were still on the west side of the railroad and in an open field to the north of the wood. I therefore concluded to work my way as quietly as possible to the edge of the wood next to the railroad, and then make a dash upon their flank. Accordingly, after throwing Captain Nance's company on my left, deployed as skirmishers, to report any movement of the enemy and to guard against any flank attack from that direction, I moved out of the woods unperceived by the enemy, and simultaneously opened fire and charged on their right flank. They immediately broke and retired beyond the hill on which they were posted, but just before we reached the railroad I discovered for the first time a considerable body of troops, who were unmasked by our passing from behind a thicket of small pines, posted on the railroad and about 500 yards to our left, some of whom were mounted and others dismounted.

Under these circumstances I halted at the railroad, where I found protection for my men behind the embankment, and engaged the enemy, who changed front and returned my fire from behind the brow of the hill, intending to act as circumstances might dictate. Just beyond the railroad was an open meadow, which it was unadvisable to enter while the enemy's cavalry was on my flank. There was no sign of an advance of our line of skirmishers (whose left rested on the railroad) to connect with my right.

Captain Nance reported a large body of cavalry passing around my left and to my rear, toward the woods from which I had just emerged, and a fire at the same time being opened on my left from up the railroad, I determined, upon consultation with my field officers, to retire by the same route by which I approached. I did so, and some time after having reached the woods I received an order from General Kershaw, through Lieutenant Dwight, assistant inspector-general, to rejoin the brigade on the Loudon road. I did so immediately. Not knowing the exact purpose of my orders, I cannot say how far the design was executed, but if not fully carried out it was as much so as circumstances would allow.

A list of casualties in this affair is herewith submitted. Among the wounded was Lieut. Wade Allen, who was struck while bearing a message from me to Captain Nance. I regret to state that he fell into the hands of the enemy when we retired from Knoxville.

On the morning of the 18th, by order, I took my position in line of battle, and after marching near to Mr. Armstrong's house I was halted in a ravine to the left of the road, where I remained until late in the afternoon. During the whole day there was heavy skirmishing in front and considerable cannonading from our batteries, the effort being to carry a high hill on the left of the road and just to the south of Mr. M. M. Armstrong's house.

I received an order about 4 p. m. from General Kershaw, through Lieutenant Doby, aide-de-camp, to carry the enemy's rail defenses situated on this hill, but not to advance beyond them. I was told that the line of these works was indicated by two cedar trees on the top of the hill, and I directed my men not to stop short of these trees, but not to go beyond them. We then advanced in excellent condition under heavy fire until we reached the cedars, but perceiving that the trees were short of the works, I urged my men forward by every means in my power, but perhaps because of the general direction "not to go beyond the cedars," and on account of having once halted, and the difficulty of renewing the advance under such

*Not found.

66

a terrible fire, there was some hesitation, which was further increased by the regiments on my right failing to come up in time on account of natural obstacles encountered in their advance. At length the left of the regiment reached the breastworks, when cries of we surrender" issued from their ranks. I ceased firing and went forward to receive the surrender, but upon being fired on immediately renewed the firing and soon took possession of their works, after killing about 17 of their men and taking several prisoners, a few of whom were wounded.

It is but truth to state that this was the most desperate encounter in which my command was ever engaged, and as it was perhaps one of the most brilliant charges of the war, I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of my comrades. In reference to the alleged bad faith of the enemy in pretending to surrender, it is a charitable construction, and perhaps not an unreasonable one, to suppose that they did not understand each other, rather than that they intended to deceive us.

A list of casualties from this assault is herewith submitted. Among the mortally wounded was First Lieut. D. S. Maffett. Circumstances had often thrown him in command of his company for long periods, and his competency as an officer was well tried and well established. He was efficient and gallant, and his loss is a severe one to his company and regiment. Among the killed and wounded were many of the best spirits in the command. As we advanced to the charge that memorable evening, we overtook at the foot of the hill the skirmishers, commanded by Maj. William Wallace, Second South Carolina Regiment, who, with his command, joined us and contributed their share to the brilliant success. Major Wallace was conspicuous for gallantry and coolness, and it is with pleasure that I make this honorable mention of him.

We intrenched ourselves that night in that position, where we remained for several days. Besides picketing and lying in the trenches nothing occupied us until the night of December 3, when we retired from Knoxville. We marched in the direction of Rogersville, the neighborhood of which we reached on December 9.

On the 14th, we returned as far as Bean's Station, where in the afternoon the brigade, as well as other portions of the corps, became engaged with the enemy's mounted infantry. Although my command was on the field and in proper position, it did not become very actively engaged. After nightfall I was ordered by General Kershaw to march across the fields on the left of the valley until I came to the road, and there to halt and report. I came into the road just at Mr. Gill's house, where I halted and reported as ordered, and soon afterward was directed to connect my picket line with that on my right and go into camp with the rest of the brigade. Near the house of Mr. Gill I captured several inferior horses, saddles, and bridles, enough bacon and crackers to ration my command for about two or three days, besides other articles of inconsiderable value.

On the morning of the 18th, by order, I assumed command of the brigade, but as nothing special occurred after that date I may complete the report of the operations of the command by saying that it remained at Bean's Station until December 20, when we took up the line of march for this point, which we reached on December 22, 1863.

*Not found.

Besides lists of casualties already referred to, you will observe a list* of men left behind in front of Knoxville, who have fallen into the hands of the enemy.

I am, very respectfully,

JAMES D. NANCE,
Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. C. R. HOLMES, Assistant Adjutant-General.

No. 66.

Report of Capt. E. J. Goggans, Seventh South Carolina Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTH SOUTH CAROLINA REGIMENT,

January 8, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders, the following report of the operations of the Seventh South Carolina Regiment since it left Chattanooga is respectfully submitted:

The regiment left Lookout Mountain on the night of November 4, 1863, marching via Rossville and McFarland's Spring over Missionary Ridge.

About noon on the 5th arrived at the artificial tunnel, a few miles from Tyner's Station, where it remained until the 7th, when it took the cars.

After a most miserable trip arrived at Sweet Water Station on the evening of the 8th, where it was encamped until 10 a. m. on the 12th, when it was moved off; encamped that night at Philadelphia.

Morning of 13th, moved off in a direction to the right; struck up camp on the river near Morganton; remained there until midnight; took up line of march, and daylight of the 14th found it at Loudon, where it remained until morning of 15th, when it crossed the river on pontoon bridge and moved off in the direction of Campbell's Station, expecting and hoping to make the place before halting; but to the evident chagrin of many who needed and hoped to get blankets from the captured or slain of the enemy, it was halted and encamped for the night long before reaching the place.

At early dawn of the 16th it was moving on, and toward the middle of the day came near the enemy, when it was thrown in line of battle with other regiments of the brigade to support another brigade that was confronting the enemy in advance of it. Soon, however, it moved with the brigade to the right and fronted the enemy in an open field. Jenkins' brigade, commanded by Colonel Bratton, moved out, and the Seventh, with the others of the brigade, moved to its position and advanced upon the enemy's position, under a sharp artillery fire, without any loss. Night closing in, it moved with the brigade by a flank, and it was said the object was to entrap Yankee cavalry, but we found them not. Moving on a mile or so encamped for the night.

Morning of 17th, were moving soon. Soon came up with the enemy's rear guard. The skirmishers were engaged and the Seventh was moved in line of battle on the right of the Third South Carolina (Colonel Nance's) to support them. Moving on rapidly, it was soon in sight of the Yankees, and under a sharp fire of Yankee cavalry. The enemy being routed by our skirmishers and artillery, it moved by a flank up the railroad. Crossed a creek and was again thrown in line of battle on the right of the road to support our skir

*Not found.

mishers. The enemy being driven back near to Knoxville, it was halted and built a line of breastworks, which, in obedience to orders, it occupied by daylight on the 18th.

Morning of 18th, skirmishing opening briskly, the regiment, with the brigade, moved up to support. Ours lay for most of the day in line to the rear and right of first Armstrong house. In the evening moved by a flank up the river in rear of Fifteenth South Carolina, and took position in line at second Armstrong house and built breastworks. That night went on picket in front of third or last Armstrong house; relieved the skirmishers from our brigade. Captured that night 2 Yankee cavalrymen on horseback, who inadvertently rode into our lines.

In the skirmishes of the 17th and 18th lost 2 men killed and 8 seriously wounded, this loss being from Companies D, F, and L, who were engaged in or as skirmishers. In the regular line of battle a few slight bruises were received, which may not be officially noted.

While at Knoxville, or while engaged in the siege of Knoxville, the regiment did a full share of the multifarious and severe duties that the circumstances necessarily imposed upon all, and the men were often exposed to shell, yet not a man was lost upon any occasion or by any cause.

