Union Gunboats

JOHN42768

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
Joined
May 1, 2015
Location
Upstate N.Y.
Would anyone know which Union Gunboats patrolled the Tennessee River after Chickamunga in late 1863 to mid 1864? Trying to find out which gunboat the 5th Independent Company of Ohio Sharp shooters might have been on. Thanks
 
Would anyone know which Union Gunboats patrolled the Tennessee River after Chickamunga in late 1863 to mid 1864? Trying to find out which gunboat the 5th Independent Company of Ohio Sharp shooters might have been on. Thanks
Here is a couple of pages from ORN vol. 26 that shows the disposition of the Mississippi Squadron in May 1864. Probably 8th, 9th and 10th district vessels would be the ones most likely in and around the Tennessee River for that time period.
orn26p317.JPG
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In Oct 1863 they were in Chattanooga... link http://www.oocities.org/pentagon/6964/fifth.htm

Here is another brief history of their movements no mention on being on gunboats... unless it was from the Duck River to Chattanooga??

5th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters

Online Books
5th Ohio Company Sharpshooters Soldier Roster - Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1866, Volume 1, by Ohio Roster Commission (Wm. McKinley, Jr., Governor, Samuel M. Taylor, Sec'y of State and James C. Howe, Adjutant-General), 1893 View Entire Book

Regimental History
Fifth Independent Company Sharpshooters.— Capts., Gershom M. Barber, David W. Botsford; First Lieuts., Jonathan Rickard, Franklin H. Somers, William N. Watson; Second Lieuts., William L. Stearns, William C. Lemon. This independent organization was composed of recruits from Cleveland and vicinity, who were enrolled during the months of Oct. and Nov., 1862, and mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 5, at Camp Cleveland. It left Cleveland on March 1, 1863, and proceeded to Murfreesboro, Tenn., via Cincinnati and the Ohio and Cumberland rivers. Arriving at Murfreesboro on March 9, it reported to Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans. A battalion was formed of the 5th, 6th and 7th companies, Ohio volunteer sharpshooters. The battalion left Murfreesboro on June 24, and marched via Tullahoma to Normandy, where it arrived on July 5, guarded a bridge over Duck river, and then proceeded to Chattanooga, arriving there Sept. 10; marched to Crawfish Springs Sept. 15, and was engaged guarding headquarters train and picking up stragglers through the battle of Chickamauga ; returned to Chattanooga Sept. 21, established a line of sharpshooters at Little Suck on Oct. 13, and was engaged with a continual line of sharpshooters of the enemy until Nov. 1, driving them from their post ; crossed the Tennessee river and scouted Sand mountain, returning to Chattanooga on Nov. 4. From Feb. 1 to 13, 1864, it buried 875 dead on the battlefield of Chickamauga. This company was mustered out on July 19, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. The roll of honor shows that 17 men lost their lives during the period of service of the company, 14 of whom died of disease.
 
Here is a couple of pages from ORN vol. 26 that shows the disposition of the Mississippi Squadron in May 1864. Probably 8th, 9th and 10th district vessels would be the ones most likely in and around the Tennessee River for that time period.
View attachment 91174 View attachment 91175
Thank you for the list. One step at a time to track things down. Appreciate your effort. John
 
In Oct 1863 they were in Chattanooga... link http://www.oocities.org/pentagon/6964/fifth.htm

Here is another brief history of their movements no mention on being on gunboats... unless it was from the Duck River to Chattanooga??

5th Ohio Independent Company Sharpshooters

Online Books
5th Ohio Company Sharpshooters Soldier Roster - Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1866, Volume 1, by Ohio Roster Commission (Wm. McKinley, Jr., Governor, Samuel M. Taylor, Sec'y of State and James C. Howe, Adjutant-General), 1893 View Entire Book

Regimental History
Fifth Independent Company Sharpshooters.— Capts., Gershom M. Barber, David W. Botsford; First Lieuts., Jonathan Rickard, Franklin H. Somers, William N. Watson; Second Lieuts., William L. Stearns, William C. Lemon. This independent organization was composed of recruits from Cleveland and vicinity, who were enrolled during the months of Oct. and Nov., 1862, and mustered into the U. S. service Dec. 5, at Camp Cleveland. It left Cleveland on March 1, 1863, and proceeded to Murfreesboro, Tenn., via Cincinnati and the Ohio and Cumberland rivers. Arriving at Murfreesboro on March 9, it reported to Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans. A battalion was formed of the 5th, 6th and 7th companies, Ohio volunteer sharpshooters. The battalion left Murfreesboro on June 24, and marched via Tullahoma to Normandy, where it arrived on July 5, guarded a bridge over Duck river, and then proceeded to Chattanooga, arriving there Sept. 10; marched to Crawfish Springs Sept. 15, and was engaged guarding headquarters train and picking up stragglers through the battle of Chickamauga ; returned to Chattanooga Sept. 21, established a line of sharpshooters at Little Suck on Oct. 13, and was engaged with a continual line of sharpshooters of the enemy until Nov. 1, driving them from their post ; crossed the Tennessee river and scouted Sand mountain, returning to Chattanooga on Nov. 4. From Feb. 1 to 13, 1864, it buried 875 dead on the battlefield of Chickamauga. This company was mustered out on July 19, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. The roll of honor shows that 17 men lost their lives during the period of service of the company, 14 of whom died of disease.
Thank you for your response. I have read it all through , but there is another version. See: (( https://sites.google.com/site/cuyahogacountyohio/history/sharpshooters-the )) This talks about May 1864 that puts them on a gunboat on the Tennessee patrolling for Rebel guerrillas. This seems to have happened after Mission Ridge, where they were in reserve and also their time up river protecting union citizens. Thanks, John
 
I think I found what you were looking for if I read this report right the Name of the Gunboat was Bridgeport.

a link...

https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/official-records/077/0015


MAY 10, 1864. -Affair with guerrillas at Winchester, Tenn.

Report of Colonel Henry K. McConnell, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-FIRST Regiment Ohio VET. VOL. INFTY., Elk River, Tenn., May 11, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the guerrillas at Winchester yesterday morning were those of Hays and Davis, and were from thirty to forty in number. Captain McConnell drove them from ten to fifteen be moving in this direction his probable route will be by Lexington, Pulaski, and Fayetteville, a distance of more than 100 miles. We are keeping a vigilant lookout in that direction. We lack 20,000 rounds of ammunition of the quantity required to be kept on hand. I received intelligence yesterday of 300 bushels of corn being brought from below to be manufactured into whisky. I can secure the corn by going not more than ten miles. There can be nothing permanently in the way of mapping until we can secure instruments for that purpose. Mr. Gilham, who lives near this post, will be of great use to us employed in secret service. Can he be so employed? There is also a colored man at Winchester who is regularly reporting here, and will also be of service.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. McCONNELL,

Colonel, Commanding.

Captain PHELPS PAINE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 12, 1864. -Skirmish at Jackson's Ferry (Hallowell's Landing), Ala.

Report of Captain William A. Naylor, Tenth Indiana Battery.

ON BOARD U. S. GUN-BOAT A, Bridgeport, May 14, 1864.

SIR: The following report of trip No. 2 of the U. S. gun-boat is respectfully submitted:

May 11, got under way at 5 a. m. ; ran down the river; wooded at Price's, twelve miles below, on south bank of river; passed Rowan's Landing at 12 m. ; stopped at Piney (or Seven-Mile) Island, on the north side, near the head, and reconnoitered the island, it having been reported that a band of guerrillas had been there. We found a lot of horses two of which were marked U. S. ; ran down to the foot of the island and landed on the south side; made Gunter's Landing about 5 p. m., fired two shells, and landed a detachment of sharpshooters, who discovered a body of cavalry, about 200, stationed at Guntersville; threw three or four shells. Scouts called in at 6 p. m. ; they brought off a citizen named T. F. Capehart, who is kept under guard. Moved down to Johnston's, receiving two or three shots from sharpshooters stationed on the south bank of the river, and anchored for the night.

May 12, got under way this morning at 4; ran down to Whitesburg, arriving about 7 a. m. Colonel Jackson, commanding post, reported about 2,000 rebel troops at Gadsden; crossed the river and wooded at the rebel works; sent out scouts, who discovered about FIFTY of the enemy a mile from the river; fired a few shells, when they left; ran up and landed a detachment of sharpshooters about a mile below Hallowell's wood-yard, or Jackson's Ferry, then proceeded to the ferry and set ashore another detachment, and reconnoitered half a mile back of the landing, and waited for the detachment landed below to arrive. At this time the rebels, number unknown, concealed among the rocks and bushes, opened a cross-fire on our party, wounding 3 men, 1 of whom died soon after being brought on board the boat. As the fire was from three directions, it was impossible to see or know the force of the enemy. The riflemen fell back to the boat; backing out into the stream, we shelled the landing; crossed to the opposite side, wooded, returned to the landing, and set ashore a detachment of men for the purpose of burning the buildings. They found 17 horses and mules, which were killed, it not being possible to bring them off. The rebels opened fire on them, when we shelled them out, and our party, under cover of the fire from the boat, burned all the buildings; two of them contained loose cotton. In landing to take the men aboard the enemy attempted to flank us and cut the burning party off from the boat, but were repulsed by another detachment which we landed and two discharges of canister. A party of contrabands came and begged to be taken off. The party consisted of five men, six women, and eighteen children. After taking them aboard we proceed up the river, making Gunter's Landing about sunset. Landed and took on wood on north side of the river; were fired into by riflemen in the works at the landing. We threw a few shell into the works, when they left. The inclosed order* was picked up at Hallowell's wood-yard and is respectfully forwarded.

May 13, ran up the river until 1 a. m., when the for became so heavy could proceed no farther, and anchored about twenty-five miles below Bridgeport. Got under way an hour after sunrise, the fog having cleared up; stopped to wood about two miles below Cool Creek; passed pontoon-boat at mouth of Cool Creek; arrived at Bridgeport at 1 p. m.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. NAYLOR,

Captain Tenth Indiana Battery, Commanding Boat.

Colonel KRZYZANOWSKI,

Commanding Post, Bridgeport.
 
I think I found what you were looking for if I read this report right the Name of the Gunboat was Bridgeport.

a link...

https://ehistory.osu.edu/books/official-records/077/0015


MAY 10, 1864. -Affair with guerrillas at Winchester, Tenn.

Report of Colonel Henry K. McConnell, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-FIRST Regiment Ohio VET. VOL. INFTY., Elk River, Tenn., May 11, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the guerrillas at Winchester yesterday morning were those of Hays and Davis, and were from thirty to forty in number. Captain McConnell drove them from ten to fifteen be moving in this direction his probable route will be by Lexington, Pulaski, and Fayetteville, a distance of more than 100 miles. We are keeping a vigilant lookout in that direction. We lack 20,000 rounds of ammunition of the quantity required to be kept on hand. I received intelligence yesterday of 300 bushels of corn being brought from below to be manufactured into whisky. I can secure the corn by going not more than ten miles. There can be nothing permanently in the way of mapping until we can secure instruments for that purpose. Mr. Gilham, who lives near this post, will be of great use to us employed in secret service. Can he be so employed? There is also a colored man at Winchester who is regularly reporting here, and will also be of service.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. K. McCONNELL,

Colonel, Commanding.

Captain PHELPS PAINE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 12, 1864. -Skirmish at Jackson's Ferry (Hallowell's Landing), Ala.

Report of Captain William A. Naylor, Tenth Indiana Battery.

ON BOARD U. S. GUN-BOAT A, Bridgeport, May 14, 1864.

SIR: The following report of trip No. 2 of the U. S. gun-boat is respectfully submitted:

May 11, got under way at 5 a. m. ; ran down the river; wooded at Price's, twelve miles below, on south bank of river; passed Rowan's Landing at 12 m. ; stopped at Piney (or Seven-Mile) Island, on the north side, near the head, and reconnoitered the island, it having been reported that a band of guerrillas had been there. We found a lot of horses two of which were marked U. S. ; ran down to the foot of the island and landed on the south side; made Gunter's Landing about 5 p. m., fired two shells, and landed a detachment of sharpshooters, who discovered a body of cavalry, about 200, stationed at Guntersville; threw three or four shells. Scouts called in at 6 p. m. ; they brought off a citizen named T. F. Capehart, who is kept under guard. Moved down to Johnston's, receiving two or three shots from sharpshooters stationed on the south bank of the river, and anchored for the night.

May 12, got under way this morning at 4; ran down to Whitesburg, arriving about 7 a. m. Colonel Jackson, commanding post, reported about 2,000 rebel troops at Gadsden; crossed the river and wooded at the rebel works; sent out scouts, who discovered about FIFTY of the enemy a mile from the river; fired a few shells, when they left; ran up and landed a detachment of sharpshooters about a mile below Hallowell's wood-yard, or Jackson's Ferry, then proceeded to the ferry and set ashore another detachment, and reconnoitered half a mile back of the landing, and waited for the detachment landed below to arrive. At this time the rebels, number unknown, concealed among the rocks and bushes, opened a cross-fire on our party, wounding 3 men, 1 of whom died soon after being brought on board the boat. As the fire was from three directions, it was impossible to see or know the force of the enemy. The riflemen fell back to the boat; backing out into the stream, we shelled the landing; crossed to the opposite side, wooded, returned to the landing, and set ashore a detachment of men for the purpose of burning the buildings. They found 17 horses and mules, which were killed, it not being possible to bring them off. The rebels opened fire on them, when we shelled them out, and our party, under cover of the fire from the boat, burned all the buildings; two of them contained loose cotton. In landing to take the men aboard the enemy attempted to flank us and cut the burning party off from the boat, but were repulsed by another detachment which we landed and two discharges of canister. A party of contrabands came and begged to be taken off. The party consisted of five men, six women, and eighteen children. After taking them aboard we proceed up the river, making Gunter's Landing about sunset. Landed and took on wood on north side of the river; were fired into by riflemen in the works at the landing. We threw a few shell into the works, when they left. The inclosed order* was picked up at Hallowell's wood-yard and is respectfully forwarded.

May 13, ran up the river until 1 a. m., when the for became so heavy could proceed no farther, and anchored about twenty-five miles below Bridgeport. Got under way an hour after sunrise, the fog having cleared up; stopped to wood about two miles below Cool Creek; passed pontoon-boat at mouth of Cool Creek; arrived at Bridgeport at 1 p. m.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. NAYLOR,

Captain Tenth Indiana Battery, Commanding Boat.

Colonel KRZYZANOWSKI,

Commanding Post, Bridgeport.
5Fish, That sure lines up very well with the Cuyahoga report. Looks like the Captain Naylor refers to it only as Gunboat "A" , unless you found the name in another part. The Elk River is about 125 miles running from South central Tennessee down into extreme Northern Alabama. Guntersville is mentioned on the Elk River map, I think you may have picked up Bridgeport as another town on the river. The Captains report fits the Cuyahoga report . I really appreciate the help. My interest in the 5th Independent Company relates to a 1860 Spencer rifle that I just purchased. From SRS books the serial number is a hit and from the Units Ordnance report I have the person it was issued to. Corporal Edward P. Thompson a 21 yr. old who lived the War to the end. He mustered out in Nashville on June 1865. He died June 19,1912 and is buried in Cleveland,Ohio. If you run across anything else, keep me in mind.Thanks again, John
 
Here is a couple of pages from ORN vol. 26 that shows the disposition of the Mississippi Squadron in May 1864. Probably 8th, 9th and 10th district vessels would be the ones most likely in and around the Tennessee River for that time period.
View attachment 91174 View attachment 91175

1stMS, Looks like it actually was the Elk River a tributary of the Tennessee where the events happened. Thank, John
I think I 'm wrong as the Elk River is way West of the mentioned Guntersville and Bridgeport in the Northeast corner of Alabama. John
 
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Looks like the Captain Naylor refers to it only as Gunboat "A" , unless you found the name in another part

Well, I did get the name wrong here but.... this is from Wiki on the 10th Indiana Light Battery... Detail service.. Read the Bold print....

