AN ACCOUNT OF THE CONFEDERATE SERVICE

OF
ZACHARY TAYLOR DELOACH  

 The following narrative is provided in it’s entirety by the

Zach S. Henderson Library, Special Collections, Georgia Southern University.

Transcribed

Smith Callaway Banks

(Zachary Taylor DeLoach wrote the following narrative on four pages that were torn from an old store ledger. Today the old papers are in tatters and some of the pieces from the pages are missing. The narrative is written in pencil on the same pages where the old store accounts had been kept with an ink pen. The pages show the names of the customers and the cost of the items they charged. Most accounts were dated, November and December 1912.

Mr. DeLoach owned and operated a grist and rice mill on upper Lotts Creek near Portal. It was known as DeLoach's Mill Pond. Today this large pond is called Lake Collins.

Account pages were for:

Jim Humphrey; Ernest Alderman; M. A.  Newton; 0. Woods; and (missing first name) Owens (Colored).

Items charged were:

Salt - 60 cents; Flour - 40 cents and 90 cents; and Vinager  (sic) - 20 cents.

This document is now owned by Mrs. Jo Brannen (Mrs. Larry) Chester, DeLoach's great granddaughter. Mrs. Chester is the daughter of Arleen Zetterower and Lloyd Austin Brannen and is the granddaughter of Mary Magdeline '"'Judie'' DeLoach and Joseph Joshua Zetterower. Mrs. ''Sudie" DeLoach Zetterower was Taylor DeLoach's daughter.

There is little or no punctuation in the original document. This transcription has been “punctuated and filled-in" by comparing it to a similar account printed in The History and Genealogy of the DeLoach Families 1630‑1980 by Judge Harry R. DeLoach; pages 306‑309. - Smith C. Banks)

"WAR RECORD OF Z. T. DELOACH

                        ''In the fall of 62 (1862) I joined the State Troops and my father was elected Captain and George P. Harrison, Colonel. We were sent to No. 7 on the then Gulf Railroad now Seaboard and drilled there for about three months when I was taken down with rheumatism and finally got a discharge from war service, came home and stayed three months. I got so anxious about the war I wanted to go back and be with the boys, as I was too young to care anything about the girls, not near as much as I have since then.

So I went to the cavalry and got in by begging a little and swearing I Would not try to get out on account of my age and broken arm. They were stationed at the Isle of Hope. We drilled there for about 3 months then were sent t o Charleston, S. C., to picket Sullivan's Island, and other places. (We) stayed there six or eigth months -- then was sent to Cedar Creek, Fla., near Jacksonville, stayed there a very short time and saw a little of what war was. (We.) had one little skirmish while there and then were sent to the front. There it was war all the time, retreating and fighting. When we got to the Chattahoochee River, there I was chosen with others, about twenty in number, to hold the blue Jackets back until our folks could cross the river and destroy the crossing. We boys who did get out -- swam the river about night. So we soon found our command and had a good night's rest. But while we were resting, the Yankees were planting artillery on the other side of the river and got us well located. About day break they put in on us and shelled us out and killed Marion Miller. I think he was the first man our Company lost --killed.

"We kept up our retreat until we got near Atlanta. There about three hundred of our regiment were detailed and ordered to report to General Roberson. He took us in behind the Yankee lines to tear up (the) railroads and bridges and cut off all communication that we could and I tell you, the Yankees sure kept us moving. Six days and nights we never took the saddles off our horses. We only had about 40 minutes every morning to pull green corn to feed the horses on (and) roast ourselves enough for that day. No other rations except sometimes the farmers would give us what rations they had cooked. We had several hard fights on the road and lost a lot of our men.

"At Salt Lake, Va. , I was left behind the Yankee lines with John Neal and Leon Neal of Thomasville, David Glisson of Tattnall County, and Mike Parrish of near Metter, Georgia. The last were killed, but we finally got back, a part of us in our own lines. Then the boys began to get furloughs, and by the time the command got to Waynesboro, Burke County (Georgia), all had been home except J. W. Mikell, James Rimes and myself. They quit giving furloughs so we decided to come (home) anyway. We forged our own papers and got through all right and were at home when the Yankees past (passed) our homes.

''The next day after they past (passed), brother Joshua and myself took a notion to go across Black Creek where they had past (passed) -- we thought.   But when we got over to the other side we met the old man John Goodman and talked to him awhile. Then we went down to Mal Hagans to see what they had done and while we were taking to them, we looked back up the land and saw at least forty men coming down the road in a big hurry. They had horses, mules, rations and everything, which they had taken from people on the route, making back to camp. So they had us penned.  I thought I didn't see any way to get out. So we went meeting them and rode up in about  ten steps of each other.  I told the head one to surrender. They said they had plenty of men behind. I told them we did too. So while we were talking he pulled his pistol and I tried to shoot him but my gun wouldn't fire. And about that time they commenced shooting -- the whole business.  So Joshua said if your gun won't shoot, we better leave, and (he) started off. I turned to go, too. As I turned, they hit my horse in the head; also the side. He (the horse) went but a short distance before he fell dead. But we turned them back and sent them out of their way about six miles.  I took the saddle off the horse and footed it in. After the army past (passed) -- about a week -- I started around their army to our own and found them at Green Pond, South Carolina.

''The officers were mighty nice to me, but detailed (me) for picket duty that night, which was all the punishment I got. We didn't stay there long before we took our march to keep out of the Yankees' way. So we soon got as far as Columbia, S. C. There, I was detailed again and left on this side of the bridge to the Yankees' back until our folks got across the river. When we stayed as long as we could in safety, we turned to run, and found the bridge was on fire. It was a double bridge and all walled in. I put my hat over my face and ran through the fire. Some others done the same thing and got through all right, except our clothing was being burnt some. Some jumped into the river and swam out. Some never crossed and were captured. Those that did cross stayed near the river and fought back at the Yankees for awhile. Then we proceeded to march on, the Yankees pursuing, but every chance we got, we would form a line and fight until they commenced flanking us, which they could very well afford to do, as they had plenty (of) men to entertain us in front and an army on each side to go around us. Then, of course, we had to resume our march. So when we got into North Carolina Wade Hampton, the Senior Cavalry General, bunched up what cavalry he could and put out to surprise the Yankees while in camp. We rode all night and swam two rivers and succeeded in reaching their army about day  break.

They were surrounded by  branches  but we found a trail to cross and went across two in abreast. One went up the branch and the other down. Pretty soon, we closed in on them, took some of them out of bed and some others that were up. But about the time we thought we had things going our way, the infantry which was camping close by  put in on us and ran us out in that fight. They shot my mule down. I ran to get me a Yankee horse. Before I could unhitch it, they shot that, and I heeled it from there to the branch, but couldn't get a ride and had to get out to one side and let all pass by, Yanks, too. That night we got to an old man's house by the name of McLean. He treated us mighty nice, fed us on Johnnie Cakes, the first I ever saw. The(y) had   a piece of board -- they stood it up on its edge before the fire. When it got hot they put the doe (dough.) on it and baked it. I thought it was real good after fasting all day, (he) give us a good bed to sleep on -- that, we were not used to. After breakfast, he give us direction to Johnson's Ferry above Fayetteville, (North Carolina). As the bridge there was burnt, he also gave us a nigh cut. We went it but didn't get far before the Yankees got there and he put them right on our track and of course, took us. (We were in their hotel at Fayetteville for the night. Next morning their General sent for us. We were carried up before him and he asked us a few questions and told the gards (guards) to take us out.

''I understood someone had told them our men had stripped their men of clothing and I think they must have. Pretty soon after we got back to their camp, orders came to take our shoes, hats, coats off and burn them. So that was done and a little later we were on the march and it sleeting. As I had not walked much in a long time my feet were soon cold bit (frostbitten).  We marched right in the road behind all those horse and wagons in mud half‑leg deep. We marched 3 days that way before we got to a R.R. (railroad). There they shipped us to the coast, Newborn, N. C., I think. The next day they loaded us for prison -- Hart's Island -- about fifty or sixty miles above New York City. There they fed us on six soda crackers and a very small piece of meat a day. I didn’t get hungry but once while there and stayed so until we were payrolled (paroled). Then they took us to New York City and gave us a square meal, and that lasted me. until I got home. Otherwise they treated us as well as we could expect. My dayly (daily) occupation while there was killing body lice or gards (guards -?) -- whatever you wish to cawl (call) them. My time in prison was from March 12th to June 12th, 1865. 1 had a tough time getting home. My dinner in New York made me sick. As long as I could ride, I did very well, but walking got away with me. When we landed on the Island the Yankee soldiers gave me a pair of shoes and I sold part of my crackers and bought a coat. I got home okay and haven't grumbled about rations since.''

The original of this document has been given to the Special Collections at the Henderson Library at Georgia Southern University
It's owner, Mrs. Jo Brannen Chester, gave it to Smith C. Banks who has transcribed it and has presented it to the Library.

Smith C. Banks
April 7, 1994
 

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History Letters Personal Accounts

REMINISCENCES
of
JAMES T. LAMBRIGHT
LIBERTY INDEPENDENT TROOP
Georgia Department of Archives, Civil War Miscellaneous Papers

Submitted by  Steve Rush
 

Dedicated to the members passed present and future of the Liberty Independent Troop of Liberty County Ga.

This pamphlet contained the reminiscences of the undersigned in his effort to recall events in that period of the past which tested the strength both moral and physical of the women as well as the men of our Southland in their efforts to maintain their I inherited rights of independence and self government after being refused it peaceable withdrawal from a Union that had become oppressive to our section. The same spirit of resistance that fired the breasts of the people of the South in those days, was but the renaissance of that spirit that animated, our Patriot Colonial Forebears in their struggles with the Mother Country, for their Independence, and relief from oppression.

 While we contended for that which we conscientiously believed was constitutionally ours by right of inheritance and acquirement.

But few remain In life whose names are herein recorded. The majority have passed over the river and are resting in the shade beneath the trees on the other side, there awaiting their comrades who must. soon follow to answer the last roll call.

                                                                                                                                JAMES T. LAMBRIGHT

Brunswick, Ga., June 1, 1910.

To the Members of Clement A. Evans Chapter United Daughters of Confederacy, Brunswick, Ga.

