The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-11-20
Captain SheIley's Cavalry Company.


airy, commanded by Capt. E. Y. SHELLEY,
and Lieutenants MORTIMER NEELEY and
ROBERT W. PEcKnAM, has been in service
nearly two years, and now numbers sew
enty-four men, but only fifty are present
for duty, the balance being detailed for
other duties in the department, and in the
hospitals. Lieutenant PECKHAM has been
absent on recruiting service since July 90,
1862. For more than a year the company
was stationed at Fort Holman, on the Ten
nessee River, but for about six months it
has been in the front, performing most
arduOus service, as will be seen from the
following record for portion of the month
of October:
Oct. leave camp near Winchester and
march to Dechard StatiOn--distance three miles,
Oct. 5.-March to Elk River bridge, and
camp two miles above, on the right bank.
Company patrol the Manchester and McMinn-
vile roads, and picket the same. Distance
marched from Dechard to encampment, six
miles; aggregate distance of patrols, twenty
eight miles.
Oct. 6.-March at daylight, and reach Tulla-
hOma at 9 A. NJ. After a short halt take the
Wartrace road to Duck river bridge, to which
point the force under Col. Coburn had fallen
back leaving Wartrace and the stOckade de-
Tending the bridge near the town to the enemy.
Under the direction of Col. Patrick the regi-
ment moved rapidly up to the bridge just aban-
dOned, but which was already in flames, and
encountered the enemy, apparently in small
force, between the burning stOckade and the
town. A charge of the regiment in line cleared
the way to Wartrace The rapid movement of
the charge carried nearly the entire line past
the road which the enemy had taken, thus
leaving him on our left flank
A left wheel placed the company-its position
being the extreme left-upOn this road, and the
advance in the new direction brought it to the
banks OF creek, the opposite being the more
elevated and covered with timber, which at this
moment blaZed with fire, and fearful storm of
bullets from the ambushcd enemy fell into and
about its ranks, which it seemed impossible
could escape utter annihilation With remark
able promptness the fire was returned, and one
platoon being dismounted and partially covered
by few trees replied briskly with their breech-
leaders. Several vOlleyS were fired with regu.
larity by the enemy, eventually scattering and
finally ceased altogether by his precipitate re-
treat: the action lasted about Ii or 20 minutes.
The enemy left his position before the support
which had been ordered up had arrived, but the
company held every inch of ground which it
occupied when the first volley was fired. The
force opposed was ascertained to be portion
of Wharton's brigade, the remainder being in
close proximity. Distance marched 81 miles.
Oct. 7.-March to Shelbyville and join the
pursuing column under Gen. Crooks Battle
fought at Pennington.
Oct. S-Pursut kept up. Reach Pulaski
and encamp-the rear guard of the enemy hav-
ing just left town. Distance marched 81 miles.
Oct. 9.-Regment in the advance. K COM
pany Second cavalry, take the road at daylight.
Skirmishing commenced four miles from Sugar
Creek. Company dismounted as ''skirmishers
on foot" and placed by Major Brackett-in
command of the advance-on the right of the
line of skirmishers. The enemy's skirmishers
were rapidly pushed back across Sugar Creek
to their main lines, when their position was
charged by the regiment 9th Iowa lead by
Col Patrick, scattering the rebels in every direc-
ton, and keeping up the charge for nearly two
miles, capturing many prisoners and large
quantity Ofarms. Pursuethem to Lambs Ferry.
Wheeler had already crossed his artillery and
trains. Distance marched forty miles.
Oct. 1O-Wheeler escaped, his cavalry ford
ing the river. Remain in camp at Rogersville.
Oct. 11.-March to Athens, and camp two
miles beyond, ON the Huntsville road-distance
nineteen miles.
Oct. 12.-March to Huntsville, distance
twenty-five miles
Oct. 13.-March to the crossing of Flint
River, on the road to Belefonte. Prepare to
pursue Rhoddy," aud send away unservicable
horses and men unfit for duty. March to the
Fayetteville road, distance twenty miles.
Oct. 14.-InfOrmation received that RhOd
dy" has recrOssed the Tennessee River-pursuit
abandoned. March to Meridansville, on the
Salem road, distance twenty-five miles.
Oct. 15.-March through mud and rain to
Salem, distance twenty-three miles
Oct. 16.-DivisiOn ordered back to Flint
River. March to New Market distance eigh-
teen miles.
Oct. T,-Reach the crossing of Flint River,
and go into camp, distance sixteen miles.
Oct. 20.-Draw ratiOns of Government
none drawn since October 4th, sixteen days,
having subssted wholly on the country during
the entire march. Ordered out on scout /;
start at sunset. Regiment)
Oct H.-Marched all night, capturing few
prisoners during the night; reach Athens at
daylight, and return to camp; reach camp at
9P. NJ, distance marched, seventy miles.