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TENNESSEE.
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A Severe Battle at Franklin, Tenn.
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HOOD DEFEATED BY THOMAS.
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The Rebels Desperately Assault Our Works.
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They are Repulsed with Fearful Carnage.
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Six Thousand Rebels Killed and Wounded.
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TWELVE HUNDRED PRISONERS CAPTURED
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Our Loss Less Than One Thousand.
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MAGNIFICENT BEHAVIOR OF OUR TROOPS
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Full and Graphic Account from Our Special Correspondent.
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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
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Washington, Thursday, Dec.1.
The following official dispatch concerning the report of the victory in Tennessee, has been received at headquarters:
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov.30.
Major-Gen. Thomas:
The enemy made a heavy and persistent attack with two corps, commencing at 4 P.M., and lasting till after dark. He was repulsed at all points with heavy loss — probably of five or six thousand men. Our loss is probably not more than one-fourth of that number. We have captured about one thousand prisoners, including one Brigadier-General.
(Signed,) JOHN SCHOFIELD
Major-General.
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OUR SPECIAL ACCOUNT.
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Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
FOUR MILES SOUTH OF NASHVILLE.
Thursday, Dec.1.
Gen. SCHOFIELD yesterday fought one of the prettiest fights of the war, resulting most disastrously to the rebels, with little loss to ourselves. After three days’ skirmishing, the rebels crowded our first line of works yesterday afternoon, and at 4 P.M. made a most desperate attack on our right and centre, forcing our lines to our breastworks, which were thrown up from river to river in an open field on the Cumberland Pike, which ran through the centre of the field.
At least half the rebel force engaged endeavored to pierce our centre, and come down viciously on WAGNER’S Division, which, after desperate fighting, fell back, and MANY’S rebel division, of FRANK CHEATAM’S corps, got inside our works and captured two guns. Our centre was not broken, however, and, better still, Gen. WAGNER successfully rallied our troops, who charged on the enemy, recaptured the two guns, and drove the division over the breastworks, capturing one entire brigade and its commander.
At 4:30 o’clock the battle was waged with unabating vigor, the enemy having made during a half hour several attempts to break our centre.
The Federal position was a magnificent one, and the result of these four days’ work were magnificently grand.
All this while the rebels had appeared in front of our right. The plan was to pierce our centre and crush our right wing before dark. A portion of our infantry were engaged three-quarters of an hour firing on the rebel columns who stood their ground like madmen. During the every charge made on our right and centre, volleys of grape and canister were hurled into their lines, and only darkness prevented their sacrifice being more awful. It is said that no canister shot was used by the rebels during the day, but fired shot and shell.
After the first break of WAGNER’S division and its recovery, our line never budged a step. All was quiet after 10 P.M. It was not only one of the prettiest but cleanest battles of the war. The excessive slaughter of the enemy was owing to our wholesale use of canister and grape, and our selection of ground. The battle was fought in an open field, with no trees or undergrowth, or other interruption. The enemy’s loss in killed and wounded approximates 7,000, and we have over 1,200 prisoners, and one general officer and several field officers. The Colonel of the Fifteenth Mississippi, a Northern man, of Illinois, was wounded and taken prisoner. Four-fifths of his regiment were killed, wounded or captured. Our loss does not reach a thousand, hors du cambat. Gen. Bradley, of Illinois, while gallantly leading his troops, was severely wounded in the shoulder. Our loss in field officers is very small. Our troops behaved handsomely. SCHOFIELD commanded on the field, STANLEY on the right, and Cox on the left. Gen. Stanley was wounded slightly in the neck, but remained on the field and is all right to-day.
I have told you all along the programme of Gen. Thomas would electrify you, and this is but the epilogue of the battle to come off.
After our dead, wounded and prisoners were cared for, our army fell back to this point, and are in line of battle while I write. Up to this time, 3 P.M., the enemy has not made his appearance. The Third Corps of Veterans are in readiness, and a battle is expected before daylight to-morrow. All Government work is suspended, and all are under arms, from Gen. DONALDSON down to the unscientific laborers.
The falling back of our troops was accomplished at 8 o’clock this morning, and bridges burned across Harpeth River to retard the transportation of rebel supplies. The cavalry was handled prettily by Gen. WILSON, between Spring Hill and Triune.
