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The brigade was formed in line of battle by daylight on the morning of the 31st ultimo; the Forty fourth, occupying its position next on the right, marched from its encampment through a corn-field. When approaching a thicket, the enemy opened a battery upon us in front of the Seventeenth Regiment, of same brigade, wounding some 3 men of my regiment. We advanced beyond the thicket through a corn-field, when <ar29_893> the brigade was halted, the right resting near a cedar thicket. Here a severe fire was opened upon us by the sharpshooters of the enemy, wounding several of our men and creating some little confusion. We here deployed a company as skirmishers, who soon drove back the enemy's sharpshooters, not, however, until they had wounded several field officers and many men. We then advanced and crossed the Old Franklin road into a cedar thicket, where we had a very severe engage merit, fighting some twenty minutes before the enemy gave way. Here our color-bearer was shot down, and Major Ewin was shot from his horse, and 8 company officers fell--1 killed and the others wounded. We then charged and drove the enemy through a woodland, they offering a stubborn resistance, until they approached a large corn-field. Here the enemy were routed, some going through the field and others on either side thereof. The Forty-fourth Regiment passed into the corn-field several hundred yards, then moved by the left flank and entered a woodland.

When the brigade reformed, and was resupplied with ammunition, it continued to move forward under the fire of the enemy's battery to our right, which firing was very heavy. After marching until we reached the cotton-field, we made a right half-wheel, facing toward the enemy's battery, advancing through the field in its direction. Having sent forward sharpshooters, the battery retired, our skirmishers doing good service, killing and wounding both horses and men. We pressed forward then through the woods, crossing the Nolensville road, moving by the left flank, and, passing through a small field, entered another woodland. Here the brigade, marching in line of battle, engaged the enemy in a cedar bough [brake]. The enemy fell back. We took 21 prisoners and pressed the enemy. We found that we were in advance of our line of battle, and that we were about to be flanked by them on our right in heavy force. One of the prisoners taken said that had we advanced 100 yards farther we would have been surrounded by an entire division in ambush and thus cut off. The Forty-fourth and Thirty-seventh were marched by the left flank and reunited with the balance of the brigade, which fell back, to avoid a flank movement of the enemy, to our own lines.

Under the direction of the general, the brigade was reformed and ordered forward to support a portion of what I supposed was McCown's division, already engaging the enemy. We marched through a long piece of woods, entering a large corn-field, where we found that the enemy had checked that portion of McCown's division, which division was much scattered and disordered. Their officers were endeavoring to rally and carry them forward. At this moment we reached and passed them, passing a small house, and, crossing two fences, we entered a cedar thicket, which was the strongest natural position we encountered through the day, it being one of large ledges of rock of very rugged formation, protected by a heavy-growth of cedar. Here we engaged the enemy, driving him back over a fence. A portion of the Forty-fourth crossed over the fence. It was at this juncture--the enemy gradually falling back, stubbornly resisting our advance, and taking advantage of the ground--that the troops on our right were found suddenly to have broken and given back in confusion, without any apparent cause. A mounted officer of that command, passing Lieutenant-Colonel [John L.] McEwen, [jr.,] said that we were under a heavy cross-fire and must retire. Consequently, being without support, and the men witnessing the flight on our right, fell back in disorder, in spite of the efforts of the officers present. <ar29_894>

In retiring, our loss was considerable, 2 officers and nearly 20 men. A general retreat took place. We fell back through the field a considerable distance into the woods, where, with great difficulty, the command was reformed at 4 p.m. The brigade remained in line of battle without any more fighting, under the fire of the enemy's artillery of long range.

It affords me pleasure to state that the officers and men of my command behaved with great gallantry, with the exception of a few persons who fled the field under the fire of the enemy, and whose names shall be reported for the consideration of the general.

Respectfully submitted.

JNO. S. FULTON,
Colonel, Commanding Forty fourth Tennessee Volunteers.

R. B. SNOWDEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[P. S.]--A list of the killed and wounded is also herewith submitted.(*)

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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/2 [S# 51]

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 22, 1863.--The Chickamauga Campaign.
No. 414.--Report of Col. John S. Fulton,
Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Johnson's brigade.
<ar51_471>

HEADQUARTERS JOHNSON'S BRIGADE,
September 30,1863.

SIR: I have to report the action taken with the enemy by the Forty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-third, and Seventeenth Tennessee Regiments, composing this brigade, and Company E, of the Ninth Georgia Artillery Battalion (a battery of two howitzers and two small rifled pieces), commanded by First Lieut. W. S. Everett, in an affair at and from Ringgold to Chickamauga Creek, on the l7th and 18th instant, and at the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th and 20th instant:

By order from Brigadier-General Johnson this brigade moved at 3 p.m. on 17th instant, from its encampment, 3 miles south of Ringgold, on the Ringgold and Dalton road, in the following order: Twenty-fifth, Forty-fourth, Twenty-third, and Seventeenth Tennessee Regiments. On our approaching Ringgold a supply train on its way to Ringgold had been reversed and was rapidly returning. At this juncture, I received an order from General B. R. Johnson to form the brigade in line of battle at the foot of Taylor's Ridge and throw forward skirmishers to hold Ringgold. The Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiment being in front, took position on its right flank to protect the wagons rapidly moving to the rear. The brigade was formed in line of battle at the foot of Taylor's Ridge, the Forty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiments on the right of the road, Twenty-third and Seventeenth Tennessee Regiments on the left. A company from each regiment was sent in charge of Major Davis to hold Ringgold, with a detachment of Scott's cavalry on my flanks. A section of the battery was placed on my extreme right on elevated ground, where I ordered it to open upon the enemy's battery posted on the hill above and to the northwest of Ringgold, which had fired 2 shots into the town. After firing 8 rounds I dislodged the enemy, who was pursued by Colonel Scott's cavalry with a section of Everett's battery, 6 miles. He (Colonel Scott) having reached their encampment, a few rounds of grape and canister were fired among the enemy's camp fires, when Colonel Scott, with the section of artillery, retired.

The brigade rested on their arms in line of battle during the night. Rations were cooked and in haversacks by daylight on the morning of the 18th instant, when we took up line of march to Leet's Tan-yard. After marching a short distance the line of march was changed. The regiments countermarched and followed the enemy in the direction of Chattanooga, and having reached Peeler's (overshot) Mill we found that the enemy were near us. The brigade was formed in line of battle and skirmishers thrown forward, together with the left wing of the Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment, under General Forrest, followed by the right of that regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel McEwen, jr. Lieutenant Everett fired a few rounds on the enemy, under direction of General Forrest. The skirmishers of the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment engaged the cavalry pickets of the enemy, killing 3 men and mortally wounding 1.

The enemy's skirmishers having been driven back, the Twenty-fifth, Twenty-third, and Seventeenth Regiments were moved forward, <ar51_472> crossing Pea Vine Creek some 600 yards from our first position into and over a corn-field, where these regiments were drawn up in line of battle. The enemy had taken his position in the corn-field opposite, running to a high ridge near the junction of the Graysville and La Fayette, Ringgold and Chattanooga roads. A section of the First Missouri Battery (Bledsoe's) having been placed in position on my left by Generals Johnson and Forrest, in rear of the Seventeenth Tennessee, the Forty-fourth was now brought to the right of the Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiment. The firing from this battery drove the enemy from his position, and after shelling the woods in our front I again received an order to advance in line of battle.

My skirmishers were kept deployed at a distance of 200 yards, which distance they kept, passing over the ridge (a strong position) and forward to Reed's Bridge, across which the enemy had moved and taken position in the woods beyond. Before reaching the bridge (Reed's) the Seventeenth Tennessee was detached and sent by General Forrest to the left to attack a force of the Federals at their principal encampment. Before gaining this position, however, the enemy fled. The skirmishers of the Twenty-third Tennessee while approaching Reed's Bridge became engaged, and the Twenty-third Tennessee Regiment voluntarily pushed forward with a yell and drove the enemy from the bridge before it could be destroyed. Here the Twenty-third Tennessee had 5 men wounded, 1 of whom (Private A. Melton, color bearer), when obliged to give up his colors, called upon his successor to carry them forward ahead of everything else.

