and Seventh New-York volunteer infantry. They entered the city without opposition, the enemy having evacuated during the previous night. The brigade, consisting of the Second Massachusetts volunteer infantry, Third Wisconsin volunteer infantry, Thirteenth New-Jersey volunteer infantry, Twenty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteer infantry, and One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York volunteer infantry, soon followed and took position in the abandoned rebel breastworks on the north-east side of the city, the right upon the Decatur road. By order of Major-General Slocum, the Second Massachusetts volunteer infantry was detached as provost-guard of the city, and Colonel William Cogswell commanding, made Post Commander. September fifth, by order from headquarters Twentieth corps, the One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteer infantry, Colonel N. M. Crane, were ordered to report to Colonel A. Beckwith, Chief Commissary of Subsistence, military division of the Mississippi, for duty in the city. The two regiments above named remained on such duties during the occupation of Atlanta. October 4.-The brigade moved over to the north side of the city, and took position in the rebel earthworks from the Marietta road to the Sandtown road. October 11.-Accompanied a forage expedition under command of Brigadier-General Geary, in conjunction with a brigade from Second division; marched to Flat Shoals, eighteen miles from Atlanta, loaded five hundred wagons principally with corn and oats, and returned to the city October fourteenth. October 22.-Ordered by Major-General Slocum, commanding Twentieth corps, to proceed with the brigade and reënforce Colonel Dustin, of the Third division, commanding a forage-train of eight hundred wagons, guarded by three (3) brigades and two batteries, the expedition being threatened by the enemy's cavalry; moved down upou the right flank of the train to Flat Rock, and encamped for the night. October 23.-Marched through Lithonia to Latimer's, finding a few rebel scouts and dispersing them; found the train near Latimer's loaded with corn. I assumed command of the expedition and moved to Decatur, camping there for the night. October 24.-Moved into the city without accident and took our old position. November 5.-The brigade with the Twentieth corps moved out upon McDonough road, about two and a half miles, and encamped for the night. November 6.-It returned to old camp in Atlanta. November 9.-A brigade of rebel cavalry, with a light battery, attacked the Second division on my left, but were soon repulsed. The brigade was then ordered by Brigadier-General Williams, commanding First division, to move out and endeavor to overtake them; moved down to Turn er's Ferry, on the Chattahoochee River, and back via Sandtown road, not finding the enemy. November 13.-The brigade moved out on the Chattanooga Railroad, midway between Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River, and destroyed three and a half miles of track, by burning ties and bending the rails. November 15.-The brigade, with the exception of the Second Massachusetts volunteer infantry, which was left to destroy the public property in the city, and accompany the Fourteenth corps until such time as it could rejoin its brigade, took up its line of march with the division and corps to which it belongs, marched to Stone Mountain and encamped for the night. November 16.-It crossed Yellow River and Rock Bridge, and encamped two miles from east bank. November 17.-Crossed Big and Little Haynes Creeks and encamped near Sheffield. November 18.-In compliance with orders issued from Major-General Sherman, previous to starting on this campaign, I detailed a forage party, consisting of two companies from each regiment, with directions to proceed along each side of the road, keeping within one half-mile of the column, and collect what subsistence they could find, for the use of the brigade. One detachment of fortythree men, under command of Captain G. W. Reed, all from the One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteers, did not return. I have since learned they were captured by the enemy, five or six miles from the column. Passed throuh Social Circle and Rutledge this day, and encamped four miles from Madison. November 19.-The brigade marched through Madison, and encamped four miles east of that place. November 20.-It marched to within four miles of Eatonton. November 21.-It passed through Eatonton and marched to Little River. November 22.-Marched to Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia. When within one mile of the city, the Third Wisconsin and One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteers were sent forward as guard to the city, Colonel William Hawley, Third Wisconsin volunteers, being appointed Post Commander. The brigade then marched through the city, crossed the Oconee River, encamping near it. The State arsenal and a large amount of public property was destroyed at this place, for particulars of which, I respectfully refer to report of Colonel Hawley, commanding Third Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and also to appendix to this report, marked C. November 23.-Remained in camp at Milledgeville. Second Massachusetts volunteers joined the brigade here. November 24.-The brigade marched to within: three miles of Hebron Post-Office. November 25.-It crossed Buffalo Creek, and marched to within four miles of Sandersville. November 26.-The brigade this day had the advance, moved out of camp at half-past six A.M., and after marching two miles, the Ninth Illinois cavalry in our front, encountered the enemy, who enemy opened one piece of artillery on my skirwere posted on a small creek, the road through mishers, but soon ceased and evacuated their which had been obstructed by fallen trees; the fort. The ground being a rice-swamp, my progenemy were soon dislodged and pursued to San-ress was necessarily very slow, and they escaped, dersville, at which place they made a stand, with the exception of three men, captured by the driving back our cavalry. I then deployed six Third Wisconsin volunteers. Encamped for the (6) companies of the Thirteenth New-Jersey vol- night. unteers as skirmishers, with four companies in reserve, and advanced on them, the Ninth Illinois being disposed on the flanks. The enemy gave way before my skirmishers, and I entered town at the same time as did the Fourteenth corps, who came in on another road to the left. Moving to the right, I followed the enemy through town, and one mile beyond, skirmishing a little. My loss was two men wounded belonging to the Thirteenth New-Jersey volunteers. I was then recalled and ordered with the rest of the division to Tennille Station, on the Georgia Central Railroad, where I destroyed about three miles of track and encamped for the night.. November 27.-Marched to Davisboro, Station No. 22, crossed Williamson Swamp Creek. November 28.-Destroyed three miles of railroad track and marched to Spiers Station. December 10.-Moved down to the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and destroyed about two miles of the track, and moved on to within five miles of Savannah, where the enemy were found strongly intrenched. Formed line of battle on left of Third division, right resting on the Savannah turnpike. A forage party, under command of Captain Gildersleeve, One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York volunteers, this day captured the rebel despatch steamer Ida, on the Savannah River, taking thirteen prisoners, among whom was Colonel Clynch of General Hardee's staff. The steamer was burned by Captain Gildersleeve, he not being able to hold it on account of the rebel gunboats on the river. December 11.-The brigade in same position. Under orders from the Brigadier-General commanding the division, the Second Massachusetts and One Hundred and Seventh New-York, under command of Colonel Cogswell, Second Massachusetts, made a reconnoissance of the enemy's position, and reported directly to division headquarters. Later in the day I was directed to send one regiment to report to the BrigadierGeneral commanding the corps for special service. The Third Wisconsin, Colonel Hawley commanding, was selected, and received orders from Brigadier-General Williams, commanding Twentieth corps, to cross to Argyle Island, in the Savannah River, secure such property as he might find there, and also to make a reconnoisen-sance to the South-Carolina shore. Two compa November 29.-Destroyed four miles of railroad track of Georgia Central, two saw-mills and lumber-yards, and the timber for four (4) large bridges ready for use; one of the bridges was marked "Strawberry Plains," one "Chattanooga Creek," the other two names have escaped my memory. This timber has been gotten out and made ready for use, even to having the pegs to unite it, turned, and was intended, as I afterward learned from a citizen, for future operations of the enemy in East-Tennessee. I should esti mate the number of feet in this pile of timber to be one million five hundred thousand. November 30.-Crossed the Ogeechee, and camped three miles south-east of Louisville. December 1.-Crossed Jones's Mill Creek, Dug Spring, Baker and Camp Creeks, camping near Jones's Mill Creek. December 2.-Passed through Birdsville, and encamped at Buck Head Church. December 3.-Crossed Waynesboro Railroad, and marched to three miles to Millen. December 4.-Crossed Little Ogeechee Creek at Hunter's Mill, and encamped six miles southeast of Sylvania. December 5.-Marched two miles south-east. December 6.-Marched seventeen miles in same direction. December 7.-Marched to Springfield. December 8.-Camped near Eden.. December 9.