Today in History:

75 Series I Volume XLIX-I Serial 103 - Mobile Bay Campaign Part I

Page 75 EXPEDITION INTO NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI.

MARCH 3-5, 1865. - Reconnaissance from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., toward Jonesville, Va., with skirmishes (4th) at Ball's Bridge, Va., and (5th) at Tazewell, Tenn.

Reports of Lieutenant Colonel William C. Bartlett, Second North Carolina Mounted Infantry.

CUMBERLAND GAP, March 5, 1865.

On the 3rd I made a reconnaissance toward Jonesville. Was attacked yesterday morning at Ball's Bridge by about 250 rebels. We whipped them and drove them back up the valley. Owing to high waters I did not follow them over a couple of miles. I had 103 men with me. Has courier arrived with letter of mine to A. G. If so please retain letter till you hear from me. Please answer.

W. C. BARTLETT,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Captain DEANE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CUMBERLAND GAP, March 5, 1865.

Part of Giltner's command surrounded Tazewell this a. m. and made a formal demand for surrender. This was refused, and they attacked Jennings with vigor. The enemy was thoroughly beaten, numbers killed and wounded, and Lieutenant Richmond captured. Have as yet no further details. Rebels asked time to bury their dead, but Lieutenant Jennings charged them instead. The attacking force was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Prentice, Seventh Confederate Cavalry Battalion.

W. C. BARTLETT,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Brigadier-General TILLSON.

ADDENDA.


HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST TENNESSEE AND

FOURTH DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
Knoxville, Tenn., March 5, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel W. C. BARTLETT,

Commanding, Cumberland Gap:

Your dispatch received. I congratulate you upon your success. How much force did the enemy have? Is there any reason to suppose that they were the advance of any considerable force, or that it means anything more than a raid?

DAVIS TILLSON,

Brigadier General U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District and Division.

MARCH 3-11, 1865. - Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., into Northern Mississippi.

REPORTS.


Numbers 1. - Colonel John P. C. Shanks, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, commanding expedition.


Numbers 2. - Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Cameron, Second Arkansas Cavalry, commanding First Brigade.


Numbers 3. - Lieutenant Colonel Abel H. Seley, Fifth Illinois Cavalry.


Numbers 4. - Colonel Hasbrouck Davis, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade.


Numbers 5. - Captain Oliver Grosvenor, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry.


Numbers 6. - Major Newton De Forest, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade.


Page 75 EXPEDITION INTO NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI.