I have the honor herewith to report the operations of this brigade during the actions of September 14th in Maryland.
On the morning of the 14th my brigade relieved Anderson's about half a mile west of Boonesborough. Toward noon it was ordered to follow Ripley's brigade to the top of the South Mountain. Overtaking Ripley's brigade on the mountain, it was halted, and immediately reported to Major General Hill. After looking over the field of battle, I was ordered by Major General Hill to take position on the ridge immediately to the left of the gap through which the main road runs (Frosttown Gorge, Turner's gap). Remaining there three quarters of an hour, part of the time under artillery fire, and throwing our scouts and skirmishers to the left and front, I was then ordered to occupy another bare hill about three quarters of a mile still farther to the left. The whole brigade was moved to that hill, crossing, in doing so, a deep gorge which separated the hills. This movement left a wide interval between the right of my brigade, which in it's last position rested in the gorge, and the balance of the division, which being reported to General Hill, together with the fact that no troops supported the battery on the first mentioned ridge, by his order I sent back one of my regiments (the Twelfth Alabama) to support the battery. By this time the enemy's line of battle was pretty well developed and in full view. It became evident that he intended to attack with a line covering both ridges and the gorge before mentioned, and extending some half a mile to my left. I had, immediately after my arrival on the extreme left, discovered that the the hill there was accessible to artillery, and that a good road, passing by the left of said hill from the enemy's line, continued immediately in my rear and entered the main road about half a mile west of the gap. Under these circumstances, I sent for artillery, and determined upon the only plan by which the enemy could be prevented from immediately obtaining possession of said road, and thus marching entirely in our rear without difficulty, and that was to extend my line as far as I could to the left, to let the right rest in the gorge, still, and to send to my superiors for reinforcements to continue the line from my right to the gap on the main road, an interval of three-quarters of mile at least. Having thrown out skirmishers along the whole front and to the left, they very soon became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers.
This was about 3 p. m. and it was perfectly evident then that my force of about 1,200 muskets was opposed to one which outflanked mine on either side by at least half a mile. I thought the enemy's force opposed to my brigade was least a division. In a short time the firing became steady along the whole line, the enemy advancing very slowly. The danger of his possessing the top of the left hill, and thus being in my rear, became so imminent that I had to cause my left regiment (6th Alabama) to move further left. By this time the enemy, though gallantly met by all four of the regiments with me, had penetrated between them, and had begun to swing their extreme right around toward my rear, making for the head of the gorge, up the bottom and sides of which the whole force, except the Sixth Alabama, had to retreat, if at all.
The Twenty-sixth Alabama, which had been placed on my right, was by this time completely demoralized; it's Colonel (O'Neal) was wounded, and the men mingled in utter confusion with some South Carolina stragglers on the summit of the hill, who stated that their brigade had been compelled to give way, and had retired. Notwithstanding this, if true, left my rear entirely exposed to give again (I had not time or means to examine the worth of their statements).The Twenty-sixth was isolated with no friendly troops on either flank within sight of each other. The Twenty-sixth was the far right Regiment with the 5th Alabama out of sight to their left. The Twenty-sixth was fighting portions of the 12th, 13th and 7th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiments. The 12th head-on, the 13th on the left flank while also engaging the 5th Alabama's right flank, and the 7th came in a little later and hit their unprotected right flank. According to Lt. James Silas Odom of Company K, there were only 3 left in his company at the end of the battle. This would take into account also that most of the company at that time were just getting exchanged from their capture at Fort Donelson.
My loss up to this time had been heavy in all the regiments except the Twelfth Alabama. The enemy by this time were nearly on top of the highest peak, and were pushing on, when Gordon's Regiment , unexpectedly to them, opened fire on their front and checked them. The last stand was so disastrous to the enemy that it attracted the attention of the stragglers, even many of whom Colonel Battle and I had been endeavoring to organize, and who were just then on the flank of that portion of the enemy engaged with Gordon, and for a few minutes they kept up a brisk enfilading fire upon the enemy. Finding his fire turning from Gordon upon them, and that another body of Federal troops were advancing upon them they speedily fell back. It was now so dark that it was difficult to distinguish objects at short musket range, and both parties ceased firing. Directing Colonel Gordon to move his regiment to his right and to the rear, so as to cover the gap, I endeavored to gather up stragglers form the other regiments. Colonel Battle still held together a handful of his men. These, together with the remnants of the Twelfth, Fifth, and Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiments, were assembled at the gap, and were speedily placed alongside of Gordon's regiment, which by this time had arrived in the road ascending the mountain from the gap forming a line on the edge of the woods parallel to and about 200 yards from the main road. This position we held till 11 o'clock at night, when we were ordered to take the Sharpsburg road and to stop at Keedysville, which we did. We had rested about an hour, when I was ordered to proceed to Sharpsburg with all the force under my command--Colquitt's brigade and mine--to drive out a cavalry force reported to be there.
On the 15th, after resting on the heights south of Sharpsburg long enough to get a scanty meal and to gather stragglers, we moved back through that place to the advanced position in the center of the line of battle before the town. Here, subsisting on green corn mainly and under an occasional artillery fire, we lay until the morning of the 17th, when began the engagement of September 17. The fight opened early, on the left, but my brigade was not engaged until late in the forenoon. About 9 o'clock I was ordered to move to the left and front to assist Ripley, Colquitt, and McRae, who had already engaged the enemy, and I had hardly begun the movement before it was evident that the two latter had met with a reverse and that the best service I could render them on the field generally would be to form a line in rear of them and endeavor to rally them before attacking or being attacked. Major-General Hill held the same view, for at this moment I received an order from him to halt and form a battle line in the hollow of an old and narrow road just beyond the orchard, and with my left about 150 yards from and east of the Hagerstown Road. In a short time a small portion of Colquitt's brigade formed on my left, and I assumed the command of it. This brought my left to the Hagerstown Road. General Anderson's brigade, occupying the same road, had closed up on my right.
A short time after my brigade assumed it's new position, and while the men were busy improving their position by piling rails along their front, the enemy deployed in our front in three beautiful lines, all vastly outstretching ours, and commenced to advance steadily. Unfortunately, no artillery opposed them in their advance. Carter's battery had been sent to take position in rear, by me, when I abandoned my first position, because he was left without support, and because my own position had not then been fully determined. Three pieces, which occupied a fine position immediately on my front, abandoned it immediately after the enemy's skirmishers opened on them. The enemy came to the crest of the hill overlooking my position, and for five minutes bravely stood telling fire, however. In this position, receiving an order from General Longstreet to do so, I endeavored to charge them with my brigade and that portion of Colquitt's which was on my immediate left. (After researching this battle, I've come to the conclusion that the 26th was positioned the furthest left and attached to Colquitt's right). The charge failed, mainly because the Sixth Alabama Regiment, not hearing the command, did not move forward with the others, and because Colquitt's men did not advance far enough. That part of the brigade which moved forward found themselves in an exposed position, and , being outnumbered and unsustained, fell back before I could, by personal effort, which was duly made, get the Sixth Alabama to move. Hastening back to the left, I arrived just in time to prevent the men from falling back to the rear of the road we had just occupied. It became evident to me then that an attack by us must, to be successful, be made by the whole of Anderson's brigade, mine, Colquitt's, and any troops that had arrived on Anderson's right. My whole force at this moment did not amount to over 700 men--most probably not to that number.
-----Returning toward the brigade, I met Lt. Col. J. N. Lightfoot, of the Sixth Alabama, looking for me. Upon his telling me that the right wing of his regiment was being subjected to a terrible enfilading fire, which the enemy were enable to deliver by reason of their gaining somewhat on Anderson, and that he had a few men left in that wing, I ordered him to hasten back, and to throw his right wing back out of the old road referred to. Instead of executing the order, he moved briskly to the rear of the regiment and gave the command, "Sixth Alabama, about face, forward march." Major Hobson, of the Fifth, seeing this asked him if the order was intended for the whole brigade, he replied "Yes," and thereupon the Fifth, and immediately the other troops on their left, retreated. I did not see their retrograde movement until it was too late for me to rally them. -------As I turned toward the brigade, I was struck heavily by a piece of shell on my thigh. At first I thought the wound serious, but, finding, upon examination, that it was slight, I again turned toward the brigade, when I discovered it, without visible cause to me, retreating in confusion. I hastened to intercept it at the Hagerstown Road. I found, though, that, with the exception of a few men from the Twenty-sixth, Twelfth, and Third, and few under Major Hobson, not more than 40 in all, the brigade had completely disappeared from this portion of the field. This small number, together with some Mississippians and North Carolinians, making in all about 150 men, I rallied and stationed behind a small ridge leading from the Hagerstown road eastward toward the orchard before spoken of, and about 150 yards in rear of my last position.
It is proper for me to mention here that this force, with some slight additions, was afterward led through the orchard against the enemy by General D. H. Hill, and did good service, the general himself handling a musket in the fight.
The 10th Texas Infantry Regiment completed its organization at Waco, Texas, during the winter of 1861-1862 under the command of Colonel Allison Nelson. Many of its members were from the towns of Houston and Tyler, and Grimes, Freestone, San Augustine, and Washington counties. The regiment suffered heavy casualties throughout the war including many of its commanding officers. The original commander Colonel Allison Nelson, had just been promoted to Brigadier General in September 1862 when he was stricken with typhoid, or "camp fever" and died near Austin, Arkansas, on October 7, 1862.
While under the command of Colonel Roger Q. Mills, the regiment was captured at Arkansas Post in January, 1863 and was sent to the prison camp in Camp Chase, Ohio. Exchanged and reorganized, the unit was assigned to Deshler's and J.A. Smith's Brigades. After Colonel Mills was wounded at Missionary Ridge, the regiment was place under the temporary command of Captain John R. Kennard of Grimes County and consolidated with the 6th Infantry Regiment and the 15th Cavalry Regiment (dismounted) to become a part of the famed "Granbury's Texas Brigade."
Colonel Mills would return to command during the Atlanta Campaign and was wouned twice more during the Seige of Atlanta which ended his military career. Another commander, Colonel Robert B. Young was killed at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee along with six Confederate Generals including division commander, Patrick Cleburne and Brigade Commander Hiram Granbury.
The consolidated regiment would be further devistated at the battle of Nashville and by the time of surrender on April 26, 1865 in North Carolina, the entire Granbury's Brigade had been reduced to one regiment.
THE AFFAIR AT ARKANSAS POST.
Battle House
Houston
February 24, 1863
Sir: - Having recently arrived in your city, and hearing that little is yet known in regard to the fight at the "Post of Arkansas" by citizens here, as well as elsewhere in the Confederacy. I would make the subjoined statement of facts relative thereto, for the information of all who may feel interested in this matter.
The "Post of Arkansas" is situated on the north side of the Arkansas river, sixty miles from its mouth. The place was fortified with an earth work called "Fort Hindman," which fort mounted three large size guns, two case mated and one embarbette, together with some five or six field pieces, two of which were rifled Parrot guns. One mile below the fort was a trench extending from the river to a swamp. One mile or three quarters of a mile further down the river was yet another trench, intended for the defense of the place from a land attack unaided by gunboats. The troops garrisoning the place consisted of three brigades, mostly Texans, and commanded respectively by Cols. Garland, Deshler and Dunnington, the whole forming a division under the command of Gen. T. J. Churchill, and numbering on the day of the fight not more than thirty-three hundred effective men.
On the 9th day of January a scout from below brought intelligence to Gen. Churchill about a Yankee gunboat having made its appearance in the Arkansas river, at the White river cut-off, some thirty miles below the Post; towards noon on the same day another scout brought news of other gunboats, followed by transports, making their way up the river. Upon the receipt of this intelligence Gen. ordered everything in readiness for an attack and as night closed in all the troops were distributed along the first named line of entrenchment, where they remained all night in a pelting storm of rain.
The enemy in the meantime, had landed a force about two miles below us and we anticipated an attack by daylight the following morning, but in this we were disappointed; they made no demonstration until about 9 or 10 o'clock in the day, when they commenced shelling us from their advance gunboats. That were cautiously, and slowly making their way up the river.
Our troops held the position first taken by them until about 4 o'clock P. M., when the General, fearing a flank movement on our left, ordered the men to fall back to a line of entrenchments near the yet unfinished fort, which line was speedily completed and all the troops properly distributed before night set in. Just as darkness was drawing near, four gunboats approached the fort and commenced their bombardment, our guns from the fort answering gallantly, and after two hours terrific shelling the gunboats retired, one of them the Eastport, badly disabled, and our loss consisting of three killed and some three or four wounded.
On the morning of the 10th ult., at 10 o'clock, or thereabouts, the enemy renewed the attack with gunboats and landed forces combined; they had also erected a battery on the opposite side of the river, by means of which they kept up a terrible cross fire that swept the whole area of ground occupied by us. The firing now continued until about 4 o'clock P. M., [Ed: on the 11th] when it seemed to cease, and shortly after the cessation there was a yell came from the lines, which attracted the attention of the General Commanding, whose headquarters had been established some four hundred yards from the trenches. On riding forward to ascertain the state of affairs, the General was much surprised to find the Federal flag floating in every direction along their lines. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained, that some traitor in the 24th Texas regiment [Ed: 24th Texas Dismounted Cavalry] had raised the white flag and passed the word down the line that Gen Churchill had ordered a surrender, whereupon all the troops, except Col. Deshler's brigade [Ed: the brigade of the 10th Texas Infantry], immediately surrendered. He refused to surrender his brigade until ordered by Gen. Churchill.
When the General rode into the fort and surrendered, he was met by Gen. Sherman, who wished to know where his (Gen. Churchill's) men were. When Gen. C. told him they were all in sight, he seemed surprised, and could scarcely credit the fact that so small a body of troops had succeeded in battling for so long a time, and killing so many of his men.
The Federals acknowledge the loss of 1,600 killed and wounded, and I think 2,000 would not be a large figure, whilst we lost only about 100 in killed and wounded.
Gen. Churchill told Gen. Sherman that he had not ordered a surrender, but on the contrary that he had ordered the men to fight until all were dead in the trenches rather than surrender. He had telegraphed for reenforcements, and hoped they would reach him that evening. But I believe none were ever sent, save about 200 from St. Charles, on White river, who arrived just in time to be taken prisoners.
The number of prisoners taken at this Post was, probably about 3,500 - certainly not more than that number.
Your Respectfully,
C. M. Smith
Chief Surgeon of Division
[Microfilm Department - Downtown Public Library - Dallas, Texas]
JULY 21, 1864
"On the morning of the 21st my regiment was halted in the edge of an old field and in the center of the brigade, confronting the enemy's works and about 400 yards from them. Here we threw up temporary works under a heavy fire. About 12 m. the enemy advanced a line of infantry and drove in our pickets and made an assault upon our works, and were repulsed with heavy loss. During the day we were under a very heavy fire both of artillery and infantry, suffering mostly from the former, our loss being 8 killed (among whom was our gallant captain, James W. Bennett, commanding Company B) and 12 wounded. At night we received orders to move by the right flank. Marched to Atlanta; rested some three hours, at the expiration of which time we received marching orders.
JULY 22, 1864
... Col. R. Q. Mills being in command up to 2 o'clock on the 22d, when he received a painful wound by a shell... On the morning of the 22d we formed our command in line of battle in rear of the enemy and upon their left, which consisted of a large force, and the same who we encountered on the day previous. Our skirmishers having been thrown out, orders were given to forward, which we did. We advanced about one mile and a half and came up with them about 2 p.m., causing them to abandon all their artillery and driving them from their three rear lines of fortifications; but having no support upon our right we were forced to fall back to the second line of works, where we reformed. In this charge we lost 19 men and officers captured. We brought off 15 horses and mules, 6 pieces of artillery, and 30 horses to same Our lines being reformed, we were again ordered to advance and drive the enemy from the works which we had so recently held. We did so, but having no support upon our right as in the first attack, were forced to fall back."
In both charges we captured and brought out 50 prisoners, our loss being 5 killed (among whom was Lieut. Edward Ashby, commanding Company H) and 15 wounded. It is impossible to say how many prisoners we captured during the day, as many who were captured and sent to the rear were picked up by other regiments and stragglers..."
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Chapter XXXVIII, Series III. page 750]
HEADQUARTERS DESHLER'S BRIGADE,
Missionary Ridge, October 6, 1863.
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders from general headquarters, I herewith submit my report of the action of this brigade in the battle of the 19th and 20th ultimo:
The brigade, composed of Colonel Wilkes' Texas regiment, Col Mill's Texas regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison's Arkansas regiment, and Captain Douglas' Texas battery, under command of Brig. Gen. James Deshler, moved about 3 p. m. on Saturday, the 19th ultimo, from a point near the junction of La Fayette and McLemore's Valley roads, toward our extreme right and in rear and parallel with our line of battle.
About 4.30 p. m. we crossed a branch of the Chickamauga and moved directly and hastily forward to the extreme right, where the battle seemed raging with great fierceness. After passing for sometime through swarms of stragglers, wounded, and prisoners, we arrived on the line and were formed, facing our right flank, and moved forward to the attack, and proceeded some 200 yards, when the brigade was halted and ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we rose up and advanced to the front, and occupied some time in getting our position. It was now getting dark, but the firing was still heavy and constant between the enemy and some brigade opposite our extreme right and perpendicular to our line. We were not more than a hundred yards from his right flank, where he had a battery of artillery firing at the troops on our right. We remained here some minutes. Brigadier-General Deshler did not know but that the battery was our own, and declined to advance on it in the dark, it being then impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The enemy was beaten back and there was a temporary lull on the field...
About 9.30 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, we moved off a short distance by the left flank and then advanced to the front, passing through a portion of Major-General Cheatham's division. Having gained an open ground several hundred yards in our front, the enemy began, from one or two long-range guns, to shell our line, and as we approached nearer gave us several shots of canister, killing and wounding some 15 or 20 men.
We finally arrived, about 10 a.m., on the ground we were ordered to occupy. We found it being hastily abandoned by the troops who were occupying it before we came. We advanced to the crest of the hill, some 200 yards in front of the enemy's barricades and breastworks, when he opened a destructive fire upon us. We were ordered to lie down and commence firing. We now began the engagement in earnest, but at great disadvantage. The enemy was behind his defenses and we without cover. He had two batteries of artillery; we had none, our own battery not being able to get a positive position to give us aid. Captain Semple's splendid battery was on the hill with us and on the extreme left of the brigade when we moved up and occupied the hill. It fired a few shots, and was moved up to some other position on the field. The enemy poured on our heads from 10 a.m. to 1.30 or 2 p.m. constant and terrible fire of artillery and musketry, which we returned with our rifles with the same constancy and stubborness.
About 12 m. our supply of ammunition began to give out, and I sent a courier to Brigadier-General Deshler to inform him of the fact, and to ask where we could get more. A few minutes after I saw him coming toward my right, some 40 paces from me, when he was struck by a shell in the chest and his heart was literally torn from his bosom.
I may pause here and pay a passing tribute to the memory of our fallen chief. He was brave, generous, and kind even to a fault. Ever watchful and careful for the safety of any member of his command, he was ever ready to peril his own. Refusing to permit a staff officer to endanger his life in going to examine the cartridge boxes to see what amount of ammunition his men had, he cheerfully started himself to brave the tempest of death, that raged on the crest of the hill. He had gone but little way when he fell - as he would wish to fall - in the very center of his brigade, in the midst of the line, between the ranks, and surrounded by the bodies of his fallen comrades. He poured out his own blood upon the spot watered by the best blood of his brigade. Among the host of brave hearts that were offered on the altar of sacrifice for their country on that beautiful Sabbath, there perished not one nobler, braver, or better than his. He lived beloved, and fell lamented and mourned, by every officer and man of his command. He sleeps on the spot where he fell, on the field of his country's victory and glory, surrounded by the bodies of those who stood around him in life and lie around him in death.
"...Just at this critical juncture our ammunition was exhausted, and no one knew where to get more. I assumed command, and supposing that the enemy would advance as soon as the firing ceased, I ordered bayonets fixed and the cartridge boxes of the wounded and dead to be gathered, and one round from them to given to each man to load his gun with, and hold his fire in reserve to repel an assault. While this order was being executed Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, who was on the left of my regiment, sent Lieutenant Graham to inform me that the four left companies had not been firing. Being at too great a distance from the enemy, he had the good sense to prevent them from wasting their ammunition unnecessarily. I immediately ordered those four companies to the front on the hill, where the fire was hottest, and ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson to take command of them, and hold the hill at every hazard till I could get ammunition and have it distributed. I soon procured the ammunition and refilled my cartridge boxes.
At this time one of the major-general's staff came to me and informed me that I was ordered to hold the hill on which the brigade was formed; that I was not permitted to advance, and must not retire if it were possible to hold my position. I therefore moved my command at once some 20 or 30 paces to the rear of the crest and on the side of the hill, for cover, leaving a body of sharpshooters behind trees on the top of the hill to keep up a fire with the enemy. The enemy's fire soon slackened down to a contest between the skirmishers. At the same time he advanced a line of skirmishers toward the open space between my command and Brigadier-General Polk, on my right. I soon received information from Lieutenant-Colonel Coit, then commanding Wilke's regiment, that the enemy was moving around my right flank in force. I ordered him to throw out a company of flankers and engage them. In less than twenty minutes I was informed that our skirmishers were retiring before the enemy. I immediately ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison to re-enforce the skirmishers with one company from his regiment, which was promptly done. Still hearing of this flank movement, I ordered Captain Kennard, of Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson's regiment, to re-enforce the other two companies with his, take command himself of those companies, put his men under good cover, and hold the enemy in check at all hazards. He very promptly moved with his company to the ground, assumed command of the three companies, repulsed the enemy's skirmishers, and held his position without a serious struggle. A straggling fire was kept up between the enemy and my sharpshooters till late in the evening, when the advance of our left wing caused him to abandon his works and take to his heels.
The troops of my command, both officers and men, behaved with the greatest bravery, coolness, and self-possession during the whole engagement. They advanced with a steady step, under heavy fire of shell, canister and musketry, to their position, and held it with firmness and unwavering fortitude throughout the fight. Texans vied with each other to prove themselves worthy of the fame won by their brothers on other fields, and the little handful of Arkansas troops showed themselves worthy to have their names enrolled among the noblest, bravest, and best of their State. It is scarcely possible for them to exhibit higher evidence of courage, patriotism, and pride on any other field. They were not permitted to advance and would not retire, but as brave men and good soldiers they obeyed the orders of their general and held the hill.
Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison, and Major Taylor remained constantly in the line, handled their commands with ability, and conducted themselves gallantly throughout the entire action.
I most respectfully refer you to the reports of subordinate commanders for particular acts of gallantry, lists of casualties, &c. I feel it my duty, however, to record the names of Lieut. Matthew Graham, of Company C, Tenth Texas Regiment, and Private William C. McCann, of Company A, Fifteenth Texas Regiment, as worthy of honorable mention for conduct more than ordinarily gallant on the field. Lieutenant Graham several times volunteered and insisted on being permitted to carry orders and messages up and down the line, where he was constantly exposed to the thickest fire. His services were highly beneficial to Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, who speaks of him in terms of highest praise. Private McCann was under my own eye. He stood upright, cheerful, and self-possessed in the very hail of deadly missiles; cheered up his comrades around him, and after he had expended all his ammunition, gathered up the cartridge boxes of the dead and wounded and distributed them to his comrades. He bore himself like a hero through the entire contest, and fell mortally wounded by the last volleys of the enemy. I promised him during the engagement that I would mention his good conduct, and as he was borne dying from the field he turned his boyish face upon me and, with a light and pleasant smile, reminded me of my promise
The First Texas Battery, commanded by Capt. James P. Douglas, belonging to Deshler's brigade, was not engaged on the 19th.
On the 20th, it followed the brigade as far as the open field covered thickly with felled timber, when, finding it impossible to follow us farther, Captain Douglas moved toward our left flank, and came into another field, where he was exposed to the enemy's fire. He immediately opened fire on Douglas from two of his batteries, killing 1 of his horses and knocking down one of his wheels. He extricated himself from this position, and by order of Major-General Cleburne, took position on the hill with the brigades of Brigadier-Generals Wood and Polk, in rear of my line. He afterward moved down on the right to where Brigadier General Polk was warmly engaging the enemy; disengaged his horses, and carried his pieces by hand in the very face of the foe. He fired a few rounds at 60 or 80 yards distance from the enemy, advancing his pieces by hand with the line of Brigadier-General Polk's brigade. The enemy were soon routed and fled the field.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed on Captain Douglas and the officers and men of his battery for their gallant conduct. They were not engaged for any considerable length of time, but the very short quarters at which Captain Douglas threw down the gauntlet soon decided the enemy to yield the field to a battery that could charge a brigade of infantry behind their rifle pits.
Capts. J. T. Hearne and B. F. Blackburn, and Lieut. G. B. Jewell, of the brigade staff, are entitled to my thanks for promptly reporting to me when Brigadier-General Deshler fell, and for their valuable services rendered to me during the engagement.
The aggregate strength of the brigade, including the battery, on the morning of the 19th, was 1,783. I lost in the fight 52 killed and 366 wounded.
I have the honor, &c.,
R. Q. Mills Colonel,
Commanding Brigade,
Capt. IRVING A. BUCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Cleburne's Division
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Chapter XLIL; Pages 187-191]
In the morning Hood's army, after some delay, took up the line of march in pursuit of the enemy under another brilliant sun and a touch of frost on the air. In the afternoon it reached Winston's Ridge [Ed: Winstead's Hill], an elevation two miles south of Franklin. North of Franklin was the Harpeth river over which Schofield must get his wagon train in safety before he could march with his army. He therefore entrenched himself in the plain around the town.
From Winston's Ridge [Ed: Winstead's Hill] the nature of these fortifications could be clearly seen and presented a formidable aspect. The line of works extended from thickets on both flanks across a level plain and consisted of high earth works with a deep ditch in front. An attacking force had no protection. For the space of a mile it was exposed to a concentrated fire of musketry and cannon, which would threaten literally to sweep an army away. The situation looked serious and General Hood summoned a brief consultation with his officers to decide what should be done. Some of the best and bravest of his generals, among them was General Cleburne, advised against a direct assault as involving a terrible and useless waste of life. The commanding general, however, wishing doubtless to crown this brilliant, but hitherto fruitless campaign with a notable success, ventured victory upon one bold stroke, and gave orders for an unimpending attack.
It was just after the short council had been held, and on the eve of the onset, that General Hood addressed General Cleburne thus: "General, I wish you to move on the enemy, Form your division on the right of the pike with your left resting on the same, General Brown will form on your left with his right resting on the pike. Give orders to your men not to fire a gun till you drive the Federal skirmishers from the first line of works in your front. Then press them and shoot them in the backs while running to the main line. Then charge the main works." To his most intimate friends these words do not sound like Cleburne; but the entire conversation is given on the authority of Dr. Linthieum, chief surgeon of Cleburne's division, who had remained at Spring Hill to care for the wounded there, and mounting his horse, and states that he heard the words used by both parties.
There is no question that while Hood did not entertain very cordial feelings towards Cleburne, on account of the latter's opinion, expressed after his own blunt manner, that Hood's substitution of Johnston in the command of the army was a disaster to the Country yet when gallant and loyal action was called for he knew Cleburne could be trusted. Cleburne marched forward with two brigades front, Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] and Govan's, Lowery's in the rear. In a few moments the command was under a galling fire from the enemy's artillery. The first line of works in Cleburne's front, which was about two hundred yards in advance of the main works, was easily taken. Behind this line the command halted a few moments preparatory to making the final charge. All this time Cleburne was with his men. It was his custom, especially when any important charge was to be made, to follow his troops into the midst of the battle, and it has frequently been a cause of wonder to his friends that he came from so many dangers unscathed; but up to this time he seems to borne a charmed life. And now as his command dashed forward into the teeth of that fiery storm which burst from those main works, he followed them.
The writer [Ed: I] had been sent to locate a battery, [Ed: Hood hastily ordered the attack of Franklin, without waiting for artillery support] but while executing the order received a message from General Cleburne, through Captain S. P. Hanly of his staff, to return to him immediately. Reporting as ordered he found the general about the center of his division, immediately behind the line of battle. Seeing the writer [Ed: me] he mearly said, "It is too late," and the added, "Go on with Granberry [Ed: Granbury]," while he turned his horse to the right and galloped up to Govan's brigade which was rushing madly for the enemy's works.
His receding form was the last sight the writer [Ed: I] had ever had of General Cleburne alive.
Through the level plain, the valley of death, the whole line was now plunging onward, broken but closing up, thinning but still pressing forward. On all sides men sank out of sight, the ground was thick with the dead, the fallen seemed more numerous than living. Officers and soldiers, generals and privates, fell side by side. Generals Govan and Granberry [Ed: Granbury] on foot were in the midst of their men cheering them on. Within ten feet of the writer [Ed: me] General Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] voice rang out clear and commanding "Forward men, forward! Never let it be said that Texans lag in the fight!" One moment later a ball struck him in the lower part of the cheek and passed through his brain. Throwing both hands to his face as in the impulse of the instant to find where the pain was he sank forward on his knees, and there, half sitting, half crouching, with his hands over his face he was found next day rigid in the attitude in which the bullet with its blow and its swift coming death had left him.
Better soldiers than this Texas brigade, were never marshaled. Cool in danger, accurate in the use of arms, full of audacious daring and an unconquerable courage, they were an honor to the army, an honor to their State, and Granberry [Ed: Granbury] was worthy to be their general.
Scarcely had the writer [Ed: I] left General Cleburne for the last time as already described when the general's horse was killed under him. A member of his escort, Brandon of Mississippi, dismounted and offered the general his horse. While in the act of mounting this one it too was instantly killed, riddled by many bullets. Then Cleburne rushed forward on foot, and when within less than a hundred yards of the works he fell, pierced by a single minnie ball which passed through his body and probably caused instant death. Hidden by smoke and enveloped by thunder he sank on the couch of his glory unattended and alone.
The battle of Franklin began at half past six o'clock p. m. and lasted but an hour; and by Cleburne's division at least only one charge was made. The charge brought the remnants of his gallant brigades into the ditches before the enemy's works. Unable to scale the works they maintained a desultory fire from the position with the enemy who fired at them from above. On the left Brown's men had also reached the ditch, and were unable to get further. About one hundred and fifty of them succeeded in getting over the works, and were captured by the enemy and taken to Nashville [Ed: 12 men of them were men of the 10th Texas Infantry - see the regiment's casualty totals, 3 pages further] Stewart on the right had been stopped by the thicket and doubled up on Cleburne's line. Bate on the left had been slightly engaged, but made no impression and suffered but little loss. By this time the enemy having secured the safety of their trains withdrew, and left Franklin in possession of Hood. At midnight the town was guarded by his troops.
[Kennesaw National Military Park - Kennesaw, Georgia]
AUGUST 31, 1864
"My position on the 31st of August was on the extreme left of the line, which at 2 p. m. reached and was formed along the Jonesborough and Fayeteville road, about half a mile west of the former place. About 3.30 p. m. the line advanced, the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Texas Regiments, constituting the left of my brigade, being the battalion of direction. A few moments previous to the advance, a battalion of engineer troops, Major Presstman commanding, and the Third Mississippi Cavalry (dismounted), Colonel Harris commanding, both battalions under command of Colonel McGuirk, Gholson's brigade, were ordered to report to me, and were formed 150 paces to the rear and on my left in echelon. I ordered Colonel McGuirk to preserve that distance and relative position in advancing, and if the attack upon the enemy developed forces extending beyond my left to move up at double-quick time to the main line. Our skirmishers being already engaged, an advance of 400 paces brought the line under fire and a charge was ordered. The enemy were posted behind barricades made of rails in an open field 300 paces east of Flint river, supported by batteries on the first hills beyond that stream. After a brisk fight of about thirty minutes, in which my command had to charge through open fields, the enemy in my front were routed. Seeing them endevoring to rally at a crossing opposite my left flank, I ordered Colonel McGuirk to advance his two battalions in double-quick time, which was executed by that officer promptly and gallantly, and in time for his command to deliver a few volleys before the enemy escaped beyond the river. My orders were to drive all opposing forces beyond Flint River and halt on this side. This arrangement had been explained to regimental commanders previously to advancing. In crossing the field from the first barricade taken to the edge of the bottom, I passed from my right toward the point where the enemy were crossing opposite my left flank, and was with Colonel McGuirk's right battalion when I reached the creek. I ordered him to hold and dress his lines, and proceeded with the intention to superintend the alignment of my own brigade proper from the left. I on the right had already crossed. I dispatched runners to Lieutenant Colonel Young, Tenth Texas Infantry, senior officer of my brigade, to withdraw immediately to the east bank of the river, and ordered those who had not crossed to dress on Colonel McGuirk's line. The reason given by Lieutenant-Colonel Young for advancing beyond the stream was that the enemy's battery was so near the river and commanded it that it was necessary to capture or drive it away in order to occupy a line along the river with safety. This battery and its supports fled precipitately, and in half an hour I had orders from Brigadier-General Lowrey, commanding the division, to withdraw to our former position along the Jonesborough and Fayetteville road, and did so.
The loss of my brigade in this affair was 16 killed and 62 wounded. The enemy's loss must have been slight, as we passed over but few dead bodies.
My officers and men deported themselves with their usual courage.
The responsibility assumed by Lieutenant-Colonel Young in crossing the river under the circumstances I consider as having been eminently proper, evincing the gallantry and discretion of that officer. The result was that our withdrawal across the open field was entirely unmolested."
SEPTEMBER 1, 1864
"At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 1st of September I received orders to follow Lowrey's brigade to the right. My brigade went into position at daydawn about one mile north of Jonesborough, Lowrey's brigade being on my left and Govan's on the right. The enemy's line of earth-works was not more than 300 paces distant, and their sharpshooters commenced their work of annoyance at sunrise. Goldwaite's battery had position in the center of my left regiment. About 1 p. m. the enemy advanced his lines against Govan's position and against my right. After a desperate resistance Govan's line gave way, and the enemy, gaining his breastworks and the timber in rear of them, poured a murderous enfilading fire all along my line. Our forces to the right of Govan had also given way, and the enemy were rapidly pushing down the railroad to my rear. Not aware that we had any supporting forces for that portion of the line (all the troops were single rank), I ordered a change of front to the rear on my left battalion. Pending the execution of this movement Lieutenant-General Hardee and Brigadier-General Lowrey rode forward rapidly, supposing that my men had been driven away. I explained to those two officers that the movement was by my order and the reason for it. Being assured by General Lowrey that my right flank should be protected, I ordered my men back to their original position, which was promptly obeyed. The position held by the enemy in Govan's trenches and in the timber was in forty paces of my right, and the change osf front to the rear and the return to the original position were both executed under an incessant fire
Vaughan's brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Gordon, was sent by Brigadier-General Lowrey, commanding the division, to retake Govan's trenches. In advancing to the attack this command either obliqued to the left of was not placed in position far enough to the right. Three of the regiments went into my trenches and only one confronted the enemy in Govan's works. These drove them from the timber and threw them on the defensive in Govan's trenches and relieved my line to a great extent from the enfilating fire of musketry. One of the enemy's batteries, however, farther to the right, continued to harass us, coming as it did obliquely from the rear, and a rattling fire of small-arms was all the time kept up by the enemy in front.
