o'clock, the 16th, where the cavalry was delayed until 5 p. m, to make up trains. Reaching Winona, 12 miles, at daybreak, the 17th, it was found that the enemy, who now appeared in front, had destroyed a small bridge above town; therefore I decided to leave the trains, now composing 13 engines and 60 cars, and push forward into Grenada, where I heard of some force of the enemy being posted. I had caused to be burned a bridge below West's Station, one below Vaiden, and two below and near Winona, that the trains could not be carried off if we should be forced to abandon them temporarily. Under my instructions I expected to return to Winona, and run the trains to Grenada. Leaving Winona at 7.30 a. m., the column reached Duck Hill Station, 12 miles, at 11 o'clock, and was halted to feed and rest at Jackson's Creek, 114 miles from Grenada, till 3 p. m., then moved to that place, arriving at 7. From Winona to Grenada, 25 miles, the advance, Third Iowa, was briskly skirmishing, and at Payne's plantation, 5 miles from Grenada, we came upon quite a force posted behind Berry Creek, which, however, was speedily forced to abandon the position, retreating eastward. Upon arriving at Grenada, I found Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, with two brigades, 1,500 men. The railroad bridge over the Yalabusha having been burned by the enemy, Colonel Phillips, hearing nothing of our advance, and fearing an immediate attack from Jackson's cavalry, set fire to the long trains of cars and engines which he found there. His arrival about noon had been followed by the burning of the bridges and the retiring of the enemy (at 4 o'clock), after several hours' skirmishing, with little or no loss on either side. Colonel Phillips had retired most of his troops north of the river, intending to move northward at once, believing General Ruggles would intercept him at or near Panola. The whole command being without rations, I decided to remain one day and procure them, and placing the Third Iowa in charge of the town, with Major Noble as provost-marshal, I caused the fires on the bridges to be extinguished and prevented the extension of a conflagration which threatened to destroy the town, two large blocks having already been burned. Keeping the entire command, except provost guard, picket, and commissary details, on the north side of the river, I had the condition of the trains examined into, and herewith I submit a statement showing the number, condition, &c., of all rolling stock on the Mississippi Central and Mississippi and Tennessee Railroads. At 4.30 a. m. the 19th instant, the entire force moved northward, via Oakland, to Panola, where the Tallahatchie was crossed during the evening of the 20th instant after a slight skirmish with some guerrillas. On the 21st the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips moved east toward Tchulahoma, while my proper command marched to the crossing of the Coldwater. At this point the enemy was found in some force, posted on the opposite bank of the river. Directing Major Noble, with 75 men of the Third Iowa, to occupy their attention in front, I sent Major Farnan, Fifth Illinois, with three companies of his own and two companies of the Third Iowa Regiment (supported by four companies of the Fifth Illinois), all dismounted, with instructions to cross the river lower down half a mile, and get in the rear of the enemy, if possible. Through the indiscretion of some of his command the alarm was given ere this was done, and the enemy in front retreated with some loss, just as the flanking party came in sight. During this time there was continued skirmishing in our rear and on both flanks, several hundred men being in that direction. Repairing the boat we crossed and encamped at dark 4 miles from the river, and arrived at Cane Creek, 4 miles from Memphis, at noon the 22d instant, having marched 265 miles, with loss as follows: Third Iowa, 4 privates wounded, not dangerously; Fourth Iowa, 4 privates and 1 sergeant missing; Fifth Illinois, 1 private killed and 1 wounded seriously. There were captured and paroled 55 prisoners of war, and I brought to this point 25 railroad engineers and mechanics, thus damaging the enemy much, as this latter class of persons are not numerous in Mississippi. The regiments which I have the honor to command did not commit any excesses; did not enter one house from camp to Grenada, except on duty, and the property was respected, while the inhabitants were kindly, firmly, and fairly treated by the entire command. Very few able-bodied citizens were in the country, and there was little hope, apparently, of success of the Confederate cause. A large amount of growing corn was everywhere seen and some beef cattle, but bacon is quite scarce. In the central portions of the State considerable wheat has been harvested. I could not have returned via Yazoo City without undoing the good conduct and feeling created, because of the scarcity of provisions, and on account of condition of my command as regards rations, health, and ammunition, and with consideration for the horses, many of whom became temporarily unserviceable from sore backs, &c., I deemed it best to return via this city. I had every reason to believe that a portion of Jackson's cavalry would endeavor to prevent my return southward. Nothing could be done toward running the railroad stock toward Memphis because of lack of means of repairing bridges over the Yalabusha, Tallahatchie, and Coldwater Rivers. At Grenada there had been burned by Colonel Phillips a large mill with a quantity of flour sufficient for our entire force, though his division was out of food. I take pleasure in stating that the cavalry as a whole did everything which could be asked, and would mention particularly the valuable services of Captain Peters, Fourth Iowa Cavalry; Lieut. D. E. Jones, acting assistant quartermaster of the expedition, and the gallant conduct of Major Noble and Major Farnan. Trusting my conduct and operations will meet your approval, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant to command, E. F. WINSLOW, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Forces. Capt. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General, 15th Army Corps. Summary.-Engines, 53; cars, passenger, 99; baggage, 2; box, &c., 196; hand, 2. Total, 299. E. F. WINSLOW, AUGUST 12–23, 1863.-Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Grenada, Miss., with Skirmishes at Craven's Plantation, Miss. (14th), and Grenada, Miss. (17th). REPORTS. No. 1.-Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, U. S. Army, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 2.-Col. John K. Mizner, Third Michigan Cavalry, chief of cavalry, Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 3.-Col. August Mersy, Ninth Illinois (Mounted) Infantry, commanding post of Corinth. No. 4.-Lieut. Col. Jesse J. Phillips, Ninth Illinois (Mounted) Infantry, commanding expedition. No. 5.-Maj. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry. No. 6.-Lieut. Col. Martin R. M. Wallace, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut; U. S. Army, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, MEMPHIS, TENN., August 20, 1863. SIR: I have honor to transmit copy of report of expedition ordered from these headquarters. Cavalry force from La Grange on 13th, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, Ninth Illinois Infantry (mounted), reached Grenada 17th, drove Slemons, with 2,000 men and three pieces artillery, from the place, destroyed 57 engines, 400 cars, the depot build ings, machine-shops, several blacksmith-shops, and a quantity of ordnance and commissary stores, and captured 50 railroad men and a number of prisoners. After Colonel Phillips had accomplished his work Colonel Winslow, ordered up by Major-General Grant, appeared with a force. Detailed report will be forwarded. S. A. HURLBUT, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., September 13, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward you report of LieutenantColonel Phillips, and documents. Major-General Sherman's orders, as I am informed, left no discretion to Colonel Winslow on the subject of the rolling stock on this railroad. It was, as I well knew, impossible to bring it in and its thorough destruction I considered imperative. The cavalry detachments which composed this expedition were very handsomely handled, and I take occasion here to say that the cavalry of this command, almost without exception, have been steadily and energetically at work through the entire summer. I am informed by citizens that the enemy have completed the demolition of the engines and are removing part of the machinery in wagons. If they can save the driving wheels of the locomotives it will be a great thing for them, as they cannot be replaced in the Confederacy. Breaking the flanges renders them entirely useless, and if another party should move up in that direction it should be done. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Tenn., Vicksburg, Miss. No. 2. Reports of Col. John K. Mizner, Third Michigan Cavalry, Chief of Cavalry, Sixteenth Army Corps. LA GRANGE, August 17, 1863. (Received Headquarters Memphis, August 17, 1863.) Our cavalry, 1,500 strong, have been out five days. Their return is looked for to-morrow. From information received here I judge the enemy were too much scattered to harm them, and that they fell back before us in consequence of the move made from below. I have no apprehensions. The cavalry at Corinth is available. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, and Chief of Cavalry. Major-General HURLBUT. LA GRANGE, August 19, 1863. (Received Headquarters Memphis, August 19, 1863.) The cavalry force sent from here on the 13th instant, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, reached Grenada on the 17th instant, drove Slemons, with 2,000 men and three pieces of artillery, from the place, destroying 57 engines, upwards of 400 cars, the depot buildings, machine-shops, several blacksmith-shops, and a quantity of ordnance and commissary stores, capturing about 50 railroad men and a number of prisoners. After Colonel Phillips, with his command, had accomplished his work, Colonel Winslow appeared with a force from below. His brief report will be sent by to-day's train. J. K. MIZNER, Major-General HURLBUT. Colonel, and Chief of Cavalry. No. 3. Report of Col. August Mersy, Ninth Illinois (Mounted) Infantry, commanding post of Corinth. CORINTH, August 20, 1863. (Received Headquarters Memphis, August 20, 1863.) Colonel Mizner reports the cavalry sent out from La Grange on 13th ultimo, under Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, reached Grenada on 17th, drove Slemons, with 2,000 men and three pieces of artillery, from the place, destroying 57 engines, upward of 400 cars, depot buildings, machine-shops, and quantity of ordnance, and command captured 50 railroad men and number of prisoners. After Colonel Phillips had accomplished his work, Colonel Winslow appeared with a force from below. Detailed report will follow immediately. Very respectfully, Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, AUG. MERSY, Colonel, Commanding. No. 4. Reports of Lieut. Col. Jesse J. Phillips, Ninth Illinois (Mounted) Infantry, commanding expedition. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Grenada, Miss., August 17, 1863-5 p. m. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to your order I joined the column from La Grange, at Oxford, and found that brigade under command of Major Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry. I moved, without instructions, to Water Valley, being joined 5 miles south of Oxford by the First Brigade of Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace commanding. The command not having been designed |