Ordered to Louisville, Ky. Advance on Nashville, Tenn., February 10–25, 1862. Occupation of Nashville February 25-March 17. March to Savannah, Tenn., March 17-April 6. Battle of Shiloh April 6–7 (reserve). Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Occupation of Corinth May 30. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. Buell's Campaign in northern Alabama and middle Tennessee June to August. March to Louisville, Ky., in pursuit of Bragg August 21-September 26. Pursuit of Bragg to London, Ky., October 1–22. Battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8 (reserve). March to Nashville, Tenn., October 22-November 7, and duty there until December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26–30. Battle of Stones River December 30–31, 1862 and January 1–3, 1863. Duty at Murfreesboro until June. Reconnaissance to Nolensville and Versailles January 13–15. Expedition to McMinnville April 20–30. Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7. Occupation of middle Tennessee until August 16. Chickamauga Campaign August 16-September 22. Occupation of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 9. Assigned to duty as garrison. Siege of Chattanooga September 24-November 24. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23–27. Lookout Mountain November 24. Missionary Ridge November 25. Garrison duty at Chattanooga until March 1864.64. Balance assigned to d 88 men transferred to 5th and 18th Indiana Batteries March 18uty on gunboat "Stone's River" and at Decatur, Ala., until June 19, 1865. Fletcher's Ferry May 18, 1864. Battery brought together June 1865, and duty at Huntsville, Ala., until July 2. Moved to Indianapolis, Ind., July 2–6.

I have yet to verify it from another source... Stone River was a U. S. Army Gunboat... Here is a better detail record of the 10th Indiana Battery... http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyin/10th_in_light_battery.html

Regimental History
Tenth Indiana Light Battery. — Capts., Jerome B. Cox, William A. Naylor, Ferdinand Mayer. This battery was recruited at Lafayette in the fall of 1861, and was mustered in Jan. 25, 1862. It left the same day for Louisville and remained at Camp Gilbert until Feb., 1862, when it joined Nelson's division of Buell's army and marched with it to Nashville, assisting in the capture of that city. Its division participated at Shiloh but the battery was compelled to remain inactive at Savannah on account of lack of transportation. It took part in the siege of Corinth and after its evacuation moved to Athens, Ala., where it remained in the reserve artillery until the latter part of July, when it moved to Decherd, Tenn., joined Wood's division and moved with it in the campaign through northern Alabama and Tennessee. It fell back to Nashville, marched thence to Louisville, from which point it moved in the campaign that resulted in driving Bragg's army from the state. Returning to Nashville it accompanied the army in the movement on Murfreesboro, participating in the battle of Stone's river. It drove back a body of skirmishers and performed excellent service against the enemy's artillery on the first day and on the third day it kept up a heavy fire most of the day. The battery remained in the vicinity of Murfreesboro until June, 1863. Capt. Cox resigned June 2, and Lieut. Naylor was promoted to the captaincy. From Tullahoma it proceeded to the Sequatchie valley; accompanying Wagner's brigade to the Tennessee river opposite Chattanooga and shelling the town on several occasions. In October it removed to Moccasin point, from which place it did effectual service in shelling Lookout mountain. It participated in the storming of Missionary ridge and remained at Chattanooga during the winter, 45 of the men reenlisting as veterans. In the spring it lost its identity, 88 of the men being transferred to the 5th and 8th Ind. batteries, and participating in the Atlanta campaign, while the remaining 40 were placed on the gunboat "Stone River" at Decatur, remaining with it as gunboatmen until June 19, when the battery was brought together again and ordered to Huntsville, Ala. It was then ordered to Indianapolis where it was mustered out July 10, 1865.

Here a bio of a man who served in the 10th and on the Stone River... Mr. Seeley

https://books.google.com/books?id=g...ndiana battery on Gunboat Stone River&f=false
 
If read this write there is a print of the gunboat Stone River at Notre Dame U... Link...

http://archives.nd.edu/findaids/ead/index/SHR015.HTM

    • GSHR 11/05 B/WNewspaperclipping : Engraving of the wedding of Minnie Sherman's and Lieutenant Thomas Fitch, October 1, 1874, at St. Aloysius' Church in Washington, D.C., sketched by Harry Ogden; Fr. Edward Sorin and Mother Angela Gillespie were among the numerous dignitaries in attendance (not pictured) 1874/10
    • GSHR 11/06 B/WPrint : Portrait of Judge Philemon Ewing c1880s
    • GSHR 11/07 B/WEngraving : Portrait of Rear Admiral David G. Farragut c1865
    • GSHR 11/08 B/WPrint : Portrait of General Grenville M. Dodge 1896
    • GSHR 11/09 B/WPrint : Sherman family tombstones in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri 1891
    • GSHR 11/09 B/WPrint : Sherman family tombstones in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri 1946
    • GSHR 11/10 B/WPrint : Ewing Family Tombstones in a cemetery in Lancaster, Ohio c1860s
    • GSHR 11/11 ColoredPrint : Hand colored photo of a painting of the Madonna and Child by Alfred S. Campbell c1896
    • GSHR 11/12 Colorwatercolorpainting : The Well at Cawnpore, India, by R.E. Rothery c1900s
    • GSHR 12/01 B/WPrint : Civil War - Railroad bridge across Chattanooga Creek, Chattanooga, Tennessee; photo by R.M. Cressy c1860s
    • GSHR 12/02-04 B/WPrints : Civil War - Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee; photos by R.M. Cressy c1860s
    • GSHR 12/05 B/WPrint : Civil War - Building of a military bridge at Chattanooga, Tennessee c1860s
    • GSHR 12/06 B/WPrint : Civil War - US Gun Boat "Stone River" on a river in Bridgeport, Alabama c1860s
 
5Fish, Thank you for your research efforts. Bridgeport,Al. is in the extreme Northeastern corner of Alabama on the Tennessee border. It is about 40 odd miles Southwest of Chattanooga and Guntersville, Al. is about 60 more miles Southwest into Alabama still on the Tennessee river. I don't think my man was involved with the 10th Indiana. That might have been an infantry unit that went into the 10th Indiana. I believe the 5th company remained with the 6th and 7th all as part of the 1st Battalion of Ohio Sharp Shooters. From "History of Cuyahoga County" " The sharpshooters, while patrolling the river, passed through several other interesting experiences, which we have not space to relate here. After their gunboat service was over, they joined Sherman's army at Big Shanty. The Seventh company became that general's headquarter guard, and the others were in charge of the ammunition train of the army of the Cumberland, from that point to Atlanta. Afterward the battalion of three companies returned to Tennessee and was made Gen. Thomas' headquarter guard, which position it held till the close of the war. In April, 1865, Capt. Barber was mustered out to accept the lieutenant-coloneley of the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Infantry, and the battalion was mustered out on the 19th of July following. " The records I find show my man mustering out on July 19, 1865 in Nashville. Thanks again, John
 
You know that May 12th 1864, at least part or some of the 5th Ohio Sharpshooters were with 44 members of the 10th Indiana Battery on the union gunboat Stone River in a skirmish with the confederates..


5Fish, I still haven't grasped how the 10th Indiana Battery became part of this search for the 5th Company Independent Ohio Sharp Shooters. Granted they were involved on Gunboats. Maybe I'm missing something. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks,John
 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. NAYLOR,

Captain Tenth Indiana Battery, Commanding Boat.


Lt. W. Naylor of 10th Indiana Battery was in command of gunboat A and wrote the report about what happen on May 12th, 1864. If you look into the 10th Indiana history, you learn the 10th Indiana Battery was put in charge a gunboat called Stone River in the month of May 1864.
 
5Fish, I'm thinking we are looking at two different groups of Sharpshooters and similar incidents. The Regimental History of the 5th Ohio S.S. last entry ends with Feb.13,1864 burial of dead from Chickamunga. The only listing after that is the mustering out in July,1865 in Nashville. There is no mention of the Gunboat service listed in it. The Cuyahoga County History is where the Gunboat service appears. So maybe The Cuyahoga County History muddied the waters. The report of Captain Naylor of Feb 13,!864 only states Sharpshooters. He doesn't say Ohio or anything else. I'm thinking this might be another Regiment of S.S.'s other then the Ohio S.S.'s as It states they mustered out on July 10,1865 in Indianapolis. If I find anything else mentioning the Gunboat incident, I will bring this back to life. Thanks, John
 
The date of the the event...

May 12: Skirmish, Jackson's Ferry, Hallowell Landing

OHIO--5th Co. Sharpshooters.

That info above is from Tufts U. ... http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:2001.05.0140:state=Alabama:year=1864

This information below is form your link ... https://sites.google.com/site/cuyahogacountyohio/history/sharpshooters-th

From about the first of May until the first of July the battalion manned a gunboat in the Tennessee, to keep the banks and vicinity clear of rebel guerrillas and raiding parties.