Skirmishers were immediately sent over the bridge and deployed, followed by the Forty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, and Twenty-third Tennessee Regiments, which filed to the right some 300 or 400 yards through a corn-field. The enemy now opened a battery upon the bridge, one of its shells wounding Lieutenant Hastings, of the Seventeenth Tennessee, which regiment was returning to rejoin the brigade and crossed over the bridge under the enemy's fire of artillery. A section of First Missouri (Bledsoe's) Battery, of the reserve artillery, opened fire and drove the enemy's battery from its position.

The brigade moved forward in line of battle, changing direction to the right, and moved in line to Alexander's Bridge, where we were halted and remained for brigade on our left (Gregg's) to come up. Gregg's brigade moved forward, followed by Johnson's, [from] which, after marching some 600 yards, the Forty-fourth Tennessee was detached to guard our wagon train. Having marched some 2½ miles by the flank, Gregg's brigade became engaged with the enemy. We changed front forward on left company, left battalion, amid moved up on line with other troops on our left, and rested on our arms during the night, one-third of the men being required to be awake and skirmishers deployed in our front.

Saturday, September 19, early this morning a detail of intelligent men was made, five from each regiment, to reconnoiter the enemy's line. They reported to me about 10 a.m. the enemy 1¼ miles distant and in our front. The Forty-fourth Tennessee took its position on the right of the brigade, and the line of the brigade conformed to that of Gregg's on our left, and Robertson's on our right, which encompassed the top of a low ridge. The firing commenced on our right about 8 a.m., and continued along the line until Cheatham became engaged.

About 1 p.m. the skirmishers of the Seventeenth Tennessee, as <ar51_473> well as those of Gregg's brigade, were driven in. A general engagement was now commenced on our left, the left companies of the Seventeenth Tennessee participating by firing obliquely to the left. At this time Everett's battery was placed behind the extreme left of the Seventeenth Tennessee, the fire of which drove the enemy back at this point.

Shortly after the command to move forward was given, the left regiment to touch to the right until we reached the road, when the right would move slowly, that the left may come up on the road, thus to change direction slightly to the right; but this order was not fully carried out. We did not advance exceeding 700 yards when the enemy opened fire upon us and we became hotly engaged. The enemy had planted a battery which struck about the center of the Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment, and which opened upon our advancing lines, throwing in rapid succession grape and canister, and supported by infantry, whose fire of small-arms was heavy, well-directed, and disastrous.

The entire brigade now became hotly engaged (during this engagement Major Lowe, of the Twenty-third Tennessee, was wounded), which lasted nearly an hour, the enemy making a stubborn resistance, gradually retiring, he having advantage of both undergrowth and ground, but finally was driven across the Chattanooga and La Fayette road. The Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, on approaching the road, was halted and opened fire on the enemy in its front, distant about 200 yards in a woodland. The undergrowth having been cut out, the enemy were in full view. The Forty-fourth Tennessee was still engaging the enemy. The Twenty-fifth and a portion of the Twenty-third Tennessee Regiments crossed the road (the other portion of the Twenty-third being with the Seventeenth Tennessee) and gained the cover of the woods and moved to the flank of the enemy's battery (still firing upon the right of our line) at right angles with my present line, gaining a fence, under which they opened fire. Delivering several volleys, [we] ceased firing, reloaded, and charged the battery, driving the enemy's gunners from their guns and killing several horses. The caissons were moved off by the enemy, leaving their pieces on the field. The Seventeenth Tennessee and the other portion of the Twenty-third Tennessee had crossed the road, having driven the enemy. The Seventeenth Tennessee here lost 1 officer killed, 2 officers and about 20 men wounded.

In this engagement the Forty-fourth Tennessee suffered heavily, sustaining a loss in killed and wounded.

A portion of Robertson's extreme left (Texans) and part of the Forty-fourth Tennessee had been driven back, but about two-thirds of the Forty-fourth Tennessee crossed the road.

Here Lieutenant-Colonel McEwen, jr., 5 company officers (Captain Jackson one of the number), and 50 men were wounded and 6 men killed, among the latter Sergt. T. A. Johnson, color bearer, one of the bravest of the brave. Lieutenant-Colonel McEwen, jr., however, remained with his command after he was wounded Until obliged to retire from exhaustion.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tillman, of the Forty-first Tennessee, Gregg's brigade, rode up to me at this time, stating that the enemy was moving down the road to my left and would soon be in my rear. Doubting the report, I suggested that our lines were connected on our left and that a flank or rear movement could not, therefore, be made by the enemy. I, however, found that but two regiments of <ar51_474> Gregg's brigade had moved up with my line, and they had retired. Lieutenant-Colonel Tillman had thus lost sight of his regiment, and in company with him and Lieutenant-Colonel Floyd I started to the road to satisfy myself as to the correctness of this report. I had gone but a short distance when I discovered a column of the.enemy moving by the flank in direction of the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, which rapidly gained its rear. I heard distinctly the commands "halt," "front," and immediately their fire was pouring upon our flank and rear. Here a general stampede ensued, so sudden and unexpected was the movement. We fell back 200 yards in rear of the Chattanooga and La Fayette road and reformed.

In this flank movement of the enemy, the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment lost 11 officers, including their gallant major (Davis), who was wounded, and about 60 men taken prisoners.

The brigade built temporary breastworks, behind which it remained during the night in line of battle. Our skirmishers, under Major McCarver, were directed to occupy the Chattanooga and La Fayette road, but this could not be done, the lines on my right and left not conforming thereto. I, however, instructed them to be posted within 50 yards of the road.

Sunday, September 20.--This morning my line connected on the right with McNair's (Gregg being in the next line in our rear) and General Hindman's on the left. Everett's battery took position between my left and the right of Hindman.

Shortly after 9 a.m. the skirmishers, under direction of Lieuten-ant-Colonel Ready, fell back to the breastworks, bringing those of the enemy after them. A well-directed fire from the Forty-fourth Tennessee drove the enemy's skirmishers back, leaving many of his dead in our front. My skirmishers were sent forward and very soon they became again engaged, the enemy using his artillery.

About 10 a.m. a general advance was ordered. The left of the brigade had advanced but a short distance before it became engaged with the enemy, the battle having commenced some three hours earlier on the right. The Seventeenth Tennessee recrossed the Chattanooga and La Fayette road, where it engaged the enemy. The whole line crossing the fence, the engagement became general. Here we passed a house and garden and through an open field. It was here that Lieutenant-Colonel Ready, of the Twenty-third Tennessee, was wounded while rushing forward.

On entering the house, cribs, &c., many prisoners, both officers and men, were captured, and here some fine swords were taken from the enemy. Among the prisoners was the colonel of the One hundredth Illinois Regiment. The enemy's breastworks, which had been built at intervals along his line, offered but a poor assistance to the enemy to resist our advance, which was not only vigorous and spirited, but irresistible. We found he had a second line of breastworks, about 80 yards in rear of the first, made of logs and rocks, behind which they scarcely halted. Having driven the enemy from his first position, we halted and reformed our line in front of a dense, low, pine thicket. Pressing forward we carried this position, the dead of the enemy showing how good a protection he had calculated on. We passed through a stubble wheat-field to a ravine until we reached the edge of a long open field, the upper side of which being a bald hill or high ridge, upon which the enemy had a heavy battery of nine guns firing upon the advancing line on our right.

Without delay the field was entered and charged across, and the <ar51_475> ridge or bald hill was gained, the troops on our right having flanked and silenced the enemy's battery, which was captured. Everett's battery was immediately brought up, together with Dent's, which were opened upon the enemy's retreating wagon train, moving on the Chattanooga and Crawfish Spring road.

I sent forward skirmishers to reconnoiter the hollow beneath, where was found the enemy's telegraph running up the Chattanooga and Crawfish Spring road, several hundred yards to our right. This telegraph was cut down and several prisoners captured; among the prisoners a staff officer of Major-General Van Cleve and one of General Rosecrans' escort, with their horses and equipments. The effect of our batteries was fine, the enemy rapidly retreating.

A mounted officer was dispatched to the troops on our left (who had not kept pace with us) with a flag to show and direct them to our position. They had already opened one of their batteries upon our position, having taken us for the enemy. Their battery was playing upon us from the second hill on our left.

Having received orders to move to the hollow beneath, we here changed direction to the right, which threw the line almost perpendicular to the former. This done I marched forward, entering a corn-field. Here we began to see the fruits of our rapid and continuous movements. Three 12-pounder brass field pieces and three caissons were here captured, and nine 4-horse wagons, one of which, with 4 mules attached, was immediately sent to the rear. Three of these wagons were laden with ordnance, the others with commissary and quartermaster's stores. Some of the wagons were capsized, so utter was their confusion. I immediately found that my left flank was exposed and sent forward a heavy line of skirmishers to cover both my left flank and front, and advanced the brigade to the hillside and there halted. I also sent forward a party to reconnoiter the front in advance of the line of skirmishers, who, after absence of an hour, reported the enemy about 1 ½ miles distant and advancing.

In the meantime, I had learned of the enemy having skirmishers, or that occasional shots were fired from the hill on my left, running almost at right angles with the one on which I was then resting. I sent immediately a company of skirmishers to reconnoiter the hill. A few prisoners were brought in.

In the corner of the field below my present position was the Vidito house, where the enemy had practiced many outrages. The ladies were found lying under the floor of the house, and when they saw the enemy retreating and our line advancing they broke from their concealment, shouting and clapping their hands for joy.

A delay of an hour occurred While waiting the movement of some troops to our left, under orders from General B. R. Johnson. During this time, however, a portion of Dent's and Everett's batteries were placed in position in front of the brigade, and we replenished our cartridge boxes from the enemy's three wagons laden with ordnance, which had been captured here.

Between 1 and 2 p.m. I advanced to the top of the hill, when we were again upon the enemy, who opened a heavy fire upon us. Our batteries and small-arms here were engaging the enemy some fifteen minutes, when our line fell back some 15 paces under cover of the hill, Gregg's command on my right, giving back at the same time, this no doubt having started the backward movement. Just at this time the two brigades (Deas' and one other) were marching in line <ar51_476> of battle by the Vidito house to connect with our lines on the left, they changing direction to the right for this purpose. A general advance was ordered and our batteries opened simultaneously. The firing was heavy, and the enemy's massive columns were hurling against our wearied heroes. Again our line fell back. Two brigades now came up in our rear. One of these brigades moved in advance of us, and receiving the enemy's fire fell back behind us again.

My line was again ordered forward, the enemy being within 50 yards of the batteries and but one piece firing. Here commenced a most desperate struggle for the possession of this ground--Mission-ary Ridge.

The battle raged furiously and the tide of success wavered in the balance. Charge after charge was repulsed, only to rally and charge again. Again our line fell back, and the untiring, indomitable, and determined officers rallied again their fast thinning ranks and again moved forward. Here officers and men behaved most gallantly. Appeals to love of home and wounded comrades and the peril of the moment were made, and never did men rush forward more eager, daring, desperate, and defiant. The enemy's treble lines now began to show that our fire was terribly effective upon them.

Our cartridge boxes had been replenished as required, and still we were nearly out. Again more ammunition was supplied and the conflict continued hot and heavy. The enemy was now slowly giving back, hard pressed by our now shattered remnants. Another charge, with the yells of the men and cheers of the officers, and forward we pressed, only to discover the victory was ours and the enemy in full retreat.

This series of engagements lasted four long hours, during which Johnson's brigade won many laurels and an imperishable name. At this moment another brigade came up and was loudly cheered forward, but the enemy made no resistance. Our ammunition being (with but few exceptions) exhausted, the brigade halted and reformed, moved forward, about faced, marched back some distance, and formed on Manigault's line. Here we sent forward pickets to cover our front, and several prisoners were brought in.

The men rested on their arms during the night, having on this day won a victory, one of the most glorious of the war. In this engagement Everett's battery fired very effectively, being in the thickest of the fight. This evening he had 1 sergeant and 2 men wounded and 5 horses shot down by the enemy. During this engagement with the enemy this morning, while firing on the enemy's wagon train, he dismounted one piece of the enemy's artillery. He fired 428 rounds during the four days' fight. I commend the officers of this battery to favorable consideration for their fidelity and good conduct while under fire.

I have also to notice the services of Lieutenant Dent, commanding Robertson's battery, whose fire upon the enemy was incessant and effective, both officers and men behaving most coolly and gallantly during the day.

I have great pleasure in attesting to the gallant and efficient conduct of the following officers: Lieutenant-Colonel McEwen, jr., commanding Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment (wounded); Lieutenant-Colonel Snowden, commanding Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiment; Colonel Keeble, commanding Twenty-third Tennessee Regiment ; Lieutenant-Colonel Ready, of Twenty-third Tennessee Regiment <ar51_477> (wounded); Major Lowe, of Twenty-third Tennessee Regiment (wounded); Lieutenant-Colonel Floyd, commanding Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, and Major Davis, of Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment (wounded and captured). Adjutants Cross, Gwyn, and Fitzpatrick, and Lieutenant Greigg, who came into the action on Sunday morning; also Captain Terry, who, after he was wounded on Saturday evening, rendered me valuable service on Sunday.

Mention may also be made of the following: Private (ex-captain) Ridley, of Twenty-third Tennessee, who went into the action and fought manfully with a gun, setting a good example to all; Lieutenant Vernon, of Company B, Twenty-third Tennessee, for the manner in which he bore himself.

On entering the action this command numbered as follows, viz:

Command           Officers     Men      Aggregate

44th Tennessee      28           266           294
25th Tennessee      25           120           145
23d Tennessee       28           153           181
17th Tennessee     27           222           249
Battery                ....           ....               85
Total                   ....           ....             954

The numbers of the different regiments of this command were thus small, the barefooted men having been sent to the rear, by order from division commander, as follows: Forty-fourth Tennessee, 56 men; Twenty-fifth Tennessee, 23 men; Twenty-third Tennessee, 26 men; Seventeenth Tennessee, 120 men and 2 officers. Aggregate, 227. My loss was as follows:

Command      Killed.      Wounded.      Captured and missing.      Aggregate

44th Tennessee 10                88                     15                          113
17th Tennessee ....                61                     69                          130
23d Tennessee   8                77                     13                            98
25th Tennessee 10                45                     1                             56
Battery           ....                  3                     ....                             3
Total              28                274                    98                          400

I have much pleasure in stating that there was no straggling, either by officers or men. I have also great satisfaction in noticing the medical appointments of this brigade for promptness and efficiency. The care and treatment of the wounded by Dr. Jackson, Forty-fourth Tennessee, acting brigade surgeon; Dr. Slummer and Dr. Harris, of Twenty-third Tennessee; Dr. Jones, of Seventeenth Tennessee, and Drs. Fryar and Jackson, of Twenty-fifth Tennessee. I also return my thanks to Dr John Ganaway who volunteered his services and rendered himself useful in a high degree. I think I may say that the wounded of this brigade received attention second to no other brigade in the army commanded by General Bragg. <ar51_478>

I have to report the following capture of ordnance and ordnance stores:

Enfield Rifles (in train)                                     300
Guns, different calibers, stacked on field                 2,200
Total                                                               2,500

Enfield cartridges, caliber .577 (in train)                 69,000
Enfield cartridges issued from enemy's wagons        35,000
Piled with small-arms                                           50,000
Total                                                                154,000

Of the wagons captured this day, 9 (4-horse) were secured to this brigade, 1 with team for ordnance train. Also 3 wagon loads of accouterments.

Lieutenant Lake, in charge of the division ordnance train, has made the foregoing report to me. The pro rata of this capture is due to Johnson's brigade, viz:

Enfield rifles                                         100
Guns, different calibers, stacked on field     733
Total                                                  833

Enfield cartridges                                         23,000
Enfield cartridges issued from enemy's wagons    11,666
Piled with small-arms                                    16,667
Total                                                         51,333

And 1 wagon load of accouterments.

I have also to enumerate 3 brass 12-pounder cannon, 3 caissons for 12-pounder cannon, captured on the field on Sunday evening by this brigade, as mentioned in this report, I of which was hauled to the rear by Lieutenant Everett, commanding my battery, attached. I would also state that 21 of the above guns was manned by men (artillerists) from the Seventeenth and Twenty-third Tennessee Regiments, and used under direction of Lieutenant Dent with good effect on the enemy during the four hours' contest on Sunday evening.

I have also to mention Ordnance Sergt. J. F. Baxter, wounded on the field. This man is an untiring officer, and faithful to his trust.

The provost guard, under Lieutenants Ewing and Orr, rendered invaluable service.

I am pleased to notice the conduct of Private Turner Goodall, of the provost guard, who, in the thickest of the fight on Sunday evening, seeing the men all so gallantly at work and hard pressed, came up with his gun and fought manfully through the hottest of the fight, and by words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers and example did his whole duty as a soldier and provost guard.

The capture of prisoners by this brigade in the two days' fight exceeds 600 men and officers sent to the rear.

I would also mention Lieutenant Ewing, of the provost guard, from the Seventeenth Tennessee Regiment, who, finding that the officers of his company had all been placed hors de combat, asked permission and returned to take command of his company on Sunday morning. He is a worthy and promising officer.

I have to report the following articles captured from the enemy and secured by Dr. John W. Templeton for the use of the brigade: <ar51_479> One 2-horse spring ambulance; 70 dozen bandages; 2 pounds opium; and other medicines; 1 dozen sets splints.

Dr. Templeton is the hospital steward of the Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment.

Respectfully submitted.

JNO. S. FULTON,
Colonel, Commanding Johnson's Brigade.

Capt. W. T. BLAKEMORE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/2 [S# 51]

AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 22, 1863.--The Chickamauga Campaign.

No. 418.--Report of Maj. G. M. Crawford
Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry.

[ar51_492 con't]
ON OUTPOST DUTY, NEAR CHATTANOOGA,
September 28,1863.

SIR: On Friday, September 18, the Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment left Ringgold, Ga., and marched 3 miles to [Cherokee] Spring, where the enemy's pickets had been posted, but were driven in by some of our brigade. It was very soon ascertained that the enemy was not far distant, his number unknown. One company of the regiment was thrown out as skirmishers while the regiment halted near the springs. Very soon afterward General Forrest came up and took the left wing of the regiment and went forward in the direction of the enemy, perhaps to ascertain his locality. The rest of the regiment, in connection with the brigade, was soon ordered forward, and so eager were our troops and settled their determination for victory that the enemy was compelled to retreat about 5 miles that day. At night we encamped near the bloody field of the two succeeding days.

Saturday morning the regiment remained quiet, excepting some few changes of position. About 3 o'clock in the evening, however, the regiment was ordered forward, and a few moments found it contending with the enemy. Near two hours was the regiment engaged in a severe conflict with the enemy, exposed to such showers of Minie, grape, canister, and shell as is seldom experienced in the battles of modern times. The enemy was driven back from his hidden position some distance; but the brigades on the right and left having fallen back, leaving us exposed to an enfilading fire of the enemy, compelled the regiment (with the brigade) to fall back a short distance, which it did, and was very soon ready for a hot reception of the enemy. At this point, however, we remained during the night prepared for the enemy at a moment's warning.

Sunday morning (perhaps about 9 o'clock), after some skirmishing with our pickets, the regiment was ordered forward to meet the insolent invader. This order was promptly obeyed, and the Middle Tennesseeans gallantly pressed forward, wishing not only to clear Georgia's soil of the vandal hosts, but also hoping that a victory there and then would speed the time when their present blockaded pathway would be opened, when, if not permitted to see their homes, they could at least hear therefrom. The regiment advanced but a short distance before it was engaged with the enemy, which was very soon dislodged and compelled to flee for quarters. From here the <ar51_493> regiment moved forward to the edge of an old field, where it was halted to see the result of a hot contest on our right.

During this time, however, skirmishers were sent forward, but no enemy found in our front. Again we were soon ordered to change direction to the right and then move forward. This being performed, the regiment advanced about half a mile and halted a few moments, and then it was moved a few hundred yards farther and then halted on the brow of the hill. Here it rested until about 2 o'clock, I suppose, when the enemy was discovered in front moving by the right flank, parallel with our line of battle. Here the regiment engaged the enemy in one of the most severe conflicts perhaps of the day. This was an important place for the enemy, and they came forward doubtless determined and, as they thought, prepared to take it. The attack was furious, indeed, but was sternly met. Owing to the vastly superior force of the enemy, the contest became so severe and deadly that the regiment fell back 100 or 200 yards, where it made a stand. This time the Forty-fourth was held in reserve, and the brigade formed partly in front of the Forty-fourth. Another engagement soon opened by the enemy attempting to take a section of a battery we had planted there. The lines soon became engaged, and so fierce and dreadful was the conflict that the Fortyfourth was soon ordered forward to the relief of the front line and security of the battery. After the exchange of several furious volleys the enemy was driven back, their superior force and fresh troops to the contrary notwithstanding. After a contest of about four hours with this corps of fresh troops, nightfall came on and we were found in possession of the battle-field with no enemy to be seen but the killed and wounded.

The number of prisoners taken by the Forty-fourth is not known. Their skirmishers took a wagon loaded with commissaries, &c., and sent some or all of them to the rear. They also at the time and place took 2 or 3 cavalry.

Respectfully submitted.

G. M. CRAWFORD,
Major, Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment.

Lieut. R. G. CROSS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

Reports from the Official Records  
44th Tennessee Consolidated Infantry
1864 - 1865

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVI/2 [S# 68]
MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 96.-Report of Col. John S. Fulton
Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Johnson's Brigade, of operations May 7.

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HEADQUARTERS JOHNSON'S BRIGADE,
Fort Clifton, May 8,1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the engagement at Port Walthall Junction on the 7th instant:

The morning of the 7th found us in line of battle on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, and to the right of the Junction. About 10 o'clock we received orders to move to the front. We had not gone far, however, before we were ordered to resume our former position. This being done, in about fifteen minutes we were ordered to move by the flank and on the left of the enemy's line of battle, under cover ofof thick pine woods. Leaving one regiment in reserve, we reached the point designated and formed line of battle perpendicular to that of the enemy, supporting a section of artillery in our front. Just at this time our battery opened on the enemy. The enemy's battery replied and shelled our position fiercely, though with very little effect, wounding 3 men. Failing to induce the enemy to advance, as <ar68_246> was anticipated, and finding that he was moving to our right, we retired to our first position on the line of the railroad, now become the right of our line of battle. Here we remained during the rest of the day. The enemy did not advance on our position, consequently, with the exception of some skirmishing and cannonading, we were not otherwise molested. Our casualties are as follows: Wounded, 7 privates; missing, 1 private.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN S. FULTON,
Colonel.

Capt. R. E. FOOTE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVI/2 [S# 68]
MAY 4-JUNE 2, 1864.--Operations on the south side of the James River, Va.
No. 98.--Report of Capt. William N. James
 Commanding Twenty-fifth and Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry
of operations May 16.

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HDQRS. 44TH AND 25TH TENNESSEE REGIMENTS,
May 22,1864.

I have the honor to make a report of the part taken by the Forty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiments in the engagement of May 16 instant, near Drewry's Bluff.

About 3 a.m. skirmishers were sent out from this regiment, composed of First, Fourth, and a detachment of 10 men from second company. A brisk fire was opened upon the enemy's skirmishers, who were driven back to their intrenchments. In this skirmish we sustained a loss of 5 men wounded from first company and 1 man missing from fourth company. About 4 a.m. the regiment moved with the brigade by the left flank from our second line of intrenchments along the Richmond and Petersburg dirt road, where we came under fire of the enemy's batteries, and on reaching the cabins recently used as brigade (Johnson's) headquarters we formed line of battle by the movement of" forward into line" in double-quick time, and moved against the enemy, who were now occupying our first line of breast-works, and who were delivering upon us an extremely heavy and fatal fire of both musketry and artillery.

We were about 100 yards from the breast-works, or less, when Lieut. Col. J. L. McEwen received a severe wound in the right leg, disabling him from further command. He ordered Major McCarver to hold the position at the risk of the loss of every man. Major McCarver took command and pressed forward, and we engaged the enemy. We were now near our first line of breast-works, then occupied by the enemy in position on the east side. The left of the regiment got to the breast-works first, marching a little obliquely. The enemy met the left wing of the regiment with a well-directed fire of musketry and demanded a surrender. <ar68_249> Capt. S. J. Johnson and his company (Twenty-fifth Tennessee) were here taken prisoners, with several other officers and men; in all, 1 captain, 4 lieutenants, and 45 men. Major McCarver had received a mortal wound and died on the field. Both of our field officers having been placed hors de combat, some confusion ensued.