-, Gol. R. H. G. Minty and the
4th Michigan Gavalry.

Reprinted from the Louisville Journal.

NE of the cavalry camps. near the fort on Shelby street was

the scene of a very pleasant reunion on the 16th inst. The

4th Michigan cavalry, Colonel R. H. G. Minty’s old regiment, after

two years and three months of uninterrupted hard service at the

front, had been sent here to remount. On the occasion referred to

the Colonel, in behalf of the friends of the regiment in Flint, Mich-

igan, presented his war-worn troops with a beautiful stand of

colors, the gift of the ladies of Flint. The presentation letter was

‘read by Captain Robert Burns, A. A. General of Col. Minty’s
brigade, and a committee appointed to reply.

 

 

yee

The flag isa model of neatness and good taste. In the center
of a groundwork of rich blue silk is the national coat of arms,

with a star for each State. Around this center, tastefully arranged ©

in handsome gilt letters, the names of twelve battles in which the
regiment has fought. In the center of the opposite side there is
the coat of arms of the State of Michigan, and this Latin motto,
“In jure vincimus,’’ and around the border, as on the other side,
the names of twelve other battle-fields.** This flag was ready for
presentation in April last, but the regiment had left before it could
be forwarded, and has only now become so settled in camp as to
give opportunity for the presentation. On a silver-plate on the
staff stand engraved the names of sixteen other battles in which
this noble regiment has fought since the flag was finished, during
the memorable campaign against Atlanta. Among the battle-fields
on the flag are Stone River, Shelbyville, Franklin, Sparta, Middle-
ton, Rover, Unionville, Liberty, Snow Hill, MeMinville, Lebanon,
Chickamauga, Reed's Bridge, Hill Creek, Chattanooga, Cleveland;
on the silver plate, Rome, Kingston, Dallas, Powder Spring, Big
Shanty, Kinesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie, Covington, Stone
Mountain, Lattimer’s Mills, Flat Shoals, Lovejoy’s Station, Jones-
boro, and Atlanta. The whole number being forty, and this makes
no account of minor skirmishes which might be added, swelling the
number to hundreds. Immediately after the flag presentation, the
following order, which explains itself, was read to the regiment,
the parties therein named being present:

es

 

 

*The staff has a plate on which is engraved: ‘Presented to
the 4th regiment Michigan cavalry by their friends in Flint; ”’
‘«« Blessings on our noble boys; ’* ‘‘ Victory over every foe.”’

 

 

 

see

HEADQUARTERS, 4TH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, t
Near Louisvitieg, Ky., Nov. 4, 1864.
Regimental Order No. 4.

On the 14th day of September, 1864, Corporal C. M. Bickford,
of Company G, was in command of twenty-three men of his regi-
ment (only seventeen of whom were armed), garrisoning block-
house No 19, on the Nashville and Decatur railroad At noon on
that day, Colonel Wheeler, of the rebel army, came in with a flag
of truce, and demanded the unconditional surrender of the bleck-
house and garrison. Corporal Bickford refused to surrender.
Colonel Wheeler stated that Gen. Wheeler was present in person
with eight thousand men and three pieces of artillery. Corporal
B. still refused to surrender. At half-past twelve o’clock the rebels
opened with their artillery, and for five hours and a half continued
to shell the block-house, at one time being not more than ten or
fifteen rods distant. Seven times did this little garrison make the
rebels change the position of their artillery, and finally forced
them to retreat at about 6 o'clock in the evening with a loss of eight
men killed, and sixty wounded. During the engagement the block-
house was struck twenty-five times by the artillery. :

~The following is a list of the names and companies of these
gallant men: Corporal C. M. Bickford, Company G; John Caldwell,
Company D; Joseph H. Abbay, Company I; Soloman Powell, Com-
pany C; Edward Loman, Company I; Frederick Devinton, Com-
pany G; John Henry, Company D; John Steelle, Company M;
Edwin Potter, Company K; Lucius Keys, Company E; Harris
Donely, Company H; Levi W. Aurill, Company E; Wm. Stedman,
Company B; Thomas Hunter, Company D; John Patten, Company
I; Orin $. Bates, Company 1; John Ward, Company G; Chancey
Eaton, Company G; R. M. Wood, Company D; Amos Lake, Com-
pany K; Benjamin Hubbard, Company H; Wm. J. Smith, Com-
pany C.

Subject to the approval of his Excellency, the Governor of

age"

~~

Michigan, Corporal C. M. Bickford is appointed 2d Lieutenant,
vice Jones, resigned. ‘

By order of Col. R. H. G. MINTY, Commanding.

J.G. Dickinson, ist Lieutenant and Adjutant.

A few words about this noble regiment and its gallant com-
‘mander will hardly be considered out of place in this connection:
The 4th Michigan cavalry, Colonel Minty commanding, crossed the
Ohio river twelve hundred strong, at the time when the rebel army,
under General Bragg, was threatening Louisville, in October, 1862,
and participated in the military moven-ents that drove the rebels
from Kentucky. Making a hasty march from Crab Orchard to
Munfordville, it joined in the hunt after John Morgan, and followed
that noted rebel and horse-thief across the Cumberland River.
When General Rosecrans advanced towards Murfreesboro, the ist
cavalry brigade, of which the 4th Michigan was then a part, and
to the command of which Colonel Minty had been appointed,
The 4th Michigan
cavalry fired the first gun, and had the first man killed in the mem-

moved out in advance of the center column.

orable series of desperate fights, which, spreading over many miles
of country, and occupying many days, together constitute the
battle of Stone River. Colonel Minty, with his 1st brigade, the
4th Michigan included, led a sabre charge on the evening of De-
cember 31st, which checked the then victorious rebels. From that
time the enemy gained nothing. Minty’s was the first cavalry to
enter Murfreesboro, after Bragg’s forces were withdrawn.

When Rosecrans advanced toward Tullahoma, Minty’s brigade,
after a hard fight, drove a heavy force of the enemy from Shelby-
ville, killing and wounding a great number and capturing 600 pris-

pital

oe ibe

°

eee

oners, with three pieces of artillery. When Bragg, reinforced by
Longstreet, fell upon Rosecrans’s army on the 19th of September,
1863, Minty, with his brigade, fought the advancing columns of the
enemy one day almost alone, and, by a series of brilliant cavalry
movements, held the whole rebel army at bay until the General
could collect his scattered troops; and the General himself said
that his cavalry here saved his army. During Sherman’s last cam-
paign, Minty, with his brigade, was always where hard work and

desperate fighting were to be performed. His command was

detached from Garrard’s division, and formed a part of the force

that, under Kilpatrick, passed around the two armies, cutting the
Macon Railroad, after the disastrous failures of MeCook and Stone
man. Here, near Lovejoy’s Station, Colonel Minty led his brigade

_—his own old regiment, the 4th Michigan. being in the center—in

one of the most brilliant and successful cavalry charges of the war?
literally cutting his way through the rebel army and saving Kil-
patrick’s command.

Minty’s brigade has been known as the Ist brigade, 2d cavalry
division, and was composed of the 4th United States, 7th Pennsyl-
vania, and 4th Michigan cavalry. In the reorganization now going
on it is to be known as the 2d brigade of the 2d division, and will
consist of the 4th Michigan, 7th Pennsylvania, and 1st, 3d, and 4th
Ohio.

Col. Minty has been earnestly recommended to the President
First, in 1861, for gallant
conduct while with the 8d Michigan cavalry. Second, by Maj.
Gen. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, and Gen. Rosecrans in the spring
of ’63.

and Secretary of War for promotion.

Third, by Gen. Rosecrans in his official report in the

 

SaQ05

autumn of 1863. Fourth, by Generals Stanley, Thomas, and Elliot,
in the spring of 1864; and fifth, by Generals Kilpatrick and Sher-
man for gallant conduct during the late campaign. The Governor —
of Michigan, with the two U. S. Senators, and all the Representa-
tives in Congress but one, have united in asking of the War De-
partment a star for this successful and brilliant cavalry command-
er. His friends have ceased to look for justice. He is no favorite
with West Point martinets, and scorns the sycophantic throng that
lie watching around the portals near Washington. He has been
more than two years Colonel commanding a brigade. His friends
have long ceased to look for justice to this truly worthy officer.
When this ‘cruel war”’ is over, and history does justice to those
who have fought, it will be seen how little minds invested with
temporary power, from motives of jealousy so mean that they can
thardly be believed, have withheld that which was due honest merit,
while blustering pretence and worthless impudence have stolen
honors due better men. Impartial history will do justice to the
soldier who has faithfully served his country and successfully led
her armies during this her terrible struggle for life. F.
Louisville, Nov. 28, 1864. ‘

Po

MIN TY’S ©

Saber Brigade.

THE PART THEY TOOK IN THE

CHATTANOOGA CAMPAIGN.

CHICKAMAUGA. |

By Robert H. G. Minty, Brevet Major-General, U. S.
Vols, Ogden, Utah.

Reprinted from the National Tribune.

“WYANDOTTE, MICH.
THE HERALD STEAM PRESSES.
Lsvz.

MINTY'S SABER BRIGADE.

a

OME time ago I was honored -by receiving from the War
S Department a magnificent set of 10 maps of the battlefield of
Chickamauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863. ‘These maps were com-
piled, drawn and corrected by able and distinguished officers of the
Engineer Corps, under the directions of Col. Merril, Chief Engineer
of the Army of the Cumberland. ‘They are a most valuable addi-
tion to the correct and truthful history of that great and sanguinary
battle. =

Five of these maps (A—1, 2, 3 and 4) cover the 19th, and five (5,
6, 7, 8 and Z) cover the 20th of September. ,

In addition to giving the position of each command in the
yarious phases of the battle, each map has an explanatory legend
deseribing the movements.

Minty’s Cavalry appears on these maps many times and in
many positions, and in the legend is awarded no unimportant part.

in connection with the history of the battle as given in the
legend, I believe that a truthful narrative of the part taken by
Minty’s Saber Brigade in the Chattanooga campaign and in the
pattle of Chickamauga will prove to be of interest to the comrades
of the Grand Army of the Kepublic, but above all, it will form a
page in history which will do justice to those gallant men whom I
had the honor to command from prior to the battle of Stone River
until after we sent Jefferson Davis, the head and front of the
rebellion, a prisoner to the Capital of our rescued and restored
country. S

After the close of the Tullahoma campaign, when our great
eommander, Gen. Rosecrans, or “ Old Rosy,’’ as he was familiarly
called, had driven Bragg from the line of Duck River and from
Tullahoma, thus gaining possession of that beautiful and fertile
section, middle Tennessee, he. established his headquarters at
Winchester, under the shadow of the Cumberland Mountains, and

 

=e ee

devoted himself actively to the work of reopening the railroad and
accumulating supplies at the front in sufficient quantities to enable
him to make a further advance. : :

On the first day of August, 1863, I was detached from the
Cavalry Corps, and ordered to cover the left of the army in its
advance to Chattanooga, and incidentally to ‘clear the rebel
cavalry out of the country as we advanced.”

I reported to Gen. Crittenden, commanding the left wing, and
under orders from him proceeded at once to MeMinnville, where
Gen. Van Cleve’s Division held the left of our position.

My brigade consisted of —

The 4th U. S. Cav., Capt. J. B. McIntyre commanding.

The 4th Mich. Cav., Maj. Horace Gray commanding.

The 7th Pa. Cav., Col. W. B. Sipes commanding.

One battalion of the 3d Ind.-Cav., Lieut.-Col. Cline commanding.

One section Chicago Board of Trade Battery, Lieut. Griftin
commanding. :

The rebel cavalry which I was expected to ‘clear out of the
country ’’ was the brigade of Gen. Dibrell, which was then camped
in the vicinity of Sparta, Tenn., the home of Dibrell, to which
place, we understood, he had returned for the purpose of ee
his command and of picking up his stragglers, who had returnec
to their homes ‘ to see their folks.”’

Learning that Dibrell was camped at Clark’s Mill, one mile
northwest from Sparta, I determined, if possible, to surprise him.
His pickets occupied the line of Rock River, a bold, rugged stream,
with roeky banks, absolutely impassable for cavalry, except ata
few points known as fords. Three of these fords were available
for my purpose. They were known as Dillon’s Ford, Rock Island
‘Ford and Lower Ford.” Any or all of these could be held by a few
determined men against almost any force that could be brought
against them. Going down one bank, crossing the stream, and

‘going up the other bank, it was necessary to wind your devious
way in and out, round great rocks and bowlders, so that the passage
of the river was difficult, with nothing but natural obstacles to
contend with. : :

I left McMinnville at 4p. w., Aug. 4, and arrived at Mud-Creek,
three miles from Lower Ford, at 9 P.M. At this point I detached
Col. Kline with his battalion, with orders to endeavor to make’ a
crossing at Dillon's Ford; if he succeeded, to gain, as rapidly as

 

~

—)—

possible, the Sparta and McMinnville road, turn to his left, and
capture the picket at Roek Island, at which point I promised to
meet him at midnight. 2

Covered by the pitehy darkness of a wild and stormy night,
Col. Kline crossed the river, with only one shot fired at him; but
that shot alarmed the picket at Rock Island, and when we arrived
there, sharp at the appointed time, midnight, I found that the
rebels had scattered over the country, every foot of which they
were familiar with, and thus frustrated the intended surprise. A
few moments later Col. Kline joined me: he had captured 14 men.
J returned to McMinnville, arriving at 11 a. M., Aug. 5.

T was informed that Dibrell moved his camp from one locality
to another every day or two, and it was therefore difficult to know
just where to strike him. On the 8th I was informed that he was
camped two miles south of Sparta; so, at 3P. M. on that date, with
774 men of all ranks, I marched for Spencer, situated almost
directly east from McMinnville and south from Sparta, and lying
among the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. We arrived at
Spencer at 11:30 Pp. M., and halted long enough to make coffee and
feed horses. : :

The country was terribly rough and rugged, and the night was
dark as Erebus. However, I had a guide who was thoroughly
familiar with the locality, and we pushed forward, crossed Caney
Fork at the mouth of Cane Creek, and at break of day struck
Dibrell’s pickets about four miles south of Sparta.

My advance was 115 men of the 4th Mich., commanded by Maj.
Horace Gray. whom I had instructed nat to pay any attention to or
return the fire of the rebel pickets, but to drive and follow them on
the gallop, and they would lead him directly to their camp.

The pickets led us through Sparta, where I was informed that
Dibrell had moved camp the eyening before, and was now about
three miles north, on the east bank of the Calf Killer Creek.

The long night march and the morning gallop had tired our
horses, and consequently the rebel pickets were enabled to alarm
the camp before we could strike it. Still, Maj. Gray dislodged and
drove Dibrell across the creek before the column could render any
assistance. oe

Gen. Dibrell took up a strong position on a hill commanding a
narrow. rickety bride, which was the only means‘ of crossing the
creek at this point. :

 

ae

T crossed Capt. McIntyre with the 4th Regulars at a rocky ford
some distance below the bridge, and instructed him to sharply
attack the enemy’s right; Col. Sipes was directed to support Capt.
McIntyre, while with the 4th Mich. and 3d Ind. I made a direct
attack at the bridge.. The moment his flank was touched, Dibrell
abandoned his strong position and scattered on the run.

My loss was confined exclusively to the 4th Mich., which
regiment had three men killed and one officer and one man
wounded. We saw one officer and 13 of Dibrell’s men killed, and
we captured one officer and nine men. —

The 4th Regulars, 7th Pa., and 8d Ind. scoured the country in
every direction, but their horses were too tired to overtake the
freshly-mounted rebels.

In ‘‘Campaigns of Forrest,’”’ page 294, the author, referring to
this affair, says: ‘‘ The attack was made with so much dash, that
escape of any of Dibrell’s men was due to the fleetness of their
horses.”’

We returned to McMinnville on the following day—the 10th.

On Aug. 17 the general advance of the army commenced.

The order of march required me to be at Pikeville, in the
Sequatchie Valley, on the night of the 18th. I marched from
McMinnville at 2 A. mM. on the 17th, on the direct road to Sparta,
and as we approached that place learned that Dibrell was camped.
near Sperry’s mill, on the banks of the Calf Killer.

The 4th Mich. and 7th Pa. moved up the east bank, and the 4th
U. S. and 3d Ind. the west bank of the creek. - The broken nature
of the ground, and the numerous branches or creeks that crossed
the line of advance, delayed these latter regiments more than I had
anticipated.

The 4th Mich. and 7th Pa. pushed forward rapidly, and were
soon actively engaged. The enemy scattered and the fight extended
over a large extent of country: they were driven as far as Yankee
Town, over 10 miles from Sperry’s Mill. Here I abandoned the
pursuit and returned to Sparta.

About four miles from Sparta the road I was moving on led
close to the Calf Killer, with a high, tvooded hill on the opposite
side. : ;

I was riding about 10 rods in advance of the 4th U. 8., which
regiment was at the head of my column. Capt. Burns, my A. A.
A.-G., and Capt. Vale, my A. A. 1.-G., were riding at my side, and

 

eee

three Orderlies following. Serg’t Burch, Corp’l Hod
carried the brigade battleflag—< gler ; i = cei
Indian, ape ee Bone ag and my Bugler, Bailey, a half-breed
Japt. Burns turning to me, said: ‘Colonel, this i irst ti
I pave oe ven to ae without an ieee? ages
: replied: ‘It is scarcely necessary, we will biv j -
diately; but I should not do it. A bold “Loe of 50 men ale See
the head of the column into confusion,”’ and turning in my saddle
I said to the Bugler: ‘Bailey, give my compliments to Capt.
McIntyre, and request him to send a dozen men to the front as
an ae ‘
. ale, in ‘Minty and the Cavalry,” pages 206 and 2 § g
‘ On this hill, across the creek, two roe aera oF Ge
which had been cut off by the preceding advance, were lyin in
ambush, heing protected from immediate assault by the creek there
unfordable. * * * As the Bugler wheeled his horse and started
on the gallop, a volley from the men in ambush was fired at the
five men thus riding alone. Capt. Vale had four holes bored across
his shoulders by a raking shot from left to right. Serg’t Burch
one oe ihe Orderlies, was shot in the thigh and his leg broken; Col.
2 ee received three balls, and the horses of hoth Orderlies
The last number of the Chattanooga Rebel ever published i
Chattanooga, a sheet about 12 inches ee and ie ee
ee oun contained the following paragraph: ‘In the fight at
Spee the 17th, the notorious Yankee cavalry General, Minty,
_A force was crossed about a quarter of a mile down or
which soon dislodged the a who retreated oat a
Kingston, and in the morning no trace of them could be found
except their dead, whom the citizens were ordered to bury. :
Vale. Says, pages 207-8: “The rebel force engaged was 1,500
men; Minty s force was 1,400, and operating in an unknown
country, while every cow-path was familiar to the enemy: notwith-
standing which they were driven from position after position from
4to8 Pp. M., a distance of 14 miles, often at a gallop. * * * The
number captured during the day was 25, representing four different
regiments, but the demoralization of their command was such that
Dibrell officially reports that the 8th Tenn. alone crossed the
Cumberland Mountains, and it, with less than when he reached

Sega
Sparta. He likewise reports a loss of eight killed and 39 wounded.”

