Campaigns and Battles - A

A: Abbeville, Mississippi, to Aylett's, Virginia

Source: The Union Army, Vol. V. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.


Abbeville, Mississippi, August 23, 1864. Detachment of the 16th Army Corps. A part of the 2nd brigade, 1st division, under command of Colonel McClure, was opposed by a part of the 2nd brigade of Forrest's cavalry, commanded by Colonel Wade. At noon the Federals encamped near Abbeville, and a picket in the rear, on the Oxford road, was attacked by the Confederate advance guard, which for some hours had been following the Federal column. A line of skirmishers was deployed, supported by the 5th Minnesota, and the skirmishing soon became general, the Confederates having developed a considerable force. The Union skirmishers were reinforced by four companies of the 5th Minnesota, the 8th Missouri, the 47th Illinois, and a section of the 2nd la. battery. A line of battle was formed, the enemy was charged and forced to retreat in confusion. The Union loss was 15 killed; that of the enemy 19 killed and 15 wounded.


Abb's Valley, Virginia, May 8, 1864. Averell's Cavalry Division. The only official mention of a skirmish in Abb's valley on this date is in the report of Brigadier-General W. W. Averell, in the expedition against the Virginia & Tennessee railroad, and is as follows: "The division found its way over pathless mountains and up tortuous streams to Abb's valley, in Tazewell county, where it arrived on the evening of the 7th, capturing scouts of the enemy and one company of the 8th Virginia (rebel) cavalry on picket . The march was resumed on the 8th, and some Kentucky troops of the enemy driven, with a loss to them of 4 killed and 5 wounded, to Tazewell Court House, a distance of 15 miles." (It is probable that some of this skirmishing occurred near Jeffersonville, where the official records of the war mention an engagement on the 8th, but of which no detailed report is given.)  


Aberdeen, Alabama, November 17-19, 1864. 6th and 9th Illinois and 2nd Iowa Cavalry. In the North Alabama and Middle Tennessee campaign, Colonel Coon of the 2nd la. cavalry, then commanding the 2nd brigade, 5th division, cavalry corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, scouted across Shoal creek with the brigade, sent the 2nd la. to patrol the Florence and Waynesboro road, and on the 18th, camped at Cowpen Mills. Next day the brigade moved across Shoal creek at Cowpen ford to camp on Butler creek and at the Butler creek road drove in the Confederate picket. Coon sent Captain Mock, with part of the 9th Illinois, to patrol the Waynesboro road, and left the remainder of that regiment under Captain Harper to picket the road to Florence. The main column turned north to Butler creek. The train and artillery escorted by the 6th Illinois, under Major Whitsit, was sent down the little Butler valley instructed to cross Shoal creek at all hazards. The 2nd la. was attacked in front by superior numbers under the Confederate General Buford and the 9th Illinois was heavily pressed in the rear by a force from the south. Mock was warned that unless he could return soon his escape would inevitably be cut off. The regiment formed a line in a naturally protected place and dismounted, supported by the 2nd Louisiana, but it was compelled to fall back. The regiments then fell back alternately and formed lines for two miles, protecting the train and its escort until they were over Shoal creek. Federal troops dismounted to cover the crossing and a skirmish was kept up while the command descended the bank. Mock and his detachment, after a night of marching and fighting, rejoined the command on the 19th. No casualties reported.  


Aberdeen, Arkansas, July 5-6, 1862. Fitch's White River Expedition. At 8:30 a. m. on the 5th Colonel Fitch, commanding the expedition, anchored his fleet off Aberdeen, where he bivouacked his men. At 6:30 p. m. of the same day a guerrilla attack was made, from the woods on the shore, on the Lexington, killing 1 and wounding 1. The Federal artillery poured a fire of grape, shell and canister into the woods and the attack was not renewed. The next morning Fitch, with 2,000 men of the 24th, 34th, 43d and 46th Indiana infantry, scouted toward Devall's bluff. About 9 a. m. his advance, about 200 men of the 24th Indiana, routed some 400 Confederate cavalry, killing and wounding 84, and after a pursuit of 3 miles returned to Aberdeen with 6 prisoners. The Union loss was 1 killed and 21 wounded.  


Aberdeen, Mississippi, February 18, 1864. 9th Illinois Cavalry. Incidental to Sherman's Meridian expedition, the 9th Illinois cavalry, Colonel Burgh commanding, by order of General B. H. Grierson, moved upon Aberdeen. There it found and drove back two companies of state militia, killing and wounding several and taking 18 prisoners. It destroyed a 10-pounder cannon, about 3,500 bushels of corn, a saddle-tree factory, 300 saddle-trees and a quantity of leather, whisky, beans and other products and commodities.  


Abingdon, Virginia, December 15, 1864. Stoneman's raid. Starting from Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 9, with two mounted brigades under Generals Burbridge and Gillem, General Stoneman drove out of East Tennessee the forces with which General Breckenridge had made a diversion in favor of Hood. In following up his advantage he went up the Holston valley to Abingdon, Wytheville and Saltville, Virginia After the capture of Bristol, Tennessee, Burbridge learned that General Vaughan was at Zollicoffer, 10 miles distant, with 2,000 men. Asking Stoneman to support him with Gillem's brigade, Burbridge with 4,000 men marched to attack Vaughan, but the latter eluded him in a dense fog and attempted to join Breckenridge at Saltville, going via Abingdon where Burbridge headed him off, capturing the town, 1 piece of artillery, a locomotive, 12 cars and valuable stores.


Abraham's Creek, Virginia, September 13-17, 1864. 1st Brigade, 3d Cavalry Division. Incidental to Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign, Brigadier-General Mcintosh of this brigade, was ordered to make a strong reconnaissance toward Winchester to determine the enemy's position. Crossing the Opequan by the Winchester pike he attacked the enemy's pickets on the other side, capturing 2 officers and 37 men. On Abraham's creek, within two miles of Winchester, he broke through a line of infantry, parted in force to cover the town, captured the entire 8th South Carolina infantry and its colors. On the 17th, he burned a mill on Abraham's creek, on the Winchester pike, and Jones mill, near the Opequan.


Accotink, Virginia, October 17, 1863.


Accotink, Virginia, January 12, 1864. Four of the force of Provost-Marshal, General Wells, at Alexandria and some members of the Accotink home-guard had an encounter near Accotink with six cavalrymen of Gordon's brigade, Hampton's division. The Confederates about sunrise had captured 2 Page 19 citizens and a number of horses near Accotink. Wells' force pursued them, retook the citizens and horses, captured 2 Confederate prisoners and the horses and equipment of the whole party.  


Accotink, Virginia, July 15, 1864. The home-guard was attacked by about 200 of Mosby's men. Loss, 1 killed on each side.  


Acton, Minnesota, September 2, 1862.  


Acworth, Georgia, June 3, 1864. Cavalry of the 2nd Division, Army of the Cumberland. This was a point of some importance to General J. E. Johnston so long as he held the line in front of New Hope church. Forced to abandon that line by the extension of Geary's and Butterfield's divisions along the Acworth road, McCook's cavalry menacing him from the east, he removed his troops from Acworth preparatory to a general retreat to new positions between Lost mountain and Brush mountain near Kennesaw. McCook's and Stoneman's cavalry made prisoners of a few videttes and found the place abandoned.  


Acworth, Georgia, October 4, 1864. The Federal garrison here was attacked about 9 o'clock in the evening by Loring's division, Stewart's corps, Hood's army, and after exchange of a few shots capitulated to the overwhelming numbers of the Confederates, 250 officers and men surrendering as prisoners of war. That night Stewart tore up the railroad from near Harrison Station to beyond Acworth.  


Adairsville, Georgia, May 16-18, 1864. 4th Corps, Army of the Cumberland. General Walker's division of Hardee's (Confederate) corps, consisting of the brigades of Gist, Mercer, Jackson and Stevens, had been at Calhoun for several days. On the morning of the 16th, the 4th corps, Army of the Cumberland, Major-General O. O. Howard commanding, crossed the Oostanaula river over a bridge that had been burned, but which members of the organization had repaired, and after driving in the Confederate skirmishers, encamped near Calhoun. In the afternoon Hardee's skirmish line was strengthened and an advance, with a view to developing the Federal strength, was made by Walker and Cleburne. About 1 a. m., May 17, Hardee's corps retired slowly, holding the Federals in check with cavalry, and reached Adairsville, 7 miles from Calhoun, about noon. Newton's division was in the Federal advance. Until late in the afternoon there was heavy skirmishing with the cavalry of Cheatham and Wheeler, who intrenched themselves in several strong positions along the road, from each of which they were dislodged. That day Johnston's army at Adairsville was reinforced by French's division of Polk's corps and William H. Jackson's division. On the morning of the 18th, the Federals at Adairsville found that Johnston had gone. Hardee's corps had marched to Kingston, Polk's and Hood's to Cassville. Johnston had intended to turn back and meet the column following him from Adairsville. On the 19th, Polk started back on the Adairsville road and Hood on a road parallel with it. Learning that Federals were approaching in the rear and right of the position that he had just vacated, Hood fell back and took position beyond the Canton road. The Confederates, according to General Thomas' report had "fallen back in echelon of divisions steadily and in superb order into Cassville."  


Adams, U. S. S., Attack on June 2, 1864. (See Columbia, Arkansas)


Adams' Bluff, Arkansas, July 4, 1862. Portion of the U. S. Fleet on the White River. Incidental to the expedition planned by Flag-Officer Davis to pursue Confederate gunboats and support General Curtis, Lieutenant Shirk, with boats protecting troops and transports, went up the river from Crockett's bluff. While passing Adams' bluff, he was fired on by guerrillas from the east bank of the river. He returned their fire with shot and shell and destroyed a ferry boat.  


Adamstown, Maryland, October 14, 1864.  


Adamsville, Tennessee, March 31, 1862. Detachment 5th Ohio Cavalry. A detachment of 28 men from Company I, under command of Lieutenant Murray, was sent down to the Purdy road from Adamsville, to relieve a temporary cavalry picket commanded by Lieutenant Rossman, was defeated in a skirmish with Confederate cavalry, with a loss of 1 wounded and 2 or 3 captured.  


Adobe Fort, New Mexico, November 25, 1864. Detachment of California and New Mexico Volunteers and Friendly Indians. The detachment, consisting of three companies of the 1st California cavalry two companies of the 1st New Mexico cavalry, and two companies of infantry, with 2 mountain howitzers, numbering 335 white men and 75 Ute and Apache Indians, the whole commanded by Colonel Christopher ("Kit") Carson, engaged about 1,000 well mounted Indians about four miles from Adobe Fort. The hostile force consisted of Kiowas and Comanches, with a few Apaches and Arapahoes. The fight lasted from 8:30 in the morning until sunset, during which time the Indians fought bravely, charging many times from different points, but in the end they were defeated and compelled to witness the destruction of their village of 150 fine lodges, with large quantities of dried meats, buffalo robes, powder, cooking utensils, a buggy belonging to the Kiowa chief, Sierrito or Little Mountain, and other property. The battle was hot all over the ground from the village to Fort Adobe. Carson's loss was 2 whites and 1 Indian killed, and 10 whites and 5 Indians wounded. The enemy lost over 60 in killed and wounded.  


Aenon Church, Virginia, May 28, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, and 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. This engagement was an incident of the campaign from the Rapidan to the James river. The 1st brigade, consisting of the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan cavalry, and commanded by Brigadier-General George A. Custer, after driving the enemy from Haw's shop and Crump creek, was ordered to the support of the 2nd division (Gregg's) which was engaged with a large force at Aenon church. From Haw's shop Custer moved down the Richmond road until near the church, when the dense growth of timber and underbrush rendered the cavalry useless. Dismounting his men he formed a line at right angles with the road, the 1st and 6th regiments on the right and the 5th and 7th on the left. In this formation the brigade advanced until an opening was made in Gregg's line to receive it. By this time there was heavy fighting along the whole line, and several losses had been inflicted on both sides without material advantage to either. As the 1st brigade moved forward and engaged the enemy the 5th and 7th regiments were exposed to a well directed cross fire and to a heavy fire in front. More than once they had to give ground temporarily, but each time they advanced again with courage and determination. Believing that it was within the power of the 1st and 6th regiments to dislodge that portion of the enemy whose destructive fire enfiladed the other two, Custer ordered them to advance their line. The men moved forward with a cheer and drove the enemy in confusion from his position, his dead and wounded remaining on the field. Simultaneously the 5th and 7th advanced on the left of the road, inflicted terrible loss on the enemy in front and drove him back. The pursuit was kept up until the Confederates had found safety beyond the range of the Federal guns. The brigade held its position until dark, when it was relieved by infantry, and encamped on the Pamunkey, about a mile from the mouth of the Totopotomy river. "Our loss in this battle," reported Custer, "was greater than in any other engagement of the campaign." Official reports include it with losses in other nearly contemporaneous engagements. The Confederate forces here engaged were those of Generals Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee.  


Aiken, South Carolina, February 11, 1865. 3d Cavalry Division, Sherman's Army. Early in the morning, the 2nd brigade, 3d cavalry division, Military division of the Mississippi, under command of General Atkins, accompanied by General Kilpatrick, moved toward Aiken, the advance driving the Confederates to the east side of the town. The 92nd Illinois, under Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk, charged into Aiken, which appeared to have been vacated, only to find it held in force by the enemy under Hampton and Wheeler. A Confederate division in the woods on the Federal right charged in the rear of the 92nd and formed in line. Leaving a skirmish line to hold the enemy in front, Van Buskirk faced the regiment to the rear, charged through the Confederates and rejoined his brigade, which had formed a line of battle with the 9th Michigan on the left of the road and railroad, the 9th Ohio on the right, supporting Lieutenant Clark's section of artillery some distance in the rear, and the loth Ohio in reserve. The 92nd came up to this line so mixed up with the enemy as to make it impossible for the remainder of the brigade to fire. Federals and Confederates alike were claiming their enemies as prisoners and pulling them off their horses. Neither side was armed with sabers. Two Confederates were killed and another was knocked off his horse by Van Buskirk, who used his empty pistol as a club.  As soon as firing was possible the Confederate advance was checked by a volley from the Federal line. The 9th Ohio under Colonel Hamilton charged the enemy on the right of the road and most of the 92nd Illinois charged back with it. Major McBride of the 9th Michigan charged with his battalion on the left, and the Confederates were driven back into Aiken. The Federals then fell back to their fortified position at Johnson's station and, though pursued and attacked on their flanks, repeatedly repelled the enemy's charges by a well directed fire. The Federal loss was 53 killed, wounded and missing; Confederate loss 72 killed.


Alamo, Steamer, November 29, 1864. (See Dardanelle, Arkansas, same date.)  


Albany, Kentucky, September 23, 1861. The exact date of this affair is uncertain. According to General Zollicoffer (Confederate) a Federal force of about 400 men, which had made prisoners of Confederate soldiers and citizens sympathizing with the cause of secession, at and near Albany, was about this time routed by a detachment of Confederate troops under Captain Bledsoe and about 60 muskets captured.  


Albany, Kentucky, September 29, 1861. Shortly before this date the Confederates at Albany withdrew to an encampment about 20 miles away, taking much private and public property, including more than 30 home-guard muskets and 3,000 rounds of cartridges. In the presence of a foe out-numbering them ten to one, the Russell home-guards (Federal) occupied the place, replanting and standing by the colors and defiantly inviting an attack. About 300 Federals, pf the 12th Kentucky infantry under Colonel Haskins, arrived on the 28th and were soon reinforced by 500 to 600 cavalry and home-guards. On the 29th, Haskins ordered Captain Morrison to attack a new Confederate camp at Travisville, 13 miles distant. About 100 troops were surprised there, 2 were killed, 2 taken prisoners and the others escaped. Major Brents, with 45 men, was sent to reinforce Morrison, but arrived too late to participate in the attack.  


Albany, Kentucky, August 18, 1863. Detachment of the 23d Army Corps. The monthly return of the corps' itinerary, during the East Tennessee campaign, says: "On the 18th Lieutenant Carr fell in with Champ Ferguson at Albany. Killed 2, wounded 3, among whom was Ferguson himself." This is the only official mention of the affair.  


Albany, Missouri, October 26. 1864. 33d Infantry Enrolled Missouri Militia. This regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel S. P. Cox attacked Bill Anderson and his guerrillas at Albany, Ray county, and gained a signal victory. Anderson and one of his men supposed to have been Captain Rains, son of General Rains of Price's army, charged through the Federal lines and Anderson was killed. Rains escaped from the town with his routed followers. On Anderson's body were found orders from General Price.  


Albee's Ranch, California, July 29, 1862. Two express riders of Company E, 2nd California infantry, were fired upon by Indians in ambush about 2 miles Page 22 Albee's ranch. One was shot through the body and the other's horse was wounded, but he exchanged fire with an Indian at close range, without injury to either. The two men managed to get to Albee's, and later to Fort Anderson.  


Albemarle County, Virginia, February 28-March 1, 1864. Custer's Expedition. Brigadier-General George A. Custer, commanding the 3d cavalry division, with 1.500 men and a section of artillery, left Pony mountain on the afternoon of February 28 for a raid into Albemarle county. That night he bivouacked at Madison Court House, but at 2 a. m. on the 29th resumed his march on the road leading to Stanardsville. A small picket of the enemy was encountered a few miles north of Banks' ford on the Rapidan river, but it was quickly dispersed. About 8 o'clock the advance reached Stanardsville, where shots were exchanged with a small detachment of Confederate cavalry, which fled rapidly toward Orange Court House. From prisoners taken at Stanardsville, Custer learned that Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry was foraging in the neighborhood of Charlottesville and turned in that direction. Some 6 miles from Charlottesville the Confederate pickets were met and driven rapidly back 2 miles beyond the Rivanna river and 3 miles from Charlottesville, where the enemy was found in force, supported by four batteries of artillery. Captain Ash, with two squadrons of the 5th U. S. cavalry, was sent to charge the right flank and succeeded in capturing 6 caissons filled with ammunition, 2 forges and several sets of good harness, besides destroying the camp of the enemy's artillery. The demonstration developed the fact, however, that the Confederates were superior in numbers and too strong to attack, so Custer withdrew in good order, recrossed the Rivanna, destroying the bridge behind him and returned to Stanardsville. Upon reaching that place on the morning of March 1, he found it again occupied by the enemy's pickets, who were driven out and the stores, consisting of clothing, saddles, provisions and whisky, were destroyed. From Stanardsville Custer started on the return to Madison Court House, but after proceeding a few miles he found three brigades of Confederate cavalry—two under General Stuart and one under General Wickham —drawn up at the forks of the road leading to Burton's and Banks' fords. Captain Lieb, who was in advance with one squadron of the 5th U. S. cavalry, charged the whole force, and for a short time the enemy was thrown into confusion by the sudden and unexpected action. Stuart rallied his men and countercharged, forcing Lieb back upon the main body. The entire 5th regiment under Captain Arnold then charged, driving the enemy back and capturing over 20 prisoners, besides recapturing some of Lieb's men who had fallen into the hands of the enemy. As the Confederates retreated Lieutenant Porter hurried his guns in position and fired a few shots after them to accelerate their movements. Part of the Confederates moved toward Banks' ford and the remainder toward Burton's. The latter was pursued across the South river and driven to the Rapidan, where Custer placed his artillery in position as though he intended to force a passage at Burton's ford, which caused Stuart to concentrate his forces there, when Custer faced about and moved quickly to the upper fords, crossing the Rapidan before the enemy could prevent the movement. Besides the bridge over the Rivanna river and the stores at Stanardsville, the expedition destroyed 3 large flour mills filled with grain; captured 2 wagons, one of which was loaded with bacon; 50 prisoners, a stand of colors and 500 horses and brought in 100 negroes. Custer's casualties amounted to 6 men slightly wounded. He was complimented by the major general commanding for the success of the expedition.


Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, May 5, 1864. United States Gunboats. In the afternoon, the side-wheel boats Mattabesett, Sassacus and Wyalusing lay at anchor in Albemarle sound, 20 miles below the mouth of the Roanoke river. They were charged with an encounter with, and if possible Page 23 the destruction of, the Albemarle, a Confederate iron-clad ram, whose presence in the waters was, in view of her past achievements, a menace to Federal occupancy. The Miami, with four or five of the smaller boats of the hederal Meet, had been sent down to the mouth of the Roanoke to decoy the Albemarle from under the protecting batteries of Plymouth, into the open waters of the sound. At 3 o'clock, falling back before the ram, they drew it and its consorts, the Bombshell and the Cotton Plant, into a position favorable for an attack. The last named, manned by 200 sharpshooters and boarders, put back toward Plymouth on the approach of the Federal gunboats. The Bombshell closed up on the ram's quarter in position for the impending action. The Mattabesett, Sassacus and Wyalusing came on in the order named, under command of Captain Smith, senior naval officer. The Miami, some distance in the rear of these vessels, fired over them, striking but not harming the Albemarle, which immediately responded. The Mattabesett passed the ram and delivered a harmless broadside. The Albemarle tried and failed to ram the Sassacus, now passing in her turn. The latter sent a broadside of solid shot against the ram's iron armor without making any impression. Then sweeping around the stern of the Albemarle, the Sassacus poured a disabling broadside into the hull of the Bombshell, which brought the latter's Confederate flag down and her white flag up and the conquered steamer anchored out of fire. Meantime the Mattabesett had again passed the ram, delivering a well directed fire; and the Wyalusing, which had previously passed, serving its guns skillfully, was now astern of the Sassacus, diverting the attention of the Albemarle from the latter, to which her whole side presented a fair mark. The Sassacus dashed furiously upon the ram and received a 100-pound shot through her, but succeeded in penetrating a vulnerable part of the side of the Albemarle. A duel of ponderous ordnance ensued, but the Albemarle gave way as the prow of the Sassacus pressed deeper and deeper into her side. It was a fight with cannon almost muzzle to muzzle; with musketry and hand grenades, the latter hurled from the foretop of the Sassacus into the enemy's hatches. The other Federal vessels helped all they could, but most of their missiles glanced from the iron-clad sides of the Albemarle. The machinery of the Sassacus was disabled, its penetrating stem gave way and the two vessels swung side by side. Blackened, scalded, sightless, the engineer of the Sassacus kept his post and rallied the scalded, pain-maddened and fleeing men to prevent the explosion of the boilers by putting out the fires under them. The Sassacus poured shell and solid shot into the Albemarle's port-holes. One shot from a 100-pounder Parrott gun was shattered on the port-side of the ram and pieces of it rebounded to the Federal deck whence it had come. The Albemarle was finally repulsed and driven into the mouth of the Roanoke river, somewhat damaged, but with its machinery not disabled. The Sassacus was disabled in guns, hull and machinery, but the Bombshell was a prize of war, her 37 officers and men were prisoners and the Federals were in undisputed possession of the sound.


Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 8-9, 1862. General Canby wanted to make a junction with another command below the Confederates at Albuquerque and Santa Fe in order to cut off their retreat, but an insufficient force and lack of supplies rendered such a movement inexpedient. He left Fort Craig on the 1st, with 800 regulars and 350 volunteers, and on the 8th, by his order, Captain Graydon's spy company, supported by regular cavalry, made a demonstration before Albuquerque, to develop the position of the Confederate batteries. Major Duncan of the 3d U. S. cavalry was wounded. The demonstration was during the night of the 9th, the object being to draw the Confederate forces from Santa Fe, Canby hoping thus to effect a junction without opposition to his own or the other Federal column. Events proved the wisdom of his plan, for on the succeeding night he marched to San Antonio.


Alcorn's Distillery, Kentucky, May 9, 1863. Detachment 9th Kentucky, 20th Michigan Cavalry and Henry Rifles. On the 8th Captain Wiltsie, under orders from Colonel Jacob, post commander at Gran's Ferry, proceeded with the detachment, numbering 100 men, dismounted, toward Monticello to attempt the breaking up of Champ Ferguson's band of guerrillas. Next day, without having met any armed force, he took prisoners 12 men supposed to be of Ferguson's band, captured 5 horses and burned Alcorn's distillery, a reputed lurking place for bushwhackers. Then, with some detachments out, he rested with the main body of his force at Alcorn's. There he was attacked by about 300 dismounted men, said to be Morgan's advance guard. Although he resisted desperately he was driven to a wood, where he repeatedly charged the Confederates and ultimately drove them back. As they retired to remount, the Federals gained a good position and the fight was not renewed. That afternoon Wiltsie returned to camp. At the beginning of the fight 4 of his prisoners and 3 of his captured horses escaped. His loss was 12 killed, wounded and missing. In attempting to reinforce Wiltsie, Captain Carpenter of one of the detachments met and repulsed a detachment of Confederate cavalry. He then fell back until he met Captains Barnes and Allen with other detachments of the command. Barnes fell back rapidly, with the avowed intention of holding a narrows, and Allen fell back leisurely. Before the latter reached the reserve post Confederate cavalry attacked him in force. He retired in good order, with a loss of 3 men, and the enemy did not pursue.  


Alderson's Ferry, West Virginia, July 12, 1862. Detachment of Crook's Cavalry. Two companies, commanded by Captain Harrison, skirmished with a body of Confederate cavalry, killing and wounding 7 of them and capturing about a dozen horses.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 24.


Aldie, Virginia, October 9, 1862. Detachments of Sigel's Cavalry. Incidental to a reconnaissance from Fairfax Court House, Federal cavalry entered Aldie on the 8th, captured 4 prisoners, several wagon loads of bacon and an ambulance. At noon the next day Lieutenant S. B. Conger, of the 3d Virginia cavalry, with 60 men, made an attack on the Confederate force at Aldie, and in a sharp skirmish killed 1 and wounded 3 of the enemy without loss. Finding the force too strong to overcome he fell back 7 miles to a toll-gate, pursued all the way.  


Aldie, Virginia, October 31, 1862. Cavalry of Bayard's and Karge's Brigades, Army of the Potomac. Confederates pursued General Stoneman's pickets from Mountville into Aldie. where they were driven out of the town and pursued 2 miles by a detachment of cavalry under Major Falls and Captain Sawyer, until confronted by the enemy's reserves. The detachment then fell back, but Colonel Karge, with his brigade and 2 pieces of artillery, held the hill beyond the town. The Confederates also had 2 cannon and there was a short artillery fight. The Federals held the camp for an hour after the skirmish. Sawyer was wounded and 8 men were lost.  


Aldie, Virginia, March 2, 1863. Detachment 1st Vermont Cavalry. About 50 or 60 men of Companies H and M formed the rear squadron of a Federal force of about 400, returning from Middleburg. At Aldie, where a stop was made to water horses, the rear-guard was surprised by a detachment of Mosby's command, under the personal command of Mosby, and both its captains, with 15 to 17 men, were captured. The 1st Vermont was included in the cavalry brigade of Colonel Johnstone, who stated the Federal force to be 50. besides the 2 captains, the Confederate force about 70. Mosby gave the Federal strength as 59 besides the 2 captains and his own as only 17.  


Aldie, Virginia, June 17, 1863. 2nd and 4th New York, 6th Ohio, 1st Massachusetts, 1st Main and 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. At 4:30 p. m. General Pleasonton arrived at Aldie and learned that a brigade of Fitzhugh Lee's command had just entered the town. He immediately attacked the Page 25 Confederates and by a determined charge drove them from the place toward Snicker's gap. Gregg's division only was present and Kilpatrick's brigade did the fighting. The Confederates brought 4 cannon into action. Their loss was heavy; 9 commissioned officers and 54 privates were captured in the charge. The Federal loss in killed, wounded and missing aggregated 305.


Aldie, Virginia, June 18, 1863. (See Middleburg, same date.)


Aldie, Virginia, June 22, 1863. Detachment of the 14th U. S. and 17th Pennsylvania Infantry. With 100 men and 3 officers of the 14th U. S. and 30 men and 3 officers of the 17th Pennsylvania, Captain Brown was ordered to attempt the capture of guerrillas who frequented the house of a Dr. Ewell near the Thoroughfare Gap road, 4 miles from the Federal camp near Aldie. In partial concealment near the house the detachment awaited the approach of the guerrillas. They came within pistol shot, but fled after an exchange of shots, soon getting behind rolling ground out of range of the guns, and were not pursued. Federal loss, 1 killed.  


Aldie, Virginia, February 5, 1864. Detachment of the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry. Eight of Mosby's men attacked some of the 2nd Massachusetts cavalry, forming the rear-guard of a scouting party of General Tyler's command, as it was returning in the afternoon from Aldie and Middleburg. The Confederates were soon dispersed and their leader was captured. He proved to be William E. Ormsby, a deserter from the 2nd Massachusetts cavalry, was tried by drum head court-marshal, convicted and executed. In this affray 2 Union men and 3 Confederates were wounded.  


Aldie, Virginia, July 6, 1864. (See Mount Zion Church.) Aldie, Virginia, February 15-16, 1865. Squadron of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. The squadron, commanded by Captain G. W. Corbit, left Fairfax Court House on the 15th to scout in the direction of Aldie and Middleburg. Near Middleburg he surprised and captured a party of 11 Confederates, including a colonel, a captain and a lieutenant, with their horses and equipments, without the loss of a man. As he was returning he was pursued by about 60 Confederate cavalry to near Aldie, but without casualties


Alexander's Bridge, Georgia, September 18, 1863. (See Chickamauga.)  


Alexander's Creek, Louisiana, October 5, 1864. A feeble stand was made on this stream, a mile from St. Francisville, by Federal troops to cover their retreat to their boats, after they had unsuccessfully engaged a portion of the 1st Louisiana cavalry at Thompson's creek, a mile from Jackson, and at an intermediate point. Alexandria, Louisiana, April 26 to May 13, 1864. Portions of the 13th, 14th, l6th, 17th and 19th Army Corps; Banks' Red River Expedition. Alexandria, on the Red river, had a population of about 600. The forces of General Banks reached that point and camped there in line of battle on April 26. They remained there until May 13, getting gunboats of Admiral 'Porter's Mississippi river squadron from above the falls, where they had been caught by low water, to the navigable channel below. The last gunboat passed the falls on May 12 and the next day the town was evacuated and burned. No authoritative statement as to the origin of the fire has ever been made. During this period there was almost constant skirmishing in the vicinity of Alexandria, between Banks' army and the Confederate forces under General Dick Taylor. On May 1, a Federal force attacked General Liddell above Pineville, but was repulsed with severe loss in killed and prisoners. The force in Alexandria had been increased by a brigade from Matagorda under General McCIernand, and members of it were among prisoners taken by Liddell. General Steele (Confederate) attacked the Federals on the Rapides road and forced their pickets back to within 3 miles of Alexandria. On the evening of the 3d, on the Bayou Robert road, Federals were attacked and driven back beyond the Gov. plantation. That night near David's ferry, the transport Covington, bringing the 120th Ohio up the river, was captured by General Major. More than 270 prisoners were taken, among them all the regimental field officers, and many were killed and wounded. The boat was sunk across the channel of the river. A Federal gunboat and another transport were damaged in this encounter. At this time the Federals still had nine gun-boats above the falls as a part of a dam to deepen the channel. During the night of the 4th and 5th, the Federal gunboats Signal and Covington, each mounting 8 guns, and a transport were attacked near Fort Russy by Major's division, consisting of Hardeman's and Lane's cavalry brigades and West's battery. One gunboat and the transport were captured and the other gunboat was blown up to prevent its capture. Major sunk the captured vessels across the channel. The Confederates raised the guns of one boat and planned to get close to the other. At daybreak on the 5th, an attack was made on the Confederate advance on the Rapides road 4 miles from Alexandria by 3,000 to 4,000 infantry and two batteries. Steele, with Carter's and Parson's cavalry and Moseley's battery, contested every inch of the ground, but by 5.30 had retreated 5 miles, when the attack was abandoned and Steele retired toward Alexandria. Federal losses not reported. Confederate loss about 5o killed and wounded. On the same day at Chambers' on the Bayou Robert road, 11 miles from Alexandria, fighting began at dawn and was continued hotly for several hours, when the Federals retreated toward Alexandria. The Confederate force engaged was Bee's division, consisting of Bagby's, Debray's and Vincent's cavalry brigades, with Nettles' and Benton's batteries. Next morning Confederates attacked the Federals near Lamaurie bridge and drove their rear-guard to Gov. Moore's lower plantation. On the 6th and 7th there was brisk skirmishing on the Rapides road and hard fighting on the Robert and Boeuf roads. On the Boeuf the Lamaurie separated the two forces. After heavy cannonading for some hours, the Federals advanced on General Polignac's Confederate line, throwing both flanks into confusion. Then, before a charge by Bagby's men, they retreated back across the river. Members of the 17th corps fell into the hands of the enemy. For sixteen successive days the Federals had kept the Confederates busy around Alexandria, while the Union fleet was being gotten over the falls.  


Allatoona, Georgia, October 5, 1864. 3d and 4th Divisions, 75th Army Corps. This was one of the most sanguinary battles of the war. General Sherman had about 1,000,000 rations stored at Allatoona, guarded by a garrison of 890 infantry and a battery of 6 guns, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John F. Tourtelotte. of the 4th Minnesota The fortifications, located on a ridge, consisted of three redoubts west of a deep railroad cut and a star fort on the east, with outer works, abatis, stockades, etc. The stores were collected on a tract of fiat land south of the hill. On the 4th Hood sent General French's division, about 3.000 strong, to reduce the garrison and capture the stores. French made a night march and about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 5th encountered the Federal pickets. In the meantime Sherman had sent General Corse, with Rowett's brigade, to the relief of the garrison. Corse arrived from Rome about two hours in advance of French, who knew nothing of the reinforcements. As soon as it was light Corse disposed his forces to resist the attack. The 7th Illinois and 39th Louisiana were placed in line of battle, facing west, on a spur that covered the redoubt on the hill immediately over the railroad cut; one battery of the 93d Illinois was held in reserve, the other being placed in the line of skirmishers moving westwardly along the ridge; the 4th Minnesota. 12th and 50th Illinois in the works on the hill east of the cut, and the rest of the command out on skirmish and picket duty. A little before 8 o'clock the head of French's column occupied the ridge overlooking the Federal works. Corse refused to surrender and the fight commenced. French disposed his forces to attack from three directions. Under a brisk artillery fire he pushed Sears' brigade of infantry around to the north of the works, and destroyed the railroad and telegraphic communication with Rome and Cartersville. Young's Texas brigade, 1,900 strong, reached the west end of the ridge and moved along the crest until checked by the 7th HI. and 39th la. under Rowett. They rallied again and again, attacking each time with apparently greater determination, making it necessary to send the 93d Illinois to Rowett's assistance. Meantime Sears had moved up from the north, his left extending across the railroad, where two companies of the 93d Illinois were stationed on the brink of the cut, on a spur running north from the redoubt. These companies were reinforced by pickets that had been driven in and, urged by Corse, tried vainly to hold on to the spur. The Confederate line of battle swept the Federals before it as wind sweeps chaff, until Tourtelotte's fire caught Sears on the flank, breaking his line so badly that Corse was able to send a staff officer over the cut with orders to the 50th Illinois to reinforce Rowett. Before the movement could be executed Sears and Young rallied in force and made such a desperate assault in front and on the flank that Rowett's line was broken. For two hours and a half he had held the greater part of the Confederate force in check, though attacked on three sides. As he fell back to the fort a detachment of the 39th la. commanded by Major Redfield, fought with such stubbornness that the main body was enabled to reach the redoubt. Had it not been for this determined stand it is probable that few, if any, would ever have gained the shelter of the fort. But by a hand-to-hand struggle, with forces that outnumbered them more than ten to one, they compelled the enemy to halt and reform before assaulting the fort, thus giving Corse time to readjust his forces to meet the attack when it came. This feature of the fight saved Allatoona, though it was not realized at the time. The gallant Redfield fell, shot in four places. It was now u o'clock. Sherman had reached Kennesaw mountain about an hour before and had signaled to Corse to hold the fort, as reinforcements were on the way. This news was communicated to the men and gave them courage to continue the fight. With alacrity they obeyed the orders of their commander, and by the time the enemy was ready to attack the fort the ditches were filled and the parapets lined with men, giving the Federals a firing line that would make the fort impregnable as long as the ammunition lasted. For some time the Confederates kept up an incessant fire from low places in the ground, from behind logs, trees and stumps, picking off nearly every man that showed his head. Finding this method of warfare useless they determined to carry the works by assault. They advanced in a solid phalanx, with a steadiness that made even the bravest in the trenches wonder as to the result. But the 12th Wisconsin battery began to pour a merciless fire into the advancing lines at short range. Human nature could not stand the test, and when within 300 feet of the works the lines broke, all efforts of the officers to rally the men proving in vain. The Confederates were becoming discouraged. About 150 yards from the fort was a ridge, on the top of which was a small house. Finding it impossible to charge and carry the works the Confederates massed a force here and began a destructive fire on the fort. The Federals cleared an embrasure commanding the ridge, dragged a piece of artillery to it and fired a few shots that scattered the enemy in all directions. About the time the charge was made Corse was severely wounded in the face and was unconscious for nearly an hour. The other officer, having faith in Sherman's signals, encouraged the men to hold out, as reinforcements were on the way. They were right, for General J. D. Cox's corps was then hurrying westward to gain French's rear and either capture or destroy his entire division. About 4 o'clock French got wind of this movement and hurriedly withdrew from the field to save his command. Before beginning his retreat he captured the blockhouse at Allatoona creek and burned the bridge. Allatoona was saved, but at a fearful cost. The Federal loss was 142 killed, 352 wounded and 212 missing; that of the enemy was 134 killed, 499 wounded and 300 missing.


Allatoona Hills, Georgia, May 25-June 4, 1864. (See Dallas.)  


Allen, Missouri, July 23, 1864. Detachment 17th Illinois Cavalry. While at this place in Randolph county, in command of a detachment of 40 men of the 17th Illinois cavalry from the post at Glasgow, Lieutenant Knapp was attacked by about 75 guerrillas commanded by Bill Anderson. The attack was repelled without the loss of men, but 9 government horses and 7 horses that had been pressed for service in the expedition, and which belonged to citizens in the neighborhood, were either killed or captured. Allen's Farm, Virginia, June 29, 1862. For a detailed account of the action at Allen's farm on this date see Seven Days' Battles.  


Alpine, Georgia, September 5-12, 1863. Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland. Early in September General Stanley, chief of cavalry, was directed to make a reconnaissance into Broomtown valley, where Alpine is situated. A slight skirmish occurred on the 5th and on the 8th Minty's brigade of Crook's division engaged four regiments of Confederate cavalry, driving them back with a loss to his command of 4 killed and 8 wounded. The next day Crook's advance again met the enemy at Alpine and in the skirmish which ensued lost 3 killed and 11 wounded. On the 12th McCook's division marched from the camp at Alpine, encountered Wheeler's cavalry on the Lafayette road and drove it some distance. The enemy's casualties during these operations were not ascertained.  


Alpine Depot, West Virginia, January 4, 1862.  


Alsop's Farm, Virginia, May 8, 1864. The battle of Alsop's farm was a part of the operations about Spottsylvania Court House (q. v.).  


Altamont, Maryland, April 26, 1863. A squadron of the 11th Virginia cavalry (Confederate), under Captain McDonald, went to Altamont, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, captured an engine and train and burned some small bridges. It is not reported to have met armed opposition.  


Altamont, Tennessee, August 30, 1862. A detachment of the 1st Alabama and 1st Kentucky Confederate cavalry, according to General Wheeler's report, attacked Federal pickets near Altamont on three sides, driving them back on their camp and killing 1 colonel, 1 captain and 2 privates.  


Alvarado, August 5, 1861. The bark, Alvarado, Captain Whiting, owned in Boston, left Cape Town, South Africa, June 3, with a cargo of wool, sheep skins, goat skins, old iron and copper and crude medicines, valued at $70,000. She was taken by the privateer Jeff Davis on July 21, on the high seas and sent to the Florida coast. The privateer pursued by the United States steamer, Vincennes, attempted to enter Fernandina harbor, but stranded a mile and a half from shore. Her crew landed taking ashore Captain and Mrs. Whiting and a negro steward, whom they had brought with the prize. The Vincennes, failing to save the bark, burned her.  


Amelia Court House, Virginia, April 4, 1865. Cavalry, Army of the James. Incidental to the Appomattox campaign General MacKenzie's division of cavalry went into camp near Amelia Court House on the 4th, after having two slight skirmishes with the enemy, in which the 11th Pennsylvania, 1st District of Columbia and 1st Maryland were principally engaged. After going into camp Companies A and B, 1st New Jersey, under Captain Craig, reconnoitered the road to Amelia Springs, captured 22 prisoners, 38 horses and a number of mules, which they turned over to General Davies, commanding 1st brigade, 2nd cavalry division. From these prisoners it was learned that Lee's army was concentrating at Amelia Court House, where a supply of rations was expected. This information proved to be erroneous, as Lee was moving north of the Court House to strike the Lynchburg railroad. (See Amelia Springs.)  


Amelia Springs, Virginia, April 5, 1865. 1st Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. On the 4th, this brigade commanded by General Davies, expecting an engagement, took up a position at Jetersville and camped for the night. Next morning it broke camp to reconnoiter on the enemy's rear and learn the position of his trains. From prisoners taken the day before it was learned that his wagon train was passing a point about 4 miles from Paineville. The 1st Pennsylvania cavalry, Davies' advance, was hurried to the place and came upon the train just as a gun was being placed in position to defend it. By a charge through a swamp the train guard of about 400 men was routed and the battery and train were captured. About 200 ammunition and headquarters wagons, caissons and ambulances were fired, after which Davies started toward Jetersville with 5 pieces of artillery, 11 flags, 320 white prisoners, about as many negro teamsters and more than 400 captured animals. After he had passed through Paineville Gary's brigade of the Confederate cavalry, which had been an escort to the train, attacked his rear-guard and a running fight was maintained to Amelia Springs. There Davies formed his brigade and held the enemy in check until the 2nd brigade of the 2nd division came to his relief. At the junction of the Amelia Springs and Jetersville road and the road to Amelia Court House, Davies was confronted by Confederates who were quickly repulsed by a regiment of the 3d brigade, the 1st Pennsylvania, and a part of the 10th New York cavalry. The brigade reached camp with all that it had captured and in the afternoon again went into action to prevent the enemy from reaching Jetersville from Amelia Springs. Though many of its men had been detailed to guard the prisoners and captured property, it successfully resisted every attack and made several gallant mounted charges.  


American Ranch, Colo. Territory, January 15, 1865. (See Valley Station, same date.)  


Amherst Court House, Virginia, June 12, 1864. 1st Cavalry Division. Department of West Virginia. The division, commanded by Brigadier-General A. N. Duffie, was ordered to join General Hunter at Lexington, Kentucky When it arrived near the point where the road toward White's gap crosses Piney river the advance was attacked by about 300 Confederate cavalry. Duffie supported the advance with two squadrons of the 20th Pennsylvania cavalry, Wynkoop's brigade, which charged the enemy, drove him back in confusion beyond Piney river to within 3 miles of Amherst Court House, capturing 10 commissioned officers and 30 other prisoners


Amissville, Virginia, November 10, 1862. General Robert E. Lee reported that, Federals having apparently halted in his advance, he directed General Stuart to penetrate their picket-lines at Corbin's cross-roads and learn as much as possible of their plans. On the morning of the 10th, with Fitzhugh Lee's brigade and two infantry regiments, Stuart forced the Federals to fall back to Amissville, to withdraw from Washington, and to recall a force apparently bound down the river below Rappahannock Station. At Amissville the Federals with three brigades of infantry drove Stuart back.  


Amissville, Virginia, June 6, 1863. Detachment, 4th New York Cavalry. A squadron of this regiment, commanded by Colonel Duffie, made a reconnaissance to Amissville, where they found a small force of Confederates, of whom one was captured.  


Amissville, Virginia, August 4, 1863.  


Amite River, Louisiana, June 28, 1862. (See Williams' Bridge.)  


Amite River, Louisiana, July 24, 1862. Colonel McMillan sent out a reconnoitering party to the Amite river, about daylight, which attacked and routed Captain Kemp's company of rangers, taking 20 to 25 horses and all the camp equipage. Another part of Federal scouts crossed the river at Curtis' Page 30 ferry, 4 miles above the camp, and defeated there a body of Confederates under command of Captain Wilson. All the Confederate troops here mentioned were of the 9th battalion, Louisiana Partisan Rangers, under Lieutenant- Colonel J. H. Wingfield.  


Amite River, Louisiana, March 28, 1863. 14th and 24th Maine Infantry.  


Amite River, Louisiana, April 7, 1863. U. S. Steamer Barataria. Corp. Davidson, with 8 men of Captain Herren's squadron, 1st Mississippi (Confederate) cavalry, set out to scout from Camp Ruggles to Rome on the Tickfaw river, and if practicable thence to Duck Bill on the lake shore, near the mouth of the Amite river. Leaving a picket guard at the Rome ferry, he went with his other men to within a mile of the mouth of the Amite, where he found the U. S. gunboat Barataria aground, but manned and otherwise capable of resistance. From the cover of timber on shore he attacked and by his men's good marksmanship drove the gunners to the protection of the casemates. Two of the vessel's men were shot as they attempted to climb on board with some spars with which they had tried to get it afloat. Unable to draw the crew from the iron protection of the Barataria, and boarding it being out of the question, Davidson left men to watch it and returned to Camp Ruggles for aid and instructions. Herren, with his entire squadron, hastened to the spot under orders to capture or destroy the gunboat, but found that it had been set on fire and abandoned. The only thing available for capture was a brass cannon.  


Amite River, Louisiana, April 12, 1863. Captain Herren, with Company H, 1st Miss, and Company C, 2nd Arkansas cavalry, under orders from Colonel Simonton, on April 9 went to the mouth of the Amite river to remove a cannon and other valuables from the wreck of a gunboat. After two days' labor he got the cannon on board a schooner and started back with a lieutenant and 20 men, sending the remainder of his command to camp by land. The schooner was sighted and pursued by Federals. Herren landed 14 men in ambush on the east bank of the river, directed the lieutenant to conceal the others on the boat and make for the west shore. The Federals in a yawl passed Herren and his men, who fired on them at a distance of 200 yards or more. They effected a landing on the west shore, but the lieutenant on the boat cut off their retreat, killing 1 and capturing 8, with a yawl and another small boat. Fearing further pursuit, Herren cast the cannon overboard and hurried up the river.  


Amite River, Louisiana, April 17, 1863. Amite River, Louisiana, May 9-18, 1863. Troops of Department of the Gulf under Colonel Edmund J. Davis. During the operations of certain cavalry and infantry regiments under Davis on the Amite river skirmishes occurred at Tickfaw bridge and near Ponchatoula and Independence. In these affairs Davis' command suffered a loss of 1 killed and 3 wounded, while the Confederates had between 10 and 15 killed and 44 taken prisoners.  


Amite River, Louisiana, July 25, 1864. Major Moore, of the 2nd Illinois cavalry, with 135 men of that organization and the 18th Illinois mounted infantry, marched at nightfall, July 24, to the Amite river and crossed at daylight next morning. About a mile and a half from the river he came upon Confederate pickets, whom he drove in 7 miles to their camp. There he routed 300 men, captured and destroyed 150 stands of arms, 15,000 rounds of ammunition and took 4 prisoners. He fell back to the Amite, pressed by the enemy and contested every inch of the ground. Near Benton's ferry he made a stand, killing 20 Confederates, without loss and returned to camp next day.  


Amite River, Louisiana, December 12, 1864.  


Amite River, Louisiana, March 18, 1865.  


Anderson's Cross Roads, Tenn., October 2-3, 1863. Near this place the morning of the 2nd, Wheeler's Confederate cavalry captured a Federal wagon train of 800 six-mule wagons and many sutler wagons, dispersing a guard consisting of two cavalry brigades and two infantry regiments. Selecting such wagons and mules as they needed, they set fire to the remaining wagons and killed 200 to 300 mules. During this work Wheeler's pickets were driven in on both flanks and rear, but he maintained his position for eight hours, retiring just before dark. General Edward McCook, with part of the 1st cavalry division, Army of the Cumberland, and a section of a battery, was approaching at 1 p. m., and was informed of this occurrence. He hurried his command forward to a point 4 miles from the cross-roads, where he left the 4th Indiana to anticipate a possible movement from the direction of Dunlap, and led the rest of his command along a by-road toward the enemy. Two miles south of the cross-roads, the 1st Wisconsin encountered a portion of the enemy's force and immediately charged, captured a lieutenant and 10 men and liberated a Federal surgeon and 4 others, who had been captured. He then drove the Confederates past the burning train, upon their main force, which was in a line of battle a mile north of the cross-roads. McCook placed the 2nd Indiana with its right resting on the base of the mountain, and the 1st Wisconsin on the left. The two regiments charged simultaneously, driving the Confederates 2 miles across a small creek, where, in a strong position, they barricaded themselves with rails. The 1st Wisconsin moved to the left to enfilade the enemy's line, and the 2nd Indiana dismounted and charged on his right and he was driven back with considerable loss. The Wisconsin regiment then charged on the Confederates' left, driving them in confusion, killing and wounding several and capturing 40 to 50. The Indianians remounted, after which both regiments pursued the Confederates and by saber charges drove them from position after position, until at dark they crossed the Sequatchie. There the victorious Unionists bivouacked for the night. At 2 o'clock next morning the 4th Indiana, sent to reconnoiter the front, crossed the Sequatchie, and on the mountain-top, 4 miles beyond Dunlap, attacked the enemy's rear, taking 6 prisoners and recapturing 200 mules. The result of this engagement was the capture of 12 commissioned officers and 93 enlisted men, the recapture of numerous prisoners, about 800 mules and a part of the wagon train that had not been burned. By a Confederate officer captured four days later, the Confederate loss was estimated at 250 in killed and wounded.  


Anderson's Gap, Tennessee, October 1, 1863. 2nd Indiana Cavalry. On this date Major Briggs, commanding the 2nd Indiana cavalry, which belonged to the 2nd brigade, 1st cavalry division, moved his regiment from Bridgeport in pursuit of Wheeler, a part of whose command he overtook at Anderson's gap. He ordered companies A, C and M to the front as skirmishers, and companies I, K and L to the right and rear. In that order the regiment fought until the approach of night. No casualties were reported. Next morning the pursuit was renewed.  


Anderson's Hill, Mississippi, May 1, 1863. (See Port Gibson.)  


Andrews' Plantation, Mississippi, May 11, 1865. (See Brown's Plantation.)  


Andricita, January 20, 1862. The Andricita was a British schooner, which was captured by Federal troops on this date near Fort Morgan, Alabama (See Fort Morgan, same date.)  


Angel’s Ranch, California, Detachment of the 2nd California Infantry. Lieutenant Flynn, with 15 men, approached a band of 150 Indians about 7 a. m., near Angel's ranch on Mad river. The Indians saw them coming and crossed the river on a fish dam, which they then cut away, hoping to prevent pursuit. Flynn attacked them and the savages stood their ground for about an hour, when they retreated, leaving 6 of their number dead on the field. The soldiers then destroyed the camp, provisions, clothing, etc. No casualties were reported in Flynn's party.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 31.


Ann, Steamer, June 30, 1862. The Ann was an English blockade runner, which was captured by Federal troops off Fort Morgan, Alabama, on this date, while trying to land a cargo. (See Fort Morgan, same date.) 


Annandale, Virginia, December 2, 1861. 45th New York Infantry. At 1 p. m. about 200 Confederate cavalry attacked the several pickets of the 45th New York at a barricade on an unfinished railroad and elsewhere between Annandale Station and the Alexandria and Fairfax Court House turnpike. No resistance was made, for the reason that the pickets believed the cavalrymen to be United States troops, who usually made their rounds about that time of day. General Blenker said in his report that, "they were overpowered and had to fall back into the woods, where, under command of Captain Weller, they made a stand, firing on the enemy." The Confederates in three detachments passed the barricade, surprised two men of the 32nd New York and made them prisoners, but not before the batteries had fired at them. The enemy then turned and retreated at full speed, again passing the barricade without molestation from the pickets, some of whom they captured. Blenker adds that two companies at Cox's farm and a small squad of mounted rifles were despatched to the vicinity of the barricade, charged on the Confederates and drove them back toward Centerville, following them 2 miles. Federal loss, 1 killed, 14 prisoners; Confederate loss, 3 killed, 2 prisoners.  


Annandale, Virginia, October 18, 1863. Under date October 19, Major Mosby reported to General Stuart that near Annandale the day before he had, without loss to his own command, been involved in a sharp skirmish with double the number of his own cavalry, in which he had routed the Federals, capturing their captain in command and 6 or 7 men and horses. No Federal report of the affair is to be found.  


Annandale, Virginia, near, October 22, 1863. A detachment of Colonel L. C. Baker's battalion, First District cavalry, and a detachment of the California battalion, encountered a squad of Mosby's men near the Little River turnpike, 3 miles from Fairfax Court House, between that point and Annandale, and killed 1 and captured 3 of them. Annandale, Virginia, March 16, 1864. Some cavalry stragglers from Kilpatrick's command were captured by a small band of guerrillas below this town. Two pf them guarded by a like number of guerrillas killed their guards and escaped. Annandale, Virginia, August 24, 1864. 26th Michigan Infantry and 16th New York Cavalry. Colonel Mosby with about 250 men attacked the stockade at Annandale shortly after 5 a. m. Posting 2 pieces of artillery on the right and left of the road beyond carbine range, he sent a flag of truce to demand surrender. Under cover of this flag he advanced his 2 fieldpieces to within 400 yards of the stockade, one menacing its southwest, the other at its northwest corner. Surrender was decisively refused. Then a detachment of about 100 of his men charged up toward the entrance of the stockade, but meeting a volley they swerved to the south and were deployed south and east of the stockade. Twice more a surrender was demanded and refused, the last time with the threat from Captain Mickles, commanding the garrison, that another flag of truce would be fired on. Mosby's artillery firing was so wild that though it was continued over an hour no Federal was wounded. Probably fearing Federal reinforcement, Mosby sent his field-pieces up the Fairfax Court House road and his entire force retreated slowly. A sergeant and two men on picket were captured. Confederate loss, 1 killed, 3 wounded.  


Anthony's Bridge, Georgia, August 31, 1864. (See Jonesboro, same date.)  


Anthony's Hill, Tennessee, December 25, 1864. (See King's Hill.)  


Antietam, Maryland, September 16-17, 1862. Army of the Potomac. In his report of the battle of South Mountain, which was fought on the 14th, General Meade says: "The command rested on their arms during the night. The ammunition train was brought up and the men's cartridge-boxes were filled, and every preparation made to renew the contest at daylight the next morning should the enemy be in force. Unfortunately, the Page 33 morning opened with a heavy mist, which prevented any view being obtained, so that it was not until 7 a. m. that it was ascertained that the enemy had retired from the mountain." As soon as this discovery was made the whole Union army began pouring through the passes of South Mountain in pursuit. At Boonsboro Pleasonton's cavalry came up with the Confederate rear guard. The 8th Illinois, which was in the advance, immediately charged and then pursued the retreating enemy for a distance of 2 miles. There the Illinois regiment was joined by a section of Tidball's battery, which threw a few shells into the Confederate lines, completely routing the enemy from the field. The Union loss in this skirmish was 1 killed and 15 wounded, while the Confederates left 30 killed and 50 wounded on the field, and a number of prisoners were taken. About the time this engagement commenced another was taking place on the Sharpsburg road, between the Confederate rear and the 5th New Hampshire infantry. This skirmish lasted until 9 p. m., when the New Hampshire troops were relieved, after losing 4 men in killed and wounded. The enemy's loss here was 12 killed and wounded and 60 prisoners. The 2nd Delaware and 52nd New York also skirmished with the rear guard at other points, and in the afternoon the Confederates opened a heavy artillery fire on the Federal advance near Antietam creek, keeping it up until after dark. This was replied to by Tidball's horse artillery and Battery B, 1st New York light artillery, from the heights east of the creek.


McClellan's hope was to bring on an engagement before the Confederate forces could be united. Lee, on the other hand, was bending every effort to concentrate his army in time to resist the general attack which he now realized was imminent. Stonewall Jackson, with his own division and those of Ewell and A. P. Hill, was at Harper's Ferry. McLaws, after his defeat at Crampton's pass on the 14th, formed his forces across the lower end of Pleasant Valley, while the Union forces under General Franklin confronted him at the upper end of the valley, about 2 miles distant. Here the two lay all day on the 15th, each supposing the other to be superior in strength and neither daring to attack. The morning of the 16th found Longstreet and D. H. Hill occupying a position on the west side of the Antietam, between that stream and the little town of Sharpsburg. Here Lee personally directed the movements of his army, selecting the strongest possible ground to withstand an attack until the detachments under Jackson and McLaws could be united with the main body. Soon after crossing the Antietam Lee learned that the Federal garrison at Harper's Ferry had surrendered, and sent orders for the whole force near the ferry to move at once to Sharpsburg. The' Army of the Potomac at this time was organized as follows: The 1st army corps, commanded by Major-General Joseph Hooker, consisted of the divisions of Doubleday, Ricketts and Meade; the 2nd corps, Major- General Edwin V. Sumner, included Richardson's, Sedgwick's and French's divisions; Couch's division of the 4th corps; the 5th corps, Major-General Fitz John Porter, was composed of the divisions of Morell, Sykes and Humphreys; the 6th corps, Major-General William B. Franklin, embraced the divisions of Slocum and W. F. Smith; the 9th corps, Major-General Ambrose E. Burnside consisted of the divisions of Willcox, Sturgis and Rodman, and the Kanawha division, commanded by Brigadier-General Jacob D. Cox; the 12th corps, Major-General Joseph K. F. Mansfield, included the divisions of Williams and Greene; the cavalry division numbering five brigades and commanded by Brigadier-General Alfred Pleasonton. and over 50 batteries of artillery. In his report of the campaign McCLellan gives the number of his forces at 87,164. Lee, in his official report on the battle of Antietam, says: "This great battle was fought by less than 40,000 men on our side."

The Confederate line of battle on the 16th extended from the Potomac, at a point a little below Mercersville, to the Antietam about a mile below Sharpsburg. It was nearly four miles long and occupied a broken country, the low hills being separated by narrow valleys, while almost everywhere the limestone cropped out above the surface, affording a natural shelter for the troops. In front the line was protected by the Antietam, which was crossed by three bridges and several fords, though the latter were all too difficult to attempt a crossing with artillery. Near the south end of Lee's line was the bridge afterward known as the "Burnside bridge;" on the Sharpsburg and Boonsboro road, near the center of the line, was the second bridge, while the third was the stone bridge on the Williamsport road still further north. Near the mouth of the stream was a fourth bridge, but it was not used during the operations, except by A. P. Hill in bringing up his division from Harpers Ferry. On the Hagerstown pike, about a mile from Sharpsburg, stood the Dunker church in the edge of a patch of timber, since known as the "West woods." At the church the Smoketown road leaves the pike, and about half a mile north on this road were some more timber patches called the "East woods." In forming his line Lee posted Longstreet on the right, so as to cover the Burnside bridge, and D. H. Hill on the left, covering the bridge on the Boonsboro road. On the opposite side of the Antietam lay the Union army with the 1st corps on the extreme right and the 9th on the left. McClellan established his headquarters at the Pry house, a short distance northwest of the Boonsboro road and near the center of his line. Lee's headquarters were at the west side of Sharpsburg on the road leading to Shepherdstown.

Shortly after 1 p. m. on the 16th Hooker received orders to cross the Antietam and attack the Confederate left. Meade's and Ricketts' divisions crossed at the stone bridge and Doubleday's at the ford just below. Once across the stream he turned to the right in order 1o gain the watershed between the Antietam and Potomac, intending to follow the ridge until he gained the enemy's left flank. Some skirmishing occurred along the line of march, and information of Hooker's movements was at once carried to Lee. At the time the messenger arrived Lee was in council with Longstreet and Jackson, who had arrived from Harper's Ferry that morning. Lee immediately ordered Jackson to the command of the left wing and Hood's command was moved from the center to a position near the Dunker church. A little while before sunset Hooker pushed forward a battery and opened fire on Jackson's left. The fire was promptly returned and the artillery duel was continued until after dark, when the corps went into bivouac a short distance north of the East woods, where the men rested on their arms during the night, ready to begin the attack the next morning. All that night there was desultory firing between the pickets, who were so close to each other that at times their footsteps could be heard. During the night Mansfield's corps was sent over to the assistance of Hooker and about 2 a. m. on the 17th took up a position on the Poffenberger farm, about a mile in Hooker's rear. As soon as it was light enough to distinguish objects on the morning of the 17th the Federal skirmishers began their work in the East woods. Soon afterward the entire corps was thrown into line with Doubleday on the right, Ricketts on the left, and Meade in reserve in the center, with instructions to reinforce either of the other divisions as circumstances might require. Thus formed the whole line moved forward and the real battle of Antietam was begun. In the triangular space between the Hagerstown and Smoketown roads, and directly in front of Hooker, was a 30-acre field of corn in which the enemy had stationed a large force of infantry during the night. Before this force fired a shot its presence was discovered by the sun's rays on the bayonets, and in his report Hooker says: "Instructions were immediately given for the assemblage of all my spare batteries, near at hand, of which I think there were five or six, to spring into battery, on the right of this field, and to open with canister at once. In the time I am writing every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before. It was never my fortune to witness a more bloody, dismal battle-field." The survivors beat a rapid retreat toward the church and there sought shelter behind rocks, trees and stone fences. The Union men pressed forward in close pursuit for some distance, but the Confederates were rallied and reinforced, when the Federals were in turn forced to fall back.

At this juncture Mansfield arrived, but while deploying his men he fell mortally wounded and the command of the corps fell on General Williams, who had barely time to receive a few general instructions from Hooker before he was forced to go into the fight. Not knowing the exact position of the ist corps there was some lack of unity in the movements of the various division commanders, but after nearly two hours of hard fighting the enemy was driven back to the West woods. Greene's division succeeded in turning Jackson's right and in gaining a position in the edge of the woods near the Dunker church, where he hung on tenaciously, repulsing several attempts to dislodge him. In this part of the engagement the Confederates suffered severely. J. .R Jones, who was in command of Jackson's division, was wounded. Starke, who succeeded him, was soon afterward killed. Lawton then took command of the division and was wounded and borne from the field. Nearly one-half the entire force on the Confederate left were killed or wounded, and it is probable that if Sumner had arrived at this time the entire Confederate army could have been crushed. It was nearly 10 o'clock, however, before Sumner's corps, some 18,000 strong, reached the field, coming on in three columns. Sedgwick on the right occupied the position from which Hooker had been driven earlier in the action. Next came the divisions of French and Richardson, the Union line now being extended well down toward the Boonsboro road. Sedgwick's division went into battle in three lines. The first had hardly become engaged when the Confederates made a desperate rush, broke through the Union line and turned Sedgwick's left. The third line was quickly faced about to repel an attack from the rear, but the Confederate fire on the left was so effective that the entire division was forced to retire. Here Sedgwick was wounded, but he remained in the saddle until his command was rallied and placed in a strong position, where, under the command of General Howard, it remained throughout the rest of the battle.

The battle was gradually moving southward and after ten o'clock there was no more serious fighting north of the church. About half a mile south of the church a road leaves the pike and, following a zigzag course, strikes the Boonsboro road about half-way between Sharpsburg and the Antietam. For some distance after leaving the pike this road was lower than the ground on either side, forming a natural breastwork, and was known as the sunken road. It was toward this road that French and Richardson directed their movements. When Lee saw that his left was defeated and his center in danger of being broken, he brought up every available man from his right. In quick succession the divisions of Walker, Anderson and McLaws were hurled against Sumner's veterans. Sumner was reinforced by part of Mansfield's corps and the Confederates were slowly forced back, every foot of the ground being stubbornly contested, until their final stand was made at the sunken road. In this part of the engagement the heavy guns of the Union batteries east of the Antietam rendered important service by preventing the enemy from using his artillery. D. H. Hill, who commanded this part of the Confederate line, says: "Our artillery could not cope with the superior weight, caliber, range and number of the Yankee guns. They were smashed up or withdrawn before they could be turned against the massive columns of attack." At last Colonel Barlow, commanding the ist brigade of Richardson's division, made a successful flank movement on the road and captured about 300 men who still clung to it, more as a place of shelter than in the hope of checking the Federal advance. The road was filled with Confederate dead and is referred to in all descriptions of the battle as the "Bloody Lane."

