TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 11 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1884 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY BYT. LIEUT. COL. ROBERT K. SCOTT, THIRD U. S. ARTILLERY, AND PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880. SERIES IVOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. PART 11.REPORTS, ETC. WASHIKGTOK: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1884 Page 2 ( CORNELL . UNIVERSITYJ \LI8RAR\ Page 3 CHAPTER XXIII. THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGNS VIRGINIA. March 17September 2, 1862. PART II. REPORTSJune 2~-September 2, 1862* JUNE 25JULY 1, 1862.Seven-days Battles. STJMMARY OF TIlE PRINOIPAL EVENTS.* June 25, l862.Skirmish near Ashland. Engagement at Oak Grove, Kings School-House, Frenchs Field, or the Orchard. 26, l862.Skirmish at Atlees Station, on the Virginia Central Railroad. Skirmish near Hanover Court-House. Skirmish at Meadow Bridge, near Mechanicsville. Battle of Mechanicsville, Beaver Dam Creek, or Ellisons Mill. Engagement at Point of Rocks, Appomattox River. 2627, 1S62%Skirmishes at Hundleys Corner. 26July 2, l862.General Stonemans operations, including destruction of stores at White House Landing. 27, 1862.Battle of Gaines Mill, Cold Harbor, or the Chickahominy. Action at Garnetts Farm. Skirmish at Fair Oaks. 28, 1862.Action at Garnetts and Goldings Farms. Skirmish at Dispatch Station, on Richmond and York River R. R. 29, 1S62.Engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, near Fair Oaks Station Skirmish on the James River Road, near Willis Church. Skirmish on the Williamsburg Road, near Fair Oaks Station. Battle of Savage Station, on Richmond and York River Railroad. Skirmish at Jordons Ford. 30, l862.Engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. Action at Bracketts. Battle of Glendale, Nelsons Farm, Charles City Cross-Roads, New Market Road, Fraziers Farm, or Willis Church. Engagement at Turkey Bridge, or Malvern Cliff. Skirmish near New Kent Court-House. Skirmish at Jones Bridge. July 1, 1862.Battle of Malvern Hill, or Crews (or Poindexters) Farm. * For Summary of the Principal Events during this period, see General Summary in Part I, pp. 34. Page 4 4 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Poto- mac. No. 2.Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the operations before Richmond, Va.; June 25July 2, 1862. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Re- serve, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 4.Col. George A. H. Blake, First U. S. Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 5.Ce]. Richard H. Rush, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of battle of Gaines Mill. No. 6.Lieut. Col. William N. Grier, First U. S. Cavalry, of battle of Gaines Mill. No. 7.Capt. Joseph II. MeArthur, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, of battle of Gaines Mill. No. 8.Maj. Alfred Pleasonton, Second U. S. Cavalry, of operations June 28July 3. No. 9.Brig. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner, U. S. Army, commanding Second Corps, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 10.Capt. John D. Frank, Battery G, First New York Light Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 11.Brig. Gen. Israel B. Richardson, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 12.Capt. Rufus D. Pettit, Battery B, First New York Light Artillery, of en- gagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 13.Lient. Rufus King, jr., Batteries A and C, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of engage- ment at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 14.Brig. Gen. John C. CaIdwell, U. S. Army, commanding Firs Brigade, of en- gagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 15.Lient. Col. Samuel G. Langley, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry, of engage- ment at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, en- gagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battle of Glendale, or Nel- sons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 16.Capt. Edward E. Sturtevant, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 17.Col. George Von Schack, Seventh New York Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Brid~ge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fra- ziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 15.Col. Francis C. Barlow, Sixty-first New York Infantry, of engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 19.Maj. H. Boyd McKeen, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 20.Brig. Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher, U. S. Army, commanding Second Bri- gade, of the battles of Gaines Mill, Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 21.Brig. Gen. William II. French, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, ejigagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glen- dale and Malvern Hill Page 5 CHAP. XXIH.] SEVER-DAYS BATTLES. 5 No. 22.Lient. Col. William P. Baily, Second Delaware Infanfry, of the engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 23.Col. Joseph C. Pinckney, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 24.Brig. Gen. John Sedgwick, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 25.Col. Charles H. Tompkins, Chief of Artillery, of engagement at Peach Or- chard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fra- ziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 26.Capt. John A. Tompkins, Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens F arm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 27.Lient. Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 25.Col. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 29.Lieut. Col. John W. Kimball, Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the action at Garnetts Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 30.Brig. Gen. William W. Burns, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Poach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 31.Brig. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 32.Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Heintzelman, U. S. Army, commanding Third Corps, of engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 33.Capt. Gustavus A. De Hussy, Chief of Artillery, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 34.Capt. Walter M. Bramhall, Sixth New York Battery, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 35.Lient. Francis W. Seeley, Battery K, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of the action at Bracketts, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 36.Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Ar my, commanding Second Division, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill,with resulting correspondence. No. 37.Return of Casualties in Hookers division from June 224, 1862, inclusive. No. 38.Capt. Thomas W. Osborn, Battery D, First New York Light Artillery, of engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, battle of Savage Sta- tion, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 39.Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of engage- ments at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, arid Peach Orchard, or Al- lens Farm, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 40.Col. Robert Cowdin, First Massachusetts Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm) Page 6 6 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. No. 41. Col. William Blaisdell, Eleventh Massachusetts InfantrSr, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 42.Lieut. Col. George F. Tileston, Eleventh Massachusetts Infantry, of engage- ment at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battle of Glendale, or Nel- sons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 43.Col. Powell T. Wyman, Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the engage- ment at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 44.Maj. Daniel S. Lamson, Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 45.Col. Gilman Marston, Second New hampshire Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 46.Lieut. Col. G. D. Wells, First Massachusetts Infantry, commanding Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 47.Brig. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the engagements at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and Peach Or- chard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fra- ziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 48.Maj. Thomas Holt, Seventieth New York Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 49.Col. George B. Hall, Seventy-first New York Infantry, of the battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 50.Col. N. Taylor, Seventy-second New York Infantry, of battle of Malvern Hill. No. 51.Capt. Alfred A. Donalds, Seventy-third New York Infantry, of the engage- ments at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and Peach Orchard, or Al- lens Farm, and battle of Glendale, or Nelsons F arm (Fraziers Farm). No. 52.Col. Charles K. Graham, Seventy-fourth New York Infantry, of the engage- ment at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 53.Col. Joseph B. Carr, Second New York Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and bat- tles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 54.Col. S. H. Starr, Fifth New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 28July 1. No. 55.Maj. John Ramsey, Fifth New Jersey Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 56.Col. Gershom Mott, Sixth New Jersey Infantry, of operations ,June 28July 3. No. 57.Col. Joseph W. Revere, Seventh New Jersey Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 58.Capt. Henry C. Bartlett, Seventh New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 28-July 1. No. 59.Capt. William S. Tipson, Eighth New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 28July 1. No. 60.Lient. Col. William A. Olmsted, Second New York Infantry, of the engage- ment at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 61.Brig. Gei~. Philip Kearny, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of the engagements at Oak Grove and Peach Orchard, skirmish at Jordons Ford, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 62.Capt. Georg& E. Randolph, Battery E, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of the action at Bracketts, and battles of Glendule and Malvern Hill. No. ~3.Lieut. Pardon S. Jastram, Battery E, First Rhode Island Artillery, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), with findings of Court of Inquiry Page 7 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 7 No. 64.Capt. James Thompson, Battery G, Second U. S. Artillery, of the engage- ment at Peach Orchard and battle of Glendale. No. 65.Brig. Gen. John C. Robinson, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 66. Col. William L. Brown, Twentieth Indiana Infantry, of the battle of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 67.Lieut. Col. Elhanon W. Woods, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 68.Col. Alexander Hays, Sixty-tbird Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 69.Capt. Calvin A. Craig, One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 70.Brig. Gen. David B. Birney, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the engagement at Oak Grove, skirmish at Jordons Ford, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. No. 71.Col. Enrico Fardella, One hundred and first New York Infantry, of the en- gagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 72.Brig. Gen. Hiram G. Berry, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 73.Maj. Louis Dillman, Second Michigan Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 74.Capt. William Humphrey, Second Michigan Infantry, of the battles of Glen- dale and Malvern Hill. No. 75.Lient. Ccl. Ambrose A. Stevens, Third Michigan Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No, 76.Maj. Jobn D. Fairbanks, Fifth Michigan Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 77.Col. Garrett Dyckman, First New York Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. No. 78.Brig. Gen. Erasmus D. Keyes, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Corps, of operations June 27July 2. No. 79.Maj. Robert M. West, Chief of Artillery, of operations June 28July 2. No. 80.Capt. Theodore Miller, Battery E, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the defense of Bottoms Bridge, June 2529. No. 81.Capt. James Brady, Battery H, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the defense of Bottoms Bridge and the Railroad Bridge over the Chicka- hominy, June 27-29. No. 82.Lieut. Valentine H. