threw them down-a few in the Fort, the balance scattered from the top of the hill to the water's edge. We captured one hundred and sixty-four Federals, seventy-three negro troops and about forty negro women and children, and after removing every thing of value, as far as able to do so, the warehouses, tents, etc., were destroyed by fire. of the twenty-second of February, 1864, with the Eighty-fourth Illinois, Colonel Waters, Seventyfifth Illinois, Colonel Bennett, Thirty-sixth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Carey, Thirtieth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Hind, Eightieth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Kilgour, and TwentyFourth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Cockerill, with battery H, Fourth U. S. artillery, Lieutenant Heilman; effective force, officers and men, including battery, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six. Among our severely wounded is LieutenantColonel Wiley M. Reid, assigned temporarily to the command of the Fifth Mississippi regiment, who fell, severely wounded, while leading his My brigade having the advance, and the Thirregiment. When carried from the field he was ty-sixth Indiana marching in front, we marched supposed to be mortally wounded, but hopes are toward Red Clay, or "Council-Ground," on the entertained of his ultimate recovery. He is a Georgia State-line, a distance of eight miles; arbrave and gallant officer, a courteous gentleman,rived there at half-past twelve P.M. I was there and a consistent Christian minister. I cannot compliment too highly the conduct of Colonels Bell and McCullock and the officers and men of their brigades, which composed the forces of Brigadier-General Chalmers. They fought with courage and intrepidity, and, without bayonets, assaulted and carried one of the strongest fortifications in the country. On the fifteenth, at Brownsville, I received orders which rendered it necessary to send General Chalmers, in command of his own division and Bell's brigade, southward. Hence, I have no official report from him, but will, as soon as it can be obtained, forward a complete list of our killed and wounded, which has been ordered to be made out and forwarded at the earliest possible moment. In closing my report I desire to acknowledge the prompt and energetic action of BrigadierGeneral Chalmers, commanding the forces around Fort Pillow. His faithful execution of all movements necessary to the successful accomplishment of the objects of the expedition, entitles him to special mention. He has reason to be proud of the conduct of, the officers and men of his command, for their gallantry and courage in assaulting and carrying the enemy's works, without the assistance of artillery or bayonets. To my staff, as heretofore, my acknowledgments are due, for their prompt and faithful delivery of all orders. I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient N. B. FORREST, servant, Major-General Commanding. Doc. 140. OPERATIONS AROUND DALTON, GA. COLONEL GROSE'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, BLUE SPRINGS, TENN., February 29, 1864, Major W. H. Sinclair, A.A. G. First Division: SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the recent seven days before Dalton. I was ordered by the Division Commander, and marched to take part in the reconnoissance toward the enemy from this place, on the morning ordered by the General commanding the divi sion, to move on the road toward Dalton, and, if possible, find the enemy. I advanced three miles to Wade's farm, and found the enemy's pickets, drove them, and directed Captain Van Antwerp, with his company of Fourth Michigan cavalry, to pursue them, which he did promptly, one and a half miles. Upon the cavalry rejoining the brigade, we returned to Red Clay and rested for the night. February 23d. Marched with the division via Dr. Lee's house twelve miles, to near Catoosa Springs, Georgia, to make a junction with Fourteenth corps; arrived there about nine o'clock P.M. February 24th. Marched back east to Dr. Lee's I was here directed to house, with division. move south-east toward Dalton, crossing the ridge three miles north of the place known as Tunnel Hill, with my infantry and one section of artillery, the latter under command of Lieutenant Stansbury. I passed the first and second ridges to a road running south on the eastern base of the latter, along the road to Neil's farm, six miles from Dalton. At this point I made a junction with Colonel Long, in command of six hundred cavalry. He was in position, and skirmishing with the enemy. He had left Charleston, Tennessee, passed around on Spring-Place road, thence west by Varnell's Station to the position Neil's farm is six miles at which I found him. north-west of Dalton, and three miles north of We both the Chattanooga and Dalton Railroad. advanced on the wagon-road south, toward Glaze's house, at the railroad. The ridge to our right at this place, (Neil's house,) soon changes to south-east, and continues that direction until it passes beyond Davis's house, at the western base of the ridge, at which point the road crosses to the west side of the ridge. Five hundred yards beyond, and south-east from the passage of the road over a ridge, a gorge separates the ridge, through which a creek flows to the west, south of which the ridge bears to the west of south one and a fourth miles to the railroad, at a point three miles north of west from Dalton, and at a point one and a half miles east of the gorge through Rocky-Face Ridge, or Buzzard's Roost, forming a valley east of Rocky Face Ridge about one and a half miles wide, running from Davis's house south to the railroad a