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History
East Tennessee Volunteers

History of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry
By W.R. Carter
(Taken from the text by the same title)
First Division, First Brigade, Army of the Cumberland, Cavalry Corp, United States Volunteers

March, 1862
Fourth Regiment Tennessee Volunteers organized by Colonel Robert Johnson at Camp Garber, Kentucky (one mile northwest of Flat Lick, on the main road leading from Barboursville to Cumberland Gap)
Composed of men principally from the counties of Bradley, Knox, Union, Grainger, Jefferson, Greene, Hawkins and Hancock.

May 7, 1862
Moved from Camp Garber to Barboursville then to Woodbine, KY.

May 15, 1862
Moved to London, KY (time spend in skirmish drill and target practice)

June 1st, 1862
At Barboursville, KY, moved to Cumberland Ford (here the 25th Brigade was organized)

Seventh Division, Army of the Ohio
Brigadier-General George W. Morgan
four brigades of infantry, one regiment of cavalry
four batteries of artillery, engineer, signal corps
25th Brigade
Brigadier-General James G. Spears
4th Tennessee
Col. Robert Johnson

June 9, 1862
Temporarily attached to General Carter's Brigade (24th Brigade)
Left camp at Cumberland Ford...to Boston, KY.

June 13, 1862
Moved through Big Creek Gap to Rogers Gap in Powell's Valley (towards Pine
Mountain)...arrived June 15

June 16, 1862
Rejoined 25th Brigade
Moved up Powell's Valley to Roger's Gap

June 18, 1862
Moved into Cumberland Gap after Stevenson (CSA) abandoned it

July 1862
Spear's Brigade moved four miles northeast of the Gap into Lee County, Virginia. Camped on the Virginia road near Woodson's Creek

August 1862
Spear's Brigade moved back to Cumberland Gap

August 15, 1862
Spear's Brigade ordered to Wallace's Cross Roads, eighteen miles north of Knoxville. Moved north from the Gap turned west, marched down the north side of Big Creek Gap, turned south moved toward Robbins' Ford on Clinch River which is about six miles below the junction of Powell's River with Clinch River and about five miles from Wallace's Cross Roads.
Spear's Brigade routed the Confederate Camp at Wallace's Cross Roads
Returned to Cumberland Gap by the same route, without any losses

September 17, 1862
General Morgan abandoned Cumberland Gap and moved back into Kentucky

October 3, 1862
General Morgan's Division reached Greenupsburg, KY on the Ohio River. It had marched 250 miles in 16 days, 80 men killed/wounded/missing after fighting with John Hunt Morgan and Kirby Smith

October 5, 1862
Crossed the Ohio River to Sciotoville, OH, then by rail to Portland, OH then to Oak Hill. Stayed there two weeks and moved to Gallipolis, OH

The Fourth Tennessee received orders to report to Camp Dennison, OH (near
Cincinnati) to be mounted and equipped for the cavalry service

November 1, 1862
Mustered as the First Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry

December 24, 1862
Col. Johnson received orders to move his regiment the next day to Louisville, by way of Cincinnati...1,260 men in line

December 25, 1862
Arrived Louisville, KY

December 26, 1862
Shepardsville, on Salt River

December, 1862
Returned to Louisville, KY

January 9, 1863
Left Louisville, KY for Nashville, TN
Louisville....Bardstown....Mumfordsville ....Crossed Green River....
Glasgow...Crossed into Tennessee....Scottsville....Gallatin

January 17, 1863
Arrived Nashville, TN

February 1, 1863
Made a reconnaissance to Franklin, Crossed the Harpeth River...withdrew to Nashville

February, 1863 (early)
Regiment temporarily attached to General J.B. Steedman's Division at Concord Church on the Nolensville turnpike

February, 1863 (late)
Steedman ordered by Rosecrans to move to Triune
First Tennessee sent to reconnoiter and moved through Triune and College Grove toward Chapel Hill
Colonel Josiah Patterson, Fourth Alabama Cavalry...the Lieutenant-Col. took into his head to capture Brownlow's regiment, and for this purpose entered into a plan with two other regiments...attacked Brownlow from the rear and got into a hornet's nest. Brownlow ordered a charge, and in less than no time my regiment was getting out of there...with the mountaineers whacking at them with their sabers right and left....

April 9, 1863
Ordered to Franklin to reinforce the garrison which was being threatened by Van Dorn and Wheeler. Numerous sharp engagements between the First Tennessee and the enemy under Wheeler and Wharton

May 31, 1863
Colonel Robert Johnson tendered his resignation due to ill health
Lt. Colonel Brownlow promoted to Colonel
While stationed around Triune, the regiment became famous for dash and courage and earned for itself the name of "the fighting First Tennessee Cavalry," a name it never disgraced upon the battlefield

June, 1863 (middle)
Army of the Cumberland cavalry reorganized by General D.S. Stanley
General Stanley Cavalry Corp (10,000 men)
First Division (General R.B. Mitchell)
First Brigade (Colonel A.P. Campbell)
1st Tennessee
2nd Michigan
9th Pennsylvania

...exchanged large tents for shelter-tents - "dog-tents" the boys called them...little better than no tent ... In active campaigning, the soldier carries his small tent (dog) and he and the comrade who is his "partner" put the two pieces together, which makes a comfortable protection from the weather. His haversack contains his rations, while from his belt or saddle clatters a small coffee-pot or pail, and in less than a half-hour after a halt the veteran knows how to prepare a wholesome meal of bacon, coffee and crackers (hard-tack).

June 23, 1863
Struck tents...encountered enemy near Eaglesville and then near Rover

June 24, 1863
Passed through Versailles, to Middleton

June 27, 1863
Moved from Christiana to Guy's Gap where a portion of Wharton's Division of cavalry under Wheeler was posted...routed the Confederate cavalry to Shelbyville and routed them across the Duck River

June 30, 1863
Moved towards Manchester, TN
General Bragg with both his flanks turned abandoned Tullahoma

July 2, 1863
Left Manchester...through Estell Springs, forded Elk River...through Decherd and Cowan on the Nashville & Chattanooga railroad.
Bragg had fled...Middle Tennessee in the possession of the Army of the Cumberland

July 4, 1863
Decherd Station, TN
Moved through Winchester to Salem...rested for a few days

July 12, 1863
Stanley's Corp moved towards Huntsville, AL. by way of New Market (July 14th)

July, 1863 (middle)
From Huntsville to Fayetteville...to Salem by way of Gum Springs...went into camp near Winchester

July, 1863 (end)
Returned to Fayetteville...camped between the Winchester turnpike and Elk River

August 10, 1863
Mitchell's Division ordered to Huntsville, AL

August 12, 1863
To Stevenson, AL. by way of Paint Rock, Larkinsville, Scottsboro and Bellefonte

August 15, 1863
Stevenson, AL

August 17, 1863
Bolivar, AL...engaged in scouting, picketing and guarding the ferries and fords along the Tennessee River

August, 1863 (end)
Returned to Stevenson, went into camp near Caperton's Ferry on Tenn River

