Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 31, Part 1, Knoxville and Lookout Mountain GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE, No. 193. Missionary Ridge, October 22, 1863. I. The general commanding announces to the army with pride and satisfaction two brilliant exploits of our cavalry: * * * * * * II. On the 20th instant, the cavalry under Colonels Dibrell and Morrison attacked the enemy in force at Philadelphia and captured 700 prisoners, 50 wagons loaded with stores, 6 pieces of artillery, 10 ambulances, and a lot of mules, horses, and other property. The enemy was driven to his defenses at Loudon, and is reported as completely routed. Too much praise cannot be given Colonels Dibrell and Morrison and the brave command under them for the dash and daring displayed in the expedition so completely successful. Such blows dealt the enemy in quick succession are no less honorable to our army than indicative of future success. By command of General Bragg: GEORGE WM. BRENT, Adjutant-General. No. 5. Reports of Maj. General Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division, including skirmishes at and near Sweet Water, October 23,26, and 27, and at Leiper's Ferry, October 28. HEADQUARTERS STEVENSON'S DIVISION, Near Tyner's Station, November 12, 1863. COLONEL: Agreeably to orders received from army headquarters on the 17th ultimo, I proceeded to Charleston, Tennessee, arriving there with a portion of my command about 2 p.m. on the 19th ultimo. The failure of the railroad officials to carry out the arrangements and obey the orders relative to the transportation of the troops, and the delay caused thereby, have been made the subject of a special communication to the commanding general. Immediately upon my arrival at Charleston I gave the following directions to Colonels Morrison and Dibrell, commanding brigades of cavalry: Colonel Morrison with his whole effective force, re-enforced by Colonel McKenzie's and Major Jessee's commands, will move so as to reach the rear of Philadelphia by daylight to-morrow morning and be prepared to co-operate with Colonel Dibrell, who, which his effective command, will advance so as to attack the enemy, supposed to be at that point, at daylight. Should the enemy not be found at Philadelphia the commands will seek and capture, or drive him across the Tennessee. Having routed the cavalry they will move on Loudon, and should the force of the enemy's infantry there be small, will attack and carry that place. In that event Loudon will be held by a sufficient force, and suitable scouts be sent up the river for information with regard to the enemy in that direction. Colonel Morrison will send a select force of 150 men, in command of a suitable officer, to destroy the ferry at Kingston. He will also detail from his command two companies to picket the river on our left flank. The movement directed was at once commenced, but owing to the difficulty in crossing the Hiwassee at the ford by which Colonel Morrison moved, the attack was not made until as late as 1 p.m. on the 20th ultimo. For a time the resistance was stubborn, the enemy making a gallant fight, but finally they broke and fled in the greatest confusion to their defenses at Loudon. The fact that they had there a fortified position, with an infantry support, the approach of darkness, and the exhaustion of our cavalry after their long march and severe fight, decided Colonels Morrison and Dibrell not to make an immediate attack upon Loudon. Our loss amounted to 15 killed, 82 wounded, and 3 missing. That of the enemy was greater in killed and wounded, and by capture about 700 prisoners, 6 pieces of artillery, and all their wagons, ambulances, and camp equipage. On the next morning the enemy advanced in force (infantry and cavalry) from Loudon, and Colonels Morrison and Dibrell withdrew their commands to Sweet Water, there to await the arrival of the infantry. The enemy fell back to Loudon that night. I reached the front on the morning of the 22d; moved the infantry to Mouse Creek that day, and soon afterward to Sweet Water. On the evening of October 23, the enemy advanced in considerable force and engaged the cavalry for a short time, retiring at dusk. Their loss is not known; ours was 5 wounded. The same movement was again made by them on the evening of October 26. In this affair our loss was 3 wounded and 5 missing. The enemy are known to have had 3 commissioned officers and several privates killed, and a number wounded. On October 27, I was informed that the notorious bushwhacker and robber, Bryson, had been sent with his command by Burnside to get in my rear and obtain information as to our movements and intentions. I immediately gave Brigadier-General Vaughn a detachment of about 100 men, and directed him to intercept, and, if possible, destroy the party. He succeeded in dispersing them, killing several, and taking among the prisoners a captain. During the pursuit Bryson himself was killed. On October 27, Cheatham's division, commanded during the expedition by Brigadier-General Jackson, reached Athens, and by this accession my force, before so weak as to be entirely inadequate for a decided movement against the enemy at Loudon, was strengthened to such an extent as would have enabled me to actively assume the offensive, but the enemy, informed doubtless by disloyal citizens of the arrival of these re-enforcements, evacuated Loudon on the night of the same day. On October 28, I sent Brigadier-General Vaughn, with a force of cavalry, across the Little Tennessee River at Morganton, with orders to make a demonstration upon Knoxville, and gain all the information he could of the enemy's force, movements, and intentions. He found a force at Leiper's Ferry, attacked, and drove them across the river, after quite a sharp engagement, inflicting considerable loss upon them. He also went to Lenoir's Ferry. The sudden and heavy rain that fell at this time raised the Little Tennessee so rapidly that it became exceedingly hazardous for him to remain on that side, and he accordingly returned to Morganton. On November 3, Colonel Dibrell crossed the Little Tennessee with about 700 men, but found the enemy in too great force in his front to permit him to make any decided move. The results of these scouts in eliciting information were promptly communicated to you by telegraph. On November 4, I received orders by telegraph to send two of the brigades of Cheatham's division to Tyner's by railroad on the 5th, and the remaining two of the 6th, and immediately thereafter to send the two brigades of my own division. On the 8th instant, I received orders from the commanding general to leave Brigadier-General Cumming to bring on my division, and report in person at army headquarters as soon as possible after the arrival of Lieutenant-General Longstreet at Sweet Water. He reached that point on the night of the 9th, and, as directed, I left Sweet Water on the morning of the 10th, arriving at Tyner's upon the same day. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. STEVENSON, Major-General, Commanding. Colonel GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Tennessee. No. 6. Reports of Colonel George G. Dibrell, Eighth Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate), commanding Cavalry Brigade, including skirmishes at Sweet Water, October 23 and 26. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Philadelphia, October 20, 1863-5 p.m. DEAR SIR: The colonel commanding instructs me to say that he engaged the enemy in front of this place at 1 o'clock to-day. After a sharp artillery duel of an hour or more the guns of Colonel Morrison's brigade were heard in the enemy's rear. Colonel Dibrell immediately charged into the town. The enemy was completely routed. We captured all his wagons, ambulances, tents, and cooking utensils, all his artillery, about 400 prisoners, and at least that number of small-arms. The colonel cannot speak too highly of the conduct of his officers and men. The rout is not yet over; prisoners, horses, and mules are hourly coming in. Our loss nothing. By order of Colonel G. G. Dibrell, commanding Second Cavalry Brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General STEVENSON. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Philadelphia, October 20, 1863-8 p.m. DEAR SIR: Our forces pursued the enemy to within sight of their camps at Loudon, when darkness ended the pursuit. It is thought they have their infantry in rifle-pits. Our victory is much more complete and decisive than was thought when you were first dispatched. The enemy's loss in killed and wounded was considerable, and the number of prisoners will not fall short of 700. We captured 50 wagons loaded with stores, 10 ambulances, 6 pieces of artillery, a large lot of commissary stores and beef cattle, together with a large lot of horses and mules. Colonel Wolford, who was in command here, told the gentleman with whom he boarded this morning that General Burnside, with his whole army, left Knoxville on yesterday for Loudon. The story is not credited. We are lying in line of battle to-night, and except to advance early to-morrow. Prisoners, stock, &c., have been sent forward toward Charleston. It is confidently hoped you will move up your forces immediately. By order of Colonel G. G. Dibrell, commanding Second Cavalry Brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General STEVENSON, Charleston. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, 2 1/2 Miles from Sweet Water, October 21, 1863-2 p.m. The colonel commanding directs me to say the enemy is advancing on us with infantry and cavalry. Their cavalry is threatening our left and rear. We have a strong position here, and can hold it unless flanked. Colonel Morrison is protecting our left. We skirmished with them before retiring from Philadelphia, and sent one regiment toward their rear, near up to Loudon, which we suppose has checked the advance of their infantry, as it has not developed itself in our front here. All the captured property has already been sent forward. Two regiments are still holding Philadelphia, with instructions to fall back here if hard pressed. By order of Colonel G. G. Dibrell, commanding brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. General STEVENSON. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, 2 1/2 Miles from Philadelphia, October 21, 1863-6 p.m. The enemy failing to advance upon us this side of Philadelphia, I ordered forward our skirmishers, who drove them back through the town. Our advance vedettes stand just out this side of Philadelphia. I think their main force has fallen back to Loudon. In the Federal mail captured yesterday one letter states that there was a division of infantry at Loudon to fall back on when pressed too hard. Another, dated yesterday, that Burnside was advancing with his whole force to Loudon; that it was impossible for them to subsist in East Tennessee unless they held the line of the railroad through this end of the State. Our best information is, there were only three regiments of Federal infantry out from Loudon to-day. We this evening forwarded to your commissary about 75 head fine Kentucky captured beef cattle. If possible, we will be obliged if a few can be reserved for us. I have just heard from Colonel Morrison that he is encamped to-night to my rear, between this and Sweet Water. All the roads are well picketed. By order of Colonel G. G. Dibrell, commanding brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General STEVENSON. HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, ARMSTRONG'S DIV., Sunday, October 27, 1863. SIR: According to previous orders received, I moved with my brigade and a detachment of General Morgan's command from Charleston on the 19th at 12 m.; crossed the Hiwassee River and traveled all night. By and agreement with Colonel Morrison, commanding brigade, I was to be in front of Philadelphia by 12 m. of the 20th. He was to cross the Hiwassee below me, and move to the rear of the enemy. Subsequently, Colonel [Morrison] notified me that he could not be at the appointed place before 2 p.m. Meantime, I advanced my forces, drove in the enemy's pickets, kept up a skirmish at a respectable distance, keeping all of my command out of sight of the enemy except two regiments and one section of artillery until Colonel Morrison could get in position. As soon as this was known, I moved rapidly forward and opened upon the enemy with my artillery,and charged them with cavalry held in readiness for that purpose, completely routing the enemy and scattering them through the woods in every direction, capturing in all six pieces of artillery, all their wagons, ambulances, stores, &c., and a large number of horses, equipments, &c., 500 to 600 prisoners. In this engagement I only claim for my brigade that they did their part most admirably, and are entitled to the reputation they had previously so richly merited, and I fully accord to Colonel Morrison's brigade an equal share of all the glories won for the gallant part acted by them in the engagements. Without their co-operation so brilliant a success would have proven a failure, as the enemy were but a few miles from a large infantry force to support them. My loss, 1 man killed and 3 captured. A few horses wounded. Brigadier-General Vaughn had kindly volunteered his services, which were invaluable to me, and his gallantry and daring charge upon the enemy had endeared him to my brigade and caused them all to regard him as one of the bravest of the brave. In the engagement of the 23rd my loss was 5 wounded. The loss of the enemy not known. In the engagement of yesterday my loss was 3 wounded and 5 missing; 2 horses wounded. The enemy left some 12 or 15 dead and wounded horses upon the field, and are known to have had 3 commissioned officers and several privates killed and a number wounded. The conduct of the men and officers, both cavalry and artillery, was very fine during all the engagements. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. G. DIBRELL, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Major J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 7. Reports of Colonel J. J. Morrison, First Georgia Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Lenoir's House, Philadelphia, October 20, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that, agreeably to your instructions, I succeeded in getting between Loudon and Philadelphia, after making a march of 50 miles in fifteen hours. Found the enemy Colonel Wolford's brigade) in line of battle. Sent one regiment to Loudon to make a demonstration at that place to prevent Colonel Wolford's force being augmented by the forces at Loudon. I attacked him at once with the remainder of my force, numbering 1,200. After a very severe fight, with twice my number pitted against me, supported by six pieces of artillery, I succeeded in completely routing him, capturing all of his artillery (six pieces), entire wagon train, with many fire-arms and ammunition. Captured 400 prisoners. My loss will foot up 10 killed, 68 wounded, and 70 missing. The whole command acted very gallantly. I will report in full at the earliest opportunity. I am, general, your obedient servant, J. J. MORRISON, Colonel, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade. P. S.