Campaigns and Battles - G

G:  Gadsden Road, Alabama, to Guy's Gap, Tennessee

Source: The Union Army, Vol. V. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.


Gadsden Road, Alabama, October 26, 1864. Detachment of 15th Army Corps. Osterhaus' corps had pressed almost through Turkeytown valley on the Page 452 Gadsden road before it was opened upon by artillery concealed in the woods. The skirmishers drove the Confederates back into Turkeytown, whence they were later driven. (See Turkeytown.)


Gaines' Cross Roads, Virginia, May 15, 1862. The only mention of this affair is contained in the report of Colonel Thomas T. Munford of the 2nd Virginia cavalry which states that a picket of that regiment made a dash at a Federal foraging party near Gaines' cross roads. The Confederates were driven back, but upon being reinforced waited behind a stone wall until the Federals came up. The latter turned and fled at the first volley, the enemy following until a regiment of Federal infantry was encountered drawn up in line of battle. Munford states that by constant firing he held the Union command in line all day, losing but 2 men wounded. The Federal loss he estimated at 3 killed and 4 wounded.


Gaines' Landing, Mississippi, January 6, 1864. U. S. Steamer, Delta. Colonel Lawrence S. Ross, commanding the 6th Texas cavalry (Confederate), reported from Gaines landing as follows: "The transport Delta was disabled by my battery at 12 m. today, run to the opposite shore and abandoned. Large gunboat, name not visible, came up; received three raking shots and sought safety in flight, having fired but once." This is the only official mention of the affair.


Gaines' Mill, Virginia, June 27, 1862. The battle of Gaines' mill on this date was part of the Seven Days' Battles in the Peninsular campaign. Porter's corps held the whole Confederate army at bay until McClellan could make his dispositions for the withdrawal to the James river. (See Seven Days' Battles.)


Gainesville, Florida, February 14, 1864. Detachment of 40th Massachusetts Infantry. As an incident of an expedition sent from Jacksonville to Gainesville to destroy the stores of tobacco, turpentine, etc., the force was attacked by two companies of Confederate cavalry about 4 p. m. The enemy was driven back with the loss of several men and the majority of their horses. After occupying the town for some 5O hours, the Federals returned to Jacksonville without a single casualty. Captain G. E. Marshall led the Union expedition.


Gainesville, Florida, August 17, 1864. Detachments of 75th Mounted Ohio Infantry, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry and 3d Rhode Island Artillery. Colonel Andrew L. Harris with the mounted infantry and artillery left Baldwin at daylight on the 15th for a demonstration against Gainesville. At Starke on the 16th he was joined by Captain Morton with about go men of the 4th Massachusetts cavalry and at 6:30 a. m. on the 17th arrived at Gainesville. The town was occupied by one company of Confederates, which was driven out by Morton, and about 7 o'clock the picket guard to the south of the town reported the enemy approaching from that direction. Before the Union troops could be disposed for defense, the Confederates attacked in front, but were repulsed with loss. By this time, however, another body of the enemy had gained the rear. Harris was able to hold his position for 2 hours, when the ammunition for the one field piece gave out and he ordered a retreat on the Waldo road. Through some mistake Morton started on the Newnansville pike. Rather than separate his command Harris followed and by making a detour struck the Waldo road, the enemy following closely all the time. About 2 miles from Gainesville they charged the retreating force, captured the gun, compelled Harris to turn to the east, and follow this direction until he struck the Bellamy road. Next morning Harris reached Magnolia with but 40 men of the original expedition. The Union losses were 5 killed, 35 wounded and 136 captured or missing. The Confederate casualties were 1 killed and 5 wounded.


Gainesville, Virginia, August 28, 1862. (See Bull Run, August 30, 1862.)


Gales' Creek, North Carolina, February 2, 1864. (See New Berne, same date.)


Gallatin, Tennessee, August 12-13, 1862. Detachment of 28th Kentucky Infantry and Miller's Expedition. About 4 a. m. of the 12th Colonel Boone, commanding the Union garrison at Gallatin, was surprised and compelled to surrender himself to about 20 Confederates who had entered his room at the hotel. The enemy then marched to the fair grounds, where they were encamped, announced to Captain Hughes, the ranking officer, the capture of Boone, and demanded the surrender of the post. After consultation with the other officers Hughes accepted the terms and the Federals laid down their arms. Next day, Colonel John F. Miller with a considerable force marched to Gallatin from Nashville. The few Confederates left in the village were easily driven out, after destroying a railroad bridge and tunnel and several government cars. As Miller was embarking his command on a train later in the day, the enemy attacked him, but was repulsed with the loss of about 30 killed and wounded. The Federal troops lost 1 man killed and 3 wounded. The Confederates in both instances belonged to Morgan's guerrillas.


Gallatin, Tennessee, August 21, 1862. Detachments of the 4th and 5th Kentucky, 2nd Indiana, and 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Brigadier-General R. W. Johnson, with 640 men, moved from Cookville against the camp of Colonel J. H. Morgan on the Hartsville road toward Gallatin. He found the camp abandoned and moved forward with the intention of joining the Federal infantry at Gallatin, but found the town in possession of Morgan. Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, with the 2nd Indiana, and Major Winfrey, with the 5th Kentucky, charged and for some time the Union troops had the advantage, when the 5th Kentucky became panic-stricken and broke in confusion back through the lines. About this time it was learned that Forrest was approaching in Johnson's rear, and as all efforts to rally the men were futile, he sent a flag of truce to the Confederates, asking permission to care for his wounded and bury his dead. Morgan replied that he would take care of the dead and wounded and demanded an unconditional surrender. Johnson then ordered a retreat toward Cairo, on the Cumberland river, but in a little while his rear was so closely pressed by the enemy that he decided to surrender. In this decision Stewart refused to concur and called out to his men: "Indianans never surrender; follow me I" He then placed himself at the head of his column, cut his way through the enemy's lines, and under the guidance of a negro reached the Cumberland river, which he crossed at a ford and arrived at Nashville the following morning. Johnson reported his loss at 30 killed, 50 wounded and 75 missing. The Confederate loss was not learned.


Gallatin, Tennessee, October 1, 1862. 1st Tennessee Cavalry.


Gallatin, Tennessee, October 10, 1864. (See South Tunnel, same date.)


Galveston, Texas, January 1, 1863. Detachment of 42nd Massachusetts Infantry, and Gunboats Westfield, Harriet Lane, Owasco, Sachem, Clifton. About 3 a. m. of the 1st four Confederate gunboats approached the Federal gunboat Harriet Lane, lying off Galveston, and opened a heavy fire upon her. Simultaneous with this attack a land force under Confederate General Magruder attacked the three companies of the 42nd Massachusetts, the only troops in the city. The flagship Westfield started to go to the help of the Harriet Lane, but ran aground on Pelican Island, and there remained throughout the fight. Two of the enemy's gunboats got alongside the Harriet Lane and the crews boarded her, overpowering the Federals and taking full possession of the vessel. The detachment of the 42nd Massachusetts which was stationed on one of the wharves was finally compelled to surrender after having lost a large number of men killed and wounded. The crew of the Westfield was placed on board Union transports in the harbor and then she was blown up. The transports and the other gunboats escaped to New Orleans. The enemy's loss did not exceed 25 killed and 50 wounded.


Galveston Harbor, Texas, November 7, 1861. Burning of the Royal Yacht by the crew of the U. S. Frigate Santee. (See Naval Volume.) Garden Hollow, Missouri, August 9, 1863. Detachment 6th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Lieutenant R. B. Riggs with a detail of men marched to within 3 miles of Coffee's camp at Garden Hollow, near Pineville, where he came in contact with a small party of the enemy and succeeded in killing and wounding 2. Two prisoners were taken. No casualties were suffered by Riggs' command.


Garlandville, Mississippi, April 24, 1863. 6th and 7th Illinois and 2nd Iowa cavalry. As an incident of the raid of Colonel B. H. Grierson from La Grange, Tennessee, his force on the morning of April 24 marched on Garlandville. As the advance approached the town it was fired upon by a guard of citizens armed with shot-guns. One Federal trooper was wounded. The guard was attacked by the Union troops and quickly dispersed.


Garlick's Landing, Virginia, June 13, 1862. (See Stuart's Raid.) Garnett's Farm, Virginia, June 28, 1862. For a detailed account of the engagement at Garnett's farm on this date see Seven Days' Battles.


Garrettsburg, Kentucky, November 6, 1862. U. S. Troops under Brigadier-General Ransom. Brigadier-General T. A. Davies in his report to Major-General U. S. Grant states: "The expedition commanded by Brigadier-General Ransom has proved a great success. It came up with Colonel Woodward's rebel force, 800 strong, near Garrettsburg; had a short engagement; killed 16 of his men, among them one captain and one lieutenant; wounded 40, including one captain and 2 lieutenants; took 25 prisoners, all their horses and 5o mules, and a large number of arms and equipments, half the camps of Colonel Woodward's men, including his own, routing the whole concern, and driving them out of the State of Kentucky. Our loss, 3 killed and 7 wounded."


Garrett's Farm, Virginia, April 26, 1865. Detachment of 16th New York Cavalry. Lieutenant Edward P. Doherty with 25 men of the 16th New York cavalry and 2 secret service agents in pursuit of John Wilkes Booth. the murderer of President Abraham Lincoln, found him hidden in a barn on the farm of a Mr. Garrett near Port Royal, in company with David E. Herold. Booth refused to surrender, but after some parleying Herold gave himself up. The barn was then set on fire and by its light Sergt. Boston Corbett fired at Booth. the ball entering the back of his neck. The detachment then rushed into the burning building and brought him out. Booth lived about 2 hours.


Gatewood's, West Virginia, December 12, 1863. 1st Separate Cavalry Brigade, Department of West Virginia. This affair was an incident of the raid on the Virginia & Tennessee railroad. Averell's column, moving down Back creek, came upon the rear-guard of Jackson's Confederates who were flying before the advance of two regiments of infantry under Colonel Augustus Moor moving from Beverly to Droop mountain. The enemy was dispersed and 4 wagons, loaded with ammunition and stores, were destroyed. No casualties were reported.


Gatlinsburg, Tennessee, December 10, 1863. Detachments of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Colonel William J. Palmer and Lieutenant-Colonel C. B. Lamborn, with different detachments of the regiment, approached Gatlinsburg from opposite directions at daylight. The pickets were driven in, and the camp being alarmed the advance was dismounted and deployed as skirmishers. The Confederates were driven back into the mountains, whence they kept up a fire on the Federals who were engaged in ransacking the camp. The Union casualties were 2 men wounded; the Confederate losses were not reported. The affair was an incident of the Knoxville campaign.


Gauley, West Virginia, September 11, 1862. (See Kanawha Valley Campaign.)


Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, November 10, 1861. 11th Ohio Volunteers and 2nd Kentucky Cavalry.


Geiger's Lake, Kentucky, September 3, 1862. 8th Kentucky Cavalry.


Geiger's Lake, Kentucky, July 15, 1864. 52nd Kentucky Infantry. Lieutenant -Colonel Samuel F. Johnson while scouting in Webster and Union counties with the 52nd Kentucky came upon a band of 300 Confederates at Geiger's lake on the 15th. For an hour a desperate fight was waged, when the enemy was scattered and dispersed. Johnson's report says that 24 Confederates were known to have been killed and it was thought 6 more suffered the same fate. One Federal soldier was mortally wounded.


George Washington (Steamer), April 9, 1863. (See Beaufort, South Carolina)


Georgia Landing, Louisiana, October 27, 1862. U. S. Forces under Brigadier-General G. Weitzel. An expedition under General Weitzel, comprising the 8th New Hampshire, the 12th and 13th Connecticut, the 75th New York, four regiments of cavalry and a battery of artillery, was within 2 miles of Labadieville when it was learned that the Confederates were in force about a mile ahead of the Federal column. Four pieces were immediately ordered forward and the 13th Conn, and 75th New York moved to attack, but after one volley the enemy disappeared. Weitzel learned at the same time that his rear-guard was in danger and that the enemy had appeared on the opposite bank of Bayou La Fourche. The bridge was immediately swung across the stream and eight companies of the 12th Conn, crossed to support the 8th New Hampshire on the right bank, leaving two companies of infantry, some cavalry and a section of artillery to support the rear. The 13th Conn, was also sent to the support of the column on the right bank and Thompson's battery was ordered to open fire on the enemy's artillery, which was sweeping the bridge and the front of the Federal train. After these dispositions had been made the 8th New Hampshire and 12th Conn., advanced in line of battle. The fight did not last long as the enemy's artillery soon retreated and the infantry support with it. Weitzel lost 18 killed, 74 wounded and 5 captured or missing. The Confederate casualties were 5 killed, 8 wounded and 186 captured or missing.


Germanna Ford, Virginia, April 29, 1863. 6th New York Cavalry, 2nd Massachusetts and 3d Wisconsin Infantry. As the head of the 12th army corps approached the Rapidan river, the 6th New York, having the advance, encountered a Confederate force of 125 men strongly posted behind some lumber piles and in a mill. The 2nd Massachusetts and the 3d Wisconsin infantry were ordered up and after a few shots the enemy surrendered. The casualties were not reported.