September 1, 1863
Stanley's Corp broke camp and crossed the Tennessee River at Caperton's Ferry and
camped for a few days at Caperton's Spring, base of Sand Mountain with Johnson's and Davis' Divisions, Twentieth Corps following for support

September 3, 1863
Began to ascend Sand Mountain (Alabama/Tennessee)

September 5, 1863
First Tennessee charged enemy near Rawlingsville driving them for two miles. Pushed on through Rawlingsville to Lebanon
Went into camp at Allen's farm (fourty-two miles south of Chattanooga)

September 9, 1863
Stanley's Corp moved to Winston's Gap, crossed Lookout Mountain to Alpine, GA, skirmished with Mississippi troops

September 10, 1863
Scouted in the direction of Melville on the Rome road

September 11, 1863
First Division under McCook, sent toward Rome, crossed Chattooga River

September 12, 1863
Moved toward Lafayette
Fought with units of Breckinridge's Division of Hill's Corps, AOT
Moved back to Alpine

September 14, 1863
Climbed Lookout Mountain

September 16, 1863
Descended Lookout Mountain at McLemore's Cove

September 17, 1863
Moved up near Cedar Grove Church

September 18, 1863
Bailey's Cross Roads

September 19, 1863
Moved by way of Pond Spring to Crawfish Spring and upon approaching , a sharp engagement occurred with enemy cavalry, repulsed them and moved in line of battle to the right of McCook's Twentieth Corps.

The Division was placed in line in front and to the left of Crawfish Spring, and during the day took up a position along the southwest back of Chickamauga Creek (River of Death)
Several attempts were made by Confederate Cavalry to cross, but were turned back
AFTERMATH: Fell back towards Chattanooga and placed in line across the Chattanooga Valley road, again fell back after being almost completely surrounded. The artillery wheels were fulfils by wrapping blankets around them, The cavalry was dismounted and each man required to carry his saber in his hand to avoid noise, leading horses, not being allowed to speak above a whisper.

September 22, 1863
Mitchell ordered to move his cavalry to the north side of the Tennessee River

September 24, 1863
Moved to Severly Springs, six miles from Chattanooga

September 25, 1863
Crossed Walden's Ridge during the night

September 26, 1863
Jasper, in the Sequatchie Valley, moved forward to Bridgeport

September 28, 1863
Ordered to Bellefront to reinforce the third Brigade, returned to Pump Springs
near Stevenson

September 30, 1863
South side of the Tennessee River from Bridgeport to Bellefont

October 2, 1863
From Stevenson, by way of Bridgeport, to Anderson's Cross Roads, Sequatchie Valley to rejoin the 2nd Division and go after Wheeler's Cavalry which was attacking Rosecrans' wagon trail. Engaged Martin's Division under personal command of Wheeler and routed them

October 4, 1863
Left camp at Dunlap began ascent of Cumberland Mountain at Kane's Gap, moved in direction of McMinnville

October 6, 1863
Entered Murfreesboro bivouacked near Shelbyville

October 7, 1863
Moved through Shelbyville heading to Farmington
Encountered Davidson's Division and drove it back towards Farmington

October 8, 1863
Moved in pursuit through Lewisburg and Cornersville
Charged into Cornersville at dark and drove enemy's rear-guard out.
Camped seven miles from Pulaski

October 9, 1863
Pushed forward to Pulaski, chasing Wheelers Cavalry
The road was lined with broken-down horses, wagons, artillery, hats and guns

October 10, 1863
Left Rogersville, moved through Athens to Huntsville

October 12, 1863
Left Huntsville, pushed forward toward New Market

October 14, 1863
Moved to Branchville

October 15, 1863
Moved through Salem and went into camp near Winchester

October, 1863
General George H. Thomas replaced General W.S. Rosecrans in command of The Army of the Cumberland
Military Division of the Mississippi was created, Major-General U.S. Grant placed in command

October 25, 1863
Scouted to Estell Springs to Tullahoma then to Lynchburg

October 27, 1863
Returned to camp near Winchester

NOTE: The First Tennessee traveled during September and October 750 miles

November 16, 1863
General D.S. Stanley was relieved from duty as Chief of Cavalry
General W.L. Elliott placed in command

November 18, 1863
Ordered to Alexandria...moved through Shelbyville, Murfreesboro and Milton

November 25, 1863
First Tennessee and one battalion of the 9th Pennsylvania were detached and sent to Sparta for the purpose of driving out Champ Ferguson, Colonels Hughes and Murray and their bands of irregular soldiers

November 30, 1863
A detachment of the First Tennessee was on scout and were attacked by a large force under Hughes and Ferguson. First Tennessee was routed with 4 killed, 3 wounded. All that were captured were killed.
Col. Brownlow ordered pursuit...Take no Prisoners...attacked enemy and routed them, killing 9 and wounding 20

December 7, 1863
General Thomas ordered General Elliott, Chief of Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland to march at once with the First and Second Brigades, the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, Third Brigade, and Lilly's Eighteenth Indiana Battery...all of the First Division...and report to General Burnside at Knoxville

December 8, 1863
Left Crossville, descended Cumberland Mountain, bivouacked near Post Oak Springs

December 9, 1863
Moved to Kingston

December 14, 1863
Camped in Hardin Valley, five miles from Ball Camp (Northwest Knoxville)

December 15, 1863
Under command of General Elliott, commander-in-chief of the cavalry, Army of the Cumberland. Entered Knoxville by the Middlebrook and Clinton roads. First Tennessee given honor of leading Division with band of Second Indiana Cavalry at the head 3pm...Marched down Gay Street in Platoons, with colors flying and bands playing Passed through Burnside's main line of works where Reservoir street crossed Gay Street.
General Burnside had been relieved, General John G. Foster, commander of the Army of the Ohio, reviewed troops
Foster ordered Elliott to immediately cross Holston River and attack the enemy's cavalry under Martin, at or near Morristown.
Crossed the Holston at Armstrong's Ford, went into camp

December 16, 1863
Reached Strawberry Plains, on the East Tennessee railroad, 17 miles from Knoxville
bivouacked for the night
General Elliott reported to General S.D. Sturgiss, chief of cavalry, Army of the Ohio which took command of all the cavalry operating in East Tennessee

December 17, 1863
Moved to McKinney's Ford, crossed the Holston and went into camp near Blaine's Cross Roads.

December 18, 1863
Moved forward to Richland Creek, went into camp along the southwest side.

December 23, 1863
Left camp at Richland Creek, recrossed the Holston at Nance's Ford, moved up the valley to New Market, a pleasant little village whose inhabitants were intensely loyal, and was the home of Russell Thornburge, senior major of the regiment.
Went into camp about two miles beyond New Market on the Dandridge Road

December 25, 1863
McCook's Division moved at daylight along the Mossy Creek road, with the 2nd Brigade in the advance. About 2 miles of Mossy Creek, 2nd Brigade under LaGrange encountered
the advance of Armstrong's Division (CSA) and pushed them back. Upon reaching Mossy Creek present day Jefferson City), McCook halted his Division and formed it in line of battle across the valley a short distance below town. The First Tennessee was formed in line to the left of the railroad. Skirmisher's were thrown out and the men ordered to dismount.
Christmas Day: a cold, raw day, with a keen, cutting wind sweeping up the valley like a Kansas cyclone...no fires allowed
Christmas Dinner: raw bacon, hard tack and cold water

December 26, 1863
Moved through Mossy Creek and went into camp about one mile beyond and to the left of the railroad. Camp made in a heavy grove of timber.

