This presents the bitter of such a brilliant campaign and leaves many aching hearts, not only with families and friends at home, but these fallen heroes will ever be remembered and lamented by their comrades in arms, as the jewels sacrificed upon the altar of their country. A change of provost-marshals inadvertently deranged the papers, so I am unable now to give an accurate list of the prisoners captured by my command during the campaign, but the probable number was about 500 to 600. From my situation, I have been unable to have the reports of regimental commanders before me, and will respectfully refer to them, to be forwarded herewith, for more minute particulars, and for a list of casualties in their respective commands. I am, captain, your most obedient servant, &c., Capt. E. D. MASON, W. GROSE, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division. No. 24. Report of Col. P. Sidney Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 27-August 7.. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 4TH ARMY CORPS, Atlanta, Ga., September 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, while under my command, from the 27th day of July to the 7th of August, 1864: The brigade consisted of the following regiments: Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry, commanded by Colonel Waters; Seventyfifth Regiment Illinois Infantry, commanded by Colonel Bennett Ninth Regiment Indiana Veteran Infantry, commanded by Colonel Suman; Seventy-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Infantry, commanded by Colonel Rose; Thirtieth Regiment Indiana Veteran Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hurd; Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Carey; Fifty-ninth Regiment Illinois Veteran Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hale; Eightieth Regiment Illinois Infantry, commanded by Major Stookey. The brigade occupied about threequarters of a mile front in the intrenchments north of Atlanta. On the 28th day of July, in accordance with orders received, I advanced the right of the skirmish line, consisting of details from all the regiments occupying and permanently holding part of the enemy's rifle-pits, and capturing 3 prisoners. On the 3d day of August, having strengthened the skirmish line with two companies from the Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry, I ordered an advance along the whole line, for the purpose of dislodging the enemy from their rifle-pits. This movement was concerted with the brigades on my right and left. The advance was most gallantly made, few shots being fired on our part until the rifle-pits were almost reached, and the enemy had broke and were fleeing. The pioneers were immediately ordered forward, and the rifle-pits were turned against their late occupants. The brigade on our right, which advanced simultaneously as ordered, after reaching the enemy's line was almost immediately driven out and fell back to its original position, while the brigade on the left did not succeed in making any advance; nevertheless, refusing the right and left, we stubbornly held the position gained, and repulsed two attempts of the enemy to retake the work. There being no advantage to be gained by a single brigade holding so advanced a position, MajorGeneral Stanley, commanding the corps, ordered me to withdraw from it, which I accordingly did at night-fall, after the foe had ceased his attempts to retake it, the earth-works having first been leveled and the pits filled up. In this affair we captured 26 prisoners, including 2 commissioned officers, having sustained a loss of but 2 wounded. In order to distract the enemy's attention from a real attack to be made by the right of our army, on the 5th day of August I again received orders to attack and drive him from his rifle-pits in my front. For this purpose I strengthened the skirmish line with five companies of the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Veteran Infantry, under the command of Major Phillips. The artillery along our line opened furiously, and the enemy, evidently suspecting our intentions, were seen to heavily re-enforce their outer line. At the hour designated our skirmishers moved resolutely forward under a galling fire, but without the slightest hesitation or wavering they captured the pits, which they found so near the enemy's main line as to render an attempt to hold them out of the question, and they therefore withdrew at once. In this attack the brigade lost 36 men killed, wounded, and missing, including Lieutenant Willard, of the Thirtysixth Indiana Infantry, mortally wounded, and that faithful and gallant officer, Captain Walker, of the Seventy-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Infantry, who was killed, falling near the enemy's works. For a list of casualties I refer to the several reports of the regimental commanders. The rare ability and reliability of the officers commanding the several regiments of this brigade, the exact discipline which they preserved, the soldierly qualities of the men under their command, their ease of combined movement, and esprit de corps, render the duties of a brigade commander but an easy task. I tender my thanks to the regimental commanders for their cheerful and intelligent co-operation which also made that task for me the greatest pleasure. I commend their meritorious services to the consideration of my superiors and to the gratitude of my countrymen. The several members of the brigade staff deserve mention for their fearless conduct in the affairs of the 28th of July, the 3d and 5th of August, and for the hearty and efficient assistance rendered me. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Capt. E. D. MASON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Fourth Army Corps. No. 25. Report of Col. John E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations September 4-8. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 4TH ARMY CORPS, Atlanta, Ga., September 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received from headquarters First Division, Fourth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, in the recent campaign, since September 4, when I assumed command of the brigade, in accordance with orders from Brigadier-General Kimball, commanding First Division, Fourth Army Corps. September 4, on assuming command of the brigade I found it in position in front of the enemy, the right resting on the left of the Third Division. September 5, I received orders from headquarters First Division, Fourth Corps, to have my command in readiness to move at 8 p. m. to Jonesborough and take up the same position occupied on entering that place. The order for march: The Second Brigade, Colonel Taylor, first; the First Brigade, Colonel Kirby, second; the Third Brigade, Colonel Bennett, third. The hour arriving my command was in readiness, moving with the column. I arrived at Jonesborough September 6 at 3 a. m. Owing to the darkness and great fatigue of my men, I asked permission of General Kimball to camp my command in front of the works built and occupied by my brigade on entering the town on September 1. It was granted, with instructions to occupy the works at early dawn, which was complied with. September 6, my command lay quiet all day, occupying the works; nothing unusual transpired. In the evening I received orders to have my command in readiness to move at 7 a. m. on the 7th instant. September 7, my command moved at 7 a. m. in the advance of the division, going into camp 3 p. m., near Rough and Ready Station. Nothing of note occurred during this day. In the evening I received orders to march at 7 a. m. on the morning of the 8th to Atlanta. September 8, my command moved at the hour appointed, following the First Brigade, Colonel Kirby. Arriving on the ground in rear of Atlanta, formerly occupied by a portion of the Army of the Tennessee, at 1 o'clock, I took position as directed by General Kimball, which ground is at present occupied by my command. In the absence of General Grose I am unable to give a report prior to the date herein given. No comments are needed on the officers and men composing this brigade for the few days they were committed to my orders. Closing the campaign, I must say, with due respect to each and every one, that they performed their duties nobly, as men and soldiers. An official report from General Grose, in combination with all the movements, will be forwarded as soon as received at these headquarters. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, Capt. E. D. MASON, JOHN E. BENNETT, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Fourth Corps. No. 26. Report of Col. John E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, Near Atlanta, Ga., September 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Brigade, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers in the recent campaign resulting in the capture of the city of Atlanta: On the morning of May 3, 1864, in obedience to the order of Col. William Grose, commanding brigade, this regiment marched from Blue Springs, Tenn., in the direction of Red Clay, Ga., at which place the command went into camp for the night. At 6 a. m. the next day moved toward Dalton, and in the afternoon formed line of battle and bivouacked near Catoosa Springs. Again, on the morning of the 7th, moved to Tunnel Hill, formed line of battle, and advanced upon the enemy, who were behind works, but they soon evacuated them, leaving our troops in possession of the town and works. At an early hour the next morning, May 8, this regiment advanced in front line down the valley, driving in the rebel skirmishers till within range of the enemy, who was strongly intrenched on Rocky Face Ridge. This regiment was only engaged occasionally at skirmishing till the morning of 13th of May, when it was ascertained that the enemy had evacuated. A company of this regiment which was on picket advanced and occupied the enemy's works and joined the column moving through the town of Dalton. A short distance south of the town we came upon the rear guard of the retreating foe, who were shelling our advance. This regiment was thrown forward as skirmishers and captured a rebel captain. At night went into camp about eight miles south of Dalton. At early dawn on the morning of May 14 