Germantown, Tennessee, June 25, 1862. 56th Ohio Volunteers; guarding a railroad train.


Germantown, Tennessee, March 28, 1865. Detachment of 11th New York Cavalry. This affair was a skirmish between the vedettes of the 11th New York and a small squad of Confederates. Two Federals were wounded and 1 of the attacking party was captured.


Germantown, Tennessee, April 18, 1865. 11th New York Cavalry. While a patrol of 18 men under Lieutenant John H. Mills was passing out of Germantown it was attacked by a Confederate force of between 60 and 100 men. The enemy waited until the patrol was within 100 yards and then charged, the Federals losing 6 killed, 2 wounded and 7 missing, before they reached Germantown again.


Germantown Road, Tennessee, December 14, 1864. Detachment of 4th Iowa Cavalry. Colonel Edward F. Winslow of the 4th la. reported from Memphis on December 14: "Captain Huff, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and 50 men were suddenly charged, on the Germantown road, this day about 12 m., by a party and dispersed, 5 miles out. Loss yet unknown, though I judge several were killed, wounded, and perhaps quite a number captured."


Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1-3, 1863. Army of the Potomac. After the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville the opinion became prevalent Page 456 through the South that Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was more than a match for the Federal Army of the Potomac, and a clamor arose for an aggressive movement. There were at this time potent reasons why Lee should assume the offensive. An invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania would have a tendency to draw troops from Grant at Vicksburg and Rosecrans in Tennessee to repel the invaders, thus relieving the pressure on the Confederate forces under Pemberton, Johnston and Bragg. If the invasion should prove to be successful European nations might be persuaded to recognize the Confederacy, loans could be obtained, and probably aid secured to open the Southern ports, then in a state of blockade. All these reasons and possibilities were carefully weighed and toward the last of May Lee decided to make the invasion. Since the battle of Chancellorsville he had been lying at Fredericksburg, recruiting and reorganizing his army, which on June 1 numbered, according to Confederate reports, 88,754 men. It was divided into three corps, as follows: The 1st, commanded by Lieutenant-General James Longstreet, was composed of the divisions of McLaws, Pickett and Hood, and the reserve artillery under Colonel J. B. Walton. The 2nd, under the command of Lieutenant-General Richard S. Ewell, included the divisions of Early, Johnson and Rodes, the reserve artillery being in charge of Colonel J. T. Brown. The 3d, commanded by Lieutenant-General Ambrose P. Hill, consisted of the divisions of Anderson, Heth and Pender, and the reserve artillery under Colonel R. L. Walker. In addition to these three corps was the cavalry under the command of Major-General J. E. B. Stuart, and consisting of the brigades of Fitzhugh Lee, W. H. F. Lee, Hampton, Jenkins, W. E. Jones and Imboden, and six batteries of horse artillery under the command of Major R. F. Beckham. Having decided to undertake an offensive movement, Lee chose a route along the eastern base of the Blue Ridge, from which he could at any time threaten Washington or Baltimore, hoping by this means to detain the Union army in a position to defend the national capital, or failing in that, to draw it after him and into a general engagement on a field of his own selection. He accordingly began the concentration of his army at Culpeper, leaving Hill at Fredericksburg to keep up a show of force there in order to keep Hooker from ascertaining what was going on until it was too late for him to interfere. Through the medium of despatches captured in the affair at Brandy Station on June 9, Hooker learned that the major part of Lee's army was at Culpeper. He proposed to cross over the river and attack Hill, but the movement was forbidden by General Halleck. He then suggested a movement against Richmond to force Lee to recall his army in that direction, but this, too, was forbidden, though either might have been successful. Hooker then sent the 3d and 5th corps to guard the fords on the Rappahannock, to prevent the Confederates from crossing, and 011 the night of the 13th moved his forces northward to Manassas Junction and Thoroughfare gap. This compelled Lee to change his plans and select the longer route through the Shenandoah Valley. The Federal force at Winchester, commanded by General Milroy, was driven out on the 15th, Ewell pursuing across the Potomac and occupying Hagerstown and Sharpsburg. About the same time the Union troops at Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg were withdrawn to Maryland heights, thus leaving the valley open to Lee, who crossed the Potomac at Williamsport and Shepherdstown on the 24th and 25th. united his columns at Hagerstown, and pushed on toward Chambersburg, Pennsylvania On the 25th and 26th Hooker crossed the Potomac at Edwards' ferry and the next day Reynolds, with three corps, occupied the passes of South mountain, thus forestalling any attempt of Lee to pass to the eastward. To cut the enemy's communications with Virginia, Hooker ordered the 12th corps, then near Harper's Ferry, to march to that place, where it would be joined by the forces under Page 457 General Kelley on Maryland heights, and then, in connection with Reynolds, operate on Lee's rear. Again Halleck interposed an objection, deeming it inadvisable to abandon Harper's Ferry, and Hooker asked to be relieved from command of the army. He was succeeded by Major-General George G. Meade on June 28. The Army of the Potomac was then organized as follows: Major-General John F. Reynolds, formerly commanding the 1st corps, was placed in command of the left wing, Major-General Abner Doubleday taking command of the corps, which consisted of three divisions under Brigadier-Generals James S. Wadsworth, John C. Robinson and Thomas A. Rowley, and the artillery brigade commanded by Colonel Charles S. Wainright. The 2nd corps, commanded by Major-General Winfield S. Hancock, embraced the three divisions under Brigadier-Generals John C. Caldwell, John Gibbon and Alexander Hays, and the artillery brigade of Captain John G. Hazard. The 3d corps, Major-General Daniel E. Sickles, was made up of the divisions of Major-General David B. Birney and Brigadier-General Andrew A. Humphreys, and the artillery brigade commanded by Captain George E. Randolph. The 5th corps, Major-General George Sykes, was composed of the three divisions of Brigadier-Generals James Barnes, Romeyn B. Ayres and Samuel W. Crawford, and the artillery brigade of Captain A. P. Martin. The 6th corps, Major-General John Sedgwick, embraced the divisions of Brigadier-General Horatio G. Wright, Brigadier-General Albion P. Howe and Major-General John Newton, and the artillery brigade of Colonel Charles H. Tompkins. The 11th corps, Major-General Oliver O. Howard, included the divisions of Brigadier-Generals Francis C. Barlow and Adolph von Steinwehr, Major-General Carl Schurz, and the artillery brigade commanded by Major Thomas W. Osborn. The 12th corps, Major-General Henry W. Slocum, was composed of the two divisions of Brigadier-Generals Alpheus S. Williams and John W. Geary, and the artillery brigade under command of Lieutenant E. D. Muhlenberg. The cavalry corps, Major-General Alfred Pleasonton, included the three divisions commanded by Brigadier-Generals John Buford, David McM. Gregg and Judson Kilpatrick, and the horse artillery under Captain James M. Robertson. Altogether the army had 65 batteries numbering 370 guns. Of these 212 were with the infantry, 50 with the cavalry, and an artillery reserve of 108 under the command of Brigadier-General Robert O. Tyler, Brigadier-General Henry J. Hunt being the chief of artillery. Meade took command in the midst of a campaign, and when the army was preparing to move through a region with which he was but little acquainted. For the time he decided to follow Hooker's plans, the only departure therefrom being to recall Slocum's corps from the Confederate rear, with orders to join the main column. Without consulting Halleck he ordered the troops at Maryland heights, now under the command of General French. to move up to Frederick, where they were to act as a reserve when the army moved forward. Such information as he could obtain regarding the enemy's movements located Longstreet at Chambersburg, Ewell at Carlisle and York, where he was preparing to attack Harrisburg, and Hill in the vicinity of Cashtown. Conjecturing that Harrisburg was Lee's objective point, Meade determined to move directly toward that place and if possible strike the enemy before he could cross the Susquehanna. Orders to that effect were issued to the various corps commanders on the evening of the 28th and early the next morning the army was in motion. Stuart's cavalry had been sent on a raid around the Union army, in the hope that by threatening its rear he could delay the crossing of the Potomac until Lee could capture Harrisburg. But he encountered Federal troops in so many unexpected places that his raid was prolonged to such an extent he did not arrive at Gettysburg until the battle was almost over. Being thus deprived of his cavalry, Lee had no way of obtaining information of the movements of the Federals, and up to the 28th supposed them Page 458 to be still on the south side of the Potomac. On the afternoon of that day he ordered Hill and Longstreet to join Ewell for an advance on Harrisburg. Late that night a scout came to Lee's headquarters with the information that Hooker had been superseded by Meade, that the Union army was north of the Potomac and in a position to seriously menace the Confederate line of communications. These tidings changed the whole situation. In his report Lee says: "In the absence of the cavalry, it was impossible to ascertain his intentions; but to deter him from advancing farther west, and intercepting our communication with Virginia, it was determined to concentrate the army east of the mountains." Instructions were hurried to Hill and Longstreet to move to Cashtown, 8 miles northwest of Gettysburg; Ewell was recalled from Carlisle, and Pickett was left at Chambersburg to guard the rear until relieved by Imboden. Owing to rainy weather these movements were performed somewhat leisurely, but Heth's division reached Cashtown on the afternoon of the 29th. That evening the Union army was in position just south of the state line, with the right at New Windsor and the left at Emmitsburg. Buford's cavalry .division was on the extreme left, with his advance well toward Gettysburg. Buford sent Merritt's brigade to Mechanicstown to guard the trains and issued orders for Gamble's and Devin's brigades to move early on the following morning to Gettysburg, where he expected to find some of Kilpatrick's cavalry. The two brigades entered the town about noon, and found a detachment of the enemy within half a mile of the place. This was Pettigrew's brigade of Heth's division, which had been sent from Cashtown to procure supplies, but finding the town in possession of the Union forces hurriedly fell back on the main body of the division. Scouting parties were sent out in all directions, bringing in information showing that the Confederates were unquestionably aiming to concentrate in the vicinity of Gettysburg, and Buford so notified Meade that evening. Pickets were thrown out toward Cashtown and Hunterstown, and the ridges west of the town occupied in anticipation of an attack the next day. Meade's chief objects had been to force Lee to forego his intention of crossing the Susquehanna, and to bring on an engagement at the first opportunity. The field selected for such an engagement was along the banks of Pipe creek, a little stream 15 miles south of Gettysburg. With a view to meeting Lee at this point the different commands were so placed as to be easily concentrated along Pipe creek, while at the same time they were held in readiness to move elsewhere as the occasion might demand. On the evening of June 30 the 1st corps was at Marsh creek, about halfway between Emmitsburg and Gettysburg; the 2nd and 3d were in' the vicinity of Taneytown; the 5th was at Union Mills, southeast of Taneytown: the 6th was at Manchester, still farther east; the 1 ith was near Emmitsburg; Kilpatrick's cavalry was at Hanover, and Gregg's at Westminster. The information received from Buford caused a change in Meade's plans. Reynolds was ordered to move the 1st, 3d and 11th corps to the support of Buford, Sickles relieving the last at Emmitsburg, and the other corps commanders instructed to move toward Gettysburg. The town of Gettysburg is located about 7 miles from the Maryland line, and some 10 miles east of South mountain. It is in a valley, surrounded by broken granite ridges. On one of these, about half a mile west of the town, stood the Lutheran seminary, the elevation being known as Seminary ridge. It was covered with an open woods and at the north end is a knoll called Oak hill. South is a chain of hills beginning about 3 miles from town and running almost due north for a distance of 2 miles, when it makes a curve to the east. At the south end of this chain is Round Top; just east of this is a smaller hill called Little Round Top; at the curve is Cemetery hill, while at the eastern extremity of the range is Culp's hill. Page 459 About 500 yards west of Little Round Top, in the forks of Plum creek is a hill known as the Devil's Den. It is steep and rocky on the eastern side, sloping away gradually to the west, and is about 100 feet lower than Little Round Top. The summits of nearly all the ridges were covered with huge boulders, forming a natural protection to sharpshooters, etc. Near the western base of Cemetery hill was Ziegler's grove, and along the base of the ridge farther south were the Weikert and Trostle houses. Roads enter the town from almost every direction. Through the valley between the Round Tops and Seminary ridge ran the Emmitsburg road; along the eastern side of the ridge was the road to Taneytown; running southeast, between Cemetery and Culp's hills, was the Baltimore pike. These three roads came together near the cemetery and entered the town from the south. The Fairfield and Chambersburg roads diverged at the west side of town, the former running southwest and the latter northwest over Seminary ridge. From the north came the Harrisburg, Carlisle and Middletown roads, and Black's turnpike, while the Oxford and Bonaughton roads entered the town from the east. On the east side of town is Rock creek and west of Seminary ridge is Willoughby run, both flowing southward. At daybreak on July 1, Buford held the roads and ridges to the west of Gettysburg with Devin's and Gamble's brigades, his vedettes being thrown out far enough to give timely warning of the enemy's approach. About 8 a. m. the scouts reported the enemy advancing in force from the direction of Cashtown. This was Heth's entire division, which had been sent forward to occupy Gettysburg. Gamble's brigade was formed on the left from the Fairfield road to the railroad cut, with one section of Calef's battery near the left and the rest of it on the Chambersburg pike. Devin formed on the right, extending the line to Oak hill, a portion of the men being dismounted and thrown forward as skirmishers. Heth advanced on the Chambersburg road, with Archer's brigade to the right and Davis' to the left of the pike, and the brigades of Pettigrew and Brockenbrough in support. About 9 o'clock Buford had three cannon shots fired as a signal for his skirmishers to open fire on the advancing Confederates, and the battle of Gettysburg was begun. Buford had been notified that Reynolds was coming to his support and determined to hold his ground until the reinforcements arrived. When the sound of the firing reached Reynolds his advance, Wadsworth's division, was within a mile of the town. This command was hurried forward across the fields, Reynolds riding ahead to Seminary ridge, where he met Buford and learned the positions of the contending forces. As soon as Wadsworth arrived three regiments of Cutler's brigade were formed north of the railroad cut and the other two south of the pike, Hall's battery relieving Calefs, which had almost exhausted its supply of ammunition. Meredith's "Iron Brigade" was sent against Archer on the left, and Devin's brigade of cavalry was faced north to meet Ewell, who was known to be coming up from Heidlersburg. Cutler's line had barely been formed when it was struck on the front and right by Davis. Colonel Fowler, who was in command of the two regiments south of the road, changed front, drove Davis from the field, and took possession of the railroad cut, capturing the two regiments which occupied it. Reynolds sent word to Howard to hurry forward the 11th corps, and then rode over to where Meredith and Archer were contending for a piece of timber, known as McPherson's woods, on the east side of Willoughby run. While directing the movements of this brigade Reynolds was killed by a shot from a Confederate sharpshooter, and Meredith was wounded by the explosion of a shell in front of his horse. Colonel Morrow, of the 24th Michigan, then took command, charged into the woods, captured Archer and about 800 of his men, and forced the rest to retire across the creek. By this time Page 460 all of the 1st corps was on the field. Stone's brigade of Rowley's division was sent to the left of the pike, where it drove out the enemy's skirmishers and took position behind a ridge, being partly sheltered by a stone fence. Biddle's brigade was posted on the left of McPherson's wood, with Cooper's battery on the right, while Robinson's division was stationed in reserve on Seminary ridge. Reynolds' battery relieved Hall's and Calef’s again joined Gamble's cavalry, which was also in reserve. The enemy had also received heavy reinforcements, Pender's division coming up from Cashtown and Ewell's corps from Carlisle. Heth reformed his division south of the Chambersburg road, with Pender in support, and nine batteries stationed on commanding points west of Willoughby run. Lee had notified Ewell not to bring on a general engagement until the entire army was brought up, but on arriving on the field and finding Hill's corps already engaged he ordered Rodes' division to take position on Seminary ridge and Carter's battalion of artillery to occupy Oak hill. It was now nearly 2 p. m., when the batteries on Oak hill opened upon the Union lines an enfilading fire that forced Wadsworth to retire Cutler to Seminary ridge, where he was joined by Robinson's whole division to resist the advance of Rodes, who was following along the ridge with O'Neal's and Doles' brigades on the eastern slope and Iverson's, Daniel's and Ramseur's on the western. At 2:30 Rodes gave the order to attack. Iverson was confronted by Paul's brigade and O'Neal by Baxter's. O'Neal was soon repulsed and Baxter went to the assistance of Paul. At the same time Cutler swung his line around so as to attack Iverson on the right flank. Baxter's men from the shelter of a stone fence fired a volley at short range into the Confederate ranks, leaving 500 of Iverson's command dead and wounded on the field, and the rest surrendered. About 1,000 prisoners and 3 regimental colors were taken in this part of the engagement. Howard had arrived with the 11th corps about noon and assumed command. Schurz took command of the corps and Brigadier-General Alexander Schimmelfennig of the 3d division. This division and Barlow's were thrown forward on the right to check Ewell's advance, leaving Steinwehr's, with two batteries, as a reserve and rallying point on Cemetery hill. Upon hearing of the death of Reynolds Meade ordered Hancock to proceed from Taneytown to Gettysburg and assume command of the left wing. Hancock arrived about 3 p. m. and found the Union troops retiring before the vastly superior numbers of the enemy. Early's division had secured a position on the flank and rear of the 11th corps, the artillery on the hills east of Rock creek enfilading its entire line. Up to this time the assaults of the enemy had been made without concert at various points along the line, giving the Federals an opportunity to repulse one before the next was commenced. But about 4 o'clock the whole Confederate line advanced—50,000 against probably 15,000. The odds were too great and orders were issued to fall back to Cemetery hill. The men retired in good order, fighting as they went, the only confusion being that which resulted by crowding the narrow streets of the town. Wadsworth's division was sent to occupy Culp's hill and skirmishers were thrown forward to the west side of the town to hold the Confederates in check until the new line of battle could be formed. About 5 o'clock Williams' division of the 12th corps came up and was stationed on the right and rear of Wadsworth. Geary's division arrived soon afterward and was sent to occupy Little Round Top and the ridge running toward Cemetery hill, in a position commanding the Emmitsburg and Taneytown roads. Stannard's brigade of Rowley's division also came up and joined the command, but too late to participate in the fight. These reinforcements greatly encouraged those who had borne the brunt of the battle all day, and the trains were sent to Page 461 the rear out of the way to prepare for the action which was to come on the morrow. As the day drew to a close and it became evident that the enemy did not intend to renew the attack, Hancock turned over the command to Slocum and set out for Meade's headquarters at Taneytown. Orders were given for all the different commands to march at once to Gettysburg, Meade set out for the scene of action, and about 1 a. m. on the 2nd reached the field. Notwithstanding Lee's order on the evening of the ist to "attack the enemy in the morning as early as practicable," the greater part of the day was spent in maneuvering for position. Longstreet did not want to attack until the arrival of Pickett's division. As a matter of fact Pickett did not come up in time to take any part in the second days' battle, and Law's brigade of Hood's division did not arrive on the field until noon on the 2nd. Considerable delay was incurred in moving the artillery so as to keep out of sight of the Union signal station on Little Round Top, so that it was the middle of the afternoon before the Confederates were in position to begin the general assault on Meade's flanks according to Lee's plans. This delay cost them dear in the end, as Meade's different commands were hurrying to the front, and when the attack did come there was an opposition too strong to be overcome. As soon as possible after his arrival Meade looked over the ground and at dawn he commenced the formation of his lines for an attack on the Confederate left. The 12th corps was sent to the right of Wadsworth on Culp's hill, but Slocum and General G. K. Warren, who had served as chief engineer under Hooker, and now held that position on Meade's staff, advised against such a movement. Meade, however, was determined to fight aggressively and began to arrange his troops for an assault on the enemy's left. Some time was necessarily spent in the preparations and before they were completed Lee attacked both ends of the Union line, thus forcing Meade to assume the defensive, which finally proved to be to his advantage. The Union line was formed as follows: Slocum on the extreme right; Wadsworth's division on Cemetery hill, with the other two divisions of the 1st corps at the base; Hancock's corps, which had come up during the night, next on the left; then Sickles; Sykes on the extreme left, while Sedgwick, who had made a march of 35 miles, arriving just before the attack commenced, was stationed in reserve on the Taneytown road behind the Round Tops, where he could rest his men until called on to strengthen some part of the line. The Confederate line was in the form of a concave. Longstreet on the left was opposite the Round Tops; Hill in the center occupied Seminary ridge; Ewell on the right held the town and the ridges east of Rock creek. Along the north side of Little Round Top ran a road which crossed the Emmitsburg road almost at right angles near the center of the open country lying between the two lines. On the south side of this road and east of the Emmitsburg road was a large peach orchard, to the east of which was a wheatfield. Sickles moved his corps to the cross roads, forming Humphrey's division along the Emmitsburg road and Birney's in the peach orchard and on a ridge south of the cross-road, Ward's brigade being thrown forward to the Devil's Den. As this position was some distance in advance of the main line, and subsequently proved to be untenable, there has been some controversy as to whether Sickles occupied it by order of the commanding general or selected it himself. It is not the province of this work, however, to settle responsibilities, but to tell what happened. Birney's skirmishers were engaged almost from the time his line was formed until the main attack of the Confederates about 4 p. m. When that attack was opened Longstreet directed a severe artillery fire against the two sides of the angle formed by Sickles' line, and this was followed by a fierce assault on Ward, who was overlapped by the enemy's line and compelled Page 462 to retire. The attack was then extended toward the peach orchard and some of the enemy's batteries secured positions from which an enfilading fire was poured into the two lines forming the angle. Humphreys sent a brigade and later a regiment to the assistance of Birney, but soon afterward his own line was vigorously assailed by Barksdale's brigade on the north and Kershaw's on the west, making it impossible to render any further aid to Birney, who was now hard pressed. Graham's brigade was driven from the orchard, Sickles had lost a leg and Graham was wounded and a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. The Federal batteries, commanded by Major McGilvery, and which was stationed on the cross-road below the orchard, met the Confederate advance by an effective fire, but in vain. One of the batteries was captured by Kershaw's men, but the 141st Pennsylvania made a gallant charge and recaptured the guns, bringing them off by hand. Still the Confederates pressed on, and as a last resort McGilvery ordered Biglow to sacrifice his battery to save the rest. With the courage born of desperation he obeyed the order, fighting until the enemy approached within a few feet, when he managed to withdraw, but with severe loss. This left the orchard in the hands of the enemy, which brought them on Humphreys' flank and Birney's right. Reinforcements were called for and Hancock sent in Caldwell's division, but it was compelled to fall back after losing heavily in killed and wounded, two brigade commanders, Cross and Zook, being among the killed. Ayres' division next went in, and, although he struck the enemy on the flank, doubled up their line and forced them back, he was in the end compelled to make a hurried retreat 'to save his command from annihilation. This fight on the left was a struggle for the possession of Little Round Top. About the time that Ward was outflanked Warren rode over to the signal station there to obtain a better view of what was going on. Seeing the importance of the position, which was then undefended, he assumed the responsibility of ordering Vincent's brigade of Barnes' division to occupy the crest, at the same time notifying Meade of what he had done and asking for a force sufficient to hold it. As Ward retired the Confederates made a rush for the hill, but were met on the top by Vincent's men, who repulsed the first assault with the bayonet. The 140th New York, belonging to Weed's brigade of Barnes' division, and Hazlett's battery were then sent to the aid of Vincent. Having failed in the first attempt to carry the position, the enemy next made an effort to turn the left, but were met by the 20th Maine under Colonel Chamberlain. At first the Unionists were forced back by the main strength of superior numbers, but Sykes hurried a brigade to the relief of Chamberlain, and a brigade of the Pennsylvania reserves arriving about the same time, the Confederates were driven from the hill with a loss of 500 captured and 1,000 stands of arms taken, besides a large number in killed and wounded. After the 3d corps had been driven from the peach orchard the enemy began to form in front of the wheatfield for another assault on Little Round Top. McCandless' brigade of Crawford's division, led by Crawford himself, charged and drove them to the farther side of the wheatfield, where they found shelter behind a stone fence. In the meantime two brigades—Eustis' and Nevin's—of Sedgwick's corps had come forward and during the time of Crawford's charge took a position in front of the ridge. The sight of these fresh troops had a discouraging effect on the Confederates and they withdrew from the contest. Through some miscalculation Ewell did not begin his attack on the Federal right until after Longstreet's repulse.  The plan of attack here was for Johnson to move against Culp's hill, and as soon as he was fairly engaged Early and Rodes were to assault the works on Cemetery hill. When the fight commenced on the left Ewell opened with his artillery and kept up the fire for about an hour before making any further movement Page 463 against the Union lines. In this time Meade, under the impression that the demonstration on his right was merely a feint, withdrew from that portion of his line all of the 12th corps except Greene's brigade, and sent it to the support of Sykes. About 5 p. m. Johnson crossed Rock creek and advanced against Greene and Wadsworth. Greene held out until he was reinforced, when the enemy was driven from his front, though Johnson occupied the intrenchments that had been abandoned by the 12th corps, giving him a strong position on the right flank of the Union army. While this was taking place Early sent the brigades of Hays and Hoke, the latter commanded by Colonel Avery, up the valley between Culp's and Cemetery hills to assault the Federal position on the latter. The advance was somewhat impetuous, driving back Von Gilsa's and Ames' brigades, which were stationed at the foot of the hill. In the rear of this infantry line were Wiedrich's and Ricketts' batteries, which were next attacked, the former being captured and 2 guns of the latter spiked. Farther up the hill were the batteries of Stevens, Reynolds and Stewart, the officers of which had orders from Colonel Wainright to "fight the guns to the last." As the enemy advanced in the face of these guns they were met by a storm of canister, Stevens' battery especially doing effective work. Hancock voluntarily sent Carroll's brigade to the support of the batteries, which were also reinforced by the 106th Pennsylvania and a detachment from Schurz' command. The arrival of these troops carried dismay into the enemy's lines, which had not been properly supported, although Gordon's brigade had been assigned to that duty, and a retreat was ordered. As they fell back they were followed by a shower of canister from the batteries, which killed and wounded a large number and threw the line into some confusion. It is said that the Confederate organization known as the "Louisiana Tigers," went into this fight with 1,750 men, of whom only 150 returned unscathed. Rodes was delayed in making his attack, having to move out of Gettysburg by the flank, then change front and march some distance. By the time he was in position to cooperate with Early the latter had met defeat. The day closed with the Union forces still in possession of the ridge, though the enemy had gained some advantage on the right, as Johnson still held the intrenchments of the 12th corps, which threatened the safety of Meade's army by cutting off the line of retreat if such a movement became necessary. This victory, meager as it was, offered Lee sufficient incentive to continue the contest the next morning. That night a council of war was held, at which it was unanimously decided to "stay and fight it out." It is said that Meade was somewhat displeased at the decision, because he wanted to retire to the ground previously selected at Pipe creek. However this may have been he acquiesced in the judgment of his corps commanders, and preparations were immediately commenced looking to the coming engagement. Lee's general plan of battle for the 3d was similar to that of the preceding day. Ewell was to open the fight by pressing the advantage already gained on the extreme right, and after his attack was well under way the main assault was to be made on the center. Johnson was reinforced by three brigades and instructed to begin his attack at daybreak. But a disagreeable surprise was in store for him. Geary returned to Culp's hill about midnight and learned that his intrenchments were in the hands of the enemy. He took a position with Greene and began making arrangements to recover his works at the earliest opportunity the next morning. Batteries were brought up during the remaining hours of darkness and stationed at all the points bearing on Johnson, and as soon as it was light enough to distinguish objects the guns opened fire. Johnson was without artillery, so he determined to risk all on a charge. The charge was gallantly made, but it was bravely met by Kane's brigade of Geary's division, Page 464 and a severe contest was waged for several hours. Williams' division, now commanded by Colonel Thomas H. Ruger, came up and gained a position where it could strike Johnson on the flank, and about the same time Shaler's brigade of Newton's division joined Kane, when Johnson, finding the conflict an unequal one, withdrew to Rock creek, leaving Geary and Ruger in possession of their old line. This part of the third day's battle was ended long before Lee's troops were in position to assault Cemetery hill, and again that concert of action, so essential to Confederate success, was lost. Pickett's division, which had not yet been engaged, was selected to lead the charge against the Union center. Longstreet, in his report, thus describes the arrangement of troops and plan of the assault: "Orders were given to Major-General Pickett to form his line under the best cover that he could get from the enemy's batteries, and so that the center of the assaulting column would arrive at the salient of the enemy's position, General Pickett's line to be the guide and to attack the enemy's defenses, and General Pettigrew, in command of Heth's division, moving on the same line as General Pickett, was to assault the salient at the same moment. Pickett's division was arranged, two brigades in the front line, supported by his third brigade, and Wilcox's brigade was ordered to move in rear of his right flank, to protect it from any force that the enemy might attempt to move against it. Heth's division, under command of Brigadier-General Pettigrew, was arranged in two lines, and these supported by part of Major-General Pender's division, under Major-General Trimble. All of the batteries of the ist and 3d corps, and some of those of the 2nd, were put into the best positions for effective fire upon the point of attack and the hill occupied by the enemy's left. Colonel Walton, chief of artillery of the ist corps, and Colonel Alexander had posted our batteries and agreed with the artillery officers of the other corps upon a signal for the batteries to open." At 1 p. m. two cannon shots were heard in quick succession. This was the signal for the Confederate batteries to open fire, and immediately 150 guns commenced their deadly work. The object was to silence the Union guns, and when this was accomplished Pickett was to move forward to the grand assault which was to decide the fate of the battle. Owing to the convex form of the Federal position only 80 guns could find room on the ridge to respond to the enemy's fire. That number was already in position and for two hours was waged an artillery duel seldom if ever equaled in the annals of wars. The enemy's fire was very effective, although many of the shells went high and exploded in the open ground to the rear of the ridge, forcing the artillery reserve to move to a better protected position. Meade was compelled to change the location of his headquarters, a number of guns were disabled, though they were quickly replaced by others brought up from the reserve, about a dozen caissons were blown up and after each of these explosions the exultant yells of the Confederates could be heard along their entire line. During this time Pickett's men were in the wood on Seminary ridge, waiting for the command to move forward across the 1,400 yards of open ground in their endeavor to pierce the Union center. The Union generals knew that this fierce artillery fire was but the prelude to a charge and placed their commands in position to receive the shock. About 3 o'clock Hunt ordered the guns to cease firing, partly to replenish his supply of ammunition, and partly to see what the enemy would do. Thinking that the batteries were silenced, Pickett emerged from the woods and began his advance, his men marching with such even step that for a little while the whole Union line stood in silent admiration of this display of heroism on the part of men who were marching to certain death. But when about half of the open space had been crossed the Federal batteries again opened with telling effect. Great gaps were torn in Pickett's line Page 465 by the shot and shell, but they were quickly closed up as the line pressed forward. When the Confederates crossed the Emmitsburg road canister came into use, and at the same time McGilvery's guns on Little Round Top opened a destructive, enfilading fire on the advancing lines. Still on they came. Hancock's skirmishers near the Emmitsburg road were driven back like chaff before the wind. The enemy had now come within musket range and Hays' division poured volley after volley into the left, causing it to waver so that it fell behind the main column. Before Pickett's first line reached the stone wall, behind which the main line of Meade's army was posted, Stannard found an opportunity to make a flank attack with his Vermont brigade. Quickly changing front with two of his three regiments, he brought them perpendicular to the enemy's line and sent in a volley that forced Kemper's brigade staggering back on the center. This was closely followed up by Colonel Gates, of the 20th New York militia, throwing Pickett's left into confusion and causing many to surrender, while others threw away their arms and took to their heels. Although the two ends of the line were badly disorganized by these flank attacks, the center kept bravely on to the stone wall. General Armistead, whose brigade was in this portion of the line, was one of the first to gain the wall. Placing his hat on the point of his sword he waved it above his head and shouted: "Give 'em the cold steel, boys!" His example was speedily followed and with fixed bayonets the Confederates came pouring over the wall. One of the batteries was captured, the enemy's flag floated for a few brief moments over the Federal works, while the "rebel yell" resounded on all sides. But their triumph was of short duration. The place where the Union line was broken was directly in front of Webb's brigade of Gibbon's division. Webb rallied the 72nd Pennsylvania and led it against the enemy; part of the 71st Pennsylvania gained a position behind a stone wall on the right, from which they poured a murderous fire into Armistead's flank; the remainder of this regiment and the 69th Pennsylvania found shelter in a clump of trees and sent a storm of leaden hail into the ranks of the assailants. Colonel Hall, commanding Gibbon's 3d brigade, made a dashing charge with two regiments of his own command, the 15th Massachusetts, the 1st Minnesota, and the 19th Maine of the 1st brigade, that drove the enemy from the works and turned defeat into victory. Back across the open space, over which they had marched with heroic determination but a short time before, the Confederates now fled in the wildest disorder. Of Pickett's three brigade commanders Armistead and Garnett were killed and Kemper severely wounded. Nearly three-fourths of his command were either killed, wounded or captured. As the enemy retreated, Stannard, who had held his position during the action, repeated his flank movement and captured a large part of Wilcox's brigade, which was coming up to Pickett's support. Lee's grand coup de main had failed. While the main battle was in progress in the center there were sharp cavalry engagements on both flanks. On the left part of Kilpatrick's division made a charge through the woods near Devil's Den, against the infantry and artillery stationed there. In this action Kilpatrick lost a number in killed and wounded, among the former being General Farnsworth. The affair on the right was of greater magnitude. Four of Stuart's brigades were ordered to cover Ewell's left, and to make a demonstration to divert attention from the main attack. Then, if Pickett's charge proved successful, he was to fall on the rear of the Federals or harass their retreat. Stuart planted several batteries on the hills commanding the Baltimore pike and made other preparations to attack the minute he heard that Pickett had carried the works on Cemetery hill. Custer's brigade of Kilpatrick's division became engaged, although he was under orders to join his command on the left, and continued the fight until he was relieved by Mcintosh's Page 466 brigade of Gregg's division. One of Stuart's batteries was posted near the buildings of the Rummel farm and Mcintosh undertook to drive it away. He soon encountered a strong body of skirmishers and sent back for reinforcements. Randol's and Pennington's batteries were moved to the front and soon silenced the enemy's batteries, when Mcintosh moved up and occupied the position. W. H. Lee's brigade now came up to the support of the skirmish line and succeeded in repulsing the ist New Jersey, whose ammunition was exhausted. The 7th Michigan was also driven back and it began to look dark for Mcintosh, when the 5th Michigan made a charge on Lee and soon had him on the retreat. Just then Hampton's brigade, which had been kept in reserve by Stuart, came up and again turned the tide in favor of the Confederates. Although Custer had been relieved he had not yet left the field. Seeing the Union troops about to be overpowered he placed himself at the head of the ist Michigan and shouting "Come on, you Wolverines I" charged with such impetuosity that Hampton's line was temporarily thrown into confusion. Custer's timely action put new courage into those already engaged, and for a few minutes every saber was busy, officers and privates fighting side by side. Captain Hart next brought up a squadron of the ist New Jersey and the Confederates gave way. Beaten at every point the Confederates fell back to a strong position on Seminary ridge, where the army lay all day on the 4th anxiously expecting and dreading an attack from Meade, who was content to hold his position on Cemetery ridge. Some skirmishing occurred during the day and that night Lee's army, broken and dispirited, began its retreat into Virginia. The decisive battle of the Civil war had been fought and won by the Federals, and the days of the Confederacy were numbered. The Union losses at Gettysburg were 3,155 killed, 14,529 wounded and 5,365 missing. The Confederate reports give Lee's losses as being 2,592 killed, 12,709 wounded and 5,150 missing, but the records of prisoners of war in the office of the adjutant-general of the United States army bear the names of 12,277 Confederates who were captured at the battle of Gettysburg.


