Advance And Retreat: Personal Experiences In The United States And Confederate States Armies [Illustrated Edition]

Advance and Retreat:

Personal Experiences in the United States and Confederate Armies

John Bell Hood

Lieutenant-General in the Confederate Army

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Text originally published in 1880 under the same title.

© Pickle Partners Publishing 2014, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Publisher’s Note

Although in most cases we have retained the Author’s original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern reader’s benefit.

We have also made every effort to include all maps and illustrations of the original edition the limitations of formatting do not allow of including larger maps, we will upload as many of these maps as possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

Chapter I 8

United States Army — California And Texas — Confederate States Army — Virginia, Yorktown, Eltham’s Landing, Seven Pines Or Fair Oaks. 8

Chapter II 20

Confederate States Army, Virginia— Gaines’s Mills Or First Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, Boonsboro, Gap, And Sharpsburg, Or Antietam. 20

Chapter III 35

Confederate States Army — Virginia — Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Gettysburg, And Chickamauga. 35

Chapter IV 49

Reply To General Johnston — Effective Strength And Losses, Army Of Tennessee —Dalton To Atlanta. 49

Chapter V 62

Reply To General Johnston — Transfer From The Virginia To The Western Army —Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, And Cassville. 62

Chapter VI 77

Reply To General Johnston — Cassville. 77

Chapter VII 83

Reply To General Johnston — New Hope Church — Kennesaw Mountain — Retreat Across The Chattahoochee — Johnston Relieved From Command. 83

Chapter VIII 91

Reply To General Johnston — Handling Of Troops — Lee And Jackson School Versus The Johnston School — Johnston’s Plan To Hold Atlanta Forever. 91

Chapter IX 105

Reply To General Johnston — His Intention To Abandon Atlanta — Evacuation Of Richmond Contemplated In 1862 — Attempt To Court Martial. 105

Chapter X 113

Siege Of Atlanta — Difficulties Of The Situation — Battle Of The 20th Of July. 113

Chapter XI 122

Siege Of Atlanta — Battle 22d Of July — Hardee — General Frank Blair’s Letter. 122

Chapter XII 137

Siege Of Atlanta — Engagement Of The 28th Of July — Wheeler, Iverson And Jackson — Battle Of Jonesboroa — Evacuation Of Atlanta. 137

Chapter XIII 148

Atlanta Untenable — Losses During The Siege — Compared With Those Of Sherman, And With Those Of Johnston From Dalton To Atlanta. 148

Chapter XIV 160

Correspondence with Sherman — Citations on the rules of War. 160

Chapter XV 170

Campaign To The Alabama Line — Preparations — President Davis Visits The Army —Hardee Relieved — Allatoona — Resaca — Dalton —Lafayette — Sudden Determination To Enter Tennessee —Gadsden — Beauregard. 170

Chapter XVI 189

Tennessee campaign — Forrest — Wheeler — Deflection to Florence — Detention — President Davis — Beauregard — Columbia — Spring Hill. 189

Chapter XVII 205

Tennessee campaign — Franklin — Nashville — retreat — Tupelo — return to Richmond — surrender at Natchez, Mississippi. 205

Chapter XVIII 220

Rashness — Johnston — Fabius — Scipio. 220

Appendix. 223

General Hood’s Report. — The Operations Of The Army Of Tennessee. 223

Official report Lieutenant General S. D. Lee. 238

Official report of Lieutenant General Stewart, of operations under General Hood. 246

Official report of Major General G. W. Smith, Commanding Georgia militia, at and near Atlanta. 249

