5fish
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Skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River, TN.
Here is the OR...
AUGUST 16, 1862.-Skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River, Tenn.
Reports of Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
TRENTON, TENN.
Colonel Harris of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, with Captain Fullerton's company of the Second Illinois Cavalry, attacked a rebel force from Kentucky, 150 strong, at Meriwether's Ferry, in Dyer County, completely routing and driving them into the river. The fight lasted thirty minutes, and Captain Fullerton's officers and men fought with great gallantry and bravery. His force was only 60.
The enemy's loss was large in killed, wounded, and drowned. We took 10 prisoners, 40 horses, and a large number of arms, ammunition, &c. Our loss, Lieutenants Terry and Goodheart and 1 private killed and 6 wounded.
Several companies of cavalry from Kentucky are trying to push through south. This was the first that crossed the line. They are well armed and fought desperately.
G. M. DODGE,
Brigadier-General.
snip...
Major-General GRANT.
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn., August 20, 1862.
CAPTAIN: The fight at Meriwether's Ferry was much more decisive than I telegraphed. So far as ascertained the enemy had 37 killed. We have taken 16 of their bodies out of the river. They lost everything. We got their horses, arms, and baggage. Some got away naked. Colonel Harris' conduct in the fight is spoken of highly. It was well planned and finely executed. The cavalry, after following
them 30 miles, overtook them at Meriwether's Ferry and charged down a hill, the enemy lying behind logs. The two lieutenants fell at the first fire, when the boys jumped from their horses and fought a hand-to-hand fight, driving the enemy into the river.
The enemy tried to re-enforce this party on the north side of the river by crossing men in a boat and on a raft. Our boys killed every man in the boat and on the raft, shooting down all those on the north side as they tried to swim the river. Our men fought bravely, and, considering that they lost both officers in the first charge, I think with great credit. The enemy were commanded by Captain Binford, formerly of Hickman. I must say that I am very much gratified and disappointed with the behavior of all my cavalry in these fights. They do much better than I expected. In only one case have they backed from any force, and I think I then gave them a lesson that will cause them to always stand hereafter. I dislike very much to part with them, as I have just got them fairly to work. They are well acquainted with the country, need no guides, and have learned to scout without giving me trouble from unauthorized depredations. You can readily see the disadvantage I shall labor under hereafter, using cavalry that are entirely unacquainted with the country.
I will endeavor to have my forces ready to move on the day you designate.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE,
Brigadier-General.
Here is the OR...
AUGUST 16, 1862.-Skirmish at Meriwether's Ferry, Obion River, Tenn.
Reports of Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army.
TRENTON, TENN.
Colonel Harris of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, with Captain Fullerton's company of the Second Illinois Cavalry, attacked a rebel force from Kentucky, 150 strong, at Meriwether's Ferry, in Dyer County, completely routing and driving them into the river. The fight lasted thirty minutes, and Captain Fullerton's officers and men fought with great gallantry and bravery. His force was only 60.
The enemy's loss was large in killed, wounded, and drowned. We took 10 prisoners, 40 horses, and a large number of arms, ammunition, &c. Our loss, Lieutenants Terry and Goodheart and 1 private killed and 6 wounded.
Several companies of cavalry from Kentucky are trying to push through south. This was the first that crossed the line. They are well armed and fought desperately.
G. M. DODGE,
Brigadier-General.
snip...
Major-General GRANT.
HDQRS. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Trenton, Tenn., August 20, 1862.
CAPTAIN: The fight at Meriwether's Ferry was much more decisive than I telegraphed. So far as ascertained the enemy had 37 killed. We have taken 16 of their bodies out of the river. They lost everything. We got their horses, arms, and baggage. Some got away naked. Colonel Harris' conduct in the fight is spoken of highly. It was well planned and finely executed. The cavalry, after following
them 30 miles, overtook them at Meriwether's Ferry and charged down a hill, the enemy lying behind logs. The two lieutenants fell at the first fire, when the boys jumped from their horses and fought a hand-to-hand fight, driving the enemy into the river.
The enemy tried to re-enforce this party on the north side of the river by crossing men in a boat and on a raft. Our boys killed every man in the boat and on the raft, shooting down all those on the north side as they tried to swim the river. Our men fought bravely, and, considering that they lost both officers in the first charge, I think with great credit. The enemy were commanded by Captain Binford, formerly of Hickman. I must say that I am very much gratified and disappointed with the behavior of all my cavalry in these fights. They do much better than I expected. In only one case have they backed from any force, and I think I then gave them a lesson that will cause them to always stand hereafter. I dislike very much to part with them, as I have just got them fairly to work. They are well acquainted with the country, need no guides, and have learned to scout without giving me trouble from unauthorized depredations. You can readily see the disadvantage I shall labor under hereafter, using cavalry that are entirely unacquainted with the country.
I will endeavor to have my forces ready to move on the day you designate.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE,
Brigadier-General.