I again express my profound acknowledgments to Brigadier-Generals Blair and Thayer, and Colonels De Conrcey, Lindsey, and Sheldon, brigade commanders.  Also to Major M. C. Garber, assistant quartermaster; Captain S. S. Lyon, acting topographical engineer; Lieutenant Burdick, acting ordnance officer; Lieutenant Hutchins, acting chief of staff; Lieutenants H. G. Fisher and Smith, of Signal Corps; Lieutenant E. D. Saunders, my acting assistant adjutant-general; and Lieutenants English and Montgomery, acting aides-de-camp, for the efficient services rendered me.

Nor can I close this report without speaking in terms of high praise of the meritorious and gallant services of Captains Foster and Lamphier.  Their batteries silenced several of the enemy’s works, and throughout the operations rendered good service.  My sincere acknowledgments are also due to Captain Griffith, commanding First Iowa Battery, and Captain Hoffman, commanding Fourth Ohio Battery.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

George W. Morgan, Brigadier-General Volunteers.

Cincinnati, February 8, 1876.

My dear general:  Regarding the attack at Chickasaw Bayou, my record shows the position of Steele on the left; Morgan to his right; Morgan L. Smith to his right, and A. J. Smith on the extreme right; the latter not expected to accomplish much more than a diversion, the result to come from the three other divisions, Morgan having the best opportunity.  Saturday night they were in position; you were at Lake’s plantation, right and rear of Morgan.

The attack for lodgment on the hills was ordered for Sunday morning, December 28th.  I was sent to A. J. Smith before daylight, and returned to you soon after.  You were with Morgan.  You had fully explained to him the importance of his success, and that he should be present with the attacking column, which was to be a part of his division, supported by the remainder, and by Blair’s brigade of Steele’s division cooperating.  The attack was to be simultaneous, by the four divisions, on a signal.

Morgan’s answer to you was that, when the signal was given, he would lead his attack, and with his life he would be on the bluffs in fifteen minutes.  He seemed of positive knowledge, and as sure of success.  You then retired to a central point, to be in easy communication with Steele and Morgan L. Smith.  The attack was made, and developed, in the case of Steele, M. L. Smith, and A. J. Smith, that to cross the bayou was impossible, if opposed by any force, and in each they were by a strong one.  Morgan’s attacking force succeeded in getting across the causeway and marsh, but he did not go with it, nor support it with more men, and a large number were captured from Blair’s brigade after gaining the enemy’s last line of works covering the bayou.  At the time everybody blamed and criticised Morgan with the failure.  You felt from the advance of his attack it must be successful, and, as it pushed forward, you sent me to urge on M. L. Smith, as Morgan was over, and he, Smith, must aid by persistent attack, and give Morgan as good a chance as could be to make his lodgment....