Letter to Honorable Mr. Seddon. 252

REQUEST FROM THE PUBLISHER 255

MAPS 256

I – CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE MAPS - 1861 256

Charleston Harbor, Bombardment of Fort Sumter – 12th & 13th April 1861 256

1st Bull Run Campaign – Theatre Overview July 1861 257

Bull Run – 21st July 1861 258

1st Bull Run Campaign – Situation 18th July 1861 259

1st Bull Run Campaign – Situation 21st July 1861 (Morning) 260

1st Bull Run Campaign - 21st July 1861 Actions 1-3 p.m. 261

1st Bull Run Campaign - 21st July 1861 Union Retreat 4 P.M. to Dusk 262

II – CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE MAPS - 1862 263

Battle of Mill Springs – 19th January 1862 (6-8.30 A.M.) Confederate Attacks 263

Battle of Mill Springs – 19th January 1862 (9 A.M.) Union Attacks 264

Forts Henry and Donelson – 6th to 16th February 1862 265

Battle of Fort Donelson – 14th February 1862 266

Battle of Fort Donelson – 15th February 1862 Morning 267

Battle of Fort Donelson – 15th February 1862 Morning 268

New Madrid and Island No. 10 – March 1862 269

Pea Ridge – 5th to 8th March 1862 270

First Battle of Kernstown – 23rd March 1862, 11 – 16:45 271

Shiloh (or Pittsburg Landing) - 6th & 7th April 1862 272

Battle of Shiloh – 6th April 1862 - Morning 273

Battle of Shiloh – 6th April 1862 – P.M. 274

Battle of Yorktown – 5th to 16th April 1862 275

Jackson’s Valley Campaign – 24th to 25th May 1862 - Actions 276

Williamsburg – 5th May 1862 277

Fair Oaks – 31st May to 1st June 1862 278

Battle of Seven Pines – 31st May 1862 279

Seven Days – 26th June to 2nd July 1862 280

Seven Days Battles – 25th June to 1st July 1862 - Overview 281

Seven Days Battles – 26th & 27th June 1862 282

Seven Days Battles – 30th June 1862 283

Seven Days Battles – 1st July 1862 284

Battle of Gaines Mill – 27th June 1862 2.30 P.M. Hill’s Attacks 285

Battle of Gaines Mill – 27th June 1862 3.30 P.M. Ewell’s Attacks 286

Battle of Gaines Mill – 27th June 1862 7 P.M. General Confederate Attacks 287

Pope’s Campaign - 24th August 1862 288

Pope’s Campaign - 28th August 1862 A.M. 289

Pope’s Campaign - 28th August 1862 6 P.M. 290

Second Battle of Bull Run – 28th August 1862 291

Second Battle of Bull Run – 29th August 1862 10 A.M. 292

Second Battle of Bull Run – 29th August 1862 12 P.M. 293

Second Battle of Bull Run – 29th August 1862 5 P.M. 294

Pope’s Campaign – 29th August 1862 Noon. 295

Second Battle of Bull Run – 30th August 1862 3 P.M. 296

Second Battle of Bull Run – 30th August 1862 4.30 P.M. 297

Second Battle of Bull Run – 30th August 1862 5 P.M. 298

Battle of Harpers Ferry – 15th September 1862 299

Antietam – 16th & 17th September 1862 300

Battle of Antietam – 17th September 1862 Overview 301

Battle of Antietam – 17th September 1862 6 A.M. 302

Battle of Antietam – 17th September 1862 7.30 A.M. 303

Battle of Antietam – 17th September 1862 9 A.M. 304

Battle of Antietam – 17th September 1862 10 A.M. 305

Iuka – 19th September 1862 306

Battle of Iuka – 19th September 1862 307

Corinth – 3rd & 4th October 1862 308

Second Battle of Corinth – 3rd October 1862 309

Second Battle of Corinth – 4th October 1862 310

Perryville – 8th October 1862 311

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 2 P.M. 312

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 3 P.M. 313

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 3.45 P.M. 314

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 4 P.M. 315

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 4.15 P.M. 316

Battle of Perryville – 8th October 1862 – 5.45 P.M. 317

Fredericksburg – 13th December 1862 318

Battle of Fredericksburg – 13th December 1862 Overview 319

Battle of Fredericksburg – 13th December 1862 Sumner’s Assault 320

Battle of Fredericksburg – 13th December 1862 Hooker’s Assault 321

Battle of Chickasaw Bayou – 26th to 29th December 1862 322

Stone’s River – 31st December 1862 323

Battle of Stones River – 30th December 1862 324

Battle of Stones River – 31st December 1862 – 8.00 A.M. 325

Battle of Stones River – 31st December 1862 – 9.45 A.M. 326

Battle of Stones River – 31st December 1862 – 11.00 A.M. 327

III – CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE MAPS - 1863 328

Battle of Stones River – 2nd January 1863 – 4 P.M. 328

Battle of Stones River – 2nd January 1863 – 4 P.M. 329

Battle of Stones River – 2nd January 1863 – 4.45 P.M. 330

Chancellorsville Campaign (Hooker’s Plan) – April 1863 331

Battle of Chancellorsville – 1st May 1863 Actions 332

Battle of Chancellorsville – 2nd May 1863 Actions 333

Chancellorsville – 2nd May 1863 334

Chancellorsville – 3rd to 5th May 1863 335

Battle of Chancellorsville – 3rd May 1863 Actions 6 A.M. 336

Battle of Chancellorsville – 3rd May 1863 Actions 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. 337

