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

[713] swept over the defences on the Summerfield road, while the Fourth division carried those on the Plantersville road. The enemy, astonished and disheartened, broke from their strong works, and Selma was fairly won.

The enemy, under Chalmers, attempted to drive in the Second division picket line during the battle, and go to the rescue of the rebel garrison, but their efforts were futile, and they were compelled to retreat rapidly beyond the Cahawba. The First division, in the mean time, was making hard marches, harassing in front and rear the bewildered rebels under Jackson. The wagon train had been left behind, that your march might not be impeded, but has arrived in safety, its guard having frustrated all attempts of the enemy to delay its progress. Soldiers, you have been called upon to perform long marches and endure privations, but your General relied upon and believed in your capacity and courage to undergo every task imposed upon you. Trusting in your valor, discipline, and armament, he did not hesitate to attack entrenchments believed by the rebel leaders to be impregnable, and which might well have caused double your numbers of veteran infantry to hesitate. You have fully justified his opinions, and may justly regard yourselves invincible. Your achievements will always be considered among the most remarkable in the annals of cavalry. The fruits of your victory are numerous and important. Twenty-six field guns and one thirty-pounder Parrott captured on the field of battle, and over seventy pieces of heavy ordnance in the arsenal and foundry; two thousand prisoners, a number of battle-flags, the naval foundry and machine shops, the extensive arsenal, filled with every variety of military munitions, and large quantities of commissary and quartermaster's stores in depot.

During your march you have destroyed seven iron works and foundries, several factories and collieries, many railroad bridges and trestle works, and large quantities of cotton. While you exult in the success which has crowned your arms, do not forget the memory of those who died that you might conquer.

By command of Brevet Major-General Wilson.

My command took possession of this place yesterday morning after slight skirmishing; Buford and Adams have fled in the direction of Columbus. Most of the stores have been moved to that place and Macon. There are no forces in Alabama that can resist you, or even stand before my corps. You have only to move into the interior, occupy Selma and Montgomery, and restore the State to the Union. You will find a most admirable condition of affairs, plenty of forage and provisions. Half of your force can complete the work after Mobile is taken.

My orders were to make a demonstration towards Selma and Tuscaloosa, and then to act as I might think best. Having destroyed those places, and everything of value between here and the Tennessee river, and in consideration of General Grant's late victory, and the capture of Richmond, as well as your capacity to effectually dispose of the rebels in this State, I have determined to move at once and rapidly towards Columbus and Macon. If I can destroy the arsenals at those places, the rebel armies must fall to pieces for want of munitions. There are but few troops to resist my march. My command is in splendid condition, every man mounted, plenty of ammunition, and in splendid spirits.

Forrest is between the Cahawba and Demopolis, unless he has moved to follow me. I am sorry I have not been able to hear from you. I have already delayed longer than I expected in this region.

In evacuating this place the rebels destroyed eighty-five thousand bales of cotton. We have destroyed trains, stores, and everything else of value. We captured twenty-six field guns, thirty-pounder Parrott, and two thousand six hundred prisoners at Selma, five field guns here and some prisoners.

My command will march from here early to-morrow. This will be handed to you by Sergeant Bailey, Fourth Michigan cavalry. Please have him rewarded, and return him as soon as you can.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant

My forces captured this place by a most gallant attack at ten o'clock last night; twenty-five men killed and wounded. Captured about fifteen hundred prisoners, many colors, twenty-four field guns, and one gunboat, carrying six rifled seven-inch. Generals Cobb and Buford escaped in the dark. Major-General Upton and Brigadier-General Winslow deserve the highest commendation for their personal intrepidity and good management.

General Winslow is burning the navy yard, foundries, arsenals, armory, railroad stock, depots, and cotton warehouses to-day. The value in Confederate currency of the property destroyed cannot be computed. A part of my corps is now moving eastward, and everything will follow in the morning. I anticipate no great difficulty. My command is in magnificent condition. Please communicate this despatch to