Lest We Forget - African American Military History by Researcher, Author and Veteran Bennie McRae, Jr.

Reports of Col. Embury D. Osband, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, Commanding Expedition

HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITION

Yazoo City, December 1, 1864
CAPTAIN. I have the honor to report that I burned the railroad bridge on Sunday last (November 27) and thirty miles of railroad on Monday, and reached here without serious loss on the 29th at 1 p.m. I rested yesterday, but I still find my stock much disabled. Haring rumors of the concentration of the enemy for my capture, I sent this morning detachments on each road, all of which found some portions of the enemy. The Second Wisconsin, 250 strong, found about 1,500 of the enemy, part cavalry and part infantry; no artillery was used, but I know they have four batteries. From 25 to 50 of the Second Wisconsin were killed, wounded, and missing. Major Dale was severely wounded in the ankle. At 4 p.m. judging that with so large a force in my front I could not move to Vicksburg on this side the river, I commenced crossing to the other side. I judge that I shall have my command is the saddle on the west bank of the Yazoo River by 3. A.m. tommorrow, and expect to reach the month of the Big Sunflower by noon tomorrow. I desire you to send to me at that point transports sufficient for my command and the gun-boat Vindicator, although transports unattended can come with safety to this point. I anticipate no trouble here tonight and believe I can make the movement successfully without loss. I am compelled to send the Shenango with sick and wounded although the rebels may have batteries at Liverpool and Sartesia The Prarie Bird will assist her as much as possible. I believe the present movement of the Confederate forces quite formidable, and may be Vicksburg in view, although the destruction of the railroad will prevent rapid movement for some days. Almost of these troops operating against me came over the railroad from Grenada, and perhaps higher up. I trust the transports will be sent immediately, as I have no rations.

Respectfully,

E. D. OSBAND
Colonel, Commanding Expedition
One of the transports should bring me 10,000 rations and four days, forage for 2,200 men and 2,500 horses and mules, unless transports enough to take the whole command are sent, when the forage will not be needed.

Respectfully,

E. D. OSBAND
Colonel, &c
Capt F. W. Fox
Assistant Adjutant General

SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.

Category: Civil War | Subcategory: Reports - Union | Tags: Washington , Wisconsin
Related Topics / Keywords / Phrases: 1864, 1880, 1901, Cavalry, Dale, Railroad, The War of the Rebellion (Book), United States War Department, Vicksburg (MIssissippi), War Department, Wisconsin, Yazoo, Yazoo City (Mississippi),