protect it from the enemy's fire. At 11.30 p. m. it was announced to regimental commanders by Colonel Barnum that a night attack was ordered and the plan detailed. December 12, at 12.30 a. m. the regiment was called up and preparations made to assault the enemy's lines at 1 a. m. At that hour the regiment was in readiness, but the attack was delayed and the regiment did not commence to move outside our line of works to get into position until about 4 a. m. This regiment was to form the left of the second line of the assaulting column, and the left wing had filed over and in front of our works, when the order for attack was countermanded, and I received orders to take my original position within our line of works, which I did. Remained here during the day, nothing occurring except being annoyed by the enemy's sharpshooters and a few shells. December 13, early in the morning I ordered the construction of some rifle-pits in advance of our line about ten rods and four in number. The enemy's sharpshooters kept up an annoying fire, and occasionally their artillery opened, with no other effect than the wounding of one man slightly. December 14, our rifle-pits having been finished, my skir mishers or pickets were enabled to silence the enemy's sharpshooters to a considerable extent. During the day the gun-boat made its appearance in the river, nearly in a line with the left of my regiment, and opened fire upon the line with shot and shell from 63 and 9 inch guns, from the effects of which I had five men slightly wounded. From this time until December 20 nothing occurred beyond the usual picket-firing and occasional shelling by the enemy. About 9 p. m. my pickets on the left of the regiment reported that the men in the enemy's works in our front could be seen apparently moving to the right (their left), and soon thereafter the enemy could be heard crossing a pontoon bridge, apparently opposite the city. A strict watch was instituted, and at about 10.30 p. m., becoming satisfied that they were leaving, went in person and reported these facts to the brigade commander. During this time the enemy kept up a vigorous fire from his artillery in our front. At 11 p. m. this ceased. From this until 12 o'clock the sounds of the enemy crossing the pontoon bridge could be heard continually. December 21, from 1 a. n. to 3 a. m. the sounds made by crossing could be so distinctly [heard], and every indication of the evacuation of the city becoming so apparent, an advance was ordered by Colonel Barnum, who had come up in person to my position, to be made by ten men from my regiment, to reconnoiter the position in our front and discover whether or no the enemy was there. In a short time they reported the line evacuated, and at 3.20 a. m. I entered the first line of the enemy's works with the regiment, finding seven guns in position and a large quantity of ammunition, &c., destroyed. In a short time the men sent forward reported the enemy's second line across the canal also evacuated. In obedience to orders from the brigade commander, I detached one company to guard the guns captured, and with the remainder of the regiment crossed the canal and entered the second line, where we halted and awaited the coming up of the remainder of the brigade. Detached two companies to take possession of and guard the guns in this line from the Augusta road to the river. At 4.15 a. m. an advance toward the city was ordered. My regiment leading, marched rapidly forward until we reached the Augusta road, when I ordered one company in advance of the column as skirmishers; moved forward very rapidly and with no opposition except a few shots fired upon the advance guard from the bridge crossing the canal, and entered the city at daylight, capturing some few stragglers from the enemy and a large amount of stores of all kinds. During the whole of the campaign both the officers and men of my command have behaved well, and it is sufficient to say have done their whole duty as becomes veterans. It is difficult, where all have so well performed their part, to make any distinction, yet I would especially mention Capt. O. J. Spaulding, commanding Company K; Capt. H. M. Maguire, Company C, and First Lieut. T. W. Root, acting adjutant, as deserving special mention for their bravery and vigilance throughout the campaign. Respectfully submitted. Capt. O. T. MAY, H. S. CHATFIELD, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 20th Army Corps. No. 116. Report of Lieut. Col. Koert S. Van Voorhis, One hundred and thirtyseventh New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS 137TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, CAPTAIN:* II. Tuesday, November 15, when, in pursuance to orders received previously, we formed line at 7 a. m. Starting at 7.30 a. m., moved out of the city on the Decatur road. At 2 p. m. halted near Decatur for dinner. After dinner resumed the march, which was continued until 4.30 a. m. on Wednesday, November 16, when we halted, rested, and breakfasted, resuming the march at 7.15 a. m. Camped for the night at 7.15 p. m., marching distance from Atlanta being about twenty-seven iniles. Thursday, November 17, left camp at 5.15 a. m., marching in a northeasterly direction, the Third Brigade in advance and this regiment as advance guard. Encamped at 5 p. m. within three miles of Social Circle, marching this day about twenty miles. Friday, November 18, took up line of march at 5.30 a. m., halting soon after in the road to allow wagon train to pass. Started again at 7.30 a. m., halting in the village of Rutledge for dinner. Encamped within a mile of Madison at 6.30 p. m., having marched about eighteen miles. Saturday, November 19, left