Statement of William B. Walker, company D, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry. I hereby certify that I was at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, on the twelfth day of the present month, when it was attacked by the confederates. I saw nothing more than has probably been related by a dozen others, until about the time of the panic and the retreat down the bluff by both white and black Union troops. We were followed closely by the rebels, and shot down, after surrender, as fast as they could find us. One of the rebels, after I had given him up my money as he had ordered me, fired upon me twice, after I had surrendered, and while I begged for my life. One ball struck me in the left eye. The rebels had almost ceased firing upon us, when an officer came down and told them to "shoot the last damned one of us," and "not to take one prisoner." He said it was the order of the General, (I could not hear the name plainly, but I think it was Chalmers.) Then the slaughter of the prisoners was resumed. I saw some six white and ten colored soldiers thus shot, long after they had surrendered, and while the negroes were on their knees, begging to be spared. Statement of Jason Lonan, company B, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry. I do hereby certify that I was at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, on the twelfth (12th) of the present month, when it was attacked by the rebels under General A. B. Forrest. I was ordered into the Fort at the commencement of the engagement. We kept up a continual fire on both sides until about one o'clock P.M., when a flag of truce was sent in, and firing ceased. While the flag of truce was being considered, I saw the enemy plundering our evacuated quarters, and moving their forces up in large bodies, getting them in position. We had been driving them all the morning. They were at the same time placing their sharp-shooters in the buildings we had occupied as barracks. The object of the flag of truce not having been agreed to, the firing again commenced. About one hour afterward the enemy charged on our works in overwhelming numbers, and the negro soldiers, being panicstricken, dropped their arms, and ran down the bluff. The whites also, when they found there was to be no quarter shown, also ran down the bluff. The rebels ran after us, shooting all they came to, both black and white. I also certify that I was myself shot after I had surrendered, and while I had my hands up, and was imploring them to show me mercy. They also shot Sergeant Gwalthney, of my company, while he was within ten feet of me, after he had given up his revolver, and while he had his hands up crying out for mercy. They took his own revolver and shot him with its contents twice through the head, killing him instantly. I also certify that I saw the rebels shoot, in all, six men who had surrendered, and who had their hands up asking quarter. I further certify that I saw the rebels come about on the ensuing morning, the thirteenth day of April, A.D. 1864, and despatch several of the colored soldiers of the Sixth United States heavy artillery, who had survived their wounds received on the previous day. Statement of Corporal William P. Dickey, company B, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry. I do hereby certify that I was at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, on the twelfth day of April, A.D. 1864, when that place was attacked by the rebel General Forrest. I went into the Fort at the commencement of the action. We kept up a continuous fire upon both sides until about one o'clock P.M., when a flag of truce was sent in by the rebels, and while it was being considered, the firing was ordered to cease. I also certify that while this was going on, I plainly saw the enemy consolidating their forces and gaining positions they had been endeavoring to gain without success. At the same time their men were plundering our deserted camp, and stealing goods from the Quartermaster's dépôt, and from the stores of the merchants of the post. They also, at the same time, put their sharp-shooters into our deserted barracks, whence they had fair view, and were in fair range of our little garrison. The firing recommenced after the flag of truce had retired. About one hour thereafter the rebels stormed our works. They had no sooner obtained the top of our walls when the negroes ran, and the whites, obtaining no quarter, ran after them. The rebels followed closely, shooting down all who came in the way, white and black. I also certify that I was myself shot by a rebel soldier after I had surrendered, and while I had my hands up begging for mercy. I also certify that I saw the rebels shoot down ten men, white soldiers, within ten paces of me, while they had their hands up supplicating quarter. I also certify that I saw twelve negro MOUND CITY, April 18, 1864. Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry. soldiers killed long after they had surrendered. I also certify that I saw the rebels throw Statement of William F. Mays, Company B, several negroes into the river while they were begging for life. One rebel came to me and took my percussion-caps, saying he had been killing negroes so fast that his own had been exhausted. He added that he was going to shoot some more. I also certify that I saw negroes thrown into the river by rebels, and shot afterward, while struggling for life. his WILLIAM P. x DICKEY. Witness: WILLIAM CLEARY, mark. I was at Fort Pillow on the twelfth of April, 1864, and engaged in the fight there. The pickets were driven in about six o'clock A.M., when skirmishers were thrown out to ascertain the position and number of the enemy. The contraband camp was then discovered to be on fire, and the firing of small arms was heard in the same direction. The skirmishing lasted about one hour, when our skirmishers were gradually drawn back Second Lieutenant Company B, Thirteenth Tennessee