advanced toward Resaca. At noon came upon the enemy in force. One company was deployed as skirmishers; capture 1 prisoner and drive back the enemy to his works; 1 man was killed and 2 badly wounded. At daylight on the morning of the 15th the Thirtieth Indiana relieves this regiment from front line. about noon the men sling knapsacks and move on double-quick to support the front line, while all along the line is a heavy engagement. The enemy having evacuated, on the morning of the 16th, we receive orders to move; pass through the works of the enemy to Resaca. Here we halt for dinner, then move on and camp four miles south of the town. The next day we pass through Calhoun. At the town of Adairsville the enemy holds his position till darkness again gives him an opportunity to escape. 18th, pass through Adairsville. On the 19th again came upon the enemy. One company is deployed as skirmishers, who push forward, driving the enemy before them, till near the town of Cassville; 1 sergeant is seriously wounded. At night form line and build works. Here we rest until noon of May 23, when we are moving southward; cross the Etowah River, and encamp about three miles south of it. The next day move on through mud and woods and rain and reach Burnt Hickory Ridge at about 2 a. m. of the 24th. The next morning at 9.30 have orders to move. We push on toward Dallas, while we hear heavy firing. Form line of battle, the Seventy-fifth in second line, and take no active part till the 27th May, the regiment has a sharp skirmish; 1 man is wounded. Soon At after daylight we are relieved to take a new position at the left. Strengthen the works and lay behind them till June 1, when we move one-fourth mile to the left. While getting into position have 1 man wounded. Here again we strengthen works and remain in them, doing only picket duty. One man killed on the 4th of June. On the morning of the 5th the enemy had again evacuated and we follow toward Acworth and go into camp near the town and remain till the morning of June 10. We march in a drenching rain about four miles, come upon the enemy, form line, and build temporary works. At daylight the regiment moves to the front; have 1 man wounded. Again, on June 15, we find no enemy in our front. In the afternoon, having come upon the enemy, the Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers move in second line, joining the Eightieth Illinois on the left and Ninetieth Ohio on the right. At night on the 16th this regiment, under cover of the darkness, make good works on the skirmish line, but the next morning, the 17th, leave them and move forward to occupy those of the enemy, which he has evacuated. This regiment is in reserve till the 19th June. After moving through the abandoned works of the enemy on that day one company is sent forward as skirmishers, boldly charge across a cleared field, killing, capturing, and driving a heavy line of skirmishers from their works, with the loss of 4 men seriously wounded. On the 21st of June this regiment is relieved by a portion of the Fourteenth Army Corps from the skirmish line and take a new position and, in a drenching rain, are hard at work, when the enemy opens a terrific fire of artillery from three different directions. A number of the shells pass through our uncompleted works, wounding 4 men. On the 22d the works are strengthened and occupied. At this point the lines were so far advanced that the battery of the enemy sent the missiles directly at the left flank of the regiment. We were compelled to lie under this galling fire, having 1 man killed and 1 badly wounded. On June 23 the Fourteenth Army Corps relieves this part of the Fourth Army Corps, the latter taking position about two miles to the right. Sent one company on picket, who drive back the rebel skirmishers. The enemy then charge on this line with a line of battle, compelling our line to retire to its old position, with the loss of 1 first sergeant captured. On the 24th of June this regiment relieves the Thirtieth Indiana from the front line. Send one company on picket. We were so close to the main works of the enemy that no part of a person's body could be exposed above the works only as a mark for the rebel sharpshooters. Second Lieut. Richard L. Mangan, Company D, receives gunshot wound, causing amputation of left leg. The casualties of that day were 3 men wounded and 2 killed. On the morning of June 27 our forces are massed for an assault on the works of the enemy in our immediate front, this division (the First) remaining in position for any emergency. July 3, in obedience of brigade commander, this regiment marched toward Marietta, passing the town at about noon. At night we again came upon the enemy, form line, build temporary works in an exposed position, and had 3 men wounded. On the morning of the 4th of July the two armies are facing each other, ours in readiness for the attack. At about 10 a. m. one company, under command Lieut. James H. Blodgett, Company E, was sent forward as support to the skirmish line, which was to charge in a cleared field. After advancing about one-half mile to a ravine, the whole line halted to dress it. At this time it |