Ladies: - In response to your request for personal reminiscences of members of the various commands that served in the Confederate army during the Civil War from 1861-1865, I will endeavor to give a brier record from memory of the movements, engagements, and campaigns of the company in which I served during that period. This Company was known as the Liberty Independent Troop of Liberty County, Georgia, and I learn from a pamphlet containing an historical address delivered to the Company in 1856 by Dr. C. C. Jones, of Liberty County, that from best information obtainable this Company was organized in 1788, though it is claimed that it dates from 1786, the same year the Chatham Artillery of Savannah was organized, which is the oldest Company in the state and the Liberty Independent Troop Is the oldest Cavalry Company In the state.

The first authentic record of the roll of this Company was made in 1794, at which time Colonel Ferdinand O'Neil. who had been an officer under Washington In the Revolutionary War, was elected Captain of the Company. In 1807 to 1812 the roll of officers were: Captain Samuel S. Law and First Lieutenant Joseph Jones Second Lieutenant James White, Third Lieutenant James Lambright, the writer's grandfather.

In 1813, Captain Law having been elected Major, the roll was charged to fill the vacancy caused by Captain Law's promotion, and Joseph Jones was elected Captain. John Elliott, First Lieutenant, James Lambright, Second Lieutenant and William Anderson, Third Lieutenant, and John Lewis, William Maxwell, R. Baker and John Coleman, Sergeants

A state of warfare existing at this time between the United States and Great Britain, the Troop or Company was repeatedly called upon to make expeditions against the hostile Indians. The British in 1814 having taken possession of St. Simons and Cumberland Islands attacked the United States Troops at Point Peter, near St. Mary's, under command of Major Massias, driving him from his entrenchments. General Daniel Stewart then in command of the Cavalry of the state, ordered the Liberty Independent Troop to immediately march and support the retreating United States troops. The Troop without delay pushed on to Fort Barrington on the Altamaha river and above Darien, and there met Major Massias with his force, and proceeded to Darien, and there joining the two Infantry Companies of the County, consisting of about one hundred and thirty men, under the command of Captain Robert Quarterman and Captain John Winn, which had also been ordered to Darien. An attack being expected daily from the enemy then in considerable force on St. Simons Island, the Troops remained on duty at Darien, together with the Chatham Troop and Savannah Hussars, all under command of Colonel John McPherson Berrien until January 30^th, 1815, and upon learning that peace had been declared, the troops returned to their home counties, and at Riceboro Colonel Berrien discharged the Liberty Troop from further service. The roll of the Liberty Troop at this time was:

Captain - Joseph Jones
First Lieutenant - John Elliott
Second Lieutenant - James Lambright
Third Lieutenant - William Anderson
First Sergeant - William Maxwell
Second Sergeant - Richard F. Baker
Third Sergeant - John Coleman
Fourth Sergeant - John Way

PRIVATES

Edmund Bacon
James F. Baker
John Baker
Charles Dix
Donald Frazler (?)
James Graham
John Harris
J. B. Maxwell
Duncan Graham
Lachlan McIntosh
Alexander McIver
Robert C. McConnell
Morgan Mara
Joseph Norman
Joseph Quarterman
Miles Smith
William Ward
D. Sullivan
John Jackson
John Maxwell

The troop continued as a organized volunteer military company from this time to the beginning of hostilities in 1861, when they volunteered and were mustered in to the Confederate service for a term of six months, and were stationed at Riceboro, Liberty County. At the expiration of the six month’s term the Company split on the choice of officers and formed the nucleus of two companies, each enlisting for a term of three years or the war, recruiting their ranks from other sections of the state. Captain Thompson, of Dorchester, was selected Captain of one company, which company was subsequently attached to the seventh Georgia regiment and served in Hampton’s Cavalry in Virginia. W. L. Walthour, of Walthourville, was elected Captain of the other Company, and the one which I was a member, and the propose to follow in my narrative.

    I was nearly 17 years of age when I enlisted in May, 1862.  The Troop was then encamped at Palmyra, near Sunbury, Liberty County, where it remained guarding the coast in that locally until the winter of 1862, when the Troop or Company was moved to the vicinity of Fort McAllister, and remained at that point during the bombardment of the fort by the Federal Ironclads.  The Company was then ordered to Savannah, Georgia, where, together with nine other troops of cavalry, the Fifth Georgia regiment of Cavalry was formed, officered as follows:

Regimental, Staff and Company Officers of the Fifth Georgia Regiment:

Colonel, Robert H. Anderson
Lieut. Col.  Edward Bird
Major, R. J. Davant
Adjutant, Geo. S. Barthelmess
Surgeon,  J. T. McFarland
Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Porter
Asst. Surg., N. P. Marlow
Quarter Master, Capt. James B. Gowen
Sergeant Major, James Bird

Captain of Troop "A", Georgia Hussars, Captain Wm. H. Wiltburger
Captain of Troop "B", Chatham Light Horse, Captain Richard F. Aiken
Captain of Troop "C", Blue Caps, Captain Isiah M. Marsh
Captain of Troop "D", Liberty Guards, Captain William Hughes
Captain of Troop "E", Bulloch Troop, Captain Best
Captain of Troop "F", Screven Troop, Captain W. H. McCall
Captain of Troop "G", Liberty Independent Troop, Captain L. W. Walthour
Captain of Troop "H", Lamar Rangers, Captain William Brailsford
Captain of Troop "I". Effingham Hussars, Captain Strobar
Captain of Troop "K", McIntosh Troop, Captain O. Hopkins.

After being organized the regiment was stationed at the Isle of Hope, near Savannah, Georgia, where it remained guarding the coast in that section.  During this period the Federal gunboats moved up the Altamaha river and landing at Darien burned several buildings in that town, and anticipating an attempt on the part of the gunboats to ascend further up the river to Doctor Town and destroy  the railroad bridge crossing the Altamaha at that point.  The Fifth Squadron of the Regiment consisting of Troops "B" and "G,"  was detached and moved to and stationed with a battery of artillery at Barrington Ferry on the banks of the Altamaha river, about 20 miles above Darien, where they remained about six weeks.  There being no further demonstrations by the gunboats in that vicinity the detached squadron was ordered to return to the Isle of Hope, rejoining the regiment which was still encamped at that point.  A short time after this, in the fall of 1863, the regiment was called to aid in repulsing the enemy, who were advancing upon Pocatalligo, South Carolina, from the coast where they had effected a landing near Coosawatchee, and were endeavoring to reach the railroad at that point.  After the defeat of the enemy and their retiring to port Royal, our regiment remained in the department several months, occupying positions at Pocatalligo, Adams Run, and Green Pond, South Carolina. 

A Train to Olustee
by
Dr. Ian Baillie

Our next move was to Olustee or Ocean Pond, Florida, when the Federals, under General Seymour, made an attempt to reach Tallahassee, but were driven back after a crushing defeat by our Confederate troops, to there base at Jacksonville.  We remained about three weeks in this department, about 3 miles from Jacksonville.  In May 1864, the Fifth Regiment was ordered back to Savannah, and crossed the Savannah River, and following the river to Augusta, Georgia, where the Regiment was put aboard cars and rushed to Atlanta, thence marched to Brush Mountain, some distance from Marietta.  The Regiment was then attached to the Confederate brigade, consisting of two Alabama regiments, two Confederate regiments, and our Fifth Georgia Regiment.  Our Colonel, R. H. Anderson, was put in command of the brigade and a short time after this he was promoted and made a brigadier general, after which the brigade was known as "Anderson's Brigade," and attached to Kelley's Division, Wheeler's Corps, C. S. Cavalry, Army of North Georgia, Under General Joseph E. Johnson and was actively employed in many engagements in checking the movements of Sherman's immense army toward Atlanta.  Johnston's entire force consisted of 46,000 men, while Sherman commanded 196,000 men, with the advantage of having superior arms, ammunition and other military accoutrements. Our Cavalry composed the flanks of our army and protected the rear in all retrograde movements of he army.  After crossing the Chattahoochee river and General Johnston had been superseded by General Hood the command was actively engaged in many fights and battles around Atlanta, Jonesboro, Decatur, and Newnan.  Anderson's Brigade was with Wheeler and took conspicuous part in the capture of the Raiders under Federal General Stoneman, where Wheelers Cavalry captured more than three times the number of boys in blue than he, Wheeler, had in his charging lines and columns of boys in gray, which is an established fact of historical record. On the 11th day of August, 1864, the writer's 19th birthday, General Wheeler, in obedience to an order from General Hood, then commander in chief of the army, crossed the Chattahoochee river and began operations in the rear of Sherman's Army.  He succeeded in destroying a large quantity of military store's also captured a large herd of beef cattle, which he had driven back into our lines.  On reaching Dalton we drove the garrison into their fortifications and occupied the town and destroyed considerable stores, also tore up the railroad for some distance, burning the ties and turning and twisting the iron rails out of shape.  After leaving Dalton our march was continued into Tennessee, passing through Cleveland, Athens, and Marysville, destroying sores and cutting the railroad en route.  At Strawberry Plains we encountered a strong garrison occupying a fort commanding the railroad bridge which crossed the Tennessee river at that point.  The Fifth Georgia Regiment was here dismounted and placed in position and held the Federals in check while the balance of the command crossed the river at a ford some distance below the bridge.  Here General Wheeler divided his force, sending three brigades, consisting of Dibrell's Tennessee Brigade, William's Kentucky Brigade, and Anderson's Brigade across the Cumberland Mountains into middle Tennessee. General Anderson, having been seriously wounded in our engagement with Stoneman's Raiders near, Newnan, Georgia, General Robertson was put in charge of Anderson's Brigade during our raid through Tennessee.  After crossing the Cumberland Mountains and reaching Carthage, a small village, the command halted for a short time to have our horses reshod where needed, ____ parties being sent out around the neighborhood in quest of Smithies to facilitate the work.  One of these parties under Captain Brailsford of the Fifth Georgia, was surprised by a scouting party of Federals and nearly the whole party were captured.

At this point General Dibrell, with his Brigade, separated from Anderson's and William's Brigades for the purpose of gathering recruits for his command from Southern sympathizers in that portion of the State of Tennessee. Near this place Lieutenant Augustus Fleming of Company "G", Fifth Regiment, was wounded, or injured so severely that he was left with a family who kindly took care of him until he recovered.  I met him since the war, and he told me that the Federals on learning of his presence, arrested him and sent him to prison, where he remained until released after the close of the war.  After a stop at this place for about two days we continued on, having several brushes with bush-whackers and scouting parties of Federals, our force now reduced to about 1,500 men.  Our line of march was toward Murfreesboro, destroying the railroad at several points en route.