Longstreet's cavalry lay only a short distance above the camp (Arrow Hill) and commanded by General W.T. Martin, composed of divisions of Morgan, Armstrong, Ransom and Wharton.

December 29, 1863
General Sturgis after learning that a brigade of Confederate cavalry had moved to Dandridge, sent his cavalry after them..."Tom Fool" trip. Campbell's brigade left to hold Mossy Creek, encamped near the Morristown road and about two miles east of Mossy Creek. First Tennessee and Second Michigan formed in line of battle across the valley, with the First Tennessee on the right, between the railroad and the Morristown road, with the Second Michigan on the left.

The Ninth Pennsylvania and three guns of Lilly's battery were placed in position a short distance east of Mossy Creek.

About a mile beyond camp, Campbell halted and threw out skirmishers. The Confederates drove in their pickets and encountered the skirmishers which were driven back. Campbell seeing that is brigade was greatly outnumbered, he fell back to the residence of Stokely Williams, a large two-story brick home (still standing today), here Campbell halted and prepared to fight. "The enemy was close upon us and at the same time opened a severe fire from a battery at close range, and soon the air about us was filled with missiles of all sizes, shapes and kinds, 'whirling and hizzing,' producing a most unearthly sound, a sound that would chill the blood of the bravest veteran.".....Longstreet was shooting railroad iron at them.

The First Tennessee charged the enemy on the right of the brick house, which it did with a yell, driving back the center and haling the whole Confederate line. The Second Michigan fighting dismounted, opened with their Colt's rifles at close range and staggered the Confederate line. Campbell ordered his brigade to fall back to Lilly's battery and the Ninth Pennsylvania, hotly contesting every inch of ground.

Lilly's battery was on a slight elevation between the railroad and the Morristown road (near present day Magnavox plant)

The First Tennessee was placed in front of the battery with the right of the regiment resting on the railroad, Second Michigan and Ninth Pennsylvania on the left.

The Confederates opened on them with ten cannons firing "old scrap-iron", and it began to look like the regiment and battery would be swept from the field as men and horses were going down at almost every discharge.

Campbell once again ordered the brigade to fall back which it did moving to the left and a new line of battle was formed with the First Tennessee in the center. The Confederates attacked again and drove the brigade back further to the edge of the woods.

Colonel Brownlow asked Colonel Campbell for permission to make a saber charge, but Campbell did not think one would work, and Colonel Brownlow ordered a saber charge anyway, and with a yell the First Tennessee rushed the enemy in one of the most daring charges of the war driving the enemy back into the woods bringing off a prisoners, one officer and twenty-five enlisted men.

At this time, a portion of Mott's brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Corps came on the field and a concentrated charge was made again driving the enemy back. The Second Brigade, having been recalled from Dandridge reached the field and entered into the chase which continued for some distance.

First Tennessee suffered the loss of two officers, seven enlisted men, wounded, nine.

General McCook, in his report of the battle of Mossy Creek, "The gallant FirstTennessee Cavalry and their brave young commander, Colonel Brownlow, added
new laurels to their brilliant reputation by the splendid saber charge they made..."

"The neighing troops, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout are past."

Soon after the battle of Mossy Creek, the Confederate cavalry fell back to Morristown and the Brigade spent the remaining days of the year quitely in camp.

January 14, 1864
Campbell's brigade and Lilly's battery were ordered to Dandridge to attack a Confederate force there. Colonel Garrard's brigade of cavalry, Army of the Ohio, moved on the Bull's Gap road and was to unite with Campbell's brigade near Dandridge.
Crossed Bay's Mountain at Flat Gap, reached Dandridge at 9am and found the place unoccupied. Campbell halted his brigade at the far edge of town, to await the arrival of Garrard's brigade.
Col. Brownlow was ordered to advance and soon commenced skirmishing with Russell's brigade.
Lilly's battery was placed in position and supported by Second Michigan
The enemy was driven back a short distance and they opened on Brownlow with artillery, and advanced their whole line. Campbell sent the Ninth Pennsylvania and one section of Lilly's battery forward to support Brownlow.
A detachment of the First Tennessee charged the enemy's dismounted skirmishers, killed 3 and captured 15. The enemy ran three artillery pieces forward and opened a vigorous fire. Two guns of Lilly's battery were on a hill near Hay's Ferry.
Campbell received an order from Garrard requesting him to move forward, and Garrard would move on a parallel road to the left. Campbell moved the Ninth Pennsylvania in column along the road and the First Tennessee in line of battle on the right of the road, the right of the regiment resting on French Broad River. The Second Michigan was dismounted and placed in line to support the battery. After advancing about half a mile, Campbell ordered them to halt as General Sturgis had ordered their return to New Market.

Heavy firing was heard in the rear where Crew's Georgia brigade was attacking the
remaining artillery, ambulances, pack-train and cooks under escort by the Second Michigan. Two guns were captured and the pack-train and cooks scattered however the Second Michigan and Ninth Pennsylvania charged with the saber and recaptured the guns and enemy driven back.
Campbell's brigade was split and began to fall back toward towards the New Market Road, the Second Michigan was dismounted and covered the rear. The Ninth Pennsylvania covered the left flank and the First Tennessee was in line of support to Lilly's three-inch Rodmans.
The enemy was advancing with superior numbers and the fighting became severe all along the line. The First Tennessee was ordered to charge the enemy with the saber which it did, driving them back in great confusion, but not without serious loss in its ranks. The enemy fell back due to the intense fire from Lilly's "black throated monsters" and they made no further attempt to press the line. At dark the First Tennessee returned to New Market.
Colonel Campbell, in his report of the battle of Dandridge, says: I then ordered the First Tennessee Cavalry to charge with sabers, which they executed most nobly, driving the enemy's line over a fence, with severe loss to their ranks.
The First Tennessee lost 11 killed and wounded and 7 missing.
Company C was not in this engagement, it being absent guarding Dyer's Ferry, on the Holston River.
The Battle of Dandridge was fought on the farm of a Mr. B.A. Blackburn, a true Unionist, and across the farm of David Tennessee Neff (Captain, Company H, First Tennessee (Carter's) Cavalry, C.S.A., while his wife and daughters hid in the cellar.
The regiment lost 32 horses killed and wounded

January, 1864 (middle)
First Tennessee was detached and sent to the mountains of North Carolina to fight a body of Indians and irregular troops under Vance and Thomas (Thomas' Legion). They broke camp and crossed the French Broad at Evans' Island andmarched to Atchley's mill on the Pigeon River, three miles below Sevierville where they were joined by the Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the Tenth Ohio Cavalry under Colonel W.J. Palmer.
Word was received that General R.B. Vance with a band of Indians and white troops had crossed the mountains and were encamped on the headwaters of Cosby's Creek in Cocke county.
The enemy camy was located and the Regiment charged it causing the enemy troops to flee into the hills and up the mountains. After the Indians had been driven across the mountain, the Regiment returned to their camp below Sevierville.
"I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above."

January 22, 1864
Brownlow and Palmer broke camp and headed towards the French Broad near Dandridge where it was learned that a wagon train belonging to Longstreet's army was collecting forage and supplies. The wagons were overtaken some distance above Dandridge near Muddy Creek and the entire train, teamsters and train-guard, which consisted of a detachment of the Second South Carolina Infantry and some Tennessee troops were captured. These wagons all bore the U.S. stamp
and had been captured several months previous near Bean Station.
They camped for the night a short distance from Fair Garden and them moved back to their old camp at Atchley's mill where they were joined in a few days by the remainder of their division and Wolford's cavalry, Army of the Ohio which had come up from Knoxville by way of Trundell's Cross Roads.
The Union army had fallen back to Knoxville and Longstreet sent his cavalry under General Martin to the East side of the French Broad River and operated on the right wing of the Union Army which consisted of the First Tennessee, Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Tenth Ohio.

January 26th, 1864
The Confederate cavalry under Martin was discovered advancing toward Sevierville on the Fair Garden road.
McCook's division was ordered forward and moved through Sevierville and about four miles beyond, Campbell's brigade struck the enemy well posted behind the east fork of the Pigeon River. This turned into an artillery duel, something new to the natives of the area.

January 27th, 1864
Morning very foggy, but as soon as it cleared a lively skirmish began all along the line.
Campbell's brigade crossed the river at Dr. Hodson's and encountered the enemy in force. After a sharp skirmish with some Texas troops, the enemy fell back to McNutt's bridge, a covered structure over the Little East Fork of Pigeon River. Being unable to hold the enemy in check at the bridge, the brigade fell back.
The Second Brigade under LaGrange moved off to his left and found Martin's reserves
under Morgan and drove them back while Campbell's brigade advanced on the bridge and took it resulting in the enemy being pushed back along the road leading to Fair Garden. While the First brigade was pushing the enemy back, the Second brigade made a saber charge routing Morgan's division, captured his battle-flag, part of his escort, two pieces of artillery and 125 prisoners. The First brigade kept pushing the enemy back on the Fair Garden road capturing scores of prisoners. During this action, Colonel Brownlow was ordered to charge down the road with his regiment after the fleeing enemy and encountered the Eighth and Eleventh Texas cavalry and after giving them a volley, they charged against this force, throwing it into a rapid retreat.
Darkness settled in and the First Tennessee was some distance in advance of the brigade,
and started to return when in the darkness, Colonel Brownlow became separated from his men and was captured by some Texas troops, but the enemy did not know who they had and Colonel Brownlow as able to dupe the enemy and by trading his gold pocket watch he was able to escape.
After the battle, the Union troops fell back to Sevierville.

January 29th, 1864
The cavalry was ordered to Maryville and went into camp a short distance east of town.
February 1st, 1864
The First Tennessee and Fourth Indiana, Second Brigade, under the command of Colonel
Brownlow were ordered to make a reconnaissance towards Sevierville. The march went along the main Sevierville road to Little River where it was joined by two regiments of infantry and one section of artillery. They forded the Little River at McCamey's Ford and marched to Trundle's Cross Roads, sixteen miles from Maryville.

February 2nd, 1864
Marched as far as Boyd's Creek within eight miles of Sevierville, and returned to Maryville.
This was the last action performed by the regiment in the Army of the Ohio as they soon returned to the Army of the Cumberland.

The First Tennessee responded to duty with a will, and it mattered but little whether it was on the scout, or the march, or around a kettle of well-cooked beans or a pot of steaming coffee, it was always present. The men composing the regiment had many peculiarities.
But will all the trials and hardships incident to a soldier's life, the men composing the First Tennessee can point with pride to duty well performed, under the most trying and adverse circumstances, receiving from their commanders the highest admiration for obedience and unmurmuring endurance on the march or the field of battle.

February 10th, 1864
McCook's division broke camp at Maryville and started by slow and easy march for Cleveland. They marched through Madisonville, crossed Little Tennessee River at Nile's Ferry, camped for a few days on Tellico River near Tellico Plains.

February 18th, 1864
Marched through Athens and went into camp near Chestooa camp-ground, one of the
oldest churches and camp-grounds in the country.

February 28th, 1864
In the area of Calhoun on the Hiwassee River

March 12th, 1864
Arrived at Cleveland and camped west of town on the Cotton Port road. This was the
first time in three months that the men slept in tents
After a short stay, the First Tennessee was moved about one mile east of town on the
Spring Place road, near Rhat's Spring.

"Bring the good old bugle, boys, we'll sing another song,
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along,
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong,
While we were marching through Georgia."

May 3rd, 1864
Broke camp at Cleveland and moved along with the remainder of the division along the
Dalton road to Red Clay. This placed McCook's division in advance and to the left of Stanley and Schofield for General Sherman's march South.

May 4th, 1864
Moved toward Catoosa Springs

May 7th, 1864
Moved to Varnell's Station where Wheeler's cavalry was encountered and skirmishing was
kept up most of the day

May 8th, 1864
Maneuvering and skirmishing

May 9th, 1864
Second Brigade ordered to advance and at Varnell's Station, LaGrange met the enemy
resulting in his being wounded and captured and his brigade losing 139 men.

May 11th, 1864
Moved through Tunnel Hill to Dug Gap

May 13th, 1864
Crossed Rocky Face Ridge to Dug Gap and joined Howard's Fourth Corps, and engaged
the enemy near Tilton.

May 14th, 1864
Moved toward Resaca, Georgia and during that battle a part of the division was dismounted
and placed in the rifle-pits, while the remainder held the left of Hooker's line.

May 16th, 1864
Crossed the Connasauga River and camped near Field's Mill on the Coosawattee River.

May 17th, 1864
Moved toward Cassville, leaving Calhoun and Adairsville to the right.

May 19th, 1864
McCook's division pushed rapidly forward toward Cassville and a short distance from town
met the enemy's cavalry and infantry driving them back towards town.

May 20th, 1864
Moved to Kingston and rested.

May 23rd, 1864
Crossed the Etowah River at Island Ford and took the advance of the army, moved through
Euharlee to Stilesborough, where Morgan's and Ross's brigades were engaged and defeated.

May 26th, 1864
Caught up with Wheeler's cavalry near Burnt Hickory and drove them back upon the
intrenchments held by the infantry.
From this time until June 3rd, the division remained without infantry support, without forage for its horses and but half rations for the men, holding successfully a hilly, wooded country, utterly unfit for cavalry operations, subject to continued and persistent attacks of all three arms of the service, both by night and day.

June 3rd, 1864
Advanced with McCook's division on the left of Schofield's corps, moved forward and took
possession of the Dallas and Acworth roads.
Upon the approach to Acworth, the enemy was strongly entrenched on Potato Hill, and
Colonel Brownlow led his regiment in a charge, driving the enemy back and capturing the hill. Several attempts were made by the enemy to recapture the hill but were unsuccessful. This hill was renamed "Brownlow's Hill."

June 5th, 1864
Moved to Acworth, drove the enemy out and occupied the town.