In his report of the battle of Antietam McClellan says: "My plan for the impending general engagement was to attack the enemy’s left with the corps of Hooker and Mansfield, supported by Sumner's, and if necessary by Franklin's and as soon as matters looked favorably there to move the corps of Burnside against the enemy's extreme right upon the ridge running to the south and rear of Sharpsburg, and having carried their position, to press along the crest toward our right, and whenever either of these flank movements should be successful, to advance our center with all the forces then disposable." In pursuance of this plan the 9th corps was stationed on the Federal left, with instructions to assault and carry the Burnside bridge whenever an order to that effect should be issued from headquarters. McClellan says that this order was sent to Burnside at 8 a. m. on the 17th, while the latter says he received it "about ten o'clock." The bridge was guarded by Toombs' brigade, which occupied a strong position among the rocks and trees on the bluff commanding the west end of the bridge, while the bridge, the ford below, and in fact, the entire valley, were all effectually covered by the Confederate batteries. The first attempt to carry the bridge was made by Crook's brigade of the Kanawha division, with the 11th Conn, deployed as skirmishers to cover the advance. The plan was to move the brigade across the bridge in two columns of fours, which were to turn to the right and left as soon as they reached the opposite bank, Rodman's division meanwhile to try to cross at a ford about a third of a mile farther down the creek. This plan failed because Crook missed his way and reached the stream some distance above the bridge, where he became engaged with the enemy on the west bank. A second effort, made the 2nd Maryland and 6th New Hampshire infantry, likewise proved a failure, e two regiments charged across the bridge with fixed bayonets, but were met by a withering fire of artillery and musketry and forced to fall back. General Cox, to whom Burnside had entrusted the work of carrying the bridge, then directed General Sturgis to select two regiments from Ferrero's brigade and push them across the bridge in accordance with the first plan. Sturgis selected the 51st New York and the 51st Pennsylvania A howitzer from Simmonds' battery was brought forward and placed where it covered the west end of the bridge. When everything was in readiness the strong skirmish line opened fire, the howitzer was operated rapidly, throwing double charges of canister into the ranks of Toombs' men, and under this protection the two regiments advanced at the double-quick with fixed bayonets and dashed across the bridge, the Confederates nastily retreating before the impetuous charge. The remainder of Sturgis' division and Crook's brigade were hurried over to the support of the two gallant regiments, and these were soon further strengthened by Rodman's division and Scammon's brigade, which had succeeded in crossing at the ford. Here another delay ensued. Sturgis' and Crook's men had almost exhausted their ammunition and a halt was made necessary until their cartridge-boxes were replenished. During the pause Willcox's division and several light batteries were brought over, the remaining batteries being planted on the hills east of the creek, and at 3 p. m. the left wing began its advance on Sharpsburg. The Confederates under D. R. Jones were soon encountered, drawn up diagonally across the ridge, screened by stone fences, etc., and well supported by artillery. Welsh's and Christ's brigades, which were in advance, drove them back after some sharp fighting, until near the edge of the village, where Jones made his final stand in an old orchard. From this position he was routed by the batteries with Willcox's division and the orchard was occupied by the infantry. In the advance Rodman's division formed the extreme left, and as the movement was made in the form of a right wheel he became separated from Willcox, causing a break in the line and throwing Rodman's brigades en echelon. To the south was a field of tall corn, through which A. P. Hill's division, just up from Harper's Ferry, was advancing in line of battle to strike the left flank. They wore the blue uniforms captured at the ferry and it was thought they were part of the Union forces until they opened fire. Scammon quickly faced his brigade to the left and held Hill in check until the line could be reformed. In order to do this it was necessary for Willcox and Crook to retire somewhat from their advanced position, while Sturgis came up with his command to fill the break in the line. This gave Jones an opportunity to retire beyond Sharpsburg and take a position on the high ground where the national cemetery is now located, but it no doubt saved Rodman's division from being cut to pieces. This virtually ended the battle of Antietam, and at the close the two armies held the same relative positions they occupied at the commencement of the fight.

The Union loss was 2,108 killed, 0,549 wounded and 753 captured or missing. According to Confederate reports Lee's army lost 1,512 killed, 7,816 wounded and 1,844 captured or missing, a much greater loss in proportion to the number of troops engaged than that inflicted on the Federal forces. Both sides claimed a victory and the engagement might well be designated as a drawn battle. The 18th was spent by both armies in resting the tired troops and in caring for the dead and wounded. McClellan's intention was to renew the fight on the 19th, but when the sun rose that morning it was discovered that the enemy had evacuated his position during the night, crossed the Potomac at a ford some distance below the Shepherdstown road, and retired into Virginia. Lee's, invasion of Maryland was ended.


Antietam, Maryland, July 6, 1864.  


Antietam Bridge, Maryland, July 8, 1864. Detachment, West Virginia Cavalry. Edwin Frey, captain and assistant commissary of musters, with 40 men of the 2nd cavalry division, Department of West Virginia, engaged the enemy's rear guard of cavalry and gained control of the bridge. The Confederate main force took the Boonsboro road, to the right of John Brown's school house.  


Antietam Creek, Maryland, September 15, 1862. (See Antietam.)


Antietam Ford, Maryland, August 4, 1864. At 4:30 p. m. Federal pickets were driven from Antietam Ford and the enemy crossed at Shepherdstown and Dam No. 4, with infantry, cavalry and artillery, on his advance into Loudoun county, Virginia Antietam Iron-Works, Maryland, August 27, 1861


Antioch, Tennessee, January 25, 1863. The only official mention of this affair is in the report of Confederate General Joseph Wheeler, who states that his cavalry attacked and captured a small wagon train, but gives no detailed report of the engagement nor the extent of the casualties.  


Antioch Church, Alabama, August 18-19. 1864. Detachments, 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Cumberland. Lieutenant-Colonel Prosser of the 2nd Page 38 Tennessee cavalry, in command of several detachments, while returning from a scout to Moulton, was attacked in the rear by a portion of Patterson's Confederate cavalry late on the afternoon ot the 18th. He went into camp near Antioch Church and his pursuers annoyed his pickets until after midnight . Early on the morning of the 19th, the Confederate force, augmented to more than 500 men, massed at a single point and furiously attacked Prosser's force, but was repulsed with considerable loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. Among the latter were represented 6 different regiments and battalions. Federal loss, 1 wounded, 1 missing.  


Antioch Church, Virginia, May 23, 1863. 9th Vermont and 118th New York Infantry. The two regiments were sent by Major-General Peck, commanding at Suffolk, to assist in the protection of working parties engaged in tearing up railway tracks between Suffolk and the Blackwater river. These troops, under command of Brigadier-General Dodge, were attacked at Antioch Church at 6:15 p. m. Loss 1 wounded, 1 prisoner. Some prisoners were taken from the enemy.  


Antioch Station, Tennessee, April 10, 1863. Detachment of the 10th Michigan Infantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Ferrill of the Texas rangers (Confederate) with about 500 men of different regiments of General Wharton's brigade, attacked a passenger train guarded by Federal soldiers on the Murfreesboro & Nashville railroad near Antioch Station. He spread the track and placed his men in ambush. The train approached at full speed, the guards on the tops of the cars and on the platform car. Several guards were killed and wounded. Those who were unhurt leaped to the ground, took shelter behind the cars and kept up a fire for some minutes, until overpowered by superior numbers, when they abandoned the train and falling back to a position behind a fence, repulsed a pursuing party of Confederates. Here Lieutenant Vanderburgh, who had been twice wounded, was wounded again and disabled. Lieutenant Nichols retreated with the men to a stockade near LaVergne, and was reinforced by 15 men stationed there. Returning with his full force to the scene of the attack, he found that the Confederates had captured the mail and express matter and set fire to the train. He saved the engine and cared for the wounded. Federal loss, 6 killed, 12 wounded. Confederate, 6 killed, several wounded.  


Antoine, Arkansas, April 2, 1864. (See Camden, Arkansas, Expedition to.)  


Anxvois, River, Missouri, October 20, 1862. 10th Missouri Militia Cavalry.  


Apache Canon, New Mexico, March 26, 1862. Detachment 1st Colorado, 1st and 3d U. S. Cavalry, and 1st Colorado Infantry. The detachment, numbering 418 men and commanded by Colonel Chivington of the 1st Colorado infantry, left Bernal Springs and moved toward Santa Fe, with a view to capturing or dispersing a Confederate force reported to be stationed there. The enemy, 250 to 300 strong, was engaged near Johnson's ranch in the Apache canon, about 15 miles from Santa Fe, and was defeated with a loss, according to Confederate accounts, of 32 killed, 43 wounded and 71 captured. The Union loss was 3 killed, 8 wounded, two of the latter dying soon after the fight. 


Apache Canon, New Mexico, July 15, 1862.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 38.


Apache Pass, Arizona, July 15, 1862. Detachment, 1st California Cavalry. In the summer of 1862, this pass, nearly 4 miles long, through a spur of the Chiricahua mountains, was the scene of some noteworthy events in connection with army operations. A fine spring of water made it a favorite resort of Indians. The Apaches occupied the whole country between the Rio Grande and the Colorado river and made it next to impossible for any small party of whites to pass through that great stretch of country. Three men who tried to convey an express from General Carleton, at Tucson to General Canby were attacked near the pass and 2 of them killed. The third escaped only after being pursued 40 miles and near Mesilla was captured by Texans, his despatches, detailing Carleton's plans, falling into Page 39 their hands. On June 22, Carleton sent forward Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, of the 1st Cal Cavalry, with an advance guard of 140 men. At the spring in the pass, a company of infantry and a part of a company of cavalry with 2 mountain howitzers, fought the Indians for four hours, killing several and sustaining a loss of 3 killed and several wounded. On June 25, Eyre held a conference with an Apache chief, who had a party of 75 to 100 braves, all mounted on good horses and armed with rifles and six-shooters, and gave him food and tobacco and was assured of the Indians' friendship. That day 3 of his soldiers who had been separated from the troop were shot through their breasts, lanced through their necks, stripped of their clothing and 2 of them were scalped. The Apaches got away with one horse. The Indians were pursued but were not overtaken.  


Apache Pass, New Mexico, April 25, 1863. 5th California Infantry. Captain Harrover with a detachment of his regiment attacked about 200 Apache Indians, 30 of them mounted and several of them armed with guns. They fell back at the first fire, but fought nearly two hours. The Federals lost 1 wounded; the Indians, 3 killed and several wounded.  


Apalachicola, River, Florida, October 15, 1862. Naval expedition.  


Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865. Army of the Potomac; Army of the James. Appomattox Court House was the county seat of Appomattox county, and is about 65 miles nearly due west of Petersburg. On the night of April 2 the Confederate army under General R. E. Lee evacuated the intrenchments about Richmond and Petersburg and started for Danville. Lee's object was to effect a junction with the Confederate forces under General J. E. Johnston in North Carolina, but General Grant, commanding the Union armies, divined the enemy's intentions and disposed his forces to intercept the retreat, thus forcing Lee to change his course toward Lynchburg. The crying need of the Confederate army was rations. For several days the men had nothing to eat but parched corn, and some had not even that . Early on the morning of the 7th seven trains, loaded with supplies for the Confederate army, arrived at Farmville, where the Petersburg & Lynchburg railroad crossed the Appomattox river, and the work of distributing rations was commenced. Before the work of unloading the trains could be completed General Ord was so close upon Farmville that Lee ordered the remaining trains to Appomattox Court House, 20 miles farther west, and moved his army toward that point by the roads on the north side of the river. Lee was detained by the 2nd corps, under General Humphreys, within 4 miles of Farmville all day on the 7th, which gave General Sheridan an opportunity to push the Federal cavalry around to Appomattox Station and capture the trains, and again the Confederate army was without food or forage. _ From Farmville, on the evening of the 7th, Grant wrote the following letter to the Confederate commander:

"General: The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the C. S. Army known as the Army of Northern Virginia."

Before this letter was received several of Lee's own generals had proposed to him to surrender. They saw that in the end defeat was certain, and realized that the longer the surrender was postponed the greater would be the suffering of their unfortunate soldiers. Concerning the condition of the Confederate army at this time, Badeau says: "Lee had himself no idea of the strength of his command. The officers were involved in the demoralization of the men; they made no effort to prevent straggling, and shut their eyes on the hourly reduction of their Page 40 force, riding, dogged and indifferent, in advance of their commands. Only when the national columns caught up and attacked the rear did some of the old spirit seem to reanimate these jaded veterans. Whenever they were summoned to resist, they faced boldly around, and then, like wounded beasts, they struck out terrible blows. The fighting at Sailor's creek was as desperate for awhile as in any battle of the war; and the repulse of Miles on the 7th, the capture of a portion of Crook's cavalry with Gregg himself at their head, showed like the expiring flashes of a nearly burnt out fire."

To Grant's letter Lee replied the same night: "General: I have received your note of this date. Though not entertaining the opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender."

Although the way for negotiations looking to a surrender was thus opened neither side remained idle. During the night of the 7th Lee withdrew from his position in front of the 2nd corps and hurried on toward Appomattox Court House, Humphreys following and General Wright with the 6th corps moving on a parallel road in an effort to cut off the line of retreat. The rations received at Farmville improved the spirits and physical condition of the Confederate soldiers, and, though Humphreys and Wright strained every nerve to overtake the enemy, at midnight on the 8th it looked as if Lee might reach Lynchburg. On the 8th letters were again exchanged between Grant and Lee. The former wrote:

"General: Your note of last evening, in reply to mine, of same date, asking the condition on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, viz., that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms again against the government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received."

Lee wrote: "General: I received at a late hour your note of today. In mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army; but as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the C. S. forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 a. m. tomorrow, on the old stage road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies."

In the meantime Ord, with Griffin's (5th) corps, Gibbon's (24th), and a division of the 25th, had been rapidly moving westward and about daylight of the 9th joined Sheridan at Appomattox Station, 5 miles south of the Court House. Lee was now between two strong forces, though that fact was not known to him until a few hours later. He had reasons to believe that Sheridan was between him and Lynchburg and ordered Fitzhugh Lee, supported by Gordon's corps, to attack the Federal cavalry early on the morning of the 9th and open a way for the remainder of the army. Sheridan dismounted and advanced a part of his command, with instructions to fall back gradually when attacked, thus drawing the enemy upon Ord's line of battle. This movement was successfully executed, but as soon as the enemy discovered the infantry he stopped his pursuit of the cavalry and began to fall back toward the Court House. Sheridan mounted his men and moved quickly around to the enemy's left, while Ord advanced in front. Custer, whose division was in advance, was about to charge the trains and the confused mass of Confederates in his front, when a white flag was displayed and hostilities were ordered to be suspended. A similar order was also sent to Humphreys and Wright, who at 1 1 a. m. had come up with the enemy's skirmishers, 3 miles from Appomattox Court House. To Lee's letter of the 8th Grant had replied as follows: "General: Your note of yesterday is received. As I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace the meeting proposed for 10 a. m. today could lead to no good. I will state, however, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertain the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed."

This was written and despatched early on Sunday morning, April 9, and immediately afterward Grant started for the head of the column. At 10 a. m. Lee rode out to the picket-line on the stage road, where he hoped to meet Grant in accordance with his request of the day before. There he was handed Grant's communication. Knowing that a large force was between him and Lynchburg and another close upon his rear, Lee evidently changed his mind regarding the "emergency" that called for the surrender of his army. Writing in duplicate a request for an interview and asking a suspension of hostilities, several couriers were sent in different directions in search of the Federal general. One of these communications reached Grant about noon and he immediately replied as follows: "Your note of this date is but this moment (11:50 a. m.) received, in consequence of my having passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg road. I am at this writing about four miles west of Walker's church and will push forward to the front for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the interview to take place will meet me."

Grant was then conducted to Sheridan's line of battle. In his Memoirs he says he found the troops very much excited, believing that Johnston was coming up from North Carolina and that Lee's action was all a ruse to gain time. He says the men declared that they would whip Lee's army in five minutes if he would let them go in. Grant, however, knew more about the location of Johnston's army than did the men, and besides he had no doubt that the Confederate general was acting in good faith. Lee was found at the house of a Mr. McLean in the village, his army being drawn up on Clover hill, just outside the town. After some friendly conversation, Lee suggested that Grant reduce his terms to writing, in order that they might be more carefully gone over and considered. In response to this request Grant wrote the following:

"General: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate—one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate, the officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to be packed and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority as long as they observe their paroles, and the laws in force where they may reside."

In discussing the terms Lee said that the artillerists and cavalrymen of the Confederate army owned their own horses, and asked if it was to be understood that these men were to be permitted to retain them. Grant told him that it was not so stipulated in the written proposition, but that as most of the men were probably farmers, and would need their horses in the cultivation of their crops, the horses might be retained by the men, and that he would so instruct the officers left behind to receive the paroles of the troops. This verbal promise of the Union general was sacredly kept, thus leaving every Confederate soldier who claimed to own a horse or mule in full possession of the same. Lee then sat down and wrote the following reply to Grant's proposal: "General: I have received your letter of this date containing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect."

Grant appointed Major-General John Gibbon, Bvt. Major-General Charles Griffin, and Bvt. Major-General Wesley Merritt to carry into effect the terms of the agreement, and Bvt. Brigadier-General George H. Sharpe, assistant provost- marshal-general, to take charge of the rolls and paroles. Lee appointed Lieutenant-General James Longstreet, Major-General John B. Gordon, and Brigadier-General W. N. Pendleton. The commands of Gibbon and Griffin and Mackenzie's cavalry were left at Appomattox until the paroling of the surrendered army was completed, and to take charge of the public property. The remainder of the army was directed to move to Burkeville. As Lee's army was without rations, Grant directed that the trains captured by Custer at Appomattox Station on the 8th should be run back to that point and the Confederates supplied from their captured stores. According to the official reports the Union losses from March 29, the beginning of the Appomattox campaign, until April 9 aggregated 1,316 killed, 7,750 wounded and 1,714 missing. During the same period the Confederates lost not less than 5,000 in killed and wounded, and 46,495 were captured. In the final surrender 27,516 men were paroled, 22,633 stand of small arms and all the munitions of war belonging to the Army of Northern Virginia were turned over to the Federal authorities. The four years' war was at an end.


Appomattox Station, Virginia, April 8, 1865. 3rd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. In the morning Generals Merritt and Mackenzie marched toward Prospect Station, from which point Merritt's and Crook's commands moved on to Appomattox Depot on the Lynchburg railroad, 5 miles south of Appomattox Court House. Shortly after the march began, General Sheridan was notified that there were at Appomattox Station four trains of cars loaded with supplies for Lee's army. Merritt and Crook were at once notified and pressed forward rapidly for 28 miles. General Custer, who had the advance with the 3d division, surprised the enemy, skillfully threw a force in the rear of the trains and captured them. Without halting a moment he then pushed on, driving the enemy in the direction of Appomattox Court House, capturing many prisoners, 24 pieces of artillery, a hospital train and several battle-flags. The train was guarded by about two divisions of infantry and more than 30 pieces of artillery, all under command of Major-General Walker, who repulsed several attacks, but at g p. m. Custer's perseverance won the train. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of this day's work,. The Confederates' supplies were taken almost literally out of their mouths. On their line of retreat, at a point where they had not looked for opposition a strong force was posted. Night was upon them. It was their last night under the flag of the Confederacy.  


Aquia Creek, Virginia, May 29-June 1, 1861. Union Gunboats. Aquia Creek, on a small, navigable stream of the same name flowing into the Potomac 55 miles below Washington, with which it had steamboat connections, was an important point on the through route from New Orleans and Mobile to New York. Batteries planted there by Virginia troops were attacked on these dates by the Federal gunboats Freeborn, Anacostia, Resolute and Pawnee. After the first attack Colonel Ruggles moved 700 men across from Fredericksburg, with some 6-pounder rifled guns, established Colonel Bate's Tennessee regiment at Brooke Station and returned the rest of his force to Fredericksburg. These brief and indecisive affairs marked the beginning of hostilities on the waters of the Potomac. They were almost bloodless.  


Aransas Bay, Texas, February 22, 1862. At 3.30 p. m. two launches manned by Federal troops, came within 3 miles of Camp Aransas, captured a sloop, bound for Corpus Christi and took from her medicines and other property presumably intended for Confederate use. Captain Neal (Confederate) with his men pursued in boats, but made no captures. Shots were exchanged without inflicting any known damage.  