like distance. We stead ily advanced, Colonel Long taking the lead; drove more than started before the skirmishers became the enemy from all the ridge north of the creek. closely engaged in all the woodland covering the Upon entering the valley, Colonel Long's com- ridge. The advance was steady and rapid, clearmand passed to the right, along the base of the ing the enemy from the ridge as we went. When ridge, to the west. The Eighty-fourth and Sev- my lines had reached the creek at the gorge, and enty-fifth Illinois infantry were moved forward beyond Davis's house in the valley, the skirmishin the valley on the left of the cavalry, covering ers well advanced beyond, a staff-officer rode up the slope of the eastern ridge with skirmishers, and informed me that General Palmer desired me thrown forward and to the left to cover the ridge to have halted on the ridge. I immediately haltand flank of the line. The Twenty-fourth Ohio ed where we were. We remained in this posiwas thrown forward in rear of the cavalry to sup- tion during the afternoon, having heavy skirmishport them. In this form we pressed the enemy ing and artillery practice in the mean time, the to within three hundred yards of the railroad, enemy occupying the ridge and valley south of the command of Colonel Long driving the rebel the creek that I had possession of the day before. infantry out of their camps immediately at the With ten thousand more men on our left, Dalton, road. We continued in this position, skirmish- no doubt, would have fallen an easy prey to our ing in front, for some time, when lines of the en-arms. At night, the object of the reconnoissance emy's infantry commenced an advance upon us. being ended, we were ordered, and, with the diA few well-directed rounds from the section of vision, retired to Dr. Lee's farm, on the west of artillery, with the aid of a heavy skirmish-line, the Tunnel Hill range of ridges, and three miles brought them to a halt and put them under cov-north of that place. It was now near night, and learning from February 26th. At about nine o'clock A.M., I prisoners that Stewart's rebel division was in our moved my command south-east one mile, on to front, and Stevenson's near by, and not know- the ridge two miles north of the Tunnel, threw ing that it was possible to have any assistance out some skirmishers on the eastern slope, met during the night, at dusk I withdrew the forces, some rebel cavalry that were attempting to folleaving the cavalry and Eightieth Illinois infantry low us, and drove them out of sight and hearing. at Neil's farm, and retired the residue to widow In the evening, moved down south-west into the Burk's house, reported the facts, and rested for valley at Israel's house; rested until nine o'clock the night. P.M. Was ordered and marched westward to the Stone Church, near Catoosa Platform, and rested the balance of the night. er. February 25th. At early day Brigadier-General Cruft, division commander, promptly came up with the other two brigades, and by his orders all moved forward to Neil's farm, the enemy having reoccupied the ridge where the road passes over toward Davis's house, and for near a mile to the north. Our lines were soon formed, my brigade on the ridge to the right, covering the summit and extending well over the western slope; the Thirtieth Indiana, Seventy-fifth and Eightieth Illinois in the front line, from right to left, in the order I have named them; the Eighty-fourth Illinois, Twenty-fourth Ohio, and Thirty-sixth Indiana in the second line. The Second brigade, Colonel Champion, formed on my left, Colonel Long's cavalry extending his left, the other brigade, Colonel Dickerman, in reserve. It was now about nine A.M. Major-General Palmer appeared on the field, and wished to see me. I reported to him in front on the skirmish-line. After consultation, the General informed me that we would not advance until General Baird's division should arrive in the valley to my right. About eleven o'clock all was ready and I sounded the forward, and the whole line moved off in splendid order. I rode with Colonel Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois, whose battalion was the battalion of direction. Was upon the summit of the ridge, with good opportunities to observe well the movements and grandeur of the scene, to the right and left of the long blue lines moving to battle. A more grand sight my eye has never beheld. The direction was left oblique, to keep the bearing of the ridge, my artillery following the lines closely, and bearing past at every halt. We had not February 27th. Started at twelve o'clock M., and marched to Ewing's farm, north nine miles, and camped for the night. February 28th. Marched at seven o'clock A.M. Arrived in camp at this place at twelve o'clock M. Command in good condition. I can with pleasure refer to the prompt and willing cooperation and obedience of the officers and men of my command during this short campaign, and I regard myself as truly fortunate, in being surrounded by first-class officers, both of infantry and artillery, and braver soldiers never went upon a battle-field. My staff-officers and non-commissioned staff have alike my kindest regards for their efficient aid and assistance during the dangers and fatigues. The following shows the casualties of the brigade while on the reconnoissance : Colonel J. E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois.— Wounded, one commissioned officer, six enlisted men; missing, one commissioned officer; total, two commissioned officers, six enlisted men; aggregate, eight. Lieutenant-Colonel W. M. Kilgour, Eightieth Illinois.-Wounded, four enlisted men; total, four enlisted men; aggregate, four. Colonel L. H. Waters, Eighty-fourth Illinois.Wounded, three enlisted men; total, three enlisted men; aggregate, three. Lieutenant-Colonel O. D. Hurd, Thirtieth Indiana.—Missing, three enlisted men; total, three enlisted men; aggregate, three. Lieutenant-Colonel O. H. P. Casey, Thirty- the west into the Tennessee River. I immedisixth Indiana.—Killed, one enlisted man; wound-ately went forward in advance of the troops, to ed, two enlisted men; total, three enlisted men; make observations and learn the position, and aggregate, three. Lieutenant-Colonel T. M. Cockerill, Twentyfourth Ohio.-Wounded, twelve enlisted men; total, twelve enlisted men; aggregate, twelve. Lieutenant William H. Hulman, battery H, Fourth artillery.-Wounded, one enlisted man; total, one enlisted man; aggregate, one. Total.-Killed, one enlisted man; wounded, one commissioned officer, twenty-eight enlisted men; missing, one commissioned officer, three enlisted men; total, two commissioned officers, thirty-two enlisted men; aggregate, thirty-four. My sincere condolence and high appreciation of the merits of these braves attend them. found the enemy's pickets on the east bank and ours on the west, within thirty paces of each other, enjoying a friendship which was soon after broken and turned into wrath upon the approach of my forces. Major Watson, Seventy-fifth Illinois, wounded by a falling tree-effects of artillery firing-de-bayou or pond, in some places up to their waists, serves notice as a noble officer. Hope he may Lieutenant J. A. Wright, A.A.A.G.: SIR: In accordance with duty, I have the honor to report the part my brigade took in the recent battles before Chattanooga. On the twenty-third of November ultimo, under orders, and the command of Brigadier-General Cruft, I marched from this place with part of my command, Eightyfourth Illinois, Colonel Waters; Ninth Indiana, Colonel Suman; Seventy-fifth Illinois, Colonel Bennett; Thirty-sixth Indiana, Major Trusler; Fifty-ninth Illinois, Major Hale; Twenty-fourth Ohio, Captain Bacon. Effective force, officers and men, one thousand six hundred and ninetythree. We marched that day to Lookout Valley and reported to Major-General Hooker, where we rested for the night, and were ready to move at daylight on the morning of the twenty-fourth, at which time I was ordered with my command to the front, and informed that General Hooker desired to see me in person. I repaired to his quarters, and received instructions to move with my command and drive the enemy from and effect a crossing of Lookout Creek at a destroyed bridge, near the railroad crossing over that creek, which courses along the base of Lookout Mountain on See Document 18, ante. I discovered soon that the creek was more swollen than was expected, and the only means of passage was to repair a place in the centre of the bridge, of about fifteen feet, which was strongly covered by the enemy from their rifle-pits on the opposite side and from the railroad embankment, which gave them complete protection. I ordered up the Eighty-fourth Illinois, supported by the Seventy-fifth Illinois. The former, in line with proper skirmishers, advanced through a* drove the enemy under cover, and soon occupied the west bank of the creek; and Captain Chambers, of the Thirty-sixth Indiana, with a detail, was sent forward to do the work, but it was found impracticable without too great a loss. In the mean time Captain Bacon, with the Twentyfourth Ohio, had moved upon the left of the two Illinois regiments, and was briskly skirmishing with the enemy along the creek. General Hooker, upon a hill to the rear, soon saw the impracticability of the crossing, and desired to see me. On reporting to the General, he directed me to take the other four regiments not thus in position and proceed to the creek a mile above and to the right, where General Woods's brigade, of General Osterhaus's division, was constructing a pole-bridge, which was nearly completed. When I arrived at the crossing point, I met General Woods there. He had some skirmishers over the creek and a regiment ready to follow, and as soon as that regiment passed over, the General kindly gave me the use of the bridge. I at once crossed over the four regiments, and prolonged the line of battle on his right. I formed in double lines, the Thirty-sixth Indiana and Fifty-ninth Illinois in front line, the right of my lines connecting with the left of the brigade of General Whittaker and of General Geary, still to my right, who had advanced from a crossing still farther to the right and higher up the creek. The line was thus formed, obliquely up the slope of the mountain, and the grand forward move was soon in motion, moving forward as fast as the men and officers could climb, (for all were on foot,) sweeping every thing before them, over rebel camps and rebel rifle-pits. As the lines advanced so that the left of General Wood's brigade neared the position of the Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois, flanking the rifle-pits of the enemy defending the crossing, the enemy were so surprised at the "Yankee trick" that most of them threw down their arms and surrendered. These two regiments immediately crossed under command of General Cruft, and extended the main line of battle on the left, covering and advancing on the main Chattanooga road over the point of the mountain slope. These two regiments of Colonels Waters and Bennet, the latter in front, with the whole line, only halted when imperative orders were received to " pursue to the crest of Lookout Slope only, and no farther," until farther orders. The Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois had already been gallantly pressed forward four or five hundred yards in advance of the crest, and beyond and to the left of the White House, and sufficiently far to uncover the mouth of Chattanooga Creek and allow troops to pass from the city to our rear. My other regiments were in the line rather above and to the right of the White House, but fully covering the plateau of ground on which it is situated. There were two regiments of the troops on my right that were immediately under the high ledge of rocks at the top of the mountain that were farther advanced than the centre of the line. I was greatly annoyed with overtures to relieve these two regiments with regiments from my command, and before nightfall, I sent the Fifty-ninth Illinois and Ninth Indiana to relieve them, making now four regiments of mine in the front line, two on the extreme left and two on the right and far in the advance of all other regiments. At the point now occupied by these two regiments there was constant firing kept up on both sides, and about eight o'clock P.M., Colonel Suman and Major Hale, commanding those two regiments on the right, reported their ammunition exhausted, when the Thirty-sixth Indiana and Twenty-fourth Ohio were sent to relieve them, who held the position until about midnight, when the firing ceased on both sides, the enemy evidently having retired from our front, and, as afterward appeared, from the top of the mountain, but not until these two latter regiments had also exhausted their ammunition. Thus all my regiments had been in the front line during this engagement. The ground in front of the centre of the line, in and about the White House, I believe, was the common stock of the skirmishers of all the commands engaged, and at the house they found in park two pieces of the enemy's artillery, (with the limbers,) which was not in use upon our advance. Early the next morning, the enemy having entirely left the mountain, the Stars and Stripes waved upon the point of rocks on the summit of this grand old mountain. This was the conclusive evidence to observers for many miles around that one of the grandest feats of the war had been performed by our soldiers in successfully storming this strong hold, and taking most of the enemy, that were there posted, prisoners. Our advancing lines completely enfiladed most of the enemy's works, which were poorly adapted to the defence of the position. Early on the morning of the twenty-fifth November, the Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois were advanced on the left to make a reconnoissance, and captured some rebel guards, camps, baggage, and several boxes of arms, near the road from Chattanooga up the mountain to Summer Town, and found that the main force of the ene As my had evacuated Chattanooga Valley. These facts being reported, the whole force, under General Hooker, moved about ten o'clock A.M., toward Rossville, situated at the base of Missionary Ridge, five miles distant from Chattanooga, at which place the La Fayette road passes through a gorge in the ridge. Having to rebuild the destroyed bridge over Chattanooga Creek, it was after two o'clock P.M. before our advance, General Osterhaus's division, reached the rebel lines strongly posted in the gorge. The attack was soon made, however, and the advance division forced the passage, routed the enemy and moved forward through the gorge. As my advance approached the passage in the ridge, General Cruft directed me to move up the point of the ridge to the left and at right angles with the road. we assumed the point of the ridge, a brisk fire was opened from the summit upon some cavalry escort in our front. They soon found other quarters and gave way for our infantry. The Ninth Indiana, Colonel Suman, was in advance, and,. seemingly by intuition, came into line with skirmishers in front, supported by the Fifty-ninth Illinois, Major Hale, in double-quick, on the left, the Eighty-fourth Illinois and Thirty-sixth Indiana in the second line, the Seventy-fifth Illinois and Twenty-fourth Ohio forming the third line. By the time the rear lines were formed, the advance line had charged and driven the enemy from two lines of barricades, visiting the enemy with severe punishment, killing and wounding a large number and taking all the balance prisoners that were behind the barricades. Two regiments of General Whittaker's brigade soon came up on the left of my second and third lines on the slope of the ridge, General Geary's division advancing still further to the left in the valley; at the same time General Osterhaus's division was advancing to the east side of the ridge to my right. We continued the advance, meeting and driving more of the enemy northward on the ridge. At the same time heavy firing was going on a couple of miles to our front. As we approached, it seemed to be advancing toward us, which turned out to be General Johnson's division, Fourteenth corps, driving the enemy south on the ridge. When his lines and ours approached within eight hundred or nine hundred yards of each other, the enemy's forces, between us, threw down their arms, and firing and destruction of life ceased; and it appeared to me that we had more prisoners between than we had men in our own lines. Here we disposed of prisoners, cared for the wounded, buried the dead, and rested for the night. Colonel Suman and Major Hale, with their regiments, deserve favorable mention for daring and gallant conduct on this occasion. On the morning of the twenty-sixth, our forces moved on the Ringgold road in pursuit of the routed enemy. Two divisions of Fourteenth corps, under Major-General Palmer, had the advance, followed by General Osterhaus's division; then came the two brigades of our division, fol |