-Colonel Wolford fell back in great confusion upon four regiments of infantry at Loudon. Night prevents me from pursuing him. HEADQUARTERS MORRISON'S BRIGADE, Ballard's, October 21, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your dispatch. Have ordered the wagons, artillery, &c., back as directed. I have been skirmishing with the enemy's advance this morning. They have advanced their infantry, about 3,000 strong, this side of Loudon. The last I have heard of them, their cavalry have been trying to execute a flank movement. I think it very probable that we will have to fall back nearly to Sweet Water, where there are fine natural advantages, as it would not be prudent-so Colonel Dibrell, General Vaughn, and myself have concluded-if the enemy advances, to remain here, as he was re-enforced last night by the Ninth Army Corps, of Burnside's command; so I have learned from a very reliable Southern man from Loudon this morning. I consider the information reliable. I do not think it possible to move them from Loudon without a stronger force than I have. When Mr. Ballard left Loudon the Ninth Corps was on the opposite side, but preparing to come to this side of the river. General White is in command. Loudon is not fortified yet by the enemy. I have thorough scouting parties in the neighborhood of Loudon and will push the enemy as far that way as possible. Will keep you constantly advised of their movements. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, J. J. MORRISON, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade. Major-General STEVENSON, Commanding Expedition, Athens or Charleston. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Owen's, near Sweet Water, Tennessee, October 27, 1863. MAJOR:I have the honor to report that, agreeably to instructions from General Stevenson, I succeeded in getting my entire command, numbering about 1,800 men, across Hiwassee River at and above Kencannon's Ferry by 10 o'clock on the night of the 19th instant. I immediately took up the line of march for the rear of Philadelphia, the distance to the point where I expected to strike the Philadelphia and Loudon road being 50 miles. The weather was very disagreeable and the roads were in very bad condition, rendered worse and worse every hour by the incessant showers that had been falling since I left Harrison. Men and officers bore up astonishingly under the circumstances, having in crossing the river and making the march lost two night's sleep in succession. On arriving near Philadelphia, I communicated with Colonel Dibrell, suggesting that he had better move up and make a demonstration in the front, so that I could, without interruption and undiscovered, make the enemy's rear; and reaching Pond Creek, a point to the left of and opposite Philadelphia, I intercepted and captured a forage train and 40 prisoners. From this point I sent a party on each of the roads leading into town, with instructions to drive in the enemy's pickets and hold their positions if possible, and thus prevent his learning the direction taken by the main part of my command. I finally reached the rear of Philadelphia, after a hard march of 50 miles in fifteen hours, unobserved. I caused the telegraph wire to be cut, and sent as rapidly as possible one regiment to Loudon, a distance of 4 miles, there to make a feint and prevent General White from re-enforcing Wolford at Philadelphia with his infantry from that point. The surprise was complete and the feint on Loudon a success. I now hastened on to Philadelphia, a distance of 2 miles, and soon had a view of the enemy's line of battle, whereupon I dismounted my men and commenced the attack, Colonel Dibrell having opened an artillery duel in the front some time before. The enemy, on discovering me in their rear, at once turned their whole force, with six pieces of artillery, against my command, which was now reduced to about 1,000 men. Afterward ensued one of the hardest cavalry fights of the war, both sides struggling vigorously for the mastery. I was made to fall back twice, but with little effort each time rallied my men and soon had the enemy completely routed and fleeing in confusion toward Loudon, capturing their artillery (six pieces), wagon train, ambulances, stores, and between 500 and 700 prisoners. A portion of the latter was captured by Colonel Dibrell's command. The officers and men of my command conducted themselves handsomely from the commencement of the march to the rout of the enemy at Philadelphia, but credit is especially due to Colonel Hart, of the Sixth Georgia; Colonel Rice, of the Third Confederate, and Colonel Harper, of the First Georgia Cavalry, who lost a leg while leading his men in a gallant charge. Colonels Rice and Hart occupied the left, and nobly did each do his duty. From an intrepid charge on the enemy's rear, his artillery, wagons, and stores, with most of the prisoners, fell into their hands. Lieutenant George Yoe, Captain Davison Lamar, and Adjt. John W. Tench, acting on my staff, have my thanks for their assistance, efficiency, and gallantry on the field. Although the victory was complete, the fruits of it fell short far of what they would have reached if I had had the prompt co-operation of the forces in front. The casualties in my command are 14 killed, 82 wounded. Those of the enemy much larger. J. J. MORRISON, Colonel, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade. Major J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant-General.