Aransas Bay, Texas, April 22, 1862. Two sloops with 32 men commanded by Captain Neal and Lieutenant Canfield, from Camp Aransas, captured two Federal launches, which had come into Aransas bay and taken three sloops. One of them, the Democrat, after being stripped of her sails was left to its captain and mate, who had to pole their way to land. With the other two the Federals bore down toward Shell Banks, evidently expecting to pass the fort unchallenged and, once out of Aransas Pass, to have the protection of a blockading vessel. When pursued by the two sloops, having no safe egress from the bay, they abandoned their prizes, took to their launches and soon entered Blind Bayou. Headed off on land by Neal and Canfield, they left their launches and ran to the sand-hills. There were 22 of them and before they disappeared they exchanged a few shots with their pursuers


Aransas Pass, Texas, November 17, 1863. Detachment 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of the Gulf, and Gunboat Monongahela. At sunset on the 16th General Ransom, who was leading an expedition against Fort Esperanza, landed the 13th and 15th Me., part of the 20th la. and two boat howitzers at the south end of Mustang island and marched up the beach toward the north end, where the Confederates had a garrison of about 100 men, with 3 pieces of heavy artillery. At 4 o'clock the next morning he had marched 18 miles, when he halted to rest his men and wait for daylight. Resuming his march a little after 6 o'clock he encountered the enemy's pickets about a mile from the garrison, and after a slight skirmish drove them into their camp. About this time the Monongahela steamed up and threw a few 11-inch shells into the enemy's lines, causing consternation among them. The garrison surrendered unconditionally and Colonel Isaac Dyer, with the 15th Me., was left in charge of  the post. The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 43.


Arcata, California, April 8, 1862. This was an attack by Indians on a Federal train loaded with military supplies, about 8 miles from Areata. The packers were fired upon and several mules were captured.  


Arcata, California, June 6-7, 1862. (See Daley's Ferry.)

(See Fort Davidson.)


Arcata, California, August 21, 1862. (See Light Prairie.)


Arkadelphia, Arkansas, February 15, 1863. Near Arkadelphia Captain Brown's command, consisting of 83 men, was attacked in the mountains bordering the Ouachita river, by 300 Confederates. There was fighting from sunrise until noon, when the Confederates were routed. Federal loss, 2 killed, 4 wounded; Confederate loss, 16 killed, 12 wounded.  


Arkadelphia, Arkansas, March 29-April 1, 1864. (See Camden, Arkansas, Expedition to.)


Arkansas (Confederate Ram), July 15, 1862. Union Gunboats on the Mississippi. The construction of the iron-clad rams, Arkansas and Tennessee, was begun at Memphis. Upon the fall of Memphis the Tennessee was burned and the Arkansas was taken by her commander, Captain McBlair, to the Yazoo river. Captain Brown succeeded McBlair and got the Arkansas ready for service by July, 1862. She was indifferently armored with railroad iron, but was admirably officered and carried two 8-inch columbiads, two 9-inch Dahlgren guns, four 6-inch rifles and 2 smooth bore 32-pounders. Brown determined after consultation with General Van Dorn, at Vicksburg, 50 miles distant, to take the Arkansas down to that city, though he knew that he must pass Farragut's and Davis' vessels and Ellet's rams. Among these vessels, all at anchor in the Mississippi 3 miles below the mouth of the Yazoo, were 6 iron-clads, 7 rams and 10 large ships of war. He started on the morning of July 5, 1862. Six miles from the mouth of the Yazoo river, she was met by the United States iron-clad Carondelet, the gunboat Tyler, and the ram, Queen of the West. The three vessels turned and there was a running fight. The Federal ram got away. The Tyler was too weak to harm the Arkansas. The Carondelet fought gallantly, suffering a heavy loss in killed and wounded, and was driven into shoal water. Whether or not she would have surrendered is a question that has been many times discussed. The Arkansas was too busy to take prizes. The fire from the Carondelet had wounded Brown and killed two of his pilots. She had riddled the smokestack of the Arkansas until the latter, when she entered the Mississippi, could not make more than one knot an hour; but this speed with the current of the river enabled her to run through the Federal fleets. Though the three vessels had been sent up the Yazoo to reconnoiter, the Federal naval officers had not believed that the Arkansas would come down at that time, and had not prepared their vessels for an attack. Only one—the ram General Bragg— had steam and her commander deferred action while awaiting orders. Most of the Federal projectiles bounded harmlessly from the Arkansas' iron-ribbed sides, but two 11-inch shells penetrated her armor and fired her cotton backing, killing and maiming many on board. The Federal ram, Lancaster, menaced her with a forward movement and got a disabling shot in its mud-receiver, scalding several men, two of whom afterward died. After a few minutes of such strenuous experience, the Arkansas ran beyond the range of the Federal guns and into the protection of the Confederate batteries at Vicksburg. The loss in the Federal fleet was, according to Captain A. T. Mahan, 13 killed, 34 wounded and 10 missing. Brown reported the Confederate loss, 10 killed, 15 wounded.  


Arkansas, C. S. S., July 22, 1862. U. S. Ram Fleet off Vicksburg. In accordance with an understanding with Flag-Officers Farragut and Davis, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding the U. S. ram fleet, with the Queen of the West, attacked the Confederate ram and gunboat Arkansas. Lack of expected cooperation prevented Ellet from destroying the craft, but it is believed that he inflicted severe injury upon her. He could not reach her vulnerable side without rounding about, thus losing much headway and failing to make the blow as effective as it would otherwise have been. The absence of Federal gunboats as he retired, made the Queen of the West a target for all the enemy's batteries and sharpshooters on the river bank, so that she was riddled with balls and very much damaged. The crew had been reduced to the smallest number necessary to handle the boat and only a few of the men were wounded.  


Arkansas, C. S. S., August 6, 1862. The Arkansas, with the Webb and the Music, started toward Baton Rouge, to support the attack of Breckenridge on the Federal forces there. When she left the wharf at Vicksburg she was deemed as formidable as when she came out of the Yazoo through the Federal fleets. When she arrived within a few miles of Baton Rouge her machinery gave out, she became unmanageable and Lieutenant Stevens, her commander, moored her to the shore. The U. S. gunboat Essex steamed up to the little fleet and the Webb and the Music fled. Stevens landed his crew, cut the Arkansas from her moorings, fired her and turned her adrift down the river. "With every gun shotted," reported General Van Dorn, "our Confederate flag floating from her bow, and not a man on board, the Arkansas bore down upon the enemy and gave him battle. The guns were discharged as the flames reached them and when the last shot was fired the explosion of her magazine ended the brief but glorious career of the Arkansas." Arkansas Post, Arkansas, January 10-11, 1863. 13th and 15th Army Corps, and Part of the Mississippi Squadron. After the defeat of Sherman at Chickasaw bluffs, in the last days of December, 1862, he was superseded in command of the river expedition by Major-General J. A. McClernand. One of the first acts of the new commander was to carry out the orders of the war department and divide the army into two corps, designated the 13th and 15th. The former, commanded by Brigadier-General George W. Morgan, consisted of Steele's and Stuart's (formerly M. L. Smith's) divisions. The latter, under Sherman, was composed of the divisions of A. J. Smith and Osterhaus. On the 5th the entire force left Milliken's Bend, on board the transports, accompanied by the gunboats DeKalb, Cincinnati, Louisville, Glide, Rattler, Lexington and Black Hawk, and the ram Monarch, for the reduction of Fort Hindman, at Arkansas Post, on the Arkansas river. McClernand's principal reason for this move was that armed detachments from the fort could easily descend to the mouth of the Arkansas, where they could seriously interfere with the opening of the Mississippi. The village of Arkansas Post occupies the first high ground to be found on ascending the river, and the fort stood on the bluff, where it commanded an unobstructed view of the river for a mile each way. It was a square, full-bastioned work, about 100 yards on a side. It had a parapet 18 feet across, was surrounded by a ditch 20 feet wide and 8 feet deep, was provided by strong casemates, and well protected by outlying lines of rifle-pits. The armament included one 8-inch and two 9-inch columbiads and 14 field guns, and the garrison numbered about 5,000 men under the command of Brigadier-General T. J. Churchill. The gunboats, followed by the transports, proceeded up the Arkansas river and late on the afternoon of the 9th halted about 3 miles below the fort. During the night and the morning of the 10th the troops were disembarked, and at 11 o'clock Sherman's corps began the advance on the fort. Steele's division, after skirmishing with the enemy's pickets a while, encountered a swamp, and in passing around it lost the road and did not rejoin the corps until the following morning. Stuart moved up the river road to the first line of rifle-pits, reaching that point in time to see the Confederates in full retreat toward the fort, the line of defenses having been subjected to an enfilading fire from the gunboats. Lindsey's brigade of Osterhaus' division, with four 10-pounder Parrott guns and a company of cavalry, was landed at Fletcher's and moved across the bend to a position opposite the fort, to cut off retreat in that direction. De Courcy's brigade was left to guard the transports at the landing, and the rest of Morgan's corps was united with that of Sherman for the general assault on the fort.

The night was passed without fires or tents and by 10:30 a. m. on the 11th everything was ready for the attack. The gunboats moved up to within a few hundred yards of the fort and opened fire with the entire armament of 66 guns. As soon as the sound of firing from the boats was heard by the land forces the 45 pieces of field artillery were also brought into action, and for the next half hour the roar of cannon was almost deafening. At the end of that time the guns of the fort were silenced, the infantry advanced with Steele on the right, then Stuart, next A. J. Smith, and Sheldon's brigade of Osterhaus' division on the extreme left . By 1.30 p. m. four brigades had made their way across a narrow space of cleared ground and found a lodgment in a ravine, within short musket range of the Confederate lines. The artillery was then pushed forward, Lindsey's guns on the opposite side of the river getting a position from which an oblique fire could be poured into the rifle pits, carrying away a battle flag and killing a number of men. About 3 o'clock the lines were reformed to some extent and preparations made for a general and final assault, when suddenly white nags appeared at several places above the ramparts. Orders were at once given to cease firing, though the Union troops were so disposed as to preclude all possibilities of escape, after which Sherman and Morgan rode into the fort and demanded a surrender. One of the Confederate brigade commanders refused the demand and asseverated that the white flags had been displayed without authority. Churchill, however, took a more philosophical view of the situation and, as the Federals were already practically in possession of the fort, told his subordinate that there was nothing left but to comply with the demand. He then sullenly ordered his men to stack arms, and at 4:30 formally turned over the fort to McClernand. The Confederate loss was about 200 in killed and wounded, 4,791 were sent north as prisoners, while the fort, with all its stores of arms and ammunition, 17 pieces of artillery, 7 stand of colors, including the garrison flag, 563 horses and mules, and a large number of wagons fell into the hands of the victorious assailants. The Union loss was 134 killed, 808 wounded and 29 missing.


Arkansas River, April 6-7, 1864. About 500 Missouri troops of the Confederate army crossed the Arkansas on the 6th and 7th. Colonel Judson, commanding the district of the frontier, Department of Arkansas, lost 6 men in skirmishing with them. Reports do not indicate the place of crossing.  


Arkansas River, August 17, 1864. The steamer Miller was captured and burned by Confederates 10 miles below Pine Bluff. The attack came from the south bank of the river.


Arlington Mills, Virginia, June 1, 186.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 46.


Armstrong's Creek, West Virginia, September 11, 1862. (See Kanawha Valley Campaign.)  


Armstrong's Farm, Virginia, May 30, 1864. Troops not Stated. During the operations along the North Anna river in the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, a skirmish occurred on this dare at Armstrong's farm, though no detailed report of the affair appears in the official records of the war.  


Armstrong's Ferry, Tennessee, January 22, 1864. 9th and 23d Army Corps. On this date as the army was marching upon Knoxville, the 9th corps constituted the rear of the column, immediately preceded by General Manson's division of the 23d. About an hour after noon a body of Confederate cavalry appeared in the rear, but made no demonstration until near the intersection of the Knoxville and Armstrong's Ferry roads. Here the column was halted and General Willcox, commanding the 2nd division of the 9th corps, threw out skirmishers toward the enemy. The Confederate skirmish line was soon encountered and driven back, the Union troops carrying two wooded knolls which had been seized by the enemy on the  Federal right and rear. The corps then went into bivouac for the night. Later in the evening the Confederates made a demonstration on Manson's pickets, but they were again repulsed and their whole force then returned toward Strawberry Plains.  


Armstrong's Mill, Virginia, February 5-7, 1865. (See Hatcher's Run.) Armuchee Creek, Georgia, May 15, 1864. 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland. Brigadier-General Garrard, commanding the 2nd division, was ordered to make a reconnaissance toward Rome and if possible cross the Oostanaula river. He detailed Col . Minty, commanding the 1st brigade, to make a demonstration on Rome to cover an attempted crossing of the Oostanaula by the 3d brigade. Minty met the enemy strongly posted at Farmer's bridge, over Armuchee creek, and after a sharp skirmish the 4th Michigan carried the position by a charge, killing 10 and wounding 6 men. The Confederates were driven to within 2 miles of Rome. There Jackson's division of cavalry was in position, supported by a division of infantry. Minty fell back before an artillery fire, and at Farmer's bridge rejoined Garrard, who had failed to make the crossing. Arnoldsburg, West Virginia, May 6, 1862.  


Arnoldsville, Missouri, June 1, 1864. Detachment of Missouri Militia. The militia were surprised by a party of bushwhackers greatly outnumbering them and 3 of them were killed. General Fisk at St. Joseph, commander of the Department of Missouri, who sent a force in pursuit of the marauders, believed the assailants to be a part of Quantrill's original band.  


Arrow, Steamer, Capture of, May 15, 1863. (See Currituck Canal.) Arrowfield Church, Virginia, May 9, 1864. (See Swift Creek.)  


Arrow Rock, Missouri, July 29, 1862. Arrow Rock, Missouri, October 12, 1862. Enrolled Missouri Militia. Learning that the command of Colonel Wilson was menaced, General Vaughan with 150 of Colonel McNeil's command, scouted near Arrow Rock, where he had an encounter with guerrillas in which 1 of his men was killed and 4 were wounded.  


Arrow Rock, Missouri, July 20, 1864. 1st Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Lieutenant Woodruff, with a detachment of this regiment, was attacked by about 200 guerrillas. He fought them for three-quarters of an hour, losing 3 men missing and all his horses.  


Arrow Rock, Missouri, August 7, 1864. 1st Missouri State Militia Cavalry. A detachment of this regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear, after scouting about Miami and Marshall, went to Arrow Rock. It was twice engaged by guerrillas, first with a party of 15 then with a party of 20. One of the parties fired quite a number of rounds before scattering, the other fired but twice. Just before the arrival of the cavalry, guerrillas had killed a negro at Arrow Rock. The day before 10 guerrillas had burned the courthouse at Marshall and shot 9 negroes in and near that town. Twenty guerillas encamped on the farm of Marshall Piper on the night of the 7th. Piper gave the Federal authorities no notice of their presence and being a notorious Confederate sympathizer under bond, he was shot by soldiers, probably of Lazear's command


Arrow Rock Road, Missouri, September 23, 1864. 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. On the road the advance guard of a detachment of this regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Crittenden, dispersed 50 of Bill Jackson's guerrillas, killing 1 of them.  


Arthur's Swamp, Virginia, August 29-30, 1864. 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac.  


Arthur's Swamp, Virginia, September 30-October 1, 1864. 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. On September 29, the division, except the 16th Pennsylvania, which remained on picket duty, marched to the Yellow Tavern on the Weldon railroad, under command of General Gregg. It proceeded up the Wyatt road and across Arthur's swamp to the Davis house on the Vaughan road, but the ist brigade halted at the junction of the Halifax and Wyatt roads. At Arthur's swamp the 2nd brigade met the enemy's pickets and captured several of them. A strong reconnaissance toward Armstrong's mill, on Hatcher's run, drove the Confederate pickets, but as the enemy's numbers seemed to augment pursuit was not maintained. The Confederates followed the brigade in the afternoon as far as Arthur's swamp, employing artillery and blowing up a limber chest of one of its guns, killing i and seriously wounding 2 men. Skirmishing continued until nightfall, but the Federals held their position.  


Arundel's Farm, Virginia, April 10, 1865. (See Burke's Station.)


Ashbysburg, Kentucky, September 25, 1862.


Ashby's Gap, Virginia, September 22, 1862. Detachment Cavalry Brigade, 3d Army Corps. In conformity with orders from the corps commander Colonel Price, commanding the brigade, left camp near Fort Blenker on the 20th with 800 men and one section of the 3d U. S. artillery, for Ashby's gap, his object being the capture or destruction of a wagon train, reported to be in that vicinity. At Bull Run gap he encountered the Confederate pickets and for the next 10 or 12 miles there was constant skirmishing, when the advance guard, supported by the 1st Vermont and closely followed by about 60 men, came suddenly upon some 600 of the 6th Virginia cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Green. Before the enemy had time to form, Price ordered a charge and the Confederates fled in disorder from the field, some taking to the woods and others escaping through the gap. All of them rode fresh horses and could not be overtaken. Under instructions not to go through the gap, Price halted his men and after a brief rest returned to camp, the wagon train having been moved over the ridge the night before, defeating the object of his expedition. One wagon, empty and without horses, was found in Paris and burned. Two others, containing little of value, were captured. The Federal loss in this affair was 9 killed and wounded; the Confederate loss was 18 killed, wounded and captured. The Confederate commander received three saber cuts on the head. Being too severely injured to bring in he was paroled.


Ashby's Gap, Virginia, July 12-20, 1863. Detachment 2nd Massachusetts and 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Colonel Lovell, with 364 men, while on the way to Alexandria, found at Ashby's gap two companies of Robertson's North Carolina cavalry. A picket of 20 to 25 men was maintained at this camp on the west bank of the Shenandoah and there was a small commissary store. A skiff was one of the conveniences of the camp. For some time Lovell's advance guard was subjected to a fire from the Confederates here without damage. He left there at 4 p. m. and passed through Union to Philomont, where he camped. After slight skirmishing the 5th and 6th Michigan cavalry occupied Ashby's gap on July 20.


Ashby's Gap, Virginia, July 19, 1864. The action at Ashby's gap on this date was a preliminary skirmish to the heavier engagement at Berry's ford (q. v.).


Ashby's Gap, Virginia, February 19, 1865. Detachment of the 14th Pennsylvania and 21st New York Cavalry. Major Thomas Gibson, with 225 men of the two regiments, was ordered to scout from Camp Averell near Winchester into Loudoun county. He left camp on the evening of the 18th and after crossing the Shenandoah the detachment divided to meet again at Piedmont—one party being under the command of Captain Snow, of the 21st New York, and the other under Gibson himself, the object being to search all the houses in the vicinity for Mosby's men and stores of the enemy's supplies. In this work the expedition was aided by deserters from Mosby's command. When Gibson reached Upperville he learned that Snow had already been there and had left about 5 a. m. on the 19th. He then pushed on toward Paris, his rear and flanks being continually harassed by small parties of the enemy. Gibson had captured 18 prisoners, among them Mosby's quartermaster Page 49 and a lieutenant, and about 50 horses. At Paris he was fired on by a considerable force of infantry stationed behind a stone wall, but succeeded in getting his command through the town without loss. While passing through Ashby's gap he was compelled to march his men in single file, owing to the narrow defile through the rocks. Here his rear guard, under Captain Duff, was vigorously attacked and driven back on the main body. Gibson ordered a charge, but because of the uneven nature of the ground and the lack of room it could not be successfully made and the men broke in confusion. All attempts to rally them were vain, each one being intent on saving himself. In this affair Gibson lost 2 men wounded and 88 missing, 10 of whom afterward reached camp. The prisoners he had taken were recaptured by the enemy, who made the assault in overwhelming numbers.


Ash Creek, Kansas, November 13, 1864. On the night of this day a train of five wagons loaded with corn and enroute for Fort Larned was attacked by about 30 Indians. Of the 5 men accompanying the train, 1 was mortally wounded and the others escaped.


Ashepoo River, South Carolina, May 16, 1864. 34th U. S. Colored Troops.


Ash Hills, Missouri, August 13, 1863. 1st Battalion, 2nd Missouri State Militia Cavalry. This detachment was commanded by Major Poole, who was ordered by Colonel Rogers to scout from Cape Girardeau as far south as the Ash Hills and return via Greenville. The battalion entered the Ash Hill country about 5 p. m. on the 13th. With Captain McClanahan and 2 men, Poole went some 200 yards in advance to select a camping site and met about 80 armed guerrillas. The 4 charged this force with sabers and revolvers, killing 6 and wounding several. The guerrillas sought safety in a swamp, abandoning several horses, which were taken by the victors. Poole was wounded; there were no other Federal casualties.


Ashland, Tennessee, January 12, 1863.


Ashland, Virginia, June 25, 1862. Detachment of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, commanding the Jeff Davis Legion (Mississippi) and the 4th Virginia cavalry, had a line of pickets from Wooding's shop on the Ashland road, along that road to Ashland and thence toward Hanover Court House, to the residence of Colonel Wickham. In the afternoon after General Jackson's advance guard had reached the neighborhood of Ashland, a company of the 8th Illinois cavalry drove in Martin's videttes from the intersection of the Ashcake and Telegraph roads and cut the telegraph line. Under orders from Martin, Lieutenant Smith, with 17 men of the 4th Virginia, charged on the Federals, driving them back with a loss of 1 man killed and 1 wounded, after which the telegraph line was repaired. The Confederate loss was 2 men wounded.


Ashland, Virginia, May 3, 1863.  


Ashland, Virginia, March 1, 1864. The affair at Ashland on this date was an incident of Kilpatrick's raid to Richmond, and was in the nature of a diversion to cover the main body of the expedition. (See Richmond, Kilpatrick's raid to.) Ashland, Virginia, May 11, 1864. Sheridan's Cavalry. In the campaign from the Rapidan to the James, Sheridan reached Ashland about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 11th and commenced tearing up the tracks of the Fredericksburg railroad. The 1st Massachusetts charged into the place, losing 19 men in killed, wounded and missing. Sheridan destroyed the government buildings, containing a large amount of stores, a locomotive, a train of cars, the engine-house, 6 miles of railroad, including 6 culverts and 2 trestle bridges, and tore down the telegraph line for a similar distance. Ashland, Virginia, June 1. 1864. ist Brigade, 3d Division. Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. This brigade, commanded by Colonel J. B. Mcintosh. of the 3d Pennsylvania cavalry, drove the Confederates out of Hanover Court House on May 31, and camped there for the night. At day-break, June 1, Page 50 one regiment of the brigade, supported by Chapman's brigade, departed to destroy the railroad bridge over the Pamunkey. Mcintosh with the 5th New York, 2nd Ohio and 1st Connecticut, pushed on to Ashland and was destroying the railroad there when his force was attacked by two divisions of Confederate cavalry. After three hours' fierce resistance to a superior force, Mcintosh withdrew, retired down the railroad and joined the 2nd brigade. Ashland, Virginia, March 15, 1865. 1st Brigade, 3d Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, Sheridan's Raid. General Custer reached Ashland early in the day and learned that Generals Longstreet and Pickett were advancing upon that point with a heavy force composed of all arms. The 1st brigade commanded by Colonel Pennington and consisting of the 2nd Ohio, 2nd New York, 3d New Jersey and 1st Connecticut, was sent forward to hold the enemy in check until the rest of the command could pass toward the railroad bridge over the South Anna. The enemy made several attempts to force Pennington back, but was repulsed each time. The 1st Conn, sent out a reconnaissance of one squadron, under Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. Whitaker, from the right of Pennington's line toward the enemy, while a battalion of the 2nd New York moved down the telegraph road. Whitaker's squadron was ambushed by infantry and cavalry and lost a lieutenant killed and 2 men missing. The most determined movement of the enemy, made just before dark, when Pennington was about to obey orders and retire, was a complete failure. A spirited attack was made on the line of the 2nd New York by infantry, but it was resisted effectively till the regiment, which was to bring up the rear, retired. The Confederates did not follow as Pennington fell back. The 2nd New York lost 1 man killed, 3 wounded, and had 22 horses so badly wounded that it was necessary to abandon them on the march. Ashland Church, Virginia, May 4, 1863. Detachment of the 12th Illinois Cavalry. As an incident of the Stoneman raid Lieutenant-Colonel Davis was sent with the regiment to destroy the railroad in the vicinity of Ashland. Learning that a train of 18 wagons was encamped in the woods not far from Ashland Church, Davis sent Captain Roden, with Cos. B and C, to destroy it. This was successfully accomplished, the guard being routed and the wagons burned. No casualties reported. Ashley, Missouri, August 28, 1862. 30 Men of the Missouri Militia. The detachment under Captain Pierce, early in the morning was attacked by 150 Confederates under a Captain Beck, whose object was to capture the arms of two companies, most of the men of which had gone under orders to Paris. After an hour's fight the Confederates retreated. Federal loss, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Confederate, 2 or more killed, including Beck, and several wounded.  


Ashley's Mills, Arkansas, September 7, 1863. Davidson's Cavalry Division, Department of the Missouri. During Steele's movement on Little Rock, Davidson's cavalry, which was in advance, had a sharp skirmish here with troops of Walker's division of Price's army, which division had the day before been placed in command of Colonel Dobbin. In the morning Davidson advanced on the enemy's troops encamped at Ashley's Mills and drove them back to the river, inflicting a loss of 1 killed, 3 wounded and 2 captured.  


Ashley's Station, Arkansas, August 24, 1864. (See Devall's Bluff, same date.)  


Ashton, Louisiana, May 1, 1864. Ashwood, Mississippi, June 25, 1864.  


Ashwood Landing. Louisiana, May 1-4, 1864. 64th U. S. Colored Troops.


Atchafalaya, Louisiana, July 21, 1864.


Atchafalaya, Louisiana, October 5, 1864. Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, June 4, 1863.


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, September 7, 1863. (See Morgan's Ferry.)  


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, September 20, 1863.


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, Expedition to, May 30 to June 5,1864. Troops of the 13th and 19th Army Corps. On the 29th, Brigadier-General VV. H. Emory, commanding the two corps, while at Morganza, learned that Confederates were crossing the Atchafalaya. On the morning of the 30th he despatched a detachment of the 13th corps, and a battery from the 19th corps, about 7,000 men, under General M. K. Lawler and about 1,700 cavalry under Colonel Davis, to disperse them and destroy their means of crossing. He also asked a naval officer at Morganza to send two gunboats into the Atchafalaya if he deemed it prudent to do so. The enemy was reported to have crossed at Morgan's ferry, the day before, with 3,000 to 7,000 men and two pieces of artillery. Lawler was instructed to move to the junction of the Fordoche and Morgan's ferry roads and to attack the enemy if he should be found there. Only 300 or 400 Confederates were there and at Lawler's approach they retreated toward Livonia. On the Morgan's ferry road at the Fordoche, Davis dispersed a party of 50, taking 1 prisoner. Chrysler's cavalry brigade reconnoitered on the Morgan's ferry road and found no foe on that side of the river, but found a sawmill in operation on the opposite side and at a ferry 3 miles above it 5 flat-boats, each large enough to carry 8 to 10 men and horses. He met with no opposition in approaching the ferry, but in leaving it received an ineffective running fire from a small force of the enemy, concealed by the levee on the other shore. Lawler determined to return to Morganza via Livonia and the False river road. At the Fordoche bridge about 200 Confederates, mostly Texans, were found apparently in position and threw three or four shells at Davis' cavalry skirmishers. A section of Norris' battery silenced their gun, and a cavalry advance, immediately afterward, put them to flight down the road toward Livonia, leaving a lieutenant and 3 soldiers dead and several men wounded. The Federals camped at Livonia at 9 p. m. On the way there after dark, General McGinnis' command was fired on by Confederates concealed in the brush beyond Bayou Fordoche. Captain Pan of the 24th la. was killed and 8 men were wounded. One return volley dispersed the attacking party. The False river road was bridgeless and partially inundated and Lawler had to retrace his steps. On the 31st Davis moved forward 4 or 5 miles on the Rosedale road and at 5 a. m. marched to the Morgan's ferry road, where he encamped at 10 o'clock. With the 1st Louisiana, 2nd New York, and 87th Illinois, he followed the enemy down Grossetete and Maringouin bayous to a camp in a dense canebrake, where the Confederates were routed and a quantity of clothing and commissary stores captured. On the morning of the 1st Colonel Sharpe with his brigade, 500 cavalry under Davis, and 4 pieces of artillery destroyed the sawmill above mentioned. As he returned he destroyed the bridges between Morgan's ferry and the Fordoche. Next morning about 10 o'clock Davis started down the Fordoche and Grossetete bayous. That night he camped at Woolfolk's plantation, driving off a small Confederate picket. On the morning of the 3d he crossed the Rosedale drawbridge over the Grossetete, followed the plank road and arrived near Lobdell's landing on the Mississippi at 2 p. m. He camped that night on the Mississippi 4 or 5 miles below False river. Reaching the latter stream about 8 a. m. on the 4th, he sent Lieutenant-Colonel Crebs with about 300 men to reconnoiter one side of the river, and Colonel Chrysler with an equal force to reconnoiter the other. The latter had gone some 6 or 8 miles when he encountered and charged on 50 to 60 of McNelly's scouts. His loss in killed and wounded was 3; Confederates 11. Davis' command returned to headquarters on the morning of the 5th.


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, July 28, 1864. (See Morgan's Ferry Road.) 


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, August 25, 1864. (See Morgan's Ferry Road.)  


Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, September 17, 1864. Colonel Terrell, commanding a body of Texas cavalry, reported that he fought a force of Federals, estimated at 4,000 strong, with Nim's battery of 6 pieces, and drove it back with considerable loss. No further mention of the affair is to be found in the official records of the war. Atchison, Kas., January 24, 1862. Detachment of the 1st Missouri Cavalry. On this date Captain Fuller of the 1st Missouri cavalry, stationed at Atchison, was notified by one Irving of Missouri that Chandler's jayhawkers had robbed his farm, taking horses, mules and negroes, dragged several women and other members of his family from bed, brutally insulted them, robbed them of their jewelry and had then gone toward Elwood. Irving and some of his neighbors were sent after the jayhawkers as guides and Fuller and a detachment of soldiers followed. Upon overtaking Irving's party Fuller found that they had engaged the jayhawkers, captured 2 of their number and killed their leader. Some of the marauders were captured in the direction of Elwood, others in the direction of White Cloud and Irving's property was recovered. Athens, Alabama, May 1, 1862. 3d Division, Army of the Ohio. Colonel Stanley's regiment of General Mitchell's command, while guarding bridges on the Athens & Decatur road, was attacked by 112 men of the 1st Louisiana cavalry, with a mountain howitzer battery, under Colonel Scott. An onslaught was made on guards at one or two bridges, then on pickets of the main body at Athens. Two companies were sent out and skirmished with the Confederate cavalry for an hour or two, when the latter retreated. Suddenly fire from the battery was opened on the Federals. Stanley ordered his wagon train to leave at once and followed with what force he had at Athens, abandoning his tents and camp equipage to the enemy. At this juncture Mitchell, who was approaching on a locomotive, learning of the attack, sent word to Stanley that he should be immediately reinforced. Running his engine to a telegraph station, he ordered a force to go at once to Stanley's aid. Two trains were on the track at Athens, with steam up, ready to leave for Huntsville. One of them was under Stanley's control, the other had just come from Elk river bringing supplies that had been brought by a train of 50 wagons from Columbia. Both followed Mitchell's engine, but were delayed an hour at Mooresville, 15 miles from Athens. Mitchell's engine and Stanley's train passed safely on to Athens. The guard at a bridge 4 miles from Mooresville had been driven off by Confederates and Confederate sympathizers, with a loss of 2 killed and 4 wounded. Then the string-pieces of the bridge were nearly severed with saws. The supply train broke through the bridge and was wrecked. A brakeman was killed, but fortunately Mitchell had ordered most of the men on the train to leave it at Mooresville and join the detachment sent to reinforce Stanley. The train was fired and plundered, but about 70 Federal soldiers from Mooresville, led by Captain Crittenden, attacked the Confederates and drove them off. Meantime Stanley's reinforcements arrived, but the enemy had retreated and the coming of night rendered impossible further operations that day. Athens, Alabama, January 26, 1864. Detachment of the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry. Captain Emil Adam, with 75 men of the 9th Illinois mounted infantry, was attacked at Athens at 4 a. m. by General Roddey, with 2 regiments and 2 pieces of artillery, his force estimated at 600 men. After 2 hours' hard fighting the Confederates were repulsed with heavy loss in killed and wounded. The Union loss was about 20 Page 53 killed, wounded and missing. Roddey opened on the town with his artillery without warning, his object evidently being to create a stampede and capture the train and stores at Athens, but the coolness and bravery of Adam and his men defeated his purpose.


Athens, Alabama, September 23-24, 1864. 106th, 110th, and mth U. S. Colored Infantry; 2nd and 3d Tennessee Cavalry. About 4 p. m. on the 23d Colonel Wallace Campbell of the 110th U. S. infantry commanding the post at Athens learned that the enemy were destroying the railway track 5 miles south of the town. Major Pickens, of the 3d Tennessee cavalry, with 100 men, went by the Decatur road, and Campbell, with 150 men, went by train to the scene of action. The combined forces drove off the Confederates and saved a trestle that they had set on fire. Returning to Athens toward nightfall the Federals became involved in a sharp skirmish. Their pickets on the Brown's ferry and on the Buck Island road were driven in and just before dark their artillery at the fort fired a few rounds. The quartermaster's building was set on fire. Forrest's command, which had invested the town on all sides, consisted of Bell's and Lyon's brigades of Buford's division; Rucker's brigade, some of Roddey's troops, Biffle's brigade, the 4th Tennessee, and Colonel Nixon's regiment. The Confederates made several attempts to get possession of the town and were repulsed with considerable loss. About 11 p. m. they captured the railroad depot. The 2nd Tennessee cavalry, just returned from a scouting expedition, drove them away, wounding and capturing several. At midnight the commissary building was burned and during the latter part of the night all Federal troops were removed to the fort, which was an earth work, 180 by 450 feet, 1,350 feet in circumference, surrounded by an abatis of felled trees, a palisade 4 feet high and a ditch 12 feet wide with its bottom 17 feet below the parapet. The garrison consisted of about 450 men. About 7 a. m., on the 24th the enemy opened on the fort with 12-pounder batteries on the north and west. During the ensuing 2 hours about 60 well directed shells were thrown and exploded in and about the fort, doing no damage to the works and killing only one man, a non-combatant. The fort, which inspecting officers considered the best between Nashville and Decatur, was strong enough to resist any field battery. The Federals answered with two 12-pound howitzers. About 9 o'clock an unsigned demand for surrender was sent in under a flag of truce and was returned unanswered. A second demand signed "Major General Forrest" was refused. Forrest asked for a personal interview with Campbell, showed him that the Confederate force numbered 8,000 to 10,000 men, and again demanded a surrender "in the interests of humanity." Campbell surrendered the fort and its garrison at noon. In the morning, General Granger, commanding at Decatur, sent by railroad, detachments of the 18th Michigan and 102nd Ohio, 350 men in all, under command of Lieut-Colonel Elliot of the 102nd, to reinforce the garrison at Athens. When they arrived at the break in the railroad, they were attacked by the whole of Buford's division, but pressed on toward Athens, bestrewing the woods with the enemy's dead. They charged two or three heavy lines of battle, drove them back in disorder and advanced to within 300 yards of the fort, which had surrendered not more than half an hour before. The surrender allowed Forrest to interpose a portion of his force between the fort and the rescuing party, thus compelling them to surrender after a hard fight of 3 hours' duration in which they had lost one-third of their number in killed and wounded. Had Campbell held out they might have saved the day. The officers whom Campbell surrendered joined in a statement over their signatures that on the night of the 23d and 24th, Campbell Page 54 caused most of the commissary stores of the post to be moved into the fortifications and that they were ample for a ten days' siege; that a well in the fort afforded plenty of water; that there were 70,000 rounds elongated ball cartridges, an ample supply of cavalry carbines, 120 rounds for each of the howitzers; and that the surrender was uncalled for by the circumstances, was against their wishes and ought not to have been made. The Federal loss was 106 killed and wounded; Confederate loss, equal to the Federal force engaged.


Athens, Alabama, October 1-2, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Wade of the 73d Indiana, with detachments from that regiment, and the 10th Indiana cavalry (dismounted), and a section of Battery A, 1st Tennessee artillery, held the Federal works at Athens. About the time the engagement began he was reinforced by a portion of the 2nd Tennessee cavalry, making a total force of about 500 effective men. Opposed to the garrison was General Buford's division of Confederate cavalry, aggregating nearly 4,000 men. The results of recent attacks on this fort and the one at Sulphur Trestle had convinced Wade that the fatal defect in both of these works was a want of protection for the garrison against artillery, and for two days before the attack his men were busy constructing a temporary bomb-proof work entirely outside the fort. The ditch, 6 feet deep and 15 ,feet wide, was roofed with logs over which was laid a covering of earth. The entrance to the underground strong-hold, a covered passageway under the gate of the fort, was not ready for use until 12 o'clock on the night of October 1, and the delay of the enemy in making the main attack proved the salvation of the garrison. The pickets on the Huntsville road were driven in at 3 p. m. on the 1st and the enemy took position behind the railroad. One company was deployed as skirmishers to engage him and delay his movements as long as possible. A rain aided the purpose. Firing was kept up on the skirmish line until dark when Wade reinforced his skirmishers with another company to prevent the Confederates from taking some buildings near the fort. A scattering, irregular fight with small arms was maintained from daybreak until 6 a. m. on the 2nd, chiefly to the west of the fort where a wood stretched down within short range, affording the enemy cover. At 6 o'clock the Confederates got a gun in action on the Brown's ferry road, southwest from the fort. So far Wade had reserved his artillery fire, but now his response was prompt. Ten minutes later 3 rifled guns, on a slight elevation, half a mile north. began to throw missiles into the fort. Under this cross fire scarcely a spot in the fort was safe and Wade moved his troops into the new bomb-proof, leaving sentinels to watch for signs of assault. In half an hour the enemy's artillerymen had obtained the range and were throwing shell into the fort with great accuracy. About 60 rounds were fired, 22 of which fell inside the fort or struck it, the rest bursting over or beyond it. Two shots tattered the regimental flag of the 73d Indiana, another toppled over a tall chimney, another disabled a caisson and others killed or wounded about 30 horses. With his battery section, Lieutenant Tobin returned this fire coolly and deliberately and ambulances were seen in motion near the Confederate guns, showing that his shots were effective. At 8 a. m. there was a cessation in the attack. Buford then demanded a surrender of the fort, but Wade refused his demand. Under cover of their flag of truce, Buford unfairly advanced a portion of his troops to within 200 yards of the fort and took 6 wagons and 4 ambulances from under the Federal guns. Respect for the usages of war prevented Wade from resenting this baseness so long as the white flag was in sight, but as soon as it disappeared he opened on this body of troops and drove it from its new position with a loss Page 55 of 4 killed and several wounded. The latter were carried away in the wagons. In similar attacks the Confederates' cannon had prevailed; here and now they were ineffectual. Buford immediately began to withdraw his troops, leaving sharpshooters to distract the Federal attention from his real purpose. It was penetrated, however, and as early as 9:30 Wade pushed out skirmishers in every direction and with the help of his artillery drove the Confederates from the field. Major McBath with the 2nd Tennessee pursued them for some distance on the Florence road. The Federal loss was 2 wounded.


Athens, Kentucky, February 23, 1863. Troops not stated. Athens, Missouri, August 5, 1861. Home Guards and 21st Missouri Infantry.  


Athens, Ohio, July 24, 1863. This affair was an incident of the Morgan raid, and, like numerous other slight skirmishes with roving detachments of the guerrillas, was not reported in detail.  


Athens, Tennessee, September 25, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 23d Army Corps. On this date the brigade, commanded by Colonel R. K. Byrd, became engaged with a superior force of the enemy at Calhoun and was forced to fall back toward Athens. When within 2 miles of that place Byrd was reinforced by Colonel Wolford's mounted brigade and the two commands took up a strong position to resist the further advance of the Confederates. As soon as the enemy appeared Byrd's battery, and Law's battery of mountain howitzers, which was with Wolford's brigade, both opened upon him, temporarily checking his progress. The 8th Michigan cavalry, armed with Spencer rifles, was then pushed well to the front and joined with the batteries in the action. After an engagement of an hour the Confederates withdrew. Casualties not reported.  


Athens, Tennessee, August 1, 1864. Detachment of 3d Brigade, 4th Division, 23d Army Corps. About 8 a. m. some 60 or 70 men belonging to Vaughan's Confederate cavalry attacked a Union outpost of 8 men near Athens. A prolonged fight occurred, notwithstanding the great odds in numbers, the Confederates losing 2 killed, 3 wounded and 1 captured. Lieutenant-Colonel M. L. Patterson, commanding the brigade, stationed at Loudon, sent about 00 men of the 1st Ohio heavy artillery, under Captains Bivens and Preble, in pursuit. The Confederates were overtaken at Murphy, North Carolina, about 11 a. m. of the 2nd. The Federal advance charged and routed the enemy, killing 10, and capturing 18 horses, 6 mules, 20 guns, 4 revolvers, 2 pistols and other stores and equipments. One of the pursuing party was killed.  


Athens, Tennessee, January 28, 1865. About 300 Confederates of Vaughan's and Wheeler's cavalry, with some bush-whackers, attacked the Federal garrison at Athens and got away with about 20 prisoners of the 7th Tennessee mounted infantry with a loss of about 50 in killed and wounded. The Federal loss was 6 wounded. The fort and court-house were guarded, but the Confederates most of the time kept well out of musket range. The Federals were without cannon, with which they might have fought them at longer range and with greater success, and also without horses with which to pursue them when they retired.  


Athens, Tennessee, February 16, 1865. A detachment of 75 men of Vaughan's Confederate cavalry defeated and captured the Federal garrisons at Sweetwater and Athens, commanded by Lieuts. Wiley and Smith. taking 60 men of the 2nd Ohio heavy artillery, with their horses and equipments.  


Athens, Tennessee, March 2-4, 1865. Detachment of 7th Tennessee Mounted Infantry. Captain W. A. Cochran reporting from Athens Page 56 under date of March 4, 1865, says: "The guerrillas made a raid into this country the night of the 2nd. We pursued them within fourteen miles of Murphy, and killed 5 of them, captured 15 horses, 2 Spencer rifles, 2 carbines. 2 fine pistols, and other property.  


Atkins' Mill, Tennessee, April 26, 1862. 2nd Michigan Cavalry. Four companies of this regiment, Major Shaw commanding, drove in the Confederate pickets at Atkins' Mill with a loss of 1 man killed. Confederate loss not reported.  


Atlanta (Fingal), C. S. S., June 17, 1863. Early in the morning this vessel proceeded to Warsaw sound to attack 2 Federal monitors which had been there some days. She fired only four shots, then surrendered. Captain Kennard, C. S. N., a witness of the affair, reported that to him the Atlanta (Fingal) appeared to have run aground before the encounter.  