On the 12th of May about sixty-five men came near being massacred through the management of the pilot of the gunboat, who turned out to be a rebel spy. The negro huts and storehouses of a plantation on the south side of the Tennessee had been made the headquarters of a boy of Texas Rangers, who were accustomed to cross the river, do what injury they could to the Union forces and return thither. Captain Barber determined to clear them out. The pilot suggested, and the captain agreed, that the boat should lie near the town, as it was called, through the night, then land below it and march up the river road, under the protection of the boat, to attack it.

Lt Naylor report on May 12th...

MAY 12, 1864. -Skirmish at Jackson's Ferry (Hallowell's Landing), Ala.

Report of Captain William A. Naylor, Tenth Indiana Battery.

ON BOARD U. S. GUN-BOAT A, Bridgeport, May 14, 1864.

SIR: The following report of trip No. 2 of the U. S. gun-boat is respectfully submitted:

May 11, got under way at 5 a. m. ; ran down the river; wooded at Price's, twelve miles below, on south bank of river; passed Rowan's Landing at 12 m. ; stopped at Piney (or Seven-Mile) Island, on the north side, near the head, and reconnoitered the island, it having been reported that a band of guerrillas had been there. We found a lot of horses two of which were marked U. S. ; ran down to the foot of the island and landed on the south side; made Gunter's Landing about 5 p. m., fired two shells, and landed a detachment of sharpshooters, who discovered a body of cavalry, about 200, stationed at Guntersville; threw three or four shells. Scouts called in at 6 p. m. ; they brought off a citizen named T. F. Capehart, who is kept under guard. Moved down to Johnston's, receiving two or three shots from sharpshooters stationed on the south bank of the river, and anchored for the night.

May 12, got under way this morning at 4; ran down to Whitesburg, arriving about 7 a. m. Colonel Jackson, commanding post, reported about 2,000 rebel troops at Gadsden; crossed the river and wooded at the rebel works; sent out scouts, who discovered about FIFTY of the enemy a mile from the river; fired a few shells, when they left; ran up and landed a detachment of sharpshooters about a mile below Hallowell's wood-yard, or Jackson's Ferry, then proceeded to the ferry and set ashore another detachment, and reconnoitered half a mile back of the landing, and waited for the detachment landed below to arrive. At this time the rebels, number unknown, concealed among the rocks and bushes, opened a cross-fire on our party, wounding 3 men, 1 of whom died soon after being brought on board the boat. As the fire was from three directions, it was impossible to see or know the force of the enemy. The riflemen fell back to the boat; backing out into the stream, we shelled the landing; crossed to the opposite side, wooded, returned to the landing, and set ashore a detachment of men for the purpose of burning the buildings. They found 17 horses and mules, which were killed, it not being possible to bring them off. The rebels opened fire on them, when we shelled them out, and our party, under cover of the fire from the boat, burned all the buildings; two of them contained loose cotton. In landing to take the men aboard the enemy attempted to flank us and cut the burning party off from the boat, but were repulsed by another detachment which we landed and two discharges of canister. A party of contrabands came and begged to be taken off. The party consisted of five men, six women, and eighteen children. After taking them aboard we proceed up the river, making Gunter's Landing about sunset. Landed and took on wood on north side of the river; were fired into by riflemen in the works at the landing. We threw a few shell into the works, when they left. The inclosed order* was picked up at Hallowell's wood-yard and is respectfully forwarded.

May 13, ran up the river until 1 a. m., when the for became so heavy could proceed no farther, and anchored about twenty-five miles below Bridgeport. Got under way an hour after sunrise, the fog having cleared up; stopped to wood about two miles below Cool Creek; passed pontoon-boat at mouth of Cool Creek; arrived at Bridgeport at 1 p. m.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. NAYLOR,

Captain Tenth Indiana Battery, Commanding Boat.

Colonel KRZYZANOWSKI,

Commanding Post, Bridgeport.


We now know the 5th Ohio SS was on river duty in May 1864 and we know Capt. Naylor of the 10th Indiana Battery commanded the gunboat and wrote the report of events on May 12th. You look at the history of the 10th Indiana Battery they were given command of a gunboat named Stone River in May 1864...
 

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