My loss was one drowned, three officers and 12 men wounded.

On the night of the 18th I arrived at Pikesville, in the
Sequatchie Valley, established a hospital and left my wounded
there, with an Assistant Surgeon in charge. :

On the 19th I took possession of Smith's Crossroads. in the
Tennessee Valley, making prisoners of 150 men, who
surprised at the foot of Waldron’s Ridge.

Sept. 1 Maj. Gray, with the 4th Mich., opened communications
with Gen. Burnside’s right at Kingston, and made prisoners-of 128
men from Buckner’s Corps, and on the 2d I reported to Gen.
Crittenden: ‘+ Buckner’s command has crossed the Tennessee River
at Loudon, and is now being pushed as fast as possible toward
Chattanooga.” :

On Sept. 13 I crossed the Tennessee River by fording, detached
the 8d Ind. to Chattanooga for picket and courier duty, and with
the remainder of my brigade: drove Pegram’s cavalry through
Grayville, and about midnight reported to Gen. Crittenden at Lee
& Gordon’s Mill. On the 14th, under orders from Gen. Crittenden,
I crossed Missionary Ridge into Lookout Valley and returned to
Gordon’s Mill next day.

On the evening of the 15th Gen. Crittenden directed me to
proceed at once to Pea Vine Valley and establish my headquarters
in the vicinity. of Leet’s Crossroads.

Crossing the Chickamauga at Reed's Bridge, I moved into Pea
Vine Valley, east of Pea Vine Ridge, and at dark camped at
Keeler’s Mill, on Pea Vine Creek, near the Ringgold road, and sent.
patrols in the direction of Grayville, Ringgold, Leet’s and Rock
Springs. On the return of the patrols during the night, I reported
to Gen. Crittenden the information gained; and af about 2.4. M.
received the following reply from Capt. Oldershaw, Assistant
Adjutant-General, Twenty-first Corps: “The Major-General com- -
manding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of this date, informing him that Forrest is at Ringgold,
Longstreet at Dalton, Pegram at Leet’s, and Buckner at Rock
Springs. All this would indicate infantry, which the Major-General
commanding cannot believe.”

Van Horne, in his ** History of the Army of the Cumberland,”
page 327, says: ‘During the 15th Minty reconnoitered the front,

and reported that the enemy was in force at Dalton, Ringgold,

 

were

502

ce}
aoe ard ¢ >k Springs Church. ie, ad eae
sae Py ath pee Gen Crittenden oe - ie a : ee
ae f direction 0 ec
ni ved from the direc f : eae
a oe erie replied very curtly, ‘It was nothing bu
inggold. cavalry.” : a
ee . Se cal ts Gonlo n’s Mill to Bee Gop, Cul A
aaa ‘yawtish Springs, where I fou :
i : vi i ten. Bragg was
follen Ss Hoa oF ae pest to convince him et a Bee et
ee his left; that he had been merntorect by 3
with eS forbs. He scouted the idea, and said:
wi ‘+ Longstreet < in Pee ee Longstreet was yesterday at
tere don me, : { et WwW perlare
: aA ne eee from the Army of Nor he ih
Bee ‘Re ueeratis made some remark. I ioe oe Ea as
seu Papa to quote it now; but it Te des Sas a
ee to place confidence in my report. ee
ne Cae his hand above his head, ee rae iene
ae OG een T will guarantee, with my corps, tc
es e = é : e ee :
ithin 20 miles of us. os
we This settled the matter. eS
-ommanding a magnificent corps, eee ee ay
al Colonel, commanding a little briga eS
only a ae heavy heart and hastened back et ye Be os
en ae are of my patrols, on the 17th, J oe ay
See aS Crittenden. W i my Coe alge ee ag
uSUee WT; a : exander : aS re
a ‘j rews, for if I was
Se i ill. This was cheering news, 1 S
- Le ae Wilder. with his splendi
ears ht se I would rather have W1 . Se in
ea ane infantry, ene p eae eGo ae = aus —
E e had worked and fougi\ : e
Vea eh a tant and perfect confidence in each a ee ea
brigades I oe break on the 18th I had shee oe eo ae
ee mecaonld and Leet’s. About 6 0 ee oe
ee directions, reperiing ee fran on commanding
a Bee i z 1, at Gordon’s
at once reported this alle: to Gen. Lom Wood, Go
eae 7 t Rossville: 1 ot er ait
ee enden ‘rawfish Springs; and Col.
i ‘yi Jen, at Crawfish sp uae oe
ae Ces ee aid took position on the eastern slope
exan

ine Ridge. fe
oe J will now drop my narratiy

isti ished General,
was a distinguish
ae t wing of the army, and

e fora while, and quote from the

40

Jegend on the official maps that portion which makes mention of

my brigade.
LEGEND ON MAP A.

Preliminary Movements.
Minty’s Cavalry Brigade in front and east of Reed's Bridge: in
addition to the threatening demonstrations made by the enemy on
the 16th and 17th from the direction of both Ringgold and
Lafayette, was early on the 18th apprized, py strong patrols sent
{ th directions, that the enemy was advancing in heavy
force from Ringgold as well as Lafayette. ee

‘At noon on the 48th Minty was forced back to the west side of
Chickamauga Creek, at Reed's Bridge, by a heavy column ©
infantry preceded by cavalry, which had approached from
Ringgold. Wilder’s Brigade of Mounted Infantry, which was at
Alexander's Bridge, two miles above Minty’s position, was also
attacked during the forenoon of the 18th, but not in such stren th
as to force Wilder away from the position. He was then ena e
to send two of his regiments ao 72d Ind. and the 123d Ill.) and

two guns of Lilly’s battery to Minty’s assistance When called upon

at noon.

