orders will be sent him.
604 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. TJX.
II. Colonel Spencer, Third Brigade, upon being relieved by General
Atkins, Avill move with his command into town and move on a road,
which will be indicated, to Nelson s Cross-Roads and take post, picket
ing Camp Creek and road to Monroe. Colonel Spencer will so manage
his command as to induce the enemy to believe we are moving on Char
lotte via Monroe.
III. Lieutenant-Colonel Way, commanding dismounted men, will,
with his command, follow Colonel Spencer and co-operate with him.
IV. Colonel Jordan, commanding First Brigade, will remain with his
command in camp till 12 in., when further orders will be sent him.
By command of Brevet Major-General Kilpatrick:
L. G. ESTES,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, February 27, lfi(J~>.
Major-General GILLMORE,
Hilton Head:
GENERAL: Your applications for more troops and for reorganization
of Tenth Corps, referred to General Grant, have been returned disap
proved. General Grant says that the orders to send all your surplus
white troops to Wilmington must be complied with; that no offensive
operations by your command into the interior is contemplated, and that
if you require mounted men at Savannah you must get the horses there,
as none can now be sent from here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
II. W. HALLECK,
Major-General and Chief of Maff.
HEADQUARTER* IT. S. FORCES,
Charleston, 8. C.. February 27, 186:>.
COMMANDING OFFICER OF TT. S. SQUADRON,
Charleston Harbor :
SIR: I have the honor to state that in the city of Charleston no sol
diers are allowed to go about without a proper pass approved by their
commanding officers. In several instances sailors have been found in
the city provided with no passes whatever, and I would therefore request
that you will direct the commanding officers of the vessels of your
squadron to provide all sailors with passes when they desire them to
enter the city, and in no case to allow any sailor to be in the city after
p. m. Your early attention to this matter and reply will oblige,
Your obedient servant,
STEWAKT L. WOODFOKD,
Lieutenant- Colonel 127tli New York Volunteers and Gomdy. Post.
HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Charleston, S. C., February 27, 1865.
Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER:
Your dispatch to General Schimmelfennig is received. The Fourth
Massachusetts Cavalry left here to-day to join you. After destroying
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 605
any rice mills in your vicinity you can fall back to Monk s Corner,
where you will be joined by Colonel Van Wyck. You can then return
to this place, sweeping the whole country on both banks of the Cooper
River. Bring in with you all means of transportation you find in that
country. Destroy all the rice mills and send the cotton in to the banks
of the river, where steamers can reach it. It is reported that there is a
cavalry force near the Cainhoy, on the Wando. I resumed command
of the district yesterday. Reports from the North contirm the evacu
ation of Wilmington.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. P. HATCH,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.
GENERAL ORDERS, } HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT,
DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
No. 7. ) Charleston, 8. (7., February 27, 1865.
The following-named officers are hereby appointed on the staff of the
brigadier general commanding the district:
( apt. Edgar B. Van Winkle, One hundred and third L T . S. Colored
Troops, aide-de-camp and chief of staff; Capt. W. W. Sampson, Thirty-
third I . S. Colored Troops, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt.
.John H. Moore, assistant quartermaster, chief quartermaster; First
Lieut. F. A. AVilcoxson, Third Rhode Island Artillery, acting assistant
quartermaster; Cupt. F. K. Smith, One hundred and twenty-seventh
New York Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster, in charge of rail
road transportation; First Lieut. Henry Hagens, Fifty-fourth New York
Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster, depot quartermaster in
charge of water transportation; Capt. Emil Marthell, chief of subsist
ence department and depot commissary; First Lieut. N. M. Edwards,
First New York Volunteer Engineers, chief engineer; Capt. A. von
Luttwitz, Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, topographical engineer;
Second Lieut. S. B. Star-bird, Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers,
assistant topographical engineer; Capt. James W. Grace, Fifty-fourth
.Massachusetts Volunteers, chief ordnance officer; Capt. Jeremiah Lan-
ahan, Third Rhode Island Artillery, chief of artillery; Surg. George S.
Burton, Third Rhode Island Artillery, chief medical officer; Capt.
Thomas L. Appleton, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, provost-
marshal ; First Lieut. T. C. Vidal, U. S. Army, chief signal officer; Frrst
Lieut. D. George McMartiu, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, arde-
de-camp; Second Lieut. James McMillan, Thirty-fourth L". S. Colored
Troops, aide-de-camp.
By command of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch:
LEONARD B. PERRY,
First Lieut., Fifty-fifth Max*. Vo/.s ., and Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
GENERAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE OHIO,
No. 8. ) \YilminytoH, V. ., February 27, 1861.
T. Provost-marshals in this department will administer the oath ot
allegiance to such persons as come within the provisions of the
amnesty proclamation of the President of the United States, provided
they are satisfied that such persons desire iir good faith to aid in
restoring the national authority, and that they take the oath of alle
giance cheerfully and voluntarily.
606 OPERATION* IN N. !., S. C., S. OA., AND K. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
II. Reports will be made weekly to the provost-marshal-general,
giving the name, age, and place of residence of every person who shall
have subscribed to the oath of allegiance 5 also of all other adult white
persons residing within the jurisdiction of each provost-marshal, to
gether with such information as can be obtained touching the character
and conduct of each individual.
III. Persons of known disloyalty, and those who shall by their lan
guage or their conduct manifest hostility to the Government of the
United States, shall be sent beyond the lines of the army by an order
from the provost-marshal-geueral v or be brought before a military com
mission for trial and punishment, according to the nature of the offense.
IV. Officers authorized by law to appoint general courts-martial are
empowered to appoint military commissions, and to confirm and execute
the sentences of such commissions wkh the same limitations as in the
case of general courts-martial.
Y. Commercial intercourse within the limits of this department will
be governed strictly by the laws of the CJnited States and the regula-^
tions of the Treasury Department, and will be limited to that which*
may De necessary to supply the wants of the loyal people residing
within the lines of military occupation, and persons in the employ
of the Government. Xone but persons of undoubted loyalty and
good character will be permitted to trade within the limits of the
department.
VI. Intel-course between towns occupied by the army, and the
surrounding country within the lines of military occupation, will
be permitted under regulations to be established by the provost-
marshal-general for the purpose of enabling the inhabitants to supply
themselves with the necessaries of life.
VII. The loyal people of the country residing within the lines of the
army will be permitted to bring freely to market the products of their
farms, and to receive in payment the currency of the United States.
They will also be permitted to purchase family supplies from persons
authorized to trade, upon permits granted by the local provost-
marshals.
VIII. Railroads and telegraph lines are under special military pro
tection. Any person who shall break, injure, or in any manner interfere
with their military use, or shall fire, into any railroad train or vessels
navigating the waters of this department, shall be punished with death
or otherwise at the discretion of a military commission.
IX. The destruction of property, public or private, is a waste of the
national wealth, and alike injurious to the people and the Government.
It is, therefore, to be avoided, except where military operations render
it necessary. The highest commander present must alone be the judge
of such necessity.
X. The troops will be supplied with such of the products of the
country, especially vegetables, as are necessary for their health and
comfort. This must be done by the proper staff officers, acting under
the orders of the division and brigade commanders.
XI. Straggling and irregular foraging by individuals are prohibited
and will be severely punished.
By command of Major-General Schoneld:
J. A. r-AMPBELL.
A sswtftnt Adjutant- General.
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -UNION. 607
SPECIAL ORDERS, J HDQRS. UEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE OHIO,
No. 10. ^ Wilmington, N. ., February 27, 18(J5.
*******
II. Hereafter, and until further orders, Maj. Gen. 1). N. Couch will
command the Second and Third Divisions, Twenty-third Army Corps.