camp at 5 a. m.; marched through Madison at daybreak in a moderate rain, which ceased about 7 o'clock. Halted near Buck Head for dinner. At 4 p. m. encamped for the night. stacking arms proceeded to tear up track on the Augusta railroad, working with the division about two hours and a half. Distance marched this day, about fifteen miles. After Sunday, November 20, fell in at 7.30 a. m. and marched south from the railroad on the west bank of the Oconee River; encamped at 5 p. m., after having marched about fifteen miles. Monday, November 21, left our encampment at 8 a. m., marching in a southerly direction; raining hard the greater part of the day; halted for the night at 5 p. m.; marched about twelve miles. Tuesday, November 22, we left camp at 6.45 a. m., and about noon crossed Little River on a pontoon bridge. About 4.30 p. m. came in sight of Milledgeville. After numer For portion of report (here omitted) relating to operations about Atlanta, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 676. ous halts we at last entered the city, and passing through the city crossed the Oconee River on a toll bridge, and encamped about a mile from the river, going into camp at 8.10 p. m., having marched about twenty miles. Wednesday, November 23, remained in camp until 2 p. m., when we fell in and marched to the Gordon railroad depot, and soon after commenced the destruction of the road, burning the ties and bending the rails; also burned a trestle bridge and the depot. Our work being completed, at 7 p. m. we returned to our former camp. Thursday, November 24, left camp near Milledgeville at 7.30 a. m. Halted near the road until 10 a. m., when we moved on, marching in a southeasterly direction. At 6.15 p. m. bivouacked for the night, having marched about ten miles. Friday, November 25, started this morning at 8.30, marching in rear of wagon train. Halted at 1 p. m. for dinner. Did not move until 8.30 p. m. on account of the destruction by the enemy of bridges (nine in number), over Buffalo Creek. After crossing we camped for the night, having marched only five miles. Saturday, November 26, marched at 7.30 a. m., arriving at Sandersville soon after noou. At 2 p. m. we passed through the town and struck the Georgia Central Railroad about 4 p. m., when we immediately began tearing up the road, and continued it till dark, and camped near the road; marched fifteen miles. Sunday, November 27, moved at 7.45 a. m., and resumed the destruction of the railroad track, working until noon. After dinner we joined the wagon train and marched with it about two miles, when we were ordered to about face," and were marched back to the railway, and taking another road to Davisborough, arrived there at 9.30 p. m., and went on picket; marched about twelve miles. Monday, November 28, leaving the picket-line at 8.30 a. m. we struck for the railroad and marched on it back to the place where we had left off work the day before, the remainder of the brigade having marched around by the turnpike. Commenced work about noon, and at 3 p. m. the Sixtieth New York Veteran Volunteers on our right were fired upon by a squad of rebel cavalry, who dashed out of the woods near by, but after firing a few shots they fled. Our men immediately fell in, and, taking arms, were ordered to load, the first time since leaving Atlanta. Four men of this regiment were missing here, and were, it is supposed, captured by the enemy. At dark we returned to Davisborough and camped for the night. Distance marched, fifteen miles. Tuesday, November 29, left camp at 6.30 a. m.; halted for dinner at Spiers Station. Marched at 3.30,. encamping for the night at 6.15 p. m. Marched about twenty miles. Wednesday, November 30, leaving camp at 6.45 a. m., marched almost directly north, crossing the Ogeechee River at 5.30 p. m. Bivouacked for the night at 6.15 p. m., having marched nine miles. Thursday, December 1, left camp at 7.15 a. m., our brigade in advance, marching nearly southeast, crossing numerous swamps and creeks. Went into camp at 5.15 p. m. Distance marched, about sixteen miles. Friday, December 2, marched this morning at 8 o'clock, our brigade in rear of the corps. Weather uncomfortably warm. Encamped for the night at 5.30 p. m.; marched about ten miles. Saturday, December 3, did not leave camp until 12.45 p. m. Were in rear to-day, and consequently marched very slow. Passed near the rebel stockade in which were confined Union prisoners but a few days before. Crossed the Augusta railroad after dark, leaving Millen on our right. Sunday, December 4, continued the march of yesterday till 3.40 a. m.; then halted, resuming the march at 8 a. m. During the forenoon heard artillery firing to our right and rear. Halted at 2 p. m. for dinner. Started again at 4.30, and at 6 p. m. halted for the night, and this regiment went on picket. Marched yesterday and to-day about seventeen miles. Monday, December 5, leaving camp at 9.15 a. m., marched steadily until 8.45 p. m. Distance marched, fifteen miles. Tuesday, December 6, started at 9 a. m., marching in rear of brigade wagon train. Were delayed much during the day by obstructions placed in the roads by the enemy. Went into camp at 8.45 p. m., having marched about nine miles. Wednesday, December 7, moved at 7 a. m., marching through swamps nearly all day. At 5 p. m. crossed Turkey Branch, and encamped at 6.30 p. m. Marched nine miles. Thursday, December 8, marched at 7.15 a. m. in advance of the train. Roads better to-day than usual. Encamped at 4.45 p. m., after having marched about twelve miles. Friday, December 9, left camp at 8.15 a. m. nonading heard on our right, apparently in the direction of Savannah. Troops of First Division had a slight skirmish with the enemy, driving them from two small forts. Marched about six miles. Saturday, December 10, left camp at 9.40 a. m., First and Third Divisions in advance. Marched on an excellent turnpike road leading directly to Savannah. Artillery firing heard more or less all day. After having marched about nine miles, at 3.45 p. m. brigade was formed in two lines of battle, and we encamped for the night. Can Sunday, December 11, were in line at 7.30 a. m., and after marching about a mile on the main road, filed left on a cross-road, and again filing left from the cross-road the regiment was deployed as skirmishers. The extreme right and left of the line were well advanced, and the regiment was then advanced with extreme caution toward some negro houses, about a dozen in number, when the line was straightened, and we then found we were in close proximity to the enemy's skirmishers, and shots were exchanged lively. It was not deemed prudent to advance the line farther, owing to its exposing the left flank, and on communicating with Colonel Barnum, commanding brigade, he promptly sent the One hundred and second New York Veteran Volunteers, which deployed and connected on my left. About 2 p. m. it was deemed advisable to charge and drive them, if possible, from the ruins of some buildings, which afforded them a desirable shelter. One company of the One hundred and second started with a yell which this regiment took up, and advancing rapidly soon drove them inside their works. Our line was established within about 200 yards of their works. This regiment lost 1 sergeant killed; 2 privates wounded. Monday, December 12, at 1 a. m. we were ordered to "fall in," as our brigade were to charge the works in our front. The arrangements were completed at about 4 a. m., when the order was countermanded. The enemy shelled us at different times during the day. Weather very cold. Tuesday, December 13, skirmish and artillery firing was quite brisk by the enemy all day. We were very busy in strengthening our works, and at night established skirmish pits in our front. Wednesday, December 14, remained in same position all day. Order received from Major-General Sherman announcing the capture of Fort McAllister by the Second Division, Fifteeenth Corps, thereby opening communications with the fleet and General Foster. Thursday, December 15, nothing unusual occurred this day. Friday, December 16, a rebel gun-boat came up the river to-day and fired several shots very near us. At night a fort was laid out near the bank of the river on our left. Saturday, December 17, received first mail from the North since leaving Atlanta. Monday, December 19, fresh hard bread was issued to-day, causing a feeling of general satisfaction among the men. A mail left the bri gade. Tuesday, December 20, at dark the regiment was detailed to work on a fort in front of the right of our brigade, called Fort No. 3, where we worked until 1.30 a. m., on Wednesday, December 21, when, it being completed, we returned to camp, and soon after noticed signs of the enemy's evacuation of the city, which was ascertained, by Colonel Barnum sending a detail of ten men from the One hundred and second New York Veteran Volunteers across to their works, under command of Capt. Samuel B. Wheelock, of this regiment, to be true, when the brigade moved forward immediately, occupying their works, and from thence moved directly into the city, arriving at the City Hall at 6.15 a. m., when the brigade was formed in column by regiments, and Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, commanding division, took formal possession of the city, complimenting our brave brigade and its courteous and thorough commander in a fine speech, and soon after Col. H. A. Barnum addressed the brigade in a neat and appropriate speech. We were soon after assigned to duty as provost-guard. Thus closed one of the most gigantic and successful campaigns ever projected and most certainly ever participated in by this regiment. The casualties of this regiment during the campaign are as follows: Enlisted men-killed, 1; wounded, 8; missing, 4; total, 13. Respectfully submitted. [Capt. O. T. MAY, K. S. VAN VOORHIS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.] - No. 117. Report of Maj. Nicholas Grumbach, One hundred and forty-ninth New York Infantry. CAPTAIN :* HEADQUARTERS 149TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Savannah, Ga., December 26, 1864. November 15, the regiment left their camp at Atlanta at 7 a. m. with 16 officers, 244 musket-bearing men, 46 daily duty men, musicians, and non-commissioned staff, being an aggregate of 306 men, and marched to near Stone Mountain, and bivouacked at 4 a. m. of the 16th. November 16, marched at 7 a. m, crossed Yellow River at 12.30 p. m., and bivouacked at 5.30 p. m. at Littlefield. November 17, marched at 5 a. m.; bivouacked at 4.30 p. m. near Ulcofauhachee River on Circle road. November 18, marched at 5.30 a. m. and crossed Ulcofauhachee River at 7 a. m; passed through Social Circle and halted for dinner at Ridgeway, fifty-seven miles from Atlanta; regiment and brigade guarding train; bivouacked at 6 p. m. one mile from Madison. November 19, marched at 5 a. m. Regiment, brigade, and division left the corps and went on an expedition by themselves. Our brigade was second in line and halted at 2p.m. until the Second Brigade, which was in the advance, destroyed a large section of the Augusta railroad. Bivouacked at 3.30 p. m. on a large plantation at Blue Spring. Destroyed about 80 rods For portion of report (here omitted) relating to operations about Atlanta, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 678. |