Near Murfreesboro we encountered a large force of Federal Cavalry and mounted Infantry, but held them in check long enough, it was rumored among our boys, for Gen. Robertson to stop and marry his sweetheart whom he had met at a beautiful country home, a large and spacious dwelling set in the mist of a grand park of magnificent shade trees.  After the ceremony the bride in a carriage, with escort and guard, took the road which we later followed towards a village called Triune.  Before making this village we had a sharp brush with the enemy, who were endeavoring to rush us from the rear.  The Fifth Georgia Regiment was halted and formed in line to met the advance, and following a rapid discharge of grape and canister into their advancing column our regiment made a counter charge upon the enemy.  Colonel Bird was severely wounded just at this time, and Gen. Robertson, in the lead, shot an officer with his pistol, and Lieutenant Colonel Devant ran his saber through another officer who was leading the Federals, who were hurled back upon their reserves.  The enemy soon rallied and continued the advance in full force, our command retiring slowly toward Triune.  The enemy having concentrated their forces decided to make another rush, and advanced their cavalry in a charge upon our line, which was retiring.  General Williams, commanding the Kentucky Brigade, anticipating this movement, had dismounted his men and formed them into line facing the approach, hidden from view.  After our Regiment passed this line the enemy, advancing rapidly, the Kentucky boys opened a destructive fire upon their advancing line, which utterly demoralized them to such an extent as to cause a hasty retreat on their part, leaving their dead and wounded on the field where they fell.  Our policy was not to give battle except when forced to do so, as our ammunition was limited and the purpose of our raid was to destroy as much army stores belonging to the enemy as we could locate, and cut their lines of supply and communication whenever possible to do so.  We passed through Triune and on reaching Shelbyville found the garrison that had been station there had hastily decamped, leaving their stores and sutlers' supplies at our mercy.  There as at Dalton, we gave to the citizens of the town the privilege of helping themselves to whatever they wanted and took such as we needed, and destroyed the remainder. We continued to follow the railroad lines, destroying as much as possible of the roadbeds, water tanks, etc., until we arrived at a village called Sparta, where we were rejoined by Dibrell’s Tennessee Brigade, which had separated from the other two brigades, William’s Kentucky and Anderson’s Confederate, for the purpose of gathering up recruits from those in that section of the state of Tennessee who desired to join the regular Confederate forces, as there were several bands of what was known as partisan rangers, and Southern sympathizers in that section who desired to, and did connect themselves with Dibrell’s Brigade, and continued with them until the bitter end.

After leaving this point the three reunited brigades started on their return, and as we in the ranks understood would make a rapid march to Cumberland Gap, and by concentrated action with the Confederate Cavalry under Generals Morgan, Duke and Vaughn, who were on the opposite side of the Gap, make a simultaneous attack at both entrances on the garrison then in possession under the command of the notorious Parson Brownlow, but on approaching the position we were to take, it was learned that General Morgan had been surprised, captured and killed by the enemy. This necessitated a change of plan on the part of our officers, for General Burbridge, in command of the Federal forces, said to number fifteen thousand men. were closely following up. and it was necessary for our health, as well as comfort, to hunt for another point at which we could cross the Cumberland Mountains. This was accomplished after an arduous and fatiguing trip following mountain roads and bridle paths, keeping up a continuous skirmish with the pursuing Federals. without the loss of our train, which consisted of four rifled field howitzers, and an ambulance. After crossing the Cumberland we marched on Bristol station, which is situated on the line of Tennessee and Virginia. We were thereabouts two days resting, when news was received that the forces under General Burbridge, which followed us up the mountains, had made a detour and crossed at another point, and were making for Gladesville, where our government salt works were located. Immediately our command, together with all available troops in that department, were hastened to that point, where we arrived in time to intercept the Federals and beat them back after as fierce a fight as I ever witnessed or took part in. The battle lasted from about 8 o’clock a. m. until after dark. Here we came in contact for the first time with mixed troops, whites and negroes. No quarter was asked or given. That night we rested in line of battle on top of the mountain ridge which enclosed the valley in which the salt works were located. At dawn our skirmish line, advancing, discovered that the enemy, save the dead and badly wounded, were not in our front, and upon investigation it was discovered that they had made a quiet and hasty retreat during the night, A portion of our troops were sent in pursuit, and succeeded in capturing several hundred men and horses, together with a lot of arms and ammunition. This was in October, 1864, and ended the raid so far as our three brigades were concerned. General Breckenridge, who commanded the troops engaged in defense of the salt works at Gladesville, delivered an address to our three brigades commending our boys for their fortitude and gallantry during the fierce and repeated assaults made by the enemy upon our lines in their effort to capture and destroy the salt works, and that our presence in that section was opportune, as the enemy outnumbered the available troops two to one, even with our added force.

After resting a few days we took up our march headed for Georgia, crossing the Allegheny Mountains into North Carolina, passing through Ashville, thence through the northwest portion of South Carolina to Spartanburg, crossing the Savannah river into Georgia, near Abbeville, thence towards Atlanta, at the time occupied by Sherman. General Wheeler with the other portion of his command, was in the vicinity of Newnan, Georgia, and immediately after consolidation we struck Sherman’s army at Bear Creek station, and had a desperate encounter with the enemy’s infantry, losing about one-third of our regiment in killed, wounded and captured. I think our officers were deceived as the number of the enemy at that point, and dismounted our men to hold a certain position on the railroad, and held the position too long with so small a force. The enemy attacked in such overwhelming force that our boys were run over and cut to pieces before they could be reinforced. One of our color guards, T. Q. Fleming of Company G, was one of those who succeeded in making their escape, and gave a thrilling account of his experience. He stated that just as they were closing in on our line a riderless horse from the enemy’s side dashed up to our lines. He succeeded in getting hold of the bridle rein and brought the horse to a halt. He then mounted him and attempted to assist the color bearer, Sergeant Russell Walthour, to mount also, but was so hard pressed that he failed. He took the colors from Walthour and succeeded to making his escape, winning the race by a close shave. About two hundred yards to the rear of this point a heavier line was formed in reserve and checked a further advance of the enemy. Our color bearer on discovering that he was left threw himself down on the ground. The enemy, thinking he was dead, passed him by. Fortunately, there was a clump of buses nearby, into which he crawled and secreted himself until dark, when he succeeded in getting to cover in the woods nearby, slipping through the enemy’s line, and regained our lines in safety, just as we were going into camp near Griffin, Georgia. Foe several days before reaching Macon we were continuously engaged skirmishing with the Federal Cavalry, commanded by General Kilpatrick, and succeeded in forcing them to keep near their infantry support, therefore saving a great deal of property from being destroyed by bands of their forging parties and marauders, confining the district through which Sherman passed to as narrow a trail as possible. When we reached Macon, General Hardee had gathered up a small force, too small and feeble to make any resistance to Sherman’s hosts, but aided in preventing an entrance into Macon. We had a brush with the enemy at Griswoldville and succeeded in forcing them to keep close columns and in touch one with the other, thereby preventing them from overrunning a wider stretch of territory, thus saving much property of our people from destruction. The Georgia home guards, or state troops, composed of men too old and boys too young to serve in the army, took part in this fight, and it was said of them, that they were a band of heroes and knew not the meaning of the word "Retreat," but held their ground like the Old Guards, with few their equals and none their superiors, in gallantry and brave resistance, while facing the charging battle line of Sherman’s well drilled and seasoned soldiers. All honor to the Gallant Home Guards, many of whom were martyrs that day. Braver men or boys never lived or died than they.

General Hardee, with his small force, fell back towards Savannah, doing what he could in obstructing Sherman’s progress in that direction, while General Wheeler with his cavalry guarded the approaches to Augusta. He had an engagement at Waynesboro and Brier Creek, driving Kilpatrick’s Cavalry buck to their infantry columns and continued to harass Sherman’s flanks and rear until reaching some distance below Augusta, when he crossed over the Savannah river, and resisted successfully Sherman’s efforts to cross over any portion of his troops to the Carolina side for the purpose of cutting off the retreat of the small force that General Hardee had collected, and were occupying the fortifications in and around the city of Savannah. Hardee evacuated the city about the 24th of December 1864, crossing the Savannah river on pontoon bridges to the South Carolina side and moved up the cost.

Soon Sherman resumed his advance through Carolina.. About this time General Wheeler was reinforced by Butler’s Brigade, which had been detached from Hampton’s Cavalry in Virginia. Sherman, continuing to advance, we had daily brushes and skirmishes with Kilpatrick’s cavalry and the mounted infantry adjuncts of the Infantry Corps.

At Aiken, Kilpatrick made an attempt to enter the village. Wheeler set a trap for him, forming his command in shape of the letter "V," extending with the top towards the approach; sides on each side of the road, and bottom of letter at Aiken. Iverson’s Brigade occupied the center of approach, facing Kilpatrick advancing columns, with instructions to fall back towards Aiken, drawing the enemy in between our two extended lines, which at the proper time would close in upon their column from either side, but Iverson failed to give way fast enough, and our lines were discovered, and the plan was a partial failure. The enemy turned about and made a hasty retreat, losing several hundred men and horses killed, wounded and captured, besides part of one of their batteries captured from them when our boys closed in on them from both flanks. This thought Kilpatrick a lesson which I don’t think he ever forgot, for never thereafter did he leave the main infantry column for any distance, but continued in easy reach.

After repulsing the enemy at Aiken, SC., driving back their cavalry under General Kilpatrick to their infantry column, which was headed for Columbia, our Cavalry took up a line of march parallel to the same point. It was a very cold day and night, rain and sleet falling steadily on us as we marched in column en route, everything covered with ice, icicles hanging from our hat rims and stirrup guards. The manes, tails and fetlocks of our horses were frozen and a bridge we crossed had to be sanded continuously to enable our horses to keep their feet while mounting and dismounting the slops at either end.

It was sometime after night before we halted and went into camp for the rest of the night. We soon had big fires burning and after drying our clothes and warming we wrapped up in our blankets and lay down by the fires to get what rest and sleep we could. At dawn we were up and by sunrise we were again in our column, and shortly after leaving our camping ground we were passing a field on our right, enclosed with a rail fence, which was about thirty feet from the road, and on the fence were perched about two dozen soldier boys wrapped in their regulation overcoats, enjoying the warm rays of the rising sun, which felt good after our experience of the day and night just preceding.

