In persuance of orders, I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report the operations of my command from the fall of Atlanta to the fall of Savannah.
Reached Atlanta on the 4th day of September last, at which point it remained in a state of inactivity, resting from the fatigues incurred on the previous campaign, until the 29th of same month, in congection with the Brigade, it started from Florence, Al, by rail, via Chattanooga, Huntsville, Athens, Al to check the advance of Genl Forrest who was marching through that district. It did not proceed as far as Florence, owing to its having been ordered back to Hunstsville on train guard duty, and, upon returning, was prevented from rejoining the ballance of the troops composing the expedition, by the rapid rise of Elk river.
Remained at Athens until the return of the Brigade from Florence, performing while there daily picket duty. Left the former place on the 13th day of October and reached Chattanooga on the 14th. Remained at the last named point four (4) days, when we started for and rejoined the Corps, at Galeville, Al, on the 22nd. Remained at this point several days, when the column was headed toward Atlanta, Ga, which we reached Nov 15th, having made short halts at Rome, Kingston, & Cartersville. Between the last named place and Atlanta the command was engaged in "demoralizing" the RR, the extent of which will be found in subjoined recapitulation.
On 16th of Novem, having obtained a thorough outfit, and forming a part of the "left wing" of the Grand Army, it started for the "view base." Reached Savannah 21st inst upon the previous evacuation of the city, and went into camp two miles from the place, where it now remains ready at any moment "strike tents," hoping that it north field of operations will be South Carolina.
With the exception of a slight skirmish with the enemy in front of Louisville, nothing occured to disturb the equilibrium of the march between Atlanta & Savannah.
During the entire march the command subsisted upon supplies found in the country, (which were abundant) with the exception of five days issues from the regular supplies; thus destroying vast quantities of material belonging to the enemy, and contributing much to the bone and muscle of the Army.
Forage was obtained to subsist all animals including those captured.
This command destroyed no "cotton or gins" owing to the fact that such duty was not assigned it. Deeming negroes an encumbrance they were prohibited from attaching themselves to the command.
I am sir
Respectfully
Your obdt servt
Geo W. Cook
Capt Com[?] Regt
To
M.F. Tanner Lieut and
A.A.A. Genl
No of miles of RR destroyed 2
Cotton
" none
Gins
" "
No of horses captured
Six
" " mules "
25
Supplies obtained and brought to Savannah, none
Enlisted men killed
one
"
" wounded
"
Geo. W. Cook, Capt
Coma[?] Regt