June 6th, 1864
Moved towards Big Shanty, met the enemy, skirmished with them and they fell back and
the town was occupied.
McCook moved his division from Acworth and drove back the enemy's advance and
formed in line of battle near Pine Mountain

June 15th, 1864
Ordered to Lost Mountain and took position on the right of the Twenty-third Corps, on the extreme right of the Union Army
The First Tennessee was able to get inside of the first line of barricades on the West side of
the mountain, but could go no further.

June 18th, 1864
McCook remained on the right wing of the Union army and moved around the left flank
of Hardee's Corps and drove his cavalry across Mud Creek and pursued it along the Dallas and Marietta wagon-road.
The division got within five miles of Marietta, Georgia and captured two hospitals contain-
ing wounded along with their attendants and nurses.

June 19th, 1864
The division went south to Powder Springs and Sweet Water Creek, driving in the enemy's
pickets.

June 27th, 1864
General Sherman ordered a direct assault on Kennesaw Mountain and was beaten back.

July 1st, 1864
McCook and Stoneman's divisions moved through Powder Springs and down toward
Campbellton, as far as Sweet Water.

July 2nd, 1864
General Johnson withdrew from Kennesaw Mountain and fell back to Ruff's Station.

July 4th, 1864
The division moved to Marietta and ordered to the left and bivouacked for the night on
Soap Creek, near Chattahoochee River and spent several days guarding the ferry's.
While at this place, Colonel Brownlow was given orders to cross the River, but due to the
depth of the water and the enemy snipers on the opposite shore was unable to do so. There was much "cussed and discussed" by the men, both before and after this attempt.
After Colonel Dorr, commanding the brigade, discussed the matter with Colonel Brownlow
and gave him peremptory orders to move across the River at once and uttered unnecessary threats in the event his orders were not made, Colonel Brownlow was truly in a "fighting-mad" frame of mind.
Colonel Brownlow took nine men and went up the river where they stripped to the skin,
and using several logs lashed together to hold their carbines and cartridge boxes they swam the river. One man was left to guard the raft while the others donned their cartridge boxes and belts and took up their carbines. They did not have any uniforms, hats, boots, etc. Colonel Brownlow with his eight men were able to get in the rear of the enemy and turned their carbines loose on them, after which several escaped, but they took twelve prisoners which they made swim back across the river.
The next morning, a Reb yelled out across the river; "Hello, Yank!" "What do you want,
Johnny/" "Orders to dry up." "What for, Johnny?" "Oh, Jim Brownlow with his damn Tennessee Yankees swam over upon the left last night and stormed our rifle-pits naked, captured sixty of our boys and made 'em swim back with him. We'uns have got to keep you'uns on your side of the river now."

July 9th, 1864
General Johnson moved his army to the south side of the Chattahoochee, burned the rail-
road bridge and fell back to Peachtree Creek.
McCook's division was ordered to the right, below the Western & Atlantic road, where it
built an old fort near where a bridge had been burned.
The division crossed the river, moved forward on the Sandtown road, skirmishing heavy
with the enemy and occupied their position at Mason's Church.

July 17th, 1864
General Johnson was replaced with General J.B. Hood
"It is a bad plan to swap horses in the middle of a stream"....A. Lincoln

July 23rd, 1864
McCook's division was attacked near Mason's Church, but repulsed the enemy.
The division was thrown on Thomas right along Proctor's Creek, covering the Mason
and Turner's Ferry roads.

July 25th, 1864
The division was attacked while holding this position, and drove the enemy back.

July 27th, 1864
McCook's division composed of three brigades and General Croxton's brigade composed
of three regiments for an aggregate strength of 940 men moved back across to the north side of the Chattahoochee River at Turner's Ferry and moved south to Campbellton.

July 28th, 1864
At Smith's Ferry the division crossed over the Chattahoocher river by way of a pontoon
bridge and moved toward Palmetto Station, on the Atlanta & West Point road. At this point, two hours were spent destroying the railroad and telegraph line.. The division captured the mail, burned the depot containing large quantity of cotton, salt, bacon and flour.
Left Palmetto Station around 9 p.m., moved toward Lovejoy's Station on the Atlanta &
Macon road, by way of Fayetteville.

July 29th, 1864
Arrived at Fayetteville, Georgia and destroyed the mail, a lot of tobacco, whiskey and sacks.
Ordered forward, the division captured about 500 loaded wagons belonging to Hood's army, along with several paymasters, quartermasters, teamsters and camp-followers and all the good horses and mules that were needed. As the First Tennessee approached the Flint River, the enemy attempted to burn the bridge but Colonel Brownlow led a charge across the burning bridge, captured the guard, extinguished the fire and saved the bridge.
At Lovejoy's Station, the telegraph wires were immediately cut and the destruction of the
railroad track, depot and cars was performed. Three Hundred Thousand dollars' worth of cotton and salt, one hundred dollars' worth of tobacco, besides large quantities of bacon, lard and miscellaneous property was destroyed.
McCook was waiting to hear from General Stoneman, but finding it impossible to communicate with him decided it was unwise to wait longer and ordered his command to return to Moore's bridge, on the Chattahoochee River, by way of Newnan, on the Atlanta & West Point road. During this time, Wheeler's cavalry was able to almost surround the division.
Armstrong's division attacked Croxton's brigade from two sides with the ferocity of savages
but after a severe hand-to-hand conflict were repulsed, but not before inflicting severe losses to Croxton's brigade. The Fourth Kentucky lost two companies by capture and several men killed and wounded. Croxton was able to withdraw and rejoined the division.
The division moved toward Newnan and when White Water Creek was reached, the First Tennessee formed in line, covering the road while Croxton and then ordered to destroy the bridge and cover the rear to Newnan.

July 30th, 1864
The advance guard reached Newnan and found it guarded by Confederate infantry.
McCook finding the force too strong and escape cut off by this route moved to the left and rear of town where he again found a heavy force in his front. By this time, Wheeler had moved up and had with him the divisions of Armstrong, Jackson and Roddy. McCook was completely hemmed in and he was compelled to drop his captives and fight.
A fierce battle ensued and McCook's division was almost surrounded and all avenues of
escape nearly cut off. Lilly's battery in the two hours of fighting had almost used up all its shells.

The First Tennessee was ordered to charge and save Lilly's battery from capture. The
regiment raised the "yell" and in a few minutes the enemy was sent flying to the rear. McCook had put every man he had into the fight, even his escort, and then was unable to hold the advantage gained or even get through their lines. McCook held a council with his officers when Colonel Brownlow remarked that he would be damned if he would ever surrender. When asked what he would do, Brownlow replied, "I can and will cut my way out. I would about as soon be killed in the attempt as to be sent to Andersonville or Libby." Brownlow returned to his men and advised them of the situation at which time they told him, by God, we will follow you. Brownlow went in one direction and McCook another both reaching Marietta about the same time.
The division became badly separated and scattered and it was --"Boys, take care of yourselves
and the devil take the hindmost man."

July 31st, 1864
Colonel Brownlow and his men reached the Chattahoochee River at Rotherwood at 1 a.m. and started crossing, but the enemy showed up on both sides of the river. Many of the men had lost their horses, and word was sent out through the country the it was alive with Yankees' and every old Georgia farmer who had a gun was on the lookout for the men. Being chased every step of the way, many of the men made it to the Union line at Marietta. Among the first to arrive was Colonel Brownlow and small detachments of men from different regiments.

August 2nd, 1864
The boys came filtering into camp, some barefooted, others without hats, and each with
a story to fill a volume.

August 10th, 1864
Most of the scattered troops had eluded their pursuers and made their way to camp at
Marietta.

The official report of General W.L. Elliott, commander-in-chief of the cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, during the Atlanta campaign for the period of May 3 to September 3 showed a loss in McCook's division of eleven hundred and forty-eight officers and enlisted men, killed, wounded and missing.

McCook's division lost a great many of their horses during the Atlanta campaign, and
Croxton was ordered to turn over the horses from his brigade to furnish re-mounts for the rest of the division. The First Tennessee was now on foot and was ordered to Nashville to be re-equipped.
They left from Marietta by rail and went to Nashville by way of Chattanooga. Upon arrival at Nashville, they went into camp at Camp Smith about three miles east of Nashville on the Cumberland River.
The Brigade drew horses and obtained other necessary equipment and personal items when
it was learned that General Wheeler was raiding towards Nashville. The First Tennessee was given orders to be ready to move a moment's notice.

August 31st, 1864
The brigade was ordered to march towards Lavergne, Tennessee to intercept Wheeler.
Company C was the advance guard. Around midnight the advance struck Wheeler's pickets outside Lavergne and drove them back.

September 1st, 1864
Colonel Brownlow took the advance again and engaged the enemy and drove them back
toward Lavergne during which hand-to-hand fighting occurred with the saber being freely used. Two companies of the Eight Iowa and Company C, First Tennessee were detached and sent at the gallop to the railroad where then drove away a force that was tearing up the track.
Wheeler found himself hard pressed and turned almost due west and struck the Nashville &
Decatur Road at Franklin, however he was followed by the brigade and Rousseau with his infantry. The Second Michigan Cavalry joined the brigade outside Franklin.
Wheeler attempted to make another stand at Franklin and Colonel Brownlow was ordered
to dismount his regiment, formed it in a line of battle and charged up a steep and rocky hill while Wheeler's men were coming up the other side. Both forces met at the crest of the hill which by this time was completely enveloped in smoke. Colonel Brownlow fell, severely wounded and was carried from the field with a musket ball having passed through both his legs. Lieutenant-Colonel C.M. Dyer assumed command of the regiment. The enemy made several attempts to drive the First Tennessee from its position, but it had orders to "Hold the hill, and don't give up until ordered to do so." Every log, tree, stump, rock or anything else that would afford protection was used was the First Tennessee was not ashamed or the least bit backward about using them in order that a life might be saved. Croxton finally ordered Dyer to fall back.
In this engagement the First Tennessee was confronted by the Fourth Tennessee, Eighth and
Eleventh Texas Cavalry of Kelley's division.

September 3rd, 1864
Wheeler had retreated south toward Columbia and the brigade with General Rousseau's
infantry followed.

September 4th, 1864
Croxton was ordered to advance with his brigade toward Pulaski, halting for the night about
six miles from Columbia.

September 5th, 1864
The pursuit was resumed and near Campbellsville, a portion of Wheeler's force was over-
taken and a lively engagement ensued. Croxton was outnumber and the infantry was too far behind to be of any help. Lt. Colonel Dyer was order to take the First Tennessee and charge Wheeler's men with the saber which meant charging across an open field under a brisk fire. With its accustomed gallantry, the regiment charged upon the enemy with the saber, cutting and slashing right and left, breaking his line and driving him from the woods. The remainder of the brigade advanced and Wheeler's troops were routed and fled southward.
This was Wheeler's last stand and he moved rapidly through Pulaski and was chased until he
crossed the Tennessee River near Rodgersville, Alabama.
General Croxton's brigade was ordered to Franklin when it went in to camp on the Harpeth River.

September 20th, 1864
General Forrest crossed the Tennessee River at Waterloo, Alabama with ten thousand men
moving upon the Nashville & Decatur Road, striking first at Athens where he captured the place including a small detachment of the Third Tennessee Cavalry.

September 25th, 1864
Forrest captured the garrison and burned the trestle at Sulphur Branch and also captured the
the remainder of the Third Tennessee Cavalry, then moved toward Pulaski.
General Rousseau was concentrating his forces at Pulaski to head off Forrest and Croxton's
brigade was pushed forward from Franklin.

September 27th, 1864
Sharp fighting around Pulaski between Forrest, Rousseau and Croxton's brigade and during
the night Forrest drew off. Forrest was very much astonished and perplexed to find such a large force in his front.
Forrest divided his force and one section reached the Nashville & Chattanooga Road near
Tullahoma where they destroyed a short section of track. Forrest with the other section moved in the direction of Columbia and at Spring Hill he destroyed the railroad track, but being pursued by four columns he was unable to proceed North any further.

October 6th, 1864
Croxton's brigade overtook Forrest's rear guard at Cypress Creek, Alabama and after a
brief skirmish the enemy made their escape by crossing the Tennessee River at Bainbridge.

October 10th, 1864
The regiment and brigade took up the line of march for Pulaski by way of Florence and
Lexington. For the remainder of the month, the brigade was engaged in guarding ferries from Muscle Shoals to Florence.

During this time period, General Hood was planning his movement back towards Tennessee and
General Sherman was starting to make his March through Georgia.

October 29th, 1864
The advance of Hood's army drove back Croxton's cavalry at Florence, Alabama

October 30th, 1864
Johnson's division of Lee's corps crossed over the Tennessee river and threw up a line of
works and Croxton fell back behind Shoal Creek

November 5th, 1864
Lt. Colonel Dyer and the First Tennessee were sent out to reconnoiter the enemy's position
on the road leading to Florence and about three miles out was met and driven back by a column of rebel infantry. Lt. Colonel Dyer retired slowly contesting every foot of ground and fell back to the north side of Shoal Creek and formed in line of battle to the left of the road.

Johnson was able to flank Croxton and the brigade fell back with the First Tennessee and
Fourth Kentucky covering the retreat. Croxton fell back and set up a new line of defense at Sugar Creek.
Again the line was assaulted and had to fall back. During the night the enemy recrossed the
stream and Croxton's pickets re-occupied the line at Shoal Creek.

General Edward Hatch with the Fifth Division of Cavalry was sent to Sugar Creek to
reinforce Croxton's brigade, and being the ranking officer present, assumed command of
all the cavalry at that place.

November 19th, 1864
Hatch moved most of his division out toward Shoal Creek where he met Forrest where
Coon's brigade of Hatch's division crossed and attacked Forrest, but was forced to re-cross the stream after some sharp fighting. This move developed the fact that Hood's entire army was moving north.

November 20th, 1864
Hatch concentrated his troops at Lexington

November 21st, 1864
Moved to Lawrenceburg, Croxton's brigade acting as rear guard

November 23, 1864
The enemy drove in the pickets, but the brigade held the town, repulsing all charges made by the enemy's dismounted cavalry.
General Thomas sent Schofield to Pulaski with orders to take command of the troops that
were confronting Hood, however Pulaski was evacuated and the troops ordered to Columbia. Hatch withdrew his troops from Lawrenceburg and moved back toward Columbia, with Croxton's brigade covering the rear.

November 25th, 1864
As Hatch was approaching Campbellsville, Forrest forced a battle on him, however Hatch
thoroughly and soundly whipped him and without further molestation Hatch moved his troops to Columbia.
The cavalry was ordered to the north side of the river and distributed above and below
Columbia for the purpose of guarding the fords and watching Schofield's flanks. Croxton's brigade
and a portion of Hatch's division held the fords above Columbia. At this place, Croxton's brigade was assigned temporarily to the Sixth Division of Cavalry, commanded by General R.W. Johnson and remained in his division until Nashville was reached.

November 26th, 1864
Heavy artillery firing and some very sharp skirmishing in front of Columbia

General James H. Wilson, Chief of Cavalry reached the division and took command

November 28th, 1864
Forrest made several attempts to cross at different fords between Columbia and the
Lewisburg turnpike, but at Huey's Mill he drove back the pickets and began crossing. Croxton's brigade was some distance below where Forrest crossed and it was in great danger of being outflanked and captured, Wilson ordered Croxton to fall back to Rally Hill which the brigade reached about dark and then fell back near Hurt's Cross Roads.

November 29th, 1864
During the previous night, Buford joined Forrest and early in the morning they moved
against Wilson.
Wilson made a brave and determined resistance, putting Croxton's brigade in the rear, with
orders to contest every foot of ground. Wilson began to fall back along the Lewisburg turnpike, and just after passing Hurt's Cross Roads, Forrest made a fierce attack on the rear guard. Croxton dismounted the First Tennessee and Second Michigan and ordered them to build a line of barricades across the turnpike, but before the last rail and log were laid, Forrest drove in the skirmishers and charged upon the works. The brigade unleashed a rapid fire upon the enemy that they broke and fled to the rear. The brigade then mounted and fell back, still pursued by Forrest.
Croxton's brigade reached Mount Carmel and passed inside the lines.

November 30th, 1864
Wilson's cavalry still held the Lewisburg turnpike while Schofield's army slipped past Hood
at Spring Hill, and that evening the division reached Franklin where Wilson's cavalry was placed on the left of the Union line with Croxton's brigade on the right.
The First Tennessee and Second Michigan were thrown well out to the front to watch the
movements of the enemy. Towards noon, the advance of Forrest's cavalry moved up and made an attack on Croxton's two advanced regiments. The revolving rifles of the Second Michigan and the breech-loading carbines of the First Tennessee were too hot for Forrest and he made not further attempts to force the line. After this, Croxton ordered his two advanced regiments to fall back in the woods in line extended across the Lewisburg turnpike with the left resting on the Harpeth River.
Croxton's brigade was attacked by both infantry and cavalry, and after a brave resistance was
forced to retire to the north side of the river. Croxton had scarcely reached the north bank when his pickets higher up the river reported the enemy's cavalry was crossing at different places. Wilson immediately hurled Croxton's brigade and Hatch's division upon him, realizing the great importance of keeping him on the south side, and after some severe fighting, he was driven across the river with heavy loss.

During this time, Hood was making his attack on Schofield's works in front of
Franklin.

December 1, 1864
The First Tennessee moved from its position with the remainder of Wilson's cavalry and
covered the retreat of Schofield to Nashville.

December 2nd, 1864
Moved into Nashville and were placed in rifle-pits on the left of Thomas's line between the
Murfreesboro turnpike and the Cumberland River.

December 3rd, 1864
Wilson's cavalry was relieved by Steedman's troops and ordered to the north side of the
river to continue the line on the left and to watch Thomas's long line of communication with Louisville, and stayed in this area until the 11th.
During this time, all broken-down horses were turned in and the government corrals and
the adjacent country searched for horses. Wilson almost doubled the strength of his cavalry. The horses were shod and extra shoes fitted ready for an emergency, clothing was issued to the men, and the old ones and their inhabitants consigned to the flames.

December 5th, 1864
Hood detached Bate's division of Cheatham's corps and part of Forrest's cavalry and sent them to destroy the railroad and to capture Murfreesboro. Three block-houses were captured and the bridges burned, but no serious harm was inflicted upon the track.

December 12th, 1864
General Thomas ordered Wilson to move his cavalry from Edgefield to the south side of the river and take up a position on the right of his line.

December 14th, 1864
Special Field Order No. 342
Laid out the plan of attack on Hood's troops
General Smith's Sixteen Corps and Wilson's cavalry took the right
General Wilson formed his cavalry in the following order: Hatch's Fifth Division on the right of the Sixteenth Corps; Croxton's brigade of McCook's First Division to the right of Hatch. General Johnson's Sixth Division was on Croxton's right.

December 15th, 1864
The effective force of General Wilson's corps was twelve thousand, five hundred men and eighteen guns. It was a fine body of men, but very deficient in horses, many being wholly unfit for active service.
Around 9am, Thomas started his attack on Hood outside Nashville. Steedman, on the left moved first, then General Smith, then Wilsons cavalry.
Croxton's brigade had been standing in line of battle during the morning just outside of the
entrenchments near the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad. About 10am Croxton threw out a strong line of skirmishers and moved his brigade out between the Charlotte turnpike and the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad.
Croxton was ordered to move his brigade from the Charlotte turnpike across the country to the Hillsboro turnpike, and in doing so, skirmished most all the way. Shortly after crossing the Harding turnpike, Croxton encountered a portion of Chalmers's division. The First Tennessee was in the advance and was marching left in front when they were fired upon by the enemy by a stone wall. Lt. Colonel Dyer was ordered to dismount his regiment and dislodge the enemy and in a few

minutes the regiment was over the fence in line ready to move. At the command "forward," the men raised the yell and moved forward under a brisk fire, and in a few minutes reached the stone wall, and springing over succeeded in capturing a portion of the Fifth Mississippi Cavalry.
Darkness set in and Croxton's brigade was ordered to bivouac near the Hillsboro turnpike which they were glad to do as they had been in the saddle since morning.
Wilson's cavalry had fought during the day infantry and cavalry, had cleared their front, covered the extreme right of Thomas's infantry, and not only enveloped Hood's flank, but had taken it in reverse, had completely turned his left flank and swept everything before them, and at night bivouacked near his line of retreat.

December 16th, 1864
Wilson moved his troops forward dismounted and by noon was east of the Granny White turnpike and had completely turned Hood's left flank, and cut off his line of retreat by this route. Stewart made several attempts during the forenoon to drive back Wilson's dismounted cavalry and retake the ground lost, but was unsuccessful and was repulsed without difficulty.
Thomas's charging troops pushed Hood out of his works and the enemy fled toward the Franklin turnpike in great confusion. Wilson's cavalry was delayed in the pursuit, caused by the troops being so far from the led horses, as the men leading them made slow progress over the hills and dense forests. Croxton's brigade, which had been in reserve, was not moved to the right of Hammond's brigade of Knipe's division, and in making this move captured several prisoners.
As soon as Wilson's men gained their horses the pursuit was begun, with the commands of Hatch, Knipe and Croxton on the Granny White turnpike and Johnson on the Hillsboro turnpike. Everything indicated a rout, and after moving a short distance the leading division, Hatch's, encountered Chalmers' division about dark.
This was called the great cavalry battle of the west, and it is exceedingly doubtful if there was a single battle of the war where so much gallant and meritorious service was rendered by that arm of the service.