I will here state that the majority of our boys wore over their uniforms either rubber ponchos or the United States army overcoats of blue involuntarily supplied by the boys in blue. The boys on the fence had left their arms in their camp, and, as usual, chaffing began between them and the boys on the march, but all at once a discovery was made which caused the boys on the fence to fall off like so many cooters off a log in a mill pond, and scoot like wild turkeys for the other side of the field. The discovery was mutual, but before any shoots were fired at the fleeing Yanks some big-hearted "Jonney" among us called out in a loud voice: "Don’t shoot them boys, they haven’t any arms - let them go." The Yanks, on reaching the other side of the field, looked around at us, and it appearing that no effort was being made by any of us to pursue them, and no shots were fired at them, they stopped, waved their hats to us , and leisurely entered the woods beyond, rejoining their comrades. Evidently we had camped within a hundred yards or so of each other during the night under the impression that we were part and parcel of the same command.

We continued our march toward Columbia, parallel to the enemy’s line, and at noon had a brush with their infantry. A part of our Cavalry took a road to the left, leading as I understand to Lexington, and my recollection is that it was General William’s Kentucky Brigade. We continued our march, but the position of Anderson’s Brigade was changed from head to the rear of the column, and did not cross the river at Columbia until late that night, and I think we crossed below the city, over a railroad bridge temporarily planked over for the occasion, and marched through and camped on the outskirts of the city on the north side. Next morning we were moved back and across the river, over a covered bridge, and took position in the right some distance from the bridge. We understood that we were there purpose of guarding the approaches to the bridge and protecting the flank of William’s Brigade, which was coming through from Lexington and were headed for and were expected to cross at that bridge. General Joseph Wheeler (our little Joe) was with R. H. Anderson and his Brigade when we crossed and took position over on the west side of the river, to the right of the bridge, and when William’s Kentucky Brigade came to where we were stationed, General Wheeler directed the movements in crossing at the bridge, and I think our (Anderson’s) Brigade brought up the rear and crossed after the Kentucky Brigade. At any rate the bridge, a covered one, was on fire when we got to it and a number of our men were trying to extinguish the flames, using water from barrels that were on each side of the passageway the length of the bridge, and succeeded in checking the fire sufficiently to allow our troops to cross. Several of our men and horses were severely scorched, however, and a squad of six or eight were unable to force their horses to enter the bridge, and had to turn back and followed the river up until they succeeded in finding a crossing.

They rejoined the command about a week later after being given up as lost. Our command after crossing moved to the right across a stretch of meadow, toward what appeared to be a large factory buildings, passing on our left a body of cavalry in line and facing our rank as we moved in column. I understand that this was General Butler’s command, a part of General Hampton’s Cavalry. Shortly after taking position near the river bank, the enemy with a battery of howitzers began to shell that portion of the city and got our range. We were then moved further back and a portion of our men were dismounted and were deployed along the bank of the river, where they remained until driven out by the enemy, who had crossed the river somewhere below and had entered the city, of which fact we were not long in ignorance, for Sherman soon had his beacon lights started and bond fires aglow, leaving a pathway of devastation and destruction back to the Savannah river, thence through Georgia to Atlanta,

This condition continued until we reached North Carolina. Fragments of Hood’s army had been coming in and General Joseph E. Johnston was put in command of the remnant of infantry and artillery that had once been the grand army of North Georgia. For though diminutive compared with his opponent, the Federal army under Sherman, no individual who was connected with his army while under General Johnston but knows that no troops at any time had greater confidence in their chief than did the army of North Georgia in Joseph E. Johnston. They were ready at all times to do or die at his command, and our confidence was not misplaced.

After taking command, General Johnston got his troops together and the spirits of the men seemed to revive. We were not whipped yet by a long shot. Skirmishing was of daily occurrence. At Fayetteville our Cavalry surprised and captured a number of Kilpatrick’s men and missed by a small margin this festive gentleman himself, but did get his companion and part of his personal outfit.

At Bentonville Johnston exhibited his military ability and scored his last victory. With a force of not over fifteen thousand men he held in check and repulsed charge after charge and assault after assault made by troops numbering almost ten to one, who were flushed with victory, having made a triumphal march through hostile country several hundred miles almost unopposed.

They, with springing step and sparkling eye, the veteran of a hundred battles, with undoubting faith in victory already won, charged upon this small array of boys in gray tatters, who stood unprotected by bank or rock, with nerves of steel and bated breath. When at the command to fire each volley told its tale, for like standing grain before the harvest blade the advancing line went down in death.. And as the sun sank low the battle ceased and night approaching drew her mantle over the scene, thus hiding from view the gruesome sight, the ground now strewn with blood-stained and mangled forms, some our friends and comrades and others our foes, for both the blue and the gray lay wounded, dead or dying out there between the lines.

The army surgeons and hospital corps were soon busy attending the wounded upon the field, while our boys sought rest after the fatigues of the day.

Early next day our Cavalry was moved toward Smithfield, where we encountered the enemy’s cavalry, and skirmishing continued daily.

But the end was near. Soon we heard the sad tidings -- Lee has surrendered. It was hard to believe the message, but soon we were convinced of the truth of the report, for soon small squads of men in ragged gray uniforms came straggling by and confirmed the sad, sad news - Lee had surrendered. I saw strong men shed tears on that day, but not of shame - for well they knew that all that a man could do they had done.

Fortunately General Grant was a true soldier and could appreciate an honorable and valiant foe, and agreed to terms of surrender that of a right we were entitled to, and each soldier was allowed to retain possessions of his personal property. The Cavalrymen had furnished their own horses, but most of us had United States saddles and bridles, but no question was raised about that, so we retained them also.

Our infantry was at Greensboro and the Cavalry under Wheeler was at a place called Company Shops, and between our Infantry and the Federal army at the time of the surrender of Johnson’s army which was on the 26^th day of April, 1865.

The roll of the Liberty Independent Troop, Company "G," at the time of the surrender of those present and paroled were:

Second Sergeant Edward W. Russell
Third Sergeant G. Fred King
Forth Corporal Fleming Law

Privates

C. Anderson
T. B. Blount
John Bird
J. E. Berry
O. D. Chester
W. Chisholm
J. M. Clifton
Wesley Cobb
O. Culberson
J. H. Calwell
R. M. Calwell
M. M. Doyln
B. F. Dye
G. A. Evans
J. A. Girarseau
N. B. Harden
G. W. Horton
Malachla Johns
Roswell King
John Long
Robert Long
James T. Lambright
Allexander M. McIver
D. McCraig
G. M. William
W. Swinton McIntosh
James F. Maudeville
D. A. Perry
B. A. K. Robentson
Henry A. Russell
J. T. Roland
Edward J. Thomas
Charles Walker
James R. Walker
Robert H. Walthour
Taylor Walthour
Franks Willis
Y. H. Winn

A short time prior to the surrender, Captain W. L. Walthour, with a detachment from our regiment, was sent on some special scouting service, and was not with his company at the time, but was with the command somewhere on duty.

A number of those on the roll at the time of the surrender were recruits who joined the company at various times during our three years of service. We lost in killed, wounded and captured up to date of surrender about sixty privates and five officers.

After the surrender we started on our return to our homes in Georgia, and after arriving at Augusta we separated in small parties, each selecting the most direct route. I arrived at Tebeauville, Ware county, where our family refugeed, rejoining them after an absence of three years, May 1862 - May 1866

Respectfully,
James T. Lambright
Member Company G, Fifth Regiment, Georgia Cavalry, C.S.A.

ROLL OF OFFICERS AND PRIVATES
(Roll taken from Reminiscences of JAMES T. LAMBRIGHT)

Troop "G" Fifth Regiment, Georgia Cavalry, at time of enlistment, 1862, and recruits during service to April 26^th, 1865:

Captain, Walthour, L. W.
First Lieutenant, Fleming, Augustus
Second Lieutenant, Hendley, George
Third Lieutenant, Stevens, William
First Sergeant, Fleming, Samuel
Second Sergeant, Russell, Edward W.
Third Sergeant, Alexander, Charles
Fourth Sergeant, King, Russell
Fifth Sergeant, Walthour, Russell
First Corporal, Varnedoe, Jas. O.
Second Corporal, Fleming, Josiah L.
Third Corporal, Fennell, Edward
Fourth Corporal, Cay, David

Privates

Anderson, C.,
Arnold, Elliott,
Bacon, Alford,
Baker, Wm.,
Bauldorff,__ ,
Berry, J.E.,
Billups, __ , 
Bird, John,
Blount, T.B.,
Bradley, __ ,
Brumby, Wallace,
Bruton, __ ,
Burroughs, Jas. P.,
Caldwell, Joseph,
Caldwell, Robert,
Cay, Raymond,
Chester, O.D.,
Clay, Joseph,
Clifton, Harrison,
Clifton, John,
Clifton, Thomas,
Cobb, John,
Cobb, Ollie,
Cobb, Westley,
Culberson, Samuel,
Eppinger, J.A.,
Evans, S.A.,
Fleming, J.S.,
Fleming, James,
Fleming, T.Q.,
Fleming, Thomas M.,
Fort, Elias,
Gaskins, William,
Gignilliat, Gilbert W.,
Gignilliat, Norman,
Girardeau, Axson,
Girardeau, John,
Glover, __,
Glover, Boling,
Griffin, __,
Hall, __,
Harden, N.B.
Harden, Uriah,
Harley, James,
Heyman, __,
Hill, David,
Jenkins, Rowan,
Johns, Malachi,
Jones, G. W.,
King, Bayard,
King, Clarence,
King, McLeod,
Lambright, James T.,
Lawrence, Proctor,
Lisle, James,
Long, John,
Long, Robert,
Lucas, __,
Mandeville, Jas.,
Mandeville, T.,
Mattox, C. C.,
Mattox, L.C.,
Mattox, M.M.,
McConnell, Jas. D.,
McIntosh, Rory,
McIver, A.M.,
McPhall, James,
McQuaig, __,
McQuaig, D.,
McWilliams, G.M.,
Mitchell, Robert,
Padgett, __,
Perry, D. A. P.,
Pratt, __,
Quarterman, A. S.,
Quarterman, J. H.,
Roberts, Jas. J.,
Robertson, B. A. K.,
Rochenbaugh, Jake,
Rowland, J. T.,
Russell, Henry,
Russell, Newton,
Stevens, Henry P.,
Sykes, Joseph,
Thomas, Ed. J.,
Varnedo, Carrell,
Varnedo, Rufus,
Walker, Charles,
Walker, James,
Walthour, Robt. H.,
Walthour, Taylor,
Way, William J.,
Willis, Walter A.,
Yonkers, __,
Youmans, __, 

Submitted by  Steve Rush

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DOCTORS IN THE SADDLE

There was no shortage of doctors in the 5th Georgia Cavalry!!

The 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment had more than its share of Medical Doctors. When the War broke out, Doctors answered the call to arms just like their neighbors who were farmers, planters, lawyers, and stockmen. Their first duty was to fight as mounted soldiers, and secondarily to serve their troops as medical doctors. Many members of the medical community served with honor and distinction in the 5th Georgia Cavalry. The only two positions in the 5th for MD’s was the Regimental and Assistant Regimental Surgeon. The other doctors went into combat as officers, non-commissioned officers and privates. The Doctors of the 5th were:

Hinesville Georgia
Private James F. Mandeville, MD, Company G, 5th Georgia Cavalry
Private Keith Axson Quarterman, MD, Captain Winn's Company (Membership in the 5th Georgia Cavalry not confirmed)

Walthourville, Georgia
Private Andrew Walthour, MD, Company G 5th Georgia Cavalry
Private Joseph Jones (Later Major) MD, Company G, 5th Georgia Cavalry

Taylors Creek, Georgia
1st Lt. A. B. Daniel, MD, Company D, 5th Georgia Cavalry
Private Capers C. Daniel, MD, Company D, 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiment

Statesboro and Bulloch County Georgia
Captain Alfred Iverson Hendry, MD, Company E, 5th Georgia Cavalry. (Capt. Hendry organized the Bulloch Troop and served as its first commander.)

Darien Georgia
3rd Sergeant Warren Johnson, MD, Company H, 5th Georgia Cavalry.
Corporal Charles C. Carpenter , MD, Company K 5th Georgia Cavalry

Savannah and Chatham County Georgia
Captain John Theodore McFarland, MD, Regimental Surgeon, 5th Georgia Cavalry 
Captain Nicholas P. Marlow, MD, Assistant Regimental Surgeon, 5th Georgia Cavalry.
Private B. F. Palmer, MD, Company A, 5th Georgia Cavalry.

Clinch County
Private Lucius Cornelius Mattox, MD, Surgeon in company G, 5th Georgia Calvary.

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History Letters Personal Accounts

2nd Lieutenant William Michael HENDERSON
Company E, 5th Georgia Cavalry
Bulloch Troop

War Record of W. M. Henderson 

Father of Mrs. Lizzie Henderson Evans, Mrs. Mary Henderson Overstreet, Mrs. Emmie Hollingsworth, Mrs. Annie Henderson Farr and Miss Lottie Henderson, all members of the Screven county chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy.  W. M. Henderson was born at Cameron, Ga., February 28, 1843: entered the Confederate army, Co. E, Fifth Georgia cavalry, which was made up of Bulloch, Screven and Emanuel men.  He had intended enlisting with the Screven troop, but living just across the river from Bulloch, and having many schoolmates and close friends across the river, he went with them.  He was eighteen years of age when he entered the service February 24, 1862, and served his beloved cause until May 2, 1865, being in active service three years and three months.

            His regiment did coast duty from Savannah to Jacksonville, Fla., until the last year of the war:  they joined the western army in April, 1864.  The following is quoted from letters written home about himself, while doing skirmish duty in Fla:

 
            ‘‘I enlisted in Savannah under Captain A. L. Hendry, went from there to Jacksonville, located about three miles out, at Cedar Creek, Fla.:  from there to Adams Run, S.C., on May 21, 1864.  From there to Western army under General Johnson:  joined the western army at Kennesaw mountain, did skirmish duty there until removed to Saltville, Va., where we fought negroes mostly; they were made drunk by the Yanks:  we fairly mowed them down.  Had typhoid fever for six weeks in the summer of 1863.”

His stepfather, J. C. Cameron, tried to secure his relief from the army after that long illness, in June, 1863, but Colonel Anderson would not accept a substitute; said he was too good a soldier to release. And, indeed, no braver, better, more loyal man offered his life for his country; well may they do him honor.

 He was on picket duty in and around Charleston, S.C., for six months.  During the year 1862, he was doing courier duty under General Beauregard.  During a retreat near Waynesboro he was practically exhausted, and was picked up and carried to safety by Sergeant Major James Bird, of the Effingham Hussars, who was the father of Mrs. George Sharpe, our chapter historian.

While serving near Waynesboro, Mr. Henderson won marked honor as told in the following letter quoted from Mrs. Atwood, wife of one of the captains in the regiment:

“A Brave Color Bearer” 

An incident of conspicuous daring is told of W. M. Henderson of the cavalry troop which, with the “McIntosh cavalry”, formed the fifth squadron of the Fifth Georgia regiment of cavalry.  This young man almost a boy in years, but endowed with all the heroic valor of his southern ancestry, was acting flag bearer of his brigade.  When the brigade, overpowered by numbers, was retreating in hot haste, he, inspired with the courage born of a just cause, stopped and, turning his horse to face the enemy, used his flag staff as a weapon, with which he dismounted the adjutant of the Ninth Michigan regiment, capturing him and his horse and bridle and saddle, two fine army revolvers, saber and belt.  The saber belt was a very fine one, much nicer than any used in our army, and was given as a trophy to General R. H. Anderson.  The Yankees were repulsed and young Henderson was handed next morning a promotion for “brilliant and conspicuous bravery on the field of battle.”

After the retirement of Captain Hendry, under whom Mr. Henderson enlisted, Captain G. B. Best was elected to the captaincy:  Captain Best was killed at Waynesboro, Ga., while he was standing talking to Mr. Henderson about the brave feat of Mr. Henderson in capturing the officer of the Ninth Michigan regiment.  He fought under General Joe Wheeler near Marietta, Ga., in an army of 85,000 against 120,000 of the enemy.

His impression of Atlanta, written in a letter to his sweetheart, who was afterwards his wife, “Atlanta is a nasty, muddy little town.”  He was at Green Pond, S.C., without tents or any comforts—said—“we had three turkeys and a rooster for Christmas dinner, three of the boys appropriated them from somebody’s hen roost.”

Furloughs were scarce those days, hardships and short rations were the most they had.  His regiment did picket duty on the rice fields near Savannah, and it was during this time that Causey Overstreet was wounded, which wound eventually caused his death.

“There were about sixteen men from this section who were members of the same Bulloch troop, and John R. Evans and myself are the only ones living today—March 13, 1922.”

Doing picket duty in North Carolina, while exchanging shot with the Yanks, the fence he was standing behind was struck several times, one ball lodging in a rail directly in front of him.  Had it come through it would undoubtedly have wounded him seriously.

After serving his beloved south as long as she needed him, giving his best at all times and under all conditions, with all his loyalty and unswerving attention to duty, he came home and married Miss Annie Brown, of Buena Vista, Ga., and reared a large family.  Children and grandchildren delight to do him honor.

From The Atlanta Constitution, possibly 1922.  Transcribed from original clipping by Carole Farr Drexel, drexel410@charter.net, a great great granddaughter of Wm. M. Henderson and his wife, Cynthia Ann Gray Brown Henderson.  They were married shortly after the end of the war, according to the Henderson family Bible record, October 18, 1865.  He died April 17, 1932, and is buried at the old Oak Grove Methodist Church cemetery with the rest of his family.  2-24-2004

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NOON DAY CHURCH
June 15, 1864
The 5^th Georgia is assigned to Wheeler’s Corps.
From EIGHTH CONFEDERATE CAVALRY 1861 – 1865
 [Original deposited in Alabama, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama.

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History Letters Personal Accounts

Battle of Brown's Mill
McCOOK’s RAID
(Newnan, Georgia)
July 30, 1864
 

"We have just completed the killing, capturing, and breaking up of the entire raiding party under General McCook."

Major General Joe Wheeler

Battle of Brown's Mill
(Newnan, Georgia)
Georgia Historical Marker

"On July 27, 1864, Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook with 3,600 Federal cavalry began a raid to destroy railroads south of Atlanta and release 32,000 Federal prisoners at Andersonville. Three miles south of Newnan on July 30th, Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler with 1,400 Confederate cavalry caught and routed the Federals, captured about 2,000 men, several ambulances, a full battery and released 500 Confederate prisoners. Here General Wheeler whipped the "pick" of the Federal cavalry and saved Newnan from capture and possible destruction."

Reports from the Official Records on Brown's Mill
The Battle of Browns Mill Web Site

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History Letters Personal Accounts

McCOOK’s RAID
General Anderson is Wounded
From: EIGHTH CONFEDERATE CAVALRY 1861- 1865
[Original deposited in Alabama, Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama.]

General Wheeler now joined Kelley in person and hearing of McCook’s raid to the Westward, put himself at the head of Anderson’s Brigade, composed of the 1st, 3rd, 8th and 10th Confederate and 5th Georgia cavalry, and started after McCook. The following extract from a letter written from near Newman, Ga., on August 1st 1864, gives an outline of what followed:

"Our brigade was again put in motion for Jonesboro 18 miles distant and 20 miles South of Atlanta, on the Macon railroad. We reached Jonesboro about 11 P.M. where we heard that a large cavalry force had crossed the Chattahoochee near Campbellton, and, passing around our left wing, had cut the Macon road, burned a large number of our wagons and was going towards Fayetteville (a village on the Macon railroad below Jonesboro) with Jackson’s one Brigade and Humes with two, close upon their heels. Hearing this our brigade pushed on all night, reaching Fayetteville early next morning. There we found the enemy retreating towards Newman on the Atlanta and West Point railroad. We followed at full speed, under a broiling sun. Four miles brought us to the place where Ross’ Texas Brigade had come up with and charged the enemy. Dead and wounded Yankees, with the usual debris of the battle field were scattered along. My squadron being rear-guard, and the road being filled with stragglers and men with broken down horses, I was necessarily delayed. Our forces drove the enemy along at a rapid rate; so fast that they had no time to damage the people much along the route. The Yanks intended to pass through Newman, where we had large hospitals, but on nearing the town found a force of infantry ready to receive them (It was really Roddy’s dismounted cavalry) and turned around the town. Five miles from Newman we had pushed them until they were compelled to halt and give battle."

