Ohio Civil War » Civil War A-Z » 0-9 » 41st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry

41st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry

1861-1865

In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. Almost 330,000 Ohio men, including 5,092 African Americans, served in the Union military during the conflict.

In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. Almost 330,000 Ohio men, including 5,092 African Americans, served in the Union military during the conflict.

Infantry regiments formed in Ohio became known as regiments of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Soldiers of Ohio infantry regiments served the Union for varying lengths of time, ranging from one hundred days to three years. One of the three-year regiments was the 41st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Recruitment occurred at Cleveland, Ohio, and the organization mustered into service on October 31, 1861. Most of the organization’s members came from Trumbull County, Cuyahoga County, and Geauga County.

On November 6, 1861, the 41st departed Cleveland for Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, Ohio. In mid-November, the regiment sailed from Cincinnati to Gallipolis, Ohio, where the organization crossed the Ohio River into western Virginia. By the end of the month, officials had ordered the command to Louisville, Kentucky. At this city, the 41st joined General Don Carlos Buell’s Army of the Ohio and entered camp at Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky. On February 14, 1862, the 41st’s brigade, which consisted of the 46th and 47th Regiments Indiana Infantry and the 6th Regiment Kentucky Infantry, marched to West Point, Kentucky. The 41st soon boarded steamers and sailed along the Tennessee River to Nashville, Tennessee, reaching this location on February 27, 1862.

In March 1862, the 41st departed Nashville with the Army of the Ohio and headed for Savannah, Tennessee. The regiment arrived at Savannah on April 5, 1862 and, on the following day, raced to Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, where the Battle of Shiloh had erupted (April 6 and 7, 1862). The 41st arrived on the field late on April 6, but the organization did not engage the enemy until the next day. The enemy attacked the 41st on the morning of April 7, but the regiment drove the enemy back and captured several artillery pieces. Despite facing a catastrophe on the engagement’s first day, the Union emerged from the battle victorious. The 41st's commanding officer issued the following report regarding the Battle of Shiloh:

BATTLE-FIELD OF PITTSBURG LANDING, April 9, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with orders received from Col. W. B. Hazen, commanding brigade, my command lay upon their arms all the night of the 6th, and at daybreak on the morning of the 7th I advanced, formed in column by division, as a reserve, on the line of advance up to that point where the skirmishers were driven in and where the advanced line engaged the enemy.

I then deployed my command, still holding it as a reserve, and twice during the early part of the engagement changed front to the rear on the ninth company, to avoid an enfilading fire of a battery on the enemy's right center. Both of these movements were executed promptly and without confusion. In fact, every movement made by the regiment was executed with as much coolness as upon our ordinary drill ground, and great credit is due for its perfect obedience to all orders, though the regiment was under a heavy fire for nearly four hours without being able to return a single shot. About 11 o'clock a. m. the enemy charged boldly and in large force upon our right, and I was then ordered by Gen. Nelson, Col. Hazen being in another part of the field, to charge upon the enemy. At this command the regiment rushed upon the enemy, firing as it advanced, and drove them back at the point of the bayonet for over a half mile, in the face of a galling infantry and artillery fire, when our advance was checked, the retreating enemy being supported by two additional regiments of infantry, and the regiment retired in good order, ready to renew the struggle wherever its assistance might be needed. It was in this part of the engagement that we sustained our heaviest loss.

I regret to announce the following casualties in the nine companies engaged in the action, Company G, Capt. Munn, having been left at Savannah to protect our regimental train.

RECAPITULATION.

Engaged, 18 officers, 355 enlisted men-373. Killed, 22; seriously wounded, 49; slightly wounded, 62; missing, 7.

All of the officers behaved with the greatest gallantry, and many instances of personal courage and daring were displayed. Four different persons were shot down in carrying our colors through that destructive charge. Great credit is due Capt. A. Wiley, acting lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. E. Opdycke for the promptness with which they repeated all commands and for the valuable assistance they rendered during the engagement.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO S. MYGATT, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Forty-first Ohio Volunteers.

The 41st remained encamped at Pittsburg Landing until late April 1862, when the Union military advanced against the Confederate garrison at Corinth, Mississippi. During the Siege of Corinth (April 29-May 30, 1862), the regiment served in the siege lines, periodically skirmishing with enemy forces. On May 30, the Northern force occupied the city. The 41st accompanied the Army of the Ohio in a brief pursuit of the retreating Southerners, before marching to Iuka, Mississippi and then through the Alabama communities of Tuscumbia, Florence, and Athens. At the last location, the regiment rested for two weeks. During July 1862, the organization repaired the railroad between Athens and Nashville near Richland Creek.

In August 1862, the 41st marched to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where the regiment performed garrison duty, until joining the Army of the Ohio’s pursuit of the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee, which had launched an invasion of Kentucky and was advancing towards southern Ohio. The Union army reached Louisville, Kentucky before the Confederates and, on October 2, 1862, advanced against the enemy command. The two armies met at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky on October 8, 1862. The 41st saw only light skirmishing in this Union victory and joined the Northern pursuit of the retreating Confederates. The regiment and its brigade drove enemy soldiers from Danville, Kentucky, pursuing the Southerners as far as Wild Cat Mountain in Kentucky. The 41st also routinely skirmished with Confederate General Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry on the Army of the Ohio’s return to Nashville.

The 41st Ohio remained encamped at Nashville from late October until late December 1862, when the Army of the Ohio advanced against the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee at Murfreesboro. At the Battle of Stones River (December 31, 1862-January 2, 1863), on the engagement’s first day, the 41st’s brigade stopped a Confederate assault after the Union right collapsed, saving the Northern army from defeat. On the next day, the regiment helped repulse another enemy assault and, on the final day, silenced a Rebel battery. After this Union victory, the 41st entered camp at Readyville, Tennessee, twelve miles from Murfreesboro. The 41st's commanding officer issued the following report regarding the Battle of Murfreesboro:

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST REGT. OHIO VOLS. Camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 6, 1863

As commander of the Forty-first Regt. Ohio Volunteers, I have the honor to submit the following report of its operations and casualties in the recent engagements before Murfreesborough:

On the evening of December 30, the regiment (which was then in double column in reserve) was ordered to take position in the first line of battle, its left resting on the right of and near the Murfreesborough and Nashville turnpike, with two companies deployed as skirmishers about 150 yards in advance, covering its front.

A little before daylight on the morning of the 31st, Companies D and I were deployed as skirmishers, and relieved Companies A and F, which were then assembled and took their position in line.

About 8 o'clock the signal "forward" was sounded, and the regiment commenced to advance toward Murfreesborough. At this time the firing, which had commenced at an early hour on our right, appeared to be nearing the pike to our right and rear, and the regiment had not advanced more than about 100 paces when the command "right about" was given, and it returned to its former position and again faced to the front. At this time the enemy appeared advancing in line across the open country direct in our front.

The regiment was then moved by the left flank across the turnpike, its left resting on a slight elevation to the right of and near the railroad. The enemy, then moving by his left flank, to gain cover of a wood on our right, made an oblique change of front to rear on the left company. The skirmishers, who (during this time under the command of Capt. J. H. Williston, acting major) had been engaged with the enemy, with slight loss, were now rallied and put in position on the right of the regiment. In this position the regiment opened fire, and continued firing until its ammunition was about exhausted, when it was relieved by the Ninth Indiana, and retired a short distance and replenished its boxes. It then took up position on the right of the brigade, extending obliquely across the turnpike and again opened fire.

It here continued firing until a battery of the enemy opened upon our right flank, when it retired across the railroad and took up position on the left of the brigade, the right resting near and perpendicular to the railroad, the rest of the brigade having taken position behind and parallel with the railroad. After remaining in this position for some time-the enemy not being within effective range of infantry, and suffering considerably from his artillery, one shell from which, exploding in the ranks, killed and wounded 8 men-it retired about 50 yards behind a ridge, which afforded some protection.

Shortly after, hearing that the enemy's cavalry, was attempting to cross the creek to our left and rear, and seeing a section of artillery, unsupported, opening in that direction, without waiting for orders, I placed the regiment in position on the right of the artillery. A few discharges from the artillery, however, repulsed them. I was here met by a member of the staff of the colonel commanding the brigade, and directed to remain there until further orders.

Shortly after, by direction of Gen. Rosecrans, the regiment took its former position in the field, behind a crest of the hill, which it occupied during the remainder of the day, sustaining some loss from the enemy's artillery, but without opportunity of returning its fire.

During the following day the regiment was not engaged, remaining in double column in reserve on the left of the railroad and near the creek, as it did also during Friday, until in the afternoon, when the enemy made his attack on our left. The column was then moved by the left flank across the creek to our extreme left, where it was deployed. The enemy was at this time repulsed, and retiring in confusion. I was ordered to advance the regiment in line, and did so without firing until ordered to halt at the skirt of a wood. The enemy having retreated across an open field and disappeared in a wood beyond, a single battery of the enemy, posted in the skirt of the wood, was continuing its fire. The regiment was direction to fire one volley in the direction of the battery, and did so, immediately after which the firing on both sides ceased. It being now dark, the regiment remained in this position until relieved by the Twenty-first Illinois, when it was ordered into position to the rear, which terminated its part in the engagement.

The following is the list of casualties: Total commissioned, officers killed, 1; wounded 2. Total enlisted men killed, 13; wounded, 102; missing, 6. Total engaged–commissioned officers, 19; enlisted men, 394.

Of the above list, five were wounded in the engagement on Friday evening. Sergeants Titus and Huston were carrying the colors at the time they were wounded. Lieut. Blythe, quartermaster, was with the regiment during the engagement on Wednesday, and rendered efficient service. Both officers and men displayed great coolness and steady bravery throughout the entire engagement, performing all maneuvers with accuracy and precision, and, even when not engaged and suffering severely from the enemy's artillery, not attempting to move until ordered to do so.

Sergeant McKay, of Company E, commanding the company from the commencement of the engagement, and Sergeant McMahon, temporarily in command of Company H, displayed great coolness and courage, and are eminently deserving, of promotion. Corpl. J. P. Patterson, of the color-guard, seized the colors when Sergeant Huston fell, and bore them gallantly during the remainder of the engagement.

I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

AQUILA WILEY, Lieut.-Col. Forty-first Ohio Vols., Comdg. Regt.

Maj. R. L. KIMBERLY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

At Readyville, the 41st participated in a few expeditions, principally against Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry and also against a Confederate force at Woodbury, Tennessee. On June 24, 1863, the regiment joined the Tullahoma Campaign, the Army of the Cumberland’s advance against the Army of Tennessee in southern Tennessee and northern Alabama. Upon this campaign’s successful conclusion for the North, the 41st entered camp at Manchester, Tennessee. In late August 1863, the Army of the Cumberland, including the Ohio regiment, advanced into northern Georgia. On September 19 and 20, the Northern force engaged the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia. On the engagement’s first day, the 41st launched one assault against enemy forces, before having to withdraw. The regiment then regrouped and moved to support another part of the Union line. Confederate units flanked the 41st’s position, prompting the regiment to retreat. After several attempts at reorganizing, the 41st finally arrived at a hill and successfully repulsed a final Confederate attack. On the next day, the regiment was part of the Union left and repulsed several enemy attacks, before moving to the Northern right. The organization helped drive back a final Confederate attack on the Union right late in the afternoon. The 41st's commanding officer issued the following report regarding this engagement:

CAMP OF FORTY-FIRST REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn., September 25, 1863.

SIR: In compliance with your order, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the operations terminating in the general engagement on the Chickamauga River on the 19th and 20th instant:

On the morning of September 10, the regiment forded the Tennessee River at Friar's Island, at which place it had been on outpost duty for two days previous and marched the same day to Tyner's Station, on the Knoxville and Chattanooga Railroad.

On the 11th, it marched thence to Ringgold, via Graysville, at which place we joined the rest of the division.

On the 12th, it marched from Ringgold to Gordon's Mills, acting as advance guard of the division. During the day's march, a body of rebel cavalry attempted to cut off a portion of the advance guard by charging on its flank; but the vigilance of Lieut.-Col. Kimberly, commanding it, frustrated their object, a volley from the skirmishers killing 1 horse and wounding 1 man (who, with two others, fell into our hands), caused to retreat precipitately. After going into bivouac the same day at Gordon's Mills, the enemy's cavalry exhibiting great audacity in approaching our position, the brigade was ordered on a reconnaissance, the regiment again forming the advance. Four companies, deployed under command of Lieut.-Col. Kimberly, drove them easily and without loss a distance of 2 1/2 miles, when we were ordered to return to camp. Remained in bivouac on the 13th at Gordon's Mills; marched thence to Chattanooga Valley on the 14th; thence on the 15th to a position on the Chickamauga River, about 5 miles from Gordon's Mills, and-miles from La Fayette; remained and bivouac here, receiving supplies of clothing, &c., until the evening of the 17th, when we went into position in line of battle about 3 miles farther north on the same road.

In the night of the 18th, took up a new position about 4 miles farther north, on the same road; bivouacked here in line of battle, covering the front of the regiment with skirmishers.

On the 19th, the engagement began still farther on the left. As the firing of musketry became brisk, the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was again moved to the left. About 1 p. m. we advanced in line of battle to the attack, being on the right of the first line of the brigade, with two companies deployed as skirmishers. Passing through an open wood, our skirmishers soon became engaged with those of the enemy and drove them. On emerging from the wood, we came to an open field about 400 yards in width, with another skirt of woods beyond. Through this woods the enemy started in line across the field to meet us. Near the middle of this field, and a little to our left, was a narrow strip of timber. The enemy had advanced but a short distance when he delivered his fire, and then sought to gain the cover of this strip of timber. We were too quick for them, gaining it first and delivering our fire by battalion at short range, sent them back to the woods from which they started. As soon as they began to retreat, a battery, planted in the edge of the wood, opened fire, inflicting considerable loss. As soon as the retreating forces gained the cover of the woods a heavy infantry fire was also opened on us. This position the regiment maintained till about 4 p. m., replying to the enemy's fire and repelling three attempts to dislodge us. In repelling the last assault we were supported and assisted by two companies of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers. The regiment was then relieved by the Sixth Kentucky, and ordered to retire to procure ammunition and clean their arms. While replenishing our boxes we were again ordered forward to the right, to the support of a portion of Van Cleve's division. We had barely got into position in rear of the line when it began to fall back. The regiment remained in position until the troops to whose support we had gone had retired. Those on the left retiring toward the left, created an interval through which the enemy advanced. We fired one volley by battalion, and then retired slowly, halting, facing about, and firing by battalion as soon as the regiment had loaded and effectually holding the enemy in check in our front. Finally the advance of the enemy of the left having been checked, and the troops to whose support we had been sent having been reformed on a ridge in our rear, the regiment again moved off to the left and joined the rest of the brigade. It was now sundown, and our part in the engagement for the day was ended. The regiment bivouacked for the night in the first line on a ridge on the east side of the road, and maintained the same position on the 20th till about 3 p. m. A small parapet of logs, hastily constructed on the morning of the 20th, enabled us to repel two assaults on the position during the day without loss to ourselves.

About 3 p. m. it was moved to the right, to the support of a portion of Harker's brigade, Wood's division, which was in position on the crest of a hill which the enemy was endeavoring to carry. The possession of the hill was maintained, the regiment losing about a dozen wounded in this part of the action. As soon as it became dark we withdrew from this position, marched to Rossville, where the regiment bivouacked, and on Monday morning again went into position in the first line on Missionary Ridge, throwing up a parapet of rails and covering our front with skirmishers. The enemy soon afterward engaged our skirmishers, and later in the day opened with one piece of artillery, evidently for the purpose of feeling our position. The main line, however, did not become engaged, and at night we were again withdrawn, and the next day took up the position in the present line, which we now occupy. The following is the list of casualties. Total killed: Enlisted men, 6; wounded, commissioned officers, 5; enlisted men, 95; missing, enlisted men, 9. Aggregate: Killed, 6; wounded, 100; missing, 9.

Number engaged commissioned officers, 23; enlisted men, 337. Aggregate, 360.

Lieut.-Col. Kimberly had 2 horses and Maj. J. H. Williston 1 horse wounded and disabled in the engagement. My own horse was killed. I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry and fortitude of both officers and men, nor of the enthusiasm that two days' hard fighting and their thinned ranks failed to depress. My thanks are especially due Lieut. Col. R. L. Kimberly and Maj. J. H. Williston, as well for their untiring vigilance and zeal, as for their gallantry in action. Lieut. Fisher, acting adjutant, deserves and has my thanks for promptness in communicating orders under severe fire. Late on the 19th, he was severely, and it is supposed mortally wounded, while going to the rear to bring up ammunition. He is supposed to be in the hands of the enemy. Lieut. J. N. Clark performed the duties of adjutant during the remainder of the engagement, and deserves mention for zeal and gallantry. Among company officers, while I can commend all for their cheerful and steady courage throughout the engagement, Lieut. C. W. Hills deserves special mention for deliberation and coolness, which attracted my attention in the heat of the engagement on Saturday, and for the obstinacy with which he held his ground on Monday, while commanding a line of skirmishers that was vigorously attacked by the enemy. Corporal Strock, of Company E, also deserves notice for pursuing and bringing in 2 prisoners who took refuge in a house when the regiment repelled the last attack on their position on Saturday afternoon. They belonged to the Twelfth Tennessee Col. Watkins, Smith's brigade, Cheatham's division. Corporal Strock's name had previously been placed upon the roll of honor, and his conduct in this engagement shows that the confidence of his comrades has not been misplaced.

Of the 9 men missing should any prove skulkers or cowards, I shall take the same interest in having them punished that I shall always take in securing to good soldiers the reward due gallant and noble conduct.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

AQUILA WILEY, Col., Comdg. Forty-first Ohio Volunteers.

Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Second Brigade.

On the evening of September 20, the Union’s Army of the Cumberland began a retreat to Chattanooga, Tennessee. From late September 1863 to late November 1863, the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee besieged the city. On October 27, 1863, the 41st’s brigade, including the 1st and 93rd Regiment Ohio Infantry, the 5th Regiment Kentucky Infantry, and the 6th Regiment Indiana Infantry, sailed on pontoon boats down the Tennessee River, eventually crossing to the river’s south side. The Northerners drove a Southern force from the bank and proceeded to construct a pontoon bridge across the river, helping to open a supply line for Chattanooga’s Union garrison. On November 23, 1863, the brigade returned to Chattanooga and seized the Confederate position on Orchard Knob. Two days later, the brigade, including the 41st, participated in the Battle of Missionary Ridge. After seizing Confederate positions at the base of the ridge, the brigade advanced up the hills, driving the Confederates before them. Near the crest, the 41st captured an enemy battery and quickly turned the guns upon the fleeing Southerners. The Union victory in this battle brought the Chattanooga Campaign to a successful end for the North. The 41st's commanding officer issued the following reports regarding the Chattanooga Campaign:

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Brown's Ferry, October 30, 1863.

SIR: In compliance with your order, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the detachment under my command, in gaining possession of the ridge on the west side of the Tennessee River, at Brown's Ferry, on the morning of the 27th instant: The detachment consisted of 150 officers and men, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, Capt. W. W. Munn commanding; 175 officers and men, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. James Pickands commanding; 150 officers and men, Sixth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. C. Christopher commanding; 100 officers and men, Fifth Kentucky, Lieut. Col. J. L. Treanor commanding. The detachments from each regiment were organized into companies consisting of 24 enlisted men, and 1 commissioned officer each. The whole embarked on twenty-four pontoons. At 3 a.m. the fleet moved from the landing at Chattanooga in the following order: The Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Sixth Ohio Volunteers, and Fifth Kentucky, and reached the landing at the ferry at 5 a.m. The fleet was preceded by a detachment under Lieut.-Col. Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky, on a barge which was not under my command. My orders were to land at the ferry, and carry and hold the height on the left of the gorge. The eminence to be gained is a ridge about 400 yards in length, parallel with the river, and about 300 feet above it, the face next the river being very precipitous; the ascent at the end next the gorge not so difficult.

The fleet proceeded without molestation until about 5 a.m., when as the first boat, which was almost abreast of the barge containing Lieut.-Col. Foy's detachment, was within about 10 yards of the landing, it was fired on by the enemy's pickets stationed at the landing. The crew of the first boat delivered a volley and leaped ashore, followed instantly by the second boat, in which I myself had embarked. The first company, deployed as skirmishers to cover the flanks of the column, were immediately pushed up the farther slope of the ridge; the second company, covering the head of the column, advanced along the crest toward the left.

The regiments effected their landing promptly in the order already indicated, and advanced in column by company up the height and along the crest, where the line was established, as previously indicated, in the following order: The Fifth Kentucky on the right, Forty-first Ohio on the left, Sixth Ohio on the right center, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio on the left center. Each regiment as soon as it gained its position, threw out two companies as skirmishers to cover its front, and commenced felling the timber and constructing a parapet, each company having carried two axes for that purpose. The enemy were encamped in the valley at the foot of the ridge, and at the first sound of the axes his skirmishers advanced up the hill and engaged our vigorously for some time, when they were driven back to the road at the foot of the ridge; a section of artillery then opened on us, but without effect. No further effort was made to dislodge us. As soon as it became light, we discovered the enemy retreating to our left up the farther side of the valley. He left 5 dead and 1 wounded in front of our line of skirmishers.

I cannot commend too highly the gallantry and firmness of the troops engaged as skirmishers. The enemy's line attacked vigorously, encouraged by the shouts of their officers to "drive the Yankees into the river," and only gave way when within a few yards of our own line. I have also the pleasure of testifying to the promptness, skill, and efficiency of Lieut.-Col. Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers; Lieut.-Col. Christopher, Sixth Ohio Volunteers; Lieut.-Col. Treanor, Fifth Kentucky, and Capt. Munn, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, commanding detachments from their respective regiments. The best evidence of the alacrity and skill with which they handled their troops consists in the fact of their effecting a landing, gaining the crest of the heights and the position assigned them, and making all their dispositions for defense before the enemy-who had doubtless been alarmed by the firing at the landing-who not only knew the country but could have gained it by a much less difficult slope.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

AQUILA WILEY, Col. Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, Comdg. Detachment.

Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, In Camp near Knoxville, Tennessee, December 8, 1863. CAPT.: I have the honor the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the battalion under my command, which includes the Forty-first and Ninety-third Regiments Ohio Infantry Volunteers, from the time of breaking camp at Chattanooga, November 23, 1863, to the present date:

At the commencement of the operations, Col. Aquila Wiley, Forty-first Ohio Infantry Volunteer, was in command of the battalion, but the wounding of that officer on the evening of the 25th devolves upon me the duty of reporting the operations before I assumed command.

At noon of November 23, the battalion prepared to move from its camp near Fort Wood, Chattanooga, upon reconnaissance toward Missionary Ridge, and at 2 o'clock of that day marched in line of battle with the brigade upon the enemy's rifle-pits, a mile in advance of the ridge. The position assigned this battalion was upon the right of the first line, its front being covered by the Fifth Kentucky Infantry as skirmishers. The advance for 800 yards from Fort Wood was over open ground; beyond this was a forest, in the skirts of which the enemy's pickets were met, but gave way readily before the skirmishers. As the line advanced in support of the skirmishers, Col. Wiley, seeing his right uncovered, sent two companies of the Forty-first Regiment, under Maj. Williston, to act as flankers. Passing over a gentle crest, which had been occupied by the rebel pickets, and into the dense undergrowth of oak in the valley beyond, could advance no farther, but the main line went steadily forward for 200 yards without firing, though receiving a rapid musketry fire. A good line of rifle-pits, on considerable crest 100 yards to the front, was now distinctly visible, and in these pits the rebel pickets had been rallied. Col. Wiley sent notice of this fact to his brigade commander, and received immediately an order to take the file-pits and hold the crest. Before the messenger bearing the order reached him, Col. Wiley had opened fire and led his battalion forward to within 50 paces of the rifle-pits. Here he mat a severe fire from the front and right. At the letter point the enemy's line of works bent toward his front, and enabled him to pour upon Col. Wiley's line an enfilading fire. Near a fourth of the men were struck down here in advancing 25 or 30 paces, and the battalion was for a moment staggered by the withering musketry. It soon rallied, however, under the personal efforts of Col. Wiley and his subordinates, and pressed forward over the rifle-pits. As soon as these were reached, the enemy's resistance ceased and the men who occupied the pits generally surrendered and were sent to the rear. A slight parapet for the defense of the position was at once constructed. The line to our right was also abandoned almost immediately, and the battalion was left in quiet possession of the works, subject only to cannonade of an hour the enemy's batteries on Missionary Ridge. During the 24th, and until afternoon of the 25th, the battalion remained in the position above described. At 2 p.m. of the 25th the brigade was formed to carry the enemy's works at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Col. Wiley's battalion was assigned a position on the right of the second line. The battalions of this line were deployed, having to pass for three-quarters of a mile under fire of the enemy's batteries on the ridge before coming upon the works at the foot. Scarcely was the line in motion before the enemy commenced a furious cannonade from the ridge, which was continued uninterruptedly until his batteries fell into our hands. The works at the foot of the ridge were carried by the skirmish line, and the battalion moved up and covered itself behind them, as well as was possible. While lying here Col. Wiley, who had incautiously exposed himself, was struck by a canister-shot, which shattered his leg. A few moments afterward I heard the order from the brigade commander to assault the enemy's line at the summit of the ridge, and the command of the battalion having devolved upon me, I at once ordered them men forward. Owing to the noise of the cannonade, and the fact that the men were lying flat upon their faces for cover, it was impossible to make this command heard along the entire line. After advancing briskly about 50 paces, perceiving my men were not yet all up, I checked the movement for a moment to close up the line. The enemy's canister was thrown too thickly, however, to permit an instant's halt here, and at my command the enemy men promptly commenced the ascent of the ridge. This was very steep and covered with stumps, logs, &c. The advance was made steadily, though of course slowly, and the nature of the ground prevented any attempt at the preservation of lines. When about two-thirds of the ascent had been accomplished, I saw that the face of the hill where my battalion was moving was concave, and exposed to fire from the rifle-pits at the top, while a battery to the right enfiladed the line. To the left 50 paces the face of the hill was convex, and a part of the left battalions was moving up well covered. To take advantage of this, I closed to the left most of my men, and with the rest, who were now within 30 paces of the enemy's rifle-pits, opened a fire upon the battery to the right, which throwing canister very rapidly. The fire of my men was very effective, the rebel gunners firing but two shots we opened upon them, when they deserted their pieces and ran. Half a dozen men of the Forty-first Regiment, who were farthest to the right, at once seized the battery, and, turning it upon the enemy, added materially to the panic had now seized them. The party to my left, before alluded to as moving up the convex face of the hill, had entered the enemy's rifle-pits, and the portion of my battalion to the right of this were fast forming in them, when going forward to look down the opposite slope, I discovered the enemy rallying just under the crest. Sending the colors of my regiment forward to the crest, the men were ordered to advance, when they dashed upon the enemy without waiting for command, and drove him entirely form the position.

To the right the enemy still held out, and my battalion, with others of the brigade, advanced along the ridge several hundred yards, when it was halted and prepared to defend the place should the enemy attempt to retake it. No further fighting occurred, and the evening was spent in collecting the artillery which had been captured.

On the night of the 26th, the battalion returned to camp at Chattanooga, and on the 28th, marched with the brigade for Knoxville, reaching its present camp on the 7th instant.

No praise is extravagant when applied to the officers and men whose bravery and zeal carried the enemy's works under such heavy loss on the 23d, and climbed the apparently impregnable heights of Missionary Ridge on the 25th. I have particularly to thank Maj. Williston, Forty-first Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and Capt. Bowman, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for efficient and gallant services, and, without exception, the subordinate officers of both regiments for gallantry in action and faithful performance of duty at all times. Corpl. G. A. Kraemer, Company I, Forty-first Ohio Infantry Volunteers, deserves especial mention for turning the first gun of the enemy when the ridge was carried, and for capturing the flag of the Twenty-eighth Alabama Regt. on the 23d. Sergt. D. L. Sutphin, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, took a rebel flag on the ridge, making two taken by the battalion.

It would be presumption in me to speak in commendation of Col. Wiley, or to say more than that the loss to himself is less than the loss to the service. Maj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a brave and faithful soldier, fell on the 23d, while leading his men to the assault.

The loss of the honored dead demands their country's mourning, but the manner of their death will be mentioned with just pride always.

Number engaged November 23: Commissioned officers,9; enlisted men, 194; total,203.

;Number engaged November 25: Commissioned officers,6; enlisted men 126, total,132.

;Number engaged November 23: Commissioned officers,14; enlisted men 230; total,244.

;Number engaged November 25: Commissioned officers,11; enlisted men 175; total, 186.

Aggregate engaged November 23: Commissioned officers, 23; enlisted men, 424; total,447.

Aggregate engaged November 25: Commissioned officers, 17; enlisted men, 301; total,318.

Aggregate casualties November 23: Killed, commissioned officers, none; enlisted men,22. Wounded, commissioned officers,6; enlisted men, 89. Aggregate casualties November 25: Killed, commissioned officers,1; enlisted men,10. Wounded, commissioned officers,4; enlisted men,37. Total killed and wounded,169.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut. Col. 41st Ohio Infty. Volunteers, Comdg. 3d Battn.

Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

After resting for a few days at Chattanooga, the 41st marched for Knoxville, Tennessee, where a Confederate force had besieged the town’s Union garrison. Other Northern forces had lifted the siege before the regiment arrived. The 41st entered camp at Clinch Mountain, Tennessee, twenty miles from Knoxville. At this location 108 of the organization’s 188 men reenlisted. The re-enlistees received a thirty-day furlough to their homes in Ohio, arriving at Cleveland on February 2, 1864. These men returned to the frontlines in eastern Tennessee on March 26, 1864.

On May 1, 1864, the 41st Ohio embarked upon General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. The goal of this expedition was for Northern forces to capture the important manufacturing center of Atlanta, Georgia. The regiment fought in many of the largest engagements of the campaign, including the Battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Pine Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta. The campaign concluded with the Union occupation of Atlanta on September 2, 1864. The 41st began the campaign with 331 men. Upon reaching Atlanta, only ninety-nine soldiers remained available for duty. The 41st's commanding officer issued the following report regarding the campaign:

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST REGT. OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY Atlanta, Ga. September 9, 1864.

CAPT.: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Forty-first Regt. Ohio Veteran Infantry during the campaign just closed. I have also to include the services of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry from the 6th of May to the 21st of July, during which time that regiment was consolidated with my own under my command:

At 12 m. May 8 the battalion broke camp at Mcdonald's Station, Tenn., and marched for Catoosa Springs, reaching that place on the 4th. On the morning of the 9th, the command having moved upon the enemy's position at Buzzard Roost, a picket detail of four companies of the Forty-first Regt. became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers, but without casualty. At 8 p. m. of the same day the battalion in moving across an open field in close column, lost 1 officer and 9 men by the enemy's fire from the summit of Rocky Face Ridge. On the 10th and 11th the battalion lay under the enemy's fire, but lost only 2 men. At noon of May 18, the enemy having abandoned his position at Buzzard Roost, the command moved toward Resaca, and at 11 a. m. of the 14th advanced upon the enemy's position covering that place. This battalion formed the right of the first line of the brigade, and after moving a mile came upon the enemy's works. The battalion was ordered to protect the right of the left battalion, which had gained an advanced position, and by a charge secured a crest within 100 yards of a salient in the enemy's line. By using a fence upon the crest as a barricade, the battalion was enabled to maintain this position, and prevented entirely the use of the enemy's artillery on that front. This position was strengthened at night and held by the battalion until the withdrawal of the enemy. Shortly after gaining the crest, a gallant effort was made by Maj. Stafford, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with about 100 men to carry the enemy's works at the salient point, but it was not successful. On the 15th orders were received for a general assault of the enemy's works, and at 1 p. m., in obedience to signal, the battalion moved to the attack. The direction of our line on each flank was such that its fire swept the ground over which this battalion was to move, and as the troops on the right and left did not advance, but opened a furious fire from their works, the assault was an utter failure, the battalion being driven back by the musketry of our own troops. During the night following the enemy abandoned the position, and at 5 a. m. of the 16th the Forty-first Regt. made a reconnaissance, going as far as the Oostenaula River, securing a few prisoners, but finding no enemy in force. During the operations at this [place] the battalion sustained a loss of 2 officers and nearly 50 men. On the 17th the army being ia. pursuit of the enemy, the battalion was detached at Calhoun to follow the railroad to Adairsville, the main columns moving on parallel roads on each flank. The enemy was met after moving two miles, and, although taking advantage of the ground at every favorable point, were driven steadily backward along the roars to within a, mile of Adairsville, where he suddenly showed heavy line.'s of infantry, within 500 yards of our skirmishers, advancing toward us. His advance proved to be only a movement into position, but bio farther progress was attempted. Both regimerits of the battalion were engaged as skirmishers during the day, and the service, from the persistency of the enemy's resistance, and the distance marched, was excessively fatiguing. The casualties were limited to half a, dozen wounded. On the 10th, the enemy hav ing been found in front of Cassville, the skirmish line of the Battalion became sharply engaged, but without loss. On the 26th, the command having moved from CaSsville to the vicinity of Dallas, the battalion moved into position 500 yarDs from the enemy's works near Pickett's Mills.

On the 27th the division was relieved from the line to attack the enemy's right flank, and was formers in column with a front of two battalions, this battalion having the right of the first line. The movement commenced at noon, the column marching two miles to the left of the Federal lines, encountering only the cavalry of the enemy. At 4 the attack was made. This battalion moved through an open wood, the right flank passing a, long the side of an open field, across which, at a distance of 400 yards, were the enemy's works. A deep ravine was soon encountered, the opposite bank covered with an almost impenetrable undergrowth of oak. The skirmish line was stopped by the enemy's fire as it ascended from the ravine, and the battalion closed upon it. The line was here rectified and the ranks closed when I ordered the charge. The battalion had advanced hardly a half a dozen paces when it was struck by a withering volley of musketry from the thicket in front and from the rig)it. The enemy's fire was unstained in greater severity than would be possible for a, single line, and in advancing twenty paces nearly one-third of the battalion was stricken down. The line was within twenty-five paces waif the slight brigade behind which the enemy's lines were ported, but it was impossible to carry the position, the line being too much broken and no shelter under which to reform. The bat, talion was held in this position, the men availing themselves of what shelter was offered by trees, logs, and the conformation of the ground, and opened a rapid fire upon the enemy, the effect of which could be plainly sent, which I dispatched a, staff officer to hasten up the second line, hoping to be able with its aid to carry the position. This officer, First Lieut. Homan, adjutant of the First Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was shot while going back, and a seconal messenger was sent, but failed to find the proper officer or bring forward the second line. In the mean time the enemy formed a regiment upon our right flank, and opened a battery from the same direction. Their fire was very severe, but the orders having been for an attack in column, I deemed it my duty to hold my battalion (the head of the column) as long as possible. Twice the enemy tried to charge from his works, but was stopped at the outset. Finally he closed upon our right, doubling it back. By strenuous efforts this was restored, but only to be again crushed by a more vigorous advance of the enemy, when, seeing it was impossible to hold the shattered line longer iii the position, I ordered the battalion to fall back to the hill in rear. This, except in t, ho case of the three rig)it companies, which the enemy nearly enveloped and pressed with great vigor, was elected in order, and without the loss of a ma, a, But it was impossible to bring of all the wounded. A hundred yards in rear trio battalion in its retreat met one of the supporting brigades advance, behind which it reformed, but was not ago, in engaged. The attack had continued for more than an hour and failed, but it was an honest effort to execute an order, without hesitating to calculate the chances of success, which all who took part in may be proud of. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men under my command is in this affair. I saw not a single instance of hesitancy when the order was given to charge and if devoted gallantry could have won success these men would had it. The battalion went into position near the battle field, and, except to repulse a feeble effort of the enemy to feel the line with their skirmishers, was not again engaged. On the morning of June 5, being ordered to ascertain if the enemy had left his position, I moved the Forty-first Regt. as skirmishers upon his works and found them occupied. On the 6th the command moved to the vicinity of Acworth, and on the 10th advanced upon the enemy's position in front of Kenesaw Mountain. On the 17th the First Regt. was severely engaged as skirmishers, and three companies of the Forty-first Regt. charged the enemy's skirmishers, strongly posted in the outbuildings of a farm-house and carried the position.

On the 20th, the enemy having fallen back to his last line in front of Marietta, the skirmishers of the Forty-first Regt. were advanced, driving the enemy's skirmishers back upon their works. The battalion was moved up in support of the skirmishers, and the main line established 500 yards from the enemy's works. Except constant picket, firing the battalion was not afterwards engaged until after the enemy evacuated the position at Kenesaw Mountain and fell back to the Chattahoochee River. In the advance to the Chattahoochee the battalion was detached to make a detour to the left, strike a pontoon bridge, and endeavor to come upon some of the enemy's trains. The battalion left the column two miles from Vining's Station, and moving to the left, drove a small force of cavalry before it, and struck the river one and n, half miles above Vining's. Moving down the river the battalion succeeded in reaching the enemy's pontoon bridge at the instant it had been cut loose from the north bank of the river. The enemy was in force upon the opposite bank, but the battalion deployed as skirmishers along the river maintained its position with some loss, and prevented the enemy from taking up his pontoon. The casualties were few in number, but among them was Maj. Williston, Forty-first Regiment, whose faithful services the regiment could ill afford to lose. On the 17th, having crossed the Chattahoochee above Vining's Station, the division moved down the river to drive the enemy from the bank opposite Vining's, the First Regt. encountering their skirmishers during the movement, and on arrival at the point of destination, the Forty-first Regt. was advanced on the road toward Peach Tree Creek, dislodging a small cavalry force. On the morning of the 20th the skirmishers of the battalion were engaged at Peach Tree Creek, with several casualties, and again on the 21st and 22d, when the anal position before Atlanta was taken up. On the 26th the First Regiment was ordered to Chattanooga. July 28, the Forty-first Regiment, with the Sixth Regt. Kentucky Volunteers as support was ordered to take the enemy's rifle-pits in front of the brigade. Three companies were deployed as skirmishers, and charged the enemy's line of skirmishers, driving them easily from their pits are capturing several prisoners, with a loss of but 2 men. From July 28 to august 25 the command remained in position before Atlanta, frequently under fire, but sustaining trifling loss. On the 25th of August the regiment moved with the army to the south of Atlanta, but was not engaged with the enemy, except as skirmishers on the 3d of September in the position seven miles below Jonesborough. The regiment reached its present camp on the 8th instant.

I respectfully call your attention to the accompanying tabular statement of casualties, and commend to the gratitude of their commanders and their country the surviving officers and men who have endured without murmur excessive hardships of a four months' campaign. My own thanks are due for the zealous and efficient services of Maj. J. A. Stafford, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while that regiment was part of my command; to Maj. J. H. Williston, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and to the subordinate officers of the command generally.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Forty-first Ohio Vet. Infty.

Capt. John Crowell, Jr., Asst,. Adjt,. Gen.,2d Brig.,3d Div., 4th Army Corps.

Reports of effective force: May 3 –effective aggregate, 333. Engaged May 27 –commissioned officers, 10; enlisted men, 261. Engaged September 8 –commissioned officers, 13; enlisted men, 187. Average effective force, during campaign 240.

Following the Atlanta Campaign, the 41st entered camp for a few weeks, before joining the Union’s pursuit of Confederate General John Bell Hood’s army, which was advancing through northern Georgia, northern Alabama, and southern Tennessee in the direction of Nashville. The regiment marched through northern Georgia and briefly entered Alabama, before moving into Tennessee. The 41st participated in the Battle of Columbia, Tennessee (November 24-29, 1864). In this Union defeat, limited fighting occurred, but the Northerners delayed Hood’s advance before withdrawing. At the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee (November 30, 1864), the 41st saw no combat, serving as part of the Union’s reserve force. After this engagement, Northern forces withdrew to Nashville, where the Battle of Nashville occurred on December 15 and 16, 1864. On this engagement’s first day, the 41st drove Confederate soldiers from their entrenchments along the Granny White Pike and captured two enemy artillery pieces. On the final day, officials sent the regiment forward as skirmishers to attack the enemy position on Overton Knob. Several of these Ohioans entered the Confederate abattis but were unable to drive the Confederates from this position. Union reinforcements did not come to the 41st’s assistance, but the withdrawal of enemy forces to the right of the abattis caused the Southerners to relinquish Overton Knob. The regiment captured four cannons and two battle flags as the organization pursued the retreating enemy soldiers. After the Battle of Nashville, the 41st's commanding officer issued the following reports:

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY, Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865.

CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Corps, in the battles before Nashville, December 15 and 16, and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy:

Until the assault of Overton's Knob, December 16, the brigade was commanded by Col. P. S. Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, who was wounded in that assault while gallantly leading his brigade, and the command devolved upon me. At daylight on the 15th of December the brigade quitted its position on the Granny White pike and moved to the right, forming in front of the enemy's position at the burnt house. The Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut.-Col. Hart, was on the right of the first line; the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Maj. Stookey, on the left; the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. Pickands, in the second line. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. R. L. Kimberly, was deployed as skirmishers, covering the front of the brigade, and the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. D. Bowman, was left to hold the position the brigade occupied before leaving. Shortly after getting into position the brigade was ordered forward against the enemy's fortified position in front, which was carried without difficulty, the skirmish line clearing the rebel works without being checked, and pursuing the enemy nearly to his second line of works. The brigade was moved to a stone fence 200 yards beyond the house, and strengthened its line by throwing up a slight parapet of earth against the wall. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry was relieved from the skirmish line and placed on the left of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the second line. At about 3 p.m. an advance was made upon the enemy's second line of works, which was gallantly carried by the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in advance of the line on both flanks. These regiments sustained a considerable loss in this charge. The second line was moved up to occupy the captured works, and the first line promptly reformed. It was nearly dusk when the action ceased, and the brigade was then moved across the Granny White pike, taking a position nearly parallel to it, and facing the high ground on the Franklin pike, and entrenched.

Shortly after daylight on the 16th the brigade moved and formed on the left of, and perpendicular to, the Franklin pike, the Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being in the front line, and Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the second line. Moving forward in line of battle, the brigade came in front of Overton Knob, an eminence the enemy had fortified with breast-works, abatis, &c., and upon which he had in position a battery. Halting 600 yards from the knob, the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was moved to the right of the pike, and the Sixth Ohio Battery placed in position to fire upon the knob. The brigade lay here some time, the artillery firing on the enemy's works in front. At length Col. Post, commanding brigade, was ordered to assault the knob, Col. Streight's [First] brigade to support him. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry was deployed as skirmishers, and moved forward with orders to push as far up as possible, the enemy having showed few indications of a strong line in the works. The Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was moved back to the left of the pike, closing upon the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was designated as the battalion of direction. The skirmishers moved steadily forward to the edge of the woods covering the side of the knob, and then rapidly up its side, encountering, when a short distance from the enemy's works, a formidable abatis, while at almost the same moment the enemy was seen to move into his works a well-closed line of battle, which immediately opened a furious fire. The brigade in the meantime had followed closely upon the skirmishers, the two lines moving up in splendid order until receiving the heavy fire of the enemy, and then charging with spirit. The enemy, however, bravely defended his works his infantry firing rapidly and low, while his battery swept the hillside with canister. The second line [Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry] came up promptly, and made a desperate effort to push on over the works. Two men from the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, with a skirmisher from the Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, actually accomplished the feat, but after holding the ground some minutes, during which time many valuable officers were lost, the brigade, with Col. Streight's, which came up as support, was compelled to fall back to the position from which it had started.

During this last movement a staff officer from the division commander informed me I was in command of the brigade, and directed me to form it in rear of Col. Knefler's line. I know of no straggling to the rear, at this time or any other, during the two days' operations.

The brigade had suffered heavily. Col. Post, the brigade commander, was seriously wounded while urging on the men, and his horse was killed almost at the same moment. Lieut. Clark, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. Cobb, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, picket officer, both of Col. Post's staff, were severely wounded. The gallantry of Maj. Dawson [Gen. Wood's staff], who rode with the front line, and was wounded while endeavoring to penetrate the enemy's abatis, was particularly remarked. Lieut.-Col. Hart, commanding Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also fell severely wounded at this point, Capt. Mennet, Lieut.'s Mossman, Anderson, Gooding, and Irvine, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, wounded, and Capt. Knight, same regiment, killed;* Lieut. and Adjutant Dempsey, Lieut. Payne, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Capt.'s Lewis and Raidaie, Lieut.'s Stevens and Daum, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Capt.'s Hansard and McMahon, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieut.'s Delker, Patterson, and Miller, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Lieut. Patterson, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Capt. Tower, Lieut.'s Bonnell and Harman, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Lieut.'s. E. A. Widener and E. C. Le Blond, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Capts. Goodwin, McDevitt, and Houck, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Lieut.'s Brandon and McConnell, Seventy-first Volunteer Infantry, wounded, were the losses among commissioned officers in the regiments, and show with what gallantry the men were led during the battles.

I have reason to thank Lieut.-Col. Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieut.-Col. Bowman, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Maj. Stookey, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers; Capt. McClure, commanding Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Capt. Dunham, commanding Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for zealous and efficient discharge of duty while I commanded the brigade, and particularly for promptness in reforming their commands after the repulse at Overton Knob. I have also to acknowledge my obligations to the brigade staff.

On the morning of the 17th the brigade moved with the army in pursuit of the enemy, but was not again engaged. On the 26th of December, the brigade then lying six miles from Pulaski, on the Lexington road, I relinquished the command to Col. H. K. McConnell, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

The provost-marshal of the brigade holds receipts for 278 prisoners and 4 pieces of artillery, besides which Sergt. William Garrett, Company G, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Private Holcomb, Company A, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, each captured a rebel battle-flag.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut.-Col., Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry.

Capt. M. P. BESTOW, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battles before Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864, and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy:

At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 15th of December the men were wakened without bugle call and quietly got breakfast and struck tents. Shortly after daylight the regiment move with the brigade some distance to the right of its old position, and was placed on the right of the second line of the brigade in front of the enemy's position at a brick house to the right of the Granny White pike. Afterward the regiment was ordered to deploy as skirmishers, covering the front of the brigade, and attempt to dislodge the enemy at the house. This was accomplished, the enemy making little resistance, and being pursued by the skirmishers nearly to his second line of works, far beyond the house. The regiment was then relieved as skirmishers and resumed its position on the left of the second line of the brigade. In the subsequent assault of the enemy's second line of works the regiment, though under fire, did not engage, but moved up to occupy the captured works, to allow first line to reform behind them. The command bivouacked at night near Granny White pike, entrenching its line. December 16, having moved shortly after daylight to and across the Franklin pike, the regiment went into position before Overton Knob, on the left of the first line of the brigade. In the assault of the knob the regiment served as skirmishers for the brigade, being ordered to push as far up to the enemy's works as possible. Being deployed 600 [yards] from the enemy's works on the knob, the regiment moved steadily forward to the edge of the wood, covering the side of the hill, and then, at the command, advanced at a run. Near the enemy's line a good abatis was encountered but many of the skirmishers penetrated it. Just at this moment, however, the enemy, who had shown little force in his works, moved into them a line of battle in good order, and its fire effectually checked all advance, as it did the movement of the brigade which followed the skirmishers very closely. The regiment remained in this position until the repulse of the assault, and then fell back, reforming upon the ground from which it started.

I have to mention Private George H. Kleihans, Company I, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who penetrated the rebel abatis, and jumped the parapet in face of the rebel line of battle. Sergts. E. Morse, Company B, and Garrett, Company G, with several men, did not fall back with the regiment, and afterward, seeing the enemy leaving his works, dashed forward and too possession of four pieces of artillery; Sergeant Garrett also seized a rebel battle-flag. These were the first men in the rebel works after their abandonment, and with several others from Company A, added materially to the enemy's panic by promptly pursuing him over the hill and firing upon his retreating lines. Private D. I. Holcomb, Company A, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one of these men, captured a battle-flag. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of officers and men.

The list of casualties, though not large, includes some of the officers and men most marked in the regiment for faithful service and good conduct on the battle-field. Of these is Capt. Hansard, wounded on the 15th, who has since suffered amputation of the leg; Capt. McMahon and Lieut.'s Delker, Miller, and Patterson, wounded.

After the assault, until December 26, during which time I had the honor to command the brigade, the regiment was commanded by Capt. Dunham, to whom I am under obligations for his faithful discharge of all duties.

I have to submit the following list of casualties: Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Lieut. B. A. HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following statement of the capture of the two battle-flags herewith transmitted, by men of my regiment:

In the assault of Overton Knob, near Nashville, on the 16th of December, 1864, the Forty-first Regt. Ohio Veteran Infantry was deployed as skirmishers to cover the advance of Col. Post's [Second] brigade of the Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. The skirmishers pushed forward to and in advance of the abatis before the enemy's works, and when the brigade was repulsed some of them were so near the works as to be unable to retreat. Sergts. J. J. Mattocks, J. Jackson, Corpls. A. Flint and G. F. Haynes, and Privates D. I. Holcomb, and S. D. Ralph, Company A, Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry, were thus situated, and remained until they saw the enemy leaving their works, when they rushed forward and crossed the rebel parapet, securing a number of prisoners and a battle-flag. While lying near the works these men checked an attempt on the part of the enemy to throw forward a skirmish line to occupy the ground where our wounded were lying. Sergts. A. D. Hosmer, E. Morse, and Private Strickland, of Company B, and Sergt. William Garrett, of Company G, Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry, were also on the skirmish line and remained similar to those above mentioned, but were some distance to the left, directly in front of six pieces of artillery, when the enemy was seen to leave his works. They immediately advanced to them, taking possession of four pieces of artillery and capturing a battle-flag. Sergt. William Garrett, of Company G, obtained possession of the flag near the deserted guns. These men were the first Federals in the rebel works.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry.

Lieut. B. A. HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Following the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville, the 41st joined the Union pursuit of Hood’s army as far as Huntsville, Alabama. The regiment encamped at this location until June 1865, when officials ordered the 41st to Texas. Upon arriving in Texas, the regiment entered camp at San Antonio, where officials mustered the organization out of service in November 1865. The 41st then proceeded to Columbus, Ohio. Authorities discharged the soldiers at this city on November 26, 1865.

During the 41st Ohio's term of service, 176 men, including eight officers, died from wounds received on the battlefield. An additional 154 men, including seven officers, died from disease or accidents.

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