The enemy's loss in front of my right was heavy, and their repeated efforts to break that portion of my line were repulsed. I held the position until 11 p. m., and withdrew silently by the left flank. Goldthwaite's battery was withdrawn by my order at dusk. My loss (principally from the center to the right) was 18 killed and 89 wounded.
Lieut. George B. Jewell, acting ordnance officer [Ed: former Ordnance Officer, 10th Texas Infantry], deserves especial mention for the promptness with which his ammunition train conformed to the movement of the brigade on the 31st of August, and a timely supply of ammunition whenever it was needed throughout both engagements.
First Lieut. Sebron G. Sneed, acting assistant adjutant-general, was severely wounded in the breast on the evening of the 1st instant while carrying an order in the most exposed portion of the field. His conspicuous daring won the admiration of the entire command. To him and to Capt. T. B. Camp, acting assistant inspector-general, and Lieut. D. B. Hall, aide-de-camp, my thanks are due to prompt assistance in both engagements."
[Irving Buck Papers - Special Collections - Museum of the Confederacy - Richmond, Virginia]
In Camps on Altoona Mountain, Ga.}
June 1, 1864.}
There appears to be a partial calm in the fiery ordeal of military operations at this time, so far as fighting is concerned. There is constant skirmishing along the entire line, and it seems from the apparent tardy movements of the enemy, that he is at a loss to know where is the most vulneralble point at which an attack is to be made on our lines. Owing to the topography of the country he is necessarily compelled to labor under the most insurmountable difficulties to effect any further flank movement upon our lines. Suffice it to say, that we are prepared for any emergency. The consequent failure on the part of the enemy to cut our line, after the many fruitless efforts to effect a passage, has, no doubt, produced a feeling of discomfiture among them needing such a specific as will baffle the characteristic ingeniality of the wily Yankee to procure. On the 27th ultimo there was an effort made to turn our right wing, by concentrating two corps on our extreme right, at which the enemy had learned that there was only a small squad of rebel cavalry; and, really, there were a few at this point until within a few minutes before the engagement commenced. Our cool, intrepid and ever watchful general, (H. B. Granbury) commanding a brigade of Texans, was just in time to prevent a flank movement, which, had the enemy have been successful, would have caused us much trouble. We had no time to throw up breastworks; and, under the circumstances, we resolved to meet the enemy, who were advancing upon us in seven lines, whereas, we had but one, and all that we claim is that the advantage in the position of the ground.
Although our number was small, in comparison to that of the enemy; yet this did not in the least daunt the minds of the ever faithful Texans, who have been taught by the perils of this cruel war, to face danger in every conceivable shape. From the statements of the enemy's wounded, they anticipated an easy job to whip the rebel cavalry, who were, at the time of our arrival, skirmishing with them; but as usual, they were subjected to sad disappointment. We fought them from 4 o'clock P. M. until dark. Gen. Granbury not being satisfied with the glorious victory already achieved, determined to make a descent upon the enemy after dark. The bugal sounded the advance at 11 o'clock P. M., and a part of the brigade only was ordered to make the charge. The enemy were in line of battle about 200 yards in our front. We marched forward without any interruption, for the discomfited Yankee made but little resistance. We killed and captured quite a number of the foe, and our boys considered that they were well paid off for their night adventure, and to take it all in all, it was one of the most brilliant achievements of the war. To sum up the results, any impartial observer will say that the Texas boys "are all right." Our loss in killed in the brigade is 41, wounded 117. The loss of the enemy in killed in front of the brigade 300, wounded 1200, prisoners taken 250, and about 1700 stands of small arms, most of which were new Springfield rifles.
To sum up, our loss in killed and wounded was 158, whereas, the loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and prisoners, was 1750. Let other troops do likewise, and we will soon put an end to this cruel war and secure an honorable peace. Gen. Johnston took a survey of the battlefield on the following morning, and remarked that our boys did the best shooting that he has seen during the war. There was an immense thicket immediately in our front when the engagement commenced, and in less than one hour scarcely a single bush remained standing. No part of the battlefield of Chickamauga will bear comparison to this in the slaughter of Yankees within a space of two hundred yards of our position. In some places the dead and wounded lay in heaps. The bodies of some were pierced as many as forty times. Very few shots were discovered upon the trees higher than a man's head. The enemy had to ascend the hill upon which we had taken our position, and a part of the ridge below us was very rough, but it facilitated the air of our unnerving marksmen. We are now awaiting another opportunity to show to the enemy we are not yet demoralized. Our boys have been on the wing constantly day and night since the campaign opened at Dalton; or more properly we have been like Waverly's goose, "in no place constant never," and by such we have been styled old Pat's webfooted cavalry. It is surprising how well the boys bear up under such hardships; but we are well fed and have the will to do. The enemy is moving to our right, and we have orders to "follow suit." More anon.
"TEXAS."
[Microfilm Department - Robert W. Woodruff Library - Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia]
HDQRS. 6TH, 10TH AND 15TH TEXAS VOLUNTEERS
December 2, 1863.
CAPTAIN: As captain commanding the Sixth, Tenth and Fifteenth Regiments of Texas Volunteers, I have the honor to submit this my report of the part taken by said regiments in the battle of Taylor's Ridge, near Ringgold, Ga., in November 27:
On the night of the 26th, we marched to the bank of the Chickamauga River near Ringgold. Bivouacked until about 2.30 a.m. the 27th, when we were ordered up to strip and prepare for wading the river, which was soon accomplished. After the river had been crossed the men redressed, and, the morning being very cold, were formed in line and arms stacked, and fires built to warm by.
About break of day were ordered to fall in, and commenced the march through the town of Ringgold, taking the railroad in town. After passing town 400 or 500 yards, the brigade filed to the left, marched to the edge of timber, and filed to the left again and halted when the whole had got into line along the timber at the foot of the ridge, where arms were stacked and fires built in rear. The men warmed and rested a short time, when I received an order from brigade commander to detail vedettes from each company, all in charge of a commissioned officer, to remain along the line to watch and report any movement on the part of the enemy, who was said to be not far in our rear. Lieutenant Pearson, of Company D, Sixth Texas, was put in command of the vedettes, with instructions to keep concealed and not to fire. Our main line was then faced by the rear rank, and marched silently up the side of the hill about 100 yards; halted, faced about, making our new line parallel to the first. Company F, under Lieutenant Atkins, Tenth Texas, was ordered to deploy as skirmishers, covering our front in the edge of the woods. We were ordered to keep close and in line, and refrain from firing ?? enemy as near as possible. The enemy's cavalry was reported moving toward the right of our brigade and his infantry as occupying the town.
In a short time firing was heard in front of Colonel Wilkes' (Texas) regiment, on our right, and the enemy's skirmishers were seen advancing; also, forces of the enemy passing round below our left. Firing became general among the skirmishers along the whole line of our brigade.
About the time I received orders to detach the two left companies of the regiment, and order them to report to Major Taylor to reenforce the right of his regiment, which was accordingly done, being Company C, under Lieutenant Flynt, and Company L, under Captain Nutt. Colonel Granbury, commanding brigade, ordered me to prepare the line for a charge, which was done by ordering all the men into their proper places in line and having bayonets fixed. The line of the regiment extending both ways over the turn of the hill, so as to obscure the two flanks from each other, I directed Captain Fisher, of Company G, of the Sixth, to take charge of the left wing, while I would remain with the right and Adjutant Willingham near the center, so that the orders could be better observed and passed. The signal for charge was to come from Capt. J. T. Hearne, assistant adjutant-general, placed in front of our center by Colonel Granbury to watch the movement of the enemy. This position was maintained during the fight, a destructive fire being kept up by our skirmishers, vedettes, and sharp-shooters all the while upon the enemy, who in turn kept up a scattering fire upon us.
After thus holding our position, ready to charge at any moment the enemy should show himself in the proper position for it, for about two hours, we received an order to move off by the left flank silently, which was promptly executed by moving along the side of the hill until we intercepted the railroad, which we then followed.
The officers, without exception, so far as I could observe, performed their duties promptly and well, as also the men, with but rare exceptions. I take this occasion to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered me by Adjt. J. A. Willingham, of the Tenth Texas, from the time I assumed command of the regiment, and to bear testimony particularly to his courage, and the cool and prompt manner with which he executed all the duties devolving upon him in this action. Our casualties in this action are as follows: None killed, 9 wounded, and 3 missing. All of which is most respectfully submitted.
JNO. R. KENNARD,
Captain, Commanding Regiment
Capt. J. T. HEARNE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Series I, Chapter XXXI, Part III, Pages 775-776]
The morning of the 29th of November, 1864, rose clear and cold over the armies of the Tennessee. The rays of a cloudless sun fell slightly over the grim menace of embattled and maneuvering hosts. Schofield [Ed: Federal General Schofield] was in Columbia, and it was Hood's purpose to flank and outmarch him, so as to cut him off from Nashville and capture his army. With this object in view, Hood's army crossed the Duck river about three miles above Columbia at Davis' Ford, and by a circuitous rout marched directly toward Spring Hill. A small town that was situated on the Nashville turnpike, about midway between Columbia and Franklin.
In this march Cleburne's division was leading, with Bate immediately following him, and Brown in the rear, on the right of the road over which the corps marched. Cleburne's division was composed of four brigades - Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] Texas, Govan's Arkansas, Lowery's, composed of Alabama and Mississippi troops, and Mercer's Georgia, commanded by General J. A. Smith. The latter brigade had been left on duty at Florence, Ala., and did not reach the command till after the battle of Franklin.
Late in the afternoon Cleburne reached the vicinity of Spring Hill. Near the turnpike at this point there was a Federal fortification. A quarter of a mile from this fortification ran McCrutchen's Creek, and the road on which Cleburne was coming crossed this creek and approached the turnpike at a right angle.
Under the direction of General Cheatham, the corps commander, and following the plan scheduled by General Hood, Bate moved out to form on Cleburne's left, and Brown's brigade was moved on the double quick to his right, and made their formation. General Hood then in person ordered General Cleburne to form at the left of the road, in a cornfield at the foot of a hill, move forward and take the enemy's works, adding that Brown had formed on his right and Bate was advancing to form on his left.
This order was executed rapidly. The enemy had time to fire but one volley before Granberry [Ed: Granbury] and Govan were on their works, and in less than fifteen minutes, with a loss of four killed and forty-five wounded, the earthworks with some prisoners were taken.
Cleburne's command was now in full view of Spring Hill, and less than three hundred yards from it. Meanwhile a Federal battery on the turnpike commenced to shell the command, and, as our forces had become somewhat scattered in pursuing the enemy, General Cleburne dispatched the writer to Granberry [Ed: Granbury] on the left, with directions to form his brigade on a fence running parallel to the pike, and about two hundred yards from it, so as to be prepared to move on the pike. As he gave this order he added, "I will see Govan." At that moment a shell burst over us and wounded Cleburne's horse, "Redpepper," in the hip, causing the animal to rear furiously. Lingering an instant to make the inquiry, "Are you hurt, General?" the answer was shot back as from a Parrott gun, "No! Go on Mangum, and tell Granberry [Ed: Granbury] what I told you, and we will take the pike!" In a short time both brigades had formed and the battery had retreated.
At this juncture General Cheatham discovered that Bate was not on the left, and he sent Colonel Bostick [Ed: Litton Bostick, former Adjutant of Govan's Arkansas Brigade at Pickett's Mill] of his staff with an order for Cleburne to halt till Bate had made his formation. The creek through which Cleburne's men had waded proved an obstruction to Bate, which entailed delay. Meanwhile Brown reported that he was outflanked on the right. The fact together with Bate's failure to form as ordered being communicated to General Hood, and darkness having set in, he gave orders for the troops to bivouac in position, and added "We will attack the enemy at daylight to-morrow morning.
The arrest of his movement on the turnpike was a bitter disappointment to General Cleburne, and he expressed himself very forcibly in regard to the failure that forced it.
[Kennesaw National Military Park - Kennesaw, Georgia]
EDITORS APPEAL: As the accounts of the battle of Missionary Ridge on the 24th and 25th of November that have been published are very meagre and only general in their character, it may not be uninteresting to enter into specialties, and show the part that was taken by some particular brigades and regiments, as well as for the information to the public as to do justice to those engaged.
One engaged in the affair had but little means of knowing what was being done outside of his own particular command, as the line was so long and the obstructions so unfavorable to view - hence I shall only speak of the operations on the extreme right.
About 10'clock on Tuesday, the 24th, Gen Jas. A. Smith's brigade, composed of the 6th, 10th & 15th Texas regiments, Lt. Col. Young, commanding, and the 7th Texas regiment, commanded by Col. Granbury was ordered from its position in the rear of Missionary Ridge, nearly opposite to the Indian hill in front, and moved in quick time to the extreme right of our line of battle, to the hill beyond the tunnel on the Knoxville and Chattanooga railroad, toward the river. Gen. Smith led his brigade beyond the railroad in the direction of the river, and endeavored to gain the hill in front of the one he finally occupied, but, before the ascent we begun, the fire from the sharpshooters of the enemy on the summit, warned us that the enemy had possession of the hill, so the brigade took possession on the top of the his which is channeled, the left resting in the direction of the tunnel, and the right running up along the summit of the hill. It was about 10 o'clock P.M. when we were disposed in order. The battle was raging furiously down on our left, on Lookout mountain, but with what results we did not know. Three companies were thrown forward as skirmishers, who took position about half way down the hill at the upper side of an old field. We had no artillery with the brigade at this time, but fortunately, a battery of small guns came up soon after we were in line, and, as the captain commanding was anxious to get in a fight, Gen. Smith detained him until he threw some shot among the Yankees to let them know we were ready for them. Our skirmishers kept up a brisk fire until dark. In the evening the enemy fired a few shots from a battery they had planted on the top of the hill in our front. The casualties in the evening were slight. Lieut Johnson, of the ____ Texas, was killed, and fifteen or twenty men were wounded
Our men went to work briskly in the evening, and succeeded, before the morning of the 25th, in throwing up breastworks and rails on the top of the hill, extending nearly down to the tunnel. The firing gradually ceased among our skirmishers and sharpshooters as dark advanced, and we lay upon our arms listening to the rest of guns on our extreme left, which was continued with occasional cessation's until 12 o'clock at night.
At daylight on the 25th, the skirmishers commenced firing, when they could get sight of a blue coat through the fog and the Federals showed themselves well on the alert and responded promptly. The artillery, too began to awaken the mountain echoes, and the roar of small arms with the booming of the cannon, fully reminded us that the battle was dawning with the day. There was no fighting on our extreme left, nor could we distinguish guns at the center . Our men knew that Lookout mountain was in possession of the enemy, but thought that they had been defeated on our left the day before, and that to-day they would attempt the right. Never was there a more determined band of men at face to a foe. The supposed success of our left inspired them with a determination to hold the right or die in the endeavor.
Other artillery had been brought to our line during the night, and the batteries of Captain Semples and Sweat was on our right and left, one over the tunnel, sweeping the hollow, and the other near the center of the brigade. The enemy had also planted new batteries during the night before. During the night of the 24th, the brigade changed position from where it was at nightfall - its left moving nearer to the tunnel, consequently the skirmishers in front of its original position had no main line immediately in their rear. The battle continued thus between the artillery and skirmishers until near 8 A.M., when our skirmishers found they were being flanked on the right. They took position nearly perpendicular to their old line, so as to confront the enemy who was flanking them and hold them at a stand, and finally poured the fire into their ranks hotter and hotter, advancing on them and finally drove them back down the hill. In the meanwhile, the skirmishing in front of the main body was very heavy and disastrous to the enemy - it was a battle itself.
About 11 O'clock, the main lines of the enemy were plainly visible. Our artillery did not seem to injure them greatly. Occasionally a bomb would cause a regiment to scatter like a flock of frightened birds, and all efforts to rally them were in vain. One line had advanced close to the foot of the hill and held its position. The artillery on our side could not injure them, as the guns could not be sufficiently depressed to rake them. They could not be seen by our men from behind our main lines and were only exposed to the random shots from sharpshooters and skirmishers above them. Thus the battle continued until about 1 o'clock; at that hour the enemy had advanced a large body of skirmishers up the hill and drove our advance back. Gen. Smith sprang forward and ordered our men to charge them. Over the works they went, and down the hill upon the enemy, who were driven before them with great loss. The few who reached the foot of the hill went flying far in the distant fields. It was in this charge that Gen Smith was wounded; at the head of his men, he was struck by a minie ball below the right knee - passing through and lodging in his left knee - inflicting a severe and painful wound. Capt. Blackburn, of Gen Smith's staff, was struck with a shell on the right arm, which it was necessary to amputate on the field. Col. Mills was also wounded at this time. The enemy strengthened their line at the foot of the hill and again threw forward a heavy line of skirmishers - far up the hill. We expected that the main line would soon assault us with their rapidly increasing force from below, but the fight declined between the skirmishers as before, until about 4 o'clock P.M., when Gen Cleburne passed along the lines and ordered the men to charge the enemy, meeting the enemy down the hill. Again rose above the war of arms that wild, hideous yell, which is only heard in battle, when a man regains that natural savagery he seems to have lost by civilization. With fixed bayonets, down the mountain side they rushed, a human avalanche, more terrible than if the crags themselves had been loosened from their steeps. The skirmishers of the enemy had been swept down - trampled under foot - but the flood of the Texans paused not - on it swept, accumulating strength as it advanced, carrying everything before it to the foot of the hill and late the field below. They piled the ground with the dead foe - some in their haste threw aside their guns as delaying them, and hurled rocks at the retreating enemy. The bayonet did its bloody duty, and the fallen autumn leaves was the death couch of many an invader on the side of that once peaceful ridge. Several stands of colors were captured, and a large number of firearms. Our men were, after a short struggle, in complete possession of the ground - the entire line of the enemy being either killed, prisoners, or fugitives across the fields.
The enemy were evidently surprised at the charge, and perhaps expected to await until darkness at the foot of the hill and assault us in the night. This closed the fight on the evening of the 25th. As we had full possession of all the ground over which the skirmishing had been during the day, we saw how disastrous to the enemy had been our fire. There dead was on every side. Our men fell back to their position on the top of the hill and there we remained until night - no more firing going on, save from weak skirmishing parties. The men felt that they had done their duty, and knew not of our disasters in other positions until they were ordered at night to leave the post they had defended with such gallantry and success during the day. To sum up - we lost no prisoners, lost no artillery, held our position against five times our numbers, took two hundred prisoners and five stands of colors, repulsed the enemy and charged them twice from our works, driving them from the field. That night we crossed the Chickamauga, learning that every where of our disaster at other points on the line. There were other brigades of Cleburne's division, massed in our rear and thrown as it were perpendicular to our right extremity, but the particular part they played I cannot show from personal observation.
We lost but one officer killed - several were wounded. Major Sanders, Captain Shannon, Captain Houston and Lieutenant Gibson and several others - all however, slight, save Major Sanders whose right arm has been amputated.
Our loss among the enlisted men was not heavy. The enemy lost at least one thousand killed and wounded at this point, at least ten to one more than our losses. It was this brigade that so strongly held its position in the center of our line in the battle of Chickamauga subjected to a most fatal fire from the enemy - two other brigades have given up the position.
This brigade is composed entirely of Texans - they have left their homes and families, and without a murmur remain in the army of Tennessee, facing the foe, to beat him back from Georgia - to drive him from Tennesee. They clamer not for the privilege of defending their own State specially, even though large forces are threatening its invasion, but are content so long as is the Confederacy they are battling for, so long as it is ___ ___ ___ they are upholding. They are not here seeking renown, nor to _____ the country with deeds of valor. It is as soldiers and patriots we desire to be known. The ____ of brigades of other _____ find chroniclers. The Texans find none. Publish their efforts, that their friends at home may know that they are not idle or useless, but are fulfilling what their parents, wives and children expect of them. Give their friends the consolation of knowing they are doing their duty - them the justice to show the part they are acting in these dark times.
"COMAL BLUFF"
[Microfilm Department - Robert W. Woodruff Library - Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia]
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 12. -- Report of Col. Cyrus Bussey, Third Iowa Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA CAVALRY,
Pea Ridge, Ark., March 14, 1862.
SIR: I have to report that, in compliance with orders received from you, I, on the morning of the 7th instant, proceeded with Companies A, B, C, D, and M, of the Third Iowa Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trimble, numbering 235 men and officers; the Benton Hussars, under command of Colonel Nemett; four companies of the First Missouri Cavalry, under command of Colonel Ellis; two companies of the Fremont Hussars, under command of Lieutenant Howe, and three guns of Captain Elbert's battery, from your camp, towards Leetown, to attack the advancing column of the enemy, myself and the force under my command acting in connection with the infantry and artillery of General Osterhaus' brigade, and subject to his command. My column left camp in advance of the other force of General Osterhaus at about 9.30 o'clock a.m., and proceeded cautiously west about a mile and a half to a large open field beyond Leetown, and which was about a quarter of a mile wide from east to west and running south about 2 miles, but which was intersected by fences, dividing it into smaller fields. The field first entered by my force was surrounded on the east, north, and west by a thick wood of small oaks and underbrush. Here I sent two companies of the First Missouri Cavalry to reconnoiter the woods surrounding this field. At the same time, about 2 miles to the south, the wagon train of the enemy could be seen moving in the direction of Bentonville. As my immediate command was proceeding across this field in a westerly course General Osterhaus in person overtook us, and immediately ordered the three guns to the front, they having up to this time been in rear of the First Missouri and Third Iowa Cavalry. <ar8_233>
We advanced in this new order across the field and entered the woods on the west side by a narrow road going west. Following this road about a quarter of a mile we came upon a small prairie extending 300 yards west and about 150 yards wide to the north. On the south open fields under fence extended for a quarter of a mile to the west. This prairie was surrounded on the north and west by timber and low brush.
At this point we came in full view of the enemy's cavalry passing along about a half mile distant to the north. No other force being discovered, the three guns were immediately advanced by General Osterhaus, who was present and in command, about 200 yards, and immediately opened fire on the cavalry of the enemy on the road to the northwest. One company of the First Missouri Cavalry was in line of battle on the left of the guns and one company of the same troops on the right.
The companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry were formed in line of battle in rear of the guns, parallel with the road and facing to the north. While forming the Benton Hussars in line on the right of the Third Iowa Cavalry and facing the west, I was ordered by General Osterhaus to send two companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry down the road to the west, to charge the enemy' line at a point supposed to be about a half mile distant. This order was communicated by me to Lieutenant-Colonel Trimble, who immediately advanced with columns of fours, which was necessary, the road leading along a fence on the south and thick brush and woods being on the north. The Benton Hussars were now in line about 100 yards to the right and rear of the battery of three guns, and the Fremont Hussars were yet in column of fours at the edge of the prairie, having just arrived on the ground. The Third Iowa Cavalry galloped down the road, and going beyond the edge of the woods or timber on the west side of the prairie they unexpectedly found themselves in front of several lines of infantry heretofore unseen, and who were drawn up in line to the front and right of our men, at short musket range. This large force I afterwards learned from rebel officers who were taken prisoners was the divisions of McCulloch, Mcintosh, and Pike, and consisted of several regiments of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas troops, who were concentrating there, evidently intending to attack your camp from the direction of Leetown.
The companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry were immediately wheeled into line facing the enemy, it being impossible for them to advance in column farther, when they at once received a deadly fire from the near and overwhelming numbers of the foe, who were also partly concealed and protected by the woods and brush. A large number of my men and horses were here killed and wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Trimble, at the head of the column, was severely wounded in the head. This fire was returned by the Third Iowa Cavalry from their revolvers with considerable effect.
Just at this moment a large force of the enemy' cavalry charged from the north upon different portions of our cavalry line, and, passing through the lines, went into the fields in our rear. The Third Iowa Cavalry companies now charged this cavalry force, and an exciting running cavalry fight ensued between these forces, the enemy fleeing and being pursued by my men to the south. The enemy was followed in this direction by the Third Iowa Cavalry alone to the brush on the other side of the large open fields. The loss of the enemy in this running fight was very heavy, and estimated by me, from the most reliable information I have been able to obtain, at 82.
In this same charge of the enemy's cavalry a portion of them came <ar8_234> in the direction of the three gulls, and the companies of the First Missouri Cavalry being compelled to give way, I ordered the Benton Hussars to charge, which they failed to do, but fell back. The Fremont Hussars being in rear and not in position, were compelled to give way. The guns were thus left unsupported, and were taken by the enemy and burned. These cavalry forces, failing to rally, fell back through the woods to the large open fields through which we had first marched, when they met the infantry and artillery of General Osterhaus in line of battle. Being left on the field of the first action without any force (the cavalry in reserve having failed to obey my orders), I followed to the open field, where I found two companies of the First Missouri Cavalry being formed in line by Major Hubbard. After seeing the cavalry mentioned in line, I sent Adjutant Noble, who had remained with me on the field during the whole time, to bring up the companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry to our new position, they having pursued the enemy through the fields as above stated and not yet made their appearance. He soon returned with all the companies, having met them coming in perfect order to the place desired, the companies having returned towards the camping ground, Major Perry being in command (Lieutenant-Colonel Trimble having been wounded early in the engagement, as heretofore mentioned). The enemy immediately advanced to the western edge of the field in which our new position was taken, when a general engagement ensued. At this time I ordered the First Missouri Cavalry to take position on the extreme left in the woods, which was on the east of our main position. A force of the enemy made their appearance here, evidently attempting to turn our left flank. I sent the Third Iowa Cavalry to support Colonel Ellis. When our force appeared the enemy withdrew, were followed by Colonel Ellis about 2 miles and did not again show themselves in this quarter. The Benton Hussars and Fremont Hussars, having reformed, remained on the field to the left of the batteries until the close of the engagement, having, however, been several times sent to ascertain the position of the enemy. This duty they performed satisfactorily. The Third Iowa Cavalry were then formed in line of battle immediately in rear of the artillery, and maintained this position until the close of the action, when they were ordered to conduct a battery to re-enforce General Carr, who was still engaged on the right. I went with them, leaving the remainder of the cavalry force under command of General Osterhaus. This was at 5 o'clock p.m.
The accompanying report of the killed, missing, and wounded of the Third Iowa Cavalry is hereby referred to as a part of this report.(*) The loss of the other forces will be reported to you by their immediate commanders. The three guns, after falling into the hands of the enemy, were not spiked nor taken from the field, and have been recovered, except the carriages, which had been burned, as heretofore mentioned. On reporting to General Carr, in pursuance of the order requiring me to do so, my companies took position on the right in rear of our batteries, where we remained until after the darkness of night closed the action of the 7th.
On the morning of the 8th, pursuant to order, I went with my command, now being the five companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry, into the field on the road leading to the Elkhorn Tavern, and was then ordered to take position on the right flank, where the enemy was expected to attack. This position was held by my command, with other cavalry forces, until the retreat of the enemy after the middle of the day.
In pursuance of your direct order, my command, at 2 o'clock p.m., <ar8_235> started in pursuit of the enemy towards Keetsville, on the road leading east, and continued to be thus engaged until night. I took 59 prisoners, with some horses and arms, on this expedition. Among the prisoners was Major Rucker, First Missouri Volunteers, who was slightly wounded.
On the morning of the 9th I proceeded, in command of the Third Iowa Cavalry companies, Bowen's cavalry, with four pieces of mountain howitzers, and one battalion of First Missouri Cavalry, under command of Major Hubbard, on the road to Bentonville. After advancing on the Bentonville road about 6 miles I found where the enemy had encamped the night before in large force. We followed on until I reached Bentonville, near which place we overtook a party of the cavalry of the enemy, who fired upon us and fled. My advance guard pursued, killing I man. We reached Bentonville at 2 o'clock p.m., and entered the town. Seeing a small party of cavalry at some distance beyond the town in the brush, I ordered Major Bowen to fire on them with the howitzers. Two shots were fired, the enemy retreating in great haste. Here we learned the enemy in force had left the town a few hours before our arrival, taking the road leading to Elm Springs. The horses of my command having been for three days without anything to eat, it was not possible to pursue the enemy farther. Therefore, having seen to the wounded who had been left in the town, I returned to camp. There were taken on this expedition about 50 prisoners, with some horses and arms. This march, close upon the heels of a force largely superior in numbers to our own, was not unattended with great risk, and I have to express my admiration for the promptness with which my commands were obeyed by all the troops and for their general good soldierly conduct.
In conclusion, I beg leave to express my satisfaction with the conduct of my own men, who, in their first action, having been the first and most directly of the cavalry forces engaged with the enemy, and suffered a severe loss from a near and unexpected fire, yet evinced great coolness and courage in their attack upon the foe; and although the loss of my command is greater in proportion to my force than perhaps any other engaged, being 24 killed, 17 wounded, and 9 missing out of 235 men and officers, yet it was retaliated upon the rebels by a loss to them of double the number. You will perceive that 8 of my men were scalped. That their brave comrades, fighting in support of our national banner, the emblem of all that is good and great in the present civilization of the world, should thus be butchered and mangled by rebel savages has excited among my men an indignation that will, I assure you, exhibit itself on every field where they may in future be allowed to engage the enemy, in a relentless determination to put down the flag that calls to its support bands of rapacious and murdering Indian mercenaries.
I have to acknowledge valuable assistance rendered me on the 7th by Adjt. John W. Noble, who acted that day as my aide, and of the officers who came under my notice I mention Capt. T. I. McKenny, assistant adjutant-general, of your staff, whose conduct was that of a general, and a brave one, and whose valuable service contributed, in my opinion, much to the success of our arms at the battle of Leetown.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CYRUS BUSSEY,
Colonel, Third Iowa Cavalry.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Commanding Army of the Southwest
<ar8_236>
The killed were buried on Saturday, after the battle was over after the pursuit ended. Hearing it reported by my men that several of the killed had been found scalped, I had the dead exhumed, and on personal examination I found that it was a fact beyond dispute that 8 of the killed of my command had been scalped. The bodies of many of them showed unmistakable evidence that the men had been murdered after they were wounded; that first having fallen in the charge from bullet wounds, they were afterwards pierced through the heart and neck with knives by a savage and relentless foe. I then had the bodies returned, each in a separate grave, properly marked.
By order of Col. Cyrus Bussey:
JOHN W.NOBLE,
Adjutant.
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 53. -- Report of Col. Colton Greene, commanding Third Brigade Missouri Volunteers (Confederate).
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, C. S. A.,
Camp near Van Buren, Ark., March 20, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of my command in the actions of the 7th and 8th instant near Elkhorn Tavern:
In compliance with your order all the cavalry, excepting Captain Campbell's company, which fought as infantry, was dismounted before leaving camp in Boston Mountains, and which consisted of about 80 men, the remains of Colonel Frazier's and Colonel Freeman's regiments, Missouri State Guard, and squads of Confederates numbering 105. These were attached to the Confederate Infantry, together with parts of two companies of Colonel Schnable's Third Infantry, Missouri State Guard. I marched with 658 men on the 4th instant, leaving a strong camp guard behind.
On the morning of the 7th we reached the enemy's rear near the junction of the Bentonville and Springfield roads, the command being somewhat reduced from the severity of the march. I was immediately ordered into position by you on the hill to the left of the road, where our batteries were first posted. Here we received the enemy's fire for two hours, sustaining a loss of 10 in wounded.
I was again ordered to the right, to support Colonel Burbridge, and advanced in line several hundred yards, when I found myself in close proximity to one of the enemy's batteries. Our guide was missing, and we had advanced a considerable distance beyond Colonel Burbridge's position. The enemy opened on us with canister and shell, but my men, being well sheltered, sustained no injury. I held the position for thirty minutes, when we were fired into from one of our own batteries and were forced to fall back.
By your order I now took position on Colonel Burbridge's left, and advanced on the enemy, to the right of Elkhorn Tavern. The timber being obstructed by heavy undergrowth at this point, I was forced to oblique to the left, which movement brought me to the rear of the tavern, and here, by order, I took position on Colonel Rives' right, and co-operated with that gallant and lamented officer during the remainder of the action.
It was now late in the afternoon, when an advance was ordered by Colonel Henry Little, of the First Missouri Brigade. An open, unsheltered field lay between my men and the enemy. He was in force, and <ar8_326> supported by a battery immediately on our front. Our brave men at once rushed through the field, charged the enemy in the face of a murderous fire, drove him back, pursued him until night, and with Colonel Rives' regiment slept on the most advanced position, which was the one now held.
This ground we held by order of Major-General Van Dorn and stood to our arms the greater part of the night expecting an attack. The fight at this point was renewed in the morning with heavy artillery-firing and continued for over an hour, when our batteries were, ordered off. We held our position, and I was ordered to keep the enemy in check and fall back with Colonel Rives. He had now advanced within easy range, and we opened a brisk fire upon him, falling back slowly. Three times we formed and fought him, when, perceiving his intention to flank us, we fell back on the hill to the left of Elkhorn Tavern, and were ordered by Colonel Little to follow the main body of the army, which had already been withdrawn.
I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the gallantry of Lieutenant-Colonel Shaler, of your staff, Major Franklin, Major Johnson, and Captain Campbell, who rendered me invaluable service during the action. The two last named officers were both wounded.
I wish also to record my praise for the endurance displayed by men and officers on the march and for their courage in action. They were without food for twenty-four hours before the engagement and received but one meal of flour and bacon during the two days following. Their conduct in the charge near Elkhorn Tavern is particularly deserving of your notice, as well as the good order in which they retired from the field and which was preserved on the whole march.
The killed and wounded of my command during the action, as far as known, was 65; for the particulars of which I refer you to the accompanying paper, marked A.(*)
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
COLTON GREENE,
Colonel, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. D. M. FROST,
Commanding Artillery Brigade, Seventh Division, &c.
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 39.-- Report of Col. E. Greer, Third Texas Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD TEXAS CAVALRY,
Cantonment Wigfall, Ark., March --, 1862.
I would respectfully submit the following report of my command: On the 3d instant we were ordered to take up the line of march early the next morning towards the enemy, General McIntosh's brigade to take the advance.
At 7 o'clock on the morning of the 4th we left our encampment on Boston Mountains, my regiment going in advance.
That night we encamped near Fayetteville. The day had been very cold, with quite a snow-storm during the morning. After leaving Fayetteville General McIntosh's brigade, which was composed exclusively of cavalry, marched up the Telegraph or Springfield road for 4 miles, while General Price's division, with the rest of our army, was ordered up the Elm Springs road. Four miles from Fayetteville Colonel Stone was ordered with his regiment to proceed a few miles farther up the Telegraph road, where he would remain during the night and rejoin our forces the next day. The rest of General McIntosh's brigade turned to the left, and after carefully reconnoitering the country and getting all the information we could of the enemy, joined the main body of our army at Elm Springs. Considerable snow fell again that night.
At 3 a.m. on the 6th instant we left Elm Springs, this regiment still in advance. When we had gone 2 miles that morning we were informed that our pickets during the night had fired upon the pickets of the enemy.
We arrived at Smith's Mill about sunrise, and here learned that 1,000 Federal infantry had left that place at I a.m., and had gone in the direction of Bentonville. On approaching Bentonville, from the smoke it was evident that the enemy had fired a portion of the town and were destroying some of their supplies, &c. The cavalry were halted in the prairie, 2½ miles south of Bentonville, in view of the town, a short time, for consultation, thus affording the rest of our army time to close up. It was agreed that Colonel Gates, with his command, should move around to the east of the town, and that General Mcintosh, with his command, should go to the left. Our advance guard in the mean time had approached near the town. When we had got immediately west of the town several men were sent up to reconnoiter the enemy. They soon returned, and reported a considerable force of the enemy formed on the public square. General Mcintosh, feeling confident that the enemy would take what is known as the Camp Stephens road, determined to get in rear of them. Owing to the broken, rocky, and mountainous character of the country north of the town and the absence of a road leading from where we were across to the Camp Stephens road, we found it impossible to reach that road nearer than 4 miles from Bentonville, and then only by traveling a very circuitous route. When we did reach it, it was in a rough, mountainous country. On our right there was a mountain the entire length of the brigade. The Camp Stephens road passed to the east of this mountain. Lieut J. S. Boggess, with 20 men, was ahead as an advance picket. Near the Camp Stephens road they came suddenly on a small picket of the enemy, and at once gave General Mcintosh notice of it. About this time the pickets fired at each other. General Mcintosh rode forward and ordered the advance to charge. This was done as effectually as <ar8_298> possible under the circumstances. The enemy proved to be in strong force in the hollow near which the road they were traveling ran. My regiment was formed by fours at the time, and in this manner went into the charge. Considering the ambuscade they had prepared for us and the number of shots fired by them, it seems almost like a miracle that more of my men and horses were not either killed or wounded.
The force charged by us must have been 4,000 or 5,000 strong, composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. After making two attempts to charge them I discovered at the rear of the column that Colonel Young's regiment had obliqued to the right on the mountain. I at once ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Dimond, with a portion of his command, to oblique to the left, form, and charge the enemy, which was promptly done.
It was evident that the enemy were in a strong position in the rough and rocky gorges near the road, and about this time considerable bodies of infantry, which had already passed, were seen returning with several pieces of artillery, thus increasing their force several thousand. Owing to the unevenness of the ground and the strong position held by them we were forced to retire to the right. We formed on the next ridge. At this time General Mcintosh rode up and ordered us to fall back in the direction of Bentonville.
The loss of the enemy in this affair must have been greater than ours. The army, soon after this, coming up, engaged the enemy for several miles, principally with artillery. We reached Camp Stephens late in the evening, the men and horses considerably fatigued from exertion and extreme cold. Before our wagons had all arrived we were ordered to take up the line of march, the men not having had time to prepare anything to eat. We moved only a few miles during the night, the regiments, however, keeping their position in line.
Next morning we moved slowly, giving General Price, with his division, time to reach the Telegraph road, in rear of the enemy, and commence the attack. Early in the morning we heard some skirmishing of small-arms. Soon both sides opened fire with their cannon. At this time General McCulloch gave orders that the infantry be moved forward to the left, and that the different cavalry regiments be moved up in parallel lines to the right of the infantry, the head of the different columns leading towards the Telegraph road or Elkhorn Tavern. We were at this time in an open field. West of it the country was inclined to be a level ridge, known as Pea Ridge; northeast of it was a high mountain, and beyond this mountain was the Telegraph road. Nearly east of us, about l ½ miles, was the Elkhorn Tavern; south of the field the country was hilly and broken and densely covered with heavy underbrush and large timber. Here the enemy opened fire upon us with a masked battery of three pieces in a southwesterly direction from us. This battery was supported by the heavy bodies of infantry and cavalry.
General Mcintosh at once ordered the different cavalry regiments to charge them. The head of my command, which was near General McCulloch slid his staff at this time, wheeled to the right, commencing the charge, when General McCulloch in person ordered me to halt my command, remain, and cover his position. The charge was gallantly made by the rest of the cavalry, the cannon were captured, and the cavalry and infantry supporting them completely routed and dispersed. Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, of my command, joined in the charge, and afterwards performed good service in aiding and assisting in dismounting and forming the cavalry. At this time General McCulloch ordered <ar8_299> some one to throw his pieces in battery, ready to open fire upon the' enemy in that direction, at the same time ordering me to form my regiment on the left of it. This was done. Soon afterwards I was ordered to dismount my command and hold at all hazards a hill, which was the most prominent position on the battle-field. This hill commanded our portion of the field. Leaving our horses in the rear, we took position on the hill. I soon found the enemy had the range of the same from their batteries beyond it. Here we remained during the engagement on our side of the field, anxiously awaiting orders. I dispatched several messengers for orders, but could not learn the whereabouts of either of the generals. Soon after these messengers were dispatched by me the adjutant-general rode up. I asked him where General McCulloch was. He replied that if the troops down on the right did not do better than they had done for the last few moments I had best move my command. Soon afterwards Colonel McRae passed us on our left. He stated that the enemy were advaneing in overwhelming force. About this time heavy bodies of our infantry, cavalry, and artillery were seen moving to our rear. After a consultation with my officers, and finding it impossible to receive any orders from either Generals McCulloch or Mcintosh, I moved my regiment back to their horses, and took position in the field near where we were in the morning when the masked battery of the enemy opened fire upon us. I then went in person in search of Generals McCulloch and Mcintosh. I soon met with the staff of the two generals, who informed me that each one of them was dead, and that I was senior officer on the field. I made inquiry for Brigadier-General Pike, and was informed that he was not present. The firing had ceased on both sides before this. I at once assumed command of our remaining forces on the field.
The following is a list of the killed and wounded of my command in the two engagements, embracing also a list of the killed and wounded horses:(*)
In conclusion, I deem it my duty to notice the gallant bearing and conduct throughout the entire engagement of Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, Maj. G. W. Chilton, Adjt. M.D. Ector, Capts. R. H. Cumby, Thomas W. Winston, J. J. A. Barker, Lieuts. J. S. Boggess, J.P. McKay, and others. As a general thing both the officers and privates of my command acquitted themselves with great gallantry and coolness throughout the engagement.
E. GREER,
Colonel, Commanding Third Texas Cavalry.
Col. D. H. MAURY,
Adjutant-General, Trans.Mississippi District.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 8 [S# 8]
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 4. -- Report of Col. Peter Jr. Osterhaus, Twelfth Missouri Infantry, commanding First Division.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
Camp Welfley, Ark., March 14, 1862.
CAPTAIN: Ill compliance with special orders from headquarters of Southwest District I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Division in the three days' battle of the 6th, 7th, and 8th of this month.
At 9 o'clock p.m. on the night of the 5th instant (I was then stationed at McKisick's farm, 3 miles southwest of Bentonville, Ark.), I was officially informed of the approach of the enemy, receiving at the same time orders to march at 2 o'clock a.m. next morning, in order to join the other divisions of the army at Pea Ridge, on Fayetteville or Telegraph road. We left camp at the hour mentioned, and on arriving at Bentonville General Sigel ordered the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, Major Wangelin commanding, to remain there and re-enforce the rear guard (composed of the Second Missouri Volunteers, Colonel Schaefer, the flying battery, and the Fremont and Benton Hussars). This force was to stay at Bentonville under the immediate command of General Sigel, while I myself proceeded to Sugar Creek with the other regiments and batteries of the First Division. On my arrival there I learned by rumor, afterwards confirmed officially, that General Sigel had been attacked at Bentonville, and that his egress from that town was disputed by a strong rebel force. I immediately, after giving notice to General Curtis, ordered all the regiments and Captain Hoffmann's battery to return with the utmost speed to the support of our general. They, together with the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteers, of the Second Division, responded promptly to my sudden call, and though tired by a 16-mile march, hurried back in double-quick to the field of action.
I had almost arrived at the head of Sugar Creek Hollow with this force when I met General Sigel an(l his small force, who had broken through the enemy. The latter was still following them. On a bend in the narrow defile formed by Sugar Creek Hollow I planted two pieces of Hoffmann's battery, while the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteers (Second Division)formed in line of battle in support of the battery, while the Seventeenth Missouri Volunteers were deployed as skirmishers over the whole breadth of the valley and the crests of the bordering hills.
The enemy advanced towards us with artillery in the valley and skirmishers on the hills, when a few rounds of spherical case and canister stopped him. His artillery played without success. I then ordered the two pieces back, as well as the infantry, with the exception of the Seventeenth Missouri Volunteers, which covered our retreat in most admirable style, exchanging an occasional shot with the enemy. Major Poten, commanding the Seventeenth Missouri Volunteers, deserves the highest credit for the determination and coolness exhibited on this occasion.
We arrived in camp without any further molestation, and prepared to bivouac on the northern ridges skirting Sugar Creek Hollow, near the camp of the other divisions, fortifying our position at once in anticipation of a night attack. The enemy did not molest us, however.
March 7-- Early morning brought us in the intelligence that the <ar8_217> united forces of the Confederate and Missouri rebels had passed our right flank and were deploying also on our line of retreat near Elkhorn Tavern. They advanced during the night by the direct road leading from Bentonville, Ark., to Cassville, Mo. This road joins the Telegraph road from Fayetteville to Cassville at a point a few miles north of the above-mentioned Elkhorn Tavern. To prevent the enemy from still more strengthening their position in our rear and to engage a part of his forces General Curtis ordered me to make a demonstration on their right flank towards Leetown, and, if necessary, on the Bentonville and Cassville road. The forces detailed for this purpose were mainly cavalry (battalions of Third Iowa Cavalry, First and Fifth Missouri Cavalry), and three pieces of the flying battery, all under the immediate command of Colonel Bussey, Third Iowa Cavalry; and; further, the Twelfth Missouri, Thirty-sixth Illinois, and Twenty-second Indiana Regiments, three pieces, 12-pounder howitzers, of Captain Welfley's battery, and Captain Hoffmann's battery. This command started after 10 o'clock a.m. I arrived at Leetown, having no knowledge whatever of the whereabouts of the enemy, and took position in the open fields north of Leetown, going forward myself with the cavalry and three pieces of the flying artillery. The field in which the infantry and artillery were posted is divided from another tract of cultivated land by a belt of timber with thick undergrowth. Debouching from this timber I came in sight of a large force of the enemy, mostly cavalry. All the open fields to my front and right were occupied, and the road from Bentonville was filled with new regiments arriving.
As appears from the accompanying sketch,(*) this gathering of the enemy's forces was accomplished in the immediate neighborhood of the headquarters of our army, being only 1 ½ miles distant, and it was patent that the enemy was preparing a most energetic attack on our right flank at the same time that they opened fire on our rear. Notwithstanding my command was entirely inadequate to the overwhelming masses opposed to me, which I learned afterwards were under the immediate command of Generals McCulloch and Mcintosh, and comprised some of the very best-drilled regiments in the Confederate service and Indian regiments, I could not hesitate in my course of action. The safety of our position was dependent upon the securing of our right flank and the keeping back of the enemy until I was re-enforced. I therefore ordered the three pieces of the flying battery to form, supporting them by companies from the First Missouri Cavalry, provided with revolvers and revolving carbines, forming the remainder of the cavalry in line of attack. The battery opened fire with the most disastrous effect on the enemy, and in order to cut off fresh supports two companies of cavalry were ordered to charge down the road. When I saw the effect of the artillery, creating a panic in the lines of our opponents, I ordered Colonel Bussey to charge from the right, attacking the left of the rebels. While these preparations were making, a wild, numerous, and irregular throng of cavalry, a great many Indians among them, rushed towards us, breaking through our lines. A general discharge of fire-arms on both sides created a scene of wild confusioni from which our cavalry, abandoning the three pieces of artillery, retreated towards their old camping ground, while that of the enemy made their way across the fields towards the Bentonville road.
It being evident that the cavalry could not be formed again for the present, I had to rely solely on the infantry and artillery to achieve my <ar8_218> purpose. Fearful of the impression which the above scene of confusion might have made. I went to meet them. They had stood without flinching, and in a few minutes they were in such shape that I could attack the enemy again.
The Twenty-second Indiana on my right, Captan Welfley's two pieces (one piece had been disabled), the Twelfth Missouri, Captain Hoffman's battery, and the Thirty-sixth Illinois on my left formed the line. For the reserve I had to rely on the re-enforcements for which I sent to General Curtis.
The enemy soon made his appearance with colors flying on the opposite side of the field which I occupied. Our batteries opened their fire on him, sweeping everything from our sight. I ordered skirmishers from the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers to advance and scour the woods on our right and front and sent one company of Benton's Hussars (which had reassembled) to our left.
On approaching the wood they were received by the enemy with a heavy musketry fire to which the infantry replied so successfully, that they were able to bring back (from a very exposed position) the piece of Captain Welfley's artillery which had been disabled. This piece afterwards did very good service. For several hours the enemy repeatedly attempted to advance, on each occasion bringing fresh troops into action. However, they invariably had to give way to the unflinching courage of my men. McCulloch and Mcintosh led their troops in person and both fell--the former by a ball from a soldier of the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Peter Pelican. The enemy's cannon played for a time pretty severely on our ranks, and it became necessary to silence them. My instructions to that effect were so well executed that the rebels were unable even to carry away the three pieces of the flying artillery abandoned by our cavalry in the early part of the day. They had to leave them on the field.
About 2 o'clock p.m. General Jefferson C. Davis arrived with some of his regiments and was joined by the Twenty-second Indiana, up to this time under my command. The gallant officer deployed his regiments at once on my right, advancing towards any foe who might still be in the timber. The report of musketry which followed told me that a lively fight was going on. To act in concert with him I ordered my tirailleurs forward in front, also some cavalry which had partly reassembled. I advanced with my whole line, when the enemy showed his colors again. Cavalry and infantry came around the left of General Davis and opened their fire on my now unsecured right. In double-quick I threw the Twelfth Missouri on this exposed flank, supported them by Captain Welfley's battery, who had wheeled to the right, and forming the Thirty-sixth Illinois in close column on the extreme left of this new position, to be ready for any cavalry attack, protecting at the same time Captain Hoffmann's battery. The enemy's plan being defeated by a raging fire from the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers and Captain Welfley's artillery, they made a feeble attempt to cut off our line of retreat, which was frustrated by skirmishers thrown out from the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteers. As my infantry force was not equal to the artillery (having only the Twelfth and Thirty-sixth with me), and also to counteract any further attempts of the enemy to outflank me, I thought it judicious to send four pieces of Captain Hoffmann's battery back to Leetown, which affords a very commanding position. This, with some of General Davis infantry, formed my reserve. Cavalry fiankers and infantry skirmishers having thoroughly scoured the ground in front of where the battle had raged for hours, reported the <ar8_219> enemy gone, and his train could be seen in the distance moving towards Bentonville. Similar news was brought me from the right, when a brave Indiana regiment (Colonel Davis') held aloft the Stars and Stripes, which emblem of our country was hailed with enthusiastic cheers by the brave men around me.
General Sigel now arrived with the rest of the First and Second Divisions, and as we passed on the ground the enemy's dead and wounded, amounting to hundreds, gave evidence of the fearful execution done by our soldiers. On our extreme right, where Colonel Carr was engaged, the cannon were still thundering, although night was not far distant. We marched to the assistance of our friends, planted our battery, and brought the infantry into line, but it was too late to open fire. General Sigel was of opinion that it was best to wait until morning, and not to betray our position by a few shots, which could be of no avail, as it was already night. Our men laid down to rest in a wet corn field, having eaten nothing since morning, but not a murmur was heard; they waited in patience. So ended the second day of battle.
I cannot pass over the occurrences of this day without again paying a tribute to the indomitable courage and devotedness of the officers and men. They all deserve the highest encomiums for their bravery and endurance. To mention names is almost impossible when everybody has such noble claims.
Under my immediate observation were all the artillery officers present, Captain Welfley, the unterrified, and Lieutenant Bencke, both of Battery A, and Captain Hoffmann and Lieutenants Froehlich, Piderit, and Frank, of Battery B (Ohio); Major Wangelin, commanding Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, and Colonel Greusel, of the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteers; furthermore, two reliable officers who were detailed to me for the occasion as orderly officers, viz, Captain von Kielmansegge, Fremont Hussars, of General Sigel's staff, and Captain Ahlfeldt, Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, of General Curtis' staff, and also the gentlemen of my staff. I have also to mention Captain McKenny, assistant adjutant-general on General Curtis' staff, who was with me part of the day, and rendered great assistance in bringing Hoffmann's battery to Leetown, as well as the general arrangements for the disposition of my lines.
March 8.--The commencement of this day still found our troops on the corn field, without food or fire. Several messengers sent off for provisions returned, having been unable to procure them. It being indispensable that our men should eat something before entering on another day's struggle General Sigel, at 2 a.m., gave the order to return to camp (about 1 mile distant), where we arrived at 3 o'clock a.m. The men slept till daybreak, and provisions having been brought up in the mean time, fell in, after a hasty breakfast, to deliver another and last blow on the enemy.
The ground selected for this last attack by Lieutenant Asmussen, of General Sigel's staff, and myself was a field forward of and connecting with the one in which we had taken position during the forepart of the night. The Forty-fourth Illinois Regiment was first brought up and formed in line on the left of the right wing (Third and Fourth Divisions) of our army. General Sigel then arrived and took command in person, while I was engaged in bringing out the regiments and batteries of my division.
The first position on the field was as follows: The Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers on my extreme right, connecting with the left of our right wing of our army (Third and Fourth Divisions). On the left of <ar8_220> and in advance of that regiment I had posted the Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, with Captain Welfley's battery on the left. To the left of the battery the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers was brought into position, while the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteers formed the extreme left in column by division at half distance, Hoffmann's battery occupying the interval between the Twelfth Missouri and the Thirty-sixth Illinois. The Third and Seventeenth Missouri Volunteers were formed as reserve in rear of my center.
The enemy fired from several batteries with the utmost vehemence, their shot and shell falling thickly around our lines and on our batteries, so much so, that the troops to our right were forced to fall back for a while. At this critical moment the batteries of the First Division opened on the enemy, bearing mainly on the extreme right of the rebels. The effect was proportionate to the skill, courage, and coolness of the officers and men. The enemy, seeing that his right was endangered, concentrated all his energies on that wing, the fire of their other batteries slackening off considerably. General Sigel ordered the batteries to advance, and at the same time dispatched me to General Curtis to report progress. By this maneuver, in which the right wing of our army co-operated, the enemy's entire line of retreat was brought under the concentrated fire from our lines.
To execute this movement, on my return all our batteries wheeled to the leftt and I ordered the skirmishers of the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers forward towards a grove of timber, from which the heaviest battery of the enemy was firing against us. The men, under command of the gallant Captain Lightfoot, of Company F, advanced like veterans.
In connection and to the left the skirmishers of the Thirty-sixth and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteers were also thrown out, and all the regiments of the First Division began their march forward in support of the skirmishers. They were received with an intense fire by the enemy.
The Twelfth Missouri, supported by the Twenty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Coler, entered the grove on our right, when the enemy's infantry fired heavy volleys, disputing every inch of ground. Major Wangelin, commanding the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, here had his horse shot under him, and the two regiments, going on in gallant style, soon obtained possession of the main road. Two brass pieces and the flag of the Dallas Artillery were taken by the Twelfth Missouri in this charge.
During these struggles the movements on our extreme left were just as fast, powerful, and successful. The Seventeenth and Third Missouri and the Thirty-sixth Illinois, supported by the gallant soldiers of the Second and Fifteenth Missouri and the artillery of Lieutenant Chapman (Second Division), advanced steadily, the cavalry on the left, towards the rocks over which the enemy was retreating. Soon we saw the noble regiments Seventeenth and Third Missouri and Thirty-sixth Illinois on the crest of the steep rocks, and with this position the field of the defeated rebel army was in our possession.
We had conquered. The rebels were retreating in all directions--one force by the Cassville road, which we followed in close pursuit and prevented every attempt of theirs to form again. A great many prisoners and munitions of war, muskets, caissons, baggage wagons, and one more cannon were taken by us in this pursuit. General Sigel ordered me to drive the rebel column as far as Keetsville, which I did, arriving in the neighborhood of that place at 5 o'clock p.m. Next morning (March 9) we entered the town of Keetsville, and dispatched a cavalry force a few miles beyond, but it being evident that the enemy's forces in that direction had dispersed, General Sigel ordered us to return <ar8_221> to the battle ground, where he encamped our command near the other divisions.
In conclusion I ought to mid the names of those who excelled. They all were brave, and I only could repeat the names mentioned before. First Lieutenant Jacoby, of Captain Welfley's battery, who was not in the battle of Leetown, did great service and immense execution with his 12-pounder guns on the 8th. He is a worthy comrade of his brother officers. It also becomes my pleasant duty to acknowledge the very kind assistance I repeatedly received on the 8th from Colonel Schaefer, Second Missouri Volunteers, and his command.
Herewith you will find the reports of the different regiments and batteries composing my command. The list of casualties was previously sent in.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
P. J. OSTERHAUS,
Colonel, Commanding First Division, Army of the Southwest.
Capt. T. I. MCKENNY,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., S. W. Dist., Army of the Missouri.
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 42. -- Report of Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, commanding Missouri State Guard ( Confederate).
HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARD,
Camp Ben. McCulloch, Mo., March 22, 1862.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit to Major-General Van Dorn the following report of the part taken by the Missouri troops in the action of the 6th, 7th, and 8th instant:
That officer having arrived at Cove Creek and assumed command of the Confederate forces in Western Arkansas, I gladly placed myself and my army under his orders, and in obedience to these took up the line of march in the direction of Bentonville on the morning of March 4, provided with three days' cooked rations, and leaving my baggage and supply trains to follow slowly in the rear. <ar8_305>
My forces consisted of the First Brigade Missouri Volunteers, Col. Henry Little commanding; the Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Slack commanding; a battalion of cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cearnal, and the State troops, under the command of Brigadier-Generals Rams, Green, and Frost, Cols. John B. Clark, jr., and James P. Saunders, and Major Lindsay, numbering in all 6,818 men, with eight batteries of light artillery.
With these I reached Elm Springs on the evening of the 5th, and on the morning of the 6th advanced to Bentonville where burning houses indicated the presence of the enemy. Colonel Gates' regiment of cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Cearnal's battalion, and the mounted men of General Rains' command were rapidly pushed forward to the east of the town and soon became briskly engaged with what proved to be the rear guard of General Sigel's forces, the main body of which had passed through Bentonville that morning in the direction of Elkhorn Tavern, near which the enemy were encamped in force and strongly intrenched.
Skirmishing between our advance and this rear guard was kept up throughout the day, and resulted in the capture by us of quite a number of prisoners,. from whom we gained much useful information.
Towards evening we bivoucked as if for the night within 5 or 6 miles of the enemy, but resumed the line of march at 8 p.m., and, in spite of the impediments with which the enemy had sought to obstruct our way, reached a point on the Telegraph road to the north and in the rear of the enemy's position. A march of about 2 miles along the deep valley through which the road leads brought us within view of the plateau upon which the enemy were posted, and which lay to the north of the Elkhorn Tavern.
Our advance had already begun to skirmish with the vedettes of the enemy, when I discovered that they were about to place a battery in position to command the road. I at once deployed the brigades of General Slack and Colonel Little to the right and the rest of my forces to the left and took possession of the heights on either hand. This movement gave my artillery on the left a very commanding position, from which they were enabled not only to check the enemy's advance upon our left, but also to support our right in its advance upon the enemy.
The brunt of the action fell during the early part of the day upon my right wing, consisting of General Slack's and Colonel Little's brigades. They pushed forward gallantly against heavy odds and the most stubborn resistance, and were victorious everywhere.
At this time and here fell two of my best and bravest officers, Brig. Gen. William Y. Slack and Lieutenant-Colonel Cearnal, the former mortally and the latter severely wounded.
I now advanced my whole line, which gradually closed upon the enemy and drove them from one position to another, until we found them towards evening in great force on the south and west of an open field, supported by masked batteries.
The artillery and infantry of my left wing were brought up to attack them, and they did so with a spirit and determination worthy of all praise. The fiercest struggle of the day now ensued; but the impetuosity of my troops was irresistible, and the enemy was driven back and completely routed. My right had engaged the enemy's center at the same time with equal daring and equal success, and had already driven them from their position at Elkhorn Tavern. Night alone «20 R R--VOL VIII» <ar8_306> prevented us from achieving a complete victory, of which we had already gathered some of the fruits, having taken two pieces of artillery and a quantity of stores.
My troops bivouacked upon the ground which they had so nobly won almost exhausted and without food, but fearlessly and anxiously awaiting the renewal of the battle in the morning.
The morning disclosed the enemy strengthened in position and numbers and encouraged by the reverses which had unhappily befallen the other wing of the army, when the brave Texan chieftain, Ben. McCulloch, and his gallant comrade, General McIntosh, had fallen, fearlessly and triumphantly leading their devoted soldiers against the invaders of their native land. They knew, too, that Hebert--the accomplished leader of that veteran regiment the Louisiana Third, which won so many laurels on the bloody field of the Oak Hills, and which then as well as now sustained the proud reputation of Louisiana--was a prisoner in their hands. They were not slow to renew the attack; they opened upon us vigorously, but my trusty men faltered not. They held their position unmoved until (after several of the batteries not under my command had left the field) they were ordered to retire. My troops obeyed it unwillingly, with faces turned defiantly against the foe.
It was then that I lost two officers of whom any nation might be proud. The one, Col. Benjamin A. Rives, fell in the prime of his manhood, at the zenith of his usefulness. No braver or more gallant officer, no more accomplished gentleman, no more unselfish patriot ever led a regiment or died for his country's honor. The other, [S.] Churchill Clark, was, as Colonel Little justly observes in his report, "a child in simplicity and piety of character, a boy in years, but a soldier in spirit and a hero in action? They fell at the very close of the hard-fought battle, well-deserving the glowing praises which their immediate commander bestows upon them.
My forces were withdrawn in perfect order without the loss of a gun. For the details of all this I beg leave to make reference to the accompanying reports of my subordinate officers.
The conduct of nearly every officer and soldier under my command was such as to win my admiration; it is the less necessary that I should commend any one particularly to the notice of the major-general commanding, as the operations of my arms were conducted under his eye, while his presence and gallant bearing, as well as his skill, contributed immeasurably to the success of our cause.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STERLING PRICE,
Major-General, Commanding Missouri State Guard.
Col. D. H. MAUEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
MARCH 6-8, 1862.--Battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Ark.
No. 6. -- Report of Maj. Richard H. Nodine, Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry.
CAMP NEAR LEETOWN March 10, 1862.
After receiving your orders to re-enforce Colonel Carr on the afternoon of the 7th of March, I proceeded with the left wing of the regiment to a point opposite the enemy's center, where I took a position in a small piece of brush. General Curtis soon after ordered me to move across the meadow and to charge upon the enemy, and if possible to drive him from his position. In pursuance of this order we advanced across the open field and penetrated the brush on the opposite side about 300 yards, when some scattering shots were fired from the rear of our left. Supposing them to be from some of our own men who had got behind their company, I ordered them to stop. I halted <ar8_224> the command and moved toward the left wing to ascertain the cause of the firing, when a prisoner was brought to me, who had been sent to ascertain who we were by the commander of the enemy's force at that point, and who informed me that the Seventh Louisiana Regiment and two others were lying to our left about 40 yards. Owing to the darkness and thickness of the underbrush I found it impossible to distinguish friend from foe, and also from the fact that one of our own batteries were playing upon us from the angle of the brush and road, I thought it best to retire, which I did, recrossing the meadow, and taking position in the brush about 400 yards from the enemy, where we lay on our arms all night, at the request of Colonel Carr. In the morning we rejoined your command.
Very truly, your obedient servant,
R.H. NODINE,
Major, Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers.
Col. WILLIAM N. COLES,
Comdg. Twenty-fifth Ill. Vol.
The follow reports is from Irish regiments
Report of Capt. Denis F. Burke, Eighty-eighth New York Infantry.
Gettysburg Campaign
CAMP NEAR MORRISVILLE, VA.,
August 3, 1863.
Lieut. W. S. BAILEY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to forward the following report of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers during the action at Gettysburg, Pa., on July 2 and 3:
On the morning of the 2d, this regiment advanced in line, and took up position on the left of the town of Gettysburg, in conjunction with the other regiments of this brigade. We held this position until about 5 p.m., when, the enemy having massed his forces on the left of our position, we were ordered to advance, and support the troops already in position there. We made our advance in brigade line of battle, being exposed during this time to a heavy fire of musketry and artillery. We steadily drove the enemy, charging repeatedly, and finally caused them to retreat in utter confusion, though we were opposed by a greatly superior force.
Both officers and men displayed the greatest gallantry and bravery, cheering and encouraging their comrades during the thickest of the fight. We drove the enemy for over half a mile through a thickly wooded and rocky country, and held our position until relieved by the Third Brigade.
The strength of the regiment entering the fight was 90 men, all told. Out of this number we lost 1 officer and 7 enlisted men killed, 1 officer and 16 men wounded, and 3 enlisted men missing, supposed killed.
I would beg to recommend to your notice for bravery and excellent conduct on the field the following-named officers: Capt. Patrick Ryder, First Lieuts. Charles M. Granger and Thomas H. O'Brien, and Second Lieut. Patrick J. McCabe: but the conduct of Adjt. William McClelland--severely wounded, since dead--deserves particular notice. At all times in the hottest part of the fight, he kept encouraging the men and inciting them to still greater deeds of valor -- a brave soldier and a good man, whom we can illy afford to spare.
Our division being outflanked on our right, we were ordered to fall back, which we did, and formed again to the left of the position we held in the morning and on the prolongation of our line.
We rested on our arms all night, and assisted, with the other regiments of the brigade, in throwing up breastworks, which we completed early on the morning of the 3d, and held until the close of the battle. The enemy shelled us at intervals during the morning, and at 10 a.m. opened with a severity which good military judges have pronounced to be the severest artillery fire of the war. Under cover of his artillery, the enemy advanced and charged upon our lines, but was everywhere repulsed with terrific slaughter, and finally compelled to retire dismayed and routed. Numbers of the enemy threw down their arms, and, rushing into our lines, surrendered as prisoners of war.
We were engaged in perfecting and repairing the breeches made in our breastworks on the evening of the 3d, and on the 4th in collecting arms and equipments left on the battle-field.
On the morning of the 5th, our pickets having discovered that the enemy was falling back, a reconnaissance was made, and found that the enemy was in full retreat toward the Potomac.
We held our position until the evening of the 5th, details in the meantime being engaged in burying the dead and attending to the wants of the wounded left on the battle-field. We then moved in the direction of Frederick, Md., under orders from headquarters.
In conclusion, I am proud to say that the Eighty-eighth acted in this fight as it has always done on former occasions when it has met the enemy.
DENIS F. BURKE,
Captain, Comdg. Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers.
HDQRS. EIGHTY-EIGHTH BATTALION N.Y. S. VOLS.,
December 4, 1863.
SIR: In accordance with circular from headquarters Second Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, I have the honor to inform you that this battalion broke camp on the 26th of November and marched for the Rapidan River, at Germanna Ford, where it crossed, and moved in line of battle to the second line of the enemy's breast-works, where it halted for about an hour, and threw out a picket line. Recalled the pickets and took up the line of march on the plank road, for about 5 miles, where it, with the other regiments of the brigade, formed in line, and encamped for the night.
Moved on the morning of the 27th, on the road through the Wilderness, to the Fredericksburg and Orange Court-House pike, and marched to near Robertson's Cross-Roads, where it halted on the road until about 4 p.m., when it, with the other regiments of the brigade, advanced, and formed in line of battle on the plain around Robertson's Tavern, where it rested for the night.
Moved next morning, 28th, along the pike road for about l ½ miles, where it formed in line and rested for the night. Moved on the 29th across to the left of the line on the plank road, where this battalion was sent out to support the skirmish line of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers; advanced up the plank road, when one company, under the command of Capt. P. Ryder, was sent out on the prolongation of the line of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, and drove the enemy for over a mile and a half up to Mine Run, where we found the main body of the enemy posted strong force. The other company formed with the brigade in line of battle as a support.
Remained there until about 12 m. on the 30th, when, the brigade being ordered as ammunition guard, the battalion moved down the plank road to the train, and remained there until evening, when Captain Ryder's company was withdrawn from the picket line; then moved with the train to the rear of corps headquarters, and halted for the night and next day, December 1. Moved at 9 p.m., same day, with the train to Ely's Ford, on the Rapidan River, where we arrived on the morning of the 2d. Crossed the river and marched back to our old camp at Brandy Station, Va., and encamped.
Both officers and men acted with the greatest gallantry and bravery, steadily driving the enemy whenever they attempted to check our advance.
Our casualties were 1 private, Michael Graham, Company B, slightly wounded.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours
DENIS F. BURKE,
Captain, Commanding Battalion.
ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Second Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS 116TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
December 9, 1863.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my command during the recent operations on the south side of the Rapidan:
The battalion left camp near Brandy Station on the morning of the 26th ultimo, crossed the Rapidan at Germanna Ford, and bivouacked for the night about 3 miles from the ford. November 27, advanced with the division, following up the enemy to their fortifications at Mine Run. On the 29th, we marched with the division to the left about 8 miles, where we remained in front of the enemy till the morning of the 30th, when the battalion, together with part of the brigade, were ordered to guard the ammunition train. On the evening of the 1st instant, we marched with the train, acting as guards and flankers, and recrossed the Rapidan at Culpeper Ford, on the morning of the 2d instant, and returned to our former camp near Brandy Station.