At the battle near Newman, General Anderson of our Brigade was wounded; McCook was routed and escaped across the Chattahoochee with about one third of the force he had led forth a few days before. Our forces captured between a thousand and two thousand horse, generally well equipped in regulation style and selected for this expedition.

General Iverson, as we have seen, pursued Stoneman. As Stoneman approached Macon, General Howell Cobb gathered up a few hundred old men and boys of Joe Brown’s militia, and in addition mustered in citizens and clerks of the town generally, hastily organized them with the aid of convalescent officers, commissaries, quarter-masters, etc., and arms from private houses, such as could be found. He took this improvised force two or three miles from town, met Stoneman on the way, fought him several hours and drove him back. General Iverson at this juncture came up with Stoneman’s main force some 20 miles from Macon, and captured him and the larger part of his force, dispersing the others, which Col. W. C. P. Breckenridge pursued, capturing many. Thus terminated the effort of Sherman, with cavalry, to destroy the Confederate lines of communication, and to force Hood out of Atlanta. Fully one third of Sherman’s 9,000 cavalry were either killed, wounded or captured by Wheeler’s troopers, numbering in all less than one half the entire well equipped force sent out by the enemy, with losses quite small comparatively on our side.
 

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History Letters Personal Accounts

General Wheeler's  Tennessee Raid

Reports from the Official Records
Tennessee Raid

On August 11, 1864, General John Bell Hood ordered Wheeler's cavalry  to disrupt the Union Army supply lines in Tennessee, providing relief for the Confederate Army of Tennessee. Before this operation was over sections of the 5th Georgia regiment would travel through Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  There was constant fighting and many were captured in Tennessee. Those captured spent the remainder of the war as POW’s. The regiment would return to face General Sherman’s Army on its march on Savannah. 

The Confederate Forces at the Battle of Saltville, Virginia

 For a detailed account of the Tennessee Raid and personal accounts of prison life, see “In the Saddle” by Timothy Daiss 

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BATTLE OF BEAR CREEK STATION
From: REMINISCENCES of JAMES T. LAMBRIGHT, LIBERTY INDEPENDENT TROOP  
Georgia Department of Archives, Civil War Miscellaneous Papers

After resting a few days we took up our march headed for Georgia, crossing the Allegheny Mountains into North Carolina, passing through Ashville, thence through the northwest portion of South Carolina to Spartanburg, crossing the Savannah river into Georgia, near Abbeville, thence towards Atlanta, at the time occupied by Sherman. General Wheeler with the other portion of his command was in the vicinity of Newnan, Georgia, and immediately after consolidation we struck Sherman’s army at Bear Creek station, and had a desperate encounter with the enemy’s infantry, losing about one-third of our regiment in killed, wounded and captured. I think our officers were deceived as the number of the enemy at that point, and dismounted our men to hold a certain position on the railroad, and held the position too long with so small a force. The enemy attacked in such overwhelming force that our boys were run over and cut to pieces before they could be reinforced. One of our color guards, T. Q. Fleming of Company G, was one of those who succeeded in making their escape, and gave a thrilling account of his experience. He stated that just as they were closing in on our line a riderless horse from the enemy’s side dashed up to our lines. He succeeded in getting hold of the bridle rein and brought the horse to a halt. He then mounted him and attempted to assist the color bearer, Sergeant Russell Walthour, to mount also, but was so hard pressed that he failed. He took the colors from Walthour and succeeded to making his escape, winning the race by a close shave. About two hundred yards to the rear of this point a heavier line was formed in reserve and checked a further advance of the enemy. Our color bearer on discovering that he was left threw himself down on the ground. The enemy, thinking he was dead, passed him by. Fortunately, there was a clump of buses nearby, into which he crawled and secreted himself until dark, when he succeeded in getting to cover in the woods nearby, slipping through the enemy’s line, and regained our lines in safety, just as we were going into camp near Griffin, Georgia. Foe several days before reaching Macon we were continuously engaged skirmishing with the Federal Cavalry, commanded by General Kilpatrick, and succeeded in forcing them to keep near their infantry support, therefore saving a great deal of property from being destroyed by bands of their forging parties and marauders, confining the district through which Sherman passed to as narrow a trail as possible. When we reached Macon, General Hardee had gathered up a small force, too small and feeble to make any resistance to Sherman’s hosts, but aided in preventing an entrance into Macon. We had a brush with the enemy at Griswoldville and succeeded in forcing them to keep close columns and in touch one with the other, thereby preventing them from overrunning a wider stretch of territory, thus saving much property of our people from destruction. The Georgia home guards, or state troops, composed of men too old and boys too young to serve in the army, took part in this fight, and it was said of them, that they were a band of heroes and knew not the meaning of the word "Retreat," but held their ground like the Old Guards, with few their equals and none their superiors, in gallantry and brave resistance, while facing the charging battle line of Sherman’s well drilled and seasoned soldiers. All honor to the Gallant Home Guards, many of whom were martyrs that day. Braver men or boys never lived or died than they. 

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History Letters Personal Accounts

Sylvan Grove

          Late on Nov. 26, 1864, Kilpatrick’s cavalry division (U), which was covering the left of Gen. Sherman’s army on its March to the Sea, camped at Sylvan Grove.  Murray’s brigade covered the rear.  At 2:00 A. M., the outpost (8^th Indiana Cavalry) was attacked by Wheeler’s Cavalry (C) and driven in.  Supported by the 2^nd Kentucky Cavalry, it retired slowly to Murray’s barricaded camp.

          Wheeler resumed the attack at daylight as Kilpatrick was moving off on the Waynesboro road, harassing the Union column and causing some losses, then turned toward Augusta to keep his command between Kilpatrick and that important Confederate munitions center.

(Ga. Historical marker at GA 296 at intersection with the upper Fenn’s Bridge Road) 

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ACTIONS AT WAYNESBORO

Late on Nov. 26, 1864, elements of the 3rd Cavalry Division [Union], Brig. Gen. J.L. Kilpatrick, USA, of Gen. Sherman's army, reached the railroad bridge north of Waynesboro and partially burned it before being driven off by troops of the Cavalry Corps, Army of Tennessee [Confederate], Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, CSA. Next day, Kilpatrick entered Waynesboro and destroyed a train of cars and much private property before being driven from the town by Wheeler, who attacked his camp south of Waynesboro at dawn next day and drove him southwest beyond Buckhead Creek toward Louisville.

Early on Dec. 4th, Kilpatrick, supported by two brigades of Baird's infantry division, 14th Corps [Union], advanced from Thomas' Station (6 miles S) to burn the bridges over Brier Creek north and east of Waynesboro. Finding Wheeler's men deployed astride the road, Kilpatrick attacked. After hard fighting, Wheeler retired to Waynesboro. Here he checked Kilpatrick's larger force with a charge by Texas and Tennessee troops to gain time to withdraw across Brier Creek and block the road to Augusta, which, at the time, appeared to be the objective of Gen. Sherman's army.

At Brier Creek, Kilpatrick burned the rail and wagon bridges and withdrew. The supporting infantry brigades marched toward Jacksonboro and rejoined the rest of Baird's division, encamped at Alexander. they were followed that evening by Kilpatrick's command, which camped at Old Church on the old Quaker Road.

017-16 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1958 

[Georgia Historical Marker at  the junction of U.S. 25 and Ga. 24, Waynesboro, Georgia.]

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AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

Report of Private B. D. Morgan
Company I 
 The Battle of Aiken Web Site

"Our regiment had just been issued sabers with wooden scabbards, which were awkwardly attached to our saddles. I was mounted on a very fine mule. We charged the enemy through scrub oak forest and open peach orchard, through the village, driving them back... It was an all-day fight. As we halted in one of the charges, my mule was shot from under me, the ball passing immediately under my left leg and entering the poor creature's heart. With an unearthly yell she bounded into the air and in falling, caught me half dismounted, with my left leg under her body." 

The Rev. John Henry of St. Thaddeus Church wrote: 

"…The enemy came nearly to the street passing the west end of the Aiken Hotel... The bugles sounded a charge. It is marvelous what a different aspect was thrown over the scene in an instant. The horses started and came tearing down Richland Street, the men rising in their stirrups, with their pistols in their hands, yelling and screaming, each one looking as if he could devour a dozen Yankees... "

BATTLE OF AIKEN WEB SITE

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History Letters Personal Accounts

Fiery Dawn: The Civil War Battle of Monroe's Crossroads, North Carolina
Online Book

The Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina
by
Wade Hampton
Online Book

"The cavalry never numbered, I think, about three thousand men, and after the engagement became general nearly all this force fought alongside the infantry in their improvised breastworks."  

                                                                 General Hampton on the Cavalry at Bentonville.

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LAST FIGHT

The small town of Morrisville is located in the Research Triangle, outside Raleigh in central North Carolina. On April 13, 1865 it was the sight of the last major cavalry clash of Confederate and Union forces in the state. Federal troopers under Gen. Judson Kilpatrick numbered around 4,500 they faced around 4,000 rebel horsemen under Gen. Wade Hampton and Gen. Joseph Wheeler. On April 14, the fight resumed outside of Morrisville and continued on to Chapel Hill. [From The Battle of Morrisville Station Web Site] [No list of causalities have been located from this engagement]

Confederate Order of Battle Morrisville, North Carolina

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History Letters Personal Accounts

“MY TRYING EXPERIENCES AS A BOY SOLDIER”
James Walker
Company G
"Liberty Independent Troop"
 

This short history has been re-keyed and may contain mistakes.  This information is provided by Everett W. Moriarity from Shelman Bluff in McIntosh County.  “My Trying Experiences as a Boy Soldier” appears to have been written by Private James Walker of  G Troop. [SUBMITTED BY TOMMY HOUSTON]

                 In covering the 5^th Georgia Cavalry were called for.  They told us they wanted skirmishers; this about 4 p.m.  Being anxious to kill a yank, I threw my reins into one of my comrade’s hands and dashed forward to serve my country.  When I got to where the bullets began to fly I soon found that it was a game that two could play at, and began to wish I was in the rear, but I was into it, and could not show the white feather, so had to stick to it until dark.

