Segment of the report of Brig. Gen. Robert W. Johnson, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, during the time the Second Brigade was involved
Hdqrs. First Division. Fourteenth Army Corps,
Chattanooga, Tenn., November 30, 1863
November 25, General Carlin�s brigade recrossed Chattanooga Creek and rejoined my command, while the forces on Lookout Mountain passed down the eastern slope and over the valley to the foot of Missionary Ridge. In the afternoon I was instructed to draw in my Second Brigade from picket and hold it in readiness to move a against the enemy. My Third Brigade (General Starkweathers) was ordered to hold the forts and intrenchments in and around Chattanooga. Later in the day I was ordered to form my command in two lines, resting my left against the right of General Sheridan�s division, and to conform to his movements. Up to this time, owing to the sickness of General King, whose absence I regretted very much, my Second Brigade had been commanded by the accomplished soldier, Col. M. F. Moore, of the Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Colonel Stoughton, of the Eleventh Michigan Volunteers, arrived, and by virtue of seniority took command of the brigade. My division was formed, General Carlin on the right and Colonel Stoughton on the left, connecting with General Sheridan and facing Missionary Ridge. A heavy line of skirmishers was thrown out, and all the arrangements made availing the movement on the left.
The enemy was posted in a strong position in front, overlapping and extending away off to the right as far as the eye could reach, while in our front and to our right and left batteries were posted so as to have a cross-fire. About 3.45 p. m. the advance was sounded on my left, which was promptly conformed to by my command, and it moved forward steadily across the valley and toward the base of Missionary Ridge. My skirmishers soon became engaged with the enemy, who were sheltered by their rifle-pits, but without faltering, and under a galling fire of musket and artillery, they moved forward, driving the enemy from his first line of intrenchments. Notwithstanding the steepness of the mountain, the division moved steadily forward, driving the rebels from their works, and soon the summit was reached, and the colors planted upon the enemy�s boasted stronghold. A loud and prolonged cheer announced that a great victory had been gained. The summit was reached a little before sundown, the lines reformed, pickets thrown out, and arrangements made for encamping for the night. Orders were received to replenish our ammunition (up to 100 rounds), and to issue four days� rations, preparatory to following up the retreating foe.
November 26, the First and Second Brigades, the Second in advance, moved out on a road leading south of east, accompanied by the corps commander. After a march of 7 miles the head of the column arrived at the West Chickamauga Creek. Here the bridge had been destroyed, and the creek could not be forded. The horses were made to swim over, while a temporary bridge was constructed over which the men passed. After moving 1 1/2 miles the column reached Pea Vine Creek, and here, again, it was necessary to construct a temporary bridge for our men. At this point the road forks, the right hand leading directly to Ringgold, the left leading to Graysville. General Carlin led off on the latter road. Before advancing far the noise of men and wagons rendered it certain that a column of the enemy was retreating by the La Fayette road. General Carlin was directed to form line of battle, and Colonel Stoughton�s brigade was, by direction of the corps commander, directed to advance on the Ringgold road to its crossing with the La Fayette road, and to attack the enemy vigorously. This movement was made in gallant style, and about 9 p. m. a volley was fired into Stewart�s (rebel) division, the men of which scattered in all directions, throwing away their arms, abandoning their colors, and leaving in our possession three Napoleon guns, two caissons, with horses, harness, &c., and quite a number of prisoners. The command then resumed the march on Graysville, General Carlin leading with his brigade. The head of the column reached the village about 11 p. m., driving out of it in great confusion a number of the enemy, supposed to be a brigade. In this place General Carlin captured a number of prisoners and one cannon.
November 27, at early dawn, I was ordered to proceed to Ringgold by one road, while the major-general commanding the corps, with General Baird�s division, marched by another route. This movement threw me in rear of General Hooker�s forces. When General Hooker�s advance reached Ringgold it met with a spirited resistance. I directed General Carlin to form his brigade on the left of General Hooker, and to advance and attack. This was done in fine style, and soon his skirmishers opened upon those of the enemy, the latter falling back to the summit of White Oak Ridge.
Before advancing far, General Hooker directed me to halt and await further orders. My command had hardly halted before the enemy withdrew from my front and attacked the troops on my right, by which they were repulsed and driven from the field.