My command were not under fire and met with no loss.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GARRETT NOWLEN,
Captain, Comdg. 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers
MILES McDONALD,
Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAPTAIN JAMES KELLY's
BULL RUN REPORT
HDQRS. SIXTY-NINTH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. M.,
Fort Corcoran, Arlington Heights, Va., July 24, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor, in the absence of Colonel Corcoran, missing, and Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty, killed in action, to report to you that on Sunday morning, July 21, at 3.30 o'clock a.m., under orders of Major General McDowell, and the immediate command of Brigadier-General Tyler, the Sixty-ninth Regiment New York State Militia moved forward from their camp at Centreville, and proceeded by steady march to within a mile and a half of the enemy's battery, situated on the south bank of the creek or ravine known as Bull Run. At this point we halted, Colonel Corcoran commanding, Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty being second in command, Capt. Thomas Francis Meagher acting as major, and Capt. John Nugent as adjutant. The regiment numbered one thousand muskets, and was attended by one ambulance only, the other having broken down. The Sixty-ninth had good reason to complain that whilst regiments of other divisions were permitted to have baggage and provision wagons immediately in the rear, the regiment I have the honor to command was peremptorily denied any facilities of the sort. The consequence was that the Sixty-ninth arrived in the field of action greatly fatigued and harassed, and but for their high sense of duty and military spirit would not have been adequate to the terrible duties of the day.
Under your orders, the Sixty-ninth deployed into line of battle on the left, and, occupying the woods in that direction, there awaited the attack of the skirmishers of the enemy, who were reported in advance upon our right. No change was effected in our position on the left of the road leading to the battery of the enemy, which position, in conformity with your orders, we determined to maintain at every cost, and whatever the consequences might be, until orders were given for our regiment to advance by close column by division, and take the enemy in rear and flank. This they did with the utmost alacrity and precision, advancing through every obstacle until the regiment reached Bull Run. Here they crossed the stream and ravine in single file, and, ascending to the meadow where the enemy lay close and thick, poured in by successive companies an effective fire upon the rebels. The regiment, having formed in the meadow, marched in two-rank formation until the command "Front" was given, when they halted in line of battle, and steadily awaited the order to charge upon the batteries in front.
In the mean while Acting Lieutenants-Colonel Haggerty was killed by a Louisiana zouave, whom he pursued as the latter was on his retreat with his regiment into the woods, and several of our men were severely wounded.
After sustaining and repelling a continuous fire of musketry and artillery, directed on us from the masked positions of the enemy, our regiment formed into line directly in front of the enemy's battery, charged upon it twice, were finally driven off, owing principally to the panic of the regiment which preceded us, and then, under a desperate fire, retired to the line from which we had advanced on the battery, and then endeavored to reform. The panic was too general, and the Sixty-ninth had to retreat with the great mass of the Federals.
In this action I have to record, with deep regret, the loss of Colonel Corcoran supposed to be wounded and a prisoner, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty, and others, of whom a corrected list will be speedily forwarded.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES KELLY,
Captain, Acting Colonel, Sixty-ninth Regiment.
Col. W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Brigade.
Camp near Falmouth, December 22, 1862
In compliance with general orders received December 21, I hereby certify that the Sixty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers entered the battle of Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862, commanded by Col. Robert Nugent, and 18 commissioned officers and 210 rank and file, in which the above numbered regiment lost 16 commissioned officers and 160 rank and file, leaving Capt. James Saunders, Lieutenant Milliken, and Lieut. L. Brennan to bring the remnant of the regiment off the battle-field.
JAMES SAUNDERS
Captain, Comdg. Sixth-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers
December 21, 1862
SIR: In accordance with orders just received, I have the honor to report as follows the part this regiment took in the engagement at Fredericksburg:
We left camp on the morning of the 11th, and marched to the immediate rear of General Sumner's headquarters. After remaining a few hours, the regiment advanced a few hundred yards.
On the morning of the 12th, we crossed the Rappahannock River on a pontoon bridge, under cover of our artillery and encamped on the river bank. The regiment remained there during the night.
On the morning of the 13th, about 7 o'clock, we received orders to march to the battle-field. We moved with the brigade to support French's division. About 12m. we entered the battle-field, holding a position on the extreme left of the brigade, directly opposite one of the enemy's batteries. After one hour's hard fighting, during which the regiment received orders to charge the enemy's works, which they did with the courage and bravery of veterans, they were withdrawn with the brigade from the field. The regiment then received orders from the commanding general to take the wounded and recross the river, and encamped for the night in the rear of General Sumner's headquarters.
On Sunday morning the remnant of the regiment again marched to Fredericksburg, with the expectation of again attacking the enemy. We remained in the town till Monday night, when the regiment, with
The officers and men behaved with great gallantry and coolness during the whole of the action..
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN TEED,
Captain, Commanding Regiment.
Col. P. Kelly,
Commanding Brigade
Near Falmouth, Va., December 24, 1862.
SIR: In compliance with a verbal request from division headquarters Hancock's, I have the honor to report, as accurately as my memory and the very few notes I penciled at the time furnishes me, with the action of my regiment in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13.
We leave camp at about 9a.m. Thursday, December 11, under command of Maj. Joseph O'Neill, Colonel Fowler being yet, I believe, in hospital from the effects of a wound received at the battle of Antietam, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bentley, who was also wounded at Antietam, and recently returned, suffering from indisposition, remaining sick in camp. We bivouac for the night, with the other regiments of the brigade on a small hillock, surrounded by trees, about 1 mile this side of the river.
Friday, December 12, cross on pontoon bridge early this morning, without loss or accident, the regiments of the brigade in the following order, viz: Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Sixty-third New York Volunteers, and the One Hundred Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Arriving in Fredericksburg, the head of the column file to the left along the southern bank of the river, and form by battalion closed in mass on the dock, where we stack arms for the night without fire.
Saturday, December 13, all quiet, until 9.30 o'clock this morning, when heavy cannonading is heard on our left. At 10a.m. my regiment is ordered by General Meagher to exchange positions with the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania, and bring up the left or rear of the brigade. This movement was effected while we were drawn up in line of battle on the first regular street next and parallel to the river, immediately after losing 2 men, where the center of our regiment halted on a cross street. Between 11a.m. and noon the brigade is ordered into action. We are addressed by General Meagher, who informs us we are to support French's division. A few minutes after, the brigade moved by the left flank, filing to the right and left around half a dozen streets, until we top over the crest of a hill under a heavy cannonade along the right-hand sidewalk to the mill-race or canal. The fire on us here is galling and destructive.
I see General Hancock riding along on the left-hand sidewalk opposite me, hunting up stragglers 4 or 5, who were sheltering themselves by a house on the left. We cross the canal, some dashing through, up to their hips in water, the three temporary planks thrown across it not affording sufficient accommodation under such a heavy fire as we experienced. Immediately on the south side of the canal, and while yet on the double-quick, we formed into line of battle, and marched, I should think about 50 yards, up another slope, and lay down behind a regiment of French's division, to breath and collect the scattered. One minute or so sufficed, when we again took up the line of battle, marching over the recumbent bodies of the last regiment alluded to.
The Sixty-third, after a few paces' march, met with an obstacle which divided its center, causing the right wing to oblique to the right and the left wing to the left. The obstacle passed, I took charge of the left wing and marched it by the right flank, or, more properly, a right oblique, in a run , to form in line with the right wing. Passed by General Meagher here, waving his sword and closing us in. By the time the junction was formed, we were in hot contest with the enemy, the skirmishers, who were in advance, joining in our ranks. The firing and loading, as far as me eye could detect, was executed kneeling and lying along our line after the first volley.
After being engaged, I think, three-quarters of an hour, I saw Caldwell's brigade advancing to our relief in a perfect line of battle; the two regiments of his brigade on the left that struck my eye were advancing nobly in our rear, and, when arrived on our line, some few lay down amongst our thinned ranks and commenced firing over our heads, but were immediately ordered to cross over our line, which they did, only to fall back again in less than two minutes. I looked around and saw General Caldwell about 4 paces in my rear, ineffectually endeavoring to rally his brigade. A sergeant of the regiment pointed out to me our flag falling back. Two of my company were wounded alongside of me, one of whom I tucked under my arm and consigned the other to the care of another member of my company. With 7 men and these 2 wounded, I retired, meeting the colonel of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, with about 10 men of his regiment and one flag. We shook hands, he Colonel Byrnes remarking our brigade was gone, meaning cut up. I recrossed the mill-race, still bearing this wounded man with me, and followed by the other men of our regiment, under a fusilading fire from cannon and sharpshooters, and marched up the street on the sidewalk, then the right-hand one of the road we traveled about 500 yards; and on a cross-road, to the right from the canal, we overtook our colors, in the hands of Sergeant Chambers, of Company I. Captains Sullivan and Gleeson and Lieutenants Dwyer, Quirk, Higgins, Flynn, and Daidy were there with 11 men. General Meagher was there on horseback, and said that this should be the rallying point of the brigade. In two or three minutes this place became too hot for us, so we marched down the street toward the position we occupied in the lower part of the city before going into action. On our march down, at the very place we had lost the 2 men in the morning, a solid shot came bounding over the hill and struck Captain Sullivan in the thigh from the effects of which he since died), throwing me down, who was at his left elbow, marching a few paces at the head of the remnant of the regiment.
Major O'Neill was wounded, as near as I can learn, about the time I was rectifying the division of our regiment in the center, caused by the obstacle mentioned in my remarks, convenient to where we crossed French's line. Of this I am not certain, as nobody told me until we were relieved by Caldwell's brigade and falling back.
Allow me to state that the loss of our gallant major was felt by all, and by no one more so than myself, for, indeed, he was a gallant and intrepid soldier, ever prompt and brave, exacting, but kind and generous with all. The unavoidable absence of Colonel Fowler and Lieutenant-Colonel Bentley at such a time was, I am sure, as much regretted by them as by us, for they are and have proved themselves as true and valiant soldiers as we can desire. Poor Captain Sullivan is gone, but his name and deeds in connection with his regiment and brigade will live in history. Of the other officers and men of the regiment I will not speak, as they all have done their part and nobly, and even the humblest private may be styled a hero.
One hour after returning to the dock the report of the regiment stood thus: Thirty muskets and 8 commissioned officers present; 1 commissioned officer killed and 7 wounded; 1 enlisted man killed and 32 wounded.
I counted fifty files, including corporals, going into action. We crossed the pontoon bridge during the night with our wounded, bivouacking where we had spent the night of the 11th, on this side of the river.
Sunday, December 14, 9a.m., cross over to Fredericksburg again. Remain there until midnight, December 15, when we retreat over the bridge, and march to our former and present camp.
December 16, Lieutenant-Colonel Bentley came to camp, and I resigned the command to him.
Very respectfully,
P.J. CONDON
Captain, Company G, Sixty-third New York Vols., Irish Brigade
Report of Col. Patrick Kelly, Eighty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
Gettysburg Campaign
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
Near Morrisville, Va., August 9, 1863.
Maj. JOHN HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., on July 2 and 3:
About 10 p.m. on the 1st, we arrived within 2 or 3 miles of Gettysburg; bivouacked in all adjacent field; threw out our pickets, and at 4.30 o'clock next morning 2d, marched toward Gettysburg. Arriving on the heights near the village, and in view of the enemy's pickets, we took a position in two lines on the right of the First Brigade, stacked arms, and allowed the men to rest.
About 3 p.m. the brigade, with the rest of the division, moved about half a mile to the left and forward. Were then ordered to take our original position, which we did.
About 5 p.m. received orders to march by the left flank, which we did, preceded by the First Brigade. Both brigades advanced in line of battle through a wheat-field into a wood, in which was a considerable quantity of very large rocks, behind which they poured into us a brisk fire while advancing. We, however, drove them a considerable distance, and sent a great many prisoners to the rear. After being, I should think, about three-quarters of an hour engaged, the troops on our left had retired, and the enemy pressing hard on that point, on going to the right of the brigade I found the enemy forming line faced to our right along the edge of the wood. Finding myself in this very disagreeable position, I ordered the brigade to fall back, firing. We here encountered a most terrific fire, and narrowly escaped being captured. We, however, got out, reformed the brigade, and joined the division near the Second Division hospital. It was now after nightfall, and, soon after, we were moved to the front, and slept on our arms all night.
Early next morning, 3d, we were ordered to throw up breastworks, behind which we remained all day, under probably the heaviest artillery fire ever heard, with a loss of only I man wounded.
The 4th and a portion of the 5th were spent in burying the dead, attending to the wounded, and collecting arms and equipments.
About 4.30 p.m. on the 5th, marched off the battle-field to a place called Two Taverns.
Before closing this report, it gives me pleasure to say that both officers and men of this command have acted to my entire satisfaction during the engagement. Mentioning the names of a few would be doing injustice to the rest. The command took into action an aggregate of 530 men. The casualties are as follows:
Officers and Men Killed Wounded Missing Total
Commissioned Officers 1 4 2 7
Enlisted Men 29 108 58 195
Total 30 112 60 202
Accompanying this, I forward the report of each regimental commander.
Very respectfully,
P. KELLY,
Colonel, Commanding. Brigade.
Camp near Falmouth, Va.,
December 20, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from headquarters right grand division, Army of the Potomac, the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers left camp on the morning of the 11th, and proceeded toward the pontoon bridge, arriving in the vicinity of General Sumner's headquarters about 10a.m., where they were halted, with the rest of Hancock's division, and remained there until about 4p.m., when, by order of General Meagher, they advanced about 1 mile, where they bivouacked for the night in a wood.
Early next morning we again resumed our line of march toward the pontoon bridge, which we crossed, arriving in Fredericksburg without an accident, and took up a position in the street next the river, where we remained that day and night. At nightfall an order was received from General Couch that no fires should be lighted, which order was willingly and uncomplainingly complied with by my men.
Again, on Saturday morning, the men were under arms, and marched about a half a mile to the right of the position they occupied the night previous, where they formed line of battle, in connection with the other regiments of the brigade, between the hours of 10 and 11a.m., as near as I can judge. We marched by the right flank, crossing the mill-race on a single bridge, where we filed to the right and reformed the line of battle under a terrific enfilading artillery fire from the enemy. We then advanced in line of battle under a most galling and destructive infantry fire, crossed two fences, and proceeded as far as the third fence, where my men maintained their position until their ammunition was exhausted, and more than one-half of the regiment killed and wounded. At this fence Colonel Byrnes, of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, and myself agreed to go over the field and collect the remnants of our regiments, which we did, meeting in the valley near the mill-race. Marching from thence to the street from which we started, we reported with our regiments and colors to Brigadier-General Meagher. He General Meagher being under the impression he had permission to remove his wounded to the other side of the river, so as to avoid the fire of the enemy, ordered those men of his brigade who were still unhurt to convey their wounded comrades over, which they did, and bivouacked there for the night.
Early the next morning, in accordance with orders from General Hancock, we recrossed the river and took up the position we occupied the night previous, holding the same until the night of December 15, when we recrossed the river and proceeded to the camp which we left Thursday, December 11, where we now are.
I cannot close this report without saying a few words with regard to the officers and men of my regiment. That the officers did their duty is fully evident from their loss, having 4 killed and 8 wounded. The gallantry and bravery of the men is too plainly visible in their now shattered and broken ranks having lost on that day about 111 killed and wounded.
I am, colonel. most respectfully, yours,
P. KELLY
Colonel Eighty-eighth New York Vols., Meagher's Irish Brigade
Capt. William G. Hart,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., SECOND CORPS,
December 11, 1863.
MAJOR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to report that the Second Brigade received orders to march with the division on the evening of the 26th of November, and at daylight of the following morning broke camp and took the road in the direction of Germanna Ford, reaching said place at 10 a.m., and halting for two hours until the pontoon bridge was completed, when we crossed the Rapidan on the bridge and marched about 1 mile and halted at deserted earth-works. Skirmishers were then thrown out to skirmish the woods in front of the brigade. No enemy being found, the skirmishers were drawn in, and the brigade advanced on the road by the right flank, while flankers were thrown out sufficiently strong to protect the line of the brigade.
We advanced in this order 4 or 5 miles, and encamped for the night near Flat Run Church. Next morning formed line at daylight, and marched through the Wilderness in the direction of the Fredericksburg and Orange Court-House pike, and encamped on the right of the road. Next morning, the 28th, advanced by the right flank on the road a distance of about 1 miles, and encamped for the night on the right of the road. Next morning, 29th, moved with the rest of the division to the extreme left of the line on the plank road. Skirmished the woods on the right and left of the road, the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, under command of Col. R. Byrnes, having the right and three companies of the New York battalions the left. The skirmishers advanced in good order, and in a short time came up to the enemy, when a short skirmish ensued, which resulted in the enemy retreating in confusion, closely followed by the skirmishers of the brigade. The next day, 30th, the brigade was detailed as guard to the division ammunition train. The skirmishers were relieved and the brigade moved with train to the rear, and remained with it as guard during the retreat on the night of the 1st of December. On the 2d of December, we arrived in our former encampment, on Mountain Run.
In conclusion, I would state that the officers and enlisted men under my command conducted themselves to my entire satisfaction.
The casualties were comparatively small, 5 men of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers and 1 of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers being wounded slightly.
I am, major, yours, respectfully,
P. KELLY,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Maj. JOHN HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
NEAR BEALETON, VA., August 2, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by this regiment during the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 3:
At 3 p.m., July 2, the order was given to advance, and the regiment proceeded a short distance forward and to the left, and then was ordered back to its original position. Soon after was ordered to move to the left, and about 5.30 o'clock became engaged with the enemy, who were posted in an advantageous position on the crest of a rocky bill. We forced them to retire from this eminence, and advanced over the top and almost to the bottom of the other side of the hill, being all the time exposed to a very severe fire of musketry, and losing many men in killed and wounded.
About 7 p.m., finding all save this regiment were retiring from the hill, and that the enemy were on both our flanks, as well as in front, I brought my command from the field, losing many men from the concentrated fire of the rebels. Our loss in this action was 100 in killed, wounded, and missing, out of 224 taken into the engagement.
I reformed the regiment, and rejoined the brigade near the Second Division hospital about dark, and soon after were moved to the front, where we remained all night, and in the morning erected breastworks of rails and earth, behind which we remained throughout the entire day, during the greater portion of which the enemy kept up an extremely heavy fire of artillery, and made two attempts to force our lines, but were repulsed on each occasion with great loss. On account of being sheltered by our earthworks, which we erected on the 3d instant, we suffered no casualties from the enemy's fire.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
RICHARD BYRNES,
Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Vols.
Lieut. W. S. BAILEY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAMP NEAR CENTREVILLE, VA.,
October 17, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that this regiment broke camp, near Culpeper, Va., on morning of the 10th instant, and took up position about 1 miles to the right of Culpeper. Next morning, at 2.30. a.m., fell back, with remainder of the Second Corps, and crossed the Rappahannock River at Rappahannock Station, encamping same night at Bealeton Station.
On the 11th instant, recrossed the river at Rappahannock Station and formed line of battle, advanced about 2 miles, and encamped. About 12.30 a.m. of the 12th instant, broke camp and again crossed the river, marching past Bealeton Station and to within 2 miles of Sulphur Springs. Then changed direction of march and proceeded to within 3 miles of Warrenton Junction, when course of march was again changed, and we advanced in the direction of Warrenton, and encamped for the night near Auburn.
On morning of the 14th instant, proceeded to crest of a hill near Auburn, when fire was opened upon us by a rebel battery, with no casualties on our part. We then proceeded to ------- -------, when, having taken a position, were ordered, with the balance of brigade, to act as skirmishers on the right flank of the position then occupied by this division. We were soon afterward withdrawn, and, with the remainder of the division, marched to a position near Bristoe Station, and formed line of battle on the right of the railroad. At the time of our arrival at this position the advance of our corps were engaged with the enemy, who were also in line of battle in front of the position we then occupied. We remained here for several hours, part of the time being under the fire of the enemy's batteries, but suffered no casualties, on account of being protected by the railroad embankment. About 9.30 p.m., same day, resumed march, and, after crossing Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford, came to present camp, where we have since remained.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHARD BYRNES,
Colonel, Commanding.
Capt. W. S. BAILEY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Near Falmouth, Va., December 21, 1862
SIR: In compliance with instructions from division headquarters, I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report of the operations of this command during the late battle before Fredericksburg, Va.:
The regiment broke up camp on the morning of the 11th instant, and proceeded with the brigade, by Stafford Court-House road, to the ravine in rear of General Sumner’s headquarters, where it formed in column of battalion, and rested behind its stacks during the day.
At 5p.m. it moved to a skirt of wood on a road to the right of General Sumner’s headquarters, where it bivouacked for the night.
At 8a.m. on the 12th instant resumed the march, and crossed the Rappahannock by the right or upper pontoon bridge to Fredericksburg, and, effecting our crossing without loss, moved to the left along the road fronting the river until we arrived almost opposite the lower pontoon bridge, where the line halted and stacked arms in column of battalion, left in front. We remained in this position until 12p.m. on the 13th instant, when, with the remainder of the brigade, the line was formed, this regiment being in the center, and marched back in the direction of the upper pontoon bridge, halting at the railroad. Here we remained two hours, exposed to the fire from the enemy’s batteries, and losing 4 men, wounded by shells. The line was then moved through the streets to the plain opposite the enemy’s works, being all the time exposed to a heavy shot and shell fire, and suffering severely.
Following the direction of the column, we crossed the canal by the flank files undoubled, and reformed line of battle on opposite side, where we remained lying on the ground for ten minutes, when the order was given to advance in line, and we marched to the crest of the hill, directly in front of grape, canister, and musketry.
On arriving at the crest of the hill, the firing was so severe and concentrated that the men were compelled to take shelter by lying down and many endeavored to hold their position by piling wood, to form a barricade, in rear of a brick house on our right, behind which they did good execution, until ordered to retire with remainder of the brigade, which we did in good order, and halted in our former position by the railroad, where we remained until dark, when we were ordered to recross the pontoon bridge and bring over all our wounded, which we accomplished successfully, and encamped for the night on the ground occupied by us on the night of the 11th instant.
On the morning of the 14th instant, we recrossed the river by the lower pontoon bridge, and occupied the position held by us on the 12th instant. Here ammunition was distributed to the men sufficient to make up the original complement of 60 rounds per man.
We remained in this place until the night the of the 15th instant, when, with the remainder of the troops, we evacuated the city under the cover of the darkness, crossing by the upper pontoon bridge, and marched directly to our camping grounds near Falmouth, Va., occupied by us previous to the morning of the 11th instant.
In justice to the brave men who have fallen, I cannot refrain from bearing testimony to their gallant conduct, and have also to express my gratification at the behavior of the whole regiment throughout the action.
The number of casualties incurred by the regiment was as follows: Killed, 11; wounded, 116; missing, 30; total 157.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
RICHARD BYRNES
Colonel, Commanding. 28th Massachusetts Infantry
Lieut. John J. Blake,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General
HDQRS. TWENTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS,
Camp near Brandy Station, Va., December 3, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that this regiment broke camp on the 26th of November, and proceeded, with the Second Army Corps, to the Rapidan River, crossing at Germanna Ford at 3 p.m., same day, and encamped for the night 4 miles on the opposite side. Resumed march next morning, and proceeded to Robertson's Tavern, where we arrived at 11 a.m., and remained in line until 4.30 p.m., when we were advanced opposite the enemy's pickets, and remained in line of battle through the night. At 7 a.m.. 28th instant, were advanced to the woods in front, but the enemy having retired, were marched by the flank on the Orange Court-House pike, 2 miles toward Orange Court-House, where we were again halted, and remained in the woods until next morning. Were then marched to the right, and by cross-roads back to Robertson's Tavern, when we crossed the pike and marched to the left about 8 miles until we reached the plank road leading from Fredericksburg to Orange Court-House.
We advanced by this road in the direction of Orange Court-House until we came up with the enemy, when this regiment was thrown into the woods on the right of the plank road and deployed as skirmishers at 2 p.m., and advanced at 3 p.m. Became immediately engaged with the enemy's skirmishers whom we forced back, under a heavy fire of musketry, until we reached the crest of a hill more than half a mile from where we commenced to advance. Here we were ordered to halt, having been engaged three-fourths of an hour with a loss of 5 men wounded, and remained on picket in this position through the night, and until 3.30 p.m. next day, when we were relieved and ordered to report, with remainder of brigade, as guard to the ammunition train. Here we remained until 9 p.m. on 1st instant when, with the remainder of the army, we marched back to the Rapidan, recrossing at 5 a.m., 2d instant, and arrived in our present position at 2 p.m., same day.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
RICHARD BYRNES,
Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. MILES McDONALD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SIXTY-NINTH REGT. NEW YORK STATE VOLS.,
Fair Oaks, Va., June 2, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders just received I have the honor to report that on Saturday last, May 31, my regiment left camp near Cold Harbor, and about midnight arrived in this neighborhood, and encamped on the scene of the battle of that day. After allowing my men a short repose, permitting them to sleep for two hours on their arms, I formed them in line of battle, awaiting for daylight and further instruction to proceed against the enemy, then supposed to be masked by the woods surrounding us. Early on that morning about 7 o'clock a.m., under orders from the brigadier-general, we formed in column of division at some distance from the woods, deployed, and at double-quick time advanced in line of battle to the immediate vicinity of the wood, where I halted my command and awaited future events. As my regiment was selected by General Richardson as the reserve of his division we were the last brought into action, and when we were moved (about 8 o'clock) we marched by the left flank and took position on the line of railroad on the extreme right of the other infantry regiments engaged.
For nearly five minutes the Sixty-ninth remained in occupation of the railroad unmolested, when suddenly the enemy's left wing opened a heavy fire from the woods, when I ordered them to fire, and the coolness and celerity with which the order was executed deserved great commendation. Our fire was sustained with fearful consistency until the enemy was silenced, and by checking the advance of the rebels had, I am inclined to believe, a marked effect on the fortunes of the day. Our firing only ceased with the retreat of the enemy, leaving us in undisputed possession of the railroad, which we still hold.
Our casualties, considering the dangers to which we were exposed, are very few--1 killed, 7 severely wounded, 5 slightly wounded, and 1 missing. Every officer and man present performed his duty on the eventful 1st of June with cheerfulness and pleasure, and where men only seemed desirous of emulating each other in bravery I find it impossible to name any one as more courageous or prompt than another.
I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,
ROBERT NUGENT,
Colonel Sixty-ninth Regiment.
Capt. JOSEPH S. McCOY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Irish Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS,
April 15, 1865.
COLONEL: In compliance with circular of the 10th instant from headquarters Second Army Corps, calling for a report of operations of this brigade during the campaign commencing March 28 and ending April 10, 1865, I have the honor to report as follows:
March 29, in obedience to order, broke camp at 6 a.m. and marched to the left. The brigade--consisting of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, Sixty-third, Sixty-ninth, and Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, at about 8 a.m. were joined by the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, which had been transferred to this command--continued the march, crossing Hatcher's Run, until 2 p.m., when the line was halted, and line of battle being formed advanced in the direction of the enemy's line until night. Bivouacked.
March 30, resumed the march at 7 a.m., still in line of battle; advanced through the woods about two miles, the enemy falling back as we advanced, portions of the command being employed in corduroying the roads. At 4 p.m. occupied the earthworks in our front, the First and Third Brigades being in the advance; at same time furnished a detail of 450 men, with officers, for fatigue duty, who were reported at corps headquarters; also continued work on the roads through the night.
March 31, at 3 a.m. moved to the left and occupied works built by a portion of the Fifth Corps; slashed timber in our front, under a very heavy fire of artillery, until I p.m., when we moved about one mile to our left, connecting with the First and Third Brigades of the division; advanced, driving the enemy into his works. At about 4 p.m. retired about one-fourth of a mile and erected earth-works, in which we remained until about 3 a.m. April 1, when we moved to the right and rear; engaged during the day in constructing earth-works. At 7 p.m. moved about two miles to the left and rested on arms for the night.
April 2, at 1 a.m. moved farther to the left, about three miles, to the camp of Sheridan's cavalry, arriving there about 4 a.m.; rested until 6 a.m., and marched back upon the White. Oak road about two miles, where we formed in line of battle and advanced through the wood, with skirmishers in front, toward the enemy's works. Finding that the enemy had evacuated the works we advanced at a double-quick into the works; reformed line of battle in rear of the works; continuing the pursuit, passing a camp filled with the enemy's wounded, and abandoned by them; overtook the rear guard of the enemy, which we drove before us until about noon, driving them into their works immediately in front of the South Side Railroad, where they made a stand; charged the works in connection with the Third Brigade and, owing to a terrific enfilading fire of artillery and musketry, were repulsed, and immediately reformed; charged again, capturing the works and some 150 prisoners, together with I battle-flag and 2 pieces of artillery, the prisoners being sent to the rear. The brigade continued the advance, crossing the South Side Railroad, and marched in the direction of the Appomattox as far as Clark's Branch; returned and bivouacked near the railroad, the casualties in the brigade being 1 commissioned officer and 2 enlisted men killed, 6 commissioned officers and 73 enlisted men wounded, and 9 enlisted men missing in action. At this time the fatigue details furnished March 30 rejoined the command.
April 3, resumed the march, and continued in a westerly direction about ten miles, where we bivouacked.
April 4, moved at 7 a.m. in the same direction, advancing about fifteen miles and bivouacking at dusk.
April 5, resumed march at daylight in a westerly direction, crossing the Danville railroad about 2 p.m., and resting upon the right of the Fitch Corps. At this place the brigade furnished a detail of 280 men from the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery as guard to prisoners to City Point.
April 6, resumed march at 6 a.m. in the direction of Amelia CourtHouse. About 8 a.m. encountered the enemy's rear guard, covering their wagon trains; advanced skirmishers, followed by the brigade in line of battle, the enemy disputing the ground obstinately throughout the day; succeeded in driving them some eight or nine miles and capturing the entire train. Lieutenant Ford, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, captured a battle-flag this day while on the skirmish line. Casualties this day, 4 enlisted men killed, 13 enlisted men wounded, and 5 enlisted men missing in action. Bivouacked for the night after placing a part of the command on guard over the captured train. Many prisoners and stragglers were also captured who were immediately sent to the rear.
April 7, continued the march, passing near Farmville and High Bridge; overtook the enemy again about 5 p.m., who had intrenched themselves, and having batteries in position was obliged to pass under a heavy fire of artillery to our position on the right of the First Brigade, where we supported that brigade in its charge, preventing the advance of the enemy. Rested for the night, our skirmish line having been relieved by part of the Second Division, Second Corps.
April 8, finding that the enemy had retreated during the night resumed the march, and marched in a westerly direction until 7 a.m., when we halted, resting about two hours, and resumed the march, marching four miles, and bivouacked for the night.
April 9, resumed the march at 7 a.m., and moved about six miles where we halted to await action of conference between the respective commanders. About 4 p.m. bivouacked, awaiting orders.
The total casualties of the campaign have been: Killed, I commissioned officer, 11 enlisted men; wounded, 8 commissioned officers, 94 enlisted men; missing in action, 14 enlisted men.
My thanks are due in an eminent degree to the members of my staff for their untiring zeal, particularly to Capt. P. W. Black, acting commissary of subsistence, who distinguished himself on Sunday, April 2, in carrying out my orders and assisting me in rallying the men.
In conclusion, it gives me sincere pleasure to add that the officers and men of my command behaved, under the most trying circumstances, with courage and fidelity, carrying out all orders to my complete satisfaction, they having now the proud satisfaction of seeing a stubborn enemy, whom they have combatted against for nearly four years, humbled, thereby adding their feeble mite to promote the life, prosperity, and independence of our nation.
I have the honor to, remain colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT NUGENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Lieut. Col. RICHARD A. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.
ADDENDA.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS,
April 16, 1865.
Lieut. Col. RICHARD A. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General, First Division,
COLONEL: Having been informed that the honor of the capture of the battle-flag taken from the enemy in the charge of this brigade on the 2d of April was about to be awarded to an enlisted man of the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, I beg leave to state that the flag was captured by Private Frank Denio, Company M, Fourth New York Artillery, which fact can be substantiated by Lieut. Col. J. J. Smith, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Denis F. Burke, Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, Capt. John Oldershaw, brigade inspector Second Brigade, and Lieut. Charles M. Granger, of my staff.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT NUGENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 2D ARMY CORPS,
March 26, 1865.
COLONEL: In compliance with instructions from headquarters First Division, I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of this command on the 25th instant:
About 6.30 a.m. I received orders to strike tents and hold my command in readiness to march at a moment's notice. At 9 a.m. we moved into the breast-works vacated by the First Brigade and remained in them until about 2.15 p.m., when I received orders from the major-general commanding the division to advance about half a mile in from of the works and form line of battle in front of the Skinner house. The line was then advanced into the woods about fifty paces in front of the captured rebel picket-line, my left connecting with the right of the First Brigade, but was subsequently retired about twenty paces in rear of the woods.
We remained in this position until about 4.10 p.m., when a bugler on the rebel side sounded the charge, the enemy advancing on us at the same time with a yell and at the double-quick. We opened a terrific musketry fire on them; they made several persistent attempts to break through my line, but were repulsed in every instance. My command held their ground with unflinching bravery, not yielding an inch. Failing to drive us in front, the enemy moved to our right, doubtless with the intention of turning my right flank, which was protected only by a line of skirmishers, who kept back the rebel skirmish line but were forced to retire before their line of battle. Perceiving their object, I immediately swung the right wing of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers around, and gave instructions at the same time to the other regiments of the brigade to oblique their fire to the right, and succeeded in driving them back, but not before they had inflicted a severe loss on us by an enfilading fire which they kept up while they held this ground.
I was relieved at 6.30 p.m. by a portion of the Fifth Corps. Retiring about fifty paces I reformed line and awaited orders. I remained in this position for about twenty minutes when I was ordered still farther to the rear and instructed to stack arms, allow the men to rest, and replenish the supply of ammunition.
About 11 p.m. received orders to place a regiment in the interval between the left of the First Division and the right of the Third Division, which was executed. About 12 o'clock the regiment was withdrawn, leaving sufficient pickets to cover their front, and the brigade was ordered to march back to the old camp.