-Moved out to the Monteith road, reaching the Monteith Swamp about noon, where the enemy had erected two earthworks across the road, and felled the timber for some distance in front. Received orders to move up on the right of the road and endeavor to flank these works. I moved through the wood about three quarters of a mile, where I found a rice-field extending up to the left of their battery, (our right.) I formed the brigade in two lines across this field, advanced skirmishers and moved forward. The nies of this regiment crossed to Argyle Island this night and six companies the following morning, leaving two companies to guard the Georgia shore and take charge of a rice-mill and contraband camp. December 12.-While crossing the river, Colonel Hawley discovered three steamers descending. Winnegar's battery, on the Georgia shore, iminediately opened fire upon them, driving two gunboats, Macon and Sampson, back; one, the armed steam-tender Resolute, was driven on the island and captured with all the crew, consisting of five officers and nineteen men, by Colonel Hawley. There was a quantity of ordnance and subsistence stores on board, a list of which is given in Appendix C. Colonel Hawley also secured a quantity of stores and animals upon the island, which will be found enumerated in Appendix C to this report. The brigade remained in same position until December fifteenth, when the Second Massachusetts volunteers was ordered by Brigadier-General Williams to report to Colonel Hawley at once upon Argyle Island. December 16.-Received orders from BrigadierGeneral Williams to move my brigade over to Argyle Island, and from thence to the SouthCarolina shore. At seven A.M., being relieved by Colonel Dustin's brigade of Third division, I proceeded with the remainder of the brigade to Argyle Island, and took up position on the eastern point and near South-Carolina shore. Two pieces of artillery, battery I, First New-York, were ordered to report to me, and were put into position. During the night received orders from Brigadier-General Williams, commanding corps, to cross my brigade to the South-Carolina shore, and take up position near the river, threatening the Savannah and Charleston pike. Later in the evening this order was countermanded, and an order given to send one hundred men only, and cross them in small boats. December 17.-I found it impossible to cross one hundred men in small boats, not having enough for the purpose, and the low state of the tide not warranting the use of the large barges. Nothing special occurred during the day, save a desultory fire on our position by a light battery of General Wheeler's cavalry command, which had now taken up position on the South-Carolina shore opposite us. December 18.-Remained in same position on Argyle Island, with slight shelling from General Wheeler's guns. December 19.-Under orders from the Brigadier-General commanding division, the Third Wisconsin, Second Massachusetts, and Thirteenth New-Jersey, all under command of Colonel Hawley, were sent over to the South-Carolina shore at day break. They landed without opposition, and advancing to and beyond Izard's Mill, succeeded, after a slight skirmish, in securing a good position. Deeming the force too inadequate to maintain its ground against the accumulating force of the enemy, the One Hundred and Seventh New-York was sent over in the afternoon, and succeeded in gaining an important point on the line. So important did the enemy consider this position, that they charged our forces with their cavalry, but were speedily driven off. thrown up at all the prominent points along the line, making my position as strong as possible. December 20.-In obedience to orders from the Brigadier-General commanding division, to determine the position of Clysedale Creek, with reference to my line, I detailed twelve companies of the brigade, under immediate command of Colonel Hawley, Third Wisconsin volunteers, and accompanied them myself. The force succeeded in reaching Clysedale Creek, with the loss of one man killed, and after erecting works for one regiment, and posting therein two companies of Thirteenth New-Jersey volunteers, an effort was made to strike the Savannah and Hardeesville road, but the enemy, anticipating the movement, had thrown a strong force in our front. Having a canal to cross under their fire if we advanced, I ordered the detachment to withdraw. During the day, a great number of vehicles of all descriptions were seen passing our front, moving from Savannah toward Hardeesville, which fact was reported to the headquarters of the division. In the afternoon, a rebel gunboat came up the river in our rear, and threw about thirty shells in my brigade, killing one man of One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York. I could not reach it with my artillery. At four P.M., the enemy were reënforced by three regiments of infantry from Savannah. From seven P.M. until three A.M. the noise of the retreating enemy could plainly be heard as they crossed the bridges from Savannah to the South-Carolina shore. December 21.