To my great surprise and dismay I soon found out that Johnston was about to retreat and that we had to cover the retreat, and as the infantry marched to the rear, we took their places.  We were under the command of the gallant Capt. Marsh of  “C” Troop who had ordered to hold the line until morning at all hazards; we had videttes in front of us one of whom was Jim H.  Just before day Jim fired his gun and ran back into our line saying “the Yanks are coming!”  When our gallant Capt. drew his revolver, and commanded us to do our duty like men and to hold the line or die!, it was a trying hour, but to our great relief they did not come; a short time after however, they began shelling the woods and I thought my time had come.  At daylight we were ordered to retire to another line of trenches on the crest of the hill, our horses having been taken to the rear.  As the “Yanks” came in range we poured a volley into them and scampered down the hill to our _______ horses.  The retreat from Kennesaw having been made before the Yankees were aware of it.

Thus began my first hard service.  My last real hard service was at Bentonville, N. C. where comrade Billy Gardner lost his leg, we built five breastwork’s in five consecutive hours, being flanked on the left, to the left, to the left, until I was worn out making brest-works and just said, “let the “Yanks” kill me; I would rather die by a bullet than to work myself to death; Then came the climax when we were ordered to lay down our arms at Hillsboro, N.C. after all we had done the Cause was lost!

The toughest meal I had was a roasted tanyah or caladium, after being exposed for twenty-four hours on the rice field banks near Savannah, without a mouthful of anything, and having spent the night shivering in my shirt sleeves”.

History Letters Personal Accounts

REPORT OF GENERAL JOE WHEELER
 MARCH TO SAVANNAH

The Following report from:

The Siege of Savannah in December, 1864, and the Confederate Operations in Georgia and the Third Military District of South Carolina during General Sherman's March from Atlanta to the Sea: By.  Charles Colcock Jones, 1831-1893.
 Electronic Edition.

Head Quarters Cavalry Corps,
near Savannah, Ga., Dec. 24th, 1864. Lt. Coln. T. B. Roy, A. A. Genl.,
Hd. Qs. Dept., etc.

        Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command from Nov. 19th, 1864, the date Genl. Hardee assumed command.

        For several days previous to that date I had been resisting the enemy's advance from Atlanta towards Macon, reporting daily to Genls. Bragg, Hood, Hardee, and Taylor, and also to Gov. Brown almost the exact movements and intentions of the enemy. Anderson's brigade had been ordered to report to Maj. Genl. Howell Cobb at Macon, in order that he might place him in position to observe the enemy approaching Macon on the east side of the Ocmulgee river. This brigade was placed in position by General Cobb on the Clinton road.

        On the 19th I sent Crews' Georgia brigade with orders also to report to Genl. Cobb. This brigade Coln. Crews reports was placed in position on the Milledgeville road with instructions (as I afterwards learned), to follow and engage any raiding party of the enemy which might move towards the rail road.

        Towards evening on the 19th, I ascertained from my scouts that the main forces of the enemy had crossed the Ocmulgee river above the mouth of the Towaliga, which induced me to move to Macon in person, directing all my command, except Ferguson's and Breckinridge's brigades, to follow me. On arriving at Macon about 11 P. M., I found Lt. Genl. Hardee who had assumed command of the department. He directed me to move at daylight with all my available force, except Crews' brigade, out on the Clinton road and ascertain the enemy's force and location. In obeying this order, and before marching towards Clinton, both my flanks were menaced by small parties of the enemy which I was obliged to drive off, causing some delay. I then moved on rapidly with my advanced guard to Clinton, and found Osterhaus' corps moving through the town. This was not observed until very near the column, owing to a dense fog. Six men dashed into the town and captured Genl. Osterhaus' servant (an enlisted man), within twenty feet of Genl. Osterbaus' Head Quarters. A regiment of the enemy's cavalry charged us, making the retreat of my small escort necessary. A squad of the enemy's cavalry had pressed in upon my line of retreat, between my position and the body of my command. These, however, were soon cleared away by the approach of two of my regiments which came up rapidly to my assistance. I immediately charged the advancing column of the enemy and drove it back upon their infantry. They then rallied and charged me again. We met this charge, checked and returned it with success, driving them back towards Clinton.

        I now learned from my scouts that the enemy in considerable force were pressing down the road towards Griswoldville. I started promptly with a portion of my command in that direction, and soon met a courier from Col. Crews with a note from him stating that the enemy's cavalry had moved towards the rail road, and that pursuant to Gen. Hardee's orders he was going in pursuit. This left the Milledgeville road open; and, fearing some difficulty, I moved rapidly to that point. On arriving I found our artillery engaging the enemy's advance, and our infantry in the redoubts ready to receive an attack. The enemy had already charged up the road, and four of them had attempted to capture a gun but had been driven back leaving an officer (whose horse was killed) in the hands of our infantry. Finding large unprotected intervals between redoubts, I placed Harrison's and Hagan's brigades in line, making the connection complete. After slight skirmishing the enemy retreated a short distance. Pursuant to orders from Genl. Hardee, I moved out during the night, and the next day drove the enemy from Griswoldville, capturing a few prisoners. The next morning I again attacked and drove the enemy for some distance, capturing sixty prisoners, besides killing and wounding a large number.

        It now being evident that the enemy were not intending to make any further demonstration upon Macon, I moved on towards the Oconee, which river I reached on the 24th November, and completed crossing the next day by swimming. A brigade under Lt. Col. Gaines was immediately sent to hold in check a portion of the enemy who were menacing the river near Ball's ferry, and with the remainder of my command I moved during the night to station No. 13, on the Central rail road. Scouts and pickets were sent upon all roads by which the enemy could reach the rail road, or march in an easterly direction. The following day, pursuant to Genl. Hardee's orders, I moved to Sandersville. The 14th and 20th corps of the enemy had marched from Milledgeville, crossed Buffalo creek, and were marching upon the town, preceded by cavalry which had dispersed the local troops who had attempted to oppose them. I moved out on the lower road and sent a force out on the upper road. After moving three miles, we were charged by the enemy whom we met and checked, and then in turn charged and drove them back for a mile, capturing, killing, and wounding about thirty of the enemy, besides capturing several horses, mules, and one loaded wagon. I immediately sent word to the citizens of Sandersville that the enemy would enter the town the next morning; and I advised them to send off all movable property of value. At dark we established our pickets close to the enemy, and next morning were slowly driven back towards, and finally through the town.

        At evening I was informed by my pickets near Ogeechee shoals that Genl. Kilpatrick, with a large force of cavalry, had crossed the river on his way to Augusta. Leaving Genl. Iverson to observe the enemy, I started immediately with my command, overtaking him about midnight. I immediately attacked and captured his picket, and pushed on to his camp and drove him back from the main Augusta road and out of his camps, capturing one stand of colors, some prisoners, some fifty horses, clothing, blankets, camp equipage, etc., in considerable quantities. The enemy immediately started towards Augusta on the lower Augusta road. On reaching the house where Genl. Kilpatrick had staid, I learned that he and his officers had been overheard talking a great deal in private about Augusta. It was the opinion of citizens that this move was intended as a raid upon that place. Being mindful of the great damage that could be done by the enemy's burning the valuable mills and property which were not protected by fortifications, including the factories in the vicinity, the large portion of the city outside of the fortifications, the arsenal and Sand Hills, I hoped by pressing him hard he might be turned from his purpose. I also learned that the night previous he had sent a party of some five hundred (500) men to Waynesboro to destroy the rail road bridge, which convinced me that Augusta and not Waynesboro was Kilpatrick's destination, as had the latter place been the point he designed striking, he would not have sent a small party there on the preceding day. Notwithstanding the jaded condition of my command, I therefore pushed on rapidly, engaging and defeating his rear guards whom I found fortified at every favorable point, frequently separated by but two or three hundred yards. Horses, arms, arid prisoners were captured in nearly every engagement.

        On reaching Brier creek swamp we pressed the enemy so warmly that he turned off towards Waynesboro. During the chase the enemy set fire to all corn cribs, cotton gins, and large numbers of barns and houses. We succeded in driving him off in nearly half the instances in time to extinguish the flames, and frequently pressed him so rapidly as to prevent his firing a number of houses, thus saving a large amount of property.

        I entered the town of Waynesboro' with my staff just after dark, and just as the enemy were leaving it. The town was in flames, but with the assistance of my staff and escort we succeeded in staying the flames and in extinguishing the fire in all but one dwelling which was so far burned that it was impossible to save it. I immediately moved on and attacked the enemy who were engaged in tearing up the rail road. The attack had the effect to stop their work upon the rail road, and to keep them in line of battle all night.

        About 3 A. M., I sent Humes's division to gain the enemy's rear by turning his left flank, and sent a regiment to gain his rear by moving around his right. Unfortunately the commands failed to get into position. At daylight the enemy withdrew for a short distance, unobserved, in consequence of a dense fog. As we advanced upon them they charged our line, which charge we met and easily repulsed. I charged the enemy's flank with Humes and Anderson's commands, and attacked the front with the balance of my command, driving the enemy from his fortified position, capturing a number of prisoners, arms and horses, and killing a great many who refused to surrender, and who were shot in the pursuit which ensued. The rout was complete, and Genl. Kilpatrick was himself very nearly captured. We continued the charge until reaching a swamp where the enemy had so constructed barricades as to make a very strong resistance. The enemy was soon driven from this position by a flank movement, after which I again charged and routed their entire force, capturing, killing and wounding nearly two hundred, and completely stampeding the whole force. His destruction was only prevented by an intervening swamp at Buckhead creek, which made it almost impossible to approach, and by the failure of the 4th Tenn. regiment to gain the enemy's rear, for which purpose it had been detached some two hours previous. The bridge over Buckhead creek had been carefully prepared for burning by Kilpatrick's advance guard, and, on our reaching it, the torch had been applied and the bridge was in flames, while a terrific fire from the enemy on the other side prevented me from immediately extinguishing the flames. I dismounted the advance brigade and advanced it through the creek bottom to the bank, and finally drove the enemy sufficiently far from the opposite bank to enable a few brave men to work their way across and drive the enemy beyond range. By great energy and hard labor on the part of my men the fire was soon extinguished, and in little more than an hour the bridge was reconstructed and our troops passing over. The passage, however, was very slow on account of the rude and frail construction of the bridge. After advancing a mile, I discovered the enemy's position, and ordered Genl. Dibrell to turn their right flank by moving through a wood which screened the movement. As night was fast approaching it became important to strike the enemy immediately, although only about twelve hundred (1200) of my command had crossed the creek. I moved upon the enemy and drove in his pickets. On discovering his line, I observed that Genl. Dibrell in attempting to turn his flank (although he had moved nearly a mile to our left), had nevertheless encountered the enemy's line of battle which extended still beyond his position. Having parts of Harrison's and Ashby's brigades with me, the former being in advance, I placed the 3d Arkansas Regiment in line, and the 8th and 11th Texas Regiments in column, and charged the enemy's position. Nothing could have succeeded the gallantry with which these troops responded to the bugle's call, and hurled themselves upon the enemy, driving his cavalry in confusion, and finally encountering the breast works. This so terrified the enemy as to cause him to fly in uncontrollable confusion. Unfortunately the open ground did not continue, and we finally encountered a line so positioned that it could not be approached by cavalry. I ordered Ashby's brigade to turn the enemy's left flank and take possession of the Louisville road upon which the enemy was retreating. Owing to approaching dusk Col. Ashby, by accident, got on a road to the left of the one indicated by my order, and notified me that he held possession of the Louisville road. This error enabled the enemy to move off by scattering through fields and wood without order or organization.

