HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, October 31, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and actions of the Second Division, Second Army Corps, under my command, during the recent operations:

In pursuance of [...]]]> Numbers 48. Report of Brigadier General Thomas W. Egan, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division of operations October 26-28.¹

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
October 31, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and actions of the Second Division, Second Army Corps, under my command, during the recent operations:

In pursuance of circular from headquarters corps, dated October 25, I drew my division out of the front line at 2.30 a.m. on the 26th instant and placed them temporarily in rear of Fort Bross, on the rear line. At 2 p.m. on the 26th instant, in pursuance of circulars from headquarters corps, dated October 25 and 26, I took up the line of march, my command being supplied with six days’ rations and the full amount of artillery and infantry ammunition. I followed the rear line of works, passed through them at the left flank of our fortifications, and bivouacked at Robertson’s house on the Halifax road. I moved from Robertson’s house at 3.30 a.m. on the 27th; my troops marched in this order, viz: General Smyth in advance, commanding the Third Brigade, Colonel James M. Willett followed, commanding Second Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Horace P. Rugg marched in the rear with the First Brigade, A squadron of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry preceded the whole, and Lieutenant W. Butler Beck’s battery, composed of Companies C and I, Fifth U. S. Artillery marched between the brigades of Colonel Willett and Colonel Rugg. I followed the Halifax road about half a mile and then took the Church road to the right. This road struck the Vaughan road at about two miles from the Halifax road. At daybreak, just after reaching the Vaughan road, a cavalry vedette of the enemy’s who was posted at a house about 200 yards to the left, fired upon my skirmishers. I at once ordered forward Lieutenant Colonel Frank J. Spalter, of the Fourth Ohio Battalion, with his battalion, and the Seventh Virginia Regiment deployed as skirmishers. Lieutenant-Colonel Spalter advanced rapidly for two miles, and finally met the enemy, who were entrenched on the farther bank of Hatcher’s Run, where it crosses the Vaughan road. Lieutenant-Colonel Spalter, dashed at the enemy, but was killed at the first onset. His skirmishers were unable to carry the entrenchments, but pressed up within thirty yards and engaged the enemy until my main body arrived. I then ordered General Smyth to deploy his brigade across the road, and formed a second line in his rear with the brigades of Willett and Rugg. Willett on the right and Rugg on the left of the road. I then at once drove out the enemy, and took his camp and a few prisoners. The enemy here was a detachment of Young’s cavalry brigade, commanded by Major Farley, of Georgia, whom prisoners reported mortally wounded. I reformed General Smyth’s brigade on the late rebel side of the entrenchments, strengthened my skirmish line and pushed it one out the Vaughan road. I then reformed my division across Hatcher’s Run, and moved to the right by the flank on the telegraph road, Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg in advance, followed by Colonel Willett, and General Smyth in the rear, he having been relieved by a brigade of the Third Division.

At about 8.30 a.m., at a point where the telegraph road again strikes Hatcher’s Run, I deployed Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s brigade across the road in line, and pushed my skirmishers across the run, but met no enemy. Then I again advanced in column in the same order, Lieuten-

ant Beck’s battery in rear, whit two of Rugg’s regiments as rear guard. I reached the cross-roads at Dabney’s Mill at 9.15 a.m. Here my skirmishers captured Major Venable, formerly inspector-general of Stuart’s cavalry, and now adjutant-general (it is thought) of Hampton’s division. He would give no information. Major-General Mott reached the mill at 9.45 a.m., having moved on a road to my left. I then moved forward on the plantation road and reached the Boydton plank road in an open field at about 10.30 a.m. The enemy’s cavalry were preparing to receive me at some distance up the Boydton road. I at once sent out as skirmishers the Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts Regiments, under Captain A. Henry Embler, acting assistant adjutant-general. Captain Embler advanced on the right of the Boydton road and felt the enemy. By the personal order of Major-General Hancock I then moved Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s brigade across the Boydton road, and deployed it with his right resting on the road. I deployed Colonel Willett’s brigade in the open field on the right of the Boydton road, his left on the road, and moved him forward to the support of Captain Embler’s skirmishers, until his left connected with Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s right. While placing my command the enemy planted several batteries on my front, flanks, and rear, and opened with case-shot. These batteries were all about 800 yards distant. The battery in my front occupied the ridge near the Burgess house (or tavern), at the junction of the White Oak and Boydton roads; that upon my right occupied the high ground near Hatcher’s Run; that upon my left was between Hatcher’s Run and White Oak road, and that in my rear on or near the Boydton road, in rear of the house used as a field hospital. Lieutenant Beck went into position at the junction of the plantation and Boydton roads, and silenced all of these batteries immediately, forcing them all the change position. During the artillery firing, by order of Major-General Hancock in person, I ordered General Smyth to deploy his command, facing my left and rear, where he remained until General Mott’s column came up. I then moved General Smyth forward across the plantation road on the right of the Boydton road, and placed him in the open field on the right of and on the prolongation of Colonel Rugg’s line. This was at about 11.30 a.m. At the time of Smyth’s advance I ordered Willett (who it will be remembered had been connecting with Rugg’s right) to advance and carry the enemy’s position on the hill crest near the Burgess house. Accordingly, Captain Embler, acting assistant adjutant-general, advanced with his skirmishers on a run, riding in advance, Colonel Willett charging in support. The enemy’s skirmishers were driven across a swampy ravine and small stream. Reforming immediately under the slope beyond, Colonel Willett again charged, with Captain Embler in advance, and drove the enemy’s main body, gaining his position on the crest near the Burgess house, and forcing a barricade on the Boydton road. This barricade on the Boydton road. This barricade was erected at a toll-gate, but the Virginia highway regulations were not observed.

Colonel Willett reformed beyond the Burgess house, his left resting just across the Boydton road to the left. The Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, deployed as skirmishers, in connection with Captain Embler’s left, advanced simultaneously with him. This being done, Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s brigade was moved up the Boydton road and formed on Colonel Willett’s left, Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s left resting on a ravine and swamp at a point of woods. General Smyth was then moved to Colonel Willett’s right,prolonging his line. One section of Lieutenant Beck’s battery was placed in the corn-field at the

right of the Boydton road, and another section on the crest near the Burgess house. At the time of this formation the enemy opened a severe artillery fire upon our left flank from a battery beyond Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s left and upon our front from a battery near a milldam about 800 yards distant. I held this position until about 1 p.m. and then threw forward my right wing (General Smyth’s command) across the open field on the right of the road, driving the enemy in confusion from his entrenchments and across Hatcher’s Run, and seizing the bridge-head. Some of General Smyth’s skirmishers penetrated the swamp beyond the run and reached the hill beyond, but were compelled to fall back. These skirmishers were the First Delaware Veteran Volunteers, and the One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers. On the extreme left of my advanced line the One hundred and sixty-fourth New York captured a gun, limber, and caisson from a battery near the bridge on Hatcher’s Run. The caisson was brought off, but the gun and limber were destroyed from the the lack of drag ropes. The position being gained, General Smyth was re-enforced by Colonel Willett’s brigade, which I placed on his right. At 3 p.m., having been strengthened by the Third Brigade of General Mott’s division (commanded by Colonel Robert McAllister, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers), I determined to capture the enemy’s position across Hatcher’s Run. Colonel McAllister formed in rear and on the right flank of General Smyth’s line, whose skirmishers were already at one place across the run for the second time, and had driven the enemy’s skirmishers in. At this time I threw out the Tenth New York and Twelfth New Jersey as skirmishers to the right, stretching them very far out in an endeavor to connect with General Crawford, but could not connect. The skirmishers became sharply engaged, and the enemy appeared to be trying to penetrate between my line and General Mott’s. At 4 p.m. I was ready to cross Hatcher’s Run, and had given the order, when the enemy opened heavily upon my right and rear and advanced his main line upon mine in heavy masses. I at once ordered General Smyth to halt, and facing Colonel McAllister’s command by the rear rank, baffled the enemy’s attempt at flanking by flanking him. The enemy was doubled up and driven, with severe loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. When Colonel McAllister made this charge Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel W. G. Mitchell, aide-de-camp to Major-General Hancock, charged with him, and then determined to capture a heavy force which had reached the Boydton road in my rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell took the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin and charged at their head, capturing nearly the whole, with their officers and colors. I consider this brilliantly done, and that the Thirty-sixth, during the whole movement, behaved most nobly. Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell was with me through everything. At this time I was fighting heavily on three sides, but captured entire (with the colors) the brigade spoken of which had reached my rear, recaptured two guns taken from General Mott’s troops, and a rebel battery narrowly escaped. Had Colonel McAllister and additional front of but one average regiment he would have captured this battery also. Colonel McAllister arrived most opportunely, and his gallantry and the steadiness of his men rendered him and them of vital importance until the withdrawal of the troops.

Lieutenant Beck was now relieved by the Tenth Massachusetts Battery. I moved Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s brigade to the right of the plank road and formed a partial second line on the hill crest, extending to the left of Colonel McAllister, whose left (now right) ran a short distance across the Boydton road. At about 5 p.m. the enemy made

three attacks upon each of my fronts. On Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s former front (on the left of the Boydton road and extending from the Burgess house to a point of woods) they were held completely in check by a heavy skirmish line, composed of the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, Seventh Michigan, Nineteenth Massachusetts, and First Minnesota Battalion. These troops deserve great credit. General Smyth and Colonel Willett repulsed the attacks upon their fronts with ease, although they were attacked with equal vehemence. The command was formed during these attacks on three sides of a square, General Smyth holding the extreme left, Colonel Willitt on his right, and Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg on the right of Willett, partially extending behind McAllister’s line, whose right (lately his left) crossed the Boydton road. Another assault was made upon us at about 5.30 p.m. which was easily repulsed. This ended the main action. An attack was made in some force upon General Smyth’s front at about 8 p.m. but like the rest it amounted to nothing. At about 10 p.m. I withdrew and marched back to Dabney’s Mill, having orders to connect here with General Crawford, Major-General Hancock sending me his headquarters guard with which to do so. This guard reported to me at the front, but left without orders on the march to Dabney’s Mill. On arriving there they were not to be found. At 6 a.m. on the 28th a staff officer of Major-General Warren brought information that General Crawford had retired across Hatcher’s Run. I was ordered to report to Major-General Warren, which I did at about 7 a.m., massing across Hatcher’s Run, near Armstrong’s Mill, where I awaited orders from Major-General Hancock. At 10 a.m. I received orders from Major-General Warren to withdraw. Retreating by the line of advance, I reached Fort Bross in the evening. During all of this movement General Smyth gave me hearty support. He was the life of my command and always displayed tact and coolness. I call attention to his favorable mention of the Eighth New York Heavy Artillery and One hundred and sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, and of Lieutenant Cowtan, adjutant Tenth New York, and his squad of six men of the same regiment. Lieutenant Cowtan, gave me, through General Smyth, timely notice of the approach of a rebel column threatening the rear. This enabled me so to dispose McAllister’s brigade as to gobble those who were moving to gobble me. The results of Colonel McAllister’s gallantry speak for themselves. He and his command have my hearty thanks.

