ORs: (US) Report of Lieut. Patrick H. Dowling, - April 27, 1863

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 23, Part 1, Page 324-5

COLLEGE HILL,
April 27, 1863.

SIR:
I beg leave to report that, in compliance with an order issued by you, April 26, I was detailed to take command of 25 men from my company (H), and go as guard with the passenger train to Nashville. On our return, Monday, April 27, we were re-enforced by another guard at Gallatin, of, perhaps, 100 men, commanded by Colonel Sweet, of the Twenty-first Wisconsin. Arriving at a short turn on the railroad, a place (in the woods) called Negro Head Cut, 4 miles north of Franklin, Ky., the train was suddenly fired into by a party of guerrillas, under command of the rebel General Haughton [Wharton] (Captain Gordon then in cormmand). Fortunately the train was suddenly stopped, for the track was torn up a few rods in advance. I ordered my men to return the fire through the windows, which they did promptly. As soon as the cars stopped, we were out and formed in line of battle, Colonel Sweet taking command. By this time the guerrillas had retreated, and were out of sight, except those who were killed and wonnded, 6 in number; 3 killed and 3 severely wounded (1 mortally). Colonel then asked me if my company could deploy as skirmishers? I replied, “Yes.”He therefore
directed me to take my company and deploy, which we promptly did, advancing eastward through the woods over a very hilly country, capturing 6 horses, saddles, bridles, and halters, and completely putting the rebels to flight. I then advanced about 2 miles, and returned to the cars. The 3 wounded rebels I put on the train and brought to Bowling Green; one of them died on the way, and the other two I placed in charge of the post surgeon for treatment. The horses, saddles, and bridles I also brought here, to be disposed of as you may see proper. The only loss we sustained was 4 men slightly wounded, their shots passing over our heads in the cars. It was very fortunate for us their shots were high, for the balls came thick. My opinion is, it was merely a band of guerrillas (or, perhaps, worse); their object to throw the train off the track,rob the train and passengers, and capture the guard.

Yours, most respectfully,

P. H. DOWLING,
First Lieut., Comdg. Co. H, 111th Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Brig. Gen. H. M. JUDAH,
Commanding Bowling Green, Ky.