Andrew Ainsworth to William L. James, October 29, 1865

Col. William L. James,

1 S Clhief Quartermaster Department of Virginia:

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report in regard to opening communication Avith General Sherman, made at your request:

On the 11th of March, 1865, I received orders from Brig. Gen. George S. Dodge (a copy of which I inclose f). I also received verbal orders to procure a launch from the Navy Department; also two swivel guns and the necessary ammunition; also a construction party to accom¬ pany me to clear obstructions.

I also made arrangements to have a torpedo ready to blow up the rebel steamer Chickamauga if I found her lying across the channel so as to obstruct the passage of the river. We received orders from Major-General Terry to proceed punctually at 2.30 p. m., AAffiich order was promptly obeyed. We were informed that the U. S. steamer Rolus, Commander Young commanding, would immediately follow, p ^othing worthy of note occurred until some sixteen miles from ^Wilmington, N. C. (the highest point attained by the naval vessels). Wfter passing that point large numbers of colored men, women, and [children fiocked to the banks of the river and appeared wild with I delight at our appearance, and wished to come on board, and followed , us along the banks of the river for miles, offering us fish, &c. ; but we

[jj * Omitted; hut see p. 883, of Executive Document No. 1, referred to in foot- ”note (*), p. 249.

might transpire as we advanced. i

After ]3roceeding some miles farther we found a plantation on fire, on which place there were large lots of cotton and naval stores being j consumed by the devouring element. The only persons to be seen were a few colored people, and a white man and a colored boy in a boat endeavoring to escape through the swamp, whom we arrested and took on board. It by this time having become dark, and seeing no signs of the U. S. steamer Eolus, we determined to push forward with all dispatch possible.

On arriving at the point where the Chickamauga was sunk, we found her lying on the left bank of the river with ample room to pass.

Some few miles above this point was a chain stretched across the river, which we were fortunate enough to pass safely over; and it is our belief that the said chain was letdown by the negroes in the vicinity. Above this place many trees had been felled so as to throw them across the stream, but the tide had fortunately swept them clear of the channel.

Proceeding, we came to a point called Indian Mills, where we found a battery covering the chain. It had been reported that said bat^ tery was garrisoned by Confederate troops. After consultation with Cai)tain Reifle (commanding a detachment of the Thirteenth Indiana Regiment composed of sharpshooters) we came to the conclusion if fired upon to land the troops and endeavor to take the battery by an assault; but as we were not molested we proceeded on our way.

Nothing further of interest occurred until we arrived in the city ol Elizabethtown, where we perceived large fires upon the banks of the river. On our arriving off the town we found it in a general confla¬ gration; also boats in the river completely enveloped in flames as well. The heat from the flames was intense, and the dense clouds ol smoke made it almost an impossibility to proceed; but still we pushec forward and managed to get safely through.

Proceeding some ten miles farther, we met a mass of burning timbei floating down the river, which our colored pilots informed us wen portions of the bridge which crossed the river at Fayetteville. the skill of said pilots we evaded the burning mass with the loss of on( boat which was towing astern. i

After proceeding some few miles farther, bodies of cavalry wer^ seen along the right bank of the river, which immediately gallopei away. From this point the banks of the river were strongly picketed

Previous orders had been given to extinguish all lights and for al to retain silence on board. A white mist occasionally enveloped th< boat, our only marks then to steer by being the branches of the tree along the banks.

On arriving about twelve miles below Fayetteville the Confederate opened fire upon us, which was promptly returned by the troops oi board, as well as from the guns on board the launch under the com mand of Mr. Pool, in charge of the obstruction party. Fortunatel; no one was hurt on board, although a number of shots struck th pilot-house. This fire was kept up at intervals for several miles.

At 6 a. m. we arrived at our destination. On our arrival we foum the place occupied by the troops of General Sherman’s command, an* sharp skirmishing with the enemy across the river. We proceede* immediately to General Sherman’s headquarters and reported Marc 12 at 7 a. m. The general was much pleased to see us and congratr lated us upon our safe arrival.

We received orders from him to remain at Fayetteville until dusk of the evening, as he wished to send down a bearer of dispatches; also mails and passengers. At the time appointed we immediately started for Wilmington, N. C.

After leaving Fayetteville, and proceeding some miles on our way, we met the U. S. steamer Eolus, with whom we held communication, and then proceeded on our way, arriving at Wilmington at daybreak March 13, 1865.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,