Colonel Willett, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, is entitled to great credit. No troops could have better than his combined steadiness with dash or have been better led. A party of the One hundred and sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, under Captain T. J. Burke, captured a gun, limber, and caisson, bringing off the caisson and destroying the gun, carriage and limber from want of drag ropes.

Major and Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel W. G. Mitchell of Major-General Hancock’s staff, first accompanied Colonel McAllister in the charge which cleared my right flank, and then returned and took the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin and charged down the Boydton road on a body of rebels who had reached my rear. This regiment captured or dispersed the whole, taking colors and officers. Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell was with me through everything.

Lieutenant W. Butler Beck, commanding companies C and I, Fifth U. S. Artillery, with six guns silenced every rebel battery brought to bear upon us during the action, using every round of his ammunition. His doses of canister effectually helped in repelling close assaults. I rec-

ommend most favorably the sergeants mentioned by Lieutenant Beck. Lieutenant Thornton,* of this battery, a most valuable officer, was killed in the action.

Of the division and personal staff officers acting under me, I must mention the whole honorably. The following are the officers referred to, viz: Captain A. Henry Embler, acting assistant adjutant-general, Second Division; Captain H. Y. Russell, topographical officer, Second Division; Major W. L. Palmer, ordnance officer, Second Division; Captain F. B. Doten, assistant commissary of musters, Second Division; Captain W. E. Potter, judge-advocate, Second Division; First Lieutenant William H. Gilder, personal aide; First Lieutenant James E. Manser, personal aide. Captain Russell, Major Palmer, and Lieutenants Gilder and Manser, were particularly active. Lieutenant Gilder had his horse’s head knocked off by a shell.

I beg to mention the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin, Eighth New York Heavy Artillery, and One hundred and sixty-fourth New York Volunteers. No troops could have done better.

I am compelled to disapprove of the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Horace P. Rugg, Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division in a very grave particular. When withdrawing from near the Burgess house, Captain J. C. Farwell, Seventh Michigan Volunteers,# was on picket with his command in Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg’s front, having been detailed some time previously. To this detail I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg to send a staff officer and have it withdrawn. Instead of a staff officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg sent an orderly, who missed the road and failed to find Captain Farwell or notify him. Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg failed to inform me of his failure to withdraw his pickets, and marched his command from the field without them. Captain Farwell remained there all night, narrowly escaping capture in the morning. He fought the enemy several miles on his retreat and got through. To prevent the capture of his colors, he tore his State color from the staff, and his color-sergeant wrapped it round his body, under his clothing. Tearing his National color into pieces, each star was given to a man, and the other pieces also distributed, so that the enemy would have failed to capture them, except after the death of the whole command, and the search of their bodies.

I pronounce the cavalry sent with me as worthless. For cavalry I depended upon my staff, mounted orderlies, and the foot cavalry of the Second Corps.

The officers following are specially recommended for brevet rank for gallantry and distinguished services, viz: Colonel Robert McAllister, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, commanding Third Brigade, Third Division, to be brevet brigadier-general of volunteers; Major and Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel W. G. Mitchell, aide-de-camp, to Major-General Hancock to be brevet colonel; Captain A. Henry Embler, acting assistant adjutant-general, Second Division to be brevet major; Captain J. C. Farwell, commanding consolidated battalion of First Minnesota and Seventh Michigan Volunteers, to be brevet major. First Lieutenant W. Butler Beck, commanding Companies C and I, Fifth U. S. Artillery, to be brevet captain; Captain George W. La Point, Seventh Michigan Volunteers, to be brevet major.

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*So in original; but reference is probably to Lieutenant Thomas Burnes.

#Farwell belonged to the First Minnesota, and was in command of a consolidated battalion of the First Minnesota and Seventh Michigan.

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The results of these operations are that my command has captured–prisoners, captured 1 and recaptured 2 guns; captured 3 colors and many commissioned officers, and, by the admission of the enemy, killed a rebel general officer. If the enemy’s loss in prisoners bears the same proportion to his total loss that ours does, he has lost 2,500 men in his attack upon the Second Corps.

Making with the losses of Colonel McAllister and Lieutenant Beck a grand aggregate of 532 casualties in the troops operating under my command.

I forward herewith the reports of brigade commanders.

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

T. W. EGAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Major S. CARNCROSS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps.

ADDENDA.
HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, SECOND DIV., SECOND CORPS,
October 29, 1864.

Brevet Major-General MOTT,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: Through you I beg to thank Colonel McAllister, commanding your Third Brigade for indispensable service rendered to myself and command during the recent operations. Colonel McAllister brought up his command at a critical moment, when I was almost surrounded by a force of vast disparity of strength. The defiant bearing of the enemy showed that they regarded their combinations as undoubtedly successful, and wanting only final execution. My command had done everything possible when Colonel McAllister saved them. I can not sufficiently thank him. The recounting of the particulars of his services is unnecessary, as they are too brilliant not to have been made public ere this, but I beg that you will if consistent, commend them at large to the major-general commanding the corps,as I shall take great pleasure in doing.

Your most obedient servant,

T. W. EGAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division.

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*But see revised statement, pp. 153, 154.

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Source:

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, Near Petersburg, Va., August 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by my division in the action at Reams’ Station on the 25th instant.

The division reached the station early [...]]]> Numbers 47. Reports of Major General John Gibbon, U. S. Army commanding Second Division, of operations August 25 and November 5.¹

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
Near Petersburg, Va., August 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by my division in the action at Reams’ Station on the 25th instant.

