NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
The Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry is a splendid regiment and has done effectual service in all the great raids of the indefatigable Kilpatrick. 'We present a brief sketch of the regiment:
First Battalion organized December sixth, 1862, Major Wm. D. Hamilton commanding, ordered into Eastern Kentucky, where it did duty until August 17, 1863, when it formed part of General Burnside's cavalry force during his advance into East Tennessee and capture of Knoxville, and Cumberland Gap. Did out-post duty around the city during the siege of Knoxville. Regiment filled up and organized December 16th, 1863. W. D. Hamilton appointed Colonel, T. P. Cook Lieutenant-Colonel, Wm. Sims, John Williamson and H. Plessner, Majors. A. T. Hamilton, Adjutant; John Fry, Quartermaster;S. M. Minor, Commissary; C. M. Finch, Surgeon; McMullen, First Assistant, and Pinuey, Second Assistant;B. S. Houghland Chaplain. Ordered to duty on the Tennessee river in March 1864, and had frequent skirmishes with the enemy along the river until May 8th, when a battle occurred at Decatur, Alabama, in which the Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry repulsed the rebel cavalry under General Roddy. Colonel Hamilton was wounded; remained on duty at that point until July 10th, when the regiment was selected to form part of General Rousseau's command in his expedition through the interior of Alabama, by order of General Sherman, to destroy the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, in order to cut off the rebel General Johnson from his ordnance supplies at Selma, Alabama. Regiment destroyed twelve miles of railroad in one day, fighting the enemy during the time for which great credit was given it in General Rousseau's official report It formed part of General Ed. McCook's command in his raid around Atlanta, July 28th. Did good service at the battle of Jonesboro, September 26th. Formed part of General Rousseau's command in his campaign against General Forrest's command in his attempt to invade Tennessee, to destroy Sherman's communication with Nashville during the latter part of October, in which Forrest was repulsed and driven beyond the Tennessee. Selected by General Sherman to form part of his cavalry force under General Kilpatrick; it started from Atlanta in advance of the infantry November 17; gallantly met Wheeler's rebel cavalry November 20, and daily encounters occurred during the march. December 4th, battle of Waynesboro; enemy repulsed and driven back, in which the Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry made a successful charge, breaking his lines. The regiment arrived in front of Savannah December 16th; captured by the infantry December 23rd;and crossed the Savannah into South Carolina February 3rd;Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry forming Kilpatrick's advance, drove the enemy from a swamp near Barnwell Court House February 6;battle of Aiken February 11th; enemy repulsed and held in check for near a half day by a daring charge and continued obstinate, resistance of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry, in which Adjutant A. T. Hamilton, a gallant officer, was killed. In the battle of Averysboro March 16th, the Ninth Ohio Cavalry supported the right flank of the infantry; was also engaged in the battle of Bentonville. It led the advance of Sherman's army into Raleigh, North Carolina. This' fine regiment has the honor of fighting the last engagement with the enemy prior to Johnston's surrender. This occurred near Chapel Hill, North. Carolina, at a swamp on the extreme left of Sherman's lines, with the rear of Wheeler's cavalry, upon the morning of the day upon which General Johnston asked General Sherman for a suspension of hostilities with a view of agreeing upon terms of surrender. In this engagement General Wheeler left a Chaplain of his staff and three men killed, on the ground. This was the last blood spilt from the surrender of the rebel armies east of the Mississippi; for this and for acknowledgement of the gallant services of the regiment, W. D. Hamilton was, by recommendation of General Grant, breveted a Brigadier General, to date from said action.
This cavalry regiment is one of the most moral and best disciplined regiments in the service. Governor Patton, of Alabama, on whose plantation it was encamped, bears testimony to its morality and good conduct.
General Hamilton the popular commander of this regiment, is a native of Ohio, and was employed in a lucrative profession when the war broke out. He at once abandoned the congenial pursuits of civil life and devoted all his energies to the service of the Government. He raised a noble company of young men for the Third Ohio, serving with that regiment in Western Virginia. In every engagement he behaved with such gallantry, that he was promoted to the Colonelcy of the above regiment. His bravery and heroism were conspicuously displayed in nearly all the skirmishes and battles of the cavalry in Sherman's army. General Hamilton takes great care of his soldiers. He does not let them suffer. General Hamilton is about forty years of age. He is a man of excellent character, quiet in manner, and a plain, modest gentleman.