December 17th, 1864
The cavalry continued the pursuit. At Brentwood, Croxton's brigade was ordered t take the Wilson turnpike where the enemy was again routed and fell back toward Franklin. Croxton's brigade skirmished with Hood's rear guard most of the way to Franklin. Hood attempted to make another stand at Franklin, but again his flanks were turned and he fell back toward Columbia. Croxton and Hatch moved to the left of Franklin, swimming Harpeth River at McGavock's Ford and encamped for the night near Douglass Church on the Lewisburg turnpike.

December 18th, 1864
Wilson continued the pursuit south from Franklin with great energy, moving on all the roads, and continued to harass the flanks and rear of Hood's army.

December 19th, 1864
Wilson's cavalry was halted at Rutherford's Creek due to the swollen condition of the stream.

December 21st, 1864
Pontoon's arrived and were thrown across the creek and Wilson's cavalry continued toward Columbia. The divisions of Johnson and Knipe were turned back to Nashville for the purpose of being remounted. On reaching Columbia, the Duck River was greatly swollen and again they had to wait for the pontoon's.

December 23rd, 1864
Crossed the Duck River

December 24th, 1864
Wilson's cavalry continued the pursuit toward Pulaski, with Wood's Fourth Corps following. Croxton's brigade was in the advance, and after moving a short distance began skirmishing with the rear guard of Hood's army. The enemy fell back as the brigade advanced and when Croxton's brigade had reached Lynnville, a point about half way between Columbia and Pulaski, Croxton found the enemy in line and ready for a fight.
Croxton formed his men in line and moved forward and boldly attacked Chalmer's division which resulted in Chalmer's being routed and driven in disorder from the field. The pursuit was continued to Buford Station, near Richland Creek, here Forrest made a desperate effort to hold Wilson's troops in check in order for Hood's weary soldiers might get a little rest. This resulted in the whole of Wilson's cavalry striking Forrest in front and flank, routing him completely and Forrest fled across Richland Creek.

December 25th, 1864
Wilson continued the pursuit toward Pulaski, pressing the enemy's rear guard with unusual vigor and audacity, the line of retreat still showing signs of haste and confusion. Forrest was driven rapidly through Pulaski, closely followed by Harrison's and Hammond's brigades. In Forrest's hasty evacuation of Pulaski he was compelled to destroy a locomotive and several cars loaded with arms and ammunition.

December 26th, 1864
The pursuit was continued, with Hammond's brigade in the advance. The line of retreat still indicated haste, as the road was lined with abandoned wagons, muskets, equipments and stragglers who had fallen out, some from exhaustion, others for the purpose of being captured. The pursuit finally ended at Sugar Creek as Hood reached Bainbridge on the 25th.
The pursuit by Wilson's command was fierce and relentless. The march of the rear guard from Columbia to Bainbridge, with the incessant assaults made upon it, is the most famous in the
late war. The courage of this small body of troops was admirable; the hardships endured by them were terrible; and their endurance a lasting tribute to the devotion of the volunteer soldier.

December 30th, 1864
General Thomas announced to his army the completion of the campaign and gave orders for the disposition of his troops. A portion of Wilson's cavalry was sent to Huntsville, Alabama, and one division to Eastport, Mississippi. Croxton's brigade was ordered to Waterloo, Alabama.
After a rest of two weeks, the First Tennessee left its quarters at Waterloo and plunged into

the swamps of Mississippi with the remainder of the brigade.
Croxton crossed the Tennessee River without opposition and moved through Eastport, then, turning southwest, marched his brigade to Iuka, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. From this place Croxton marched his command on through Burnsville to Corinth, skirmishing lightly on the way and picking up a few prisoners.
After resting for one day at Iuka, Croxton moved his brigade back through Eastport to the old camp-ground at Waterloo, Alabama, where it remained for a month.
This movement of Croxton's brigade into Mississippi was for the purpose of watching the movements of Hood and finding out the route his retreating army had taken.

January 28th, 1865
The Second and Third Brigades of McCook's division arrived at the camps at Waterloo. These brigades, by order of General Wilson, left Nashville on the 11th day of December, 1864, for the purpose of checking General Lyon, who was reported to be moving on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. After doing considerable damage, he was driven out of Kentucky with a loss of three-fourths of his command. By order of General Wilson, the Third Brigade, commanded by General Watkins, was broken up, the Sixth Kentucky Cavalry being assigned to Croxton's brigade and the Fourth and Seventh Kentucky to La Grange's brigade.

While at this camp, the First Tennessee was relieved of duty at the front and ordered to Nashville to be mustered out. Here ended the military service of this gallant body of men, whose dead lie scattered over seven different States, in which they rendered distinguished service. The First Tennessee during its three years' service marched over thirteen thousand miles, which together with its large death-roll and its "staying qualities" in battle, made it a noted regiment in the Army of the Cumberland, where it performed the greater part of its service.

February 10th, 1865
The First Tennessee embarked on government transports at Eastport, Mississippi, for Nashville. Company C rode on the Westmoreland, a large side-wheel steamer. After several days, the First Tennessee reached Nashville and went into camp at Edgefield, on the Gallatin turnpike.

June 14th, 1865
The First Tennessee was mustered out by Captain P.W. Neil, Eighteenth United States Infantry.
The total enrollment of the First Tennessee during its term of service was fourteen hundred and ninety-three (1,493) men. The regiment lost in killed, died of wounds and disease, three hundred and thirty-three (333) men.

Battles & Engagements

Cumberland Gap, Tenn. June 18, 1862
Rigg's Cross Roads, Tenn. April 16, 1863
College Grove, Tenn. May 8, 1863
Rover, Tenn. June 23, 1863
Middletown, Tenn. June 24, 1863
Shelbyville, Tenn. June 27, 1863
Lafayette, Ga. September 13, 1863
Chickamauga, Ga. September 19-20, 1863
Sparta, Tenn. November 30, 1863
Mossy Creek, Tenn December 29, 1863
Dandridge, Tenn. January 14, 1863
Fairgarden, Tenn. January 27, 1864
Varnell's Station, Ga. May 9, 1864
Resaca, Ga. May 14, 1864
Burnt Hickory, Ga. May 26, 1864
Acworth, Ga. June 4, 1864
Lost Mountain, Ga. June 16, 1864
Mason's Church, Ga. July 23, 1864
Lovejoy's Station, Ga. July 29, 1864
Newnan, Ga. July 31, 1864
Lavergne, Tenn. September 1, 1864
Franklin, Tenn. September 2, 1864
Campbellsville, Tenn. September 5, 1864
Hurt's Cross Roads, Tenn. November 29, 1864
Franklin, Tenn. November 30, 1864
Nashville, Tenn. December 15-16, 1864
Lynnville, Tenn. December 24, 1864