My command remained in Ringgold until the morning of the 29th November, when it was ordered to return to this place. The battles referred to in this report were fought on open ground, and every commander in the army could see the conduct of nearly all the troops engaged. To say my division did well would hardly convey an idea of the noble daring of its officers and men. The Army of the Cumberland has nobly sustained its gallant reputation, and it is but just to accord to the heroes of Vicksburg and the Potomac an equal share in the honor and glory won by our united efforts. I cannot close this report without acknowledging valuable services of my brigade commanders. Brig. Gen. W. P. Carlin, commanding the First Brigade, ably assisted by Col. B. F. Scribner, Thirty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, exhibited the same cool courage and daring which characterized his conduct at Perryville, Stone�s River, and Chickamauga. I thank him for his valuable advice and services, and congratulate him on his achievements. Col. W. L. Stoughton, Eleventh Regiment Michigan Volunteers, commanding Second Brigade; Col. M. F. Moore, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, commanding left wing. and Maj. J. R. Edie, Fifteenth Infantry, U. S. Army, commanding right wing, were very efficient in the discharge of their duties; great praise is due to them.
A small battalion of the Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, never under fire before, acted like veterans.
The Fifteenth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers, on post duty, was not engaged. Its colonel, Marion C. Taylor, joined me and acted as a staff officer. I am greatly indebted to him for his valuable assistance. He was at all times ready and willing to carry orders to any part of the field. He is a brave and gallant officer, worthy of promotion.
Major Fitch, Captain Waggener. Lieutenants Morris, Lowe, Kessler. and Smith, and Surgeon Miller, of my staff, were prompt and efficient. Their gallantry was conspicuous on all occasions calling it forth. The hope for glory and distinction will account for the gallantry of officers, but how can we thank too much the private soldier who faces death without hope of future reward?
Every officer and soldier did his duty, and I regret not being able to submit the name of every man in the division in this report in order that others may honor those to whom honor is justly due.
Captures
Napoleon guns, with horses and harnesses complete.........................3
Caissons, with horses and harnesses complete.................................2
Napoleon gun.............................................................................1
Prisoners of all grades, from Lieutenant-colonel down to private.....1,165
Stand of colors with a great number of small-arms.............................2
Acompanying this report is the report of Brigadier-General Carlin, with sub-reports. The reports of time Second Brigade will be forwarded when received.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. Johnson,
Briqadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
Capt. B. H. Polk.
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourteenth Army Corps.
Report of Col. William L. Stoughton, Eleventh Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
Hdqrs. 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps,
Chattanooga, December 5, 1863.
Sir: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the forces under my command in the action of the 25th ultimo, and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy:
During the forenoon of that day, the brigade was withdrawn from the picket line and formed in front of the Rossville road. The right wing. composed of the First and Second Battalions of the Fifteenth and Eighteenth, the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Infantry, was placed under the immediate commammd of Major Edie, and the left, composed of the Sixty-ninth Ohio, Nineteenth Illinois, and Eleventh Michigan Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Moore. About 1 p. m., by your orders. I movedi the brigade to the left and closed on the right of General Sheridan�s division, the First Brigade of this division closing on our right and completing the line of attack.
Our position at this time was partially concealed by the woods. An open field extended thence nearly half a mile to Mission Ridge� a strong position occupied by the enemy, and fortified by a line of rifle-pits about half way up the side and a breastwork on the crest, with cannon planted at intervals.
Between 3 and 4 p. m. orders were received to attack the enemy�s works, and the whole line at once advanced. On emerging from the woods the troops were exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy�s artillery. The skirmishers covering our front at the same time engaged those of the enemy, driving them in, and the whole line moved rapidly and in admirable order across the field.
On reaching the base of the hill the fire of the enemy, both of infantry and artillery, became still more destructive, and I gave orders to charge the first line of rifle-pits. These were speedily carried, and most of the enemy occupying them were either disabled or captured and sent to the rear. After resting a few minutes for the men to recover their breath and to close up the ranks, the order was passed along the line to charge the enemy�s breastworks. At the command the whole line sprung forward in gallant style and moved rapidly up the steep and difficult ascent. When near the crest they dashed forward with a shout of victory, routing the enemy and driving him from his stronghold, and capturing a large number of prisoners and one piece of artillery.