A.J. SMITH’s corps is in line of battle, and the situation is particularly grand. Forts Negley, Morton, Cairo and Houston are alive, and the infantry movement perfectly satisfactory. Something must immediately transpire, as Gen. THOMAS is ready to strike no matter how the rebels move.
BENJ. C. TRUMAN
Here are all the Union-Federal telegrams that took place related to the Battle of Franklin. They are in order of earliest to latest. Most of the telegrams in the Official Records are between Maj-Gen George H. Thomas and Maj-General John M Schofield (his subordinate).
Nov 29th, 1 pm – Pontoons down
Nov 30th, 5:30 am – troops across the Harpeth
The first Federal troops begin arriving in Franklin shortly after this telegram. Schofield discovers all the bridges are out. Many troops, in earnest, begin to construct breastworks.
Nov 30th, 9:30 am – Hood cannot be held
Nov 30th, no timestamp – map
Nov 30th, 12 noon – getting in a tight place
Even as late as noon on the eventual day of battle, Federal commanders do NOT expect an attack from Hood.
Nov 30th, no timestamp – hold Franklin for three days?
Nov 30th, 3 pm – Hood has a large force
Hood’s Army of Tennessee is now visible two miles south of Franklin, as they are spread out across roughly two miles (east-west), in front of Winstead Hill.
Nov 30th, no timestamp – pre-attack, trains sent to Brentwood
This is the last telegram prior to the opening assault (4 pm).
Nov 30th, 7:10 pm – persistent attack
Though just three hours into the action, the Federal estimates of casualties is remarkably accurate.
Nov 30th, no timestamp – glorious news
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your telegram is just received. It is glorious news, and I congratulate you and the brave men of your command. But you must look out that the enemy does not still persist. The courier you sent to General Cooper at Widow Dean’s could not reach there, and reports that he was chased by rebel cavalry on the whole route, and finally came into this place. Major-General Steedman, with five thousand men, should be here in the morning. When he arrives, I will start General A. J. Smith’s command and General Steedman’s troops to your assistance at Brentwood.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN. November 30th–7.10 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
The enemy made a heavy and persistent attack with about two corps, commencing at 4 P.M. and lasting until after dark. He was repulsed at all points, with very heavy loss–probably 5,000 or 6,000 men. Our loss is not probably more than one-fourth that number. We have captured about 1,000 prisoners, including one brigadier-general. Your despatch of this P.M. is received. I had already given the orders you direct, and am now executing them.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your despatch of 3 P.M. is received. Send back your trains to this place at once, and hold your troops in readiness to march to Brentwood, and thence to this place as soon as your trains are fairly on the way, so disposing your force as to cover the wagon train. Have all R. R. trains sent back immediately. Notify General Wilson of my instructions. He will govern himself accordingly. Relieve all garrisons in blockhouses, and send back by railroad trains last over the road. Acknowledge receipt.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
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(Telegram.)
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
FRANKLIN, TENN., November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL GEO. H. THOMAS, Nashville, Tenn.:
GENERAL–Please send A. J. Smith’s division to Brentwood early to-morrow morning. Also please send to Brentwood to-morrow morning one million rounds of infantry ammunition, 2,000 rounds three-inch and 1000 rounds light twelve artillery.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–3 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
I have just received your despatch asking whether I can hold Hood here three days. I do not believe I can. I can doubtless hold him one day, but will hazard something in doing that. He now has a large force, probably two corps, in my front, and seems prepared to cross the river above and below. I think he can effect a crossing to-morrow in spite of all my efforts, and probably to-night, if he attempts it. A worse position than this for an inferior force could hardly be found. I will refer your question to General Wilson this evening. I think he can do very little. I have no doubt Forrest will be in my rear tomorrow, or doing some greater mischief. It appears to me that I ought to take position at Brentwood at once. If A. J. Smith’s division and the Murfreesboro garrison join me there, I ought to be able to hold Hood in check for Some time. I have just learned that the enemy’s cavalry is already crossing three miles below. I will have lively times with my trains again.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
General Smith reported to me this morning that one division of his troops is still behind. We must therefore try to hold Hood where he now is until these troops can get up and the steamers return. After that we will concentrate here, reorganize our cavalry, and try Hood again. Do you think you can hold Hood at Franklin for three days longer? Answer, giving your views; and I should like to know what Wilson thinks he can do to aid you in holding Hood.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS.
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–12 M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
Your despatch of 10.25 A.M. is received. I am satisfied that I have heretofore run too much risk in trying to hold Hood in check, while so far inferior to him in both infantry and cavalry. The slightest mistake on my part, or failure of a subordinate, during the last three days, might have proved disastrous. I don’t want to get into so tight a place again. Yet I will cheerfully act in accordance with your views of expediency, if you think it important to hold Hood back as long as possible. When you get all your troops together, and the cavalry in effective condition, we can whip Hood easily, and, I believe, make the campaign a decisive one. Before that, the most we can do is to husband our strength and increase it as much as possible. I fear the troops which were stationed on the river below Columbia will be lost. I will get my trains out of the way as soon as possible, and watch Hood carefully. Possibly I may be able to hold him here, but do not expect to be able to do so long.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your despatches of 5.30, 5.50, and Wilson’s despatch, forwarded to yon, have been received. It will take Smith quite all day to disembark, but if I find there is no immediate necessity to retain him here, will send him to Franklin or Brentwood, according to circumstances. If you can prevent Hood from turning your position at Franklin, it should be held; but I do not wish you to risk too much. I send you a map of the environs of Franklin.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–9.50 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
My trains are coming in all right. Half the troops are here, and the other half about five miles out, coming on in good order, with light skirmishing. I will have all across the river this evening. Wilson is here, and his cavalry on my flank I do not know where Forrest is. He may have gone east, but no doubt will strike our flank and rear again soon. Wilson is entirely unable to cope with him. Of course, I cannot prevent Hood from crossing the Harpeth whenever he may attempt it. Do you desire me to hold on here until compelled to fall back
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–5.30 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
I hope to get my troops and material safely across the Harpeth this morning. We have suffered no material loss so far. I shall try to get Wilson on my flank this morning. Forrest was all around us yesterday, but we brushed him away during the evening, and came through. Hood attacked in front and flank, but did not hurt us.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN PIKE, TENN., November 29, 1864–1 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
Please have pontoons put down at Franklin at once.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
FRANKLIN PIKE, TENN., November 28, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS, Nashville, Tenn.
GENERAL–I am informed the wagon bridge at Franklin has been carried away. Would it not be well to replace it by pontoon bridge during the rainy season?
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General,
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(Telegram.)NASHVILLE, November 28, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD:
You can send some of the pontoons you used at Columbia to Franklin, to lay a bridge there. I will answer your other telegrams in a few moments.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
THE LATE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN
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THOMAS CONCENTRATED AT NASHVILLE
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EAST TENNESSEE TO BE DEVASTATED
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Official from General Thomas’ Army, Washington , Dec 4, 1864.
The latest official information from the army of General Thomas is, that he has so concentrated the forces at the fortifications of Nashville , as to be prepared for any movement which General Hood may venture to make.
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Further Facts About the Fight
Nashville , Dec 2. 1864
Gen. Wood succeeds Gen Stanley in command of the Fourth Corps, Gen Stanley being unable to take the field, his desperate bravery at the fight at Franklin mainly contributing to turn what threatened to be a disastrous repulse into a most glorious victory.
When part of Gen. Stanley’s command had ran away before the charge of the Rebels, he rushed to the front, had a horse shot under him and was himself wounded, yet still he led on the charge, waving his hat in the air and calling on his men to follow him.
He succeeded in rallying his faltering troops, replying seven successive charges made by the Rebels.
Col. Opdycke, of the 125th Ohio , commanding a brigade, specially distinguished himself in the engagement.
Col. Schofield, a brother to Gen. Schofield, and his chief of Artillery, distinguished himself by the admirable positions in which he placed the Artillery and the manner in which he fought.
The great importance of the victory at Franklin cannot be over estimated, as it checked Gen. Hood’s onward course, and gave the Unionists time to make due preparations to meet him.
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Generals Schofield and Stanley command Corps in full.
Nashville , Friday, Dec. 2, 1864
There has been slight skirmishing between ours and the Rebel cavalry all day.
A complete line of intrenchments encircle the city.
A portion of our cavalry force encountered the Rebel cavalry three miles from this city on the Franklin pike.
The Rebels could be plainly seen advancing toward them. Our troops then retired toward the city. Night coming on, but few occasional shots were fired.
It is rumored that Gen. Hood is endeavoring to cross the Cumberland River with a large cavalry force.
Many experienced officers predict a heavy engagement tomorrow.
Our forces occupy lines around the city, are in line-of-battle.
Three soldiers were shot and killed by the guards in the streets of the city this evening. Their names are: Arthur L. Cheasy of the Eighth Kansas; John McCartly of the Thirtieth Indiana, and Joseph Brant of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry.
Nashville , Tenn. Dec. 4, 1864
No new developments have taken place today, except that our army still encircles the city on the south-east, its wings resting on the Cumberland River . The enemy’s lines are clearly to be seen from high points in the suburbs and from the Capitol. They are intrenching themselves in a south-western direction about three miles from the city. During the day heavy skirmishing occurred on our left and progressed along the lines to the center. Many persons witnessed cannonading. Along the right of our lines nothing of importance transpired today.
The general opinion is that Hood will attack the Union forces in front of Nashville.
A Union cavalry force has patrolled the north bank of the river, at the fords to prevent cavalry from crossing, as numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made by them to cross since the 1st instant.
Johnsonville has been evacuated, and the road has been interrupted, and part of the trains from there are advancing to this point by land.
It is rumored here today that Forrest has placed a pontoon bridge across the river above the city, and that Marmaduke has occupied Johnsonville. Both are without foundation.
The first block house on the Chattanooga Road , four miles from the city, defended by negroes, commanded by Col. Johnson of the colored infantry, who surrendered Dalton, Ga., and was paroled, held out until this afternoon, when they surrendered, Col. Johnson and a portion of his men escaping on a train; the remainder were captured. The train was fired into. Several jumped from the train into the river and escaped, Col. Johnson among them, who is in the city tonight.
A reconnoitering party sent Thursday, returned today, having gone 80 miles up the river, They report that no Rebels were seen or heard crossing the River, and none appeared along the banks.
A Rebel deserter, who came in today, reports that Gen. S.D. Lee published an order to his men Friday morning, complimenting them on their bravery, devotion, and thanking them for the victory won at Franklin, and assuring them that if true to themselves now in front of Nashville, they would soon be enabled to enter and take possession of a vast amount of stores contained therein.
Two prisoners were brought in today, Lieut. Hickman, 9th Tennessee cavalry, four miles from the city, and C.H. Gardy of Ford’s 48th Georgia infantry.
The water on the shoals is nine feet deep and still rising.
Cincinnati , Dec. 3, 1864
The correspondent for The Gazette, writing from Nashville , gives the following particulars of the battle of Franklin , Tennessee :
The plan of the battle was very simple. We had no time, in fact, to get up a complete plan, as the enemy pressed us too sorely, and obliged us to fight him.
The original plan was to withdraw the force of General Schofield until the meeting of our reinforcements, and then give battle in the vicinity of Nashville; but the over sanguine Rebels pressed us too hard, and, when Schofield perceived he could not avoid a contest, he drew up his little army in line of battle in front of Franklin.
At half past three the assault was commenced by the Rebels. Cheatham’s corps was on the right, Stewart’s on the left, and S.D. Lee’s, in reserve, on the centre.
Cheatham threw his whole corps on Wagner’s division with great impetuosity, and after an hour’s desperate fighting, he pushed Wagner back on our second line, where Wagner’s men became mingled with those of Cox’s and Ruger’s, on our left and center.
The Rebels, encouraged by their success, in driving back Wagner, with loud cheers advanced on our second line.
Their order of advance was very peculiar – a semicircle of two regiments deep extending all our lines, and behind each alternate regiment was placed four others, so that the assaulting columns were six regiments deep.
Gen. Hood appeared about four o’clock p.m. at the head of his command, and pointing toward our lines, said, “Break those lines boys, and you have finished the war in Tennessee . Break them, and there is nothing to oppose your march from Nashville to the Ohio River .”
Loud and ringing cheers answered the words of the Rebel leader, while the whole space in front of our lines was crammed with the advancing enemy.
Capt. Lyman, commanding the artillery brigade in the Fourth Corps, had placed his batteries in most favorable positions, and from these storms of shot and shell were hurled in to the charging Rebel ranks.
With the most reckless bravery still the Rebels rushed on, and when within a few hundred yards of our works our boys opened upon them so terrible a fire of musketry, that it seemed as if it were impossible for anything to live before it.
But no wavering was perceived in those advancing Rebel lines. On they came to the very parapets of our works, and stuck their bayonets under the logs on our battlements.
On the Columbus pike the pressure upon our lines was so great that some of Cox’s and Wagner’s men temporarily gave way.
Up to this time the brigade commanded by Col. Opdycke, of the 125th Ohio , had been held in reserve.
Col. Opdycke, by the orders of Gen. Stanley, rushed forward with his brigade to restore our broken line.
The Rebels who had crawled over our works had not time to retire, and Cox’s and Wagner’s men, who had broken away but a moment before, rallied and attacked the enemy on the flank, while Opdycke charged on the front.
A desperate hand-to-hand fight ensued with bayonets and the butt end of muskets.
A hundred Rebels were captured here and the line was restored.
For tow hours and a half the battle now raged all along our lines.
The men of the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps vied with each other in bravery.
Riley’s brigade of the Twenty-third Corps fairly covered the ground in front of it with Rebel dead.
The Rebel General Adams was killed. He and his horse fell into a ditch in front of the 104th Ohio .
Seventeen distinct attacks of the enemy were repelled.
At dusk the Rebels were repulsed at all points, but the firing did not cease until 9 o’clock at night.
At least 5,000 Rebels were killed, wounded and captured, while our loss will probably reach 1,500.
We have taken from the enemy thirty flags. Some regiments, among them the Seventeenth Ohio, taking a half dozen each.
General Schofield directed the battle from the fort on the north bank of the stream, where some heavy guns and the batteries of the Twenty-third Corps were placed, which did great service in damaging the enemy’s right wing.
Nashville , Tenn. , Dec. 2, 1864
The enemy has been wary to day and has demonstrated with great caution against our outer line, which is carefully constructed and extends from river to river, with a radius of two and a half miles from the capitol, on the roads south of the city.
The enemy’s cavalry has been in plain view all day on the Franklin pike.
Just before dusk our cavalry pushed out toward the enemy’s line, causing him to retire.
Afterward the Rebels were reinforced. They ten took up their own line at once, and threw out skirmishers.
Some skirmishing subsequently occurred, neither party sustaining any loss.
No Rebel infantry has yet been developed.
Some firing occurred this afternoon on the left. Only a few shits were fired.
The defense are being hourly strengthened, and no apprehensions need be felt for the safety of the city.
Louisville , Ky. , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864
The Journal of this city has the following:
A letter from Nashville states that on Wednesday evening Capton’s brigade of cavalry, consisting of the 14thIllinois, the 7th Ohio, the 5th Iowa, and the 8th Michigan cavalry regiments, was surrounded by the Rebels and only escaped by the most desperate fighting. They cut their way through the Rebel lines and found General Thomas in the rear of Franklin .
The same evening a train of cars was captured by the Rebels at Brentwood, nine miles from Nashville , on the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad.
A citizens in Nashville engaged in no ostensible business have been ordered to leave the city.
Six hundred and ninety-one Rebel prisoners, captured by Gen. Thomas in the battle of Franklin , arrived here last night on the train from Nashville . They will be sent forward to Camp Douglas as rapidly as possible, in order to make room in the military prisons here for further captures that may be made.
Louisville , Ky. , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864
Yesterday the rolling stock of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad was ordered hither. Today the order was countermanded.
A street rumor represents that the Union forces were repulsed at Clarksville today. The story grew out of a dash of the Rebels into Gallatin yesterday, where they captured about 200 head of beeves. Our forces are pursuing, and will probably capture the raiders.
Latest from Nashville
Nashville , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864
The enemy developed a regular line of battle about two miles from our works, between the Franklin and Hardin pikes. Our batteries opened about two o’clock. The Rebel lines did not advance. There has been skirmishing all evening, the enemy fortifying along our front. There are indications that there will be a fight tomorrow.
Riley’s brigade, which captured eighteen flags at Franklin , belongs to the 4th Division of Schofield’s Corps, not to the 4th Corps, as erroneously stated. This brigade particularly distinguished itself in the fight. I have seen the flags, bloody and torn, displayed in front of Gen. Schofield’s quarters.
The fullest security is felt in Nashville .
The 4th and 23rd Corps (U.S.), respectively served at Franklin.
Here’s some background the 23rd Corps during the Civil War:
Lenoir; Blue Springs; Campbell’s Station; Knoxville; Mossy Creek; Dandridge; Walker’s Ford; Strawberry Plains; Rocky Face Ridge; Resaca; Cassville; Dallas; Pine Mountain; Lost Mountain; Culp’s Farm; Kenesaw ; Chattahoochie; Decatur ; Siege Of Atlanta; Utoy Creek; Lovejoy’s Station; Columbia; Spring Hill; Franklin; Nashville; Fort Anderson, N. C.; Town Creek; Wilmington; Kinston; Goldsboro.