Battle of Chancellorsville – 4th to 6th May 1863. 338

Battle of Brandy Station – 8th June 1863 339

Siege of Vicksburg – 25th May to 4th July 1863 340

Siege of Vicksburg – 19th May 1863 - Assaults 341

Siege of Vicksburg – 22nd May 1863 - Assaults 342

Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 343

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 Overview 344

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 7 A.M. 345

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 10 A.M. 346

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 10.45 A.M. 347

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 11 A.M. 348

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 12.30 P.M. 349

Battle of Gettysburg – 1st July 1863 2 P.M. 350

Gettysburg – 2nd to 4th July 1863 351

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Lee’s Plan 352

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Overview 353

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Cemetary Ridge A.M. 354

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Culp’s Hill – Initial Defence 355

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Culp’s Hill – Evening attacks 356

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Hood’s Assaults 357

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Peach Orchard Initial Assaults 358

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Peach Orchard and Cemetary Ridge 359

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Wheatfield – Initial Assaults 360

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Wheatfield – Second Phase 361

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Cemetery Hill Evening 362

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Little Round Top (1) 363

Battle of Gettysburg – 2nd July 1863 Little Round Top (2) 364

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 Overview 365

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 – Pickett’s Charge 366

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 – Pickett’s Charge Detail 367

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 Culp’s Hill – Johnson’s Third Attack 368

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 East Cavalry Field – Opening Positions 369

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 East Cavalry Field – First Phase 370

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 East Cavalry Field – Second Phase 371

Battle of Gettysburg – 3rd July 1863 South Cavalry Field 372

Battle of Gettysburg – Battlefield Overview 373

Fight at Monterey Pass – 4th to 5th July 1863 374

Chickamauga – 19th & 20th September 1863 375

Chickamauga Campaign – Davis’s Crossroads – 11th September 1863 376

Chickamauga Campaign – 18th September 1863 After Dark 377

Battle of Chickamauga – 19th September 1863 Morning 378

Battle of Chickamauga – 19th September 1863 Early Afternoon 379

Battle of Chickamauga – 19th September 1863 Early Afternoon 380

Battle of Chickamauga – 20th September 1863 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. 381

Battle of Chickamauga – 20th September 1863 11 A.M. to Mid-Afternoon 382

Battle of Chickamauga – 20th September 1863 Mid-Afternoon to Dark 383

Battle of Chickamauga – 20th September 1863 Brigade Details 384

Chattanooga – 23rd to 25th November 1863 385

Chattanooga Campaign – 24th & 25th November 1863 386

Chattanooga Campaign – Federal Supply Lines and Wheeler’s Raid 387

Battle of Missionary Ridge – 25th November 1863 388

Mine Run – 26th to 30th November 1863 389

IV – CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE MAPS - 1864 390

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 29th to 31st March 1864 390

Wilderness – 5th & 6th May 1864 391

Battle of the Wilderness – 5th May 1864 – Positions 7 A.M. 392

Battle of the Wilderness – 5th May 1864 - Actions 393

Battle of the Wilderness – 6th May 1864 – Actions 5 A.M. 394

Battle of the Wilderness – 6th May 1864 – Actions 6 A.M. 395

Battle of the Wilderness – 6th May 1864 – Actions 11 A.M. 396

Battle of the Wilderness – 6th May 1864 – Actions 2 P.M. 397

Spotsylvania – 8th to 21st May 1864 398

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 7th & 8th May 1864 - Movements 399

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 8th May 1864 - Actions 400

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 9th May 1864 - Actions 401

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 10th May 1864 - Actions 402

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 12th May 1864 - Actions 403

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 13th May 1864 - Actions 404

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House – 17th May 1864 - Actions 405

North Anna – 23rd to 26th May 1864 406

Battle of North Anna – 23rd May 1864 407

Battle of North Anna – 24th May 1864 408

Battle of North Anna – 25th May 1864 409

Battle of Haw’s Shop – 28th May 1864 410

Battle of Bethseda Church (1) – 30th May 1864 411

Battle of Bethseda Church (2) – 30th May 1864 412

Cold Harbor – 31st May to 12th June 1864 413

Battle of Cold Harbor – 1st June 1864 414

Battle of Cold Harbor – 3rd June 1864 415

Pickett’s Mills and New Hope Church – 25th to 27th May 1864 416

Battle of Kennesaw Mountain – 27th June 1864 417

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 15th to 18th June 1864 418

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 21st to 22nd June 1864 419

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 30th July 1864 420

Wilson-Kautz Raid – 22nd June to 1st July 1864 421

First Battle of Deep Bottom – 27th to 29th July 1864 422

Second Battle of Deep Bottom – 14th to 20th August 1864 423

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 18th to 19th August 1864 424

Opequon, or Winchester, Va. – 19th September 1864 425

Fisher’s Hill – 22nd September 1864 426

Siege of Petersburg – Actions 27th October 1864 427

Cedar Creek – 19th October 1864 428

Battle of Cedar Creek – 19th October 1864 5-9 A.M. Confederate Attacks 429

Battle of Spring Hill – 29th November 1864 – Afternoon 430

Battle of Spring Hill – 29th November 1864 – Evening 431

Battle of Cedar Creek – 19th October 1864 4-5 P.M. Union Counterattack 432

Franklin – 30th November 1864 433

Battle of Franklin – Hood’s Approach 30th November 1864 434

Battle of Franklin – 30th November 1864 Actions after 4.30 P.M. 435

Nashville – 15th & 16th December 1864 436

V – OVERVIEWS 437

1 – Map of the States that Succeeded – 1860-1861 437

Fort Henry Campaign – February 1862 438

Forts Henry and Donelson – February 1862 439

Jackson’s Valley Campaign – 23rd March to 8th May 1862 440

Peninsula Campaign – 17th March to 31st May 1862 441

Jackson’s Valley Campaign – 21st May to 9th June 1862 442

Northern Virginia Campaign – 7th to 28th August 1862 443

Maryland Campaign – September 1862 444

Iuka-Corinth Campaign – First Phase – 10th to 19th September 1862 445

Iuka-Corinth Campaign – Second Phase – 20th September – 3rd October 1862 446

Fredericksburg Campaign – Movements mid-November to 10th December 1862 447

Memphis to Vicksburg – 1862-1863 448

Operations Against Vicksburg and Grant’s Bayou Operations – November 1862 to April 1863 449

Campaign Against Vicksburg – 1863 450

Grant’s Operations Against Vicksburg – April to July 1863 451

Knoxville Campaign - 1863 452

Tullahoma Campaign – 24th June – 3rd July 1863 453

Gettysburg Campaign – Retreat 5th to 14th July 1863 454

Rosecrans’ Manoeuvre – 20th August to 17th September 1963 455

Bristoe Campaign – 9th October to 9th November 1863 456

Mine Run Campaign – 27th November 1863 – 2nd December 1863 457

Grant’s Overland Campaign – Wilderness to North Anna - 1864 458

Grant’s Overland Campaign – May to June 1864 459

Overland Campaign – 4th  May 1864 460

Overland Campaign – 27th to 29th May 1864 461

Overland Campaign –29th to 30th May 1864 462

Overland Campaign – 1st June 1864 – Afternoon 463

Sheridan’s Richmond Raid – 9th to 14th May 1864 464

Sheridan’s Trevilian Station Raid – 7th to 10th June 1864 465

Sheridan’s Trevilian Station Raid – 7th to 10th June 1864 466

Battle of Trevilian Station Raid – 11th June 1864 467

Battle of Trevilian Station Raid – 12th June 1864 468

Shenandoah Valley Campaign – May to July 1864 469

Operations about Marietta – 14th to 28th June 1864 470

Atlanta Campaign – 7th May to 2nd July 1864 471

Operations about Atlanta – 17th July to 2nd September 1864 472

Richmond-Petersburg Campaign – Position Fall 1864 473

Shenandoah Valley Campaign – 20th August – October 1864 474

Sherman’s March to the Sea 475

Franklin-Nashville Campaign – 21st to 28th November 1864 476

Operations about Petersburg – June 1864 to April 1865 477

Carolinas Campaign – February to April 1865 478

Appomattox Campaign - 1865 479

Chapter I

United States Army — California And Texas — Confederate States Army — Virginia, Yorktown, Eltham’s Landing, Seven Pines Or Fair Oaks.

I received at the age of seventeen an appointment as Cadet at West Point through my maternal uncle, Judge French, who was then in Congress. I fancied a military life, although it was not my father’s choice. He occupied a high position in the medical world, and preferred I should adopt his profession; he offered me every inducement-even the privilege of completing my studies in Europe. I, nevertheless, adhered to my decision. Doubtless I had inherited this predilection from my grandfathers, who were soldiers under Washington. They were of English origin; had settled at an early period in Virginia, and after taking an active part in the War of Independence, emigrated to Kentucky, the dark and bloody ground, where they lived in constant warfare with the Indians. One of them was married in the Fort of Boonsboroa, the first fortification constructed in that State, the land of my nativity.

I entered the Military Academy in 1849, and graduated in the Class of Sheridan, McPherson and Schofield, in 1853, when I was appointed Brevet Second Lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry. I sailed from New York in November of that year to join my regiment in California, via Panama. On my arrival at San Francisco-at that time a small city built upon sandhills and flats, and distinguished for its foggy atmosphere I, together with one of my classmates, deemed it but proper that officers of the United States Army should go to the hotel in a carriage; but to our astonishment, on hailing a driver, we found the charge to be twenty dollars in gold. This aspect of affairs-our pay being only about sixty dollars a month compelled us to hold consultation with our brother officers and to adopt the only alternative: to proceed on foot to whatever quarters we desired to occupy.

After having been stationed a short period at Benicia Barracks, I was directed to report for duty to Captain Judah at Fort Jones, Scott’s Valley, in the northern portion of California. Colonel Buchanan was in command of my regiment, with Captain U. S. Grant as Quarter Master. It was at this post I formed a warm attachment to Lieutenant George Crook, now Brigadier General in the Army, and who has so signally distinguished himself as an Indian fighter. Although he completed his course at West Point a year before I graduated, his purse was not much longer than my own; it became therefore necessary for us to devise some plan to get along in this country of gold and extravagance. We concluded to associate ourselves with Doctor Sorrell and Lieutenant Bonnycastle in the organization of a mess, and, as we were fond of hunting and game was plentiful, to supply our own table with every variety thereof and to send the surplus to market for sale. This financial policy worked admirably, and since I had at the age of fifteen, during the absence of my father in Philadelphia, taken charge of his farm for one year with considerable success, Crook and I were led to secure land and sow a large crop of wheat. Just before the harvest, however, I was ordered in command of a detachment of Dragoons to serve as escort to Lieutenant Williamson of the Topographical Engineers, upon a surveying expedition in the direction of Salt Lake. My duties were soon brought to a close by the receipt of an appointment as Second Lieutenant in the Second Cavalry, a new regiment organized in accord with an Act of Congress, in 1855, and commanded by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, with R. E. Lee as Lieutenant Colonel, George H. Thomas and W. J. Hardee as Majors. Lieutenant Philip Sheridan relieved me, and I returned to San Francisco en route to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the rendezvous of the regiment. At the former place I met, for the first time, in his bank, W. T. Sherman, who possessed as at present the same piercing eye and nervous impulsive temperament. Little indeed did I anticipate at that period the great theatre of life upon which I was destined so soon to be thrown as an humble actor with him and others just mentioned, and who have since become so distinguished and prominent as American soldiers.

In the early Autumn of 1855 I sailed from San Francisco for New York, via Panama, and reported for duty at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Soon thereafter, if my memory betray me not, I received a draft for about one thousand dollars in gold, as my share of the profit in the wheat crop cared for by Lieutenant Crook and myself. In November I marched with my regiment to Fort Belknap, Texas, which place we reached about the middle of December. Shortly afterward, Camp Cooper was established on the Clear Fork of the Brazos. Major George H. Thomas was placed in command till the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel R. E. Lee, to whom I had become very much attached at West Point where he was Superintendent whilst I was a Cadet. My relations and duties were therefore most pleasant during my service at Camp Cooper. The Government had under advisement, at this period, the construction of a fort in that vicinity; it was Colonel Lee’s custom to often ride over the country in search of a suitable location, and to request each day one or more of his officers to accompany him, in order to avail himself of their views in regard to the best point at which to establish this military post. Whilst riding with him upon one of these excursions, and enjoying the scenery and balmy air as we passed over the high and undulating prairies of that beautiful region, the conversation turned upon matrimony, when he said to me with all the earnestness of a parent: Never marry unless you can do so into a family which will enable your children to feel proud of both sides of the house. He perhaps thought I might form an attachment for some of the country lasses, and therefore imparted to me his correct and at the same time aristocratic views in regard to this very important step in life. His uniform kindness to me whilst I was a Cadet, inclined me the more willingly to receive and remember this fatherly advice; and from these early relations first sprang my affection and veneration which grew in strength to the end of his eventful career.

The latter part of that same year I was ordered to Fort Mason, situated near the Llano river, about forty miles distant from Fredericksburg. Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston was chief in command until sent to Utah. Although stationed with him but a short time, I became deeply impressed by the exalted character of this extraordinary man. Major George H. Thomas succeeded in authority; it was during my service as his Acting Adjutant that he specially won my high regard by his manliness and dignity.

After the lapse of several months, and having grown weary of the routine duties of camp life, I determined to change the scene and start on a scouting expedition in search of the red men of the forests. Preparations were accordingly made, and I left Fort Mason on the morning of the 5th of July, 1857, in command of twenty-five men of Company G Second Cavalry, with an Indian guide, compass in hand and supplies for thirty days. I passed out upon the plains by the head of the Llano river, and marched thence to the country bordering on the Concha rivers. After an absence of ten days and an exploration of these different streams, I discovered an Indian trail, apparently about two or three days old, and indications warranting the belief that fifteen or twenty ponies belonged to the party which was moving in the direction of Mexico, via the head waters of Devil’s river. I was young and buoyant in spirit; my men were well mounted and all eager for a chase as well as a fray. It was soon apparent that we would be forced to pass over a portion of the staked plains or desert lying between the Concha rivers and Mexico; that in order to overtake the Indians we would most likely have great fatigue and privation to endure, as we could expect to find but little water during the pursuit. However, in the conviction that we could live for a short time wherever Indians could subsist, we began the chase on the morning of the 17th of July, marched about forty miles, and camped that night upon the dry plains without water or the sight of game, so frequently in view the previous day, and without even the chirp of a bird to cheer us on our journey, we knew not exactly whither. At early dawn the following morning the march was resumed; we passed during the day a water-hole utterly unfit for use, and went into bivouac that night with the same surroundings, fully fifty miles further out in the desert. Our canteens were now empty, and the outlook was somewhat dismal. At daybreak on the 19th, to horse was sounded and the journey continued. About noon a deer was seen bounding over the prairie, and with the sight went forth a shout of joy from the men, who then felt confident that fresh water was not very far distant. The trail had moreover become much more distinct; this encouragement, together with the hope of quenching their thirst, reinspirited the soldiers. A few hours later another pool was reached, but not of that purity which was desirable. The odor of the water was such as to oblige one to hold his breath whilst he partook of the distasteful but refreshing draught. The canteens were, notwithstanding, again filled, as well as the sleeves of all the waterproof coats we possessed. The pursuit was continued, and at dark we bivouacked after a forced march of probably sixty miles. Several of the horses began to show, by this time, great fatigue and leg-weariness. The following morning the lofty peaks of the mountains near Devil’s river could be seen afar off, and all possible speed was made as we recognized that the line between the United States and Mexico was not far distant. About noon we reached another stagnant water-hole near the foot of a range of hills in proximity to the rugged and mountainous country about the head waters of Devil’s river, along the banks of which stream passes the stage road from San Antonio to El Paso. Here we discovered that another party of Indians had joined that of which we were in pursuit. The deserted camp indicated that there were not less than fifty warriors in number. They had eaten one of their mules or horses, and this sign, together with others about their bivouac, bore clear evidence that the party had become formidable. The trail from this point was not only much larger, but presented a fresher appearance. The arms of the men were therefore carefully inspected, every preparation made for action, and the chase quickly resumed. The horses were much fatigued, and some of them were scarcely able to keep their places in the line of march; consequently the pursuit was not as rapid as it had been the three days previous. The march over the hills and up the mountains increased moreover their legweariness to such extent that about 3 p. m. I abandoned all hope of overtaking the Indians before they crossed the Rio Grande, which river was then not far distant. This condition of the horses and the thirst of the soldiers led me to the determination to quit the trail and go immediately in search of fresh water. We were at this time well up on the high and rough range of mountains bordering on Devil’s river, and after leaving the trail a distance of nigh one mile, I perceived on a parallel range about two miles off a few Indians waving a large white flag apparently hoisted from a mound. Orders from Washington had been issued before I left Fort Mason, notifying all United States troops that a party of Tonkaways were expected at the reservation, near Camp Cooper, and that they would, in the event of meeting a body of our soldiers upon the frontier, raise a white flag, upon which signal they were to be allowed to pass unmolested. I therefore became convinced that these Indians were either the Tonkaways or a hostile body endeavoring by an infamous ruse to throw me off my guard, to entrap and massacre my entire party.