I have great pleasure in reporting that the officers and men behaved in a most gallant manner. Where all performed their duty so faithfully it is almost impossible to particularize, yet I cannot help mentioning the commanding officers of the different regiments, viz: Lieutenant Colonel Smith, Sixty-ninth New York; Lieutenant-Colonel Fleming, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, who, I regret to say, was severely wounded; Captain Smith, Eighty-eighth, and Captain Terwilliger, Sixty-third New York Volunteers; also Capt. Murtha Murphy, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, who was in command of the skirmishers. This officer checked the advance of the rebels on my right with the most commendable tenacity, disputing every inch of the ground, until he finally formed his men on the right of the brigade. I am deeply indebted to the members of my staff, viz, Captains Oldershaw and Foley and Lieutenant Granger, for the able assistance they so willingly rendered me. I will particularize Captain Oldershaw for the cool bravery exhibited by him throughout the engagement. I will also mention Lieutenant-Colonel Gleason, Sixty-third New York Volunteers, who, although under arrest, rendered me great assistance in carrying orders at different times.
Accompanying I send a nominal list of the casualties.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT NUGENT,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Lieut. Col. R. A. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.
HDQRS. SIXTY-NINTH REGT. NEW YORK STATE VOLS.,
Fair Oaks, Va., June 2, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders just received I have the honor to report that on Saturday last, May 31, my regiment left camp near Cold Harbor, and about midnight arrived in this neighborhood, and encamped on the scene of the battle of that day. After allowing my men a short repose, permitting them to sleep for two hours on their arms, I formed them in line of battle, awaiting for daylight and further instruction to proceed against the enemy, then supposed to be masked by the woods surrounding us. Early on that morning about 7 o'clock a.m., under orders from the brigadier-general, we formed in column of division at some distance from the woods, deployed, and at double-quick time advanced in line of battle to the immediate vicinity of the wood, where I halted my command and awaited future events. As my regiment was selected by General Richardson as the reserve of his division we were the last brought into action, and when we were moved about 8 o'clock we marched by the left flank and took position on the line of railroad on the extreme right of the other infantry regiments engaged.
For nearly five minutes the Sixty-ninth remained in occupation of the railroad unmolested, when suddenly the enemy's left wing opened a heavy fire from the woods, when I ordered them to fire, and the coolness and celerity with which the order was executed deserved great commendation. Our fire was sustained with fearful consistency until the enemy was silenced, and by checking the advance of the rebels had, I am inclined to believe, a marked effect on the fortunes of the day. Our firing only ceased with the retreat of the enemy, leaving us in undisputed possession of the railroad, which we still hold.
Our casualties, considering the dangers to which we were exposed, are very few--1 killed, 7 severely wounded, 5 slightly wounded, and 1 missing. Every officer and man present performed his duty on the eventful 1st of June with cheerfulness and pleasure, and where men only seemed desirous of emulating each other in bravery I find it impossible to name any one as more courageous or prompt than another.
I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,
ROBERT NUGENT,
Colonel Sixty-ninth Regiment.
Capt. JOSEPH S. McCOY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Irish Brigade.
CAMP 116TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
February 13, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with instructions from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment during the recent operations of February 5, 6, and 7:
My regiment left camp on Sunday, the 5th instant, and with the rest of our brigade, under command of Brevet Brigadier-General Ramsey, moved to a point about one mile and a half to the left of our present position. Here we relieved a portion of the Third Division, who were constructing a> breast-works. I at once, in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, threw out a few pickets, and also employed a part of my command in strengthening the earth-works in our front.
During the afternoon heavy musketry firing was heard on our left, and several pieces of the enemy's artillery opened fire (with shell) in our front. As my command was sheltered by breast.works, it did not suffer any therefrom.
We remained in the same position until Thursday morning, 8th instant, and then moved back to our present camp.
No casualties occurred during the movement in my command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ST. CLAIR A. MULHOLLAND,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. J. F. CRAIN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
SECOND CORPS
September 5, 1863
Lieut. Col. FRANCIS A. WALKER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps.
Colonel:
I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by my division in the battle of Gettysburg, July 2 and 3:
My command arrived on the field of battle on the morning of July 2, and was placed in position by General Hancock on the left of the Second Division, in columns of regiments by brigades. Early in the afternoon the Second Corps, which had moved forward some distance toward the Emmitsburg road, engaged the enemy, and I was ordered to its support. I had moved but part of the distance required, when a column of the Fifth Corps appeared, coming to the assistance of the Second, and by order I resumed my former position.
The battle was raging with considerable fury at the left, where, between 4 and 5 o'clock, I received orders to report with my command to General Sykes. I moved off immediately by the left flank, and sent forward my aide Lieutenant Cross to find General Sykes, but he did not succeed in finding him. Before reaching the position designated for me, I met a staff officer I think the adjutant-general of General Sykes), who told me he had orders where to place me. I moved forward rapidly, a portion of the time at double-quick, as the Third Corps was said to be hard pressed.
The position assigned me was on the right of the Fifth and the left of the Third Corps, and I was ordered to check and drive back the enemy who were advancing at that point. I ordered Colonel Cross, commanding the First Brigade, to advance in line of battle through a wheat-field, his left resting on the woods which skirted the field. He had advanced but a short distance when he encountered the enemy, and opened upon him a terrific fire, driving him steadily to the farther end of the wheat-field.
In the meantime I had put the Second Brigade in on the right of the First, and they advanced in like manner, driving the enemy before them. The Third Brigade I ordered still farther to the right, to connect with the Third Corps, while I held the Fourth Brigade in reserve. The First, Second, and Third Brigades advanced with the utmost gallantry, driving the enemy before them over difficult and rocky ground, which was desperately contested by the slowly retreating foe.
The First Brigade, which had been longest engaged, had expended all its ammunition, when I ordered Colonel Brooke to relieve it. He advanced with his usual gallantry, and drove the enemy until he gained the crest of the hill, which was afterward gained by the whole of my line. In this advantageous position I halted, and called upon General Barnes, who was some distance to the rear, to send a brigade to the support of my line. He readily complied, and ordered the brigade of Colonel Sweitzer forward into the wheat-field. I then galloped to the left to make a connection with General Ayres, and found that I had advanced some distance beyond him. He, however, gave the order to his line to move forward and connect with my left.
Thus far everything had progressed favorably. I had gained a position which, if properly supported on the flanks, I thought impregnable from the front. General Ayres was moving forward to connect with my left, but I found on going to the right that all the troops on my right had broken and were fleeing to the rear in confusion. As soon as they broke, and before I could change front, the enemy in great numbers came in upon my right flank and even my rear, compelling me to fall back under a heavy cross-fire, generally in good order, but necessarily with some confusion.
I reformed them behind a stone wall until relieved by the Twelve Corps. By direction of Major-General Hancock, I marched my command back to the ground it had occupied in the earlier part of the day, where we lay on our arms until the morning of the 3rd. I then formed what was left of the division in one line on a slight crest, and began to throw up breastworks. Before noon we had a work which served to protect the men during the artillery fire which followed.
About noon the enemy opened upon us with all his artillery the most fearful fire I have ever witnessed. Although this lasted an hour, but one of my men was killed and very few wounded. Nearly at the same time with the grand assault which, following the artillery fire, was made upon our center, a single line, I should think a small brigade, advanced in our immediate front, but did not succeed in getting beyond our picket, being broken by the fire of our artillery: A large portion of this force came in and gave themselves up as prisoners.
The division on the afternoon of the 2nd fought with its accustomed gallantry, and performed everything that could be expected of either officers or men. The large number of its killed and wounded attest its desperate valor. That it fell back was owing entirely to the breaking of the troops on the right, permitting the enemy to get on its flank and its rear.
While driving the enemy triumphantly before them, two of my brigade commanders, Brigadier-General Zook and Colonel Cross, of the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, fell, mortally wounded. They were both old and tried soldiers, and the country can lily spare their services. They both fell in the front of battle while driving back the invader, and lived long enough to know that their blood has not been shed in vain, but that the enemy had been driven back with terrible repulse. A grateful country will remember their virtues and hold them up to the admiration of posterity.
Colonel Roberts, One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Merwin, Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers, were instantly killed; both gallant officers and brave men. Colonel McKeen, Eighty-first Pennsylvania volunteers, who, after the fall of Colonel Cross, succeeded to the command of the first Brigade, behaved, as he has always has on every battle-field, with the most distinguished gallantry, and brought off his command in perfect order.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hapgood, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Broady, Sixty-first New York Volunteers, behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery, and added to their already high reputation. Colonel Kelly behaved with his wonted gallantry. The conduct of Lieutenant-colonel Fraser, One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, was worthy of all praise.
Of the merit of Colonel Brooke, commanding the Fourth Brigade, too much can scarcely be said. His services on this as well as many other fields have fairly earned him promotion. Colonels Brown and Baily are deserving of high praise.
The members of my staff rendered most efficient service. I would mention as worthy of particular commendation Lieutenants Daniel K. Cross and William P. Wilson and Majors George W. Scott and John Hancock. I have before the occasion to mention the bravery and good conduct of my orderly, Corpl. Uriah N. Parmelee, Company D, Sixth New York Cavalry. On this occasion he not only behaved with great bravery, but was of great assistance to me in checking fugitives. I respectfully recommend his promotion.
The lists of killed, wounded, and missing have already been forwarded.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN C. CALDWELL
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division
Hdqrs. Irish Brig. Second Brig. Hancock’s Div.,
In Camp before Fredericksburg, Va., December 20, 1862
I have the honor to report through you to the brigadier-general commanding the division the part taken by the brigade I have the honor to command in the action of Saturday, the 13th instant.
On the Thursday morning previous, December 11, at 7 o’clock precisely, the brigade left the camp from which this report is dated, and proceeded toward the pontoon bridge over the Rappahannock, which it was arranged the division should cross. The brigade never was in finer spirits and condition. The arms and accouterments were in perfect order. The required amount of ammunition was on hand. Both officers and men were comfortably clad; and it would be difficult to say whether those who were to be led, or those who were to lead, were the better prepared or the more eager to discharge their duty.
Arriving within a few hundred paces of the headquarters of Major-General Sumner, commanding the right grand division of the Army of the Potomac, the brigade was halted, by order of Brigadier-General Hancock, in a well sheltered valley, where we stacked arms and bivouacked from 9 o'clock until 4:30p.m. The fire of our batteries and those of the enemy, incessant and terrible as it was, taught every man of the brigade to prepare himself equably and sternly for a desperate conflict.
A few minutes after 4 o'clock, word was conveyed to me that a body of daring volunteers had crossed the river in boats, and taken possession of the city of Fredericksburg. The State of Michigan will fairly reserve to herself the largest measure of pride justified by this achievement. Immediately after this word was brought to me, an order reached me from Brigadier General Hancock to march forward my brigade and take up position nearer the river.
At 7 o'clock the following morning the brigade was under arms, and in less than two hours the head of the brigade presented itself on the opposite bank of the river. The order of the advance of our division on this occasion was as follows: Colonel Zook, commanding French's old brigade, led the way; the Irish Brigade came next, and the Brigadier-General Caldwell's brought up the rear.
Passing along the south bank of the Rappahannock to the lower crossing communicating with the city, the brigade halted, counter-marched, stacked arms, and in this position, ankle-deep in mud, and with little or nothing to contribute to their comfort, in complete subordination and good heart awaited further orders. All this time, and until night came on, the batteries of the enemy continued their fire; at one time, especially, so operating that an entire division, crossing immediately on our left flank, was compelled to fall back and wait for the approaching night to conceal and protect its advance. An order was issued by Major-General Couch, commanding the corps, that no fires should be lit after nightfall. This order was uncomplainingly and manfully obeyed by my brigade. Officers and men lay down and slept that night in the mud and frost, and, without a murmur, with heroic hearts composed themselves as best as they could for the eventualities of the coming day.
I do not wish to introduce into an official report, where facts alone should be narrated, any expression of personal feeling; but it would be doing an injustice to my brigade if I did not say that the fortitude and endurance with which the hardships of that night were borne were such as to affect me deeply. I shall also digress from the strict line of an official report, in vindication of the honor and humanity of the brigade, to state that during the occupation of the city of Fredericksburg, previous to as well as after the advance of our forces on the batteries of the enemy, the Irish Brigade scrupulously abstained from any act of depredation.
On the morning of Saturday, the 13th instant, we were ordered under arms. The order was delivered to me at 8a.m. Having formed the brigade, I addressed to every regiment separately a few words, reminding them of their duty, and exhorting them to do it bravely and nobly. Immediately after, the column moved up the street, headed by Col. Robert Nugent and his veteran regiment, being exposed during the march to a continuous fire of shot and shell, several men falling from the effects of each. Even while I was addressing the Sixty-ninth, which was on the right of the brigade, 3 men of the Sixty-third were knocked over, and before I had spoken the last word of encouragement the mangled remains - mere masses of blood and rags - were borne along the line.
Advancing up the street, at the front of which the right of the brigade in line had rested, and worried by shell and shot and rifle balls every step we took, we crossed, the mill-race immediately outside of the city, which water course may be described as the first defense of the enemy. The entire brigade, consisting of 1,200 men, at that moment had to cross a single bridge, and, passing to the right, deploy into line of battle. This movement necessarily took some time to execute. The Sixty-ninth, being on the right, was compelled to stand its ground until the rest of the brigade came up and formed. This ordeal it had to endure for fully half an hour. I myself, accompanied by Lieutenant Emmet, of the staff, crossed over on foot from the head of the street through which the brigade had approached the battle-field. It was not, however, more than thirty minutes after the head of the column had reached the right of the line, on which the brigade was to form preparatory to its advance, that the other regiments of the brigade, unbroken and undismayed by the terrific fire which poured down upon them, dashingly came up.
Reaching the head of my column, accompanied, as I have said, by Lieutenant Emmet, and having crossed the mill-race with the assistance of two wounded soldiers, I found that Colonel Nugent had just halted his regiment. Remaining here in conversation for a few minutes with the colonel, Lieutenant Miller, of Brigadier-General Hancock's staff, late of Major-General Richardson's rode up and delivered me further instructions, in obedience to which I directed Colonel Nugent to throw out two companies of his regiment as skirmishers on the right flank. I had hardly done so before the Eighty-eighth, Sixty-third, Twenty-eighth, and One hundred and sixteenth, coming up, and deploying themselves in line of battle, drew down upon the brigade a still more terrific fire. The line, however, was beautifully and rapidly formed, and then boldly advanced, Colonel Nugent leading the Sixty-ninth on the right, Col. Patrick Kelly, commanding the Eighty-eighth, being next in position, and both displaying a courageous soldiership which I have no words, with all my partiality for them, adequately to describe. Maj. Joseph O'Neill, commanding the Sixty-third, was as true that day as he has ever been. His position was on the left of the center of the line.
The center was assigned by me to the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, commanded by Col. R. Byrnes (this regiment carrying the only green flag under which the Irish Brigade this day had the proud privilege to do its duty, the old colors having been sent to New York several days before, and the new ones not having as yet arrived). The Twenty-eighth was originally destined for the brigade; it was raised especially for it. Its ranks were filled under the impression it would be one of the first regiments of the brigade. Under that impression hundreds of good and true men enrolled themselves in it, but, owing to some blunder, the Twenty-eighth was ordered to Port Royal, and it was not until the other day that, through the friendly interposition of General Sumner, it renewed its associations with the Irish Brigade. On the left of the line was the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a new regiment; it had but very recently joined the brigade, but in its conduct from Bolivar Heights, where I had the satisfaction of welcoming it to our camp, down to the present moment, when its headlong gallantry is placed on record, it has proved itself worthy of the cause into which with so much enthusiasm it had thrown itself.
Thus formed, under the unabating tempest of shot and shell, the Irish Brigade advanced at the double-quick against the rifle-pits, the breastworks, and batteries of the enemy. I myself ordered the advance, encouraged the line, and urged it on; but, owing to a most painful ulcer in the knee joint, which I had concealed and borne up against for days, I was compelled, with a view to be of any further service to the brigade that day, to return over the plowed field over which we had advanced from the mill-race. I did so to get my horse, which had been left at the head of the street from which our column had debouched, in care of my orderlies, along with the other horses of the field and staff officers of the brigade, Brigadier-General Hancock having suggested that it would be advisable for all such officers to act on foot. On going for the horse on the left of the line, I met Captain Hart, the acting assistant adjutant-general of the brigade, who was moving up from the left to the right with the perfect coolness and intelligent bravery, forming and steadying the men for attack. Halting a moment on the left, I gave the word, and instantly saw the brigade impetuously advance. Passing down the slope, and through crowds of slain and wounded, I reached the spot where I had left my horse and mounted him.
Having mounted, I started with one of the orderlies to rejoin the brigade on the right, and with that view took the street across which the two companies of the Sixty-ninth, under Capt. James Saunders, a staunch and fearless officer, has been deployed as skirmishers. I had not proceeded many paces up this street before I met the remnant of the Sixty-third, bearing the regimental colors, coming toward me, under the command of Captain Gleeson, one of the bravest and most reliable officers of the brigade. With these few survivors of the Sixty-third were a portion of the Sixty-ninth.
Fearing that the enemy might break through our lines, which had begun to waver under those torrents from the musketry and artillery of the enemy that seemed every instant to increase in fury, I halted this handful of the brigade on the street parallel with the mill-race. Here I remained, by order of Brigadier-General Hancock, who personally communicated with me at the time, gathering in the fragments of my brigade, until finally I was ordered by him, through one oh his aides, to fall back and concentrate on the street from which we had commenced our approach to the battle-field.
In this street the hospitals of the brigade had been established, and to it, consequently, all the officers and men of the brigade instinctively returned. I was, therefore, enabled, after three or four hours, to ascertain pretty accurately the available force that remained of the brigade. But while the fragments of the brigade were thus being reconcentrated, I had every reason to become convinced that the hospitals were dangerously, if not fatally, exposed; consequently I sent two of my aides, Captains Hart and Lieutenant Blake, of the Eighty-eighth, to Brigadier-General Hancock, to request of him that he would be so good as to authorize me to take what was left of the brigade across the river, the request for such authority being based on the fact that while there were not over 300 of the brigade, maimed and serviceable, who had reported themselves up to that time, the badly disabled were so numerous as to require the assistance of all those who were unhurt. Even while I was waiting for Captain Hart and Lieutenant Blake to return, several discharges of shells and rifle-balls broke through and over the hospitals of the Sixty-ninth and Sixty-third, and Eighty-eighth.
All this time, however, the officers and men of the brigade obeyed my orders and conducted themselves with perfect calmness and cheerfulness. Captain Hart, upon his return, having given me to understand that I had a conditional authorization to remove the brigade from the city, under the circumstances mentioned, I assumed the responsibility of doing so. I did so under the impression that Brigadier-General Hancock had given me such authorization for the purpose, which impression, a few hours later, I discovered was erroneous. I should not, however, have brought my command to the opposite side of the river, nor have dreamed of asking permission to do so, but for the horrible accidents to which the wounded of the brigade were exposed. That I myself did not wish to retire out of range of the rifle-pits and batteries of the enemy; that I was solely actuated by an affectionate and intense concern for the wounded officers and soldiers of my command, it will suffice for me to refer to Brigadier-General Butterfield, who, on questioning me regarding the brigade the afternoon of the assault, at the headquarters of General Willcox, and in the presence of other officers, was told by me that I feared the Irish Brigade was no more; that out of 1,200 men I had led into action that morning about 250 alone had reported to me under arms from the field, and added that, were I left without a command, it would gratify me to act as one of his aides. This I did at the time, not knowing that Brigadier-General Hancock had been deprived of most of his staff.
It was late in the afternoon when I learned that Lieutenant Miller, Lieutenant Parker, and Lieutenant Rorty, three of his active and gallant staff, were wounded and disabled. Had I been sooner made aware of the loss he sustained in these intelligent and brave young officers, I should have cheerfully volunteered my services in the contingency I had mentioned to Brigadier-General Butterfield - my services on the staff of a general who so well deserves all the support he can receive. Having placed, with the assistance of their more fortunate comrades, our wounded in the encampment we left the night before, I rode up to the quarters of Major-General Sumner to report myself and my action in the matter to him. He was not there; none of his staff were there; but General Burnside, coming in a few minutes after I had arrives, I communicated to him what I have here stated. He did not appear at all dissatisfied with the course I had taken, and with marked cordiality inquired after the brigade. Shortly afterward Major-General Sumner entering with this staff, I repeated to him what I had stated to General Burnside, adding, however, that my principal object had been, after reporting to him and explaining the reason of my crossing the river, to procure rations and ammunition for my men. The rations had been flung away as the brigade advanced to the assault. The ammunition had been exhausted in the field.
Having seen my wounded and disabled men as comfortably encamped as it was possible for them to be under the circumstances, I recrossed the Rappahannock, and between 11 and 12 o'clock at night reported to Brigadier-General Hancock. On the way, however, I stopped at the houses that had been taken as hospitals for the brigade that morning, and in them found many officers and privates who had been brought in from the field since I transferred the brigade to the opposite side of the river. Most of them were in great agony, not having had anything to sustain or soothe them since they received their wounds. Lieutenant Emmet, who accompanied me from where I had left the brigade, returned at once to bring our surgical and medical assistance. Dr. Powel promptly obeyed the order.
Next day, a little after daybreak, every officer and private of the brigade able to again take the field, by order of Brigadier-General Hancock, recrossed the Rappahannock and appeared upon the ground they occupied the day before, previous to their marching to the battle-field, all of them prepared and eager, notwithstanding their exhausted numbers and condition, to support the Ninth Corps in the renewal of the assault of the previous day, that renewal having been determined on by the commander-in-chief commanding the Army of the Potomac. Two hundred and eighty men only appeared under arms to represent the Irish Brigade. This little band, unswerved and undeterred, still full of heart, inspired by a bright sense of duty, sorrowful for their comrades, but prouder and still more emboldened that such men had fallen bravely as they did, awaited the word that was once again to precipitate them against the batteries and defenses of the enemy.
I close this report by acknowledging the gallantry and practical ability and the confirmed steadiness of the officers of the brigade, and in making this acknowledgment have sincerely to deplore the loss of such men as Major Horgan, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, than whom a better and braver soldier I have never known.
Col. Robert Nugent, commanding the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, acted with signal bravery, leading as he did the column into the field with a brilliancy of bearing worthy of the military reputation of his family name. His demeanor and the spirit he displayed, his words and looks, all were such as could not possibly fail, as they did not fail, to encourage and incite his men that day. He bore from the field a wound which will long be an honorable testimony to his daring. Maj. James Cavanaugh, also of the Sixty-ninth, most ably and with utter fearlessness supporting his colonel, fell severely wounded, but I trust not fatally, for never was there a truer heart; never was there a bolder arm; never was there a brighter brain. But it would be out of place in this report to enumerate, in the terms of affectionate appreciation I desire, the loss which the Irish Brigade has incurred.
Hereafter, should an opportunity be afforded me, I shall speak and write of such men as Lieutenants Birmingham and Buckley, men who so worthily supplied the place of the officers who fell on the battle-field before Richmond and in the great repulse of the enemy at Antietam. Looking along the ranks of the Eighty-eighth, as I did, with a mournful pride the day after the assault, I missed others besides Maj. William Horgan. I missed Lieutenants Murphy, McCarthy, and Young, the intelligent and diligent adjutant of the regiment. In the contemplation of these losses some consolation arises from the fact that men like Col. Patrick Kelly, Lieut. Col. Quinlan, Capt. Patrick K. Horgan, Capt. John Smith, Captain Nagle, Captain Clarke, Lieut. James B. Turner, and other intelligent and brave officers like them are still to the work.
In the Sixty-third New York Volunteers I have lost, for some time at all events, the services of Maj. Joseph O’Neill, services ever most promptly and liberally rendered wherever his military obligations of patriotism required them.
Had I time it would be indeed a truly pleasing duty for me to speak, in connection with the Sixty-third, of such officers as Captain Gleeson, Captain Condon, Lieutenants Moore and Brady, and others whom it is now difficult to mention, not having the leisure to speak of them in terms of adequate commendation.
Within the last two months two regiments were incorporated in the brigade. Pennsylvania contributed the One hundred and sixteenth Volunteer Regiment of that state; Massachusetts contributed the Twenty eighth Volunteer Regiment of the Old Commonwealth. The fact that Colonel Heenan and Lieutenant-Colonel Mulholland, of the former regiment, were badly wounded, speaks sufficiently for the intrepidity and metal of the men of which it is composed. When there are such officers there must be staunch men.
The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, as I have already mentioned, was raised for the brigade, but, owing to some mistake, was kept aloof from it until, by a most fortunate vicissitude of the war, it was restored to us two weeks ago. It is a substantial and splendid accession to the Irish Brigade. It has sinew, heart, and soul. It is commanded by an officer (Col. R. Byrnes) than whom it would be difficult to find one superior aptitude for such a command, combining as he does the practical experience and matured capacity of a soldier of some years' standing with the natural qualities which enable one to figure successfully in military life. I have not a word, other than that of unqualified commendation, to bestow on this well-regulated and admirably disciplined regiment. Major Caraher, one of the best of its excellent officers, was wounded in the head.
The chaplains and surgeons of the brigade could not be excelled in their devotion to the wounded. Their services were unremitting and most zealously rendered. Drs. Francis Reynolds, [J.] Pascal smith, and Laurence Reynolds, with their assistant surgeons, behaved nobly. The first-named officer vindicated the brilliant reputation he brought with him from the Crimea, and his conduct is all the more deserving of eulogy and gratitude, as a day or two before the battle he had obtained leave of absence, but, greatly to his inconvenience, remained with the brigade rather than be absent from his post at such a time.
A correct return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the brigade has been forwarded to the headquarters of the division.*
I close with especially recommending to the most favorable notice of the brigadier-general commanding the division every member of my staff. Capt. W.G. Hart, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, the acting assistant adjutant-general of the brigade, was active, fearless, and indefatigable throughout the action. Lieut. John J. Blake, of the same regiment, was not less distinguished for his courage and his energy; but in displaying these qualities on the day referred to, he displayed the courage and energy which distinguished him in every battle in which the brigade has been engaged. Lieut. Richard Emmet, also of the Eighty-eighth, astonished all who were witnesses of his conduct, by the bright intelligence and fearlessness which carried hum through the thickest of the fight, with laurels which an older brow might proudly wear.
In enumerating the members of my staff, I cannot omit Capt. Malachi Martin, the able and indefatigable quartermaster of the brigade, who has on several occasions stood the enemy's fire with me, and rendered at every risk important services to me in gallant style.
I have the honor to be, most faithfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
HEADQUARTERS MEAGHER'S BRIGADE, RICHARDSON'S DIVISION, SUMNER'S CORPS, A. P.,
Camp Victory, June 4, 1862.
On Saturday, May 31, early in the forenoon, we of the Second Brigade, Richardson's division, Sumner's corps d'armée, being encamped at Tyler's farm, heard considerable firing in front. This firing continuing to increase in rapidity and loudness during the day, about 1 o'clock p.m. I took the liberty of ordering the several regiments of my command to place themselves under arms immediately, anticipating that an order would at any moment reach me from the headquarters of the division, directing me to proceed with all dispatch to the scene of action. This order had been issued not more than ten or fifteen minutes before Captain Norvell, the assistant adjutant-general of the division, arrived at my headquarters, and directed me, by order of Brigadier-General Richardson, commanding division, to get my brigade instantly under arms and march at a moment's notice. This order, as I have already stated, had been anticipated, and fifteen minutes after Captain Norvell communicated to me the order of the general commanding our division, I directed Captain McCoy, assistant adjutant-general of my brigade, to report that my brigade was in marching trim and awaiting his further orders. These orders, which mostly had reference to the peculiar line of march over the Chickahominy which we were to observe, and which directed a slight divergence from the line of march to be preserved by the brigades under the command of Generals Howard and French, the First and Third Brigades of our division-- these orders returned with Captain McCoy, and my brigade was immediately put on the march.
The march, in strict compliance with special instructions, was executed in the lightest possible marching order, the men taking with them in their haversacks only two days' cooked rations, and being disencumbered of their overcoats, knapsacks, and blankets. The march was performed with unremitting celerity, ardor, and eager readiness for action. I mention this particularly from the fact that on the line of march we met several soldiers and other parties returning from the field of action, who informed us that the Federal arms had met with a severe reverse, and that as some New York troops were implicated it was specially incumbent on us to redeem the honor of our State and the fortunes of the day.
It was between 9 and 10 p.m. when the head of our brigade entered on the scene of that day's terrible conflict, and we were apprised of the fact and it was impressed upon us startlingly by the appearance of numbers of surgeons and chaplains with lanterns in hand searching over the ground to the right and left of our advance in column for the dead and wounded, who they said were scattered in every direction around. The surgeon of my brigade, two of the chaplains, and the quartermaster of the Sixty-third New York Volunteers, First Lieut. P. O'Hanlon, were here requested to give their services in the humane search after and relief of the victims of the battle-field. In half an hour after the brigade, having carefully looked to and secured their arms, laid down on the open field, the first time to rest for that day.
A little after daybreak Sunday morning, having learned that the enemy were in full force in the wood surrounding the field where we were bivouacked, I was on the alert, and with my staff was in the saddle by 4 o'clock a.m. The Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, under the command of Col. Robert Nugent, and the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, under the command of Lieut. Col. Patrick Kelly, temporarily commanding, were under arms and ready for action the same hour. The men had scarcely partaken of some hard biscuit and water when a brisk firing in front of our position informed us of the immediate presence of the enemy. General Richardson, commanding the division, at once directed my brigade to prepare for action. This order, as the march of the previous afternoon and night, was executed with the, utmost alacrity and enthusiasm. Whilst in line of battle and awaiting further orders General Sumner, commanding the corps d'armée in which our brigade is incorporated, appeared on the ground, accompanied by his staff, and riding in front of our ranks addressed a few words of encouragement and confidence to our men, reminding them that they had been held back ever since they joined the service, but now their time had come.
In the mean while the firing in the woods fronting the field on which, in the midst of the dead and dying of the previous day's battle, we were drawn up for action, increased in volume and intensity, and it was at this moment that I received orders to throw the first regiment of my brigade, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, upon the railroad a little below where it wits drawn up in line of battle. This order was executed promptly and dashingly, a pretty brisk fire opening on the regiment from the woods and one or two detached houses as they deployed to the left in line of battle on the railroad. Shortly after this movement had been executed by the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers was ordered to proceed by a flank movement to the left and occupy the railroad on the left of the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, which regiment prolonged its line of occupation on the left of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. The Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers had to push its march through a tangled underwood, encumbered with fallen and decayed trees, interspersed with heavy patches of mire and swamp. The regiment was conducted to its position by Capt. J.P. McMahon, of my staff, who was specially detailed that morning on the staff of General Richardson, commanding division.
It appears from the report of Lieut. Col. Patrick Kelly, commanding the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, that a countermand was given to his regiment by some staff officer of the corps whilst it was forcing its way through the wood to take its position on the left of the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers. This led to some slight confusion, and the two leading companies of the regiment, not having heard the countermand, deployed from the wood on the railroad, and gallantly sustained the fire of the enemy until, the countermand being recalled, they were vigorously supported by the other eight companies of the regiment. The two companies maintaining themselves so creditably until supported by the main body of the regiment were commanded respectively by Capts. William Horgan and Michael Eagan. Whilst the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, under command of Colonel Nugent, and the Eighty-eighth, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly, were thus deploying to the right and left on the railroad the one through a field intercepted by stumps and exposed to a flanking fire from the enemy on the right and the other regiment forcing its way through the swampy woods on the left, the brigades of Generals Howard and French were splendidly maintaining the front of our position in advance of the railroad and holding the enemy in check.
Thus it was that those two regiments of my brigade acted as a reserve and came to the support of those brave troops that had to stand the brunt of the battle of the 1st of June. The Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers had to display itself in an opening before they reached their position on the railroad which was exposed to the unobstructed fire of the enemy from the woods, forming a semicircle in front of the line on which the regiment was deploying. In other words, the line of battle of the Eighty-eighth was the chord of resistance to the arc of the enemy's fire. At the central point of the chord there stood a farm-house, which during the action was used as a hospital for the wounded of the regiment specially detailed at this point and any other of either army who were wounded in proximity to it and who could be brought in.>
I regard the conduct of the Eighty-eighth, under the circumstances l have mentioned and in the position I have described, as being especially effective and entitled to distinctive commendation. Had the Eighty-eighth winced from this position; had they faltered or been thrown into confusion when proceeding to the railroad; had the two companies of this regiment, which were for some minutes isolated, not sustained the fire of the enemy, I believe the issue of the day adversely to the Army of the Potomac would have been materially influenced. The conduct of the Sixty-ninth was incomparably cool. The officers and men of the regiment stood and received the fire of the enemy whilst they delivered their own with an intelligent steadiness and composure which might have done credit to, and might perhaps have been looked for in, the mature troops of more than one campaign. The creditable and memorable conduct of the Sixty-ninth on this occasion was, in my opinion, owing in a great measure to the soldierly bearing and fearless tone and spirit of Colonel Nugent, who, standing close to the colors of his regiment, over and over again repeated the order to fire on the enemy. The fire of the two regiments, in a word, was so telling, that the enemy, although in considerable force and evidently bent on a desperate advance, were compelled to retire, leaving their dead and wounded piled in the woods and swampy ground in front of our line of battle.
Our success was made manifest by the fact that the officers of the brigade engaged on the occasion were occupied soon after the cessation of the firing, and are still engaged, in the humane work of searching after the wounded and burying the dead.
For further particulars, of which I cannot pretend to be personally cognizant, I refer you with pleasure to the reports of the officers commanding the two regiments of my brigade engaged on the day in question. They themselves, it appears: find it difficult to particularize those of their respective commands who distinguished themselves by their coolness and fearlessness during the action. I myself refrain from any discrimination of the kind, lest I might do injustice to those who, equally brave and bold as those who seemed to me most conspicuous, might have been no less deserving of notice and honorable commemoration, but whose claims escaped my observation in the excitement of the engagement. I cannot, however, close this report without mentioning in sincere terms of praise the conduct of the surgeons of my brigade those of the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, as also that of the brigade surgeon, J. H. Taylor; their attention to the wounded being unremitting even in the very heat of the conflict, and whilst it was dangerous for them to discharge their duties. It is a source to me of the greatest satisfaction that the brigade which I have the honor to command can reckon with confidence on the services of such skillful, daring, and intrepid surgeons.
Were it usual in such reports to speak of them, I would have more than sufficient reason to acknowledge the courage and the heart with which the chaplains of the brigade stood by their charge in the hour of danger and consoled those who fell.
In making this report I find but one circumstance which diminishes the pleasure I feel in speaking so laudably of those whom I have the honor to command, and this circumstance is the withdrawal of the Sixty-third New York Volunteers, commanded by Col. John Burke, which regiment, between 11 and 12 o'clock p.m. of the 31st of May, on our march from the camp at Tyler's farm, were ordered by General Richardson, commanding division, to fall back and defend the batteries of the division that were impeded in the mud and could not be brought to the front without assistance. These orders were executed by the Sixty-third New York Volunteers with promptness and full efficiency, and I but imperfectly convey the conviction of its comrade regiments of the brigade in saying that the participation of the Sixty-third New York Volunteers in the dangers of the day would have added to whatever credit the rest of the brigade has had the fortune to acquire.
I am happy to inform you that in killed and wounded the brigade has only lost 2 officers Lieutenants King and O'Connor, Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, of whom the former died yesterday morning and the latter lies severely though not mortally wounded) and something less than 50 men.
The list of casualties, however, is at present necessarily imperfect Every step will be taken to render a correct one as speedily as possible.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS MEAGHER'S BRIGADE,
RICHARDSON'S DIVISION, SUMNER'S CORPS, A. P.,
In Camp at Harrison's Landing, James River, Va., July 2, 1862.
GENERAL: In obedience to your order that I should report to you as the officer in superior command of the Union troops engaged in the action which took place yesterday I have the honor to submit to you the following statement of the circumstances in which the brigade under my command participated and of which I was personally cognizant:
Shortly after 6 o'clock p.m., being seated at the headquarters of General E. V. Sumner, commanding the corps d'armée in which my brigade is incorporated, being ordered to do so by that officer, I dispatched two of my aides, Lieut. John J. Gosson, of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers the first regiment of the brigade, and Lieut. Temple Emmett, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers the fourth regiment of the brigade, with orders to hurry up the four regiments composing the brigade, and to advance them as quickly as possible to the front, and to report to you. These regiments, being the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, the Sixty-third New York Volunteers, the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, and the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, which has been recently assigned to the brigade, had been in position in line of battle from an early hour, occupying and extending along a ravine to the right of the headquarters of Sumner's corps, and so protecting in some measure the right flank of the army, which was still further and efficiently protected by the divisions under the command of Generals Sedgwick and Smith.
The line occupied by the regiments under my command along this ravine was held by them with marked coolness and firmness under an incessant shower of shell and round shot from the batteries of the enemy, and it is but simple justice for me to say that under an unremitting fire of some hours they exhibited a composure and steadiness which was only equaled by their eagerness to engage the enemy more actively and immediately. The orders communicated by the aides I have mentioned were promptly and enthusiastically obeyed. Advancing from the ravine by a flank march they deployed into line of battle in the field immediately in front of the headquarters of General Sumner, the Sixty-ninth, under the command of Col. Robert Nugent, forming the first line of attack; the Eighty-eighth, under the command of Maj. James Quinlan, forming the second line; the Sixty-third, under the command of Col. John Burke forming the third line, and the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, being under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes, forming the fourth line, Col. Ebenezer Pierce having been previously wounded whilst coolly and gallantly sustaining his regiment in their position on the previous day at the passage of the White Oak Swamp in support of Hazzard's battery, and in co-operation with the other regiments of the brigade.
The advance of the regiments with a rapid step, displaying their colors, was marked by an alacrity and enthusiasm which found their expression in vehement cheers, which had the effect of rallying several fragments of regiments that had, after bravely sustaining themselves under an overpowering fire, been forced to retire from the front. A few minutes previous to our entering upon the immediate scene of action my brigade had the good fortune to meet you, general, accompanied by your staff, and you will permit me to say even in this report, which is addressed particularly to you, that your presence and directions were such as to increase the ardor and render still more efficient the disposition of the regiments, for whose good name and success I was at that moment responsible.
Closely under the fire of the enemy we were met by Brigadier-General Butterfield, who, grasping the distinctive green flag of the leading regiment of the brigade, exhibited the ardor of a general who was personally interested in its honor, and thereby renewed and re-excited the spirit of the advance. Coming in contact with the enemy, the Sixty-ninth poured in an oblique fire upon them with a rapid precision and an incessant vigor which had the effect of almost instantly staggering and silencing for some moments a fire which seemed to be almost overwhelming.
In the mean while the Eighty-eighth were thrown forward to the left of the Sixty-ninth, and their rapid and impetuous movement had the effect of outflanking the enemy and perfecting the success which the Sixty-ninth had already to so important an extent achieved. The oblique line thus formed by these two regiments was maintained with decisive resolution until the enemy fell back from the range of fire.
The other two regiments of the brigade the Sixty-third New York Volunteers and the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers firmly preserved the second line of attack under a fire which was all the more trying to them inasmuch as they were not in a position to return or resist it, but at this time I ordered up the Twenty-ninth to support Major Robertson's battery. Shortly after an officer, who represented and stated himself to be an aide of General McClellan, rode up to me, and desired me earnestly to detail one of my regiments to accompany and support a battery of artillery, which was then going to relieve another, the ammunition of which had been exhausted.
Having only the Sixty-third at my disposal for this duty I at once ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler to accompany and support the battery in question. Col. John Burke, commanding the Sixty-third, having been severely wounded immediately on our coming under the musketry of the enemy and taken to the rear, the command of his regiment devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler. This officer, however, undertook to disobey the order I issued to support the battery, alleging that he was under special orders issued by you, general, and that mine were consequently without weight. Seeing the importance of having a strong support to the battery, which was rapidly proceeding, to establish the success of the day, and having no doubt whatever that the officer representing himself as an aide of the general-in-chief had the authority which he professed to have, I insisted on Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler immediately executing the order I had given. He refusing to do so, I at once placed him under arrest, and directed Captain O'Neil, the next senior officer of the regiment, to assume the command, and to have the disputed order instantly complied with. I feel extremely gratified in being able to inform you that under the command of Captain O'Neil the gallant Sixty-third promptly supported the battery, which but for them would have been left without support, and standing by it until its work was done, it was withdrawn by orders from the general commanding the corps. They sustained it ably and devotedly.
Night had fallen and darkness had almost obliterated the lines of the contending forces, the desperate fire of which was still violently main-rained, when Colonel Nugent, coming up to me, declared his inability to maintain his position much longer, his ammunition being exhausted and his arms rendered well-nigh unserviceable from the incessant firing of his men, and he begged of me at once to have his ammunition replenished and his regiment relieved until such time as his fire-arms would be so sufficiently cooled as to render them efficient. My aides being at the time with the other regiments of the brigade I did not hesitate to go at once, and as speedily as it was possible for me to ride to the headquarters of the general commanding the corps, with the view of obtaining what seemed to me an important relief for Colonel Nugent and his brave and brilliant regiment. On my way to these headquarters I had the good fortune of meeting Colonel -------, of General McClellan's staff, who most kindly accompanied me to General Sumner. The general directed me, in case the firing had completely ceased and all was tranquil and assured in front, to withdraw all the regiments of my brigade and re-establish them in the position they occupied previous to their advance upon the enemy. Shortly after 9 o'clock p.m. I withdrew my brigade, in conformity with this order, finding everything perfectly satisfactory in front of our line, and our officers and men, despite of the fatigue and excitement they had undergone, in high confidence and spirits. This, general, is all that I have to relate in connection with my brigade serving under your command during the afternoon of the 1st of July.
In justly reporting to you the excellent conduct of the brigade which I have the honor to command, the eagerness with which it rushed to the conflict, and the steadiness and fearlessness with which it bore itself under the closing fire of the enemy that day, I have to mention with sincere and deep regret that the brigade sustained in the death and disabling of many brave officers and men a loss which as yet it is not in my power accurately to estimate. The list of casualties will be furnished as speedily as it is possible to render it exact. In the mean time it is with a good deal of pride, mingled with pain, that I have to mention the wounding of Colonel Burke, of the Sixty-third, so seriously as to incapacitate him and deprive his regiment and the brigade of his intelligent and faithful services, whilst leading his men into the battlefield. With a pride and pain no less sincere and heartfelt I have to report that Capt. Joseph O'Donoghue, of Company C, Eighty-eighth Regiment; Lieutenant Reynolds, of Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment, and Lieut. Francis J. Hackett, of the Eighty-eighth, are amongst those zealous and brave young officers who suffered most severely in the action.
There are many deaths amongst the men, of which I think it my duty to make especial mention of that of Sergeant Haggerty, of the Sixty-ninth, whose brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Haggerty, fell at the head of the Sixty-ninth New York Militia at the battle of Manassas, and whose noble example of patriotism and soldiership it was the passion of Sergeant Haggerty to emulate.
In closing this report I have to acknowledge with grateful satisfaction the energetic and gallant conduct of Capt. William H. Hogan, Lieuts. John J. Gosson and Temple Emmett, whose labors on the field in directing and sustaining the movements of the brigade were incessant and most effective.
Lieut. James B. Turner, also of my staff, having asked permission to rejoin his company in the Eighty-eighth, behaved in a manner which was in admirable keeping with the brillant character of the chivalrous young regiment.
The bearing of Colonel Nugent, of the Sixty-ninth, was a guarantee, whilst it was an inspiration from the resolute and resistless bravery of his regiment. Maj. James Quinlan, who commanded the Eighty-eighth Regiment, proved himself fully worthy of the command which devolved upon him.
But I must confine this enumeration of gallant officers who preeminently distinguished themselves on the occasion to those whose official position in the brigade renders it no disparagement to others to have them specially mentioned.
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General.
General E. V. SUMNER,
Commanding Second Corps d'Armée.
HDQRS. MEAGHER'S BRIG., RICHARDSON'S DIV.,
SUMNER'S CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 6, 1862.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with the order received by me yesterday from the general commanding the division I have the honor to report to him through you the action of the brigade which I command in the following engagements: Allen's Farm Gaines' Mill, Savage Station, Nelson's Farm, Malverton.
On Friday, the 27th of June, at 5 o'clock p.m., being encamped at Fair Oaks Station, I received orders to move my brigade immediately to the support of General Fitz John Porter, who had been engaged with the enemy for several hours, and who was at the time mentioned forced back by overpowering numbers. On receiving the orders to move forward my brigade I was directed by the general of the division to report to Brigadier-General French, whose brigade was also ordered to the support of the forces engaged with the enemy at Allen's Farm. Marching rapidly to the Chickahominy, the two brigades crossed Woodbury's or Alexander's Bridge. The head of the column had just appeared on the opposite side when an immense cloud of dust, through which teams and horsemen hastily broke, indicated something more than a repulse to our arms. These teams and horsemen were followed by crowds of fugitive stragglers on foot, whose cry was that "they had been cut to pieces."
At this critical moment Brigadier-General French ordered me to throw forward and deploy one company of the Sixty-ninth, Col. Robert Nugent commanding, and with fixed bayonets to drive back the runaways. Captain Felix Duffy's company was accordingly thrown forward and deployed and the resolute and impetuous spirit with which they discharged their duty under the command of their experienced and gallant captain had the effect of almost instantly checking a rout which if not arrested at that moment would have been attended with the most fearful consequences, thus driving back the fugitives and steadying the broken masses of the Union forces that had been engaged all day. The column, of which my brigade formed the right and rear, came upon the hill where the main hospital of the Union army had been established and where the greater portion of our broken and retreating forces were assembled. My brigade reached the summit of this hill in two lines of battle--the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth the first, the Sixty-third and Twenty-ninth the second line of battle--and having reached it, despite of the cavalry, artillery., and infantry that were breaking through them, preserved an unwavering and undaunted front. Our advance, which was repeatedly assailed by the shells and the round shot of the enemy, did not halt until commanded to do so by General Fitz John Porter, who gave the command in person. At this time the firing of the enemy suddenly ceased on our front and opened on our right, in consequence of which General Porter directed me to move my brigade obliquely to the right and so relieve the regulars under Brigadier-General Sykes, occupying the ground which these splendid troops had so gallantly maintained all through the desperate conflict of the day and long after their ammunition had been exhausted. Nothing more was seen or heard of the enemy through the night.
In this position my brigade remained until, under orders of Brigadier-General French, the column under his command recrossed the Chickahominy, which it did before sunrise the following morning. The Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, the fourth regiment of the brigade, under Colonel Baker, was ordered by the general commanding the column on the other side to keep in rear of the column, to defend the passage of the wounded and stragglers, until the bridge had been thoroughly destroyed, which work had already commenced when, accompanied by my staff, I crossed the river in rear of my brigade.
Returning to our intrenched camp at Fair Oaks, the brigade rested until 10 o'clock on the night of Saturday, the 28th of June, when I received orders to march my brigade instantly to Savage Station, and there report to the general-in-chief. The Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Col. Robert Nugent commanding, did not accompany the brigade, being on picket duty in front of the camp at Fair Oaks. The other three regiments of the brigade took up and held a position at Meadowy Station indicated by General Williams, the adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac, until ordered to report and return to Brigadier-General Richardson, which they did about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 29th of June.
Being temporarily placed under arrest until 8 o'clock the following day, I respectfully refer the general commanding the division to the report of Col. Robert Nugent, the senior colonel of the brigade, who had command of the same during the engagement at Savage Station on the evening of the 29th ultimo and who commanded the brigade on the march through the White Oak Swamp.
It gives me the heartiest satisfaction to bear witness to the able and intrepid manner with which Colonel Nugent fulfilled the duties which devolved upon him during my arrest; and it may not be inopportune for me to say that no colonel with whom I am acquainted is more deserving of honorable mention, and I most cordially recommend him to the favorable notice of the general commanding the division.
In relation to the engagement at Nelson's Farm and Malvern, in which my brigade suffered severely but most worthily behaved, I shall furnish you with a report within the next hour.
I cannot close this report, however, without commending to the favorable consideration of the general commanding the division the following officers, who served on my staff during the engagement on Allen's Farm. [Gaines' Milli: Capt. William H. Hogan, of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery; Lieut. John J. Gosson, of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers; Lieut. Temple Emmett, of the Eighth-eighth New York Volunteers; Lieut. James B. Turner, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, and Capt. Malachi Martin, the assistant quartermaster of the brigade, who with the heartiest alacrity volunteered his services on the occasion and fearlessly rendered me the most valuable assistance. Maj. Thomas O'Neil, also of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery, rendered me the most gallant service, and in fulfillment of one of my orders at the close of the engagement, when I had dispatched him to one of the regiments on my right, was, I fear, taken prisoner by the enemy; at all events, since then we had no tidings of him. I deeply regret his absence, for a more daring soldier I sincerely believe does not exist.
I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very truly, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieut. C. STUART DRAPER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division.
BANKS' FORD, NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,
April 28, 1863---1.30 p.m.
MAJOR: I have the honor to inform the major-general commanding the division that, in accordance with instructions received from him, I proceeded to this ford on yesterday forenoon, to relieve Colonel Kelly and take command of the brigade.
On arriving at the ford where I found the Sixty-third encamped, I learned that Colonel Kelly had, an hour previous, proceeded to the United States Ford, at which place, I was advised by the major general, two regiments of the brigade were to be stationed. Accordingly, I set out at once to the United States Ford, taking the corduroy road leading up from Banks' Ford to the Warrenton pike, being ignorant of the River road, not having either a map or guide to direct me. I proceeded along the Warrenton pike until I reached Hartwood Church, when I took the road leading to the United States Ford, at which I arrived some time about 5 p.m., and found everything perfectly quiet, and the Sixty-ninth and One hundred and sixteenth posted there in the best order. Colonel Kelly had left something more than an hour before, to return to Banks' Ford. I concluded, therefore, on remaining at the United States Ford until this morning, it being too late for me to return to the lower one by the only route that of the Warrenton pike with which I was acquainted.
This morning, a little before 9 o'clock, the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers came in, having remained over night at Hartwood Church. As I was on the point of leaving for Batiks' Ford, orders arrived for the regiments of the brigade stationed at the United States Ford to proceed to the former one. These orders were immediately put into execution, General Carroll's brigade, which reached the ground about the same time as the orders did, more than supplying their place. The Sixty-ninth, One hundred and sixteenth, and Twenty-eighth are expected very soon. I have relieved Colonel Kelly from the command, and have received from him all the instructions communicated to him as guidance for the command.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Maj. JOHN HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Hancock's Division.
HDQRS. MEAGHER'S BRIG., RICHARDSON'S DIV.,
SUMNER'S CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 6, 1862.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with the order received by me yesterday from the general commanding the division I have the honor to report to him through you the action of the brigade which I command in the following engagements: Allen's Farm Gaines' Mill, Savage Station, Nelson's Farm, Malverton.
On Friday, the 27th of June, at 5 o'clock p.m., being encamped at Fair Oaks Station, I received orders to move my brigade immediately to the support of General Fitz John Porter, who had been engaged with the enemy for several hours, and who was at the time mentioned forced back by overpowering numbers. On receiving the orders to move forward my brigade I was directed by the general of the division to report to Brigadier-General French, whose brigade was also ordered to the support of the forces engaged with the enemy at Allen's Farm. Marching rapidly to the Chickahominy, the two brigades crossed Woodbury's or Alexander's Bridge. The head of the column had just appeared on the opposite side when an immense cloud of dust, through which teams and horsemen hastily broke, indicated something more than a repulse to our arms. These teams and horsemen were followed by crowds of fugitive stragglers on foot, whose cry was that "they had been cut to pieces."
At this critical moment Brigadier-General French ordered me to throw forward and deploy one company of the Sixty-ninth, Col. Robert Nugent commanding, and with fixed bayonets to drive back the runaways. Captain Felix Duffy's company was accordingly thrown forward and deployed and the resolute and impetuous spirit with which they discharged their duty under the command of their experienced and gallant captain had the effect of almost instantly checking a rout which if not arrested at that moment would have been attended with the most fearful consequences, thus driving back the fugitives and steadying the>broken masses of the Union forces that had been engaged all day. The column, of which my brigade formed the right and rear, came upon the hill where the main hospital of the Union army had been established and where the greater portion of our broken and retreating forces were assembled. My brigade reached the summit of this hill in two lines of battle--the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth the first, the Sixty-third and Twenty-ninth the second line of battle--and having reached it, despite of the cavalry, artillery., and infantry that were breaking through them, preserved an unwavering and undaunted front. Our advance, which was repeatedly assailed by the shells and the round shot of the enemy, did not halt until commanded to do so by General Fitz John Porter, who gave the command in person. At this time the firing of the enemy suddenly ceased on our front and opened on our right, in consequence of which General Porter directed me to move my brigade obliquely to the right and so relieve the regulars under Brigadier-General Sykes, occupying the ground which these splendid troops had so gallantly maintained all through the desperate conflict of the day and long after their ammunition had been exhausted. Nothing more was seen or heard of the enemy through the night.
In this position my brigade remained until, under orders of Brigadier-General French, the column under his command recrossed the Chickahominy, which it did before sunrise the following morning. The Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, the fourth regiment of the brigade, under Colonel Baker, was ordered by the general commanding the column on the other side to keep in rear of the column, to defend the passage of the wounded and stragglers, until the bridge had been thoroughly destroyed, which work had already commenced when, accompanied by my staff, I crossed the river in rear of my brigade.
Returning to our intrenched camp at Fair Oaks, the brigade rested until 10 o'clock on the night of Saturday, the 28th of June, when I received orders to march my brigade instantly to Savage Station, and there report to the general-in-chief. The Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Col. Robert Nugent commanding, did not accompany the brigade, being on picket duty in front of the camp at Fair Oaks. The other three regiments of the brigade took up and held a position at Meadowy Station indicated by General Williams, the adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac, until ordered to report and return to Brigadier-General Richardson, which they did about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 29th of June.
Being temporarily placed under arrest until 8 o'clock the following day, I respectfully refer the general commanding the division to the report of Col. Robert Nugent, the senior colonel of the brigade, who had command of the same during the engagement at Savage Station on the evening of the 29th ultimo and who commanded the brigade on the march through the White Oak Swamp.
It gives me the heartiest satisfaction to bear witness to the able and intrepid manner with which Colonel Nugent fulfilled the duties which devolved upon him during my arrest; and it may not be inopportune for me to say that no colonel with whom I am acquainted is more deserving of honorable mention, and I most cordially recommend him to the favorable notice of the general commanding the division.
In relation to the engagement at Nelson's Farm and Malvern, in which my brigade suffered severely but most worthily behaved, I shall furnish you with a report within the next hour.
I cannot close this report, however, without commending to the favorable consideration of the general commanding the division the following officers, who served on my staff during the engagement on Allen's Farm. Gaines' Mill, Capt. William H. Hogan, of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery; Lieut. John J. Gosson, of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers; Lieut. Temple Emmett, of the Eighth-eighth New York Volunteers; Lieut. James B. Turner, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers, and Capt. Malachi Martin, the assistant quartermaster of the brigade, who with the heartiest alacrity volunteered his services on the occasion and fearlessly rendered me the most valuable assistance. Maj. Thomas O'Neil, also of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery, rendered me the most gallant service, and in fulfillment of one of my orders at the close of the engagement, when I had dispatched him to one of the regiments on my right, was, I fear, taken prisoner by the enemy; at all events, since then we had no tidings of him. I deeply regret his absence, for a more daring soldier I sincerely believe does not exist.
I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very truly, your obedient servant,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieut. C. STUART DRAPER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division.
HDQRS.IRISH BRIG. 2D BRIG., SUMNER'S CORPS,
HANCOCK'S DIVISION, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
In Camp on Bolivar Heights, Va., September 30, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following statement of the part which the brigade under my command performed in the battle of the Antietam:
Being encamped 1 mile outside Frederick City, on this side, on the morning of the 14th of September the brigade received orders immediately to proceed to the support of General Hooker, who was at the time hotly engaged in the passes of the South Mountain with the enemy. Being halted for an hour or so, owing to the favorable reports from the headquarters of General Hooker, the brigade had an hour or so to take rest and refreshment, the first opportunity they had of doing so after a rapid and exhausting march over the rocky hills and through the tangled woods from their encampment outside Frederick City.
The Irish Brigade had the honor of leading the pursuit of the rebels from South Mountain through Boonsborough and Keedysville. Along this road and through these villages, in this pursuit, the brigade passed with the utmost alacrity and enthusiasm, Major-General Richardson, commanding the division, riding prominently at the head of the column and directing all its movements.
Early in the afternoon the enemy were discovered in full force, drawn up in line of battle on the heights near Sharpsburg and overlooking the Antietam. The brigade was halted and deployed in line of battle to the right and left of the Sharpsburg turnpike, the Eighty-eighth and Sixty-third Regiments New York Volunteers being on the left of the road and the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers and the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers being on the right.
Whilst in this position, though greatly protected by the hill on the slope of which they lay, the regiments forming the right of my command were constantly annoyed by the well-directed artillery of the enemy. The Eighty-eighth and Sixty-third Regiments were also annoyed in a similar way, and the brigade lost several good men even in this comparatively safe position. In this position, however, we remained until the morning of the 17th, when, the men having breakfasted, a sudden order came for the brigade to fall in under arms, and take up the line of march, which Major-General Richardson would indicate. Filing by the right and proceeding at a rapid pace, the brigade crossed the ford of the Antietam a mile or so to the right of the bivouac of that morning, and as hastily, in compact order, following the lead of Major-General Richardson, who conducted the brigade to the field of battle, under cover of the rising ground and depressions which intervened between us and the enemy, we arrived at a cornfield, where Major-General Richardson ordered that everything but cartouch-boxes should be thrown off. The men of the Irish Brigade instantly obeyed this order with a heartiness and enthusiasm which it was rare to expect from men who had been wearied and worn by the unremitting labors of a nine months' campaign.
Deploying from column into line of battle on the edge of this cornfield, they marched through it steadily and displayed themselves in admirable regularity at the fence, a few hundred paces from which the enemy were drawn up in close column, exhibiting a double front, with their battle-flags defiantly displayed. Crossing this fence, which was a work slow and embarrassed, owing to the pioneer corps of the several regiments of the brigade having been reduced by their previous labors on the Peninsula, I had the misfortune to lose the services of many good officers and brave men.
Lieut. James E. Mackey, of the Sixty-third New York Volunteers, whom I had appointed on my staff in place of Lieut. Temple Emmert, whose death from typhoid fever the whole brigade affectionately and sincerely deplore, fell while the brigade was deploying into line of battle at this fence.
The enemy's column, with their battle-flag advanced and deftantly flying in front, was at this time within 300 paces of our line. A clover field of about two acres interposed. Then came the plowed field in which this column of the enemy was drawn up, and from which from their double front they had delivered and sustained a fire before which Sedgwick's forces on the right and French's on the left were reported at the time momentarily to have given way. The fact is, owing to some reason which as yet has not been explained, the Irish Brigade had to occupy and hold a gap in the line of the Union army, which the enemy perceiving had flung a formidable column to break through, and so take the two divisions last named on their flank and rear. This movement was suddenly checked by the impetuous advance of the Irish Brigade, which in a great measure filling up the gap through which the rebel column was descending to the rear of the Federal lines, drew up in line of battle within 50 paces of the enemy, the Sixty-ninth and Twenty-ninth being on the right of the line, and the Sixty-third and Eighty-eighth Regiments on the left. On coming into this close and fatal contact with the enemy, the officers and men of the brigade waved their swords and hats and gave the heartiest cheers for their general, George B. McClellan, and the Army of the Potomac. Never were men in higher spirits. Never did men with such alacrity and generosity of heart press forward and encounter the perils of the battle-field.
My orders were, that, after the first and second volleys delivered in line of battle by the brigade, the brigade should charge with fixed bayonets on the enemy. Seated on my horse, close to the Sixty-ninth Regiment, I permitted them to deliver their five or six volleys, and then personally ordered them to charge upon the rebel columns, while at the very same moment I ordered Captain Miller, assistant adjutant-general of the brigade, and Lieutenant Gosson, first aide on my staff, to bring up the Eighty-eighth and Sixty-third immediately to the charge. It was my design, under the general orders I received, to push the enemy on both their fronts as they displayed themselves to us, and, relying on the impetuosity and recklessness of Irish soldiers in a charge, felt confident that before such a charge the rebel column would give way and be dispersed.
Advancing on the right and left obliquely from the center, the brigade poured in an effective and powerful fire upon the column, which it was their special duty to dislodge. Despite a fire of musketry, which literally cut lanes through our approaching line, the brigade advanced under my personal command within 30 paces of the enemy, and at this point, Lieut. Col. James Kelly having been shot through the face and Capt. Felix Duffy having fallen dead in front of his command, the regiment halted. At the same time Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler and Maj. Richard Bentley, of the Sixty-third, on the left of our line, having been seriously wounded and compelled to retire to the rear, the charge of bayonets I had ordered on the left was arrested, and thus the brigade, instead of advancing and dispersing the column with the bayonet, stood and delivered its fire, persistently and effectually maintaining every inch of the ground they occupied, until Brigadier-General Caldwell, bringing up his brigade, enabled my brigade, after having been reduced to 500 men, to retire to the second line of defense.
Of other transactions on the battle-field in connection with the Irish Brigade I will not presume to speak. My horse having been shot under me as the engagement was about ending, and from the shock which I myself sustained, I was obliged to be carried off the field. It was my good fortune, however, to be able to resume my command early next morning.
For what occurred subsequently to my being carried away from the field I refer you, with proud confidence, not alone to my regimental officers, who remained on the field, but also to many eye-witnesses of superior rank who noticed the opportune action of the Irish Brigade on that day. But I cannot close this communication without specially mentioning the names of Capt. Felix Duffy, of the Sixty-ninth; Captains Clooney and Joyce, of the Eighty-eighth, who, after distinguishing themselves by unremitting assiduity in the discharge of their duties in their commands throughout a very long and very exhausting campaign, fell with their feet to the rebels, with a glow of loyalty and true soldiership upon their dying features.
I have the honor to be, captain, yours truly and respectfully,
THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding the Irish Brigade.
Captain HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Division Headquarters.
Report of Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock,
U.S. Army, commanding Second Army Corps.
Gettysburg Campaign
Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac.
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command from June 28 until July 5, inclusive:
On the morning of June 28, the Second Corps marched from near Sugar Loaf Mountain, Md., with orders from Major-General Hooker to encamp at Frederick. When near Monocacy Junction, the corps was ordered into camp near that place by Major-General Meade, who had that day assumed command of the army.
On the morning of the 29th, orders were received for the corps to march at 4 a.m. and move to Frizellburg. An accident delaying the delivery of the order, the command was not in motion until 8 a.m.
At 10 p.m. the command was halted for the night 1 mile beyond Uniontown, having accomplished with its entire train a march of over 30 miles. Frizellburg was not reached, owing to its being considerably farther from Monocacy Junction than indicated by the maps.
At Uniontown I ascertained that Stuart was at Westminster with a heavy force of cavalry and a number of guns, which information I communicated to the major-general commanding.
The corps remained in camp at Uniontown on the 30th.
On the morning of July 1, the command marched to Taneytown, going into bivouac about 11 a.m. I then proceeded in person to General Meade's headquarters, and, on reporting to him, was informed as to his intention with reference to giving battle to the enemy, the orders for preparatory movements being then ready for issue.
A few minutes before 1 p.m., I received orders to proceed in person to the front, and assume command of the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps, in consequence of the death of Major-General Reynolds. Having been fully informed by the major-general commanding as to his intentions, I was instructed by him to give the necessary directions upon my arrival at the front for the movement of troops and trains to the rear toward the line of battle he had selected, should 1 deem it expedient to do so. If the ground was suitable, and circumstances made it wise, I was directed to establish the line of battle at Gettysburg.
Turning over the command of the Second Corps to Brigadier-General Gibbon, under instructions from General Meade, at 1.10 o'clock I was on the road to Gettysburg, accompanied by my personal aides, Lieutenant-Colonel Morgan, chief of staff, Second Corps, and the signal party of the corps, under command of Captain Hall.
At 3 p.m. I arrived at Gettysburg and assumed the command. At this time the First and Eleventh Corps were retiring through the town, closely pursued by the enemy. The cavalry of General Buford was occupying a firm position on the plain to the left of Gettysburg, covering the rear of the retreating corps. The Third Corps had not yet arrived from Emmitsburg. Orders were at once given to establish a line of battle on Cemetery Hill, with skirmishers occupying that part of the town immediately in our front. The position just on the southern edge of Gettysburg, overlooking the town and commanding the Emmitsburg and Taneytown roads and the Baltimore turnpike, was already partially occupied on my arrival by direction of Major-General Howard. Some difficulty was experienced in forming the troops of the Eleventh Corps, but by vigorous efforts a sufficiently formidable line was established to deter the enemy from any serious assault on the position. They pushed forward a line of battle for a short distance east of the Baltimore turnpike, but it was easily checked by the fire of our artillery. In forming the lines, I received material assistance from Major-General Howard, Brigadier-Generals Warren and Buford, and officers of General Howard's command.
As soon as the line of battle mentioned above was shown by the enemy, Wadsworth's division, First Corps, and a battery (thought to be the Fifth Maine) were placed on the eminence just across the turnpike, and commanding completely this approach. This important position was held by the division during the remainder of the operations near Gettysburg. The rest of the First Corps, under Major-General Doubleday, was on the right and left of the Taneytown road, and connected with the left of the Eleventh Corps, which occupied that part of Cemetery Hill immediately to the right and left of the Baltimore turnpike. A division of the Twelfth Corps, under Brigadier-General Williams, arrived as these arrangements were being completed, and was established, by order of Major-General Slocum, some distance to the right and rear of Wadsworth's division. Brigadier-General Geary's division, of the Twelfth Corps, arriving on the ground subsequently, and not being able to communicate with Major-General Slocum, I ordered the division to the high ground to the right of and near Round Top Mountain, commanding the Gettysburg and Emmitsburg road, as well as the Gettysburg and Taneytown road to our rear.
The trains of all the troops under my command were ordered to the rear, that they might not interfere with any movement of troops that might be directed by the major-general commanding.
My aide, Major Mitchell, was then sent to General Meade to inform him of the state of affairs, and to say that I would hold the position until night. Shortly after, I addressed a communication to the major-general commanding, sending it by Captain Parker, of my staff, giving in detail the information in my possession, and informing him that the position at Gettysburg was a very strong one, having for its disadvantage that it might be easily turned, and leaving to him the responsibility whether the battle should be fought at Gettysburg or at a place first selected by him.
Between 5 and 6 o'clock, my dispositions having been completed, Major-General Slocum arrived on the field, and, considering that my functions had ceased, I transferred the command to him The head of the Third Corps appeared in sight shortly afterward, on the Emmitsburg road.
About dark I started for the headquarters of the army, still at Taneytown, 13 miles distant, and reported in person to General Meade. I then ascertained that he had already given orders for the corps in the rear to advance at once to Gettysburg, and was about proceeding there in person.
The Second Army Corps had marched from Taneytown toward Gettysburg at 1.30 p.m., and bivouacked for the night about 3 miles in rear of the town. The march was resumed at daylight, and I rejoined the corps before its arrival on the field, which took place about 7 a.m. of the 2d. The troops were soon placed in position, the right resting near the Emmitsburg road, to the west of Cemetery Hill, connecting there on the right with the Eleventh Corps and on the left with the Third Corps, the line of battle extending along the crest from the left of Cemetery Hill to Round Top Mountain, the ground being less elevated, as near Round Top. The Third Division, Brigadier-General Hays commanding, was placed on the right; the Second Division, Brigadier-General Gibbon commanding, was placed in the center, and the First Division, Brigadier-General Caldwell commanding, was on the left. The batteries of the corps were disposed from right to left as follows: Woodruff's I, First U.S. Artillery, Arnold's A, First Rhode Island, Cushing's A, Fourth U.S. Artillery, Brown's B, First Rhode Island, and Rorty's B, First New York. Each division had one of its brigades in rear as a reserve.
Sharp skirmishing occurred at intervals during the morning, particularly in front of Hays' division, where quite a number of prisoners were taken from the enemy. The artillery was also frequently engaged, but no severe fighting took place until about 3 p.m., when the Third Corps advanced from its position toward the Emmitsburg road and became heavily engaged. Subsequently the Fifth Corps became engaged in the vicinity of Round Top, in support of and some distance to the rear of the Third Corps.
Having been directed by General Meade to send a division to the assistance of the Third Corps, with orders to report to General Sykes, commanding Fifth Corps, the First Division, under Brigadier-General Caldwell, was dispatched to the scene of conflict. The division was assigned to its position by one of Major-General Sykes' staff officers. As soon as it could form line of battle, the division advanced, the left along the foot of Round Top Mountain, and drove the enemy steadily before it until, from the want of any connection on its right, the right flank of the division was turned by a column of the enemy, which had passed unobserved at a considerable distance to its right and almost to its rear, where it formed line of battle and soon forced the division to retire, with a loss of nearly half its numbers. Three out of four of the brigade commanders were disabled, Brigadier-General Zook, a gallant officer, being killed early in the action; Col. E. E. Cross, Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, whose intrepid bearing had been so often exhibited on the battle-field, was mortally, and Col. J. R. Brooke, Fifty-third Pennsylvania, commanding Fourth Brigade, slightly, wounded.
The orders of General Meade were that this division should return to its original position after being relieved by the Fifth Corps. It was reformed some distance in rear of the line of battle, but did not return until after dark, when I ordered it to the position it held in the morning.
The Third Corps having advanced far beyond the original line of battle, and Caldwell's division having been detached, a large interval remained on the left of the Second Division without troops. To remedy this in part, General Gibbon extended his line to the left by adding to it his reserve brigade. The right of the Third Corps rested near the brick house, near the Emmitsburg road, a considerable distance in front of Gibbon's division, the general direction of the line being parallel to that road. To strengthen the point between the right of the Third Corps and his left, General Gibbon sent two regiments of General Harrow's brigade, the Fifteenth Massachusetts, Col. G. H. Ward, and the Eighty-second New York Volunteers, Colonel Huston to occupy a crest on the right of the brick house, which position was considerably strengthened by a slight breastwork of such materials as the adjoining fences afforded. Brown's battery B, First Rhode Island occupied a position in rear and somewhat to the left of these two regiments.
Owing to the advanced position of the Third Corps, a very considerable gap was made between its left and the right of the Fifth Corps, through which the column of the enemy which turned the right flank of Caldwell's division appears to have passed.
About this time, General Meade informed me that General Sickles had been wounded, and directed me to assume command of the Third Corps in addition to that of my own. By this arrangement, the immediate command of the Second Corps devolved again upon General Gibbon, and that of the Third upon General Birney. I had just before received an order from General Meade to send a brigade to the assistance of General Birney, whose division had occupied the extreme left of Sickles' corps, and to send two regiments to General Humphreys, who commanded the right of that corps.
I immediately led the brigade Third Brigade, Third Division, under Colonel Willard, intended for General Birney toward the left of the original line of battle of the Third Corps, and was about proceeding with it to the front, when I encountered General Birney, who informed me that his troops had all been driven to the rear, and had left the position to which I was moving. General Birney proceeded to the rear to collect his command. General Humphreys small command yet remained in position. The force which had turned General Caldwell's right and driven the left of the Third Corps now approached the line of battle as originally established. Humphreys' command was forced back, contesting the ground stubbornly. The two regiments sent from the Second Division to General Humphreys' assistance Nineteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Devereux, and Forty-second New York, Colonel Mallon, both under command of Colonel Mallon had not arrived on the ground, though under musketry fire, when, observing that General Humphreys' command was rapidly retiring, they formed line of battle, delivered a few volleys at the advancing enemy, and themselves retired in good order to their position in line in the Second Corps, having suffered a heavy loss. The enemy pushed them so closely that a number of prisoners were captured by these regiments. The two regiments and battery referred to above as having been advanced by General Gibbon to the vicinity of the brick house did excellent service in protecting the flank of General Humphreys' command and in preventing it from being cut off from the line of battle. The enemy's attack being on their flank, the two regiments were, however, forced to retire, having met with heavy losses, Colonels Ward and Huston both being killed. One gun of the battery they had supported, and which was served to the last by the cannoneers, fell into the hands of the enemy temporarily.
I directed General Humphreys to form his command on the ground from which General Caldwell had moved to the support of the Third Corps, which was promptly done. The number of his troops collected was, however, very small, scarcely equal to an ordinary battalion, but with many colors, this small command being composed of the fragments of many shattered regiments. Three guns of one of its batteries had been left on the field, owing to the losses of horses' and men. I established Colonel Willard's brigade at the point through which General Birney's division had retired, and fronting the approach of the enemy, who were pressing vigorously on. There were no other troops on its right or left, and the brigade soon became engaged, losing its commander, Colonel Willard, and many officers and men.
At this juncture, re-enforcements, for which I had previously sent to General Meade by a staff officer, consisting of a part of General Newton's corps Doubleday's division and the remnant of Robinson's, arrived, established themselves on the line, meeting the enemy at once, and doing good execution.
Proceeding along the line, I met a regiment of the enemy, the head of whose column was about passing through an unprotected interval in our line. A fringe of undergrowth in front of the line offered facilities for it to approach very close to our lines without being observed. It was advancing firing, and had already twice wounded my aide, Captain Miller. The First Minnesota Regiment coming up at this moment, charged the rebel regiment in handsome style, capturing its colors, and driving it back in disorder.
I cannot speak too highly of this regiment and its commander in its attack, as well as in its subsequent advance against the enemy, in which it lost three-fourths of the officers and men engaged. One of the regiments of the Vermont Brigade afterward advanced upon its right, and retook the guns of one of the reserve batteries, from which the cannoneers and supports had been driven.
The enemy was now attacking our whole front at different points. On the right advancing from the direction of the brick house on the Emmitsburg road toward Gibbon's division, where he was promptly checked and driven from that portion of Brown's battery temporarily captured. In this last operation the Nineteenth Maine, Col. F. E. Heath commanding, bore a conspicuous part.
On the left of the Second Corps, the line being still incomplete, and intervals existing through which the enemy approached our line of battle, General Meade brought up in person a part of the Twelfth Corps, consisting of two regiments of Lockwood's brigade, under Brig. Gen. H. H. Lockwood, which formed line, and advanced against the enemy, then closely engaged with us, and he was soon driven from the field. By the advance of these regiments, the artillery which had been left on the field in the Third Corps line was recaptured from the enemy. Humphreys' division participated in this advance and in the recapture of its guns.
Brigadier-General Barksdale, of the rebel service, was left on the field, mortally wounded.
The Third Brigade of the Third Division, commanded by Colonel Sherrill, after Colonel Willard's death, made a gallant advance on the enemy's batteries to the right of the brick house, in which the One hundred and eleventh New York Volunteers, under Colonel MacDougall, bore a distinguished part. This brigade lost nearly one-half its numbers.
It was nearly dark. Proceeding to the right of the Second Corps, near Cemetery Hill, and hearing a heavy engagement on General Howard's front, the firing seeming to come nearer and nearer, I directed General Gibbon to send Colonel Carroll's brigade, Third Division, to that point, to report to General Howard at once. I was gratified to hear subsequently, from General Howard in person, that it arrived at a very critical time, and that this unexpected re-enforcement materially assisted him in driving the enemy from his front. Hearing firing farther to the right, and believing it to be on General Slocum's front, and fearing that the troops he had sent to me had left him without sufficient force, I directed General Gibbon to send two regiments to that point. The Seventy-first Pennsylvania, Col. R. Penn Smith, and the One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. W. L. Curry, were dispatched, but they also reported to Major-General Howard. The One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers remained until relieved next day, doing good service. The Seventy-first returned to its command about midnight, without having received orders to do so, after suffering some loss.
In addition to the troops specially mentioned heretofore as being on the line of the Second Corps on July 2, I would mention Battery C, Fourth U.S. Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Evan Thomas. This officer is particularly mentioned for bravery and good conduct. A battery of the Artillery Reserve, commanded by ---, was also on the line during this action.
During the night of the 2d, the batteries were supplied with ammunition as far as practicable. Having brought but half the ammunition train of the corps, we were dependent somewhat on others The battery ammunition was supplied by the train of the Artillery Reserve, though not to the full extent required.
For details of the important service rendered by the First Division of the Second Corps, during the time it was detached in the afternoon of the 2d instant, I refer you to the clear and concise report of its commander, Brigadier-General Caldwell, which is herewith transmitted. Between 500 and 600 prisoners were captured by this division on that occasion.
The corps had been so weakened by its losses on the 2d, that on the 3d instant it required every available man in the line of battle to cover the ground held the previous day. Colonel Carroll's brigade, of General Hays' division, was retained by General Howard, and, with the exception of the Eighth Ohio, was not engaged with the Second Corps during the day.
The early morning passed in comparative quiet along our front, but the heavy and continued firing on the right indicated that the efforts of the enemy were being directed on the Twelfth Corps. Trifling affairs occurred at intervals between the enemy's skirmishers and our own, and the artillery of the corps was frequently and successfully engaged with that of the enemy.
From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. there was an ominous stillness. About 1 o'clock, apparently by a given signal, the enemy opened upon our front with the heaviest artillery fire I have ever known. Their guns were in position at an average distance of about 1,400 yards from my line, and ran in a semicircle from the town of Gettysburg to a point opposite Round Top Mountain. Their number is variously estimated at from one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and fifty. The air was filled with projectiles, there being scarcely an instant but that several were seen bursting at once. No irregularity of ground afforded much protection, and the plain in rear of the line of battle was soon swept of everything movable. The infantry troops maintained their position with great steadiness, covering themselves as best they might by the temporary but trifling defenses they had erected and the accidents of the ground. Scarcely a straggler was seen, but all waited the cessation of the fierce cannonade, knowing well what it foreshadowed. The artillery of the corps, imperfectly supplied with ammunition, replied to the enemy most gallantly, maintaining the unequal contest in a manner that reflected the highest honor on this arm of the service. Brown's battery B, First Rhode Island, which had suffered severely on the 2d, and expended all of its canister on that day, retired before the cannonading ceased, not being effective for further service. The remaining batteries continued their fire until only canister remained to them, and then ceased.
After an hour and forty-five minutes, the fire of the enemy became less furious, and immediately their infantry was seen in the woods beyond the Emmitsburg road, preparing for the assault. A strong line of skirmishers soon advanced, followed by two deployed lines of battle), supported at different points by small columns of infantry. Their lines were formed with a precision and steadiness that extorted the admiration of the witnesses of that memorable scene. The left of the enemy extended slightly beyond the right of General Alexander Hays' division, the right being about opposite the left of General Gibbon's. Their line of battle thus covered a front of not more than two of the small and incomplete divisions of the corps. The whole attacking force is estimated to have exceeded 15,000 men.
No attempt was made to check the advance of the enemy until the first line had arrived within about 700 yards of our position, when a feeble fire of artillery was opened upon it, but with no material effect, and without delaying for a moment its determined advance. The column pressed on, coming within musketry range without receiving immediately our fire, our men evincing a striking disposition to withhold it until it could be delivered with deadly effect.
Two regiments of Stannard's Vermont Brigade of the First Corps, which had been posted in a little grove in front of and at a considerable angle with the main line, first opened with an oblique fire upon the right of the enemy's column, which had the effect to make the troops on that flank double in a little toward their left. They still pressed on, however, without halting to return the fire. The rifled guns of our artillery, having fired away all their canister, were now withdrawn, or left on the ground inactive, to await the issue of the struggle between the opposing infantry. Arrived at between 200 and 300 yards, the troops of the enemy were met by a destructive fire from the divisions of Gibbon and Hays, which they promptly returned, and the fight at once became fierce and general. In front of Hays' division it was not of very long duration. Mowed down by canister from Woodruff's battery, and by the fire from two regiments judiciously posted by General Hays in his extreme front and right, and by the fire of different lines in the rear, the enemy broke in great disorder, leaving fifteen colors and nearly 2,000 prisoners in the hands of this division. Those of the enemy's troops who did not fall into disorder in front of the Third Division were moved to the right, and re-enforced the line attacking Gibbon's division. The right of the attacking line having been repulsed by Hall's and Harrow's brigades, of the latter division, assisted by the fire of the Vermont regiments before referred to, doubled to its left and also re-enforced the center, and thus the attack was in its fullest strength opposite the brigade of General Webb. This brigade was disposed in two lines. Two regiments of the brigade, the Sixty-ninth and Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, were behind a low stone wall and a slight breastwork hastily constructed by them, the remainder of the brigade being behind the crest some 60 paces to the rear, and so disposed as to fire over the heads of those in front. When the enemy's line had nearly reached the stone wall, led by General Armistead, the most of that part of Webb's brigade posted here abandoned their position, but fortunately did not retreat entirely. They were, by the personal bravery of General Webb and his officers, immediately formed behind the crest before referred to, which was occupied by the remnant of the brigade. Emboldened by seeing this indication of weakness, the enemy pushed forward more pertinaciously, numbers of them crossing over the breastwork abandoned by the troops. The fight here became very close and deadly. The enemy's battle-flags were soon seen waving on the stone wall. Passing at this time, Colonel Devereux, commanding the Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, anxious to be in the right place, applied to me for permission to move his regiment to the right and to the front, where the line had been broken. I granted it, and his regiment and Colonel Mallon's Forty-second New York Volunteers, on his right) proceeded there at once; but the enemy having left Colonel Hall's front, as described before, this officer promptly moved his command by the right flank to still further re-enforce the position of General Webb, and was immediately followed by Harrow's brigade. The movement was executed, but not without confusion, owing to many men leaving their ranks to fire at the enemy from the breastwork. The situation was now very peculiar. The men of all the brigades had in some measure lost their regimental organization, but individually they were firm. The ambition of individual commanders to promptly cover the point penetrated by the enemy, the smoke of battle, and the intensity of the close engagement, caused this confusion. The point, however, was now covered. In regular formation our line would have stood four ranks deep.
The colors of the different regiments were now advanced, waving in defiance of the long line of battle-flags presented by the enemy. The men pressed firmly after them, under the energetic commands and example of their officers, and after a few moments of desperate fighting the enemy's troops were repulsed, threw down their arms, and sought safety in flight or by throwing themselves on the ground to escape our fire. The battle-flags were ours and the victory was won.
Gibbon's division secured 12 stand of colors and prisoners enough to swell the number captured by the corps to about 4,500.
While the enemy was still in front of Gibbon's division, I directed Colonel [General] Stannard to send two regiments of his Vermont Brigade, First Corps, to a point which would strike the enemy on the right flank. I cannot report on the execution of this order, as Colonel [General] Stannard's report has not passed through my hands; but from the good conduct of these troops during the action I have no doubt the service was promptly performed. Just in time to increase the panic of the fleeing fugitives, Battery K, Fifth U.S. Artillery, Lieutenant Kinzie commanding, and Fitzhugh's New York battery arrived, and opened on them. The enemy's attack was feebly renewed immediately after his first repulse. A single line of battle, with its left running nearly along the line followed by the right of the preceding lines, and numbering about 3,000 men, advanced, but it was utterly broken by the fire of the batteries on my left before it arrived within musketry range. A large number of the enemy came in and gave themselves up as soon as their line was broken, and 2 stand of colors fell into our hands.
This great victory was not gained without irreparable losses. In addition to those previously mentioned, the following regimental commanders were killed: Col. Dennis O'Kane, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Lieut. Col. Max A. Thoman, Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers; Col. Richard P. Roberts, One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the 2d; Col. P. J. Revere, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, Seventh Michigan Volunteers. The number of casualties among the field officers was very great, many of the regiments losing them all.
Toward the close of the main contest, I had the misfortune to lose the valuable services of a distinguished officer, Brig. Gen. John Gibbon, commanding Second Division, who was severely wounded. A short time afterward I was myself wounded, but was enabled to remain on the field until the action was entirely over, when I transferred the command to Brigadier-General Caldwell.
The services of the artillery during this engagement are particularly spoken of in the report of the commander of the artillery. Its losses in officers, men, and matériel will sufficiently attest the severity of the ordeal to which it was subjected. Three of the battery commanders, Captain Rorty and Lieuts. A. H. Cushing and G. A. Woodruff, all able, experienced, and distinguished officers, were killed, and another battery commander, Lieut. T. F. Brown, First Rhode Island Artillery, severely wounded.
The losses of the corps during the action at Gettysburg amounted to 4,323 officers and men killed, wounded, and missing. The strength of the corps in the action was about 10,000 officers and men. A statement of the losses in detail is herewith enclosed.
To speak of the conduct of the troops would seem to be unnecessary, but still it may be justly remarked that this corps sustained its well-earned reputation on many fields, and that the boast of its gallant first commander, the late Maj. Gen. E. V. Sumner, that the Second Corps had "never given to the enemy a gun or color," holds good now as it did under the command of my predecessor, Major-General Couch. To attest to its good conduct and the perils through which it has passed, it may be stated that its losses in battle have been greater than those of any other corps in the Army of the Potomac, or probably in the service, notwithstanding it has usually been numerically weakest.
For the services of the commanders of divisions, Brig. Gens. John Gibbon, Alexander Hays, and John C. Caldwell, I need only to refer to the history of the deeds of their commands.
Brig. Gens. John Gibbon and Alexander Hays, being more particularly under my eye in the crisis of the battle, it is but just that I should state that their conduct was all that could be desired in division commanders.
Capt. J. G. Hazard, commander of artillery of the corps, performed his duty in a commendable manner, behaving in the field with gallantry and directing his artillery with skill and judgment.
I desire particularly to refer to the services of a gallant young officer, First Lieut. F. A. Haskell, aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Gibbon, who, at a critical period of the battle, when the contending forces were but 50 or 60 yards apart, believing that an example was necessary, and ready to sacrifice his life, rode between the contending lines with the view of giving encouragement to ours and leading it forward, he being at that moment the only mounted officer in a similar position. He was slightly wounded and his horse was shot in several places.
Brigadier-General Webb; Col. N.J. Hall, commanding brigade; Colonel Devereux, Nineteenth Massachusetts; Colonel Mallon, Forty-second New York; Col. R. Penn Smith, Seventy-first Pennsylvania, and others, whom I regret I am unable to name, performed in like manner most distinguished services in leading their men forward at a critical period in the contest.
Captain Hall, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Lieutenant Taylor, both of the signal corps, are entitled to mention at my hands for their energy and usefulness displayed during the entire battle.
For the services of other officers who distinguished themselves, not heretofore mentioned in this report (there are many of them, I respectfully refer to the reports of division, brigade, and regimental commanders, and to the report of the commander of artillery, herewith transmitted.
Lieut. Col. C. H. Morgan, inspector-general and chief of staff, performed highly important services during the entire campaign. His intelligence on all occasions, his forethought, and fine conduct on the field of battle, entitled him to high praise.
Lieutenant-Colonel Batchelder, chief quartermaster, and Lieut. Col. J. S. Smith, chief commissary, ably conducted the services of their departments. Their duties were such as to cause them not to be present on the field of battle.
Surg. A. N. Dougherty, medical director of the corps, in the performance of his duties gave me entire satisfaction. No matter whether under the fire of the enemy or not, he was always at his post.
Maj. S. O. Bull, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, provost-marshal of the corps, was actively engaged during the action in taking charge of the prisoners captured from the enemy. During the time of the engagement, he was under the orders of the provost-marshal-general of the army.
Maj. W. G. Mitchell, my senior aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant-general, who distinguished himself on several perilous occasions during this battle; Capt. I. B. Parker, aide-de-camp, and Capt. W. D. W. Miller, aide-de-camp, twice severely wounded on the 2d, behaved with their usual gallantry, and added to the esteem their fine conduct has gained for them on many fields.
Capt. H. H. Bingham, judge-advocate, slightly wounded, and Captain Brownson, commissary of musters, acting as aides for me on the occasion, behaved with great gallantry, and shared all the dangers of the field.
My personal orderlies-- Sergeant Owen McKenzie, Private James Wells, color-bearer Sixth New York Cavalry, and Privates Alvin Stearns and David Smith, Company D, Sixth New York Cavalry--behaved with their usual bravery, and always faithfully remained at their posts, no matter how dangerous their position.
I desire to bring particularly to the notice of the major-general commanding the case of Sergt. Frederick Fuger, first sergeant of Battery A, Fourth U.S. Artillery. During the action of the 3d, his conduct was such as to entitle him to promotion, and his character is such as to make this a proper method of rewarding his services.
In this connection I refer to the report of Brigadier-General Webb. Attached hereto is a tabular statement of casualties.
With reference to the number of colors taken from the enemy, it is proper to say that each division has been credited with the number actually turned in, and for which receipts are held, making the aggregate of twenty-seven. There were undoubtedly thirty-three colors captured, the balance having been secreted as individual trophies.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Major-General, Commanding Second Corps.
Camp near Falmouth, Va.,
December 21, 1862
In compliance with circular of this date, I have the honor to report that at midnight of the 10th instant I was called by a messenger, and, immediately waiting upon Brigadier-General Meagher, was directed to cause reveille to be sounded at 4a.m. of the 11th, and be ready to move in light marching order, with three days’ rations, at 6.30 o’clock.
Accordingly my command was prepared as directed. I had not since my return from the North whither I went wounded from the battle of Antietam been able to mount or perform more than executive and ordinary camp duties. Reported the command at brigade headquarters, and, by the advice of my surgeon, myself, as unable to accompany them, and , by direction, yielded command to Maj. Joseph O’Neill.
Leaving camp, the regiment proceeded to the heights near Phillips house, remaining until evening; then failing to the rear a short distance, bivouacked for the night.
In the morning Friday resumed the position of the day before, and at about 9a.m. proceeded to cross the Rappahannock, and, moving along the river bank to the lower end of the city of Fredericksburg, rested on arms until the morning, then taking position in an adjoining street within the town. Here line of battle was formed with 48 files and color-guard and 18 commissioned officers; the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth New York and Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers upon the right and the One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania on the left. Remained in this position some length of time, the enemy shelling briskly, wounding 3 men of the regiment seriously. Brigadier-General Meagher, commanding the brigade, here directed the formation to be changed, placing the Sixty-third Regiment on the extreme left.
At near 1 o’clock moved by the flank up the street, and, filing to the left, came upon the narrow bridge crossing the mill-race under a severe and destructive fire from the enemy’s artillery. A portion of the regiment crossed the bridge, but with difficulty, and to save time (under so heavy a fire) a goodly part of the officers and men forded the race and clambered up the bank, and lying, rested a few minutes to allow all to cross and come upon the line. Then advancing double-quick about 50 yards, came upon a line of troops lying upon the ground, considerably obstructing the advance, but moved forward over them at a run encountering an unfinished and abandoned earthwork, dividing the right and left wings, which, however, after passing, reunited, the left moving by the flank, continuing the advance in line to and passing the advanced line of skirmishers near the crest of the slope, when the infantry of the enemy appeared within short range, covered by a stone wall and earthworks. The line was halted, fired and lying down, continued the fire until relieved by the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers. During this time the regiment was constantly under a heavy fire from the enemy’s artillery, their sharpshooters from every cover within range, and the infantry in front.
From reports from reliable officers, I am pleased to say the officers and men behaved with coolness and bravery under trying circumstances and obeyed orders with promptness
While passing the abandoned work, or immediately thereafter, Maj. Joseph O’Neill, then in command, received a serious wound in the right arm, and, leaving the field, the command devolved to upon Capt. P.J. Condon, who conducted the regiment with skill.
After being relieved regularly, the remnant of the regiment, with the colors, came off the field, halting, by order of General Meagher, at the heads of the streets of the city where the brigade rallied and marched to the street from which it moved in the morning, near the hospitals of the brigade. During this march Capt. John Sullivan received a wound in the thigh from a round shot, from which he died on Monday night, the only officer killed. The loss in this regiment (a list * of which has been forwarded) was 1 officer and 1 enlisted man killed, 6 officers and 32 enlisted men wounded, and 4 enlisted men missing. One of the latter has since returned, having been taken prisoner and paroled.
Unable as I was to be present with the regiment as I have ever before been with it, and wish always to be), my report may be meager; but having submitted it to several officers, I am assured that in the main it is correct.
To attempt to speak of and enumerate the officers would be fulsome, as they have all distinguished themselves on other fields in my presence and received honorable mention therefor. In Major O’Neill I lose for a time the services of a brave and valuable assistant in the field. No braver or cooler heart and head could there be in so terrible a place. Capt. R.P. Moore, too, is one of our oldest, and most valuable officers; while in Lieutenant McDonald, acting adjutant, I lose a good soldier, and so well acquainted with the details of the office I scarce know how to replace him.
My thanks are due to Captains Condon, Cartwright, and Gleeson and Lieutenant Dwyer, more fortunate that their comrades, for the conspicuous part they performed in conducting the regiment through and out of so severe a contest.
With much regard, I am, very respectfully,
R.C. BENTLEY,
Lieutenant-Colonel, 63rd New York Infantry
Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. John J. Blake,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,
May 3, 1863.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from General Meagher, I have the honor to report as follows:
During the heat of the action, personal orders were received from General Couch to advance the brigade then supporting the Fifth Maine Battery through the woods in their front, but were immediately countermanded by him, and skirmishers ordered to be thrown out. I received orders then from General Meagher to throw out 50 men of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, under command of Captain Lawler, to be deployed to the right and left of a wood, passing through the wood on our extreme right, the men to be deployed so as to cover the front of the brigade.
On returning, I found that the fire which the enemy concentrated on the above battery compelled the men to desert the guns, the horses at the time being either all killed or wounded. On reporting the fact to General Meagher, I was ordered by him to tell Major Mulholland, of the One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to save the guns with his men, at any risk, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on him for his own cool bravery, and that of the men under his command, having to take them out of stiff yellow clay, where the guns were stuck, and under a galling fire of the enemy, by which some 4 or 5 of his men were either killed or wounded; but he succeeded, most fortunately, in obeying orders, and drawing the guns, five in number, to within 1 mile of the pontoon bridge, where limbers were sent up, from the chief of artillery, to draw them to the extreme rear.
I have the honor to be, captain, most respectfully,
E. WHITEFORD,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
Capt. M. W. WALL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Permit me, at this late day and in this apparently informal manner, to submit the following report of the action and conduct of the Sixty-third Regiment New York Volunteers in the late severe fight at Antietam on the 17th instant:
The official list of killed and wounded has, I understand, already been forwarded, but I deem it to be justice to the living and the dead that mention should be made of their heroism and bravery upon that fearful day. After the first advance from the meadow upon the plowed field, the colonel not being present, as a necessity I, without orders, assumed command.
It is now a solace to my mind, while suffering from my wound, to testify how gallantly and promptly each officer in his place and each company moved forward and delivered their fire in the face of the most destructive storm of leaden hail, that in an instant killed or wounded every officer but one and more than one-half the rank and file of the right wing. For a moment they staggered, but the scattered few quickly rallied upon the left, closing on the colors, where they nobly fought, bled, and died, protecting their own loved banner and their country's flag, until the brigade was relieved.
In the early part of the action Calpt. P. J. Condon and Lieut. Thomas W. Cartwright, both of Company G, fell wounded while gallantly cheering on their men bravely at their post, as also Capt. M. O'Sullivan, Company F, while Lieut. P. W. Lydon, commanding Company D, Lieut. Cadwalader Smith, Company C, and Lieutenant McConnell, of Company K, bravely rallying the gallant remaining few, fell pierced by bullets, instantly fatal.
As the right wing had fallen before me, I hastened to the left, where I found the major Bentley close upon the line, and Capt. Joseph O'Neill, Company A, whose company had all fallen around him on the right, now assisting the major on the left. Here also was the stalwart Lieutenant Gleason, Company H, raising and supporting the repeatedly falling colors, with Lieut. John Sullivan commanding and pushing forward Company K; and here lay the slender form of Captain Kavanagh, Company I, cold in death; the brave and enthusiastic Lieut. R. P.
Moore Company E, passing from right to left, boldly urging his men to stand firm, and the gallant Lieut. George Lynch, second lieutenant Company G, bravely pressing on until he too fell, mortally wounded. The killed died as brave men, sword in hand, and amid the thickest of the fight. Major Bentley was now wounded, and retired to have his wound dressed. Our number now left was less than 50 men; our colors, although in ribbons, and staff shot through, were still there, sustained at a bloody sacrifice, 16 men having fallen while carrying them. I now received a severe wound, and was compelled to retire just as the lines of the enemy were breaking.
The officers and men all acted with a coolness and heroism worthy of honorable mention, yet I cannot close this meager report without recommending to your special notice Maj. Richard C. Bentley and Capt. J. O'Neill, whose cool and gallant conduct upon this trying and painful occasion merits the warmest commendation.
In conclusion, permit me to congratulate you that your gallant little brigade has once more crowned itself with fresh laurels, and given additional and bloody proofs of its devotion to the Constitution and the flag of our beloved country.
Very respectfully,
HENRY FOWLER,
Lieutenant-Colonel Sixty-third Regiment, Irish Brigade.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Commanding Irish Brigade.
HDQRS. EIGHTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
Camp on Bolivar Heights, near Harper's Ferry, October 5, 1862.
GENERAL: On the morning of the 17th of September the Irish Brigade, of which my regiment formed a part, crossed the Antietam Creek, and advanced in column until within sight almost of the enemy. The brigade then formed line of battle, and, after tearing down a fence, got into action at once. Shortly after this, General Meagher rode up along the line, encouraging the men, until his horse was killed and he himself got a severe fall.
During the engagement an aide rode up and ordered the Sixty-third and Eighty-eighth to charge and take the enemy's colors if possible. I at once gave the order, and my regiment advanced about 20 or 30 paces; but seeing that I had no support, I halted, and inquired for Colonel Burke, and asked why he did not advance. Captain O'Neill, of the Sixty-third, said he would advance with me if he had any one to command the regiment, but not knowing who was in command he did not wish to do so.
I know not exactly how long we were in action, but we were long enough there to lose, in killed and wounded, one-third of our men bringing in 302 and losing 104. When relieved by the Fifth New Hampshire, I reported to General Richardson by order of one of his aides. On approaching the general, he said, "Bravo, Eighty-eighth; I shall never forget you." The rank and file responded by giving him three hearty cheers.
He the general then placed me in command of the One hundred and eighth New York, and ordered us to support a battery a little in advance of where we were previously engaged, and remained there during the night and next day.
With regard to the conduct of the officers of the Eighty-eighth on that occasion, I must say that they acted to my entire satisfaction--so much so that I cannot say one is braver than another. I have the same to say of the rank and file.
Wishing I had a little more time, I am, general, most respectfully, yours,
P. KELLY,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Eighty-eighth New York Vols.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER.
FAIR OAKS STATION, VA.,
June 2, 1862.
CAPTAIN: Having the honor of commanding the Eighty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers since 23d of March last, and commanding them in the field at the battle of Fair Oaks Station on the 1st instant, it becomes my duty to report to you the action of the regiment since leaving our late camp near Cold Harbor, which we left about 3 o'clock p.m. on Saturday, 31st of May last, and arrived about 3 o'clock a.m. at Fair Oaks Station on the following morning, where the regiment slept under arms until daylight, when the regiment was again formed in line of battle ready to receive the enemy. By order of General Richardson, conveyed to me by one of his aides, I took the regiment across a belt of wood for the purpose of re-enforcing the I believe Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, who were reported nearly out of ammunition, and if not immediately relieved the result might be serious. On emerging from the wood I found I had only two companies, in consequence of the regiment having been halted while in the wood by a staff officer who did not convey the order to me, who was then marching at the head of my regiment. I with the two companies continued forward to the open space now occupied by Hazzard's battery, and advanced them in line of battle toward the railroad under a heavy fire. Shortly after the rest of the regiment came up; and here I would thank Captain McMahon, of General Meagher's staff, for the assistance he rendered them in conducting them to where I was then hotly engaged and where they were much needed.
What was done by the Eighty-eighth on the occasion above referred to they leave to others to say. With regard to the conduct of the officers and men during the engagement there can be no distinction made in either, each and all having discharged their duties to my entire satisfaction. I should mention the surgeons of the regiment did most nobly. In the hottest of the action they were to be found in the field attending to the wounded. Nor should I forget to mention a drummer-boy named George Funk, who acted most heroically during the engagement, and who followed closely on the track of the retreating rebels, bringing in a prisoner, whom he delivered to General Sumner. Annexed will be found a list of the killed and wounded, amongst whom I sincerely regret to mention the name of Lieut. T. King, than whom no braver soldier stood on that field. He survived his wounds some thirty-six hours. Also Lieut. Edward P. O'Connor dangerously wounded, and for whose recovery there is every hope.
Commissioned officers killed, 1; wounded, 1; non-commissioned officers and privates killed, 5; wounded, 18. Total killed, 6; wounded, 19; aggregate, 25.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I am, captain, respectfully, yours,
P. KELLY,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. 88th Regt. N.Y. S. Vols., Irish Brig.
Capt. JOSEPH S. McCOY.
HDQRS. 69TH REGT. N.Y. S. VOLS., IRISH BRIG.,
Camp on the Field, near Sharpsburg, Md., September 21, 1862.
GENERAL: Agreeably to request, I herewith transmit to you the following report of our participation in the late battle of the 17th instant:
As you are aware, Lieut. Col. James Kelly had command of our regiment up to the time he was wounded and borne from the field, which I deeply regret happened to so brave an officer, the fight being yet, so far as our regiment was concerned, only a short time in progress. The command thus devolving upon your humble servant, the control of the regiment was in the hands of myself, ably assisted by the adjutant, Lieut. James J. Smith. I may here mention the sorrow I felt, which extended to the whole of my command, when I heard that our acting major, Capt. Felix Duffy, had been mortally wounded in the early part of the engagement. Ably assisted by such of my line officers as had been spared me, we used our best endeavors to maintain our reputation and uphold the prestige of our flag. We remained upon the field in the front line until we had expended the last round of cartridges, and only left it when the fire of the enemy had ceased and the brigade was relieved by that of General Caldwell.
I hardly know in what terms to express my appreciation of our regiment, both officers and men, and in making any particular mention of bravery on the field, I speak of those who actually came under my own observation. Capt. James E. McGee, of Company F, most particularly distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery during the whole engagement, and while in the heat of battle, after his command had been almost entirely decimated, picking up the green flag, the bearer of which had been carried from the field wounded, and bearing its folds aloft throughout the battle. Capt. James Saunders, of Company A, and Capt. Richard Moroney, Company I, I am proud to say, acted most bravely, cheering on their men, and encouraging them throughout the battle. Lieut. Terrance Duffey, of Company G, and First Lieut. John T. Toal, of Company H, I am also happy to say, throughout that trying hour did all that could be expected in rallying their commands, which had become so greatly reduced in numbers. Of the many officers who entered the field, the above whom I have mentioned are all that were left me, the remainder having been either killed or wounded during the engagement.
I cannot forbear mentioning the deep sorrow that has been cast over our regiment by our great loss in officers and men. Those that were of us, and who are now numbered among the gallant dead, I can speak of as having been good soldiers, and an honor to our race--Capt. Felix Duffy, Lieut. Patrick J. Kelly, Lieut. Charles Williams, and Lieut. John Conway. I feel that our regiment has sustained a great loss, and one the recollection of which will be ever green in my memory. For those officers who have been wounded, and are for a time prevented from rejoining their commands, I can only speak as I have of the few that are left with me. Good soldiers, brave men, I cheerfully recommend for your consideration all of them, who in this fight stood nobly up for their country, and only left the field when borne away wounded. Among them I will mention the brave Captains Shanley and Whitty, both disabled for the second time, and Lieutenants Nagle and Patrick Kearney, who, until wounded, did the regiment good service by their gallant conduct.
Among the non-commissioned officers who particularly distinguished themselves on the field, I take occasion to mention the following as being most worthy of your consideration for promotion to a commission, viz: First Sergts. Murtha Murphy, Company C; Michael Brennan, Company B; Bernard O'Neil, Company C, and Soucoth Mansergh, Company II. Among the privates who also distinguished themselves during the action, I also recommend Patrick O'Neil, of Company C, and John Kelly, of Company--; and of the non-commissioned staff, Sergt. Maj. Patrick Callahan, who on the field behaved with great gallantry.
In conclusion, I beg to call your attention to the fact that we had with us in the battle some forty-odd new recruits, who, considering all things, behaved well, and were of great assistance to us.
Congratulating you on your many narrow escapes from time to time during that memorable day, I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours,
JAMES CAVANAGH,
Major, Comdg. Sixty-ninth Regt. New York State Vols.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER,
Commanding Irish Brigade, Sumner's Corps.
Report of Maj. St. Clair A. Mulholland, One hundred and sixteenth Pennsylvania Infantry.
Gettysburg Campaign
IN CAMP, SANDY HOOK, MD., July 17, 1863.
Capt. THEO. W. GREIG, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIR: In accordance with section 742, paragraph 36, page 107, Revised Army Regulations, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 3:
After a long and fatiguing march, we arrived on the evening of the 1st instant within about 3 miles of Gettysburg, and by order of General Caldwell, our division commander, encamped for the night in a neighboring field. Shortly after daybreak on the morning of the 2d, in compliance with orders received, the brigade of which my regiment has the honor of being a part moved up to a field within sight of the enemy's pickets Our division was deployed in mass in column of regiments, my regiment being placed in the front line. Here we stacked arms, and ordered the men to rest. We remained in this position during the forenoon of the 2d instant. Heavy firing was heard at intervals on our right during the day, although everything remained quiet in the vicinity of my command until about 3 p.m.
About this time firing commenced on our left, I think about three-fourths of a mile distant. The firing had continued about an hour when orders came for us to fall in. We at once took arms, and were marched by the left flank toward the scene of action. After marching nearly 1 mile, and the division being in line of battle, we advanced to support I think a portion of the Third Army Corps, which was then engaged.
The brigade to which we are attached advanced in line of battle, left in front, gallantly led by Col. P. Kelly, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers. As we advanced, portions of the Third Corps retired, passing through the intervals of our line. Having entered a dense woods, we began to ascend a hill, where large boulders of rocks impeded our progress, notwithstanding which we advanced in good order. We soon came within sight of the enemy, who occupied the crest of the hill, and who immediately opened fire at our approach. Our brigade returned the fire with good effect.
After firing for about ten minutes, the order was given to advance, which the brigade did in excellent style, driving the enemy from their position, which we at once occupied. We took many prisoners at this point, hundreds of the enemy laying down their arms and passing to the rear. We found the position which our foes had occupied but a few moments before thickly strewn with the dead and wounded. Here we again opened fire, the enemy having rallied to oppose our farther advance.
After being engaged for about twenty minutes and the enemy having been re-enforced, the division began to retire in good order. At this time the division was completely outflanked by the enemy, who had formed a line facing the right flank of our brigade. This line was formed along the edge of a wheat-field, about a quarter of a mile in rear of our brigade. This field we had to cross to get to the rear. In doing so, we encountered the full sweep of the enemy's fire, which at this point was most destructive. Many of the division fell before this terrible fire.
After passing to the rear, I found Colonel Brooke, Fourth Brigade, forming the division in a field adjoining the Second Division hospital; he told me he had orders from General Caldwell to that effect. I then halted what remained of my command, and rendered all the assistance I could in gathering together members of the Second Brigade.
Shortly after dark we were again marched to the front, and placed in the same position that we had occupied in the morning. Here we lay on our arms all night, and were awakened at daybreak by the sound of the enemy's cannon. Major-General Hancock passed along early in the day, and moved our line a little forward, in order that we might have a better range and our fire be more effective, should the enemy attack us. We immediately commenced to entrench our new position, and by 11 a.m. had quite a formidable breastwork thrown up. All this forenoon we could see the enemy preparing to attack us. Several batteries were placed in position opposite our line, and everything indicated that an attack was intended.
About noon the attack commenced by a most terrific shelling of our lines by the enemy, but, thanks to our earthworks and the inaccurate aim of the gunners, none of my command were injured. After shelling our position for about two hours, the fire of the artillery somewhat slackened, and a heavy force of rebel infantry was seen advancing upon our works. At this moment our artillery, which up to this time had remained almost silent, opened with terrible effect upon the advancing lines, tearing great gaps in their ranks and strewing the field with dead and wounded. Notwithstanding the destructive fire under which they were placed, the enemy continued to advance with a degree of ardor, coolness, and bravery worthy of a better cause, until, reaching a ravine which ran parallel with our line, about midway between us and their artillery, they halted, being under cover and no longer exposed to our fire. They halted but to surrender. Finding, I presume, that their ranks were too much thinned to think of charging our works, knowing the heavy loss they would sustain in attempting to reach their own lines again, and thinking discretion the better part of valor, they laid down their arms and surrendered almost to a man. Perceiving the failure of their infantry to carry our position, the enemy again opened their batteries, but, after another hour's fire, withdrew, leaving us victors of the field.
During the day's fighting the heat was very great, and the men, being exposed and having neither shelter nor water, suffered intensely. Soon after sunset the same evening the rain commenced to descend in torrents, wetting every one, filling the rifle-pits, and making us most uncomfortable. But my command was ever hopeful, and bore the fatigue and suffering incidental to a great battle with the cheerfulness that ever characterizes the true soldier.
The sun rose on the morning of the 4th instant and found us victors of every part of the field. We remained in the same position until the afternoon of this day, when my command, with the division, formed line, and marched to the village of Two Taverns, where we encamped for the night.
In closing my report, I cannot refrain from mentioning the cool and gallant bearing of my command. Of the officers it is almost useless for me to speak. Every one did his duty in a manner that excited my warmest admiration and gratitude. Were I to mention any one in particular it would be but showing injustice to the rest, as each one tried to excel the other in deeds of gallantry and daring. Of the enlisted men, I feel happy in mentioning the names of Color Sergt. Abraham T. Detweiler, Sergt. Thomas Detweiler, Company A, and Private Jefferson Carl, Company C, as having especially distinguished themselves in the action of the 2d instant.
Our casualties during the three days' continuance of the fight were 2 men killed, 12 wounded, and 1 officer (Capt. John Teed) and 7 enlisted men missing.
Respectfully submitted.
Your obedient servant,
ST. CLAIR A. MULHOLLAND,
Major, Comdg. 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers.
NEAR CHANCELLORSVILLE, VA.,
May 4, 1863.
SIR: In accordance with orders just received, I have the honor to submit the following report in regard to certain guns that were taken off the field of action by the men of my command, on the morning of Sunday, May 3, 1863:
The Irish Brigade was engaged in supporting the Fifth Maine Battery, commanded by Captain Leppien. When the battery had been engaged with the enemy about one hour, all the officers and [men] belonging to it had either been killed, wounded, or ad abandoned their pieces, with the exception of one man, Corpl. James H. Lebroke, and all the guns were silenced except one. About this time, Major Scott, of General Hancock's staff, rode up to me, and requested me to bring out a sufficient number of men to haul the abandoned guns off the field, as they were in great danger of being captured by the enemy. My regiment at this time occupied the left of the brigade line, and was nearest the battery. I at once, at the request of Major Scott, led my men toward the abandoned battery, and ordered them to haul the guns up the road. My men obeyed with alacrity, and removed three of the guns off the field, and to the rear. After taking off the last piece, I followed my men up the road, and found another gun in possession of one of my lieutenants L. J. Sacriste, of Company D. This piece he had taken off without my knowledge, and made, in all, four pieces saved by my command. The fifth piece taken to the rear was taken off the field by some men of the One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was by them taken up the road about 100 yards. There they were forced to halt, not having enough men to move the piece farther. I at once sent seine men of my command to assist them, and the piece was brought off successfully. I found it necessary, in removing the guns, to order the men to leave their muskets, as they could not work with them in their hands. Seventy-three of my men did so. When the last gun was brought off, I went back to the left, to ascertain whether any more remained. I then found 8 or 10 of my men coming up the road, and ordered them back to gather up as many muskets as they could carry off. I do not think they succeeded in saving any. I was greatly assisted in bringing off the guns by Lieutenant Wilson, of General Hancock's staff, who acted with great bravery and personally assisted in removing the pieces. The following men of the Sixty-third New York Volunteers assisted in removing the guns: Sergt. James Dwyer, John Murray, John Coghlin, and Corpl. John Harvey. The following men of the Sixty-ninth also assisted: Sergt. Thomas Neelan, Privates William Lennon, Martin Morgan, James Quagly, and James Sheehan. The only man with the battery when we were ordered to remove the pieces off the field was Corpl. James H. Lebroke. He remained with his gun and assisted in bringing it off. This man acted with great bravery, and fired the last shot.
Respectfully submitted.
ST. CLAIR A. MULHOLLAND,
Major, Comdg. One hundred and sixteenth Pa. Vols.
Capt. M. W. WALL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Irish Brigade.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about 4 o'clock in the afternoon during the battle of Gettysburg, on the 2d instant, all officers senior to me having fallen, the command of this regiment devolved upon me, and during the remainder of the battle, both that day and the next, and until the present time, I have continued in command, and it now becomes my duty to report the part taken by the regiment in the action.
Lieutenant-Colonel [John C.] Mounger was killed by a piece of shell soon after the advance commenced, while leading the regiment with his characteristic gallantry, and for about an hour afterward Major [W. M.] Jones was in command, when he and Captain [J. M. D.] King were both wounded, and taken from the field nearly at the same moment.
The regiment occupied its usual position in line on the left of the brigade and the extreme left of the division, having for nearly an hour and a half no support on its left, the advance of McLaws' division being for some reason thus long delayed, which left the flank while advancing nearly the distance of a mile very much exposed to an enfilading fire of the enemy's batteries, and also to the fire of a flanking party of the enemy, who were prompt to take advantage of the exposed condition of the flank. To meet this flanking party, I changed the front of three companies, and for nearly an hour, against great odds, held them in check until relieved by the advance of McLaws' division, which finally came up on our left.
The whole line now again pressed forward, and, though entirely without support, dispersed and scattered a fresh line of the enemy who came up against us, and pursued them 400 or 500 yards farther to the base of the mountain upon which the enemy's heavy batteries were posted, which we found to be the strongest natural position I ever saw. Our little band, now thinned and exhausted by three and a half hours' constant fighting, made a gallant attempt to storm the batteries, but the enemy being again heavily re-enforced, we were met by a storm of shot and shell, against which, in our wornout condition, we could not advance. I believe that had McLaws' division advanced with our line so that we could have arrived at this point before we became worn out with fatigue, we would have carried the position.
In this movement the whole brigade and also several brigades of McLaws' division participated. Failing to take the batteries, the line retired to the point where we first encountered the enemy's main line, and was again formed, fronting the enemy in such position as to place most of the battle-field in our possession. The enemy evidently had enough of it, and did not again show himself in our front, darkness soon closing the scene.
The regiment lost 2 officers (Lieutenant-Colonel Mounger and Lieutenant [E. W.] Bowen) killed, and 11 officers wounded; also 25 enlisted men killed and 119 men wounded, and 1 officer and 31 men missing; total, 189.
There were many officers and men who displayed a degree of daring and heroism which challenges admiration in the very highest degree, and the whole regiment behaved with its customary steadiness and devotion, as the loss of 189 out of 340 carried into the field will testify.
I herewith respectfully submit a detailed statement of casualties,(*) giving names and description of wounds in full, from which I have omitted all slight wounds, which, though sufficient to disable the man for a day or two, will not prevent his taking part in the next battle--say a week or ten days from the time the hurt was received. On the next day (3d instant), the regiment was detached from the brigade, and sent to drive off the enemy's cavalry, who were annoying our batteries on the extreme right flank. Here the regiment, though exhausted by the extreme heat and by long-continued exertion, performed, without a murmur, but, on the contrary, with the greatest enthusiasm, much hard marching and fighting, as the enemy's mounted men frequently changed their point of attack, which rendered a change of position on our part also often necessary. At one time two or three squadrons of their cavalry charged through the picket line of the First Texas Regiment, and were galloping up to one of our batteries, with the evident purpose of spiking the guns. This regiment was at the time some distance to the right of the first Texas, and at a point which was not then menaced. I therefore led the regiment to the battery at a double-quick, something more than half a mile off, and while going there received, through Major [William H.] Sellers, an order directing me to do so.
When we arrived, the enemy were nearly at the battery. Passing through from behind the guns, with a yell the regiment charged the enemy in the open field, scattering and chasing them away in a moment, killing and wounding a number and capturing several horses. This was the first repulse that this column met with, and their advance was first checked by this regiment. When they fled from us, they encountered several other regiments who were coming up from different points, and suffered greatly from their fire. During the first day's fight, a large number of prisoners were passed to the rear through the lines of the regiment, but in the eagerness of our attack no guard was sent with them to the rear, and I cannot give the number. According to my observation, the enemy's loss was five times as great as ours.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GEO. HILLYER,
Captain, Commanding Ninth Georgia Regiment.
Capt. CHARLES C. HARDWICK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
In obedience to orders from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following brief report of the operations of this brigade in the engagement of the 28th of July at the Poor-House, on the Lick Skillet road.
The brigade was moved from a position in reserve in rear of the trenches on the morning of the 28th, and after a somewhat fatiguing march, the weather belong excessively hot, arrived at the scene of conflict about 1 o'clock, where it was halted and formed on the left of the road in rear of a line of battle, then engaged, preparatory to a forward movement.
The Thirty-seventh Mississippi, Maj. S. H. Tarral commanding, on the right; the battalion of sharpshooters, under command of Capt. A. L. O'Brien, on the left; the Twenty-sixth Alabama, Maj. D. F. Bryan, in the center, and Seventeenth Alabama, Maj. T. J. Burnett, and the Twenty-ninth Alabama, under Capt. J. A. Foster, the right and left center. About 2 p.m. the command to advance was given and the brigade moved forward in perfect order through an open field, exposed at every step to fire of the enemy, who were posted on the crest of a hill sheltered by a skirt of dense woods. The advance was continued some 300 yards, and until we passed down and across the declivity intervening between the open field and the position occupied by the enemy, when the fire became so hot and galling the men sought shelter behind a fence, from which they opened on him a heavy fire along the whole line.
Besides the protection which the hill and woods afforded him the enemy had some slight and hastily constructed field works. For more than two hours the sanguinary conflict raged with great fury and slaughter, and finding it impossible to dislodge him from his position, I sent to the major general commanding for assistance. General Quarles was ordered up. He obeyed the order with alacrity. His troops came up in splendid style, and at once opened on the enemy a heavy fire; but even with this additional force it was found impossible to break his line, although at one time some parts of our line gained a footing in forty or fifty yards of the enemy.
The regimental commanders having informed me that their ammunition was exhausted, the brigade was ordered back to the point from which it had advanced, and ammunition distributed to the men shortly afterward. General Quarles was compelled to fall back, and the command of the corps having devolved on the major-general, in consequence of the wounding of General Stewart, General Quarles took command of the division, and I was ordered by him to move to the left some 300 or 400 yards, where line of battle was formed, and where we remained till night, when we fell back to the trenches and bivouacked for the night.
During the engagement the Thirty-seventh Mississippi and the right wing of the Seventeenth Alabama became somewhat detached from the brigade in consequence of the woods on our right, and also in part owing to the wounding of Major Burnett, who fell early in the action severely wounded, and who was the only field officer present with his regiment.
During the whole of the sanguinary conflict the officers (field and line) and the men, with some exceptions, behaved with the coolness and intrepidity of veterans, and held their ground with a steady and stubborn courage worthy of the highest admiration, and I trust it will not be deemed invidious to say what truth demands should be stated, that if the troops on the right of our division* had moved forward and kept pace with our line of battle, the enemy would have been driven from his position, if not routed.
Enclosed I send you a list of casualties, which is large for the number engaged.
Among the slain we have to mourn the loss of some valuable officers. Captain Ragland, Seventeenth Alabama, and Captain Hanna, Twenty-ninth Alabama Regiment, two gallant and meritorious officers, are among the killed. I cannot close this report with acknowledging my obligations to Capt. S. B. Smith, of the Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment, and Capt. J. F. Tate, Seventeenth Alabama Regiment, and Sergeant-Major Banks, who were acting on my staff in the absence of the regular staff. Each behaved with gallantry, and faithfully performed his duties. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
E. A. O'Neal Colonel, Commanding Brigade
On the evening of 28th ultimo the command of the brigade was turned over to me by Brigadier-General Rodes, his physical prostration forcing him to retire.
At 3 a.m. Monday, June 30, the brigade was put in motion, crossing the Chickahominy at Grapevine Bridge, and halted during the afternoon an night on the Williamsburg road near White Oak Creek. Here one regiment (the Twelfth Alabama) was sent across the creek as picket, and was next day ordered back to Richmond in charge of prisoners.
Continuing the pursuit of the enemy, on July 1, we were halted near Malvern Hill. As ordered by Major-General hill, I formed the brigade in line of battle on the right of the division, and threw out a portion of the Third Alabama as skirmishers covering the right flank. Remaining in this position for two hours, I received an order to move immediately forward. Ordering the Third Alabama to call in it's skirmishers, and by a rapid forward movement to join the brigade, I moved on. The enemy's batteries were distant about 1 mile and the ground intervening exceedingly rough. Passing across an open meadow and up a precipitous hill through dense woods, one of the regiments of General Anderson's brigade (Colonel Tew) reported to me as having lost it's brigade. Forming it upon the left of this brigade, I moved forward, halting when near the open field in which the enemy had stationed his batteries. I here sent forward Capt. H. A. Whiting, assistant adjutant-general, to ascertain the respective positions of the Confederate and Federal batteries. Upon his report I half-wheeled the brigade to the left, and moving forward placed it under cover of a low hill, in sight of the enemy's batteries, to await orders, with the Twenty-sixth Alabama on the right and the fifth Alabama next on the right, both immediately in rear of the position occupied by our batteries. The Twenty-sixth Alabama and the right wing of the Fifth were suffering from the enemy's artillery fire directed at our batteries. I therefore at once moved these portions of the brigade by the left flank in rear of the Third Alabama, which I had previously brought into line. This was my position when Major-General Hill gave me the order to charge the batteries in our front, distant 700 or 800 yards across an open field. I ordered Capt. H. A. Whiting to bring the Twenty-sixth Alabama and the right wing of the Fifth Alabama as rapidly as possible into line. The whole ground in front of the Twenty-sixth, Fifth, and Third Alabama Regiments was swept by the fire of the artillery, which had, in rapid succession, silenced two Confederate batteries in our front. As there was no artillery to attract the enemy's attention, his batteries from the beginning, and his infantry finally, poured a most destructive fire upon my ranks.
Never was the courage of troops more severely tried and heroically exhibited than in this charge. They moved on under this terrible fire, breaking and driving off the first line of infantry, until within a little over 200 yards of the batteries. Here the canister and musketry mowed down my already thinned ranks so rapidly that it became impossible to advance without support, and had it been possible to reach the batteries, I have high authority to back my own judgment that it would have been at the sacrifice of the entire command. I therefore ordered the men to lie down and open fire, and immediately sent back to notify Major-General Hill of my position and to ask him to send up support. A brigade was sent forward, but failed to reach my line. The troops sent up from another division on the right had already fallen back, and refused to rally under the efforts made by Captain Whiting, assistant adjutant-general, and myself. Nearly one-half of the brigade had been killed or wounded, leaving me about 600 men able to load and fire. With the enemy's batteries and heavy lines of infantry concentrating their fire on my ranks it was folly, without immediate and steady support, to hold the brigade longer in this position. I therefore ordered it to fall back.
There were many exhibitions of individual heroism, but, I must call special attention to gallant conduct of Col. E. A. O'Neal, of the Twenty-sixth Alabama----------
On November 26, 1863, the regiment went into line of battle at the breastworks in front of Morton's Ford. Soon after (about noon) it was ordered to relieve the Twelfth Alabama regiment on picket at Tobacco Stick Ford. It remained on picket until near 12 p.m. when it was relieved and the brigade took up the line of march toward Locust Grove, for a short time supporting Johnson's division to the right of Broad Run, I believe. At this point the regiment was again placed on picket to guard the blind fords on the run, near the residence of Mr. Rhodes. It was soon after relieved, and the brigade continued the march toward Locust Grove, and went, into line of battle near this place on the evening of November 27 ultimo.
We continued in line, throwing up temporary breastworks, until the morning of the 28th, at 4 a.m., when we were moved to Mine Run, occupying the crest of the ridge to the left of the Brock road, in a very exposed position. The regiment was employed on November 28, 29, and 30, in throwing up breastworks and otherwise strengthening their position, subjected occasionally to a cannonade of the enemy, with no casualties, only one shell striking the breastworks, fortunately doing no damage.
On December 1, the enemy again opened upon our position with their artillery, but with no effect, as far as this regiment is concerned. WE remained in this position until the morning of December 3, when we were moved by the right flank some 2 miles along the breastworks, and had just taken our position when the enemy were reported as in full retreat. The brigade started in pursuit, and continued it within a few miles of Germanna Ford, without, however, overtaking the enemy, he having crossed the river. The brigade then returned to the old camp near Morton's Ford, where it arrived on December 4.
Being in no active engagement, there were no casualties in the regiment worthy of reporting; but I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the patience and endurance of the officers and men of my command. They occupied a position in the open field on the crest of the ridge which exposed them to the cold winds and very inclement weather, and, being poorly clad, suffered very much from exposure. For twenty-four hours or more they had no rations, but they bore all without a murmur, only anxious to meet and hurl back the invading foe. Much of the sickness now in camp may justly be attributed to their exposure on that field.
At 3 p.m. December 1, we moved across the Harpeth River to the right of Franklin, and the next morning at daylight went forward on the pike toward Nashville, and when in a few miles of the city turned across the the Granny White pike, where we bivouacked, with skirmishers in front. Here we remained till the 4th, and then, our skirmish line having been pressed up as near the enemy's position as possible, my command was put in line near Gales' house, on the left of the Granny White pike and in the center of the corps. This line, after being entrenched, was abandoned on the night of the 10th and another adopted, and on the morning of the 15th my troops, then on the extreme left, were withdrawn to the neighborhood of Compton's house and there put in bivouac, and the space vacated filled by Major General Loring extending to the left to the Hillsborough pike.
I had been previously directed from time to time to furnish fatigue parties to work on some detached enclosed works, being constructed under the supervision of engineer officers of the corps, on a range of high points, whose general direction was nearly that of the Hillsborough pike, running back in rear of the left of the line. Lieutenant General Stewart informed me that it was the design of the general commanding, in the event of attack, to man these works with detachments of 100 men, with artillery, to resist any effort that might be made to turn the left flank of the army. Between some of these points there were considerable intervals; in one case as much as 1,200 yards or more. Soon after my command was withdrawn from the main line it became evident that the enemy were preparing for attack in heavy force, and I received orders from the lieutentant-general commanding to man the two redoubts farthest from the main line, putting two pieces of artillery in that on the extreme left, there being four, under Captain Lumsden, already in the other. He further directed me to put my troops in position behind a stone fence along the Hillsborough pike, and to instruct the officers commanding in the redoubts to hold their position at all hazards. One hundred men from Quarles' brigade were ordered into the redoubts on the extreme left and a like number from Cantey's into the other. When my command got into position it stood at right angles to the main line of the army, with Brigadier- General Reynolds on the right, Brigadier-General Shelley on the left, and in the center Quarles' brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. George D. Johnson, who, after its proper commander had been disabled, had been assigned to it by my request.
--- About 11 o'clock the enemy, exposing a large force in my front, concentrated a heavy artillery fire on the redoubt in front of my left, and after keeping it up for about an hour, with great damage to force within, moved upon it with a heavy body of infantry, enveloped the base of the hill, and by assault carried the position, which ws well defended. Information having reached me that a force was moving up the Hillsborough pike, I communicated it to Lieutenant-General Stewart, who was near me at the moment, and, under his orders, Ectors brigade was went down near Compton's house to hold the pike for the protection of my left flank. In a few moments after the first redoubt was taken the force in the second was overwhelmed by the enemy's infantry, and Ectors brigade, in position on the pike in its rear, was forced to withdraw. In doing so, a body of the enemy being now between it an the left of Cantey's brigade, it was cut off from my command, and posted, by order of General Hood, on a hill some distance to my left, which the enemy late in the day mad an ineffectual effort to carry. When these redoubts were taken the enemy moved up in my front and shelled by troops heavily. He made no assault on my position, but threw a force across the pike into the woods near Compton's house and threatened my left.
I detached Brigadier General Reynolds with his brigade from my right, filling his place by extending the other two, and sent his to oppose this force. With his left connected to Cantey's brigade he formed his line diagonally across the woods, his left refused, and deployed his command to lengthen his front his front, as the enemy extended his lines still farther to our left. I sent Major D. W. Sanders, Major General French's assistant adjutant general, who had been serving with me during the day, to the lieutenant-general commanding to advise him of the situation of my line, and to say that unless Reynolds was supported he could not hold the enemy back with his attenuated line. He replied that he had already applied for troops to put on my left, who were reported on the way. Troops came, but the enemy was not checked. Reynolds bravely resisting, was forced back, and it was with difficulty I withdrew my other two brigades to prevent their capture by the large force he had been opposing, which moved up in their rear. About dark, when the troops of the corps had been collected on the right of the Granny White pike, Brigadier-General Sears' brigade, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Shotwell, numbering no more that 150 men, was temporarily attached to my command.
My right rested on the Granny White pike, and my left connected with Bate's division, on the slope of a high wooded hill near it's foot, which Ectors brigade occupied the evening before. Brigadier-General Johnston, commanding Quarles' brigade, was on the right, and next line Brigadier-General Shelley, commanding Cantey's brigade, and Reynolds' between him and Sears', which occupied the left. At 12 noon I was directed to order Colonel Coleman, with his brigade, to report to the commanding general, and at 3:15 p.m., to send Brigadier-General Reynolds, with his command, to Lieutanant-General Stewart, to be employed in opposing a force which had gained the rear of our left.
These brigades, both of which were afterward enabled to reach the Franklin pike, were not under my orders again during the day. By 4 o'clock a line was distinctly visible on the hills in our rear, covering much of our corps, which was the center in the army line. About this time the force in my front moved upon my position, but there was no spirit in the assault, and it was promptly repulsed without difficulty, but the hill to my left just hen was carried, and to save any part of my command an immediate withdrawal was necessary. Everywhere within my view the disorder was great and general, but it was inevitable, the surroundings considered. At Brentwood, on the Franklin pike, the commanding general, seconded by officers from various commands, endeavored to gather up the fragments of his broken forces. The effort was attended with but partial success. Some time after dark we moved toward Franklin, arriving there about 3 o'clock the following morning.
CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from division headquarters, I submit the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the engagement of the 20th instant, on Peach Tree Creek:
The brigade was formed in rear of the trenches to the right of the Pace's Ferry road, the Thirty-seventh Mississippi, Col. O. S. Holland, on the right; the Twenty-ninth Alabama Regiment, Col. John F. Conoley, on the left; the Seventeenth Alabama, Maj. T. J. Burnett, the right center; the first corps of sharpshooters, Capt. Sid. B. Smith, left center, and the Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment, Maj. D. F. Bryan, the center. We moved by the right of companies, and having advanced about half a mile, the brigade was temporarily halted near the church and ordered into line, which order was promptly obeyed. The line being formed, the command forward was given, and we advanced a short distance quietly, when our pickets became hotly engaged, I gave them the command to charge the enemy, and continue to forward and drive every obstacle before them, which order was obeyed with a cheer, driving in a heavy line of skirmishers and one line of battle. The ground over which we advanced was very rough and the bushes and undergrowth dense and tangled, yet the line was well formed and advanced in good order, except on the left, where, from some misapprehension, some one gave the the command "guide left", which threw the Twenty-ninth Alabama Regiment too far to the left, and left too much ground for the sharpshooters and Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment to cover, attenuating their line almost to a skirmish line. We continued to push forward, driving the enemy before us, and advance to within a short distance of some works the enemy had thrown up, having passed a line to our right some hundred yards. This line was crescent-formed, which fact was not discovered till we emerged from the dense wood into an open field. The Thirty-seventh Mississippi and the three right companies of the Seventeenth Alabama Regiment had swung around by a right wheel to face this line in the field, and had commenced a heave and telling fire on it, when it was discovered we were not supported by the troops on our right, who had failed from some cause to come up, and that we were being flanked and enfiladed by a battery. In danger of being flanked and captured the brigade fell back, not if very good order, but was soon rallied and formed, when a second charge was made, aided by the Twenty-fourth South Carolina Regiment Lt. Col. Jones commanding, and the second corps of sharpshooters, Capt. W. H. Lindsey, Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment; but being unsupported were compelled again to fall back and take another position, where we remained till ordered back to the position in the trenches which we had left in the morning. We drove the enemy nearly a mile, captured some of his works, and had punished him severely, and were executing the order of the major-general to kill or capture everything in our front, when from the cause above stated we were compelled to fall back.
In justice of the brigade which I for the first time had the honor to command in battle, and to the other troops of this division. I must say, that if the whole of our line* had pressed forward with the same energy and determination which the troops of this division did, we would have carried the day and driven the enemy in confusion across the creek.
I regret to state that Lieut. Samuel H. Moore, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. Thomas S. O'Brien, assistant inspector-general, were captured. They were experienced, energetic, efficient, and gallant officers, and that their capture is a serious loss to this brigade.
We captured a number of prisoners (293), including several officers, a list of whom has already been sent in. Enclosed I send you a list of casualties, which shows our loss to be 279 killed, wounded, and missing.
I am captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. A. O'Neal Colonel,Commanding Brigade
I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my brigade, composed of the Third, Fifth, Sixth, Twelfth, and Twenty-Sixth Alabama Regiments, and Carter's Battery, making an aggregate of about 1,460 men, from the evening of June 26th to that of June 28 last:
In common with the other brigades of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill, mine took position on the Mechanicsville turnpike on the morning of June 26. We lay there until late in the afternoon, when we moved across the Chickahominy, taking position in the between Mechanicsville and the Chickahominy.
Next morning, following the preceding brigades of the division, we came under heavy artillery fire at New Cold Harbor, when we were ordered to take shelter for a time at this point. We were subjected to a heavy fire for half hour or more, but lost only two men, Lt. Ramsey and a private of the Fifth Alabama. I sent out two from my staff to communicate with the major-general commanding, but in moving forward in person communicated with him myself, and under his order moved forward in line of battle to the support of General Garland in contemplated attack upon the enemy's battery to the left of Old Cold Harbor. Before the attack was made, however, the position of both Garland's brigade and mine was changed, both brigades being wheeled on Garland's left to the rear. Then we were ordered forward by Major-General Jackson to attack the enemy in front of New Cold Harbor, coming into the fight on the left of his troops. In crossing an almost impenetrable swamp to get into action great confusion ensued, from the fact that at the same point several brigades were crossing at the same time, and upon emerging from the swamp and striking the field beyond three of my regiments, the Fifth, Twelfth, and Twenty-sixth, were found on the left and behind, and the Sixth and Third Alabama on the right of Anderson's brigade, which was in front of us.
The brigades of Generals Anderson and Garland having in the mean time, with three of my regiments, been brought into some sort of alignment, were ordered to charge. The charge was intended to be general. the whole line having a moment before paused and hesitated, nearly if not the whole of the left of the division, as far as one in my position could see, broke and retreated in apparent confusion. I thought the whole of the brigade on the left of mine as well as my three regiments were involved in it. I found, however, that the confusion before spoken of on the left of the line had not been general; that my three first-named regiments had continued the charge, and had successfully and almost alone beaten back two large bodies of the enemy on the top of the hill, besides taking a battery of the enemy directly in our front. The Fifth, which took the battery, was sustained in this portion of the charge by the Twenty-sixth only, the Twelfth, in some confusion, having shifted to the left late in the evening and joined the troops which came up on the left of Hill's division.
All the regiments and regimental officers acted handsomely, but the Fifth and Twenty-sixth were especially distinguished for their great courage. I feel no troops ever acted better than they did on this occasion. Men and officers all acted nobly.
Col. C. C. Pegues, of the Fifth, wound desperately in the charge and has since died. Upon falling he called the next officer in command to him, Major Hobson, and told him that the Fifth has always been in the advance, and that was his last wish that it should then go ahead and no regiment to pass it. Major Hobson gallantly carried out his wishes, and led the regiment on constantly ahead of all others of the division except the Twenty-sixth, which kept, under its brave colonel (O'Neal), steadily with it.
Jackson's command, my division leading, passed Savage Station early in the morning of the 30th instant, and followed the line of the Yankee retreat toward White Oak Creek. We picked up about 1,000 prisoners and so many arms, that I detached the Fourth and Fifth North Carolina Regiments to take charge of both.
At White Oak Creek we found the bridge destroyed and the Yankee forces drawn up on the other side. Twenty-six guns from my division and five from Whitings division opened a sudden and unexpected fire upon the Yankee batteries and infantry. A feeble response was attempted, but silenced in a few minutes. Munford's cavalry and my skirmishers crossed over, but the Yankees got some guns under cover of a wood which commanded the bridge, and the cavalry was compelled to turn back. The skirmishers staid over all day and night. We attempted no further crossing that day. The hospitals and a large number of sick and wounded at White Oak Creek fell into our hands. Major-Generals Longstreet and A. P. Hill attacked the Yankees in flank at Frazier's Farm (Glendale), some 2 miles distant in advance of us that day, and a corresponding vigorous attack by Major-General Huger on their rear must have resulted most disastrously to them. The obstacles he met, which prevented his advance, may have been of a character not to be overcome. I do not know and cannot judge of them. The bridge being repaired, Jackson's command crossed over, Brigadier-General Whiting's division leading, and effected a junction with General Lee near a church a few miles from Malvern Hill. Whiting's Division was turned off the road to the left at the foot of this hill and mine to the right. We had to advance across an open field and ford a creek before getting under cover of the woods. We were in full view while effecting these objects, and suffered heavily from the Yankee artillery.