the Twentieth were kept "in reserve," but on | river, found the boat which I afterward used, the open ground, exposed to a destructive fire. It was a continued fire now, with occasional pauses of one or two minutes, until the last. The rifled cannon was on the left, in the open ground in front of a part of Baker's regiment, exposed to a hot fire. It was not discharged more than eight times. The gunners were shot down in the first of the engagement, and I saw Colonel Lee carry a charge to the gun with his own hands. The last time that it was fired, the recoil carried it down the rise to the edge of the bank. The men of the Twentieth regiment behaved admirably, and all that were left of them were on the field after the battle was declared lost by General Baker. They acted (at least all under my command) with great coolness and bravery, and obeyed every order implicitly; and after the intimation had been given that we must surrender in order to save the men that were left, they cheerfully rallied and delivered a well-directed fire upon two companies that we came upon, which had just advanced out of the woods. We were slowly driven back by their fire in return, and covered ourselves with the slight ruse mentioned above. We now tried to induce the colonel to attempt to escape, and get him down the bank unhurt. I turned to collect the remnant of my company, and when I returned to the bank they told me that the colonel, (Lee,) major, and adjutant had gone into a small boat and were by this time safely across. Feeling at ease, then, about them, I collected all that I found of the Twentieth, and gave permission to all those who could swim and wished to, to take to the water, and sent over reports and messages by them. I then ordered those of the regiment who could not swim, to follow up the river, in order to get them out of the murderous volleys which the enemy were pouring down on us from the top of the bank. About twenty of the Twentieth regiment, twenty of the Fifteenth, and forty of the Tammany and California regiments followed us. We went up as far as the large mill, where I found by means of a negro there, a small sunken skiff in the mill-way, and induced him to get it out of the water and down to the river. It was capable of holding five men, and I began to send them over, expecting every minute to be discovered by the enemy. In an hour they were all over, and I crossed, with Lieut. Abbott of my company and Capt. Tremlett of Company A, Twentieth. I reported with the men at the hospital on the island. They got across to this side during the night. They were obliged to stop at the ferry, and sleep out, many without overcoats or blankets, until morning. Out of twenty-two officers that were with us in the engagement, thirteen are killed, wounded, or missing. The colonel, (Lee,) I learned at the island, had not crossed, but I have since learned that he and his companions went farther up the VOL. III.-Doc. 18 thought it impracticable, and went on. They were (by the report of one or two men who have since come in) taken prisoners. Col. Lee, Major Revere, Adjutant Pierson, Dr. Revere, and Lieut. Perry are supposed to have been together. I supposed it was my duty to make this report of that part of the regiment engaged, as senior officer of those saved. Very respectfully, W. F. BARTLETT, Capt. Co. I, Twentieth Regiment Mass. Vols. I trust that my delay in telegraphing is now fully explained to you by my letter of Oct. 24. When Gen. Lander ordered me to march on the morning of the 22d, I had no authentic account of our loss, and confident hopes that it would be much less severe, than it proved. Moreover, I then expected that my absence from camp would be short, as our little remaining force seemed necessary at our own camp, and able to do small service in an advance.. To show the spirit of our regiment, I may say that some of the men who had had little sleep Sunday night, little food and much fighting on Monday, and no sleep Monday night, joined me voluntarily on Tuesday morning and went cheerfully through our fatiguing service in Virginia. I need hardly say that I did not know it in time to tell them to stay in quarters and get the rest they had so richly earned. Also, Capt. Bartlett reported that during our absence the men were all begging to cross the river and join us. Capt. Bartlett, in his report, speaks of getting some seventy men across the river in a boat that held five. I may add, what his modesty left unwritten, that he sent Lieut. Whittier, of Company A, across early to take charge of the men as they reached the Maryland shore, and that he and Lieut. Abbott of his company, and Capt. Tremlett of Company A, crossed at the last trip. We gratefully acknowledge your kindness in sending to us at this time Col. Lee of your staff, Assistant-Quartermaster Lee and Dr Russell. I have had much conference with Col. Lee, the results of which and of his own observation, I leave him to communicate to you. I have learned that we have a few wounded, estimated at six, in the Division Hospital at Poolesville; I have applied to the Division Surgeon for a list of them. It has not yet been furnished to me, but will be forwarded as soon as it comes to hand. Our reduced regiment is at present arranged as a battalion of six companies.. .... As for the missing officers, we have no doubt of the safety of the Colonel, Major, Adjutant, Assistant-Surgeon Revere and Lieut. Perry of Company D, and no doubt of the death of Capt. Babo, late Lieut. of Co. C, and Lieut. Wesselhoeft of the same company. Your obedient servant, FRANCIS WINTHROP PALFREY, Lieut.-Col. Commanding Twentieth Reg. Mass. Vol. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MOONEY'S REPORT. HEAD-QUARTERS TAMMANY REGIMENT, with great effect charged on the enemy after the order for retreat had been given. The retreat was conducted with the most perfect order to the river, our soldiers contesting every inch of the ground in retiring. On arriving at the river, and finding no means of conveyance to the island, our troops were ordered to throw their arms into the river, and such of them who could swim to do so, as this was their only alternative from being taken prisoners. SIR: I herewith transmit to you a complete report of an engagement with the rebels at a point on the Potomac River, in the State of Virginia, known as Ball's Bluff, in which the Tammany regiment from New York City were active participants. On the morning of the 21st ult. Col. Coggswell received orders from Brig.-Gen. Stone to hold the regiment in readiness to march on a moment's warning to a point two miles below Conrad's Ferry, in the State of Maryland. On arriving at the point, the whole regiment was transported in good order and without accident to Harrison's Island, about midway between the Maryland and Virginia shores, in the Potomac River. Here, in accordance with the orders of the General in command, the regiment commenced crossing to the Virginia shore to a steep acclivity, some fifty feet in height. The passage across was slow and tedious, owing to the inadequate means of transit provided, only about a single company being able to cross at a time. Company A, Capt. H. Harrington; Company C, Lieut. McPherson; Company E, Capt. T. H. O'Meara; Company H, Capt. H. Alden; and Company K, Capt. M. Garrity, had succeeded in crossing to the Virginia shore, and were hotly engaged in a sanguinary and uneven conflict with the reb-which he was doubtless taken prisoner. els, when the boat used for the transportation of troops to the battle-field was swamped on a return trip, laden with wounded and dead soldiers, who had just fallen on the field of battle. How many of our bleeding soldiers were thus buried beneath the waters of the Potomac it was impossible, in the confusion that followed, to ascertain. No inconsiderable number were rescued by their comrades in arms on the island, and others, not seriously injured, escaped by their own exertion; but there is no doubt but some were drowned by this unfortunate Occurrence. As this was the only boat at command, companies B, Lieut. J. McGrath; D, Capt. Isaac G. Gotthold; F, Capt. J. W. Tobin; G, Capt. Quinn; and I, Capt. D. Hogg, were thus prevented from crossing to Virginia to assist their compatriots already in conflict with a largely superior force of the enemy. The men evinced the deepest anxiety to go to the rescue of their brother soldiers, and manifested the most unmistakable sorrow on learning the impossibility of engaging with the enemy. Below I transmit to you a list of those killed, wounded, and missing. Having no means of ascertaining the actual facts in the case, of course there are many unavoidable inaccuracies in the list, and it is but reasonable to suppose that at least a large proportion of those reported as wounded and missing, are among the dead. On the death of Col. E. D. Baker, Acting Brigadier-Gen., Col. Milton Coggswell, of the Tammany regiment, assumed command of the brigade. Though the fortunes of the Union forces had already commenced to wane, Col. Coggswell rallied them with consummate skill, and when retreat became inevitable, drew off the men in the best possible style, ordering them to cast their muskets and accoutrements into the river, rather than leave them as trophics for the rebels. He was wounded in the hand, though it is supposed not seriously-sufficiently so, however, to prevent him from swimming to the island, in consequence of The detachment of the Tammany, which succeeded in crossing to the Virginia shore, was marched up the steep acclivity, and immediately entered into the conflict already progressing, with a spirit and intrepidity that would have done credit to older and more experienced soldiers; but the contest was too uneven, and, notwithstanding the valor and steadfastness of the men, the battle went against us, though twice the troops of the Tammany impetuously and Company A.-Capt. H. Harrington commanding. Killed-Privates: Thomas Bailey, Thomas Dugan-2. Wounded-Sergeant Hugh Mills, Corporal Thomas Stephton. Privates: Michael Gilligan, Daniel Ferry-4. MissingFirst Lieut. Samuel Giberson, Corporal Frank Hughes. Privates: Edward Flood, Thos. James, Jeremiah McCarthy, Geo. McClellan, Daniel Devlin, Geo. Sykes, James Connor, Edward Clary, James Douglas, John Wilson-12. The four men wounded reached camp, and are now under treatment. Their injuries are not of a permanent nature, and they will doubtless be again on active duty in a few weeks. Captain Harrington conducted himself, both on the battle-field and in the retreat, with great coolness and discretion. On seeing that he must either be killed or taken prisoner, he threw his sword into the river, divested himself of his wearing apparel, and swam to the island. Company C.-Lieut. Chas P. McPherson commanding. Wounded-Corporal Duncan Mc Phail-1. Missing-Lieut. Chas. McPherson, Sergeant Robert Crawford. Corporals: Geo. W. Odell, Chas. Wiggard, Thomas Soumerville. Privates: Daniel Barrett, Christian Backer, Carl Bower, Patrick Cahill, Augustus Cronier, John C. Calhoun, John Craig, William. Church, Francis Campbell, William Deckleman, Arthur Donnelly, James H. Dogherty, Michael Donevan, Thomas Dunegan, Michael Eagan, James Fitzgerald, Felix F. Fagan, John Gorrill, Hugh Gilchrist, Edward Hicks, Jacob Hecker, Wm. Jamieson, Michael Hawkins, Edward Lindsay, | Wounded-Sergeants: Patrick Swords, Patrick William May, James Moore, John Moriarty, Condon; Corporals: Peter McGreever, Edward John McKenna, John McLoughlin, Robert Mc- Galliger-4. Missing-Captain Michael Gerity, Monagh, John Nichol, John Grittle, Lewis (supposed to be killed;) Sergeants: James J. Peters, Henry Pardy, Peter Riley, William Monaghan, Martin Ryan; Corporals: Charles C. Stripp, Charles Smith, Charles Sparrows, Fred. Landers, Daniel Sullivan, Wm. Byrne; Privates: Scheltz, John Sullivan, David Thompson, John Frederick Boff, Geo. Blake, Dennis Callegan, Walsh, Garnet Hyde-48. But little is defi- Thomas Carvey, Patrick Collins, James Connor, nitely known respecting the fate of this com- Michael Clancey, Cornelius Denneen, Terrance pany, as they were detached from the main Traddy, Wm. Eavley, Adam Heydenhoff, Wm. body as scouts. Corporal Duncan McPhail, who Harding, James Gifford, Robert Hesey, James was known to have been wounded, was on Geever, Daniel Mahoney, James McCaller, Patboard of the boat when she sunk, and was rick McManus, Thomas Murray, Andrew A. drowned. Olwell, Bernard Pegram, Eugene Sullivan, Peter West, William J. Walsh, William Wallace, Antoine Schlessinger-33. Company E.-Capt. Timothy O'Meara, commanding. Killed-Private Daniel Graham, 1. Wounded-Sergeant Henry Van Voast, 1. Missing-Capt. Timothy O'Meara; First Lieut. James Gillis; Sergeants: James McConvine, Thomas Dobbins, Patrick Lynch; Corporals: Edward McNally, James Kane, John C. Joyce, Michael Brennan, Michael Cunningham, Michael Collins, Francis Crilley, Charles Dillman, William Dunham, Jeremiah Geavin, Francis Kiernan, Patrick McMarrow, Michael McDonough, Owen McLaughlin, Thomas Murphy, Owen McCabe, Dennis C. O'Neil, Wm. O'Mahoney, James Quin, Louis Louvey, Edw'd Teaffle -27. Sergeant Van Voast, reported as having been wounded, is also known to have been taken prisoner. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Capt. O'Meara and those under his command. They fought with undaunted bravery and great efficiency, and when vanquished at last, Capt. O'Meara swam to the island, and implored Col. Hinks, then in command there, for the use of a boat to rescue his brave men from the hands of the enemy; and failing in this, he recrossed the river to Virginia, in order to assist his men in person, with the best means he could devise, to escape. As he did not return, it is presumed that he is now a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. His persistent efforts in behalf of the safety and welfare of those under his command, are worthy of the highest encomiums. The supposition that Captain Gerity is among the killed is well founded, though not fully authenticated. He shouldered a musket, and was seen to be engaged in the conflict in person. It is credited that he was killed pierced with several balls, and that his body was afterward terribly mutilated by passing cavalry of the enemy. Sergeant Thomas Wright, of Company G, who was detailed on the island to assist in the transportation of troops, is missing. The detachment of the Tammany regiment that remained on the island, in consequence of the accident heretofore mentioned, consisting of Companies B, Lieut. McGrath, commanding; D, Capt. Isaac Gotthold, commanding; F, Capt. J. W. Tobin, commanding; G, Capt. Quinn, commanding; and I, Capt. David Hogg, commanding-were on active and arduous service from the moment of their arrival on the island until two P. M. of the succeeding day, in taking care of, and conveying the wounded to the hospital, and in standing in the intrenchments as a guard under a heavy and incessant fire from the enemy. Notwithstanding the inclement wind and storm that prevailed during the night, the men performed the disagreeable task assigned them without a murmur. During the forenoon of the twenty-second the Tammany regiment was relieved by the Twen ty-seventh Indiana regiment, of Gen. Hamilton's Company H.-Captain H. Alden, command- brigade. The regiment was then marched back ing. Killed-Capt. H. Alden. Missing-Ser- to Camp Lyon, and, though grieved and disgeant Owen McCarthy; Corporals: John G. appointed at the result of the engagement with Smith, Thomas McBey; Privates: B. J. Dolan, the enemy, their zeal and ardor are unabated. Patrick Flattery, Michael Queenan, Nicholas The inauspicious result, which was entirely beQuinn, Michael Doran, James Manahan, Augus-yond the control of those engaged, and for tus Bauer, William Mooney, Horace E. Adams, which they cannot in the slightest be held reJames Byron, Patrick Moore, Michael Lynch-sponsible, has had the effect of inspiring the men 15. Captain Alden fell at almost the first vol- with renewed determination, instead of proley from the enemy. His remains were after-ducing discontent and disorganization, which ward recognized by Captain Vaughn, of the too often follow upon the heels of such lamenThird Rhode Island battery, who crossed to the table disasters. Virginia shore with a flag of truce on the twenty-third instant., and buried a portion of the dead. Though deprived of their commander thus early in the action, the company still continued to fight with commendable order. Company K.-Captain Michael Gerity, commanding. Killed-Privates: John Cahill, James Danver, Edward Sullivan, John Sullivan-4. It would be unjust to close this report without paying tribute to the exertions of Major Peter Bowe and Lieut. Thomas Abbott, in superintending the transportation of troops to the Virginia shore, and bringing back to the island the dead, dying, wounded, and discomfited soldiers. The task was a severe one, but they performed it with fidelity and promptitude. Lieut. Col. Com'g Tammany Regiment N. Y. S.V. REPORT OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN. The following is General McClellan's explanation in submitting the report of General Stone to the Secretary of War: HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, WASHINGTON, November 1, 1861. To the Hon. Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith Brig.-Gen. Stone's report of the engagement near Leesburg on the 21st ultimo. I also transmit a copy of the despatch sent by me to Gen. Stone on the 20th ultimo, being the same men [Received at Washington from Poolesville.] HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 20, 1861. To Major-General McClellan : Made a feint of crossing at this place this afternoon, and at the same time started a reconnoitring party toward Leesburg from Harrison's Island. The enemy's pickets retired to intrenchments. Report of reconnoitring party not yet received. I have means of crossing one hundred and twenty-five men once in ten minutes at each of two points. River falling slowly. C. P. STONE, Brigadier-General. Doc. 100. tioned in the beginning of his report as the THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKTOWN, MO. basis of his movement. I enclose a copy of his despatch in reply, of same date. My despatch did not contemplate the making an attack upon the enemy, or the crossing of the river in force by any portion of Gen. Stone's command; and not anticipating such movement, I had upon the 20th directed Major-General McCall to return with his division, on the forenoon of the 21st, from Dranesville to the camp from which he had advanced, provided the reconnoissance intrusted to him should have been then completed. Being advised by telegraph from Gen. Stone, received during the day and evening of the 21st, of the crossing of the river, the fall of Colonel Baker, the check sustained by our troops, and that nearly all his (Stone's) force had crossed the river, I sent to him at Edwards' Ferry the following despatch at half-past ten P. M.: "Intrench yourself on the Virginia side, and wait reinforcements, if necessary." I immediately telegraphed Major-Gen. Banks to proceed with the three brigades of his division to the support of Gen. Stone; and advising the latter that he would be thus supported, I directed him to hold his position at all hazards. On the 22d I went personally to the scene of operations, and after ascertaining that the enemy were strengthening themselves at Leesburg, and that our means of crossing and recrossing were very insufficient, I withdrew our forces from the Virginia side. servant, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General Commanding United States Army. DESPATCH NO. 1, RECEIVED OCTOBER 20, 1861. To Brigadier-General Stone, Poolesville: General McClellan desires me to inform you that Gen. McCall occupied Dranesville yesterday, and is still there. Will send out heavy reconnoissances to-day in all directions from that point. The General desires that you keep a good look-out upon Leesburg to see if this movement has the effect to drive them away. Perhaps a slight demonstration on your part would have the effect to move them. A. V. COLBURN, Assistant Adjutant-General. OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL PLUMMER. HEAD-QUARTERS CAMP FREMONT, COLONEL PLUMMER TO GENERAL GRANT. GENERAL: Pursuant to your order of the 16th, I left this post on the 18th instant, with about fifteen hundred men, and marched upon I arrived at twelve o'clock on Monday, the Fredericktown via Jackson and Dallas, where 21st instant; finding there Colonel Carlin with about three thousand men who had arrived at He gave me a nine o'clock that morning. portion of his command, which I united with my own, and immediately started in pursuit of Thompson, who was reported to have evacuated the town the day before and retreated toward Greenville. I found him, however, occupying a position about one mile out of town, on the Greenville road, which he has held since about nine o'clock A. M., and imThe battle lasted mediately attacked him. about two hours and a half, and resulted in the total defeat of Thompson, and rout of all his forces, consisting of about three thousand five hundred men. Their loss was severe, ours very light. Among their killed was Lowe. On the following day I pursued Thompson twenty-two miles on the Greenville road, for the purpose of capturing his train, but finding further pursuit useless, and believing Pilot Knob secure and the object of the expedition accomplished, I returned to this post, where I arrived last evening, having been absent seven days and a half. I brought with me forty-two prisoners, one iron twelve-pounder field-piece, a number of small-arms and horses, taken upon the field. I will forward a detailed report of the battle as soon as reports from colonels of regiments and commanders of corps are received. am, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. B. PLUMMER, Colonel Eleventh Missouri Volunteers Commanding. TO ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Head-quarters District Southeast Missouri, Cairo, Illinois. GENERAL GRANT TO COLONEL PLUMMER. Colonel J. B. Plummer, commanding United But little doubt can be entertained of the success of our arms, when not opposed by superior numbers; and in the action of Fredericktown they have given proof of courage and determination which shows that they would undergo any fatigue or hardships to meet our rebellious brethren, even at great odds. Being determined to pursue the enemy, Col. Carlin consented to reinforce me with the Twenty-first and Thirty-third regiments of Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Colonels Alexander and Hovey, six companies of the first Indiana Cavalry, commanded by Col. Baker, under Lieut. Hascock. The column, thus reinand one section of Major Schofield's battery, forced, was put in motion about one o' clock P. M., and had not proceeded over half a mile on the Greenville road, when the enemy was discovered in front of us by Capt. Stewart, whose vigilance and untiring energy during the whole march were conspicuous. Col. Ross, whose regiment was the leading one of the column, immediately deployed it to Our loss, small as it was, is to be regretted; the left into a lane, and threw forward two but the friends and relatives of those who fell companies as skirmishers, to feel the enemy, can congratulate themselves in the midst of whose exact position and strength it was difficult their affliction, that they fell in maintaining the to determine. As soon as I arrived at the front, cause of constitutional freedom and the integrity I directed Col. Ross to move forward his regiof a flag erected in the first instance at a sacri- ment into the cornfield in support of his skirfice of many of the noblest lives that ever mishers, and ordered up Lieut. White's section of Taylor's battery, which immediately opened graced a nation. fire, and by its effectiveness soon caused the In conclusion, say to your troops they have U. S. GRANT. THE REPORT. HEAD-QUARTERS, CAMP FREMONT, town: I received the order on the 17th instant, and on the following morning marched with about fifteen hundred men, composed of the Seventeenth and Twentieth regiments of Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Colonels Ross and Marsh, the Eleventh Missouri under the immediate command of Lieutenant-Colonel Pennabaker, Lieut. White's section of Taylor's battery, and Captains Steward and Lansden's companies of cavalry, under the command of the former, with rations for twelve days. the enemy to respond. Their artillery consisted of four pieces, masked, upon the slope of a hill about six hundred yards distant. The principal body of their infantry, under Col. Lowe, was posted in the cornfield to the left of the road. With them the Seventeenth Illinois was soon engaged. The other regiments of the column were deployed to the right and left of the road as they came up. I then ordered forward the Thirty-eighth Illinois from the town, which promptly came upon the field under one of its field officers, leaving there the Eighth Wisconsin, under Col. Murphy, and one section of Major Schofield's battery in reserve-a post of honor, though one disagreeable to them, as all were eager to participate in the engagement. As soon as it was practicable, Major Schofield, of the First Missouri Volunteer Light Artillery, brought upon the field two sections of his battery under Captain Matter and Lieutenant Hascock, which were placed in position, and did efficient service. At my request, he then aided me in bringing the regiments on the right of the road into line of battle, and during the remainder of the day he rendered valuable service in directing their movements. Seventeenth and Twentieth Illinois, and a portion of the Eleventh Missouri. Their retreat soon became a rout, and they fled in every direction, pursued by our troops. Learning that Thompson and his forces were at Fredericktown instead of Farmington, I took the road from Jackson to Dallas for the purpose of cutting off their retreat south, should they In the mean time the enemy were falling back attempt it. From my camp at Dallas, on Sat-before the steady advance and deadly fire of the urday night I despatched a messenger with a communication for the commanding officer at Pilot Knob, requesting his cooperation, which unfortunately fell into the hands of the enemy, and gave them information of my intention to attack them on Monday morning. On my arrival at Fredericktown at twelve o'clock on Monday, the 21st, I found the town had been occupied since eight o'clock that morning by Colonel Carlin with about three thousand men from Pilot Knob. The townspeople stated that Thompson had evacuated the town the evening before, and was en route for Greenville. VOL. III.-Doc. 19 It was at this time that the enemy's infantry on our right, where Thompson commanded in person, being also in retreat, I ordered the Indiana Cavalry to charge and pursue them. Thompson, however, had rallied a portion of his troops, about half a mile in the rear of his first position, and brought one gun into battery on the road, supported by infantry on either side. The cavalry charged and took the gun, |