On the morning of the 12th of Dec., 1863, the Seventh O. V. C. and the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, with one section of artillery, under command of Col. Garrard, moved in the direction of Morristown, and when within one and half miles of that town we met the enemy, and after some skirmishing, the Seventh was dismounted and thrown forward to engage them, who were strongly posted on a wooded hill, with artillery commanding the approach.
After an engagement with them, which lasted nearly an hour, our lines moved forward gradually through open fields until within one hundred and fifty yards of their lines.
Meanwhile, the Ninth Michigan Cavalry was moved down a ravine and around a hill out of sight of the enemy, attacking them on their flank and rear, compelling them to scatter in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands.
Our command passed on, driving the rebels beyond the town.
The enemy lost heavily in killed and wounded, and among them a Lieut. Colonel.
Our loss was one man killed; Sergt. Newport, of Co. H, Seventh regiment, with several wounded.
It now being quite dark and no support near, the command fell back to Beall’s Station.
On the morning of the 14th, Col. Garrard’s brigade again advanced on Morristown, but finding no enemy there, moved on toward Russelsville a few miles, drove in the pickets and moved forward, and when near Russelville, found a large force of the enemy drawn in line awaiting our approach.
The Second and Seventh O. V. C. were at once ordered forward to attack them, the Ninth Michigan being held in reserve.
We fought them till near dark, and failing to accomplish anything and losing several killed and wounded fell back to Beall’s Station.