General Burnside was assigned to the command of the Department of the Ohio in the spring of 1863, his district including Kentucky and East Tennessee. The Ninth Corps left Virginia at this time and was assigned to his command; but, having planned an active campaign in East Tennessee, and needing additional troops, he organized the Twenty-third Corps from the regiments then stationed in Kentucky.
This new corps was formed April 27, 1863, with Major-General George L. Hartsuff in command. Generals Julius White and Milo S. Hascall were assigned to division commands.
The proposed campaign in East Tennessee was postponed, as the Ninth Corps was ordered to Vicksburg, to reinforce Grant’s army; but in August, the Ninth Corps returned to Kentucky, and the advance of the Twenty-third commenced. The Second Division (White’s) made its rendezvous at New Market, from whence it marched on the 19th, arriving at Loudon, Tenn., on the 4th of September. General Longstreet’s Corps had been detached from Lee’s Army, and, in October, 1863, marched into East Tennessee to drive out Burnside’s Army of the Ohio, as the united forces of the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps were then designated. The fighting was continuous, minor engagements occurring almost daily, and on November l6th a spirited battle occurred at Campbell’s Station, in which White’s Division was actively engaged. Burnside moved next to Knoxville, which place was invested and finally assaulted by Longstreet, but without success. At Campbell’s Station, and at Knoxville, the corps was commanded by General Mahlon D. Manson.
In August, 1863, Mahan’s Brigade of Indiana troops was assigned to the Third Division. These regiments were recruited for six months’ service only, and returned to Indiana in February, 1864. They served in East Tennessee, and were present at Blue Springs and Walker’s Ford.
On the 4th of April, 1864, Major-General John M. Schofield was assigned to the corps, and he commanded it during the Atlanta campaign, which was the most eventful period of its existence. In the spring of 1864, Hovey’s Division of Indiana troops, newly recruited, joined the corps at Charleston, Tenn., and was designated as the First Division. The Second Division was commanded by General Henry M. Judah, and the Third Division by General Jacob D. Cox, with which organization it started on the Atlanta campaign. But on June 6, 1864, the First Division was broken up and divided between the other two divisions. While on the Atlanta campaign, General Judah was succeeded by General Hascall in the command of the Second Division. The greatest loss of the corps during that campaign was sustained May 14, 1862, at the battle of Resaca. It also encountered some hard fighting near Kenesaw and at Utoy Creek.
After the fall of Atlanta, and while Sherman’s Army was wending its way to the Sea, the Twenty-third Corps joined Thomas’ Army in the Tennessee campaign against Hood. The corps was still under the command of General Schofield, while the two divisions, Second and Third, were commanded, respectively, by Generals Ruger and Cox. These two divisions contained 30 regiments of infantry and 4 batteries of light artillery. Their returns for October 31, 1864,–just before starting on the Tennessee campaign–show 10,624 officers and men present for duty. The corps was actively engaged at the battle of Franklin, but at Nashville it was largely held in reserve. In the latter action, Ruger’s (2d) Division was commanded by Major-General Darius N. Couch.
In January, 1865, the corps moved from Nashville, via Washington, to North Carolina, Cox’s Division landing at Fort Fisher, February 9, 1865. Moving up the river, the corps fought at Fort Anderson, and at Wilmington, February 21st, capturing the latter place. In the meantime, another division was formed, and designated as the First Division, with General Ruger in command. This division was actively engaged in the victory at Kinston, N. C. (Wise’s Forks), which resulted in the occupation of Goldsboro. General Cox succeeded Schofield, the latter having been promoted to the command of the Army of the Ohio, which, since the arrival of the Twenty-third Corps in North Carolina, comprised two corps–the Tenth (Terry’s) and Twenty-third. On the 10th of April, 1865, the Twenty-third Corps numbered 14,293 present for duty, and was composed of three divisions –Ruger’s, Couch’s, and Carter’s. It remained in North Carolina while Sherman’s Army, with which it had made a junction at Goldsboro, marched northward to Washington. The corps was discontinued on August 1, 1865, many of the regiments having been mustered out before that.
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