it gleamed aloft again, in the hands of three men, struggling who should have it; their names are John B. Schuble of company E, Charles Flickhammer of company H, and Sergeant John Baker of company D; the latter bore it throughout the remainder of the day. Private Wm. Shumaker of company G was badly shot through the thigh, but persisted in fighting with the regiment till he was forced to the rear by order of his captain; I commend him for his devotion. Sergeant-Major Willett deported himself most bravely, and deserves promotion. Adjutant Johnston rendered me every assistance in his power, and I especially thank him.

On the morning of the first of January, I re

was no general advance of our lines, though con-
stant skirmishing throughout the day. Captain
Thomasson had command of the skirmish line,
and by his adroitness was mainly instrumental
in the capture of ninety-seven prisoners. The
enemy held a dense wood about three hundred
yards in front of us, on the edge of which were some
cabins, occupied by sharp-shooters. I proposed
to push forward my skirmishers and dislodge
them, provided those on my right and left were
simultaneously advanced. This, though ordered,
was not done, and I did not deem it safe to ex-
pose my flanks. But toward evening the fire of
the riflemen became so annoying that it was de-
termined to stop it at any cost. I ordered Cap
tains Hurley and Lindenfelser to move with their
companies directly upon the houses and burn
them. Across the open fields they dashed, the
enemy having every advantage in point of shelter.
Capt. Huston was then ordered to their support,
and the place was literally carried by assault, the
houses burned, and five of the enemy left dead
upon the spot. This was the last we heard of the
sharp-shooters. The daring displayed by both
officers and men deserves especial consideration.
But one of my men was hurt, Corporal Money-
penny, shot through the leg. The skirmishing
in which my command took part on the days suc
ceeding this was of an uneventful character, and
I forego the details.
WM. W. BERRY,
Lieut.-Col. Commanding L. L., Fifth Kentucky Vol. Infantry.

ment to the right of the First Ohio in full retreat, and in a few moments I saw the First Ohio moving to the rear. I could see no enemy on account of the intervening ridge, and supposing that the First Ohio had exhausted its ammunition, I instantly prepared to take its place, but just before it reached my lines, to my utter amazement, a mass of the enemy appeared moving obliquely upon my right; a change of front was imperative. Whilst executing this movement, refusing my right to the enemy, the First Ohio passed through the right of my regiment and threw into great confusion my four right companies. Their officers promptly arrested this, and I here take occasion to thank Capt. John Lucas, commanding company F, First Lieut. Thomas Forman, com-ceived orders to move further to the front. There manding company A, First Lieutenant Joseph E. Miller, commanding company D, and Second Lieut. A. Sidney Smith, commanding company I, for their steadiness at this trying moment. In the mean time my left, getting into position, poured its fire into the steadily advancing columns of the enemy, but the troops to my left were giving way and the enemy, getting a battery into position, almost enfiladed me. The right of the division was completely crushed in, and I had no connection, consequently no protection here. It was soon manifest I must either fall back or be isolated. A new position was taken, some two hundred paces in rear of our first, and here I believe we could have successfully resisted the enemy; but some general, I don't know who, ordered the entire line to fall back still further, and those who like rapid movements would have been more than satisfied with the celerity with which some of the floating fragments of regiments obeyed him. Pending this movement, my attention was called by Col. Baldwin to a portion of a battery abandoned by those whose business it was to look after it. A full battery of the enemy was playing upon it at the time. I immediately yoked the Legion to it, and with Huston and Thomasson as the wheel-horses, it was dragged to the railroad, where the new line was forming. I was shortly ordered to move by the flank further up the railroad, where a position was taken that was not assailed on this day. I had gone into the fight with three hundred and twenty muskets, a portion of my command being on de tached service. Nineteen men were killed, including Capt. Ferguson, of company I. He was one of our best officers. Eighty were wounded, among whom were seven commissioned officers, namely, Lieut.-Col. Wm. W. Berry, shot through the wrist; Major John L. Treanor, wounded by a shell in the thigh; Capt. A. H. Speed, in the abdomen; Capt. L. P. Lovett, slightly in the thigh; First Lieutenant Frank Dissell, mortally; First Lieutenant John D. Sheppard, seriously through the left lung; and First Lieut. Wm. H. Powell, slightly in the shoulder. Twenty-six are missing; some of these, I am mortified to say, ran away at the first fire. Their names shall be duly reported.

During the engagement my color-bearer was shot, and down went the flag; but like lightning

REPORT OF COLONEL ENYART,

HEADQUARTERS FIRST KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS, CAMP NEAR MURFREESBORO, TENN., January 8. GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the first regi ment Kentucky volunteer infantry, during the late engagement:

Pursuant to orders we left our camp near Nashville on the morning of the twenty-sixth ultimo, and proceeded toward Murfreesboro on the direct route. Arriving within one mile of La Vergne about four o'clock that evening, a considerable force of the enemy were discovered on the left of the road, and the First brigade, Second division, left wing, was ordered to operate against them. General Cruft ordered the First Kentucky to the front; and, after considerable skirmishing with the enemy, we charged and drove him across the

creek, into the woods near the town, with a loss on our side of two men wounded. The position thus gained was picketed, and held during the night by the First Kentucky. Soon after dark a force of the enemy's cavalry attacked the left of our picket-line, but were repulsed by companies I and C, losing one man wounded.

On the twenty-seventh ultimo the right marched with the division as far as Stewart's Creek, where we bivouacked until the morning of the twentyninth. We then moved forward slowly, and bivouacked about two and a half miles from Murfreesboro. On the thirtieth the regiment was assigned its position in line of battle, being on the right of the second line of brigade, the brigade (Gen. Cruft's) being on the right of the division (Gen. Palmer's) and of General Crittenden's command. The Ninetieth Ohio was on our left, and the Thirty-first Indiana in our front in the first line. We lay on our arms during the day. On the morning of the thirty-first ultimo, about eight o'clock, Gen. Negley's division took position on our right, and soon after the engagement commenced on our right wing. About nine o'clock our front was hard pressed, and the brigade moved forward, the first line to the edge of the woods, and the First Kentucky to support Standart's battery. The right of our army was now being driven back, and the engagement was getting warm in our front, when Gen. Cruft ordered the First Kentucky to move forward, and we marched over the Thirty-first Indiana into a corn-field, three hundred yards in front of them, where we were exposed to the fire of two pieces of artillery, supported by a regiment of infantry, about one hundred yards distant, and directly on our left Bank.

until the fourth instant. A fuller and more defi-
nite report of the operations of the regiment will
be made hereafter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. A. ENYART,
Colonel Com'g First Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry.

REPORT OF COLONEL MINTY.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE,
CAMP BEFORE MURFREESBORO, Jan. 7, 1863.

Lieutenant Chamberlain, A.A.A. G. First Cav-
alry Division:

SIR: I have the honor to hand you the following report of the part taken by the First brigade, First division cavalry reserve, in the operations from the advance of the army from Nashville to and including the battle before Murfreesboro.

I marched from Camp Rosecrans, near Nashville, on the morning of the twenty-sixth ultimo, with the Third Kentucky, Fourth Michigan, Seventh Pennsylvania, and one company of the Second Indiana, and reported to General Palmer on the Murfreesboro road. In accordance with orders received from him, through the Colonel commanding the division, I placed, the Third Kentucky on the left, and the Seventh Pennsylvania on the right of the road, keeping the Fourth Michigan on the pike, with a strong advanceguard thrown out.

port the artillery. I must here mention that Lieut. Newell did splendid service with his two three-inch Rodmans. Every shot was well planted, and he nobly fought the four guns of the enemy for over half an hour, when a battery from Gen. Palmer's division came up to his assistance. One of the gunners was killed by a shell from the enemy while serving his gun.

Ten miles from Nashville, I met the enemy's pickets, who, as they fell back before us, were continually reënforced, until arriving at La Vergne they disputed our progress with a force of two thousand five hundred cavalry and mounted infantry, with four pieces of artillery, under Gen. Wheeler. After some sharp skirmishing, in which we suffered some loss, and did the enemy Our position here was in advance of that held considerable damage, I moved under cover of a by any other regiment in the army. Being in slight eminence on which Lieut. Newell, of batdanger of being cut off by a heavy column of in- tery D, First Ohio, had his section planted, leavfantry, advancing on our right, we retired in good ing two companies of the Fourth Michigan disorder to the woods, where we took a new posi-mounted, and in ambush behind a fence to suption behind a fence. We remained here but a short time, when the brigade fell back through the woods slowly, and re-formed on the road. About twelve o'clock we were ordered forward to the support of a battery, remaining there but half an hour. The brigade was then moved to the railroad, and in the evening formed a new line in the rear of the division, where we lay during the night. On the morning of the first we were again moved to the left to a new position, our left rest-nia, under Major Wyncoop, made a reconnoising on the bank of Stone River. About noon we sance in front of Gen. Palmer's division, which were ordered further to the left to the support of occupied a position on the left of the line. One Capt. Swallow's battery, which was posted on an battalion, Fourth Michigan, under Capt. Mix, was eminence. Here the regiment remained during sent out on the Jefferson pike, and did not rejoin the night. the brigade until the following day. I beg to reOn the second instant, we threw up breast-fer you to the report of Capt. Mix for particulars. works of rails and stone, behind which we lay during the attempt of the enemy to turn the left of our line. After the signal defeat of the enemy at this point, we were ordered forward, led by Gen. Cruft, until coming in range of a battery of the enemy, we lay down until their fire had ceased. It being dark, and nothing further to do, we retired to our former position, where we remained

Saturday, Dec. 27.-The Seventh Pennsylva

The army advanced at about eleven o'clock A.M., the Third Kentucky and one company of the Second Indiana, under Colonel Murray, on the left flank, and the Fourth Michigan, under my immediate direction, covering the right flank. Camped near Stewart's Creek this night.

Sunday, Dec. 28.-I sent one battalion Seventh Pennsylvania, under Capt. Jennings, to re

lieve the battalion Fourth Michigan on Jefferson Buford. They drove back the Fourth Michigan pike.

Monday, Dec. 29.-The army again advanced -the Seventh Pennsylvania, under Major Wyncoop, on the left flank; the Third Kentucky, under Col. Murray, on the right flank; the Fourth Michigan, under Lieut.-Col. Dickinson, in reserve; Second Indiana on courier duty. Light skirmishing with the enemy all day. Found the enemy in position in front of Murfreesboro at about three o'clock P.M. Bivouack ed immediately in rear of our line of battle.

Tuesday, Dec. 30.-One battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, and one battalion of the Third Kentucky, formed a chain of videttes in rear of line of battle, with orders to drive up all stragglers.

Under orders from the Colonel commanding the division, I took the Fourth Michigan, and one battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, back on the Nashville road to operate against Wheeler's cavalry, who, a few hours before, had captured the train of the Twenty-eighth brigade on the Jefferson pike. Between Stewart's Creek and La Vergne, I met the enemy, who were chiefly dressed in our uniforms. The Seventh Pennsylvania drove them until after dark. I joined Col. Walker's brigade and camped with them near La Vergne for the night.

to the line of the First Tennessee skirmishers, and then attacked the Seventh Pennsylvania with great fury, but met with a determined resistance. I went forward to the line of dis mounted skirmishers, and endeavored to move them to the right to strengthen the Seventh Pennsylvania, but the moment the right of the line showed itself from behind the fence where they were posted, the whole of the enemy's fire was directed on it, turning it completely round.

At this moment the Fifteenth Pennsylvania gave way and retreated rapidly, leaving the battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania and the dismounted men entirely unsupported, and leaving them no alternative but to retreat. I fell back a couple of fields and re-formed in the rear of a rising ground, which protected us from the enemy's artillery.

The rebel cavalry followed us up sharply into the open ground, and now menaced us with three strong lines, two directly in front of our position, and one opposite our left flank, with its right thrown well forward, and a strong body of skirmishers in the woods on our right, threatening that flank.

Gen. Stanley ordered a charge, and he himself led two companies of the Fourth Michigan, (H and K,) with about fifty men of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, against the line in front of our left

he routed the enemy and captured one stand of colors, which was brought in by a sergeant of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, December 31.-Under orders from Gen. Rosecrans I reported to Brig.-Gen. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, who came up the same morning with the First Middle Tennessee, and a part of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, and in accordance Capt. Jennings, of the Seventh Pennsylvania, with his orders we moved rapidly across the with his battalion, supported this movement. country toward the right flank of Gen. McCook's At the same time I charged the first line in our position, leaving Lieut.-Col. Dickinson with one front with the Fourth Michigan and First Tenhundred and twenty men to protect Lieut. New-nessee, and drove them from the field. The ell's section of artillery at the cross-roads, northwest from Stewart's Creek. The enemy's cavalry fell back rapidly before us for some miles. When close to Overall's Creek our own artillery, in position to our left, opened on us with shell, and wounded severely one man of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania.

Crossing Overall's Creek, I took up position parallel to and about three quarters of a mile from the Murfreesboro and Nashville pike; the Fourth Michigan, under command of Capt. Mix, forming a line of dismounted skirmishers close to the edge of the woods, out of which they had driven a large force of the enemy's cavalry. They were supported by a portion of the First Middle Tennessee cavalry, also dismounted.

Capt. Jennings's battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, and two companies of Third Kentucky, under Capt. Davis, were posted in the woods near and to the right of the Fourth Michigan, with the Fifteenth Pennsylvania (the Anderson Troop) in their rear.

My entire force at this time numbered nine hundred and fifty men.

The enemy advanced rapidly with two thousand five hundred cavalry, mounted and dismounted, and three pieces of artillery, all under! the command of Gens. Wheeler, Wharton, and

second line was formed on the far side of a lane, with a partially destroyed fence on each side, and still stood their ground. I re-formed my men and again charged. The enemy again broke, and were driven from the field in the wildest confusion.

I held the ground that night, with the First Tennessee, Fifteenth Pennsylvania, and Fourth Michigan, picketing the whole of my first posi tion.

A sergeant of the Seventh Pennsylvania, who was taken prisoner by the enemy when we were driven back, states that before we charged we had killed twenty-seven, including many officers.

January 1, 2, and 3.-Had the brigade under arms all day, with two regiments on picket and skirmishing with the enemy's pickets.

Sunday, January 4.-I moved the brigade to Wilkinson's cross-roads, and bivouacked there for the night, with the Fourth cavalry.

Monday, January 5.-I marched through Murfreesboro and took the Manchester pike One mile out I met the enemy's pickets, and reported the fact to Gen. Stanley, who ordered an advance, and took the lead with the Fourth cav alry.

After crossing a small creek about two miles from Murfreesboro, the bridge over which had

been destroyed, the rebels commenced shelling

us.

I sent the Third Kentucky well to the right and front, and the Seventh Pennsylvania to the left, keeping the Fourth Michigan and First and Second Tennessee in reserve. After some little delay we again advanced. The Fourth Michigan, being next to and on the right of the road with one company advanced as skirmishers; the Third Kentucky on the right of the Fourth Michigan, the First Tennessee on the right of the Third Kentucky, and the Second Tennessee in reserve. In this formation we moved through a cedar thicket, with a dense undergrowth, rendering it almost impossible to force our way through. We had occasional heavy skirmishing with the enemy, who continued to shell us as we advanced.

About six miles out we met the enemy in force. A sharp skirmish ensued, the Fourth cavalry, First Tennessee infantry, and the Seventh Pennsylvania cavalry, having to bear the brunt of the fight on our side.

The enemy were driven from the field with heavy loss, and we returned to within a mile and a half of Murfreesboro, and went into camp.

I beg to refer you to the reports of regimental commanders for the particulars of the operations of detached portions of the brigade.

I have to call your particular attention to the reports of Colonel Murray, Third Kentucky, and Captain Mix and Lieut. Eldridge, of the Fourth Michigan.

Col. Murray, with a handful of men, performed services that would do honor to a full regiment. Capt. Mix, with about fifty men, not only drove two hundred of the enemy for over two miles, but he there held his position against an entire regiment of rebel cavalry.

Lieut. Eldridge, with eighteen men, dismounted, attacked the enemy, routed them, and recaptured a wagon full of ammunition.

In the engagement of Wednesday, the thirtyfirst, while leading his company in a charge, Capt. Mix's horse was shot under him, and in the same charge, Lieut. Woolley, his A.A.A.G., was thrown from his horse, severely hurting his leg, notwithstanding which he remounted and continued to perform all his duties.

Inclosed herewith I send you a report of such officers and men as deserve special mention; also a report of casualties.

BRIGADE FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY RESERVE OF THE
FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, FROM THE ADVANCE FROM NASHVILLE ON THE TWENTY-SIXTH
DECEMBER, 1862, INCLUDING THE BATTLES BEFORE MURFREESBORO:
REPORT OF CASUALTIES OF THE FIRST

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE, CAMP NEAR MURFREESBORO, January 7, 1868. Lieutenant Chamberlain, A.A.A. G., First Cav alry Division:

SIR: In handing in a report of such officers and men who deserve special mention, I must confine myself to those who came under my personal observation, as the regimental commanders decline mentioning any one in particular where undoubtedly all did their duty well.

First Sergeant Bedtelyon, of company K, Fourth Michigan cavalry, rode by my side during both charges against the enemy in the enIn explanation of the large number of "miss-gagement of Wednesday evening, December thiring" reported by the Seventh Pennsylvania, I ty-first, and displayed great gallantry and coolwould call your attention to the fact that the ness. entire force of one battalion was deployed as a chain of videttes in rear of our line of battle, when the right wing was driven back, and many of the men must have been captured by the enemy while endeavoring to drive forward the straggling infantry.

The brigade has captured and turned over one
hundred and ninety-two prisoners.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. G. MINTY,
Colonel Commanding First Cavalry Brigade.

I have recommended him to his Excellency, the Governor of Michigan, for promotion. Bugler Ben Depenbrock, Second Indiana cavalry, and Quartermaster Sergeant Edward Owen, Fourth Michigan cavalry-when we were driven back in the early part of the evening of December thirty-first, I was on foot and in rear of the dismounted skirmishers who were running for their horses- when these two gallant soldiers galloped to the front, bringing up my horse. Lieut. John Woolley, Second Indiana cavalry, A.A.A. G. First cavalry brigade, was thrown from

-

his horse and so severely hurt that he could not walk without great difficulty, continued to press to the front on foot until he got another horse, and remained on the field until long after the engagement was over. Capt. Frank W. Mix, Fourth Michigan cavalry, had his horse shot under him during the first charge; he pressed forward on foot, caught a stray horse, and led his company in the second charge. Many others undoubtedly did as well as those I have mentioned, but the above are the cases that came under my immediate notice.

Colonel Commanding First Cavalry Brigade.

REPORT OF CAPTAIN ELMER OTIS.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH U. S. CAVALRY, IN CAMP
NEAR MURFREESBORO, January 7, 1863.

tween my right and the Murfreesboro and Nashville pike, who were not at first discovered. I rallied my men again, and while rallying, I saw about three hundred volunteer cavalry on my right. I rode over to them, and asked them to charge the artillery with me, and the few men I had rallied to take the pieces. The officer replied that he was placed there to protect a train, and would not charge with me. I have no doubt I could have taken the artillery. Before I could get my command rallied the artillery moved off. About the time I had got my men rallied, I received an order from General Rosecrans to proceed to the Nashville and Murfreesboro pike, as soon as possible. I did so immediately. I have since thought the General did not know my position, or he would have allowed me to follow up SIR: I have the honor to make the following the enemy. I was much nearer the pike than Ï report of the operations of the Fourth United thought I was. I saw no more of the enemy's cavStates cavalry in the late battle in the front of alry on the pike that morning. In this charge, I Murfreesboro: On the thirtieth December, the cannot speak in too high terms of the officers and Fourth U. S. cavalry left camp at Stewart's Creek, men. Every man charged and kept in position, leaving the train and baggage under charge of a taking over a hundred prisoners of the enemy, strong guard, commanded by Lieutenant Rendel- and releasing a large number of our own captured brook. The regiment proceeded to join General men. More redounds to their credit, considering Rosecrans, on the field of battle, and was drawn that a large majority are recruits from volunteer up in line of battle in rear of the General's head- infantry, and only some five days mounted. Two quarters, but took no immediate part in the ac- companies of infantry were released in a body. tion that day. Co. L, commanded by Lieutenant The train on the pike, I have since learned, was Roys, was detached as General Rosecrans's imme- in possession of the enemy, with a large number diate escort, (about ten o'clock in the morning,) of stragglers who were being disarmed at the and so remains at the present time. Company time. These stragglers did nothing at all to proM, strengthened by fifty men, detailed from com-tect the wagons, scarcely firing a shot. From panies B, C, G, D, I, and K, commanded by Lieut. L'Hommedieu, proceeded to establish a courier line from Gen. Rosecrans's headquarters to La Vergne, and so remained, doing good service, until relieved, January fourth, 1863. These details left me with only six small companies, numbering, in aggregate, two hundred and sixty men, rank and file.

On the morning of the thirty-first, Colonel Garesche informed me that rebel cavalry was appearing on the right flank of the line of battle, and ordered me to proceed with the Fourth United States cavalry after them. This must have been between seven and eight o'clock in the morning. I crossed the Murfreesboro pike, and drew up the six companies in line of battle, in the following way each company was in a column of fours, led by the company commanders, the companies on a line parallel to each other, company distance apart, leading the centre myself. This was done owing to the wooded country and fences, that were obstructions to the ordinary line of battle. Proceeding to the right of the line, I found our entire right flank had given way. Learning from some men of General Davis's division the position of the enemy's cavalry, I made a turn to the right, moving about one fourth of a mile, and discovered the enemy. I came out of a piece of timber I was in, and getting over a fence, rapidly charged the enemy with my entire command, completely routing them, with the exception of two picces of artillery supported by about one hundred and twenty-five cavalry, stationed be

prisoners taken I have learned, that the Fourth United States cavalry charged at this time a whole brigade of cavalry, and routed them to such an extent, that they disappeared from the field at that point entirely.

Later in the day I sent seventy-nine prisoners in one body to the Tenth Ohio infantry, stationed in our rear at Stewart's Creek. Another body of about forty men started, but, I regret to say, were recaptured. Of the seventy-nine sent to the rear there was one captain and two lieutenants. I have no doubt there were other officers, but did not have an opportunity to examine them closely enough to find out.

Of the officers engaged it is almost impossible to particularize, they all did so well. Captain Eli Long led his company with the greatest gallantry, and was wounded by a ball through his left arm. Lieutenants Mouck, Kelly, Lee and Healey could not have done better. It was a matter of surprise to me, considering the ground passed over, to find Dr. Comfort so soon on the field with his ambulances, caring for the wounded. He was in time to capture a prisoner himself. First Sergeant Martin Murphy led company G, commanding it with great gallantry. He reports having counted eleven dead of the enemy on the ground over which his company charged. Sergeant-Major John G. Webster behaved gallantly, taking one lieutenant mounted on a fine mare. First Sergeant McAlpin led company K, after Capt. Long was wounded, and reports having killed two with two successive shots of his pistols. First Sergt.