Ghent, Kentucky, August 29, 1864. 117th U. S. Colored Infantry.


Gibson's Mill, Virginia, February 22, 1864. (See Wyerman's Mill, same date.)


Gilbert's Ford, Virginia, September 13, 1864. 2nd Division, 6th Army Corps. On this date the division, commanded by Brigadier-General George W. Getty, made a reconnaissance to the Opequan creek and developed a heavy force of the enemy at Gilbert's ford. Skirmishing commenced at once and continued until after dark, when Getty withdrew his command and returned to his camp near Berryville. No report of losses was made.


Gilgal Church, Georgia, June 15-17, 1864. 20th and 23d Army Corps. When Johnston retired from his line at New Hope Church he formed a new one extending from Lost mountain across the Western & Atlantic railroad toward Brush mountain, with an advanced line on the Burnt Hickory and Marietta road near Gilgal Church. On the 15th Hascall's division of the 23d corps succeeded in turning the enemy's left, while Cox advanced his center, driving the Confederates back to their main line near the church. The next day Hascall advanced and developed the enemy's second line of works from Gilgal Church to Lost mountain. It was noticed that the works near the church were so located that they could be subjected to an enfilading fire of artillery and about sunset the batteries of the two corps were opened upon the enemy's salient, the fire being kept up until dark, when the Confederates ceased firing and abandoned their position. They were pursued the next day to Mud creek (q. v.).


Gillett's Farm, North Carolina, April 13, 1862. 103d New York Infantry. In the afternoon of the 13th the Federal command of Colonel Baron Egloffstein encamped at Thomas Gillett's farm on Pebbly run. About 11 p. m. the Confederates under Colonel William G. Robinson attacked in force, but after Page 467 assaults had been repulsed they turned and fled in disorder, leaving 1 dead on the field and their colonel and 2 privates prisoners. The Federal loss was 6 men.


Girard, Alabama, April 16, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 4th Cavalry Division, Military Division of the Mississippi. Alexander's brigade having the advance of Upton's division in the march upon Columbus, Georgia, struck the Confederate pickets on the road, drove them through Girard and across the Chattahoochee river. The skirmish was an incident of Wilson's raid. No casualties were reported. Glade Springs, Virginia, December 15, 1864. Detachment of a Tennessee Cavalry Brigade. As an incident of Stoneman's raid into southwestern Virginia, Brigadier-General Alvan C. Gillem commanding the Tennessee brigade, reports: "When near the road leading from Glade springs to the salt-works we met and skirmished with a small force of the enemy, which did not materially retard our progress." This is the only mention of the affair in the reports of either army.


Gladesville, Virginia, July 7, 1863. Detachments of 10th Kentucky Cavalry and 1st Ohio Squadron. As an incident of an expedition from Beaver creek, Kentucky, into southwestern Virginia Major J. M. Brown, with the 2nd battalion of the 10th Kentucky and the 1st Ohio squadron, was sent through Pound gap and attacked the Confederates at Gladesville. The result was the killing of 14 of the enemy, the wounding of 20 and the capture of 127. The Federal loss was 1 killed, 13 wounded and 6 captured while on picket duty in the vicinity.