The command bivouacked on the hill during the night, and the next morning formed part of the column which followed in pursuit of the retreating foe. Soon after dark we crossed a small creek 1 mile south of Graysville, and by your direction I formed the brigade in lines of battle and moved through a piece of woods to attack the enemy on a road leading from that place to Ringgold. On approaching the road we surprised and captured his pickets, and learning his position moved promptly forward and made a vigorous attack, capturing over 60 prisoners, 1 flag, 3 pieces of artillery, 2 caissons with horses and equipments complete. One gun dismantled and thrown over time river bank and two caissons abandoned by the enemy in his flight were found the next morning and secured. The captured artillery was known as Ferguson�s battery.
We remained at Graysville during the night, and early the next morning one regiment was sent to Chattanooga with the captured artillery and the remainder of the brigade resumed the march to Ringgold. On arriving at this place a line of battle was immediately formed in front of a range of hills occupied by the enemy. The position was, however, carried by the troops who were engaged when we came up. The command remained here until the 29th ultimo, when, pursuant to orders, we returned to camp at this place.
It would be doing injustice to the troops of this command if I were to close this report without mentioning the noble and gallant manner in which they performed the duties required of them. Although somewhat exhausted by three days incessant picket duty prior to the battle of Mission Ridge, they neither hesitated nor faltered, but entered into the engagement with the ardor and enthusiasm of fresh troops, nor were they last upon the ridge.
Colonel Moore, Sixty-ninth Ohio and Major Edie, Fifteenth Infantry, are entitled to great credit for their gallantry and efficiency, and the skill and ability within which they handled their respective commands. I desire also to make honorable mention of Captains Keteltas and McManus, commanding First and Second Battalions, Fifteenth Infantry; Captain Crofton, commanding Sixteenth and Nineteenth Infantry; Captains Smith and Haymond, commanding First and Second Battalions, Eighteenth Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Raffen and Major Guthrie, Nineteenth Illinois; Major Hanna, Sixty-ninth Ohio, and Major Bennet (killed at Mission Ridge) and Captain Keegan, Eleventh Michigan Volunteers, as a tribute due to their own bravery and to that of their officers and men.
To Capt. James W. Forsyth, acting assistant adjutant-general, Captain Mulligan and Lieutenants Litchfield and Lyster, of the brigade staff, I return my thanks for the promptness and energy with which they discharged their duties, and their gallantry and valuable aid upon the field.
The brigade captured in all captured 5 pieces of artillery, 1 stand of colors, and 639 prisoners, including 1 colonel.
The brigade went into action with 86 commissioned officers and 1.455 enlisted men, making an aggregate of 1,541. Of these, 25 were killed and 186 wounded. I submit herewith a tabular statement and classification of the casualties and the several sub-reports.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
William L. Stoughton,
Colonel Eleventh Michigan Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson, Comdg. First Division.
Report of Capt. Robert E. A. Croflon, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, commanding Sixteenth and Nineteenth U. S. Infantry.
Headquarters Sixteenth U. S. Infantry,
Chattanooga, Tenn., December 29, 1863
Major: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the engagements near this place during the week ending November 29, 1863:
On Sunday, the 22d ultimo, my command, consisting of detachmnent Sixteenth Infantry and First Battalion, Nineteenth Infantry, was ordered with the remainder of the brigade on grand guard duty to picket the front of the Fourteenth Army Corps, we remaining in this duty till Wednesday, the 25th, when we were ordered into line of battle, the left resting on the Rossville road. From this position we moved to the left, and having covered our front with a line of skirmishers were ordered to storm Missionary Ridge. This was accomplished with but slight loss, the officers and men behaving with their usual gallantry. Having gained the summit of the ridge we went into bivouac, where we remained till next morning at about 10 a. m., and marched in pursuit of the enemy. Arriving near the road leading to Graysville. and about 2 miles from that place, we were ordered into line of battle. Learning there was a force of the enemy moving along this road, we advanced to the road, and having discovered the enemy immediately in our front, my command opened fire upon them, when the enemy, panic stricken, threw down their arms and ran within our lines.