Night of December 4, 1863, left Knoxville; moved slowly, deliberately, toward Rogersville, via Blain's Cross-Roads, Rutledge, and Bean's Station.

Encamped near Rogersville on the 9th. There remained until daylight on the morning of 14th, when it again moved toward Bean's Station. Arriving that evening at a small mountain by a creek 2 miles from the station, it was once more in range of the enemy's shell. Crossing the creek by a flank and moving that way across the road, following the brigade (it being that day in rear by the rule of alternation in marching), advanced a considerable distance under cover of the hills, making a détour to gain the rear of the enemy. At or near the church on our right the enemy appeared. The Seventh, being in rear, was not engaged. Moving on, it was thrown out in line in rear of the Second South Carolina Regiment to support it. Advancing some distance, the nature of the ground made it necessary to move by a flank. Gaining the top of the hill, the work was over. Went into camp around the bright fires built by the routed and retreating foe.

Lost 2 men wounded; 1 severely, if not mortally.

Remained in camp with but little interruption until 19th, then moved near Long's Ferry. Crossed on 20th.

On 21st, came to this place.

On 23d, the regiment went back to the ferry to do picket duty. It was relieved on 27th. The regiment is now as comfortable as their slender means will admit of.

Thanks are due Capts. Benjamin Roper and T. A. Hudgens for their skill and bravery during the campaign.

To both officers and men of the command all praise is due for their bravery and patient endurance of hardships seldom equaled in

war.

Very respectfully,

E. J. GOGGANS, Captain, Commanding.

Capt. C. R. HOLMES, Assistant Adjutant-General.

33 R R-VOL XXXI, PT I

No. 67.

Report of Capt. Duncan McIntyre, Eighth South Carolina Infantry.

HDQRS. EIGHTH SOUTH CAROLINA_REGIMENT, January 8, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to orders, I beg leave to submit the following report of the operations of the Eighth South Carolina Regiment during the campaign of East Tennessee:

Colonel Henagan being in command, the regiment, with the brigade, left Chattanooga on the night of November 5, 1863, and arrived at Sweet Water on November 8.

Remained here until the 12th, when we marched, via Philadelphia, to Morganton, and crossing the Tennessee River at Loudon on the morning of the 16th and going in the direction of Knoxville, came up with the skirmishers of the enemy during the evening.

We skirmished with them all day of the 11th, driving them near to Knoxville.

On the morning of the 18th, the Eighth Regiment was ordered in front to support the line of skirmishers on the right, resting on the river. Here we sustained a heavy fire for five or six hours, holding in check a strong line of the enemy until about 3 p. m., about which time, the Third Regiment becoming engaged on our left and the Fifteenth Regiment coming up on the line, we were ordered to advance, and charged the strong position of the enemy, driving them in confusion behind their fortifications around Knoxville. We then remained in the position, with no incident of importance, until November 29.

I was placed in command of the regiment on November 27.

On the night of the 29th, I was ordered to report to LieutenantColonel Gaillard with the regiment, and at 10 p. m. my regiment being on the right of the battalion and Second Regiment along the line of breastworks near the river and on the extreme right, I was ordered to advance on the enemy's outposts and capture or drive them in and occupy the rifle-pits. After crossing the creek in front of our position, and advancing cautiously to the open field beyond without being discovered, halted and rectified my line.

In crossing the creek and ascending the hill the regiment became separated from the battalion about 200 yards, and I received orders from Colonel Gaillard to advance alone on the fire of the enemy in the rifle-pits, which I did immediately, the regiment preserving a good line, and coming within a few paces of the pits, I ordered a charge, which was executed in good order, the enemy discharging their pieces and running precipitately. Soon after, the battalion and Second occupying the pits in front of their position, I was ordered to establish outposts in front, and a working party, detailed for the purpose, constructed a line of rifle-pits in advance of the position already occupied, which was done under a heavy fire, of grape and canister from the forts on our left. The pits being finished, we held them until 10 or 11 a. m. next day, when we were ordered to fall back to our original position. Here we remained until the night of December 4, when, with the brigade, we marched to camp near Rogersville, where we remained until December 14.

On the morning of December 14, with the brigade, we came back to near Bean's Station, and coming up with the enemy the brigade was formed in line of battle, the Eighth occupying second position,