Tourtellotte writes about rebel actions in the vicinity of Allatoona, Georgia leading up to the Battle of Allatoona Pass, on October 5, 1864. He was later brevetted for meritorious service in that engagement. 

      “Capt.

           The R. Road below this point, was so wholly unguarded, that I have thought best to patrol the same, as far as Ackworth – troops from below patrol to that point. The R. Road has been so patrolled for a few days.

            Last night a party of rebel cavalry estimated by the citizens to be three hundred in number, entered Ackworth or rather struck the R. R. a mile south of Ackworth & tore up a few rods of rails, ties, &c. I am informed that the train from the front this morning ran off the track at the broken point.

            The rebels came upon the R. Road from the East, & after taking up rails & ties for a few rods, returned eastward, so as to strike & probably cross the Old Alabama road, about day light, this morning. The train coming from the Front had on board wounded. The rebels fired a few shots at the train & left. There are rumors of a considerable rebel force in the vicinity of Lost Mountain. I can not state if there is any foundation for such rumors.

            At an early hour this morning, I had heard   as soon as I heard of the break in the R. R. & before I had heard the number of the enemy, I sent the cavalry from this Post, to scour the country in the vicinity of Ackworth. If I receive from them or other sources any definite information of importance I will at once communicate it.

Very respectfully

Your Obt. Srvt.

J. E. Tourtellotte

Lt. Col. Comdg.”

      John Eaton Tourtellotte, was born July 3, 1833 at Windham, Connecticut, he commanded the Fourth Minnesota Infantry, during the Civil War. He was appointed, Private Company H, 4^th Minnesota Infantry, 30 September to 12 December 1861. Lieutenant Colonel, 1 September 1862, Colonel, 5^th October 1864, Breveted Brigadier General of Volunteers, 13 March 1865, for gallant and meritorious service during the War. He was honorably mustered out of the volunteer service, 21 June 1865. He was appointed Captain, 28^th United States Infantry, 28 July 1866, unassigned 31 March 1869. Assigned to the 7^th United States Cavalry, 15 December 1870. Colonel, Aide-de-Camp to General Sherman, 1 January 1871 to 8 February 1884. Major, 7^th United States Cavalry, 22 September 1883. Retired 20 March 1885. He was brevetted Major , 2 March 1867, for service at the siege of Vicksburg, and Lieutenant Colonel the same day for service at the battle of Allatoona, Georgia, and colonel the same day for services at the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina. He died 22 July 1891 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.