I then sent forward an officer and 20 men as skirmishers, who discovered the rebels had left three brass pieces of Ferguson�s battery in our hands. One of these my men brought into our lines, the other two were brought in by the Eleventh Michigan Volunteers, of our brigade. In this attack I did not lose a man, as the enemy only fired a few random shots toward us. Here we took several prisoners, their number I had not time to ascertain, as they were sent immediately to the rear. We now marched to Graysville, Ga., where we bivouacked. Next morning we moved to Ringgold, where we found Major-General Hooker engaged with the enemy on Taylor�s Ridge. In this action we took no part, our services not being required. Here we remained till Sunday morning, the 29th, when we returned to our camp at Chattanooga.
The officers engaged were Capt. W. J. Slidell, Sixteenth Infantry; Capt. C. F. Trowbridge, Sixteenth Infantry; First Lieut. H. A. Theaker, First Lieut. Felix H. Torbett, Sixteenth Infantry; Second Lieut. John K. Schiffier, Sixteenth Infantry; Second Lieut. P. J. Coenzler, Sixteenth Infantry; Second Lieut. C. W. Hotsenpiller, Sixteenth Infantry Capt. H. S. Walton, Nineteenth Infantry Capt. James Mooney, Nineteenth Infantry; First Lieut. S. S. Culbertson, Nineteenth Infantry; First Lieut. Alfred Curtis, Nineteenth Infantry; Second Lieut. A. B. Carpenter, Nineteenth Infantry; Second Lieut. R. Ayres, Nineteenth Infantry.
I have pleasure in making favorable mention of my acting adjutant, C. W. Hotseupiller, Sixteenth Infantry, who rendered me efficient service.
Casualties: 1 officer and 2 men killed; 10 men wounded, and 1 man missing.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. A. Crofton,
Captain, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, Commanding.
Maj. John R. Edie,
15th U. S. Inf., Comdg. Reg. Troops, 1st Div., 14th A. C.
Effective strength of the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, in the engagement of November 25, 1863, at Mission Ridge.
1st Battalion, 15th U. S. Infantry...6 Officers....90 Enlisted men.....96 Aggregate
2d Battalion. 15th U. S. Infantry.........5 Officers...135 Enlisted men...140 Aggregate
16th U. S. Infantry...........................8 Officers...106 Enlisted men...114 Aggregate
1st Battalion. 18th U. S. Infantry.......10 Officers...176 Enlisted men...186 Aggregate
2d Battalion, 18th U.S. Infantry..........7 Officers...173 Enlisted men...180 Aggregate
19th U. S. Infantry...........................6 Officers.....82 Enlisted men....88 Aggregate
19th Illinois Volunteer Infantry...........18 Officers...182 Enlisted men...195 Aggregate
69th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.............20 Officers...267 Enlisted men...287 Aggregate
11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry........11 Officers...244 Enlisted men...255 Aggregate
Statement of Casualties in the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, in the engagement of November 25, 1863, at Mission Ridge.
1st Battalion, 15th U. S. Infantry.......1 Enlisted men killed......5 Enlisted men wounded........6 Aggregate
2d Battalion. 15th U. S. Infantry.......3 Enlisted men killed......6 Enlisted men wounded........9 Aggregate
16th U. S. Infantry.......1 Officer killed......1 Officer and 8 Enlisted men wounded........10 Aggregate
1st Battalion. 18th U. S. Infantry.......1 Enlisted men killed......15 Enlisted men wounded........16 Aggregate
2d Battalion, 18th U.S. Infantry.........13 Enlisted men wounded........13 Aggregate
19th U. S. Infantry..........................18 Enlisted men wounded........18 Aggregate
19th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.......2 Enlisted men killed......2 Officers and 22 Enlisted men wounded........26 Aggregate
69th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.......1 Officer and 10 Enlisted men killed......3 Officers and 30 Enlisted men wounded........44 Aggregate
11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry........1 Officer and 5 Enlisted men killed......3 Officers and 30 Enlisted men wounded........34 Aggregate