-At seven A.M., I received orders from the Brigadier-General commanding division, through Captain Bennett, Topographical Engineer, to recross my brigade to the Georgia shore, as rapidly as possible, and march into Savannah, which place had surrendered to us at five A. M. The enemy were still in my front, and I made dispositions to cross, by sending the One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York, Colonel Ketcham commanding, across to Argyle Island, and put into position behind the dyke, so as to cover the withdrawal of the rear-guard down a dyke on the Carolina shore to a lower landing opposite Gibbon's Mill. The Second Massachusetts volunteers and the two pieces of artillery were then withdrawn, the Second Massachusetts landing on Argyle Island, and the artillery, loaded on a barge, being ordered to land on the island. I then moved the remaining regiment of the brigade, One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York volunteers, to the South-Carolina shore, and established then my headquarters at Izard's Mill. The position occupied by the brigade was strong for defence, but the nature of the ground was such that an advance was difficult. It was a rice plantation, cut up by numerous dykes and canals, and the enemy had burned all the bridges over the canals and overflowed the whole planta- On account of the high. wind, the artillery tion to a depth of eight to eighteen inches water, could not be landed as desired. The enemy, thus necessitating all our movements by the perceiving our movements, advanced their skirflank up these dykes, and they stood well pre- mishers rapidly, but were checked by the bold pared at these places to resist our advance. Dur- front and steadiness of our own skirmishers. It ing the night I transported the two pieces of ar- was two o'clock before the artillery and stores tillery across the river, and put them in position could be got far enough away to warrant the in the centre of the line; the line as then formed withdrawal of the balance of the brigade; then and held by my brigade was two and a quarter it was withdrawn, followed by our skirmishers, miles long, the left resting on the Savannah the enemy pressing hard. The One Hundred River near Izard's Mill, the right on an inlet near Clysedale Creek. During the night I caused earthworks to be and Seventh New-York volunteers crossed; then the enemy grew more bold, advancing at all points; but under cover of the numerous dykes, that, in my opinion, the position taken and held by this brigade on the South-Carolina side of the river, had much to do in accelerating the evacuation of the city of Savannah. they were held in check. At sunset, the Thirteenth New-Jersey volunteers crossed, and Colonel Hawley, commanding Third Wisconsin, with the skirmish-line, was left to the delicate task of withdrawing under cover of darkness. At eleven During the entire march from Atlanta to this P.M., the skirmish-line crossed, and without the place, the brigade has subsisted entirely upon loss of a man captured. During the severe skir- the country. (For statement of stores captured, mishing of the afternoon, Colonel John H. Ketch- see Appendix C.) We have travelled three hunam, commanding One Hundred and Fiftieth New-dred and twenty-three miles, have not lost a man York volunteers, a valuable officer, was severely wounded in the thigh; he had but two days before joined his command while we lay on Argyle Island. December 22.-Crossed from Argyle Island to main land and took position on the right of the First brigade of the division about two miles north of the city of Savannah. On withdrawing from South-Carolina and Argyle Island, about one hundred and fifty negroes came with my brigade. In closing this report, I cannot forbear to say by sickness, and have now only eleven (11) on the sick list, or less than one per cent. For list of casualties, see Appendix A. For list of prisoners captured, see Appendix B. For list of property captured and destroyed, see Appendix C. Accompanying this report, I submit the reports of my regimental commanders. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, APPENDIX C.-Property captured and appropriated to the use of the brigade: Five horses,. 44 mules; corn, 177,118 pounds; fodder, 205,500 pounds; sweet potatoes, 95,000 pounds; fresh meat, including poultry, 95,000 pounds; rice in the sheaf, 20,000 pounds; rice threshed, 500 bushels; syrup, 13 barrels; sugar, 1000 pounds; salt, 6 barrels; bacon, 1000 pounds; meal and flour, 1500 pounds; whisky, 2 barrels; tobacco, 1500 pounds. Property captured and turned over.-Eighteen hundred bales cotton, taken by Colonel William Hawley at Milledgeville, and disposed of by Major-General Sherman. Steamer Resolute, of confederate States Navy, with the following cargo, turned over to Captain Whittlesey, Assistant-Quartermaster Twentieth corps: 20 Short Whitney rifled muskets, accoutrements complete; 5 barrels flour, 6 bags coffee, barrels beef, 1 box candles, barrel syrup, 3 boxes bread, barrel vinegar, 500 pounds bacon, barrel rice. Taken on Argyle Island and turned over to Captain Whittlesey, A. Q. M. Twentieth corps, 2 horses, 14 mules. Property destroyed.-Three and a half miles railroad track between Atlanta and Chattahoochee River; 9 miles Georgia Central Railroad, 14 miles Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Ordnance and ordnance stores destroyed at Milledgeville: 2300 muskets, smooth bore, calibre 69, burned; 10,000 rounds ammunition for the same, burned; 300 sets of infantry accoutrements, burned; 5000 lances, or John Brown pikes, burned; 1500 cutlasses, burned; 15 boxes United States standard weights and measures, burned; 170 fixed artillery ammunition, thrown into the river; 200 kegs powder, thrown into the river; also a quantity of saddles, harness, etc., destroyed during the march. Five cotton-gins, 400 bales cotton, 2 steam sawmills; four railroad bridges, framed and ready for use, 1,500,000 feet; captured on the Savannah River by Captain Gildersleeve, One Hundred and Fiftieth New-York volunteers, and burned, confederate steamer Ida. COLONEL COGSWELL'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS SECOND MLB, DECURRUTE 25, ANTRY, IN THE FIELD, December 25, 1864. November thirtieth, crossed the Ogeechee, and December fifth, marched in rear of train. December seventh, crossed Turkey Branch; camped near Springfield. December 8th.-Marched about ten miles. December 9th.-Marched to about fifteen miles from Savannah. Encountered a small force of the enemy in a small work with two guns. Got on their flank, and they left. December 10th.-Marched across the Charles miles from Savannah, about one mile from the bridge, and at night went into position about five enemy's works, Captain J. R. Lindsay, Acting Assistant Adju-ton and Savannah Railroad, partially destroyed a tant-General, Second Brigade: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the occupation of Atlanta by the Twentieth corps, September second, the Second Massachusetts infantry was assigned to duty in the city as provost-guard, in which position it remained until November sixteenth, when it started on the march in rear of the Fourteenth corps, being the last of the army to leave town. Camped at night about five miles beyond Decatur. November seventeenth, marched in rear of Fourteenth corps wagon-train to Conyer's. Foraged about eight head of cattle. November eighteenth, followed_Fourteenth corps train across Yellow River. Foraged two days' rations of potatoes. November nineteenth, marched through Corington, crossed the Ulcofauhatchee River, destroying the bridge, and camped at Newbern. November twentieth, marched in rear of teenth corps train, about sixteen miles. Foraged a wagon-load of sweet potatoes. Hundred and Seventh New-York, made a reconDecember 11th.-The regiment, with the One noissance toward the enemy's works. December 12th.-Advanced with the brigade, and took position near the enemy's works. December 13th and 14th.-Lay in the same position. December 15th.-Crossed the Savannah River on flat-boats, and camped on a rice plantation on Argyle Island, near the Third Wisconsin. December 16th.-Were shelled from the SouthCarolina shore, and from a rebel gunboat. December 17th.-Lay in same position. Threw up some slight defensive works. December 18th.-Lay in same position. Four-boats, to the Carolina shore, the Third WisconDecember 19th.-Crossed at daylight on flatsin in advance. Drove in the enemy's skirmishfrom the river. Advanced a short distance about ers, and established a line of battle about a mile noon to a small hill, and threw up works. Were shelled by the enemy. November twenty-first, left the Fourteenth corps at Eatonton factory, crossed Little River, and camped. November twenty-second, marched through Eatonton, crossed Little River on pontoons, and camped at Meriwether. November twenty-third, marched through Milledgeville, crossed the Oconee River, joined the brigade, and went into camp. November twenty-fourth, marched with the brigade to Hebron. November twenty-fifth, crossed Buffalo Creek, and camped about three miles beyond. November twenty-sixth, marched through Sandersville, skirmished with cavalry, marched to Tennille Station, and destroyed half a mile of railroad track. November twenty-seventh, marched to Davisboro Station. November twenty-eighth, marched on railroad to Spiers's Turnout; destroyed about one mile of track. November twenty-ninth, marched on railroad about seven miles; destroyed about two miles of track. December 20th.-Had works built for two guns, which were crossed in the night. Were shelled by gun-boats and field-battery. December 21st.-Received orders to cross to Argyle Island, which was effected without loss to our regiment. pickets, were hard pressed by the enemy, but Companies A and C, and our wounded. crossed late at night with a loss of one man land, but a heavy wind prevailing, were blown The regiment attempted to cross to the main down river to King's Island, and recrossed the regiment to Argyle Island in small boats with much difficulty. December 22d.-The whole day spent in crossmarched about seven miles, to the present camp ing the brigade to the Georgia shore. At night, of the command. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM COGSWELL, |