Atlanta, Georgia, Siege of, July 20 to September 2, 1864. Army of the Cumberland, Army of the Tennessee, and Army of the Ohio. The objective points for the year 1864 were Richmond and Atlanta—the head and heart of the Confederacy. Early in March General U. S. Grant was made lieutenant-general and transferred to the immediate command of the Army of the Potomac, Major-General W. T. Sherman being at the same time placed in command of the forces in the West. Sherman's new command consisted of four departments: the Army of the Cumberland, at Chattanooga, commanded by Major-General George H. Thomas; the Army of the Tennessee, at Huntsville, Alabama, commanded by Major-General James B. McPherson; the Army of the Ohio, in East Tennessee, commanded by Major-General John M. Schofield; and the Army of Arkansas, under the command of Major-General Frederick Steele. The last named was subsequently transferred to Canby's trans-Mississippi division, and took no part in the Atlanta campaign. The Army of the Cumberland was composed of the 4th, 14th and 20th army corps, respectively commanded by Major-Generals O. O. Howard, John M. Palmer and Joseph Hooker; the cavalry corps of Brigadier-General Washington L. Elliott, and some unattached troops. The 4th corps was made up of three divisions, commanded by Major-General David S. Stanley, Brigadier-General John Newton and Brigadier-Gen Thomas J. Wood, and later in the campaign an artillery brigade was organized and placed under the command of Major Thomas W. Osborn. In the 14th corps were three divisions, the 1st commanded by Brigadier-General R. W. Johnson, the 2nd by Brigadier-General Jefferson C. Davis, and the 3d by Brigadier-General Absalom Baird. In this corps was also an artillery brigade, commanded by Major Charles Houghtaling. The 20th corps comprised three divisions, the 1st commanded by Brigadier-General Alpheus S. Williams, the 2nd by Brigadier-General John W. Geary, and the 3d by Major-General Daniel Butterfield. Major John A. Reynolds commanded the artillery brigade of the 20th corps after it was organized in July. The cavalry corps included the three divisions commanded by Brigadier- Generals Edward McCook, Kenner Garrard and Judson Kilpatrick. The Army of the Tennessee embraced the 15th, 16th and 17th army corps, commanded by Major-Generals John A. Logan, Grenville M. Dodge and Frank P. Blair. Logan's corps included the divisions of Brigadier-Generals Peter J. Osterhaus. Morgan L. Smith and William Harrow. In Dodge's corps were the divisions of Brigadier-Generals Thomas W. Sweeny and James C. Veatch. The 17th corps was made up of the two divisions commanded by Brigadier-General Mortimer D. Leggett and Brigadier-General Walter Q. Gresham. The Army of the Ohio consisted of the 23d corps, which was composed of the three divisions of infantry commanded by Brigadier-Generals Alvin P. Hovey, Henry M. Judah and Jacob D. Cox, and the cavalry division of Major-General George Stoneman The Page 57 effective strength of the army on May 1, 1864, was 98,797 men, with 254 pieces of artillery. At that time the 17th corps was not with the main body. After it joined on June 8 the effective strength was 112,819 men. Opposed to this force was the Confederate army under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston. It was made up of Hardee's corps, consisting of Cheatham's, Cleburne's and Walker's divisions and the artillery under Colonel Melancthon Smith; Hood's (or Lee's) corps, consisting of the divisions of Hindman, Stevenson and Stewart and the artillery under Colonel R. F. Beckham; Wheeler's cavalry corps, embracing Martin's, Kelly's and Hume's divisions and Roddey' command, with the artillery under Colonel F. H. Robertson; Polk's corps, which included Loring's, French's and Cantey's (or Walthall's) divisions; the cavalry division of Brigadier-General W. H. Jackson, and the 1st division of the Georgia state militia. In his article in "Battles and Leaders," Johnston states his effective forces as being 42,856 men, with 112 guns, but Major E. C. Dawes, of the 53d Ohio, who made an extended investigation into the subject, estimates the Confederate strength at Resaca as being at least 67,000 men with 168 cannon, and figures that Johnston had under his command something over 84,000 men later in the campaign. With a view of preventing Johnston from sending reinforcements to Longstreet in East Tennessee, and also to assist Sherman's expedition to Meridian, Mississippi, Thomas made a demonstration against Dalton, Georgia, in the latter part of February, but the campaign against Atlanta really began with the occupation of Tunnel Hill by the Union forces on the 7th of May. Then followed engagements at Rocky Face Ridge, Mill Creek Gap, Dug Gap, Dalton. Resaca, Lay's Ferry, Adairsville, Cassville, New Hope Church, Pickett's Mills, Big Shanty, Brush Mountain, Kolb's Farm, Kennesaw Mountain, Ruff's Station, Smyrna and the Chattahoochee river, with almost constant skirmishing as Johnston retired toward Atlanta. On July 17th Sherman's entire army crossed the Chattahoochee, his advance being within 8 miles of the city. Up to this time Johnston had acted on the defensive and so well had he conducted his campaign that it had taken Sherman nearly two and a half months to advance a distance of 100 miles. During the winter of 1863-64 General Gilmer, Confederate chief engineer, had strengthened Atlanta as a base for Johnston's army by intrenching the city. About the middle of June Captain Grant of the engineers was instructed to strengthen these fortifications, especially on the northern side, toward Peachtree creek. Johnston had been promised by General Maury at Mobile a number of rifled guns for this portion of the works, and Gov. Brown had promised 10,000 state troops to aid in the defense of the city. Johnston's plan was to engage the Union army while it was divided in crossing Peachtree creek. If he failed there he would fall back to the line of works constructed by Grant, where he could hold on until the arrival of the state troops, when he could sally out and attack either flank of the Federal forces as opportunity offered. But he was not permitted to carry out his plans. His defensive campaign had not found favor with the Confederate authorities, and on the very day the Union forces crossed the Chattahoochee he received the following telegram from Adj-General Cooper at Richmond: "I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that, as you have failed to arrest the advance of the enemy to the vicinity of Atlanta, and express no confidence that you can defeat or repel him, you are hereby relieved from the command of the Army and Department of Tennessee, which you will immediately turn over to General Hood."

The news of the change soon reached the Federal lines, where it was received with general satisfaction. Knowing the feeling of the Confederate government toward Johnston's course, the new commander determined upon an aggressive policy. His opportunity soon came. Schofield had crossed the Chattahoochee at Phillips' ferry, near the mouth of Soap creek, and moved against the Georgia railroad in the vicinity of Decatur. McPherson had effected a crossing at Roswell and moved to Schofield's left, striking the railroad between Decatur and Stone Mountain, where Garrard's cavalry and M. L. Smith's division destroyed several miles of track. He then effected a junction with Schofield and moved toward the city. On the 19th Sherman ordered Thomas to hold his right near Howell's mill on Peachtree creek and swing his left across the stream to connect with Schofield. Davis' division made an attempt to cross at the mill, but finding the enemy too strong on the opposite bank moved farther down the stream, where he crossed without serious resistance, though Dilworth's brigade had a sharp skirmish with and repulsed a Confederate detachment. Geary succeeded in crossing about half a mile above the mill. Wood moved forward on the Buckhead road, but found the bridge destroyed and a force strongly intrenched on the high bank opposite. By resorting to a flank movement he succeeded, after a stubborn fight, in gaining a footing on the south side of the creek below the road. At dark that evening Thomas had the heads of three columns on the south side of the Peachtree and the remainder of his army in position to follow early on the 20th. There was still a considerable gap between Thomas and Schofield, and to remedy this Sherman ordered Howard to extend his line to the left to connect with Schofield. Stanley's division crossed the north fork of the Peachtree above the Buckhead road and went into camp for the night between the forks of the creek, ready to move toward Schofield's line early on the following morning. Baird's division of Palmer's corps crossed during the night and took position on the left of Davis, who occupied the extreme right of the line, and early the next morning Johnson crossed and moved into position on the left of Baird. Hooker sent over Williams' division to form on Geary's right, and Ward's (formerly Butterfield's) was ordered to Geary's left. Wood's division made a detour to join Stanley and Newton moved up on the Buckhead road into the position vacated by Wood. The general course of Peachtree creek is westwardly. Howell's mill stood at the point where the Marietta road crossed the creek and from there to Buckhead bridge the distance was about a mile and a half up the stream. About half-way between the two roads a small stream called Shoal creek flowed into the Peachtree from the south, and a short distance east of the Buckhead road was another stream known as Clear creek. On the bank of Shoal creek, about a quarter of a mile from the mouth, stood Collier's mill. Newton, after relieving Wood, moved forward to a position about half a mile south of the Peachtree, his left thrown out toward Clear creek, with his line commanding the cross road running to Collier's mill, and threw up a barricade of rails and logs. In a hollow to his right and rear lay Ward's division, while still farther to the right beyond Shoal creek was Geary. Hood was aware of the gap in the Federal line and planned an assault on Thomas before Schofield and McPherson could come to his support. The attack was ordered for 1 p. m. on the 20th, with Stewart's corps on the left, Hardee's in the center and Cheatham's on the right. Wheeler's cavalry was sent to hold Schofield and McPherson in check, Cheatham was instructed to hold his left on the creek in order to keep between Thomas and Schofield, and the other two corps were to be hurled against Thomas. The advance was to be made by divisions in echelon, beginning on Hardee's right, and when the Union lines were forced back to the creek the Confederates were to turn to the left and press down the creek toward the west, sweeping everything before them. At the last minute it became necessary to change the plan of battle to meet certain contingencies. Schofield and McPherson had moved faster than Hood had expected, notwithstanding Wheeler's efforts to hold them back. On the night of the 19th Schofield crossed the south fork of the Peachtree and took up a position along Peavine creek, almost parallel to Cheatham's line of intrenchments. To prevent Schofield from forming a junction with Thomas, Cheatham was directed to withdraw a division from his left to meet Schofield, and Hardee and Stewart were ordered to move to the right to close the space thus vacated. This movement caused a delay, so that it was about 4 o'clock before the attack was begun. The movement of the Confederates to the right brought Hardee in front of Newton, who bore the brunt of the first assault. Without skirmishers Hardee advanced with Bate on the right. Walker in the center, Maney on the left and Cleburne in reserve. His first division passed Newton's left flank near Clear creek and for a little while it looked as though Newton would be swept from his position. But Bradley's brigade, which was in reserve, quickly formed and with the assistance of a well manned battery repulsed the attack. Kimball's brigade, on the right of the road, was forced to change front to meet a force that was outflanking it. The movement was successfully executed and just at this juncture the brigades of Wood, Harrison and Coburn, of Ward's division, came up on Kimball's right. The sudden appearance of these fresh troops threw the enemy into confusion and he beat a precipitate retreat. In the meantime the attack had been extended beyond Shoal creek toward the Union right. Near Collier's mill was an angle between Ward and Geary. When the enemy had advanced into this angle Geary's batteries opened with canister at short range and at the same time a fierce infantry fire was maintained both in front and on the flank. The slaughter here was terrific. After the fight Geary's fatigue parties buried over 400 of the Confederate dead. Stewart sent in the divisions of Loring and Walthall, holding French within easy supporting distance. This part of the Confederate line was subjected to a heavy enfilading fire and forced to retire with heavy losses. Loring lost 1,062 men in a few minutes. Again and again the Confederates rallied and advanced to the assault. But Thomas—"The Rock of Chickamauga"—was there in person, directing the movements of his men. all of whom had the utmost confidence in their general and presented a front that was invincible. Ward's batteries were placed in .1 position to sweep the Clear creek valley, driving back Bate's column that was trying to gain Newton's rear. The enemy's losses in the subsequent attacks were not so great as in the first charge, but their repulse was none the less decisive. The efforts to reform the lines for another assault were continued until sunset, when the attempt was abandoned and the enemy retired within his works. The Federal loss at the battle of Peachtree creek in killed, wounded and missing was 1,707. No official report of the Confederate casualties was made. General Hooker's estimate of their losses in front of the 20th corps was 4,400 in killed and wounded, and the total loss in killed, wounded and missing was not far from 6.000. While the battle of Peachtree creek was in progress Gresham's division forced Wheeler's cavalry back across the Augusta road toward Bald Hill. In this movement Gresham  was severely wounded and Brigadier-General Giles A. Smith was assigned to the command of the division. The 21st was spent by Thomas and Schofield in the readjustment of their lines. Skirmish lines were advanced and intrenched within a short distance of the enemy's works, and the space between Howard and Logan was filled by Schofield's troops. On the Union left McPherson was more aggressive. Seeing that Bald Hill was the key point to the situation on that part of the line he determined to possess it. The hill was held by Cleburne's division, which had occupied and intrenched it the night before. McPherson sent Force's brigade of Leggett's division, supported by Giles A. Smith, against Cleburne. Force advanced under cover of the hill itself until within a short distance of the enemy's lines and then made a dashing charge across the intervening open space against the slight intrenchment before him. Cleburne's men were veterans and met the charge with that bravery which had distinguished them on other fields, but after a sharp combat they were forced to yield. The hill, afterward known as Leggett's hill, was promptly manned by artillery, well supported by infantry, and a few shells were thrown into the city. Having failed in his attempt against Thomas, Hood now turned his attention to McPherson. In his report he says: "The position and demonstration of McPherson's army on the right threatening my communications made it necessary to abandon Atlanta or check his movements. Unwilling to abandon, the following instructions were given on the morning of the 21st: The chief engineer was instructed to select a line of defense immediately about Atlanta, the works already constructed for the defense of the place being wholly useless from their position; Stewart's and Cheatham's corps to take position and construct works to defend the city, the former on the left, the latter on the right. The artillery, under the command of Brigadier-General Shoup, was massed on the extreme right. Hardee was ordered to move with his corps during the night of the 21st south on the McDonough road, crossing Intrenchment creek at Cobb's mills, and to completely turn the left of McPherson's army. This he was to do, even should it be necessary to go to or beyond Decatur. Wheeler, with his cavalry, was ordered to move on Hardee's right, both to attack at daylight, or as soon thereafter as possible. As soon as Hardee succeeded in forcing back the enemy's left, Cheatham was to take up the movement from his right and continue to force the whole from right to left down Peachtree creek, Stewart in like manner to engage the enemy as soon as the movement became general" Such were Hood's plans for his sortie of the 22" d, but again the unforeseen interposed to prevent its success. Blair's corps, its right at Bald Hill, had a line of intrenchments along the McDonough road, which made it necessary for Hardee to take a different route from the one laid down by Hood, so that he was not in position to begin his attack until about noon. At daybreak that morning the Confederate works in front of Thomas and Schofield were found abandoned. Of this situation Sherman says in his report: "I confess I thought the enemy had resolved to give us Atlanta without further contest, but General Johnston had been relieved of his command and General Hood substituted. A new policy seemed resolved on, of which the bold attack on our right was the index. Our advancing ranks swept across the strong and well finished parapets of the enemy and closed in upon Atlanta until we occupied a line in the form of a general circle of about 2 miles radius, when we again found him occupying in force a line of finished redoubts which had been prepared for more than a year, covering all the roads leading into Atlanta, and we found him also busy in connecting those redoubts with curtains, strengthened by rifle-trench, abatis and chevaux-defrise." In contacting the lines about the city Dodge's corps (the 16th) was thrown somewhat to the rear by the 15th corps connecting with Schofield's right near the Howard house where Sherman had his head-quarters. Dodge was therefore ordered to move to McPherson's left flank to strengthen and extend the line in that direction. About noon the two divisions of Dodge's corps were marching by fours in a long column to the new position. Their line of march was nearly parallel to Hardee's line of battle, consisting of Bate's and Walker's divisions, concealed in the timber on the left. The first intimation Dodge had of the presence of an enemy came with a few straggling shots from the Confederate skirmishers. All Dodge had to do was to face his veterans to the left and they were in good line of battle on ground well calculated for defense. Thus the engagement was begun on different ground and with a different body of troops from what Hood intended or Hardee expected. When the corps halted and faced to the left Fuller's (formerly Veatch's) division was on the right and Sweeny's on the left. In front was an open field over which the enemy must advance. Fuller received the brunt of the first attack, but it was handsomely repulsed. Walker's and the 14th Ohio batteries were wheeled into position and these, with the unerring infantry fire, checked every attempt to cross the field, each time driving back the enemy with heavy losses. Some idea of the carnage at this part of the field may be gained from the statement that 13 of Walker's men were found dead in one corner of a rail fence behind which the line was formed. In one of these charges General Walker rode out of the woods, swinging his hat to cheer forward his men, and a moment later was shot from his horse, dying almost instantly. While the line was in some confusion Fuller made a headlong charge and captured a number of prisoners, including the colonel and adjutant of the 66th Georgia McPherson was in consultation with Blair and Logan near the railroad when the sound of the firing was heard, and hurried to the scene of action. Noticing that a considerable gap existed between Dodge's right and Blair's left, he sent orders to Logan to push forward a brigade to close up the line. A short time served to satisfy McPherson that Dodge could hold his position and he started back to Blair. Just at this juncture Cleburne's skirmishers were advancing into the gap above mentioned. They called to McPherson to surrender, but instead of obeying the summons he lifted his hat, as if in salute, and wheeled his horse to gallop away. His action drew forth a volley and he fell mortally wounded. As soon as the news reached Sherman he assigned Logan to the temporary command of the Army of the Tennessee. The sound of the volley that killed McPherson told Fuller that the enemy was advancing on his right, and he threw forward the 64th Il1, armed with the Henry repeating rifles, to protect his flank. This regiment met Cleburne's skirmishers with such a galling fire that they fell back with a loss of several in killed and wounded and some 40 prisoners. Upon one of the prisoners was found McPherson's effects, including an important despatch to Sherman, and the body of the dead general was soon afterward recovered. Almost immediately after the fall of McPherson the divisions of Cleburne and Maney emerged from the timber on the right of Dodge and under the protection of a heavy artillery fire from the ridge in their rear advanced in three columns against the left and rear of the 17th corps. They struck Blair's left flank, fronting west, then swung through the gap and seized the works constructed by Leggett and Smith in their advance on Bald Hill the day before. In this movement the 16th Iowa, 245 men, on Blair's extreme left was cut off and captured. On moved the Confederate advance until it reached the foot of the hill and even began the ascent to attack Leggett's works on the summit. Here the tide of battle was turned. Smith's division leaped over their works and began to pour in a deadly fire from the other side. Wangelin's brigade, which Logan had sent in response to McPherson's last order to occupy the gap, arrived and opened fire on the enemy's flank. This gave Blair an opportunity to change front and form a new line, by which arrangement the Confederates were forced back. Hood watched the movement from a salient in the city's fortifications, and about 3 p. m., when he saw Hardee's attack had driven Blair's left back far enough to attack the hill from the south, ordered Cheatham's corps and the state troops under G. W. Smith to move against the Union position from the Atlanta side. Here Col . Jones, of the 53d Ohio, with two regiments of M. L. Smith's division and two guns of Battery A, 1st Illinois artillery, occupied a position on a hill about half a mile in advance of the main line. Near his position the railroad ran through a deep cut and close by stood a large house of which the enemy could take advantage to cover his advance along the railroad. Jones wanted to burn the house but failed to get permission to do so. Cheatham sent forward Manigault's brigade to occupy it, while the main body of the corps poured through the cut and struck Jones on the flank, throwing his line into disorder. The two guns were spiked, however, before they fell into the hands of the enemy. About 800 yards in advance of the 15th corps was Battery H (De Gress'), 1st Illinois light artillery, composed of 20-pounder Parrott guns and occupying the works evacuated by the enemy on the night of the 21st. The battery, practically unsupported, was charged about 4 o'clock. The attack in front was repulsed, but the enemy gained the rear, and De Gress, seeing that capture was imminent, spiked the guns and withdrew his men. The guns were soon afterward recaptured, unspiked and fired a few rounds after the retreating enemy. This part of the engagement was witnessed by Sherman from his position near the Howard house and he ordered Schofield to mass his artillery there and open a cross fire on Cheatham as he advanced toward the hill. At the same time the 1st division of the 15th corps, commanded by Brigadier-General C. R. Woods, and Mersey's brigade of Sweeny's division moved forward and attacked Cheatham on flank and rear, checking his advance. The whole 15th corps now rallied and by a counter charge drove Cheatham in confusion from the field, recapturing De Gress' guns. This virtually ended the battle. Though several subsequent attacks were made they only served to increase the Confederate losses without giving them any advantage. Hardee and Cheatham were operating on lines nearly at a right angle and several miles apart. Had they attacked with vigor at the same moment the result might have been different. Fortunately for Blair, who occupied the hill for which the enemy was contending, the assaults were so disconnected that he always had time to change front to meet each one when it came. One thing that made it comparatively easy for Hardee to gain Blair's flank and rear was the fact that Sherman had sent Garrard's cavalry on the 21st to Covington to destroy the Georgia railroad. Had the cavalry been with the left wing it is quite probable that some scouting party would have discovered the movement in time to check it, or at least to have given a different turn to the battle.