Vol. Cav. toward the Fort on the bluff. They then attack ed the Fort. Two assaults were made by them, and both repulsed. This was about eleven or twelve o'clock A.M., when a flag of truce was sent in, demanding a surrender. While the flag was being received and the firing suspended, the enemy were moving their forces into position, and occupied one position which they had been fighting to obtain all day, but had not been able to gain, except under the protection of a flag of truce. It was from this position they made Statement of Sergeant William A. Winn, Com-their heaviest assault, it being impossible to pany B, Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry Volun teers. bring our artillery to bear upon them. Question. Do you believe they could have taken the Fort or that particular position, had they not done so under cover of the flag of truce? Answer. I do not. They had been kept from it for six hours. Question. What further took place? Go on with your statement. Answer. In about five minutes after the disap I was in Fort Pillow on Tuesday, the twelfth of April, 1864, when the attack was made by General Forrest upon that place. At the firing of the first gun I hastened on board the gunboat, as I had been wounded some time before, and could not fight. The first thing I saw afterward was the rebel sharp-shooters on the top of the hill, and ours at quartermaster's department, fir-pearance of the flag of truce, a general assault ing at each other, and the rebels were also firing at the gunboat. The next thing I saw was a flag of truce come in, which was in waiting some half an hour. This was about one o'clock P.M., and as soon as it started back, the enemy immediately started up the hill on the double-quick, not waiting for the flag of truce to return. As soon as they came close to the Fort, and had their sharp-shooters distributed through our barracks, (which were just outside the Fort,) they opened fire upon the garrison, and then charged the works. Those troops which I saw came from the direction that the flag of truce did. I saw our men run down the bluff, the rebels after them, shooting them down as fast as they came up with them. I saw twelve or fifteen men shot down after they had surrendered, with their hands up begging for mercy. Next I saw them turn their cannon on us, (the boat,) and throw several shells at the boat, trying to sink her, but she steamed up the river, out of range, leaving behind us a scene of cold-blooded murder too cruel and barbarous for the human mind to ex-you, you thought you were free, did you?" and press. W. A. WINN. Sworn and subscribed to before me this twenty-fifth day of April, 1864. was made upon our works from every direction. They were kept at bay for some time, when the negroes gave way upon the left, and ran down the bluff, leaving an opening through which the rebels entered, and immediately commenced an indiscriminate slaughter of both white and black. We all threw down our arms, and gave tokens of surrender, asking for quarter. (I was wounded in the right shoulder and muscle of the back, and knocked down before I threw down my gun.) But no quarter was given. Voices were heard upon all sides, crying: "Give them no quarter; kill them; kill them; it is General Forrest's orders." I saw four white men and at least twenty-five negroes shot while begging for mercy; and I saw one negro dragged from a hollow log within ten feet of where I lay, and as one rebel held him by the foot another shot him. These were all soldiers. There were also two negro women and three little children standing within twenty-five steps from me, when a rebel stepped up to them and said, "Yes, God damn shot them all. They all fell but one child, when he knocked it in the head with the breech of his gun. They then disappeared in the direction of the landing, following up the fugitives, firing at them wherever seen. They came back in about three quarters of an hour, shooting and robbing the dead of their money and clothes. I saw a man with a canteen upon him, and a pistol in his hand. I ventured to ask him for a drink of water. He turned around, saying, "Yes, God damn you, I will give you a drink of water," and shot at my head three different times, covering my face up with dust, and then turned from me, no doubt thinking he had killed me, remarking, “God damn you, it's too late to pray now," then went on with his pilfering. I lay there until dark, feigning death, when a rebel officer came along, drawing his sabre, and ordered me to get up, threatening to run his sabre into me if I did not, saying I had to march ten miles that night. I succeeded in getting up, and got among a small squad he had already gathered up, but stole away from them during the night, and got among the dead, feigning death for fear of being murdered. The next morning the gunboat came up and commenced shelling them out, when I crawled out from among the dead, and with a piece of paper motioned to the boat; she came up, and I crawled on board. CAIRO, ILLINOIS, April 4, 1864. On the twenty-third of March it was generally understood at the said post that at least a portion of the rebel General Forrest's command were advancing on us. At about eight o'clock P.M. of that day the advance of the enemy were seen and fired upon, near Jacksonville, six miles from Union City, by a small scouting-party sent in that direction from our post. This party reported the facts immediately to Colonel Hawkins, of the Seventh Tennessee cavalry, who was commander of the post. The picket-guard was then doubled, and two or three companies were ordered to keep their horses saddled during the night. I was notified at half-past four A.M. of the twenty-fourth of March to order my horses saddled. About five o'clock firing commenced all around the line of pickets. The main part of company B, Captain Martin, were abreast, and a part of company I, also, I think. The remaining force, about five hundred strong, were distributed around at the breast works. The pickets were driven in, with a loss of two killed and several wounded. About half-past five A.M. a cavalry charge was made from the south side. It was repulsed with but little difficulty. The same were immediately dismounted and charged again, this time coming within twenty or thirty yards of the breastworks. They were repulsed | again, and with considerable loss this time. Immediately following this, another charge was made in front, from the north-west, and again repulsed. Immediately following this, the fourth charge, and last, was made from the north-east, which charge confronted my company, and were repulsed again with loss. This charge was made at about eight A.M. About this time the Colonel came to this part of the works; I remarked to him that it was my opinion the rebels were defeated in their first programme; that they would either leave the field or assemble and make a consolidated charge. Our troops were in fine spirits. Sharp-shooting lasted till half-past nine A.M., when an escort, with a flag of truce, approached my position. I sent notification to Colonel Hawkins of the approaching truce flag, and then advanced in person and halted the truce escort two hundred yards froin the defences. Then Colonel Hawkins came; a document was handed him, the contents of which I know not. At this time the rebel troops were in full view, in the logs and stumps. The truce escort retired, and in twenty minutes after again came. I again halted them on the same ground. as before, and remained with them during this interview. This time an order was handed to Colonel Hawkins, which I read. As near as I can remember, it read as follows: Then followed a council of our officers, in which a large majority violently opposed any capitulation whatever with the enemy. Notwithstanding this, the Colonel made a surrender at eleven A.M., which, to the best of my knowledge and belief, was unconditional. No artillery was seen or used. The surrendered troops were very indignant on hearing of the surrender. Only one man had been killed and two or three wounded inside of the works. It was generally believed to be a rebel defeat. Our troops, after grounding arms, were marched away on foot. The rebel troops were commanded by Colonel Duckworth, and as nearly as I could estimate them, there were eight hundred. A list of prisoners was made on the twentysixth, at Trenton, which numbered four hundred and eighty-one, including ten of Hardy's men and a few of the Twenty-fourth Missouri infantry, who were doing provost duty. Ť. P. GRAY, Captain Company C, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry. DOCUMENTS. HEADQUARTERS POST OF PADUCAH, made a third effort, but were forced to abandon their design. It was in this last struggle that Brigadier A. P. General Thompson (confederate) was killed. SIR: I have the honor to report in relation to the late engagement with the rebel General Forrest. On the twenty-fifth instant my scouts I now discovered, on examination, that my came in at about twelve o'clock M., bringing no ammunition was growing short, and out of thirnews of the enemy's whereabouts. I immediate- ty thousand rounds, (the amount we commenced ly ordered out others, and directed them to pro- the fight with,) twenty-seven thousand had been ceed on the Mayfield road. They had gone but already expended. In this emergency I ordered three miles when they were met by Forrest's ad- the remainder to be equally distributed; the vance-guard, who fired upon them. They hurmen to fix their bayonets; to make good use of riedly fell back and gave the alarm, and in less the ammunition they had, and, when that was than ten minutes after they reported, the enemy exhausted, to receive the enemy on the point of were driving in my pickets, who opened a skir- the bayonet, feeling fully determined never to mish-fire and fell back to Fort Anderson, accord-surrender while I had a man alive. When this ing to previous instructions. I immediately or dered the little force under my command to double-quick to the Fort, which order was promptly obeyed; yet, before they could reach there, such was the impetuosity of the attack, that their rear was fired into by the enemy. At two P.M. the enemy took position surrounding the Fort, and a sharp fight commenced, which in a few minutes became furious, and continued for about one hour, when it was announced that a flag of truce was approaching. I immediately ordered my men to cease firing, and sent out to meet the bearer, from whom I received the following demand for a surrender: HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS, COLONEL: Having a force amply sufficient to Colonel HICKS, HEADQUARTERS POST OF PADUCAH, I have this moment received yours of this instant, in which you demand the unconditional surrender of the forces under my command. I can answer that I have been placed here by my Government to defend this post, and in this, as well as all other orders from my superior, I feel it to be my duty as an honorable officer to obey. I must, therefore, respectfully decline surrendering as you may require. S. G. HICKS, Very respectfully, While the flag of truce was near the Fort, and during its pendency, the enemy were engaged in taking position and planting a battery. As soon as the answer was returned they moved forward, and our forces opened on them, and the fight became general. They attempted to storm our works, but were repulsed. They rallied and order was repeated by the officers to their respective commands, it was received with loud shouts and cheers. The enemy's sharp-shooters in the mean time got possession of the houses around and near the Fort, from which position they picked off some of my gunners, shooting nearly all of them in the head. Toward dark the enemy took shelter behind houses, in rooms, and hollows, and kept up a scattering fire until half-past eleven o'clock, when it entirely ceased, and the rebel General withdrew his command out of the range of my guns, and went into camp for the night. On the morning of the twenty-sixth the enemy again made a demonstration by surrounding the As soon as I discovered Fort in the distance. this, I ordered Major Barnes, of the Tenth Kentucky cavalry, to send out squads to burn all the houses within musket-range of the Fort, from which the sharp-shooters had annoyed us the day previous. While the houses were burning General Forrest sent in a second flag of truce, with the following communication: HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS, NEAR PADUCAH, KENTUCKY, March 26, 1864. SIR: I understand you hold in your possession in the guard-house at Paducah a number of I have confederate soldiers as prisoners of war. in my possession about thirty-five or forty Federal soldiers who were captured here yesterday, and about five hundred who were captured at Union City. I propose to exchange man for man, according to rank, so far as you may hold confederate soldiers. If Respectfully, N. B. FORREST, Commanding Federal Forces at Paducah, Ky. HEADQUARTERS POST OF PADUCAH, SIR: I have no power to make the exchange. Very respectfully, S. G. HICKS, Colonel Fortieth Illinois Infantry, Commanding Post. Major-General N. B. FORREST, Commanding Confederate Forces. With the above General Forrest sent a list of tried it again, and met the same fate. They the names of the prisoners captured, (!) all of whom, with one exception, were convalescents in the general hospital, and too feeble to get to the Fort. The following troops composed my command during the fight: Companies C, H, and K, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois infantry, commanded by Major J. F. Chapman, one hundred and twenty men; Sixteenth Kentucky cavalry, Major Barnes commanding, two hundred and seventy-one men; First Kentucky heavy artillery, (colored,) two hundred and seventy-four men, commanded by Lieutenant R. D. Cunningham, of the Second Illinois artillery, making a total of six hundred and sixty-five men. Opposed to this was the rebel force under the command of Generals Forrest, Buford, J. G. Harris, and A. P. Thompson, of six thousand five hundred men. The casualties of my command were fourteen killed and forty-six wounded. The enemy's loss, according to the most reliable information that I can obtain, was three hundred killed and from one thousand to one thousand two hundred wounded. His killed and wounded may be safely set down at one thousand five hundred. General Forrest admitted, in conversation with some of his friends in this city, that in no engagement during the war had he been so badly cut up and crippled as at this place. Our loss in government stores was inconsiderable. The Quartermaster's depot, a temporary wooden building, was burned, and in consequence thereof a small lot of quartermaster's property was lost. Our commissary stores, and most of our government horses, mules, wagons, etc., were saved. In justice to the officers and soldiers under my command, allow me to say that they acted well their part, proving themselves worthy of the great cause in which they are engaged, and all deserving of the highest praise. The three companies of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois were the only portion of my command that had ever been under fire beore. And here permit me to remark that I have been one of those men who never had much confidence in colored troops fighting, but those doubts are now all removed, for they fought as bravely as any troops in the Fort. The gunboats Peosta, Captain Smith, and Paw Paw, Captain O'Neal, were present and rendered valuable aid in shelling the city and operating on the flank of the enemy as they surrounded the Fort. A list of the names of the killed and wounded S. G. HICKS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES, } HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST, COLUMBUS, KENTUCKY, April 13, 1864. GENERAL: Your communication of this date to hand. In reply, I would state that, being placed by my Government with adequate force to hold and repel all enemies from my post, surrender is out of the question. I am, General, very respectfully, WM. HUDSON LAWRENCE, Col. Thirty-Fourth New-Jersey Vols., Commanding Post. Brigadier-General A. BUFORD, Commanding Confederate Forces before Columbus, Ky. The following affidavit was furnished, at the request of the Committee, by General W. S. Rosecrans, from St. Louis : HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, SAINT LOUIS, April 26, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Hon. B. F. Wade, Cairo, Illinois, Chairman Congressional Committee on Conduct of the War. W: S. ROSECRANS, Major-General Commanding. By O. D. GREEN, A. A. G., Absence of General Statement of Edward B. Benton, upon oath, relative to the Massacre by the Confederate Troops under General Forrest, at Fort Pillow, Ten nessee. I was born in Waltham, Vermont. Question. Where have you resided last? Answer. I was in Missouri engaged in furnishing beef to the Government troops on the NorthMissouri Railroad until a year ago last July. I then went down to Fort Pillow, and have been there ever since. Question. What was your business there? Answer. I owned two hundred and fifteen acres of the Fort, bordering on the river, and the very land we fought on. I was putting in one hundred acres of cotton just outside the fortifications, which was my principal business. Question. You lived outside the Fort? Answer. Yes, sir - slept there. I was in the Fort every day; it was only about a mile from the landing-not a mile from the fortifications. Question. Just say when you saw Forrest's men; the day and the time of day, and what you did? Answer. On Tuesday morning, the twelfth of this month, I was awakened about five o'clock, or half-past five, by a little darkey boy, who Fully capable of taking Columbus and its gar- came up to my room and says: "O Mr. Ben, |