Notwithstanding the condition of the men and the horses, I determined to pass over upon the ridge occupied by the red men, move toward them, and ascertain the meaning of this demonstration. I had at this time but seventeen men for action, the remainder having halted in rear, owing to the inability of their horses to advance further without rest. I moved across to the opposite ridge and, as a precautionary measure, formed line and marched forward in readiness to talk or fight. Every man was armed with an Army rifle and a six-shooter; a few of us had sabres and two revolvers, whilst I was armed with a double barrel shot-gun loaded with buck shot, and two Navy six-shooters. As we passed over a mound about one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards distant from the one occupied by friend or foe-we knew not which — the flag, seemingly a sheet, was still waving aloft and a few Indians were lounging about with every appearance of a party desirous of peace.

The ground in that vicinity was rough and partially covered with a growth of Spanish bayonets which afforded a secure place of concealment. Feeling that in the event of an attack I had better chances of success mounted than dismounted, for the reason that my fighting force in the latter instance would have been lessened by the number of men required to hold and guard the horses in rear, and sharing the belief which generally prevailed in my regiment that twenty well-armed soldiers should be able to successfully engage four times their number of Indians, I continued to move forward slowly upon the immediate right of my line. When we were within about twenty or thirty paces of the mound occupied by the Indians, four or five of them advanced towards us with the flag; suddenly they threw it to the ground and fired upon us. Simultaneously from a large heap of dry grass, weeds and leaves, burst forth, in our immediate front, a blaze of fire some thirty feet in height, and, with a furious yell, the warriors instantly rose up round about us, whilst others charged down the slope in our midst, even seizing some of our horses by the bridle reins. At the same moment a mounted party attacked the left of our line with lances. Thus began a most desperate struggle. The warriors were all painted, stripped to the waist, with. either horns or wreaths of feathers upon their heads; they bore shields for defence, and were armed with rifles, bows and arrows. The quick and sharp report of our rifles, the smoke and cracking noise of the fire, together with the great odds against us, the shouts of the soldiers and the yells of the Indians, betokened the deadly peril from which seemingly naught but a miracle could effect our deliverance. Each man, after discharging his rifle, drew his revolver and used it with terrible effect as the warriors, in many instances, were within a few feet of the muzzle of our arms. Stubbornly did my brave men hold their ground; again and again they drove the enemy back to the edge and in rear of the burning mass of weeds in our front, when finally the Indians charged desperately and forced our line back a few paces in the centre. Having discharged my shot-gun, I rode at once with revolver in hand to that point, rallied the soldiers, who again drove them back, whilst our horses, in some instances, were beaten over the head with shields. The contest was at such close quarters that a warrior bore off a rifle which had been used and hung by one of the men upon his saddle. Meantime the Indians as quickly as they discharged their arms, handed them to their squaws, who ran to the rear, reloaded and returned them. At this juncture I was pierced in the left hand with an arrow which passed through the reins and the fourth finger, pinning my hand to the bridle. I instantly broke the spear head and threw it aside. Unmindful of the fact that the feathers could not pass through the wound, I pulled the arrow in the direction in which it had been shot, and was compelled finally in order to free myself of it to seize the feathered in lieu of the barbed end.

Thus raged this hand to hand conflict until all our shots were expended, and it was found that owing to the restiveness of the horses we could not reload while mounted. We then fell back about fifty yards and dismounted for that purpose. Soon afterward arose from beyond the burning heap one continuous mourning howl, such as can alone come forth from the heart of the red man in deep distress. These sounds of sorrow revealed to me that we were in little danger of a renewal of the assault, and I was, I may in truth say, most thankful for the truce thus proclaimed. Two of our men had been killed and four, besides myself, severely wounded; we had also one horse killed and several disabled. Had the combat been renewed I would have had, after leaving a guard with the horses, but five or six men to fight on foot.

