I would here remark that all officers and men of my command did their duty well. Not one left his post as long as it could be held.

the

ings. A little after daybreak I received orders and left behind; I also left in camp fifty-four enfrom Colonel R. Rowett, to throw two companies listed men, convalescent and sick. We left Rome as skirmishers in front of my command, and to for the place of our destination at about eight retire slowly to the fort on the hill, leaving one P.M., arriving in Allatoona, Georgia, at midnight, other company in town to cover the retreat of the half-past one A.M. After the disembarkation of skirmishers, if necessary. I was then ordered the different regiments, I was ordered to form my to take possession of a line of rifle-pits near the command in close column of divisions in an open Cartersville road, with my right resting on that space east of the railroad track, in line with other road and joining with the Thirty-ninth Iowa in- troops, the Fiftieth Illinois being to my right, the fantry. At about half-past eight o'clock A.M., the Seventh Illinois was formed in my immediate enemy advanced against our lines on the Carters- rear. Arms were stacked, and the men rested ville road. I therefore sent for my skirmishers, close by for about half an hour, when I received (three companies,) which were still on the right orders to form in line of battle on the foot of the of the railroad and in town. They arrived as hill, east of the railroad, my right resting near the the enemy was charging our lines most furiously, embankment, my left extending to the camp of and enabled, by their timely assistance, a portion the Ninety-third Illinois, and about one hundred of the Thirty-ninth Iowa to regain possession of yards in rear, and running parallel of the Fiftieth a line of rifle-pits, from which they had been Illinois, which was formed in like manner, and driven. After a long-contested struggle, the right behind a barricade of United States army wagons, of the line gave way before a vastly superior being taken apart to afford shelter in case of atforce, which movement compelled my command tack. At daybreak, the regiment in my front to abandon their rifle-pits and retreat to the (Fiftieth Illinois) was ordered up the hill in our fort. With a portion of it, I fled into the rifle-rear, while I, receiving no orders, remained in pits around the fort, and another portion en- position. At the hour of six and seven A.M., tered into the fort, where the fighting was kept batteries of the enemy in front, and occupying a on until half-past two o'clock P.M., when the range of hills about one thousand five hundred enemy retreated. The loss sustained by my yards distance opposite us, opened their fire upon regiment are as follows: (37) thirty-seven killed; the fort above, and some shots, falling short or (66) sixty-six wounded-most of them danger- with purpose, struck around and among my regiously-and thirty-eight missing. ment, wounding several men slightly. I at once moved my line of battle a little forward in shelter of a small ravine, and sent for further instructions up to the fort in our rear, and reported the exposed condition of my men. I was ordered to report with my regiment to Major Hanna, Fiftieth Illinois infantry, who, with his regiment, occupied a position on the hill and rear of the fort, east of the railroad. I moved my command by detachments through the railroad cut, ascending the hill from the rear, and formed in line of battle, my left resting on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois, in which position I remained for about one hour. The troops on the range of hills west of the railroad soon became hotly engaged. I was ordered at once to form my regiment in line of battle on the crest of the cut facing west, and to direct my fire upon the hills and ravines north of the fort opposite us, from whence_our_skirmishers were seen being driven in. I took the assigned position with rapidity, and engaged with my right wing the approaching enemy for about thirty minutes, losing one officer and five men On the afternoon of the fourth instant, about wounded, when I received orders to throw my five P.M., I moved my command, the Twelfth regiment across the railroad in support of the Illinois infantry, pursuant to orders, with three other fort. I moved double-quick by the left flank, (3) days' rations, in light marching order, and and gained the opposite hill under a heavy and sixty (60) rounds of ammunition to the man, to severe fire of the enemy's artillery, killing and the railroad dépôt, to await further orders. At wounding some, but the men kept cool and selfhalf-past six P.M., the train being ready, I re- possessed admirably. On reaching the summit, ported my command, consisting of eight officers, I found the fort and the surrounding rifle-pits and one hundred and fifty-five (155) men, to thickly occupied by other troops. I posted the Colonel Rowett, Seventh Illinois infantry, com-left wing of the regiment to the right of the fort manding the expedition, and took possession with other troops of the cars. A portion of my regiment, being on duty on the picket-line, (two officers and sixty-eight men,) were not relieved,

Inclosed is a complete list of casualties in my command.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be most respectfully, your obedient servant, HECTOR PERRIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment.

CAPTAIN KOEHLER'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, CAMP NEAR ROME, GA., October 10, 1864. J Lieutenant P. P. Ellis, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps:

SIR: In pursuance to circular, dated headquarters, Second brigade, Fourth division, Fifteenth army corps, October tenth, 1864, I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the engagement at Allatoona, Georgia, on the fifth instant, marches, incidents, etc., belonging thereto :

behind the shelter of small wooden buildings, used as quarters for a section of artillery there stationed, my right remained to the left and south of the fort, and opened upon the enemy, who was

}

REPORT OF LIEUT.-COLONEL WILLIAM HANNA. trying to enter the town below, and succeeded in keeping him back in the woods. The men being HEADQUARTERS FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VETERAN much exposed to the enemy's fire from almost all VOLUNTEERS, ROME, GA., October 10, 1864. sides, I took possession of the rifle pit in front In compliance with orders received from briof the fort facing west toward the white house, gade headquarters, I took measures, and prowhere the enemy was seen thickest; the rifle-pits vided my regiment with three (3) days' rations, then being thinly manned, as the troops of other and forty (40) rounds of ammunition to each commands, who occupied them, were fast seek-man. I then formed the regiment, and marched ing shelter inside the fort, leaving the ditch al-it to the dépôt at Rome, Georgia, where there most empty. A small portion of my regiment, was a train in readiness, upon which I embarked for want of room in the out-works or shelter, the regiment on the evening of the fourth of Ocwere placed inside the fort. The engagement tober, 1864. About eight o'clock P.M., the train lasted with terrible fury for about four hours, moved out, and arrived at Allatoona, Georgia, the enemy enfilading great parts of the poorly about one o'clock the same night. We then disconstructed rifle-pits; but the men fought with embarked, and bivouacked for the remainder of veteran coolness, bravery, and determination, the night on the east side of the railroad, immewithout discarding their perilous position-the diately in front of the two forts occupied by the ditches filling fast with dead, dying, and wound- troops stationed at that place; and a little before ed-my officers assisting me in encouraging and daylight I received orders to move my regiment cheering up the men, and obeyed and executed all back from the position I then occupied, and take orders with alacrity, regardless of danger and ex- a new position in column by division in rear of a posure. Five out of seven company command- temporary breastwork built of wagon-boxes and ers were wounded, but their wounds did not pre-wheels, which I did, the men moving quickly but vent them to stand with manful bravery at their posts, till the enemy was finally repulsed, and retreated. The conduct of both officers and men was highly estimable, and where all have done their duty so well without exception, I refrain special mention.

The following is a list of the number engaged and casualties during the action :

Present in action: Five captains, four lieutenants, twenty-three sergeants, twenty corporals, one hundred and twelve privates. Killed, four sergeants, one corporal, five privates; wounded, four captains, one lieutenant, eight sergeants, six corporals, twenty-seven privates. Total killed and wounded, four captains, one lieutenant, twelve sergeants, seven corporals, thirty-two privates.

After the close of the engagement, the men were re-formed, the ditches cleared, and the old position retained, the men rested on their arms, and pickets posted to cover our front, while a heavy rain set in during the night. On the following morning, the sixth instant, the First brigade arrived, and I reported my command to Colonel Hurlbut, Fifty-seventh Illinois infantry, Colonel Rowett and Major Hanna both being wounded in action the day before. On the seventh instant, the regiment was assigned to the Third brigade, till we could rejoin our own. Left Allatoona for Rome at four P.M.; arrived in Cartersville at half-past seven P.M., where we camped for the night. Left Cartersville for Kingston at eleven A.M. on the following day, which place we reached at half-past five P.M. Started at daybreak on the ninth instant for Rome, and rejoined our brigade on the old camp-ground at

silently in position. During this time the pickets had been firing. I then received orders from Colonel Rowett, to move on the hill in rear of the fort on the east side of the railroad. I moved by the right of companies to the rear, and gallantly did the officers and men move up the steep hill-side, covered with underbrush and briers, expecting every moment to be opened on by the enemy's artillery, which was reported they had in position. After I arrived on top of the hill, I took up a position a few yards in the rear of the fort. I had just taken the position, when began a fearful artillery-fire from the enemy's battery, which was spiritedly replied to by the battery in the fort. Many of my men being wounded by the rebel shell, I kept the regiment in the same position for about three hours. At about ten o'clock A.M., the Twelfth Illinois infantry reported to me by direction of Colonel Rowett. I placed them on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois infantry. In a short time I received orders to move one of my regiments to the bank of the railroad cut. On receipt of the order, I moved the Twelfth Illinois infantry on the double-quick. They then halted, and took up a new position as directed.

I regret that, being personally unacquainted with the officers and men of the Twelfth Illinois infantry, I am unable to give you the names of those worthy of particular mention. Both of ficers and men of the Twelfth Illinois infantry performed their part most gallantly. It being about eleven o'clock A.M., the artillery firing partially ceased, and the enemy advanced in force, both in front and on our right flank, nearly in rear of my position. I then went to see if I could find a better position, which I did. I countermarched the Fiftieth Illinois infantry, and took up a new position, my right resting a little in the rear and to the right of the fort, on the right of the railroad, my left resting on the dirt-road running up between the two forts. I then ordered company B of iny regiment out as

skirmishers, and under a galling fire of musketry
the men deployed, and took their position along
the road running in front of the regiment, and
about three hundred yards from the enemy's
line of battle. The enemy charged our line three
times, but by the gallant conduct of the officers
and the cool and courageous bravery of the men,
they repulsed them with heavy loss, our loss
being very heavy also; and now the battle raged. |
I received orders to report with my command on
the west side of the railroad at the fort. I drew
off the regiment and marched at a double-quick
off to the left of the hill; and under fire of artil-
lery and musketry which I never have seen
equalled, the regiment passed down the hill fac-
ing the enemy, and across the railroad at the dé-
pôt, and up the hill to the fort on the hill, where
I was ordered to report the command. During
the movement I had my regimental flag-staff shot
off three different times with the enemy's shell.
I am unable to give the number, but many of my
men fell, before it was possible to accomplish the
movement and get the regiment in position-
either killed or wounded. Bravely and nobly
did the officers and men of the Fiftieth Illinois
infantry maintain their order, marching up with
that determined feeling which only visits the
brave soldier, to conquer or die, trusting in the
God of battles for that glorious result which fol-
lowed-victory.

bearing during the whole engagement. After the
dead and wounded were cared for, the regiment
bivouacked on the battle-field immediately in
front of the fort. I have received the report of
casualties of each company, and find that out of
two hundred and sixty-seven officers and men
which I took into action, I lost in killed and
wounded eighty-six officers and men.
I was
placed on the train. The regiment started from
Allatoona on the afternoon of the seventh, and ar-
rived at Rome, Georgia, on the ninth of October,
1864. I am, very respectfully,
WILLIAM HANNA,

Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HURLBUT'S REPORT.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FOURTH DIVISION,
FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

ROME, GEORGIA, October 15, 1864.

Captain L. H. Everts, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN I would most respectfully report that on the fourth instant I received orders from Colonel R. Rowett, then commanding brigade, to report with my command, Fifty-seventh Illinois infantry, at the railroad dépôt, which I did about seven o'clock P.M.; but owing to the scarcity of cars, could not get off but two companies, A and B, on the first train, with the balance of my brigade, but was ordered to remain and come on next train, which did not arrive, owing to a break in the railroad seven miles from here, till about half past seven A.M. on the fifth. The Fifty-seventh Illinois was immediately run down to the break, when the train returned for detachment of Seventh Iowa and Fifty-second Hlinois, (six companies of Seventh Iowa and four of Fifty-second Illinois.) Soon as they arrived and were reloaded on train east side of the break, I ordered the conductor to move with all possible despatch to Cartersville, and from there to near the Allatoona Iron-Works, where the whole command were unloaded and moved directly to Allatoona, arriving about eight P.M., several hours after the fighting had ceased, and, on reporting to the General commanding, learned that every field-officer belonging to the command had either been killed or wounded. He at once placed me in command of the brigade, but as there was no fighting after my arrival, I can do but little more than forward you the reports of the several regimental commanders, which, in my opinion, are very complete of themselves.

I then, with the assistance of what officers I had, quickly formed the regiment in front of the fort next to the railroad, some occupying a position to the left of the fort, which they took and held under the most destructive fire of artillery and musketry that has ever, in my opinion, been witnessed during this present rebellion. By this time I had lost all my officers but four, and about one fourth of my men either killed or wounded. I was then struck by a musket-ball in the left thigh, which disabled me, but the men did not falter, but fought on with that stern determination which characterized them through the whole engagement. Though assailed by thrice their number, they still firmly held their ground, deal ing out death to the enemy on every occasion, though their comrades were falling thick and fast around them; and thus the battle continued until nearly three P.M., and at four P.M. it had ceased altogether. Captain Horn, of my regiment, then coming up with the remainder of his company, took command of the regiment, and under his supervision the dead and wounded were cared for-the dead buried, and the wounded carried to the hospital that was established in the town. I wish particularly to call your attention to the gallant and soldierly conduct of A. G. Picket, During the night of the fifth, that part of the Second Assistant-Surgeon of my regiment-after Fifty-seventh Illinois, Fifty-second Illinois, and having been wounded, commenced loading musk- Seventh Iowa which had arrived with me, were ets for the men to fire. I do not mention any engaged in digging rifle-pits, and on the morning of my line-officers, for the reason that I should of the sixth, there being no signs of the enemy, be compelled to compliment all, which would oc- details were made and sent out to bury the dead, cupy too much time and space, mentioning each bring in the wounded, and pick up the fire-arms one separately, though I here tender to the offi-lying scattered over the field. This occupied the cers of the Fifteth Illinois infantry my heartfelt entire day, and a part of the seventh. Our losses thanks for their gallant support and soldierly were as follows:

The Twelfth Illinois infantry were temporarily attached to the brigade, but on its return, rejoined its own brigade, and no official report has been received from it by me.

Total killed in brigade: six commissioned officers, eighty-one enlisted men; aggregate, eightyseven. Total wounded in brigade: eleven commissioned officers, one hundred and ninety-six enlisted men; aggregate, two hundred and seven. Total missing in brigade: two commissioned of ficers, one hundred and nine enlisted men; aggregate, one hundred and eleven. Total loss in brigade nineteen commissioned officers, three hun dred and eighty-six enlisted men; aggregate, four hundred and five.

The command moved from Allatoona at about half-past two P.M. on the seventh, marched to Cartersville that night; next day, the eighth, to Kingston, where one company from Fifty-seventh Illinois were left in charge of prisoners captured at Allatoona; balance of the brigade returning to Rome, next day, ninth, arriving at about twelve м., each regiment going directly to camp. Accompanying this, forward a list of casualties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. HURLBUT, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Brigade.

MAJOR FORSSE'S REPORT.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEER

INFANTRY, ROME, GEORGIA, October 10, 1864.

Nelson Flansburg, Lieutenant and Assistant Adjutant-General:

the march pursuant thereto, together with a tabular list of the casualties sustained.

The regiment, consisting of eight (8) companies, numbering two hundred and eighty (280) men, and commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel James Redfield, left Rome, Georgia, at eight o'clock P.M., October fourth, 1864, and proceeded by rail to Allatoona, Georgia, a distance of thirty-five (35) miles, arriving at one o'clock A.M., October fifth. At daybreak, were thrown into line, two hundred (200) yards west of dépôt, but were immediately after ordered into position, three hundred (300) yards further west, and four hundred (400) yards west of main fortification on Cartersville road. Here a disposition was made of the forces, as it seemed certain that the main attack would come from this direction.

Companies B and C of the Thirty-ninth Iowa were thrown forward as skirmishers on the left of the line, and companies A, F, and I were sent forward three hundred (300) yards to the right and front of the main line, to hold the crest of a hill, and discover any movements which the enemy might contemplate on our right flank, while companies E, G, and K were in the centre, holding hastily-constructed rifle-pits, with orders to maintain their position at all hazards. This was the disposition of the companies of the regi

ment at the time that General Corse sent to the rebel General French his refusal to surrender the town and his command. The engagement opened at nine o'clock A.M., between our skirmishers and those of the enemy. The latter immediately threw forward heavy bodies of infantry, but were held in check for some time by our advanced companies, and it was in the attempt of the enemy to drive back our right, that Lieutenant O. D. Russell, company C, received a painful wound in the breast while firmly maintaining his position. After an obstinate resistance of an hour, these companies were compelled to retire, which they did, stubbornly contesting every inch of ground, and punishing the enemy terribly at every step of his advance. At this

LIEUTENANT: In accordance with circular, dated headquarters Third brigade, Fourth division, Fifteenth army corps, October tenth, 1864, I would very respectfully submit the following report. Owing to an accident on the railroad on the morning of the fifth instant, the regiment did not arrive at Allatoona until after the battle. Companies A and B were there, and were occupied during the night of the fourth instant in unloading ammunition from the railroad train and carrying it into the fort. At daylight both companies were sent out as skirmishers, under command of Captain Vansteinburg, company B. They remained on the line until driven into the fort, where they fought during the remaining part of the engagement. Casualties: Company A, Thomas Ward, Phil-juncture of affairs, the brave and gallant Lieutenant-Colonel, James Redfield, fell, pierced lip Bohaler, killed; Thomas Minza, wounded; through the heart by a musket-ball, while enWilliam Duell, missing. Company B, Lieuten-thusiastically encouraging his command to stand ant G. U. Barr, wounded; Michael White, killed; John James, John W. Clark, Granville Garo, George H. Guler, Corporal Hiram Lewis, wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ERIX FORSSE,

Major Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteer In

fantry.

CAPTAIN CAMERON'S REPORT.

firm, and hurl back death and defiance at the enemies of our country. Almost simultaneously, the brave and courteous Lieutenant O. C. Ayres received the fatal shot while nobly discharging tired to the crest of a hill, in rear of the riflehis duty. The advanced companies having repits, continued to pour a murderous and destructive fire into the ranks of the enemy with telling effect, causing him to stagger and waver; at length, however, the enemy threw a heavy force round our right flank, and pouring a deadly enfilading fire, rendered our position upon the crest of a hill entirely untenable, and comLIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the pelled our forces to retire within the main following report of the part taken by the Thirty- works, four hundred (400) yards in rear of our ninth Iowa infantry in the engagement at Alla-advance line, leaving only the three companies toona, Georgia, on the fifth day of October, 1864, in the rifle-pits to contest the advance of the

HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-NINTH IOWA INFANTRY,
KINGSTON, GEORGIA, October 9, 1864.

Lieutenant N. Flansburg, Acting Assistant Ad-
jutant-General, Third Brigade, Fourth Divi-
sion, Fifteenth Army Corps.

enemy, and these companies having received tal, one hundred and fifty-seven. Aggregate, one orders to hold the works at all hazards, did | hundred and sixty-five.

not feel warranted in quitting them without orders, and the enemy, emboldened by our weakness, massed a heavy column on the Cartersville road, (leading to the fort,) and charged us on the double-quick, passed the works, and turning upon our men in the rifle-pits, killed, wounded, or made prisoners every man remaining but nine, (9.) It was in this charge that the colors of the regiment were captured, but not until the entire guard were killed or wounded; these brave boys suffering themselves to be bayoneted rather than surrender the colors which had been placed in their hands, and the companies which had them in charge were captured, killed, or wounded. Finding that by remaining longer I would subject myself and the handful of men with me to needless capture, without being able to effect any results, I fell back to the fort. Here the men of the command fought with the same determination and enthusiasm that had characterized their conduct on the open field. Here that brave, gallant, and lamented young officer, Lieutenant A. T. Blodgett, fell, inspiring the men by his gallant and noble conduct, of which he was the very embodiment.

The fighting continued desperate and bloody, the spirit of the men arising as the fight progressed, until, at three o'clock P.M., we had the satisfaction of seeing the rebel host leaving in utter rout, and the hard-fought field was ours. I cannot close this report without giving expression to the heartfelt grief which pervades all breasts for the loss of our valiant dead; yet we have the consolation of knowing that they all fell nobly battling in defence of the country, and so long as brave and gallant conduct continues to excite emotion in the breast of man, the names of Lieutenant-Colonel Redfield, Lieutenant Blodgett, Lieutenant Ayres, Lieutenant Wright, Lieutenant Jones, and the noble dead who fell under them, will ever be remembered. To the wounded, we would say: Your wounds are sacred, received in a holy cause; to you we extend a soldier's sympathy, and assure you that you shall never be neglected nor forgotten. And to the living, who passed through that terrible ordeal, unharmed, I would say: Your deeds will live after you, and your names will be remembered in history. And although, where all did so well, to particularize would seem invidious, I cannot refrain from making mention the conduct of Lieutenant W. C. Ghost, Acting Adjutant of the regiment, who continued to ride the entire length of the line under a murderous fire, encouraging the men by his words, and inspiring them by his noble daring; also the entire color-guard, and especially the color-sergeant, Charles Armstrong, who so gallantly defended his flag.

of

Subjoined is a list of the casualties of the regiment in the engagement: Commissioned officers, killed, five; wounded, one; missing, two; total, eight. Enlisted men: killed, twenty-eight; wounded, sixty-one; missing, sixty-eight; to

Report of Killed, Wounded, and Missing in Battle at Allatoona, Ga., on the fifth day of October, 1864.