The division reached the station early on the morning of the 24th and took its position in the entrenchments. About 9 a.m. on the 25th I was ordered to move down the railroad and continue its destruction, but had scarcely got in motion when skirmishing at the outposts commenced. The regiments of Smyth’s brigade were at once deployed as skirmishers on the right of the railroad with orders to press in the enemy’s. It soon became apparent that we had an infantry force in front of us, and two of my brigades were ordered back to the entrenchments and as soon as the enemy commenced to drive in our skirmishers, the Third was ordered to fall back and take up its position in a corn-field to our left and rear, where out entrenchments were being extended to protect that flank. Rugg’s brigade (the First) had been sent to support the First Division on the right, where the enemy made several ineffectual attempts to break our line. About 5 p.m. the enemy, having placed his batteries opened a heavy fire, most of which took my part of the line in reverse. Soon afterward he made his assault on General Miles’ line, from which a portion of my First Brigade had been withdrawn to strengthen mine, under the impression that an attack was to be made there. The enemy broke through General Miles’ line and pushing forward his troops appeared to be for a time carrying everything before him. His fire taking my line in reverse, I shifted my men to the opposite side of the parapet, prepared to resist his farther advance, but this was checked by the steadiness of a portion of Miles’ division, and my division was then ordered forward by General Hancock to attack the enemy and retake the breast-works. In the attempt to obey this order, that portion of the division with me did not sustain its previous reputation, and, demoralized, partly by the shelling and musketry firing in its rear, partly by the refugees from other parts of the line, retired after a very feeble effort and under a very slight fire in great confusion, every effort of myself and staff failing to arrest the rout until the breast-work was reached. Soon after this the enemy

attacked my line, the men again shifting to the inside of the parapet. Besides the fire from the front, which, however, was very feeble, they were subjected to a heavy artillery and musketry fire from the right flank, where the enemy turned our own guns upon us. The men soon gave way in great confusion and gave up the breast-works almost without resistance, and were partially rallied in the woods behind the right wing. The result of this action was a source of great mortification to me, as I am confident but for the bad conduct of my division the battle would have terminated in our favor, even after the enemy had broken through General Miles’ line. I can only account for the unsteadiness shown by my men by the fact that so many of my very best officers and men have been lost on this campaign, that the command is in a great measure disorganized. The members of my staff were with me on the field and aided me much in restoring order.

I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding Division.

Captain W. P. WILSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS,
November 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that last night about 11.30 o’clock my picket-line in front of Fort Haskell was attacked. That part of it on the other side of the pond was evidently surprised and 32 men captured. The water in the pond is found this morning to be above the foot bridge on which our men were in the habit of crossing. Our line is now established on this edge of the pond in old rifle-pits about twenty-yards this side the old line, will be further strengthened to-night. The line could only be re-established at night, but I do not consider it advisable to do this, because the line was originally defective, and to put it in the same place would only subject us to a similar attack hereafter.

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN GIBBON,

Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding Division.

Major S. CARNCROSS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps.

[Indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS,
November 8, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded.

It was intended long since to withdraw that part of the picket in front of the pond, as it was found that the enemy were damming up the water. It was not done, as I was reluctant to give up the ground, and I ordered before the late move that bridges should be built across this pond. But there have been so many changes on the line and so much inattention on the part of officers that it was neglected. I do not now think it advisable to re-occupy the old line as it is of no particular advantage and is much exposed. Its loss was not known till daylight by me, and it would have been a very difficult matter to re-establish that part of the line.

WINF’D S. HANCOCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

Source:

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS, August 21, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the action taken by the Second Division during the operations north of the James River from the dates of [...]]]> Numbers 46. Report of Colonel Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Infantry, commanding Second Division, of operations August 12-20. ¹

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS,
August 21, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the action taken by the Second Division during the operations north of the James River from the dates of August 12 to August 20, inclusive, during which time I had the honor to command the division:

At noon August 12 I received an order from Major-General Hancock, commanding corps, to have my command in readiness to march at short notice, and about 2 p.m. another order was received to move

out on the road to City Point. The command encamped near City Point a little after dark. Early on the morning of the 13th preparations were made to embark the troops and at 12.15 p.m. the embarkation commenced. This division was taken on the following steam-boats: Daniel Webster, Columbia, Prometheus, City of Albany, and ocean steamer Varuna by 8 p.m. At 10 p.m. the fleet moved up the James River and disembark the troops near Deep Bottom. The division was all landed by 7 a.m. on the 14th instant and massed near the landing. I was then directed by General Hancock to move the command to the old entrenchments near the Pottery road, and subsequently to move on to New Market road. Here the division was halted about 11 a.m. Captain Dow, commanding Sixth Maine Battery, and Captain Burton, commanding [Eleventh New York] battery reported to me, and I was directed by General Hancock to report to Brigadier-General Barlow for orders, who directed me to leave one brigade and the artillery where they were and move the rest of the division, the First and Second Brigades, out to a road opening into the New Market road. Here the Second Brigade was placed in line of battle on the road where its direction was nearly parallel with the New Market road and the First Brigade I massed in a corn-field in advance of this road. At 5.30 p.m. I directed Colonel Macy, commanding First Brigade, to make an assault on the enemy’s line. His brigade moved forward in good order, but meeting with a ditch very difficult to cross and one portion of the column coming upon a mill-pond, the attack did not succeed. At dark the First Brigade was withdrawn and massed in the edge of the woods in rear of the Second Brigade.

On the morning of the 15th instant the Third Brigade was moved to the right of the First Brigade and there massed. My command relieved the First Division skirmish line. At about 3 p.m. on the afternoon of the 16th I was directed by General Hancock to send a brigade to Major-General Birney, commanding the Tenth Army Corps. I ordered the Third Brigade to report to General Birney. As Major-General Birney was about making an attack on the enemy on my right, in order to withdraw the attention of the enemy from his front and prevent the enemy from moving troops from my front, I directed an advance of my whole skirmish line. I ordered the Seventh Michigan Regiment to make an attack on my left and the Sixty-ninth [Fifty-ninth] New York Volunteers to make a demonstration on my right. I also directed Captain E. B. Dow to bring a section of his battery, which I posted in front of the Second Brigade. These guns did good service during the afternoon. During the 17th I strengthened my front. At 7 p.m. on the 18th instant I received an order from Major-General Hancock to move the division to the left and occupy the former position of the Third Division. I placed the First Brigade on the main Potter road near the Pottery in line of battle. Captain Burton’s battery was posted near the Pottery; the Second Brigade was placed in line of battle stretching from the main Potter road on their left toward the New Market road, with Captain Dow’s (Sixth Maine) battery on its left. A portion of the First Brigade, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Curtis. Twentieth Massachusetts, was posted at a house on the right of the line on the New Market road. The Third Brigade was on picket. During the night a line of breast-works was thrown up. At 9 p.m. on the 19th I received an order to be ready to move my command at 3 a.m.next day and mass it on the other side of the New Market road, with a view of attacking the enemy at dawn. This order, however, was countermanded. At 6 p.m. on the 20th instant I was directed by

Major-General Hancock to move the division out toward the pontoon bridge after dark, following the First Division. Having moved the division out and massed near the road to the bridge, I was ordered by General Hancock to take the road and recross the river. The division marched all night and arrived at the Southall house at 7 a.m. on the 21st. Here the command of the division was resumed by Major-General Gibbon.

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

THOS. A. SMYTH,

Colonel First Delaware Veteran Volunteers, Commanding Division.

Lieutenant Colonel FRANCIS A. WALKER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps.

Source:

HDQRS. THIRD PROVISIONAL Regiment, CONSOLIDATED Brigadier, August 17, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In reply to a communication from headquarters First Division, directing me to make a written report explanatory of my alleged failure to comply with orders received from the [...]]]> Numbers 45. Report of Major John W. Byron, Eighty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding Third Provisional Regiment, of operations August 14.¹

HDQRS. THIRD PROVISIONAL Regiment, CONSOLIDATED Brigadier,
August 17, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In reply to a communication from headquarters First Division, directing me to make a written report explanatory of my alleged failure to comply with orders received from the brigadier-general commanding the division on the morning of August 14, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following:

On the morning in question, the brigade being on the march the regiment I have the honor to command was filed out of the line of march to the left of the road and formed in line of battle, under the personal supervision of the brigadier-general commanding the division, a pine wood partly covering my front and extending to the right. I was then ordered to charge and take the enemy’s works, the general also stating that there was only a skirmish line behind them, and to advance with fixed bayonets and without firing. I at once, under a fire of musketry on my left flank and front, led my command forward. When we reached the wood above mentioned, which lay directly between us and the works, as my line obliqued to the right so as to bring the left of my command on the edge of the wood. Pausing a few moments to correct the alignment, I advanced at a double-quick and occupied the works, the enemy leaving them when I had arrived within about thirty paces. Having no supports on either, flank, I at once threw forward skirmishers over the captured works as far as the crest of the hill to cover my front and flanks, the balance of the command remaining in line at the works. Finding that the men were exposed to an enfilanding artillery fire I withdrew the line about fifteen yards in rear of and parallel to the works, and dispatched Adjutant Smith, commanding Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, to report my position to Colonel Crandell and to ask for further instructions. I occupied this position until ordered by Colonel Crandell in person to join the balance of the brigade, which had advanced and formed line under the crest of the hill in my immediate front.

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

J. W. BYRON,

Major, Commanding Third Provisional Regiment.

Captain TRIPPE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Consolidated Brigade.

Source:

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-NINTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.

December 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT:*

[August 12, 1864,] broke camp and marched to City Point, Va.: embarked on transports for Deep Bottom. On the 14th instant attacked the enemy, at Deep Run. Remained there until the evening of the [...]]]> Numbers 44. Report of Major Richard Moroney, Sixty-ninth New York Infantry, of operations August 12-October 30.¹

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-NINTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.

December 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT:*

[August 12, 1864,] broke camp and marched to City Point, Va.: embarked on transports for Deep Bottom. On the 14th instant attacked the enemy, at Deep Run. Remained there until the evening of the 20th instant, when the regiment recrossed the James River and proceeded to the Weldon railroad.

Battle of Deep Run: Commissioned officers-wounded, 1. Enlisted men-killed, 1; wounded, 4.

August 22, 1864, engaged in tearing up the Weldon railroad. On August 25 the regiment was engaged with the enemy, and on the same evening fell back and was encamped in front of Petersburg up to August 31, 1864.

Battle of Reams’ Station, August 25, 1864: Commissioned officers-wounded 1; missing 2. Enlisted men-wounded, 5; missing, 44.