Nightfall was approaching; the Indians gathered up their dead and wounded, and moved off toward the Rio Grande. Our thirst, which was great at the beginning of the combat, had now become intense from excitement and loss of blood. I therefore moved at once to Devil’s river, where we bivouacked about 10 p. m., and sent a messenger to Camp Hudson for supplies and medical aid.

Thus closed this terrible scene, and often since have I felt most grateful that our horses were so broken down, as but for their condition they would, doubtless, when beaten over the lead with shields, have become totally unmanageable, and have caused the massacre of my entire command. I attribute also our escape to the fact that the Indians did not have the self-possession to cut our bridle reins, which act would have proved fatal to us. We were nigh meeting a similar fate to that of the gallant Custer and his noble band.

I learned after the fight, through other Indians as well as through my guide, that the party which attacked us were Comanches and Lipans. The exact number of their killed we were unable to ascertain, owing chiefly to the cover afforded by the Spanish bayonets, but we were confident at the hour that it amounted to not less than nine or ten; we were equally certain that four to one were engaged against us.

Lieutenant Fink came up the following day with a detachment of Infantry. Our troops returned to the scene of action and buried the dead, as I had neither pick nor shovel at the time of the encounter. Moreover I could not have delayed thereafter for any purpose, on account of the extreme suffering of the men for want of water.

After a respite of a few days I marched to Fort Clark and there made a brief report of the affair, which is now, I presume, on file in Washington. General David E. Twiggs, commanding the Department, shortly afterwards published the following order:

"Headquarters, Department of Texas. San Antonio, August 5th, 1857.

"Sir:—Lieutenant Hood’s report was transmitted last mail; from subsequent information, not official, I think Lieutenant Hood’s estimate of the Indian party was much too small. The same party, it appears, attacked the California mail guard five days after, and near the place where Lieutenant Hood had the fight, and they estimated the Indians to be over one hundred. These affairs were in the vicinity of Camp Hudson where Lieutenant Fink of the Eighth Infantry is stationed with a Company of Infantry. If this company had have been furnished with some fifteen or twenty horses, the second attack would not probably have been made. Lieutenant Hood’s affair was a most gallant one, and much credit is due to both the officer and men.

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"(Signed)

D. E. Twiggs, Brevet Major General, U. S. A., Commanding Department. To Lieutenant Colonel L. Thomas, Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters of the Army, West Point, New York.

I also afterwards learned through the Indian Agent that the Indians at the Reservation stated my command had killed nineteen warriors during the fight, and that General Twiggs’s estimate was about correct in regard to numbers. The comparatively small loss we sustained is strong evidence that our shots proved most destructive, and that the Indians labored under an intense excitement which caused them generally to miss their mark. The fact that we were mounted and above their level seems to have rendered their aim very imperfect, as shown by the circumstance that one of my wounded men whose horse had been killed, was pierced in the back with three additional arrows (one of which passed through his lung), as he was making his way to the rear of the line.

Early in August I returned to Fort Mason, where not long afterwards I was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, assigned to Company K, and placed on duty at Camp Colorado, on the upper waters of the river of that name. In 1858 I re-established Camp Wood, on the Nueces river, about forty miles distant from its source, and at this post my company continued in the performance of the ordinary duties of soldiers upon the frontier till the declaration of war in 1861.

In November, 1860, I was granted a leave of absence for six months, and on my arrival at Indianola I received an order directing me to report for duty as Chief of Cavalry at West Point. I immediately proceeded to Washington, and made application in person to Colonel S. Cooper, Adjutant General, to be relieved from the order and allowed to avail myself of the leave of absence already granted. I shall ever remember the astonishment of this old and most worthy soldier at my unwillingness to go to West Point. He turned quickly in his chair, saying: Lieutenant, you surprise me; this is a post and position sought by almost every soldier. I replied it was true, but I feared war would soon be declared between the States, in which event I preferred to be in a situation to act with entire freedom. He acceded to my request; before the expiration of my leave of absence hostilities were inaugurated, and my resignation was tendered to the United States Government.

Shortly before the secession of the Southern States I returned to Camp Wood, and, although