Numbers 212. Report of Bvt. Major General Judson Kilpatrick, U. S. Army,
commanding Third Cavalry Division, of operations January 28-March 24.
HDQRS. CAVALRY COMMAND, ARMY OF INVASION.
Mount Olive Station, N. C. April 5, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by
my command in the recent campaign through the Carolinas,
up to the occupation of Goldsborough:
On the morning of the 28th of January, in accordance with instructions from
the general-in-chief, I left my encampment on the Ogeechee,
and after one of the most difficult marches reached Sister's Ferry January 30.
Went into camp and here remained till February 3, when the bridge over the
Savannah having been completed we crossed; passed the swamp beyond and encamped
on firm ground about Robertsville, S. C. My command consisted of three brigades
of cavalry, indifferently mounted, badly armed; one battery of horse Artillery,
six guns, Captain Beebe commanding, and a small brigade of dismounted men under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Way; in all, 5,068 men for duty.
Notwithstanding the many disadvantages under which we labored, by moderate
marches at first and great care of the animals the command improved from day to
day, and on reaching Goldsborough was without question, despite the long and
difficult marches, numerous skirmishes, affairs, and battles, in better
condition that a the commencement of the campaign.
From Robertsville, my command moved to Lawtonville, thence to Allendale.
After pushing well in toward Augusta,
driving a brigade of rebel cavalry before us, I turned short to the right and
struck the Salkehatchie just below Barnwell. The enemy, about 300 strong,
occupied a well-chosen position behind earth-works upon the opposite side,
commanding the bridge. The bridge was already on fire, but the Ninth Ohio
Cavalry. Colonel Hamilton, Ninety-second Illinois Mounted Infantry,
Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk (dismounted), gallantly dashed through the
swamp, men wading in the water up to their armpits, crossed the stream on trees
felled by our pioneers, and, under cover of a rapid fire of Artillery,
gallantly carried the works, driving the enemy in confusion toward the town of
Barnwell. Only a portion of the bridge had been destroyed and was quickly
repaired, and we entered the town of Barnwell
at 4 p. m., having marched twenty-one miles. The following morning struck the
railroad at Blackville, driving a brigade of Wheeler's cavalry from the town.
My advance was engaged alone with the enemy at this point. It was a very
spirited affair, in which Colonel Jordan, Captain Estes, my assistant
adjutant-general, and Captain Northrop greatly distinguished themselves. Here
the command rested on the road, destroying track during the 7th and 8th, and on
the evening of the 8th moved up the road in the direction of Augusta to Williston Station. After posting
pickets on the various roads leading from the town, and before going into camp,
an attack was made upon Colonel Spencer's command, holding the direct road to Augusta. I directed this
officer to move out at once with his brigade and feel of the enemy and
ascertain his strength. A spirited fight ensued, in which six regiments of
Major-General Allen's division, of Wheeler's cavalry-First, Third, Seventh,
Ninth, Twelfth, and Fifty-first Alabama-were totally routed. Colonel Spencer
alone conducted the fight, displaying much skill and great gallantry. Several
hundred stand of arms were abandoned by the enemy and left scattered along the
road. One officer and many men were killed and a large number wounded. Several
prisoners were taken. Colonel Spencer pressed the enemy so close for a distance
of seven or eight miles that he was finally forced to leave the road and
scatter through the woods and swamps in order to escape. Colonel Spencer
brought back as trophies from the fight five battle-flags. I remained at this
point till 10 a. m. the following day, one-third of my entire command being
employed destroying track. Some three miles were effectually destroyed,
together with the depot and two cars.
February 9, moved to Windsor
and thence to Johnson's Station, destroying portions of the railroad. Up to
that point I had moved from Blackville in such a manner and had so maneuvered
my troops as if I was the advance of the main army moving on Augusta. On the morning of the 11th I found
that the movement was a success. Wheeler had left the Edisto unguarded,
uncovered Columbia, and by marching all day and night reached Aiken at daylight
on the morning of the 11th with his entire command. To make certain of this,
General Atkins, commanding brigade, was directed to move out of my works at
Johnson's Station and make a reconnaissance in the direction of Aiken. His
advance, without opposition, entered the town and a moment afterward was most
furiously attacked by Wheeler's entire command. General Atkins fell back
fighting gallantly, disputing every foot of ground, to my position at Johnson's
Station, giving me sufficient time to make all necessary dispositions to check
the enemy's farther advance. At 11 a. m. Wheeler, with one brigade, feinted
upon my left flank and charged, mounted, with his entire command. He was
handsomely repulsed with a loss of 31 killed, 160 wounded, and 60 taken
prisoners. He made no further attack, but feel back to his old position at
Aiken. I remained at this point, destroying track as usual, and constantly
demonstrating in the direction of Augusta, till
the night of the 12th, when I left Wheeler's front, crossed the Edisto at
Guignard's Bridge, and encamped four miles beyond, picketing the Edisto as high
up as Pine Log Bridge
against Wheeler's cavalry. February 14, encamped on the south bank of the North
Edisto; crossed on the 15th; moved well in on the left of the Fourteenth Army
corps, marching parallel with it and struck the Lexington,
and Augusta road, or whathe country the Two
Notch road, northwest of and nine miles distant from Lexington. Only some 1,500 of Wheeler's
cavalry had passed upon the road in the direction of Columbia. The majority of his command,
together with Cheatham's corps, which had been marching for Columbia, was intercepted.
On the 17th crossed the Saluda River; moved north; found that Wheeler had crossed
the Saluda and was moving for the railroad bridge over Broad
River at Alston. Marched all day the 18th parallel to Cheatham's
corps, rebel infantry, and at some points not over three miles distant. A bad
stream alone prevented me from striking him in the flank. He had crossed the Saluda fifteen miles above Lexington Court-House and was
now moving northeast in the direction of Newberry. I struck the railroad at
Pomoria Station, destroying a portion of the track, the depot, and burned
several bridges from that point to Broad River.
I reached Alston on Broad River on the evening of the 18th, and here remained
in camp till the evening of the 19th, when I crossed Broad River, and on the
evening of the 20th reached Monticello.
Found that Wheeler had already crossed the river and was moving north to
Chesterville. From Monticello my command moved to Springfield Post-Office, on
the Columbia and Charlotte Railroad, and demonstrated strongly in the direction
of Chesterville until the main army had secured a crossing over the Wateree
River, then drew off across the Wateree and moved to Lancaster, and again
strongly, demonstrated in the direction of Charlotte. Here it was found that
Hampton's and Wheeler's combined forces were in my front. By demonstrations and
feints, communications, and a well-timed interview with Major-General Wheeler,
the enemy was not only deceived as to our real movements, but the deception was
kept up for several days, and it was not until our army had crossed Lynch's
Creek and the advance had actually reached Chesterfield and Cheraw that he
discovered his mistake. In the meantime portions of my command had occupied Monroe and Wadesborough,
destroyed many mills and much other valuable property. When near Chesterfield
the enemy for the first and only time succeeded in making a single dash upon
the infantry columns of the Left Wing, and then only chased in the foragers.
The exceedingly bad roads and length of column rendered it impossible for
all the roads to be effectually guarded. Previous to this time Captain
Northrop, of my scouts, had burned all the railroad bridges on the Columbia and Spartanburg Railroad up to and including the
one over Broad Rive at Shelton's
Ferry.
While at Lancaster
the following communications were sent to and received from Major-General
Wheeler by flag of truce, and a number of prisoners were exchanged:
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND, AND OF INVASION.
In the Field, S. C., February 22, 1865.
Major-General WHEELER,
Commanding, C. S. Cavalry:
GENERAL: Yesterday a lieutenant and seven men and a sergeant of a battery
were taken prisoners by one of your regiments-if I am correctly informed, a Texas regiment-armed
with Spencer carbines and commanded by a lieutenant-colonel. This officer and
his men, after surrendering and being disarmed, were inhumanly and cowardly
murdered. Nine of my cavalrymen were also found murdered yesterday, five in a
barn-yard, three in an open field, and one in the road. Two had their throats
cut from ear to ear. This makes in all eighteen Federal soldiers murdered
yesterday by your people. Unless some satisfactory explanation be made to me
before sundown, February 23, I will cause eighteen of your soldiers, now my
prisoners to be shot at that hour, and if this cowardly act be repeated if my
people when taken are not treated in all cases as prisoners of war should be, I
will not only be allowed but encouraged to take a fearful revenge. I know of no
other way to intimidate cowards.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. KILPATRICK,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Chesterfield,
S. C., February 22, 1865.
Major-General KILPATRICK,
U. S. Army,
Commanding Cavalry, &c. ;
GENERAL; Your dispatch of this date is received, and I am much shocked at
the statements which it contains. I am satisfied that you are mistaken in the
matter. I have no Texas
regiments armed with Spencer rifles, and none commanded by a
lieutenant-colonel. The two Texas
regiments which belong to my command are commanded by captains, and neither
were in any engagement on yesterday. If any of my regiments were engaged with
the enemy yesterday that fact has not yet been reported to me. I will have the
matter promptly investigated and see that full justice is done. Should the
report, however, by any means prove correct, I prefer that the retaliation may
be inflicted upon the parties guilty of the misdeeds, and not upon innocent
persons. I have no desire whatever to make counter-threats in response to those
which you have thought proper to address to me, but should you cause eighteen
of my men to be shot because you chanced to find that number of your men dead,
I shall regard them as so many murders committed by you, and act accordingly. I
trust, however, such a painful necessity will not be forced upon me.
Your threat "to burn every house as far as your scouts can extend"
is of too brutal a character for me, and I think for my Government, to reply
to.
Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
J. WHEELER,
Major-General, C. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND, ARMY OF INVASION,
In the Field, S. C., February 23, 1865
Major-General WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry, C. S. Army:
GENERAL: Your dispatch dated Chesterfield,
February 22, has just been received and I feel satisfied that you will so fully
investigate the circumstances attending the murder of my men that the guilty
parties will be discovered and punished. The regiment referred to as being
commanded by a lieutenant-colonel may have been commanded by a captain, but
certain it is that the force was mostly composed of Texans, many armed with the
Spencer rifle, and my people were shot by order of the officer in command. One
of my scouts a reliable man, was with this force all day, and testified to the
fact that not only were these men referred to murdered, but that the general
conversation of your men was that they would take no more prisoners. I hope you
may be able to furnish some reason that may in a degree justify the course
taken by your men.
You speak in your communication of my threat to burn houses, &c., as
being "too brutal for you or your Government to entertain. " No
matter how brutal it may seem, I have the power and will enforce it to the
letter, and more, if this course is persisted in, I will not only allow but
encourage my people to retaliate man for man. I shall take no action for the
present. If stragglers from my command are found in the houses of citizens
committing any outrages whatever, my own people are directed to shoot them upon
the spot, and of course I expect officers and soldiers of your command to do
the same.
I am alive to the fact that I am surrounded by citizens as well as soldiers,
whose bitter hatred to the men I have the honor to command did not originate
with this war, and I expect that some of my men will be killed elsewhere than
on the battle-field, but I know and shall not hesitate to apply a sure remedy
in each case.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. KILPATRICK,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding Cavalry.