Lay in front of Petersburg until the 7th day of September when we broke camp and marched to the Jones house in front of Petersburg, Va., doing fatigue duty until the night of the 10th instant. Then marched to a position in rear of the Jones house, doing fatigue on the fortifications until September 12, 1864. Marched to a position in rear of Fort Sedgwick. Remained there doing picket and fatigue duty until the morning of the 29 instant. Thence to Fort Morton and occupied the fort, also the line on both flanks for 500 or 600 yards. Remained there until the 26th of October, 1864. Thence to Fort Davis, occupying the fort and doing picket duty on the lines until the night of October 30, 1864. Then marched to a position in the rear line, remaining there at the present date. On the night of October 30, 1864, the picket in front of Fort Davis was captured by the enemy, which comprised 1 commissioned officer, 2 acting officers, and in or about 160 comprised men belonging to this regiment.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
RICHARD MORONEY,

Major, Commanding Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers.

Lieutenant WILLIAM H. COURTNEY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.

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*For portion of report here omitted, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 393, and Vol. XL, Part I, p. 350.

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Source:

HDQRS. CONSOLIDATED Brigadier, FIRST DIV., SECOND CORPS, August 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of this brigade from August 22 up to the morning of the 26th:

On the morning of the 23rd this brigade fell [...]]]> Numbers 43. Report of Lieutenant Colonel William Wilson, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Consolidated Brigade, of operations August 22-26.¹

HDQRS. CONSOLIDATED Brigadier, FIRST DIV., SECOND CORPS,
August 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of this brigade from August 22 up to the morning of the 26th:

On the morning of the 23rd this brigade fell in and marched down the Weldon railroad and stacked arms hear the Church road. The brigade then proceeded to tear up the track. Colonel Crandell posted pickets in his front to cover the brigade. About 4 o’clock Colonel

Crandell received orders to fall in his command, withdraw his pickets, and march down to Reams’ Station. The brigade, led by Captain Marlin, division inspector, reached Reams’ Station at dusk. At that time there was sharp skirmishing on the right-hand sid of the road. The brigade formed in the old works of the Sixth Corps, and were ready for any emergency. On the 24th Colonel Crandell received orders to move the brigade beyond Reams’ Station and proceed to destroy the railroad, which was done. After destroying about 800 yards of the road the brigade was moved oppose Smart’s house and set to work on the left of the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery. About 5.30 p.m. Colonel Crandell received orders to withdraw his pickets and move the brigade back to Reams’ Stations and bivouac for the night. Before reaching the station Colonel Crandell received orders from General Miles to take charge of the picket-line, and was in consequence separated from his brigade during the action of the 25th. The brigade, under the command of Captain Penfield, of the One hundred and twenty-fifth New York Volunteers, was placed in the works running parallel to the railroad on the left of the First Brigade, its right resting near the gap in the works through which the railroad passes. There were no works on the railroad between the First and Third Brigades. In front of the right and center of the brigade was a belt of timber and underbrush which was slashed to the depth of about thirty feet for the purpose of forming an abatis. The works on the left of the brigade reached into an open field, there being a gap in the works of ten yards between the left of the Third and the right of the Fourth Brigades. About 1 p.m. the pickets of the First Brigade fell back in confusion over the works of the brigade, although at the time but few shots came over the works. A detail of twenty-five men was immediately deployed in front of the works to give notice of the enemy’s approach. At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Broady, commanding Fourth Brigade, had assumed command of the Third Brigade, although no official notice was received at brigade headquarters of the change in brigade commanders. Colonel Broady immediately ordered Lieutenant Mitchell, aide-de-camp, Third Brigade, to deploy as skirmishers the three right regiments of the brigade, the One hundred and eleventh, the One hundred and twenty-fifth, and One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Volunteers, under command of Captain Penfield, and advance them into the woods as far as possible, connecting with the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the left and the First Brigade skirmish line on the right. The line advanced with loud cheers in accordance with orders from Colonel Broady. The One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers soon broke in pieces, leaving the left of Captain Penfield exposed. The pickets of the First Brigade also retired, leaving the line exposed on both flanks. Lieutenant Mitchell then received an order to immediately detail another picket to cover the front of the brigade, to replace the line which had fallen back. The skirmishers found a strong line in front. They captured a few of the enemy’s pickets while swinging around to the left. About 2 o’clock the enemy charged in front of the works occupied by the right of the Fourth Brigade and the left of the Third, but was driven back by the determined front of both brigades. Again at 3 he attempted to charge in the same place, but getting an oblique fie on him from the left center of the brigade,he fled, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. Some of his dead were within twenty feet of our works. As the pickets of the Third Brigade had not fallen back, notice was sent to Colonel Broady that Captain

Penfield still held his position. Captain Noyes, inspector of Consolidated Brigade, was then directed to ascertain how far in the woods in front was the skirmish line, and whether it covered the whole front of the brigade. He reported that the left of the brigade was unprotected by skirmishers, but that the right was covered. Colonel Broady then directed Captain Noyes to have the skirmishers of the Consolidated Brigade in concert with the skirmishers of the First Brigade, to make a left half-wheel and find out the force of the enemy. It was then only that it was discovered that no connection existed between the skirmishers of the First and Third Brigades. The nearest picket discovered was in charge of a lieutenant at a house in front of the First Brigade. The condition of the picket line was immediately reported to General Miles, commanding the division. The line of men in the works had been so weakened by the withdrawal of the One hundred and eleventh, One hundred and twenty-fifth, and One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Volunteers that only a single line of men, in some places at the interval of a pace apart, occupied the works. The attention of Colonel Broady had been often called to the thinness of the line holding the works and to the necessity of well covering the gaps on the right and left of the brigade. To meet the occasion the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers was formed in the rear of the left of brigade. Between 4 and 5 p.m. the works were further weakened by the posting of a gun in the rear of the right brigade. Shortly after the enemy commenced a charge extending over and overlapping the whole from of the brigade which resulted in the abandonment of the works. Three officers and one or more non-commissioned officers were sent into the rifle-pits on the skirmish line to announce the coming of a large force of the enemy. Sufficient attention was not given to the statements of these officers, whose especial care it was to look out for the front, and send correct information. The reports were discredited, and no order was given for the skirmish line to fall back. The enemy advanced with the utmost silence, refusing to answer the fire of the skirmishers till it suddenly broke with full force on the skirmish line, which soon became mingled with the pursuing column. The brigade reserving their fire for a time to allow the skirmish line to retire, poured heavy volleys upon the charging force. At this time the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers was in the rear of the brigade. It was not posted in the pits, and the conduct of some of the men who rushed toward the left to discharge their pieces created some confusion. The reserve force only operated to impede and annoy the line in front occupying the works. The enemy appeared to come in on the railroad upon us through the gaps in the works between the First and Third Brigades, partially unnoticed by the men on the right of the brigade, who were too much engaged with the enemy in their immediate front. In this manner quite a force of the rebels got in the rear of the right before it fell back or was even aware of the mode of their penetrating our lines. On the left of the brigade also the enemy charged with great fury through the gap in the works between the Third and Fourth Brigades, capturing a large number of men who were fighting in the pits with great desperation, and who broke out rather for the front than the rear. The contest was a desperate one, but of short duration. The thin line in the works, flanked on the right and left, was obliged to fall back, not, however, before the colors of the One hundred and eleventh New York Volunteers were wrested from the color-sergeant in the very rifle-pits. Officers and men of the brigade, however, rallied, and in a short time

occupied a portion of the works previously held by the First Brigade. After dark the brigade line was formed and the brigade moved off by the right flank, following the Fourth Brigade, marching all night and halting on the morning of the 26th near the Williams house.

Our loss in this brigade was 25 commissioned officers killed, wounded, and missing, and 243 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM WILSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Captain WILLIAM R. DRIVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division, Second Corps.

Source:

HEADQUARTERS 148TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, August 29, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with existing orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers from the 22nd instant to the 27th [...]]]> Numbers 42. Report of Captain James F. Weaver, One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August 22-27.¹

HEADQUARTERS 148TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 29, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with existing orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers from the 22nd instant to the 27th instant, inclusive:

On the 22nd the regiment moved with the brigade to and occupied the Weldon railroad, on the left of the Fifth Corps. During the afternoon of that day my command was engaged with its brigade in tearing up and destroying the road. This destruction of the road was continued on the 23rd. At sundown of that day the regiment deployed as skirmishers in front of the brigade, immediately on the north side of Reams’ Station, supporting and advanced line of infantry skirmishers and the cavalry skirmish line, during the spirited engagement of pickets on the evening of the 23rd. On the 24th the regiment, less a large picket detail which left it on the evening of the 23rd, made a reconnaissance along the railroad in the direction of Stony Creek, a distance of some three miles, and returned to the brigade at Reams’ Station the same night. Throughout the forenoon of the 25th my command lay

quietly in the entrenchments just south of the station. At 12 m. I moved rapidly off the left and took post in line on the right of our brigade, the brigade being the extreme left of our line. Before we got fairly into position the whole command was ordered to march at double-quick to the station on the right of the line. My regiment was then put under the immediate orders of General Miles, commanding the division. Captain Sutton with his company (E) was reported to Lieutenant Black, division staff, for duty as sharpshooters. He was sent to the front and occupied a house near the picket-line. When the line was driven back he was compelled to retire as possible to save his command. The regiment was then ordered to cross the railroad and support the Third Brigade. In a few minutes I was ordered to deploy the regiment as skirmishers and advance it to drive back the rebel pickets and sharpshooters in front of the Fourth Brigade. This was done, and the regiment advanced a considerable distance under the enemy’s severe fire. The enemy’s pickets were driven back until the regiment came upon their line of battle and was compelled to retire behind our works. A few moments afterward the enemy charged our line. The regiment was engaged in their repulse. A half hour later the regiment was ordered to the right of the Third Brigade, where they were engaged during the terrible hand-to-hand fight which ensued. The enemy advanced, notwithstanding the galling fire they received, up to the works, and mounting the entrenchments were met by the command. The men in many instances knocked their assailants down with the butts of their guns, and only retired when the right and left flanks were completely overpowered and the enemy not only had possession of the works but occupied the railroad. The command fell back beyond the church at this point and reformed. During the day the regiment lost 1 commissioned officer and 4 enlisted men killed, 19 enlisted men wounded, and 42 enlisted men missing. During the night fell back to the Williams house; remained there during the day, and on the 27th moved to the right and went into camp, where the regiment is at the present time.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. F. WEAVER,

Captain, 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Commanding Regiment.

Captain A. R. CHACE,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, 4th Brigadier, 1st Div., 2nd Army Corps.

Source:

HEADQUARTERS 148TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, September 28, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In compliance with existing orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment August 13 to 20, inclusive:

The regiment embarked with a portion of the [...]]]> Numbers 41. Report of Captain Alfred A. Rhinehart, One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August 13-20.¹

HEADQUARTERS 148TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
September 28, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In compliance with existing orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment August 13 to 20, inclusive:

The regiment embarked with a portion of the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, during the afternoon of the 13th, and according to the general plan was carried downstream some distance. When the

transports carrying the corps moved upstream the one upon which the regiment had embarked was found to be aground, and was not got off until about 9 a.m. on the 14th instant. The command was then carried up the James and landed on its north bank, opposite Jones’ Neck. After rejoining the brigade the command immediately advanced to the front and took up position in rear of and supporting a portion of the Second Division, Second Army Corps. While on this line the regiment was subject to a raking fire from the enemy’s artillery. Late in the evening the regiment was put upon the picket-line in front of this position and was not relieved until the morning of the 16th. About noon of the 16th the command moved to the right to the support of the Tenth Corps. The regiment was almost immediately afterward put upon picket. On the morning of the 18th the regiment was detached from the brigade and sent to the right to hold a road upon which the enemy threatened to advance. In the evening of the same day the command moved down on the New Market road toward, the left, and immediately on the right of the Second Division, and constructed breast-works, which were quietly occupied until the evening of the 20th, when the command recrossed the James River.

The casualties of this movement were as follows: August 14, 3 enlisted men killed, 14 wounded; August 15, 1 enlisted man killed, 4 wounded; August 16, 2 enlisted men wounded.

I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALFRED A. RHINEHART,

Captain, 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Commanding Regiment.

Lieutenant J. WENDEL MUFFLY,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, 4th Brigadier, 1st Div., 2nd Army Corps.

Source:

HEADQUARTERS 145TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, September 28, 1864.

ADJUTANT: I have the honor to transmit the following report of operations during the engagement of a portion of the army at Deep Bottom from August 12 to 21, inclusive:

During the 12th of [...]]]> Numbers 40. Reports of Captain James H. Hamlin, One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August 12-25.¹

HEADQUARTERS 145TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
September 28, 1864.

ADJUTANT: I have the honor to transmit the following report of operations during the engagement of a portion of the army at Deep Bottom from August 12 to 21, inclusive:

During the 12th of August I received orders through brigade headquarters to have my command in readiness to move at once. At 4 p.m. with other regiments of the brigade, formed and, joining the division soon were on the move, and after traveling until about 8 [o'clock] bivouacked on the left of the road, near City Point, for the night. Here we remained until about 4 o’clock the following afternoon and embarked on a transport which moved downstream a short distance and anchored until about 10 o’clock. Started up and landed at Deep Bottom at daylight the 14th. The brigade remained near the river until noon, when they advanced to support the skirmish line on the right. While getting in position the enemy enfiladed our lines with shell, killing and wounding several of the regiment. During the afternoon one man was killed and several wounded by the enemy’s sharpshooters. After dark

we moved back a few rods and formed in line and remained until the morning of 15th. Moved back on reserve until about noon the 16th. Ordered to the right in support of the Tenth Corps, where we remained until the evening of the 18th. The lines were attacked and we maneuvered around some and fell back some distance and assisted in building breast-works, which we occupied the two following days. On the 20th a portion of the regiment was detailed for picket. In the evening we received orders for another movement, which was commenced shortly after dark, and after traveling all night, crossing the Appomattox and James Rivers, arrived in front of Petersburg about sunrise of the 21st and were ordered into camp on the ground previously occupied.

Very respectfully, &c.,

JAS. H. HAMLIN,

Captain, Commanding 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, FOURTH BRIGADE,
HEADQUARTERS 145TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report, in accordance with circular, that on the 22nd we moved to the Weldon railroad and were thrown, out as skirmishers, and in a short time were relieved by the Third Brigade and rejoined our brigade and during the night supported the picket-line, and on the 23rd moved down to Reams’ Station. Remained in breast-works during the night, and on 24th supported the skirmish line until near noon. Reported to Colonel Spear of cavalry and went out as scouts. Advanced about a mile and returned to brigade, and in evening fell back to station and lay in breast-works until about 10 o’clock. The 25th moved to left in support of skirmish line, and about noon moved back to rifle-pits and remained there, repulsing the enemy’s first charge, and about 5 p.m. were flanked by them and compelled to fall back or be captured. We lost considerably there, besides quite a number on the skirmish line on the left. We then occupied the works on the left until dark, when we fell back and formed with the brigade in an open field, then marched back to the Williams house and bivouacked for the night.

JAS. H. HAMLIN,

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, FOURTH BRIGADE.

Source:

August 22, regiment started on march for Weldon railroad; arrived at latter place about 4 p.m. formed line of battle portion of brigade detailed as skirmishers; 5 p.m. moved to left; at night whole [...]]]> Numbers 39. Report of Captain John R. Weltner, One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers from 22nd to 26th of August, 1864.¹

August 22, regiment started on march for Weldon railroad; arrived at latter place about 4 p.m. formed line of battle portion of brigade detailed as skirmishers; 5 p.m. moved to left; at night whole regiment detailed as picket. August 23, 8 a.m., advanced our line of pickets; 1 p.m. moved to the left and joined the brigade; about 3 p.m. halted, built fires to destroy rails on railroad; by behind breast-works all night; fifty men detailed as pickets. August 24, 7 a.m., moved to left about one mile and a half; regiment deployed as skirmishers; remained on the line until about 7 p.m., then joined the brigade and fell back to near Reams’ Station; rested all night on left of breast-works. August 25, began to build breast-works early in the morning; 11 a.m. moved to left in corn-field and from thence to breast-works; 1 p.m. whole regiment sent on skirmish line and were repulsed by enemy; in about half an hour fell back to breast-works, which latter position we maintained until the left of the line broke, and were then compelled to fall back; about 9 p.m. started on march. August 26 arrived at or near Williams’ house about 1 a.m.; remained in camp all day nothing of consequence occurring.

Respectfully submitted.

JOHN R. WELTNER,

Captain, Commanding 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Source: