November 27.
At Waynesboro; the advance, under Captain Estes, (my Assistant Adjutant-General,) having destroyed a portion of the track, and partly burned the railroad bridge over Briar Creek the day previous. During the march, my flanks and rear had been attacked again and again by Wheeler's cavalry, but without serious results, and did not prevent the column from steadily marching on. We passed through Waynesboro and encamped in line-of-battle on the railroad, three (3) miles south of the town. Several attacks were made during the night upon Colonel Murray's line, but they were easily repulsed, and did not prevent my people from destroying the track, one battalion being detailed from each regiment for that purpose.Here, to my great regret, I learned that our prisoners had been removed two days previous. It is needless to say that, had this not been the case, I should have rescued them; the confederate government could not have prevented me.
After destroying sufficient track to prevent transportation on the road for a few days, I deemed it prudent to retire to our infantry. Accordingly, Colonel Atkins (Second brigade) was ordered to move out to the intersection of the Waynesboro and Louisville road, and there take up position. Colonel Murray was directed to move past Colonel Atkins, and take up position in his rear, and so on in succession retire from any force that might be sent in pursuit. By some misunderstanding, Colonel Atkins moved on without halting as directed, and the consequence was, that two regiments — the Eighth Indiana (Colonel Jones) and Ninth Michigan cavalry (Colonel Acker)--together with myself and staff, were cut off and partly surrounded.
But the brave officers and men of these two regiments, by their splendid fighting, broke through the rebel lines and slowly fell back, repulsing every attack of the enemy, until the main column was reached. We moved on, crossed Buckhead Creek, burning the bridge, and halted to feed two (2) miles from the creek. Information soon reached me that Wheeler was crossing with his entire force. Parties were sent out, and ascertained this report to be true.
I now determined to give him a severe repulse before marching further. Accordingly took up a strong position, and constructed a long line of barricades with my flanks thrown well to the rear. These dispositions were scarce completed ere the enemy came in sight and made one of the most desperate cavalry charges I have ever witnessed, but he was most handsomely repulsed at all points, and with hut slight loss to my command. This closed the fighting for the day. We moved on a few miles further, and encamped at the first place where forage could be obtained. The enemy made no further attempts to follow.
My losses during the incessant fighting for three days and nights were not large. From information gained from scouts, prisoners, and deserters, the loss of the enemy is estimated at six hundred (600) killed and wounded. The following day we joined the left wing of our army at Louisville. Here we remained in camp several days, resting the men and horses for the first time during the march.
