, south-west of the city, making preparations for a resumption of active operations whenever called upon.

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

List of casualties in the Fourteenth army corps during the campaign against Savannah, Georgia.

Divisions.	Commissioned officers.		Enlisted men.		Missing.	Total.	Remarks.
	Killed.	Wounded.	Killed.	Wounded.
1st Division,		1	2	7	37
2d Division,	1		7	16	57
3d Division,			3	6	not given.
	1	1	12	29	94	137

Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations and movements of the Twentieth corps, from date of the occupation of Atlanta (September second) to the entrance into this city on twenty-first December ultimo.

The several divisions of the corps were encamped in Atlanta mainly within the circuit of the enemy's original line of defences; one brigade of the Third division was on duty at Montgomery Ferry, on the Chattahoochee River. The command of the post was committed to Colonel Wm. Cogswell, Second Massachusetts infantry, who discharged the perplexing duties well and faithfully. His report, forwarded herewith, will furnish interesting details of the multifarious labors and services of himself and his subordinate officers.

The supplies for man and beast were sufficient until the railroad was cut about the first of October by Hood's army moving northward. The several army corps, following in pursuit, left behind large detachments of convalescents and unarmed men, and a good part of their trains. Of these detachments and trains, great and small, there were reported to the post commander, twelve thousand seven hundred (12,700) officers and men, and to the Chief Quartermaster, four hundred and five (405) horses and three thousand five hundred and sixty-four (3564) mules. A force of men and animals almost equal in numbers to the Twentieth corps, left in guard of Atlanta and its vicinity. From the fifth of October, for quite a month, large details were made from the corps for work on the inner line of fortifications, constructed under the directions of Captain O. M. Poe, Chief Engineer. The works were never fully completed. The detachments in the city furnished but small details.

Measures were early taken to graze the animals, as the forage supply was very limited; and soon, under direction of Major-General Slocum commanding, large foraging parties were organized and sent out under strong guards to the neighborhood of Yellow and South Rivers. They were eminently successful. The four expeditions brought back on an average, each, of over six hundred and fifty wagon-loads of corn and fodder, besides considerable subsistence supplies of cattle, sheep, poultry, sweet potatoes, honey, syrup, and the like.

The Chief Quartermaster of the corps reports as turned over to him from these expeditions: Corn, 1,932,468 pounds; fodder, 138,200 pounds.

Some little show of opposition was made to these parties by the enemy's cavalry; but not a wagon of the long trains was lost. Credit is due to the commanders of the several escorts; Brigadier-General Geary, Colonels Robinson, Dustin, and Carman, and to Colonel Garrard, commanding cavalry brigade, who went out with each expedition.

On the morning of ninth November, the enemy's cavalry (reported to be two brigades of Wheeler's command) approached the city, and opened with artillery from positions a little south of Decatur road, and from elevations down the McDonough road. Along the latter road, they undertook, with dismounted men, an assault on the lines of Geary's division, probably under the idea that we were evacuating Atlanta. The affair was feeble. The enemy left a few dead and wounded in front of our lines, without inflicting a single casualty on us. Carman's brigade of First division was sent out in the hope of intercepting his movement; but the enemy, learning his mistake, had fled in great haste toward Jonesboro.

On eleventh November, Major-General Slocum having been assigned to the command of the left wing, army of Georgia, I was placed by Special Order No. 1, headquarters, left wing, in command of the corps.

November 13.

A brigade from each division was sent to destroy the railroad between Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River, which was reported the next morning as effectually done.

Changes in the principal commands of the corps since the last campaign,. left the organization as follows:

First division, Brigadier-General A. J. Jackson commanding. The brigades commanded respectively by Colonels Selfridge, Carman, and Robinson.

Second division, Brigadier-General J. W. Geary commanding. Three brigades, commanded by Colonels Pardee, Jones, and Barnum.

Third division, Brigadier-General W. T. Ward commanding. Three brigades, commanded by Colonels F. C. Smith, Dustin, and Ross.

A list of regiments composing the brigades will be found in reports of subordinate commanders.

The artillery was reduced to four batteries of four guns each; two of three-inch Rodmans, and two of twelve-pounder Napoleons, under charge of Major J. A. Reynolds, Chief of Artillery. The horses were increased to eight to a carriage.

The Ninth Illinois infantry, (mounted,) Lieutenant-Colonel Hughes commanding, joined the command on the second day, and remained with it through to Savannah, and performed excellent service throughout. One battalion of the Fifty-eighth Indiana volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore commanding, with pontoon train, was also attached to the corps, and was very useful during the march.

On the morning of the fifteenth November, the corps marched from Atlanta, taking the road east through Decatur.

We encamped on the fifteenth near the Georgia Railroad, south of Stone Mountain; on the evening of the sixteenth, near Rock Bridge Post-Office; on the seventeenth, near Cornish Creek; on the eighteenth, three miles west of Madison. The country for the first three days march was very hilly, and the crossing at Yellow River, Little Haynes River, and other streams, very bad. [31] The condition of the teams was not good, and delays to the rear of our long column were consequently vexatious and protracted.

Geary's division was detached, unencumbered, on the morning of the nineteenth, with orders to destroy the Georgia Railroad Bridge over the Oconee River, and such wagon-bridges as he might find on that river toward Milledgeville. The purpose was fully accomplished, and several miles of railroad as well as the long railroad bridge over the Oconee were destroyed. A wagon-bridge over that river and several mills and factories were also burned. The division rejoined the column on the twenty-first, before reaching Little River.

The other two divisions, with the trains of the corps, moved through Madison, and encamped four miles beyond. About six miles of railroad were destroyed by Ward's division. Supplies for man and beast became abundant on the third day after leaving Atlanta.

On the twentieth, moved forward and encamped near Eatonton. The afternoon was rainy and the roads heavy.

On the twenty-first, marched through Eatonton, encamping near Little River. Two or three miles of the Eatonton Branch Railroad were destroyed on the march.

On the twenty-second, having laid the pontoon-bridge over Little River, the corps crossed and moved forward to the suburbs of Milledgeville. Two regiments under Colonel Hawley, Third Wisconsin volunteers, (appointed commandant of the post,) were sent to occupy the town. The First and Second divisions were encamped on the east side of the Oconee, and the Third division on the west side, near the bridge. Large quantities of arms, ammunition, and accoutrements were found and destroyed, as well as salt and other public property. The report of Colonel Hawley, commander of post, forwarded herewith, will give the details of this property. The railroad depot, two arsenals, a powder magazine, and other public buildings and shops were burned. The railroad track for five miles toward Gordon was destroyed.

On the twenty-fourth, the march was resumed, and the divisions encamped near Gum Creek; and on the twenty-fifth, after some delay, to rebuild the bridges over Buffalo Creek and Swamp, the head of the column encamped about seven miles from Sandersville. Some skirmishing was had, and the enemy's cavalry was driven away by Colonel Robinson's brigade just as we were going into camp.

On the following morning, (twenty-sixth,) two regiments of Carman's brigade, Jackson's division, drove away the rebel cavalry, and the corps moved rapidly into Sandersville, entering simultaneously with the Fourteenth corps, upon a road on our left. In the afternoon, the First and Second divisions were moved down to Tennille Station, (No 13,) the Third division being left to cover the trains. The First Michigan engineers reported for duty with the corps.

On the twenty-seventh, twenty-eighth, and twenty-ninth, the Central Railroad and all wag-on-bridges over Williamson's Swamp Creek were destroyed from Tennille Station to the Ogeechee River, including the long railroad bridge over that stream, by the First and Second divisions and Michigan Engineers. The Third division marched with the trains, via Davisboro, across the Ogeechee and Rocky Comfort Rivers, and encamped near Louisville.

On the thirtieth, the First and Second divisions moved up the Ogeechee to Coward's Bridge, which was found partly destroyed, but easily repaired. The whole corps encamped about three miles south of Louisville.

Between the Oconee and Ogeechee, the roads, excepting at the river and swamp crossings, were good, the country very level, and the weather, during the march, superb. Supplies of all kinds were very abundant.

From the first to the eighth of December, our line of march was down the Peninsula between the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers, following the Louisville and Savannah Road, encamping on the first on Baker's Creek; on the second, at Buckhead Church; on the third, at Horse Creek; on the fourth, at Little Ogeechee; on the fifth, at Sylvania Cross-Roads; on the sixth, near Cowpens Creek; on the seventh, on Jack's Branch, near Springfield; and on the eighth, near Eden Cross-Roads.

As we approached the coast, the surface of the country became flat and swampy. Large ponds or pools were met every mile or so, and the creeks spread out into several miry branches. The roads between the creeks and ponds, though apparently of sand, and substantial character, proved to be upon a thin crust, which was soon cut through by our long trains into the deep quicksand, requiring miles of corduroy. At several of the swamps, the enemy had attempted to obstruct our march by falling timber. The supplies continued good and the weather excellent.

On the ninth, our direction of march was changed to the east, taking the road from Eden to Monteith Post-Office, on the Charleston Railroad. At the large Monteith Swamp, we found that the enemy, besides obstructing the road for nearly a mile by falling trees, had built two small earthworks, and with a single gun and about four hundred infantry was making a show of stopping our march. Jackson's division being in advance, he was ordered to throw out several regiments on each flank, while a brigade in the centre should make a feint, to engage attention and enable the pioneers to clear the obstructions. Our hope of capturing the whole party did not succeed; but their pretentious defences were speedily abandoned as soon as a portion of Robinson's brigade, under Colonel West, Thirty-first Wisconsin volunteers, could cross the swamp. The fugitives left behind a considerable quantity of new clothing and accoutrements. Our loss was one man killed and four wounded. Much praise was awarded to Colonel West for his conduct on this occasion. [32]

On the following morning, (tenth December,) the corps moved down to Monteith Station, on the Charleston Railroad, and after destroying some miles of the road, marched to near the five-mile post, on the Augusta and Savannah Railroad. At this point, meeting with the enemy's strong line of defences behind swamps and artificial ponds, the corps was ordered to encamp for the night. During the afternoon a party of foragers, with some cavalry, succeeded in bringing to and capturing near the foot of Argyle Island, a rebel despatch-boat called the Ida, having on board Colonel Clynch of General Hardee's staff, with despatches for gunboats above. The boat was unfortunately set on fire and burned.

On the eleventh, Geary's division was moved to the left, encountering some opposition from rebel pickets. They were, however, driven back into the main works, and our line was established from the Savannah River, near Williamson's plantation, in advance of Pipe Maker's Creek, across the Charleston Railroad to the Central Railroad, a few hundred yards from the junction of the two roads, connecting with the Fourteenth corps, Third division, on the right, First division in the centre, and Second division on the left.

On the twelfth, Winnegar's battery, (four three-inch guns,) which had been placed in position at Tweedside, to command the channel between Argyle Island and the Georgia shore, drove back two gunboats attempting to descend the river, and so crippled the tender Resolute, as to drive her aground, in which position she was taken possession of by Colonel Hawley, Third Wisconsin volunteers, whose regiment was on duty on Argyle Island. Five naval officers and nineteen men were captured, besides a quantity of ordnance and subsistence stores. The boat, which was without armament, was subsequently turned over to the Quartermaster's department, and is now in our service.

From the thirteenth to the twentieth, several changes were made in the positions of the troops. Robinson's brigade of the First division was sent back to Cherokee Hill, to cover the roads in our rear. Two regiments from Geary's division occupied the upper end of Hutchinson's Island. Carman's brigade, First division, was sent to Argyle Island, and subsequently across to the Carolina shore, with a section of battery I, First New-York artillery. He took up a strong position on the nineteenth, in advance of Izzard's House, and made several demonstrations and reconnoissances toward Clydesdale Creek and the Union causeway road from Savannah to Hardeesville. The enemy opposed these movements in strong force. The nature of the country for miles back (being rice plantations crossed by dykes and canals) effectually prevented any thing beyond a menace. These threatening movements, however, undoubtedly hastened the evacuation of Savannah.

In the mean time our main line was pushed toward the enemy's works, and preparations for assault made by close reconnoissances, construction of light bridges, and experiments with baulks of the pontoon-train and fascines of straw and cane for bridging canals.

Strong field-works were constructed for the heavy guns and for the field-guns, some of them masked on the road within one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's line. These preparations were completed on the twentieth. The assailable points in our front were very few. Almost every fort was covered deep by artificial ponds from the irrigating canals, behind which, and upon the approaches, were strong earthworks for artillery, connected throughout by rifle-pits well constructed. The confidence of the troops in carrying these works was, however, perfect and earnest.

During the day of the twentieth, the fire from the enemy's works and gunboats was unusually heavy and continuous. Reports from Carman's brigade indicated that large columns were crossing to the Carolina shore, either to cover their only line of communication, or preparatory to a final evacuation of the city. In the night, General Geary reportedly to me, that the movements across the river were apparently still going on. Division commanders were instructed to keep on the alert and press their pickets closer to the rebel works; but the enemy, intending to abandon his heavy guns, kept up a fire until the moment of quitting their defences.

At half-past 3 o'clock on the morning of the twenty-first, Geary reported that Barnum's brigade wa in the rebel main line. Orders were sent him and General Ward to advance the picket-lines and follow with their divisions into the city.

By six o'clock A. M., Geary's division, without opposition, had entered the city. Patrols were sent out to preserve order. Two regiments were ordered to occupy Fort Jackson and other works below the city. General Geary was temporarily assigned to command of the post, and his division placed within the city. The retreating rebels had disconnected the pontoon-bridge to Hutchinson's Island, and set fire to that connecting with the Carolina shore. The ram Savannah still lay off Seriven's Ferry, two miles or so away, and occasionally fired a shot toward the town. She was evidently covering the removal of supplies up the causeway road. There were no means of reaching her; and our guns, though well served, plainly did her no damage. At night she was destroyed as had been all the other rebel pubic vessels the day previous.

The troops of the corps, while in front of the rebel works, suffered a number of casualties. Amongst those killed, was Lieutenant C. A. Ahruts, One. Hundred and Thirty-fourth New-York volunteers, assistant to Lieutenant-Colonel Asmussen, Inspector-General of the corps — an excellent and faithful young officer. Amongst the severely wounded was Colonel John H. Ketcham, One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York volunteers, an officer of superior intelligence and worth. Major Wright, Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteers, an excellent officer, also received a painful wound.

I append hereto a series of campaign maps, prepared by Captain McDowell, Chief Topographical [33] Engineer for the corps, showing the positions of the several divisions at each camp during the march from Atlanta to Savannah. These positions were laid down and the notes accompanying the maps kept by Lieutenant-Colonel Asmussen, Inspector-General of the corps. The faithful and skilful manner in which this work is done, presents a complete and accurate view of the daily marches of the corps. Tabular statement marked A, shows the casualties of the corps by divisions during the campaign — an aggregate of twelve killed, eighty-eight wounded, one hundred and sixty-five missiles. Of the missing, the greater part were from stragglers and small parties of foragers captured. Some few were deserting “bounty-jumpers,” who had reached us just before marching from Atlanta.

In the case of Captain Reid, One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteers, missing with a detail of forty-three men, foraging, I have ordered a special report of the statements made by a rebel cavalry officer who was of the capturing party. If these statements are true, Captain Reid behaved in a most shameful and cowardly manner, and should be dismissed in disgrace. As both officer and men are still prisoners of war, no proper investigation can now be made.

We captured on the march and before Savannah, thirty officers, (thirteen of whom were naval,) one hundred and thirty-five privates, and fourteen seamen. One hundred and twenty-two deserters came into our ranks. A tabular statement and list of officers captured, prepared by Major Parks, Provost-Marshal, is attached hereto, marked B.

A very considerable number of prisoners were taken on entering the city; all of whom are in the hands of the post commandant, and will be the subject of report by him.

I make the following estimates of public property destroyed and supplies taken from the country, upon information from commanders and staff-officers, approved by my own observation and judgment:

Miles marched by the troops,	305
Miles trains moved, as per odometer,	28135/100
Miles of railroad destroyed,	71

Beside railroad destroyed, more than a million feet of timber for the largest sized bridges, and thousands of cords of wood were burned.

number of animals taken from country.

Horses reported by Captain Whittelsey, Chief Quartermaster,	410
Horses reported by Major Reynolds, Chief of Artillery,	40
Horses put into teams and not reported, estimated,	150
		600
Mules reported by Captain Whittelsey,	1,020
Mules reported by Major Reynolds,	100
Mules put into trains in exchange for poor animals and never reported, estimated,	600
		1,720
Total animals,		2,320

forage.

By Captain Whittelsey's Report:
	Corn taken en route,	lbs.	1,227,984
	Corn taken east of Atlanta,	lbs.	1,932,468
By Major Reynolds's Report,		lbs.	130,000
Pounds corn,			3,290,452
By Captain Whittelsey's Report:
	Fodder taken en route,	lbs.	1,091,619
	Fodder taken near Atlanta,	lbs.	138,200
Pounds fodder,			1,229,819

rice, fodder.

By Captain Whittelsey's Report,	lbs.	550,694
By Major Reynolds's Report,	lbs.	20,000
Pounds rice fodder,		570,694

There was with the corps an average of over seven thousand (7000) animals.

At the regulation allowance, these animals would have consumed in twenty-five days, 2,100,000 pounds of corn, and 2,450,000 pounds of hay or fodder.

I estimate that at least this quantity was taken from the country on the march, and exclusive of that taken before marching from Atlanta. Upon this basis, estimates made on actual returns to Captain Whittelsey and Major Reynolds, will be increased over seven hundred thousand (700,000) pounds of corn and eight hundred thousand pounds of fodder. The waste of this, as other articles, was enormous.

Subsistence taken from country, as per report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ballock, Chief Commissary of Subsistence:

Fresh Beef,	lbs.	400,000
Fresh Beef and Mutton,	lbs.	150,000
Rice,	lbs.	110,000
Flour,	lbs.	20,000
Sweet Potatoes,	bush.	6,500
Sorghum Syrup,	galls.	4,000

Of the quantities of turkeys, geese, ducks, and poultry of all kinds taken, no approximate estimate can be made. For at least two hundred miles of our route, these articles were in great abundance, and were used lavishly and wastefully. So of the other articles above mentioned, it would be safe to say that the amount might be doubled for waste and for the subsistence of the thousands of refugee slaves who followed our march.

cotton.

I estimate the quantity of cotton burned by the corps at five thousand (5000) bales, or two and a half million pounds. The estimate is probably low, as our line of march was through some of the best cotton-growing portions of Georgia, and we swept, with our foragers and flankers, a belt of six to eight miles in width of all the cotton and most of the gins and presses. No large accumulations were found except at Milledgeville, reported one thousand eight hundred bales bonded by order of General Sherman; near Sandersville, [34] where — about one hundred bales were destroyed; at Lee Gordon's plantation, two hundred and eighty bales destroyed by General Geary; and at Tennille Station, on Central Railroad, where between three and four hundred bales were burned. Other lots, ranging from ten to thirty bales were frequently found.

fugitive slaves.

Negroes of all ages, of every variety of physical condition, from the infant in its mother's arms to the decrepid old man, joined the column, from plantations and from cross-roads, singly and in large groups, on foot, on horseback, and in every description of vehicles. The vehicles were discarded as obstructing the progress of our very long column. Beyond this, no effort was made to drive away the fugitives. The decrepid, the aged, and the feeble were told of the long journey before them, and advised to remain behind.

I estimate that from six to eight thousand slaves, at different points in the campaign, joined the march of this corps, of whom something over two thousand five hundred reached our camp before Savannah.

About one thousand seven hundred, of whom one third were able-bodied, were, on account of scarcity of subsistence, placed in colony at the Colerain plantation, on the Savannah River, and plentifully supplied with rice, and occasionally with beef. The able-bodied men were employed in transporting rice from the islands and in working rice-mills. When communication was opened by way of the Ogeechee, the whole colony was turned over to the Chief Quartermaster and Chief Commissary. Four to five hundred (not of the colony) found employment as officers' servants and teamsters for the Government.

ordnance and ordnance stores destroyed in Milledgeville, per report of Colonel Hawley, commanding post:

Muskets, calibre 69,	2,300
Accoutrements, sets,	300
Lances,	5,000
Cutlasses,	1,500
Ammunition, calibre 69, rounds,	10,000
Ammunition, fixed artillery, boxes,	170
Ammunition, kegs powder,	200

Destroyed in Milledgeville, by Lieutenant Shepherd, Ordnance Officer Artillery, as per report of Major Reynolds, Chief of Artillery:

Rounds fixed ammunition, artillery,	3,500
Rounds fixed ammunition, infantry,	20,000
Boxes Sharp's Primers,	2
Pounds of powder,	2,000

Major Reynolds reports the number of guns, of all calibres, found in and around Savannah in works first taken possession of by the Twentieth corps, at eighty-nine. Of these, twenty-three, of calibre from six-pounder smooth bore to forty-two pounder carronades, were found in position in front of the line occupied by the corps before Savannah. Major Reynolds's report, forwarded herewith, will furnish details. On entering the city, General Geary took possession of a large quantity of ordnance stores and material of war, details of which will be found in his report to these headquarters. They are not recapitulated, as the Chief Ordnance officer has doubtless already received schedules of them.

Notwithstanding repeated instances of wanton pillage occurred on the march, the general conduct of the men was orderly, contented, and faithful to duty. The nature of the march was calculated to relax discipline ; and yet, after all, it was comparatively but the few (ever found in large bodies of men) who were disorderly and vicious. The labor, especially of those in guard of the trains, was very arduous, often extending through the night.

I calculate our average daily marches for each marching day, exceeded thirteen miles. Two of the divisions rested but one entire day without marching.

The division commanders deserve my cordial acknowledgments for zealous, cheerful, and intelligent cooperation at all times. I desire, also, to acknowledge the valuable services of Major Yates, and the officers and men of the First Michigan engineers and mechanics, who, while temporarily attached to the corps, were indefatigable as well as skilful, in assisting in the destruction of railroads, in constructing bridges, and repairing roads.

From the length of the column, often from twelve to fifteen miles, the duties which fell upon several officers of the staff were often very laborious and fatiguing, but were always executed with cheerfulness and zeal. I desire in an especial report, hereafter, to bring to the notice of the Major-General Commanding, and, through him, to the Government, the names of such of these officers whose meritorious services on this and previous campaigns entitle them, I think, to promotion.

I forward, herewith, the reports of division commanders, and such subordinate reports as have been received; also, reports and statements of staff-officers, covering estimates of property destroyed and supplies taken from the country.

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

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of prisoners of war, captured during the late campaign from November fifteenth to December twenty-first, 1864:

Moses White, Colonel, Thirty-seventh Tennessee infantry: J. H. W. Clinch, Colonel, Aid General Hardee; George P. Harrison, Colonel, militia; Thomas F. Wells, Lieutenant-Colonel, Georgia militia; A. D. Taylor, Captain, Post Quartermaster, Eatonton, Georgia; Charles W. Baldwin, Captain, Cobb's Georgia Legion; S. McCombs, Captain, Brigade Commissary of Subsistence, Cook's brigade, Ewell's corps; J. R. Respass, Captain, commanding militia company; Benjamin Milliken, Captain, First Georgia Reserves, company E; F. M. Boace, First Lieutenant, Sixth Georgia cavalry ; T. G. Batsman, First Lieutenant, First Arkansas, Co. A; W. H. Best, First Lieutenant, Twenty-fifth Georgia; D. L. Ambrose, First Lieutenant, Twenty-Fifth Georgia; Samuel G. Bowman, First Lieutenant, Fourth Tennessee; William H. Davis, First Lieutenant, Fifth Georgia cavalry; R. L. Mitchell, Lieutenant, Fourth Kentucky mounted infantry; Alexander Hasset, Lieutenant, First Georgia Reserves; J. D. Cercopely, Navy Captain, steamer Ida; John Harrison, Mate, steamer Ida; Andrew Ambrose, Pilot, steamer Ida; Thomas Swygover, First Engineer, steamer Ida; Peter C. Brown, Second Engineer, steamer Ida; L. A. McCarthy, Assistant Engineer, steamer Ida; J. J. Smith, Paymaster's Clerk, steamer Resolute; W. D. Oliveria, Pilot Commanding, steamer Resolute; A. A. E. W. Barclay, First Assistant Engineer, steamer Resolute; C. B. Thompson, First Assistant Engineer, steamer Resolute, J. S. Tipton, Assistant Surgeon, navy, steamer Resolute; Francis Marshchalk, Master's Mate, steamer Resolute; John W. McGrath, Second Assistant Engineer, ram Savannah. Total commissioned, 30 ; privates, 135; deserters from army, 122; seamen, 23; deserters from navy, 14; total, 294; aggregate, 324.

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

November 15.

Order of march: First, Second, and Third divisions. The Third division did not arrive at the place of destination until eight A. M. next day. No supplies gathered.--Weather: Fine.--Roads: Good but hilly; no important bridges on streams were crossed.--Distance: Sixteen miles.

November16.

Order of march: Second, Third, and First divisions.-Weather: Fine.--Road: Good but hilly. The crossing of the Yellow River at Rock Bridge bad and easily disputed.--Supplies: Scanty, except some forage and live stock.--Distance; Eight miles.

November 17.

Order of march: Second, Third, and First divisions.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Good but very hilly, particularly at the crossing of Little Haynes Creek.--Supplies: More plenty.--Distance: Sixteen miles.

November 18.

Order of march: Second, Third, and First divisions.--Weather: Fine; rain during the night.--Road: Excellent; water scarce after leaving the Ulcofauhatchee River.--Supplies: scarce; poor country.--Distance; Fifteen miles.

November 19.

Order of march: Cavalry, First and Third divisions; the Second division detached. Railroad destroyed to Madison.--Weather: rainy.--Roads: Good but muddy.--Supplies: More plenty.--Distance: Seven miles.

November 20.

Order of march: Cavalry, Third and First divisions; Second division detached.--Weather: Cloudy; commenced raining at five P. M..--Road: Good but heavy.--Supplies: Not so plenty.--Distance : Twelve miles.

November 21.

Order of march: Cavalry, Third and First divisions; Second division detached. Pontoons laid across Little River.--Weather: Very rainy.--Road very muddy and worn. The condition of the road caused the Third brigade, First division, to encamp two miles to the rear.--Supplies : More plenty.--Distance: Thirteen miles.

November 22.

Order of march: Cavalry, First, Second, and Third divisions.--Weather: Cold, clear, but windy.--Road: Good.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Fifteen miles.

November 23.

The troops remained in camp.

November 24.

Order of march: Cavalry, First, Second, and Third divisions.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Excellent.--Supplies: Not so plenty.--Distance: Thirteen miles.

November 25.

Order of march; Cavalry, First, Second, and Third divisions. The cavalry had a skirmish with Wheeler's cavalry.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Good, except the crossing of Buffalo Creek, the bridges of the dam being destroyed.--Supplies: Not so plenty; poor country.--Distance: Eight miles.

November 26.

Order of march; First, Second, and Third divisions; cavalry on the flanks. The troops entered Sandersville simultaneously with Fourteenth corps; skirmishing with enemy's cavalry. After entering town, the First and Second divisions, preceded by the cavalry, went to Tennille Station to destroy the railroad. The Michigan Engineers reported for duty, and accompanied the column to said station, No. 13. Third division covered trains at Sandersville.--Weather : Clear.--Road : Excellent.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Twelve miles.

November 27.

Order of march: First division, preceded by the cavalry, moved south of Georgia Central Railroad, while Second division and Michigan Engineers destroyed the same to within five miles of Davisboro. The Third division and trains moved from Sandersville to Davisboro.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Excellent; the bridge at Davisboro over Williamson's Swamp Creek was not destroyed.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Fifteen miles.

November 28.

Order of march: The cavalry, Third division, and trains moved toward Louisville [36] and encamped on Ogeechee River; the First division destroyed railroad to Speir's Station; the Michigan Engineers and Second division destroyed railroad at and west of Davisboro; the Second brigade, Second division, covering part of the train to Speir's Station.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Excellent.--Supplies: Abundant.--Distance: Twelve miles.

November 29.

Order of march: Cavalry. Third division, and train crossed the Ogeechee and Rocky Comfort Creek on pontoons, and encamped south-cast of Louisville. The First and Second brigades, First division, destroyed railroad from Speir's Station to Station 10 1/2; the Second brigade, Second division, from 10 1/2 to Ogeechee River; the remainder of Second division and Michigan Engineers moved up from Davisboro; Third brigade, First division, protecting part of train.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Good.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Nine miles.

November 30.

Order of march: Finding Ragford's Bridge destroyed, the First and Second divisions and Michigan Engineers crossed the Ogeechee at Coward's Bridge, after repairing it, and encamped on the right of the Third division.--Weather: Warm.--Road: Swampy.--Supplies: Scarce; poor country.--Distance: Ten miles.

December 1.

Order of march: Cavalry, Second division, Michigan Engineers, First and Third divisions.--Weather: Warm.--Road: Swampy.--Supplies: More plenty.--Distance: Thirteen miles.

December 2.

Order of march: Cavalry, Second division, Michigan Engineers, First and Third divisions. The cavalry drove in the rebel pickets near Buckhead Church.--Weather: Cloudy.--Road: Good, except the crossing Buckhead Creek, the bridges across the swamp being partially destroyed.--Supplies: Abundant.--Distance: Eleven miles.

December 3.

Order of march: Cavalry, First division, Michigan Engineers, Third and Second divisions.--Weather: Cloudy; clear in the afternoon.--Road: Good.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Fifteen miles.

December 4.

Order of march: Cavalry, First division, Michigan Engineers, Third and Second divisions.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Swampy.--Supplies: Not so plenty.--Distance: Fifteen miles.

December 5.

Order of march: Third, Second, and First divisions. Cavalry sent to communicate with Fourteenth corps. Michigan Engineers ordered to army headquarters.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Fair.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Six miles.

December 6.

Order of march: Cavalry, Third, Second, and First divisions.--Weather: Good; it rained during the night.--Road: Fair, swampy. Supplies: plenty.--Distance: Thirteen miles.

December 7.

Order of march: Cavalry, Third, Second, and First divisions.--Weather: Raining in the morning; cloudy in the afternoon.--Road: Fair but swampy. The crossing of Jack's Creek near Springfield was very bad.--Supplies: Abundant.--Distance: Ten miles.

December 8.

Order of march: Cavalry, Second, First, Third divisions and train.--Weather: Fine.--Road: Good, until the troops struck the Eden Cross-Road, which was very swampy.--Supplies: Plenty.--Distance: Ten miles.

December 9.

Order of march: Cavalry, First, Second, and Third divisions. The First division repulsed the enemy near Monteith.--Weather: Cloudy.--Road: Good pike.--Supplies: plenty.--Distance: Nine miles.

December 10.

Order of march: Cavalry, First, Third, and Second divisions. First division destroyed Charleston Railroad. The troops captured steamer Ida, and burnt it.--Weather: Cloudy.--Road: Good pike.--Distance: Ten miles.

December 11.

The troops moved into position in front of the enemy's works; the Third division established connection with Seventeenth corps, which was that day relieved by the Fourteenth corps. Breastworks thrown up. Twenty-second Wisconsin and battery I, First New-York artillery, moved to the Savannah River. Eighty-second and One Hundred and First regiments Illinois volunteers and Sixty-first regiment Ohio volunteers stationed at Cherokee Hill.--Weather: Fine but cold.--Supplies: Scanty. A quantity of rice was found and a mill set to running to prepare it for the troops.

Operations before Savannah.

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December 12.

Third regiment Wisconsin volunteers crossed to Argyle Island. Steamer Resolute captured.

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December 13.

The remainder of the Third brigade, First division, moved to Cherokee Hill to protect the rear, and formed connection on its left with portion of Fourteenth corps.

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December 14.

Two regiments of Second division pushed over on to Hutchinson's Island.

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December 15.

Second regiment Massachusetts volunteers reenforced Third regiment Wisconsin volunteers on Argyle Island.

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December 16.

Second brigade, Third division, relieved remainder of Second brigade, First division, the latter crossing over to Argyle Island.

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December 19.

The regiments of the Second brigade, First division, crossed over to the South-Carolina shore and intrenched themselves between Clydesdale Creek and the house of Mr. Izzard.

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December 21.

Savannah having been evacuated by the enemy, the Second division took possession of the city early in the morning. The Third and First divisions arrived during the day.

Memorandum list of ordnance and ordnance stores captured from the enemy in the campaign from Atlanta to Savannah, ending December twenty-first, 1864:

Captured and destroyed by the left wing, at Milledgeville, Georgia.

2300 rifle muskets, calibre, 69; 5000 lances, 1500 cutlasses, 30,000 [37] rounds of small-arm ammunition, 5470 rounds of artillery ammunition, 20,000 pounds of powder.

Captured in Fort McAllister, Beautiere, Rose Dew, Bartow, Thunderbolt, Jackson, Lee, Boggs, Brown, Water Battery, opposite Fort Jackson, Lanton Battery, in the lines around the city of Savannah, and in the city of Savannah:

Artillery.--167 smooth-bore guns, 35 rifled guns, 7 mortars; total number of guns, 209.

Artillery Carriages.--76 barbette, 1 casemate, 6 siege, 41 field; total number of carriages, 124.

Artillery Ammunition.--19,843 for smooth-bore guns, 1903 for rifled guns, 17 for mortars; total number of rounds of artillery ammunition, 21,763.

Small Arms.--183 various kinds.

Infantry Ammunition.--8000 musket cartridges, calibre, 59 ; 7500 musket buck and ball cartridges, calibre, 69; 11,000 elongated ball cartridges, calibre, 57; 3000 Sharpe's rifle; 18,000 rifled iron ball, calibre, 52; 4000 buck and ball cartridges, calibre, 75. Total infantry ammunition, 51,500.

Expenditures of Ammunition during the Campaign.

Artillery Ammunition.--2099 pounds for 3-inch gun, 1218 pounds for light 12-pound gun, 30 pounds for 30-pound Parrott gun, 229 pounds for 20-pound Parrott gun ; total artillery ammunition, 3576.

Small Arm Ammunition.--950,915 elongated ball cartridges, calibre, 57; 141,396 Spencer rifle cartridges, 56,000 Burnside carbine cartridges, 62,000 Sharpe's carbine cartridges, 21,000 Smith's carbine cartridges, 8600 Colt's army pistol cartridges, 4800 Colt's navy pistol cartridges, 500 Henry rifle cartridges; total small-arm ammunition, 1,245,211.

Report of animals captured and forage taken up and consumed, under the direction of Fred. L. Clark, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, during the campaign against Savannah, Georgia:

Date.	By whom captured.	Horses.	Mules.	Corn.	Rice.	Fodder.
1864, November and December.	Ordnance and Supply Train,	20	40	95,000	15,000	175,000
Total captured,		20	40	95,000	15,000	175,000

I certify that the above is a correct report of animals captured, and forage taken up and consumed, under my direction, during the campaign against Savannah, Georgia.