*******
XVI. The provost-marshal general, Department of North Carolina,
will take possession of all cotton, rosin, turpentine, and other contraband
property in the country under control of the army, and will turn the
same over to an officer of the quartermaster s department to bo desig
nated by the chief quartermaster, who will receive and receipt for the
same. All property so turned over will be stored in the city of Wil
mington, and held subject to orders from these headquarters. The pro
vost-marshal-general will cause an exact record to be kept of the time
and place 1 , where and when such property may be taken, and of its
quantity, quality, and condition. Also the name and residence of the
apparent owners or claimants in each case. The quartermaster s
department will furnish the necessary transportation.
XVII. Colonel McQuiston s brigade, First Division, Twenty-third
Army Corps, now at Fort. Anderson, will move without delay to More-
head City. The commanding officer will report by telegraph from the
latter place to Maj. Gen. J. D. Cox, at New Berne, N. C., for further
orders. The quartermaster s department will furnish transportation by
steamer.
By command of Major-General Schofield:
J. A. CAMPBELL,
Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- Genera!.
ON BOARD STEAMER ESCORT,
Federal Point, February 27, 1865.
Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL,
Assistant Adjutant- General:
A continuous storm has as yet prevented the Escort from leaving
here. I should have insisted upon the captain s trying it, but the ves
sels of the fleet here, which tried it with us, have been obliged to return.
I hope we shall be off before night.
Very respectfully,
J. D. COX,
Major- General.
GENERAL, ORDERS, ) HDQRS. SECOND Div., 23D ARMY CORPS,
No. 5. ) Wilmington, X. C., February 27, 1865.
I. Col. O. H. Moore. Twenty-fifth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, will
at once report to his regiment for duty.
II. Col. John Mehringer, Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
will assume command of the Second Brigade of this division.
* * * # * # *
l>y command of Maj or- General Couch:
CLINTON A. CILLEY,
Assistant Adjutant- Genera J,
608 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF I^ORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Wilmington, N. C., February 27, 1865.
Col. J. F. BOYD,
Chief Quartermaster, Washington City:
COLONEL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let
ter of the 20th instant, in reference to the field transportation, &c., for
this army. Am much obliged for the information contained. In reply,
I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that he desires
arrangements to be made to transport nine days 7 supplies in wagons,
100 rounds per man infantry ammunition, and one wagon for each
piece of artillery. Do not let the Kentucky train be deserted. If nec
essary take the inclosed letter* from the commanding general to Gen
eral Halleck. Return yourself as soon as all necessary arrangements
for the shipment of transportation, &c., are made. You need not wait
to see everything off. Have everything for General Ruger s division
shipped to Beaufort, unless you have already started them to this
point, in which case you need make no change in your orders; they can
be easily sent back from Cape Fear. If you cannot procure citizen
teamsters, arrangements can perhaps be made here to procure them, or
they can be detailed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. CAMPBELL,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Tiller s Bridge, ti. C., February 28, Itifjt.
Ma]. G-en. W. T. SHERMAN:
Logan is not yet across Lynch s Creek, but the crossing at Kelly s is
almost ready, where he has two divisions. After the brigades of
infantry were thrown over the water rose so fast that it could not be
bridged. It is now subsiding rapidly.
Captain Duncan met two brigades of rebel cavalry near Mount Elon
Post- Office, had a severe skirmish, and returned without being able to
strike the railroad. Hampton s headquarters are reported at Darling
ton; Hardee at Cheraw, where a captured letter says a fight is
expected some time next week. What force Hardee has I am unable
to determine.
Respectfully,
O. O. HOWARD,
JIajor- General.
P. S. Blair is entirely across Lynch s Creek.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Tiller * Bridge, #. C., February 28, 186r>.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE:
SIR: I have the honor herewith to report that in compliance with
Special Orders, No. 51, I assumed command of all the available
mounted forces at these headquarters, and marched south on the west
side of Lynch s Creek, crossing the same at Dubose s Bridge, and pro
ceeded in the direction of Simon sville, on the Florence and Charleston
See p. 593.
OHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC, UNION. 609
Railroad, for the purpose of destroying the railroad bridges near that
place. Lieut. John A. McQueen, commanding scouts, being in advance,
struck the enemy s pickets, eight in number, two miles from Dubose s
Bridge, charged and drove them within one mile and a half of Mount
Elon. where I learned the enemy, 700 strong, was encamped; I also
learned that Butler s division of cavalry was encamped near Wide
Swamp. My information was received from negroes and citizens.
Colonel Aiken, in command of the Fifth [Sixth] South Carolina Cav
alry, coining from the direction of Mount Elou, being advised by the
citizens of the strength and direction of our party, followed us, coming
up with us at dark at the cross-roads three miles south of Mount Elon,
engaged us and was repulsed after a brisk engagement, which was
mostly a hand to hand conflict on account of the darkness, we being
unable to distinguish friend from foe. List of casualties: Lieut. John
A. McQueen, Company K, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, commanding
scouts, shot through the abdomen; Henry Irish, private, Company K,
Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, shot through the abdomen; William G.
Evans, private, Fourth Independent Company Ohio Cavalry, shot
through the leg. Missing : Albert White, Fourth Independent Com
pany Ohio Cavalry; Joseph Bedoll, scout; - - Dawson, scout. The
enemy s loss was much greater than ours; among the number Colonel
Aiken and Lieutenant Smith were wounded. We captured 1 prisoner,
a first sergeant, who stated that their force was 125 or 150 strong. We
proceeded south, and deeming it unsafe to remain on the east side of
Lynch s Creek, recrossed at Fields Bridge and encamped at Bishopville,
and returned to camp by the Lynch s Creek road. The conduct of the
officers and men who accompanied me was unimpeachable.
I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. DUNCAN,
Captain, Commanding Company K, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry.
HDQRS. DEPART3IENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Tiller s Bridge, ti. C., February 28, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I have just received a note from General Blair, written
at 2.15 p. m. to-day. He was at that time thirteen miles from Cheraw,
and going into camp. He found the bridge over the Big Black all
right. Prisoners captured by him report six batteries and some other
troops at Cheraw the Charleston garrison. He found the country
very barren, and collected breadstuff.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. VAN DYKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Tiller s Bridge, 8. C., February 28, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR : I respectfully report my position to be the same as of yester
day. My pioneers have been at work throughout the day at the cross-
39 R R VOL XLV1I, FT II
610 OPERATIONS IN N. C 1 ., S. ( ., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. MX.
ing over the river, but will not be able to complete their task before
to-morrow. A staff officer sent this forenoon reports the route by way
of McCrougan s and Young s Bridges to be in every way practicable,
and the road entirely clear.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
0. E. WOODS,
Brevet Major -Genera I.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Tiller s Bridge, 8. (7., February 28, 1865.
Maj. Gen. WILLIAM .B. HAZEN,
Commanding Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: On effecting a crossing of Lynch s Creek, the general
commanding desires you to move to a good position and await further
orders.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
MAX. WOODHULL.
Assistant Adjutan t- Genera!.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Tiller s Bridge, *V. C., February 28, 18(15.
Brevet Major-General CORSE,
Commanding Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to transmit
herewith a copy of a note* just received from Major-General Howard
relative to the advanced position occupied by the Seventeenth Corps and
to invite your attention to the imperative necessity of effecting a cross
ing of Lynch s Creek with your whole command at the earliest moment
practicable consistent with the preservation of your ammunition and
subsistence.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Lynch 8 Creek, S. C., February 28, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR; I have the honor to report that my division has remained in
the position occupied by it on the evening of the 26th instant. Most
of my train, as you are aware, being cut off from the division by the
high water, is the reason for its remaining in bivouac. I have had
heavy details at work on the road during the entire day, making it
passable for my trains, and shall attempt to cross them at 8 p. m. I
have pushed my mounted foraging details well to the front, and from
different reports learn that no very important force of the enemy either
threatens or is in close proximity to my front, but that a force simply
sufficient to watch our movements is in this vicinity.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. COESE,
Brevet Major -General.
*8ee Tap D^ke to Logan, p. 609,
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 611
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Lynches Creek, S. C., February 28, 1865.
Captain WILSON,
Ac-t. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Dirts ion, Fifteenth Army Corps:
CAPTAIN: The trains of this division commenced crossing at 8.30
p, m., and F think we shall succeed in getting them over during the
night, although it is quite difficult to judge of ground covered with
water.
1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LOUIS H. EVERTS,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
TILLER S BRIDGE, S. C., February 28, 1865 5 a. m.
Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR,
Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: The water has gone down very slowly. Corse thinks he
will be able to commence crossing his train to-night. I do not wish
you to push forward beyond Big Black Creek unsupported, as I am
uncertain what force Hardee has. Do you hear anything from the
Twentieth Corps ? Captain Duncan has returned without striking the
railroad. He had quite a skirmish near Mount Elon Post-Office.
Lieutenant McQueen was badly wounded. Hampton s headquarters
are said to be at Darlington. Do you find any supplies?
Very respectfully,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major- General.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Tiller s Bridge, S. C., February 28, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR,
Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I am directed by the general to say that it is very doubt
ful whether General Logan will be able to cross with any of his wagons
to-day. A part of the road on the other side of the creek, which was
thought to be solid, has given way and it will be very difficult to cor
duroy it, as it is under water. You will govern your movements accord
ingly. The general does not desire you to move out too far to day. It
may be that we will have to take advantage of your crossing; would
do it immediately, but that the crossing of Little Lynch is as bad as
this.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. VAN DYKE,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Thirteen Miles from Cheraiv, S. C., February 28, 1865.
Capt. A. M. VAN DYKE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department and Army of the Tennessee :
CAPTAIN : Butler s division of rebel cavalry passed up the Camdeii
and Cheraw road, about two miles and a half from my camp, about 5
o clock this p. m. A prisoner, taken in a skirmish with them, reports
612 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
that they are going to Cheraw aud are about 1,200 strong. The Ninth
Illinois found the enemy (infantry) in line about four miles and a half
this side of Cheraw. Their line was over half a mile long. The Ninth
Illinois skirmished with them until they found their strength, and then
returned to camp. The cars have been running in and out of Cheraw
all day, and the whistle blowing continually.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANK P. BLAIR, JR.,
Major -General.
P. S. Deserters report that the garrisons of Wilmington and
Charleston collecting at Cheraw are strong, and that they expect to
make a stand there.
FRANK P. BLAIR, JR.,
Major- Genera I.
General Joe Johnston is in command at Cheraw; Beauregard and
Hardee are there also.
FRANK P. BLAIR, JR.,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Thirteen Miles from Cheraw, S. ( ., February 28, 1M~>.
Brig. Gen. M. F. FORCE,
Commanding Third Division:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you
that there will probably be no movement to-morrow. He wishes you
to load your empty wagons with corn if possible, sending strong guards
with trains.
Very respectfully,
C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Thirteen Miles from Cheraw, S. 6 ., February 28,
Brig. Gen. M. F. FORCE,
Commanding Third Division:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding instructs me to direct
you to intrench your front line to-night.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Hanging Rock, 8. C., February ^#, 1865 7 a. m.
Major-General SLOCUM,
Commanding Left Wing:
GENERAL: Yours of 10 p. m. 27th just received. General Sherman
instructs rne to say General Kilpatrick is still at Lancaster. When
General Davis passes this road you should notify General Kilpatrick, in
order that he may conform his movements to General Davis .
I am, general, with respect, &c.,
L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General,
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENT!-:, ETC. UNION. 613
CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Crossing of Cataicba River, February 28, 1865.
The delay at this point renders iieeessary the utmost energy to
retrieve lost time. Every means must be taken to prepare the command
for rapid and forced marching. All carriages, buggies, forage wagons,
ox teams, and other unauthorized vehicles, must be immediately
destroyed. Any mules required by circular of February 19 to be
turned over to Colonel Moore, commanding pontoniers, and not yet
turned over, will be at once sent to him, even if it requires the aban