At Decatur was Sprague's brigade of Fuller's division guarding a train. About the time that Hardee began his attack two divisions of Wheeler's cavalry made a descent upon Sprague in an endeavor to capture the train. Sprague disposed his force in such a way as to cover the withdrawal of the train and put up a gallant resistance to a vastly superior force. Reilly's brigade of Sweeny's division came to his assistance and Wheeler was repulsed with a loss estimated at from 500 to 600. Sprague lost 242 men, most of whom were evidently captured, as Wheeler reported about 225 prisoners. General J. D. Cox reports the Union losses in the battle of the 22nd at 3,521 in killed, wounded and missing. Full returns of the Confederate casualties are not available, but Logan estimated them at 10,000. His command captured 5,000 stand of small arms, 18 stand of colors and 1,017 prisoners. The total number of prisoners taken by the Union army was about 2,000. Walker's division lost so heavily that the remnants of its brigades were assigned to other commands. Hood made another sortie on July 28, at Ezra Church (q. v.). After that Sherman settled down to a siege, with occasional cavalry raids against the railroad communications south of the city. (See McCook's, Stoneman's and Kilpatrick's Raids.) These expeditions having failed to destroy the railroads, Sherman decided to intrench the 20th corps, now commanded by Major-General Henry W. Slocum, at the railroad bridge over the Chattahoochee and at Pace's and Turner's ferries, and move the rest of his army to the south of Atlanta. This movement began on August 25. The 4th corps was relieved by Garrard's cavalry, dismounted, and covered the withdrawal of the 20th corps to the river. The next day the 4th and 14th corps were massed on Utoy creek, and by the evening of the 27th the entire army except Slocum's corps was between Atlanta and Sandtown. Hood had unconsciously played into Sherman's hands by sending Wheeler with about 10,000 cavalry to cut the Western & Atlantic railroad in the rear of the Union army, thus weakening the Confederate forces in the field where Sherman was now operating. On the night of the 28th Thomas was at Red Oak, a station on the West Point railroad, Howard, with the Army of the Tennessee, was at Fairburn, and Schofield was near Mt. Gilead church, about 4 miles east of Thomas. Hood sent out Hardee's and S. D. Lee's corps on the 30th to check Sherman's movements and save the railroads if possible. During the next few days skirmishes occurred at Red Oak, Rough and Ready, Morrow's mill, Mud creek and some other places; the battle of Jonesboro was fought on August 31 and September 1, and the fighting continued around Lovejoy's Station until September 5. In the end the enemy was beaten at every point, for on the night of the 31st the Federals were in full possession of the railroads. Upon learning this Hood realized that further resistance was useless, and at 5 p. m. on September 1 the evacuation of the city was begun. During the night heavy explosions were heard by Sherman's army, 20 miles south. caused by blowing up their stores and magazines, and the next morning it was discovered that the Confederate force at Jonesboro had been withdrawn during the night. In the meantime Slocum's command had been engaged in constructing works at the railroad bridge and ferries, the 1st division being at the bridge, the 2nd at Pace's ferry and the 3d at Turner's. On August 27 French's division, with 4 pieces of artillery, came out and made a spirited attack on Slocum's position, but it was handsomely repulsed with considerable loss to the enemy and very slight loss to the Union forces. The explosions on the night of September 1 were heard in Slocum's camp, and early the next morning he sent out a Page 64 detachment of the 2nd brigade, Ward's division, under Colonel John Coburn, to make a reconnaissance in the direction of the city and learn the cause of the explosions. Coburn reached the old line of the Confederate works and found it abandoned. In the suburbs of the city he was met by Mayor Calhoun, with a committee of citizens bearing a flag of truce. The mayor formally surrendered the city and about 10 a. m. Ward's division marched in and took possession, the remainder of Slocum's corps following later. The Army of the Cumberland reached the city on the 8th and took position in the works around it to guard against any attempt to retake it. Sherman ordered all families of Confederate soldiers to move southward within five days, and all citizens of the north, not connected with the army, to move northward, as the city was required purely for military purposes. When the march to the sea was commenced the torch was applied to all buildings except churches and dwellings, but as the work was somewhat indiscriminately done many buildings of the exempted classes were consumed.


Atlanta, Georgia, November 6, 1864. (See McDonough Road.) Atlanta, Georgia, November 9, 1864. 2nd Division, 20th Army Corps. This affair was an attack of a Confederate force under General Iverson upon the pickets of the city. It commenced before daylight and lasted until 8:15 p. m. The enemy's line of skirmishers advanced at one time to within 150 yards of the outer works and planted a battery within 400 yards. The attack was finally repulsed by the bringing up of Federal artillery and the advance of the 2nd division skirmishers, when the Confederates fell back, leaving 2 dead and 3 wounded on the field.  


Atlee's Station, Virginia, March 2, 1864. Kilpatrick's Raid. Colonel Dahlgren's command consisted of detachments of the 1st Me., 1st, 2nd and 5th Vermont and 5th Michigan cavalry, aggregating about 500 men. About 400 of this command under Captain Mitchell reached Atlee's station on this date and drove in a Confederate picket of 35 men. Its column, more especially the rear-guard of the 1st Vermont, was fired on by a number of mounted Confederates, probably of Wade Hampton's forces.  


Atlee's Station, Virginia, June 26, 1862. The action at Atlee's station on this date was on account of the Federal and Confederate armies maneuvering for position, just before the beginning of the battle of Mechanicsville, which marked the commencement of the Seven Days' Battles (q. v.).  


Aubrey, Kansas, near, March 12, 1862. Detachment 8th Kansas Infantry. First Lieutenant Rose, with 30 men of Company E, had a skirmish with a portion of Quantrill's band of guerrillas. The latter were repulsed with a loss of 2 killed and several wounded. On their retreat the guerrillas drove a family from their home and burned their house.


Auburn, Alabama, July 18, 1864. 9th Ohio Cavalry; Rousseau's raid. General Rousseau ordered the destruction of the railroad running through Opelika, Auburn and West Point. The order was executed by Colonel Hamilton and his regiment with great energy and perseverance. His command was fired on by parties of the enemy, but drove them off and continued the work, destroying some 6 miles of the road extending 3 miles north of Auburn, at which station a large amount of lumber and other material and supplies were burned. A locomotive running from Opelika toward Auburn was captured and destroyed.  


Auburn, Tennessee, near, February 15, 1863. 2nd Michigan Cavalry. Lieutenant- Colonel Fowler was attacked by Confederates at 8 p. m. He repulsed them, drove them 3 miles beyond Auburn, where he charged on them and routed them from a bridge, which they were trying to destroy on the road toward Liberty.


Auburn, Virginia, near, October 1, 1863. 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. A detachment of about 100 men under Captain McNitt, scouted through the country about Warrenton. Near Auburn, 4 miles from headquarters and 1 mile beyond the Federal picket-line, McNitt was attacked by 100 to 150 Confederate cavalry. After a short skirmish in which 2 Union men were wounded and 1 Confederate was captured, the enemy retired on the Greenwich road.  


Auburn, Virginia, October 13, 1863. 1st Division, 3d Army Corps. At Three-Mile Station, on the Warrenton branch railroad, Major-General David B. Birney, commanding the division, was ordered from corps headquarters to precede the Federal column. At the head of the column he was joined by Major-General French and escort. Before reaching the woods immediately in front of the bridge at Auburn, dismounted cavalry of the enemy poured a volley into the advance guard and the head of the column. A section of Sleeper's battery was opened upon the enemy, the 1st and part of the 3d brigade were formed on the right and left of the road, a charge was made into the woods and the Confederate force was speedily dislodged. By command of General French, Birney immediately advanced and took possession of the heights on which the enemy had their battery, left there the 3d Michigan and a section of battery and marched to Greenwich. He reported a loss of 33 killed, wounded and missing.  


Auburn, Virginia, October 14,1863. 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. Early in the morning a sudden and furious attack was made on the rear-guard of the Army of the Potomac, while it was moving northward along the line of the Orange & Alexandria railroad, between Catlett's station and Warrenton. The 1st division commanded by Brigadier-General Caldwell and forming the advance of the 2nd corps, under Major-General Warren, had reached Cedar run near Auburn at dark the day before and bivouacked there. At daybreak the division forded the run and Caldwell's orders were to hold this point against any attack from the direction of Warrenton, until the rest of the corps with the artillery and wagons had passed on toward Catlett's station. He must remain until his line could be relieved by cavalry, the battery by horse artillery. Suddenly the enemy opened fire from a battery on a hill about 800 yards in his rear. Caldwell ordered each of his brigade commanders to take his troops rapidly round the hill under cover. Ricketts' battery, immediately in the rear of the division, was quickly reversed and soon silenced the Confederate guns. Then the division again changed front and faced toward Warrenton, for the enemy's skirmishers had appeared in its rear. Since daylight there had been skirmishing to the left and in front. Now skirmishers were coming in across the field. Caldwell ordered the 57th New York of the 3d brigade to report to Colonel Brooke and directed him to cover the Federal front. Brooke deployed the 57th Pennsylvania, 2nd Delaware, and 57th New York as skirmishers and kept the 145th Pennsylvania and the 64th New York as support. The 2nd and 3d divisions, and the batteries, except Arnold's and Ames', had gone toward Bristoe Station. The 1st division and Arnold's and Ames' batteries remained. The enemy opened on the Federal left and Arnold's battery, first with one battery, then with 2 others further to the left. His aim was accurate, but the Federal artillery and infantry were so well covered that he did little damage. About 200 rounds of ammunition were fired. On a crest across Cedar run, Carroll's brigade, its front covered by a picket-line, commanded by Colonel Beaver of the 148th Pennsylvania, was menaced by the enemy, and by order of Warren, Caldwell sent the Irish brigade to reinforce it. By 8 o'clock Gregg's cavalry was in line across the run. At length the horse artillery arrived and Ames' battery and the Irish brigade Page 66 were sent to an elevated position in the rear beside the road. Caldwell withdrew the division, detailing Brooke's brigade with a section of artillery as rear-guard. The cavalry which was to have covered Brooke's rear preceded his skirmishers. A quarter of a mile from his first position he was vigorously attacked on the right and rear. The enemy, with a column of infantry thrown across the road, cut off the 57th New York, which was in the rear, but by a detour the regiment regained the column. Brooke withdrew in perfect order, fighting and repelling the attacks of two lines of battle, the first consisting of 5 regiments. Before reaching the railroad the division took up two defensive positions, and though the Confederates approached they did not attack.  


Augusta, Arkansas, April 1, 1864. (See Fitzhugh's Woods.)  


Augusta, Arkansas, August 10, 1864. Brigadier-General West, commanding an expedition from Little Rock against the Confederate forces under General Shelby, was informed that the latter was at Augusta and would there cross White river to form a junction with McCray. On August 9, to prevent such a movement, West advanced to a point opposite Augusta, hoping to intercept Shelby in the act of crossing, but Shelby had gone toward Jacksonport two days before. On the loth West stationed the 3d Michigan across the river from Augusta and sent 7 men over on a ferry boat half a mile below. This small party came up to Augusta and drove out a few Confederate pickets. In the evening West and brought the boat up the river and landed the 3d Michigan, with 2 mountain howitzers of the 10th Illinois cavalry in Augusta. The approaches to Augusta were strongly picketed, and strong detachments from the 2nd brigade were sent toward Grand Glaize and Denmark to develop the Confederate strength to the northward, with orders to return no later than 10 a., m. next day.  


Augusta, Kentucky, September 27, 1862. Kentucky Home Guards and Militia. A Confederate force of 400 to 500 of Morgan's raiders, under command of Colonel Duke, started to make a demonstration against Cincinnati, Ohio. About 100 men under Colonel Bradford were stationed at Augusta and the gunboat Belfast, Captain Sedam, was an auxiliary to the Federal forces. Before the attack the gunboats Allen Collyer and Florence Miller anchored in front of the town. Bradford requested the help of the vessels in case of an attack and then posted his men in the houses along Front street and up Pine street to Second. By the time he had done this the Confederate cavalry, with 2 small cannon, took position on a hill overlooking the town. They were greeted by a shell from the Belfast that killed 2 or 3 and caused them to move their canon. They then opened fire, doing little damage, and the Belfast fired twice effectively. Then the 3 gunboats hurried from the town, 2 of them not having fired a shot. Emboldened by this withdrawal of the vessels, the Confederates rushed down into the town, though many of them fell before the determined defense from the houses. They planted their guns in the street and regardless of women and children bombarded the houses, setting fire to several of them. The beleaguered and desperate Unionists fought for some time after they knew that their valor could avail nothing, when Bradford surrendered and the town was looted, much of it having already been destroyed. The Confederates took horses, buggies, wagons and other available means of carrying off their wounded, leaving some of their dead to be buried by the people of the town. Some of their prisoners were marched from the town; others were paroled. The Federal loss in killed was 12 or 15; Confederate 75 to 100, including Captain Samuel D. Morgan, a cousin of Colonel John H. Morgan, and William Courtland Prentice, son of George D. Prentice, editor of the Louisville Courier.


Austin, Arkansas, August 31, 1863. Davidson's Cavalry Division, Department of the Missouri. Austin, Mississippi, August 2, 1862. 8th Indiana Infantry. Austin, Mississippi, May 24, 1863. Mississippi Marine Brigade. On the evening of the 23d, as Brigadier-General Ellet, with his command, the marine brigade, was being taken down the Mississippi from Memphis, his commissary and quartermaster boat was fired upon about 6 miles above Austin, from the Mississippi side of the river, by Confederates with 2 pieces of artillery. Next morning he returned to Austin and landed his force. The enemy a few hours before had captured and burned a small trading steamer, appropriating its freight and taking its crew prisoners. Ellet's cavalry, 200 strong, under command of Major Hubbard, when 8 miles from Austin overtook 1,000 mounted Confederates under command of Colonel Slemons, and a 2 hours' engagement ensued. From the shelter of a bottom Hubbard repulsed the enemy. Federal loss, 2 killed, 19 wounded; Confederate, 5 killed, several wounded. Hubbard took 22 stands of arms and at Augusta destroyed hidden arms by burning the town.  


Austin, Mississippi, May 28, 1863.  


Austin, Nevada, May 29, 1865. 1st Nevada Infantry. Lieutenant Tolles, with a detachment of about 20 men, pursued and fired at a small party of Indians, who were making away with some stolen cattle. No casualties reported. Auxvasse Creek, Missouri, October 16, 1862. 10th Missouri Militia Cavalry. Major Woodson with a portion of this regiment attacked 150 bushwhackers camping on this creek, killed 1, wounded 2 and took 3 prisoners. His loss was 2 men wounded.  


Averasboro, North Carolina, March 16, 1865. 14th and 20th Army Corps and Kilpatrick's Cavalry. General Sherman left Fayetteville on March 14. Generals Schofield and Terry with their columns were to join him at Goldsboro, where he had planned to end his immediate campaign in order to the establishment of his position with New Berne for a base. Johnston had disposed his troops along the Raleigh roads and Sherman understood that the Confederate general would try to turn the Federal left flank in the march to Goldsboro. To meet this movement he threw out General Slocum's left wing, without trains and in light marching order, to cover the advance of the main army and its wagons. A light column embracing General Kilpatrick's cavalry in strong force, the divisions of Generals Ward and Jackson of the 20th corps, and the divisions of Generals Carlin and Morgan of the 14th corps, was sent up the Raleigh road in a direct demonstration against Raleigh. The right wing moved on the direct road to Goldsboro. Between it and the right column was the remainder of Slocum's wing. On the evening of the 15th the Federal cavalry advance encountered that of the enemy 5 miles from Fayetteville and forced it to fall back to Kyle's landing, midway between Fayetteville and Averasboro. Reinforced by an infantry brigade, Kilpatrick camped during the night within easy range of the Confederate pickets and at daylight on the 16th he moved out in line of battle, the infantry haying the center. The enemy's pickets were driven in and his skirmish line forced back to his main line of battle. Doubting the prudence of an attack, Kilpatrick sent back for infantry reinforcements and the entire 14th and 20th corps were hurried forward. In the meantime the enemy moved out of his works and furiously attacked Colonel Jones' cavalry on the right. Jones gallantly held his position until reinforced by the brigades of Jordan and Atkins, when he repulsed three determined attacks, then charged in turn and drove the Confederates back behind their works. The 14th and 20th corps Page 68 having gone into position, Kilpatrick's cavalry operated on the right throughout the day, and mounted or dismounted fought side by side with the infantry. General Howard was ordered to send his trains, under good escort, well to the right, toward Fairon's depot and Goldsboro and to hold 4 divisions in light marching order to go to the aid of the left wing if that should be attacked while in motion. The weather was bad and the roads were a mere quagmire, passable for wheels only after being corduroyed. Sherman accompanied Slocum, who went up the river road on the 15th, following Kilpatrick to Kyle's landing, Kilpatrick skirmishing heavily with the enemy's rear-guard at Taylor's Hole creek, 3 miles beyond. On the morning of the 16th, the column advanced in the same order and developed the enemy with artillery, cavalry and infantry intrenched a mile and a half in front of Moore's cross-roads, the junction of the Smithfield and Raleigh road with the one toward Goldsboro through Bentonville. Hardee, in retreating from Fayetteville, had halted in the narrow swampy neck between Cape Fear and South rivers, hoping to impede Sherman's advance and enable Johnston to concentrate his forces at Raleigh, Smithfield or Goldsboro in Hardee's rear. To keep the Goldsboro road clear and to prolong the feint on Raleigh, Sherman had to dislodge Hardee. Slocum was ordered to press forward and carry the position, a difficult undertaking, because horses sank in the swampy ground and men could scarcely walk on it. Hawley's brigade began skirmishing early in the morning. It was 10 o'clock" before other troops could reach the field. The 20th corps under General Williams had the lead and Ward's division the advance. This division was deployed to the left of the road, its right connecting with Hawley's left, and developed Rhett's brigade of heavy artillery armed as infantry, posted across the road behind a light parapet, with a battery enfilading the approach across a cleared field. Williams sent Case's brigade by a circuitous advance to turn this line. Case charged on and broke Rhett's brigade, which retreated to a second line of barricades, better built and more strongly held. The advantage was promptly followed up by a destructive fire from three batteries, under Major Reynolds, chief of artillery of the 20th corps. Ward's division advanced and developed a third and still stronger line. Jackson's division was deployed forward on the right of Ward and two divisions of the 14th corps under Davis on the left, well toward the Cape Fear river. Kilpatrick, acting in concert with Williams, now massed his cavalry on the extreme right and with Jackson felt forward for the Goldsboro road. He reached that road with one brigade, which was driven back by McLaws' division to the flank of the infantry. Late in the afternoon the whole Federal line drove the enemy well within his intrenchments, pressing him so hard that in the stormy night which followed he retreated over almost impassable roads, leaving his dead and wounded. Ward's division followed him to and through Averasboro, developing the fact that Hardee had retreated, not on the Raleigh but on the Smithfield road. The Federal loss in killed, wounded and missing was 682. The enemy's loss may be inferred from his dead, 108 of whom were buried on the field by Federals.


Averasboro, North Carolina, March 17, 1865. Portion of the 20th Army Corps. The battle of Averasboro had been fought the day before and Wheeler, with his cavalry, covered Hardee's retreat. At daylight the Federals advanced and pushed Wheeler through Averasboro, after which they turned toward Goldsboro. No report of casualties.  


Averell's Raid, August 5-31, 1863. 4th Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps. On August 5 the brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General W. W. Page 69 Averell. left Winchester for an expedition through Bath and Highland counties, Virginia, and the counties of Pocahontas, Pendleton, Greenbrier and Hardy in West Virginia During the movement Averell met and engaged the enemy at several places.. Accounts of the principal skirmishes—Cold Spring gap, Big Sewell mountain and Rocky gap— are given under those titles, but no detailed reports were made of the minor actions at Moorefield on the 6th, Huntersville on the 22nd, and Warm Springs on the 24th. The saltpeter works near Franklin and on Jackson's river were destroyed; Camp Northwest was burned and a large amount of arms, equipments and stores there were either captured or destroyed; the court officials at Monterey were arrested and the court broken up; many arms, saddles and other stores were taken at Millboro; the enemy under Jackson was driven from Pocahontas county; and several wagons were captured near Covington. On the 31st Averell reached Beverly, bringing in over 30 prisoners, a large number of horses, cattle, etc. He reported his casualties for the entire expedition as 26 killed, 125 wounded and 67 missing. Avoyelles Prairie, Louisiana, May 15, 1864. 13th, 16th, 17th and 19th Corps. The Federal boats had passed the falls at Alexandria and the army had resumed its retreat, with General Smith's command constituting the rear of the column. On the 15th, while crossing Avoyelles Prairie. Bagby's Confederate division, part of the time reinforced by troops under Major, several times beat back the head of the column, using masked artillery at short range. Brigadier-General Steele, with Parson's brigade, attacked the Federals at Marksville, captured a wagon and about 30 prisoners. Smith's command was ordered forward late in the day, and General Dwight, Major-General Banks' chief of staff, ordered the 13th corps to press the Confederate right, Smith to attack the left and the 19th corps to pierce the center. As the several commands moved forward in line the Confederate cavalry galloped away, taking their artillery with them.  


A. W. Baker (Steamer), February 3, 1863. Queen of the West. Fifteen miles below the mouth of the Red River, the Queen of the West, commanded by Colonel Ellet, met the Confederate steamer A. W. Baker, ascending the Mississippi. Supposing the Queen to be a southern boat, the Baker's pilot whistled for her to take the starboard side. Receiving no reply and not liking the ram's looks, as she drove straight at the Baker, the pilot ran the latter ashore. Numerous Confederates escaped by leaping into the water and swimming, but several officers and civilians, among whom were several ladies, were captured. The Baker had just discharged her cargo at Port Hudson and was returning for another. Scarcely had Ellet put the Baker under guard, when the Moro, laden with 110,000 pounds of pork, nearly 500 hogs and a large quantity of salt, destined for Confederate use at Port Hudson, came down the river and was brought into captivity by a shot across her bows


Aylett's, Virginia, May 5, 1863. 12th Illinois and Harris Light Cavalry. A section of the 12th Ill. burned all the stores at Aylett's station on the Mattapony river. This was incidental to Kilpatrick's raid over the Chickahominy, a movement which Kilpatrick commanded in person, and within the Confederate lines at Richmond.