During the night of the 6th of March my command crossed the Pedee, and on
the 7th occupied Rockingham, driving Butler's
cavalry division, of Hampton's
cavalry, from the town after a considerable skirmish, in which the rebel
General Aiken was killed. On the 8th crossed Lumber River and after the most
difficult march over the most horrible roads, swamps, and swollen streams, I
struck the rear of Lieutenant-General Hardee's column at Solomon's [Solemn]
Grove, on the Charlotte and Fayetteville road, capturing a number of
poisoners. Lieutenant-General Hardee was found to be rapidly moving for Fayetteville, and from
prisoners we learned that Lieutenant-General Hampton's cavalry was some miles
in the rear, but rapidly marching for the same point. I determined at once to
intercept him. By scouts I learned that Hampton
was marching upon two roads, the Morgantown
road and a road three miles farther to the north and parallel to it just south
and east of Solomon's [Solemn] Grove. I posted upon each a brigade of cavalry,
and learning that there was a road still farther north upon which some of the
enemy's troops might move I made a rapid night's march with Colonel Spencer's
Little brigade of three regiments and 400 dismounted men and one section of
Artillery, and took post at the point where the road last mentioned intersects
with the Morgantown road. During the fore part of the evening I left General Atkins
and joined Colonel Spencer with my staff and actually rode through one of
General Hampton's divisions of cavalry, which by 11 o'clock had flanked General
Atkins and was encamped within three miles of Colonel Spencer. My escort of 15
men and 1 officer was captured, but I escaped with my staff. General Atkins and
Colonel Jordan discovered about 9 o'clock that while the enemy was amusing them
in front he was passing with his main force on a road to his right. These
officers at once pulled out and made every effort to join me before daylight
but failed to do so, owing to the bad roads and almost incessant skirmishing
with the enemy, who was marching parallel to him, and at some points not a mile
distant.
Hampton had marched all day and rested his men about three miles from
Colonel Jordan's position at two o'clock in the morning, and just before
daylight charged my position with three divisions of cavalry, Humes', Allen's
and Butler's. Hampton led the center division (Butler's) and in less than a
minute had driven back my people and taken possession of my headquarters,
captured the Artillery, and the whole command was flying before the most
formidable cavalry charge I ever have witnessed. Colonel Spencer and a large
portion of my slly taken prisoners. On foot I succeeded in gaining the cavalry
camp a few hundred yards in the rear, and found the men fighting with the
rebels for their camp and animals and we were finally forced back some 500
yards farther to a swamp impassable to friend or foe. The enemy, eager for
plunder, failed to promptly follow us up. We rallied and at once advanced upon
him. We retook the cavalry camp, and, encouraged by our success, charged the
enemy, who was endeavoring to harness up the battery horses and plundering my
headquarters. We retook the Artillery, turned it upon the enemy about our
headquarters, not twenty steps distant, and finally forced him out of the camp
with great slaughter. We re-established our line and for an hour and a half
foiled every attempt of the enemy to retake it. At about 8 o'clock General
Mitchell with a brigade of infantry came within supporting distance, having
rapidly marched to my assistance across the country from the plank road. He at
once moved up in position and remained with me until 1. 30 o'clock, rendering
every assistance possible. The enemy, however, did not make it necessary for
the infantry to fire a single shot. General Mitchell has my thanks and deserves
great credit for the rapid march over a broken country, the soldierly feeling
displayed, and anxiety to assist me. We lost 4 officers killed and 7 wounded,
15 men killed and 61 severely and several slightly wounded, and 103 officers
and men taken prisoners.
The enemy left in our camp upward of 80 killed, including many officers and
a large number of men wounded. We captured 30 prisoners and 150 horses with
their equipments.
This battle speaks for itself and needs no comment from me. I will simply
add that less than one-third of my entire command was unexpectedly attacked
before daylight by the entire rebel cavalry force led by Hampton in person, the
pet and pride of the Southern chivalry, and no matter what the facts may be
regarding the conduct of my people under the first terrible onset of the foe,
they can proudly boast that without assistance they regained their camp,
animals, Artillery, and transportation, and drove the enemy in confusion from
the ground he had taken by surprise and force of numbers alone.
On the following day my command moved to Fayetteville,
and on the morning of the 15th crossed Cape Fear River and moved out upon the
road toward Raleigh,
encountering the enemy in force six miles from Averasborough. Re-enforced by a
brigade of infantry, my command remained in camp during the night within easy
rifle-range of the enemy's pickets. At daylight the following morning I moved
out in line of battle, the infantry having the center. The enemy's pickets were
driven in and his skirmish line forced back to his main line of battle. After
thoroughly reconnoitering the enemy's entire position I decided it was not
prudent to attack, and sent back for infantry re-enforcements. In the meantime
the enemy moved out of his works and furiously attacked the cavalry under
Colonel Jones upon the right. This officer gallantly held his position until re-enforced
by the brigades of Colonel Jordan and General Atkins, and after repulsing three
determined attacks, charged in turn, driving the enemy back again behind his
works. The Twentieth and Fourteenth Army Corps having come up and gone into
position, in accordance with instructions from the general-in-chief, my cavalry
operated upon the right throughout the day and, mounted and dismounted fought
side by side with the infantry, and I am certain to their entire satisfaction.
The following morning we crossed Black Creek and moved out upon the Smithville
[Smithfield]
road to the left and front of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps.
This was the last operation of the cavalry during the campaign worthy of
notice. We were on the field ready and willing to participate in the battle of
Bentonville, but the opportunity did not offer. After the enemy had been
defeated and driven beyond Mill Creek, and the main army had moved to
Goldsborough, my command moved to Mount
Olive, on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, and there
went into camp, and now remains resting from the long and arduous campaign
through which it has so recently passed.
I look back over the past campaign, so glorious to this Army, with feelings
of pride and satisfaction. My entire command, animated by the same spirit, with
full confidence in their chiefs, have with skill and energy overcome every
obstacle, and have willingly dared every danger that a perfect success might
crown our efforts.
I take great pleasure in bringing to your favorable notice the names of the
following officers of my command whose great services throughout the campaign
entitle them to promotion; Brevet Brigadier-General Atkins, Commanding brigade;
Colonel Thomas J. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding brigade; Colonel
George E. Spencer, First Alabama Cavalry, commanding brigade;
Lieutenant-Colonel Way, commanding dismounted cavalry; Lieutenant Colonel F. A.
Jones, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, and Captain L. G. Estes my assistant
adjutant-general. I do not deem it necessary to mention the individual cases in
which these officers have particularly distinguished themselves. A careful
perusal of this report alone will show that they fully deserve the promotion I
ask for them.
Accompanying this report will be found special recommendations of
meritorious officers, which I consider just and proper; also accompanying this
report will be found a nominal list of killed, wounded, and missing, prisoners
taken, property captured and destroyed, throughout this campaign.
Respectfully submitted.
J. KILPATRICK,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding.
Major E. B. BEAUMONT,
Asst. Adjt. General, Cavalry Corps, Military Div. of the Miss.
[Indorsement.]
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the field, Goldsborough, N. C., April 7, 1865.
This report is concise and clear. The cavalry on this march was handled with
spirit and skill. Almost always confronted by a superior force of the enemy,
led by rebel generals of high repute-Wade Hampton, Butler, and Wheeler-General
Kilpatrick was always willing to attack, but I restrained him as it was
important to retain our cavalry strong to cover the flanks of our long wagon
trains. In all actions our cavalry fought well.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
ADDENDA.
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND,
In the Field, March 22, 1865
The campaign is over and we are promised rest. Our depot will be at Mount Olive,
and a railroad shall be at the disposal of officers and men. Every liberty
shall be granted consistent with the best interests of our cause, for which I
feel in my heart the invincible soldiers of my command have done so much. This
day I met our great chief on the field of battle, amid the dead and dying of
our enemy, who has again fled before our proud, advancing banners, and my ears
were made to tingle with the grateful words of praise spoken in admiration of
the cavalry.
Soldiers, be proud! Of all the brave men of this army you have a right to
be. You have won the admiration of our infantry, fighting on foot and mounted,
and you will receive the outspoken words of praise from the great Sherman
himself. He appreciates and will reward your patient endurance of hardships,
gallant deeds, and valuable services.
With the old laurels of Georgia
entwine those won in the Carolinas, and
proudly wear them.
General Sherman is satisfied with his cavalry.
By command of Brevet Major-General Kilpatrick:
L. G. ESTES,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.