Colonel Stough of this same command, is well known as the fighting soldier; when in action he and Hamilton were almost invariably in the front where the fight was hottest.
Among the line officers, Captain Irvine has a fine reputation. He commanded the Sixteenth Ohio in the beginning of the war. He makes a fine appearance, and has a noble voice to command troops.
The command remained in camp until the thirteenth, moving at eleven A. M., toward the south fork of the Edisto river, crossing that night and going into camp about four miles from the river.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN KILPATRICK AND WHEELER.
Nothing of great interest occurred until the twenty-seventh instant, save crossing the north fork of the Edisto River, and the Saluda River. On that day, owing to the many reports concerning the capture and murder of men belonging to his command, General Kilpatrick arranged for an interview with General Wheeler at Lancaster, in regard to on order from General Sherman that prisoners in our possession should be shot in retaliation for the murder of our men by Wheeler. This answered a double purpose; first, giving an opportunity for a more perfect understanding relative to the alleged atrocities; second, causing the enemy to believe our point of attack to be at Charleston.
The interview was very pleasant, considering the circumstances, and had the desired effect nothing was known of the murders by General Wheeler, and he positively asserted that no such thing had been committed by any organization of his command, and, furthermore, would endeavor to learn if there were any truth in it.
DEATH OF LIEUTENANT GRIFFIN.
From Lancaster Kilpatrick moved east, toward Chesterfield. On the third instant, Captain Northrop and Lieutenant Griffin, with the scouts, went to Wallerboro, where they found a force of the enemy about eighty strong. They attacked and drove them from the town, killing three, wounding five, and capturing about twenty prisoners. In the skirmish Lieutenant Griffin was mortally wounded, and died in about one hour after. His remains were brought into camp, and on the fourth instant, buried with the honors of war. The loss of Lieutenant Griffin was most serious and was deeply felt by the entire commend.
Owing to the extremely bad condition of the road the command did not move until about noon. General Atkins, on the right, while preparing, was attacked by the enemy in considerable force. The attack spread to the First brigade, Colonel Jordan, and for a time it was hardly known what was the real intention of the enemy. It turned out, however, it was but a mere feint or feeling of our lines, in order to ascertain Kilpatrick’s true position. They finally drew off without making any further demonstrations.
THE CAVALRY BATTLE NEAR FAYETTEVILLE.
Nothing of importance occurred from this point, save the grand advance of our army upon Fayetteville, in which occurred one of the most stubbornly contested cavalry battles of the war, and in which less than two brigades of our cavalry held, and finally drove from their camp in confusion, Wade Hampton s entire cavalry corps. It was discovered on the morning of the ninth instant, that Hardee was making forced marches to reach Fayetteville in advance of the infantry of Sherman. General Kilpatrick at once put his column in motion to strike Hardee in the flank, or intercept Wade Hampton, who was following in the rear with his cavalry. General Kilpatrick reached Coleman's Grove just after Hardee's rear had passed. Hampton was a few hours behind.
Our cavalry had not all come up, owing t
o the bad % state of the roads; Colonel Spencer's brigade, and Colonel Way's command, were at once placed in position and waited the attack of the rebel cavalry. Just before day-break on the morning of the tenth instant, and before the brigade of General Atkins and Colonel Jordan had arrived, Hampton came in front of Kilpatrick's position and massed his troops, consisting of three divisions, under Hume, Allen and Butler. The attack was made in three columns, Wheeler led the right, Hampton the centre, and Butler the left, and was perfectly irresistible. Kilpatrick's first line, under Lieutenant Colonel Way, was actually ridden over, headquarters and artillery captured, and at one time, the entire camp, including the entire staff, and Colonel Spencer, commanding the Third brigade, were in the enemy's possession. But General Kilpatrick made his escape, joined the brigade of Colonel Spencer, which was falling back on foot, stubbornly disputing every inch of ground. A large portion of the enemy halted in and about the camp for a moment, to plunder. 'This was fatal to him." tittle Kil's brave cavalrymen rallied under the leadership of their tried commander, retook the hills upon the left, and then, with one wild shout, swept down upon the rebels, who were swarming about the captured artillery and Kilpatrick's former headquarters In a moment the artillery was in their possession, and turned upon the enemy. At this moment the General's red battle flag, recaptured from the enemy, floated out in the presence of friend and foe At this sight, the men were perfectly wild with excitement, and when the General rode along the lines and shouted to the men that the day was theirs, the men could not be restrained, but dashed forward, drove the enemy from every quarter, and eventually from the field. Our loss does not exceed one hundred in killed ' and wounded. The enemy left upon the field a large number of officers and seventy-six soldiers dead, besides many wounded, and at the lowest estimate could not have lost less than six hundred killed and wounded. The whole affair was indeed most brilliant, and reflects great credit upon the cavalry, and adds yet another laurel to the many won by them, since leaving the hills of Georgia.
CHRONOLOGY OF THE CAROLINA CAMPAIGN, JANUABY
16th — Right wing (Fifteenth and Seventeenth corps) transferred from Savannah to Beaufort.
20th — Left wing left Savannah, marching on either side of the Savannah River towards Augusta.
23d — General Sherman transferred headquarters from Savannah to Beaufort.
25tli — Left wing delayed by rains in camp, seven miles from Savannah.
26th— Left wing at Springfield.
27th — Advance of the left wing reached Sister’s Ferry.
29th — Right wing moved from Pocotaligo towards the Combahee River. Left wing in camp at Sister's Ferry delayed by rains and high water.
30th — Right wing moving along Savannah and Charleston Railroad; and between the railroad and McPhersonville, encountering small parties of the rebel cavalry. Left wing still at Sister's Ferry.
31st — Right wing at McPhersonville. Left wing at Sister's Ferry.
FEBRUARY.
1st — Right wing moved from McPhersonville toward Hickory Mill. Left wing still water and mud bound at Sister's Ferry.
3d — Right wing moved to Brighton's bridge, over the Saltkehatchie' where the enemy made resistance to the passage of the stream and burned the bridge.
4th— Right wing effected passage of the Saltkehatchie. Left wing moved across the Savannah.
5th — Right wing crossed Whippy swamp. Left wing moved to Brighton, which had been burned by the rebel cavalry.
6th — Advance of the right wing fought Wheeler at Orange church on the Little Saltkehatchie.
7th— Right wing at Bambury, and Midway, on Charleston and Augusta Railroad. Left wing moved to Lawtonville, which was burned by the Twentieth corps.
8th— Right wing crossed the South Edisto River. Left wing in camp at Lawtonville.
9th — Right Wing at Grahamsville. Left wing reached Allendale.
10th— Right wing crossed North Edisto River. Left wing reached Fiddle Point, near Barnwell.
11th — Right wing captured Orangeburg. Left wing marched through Barnwell, which was left ill ashes, and encamped three miles from White Bond station.
17tt— Right wing made a rapid march from Orange burg towards the Congaree and Columbia. The left wing tore up ten miles of the Augusta and Charleston Railroad
13th — Left wing crossed the South Edisto River.
14th— Left wing crossed the North Edisto River.
16th — Right win effected the passage of the Conga see, and began shelling Columbia. General Carlin, in the advance of the left wing, skirmished with the rebels Bear Lexington, capturing and burning the town.
16th — the right wing confronting Columbia. Left wing marched to Hart’s Ferry, on the Saluda River, and crossed,
17th— Right wing occupied Columbia. Same night Columbia was burned. Left wing reached the Broad river.
18th — Right wing in camp at Columbia, and left wing in camp on Broad river.
19th— Left wing crossed and destroyed Greenville and Columbia Railroad, camping near Alston.
20th — Right wing left Columbia, destroyed railroad to Winnsboro. Left wing moved to and crossed Little river.
21st — The whole army was concentrated at Winnsboro, thus leading Johnston to suppose that it was Sherman's intention to push upon Charlotte.
22d — Right engaged in passage of the Wateree river at Pay's Ferry. Left wing tore up the railroad above Winnsboro and moved to Youngsville.
23d— Right wing on Lynch creek. Left wing reached Rocky Mount, Cahawba river.
24th — Part of the left wing crossed the Cahawba (or Wateree) river.
25th— Right wing captured Camden; left wing passing Cahawba River.
27th— Left wing still engaged in difficult passage of the Cahawba. General Carlin had a fight with Wheeler's cavalry.
28th — Right wing moved from Camden toward Cheraw, encamping on Lynch's creek and halting for three days, waiting for the left wing, delayed at the Cahawba River to get up.
MARCH
1st— Left wing moved to Hanging rock.
2d— Left wing marched to Horton’s ferry or Lynch's creek.
3d — The left wing being up, the whole army crossed Lynch's creek.
4tli — Right wing captured Cheraw. Left wing crossed Thompson's creek.
5th — Right wing and part of the left crossed the Great Pedee River.
Davis' corps of the left wing moved up to Sneedsboro.
6th — Davis crossed the Great Pedee and the whole army was massed to move on Fayetteville.
7th — Left wing moved to near Downing River.
8th — Right wing at Laurel Hill.
9th — the whole army marched on the several roads converging at Fayetteville to within twenty-miles of the place.
10th — Marched to within ten miles of Fayetteville in line of battle, anticipating an engagement with Hardee. Kilpatrick's cavalry struck the rear of Hardee's retreating forces near Fayetteville, and engaged Hampton in one of the finest cavalry battles of the war.
11th — the whole army entered Fayetteville, having been engaged in the campaign for fifty-four days, and having marched four hundred and forty-three mile.
CHAPTER XX.
The Army enters North Carolina.— A Sketch of the State.— The Gape Fear Region.— State of Affairs.— Disorganized Condition of Johnston’s Army.—Sherman's Indefatigable Pursuit — The Great Battles of Averysboro and Bentonvile.— Johnston Attacks Slocnm. — Severe Fighting.— Howard cornea to the Rescue. — The Federals Fight Splendidly. — Johnston obliged to yield— A Brilliant Victory.— A Review of the Casualties,— Goldsboro.— The Army Reviewed.
A SKETCH OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The history of this State is less known, than that of any other of the States. The most authentic accounts state that the first permanent settlement was made in 1710 by a number of Palatines from Germany, who had been reduced to circumstances of great indigence by a calamitous war. Sir Walter Raleigh had settled there
in 1585, but left it the following year. In July, 1729, George II. Purchased the Carolinas, and established the two separate governments of North and South Carolina. In 1769 the Assembly declared against the right of England to tax the Colony. The citizens of Mecklenburg County on May 21st, 1775, formally declared their independence, by which, North Carolina was among the foremost of the colonies in bringing about the Revolution. Geographically, North Carolina is divided into three principal sections. The west section is an elevated table-land, traversed by the Alleghenies, which here have several of their highest peaks. This part of the State is fertile, full of springs and 'rivulets of pure water. Eastward is a belt of undulating country, extending to the lower falls of the rivers, watered by fresh and rapid streams, with fertile soil. To this succeeds the seaward section, which is a low plain traversed by sluggish streams, and near the coast abounding with marshes and extensive swamps. The chief crops of North Carolina are corn, tobacco, rice and sweet potatoes.
The rivers are the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse, and Cape Fear; these rivers, though of large volume, are navigable only for small vessels, have shallow bars, are frequently interrupted, and in their upper courses frequently supply great water power.
Pine forests are numerous. The climate is very pleasant; the winters are so mild in some years, that autumn may be said to continue till spring. The western part of the State was chiefly settled by emigrants from the North of Ireland, and are a very loyal and industrious people, There is as much truth as poetry in the oft quoted sentence from an old writer, that " God sifted out the wheat of the Old World that he might sow the new land with a goodly seed."
The Cape Fear region in North Carolina was first settled from Connecticut, and the common provincialisms may be heard there to this day. To be reckoned with those in point of influence for good, are the Scotch-Irish, approaching this country in two ways: a part directly from (Charleston, and holding their distinctive name. After the Irish rebellion of 1798 there were large numbers of those more or less implicated, who .found it safe to seek a refuge in South Carolina and Georgia. Among these was the father of the Rev. Dr. Adger, the famous Presbyterian divine of the South, and many of his relatives. But the greater number drifted down the Piedmont country, following the Alleghany range, and are universally known as Pennsylvania Irish. Of these, was the idol of the South, John C. Calhoun. Of other settlers in numbers there wet Highlanders banished from Scotland for participation in the wild schemes of the Pretender. One whole clan of Mclntoshes, from Inverness, settled on the Altamaha River. And among many others was Flora McDonald! Who located herself near Coosa creek, near Fayetteville, North Carolina;
Personal Recollections of Sherman's Campaigns in Georgia and the Carolinas Page 36