Gladesville, Virginia, Oct . 2, 1864. 1st Kentucky Cavalry, and 3d Kentucky Mounted Infantry. Glasgow, Kentucky, September 18, 1862. 2nd Cavalry Brigade, Army of Kentucky. During Bragg's invasion of Kentucky Col . Zahm, commanding the and brigade, was active in keeping watch on the enemy's movements. Shortly after noon on the 18th a portion of his command entered Glasgow, where they captured about 200 prisoners, 5 wagons loaded with flour, together with other stores of arms, ammunition, provisions, etc., without casualty.


Glasgow, Kentucky, September 30, 1862. (See Russellville, same date.) Glasgow, Kentucky, October 5, 1862. 20th Kentucky Volunteers. Glasgow, Kentucky, Dec . 24, 1862. Detachment of the 2nd Michigan Cavalry. While four companies under Captain F. W. Dickey were on the march from Gallatin to Munfordville they met the Confederate advance at Glasgow. A skirmish ensued, in which the Federals lost 2 killed and 17 captured. The enemy's losses were 4 killed, several wounded and 7 taken prisoners.


Glasgow, Kentucky, October 6, 1863. 37th Kentucky Mounted Infantry. About daylight 120 Confederates under Colonel John M. Hughes attacked Glasgow. The Federal command became panic stricken and offered little resistance. Major Samuel Martin, commander of the post, managed to escape to Cave City, where he gathered reinforcements and returned. The Confederates meantime had captured 226 prisoners, taken $9,000 from the bank, and taken or destroyed about $10,000 worth of commissary and quartermaster's stores. Beside the prisoners the Federals lost 9 killed and 26 wounded. The Confederate casualties were 1 killed and 4 wounded.


Glasgow, Missouri, September 13, 1861. (See Boonville.)


Glasgow, Missouri, October 15, 1864. U. S. Troops under Colonel Chester Harding, Jr. As an incident of Price's Missouri expedition an attack on Glasgow was planned by the Confederate leaders. General Shelby's brigade was to open on the town from the south bank of the river in order to cover the real assault, which was to be made from the east by General Clark with his own brigade and Jackman's. The Federal garrison consisted of detachments of the 43d Missouri and 62nd U. S. colored infantry, the 9th Missouri state militia and the 13th Missouri and the 17th Illinois cavalry, all under command of Page 468 Colonel Chester Harding, Jr., of the 43d Missouri At daylight on the 15th Shelby opened on the town with his artillery, but for some unknown reason Clark's command did not get within striking distance until 2 hours later, the garrison in the meantime preparing to meet it . There was no artillery in the town and the enemy was thus enabled to get within 40 yards of the Union works. The fighting was continuous and brisk until about 1:30 p. m., when Harding, realizing that it would be useless to resist the charge which the Confederates were about to make, sent out a flag and asked Clark for his terms of surrender. On receiving the answer the garrison capitulated. The Confederates took some 500 prisoners and a quantity of quartermaster's supplies. The Union casualties were 11 killed and 32 wounded. The enemy's loss was not reported but in killed and wounded was about double that of the garrison.


Glasgow, Missouri, January 10, 1865. Detachments of 46th Enrolled Missouri Militia and 9th Missouri State Militia. Captain Alexander Denny with 10 men of the 46th came upon a guerrilla leader (Jackson) and 2 of his men and succeeded in killing 1 of the number. Pursuit was given by a party of cavalry and during the day the other 2 were overtaken and 1 of them killed. No casualties occurred on the Union side. Glendale, Mississippi, May 8, 1862. Detachments of 3d Michigan and 7th Illinois Cavalry. This skirmish was one of a number incident to the siege of Corinth. The Federal force engaged was commanded by Lieutenant-Col. Minty, and after a brisk engagement was compelled to retire, the Confederates being too strongly posted to be easily dislodged. One of Minty's force was killed and 1 wounded.


Glendale, Mississippi, July 7, 1863. Detachment of Dodge's brigade, 16th Army Corps. On the night of this date 500 Confederate cavalry surrounded the guard of one company at the convalescent corral at Glendale and captured 28 men, after a determined fight, in which the enemy lost 3 killed and 10 wounded. The herd of 660 horses was then stampeded, but the Federals pursued and captured all but 240.


Glendale, Virginia, June 30, 1862. The battle of Glendale occurred as McClellan was changing his base from the Chickahominy to the James river. A complete account of the engagement is given under the head of the Seven Days' battles.


Glenville, West Virginia, September 1, 1862. Brigadier-General A. G. Jenkins of the Confederate army in reporting his expedition in West Virginia and Ohio states that his command came within sight of Glenville about 11 a. m. of the 1st . A Federal command stationed there fled at the first volley. No other mention is made of the affair.


Globe Tavern, Virginia, August 18-21, 1864. (See Weldon Railroad, same date.)


Glorieta, New Mexico, March 28, 1862. U. S. Troops under Colonel John P. Slough. Learning from spies that about 1,200 Confederates were in the Apache canon and at Johnson's ranch beyond, Colonel Slough moved out from his camp at Kozlowski's ranch to attack them. His command consisted of detachments of the 1st Colonel, 4th New Mexico, and 5th U. S. infantry, 1st, 2nd and 3d U. S. cavalry, and Putter's and Claflin's batteries, 1,342 men in all. A little beyond the camp Major J. M. Chivington with about 430 men was sent up Apache canon to get to the enemy's rear. The cavalry of the main column acting as advance guard had scarcely reached Pigeon's ranch before it was attacked by the Confederates in force and driven back. The batteries were then brought forward, the infantry was thrown out upon the flanks; the cavalry supported the batteries and the firing became general. Two attempts to take the Federal batteries were repulsed with heavy loss. About 5 p. m. after 5 hours' fighting a flag of truce came from the enemy and measures were taken to gather up the dead of both forces. Page 469 In the meantime Chivington had gained the enemy's rear and fallen upon the train of 60 wagons, capturing and destroying it and a 6-pounder gun, and taking 17 prisoners. On learning of Chivington's success Slough retired with his column to his camp, the enemy failing to pursue. The Union loss was 29 killed and 42 wounded; the Confederates lost 33 killed and 35 wounded.


Gloucester, Virginia, November 16, 1862. Picket of the 104th Pennsylvania Infantry. An advanced post of 12 men was cut off about 4 o'clock in the morning by some 75 or 100 Confederate cavalry. When the enemy approached the pickets challenged and received the reply "107th Pennsylvania." Immediately afterward the Confederates poured a volley into the picket, wounding 3 men, and then charged and captured 3 others. One of the prisoners was shot and killed because he refused to mount behind his captor.


Gloucester Point, Virginia, February 10, 1863. Organizations not recorded. Golding's Farm, Virginia, June 28, 1862. This engagement was an incident of McClellan's change of base to the James river, and is treated fully under the head of the Seven Days' Battles.


Goldsboro, North Carolina, December 11-20, 1862. Foster's Expedition. On the morning of December 11 Major-General John G. Foster left New Berne for Goldsboro, his object being to destroy the railroad at that point, so as to cut off communication between Richmond and the south. His forces consisted of four brigades of infantry commanded by General Wessells and Colonels Amory, Lee and Stevenson; 640 men of the 3d New York cavalry; 40 pieces of artillery, including six batteries of the 3d New York, Belger's battery of the 1st Rhode Island, and sections of the 23d and 24th New York independent batteries, about 11,000 men in all. After marching 14 miles on the Kinston road they were stopped by trees which had been felled across the road by the enemy. During the night the pioneers cleared the road and the next morning the expedition moved on for about 4 miles, when the cavalry advance met a small force of the enemy, which was routed after a short but sharp skirmish. Upon reaching the junction of the Kinston and Vine Swamp roads Captain Hall, with three companies of cavalry, was sent forward on the former, while the main body moved toward Kinston on the latter. Hall encountered the enemy in some force and defeated him after a severe fight Foster's column was delayed by having to rebuild a bridge over Beaver creek. The 51st Massachusetts, with a section of artillery, was left to guard the bridge and the junction of the roads, the main body going into bivouac some 4 miles farther on. On the 13th Foster sent a company of cavalry up the Vine Swamp road, the infantry and artillery moving on another road to Kinston. About a mile from Kinston the cavalry discovered a party of Confederates preparing to burn the bridge. A charge was immediately ordered and after a brisk skirmish the enemy was driven off, but not until the bridge had been destroyed. Meantime Foster had reached Southwest creek, where the bridge was found to have been destroyed and the enemy, about 400 strong with 3 pieces of artillery, drawn up in a strong position on the opposite bank. The creek was not fordable, but the artillery was brought up and opened on the enemy. Under cover of this fire the 9th New Jersey and 23d Massachusetts crossed by swimming and drove the Confederates from the creek. The 9th New Jersey followed, but about a mile from the creek the enemy made a stand and a sharp skirmish ensued until the New Jersey troops charged, driving him from his position and capturing a 6-pounder gun and caisson. By this time Wessells' brigade and part of Amory's had succeeded in crossing the stream and moved to the assistance of the New Jersey regiment. The next morning the entire force crossed over and advanced on Kinston, encountering the enemy about a mile from the town in a strong position, his right protected by a swamp and his left by the Neuse Page 470 river. The 9th New Jersey was deployed as skirmishers; Amory's and Wessells' brigades were moved forward on the right and left of the road, and Stevenson moved down the road in the center. Stevenson's advance regiment, the 10th Connecticut, charged in the face of a galling fire and drove the enemy precipitately across the bridge, capturing 400 prisoners and saving the bridge, which had been set on fire. On Monday morning, the 15th, Foster left a strong detachment of cavalry to hold Kinston, recrossed the Neuse and moved along the south bank toward Goldsboro, the cavalry in the meantime making a feint toward Goldsboro on the road north of the river. On Tuesday morning Major Garrard, with five companies of cavalry and a section of artillery, was sent to Mount Olive, 14 miles below Goldsboro. At White Hall Garrard met and engaged a considerable force of the enemy until the arrival of the main column, which had been ordered to his assistance. He then proceeded to Mount Olive, where he destroyed the track for some distance, Foster in the meantime moving up to within 8 miles of Goldsboro. The next morning Garrard was sent to Thompson's bridge and Major Fitz Simmons, with a cavalry detachment, was ordered to make a demonstration in the direction of Dudley Station and Everettsville. Lee's brigade then moved west to the railroad, where a small Confederate detachment was met and defeated, the 9th New Jersey, 3d, 25th and 27th Massachusetts pursuing them north along the railroad across the bridge over the Neuse. Under cover of the artillery the bridge was fired, the guns preventing any attempt on the part of the enemy to save it. The expedition now started to return to New Berne, Lee's brigade in the rear, but the movement had barely commenced when the Confederates attacked Lee with great fury and were only repulsed after a prolonged and spirited fight. By the time this skirmish was ended the cavalry rejoined the column and guarded the rear to New Berne, where the expedition arrived on the 20th. The Union loss during the movement was 92 killed, 487 wounded and 12 missing. The Confederates lost 71 killed, 268 wounded and 476 captured.


Goldsboro, North Carolina, March 21, 1865. Part of the Army of the Ohio. In the campaign of the Carolinas the Army of the Ohio, Major-General John M. Schofield commanding, occupied the center of Sherman's armies. On the 21st Schofield reached Goldsboro, where he found a small force of the enemy, which offered but slight resistance to the occupation of the town.


Golgotha, Georgia, June 16, 1864. 20th Army Corps. While General Sherman was disposing his forces to invest Johnston's position on Kennesaw mountain, in the advance upon Atlanta, some of General Hooker's corps had a slight skirmish with the enemy in the vicinity of Golgotha. The affair is barely mentioned in the official records, and no detailed report can be found. Goodrich's Landing, Louisiana, June 30, 1863. 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry. Upon learning that some Confederates had made a successful attack upon the camps of two negro companies, one at Goodrich's landing and the other at Wilton's plantation, Brigadier-General H. T. Reid sent the 1st Kans. to check the  enemy. The regiment met the enemy at Goodrich's landing, but was obliged to fall back before him to within 3 miles of Providence, losing 1 man killed, and 3 wounded, while the enemy's loss was estimated at 5 or 6 killed.


Goose Creek, Virginia, September 17, 1862. (See Leesburg, Reconnaissance to.)


Goose Creek, Virginia, June 18, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. Colonel Gamble's brigade, Buford's division, marched from Bull run to Aldie on the 17th. Next day Battery A, 2nd U. S. artillery, attached to the brigade, reconnoitered in the direction of Philomont. The cavalry skirmishers met those of the enemy near the bridge over Goose creek and drove them through Philomont, after which the right section of the battery under Lieutenant Roder, and the left section under 1st Sergt. Moorman Page 471 man, crossed the bridge. The other section was posted on a hill south of the creek to enfilade the road leading to the bridge from the north. The object of the movement was to cover the retreat of Federal troops in case they had to fall back. The battery later returned to camp near Aldie.


Goose Creek, Virginia, March 23, 1865. Detachments of the 1st U. S. Infantry, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry and the Loudoun County Rangers. The expedition, commanded by Colonel M. A. Reno, of the 12th Pennsylvania cavalry, was in pursuit of some of Mosby's guerrillas from Hamilton, where a skirmish had occurred on the 21st. On the 23d Reno moved from Bloomfield, via Upperville and Middleburg, to Goose creek, skirmishing all day with parties of the enemy, and killing a few of the guerrillas without casualty to his own command.