        During the night Kilpatrick sought the protection of his infantry which he did not venture to forsake again during the campaign, no doubt, being too much demoralized to again meet our cavalry.

        Fearing the enemy might make another attempt to raid or march upon Augusta, I placed pickets at all the crossings of Brier creek, and located my main force at Rocky Spring church.

        On the morning of December 2d, the 14th Army Corps and Kilpatrick's cavalry marched upon Waynesboro, by the Louisville road. I met and checked them at Rocky creek. After a warm engagement they moved off to my left, and crossed a short distance below on a temporarily constructed bridge, and, by moving through the fields, turned off towards Thomas's station. This necessitated my falling back. The following day I moved down and attacked the enemy, driving in their pickets and stopping their destruction of the rail road. Perceiving, after night fall, that they had recommenced their work, I again attacked them about midnight, shelling their camp with good effect. At daylight the enemy in strong force marched upon Waynesboro. Most of my command had necessarily been sent some three miles after forage. We quickly concentrated and hastily threw up barricades, while a single regiment held the entire column in check. This rough screen was hardly completed when a general charge was made upon our lines, which was repulsed with considerable loss to the enemy. A second, third and fourth charge were made by the enemy, each of which was repulsed, or met and driven back by counter charges. Finally their long lines of infantry advanced, and, after warm fighting, their cavalry having turned our flanks, we were compelled to fall back, which was done by taking successive positions till we reached the town of Waynesboro. Here we were so warmly pressed that it was with difficulty we succeeded in withdrawing from our position. The moment our lines left our works I directed the 8th Texas, Coln. Cook, and the 9th Tennessee, Capt. Brumley, to charge the enemy, which was gallantly done, meeting and driving back a charge of the enemy and so staggering him that no further demonstration was made upon us until we were prepared to receive the enemy at our new position north of the town. During all the enemy's charges the loss of men and horses must have been severe. According to his own account, his loss in men numbered fifty (50) killed and one hundred and forty-seven (147) wounded. The enemy remained in town about three hours, and then moved down the Savannah road. During all the engagements the enemy's cavalry were at least double my own numbers, and were besides reënforced by one or more divisions of infantry.

        Having been notified by the Lieut. Genl. commanding that the roads towards Savannah had been blockaded by his order, and having sent Lewis's brigade (reinforced by the 4th Tennessee Regiment) to fall back before the enemy, I, with the remainder of my command, remained to protect Augusta and to strike his flanks and rear.

        On the first day I attacked his rear several times, driving him from his several positions, killing and wounding a great number, and capturing about one hundred (100) prisoners. During his movement towards Savannah, so warmly was he pressed, that he blockaded the roads in his rear, frequently building fortifications two or three miles in length, and destroyed all bridges on his line of march. He occasionally attacked us by charging with his cavalry, which was invariably met by counter charges and driven back in confusion, with heavy loss. In every fight we captured horses, arms and prisoners.

        On the night of Dec. 8th, we shelled the camp of the 14th Corps with good effect, throwing the corps into confusion and causing it to leave camp at midnight, abandoning clothing, arms, etc. By breaking up the camp during the extreme darkness, a great many negroes were left in our hands whom we sent back to their owners. We also captured three wagons and teams, and caused the enemy to burn several more wagons. The whole number of negroes captured from the enemy during the movement was nearly two thousand.

        On the 8th we captured a dispatch--see appendix A--from Genl. Slocum to Genl. Davis, giving the proposed location of Sherman's army before Savannah; which afterwards proved to be correct. This paper was forwarded to Genl. Hardee. On reaching a point within ten miles of the city, and finding it impossible to do any further harm to the enemy in that position, I moved back and crossed the Savannah river, leaving Genl. Iverson's command to watch the enemy should he move in the direction of Augusta or Western Georgia.

        On reaching the South Carolina side I moved down and was placed by Lt. Genl. Hardee in command of the defenses of New river and adjacent landings, and charged with the duty of holding the line of communication from Huger's landing to Hardeeville. This we succeeded in doing, although the enemy held the South Carolina side of the river with a division of infantry.

        After the evacuation of the city, Dec. 20th, I removed all the guns and ammunition from Tunbridge and Mongin's landings, and New river bridge, also the heavy guns, weighing 9000 pounds each, from Red Bluff, together with the ammunition. I omitted to state that during the entire movement of the enemy through Georgia I kept all my superiors fully informed of the strength and of all the movements of the enemy. At the same time I kept my cavalry in his front, rear, and on both flanks, preventing his cavalry from spreading over the country, retarding the enemy by fighting him on all sides, and felling trees in his advance. This duty was fully done, and I thank my officers and men for their devotion, gallantry, and the self-sacrificing spirit they have ever exhibited. Every engagement was a success, and the utter defeat and discomfiture of the enemy's cavalry was most signal and complete, notwithstanding his force of cavalry was always superior to mine.

        My force never exceeded thirty-five hundred (3500) men, and was so distributed in front, rear and on both flanks that I seldom had more than two thousand (2000) under my immediate command, which two thousand frequently charged and routed more than double their numbers. The enemy had been falsely informed by their officers that we took no prisoners, which caused him to fight with desperation and to run very dangerous gauntlets to escape capture, which frequently accounts for the large proportion of killed.

        In every rout of their cavalry, and in the many fights which ensued, they continued to fly, refusing to surrender notwithstanding the demands of my men in close pursuit. Consequently, no alternative was left but to shoot or sabre them to prevent escape.

        During the trip, I had parties to move a day or more in advance of the enemy, informing citizens where to run their negroes and stock in order to ensure the safety of their property, offering them every assistance in so doing. But generally, the citizens were so frightened as to be perfectly helpless. On the enemy's approach, pursuant to orders, I drove off such horses and mules as were exposed to the enemy's view, and have since taken every pains to restore said stock to its owners, generally with success. My command captured about five hundred horses, many of which had been taken from citizens by the enemy, and have been returned to their owners when it was possible to do so.

        I desire to tender my thanks for the devoted gallantry of my division and brigade commanders. Those whose conduct came especially under my notice, were Generals Allen, Humes, Anderson, and Dibrell, and Colonels Ashby, Hagan, Crews, and Lt. Col. Anderson. Genl. Allen was slightly wounded and had two horses shot under him at Waynesboro. Genls. Humes and Dibrell also had their horses shot whilst gallantly engaging the enemy. I also tender my thanks to Genl. Robertson who, while acting as my chief of staff in the temporary absence of his command, was severely wounded while gallantly charging the enemy. Captain S. W. Steele and Lieut. M. G. Hudson, A. D. C. of my staff, were highly distinguished for gallantry and zeal. Lieuts. R. B. Ryan, J. M. Stewart, and Henry Chapman, acting upon my staff, were gallant and efficient.

        In closing this report I will state that during the last five months my command has been without wagons or cooking utensils, with orders to subsist upon the country. Its food has been limited to bread baked upon boards and stones, and meat broiled upon sticks. It has not been paid in twelve months, and has not had the regular issues of clothing which have been made to the infantry. During this time it has averaged in direct marching sixteen (16) miles a day; and, being without wagons, has been obliged to pack all the forage and rations to camp on horseback, which, together with scouting and other duties, would make the average traveling of each soldier at least twenty (20) miles each day. During these five months my troops have been continuously in the immediate presence of the enemy, fighting nearly every day, and with brilliant success, except in a few instances when small detachments sent off from my command met vastly superior forces. During these five months my command has captured, killed and wounded more than its own effective strength. It has captured from the enemy in action and carried off the field four (4) pieces of artillery, with caissons and battery wagons--twelve hundred mules, over two hundred wagons, two thousand head of beef cattle, three thousand cavalry horses with equipments, and over four thousand stand of arms. It has also captured a great number of the enemy's posts, with large amounts of stores, and has destroyed more rail road used by the enemy -- stopping his communications for a longer time and with less loss--than any other cavalry command, although expeditions double its strength have been sent out on that duty. It has also captured and destroyed over a dozen trains of cars, generally loaded with supplies. As we were continually fighting the enemy, our camps could not be designated before night-fall. Details had then to be sent out to procure forage and rations, frequently making it midnight before supper could be prepared for my men, and then they were often compelled to be in the saddle before daylight. No men in the Confederate states have marched more, fought more, suffered more, or had so little opportunities for discipline; yet they are to-day as orderly and as well disciplined as any cavalry in the Confederate service.

        On our line of march officers and men were met who, in their anxiety to increase their commands, used every exertion to induce my men to desert, frequently offering them promotion and furloughs as a reward for dishonor. Notwithstanding this, my command is today stronger and more efficient than it was at the beginning of a continuous campaign of eight months' hard, constant, and successful fighting.

        I must particularly commend my Tennessee and Kentucky troops, whom, though they saw their homes thrown open by the advance of General Hood's army, I brought from the Coosa river to Savannah without a single desertion. Afterwards I had the mortification to see a body desert who had been informed they were to be punished without trial for crimes they had never committed.

        Respy. Col.,
Your Obt. Servt.

J. WHEELER,
 

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