To RH Milroy From John O Dowd Dec 8 1864

              Head Quarters 181st O.V.I. 

Fortress Rosecrans, Tenn. Dec. 8th, 64 

Colonel: 

	I have the honor to report, the part taken by my  
command in the engagement of the 7th, my Regiment was  
formed west of the Wilkinsons Pike, with the 8th Minn. on my right  
and the 174th Ohio on my left.  I advanced my command on the  
double quick about three hundred yds. driving the enemy skirmishers  
in confusion and capturing three prisoners.  I halted my command  
for a few moments, to form and sent forwd my skirmishers  
encountering the enemy in heavy forces in my front, I reported  
the same to Genl. Milroy.  I was immediately ordered to  
advance through the cornfield.  I drove the enemy from  
the edge of the woods.  I halted to form and found the enemy  
in my front occupying a hastily constructed rifle fort.  I  
charged these works and captured them killing Col. Wever  
and capturing 2 commd  officers and 33 men.  I formed  
my commd immediately focusing in a south westerly  
direction with the intention of capturing a section of artill- 
ery that was to my right and rear.  The enemy seeing  
this movement commenced falling back, as I advanced my  
men shot the artillery horses and captured the guns. 


	The enemy’s loss in my front will not exceed 25 to 30  
killed and wounded.  The following are the number  
of killed, wounded, and missing in my command: 
1 commd officer wounded, 1 enlisted man killed, 33 enlisted men wounded  
a99.35, no men engaged 540. 

			I am respectfully yours 

				John O. Dowd 

				Col. Comdg. 181st O.V.I.