Gordon, Georgia, November 21, 1864. 4th Division, 17th Army Corps. In the march to the sea the division, commanded by Brigadier-General Giles A .Smith, reached Gordon on the 21st to find the town occupied by the enemy. The 1st Alabama cavalry, which was in advance engaged the Confederate forces and after a sharp skirmish drove them out of town. No casualties reported.


Gordon's Landing, Louisiana, February 14, 1863. Queen of the West. The capture of the U. S. ram, Queen of the West, on this date was an incident of the operations of the Mississippi squadron, Rear-Adm. D. D. Porter commanding, on the Red river. (For a full account of the affair see Naval Volume.)


Gordonsville, Virginia, December 23, 1864. 1st and 2nd Cavalry Divisions, Middle Military Division. During the expedition from Winchester to Gordonsville, led by Major-General A. T. A. Torbert, the enemy was engaged at daylight on a county road leading to Gordonsville. Their artillery was captured and they were obliged to retire to a gap in Southwest mountain, taking a position behind earth and rail breastworks. Torbert's command charged, but was unable to dislodge the Confederates. A column was started to flank the enemy on the left, but the arrival of infantry reinforcements for the enemy induced Torbert to withdraw across the Rapidan. No casualties were reported on either side.


Goresville, Virginia, November 28, 1864. Detachment of the Loudoun County Rangers. Thirty-four men, under command of Lieutenant Robert Graham, crossed the Potomac at Cheek's ford for a scout in the vicinity of Leesburg, where they captured Captain Smith, adjutant-general on General Gordon's staff. From there they proceeded to Goresville, where they met about 150 of Mosby's men commanded by Captain Mountjoy, and a slight skirmish took place, in which Mountjoy and 2 men were killed and a lieutenant was wounded. A charge by the Confederates scattered Graham's command and 5 or 6 of them failed to reach camp at Point of Rocks. It was supposed that they were either killed or captured.


Gower's Ford, Georgia, September 17, 1863. (See Owen's Ford, same date.)


Grafton, West Virginia, August 13, 1861. One company 4th West Virginia Volunteers.


Graham's Plantation, Louisiana, May 5, 1864. Detachment of 13th Army Corps. During the operations about Alexandria in the Red River campaign Brigadier-General M. K. Lawler with Cameron's division and Keigwin's brigade moved out pursuant to orders on the Shreveport road and drove the Confederates beyond Graham's plantation, with a loss of 8 killed, 20 wounded and 3 captured. The Federal loss was 1 killed and 19 wounded.


Grahamville, South Carolina, November 30, 1864. (See Honey Hill.) Granby, Missouri, March 3, 1863. Detachment of 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. On the night of March 3 Livingston, with 100 guerrillas, dashed into Granby, captured and probably killed the patrol guard of 2 men and then killed 2 other soldiers who were outside the stockade attending a sick family. The remainder of the garrison of 25 men was not molested.


Grand Bayou, Louisiana, April 4, 1865. Detachment of 16th Indiana Mounted Infantry. The detachment under Major J. M. Hildreth, in pursuit of Whitaker's band raiding in the vicinity of Grand Bayou, first encountered the enemy concealed in the brush on the plantation of Whitaker's father. The Federals opened fire, wounding 1 and putting the remainder to flight. Eight men were captured in the pursuit.


Grand Coteau, Louisiana, November 3, 1863. (See Bayou Bourbeau.)


Grand Gulf, Mississippi, April 29, 1863. (See Vicksburg, siege of.)


Grand Gulf, Mississippi, January 16-18, 1864. Cavalry and Infantry of the Mississippi Marine Brigade.


Grand Gulf, Mississippi, July 16, 1864. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps. Colonel Frederick A. Starring with this brigade left Vicksburg on the 10th for Grand Gulf. While in camp there the enemy attacked on the 16th and drove in the Union pickets. Starring moved with his command to the front and drove the Confederates back, killing and wounding a number, without casualty to his own command.


Grand Haze, Arkansas, July 4, 1862. 13th Illinois Cavalry.


Grand Junction, Tennessee, March 21, 1863. (See Bolivar, same date.)


Grand Pass, Idaho, July 7, 1863. Detachment 9th Kansas Cavalry. At 1 a. m. Lieuts. Henry Brandley and Hugh W. Williams, with 70 men, started from Fort Halleck in pursuit of a band of Ute Indians which had been making depredations on the mail company's stations and stores. About sunrise the command overtook the Indians posted in Grand pass. They opened fire from the timber and underbrush on the side of the hill. The troops dismounted and charged up the hillside, driving the Indians before them and killing over 20. The loss of the troop was 1 killed and 6 wounded. Grand Prairie, Arkansas, July 6, 1862. Detachment of 24th Indiana Infantry. As a part of a reconnaissance in force, Colonel William T. Spicely with this detachment left Aberdeen on the morning of the 6th. About 4 miles from the town on the Devall's Bluff road he drove in the enemy's pickets on the border of Grand prairie, when the main body of the enemy, all mounted, made an attack upon his front. This was quickly repulsed, but availing themselves of a point of thick timber, which concealed their movements, they again attacked Spicely simultaneously on the front, one flank and rear, coming to within 20 paces of the ranks. This attack was also repulsed and the enemy fled. The Federal loss was 1 killed and 21 wounded; the Confederate casualties were 84 killed, wounded and missing.


Grand Prairie, Missouri, October 24, 1862. Two Battalions Missouri Militia Cavalry.


Grand River, Missouri, August 10, to 13, 1862. 9th Missouri Cavalry (Militia). In 7 days Colonel Odon Guitar pursued Poindexter's guerrilla band 250 miles and attacked them 3 times—at Switzler's mill, Little Compton (or Compton's Ferry) and on the Muscle Fork of the Chariton river. The pursuit resulted in the killing, wounding and drowning of 150 of the Confederates and the taking of 100 prisoners. The Federal loss was 5 men wounded and 10 horses killed. Guitar's force numbered 550 men.


Grant's Creek, North Carolina, April 12, 1865. 2nd and 3d Brigades, Cavalry Division, District of East Tennessee. As an incident of Stoneman's raid into western North Carolina, Brown's and Miller's brigades and the artillery under Lieutenant Regan moved toward Salisbury from Salem. On arriving at Grant's creek the Confederates, 3,000 strong, were discovered in line of battle on the Salisbury side of the stream. A charge was ordered along the whole line, which resulted in the capture of 1,364 Confederates and 14 pieces of their artillery. The rest of the enemy were driven through and beyond Salisbury, between 2 and 3 miles distant . The casualties were not reported.


Grant's Ferry, Mississippi, July 16, 1863. Skirmishers of 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps. On the east side of Pearl river at Grant's ferry the Confederates had a picket post of 20 or 30 men, with an outpost on the west side. On the approach of the Federal forces the outpost withdrew to the east side of the stream, Colonel Charles R. Woods, commanding the 2nd brigade, advanced his skirmishers to the ferry and soon drove off the enemy on the other bank. No casualties were reported. The affair was an incident of the Jackson campaign.


Grass Lick, West Virginia, April 23, 1862. U. S. Troops sent out by Lieutenant- Colonel Downey. A squad of 25 infantry sent out from Romney by Lieutenant- Col . Stephen W. Downey to look for guerrillas, was attacked on the morning of the 23d at Grass lick by 40 Confederates, who fired from a house on the Union troops. As Downey came up with reinforcements the Confederates fled, taking their dead and wounded with them. The Federal loss was 3 killed.


Grassy Lick, Virginia, May 9-10, 1864. (See Cove Mountain.)


Gravel Hill, Virginia, August 14, 1864. 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac.


Gravelly Run, Virginia, March 29, 1865. (See Quaker Road.)


Graysville, Georgia, September 10, 1863. 1st Kentucky Infantry. As an incident of the Chickamauga campaign, while General Wood was following the Confederate army, the latter's cavalry charged his advance. Four companies of the 1st Kentucky were cut off from the main column and 52 men and officers were captured. There were no other casualties on either side.


Graysville, Georgia, November 26, 1863. 15th Army Corps, and 2nd Division of the 14th Army Corps. In the pursuit of Bragg, after the battle of Missionary Ridge on the preceding day, the 2nd division, General J. C. Davis commanding, was in the advance. Just before dark Davis found the Confederate rear-guard posted on the edge of a small opening in the forest about 3 miles from Graysville. A battery was ordered up and fire opened on the head of the enemy's column, while Beatty's brigade was deployed as skirmishers and pushed rapidly across a small swamp to the edge of a little stream, from which he could pour a fire into the enemy's flank. A sharp skirmish was maintained for some time, when McCook's brigade was sent forward, two regiments forming on Beatty's right and the other two on the left. The whole line then advanced at the double-quick, when the Confederates retired. Darkness put a stop to further proceedings. (See Ringgold.)


Greasy Creek, Kentucky, May 10, 1863. (See Horseshoe Bottom.)


Great Bear Creek, Alabama, April 17, 1863. (See Courtland, Expedition to.)


Great Falls, Maryland, July 7, 1861. Detachment of 8th Battalion, District of Columbia Infantry. Adjt. Anton Becker reported to General Mansfield on the 7th: "Have been fighting all day; fighting when I left at 7 o'clock this p. m. One man killed on our side. We want reinforcements. Are not strong enough to hold our position. We want a surgeon. Please answer." This is the only mention in the official records of an engagement at Great Falls on this date. Greenbrier River, West Virginia, October 3, 1861. Reynolds' Expedition. About midnight of the 2nd Brigadier-General J. J. Reynolds left his camp at Cheat mountain to make a reconnaissance in force of the enemy's position on Greenbrier river. His force consisted of the 7th, 9th. 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th Indiana, the 24th, 25th, and 32nd Ohio infantry, sections of the 4th U. S., Loomis' Michigan, and Daums' Virginia batteries and detachments of Robinson's Ohio, Greenfield's Pennsylvania, and Bracken's Indiana cavalry. About 8 a. m. of the 3d the 9th Indiana, acting as the advance guard, drove in the enemy's advanced pickets and deployed to the right, driving the Confederates on that flank Page 474 into their intrenchments. The 14th Indiana attacked the enemy's front and right and drove their advance regiment from a position suitable for the Union artillery, within 700 yards of the works. After about a 4 hours' fight Reynolds retired to Cheat mountain, having suffered a loss of 8 killed and 35 wounded. The Confederate casualties were 6 killed and 33 wounded.


Greenbrier River, West Virginia, December 12, 1863. (See Big Sewell Mountain.)


Greencastle, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1863. 1st New York Cavalry.


Greeneville, Tennessee, September 4, 1864. (See Park's Gap, same date.)


Greeneville, Tennessee, October 12, 1864. 8th and 9th Tennessee Cavalry. Brigadier-General J. C. Vaughn of the Confederate army, reported under date of October 12: "I met the enemy this morning in Greeneville, whipped them, and am in pursuit. Captured some prisoners; killed and wounded many. My loss slight. Captured 2 regimental colors, many horses and arms." A later report states that the captured colors belonged to the 8th and 9th Tennessee cavalry.


Greeneville, Tennessee, February 21-22, 1865. 4th Tennessee Infantry. As an incident of an expedition to Greeneville and Warrensburg, the pickets of the 4th Tennessee were twice attacked, at noon on the 21st and at the same time on the day following. No casualties resulted. Greenfield, Missouri, October 5, 1863. Missouri State Militia. Colonel Joseph O. Shelby, of the Confederate army, in the report of his raid in Arkansas and Missouri, states that his advance drove the rear-guard of a Federal force out of Greenfield, killing and wounding a number, and then passed on to Stockton. At the latter place a few militia were driven out. The Union reports make no mention of either affair.


Green Hill, Tennessee, April 6, 1863. U. S. Troops under Brigadier-General Robert B. Mitchell. General Mitchell with 400 cavalry and mounted infantry attacked the Confederate conscripting camp near Green Hill. Five of the enemy were killed and 15 captured, with no loss to the attacking force. Greenland Gap, West Virginia, April 25, 1863. Detachments of 23d Illinois and 14th West Virginia Infantry. As an incident of the Confederate raid led by General W. E. Jones upon the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, the advance through the Knobley mountain was stopped by a Union guard of 80 men at Greenland gap. Captain Wallace with the Illinois detachment occupied a log church and the West Virginians, under Captain Smith, held a log house about 100 yards distant. The fight began at 5 p. m. Three charges were made by the Confederates, but each time they were repulsed with loss. About dark they managed to fire the buildings and the Union troops surrendered, after having thrown their weapons into the flames. The Federal loss was 2 killed and 4 wounded. The Confederate casualties were 6 killed and 20 wounded.


Greenland Gap Road, West Virginia, June 6, 1864. (See Moorefield.) Greenleaf Prairie, Indian Territory, June 16, 1863. 1st, 3d, 4th and 2nd Indian Regiments and Detachment of 6th Kansas. Colonel Stephen H. Wattles, sent out in pursuit of Chief Stand Watie and other Confederate leaders operating with their forces in the vicinity of Fort Gibson, came upon them at Greenleaf prairie. The enemy charged first and were repulsed, but later moved around, flanked the Federals and compelled them to withdraw. The fighting which lasted several hours was spirited and sharp, 4 Union men being killed and 8 wounded, while the Confederates had 7 killed.


Green River Bridge, Kentucky, July 4, 1863. Detachment 25th Michigan Infantry. As an incident of Morgan's raid into Ohio, after the Confederate advance had entered Columbia, Colonel Orlando H. Moore with five companies of the 25th Michigan moved his command on the Columbia road to the south side of the Green river near Tebb's bend, and about 3:30 a. m. of the 4th engaged the enemy at the bridge. After a few shots had been fired Morgan sent a flag of truce with a demand for a surrender. Moore replied that Page 475 the 4th of July was no day for Union troops to capitulate and the engagement was renewed. For nearly 4 hours the conflict was fierce and bloody, and then Morgan was forced to retire. The Federal loss was 6 killed and 23 wounded; the Confederate loss was not reported. Greensburg, Mississippi, May 1, 1863. (See Grierson's Raid.)


Green's Chapel, Kentucky, December 25, 1862. Detachments of 4th and 5th Indiana Cavalry. Incidental to Morgan's second Kentucky raid, Colonel Isaac P. Gray with four companies of Indiana cavalry was sent on a scout on the Burkesville road. Near Green's chapel his advance was driven back by the enemy. Gray lined up three of his companies in battle array, to meet a charge of 300 Confederate cavalry. Meantime Lieutenant Smith with Company C of the 4th had deployed to the left and as the enemy charged, he led a countercharge on their flank, driving them back in confusion. Reinforcements coming to the enemy caused Gray to fall back on the main column. The Federal loss was 1 killed and 2 taken prisoners; the Confederates lost 9 killed and about 20 wounded.


Green's Farm, Arkansas, November 19, 1863. Detachment of 8th Missouri Cavalry. Major W. J. Teed with a scouting party attacked the Confederates under Cooke at the farm of Dr. Green, 8 miles west of Lawrenceville. Four Confederates were killed and 1 was captured. The Federals sustained no casualties.


Green Spring Depot, West Virginia, August 2, 1864. (See Old Town, Maryland)


Green Spring Run, West Virginia, November 1, 1864. Detachment of the 15th New York Cavalry. Forty men engaged in guarding the bridge at Green Spring run were attacked by 200 Confederates, believed to belong to McNeill's and White's commands. Lieutenant Lyon, commanding the Federal post, was badly wounded; Lieutenant Hatch and several of the men were either killed or wounded, and nearly all the horses and equipments belonging to the party were captured by the enemy.


Greenton, Missouri, March 30, 1864. Detachment of 1st Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Captain James B. Moore with a scouting party, after following a trail for several miles, came upon the camp of a small band of guerrillas. A charge was immediately made and the enemy routed, with a loss of 1 killed and another wounded.


Greenton, Missouri, March 21, 1865. Detachment of 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. A scouting party under Lieutenant Rush G. Leaming came upon 5 bushwhackers some 5 miles from Greenton. They were fired upon and when they made for the timber were pursued. The chase proved futile. No casualties were reported.


Greenton Valley, Missouri, October 21, 1863. Detachment of 1st Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Lieutenant J. Rhoades with a detachment of Company B came upon a party of 4 bushwhackers in Greenton valley, and in the ensuing skirmish killed 2 and badly wounded another. No casualties were sustained by the Union troops.


Greenville, Missouri, July 20, 1862. 12th Missouri Cavalry (Militia). At daylight the camp of this command was surprised by 300 Confederates, who managed to get past the pickets and within a few yards of the camp before they were discovered. The Federals fled across the river, where Captain William T. Leeper, the commanding officer, managed to reorganize them and led them back against the enemy. The latter were too many for the Union troops, however, and again drove them back. The Union loss was 2 killed and 5 wounded. The Confederates lost 4 killed and 6 wounded. Most of the guns and equipment were captured by the enemy.


Greenville, North Carolina, November 25, 1863. Graham's Expedition. Captain George W. Graham, with details from the 1st North Carolina infantry, the 12th New York cavalry and the 23d New York battery, surrounded two companies of Whitford's Confederate battalion, captured 52 and killed 5 out of 75 men. One hundred Page 476 stands of arms, a number of horses, mules, wagons, etc., were captured by the Federal troops, whose loss was 1 killed and 3 wounded.


Greenville, North Carolina, December 30, 1863. Detachment of the 12th New York Cavalry, 23d New York Battery, and 1st North Carolina Infantry. In General Orders, No. 2, of January 2, 1864, Major-General John J. Peck reports: "Colonel McChesney, commanding Pamplico Sub-District, while reconnoitering on the night of the 30th ultimo, within 6 miles of Greenville, with about 140 men of the 12th New York cavalry, 1st North Carolina volunteers, and 23d New York artillery, was attacked by a superior force under Major Moore, who attempted to cut off his return to Washington. After a hand-to-hand conflict the enemy retired, leaving one lieutenant and 5 men dead, with one piece of Starr's fine battery, and caisson and horses. Darkness prevented further knowledge of the injuries sustained by the rebels. Our loss was 1 killed, 6 slightly wounded, 1 missing, and 3 horses disabled."


Greenville Road, Kentucky, November 5, 1862. 8th Kentucky Cavalry.


Greenville Road, North Carolina, May 31, 1862. 3d New York Cavalry.


Greenwich, Virginia, May 30, 1863. Detachments of 1st Vermont, 5th New York and 7th Michigan cavalry. About 9 a. m. firing was heard in the direction of Bealeton. Thinking that the train had been attacked Colonel William D. Mann started for the scene and Lieutenant Elmer Barker, with 25 men, was sent across the country to intercept the enemy should he attempt to flee. Barker came up with the enemy first, found him posted on a hill with a howitzer and 200 cavalry and charged, but was driven back down the hill. Mann, on hearing the firing, had started to Barker's aid and came upon the enemy's flank just in time to prevent the total annihilation of Barker's command. The Confederates were overpowered and fled in confusion, but the horses of the Federals were so blown that they were unable to follow. The Union loss was 4 killed and 8 wounded; the Confederate casualties were 6 killed, 20 wounded and 10 captured.


Gregory's Farm, South Carolina, December 6-9, 1864. (See Deveaux's Neck.)


Gregory's Landing, Arkansas, September 4, 1864. U. S. Steamers, Celeste and Commercial. While the two steamers were lying at Gregory's landing on the White river, near Devall's bluff, they were fired into with the result that 1 man was killed and Colonel Graves and 8 men were wounded. One of the wounded men died soon afterward. The vessels hurriedly left the landing and proceeded to Augusta.


Grenada, Mississippi, August 12-23, 1863. Detachments of the Cavalry Division, 16th Army Corps. Major-General Stephen A. Hurlbut, commanding the corps, ordered an expedition against Grenada, where there was a force of some 2,000 Confederates under command of Colonel W. F. Slemons. On the night of the 12th Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Phillips, of the 9th Illinois, mounted infantry, left camp at La Grange, Tennessee, with 330 men of his regiment and arrived at Oxford, Mississippi, at 2 p. m. on the 14th. At 5 a. m. on the 13th Major D. E. Coon left the same camp with 520 men of the 2nd brigade and moved by way of Salem, Hickory flats and Rocky ford to Oxford. Later on the same day Lieutenant-Colonel M. R. M. Wallace moved out with 720 men of the 1st brigade, crossed the Tallahatchie river at Abbeville, Mississippi, and after slight skirmishes with the enemy at Byhalia and Craven's plantation reached Oxford on the afternoon of the 15th. Near Oxford the three detachments were united, Phillips assumed command, and on the 17th the whole force moved against Grenada. At Water Valley a few Confederates guarding a train of 6 wagons were routed and the wagons, each drawn by 6 mules, were captured. At Coffeeville 3 prisoners were taken, and from this point to Grenada—a distance of some 15 miles—there was constant skirmishing. Slemons sent out 600 men to check Phillips' advance. This detachment was encountered about 8 miles north of Grenada, but was rapidly driven back to the city, where the remainder of Slemons' force was busily engaged in Page 477 destroying the bridges. Upon arriving at the Yalabusha river, opposite the town, Coon was ordered to attack at the upper ferry, where the enemy was strongest, and keep him engaged there while Wallace effected a crossing below. Coon was met by a brisk fire from 3 pieces of artillery and 2 of the howitzers were sent to him to reply. Some sharp fighting occurred here until Wallace, who had crossed at the lower ferry without serious opposition, struck the enemy on the flank and caused him to give way. Phillips then ordered a general advance, which completely routed the enemy and drove him from the town. Several buildings, containing commissary and ordnance stores, were burned; 51 locomotives and about 500 cars were captured at Grenada; during the movements of the expedition 10 locomotives, several cars, 2 steam mills containing several thousand sacks of flour, a number of machine shops, several warehouses containing supplies were destroyed, and 58 prisoners taken. Phillips gave an order for the destruction of the rolling-stock captured at Grenada, but before it could be executed Colonel Winslow arrived and countermanded it. The expedition reached La Grange on the 23d, only a few slight casualties having been sustained.


Grierson's Raid to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 17-May 2, 1863. 6th and 7th Illinois and 2nd Iowa Cavalry. In order to prevent reinforcements being sent to Pemberton's aid during the operations around Vicksburg and to create a diversion in the rear of that place, Major-General U. S. Grant issued orders for a raid from La Grange, Tennessee, into the central portion of Mississippi. It was either to make its way back to La Grange or proceed to Baton Rouge. Accordingly on April 17, Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson of the 6th Illinois cavalry with his own regiment, the 7th Illinois and the 2nd Louisiana cavalry left La Grange and proceeded in a southeasterly direction across the state line into Mississippi, bivouacking that night at Ripley. Feints had previously been made from Corinth, Mississippi, Memphis, and La Grange to cover the movement of the main expedition. From Ripley the main body turned south, the 2nd Louisiana under Colonel Edward Hatch advancing on the left flank through Molino and Chesterville, skirmishing at the latter place. Grierson, meantime, had some brushes with the enemy on the 18th and 19th at New Albany, small forces which he sent out to break up recruiting parties becoming engaged. About noon of the 19th Hatch rejoined the column; about 5 p. m. of the same day Pontotoc was reached, the advance made a dash into the town upon a party of the enemy, 1 of whom was killed and a number wounded or captured. A large mill, 400 bushels of salt and the Confederate camp and equipment were captured and destroyed. Grierson camped that night on a plantation 5 miles south of Pontotoc, and before daylight next morning (20th) Captain Love, with 175 of the less effective portion of the command was started back to La Grange with the prisoners, marching through Pontotoc in column of fours to give the impression that the whole command had returned. At 5 a. m. Grierson moved south on the Houston road, arriving at Houston about 4 p. m. and halting at dark at a plantation about 11 miles south of there. When the intersection of the Columbus road and Starkville pike was reached on the 21st, Hatch was dispatched with his regiment to the eastward, with orders to proceed to the Mobile & Ohio railway and after destroying enough of it to prevent its immediate use return to La Grange. This was another diversion to conceal the movement of the main column. Before reaching La Grange Hatch saw some sharp fighting at Birmingham and Palo Alto. Grierson continued southward, his command now reduced to 950 men; On his arrival at Starkville at 4 p. m. he captured a mail and a quantity of Confederate property which he destroyed. From Starkville the route led to Louisville, but before arriving there Captain Forbes with 35 men of 7th Illinois was detached to Macon to destroy the telegraph and railroad at that Page 478 point. Finding the bridge across the Okanoxubee river destroyed, Forbes turned southwest to Enterprise. That town was well garrisoned but notwithstanding he boldly entered with a flag of truce and demanded its surrender in Grierson's name. The Confederate commander asked an hour to consider the proposition, and after granting it, Forbes made good use of the time in getting away, joining Grierson as he was crossing the Pearl river. It was after dark when Grierson reached Louisville, but the town was passed through without molestation and bivouac made 10 miles beyond. Before daylight on the 22nd the march for Philadelphia was begun. Grierson was fearful that the bridge over the Pearl river would be destroyed, which would necessitate his fighting his way through to La Grange. The citizens of Philadelphia had organized for such a purpose, but lost heart and fled at the approach of the Federals. From Philadelphia, which was passed through about 3 p. m., the command moved out on the Enterprise road. After halting beyond the town to feed and rest Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn was sent with two battalions of the 7th Illinois to destroy the station and telegraph at Decatur and Newton Station. Some railroad property was burned at Decatur which was passed through at daylight of the 24th. Major Starr with a battalion of the 6th Illinois rejoined the column near Garlandville after having made a successful excursion to destroy the bridge over the Chunky river. Some trouble was experienced with the citizens of: Garlandville, who fired on the advance as it entered the town on the 24th. Passing southwest through Montrose, Raleigh and Westville Grierson struck the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern railroad at Hazelhurst arriving just in time to intercept a courier with dispatches ordering the destruction of the ferry. At this point an amount of commissary stores destined for the Confederate forces at Grand Gulf and Port Gibson was destroyed. Gallatin was next passed and then Union Church. While the troops were feeding near the latter place on the 28th the pickets were fired upon. The force at once moved out, skirmished with the enemy and drove him through the town. After a feint to move on Fayette, Grierson quietly took the opposite direction to Brookhaven. At this place some resistance was met, but a charge soon overcame it. On the 29th the line of march was directly south along the railroad to Bayou Chitto Station and Summit where the trestle and water tanks were destroyed. Having heard nothing of the movement around Grand Gulf Grierson determined to push on to Baton Rouge and recruit his force. Accordingly on May 1 he started southwest from Summit. At Osyka and Magnolia large forces had been gathered to check his advance, but he only threatened those places and took a course due south. At Williams' and Wall's bridges over the Tickfaw river was posted a battalion of the 9th Tennessee cavalry, which was routed with little trouble. A number were killed, wounded or taken prisoners. The Tickfaw was again crossed at Edwards ferry and a few miles beyond, on the Greensburg road, Garland's Confederate cavalry was encountered but was driven back by a battalion of the 6th Illinois and 2 guns of the battery. The Confederates became more anxious to intercept Grierson as he approached Baton Rouge and were more active in their efforts. There was but one bridge over which he could cross the Amite, but by a forced march it was reached at midnight, just 2 hours before the Confederate infantry and artillery sent to guard it could come up. At Roberts' ford on the Comite river on the 2nd a company of Stuart's cavalry was surprised and routed, some 40 being captured, and at 3 p. m. the advance entered Baton Rouge. Grierson's loss during the raid was 3 killed, 7 wounded, 9 missing and 5 left sick on the route. The force had marched 600 miles in 16 days and during the last 28 hours marched 76 miles without a halt for feed or rest Page 479 The Confederate casualties according to Grierson's report, were over too in killed and wounded, and more than 500 were captured and paroled.


Griswoldville, Georgia, November 22, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, and Kilpatrick's Cavalry. Some the cavalry struck Griswoldville on the 21st, captured a train of 13 cars loaded with military supplies, and burned the station and some factory buildings. Early the next day a detachment of Confederate cavalry attacked the pickets of the 9th Pennsylvania cavalry on the Gordon road, killed 1 man, wounded 2 and captured 18. Major Kimmel charged and drove them back nearly a mile across a creek, where the enemy was found in force, posted in order of battle. The Confederates advanced and drove in the Union skirmishers, but the 9th Pennsylvania and 5th Kentucky made a saber charge that forced the enemy to retire to his works. At this juncture the infantry brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General C. C. Walcutt, with a section of Battery B, 1st Michigan joined the cavalry. Walcutt threw out a strong skirmish line which drove the enemy back through the town, after which, by orders of General Woods, commanding the division, he fell back to the Duncan farm and took up a position on the edge of the woods, with an open field in his front and his flanks protected by a swamp. Here he threw up a barricade of rails and logs and about 2 p. m. was attacked by Wheeler's entire cavalry corps and three brigades of Georgia militia, with 4 pieces of artillery. The Confederates advanced in three compact lines, but were met by a shower of grape and canister from the 2 guns under Captain Arndt. They succeeded, however, in reaching a ravine about 75 yards from Walcutt's works, where they reformed their lines and from which they made three desperate charges on the Federal position. These charges were repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy, which then tried to turn the Federal flanks, but finding these well protected by cavalry, he retired to the ravine and remained there until dark, when he withdrew from the field. General Walcutt was wounded early in the engagement and the command of the infantry devolved on Colonel R. F. Catterson, of the 97th Indiana. The Union loss was 13 killed, 79 wounded, and 2 missing. The acknowledged loss of the enemy was over 600.


Grosse Tete Bayou, Louisiana, February 19, 1864. 4th Wisconsin Cavalry.


Grosse Tete Bayou, Louisiana,  March 30, 1864. Detachment of 118th Illinois Volunteers. Ground Squirrel Church, Virginia, May 11, 1864. 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. As the cavalry was moving to the James river to open communications with General Butler, the 2nd division, commanded by Brigadier-General David McM. Gregg, was acting as rear-guard on this date, and near Ground Squirrel Church was attacked by Gordon's brigade of Confederate cavalry, but the attack was repulsed. No casualties reported.


Groveton, Virginia, August 29, 1862. (See Bull Run, August 30, 1862.) Guard Hill, Virginia,, August 16, 1864. (See Cedarville.) Guerrilla Campaign in Missouri, August 8-15, 1862. Detachments of Missouri State Militia, under Colonel O. Guitar. Poindexter, guerrilla leader of Missouri, with a band of about 1,200 had been annoying the people of central Missouri for some time. Colonel Guitar with about 550 mounted militia was sent in pursuit by Maj .-General Schofield. On the night of the 10th Guitar came up with and attacked the outlaw band while it was crossing the Chariton river. A large number of the enemy were killed and wounded and a supply of horses, arms, ammunition, etc. captured. Poindexter immediately moved northward, hoping to effect a junction with Porter, but both Porter and Poindexter were intercepted and driven back by the troops of the Northwestern division under General Loan, Porter upon Colonel McNeil near Kirksville, where his force was attacked and forced to disband, and Poindexter upon Guitar. The latter engaged the guerrillas at Little Compton and at Muscle Fork and after a running fight of nearly Page 480 48 hours the whole force of the enemy was killed, captured or dispersed. The Federal loss was 5 wounded and a number or horses killed. About 150 of Poindexter's men were killed, wounded or drowned and 100 captured, the guerilla leader himself being among the latter number.


Galley's, North Carolina, March 31, 1865. 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 23d Army Corps. The brigade, commanded by Colonel T. J. Henderson, made a reconnaissance from Goldsboro on the Raleigh road. At Dr. Gulley's plantation Henderson found a body of Confederates behind a strong barricade of rails across the road. A few shots from the artillery served to drive the enemy back on the Raleigh road and Henderson returned to camp with 3 prisoners. No casualties reported on the Federal side.


Gum Slough, Missouri, March 11, 1863. 2nd Missouri State Militia Cavalry. During an expedition from Bloomfield, Missouri, to Chalk Bluff, Arkansas, the Federal force under Colonel John McNeil encountered a body of 30 Confederates at Gum slough. The enemy was driven from the vicinity and pursued 11 miles, 4 men being killed and 5 captured.


Gum Swamp, North Carolina, May 22, 1863. U. S. Troops under Colonel J. R. Jones. As an incident of the demonstration against Kinston the advance, under Colonel George H. Pierson, consisting of the 5th, 25th and 46th Massachusetts, 3 pieces of Riggs' battery, and a battalion of cavalry, met the Confederate pickets at daylight and drove them in. Colonel Jones, with the 58th Pennsylvania and the 27th Massachusetts, took a path through the swamp to reach the enemy's rear. Owing to the character of the ground over which his troops were forced to pass Jones did not arrive until 9 a. m., but immediately deployed his troops to the best advantage, and advancing, opened fire. The enemy fired a few desultory volleys, then broke and fled in confusion into the swamps. The Federals succeeded, however, in capturing 165 prisoners, 6 of whom were wounded, while their own loss was but 2 wounded.


Gunter's Bridge, South Carolina, February 14, 1865. Detachment of 4th Brigade, 3d Cavalry Division, Sherman's Army. During the campaign of the Carolinas, the cavalry advance found the enemy posted behind rail barricades on the farther side of the North Edisto river. A company of the brigade charged across the river and took the first barricade under cover of the 10th Wisconsin artillery fire. The enemy, however, moved down upon the Union right and the assaulting force was obliged to retire. Major Appel moved across the stream with a regiment and recaptured the first barricade, the enemy retiring to a stronger position on the hill. Lieutenant Hoke with 60 men then charged the Confederate left and drove them from the hill position. No losses were reported on either side.


Guntersville, Alabama, July 27-30, 1862. Paramore's Expedition. The expedition, consisting of the 3d battalion of the 3d Ohio cavalry, the 15th Kentucky battery, and a section of Loomis' battery, under the command of Major James W. Paramore of the 3d Ohio, was sent out to destroy the ferries on the Tennessee river from Law's landing to Whitesburg. Paramore left Huntsville on the 27th and that night encamped at Matthews' ferry. The next morning he stationed guards at Matthews' and Law's ferries and moved with the main body of his command to Guntersville, which he found garrisoned by Forrest's cavalry and some independent companies of bushwhackers. Two companies were deployed as skirmishers to reconnoiter the enemy's position and as they advanced toward the river were fired upon from the bushes and some old buildings on the opposite bank. Paramore then sent forward 2 pieces of artillery, planting one on a bluff to command the town and the other to command the old buildings above mentioned. A few shots sufficed to send the Confederates scattering in all .directions. As the enemy had taken all the boats to their side of the river it became necessary to construct a raft on which to effect a crossing. While this work was going on some of the Confederate sharpshooters returned Page 481 to the old buildings and opened such a hot fire on the workmen that they were compelled to desist. Lieutenant Chandler was then directed to shell the buildings, and they were soon in flames. A detail of 10 men was then sent over on the raft and reported all the boats destroyed but one, which could be seen from the opposite bank. This boat was protected by the enemy's sharpshooters, but a well directed shell totally destroyed it, after which Paramore moved back to his old camp at Matthews' ferry. About 30 Confederates were killed and wounded, the town was badly damaged by the shells, and 10 buildings were totally destroyed by the fire. One of these was the warehouse, filled with forage and commissary stores. The Union force did not lose a man. On the night of the 28th the Confederates made an attempt to cross the river at Law's landing and get in Paramore's rear, but Captain Spaulding discovered the movement in time to prevent the crossing, compelling the enemy to abandon the boat with a loss of 2 men killed. On the 29th the boats were destroyed at Ferrin's landing and Old Deposit ferry, and on the 30th the expedition returned to camp at Woodville.


Guntersville, Alabama, July 11, 1864. Detachment of 13th Wisconsin Infantry. All of a detachment of Wisconsin troops under Lieutenant John T. Fish except Fish and a rear-guard of 9 men had crossed a stream near Guntersville when Fish and his men were attacked by about 50 Confederates. A volley checked their advance for a minute but they soon came back and opened fire at short range, a force meantime attempting to get to the Federal right. Some of the command recrossed the river and with their aid the Confederates were driven back, having had 3 killed and 4 or 5 wounded.


Guntown, Mississippi, June 10, 1864. (See Brice's Cross-Roads.) Gurley's Tank, Alabama, February 16, 1865. Detachment of 73d Indiana Infantry. Fifty men of an Alabama regiment of Confederate cavalry attacked a foraging party consisting of 20 men under a sergeant. The Federal soldiers took to the woods, but finally repulsed the enemy without losing anything more than the equipment of 2 men. One of the enemy was killed, 1 was known to have been wounded, and it was supposed that 3 more were wounded.


Guyandotte, West Virginia, November 10, 1861. Detachment of 9th West Virginia Militia. About 7 p. m. 150 men of the 9th West Virginia infantry, just being organized, was surprised by some 700 Confederates. The enemy captured 70 prisoners, 200 Enfield rifles, 30 horses, and a stock of government stores. Each side lost about 12 killed and 25 wounded. Guy's Gap, Tennessee, June 25, 1863. 4th Michigan and 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. During the Middle Tennessee campaign the cavalry approached Shelbyville on the 25th. After passing Guy's gap the advance rode at a good gait until it arrived within a mile of the Confederate breastworks 4 miles from Shelbyville. Major Frank W. Mix with the 4th Michigan was sent to the right to find a road which led into the enemy's works and after following a blind path for 2 hours he came upon the road leading across a creek. By capturing two pickets a footing was soon obtained inside the works and the enemy's artillery was withdrawn into the town. At one time the Confederates had 3 lines of 100 to 150 men each in front of the 1st battalion, while other portions of their forces were on either side of Mix. It seemed for a time as if the command would be cut off, but just at the most crucial moment the 7th Pennsylvania came charging up the hill and with the 4th Michigan attacked the enemy with vigor, driving him into and through the town. Some 250 cavalry became cornered in a garden with high walls and were compelled to surrender to the Federals. Two Confederates were left dead on the field and 3 wounded were also found. Beside the cavalry captured in the garden Mix took 28 men prisoners. Seven of the 4th Michigan were wounded; the casualties in the 7th Pennsylvania, if any, were not reported.


Guy's Gap, Tennessee, June 27, 1863. (See Shelbyville.) Hager's Mountain, Maryland, July 7, 1864. 8th Illinois Cavalry and Alexander's Baltimore Battery. At 5:30 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel David R. Clendenin, commanding the detachment, moved out from Frederick City and met the enemy approaching in force from the direction of Middletown. He immediately engaged and drove him, but reinforcements coming to the Confederate aid compelled Clendenin to fall slowly back to Hager's or Catoctin mountain. After 5 hours of skirmishing, the enemy was again heavily reinforced and moved to flank him, when Clendenin withdrew to Frederick City. The Confederates numbered 1,000 while Clendenin had but 230 cavalry and a section of artillery. The Union loss was 2 killed and 8 wounded. The enemy's loss was not reported.