With this reinforcement Minty stubbornly resisted the crossing
at Reed’s Bridge until a ter.3:30 P.M. when he was forced to retire
ad Gordon’s Mill. ‘The enemy’s force consisted of

toward. Lee ani j
der B. BR. Johnson and Hood, preceded

four brigades of infantry un

b Pegram’s Pivision of Cavalry, under Forrest. This force was

the column designated to initiate the attack upon the left of Gen.

Roseeran’s army, in Gen. Bragg’s circular, dated Sept. 18, at Leet’s

Tanyard. :
LEGEND ON MAP

Minty’s Brigade of Cavalry was P
Bridge, toward Ringgold.
LEGEND ON MAF

2:
‘On the afternoon cof the 18th, while the enemy was crossing
Hood's and Walker’s commands below Lee & Gordon's ill,

den’s three divisions were moved into Pp
their left front and flank covered by Minty’s Brigade of Cavalry
and Wilder's Brigade of Mounted Infantry, in close contact wi

Hood’s column.

le
osted in front of Reed’s

LEGEND oN MAP 3. :
Minty’s Brigade of Cavalry was posted on the foothills of

a

«4

eh

a

 

”

Mi pS
issionary Rid
(sine avoNin ge, back of Widow G
to Chance along the Dry Vall Glenn’s, covering th
anooga. alley road throu g the wagon
2 gh MeFarland’s G
ap:

LEGEND ON M
The train : The Bivor J
= s of Th é wvoude.
n 0
vey ing all day from Cravhal and Crittenden’
ee a Pee op ee
: of Cavalry : ard Chatt : ry Valley roz
miles south of Honig bivouacked after eel a thing's
: ee : all about
ne nes Brigade ee ar ON MAP 5 =
sionary Mills, on pee ee sent forward north
: : ga Creek, to rec northeast to
Se ae no arent ve MAP 7 ee
: s Church duri at Missionary Mi :
uring the afternoon, Cee oat returned to:
anger’s infantry

had de

parted. Mi

where he att inty then mov

Meanie en cacked Seott’s Cav: ed out towa :

inty retired toward Ros ey late in oo fee:
3 n. it nigl =

LEGEND ON MAP Z. ght

The morni :
ees noel Et of Sept. 21 R
of the battlefi osecran’s ar
efield my was at Rossvill
: e, four

Ringgold wi 3
ith t. ae M saa
eas AtQ a. M. Mn of oa ered the front toward ~
= of Rossville at he ee ose Brigade ot Cavalr .
- to the battlefield ersection of the roads y was in front and
eee Cavalry ee to Gen. Tho Pos a
his force until noon Ming fol Atter beielely ee approach of

: y fell back Hitou skirmishing with

gh the Gap, and
, was.

sent to a a
“Cos positi AES
Crittenden. * on sO Missionary Ridge, be ‘
, beyond the left of
of

Gen. Roseer
withdrawn t seerans’s army durir
Ridge ee ] ring the night of
of Rossville Ga eaving Minty’s C ; of the 21st wa
a y’s Cavalry alone o -
n the

Soon after :
eet sunris f S
away from Rossville Gop ee ee oe = Cavalry t
rd Chattanooga orced Mint
ga. aby

=e Ose
TY,

r area dere cs 7 : sis ea, f
To resume my narrative: By 6:30 o'clock on the morning o
the 18th I was in position on the east slope of Pea Vine idee
ready to contest the advance of the approaching enemy. A few
moments later my patrols came in; they were closely followed by

the rebels, who advanced a strong skirmish-line, followed by heavy -

i on the Ringgold and Leet’s (or Lafayette) roads. :
=e ‘head of ene oF these columns getting within range, Lieut.
Griftin opened fire on it with his two uns, and, so far as we could
judge, did considerable execution. This checked the enemy and
caused them to deploy. ‘They evidently supposed that there Was a
strong force Opposing them, and they occupied considerable time
i ing into position. :
= aon iL o'clock I observed a heavy column of dust moving
from the direction of Graysville toward Dyer’s Ford, away to my
leftand rear. Tsentan officer to Col. Wilder to explain the position
to him, and to ask him to send a regiment to hold Dyer’s Ford and
to cover my left. I sent my ambulances across the Chickamauga,
and leaving a skirmish-Iine at the top of the east slope of the ridge,
fell back to Reed’s Bridge. At about 12 o'clock Col. Miller, urge
Wilder’s Brigade, reported to me with his own regiment (the (2d.
- Ind.), the 123d UL, and two guns from Lilly’s battery. Tinstructed
Col. Miller to proceed at once to Dyer’s Ford and to hold it against
the force advancing from Graysville. : :

My skirmishers were now making their appearance over the
top of the ridge, being driven by the rebel skirmish-line. My left
and rear being taken care of, I advanced to the support of the
Skirmishers, and the enemy’s skirmish-line was driven back on
their line of battle in Pea Vine Valley. JI estimated this line at
7,000; 138 sets of regimental colors were Visible. : s :

The rebel line now advaneed, and I was steadily driven back
across the ridge. About 300 yards above the bridge there was a

oor ford, near which was located Reed's house and orchard; here
ee my two guns, supported by Capt. MeCormick’s battalion
of the 4th U.S. Cay. 2 Ee

The position of the brigade was now most perilous; it Ww as in
line on the east side of the Chicamauga, the only means of crossing
which was the narrow bridge, only wide enough to allow two men

(90

3

to ride abreast, but the soldierlike steadiness of the men prevented
any mishap. = :

The enemy’s skirmishers Swarmed on the west face of the
ridge, which ig much more precipitous than the east, and a strong
column was moving out of the gap, when I ordered the guns to
open on them. :

T directed Capt. McIntyre to cross the bridge with the 4th U.
S. Cav., to move at a good sharp walk, and to keep his men well
closed up, I ordered the battery and its Support to cross the tord
and take Position on high ground, near some old farm buildings,
where they would command both the bridge and ford.

The 4th Mich. followed the 4th U.S), and it was followed by
the 7th Pa.; each regiment being placed in position after crossing
the bridge.

My entire brigade—except a picket of the 4th Mich.. commanded
by Lieut. J, H. Simpson, on the Harrison road, lying between Pea
Vine Ridge and the Chickamauga, who had been cut off by the last
advance of the enemy—was now on the west side of theChickamauga.
Lieut. Simpson joined me later Without the loss of @ man, having
Swam the creek,

The rebels made a desperate effort to gain possession of the
bridge, which a Squadron of the 4th U. S., under Lieut, Wirt Davis
how a Major in the Same regiment—was destroying, The
planking and fence-rails were sent floating down the Stream, while
Griffin’s euns raked the approaches so thoroughly that the enemy
had to fall back in confusion, oe Se

On Map Alam shown in this Position from 2 to 4 p. M.

In the legend it is stated I + was forced across to the west
side at 12 o'clock. ”

The position on the map is correct: the legend is wrong.

Thad sent Capt. Vale, my AA. 1 G_ with a report to Gen.

~ Wood, at Gordon’s Mill. J Was successfully holding My position

when I received the following report from Capt. Vale:

“Wilder has had to fall back from Alexander’s Bridge: he has
retired towards Gordon’s Mil, and the enemy is crossing at all
points in force,”

at once recalled Col. Miller from Dyer’s Ford, informing him
of the position, and ordering him to Join me with the least possible
delay. J held my ground until his arrival at about 4:30 p. yf,, when
I fell back toward Gordon's Mill. Was Cluse.y followed by the

 

14

enem é i
he hundred anneal turn and check them
‘effecti veness of o istance operave® ie
: on 8 te a eed’s Br
On page Ste Hee anee at that point, pe a

Mpai er it j
Sate ae . £ns of Forrest, ” it is stated: “ Johnson

4,300 hance riday mornin i

ao J 8, 18th, with r brig

and right flank d a suns. Forrest Covered this an A
eeler’s Mil] on Pe came in contact With the F te Ha eee

fi harp skirmish tuk Blane mo iI on @ismounting

torward his skipmsy).t°®, but Johnson ressil «
ve ao coe S, the enemy er Seek ae

the eo s Oller sharp affair, with seve; cua

ge wer eer Severe loss, occurred before

nN DE Seva: ‘
bage 314 he “ays: “Law's and Robertson

come fr i
. ae om Ringgold, and Maj.-Gen,

; :
: 8 Brigades had

Hood had JOined at Reed's

About a mil
Wilderin poet.’ oud a halt from Les ¢ ee
Want me? pos cing northeast, ona ee Mill I found
8 Pia Teg Pe tng yal hove dg
Tight. ~ Later two reoi, (Smounted My MON and formed
Division, took y 0°8iments from Dick's Brigade oo med on his
ee ’ * Position on m vj as 1gade, of Van Cleve’s
ae o'¢ Chickamauga, hear Halle Pee their right retired, thus
. ap erroneous! AG ee ee
Dick’ : 2USIY places 1 ‘ ee

k’s men in the position which J oeanicn latter Position, and

: n d ple

Gc. Mir, ha Placed my men I galloped over
Harker Sitting Dear hhg eee ee o ih on
teet and Said:

2G
eneral re j i
: here is Co]. Minty now. »

3 en. Wood looked i

Just reported to G Up and said: « J] am glad to

and cssece en. Crittenden that your bag ie ae
_ My brigade is all rj x :

covering ye posite: seub General, and is now with Wilder's

: €n. Wood added a i i
rene oe cs oe to his dispatch, « Col. Minty has

Closed and hang i

ea ae é landed it to

eae hoe turning to me, said, ee Well
“ Fighting the enemy.” ee :

Waat have You been fighting?»
ete

As I approached

‘

J

4

 

‘‘Everything—infantry, artillery and eavalry. ”

‘‘Where are they? ”

‘Close to your present position, which is now covered by
Wilder’s Brigade and mine. ”” ;

‘Do you mean on our side of the creek?”

‘‘On our side of the creek, General. ” :

“Well, come along, and we’ll drive them across to their own
side.”’ :

Gen. Wood and the writer mounted their horses and, followed
by a couple of Orderlies, rode to the front to drive Bragg’s army
across the Chicamauga. As we rode up to Wilder’s Brigade Gen.
Wood said: : :

-**Where are they, Wilder?”

‘Ride forward a dozen paces, General, and you will see
them, ”’ replied Wilder.

At that moment there was the roar of musketry in front of my
brigade, followed by a rebel yell, and a large forée came forward
ontherun. — a

Gen. Wood turned his head in the direction of the charging
enemy, and with a look of blank astonishment, exclaimed: “ By
——, they are here,” and wheeling his horse galloped back to his,
command. :

Before I could join my gallant men a soul-stirring cheer burst
from them, and their Spencer carbines began to speak, and to some:
purpose, too, for the rebel yell ceased, the charging line halted,
turned, and went back considerably faster than it had advanced.

By this time it was quite dark: the contending forces were in:
sueh close contact that every “movement could be heard by the:
opposing force.

As the long and anxious night wore slowly on, and no relief or
support for my worn out and Weary men made their appearance, I
became very anxious. I well knew that if we remained in our then
position until after daylight, nothing but a miracle could save us.
The overwhelming numbers of the enemy could have crushed us im
a moment. : :

About 2 o’clock in the morning I mounted and rode back
toward Gordon’s Mill:to try and procure assistance. I had gone.
but a short distance when I met Gen. Palmer, a soldier who could
be relied on at all times, either in council or in ficht. Before I had
time to say a word he asked me about the po..tisn of the Opposing:

ASG es

tee gave him a sketch of the day's: work, and
eee ee Car eattion a ee igade, [ told him I was on my
littenden or Wood to ask for reli f i
. a uete L to ¢ ief or support for
cl ee Tele ee urning to one of his ie
ee : ‘Tell Gen. Haz nov yard ¢
relieve Col oe Boe azen to move forward at once and
cr. oo ee my poor fellows have not had
0 eg a S rest for nearly 24 hours, and this wj
most acceptable relief to them: ilder i Doe ee
, em; but Wilder is ny lef: is i
exactly the same condition: on my teft, and.is in
Ly the : ition: he has been oppos; f
eee Corps since yesterday forenoon, ” ao
ico : once ordered another brigade forward. to
distinguished soldier for his woe a on oe he See
custinguished s¢ > prompt action on that occasi i
affords me sincere pleas : i fim Bee
‘ 3 , asure to hay S ‘tuni ; i
Sue ke wiede ave this Opportunity of making

r
he infantry moved into position behind us and we withdrew

eae eee and retired to a large cornfield west from
on i wae ae horses, and at about 7 0e’lock on the
fra : got the first mouthful of food we had had for
While I was takin ES
nile. ote ye CUp Of cofice und eating a. piece ce
es 2 ee = es ioth Pa. Cay. informed ne tht Gen.
vosecra 3 me to report to him j rl oT
all Bide you-to him, Colon) ee oe ee aa a
ound Gen. Rosecrans surround i
: e se on ed by his staff, st ndi i
front of the Widow Glenn’s house. «I dismounted and sone ‘

him. He said: + Col. Minty, it is reported that Forrest is between

us and Chattanooga le VI VOC VW é rtation and J
play ng ha d@ With our transp
, ort
Want You to go ba ek there and take care of hin. —

I found the road leading to Chattanooga entirely unobstructed

by thee i : t
vy enemy, and so reported to Gen. Rosecrans, who directed me -

Or port IG n Thom S. ; rep
t epc te e omMas, who in tur ord ort y

: . turn, o dered me to Etst
Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding the Reser ve Corps, in front of
Rossv ille. Gen. Gr anger desir ed me t C

8 Oo move to his lett and to
guard he for d at and near Miss > an 1 ] e would lik S
Ss ne e MI 1onary M lls C
to get nN position as early S possi le in tl e mornin 1 was as
oa a p b 1
P D1 .

Pp iS as I WV
ya T ee By ae preae my pickets had Possession of the
fc rds, nd dur ng tl e morning as rong pati ok pe ssed hr uch
Chickamau a stat nd lays ille ut me a : the nen

allon ¢ y
Ss : v G \ 2 W itho ee is .

ye

we

ie

 

—17— :

About 2 p. M. one of Gen. Granger’s staff officers informed me
that the General was moving to his right to reinforee Gen. Thomas,
and requested me to take possession of the Rossville and Ringgold
road. :

When I arrived at my new position I sent a patrol to the front
with instructions to go as far as the ‘Red House Bridge. *’ The
patrol reported that Gen. Scott, with his brigade, was on the west
side of the Chickamauga. This I considered an encroachment on
our territory, and at once attacked and drove him across the bridge

- to the east side of the creek.

By this time I had gained possession of the bridge. Night was
‘upon us. I fell back to McAfee’s Church, the position which Gen.
Granger had occupied, and felt well to the right for the purpose of
forming a junction with the infantry, but in the dark failed to find
them: We remained in position all night, sitting on the ground, -
holding our horses, and procuring but little rest.

We were pretty well worn out with our three days’ fighting
and want of food and rest, and the feeling that the battle was going
against us. The night was cold, and we were thoroughly chilled.
The impression prevailed throughout the army that Burnside was
on the march from East Tennessee to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans.

A little before break of day we heard cheering away iv our
rear. Every man sprang to his feet. ‘The blood coursing through
our veins warmed our chilled limbs and infused new life into our
bodies. More than one called out: ‘There's Burnside, and we’ll
whip them yet. ”’ :

I sent a couple of Orderlies back to learn what force was in our
rear. They returned with the information that the whole of Gen.
Rosecran’s army was in position at Rossville, three miles directly
in our rear. A nice position to be in, truly. A little brigade of
cavalry (three regiments) and one section of artillery, in all about
3,000 mén, three miles in front of our army, and directly between
‘it and the army we had been fighting for three days !

I waited until I had received the reports from my pickets.
when, taking a staff ofticer and a couple of Orderlies with me, [
galloped back to Rossville and reported my position to Gen.
Thomas, whom I found in the famous groye of large trees
immediately back of the Gap.

As soon as I reported to him-he said:

“You should not be there, Colonel. ”

—18—

I replied:

‘“‘T know that, General; but there I am. ”’

After a moment's thought he said:

“Well, as you are there, delay the eremy all you can. Give:
me as much time as possible to prepare to get ready for them.”’

I returned to my brigade, and very soon had reports fré6m my
pickets that the enemy was advancing on the road from the battle-
field and froin Ringgold. This was all cavalry, and consisted of
Pegram’s Division and Scott’s and Davidson’s Brigades. I fell
back to the junction of those roads, about half a mile from
McAfee’s, and there gave them battle, and falas advantage of
every possible position, fought them stubbornly all the way back
to Rossville. I passed through Negley’s Division in the Gap at
about 1 P. M., and at once moved to the left, taking possession of
the passes over Missionary Ridge, north of Gen. Thomas’s position.

n the evening I received an order to report in person to Gen.
Thomas. He was at the same place at which I had reported to him:
that morning. :

In his quiet, impressive manner, he said: ‘Col. Minty, I am:
going to fall back to Chattanooga tonight; wagons, ambulances,
and tumbrils have already gone; the artillery will follow shortly..
and during the night the infantry will be withdrawn. I want you
to take possession of our present position, deceive the enemy as
long as possible, but as soon as they attack fall back and retire to
Chattanooga. Do not endanger your command unnecessarily. ”’

Small pickets were left in the most important passes, with:
orders to remain there until after daylight, when they could see:
everything in the valley before them, and then to join the brigade
on the Rossville and Chattanooga road. :

By 2 A. M. Sept. 22, I was at Rossville with my brigade, and as.
the infantry withdrew a thin line of dismounted cavalry occupied
the lines. ‘The sun was well up before the enemy’s skirmishers.
began to feel our position, and after a slight interchange of shots:
they advanced to the attack. The 4th U. S. Cav., which regiment,
occupied the most advanced position, withdrew and moved slowly
back. By 7 o’clock we were again in our saddles, showing a bold.
front on every possible occasion and checking the enemy as much:
as possible. We passed inside our lines in front of Chattanooga at.

about 1 P. M. It took the rebels six hours to drive us the four

iniles between Rossville and our advanced works at Chattanooga.

Te)

hy

CRS

gp

tr 4)

Ww)

(ix!

wh)

sae to Lee = Gordon’s Mill,
that place, and by the loss of the entire d E
would have been the result to that Bip. Ge ee

SSG

The battle of Chickamau i istor
: iga, as told of in history, las :
Says ne oe and 20th of September, 1863. oe oe
ae . ee on ore one of which, except the 19th
w i : he trains on the Dry Valley road,
it had its full share of severe fighti I Y enue ae
thik oe ghting. Its stubborn fighting on the
th hi : properly appreciated at its full v: 8
will transcribe Gen. Bragg’s circular or order of ie oo
= Se ee ARMY OF TENNESSEE,

_ ly HIELD, LEET’S TANYARD, Sept. 16 t
ee ee aoe Lae on crossing at oe a Reed's
I , Ww urn to the left the most practicab :
Sec up ne Chickamauga fad Lee & Genoa: aa =

. Walker, on crossing at Alexander’s Brid rill unite j i
Oda 3 ge, will unite in this
ae ee Dn igorously on the enemy’s flank and rear in the

3. Buckner, crossing at Telford’s F i
‘ ; s Ford, will join in tl
movement tothe left, Q eee
ue in bee i Ce aoe ca the enemy up the stream from Polk’s
4. Polk will press his forces to the f
: oll he front of Lee & rdon’s
ae a ee Tone wt Tea pee will bear to the ee
cross rd or at Telford’s, ¢ é ry. i
join in the attack wherever the See may be Ae es
= 5. Hill will cover our left flank from
fr om the cove, and by pressing the cav
the enemy is reinforcing at Lee & Gor
a a them in flank.
6. eeler’s Cavalry will hold the gaps i i i
and oo owe tet ood left and bring ae eee ae

: i teams, ete., not with : war i
and Dalton, beyond Tayloes Ree ee

By command of

vs ie soe Aa bee Gohesy

i Wilder's Brigade at Alexander's Bridge and Minty’
goods ee oe ~ poe fight fag did, which tact
‘ el dead left at Alexander’s Brid
rebel dead left, at Reed’s Brid nse ee
j ot ; ge and the unknown number i
Pea Vine Valley, at Dyer’s Ford, on the line of retreat ot Rad's
and in front of our position near

age, what
army, the Army of the

an advance of the enemy
alry in his front ascertain if
don’s Mill, in which event he

GEN. BRAGG.

 

 

90

‘Cumberland?
If Bragg had been allowed to carry out his well-planned order

of battle, as laid down in his order of the 18th, Crittenden’s’Corps _

would have been struck on its left flank by the corps of Hood,
Walker and Buekner, while his front would have been attaeked by
Polk, and must have been annihilated before Thomas could have
got within supporting distance, and Chattanooga, which had been
won in such a masterly manner by our commander, that illustrious
soldier, Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, would have been lost. The fruits of
two successful campaigns, those of Tullahoma and Chattanooga,
would have been snatched from us.

“Ora, ’? the historia of ‘‘Hood’s Campaign in Middle ~

Tennessee, ’ writing to the Mobile Tribune of this day’s fighting
says: ‘!Preston’s Division effected an unobstructed erossing at
Hunt's (Dalton’s) Ford; not so with Johnson and Walker at Reed’s
and Alexander’s Bridges, and without them there was no sweepin
up the Chickamauga and vigorously pressing the enemy’s flank one
Tear.” :

In “Van Horne’s History of the Army of the Cumberland, ’”
pages 330 and 331, we find: ** In preparing for battle on the 18th he
(Gen. Bragg) had overlooked causes of detention, and this mistake
gave Gen. Rosecrans time to throw his army to the left,
between him and Chattanooga. * * * At nightfall on the 18th
Bragg was by no means ready for battle on the 19th, having
entirely failed to deliver it on the 18th, as he had planned. * * *
Minty and Wilder were on the watch at Reed’s and Alexander's
Bridges. * * * These two brigades resisted so persistently that
Gen. Bragg mentioned their action as one cause of delay. ”’

Thatcher, in his ‘A Hundred Battles in the West,’ page 144,
says: ‘¢On the 17th and 18th of September * * * we began to
smell the battle ‘afar off,’ for occasionally an artillery fight away
to the left, toward Chattanooga, could be heard, and we afterwards
learned that Col. Minty with his brigade was there disputing the
passage of the Chickamauga at Reed's Bridge.’ On page 150 he
adds: “More extended research shows that Crittenden had
occupied a position as far east as Ringgold and that Minty had.
insisted, after Crittenden had joined Thomas, that large bodies of
Confederates were moving from the north and east to Bragg’s
support. * * * Minty had been reported captured beyond
Reed’s Bridge, and that catastrophe was averted only by rapid

(he

¥)

=

movements and desperate eee : :

On page 302 he says: ‘‘ Minty, on our left, gave timely warning
of Bragg’s plans against Chattanooga, and without his services in
the vicinity of Reed’s Bridge and toward Ringgold, Rosecrans’s
army would never have had the road to Chattanooga open to them
after the morning of 19th September. ”’

~ Vale, in ‘‘ Minty and the Cavalry,” page 220, says: ‘The only
Union force beyond the Chickamauga, from its source to its mouth,
on the evening of the 17th, was Minty’s Brigade at Reed’s Bridge
and in the Pea Vine Valley.” On page 231, he says: ‘‘ The
importance of this day’s Operations of Minty’s and Wilder’s
Brigades can only be appreciated by remembering that it was
Brageg’s intention to have thrown Hood, Walker, Buckner, Forrest,
and Pegram on Crittenden’s left flank, in determined assault, as
early as 8 or 10 o’clock in the morning of the 18th, when Polk’s
Corps was to overwhelm him in an assault from the front; and
haying disposed of him, pen Thomas up in McLemore’s Cove, thus
defeating the army in detail. * * * The persistent ae and
daring charges of Minty’s men, of which the 102 rebel graves at
Reed's Bridge are today mute but undeniable witnesses, compelled
him to fight a long, determined battle before crossing; and to slow,
cautious movements, with frequent halts and deployments in his
after progress, so hampered and delayed his march that there was -
no ¢sweeping up the creek, ’ and prevented the blow that was
planned to fall on Crittenden. ” : —— ae

My old comrades of the * Saber Brigade;’’ I have tried to give
in the foregoing a true and correct narrative of what you did for
our country on those memorable oceasions, the Chattanooga
campaign and the battle of Chickamauga. I have endeavored to
adhere strictly to facts, and not to exaggerate in the slightest
degree. :

: On reading what I have written. T am not half satisfied. It
seems as if I have not told one tithe of your gallant deeds; of your
steady, cheerful, soldierlike bearing, your uncomplaining
acceptance of fatigue, hunger and thirst; your grand. and heroic
fighting. I fear that in avoiding exaggerations T have fallen into
the other extreme. ae oe :

Thave written this narrative with the single purpose and desire
that history may do justice to you, the aggregate of noble men who
formed as grand a brigade as ever drew sabers in defense of their
country and flag. ;