Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-10-22
MrRrREEsBoRo. Tenn. Oct. 6. 1863.

NJRFREESBoRo, Tenn, Oct. b, 1865. !
\ heavy cavalry force under Gen. Wheeler
var0usly estimated from 1900 to 10000, elu-
ded our forces, crossed the Tennessee, ar
rived and captured McNinnvile withthe two
regiments there, and pushed on to attack
this place. Our scouts gave timely warning
of their approach, and preparations were
made to eyacuate the town. Col. Utley, 22d
Wisconsin, commanding at this point, issued
a notice to the citizens, giving them FIVE
hours after the arrival Of the enemy to evac-
uate the town. Goods were boxed and fur
niture packed, and all night Sunday the roll
of wagons was continuous, removing property
to the fortress.
Yesterday morning the rebels appeared;
the long roll was sounded, and the regiment
was assigned positions by companies at differ
| ent lunettes, the heavy cannon We're manned
| and all were eager for the expected attack.
| The 18th East Tennessee Cavalry, 600 strong,
reconnoitered and skirmished with the enemy
nearly all day. The rebels were in line about
about mile from town, which was desolate,
| and silent as the grave. Long hours passed
| and we heard the boom Of cannon. 4 COM
| three miles out were attacked and taken :;
the bridge was burned. The camp present
| ed a lively appearance; troops of negro fam
| lilies came in with household stuff and stood
| grouped around, while at every point of those
| vast formidable works, stood artilleTymen bv
| their guns, and infantry along the breast
| works: the story Of deserter added to our
| hopes of a battle, to render Murfreesboro
| second time historic.
| About noon two trains of reinforcementS
arrived, and adding to our confidence, at the
! same time Iessened the probability of an as
| sault. The regiments wore the star which
DISTINGUISHES the taceltM army corps, and seem
ed to relish rest from travel. One poor
| fellow was run over and badly mangled by
| the car wheels; he lost both legs but said, Il
| will have cork legs when get home" He
was certainly not deficient in courage
| Towards evening a heavy cloud Of dust
rose rapidly along the Woodbury. pike which
enters Murfreesboro from the east; then rose
a long, continued cheer, and the dust was
cloud in town, a general stampede for the
| fort commenced, and the moment for action
had at length arrived
Cavalry came in but it bore at its head the
| fac of Il Union division. Gen. Mitchell, com
handing our cavalry had followed the rebels
with a heavy force of cavalry mounted infan-
try and several batteries they had retal, 7
| McMinnvilIe, killing and wounding number
| and taking several prisoners, seventeen of
whom were comfortably lodged in the Court
House. They pushed on to this place, and it
| was the cheers of Wilder's men we heard as
they dashed through town and out on the
Shelbyville pike, to help the East Tennessee
ans, who still fronted the rebel line.
This morning as our forces began moving
| +oP+l h. ,l,,>1- L.
have probably taken a few Of our men on
their way back Nearly the whole day our
men have been passing through town, some
fifteen thousand or more here, while many
more were moving on other roads. The town
| has borne military look, thronged by horse
and foot, and the storekeepers have reaped a
| rich harvest, while our men come out in new
| boots, hats, and overcoats They have all
departed and night is setting in. The town
| has returned to its former quiet, and the
events of the last few days seem dream.
The rain has set in, and yet the course of
| war must continue; pursuers and pursued
will ride out the dark and stormy night hours,
and this grand raid Of Gen. Wheeler will re-
! suit in the capture of few men and the des-
truction of few bridges, while many of the
| rebels will not again In some time recross the
| Tennessee.
| The captured company Of Michigan men
reached town to-day, and will at once return
to duty; they were not paroled, but request
ed to remain near the place of capture till
sunset, and they did so. None Of them were
| hurt: they stood heavy cannonade and re-
| mort that the rebels had fifteen cannon.
The conduct of Col. Utley in warning the
| inhabitants Of their danger, and furnishing
| them facilities for removing their property,
| has elected many commentators from them,
while theFprompt evacuation of the place and
threat to she'll it if occupied by the enemy,
has saved both life and property. The First
| Wisconsin Cavalry were with the rest in the
pursuit. A day or two will see the damage
| repaired and the migration Of troops south
| ward to spend the winter renewed.
| w Fl NJ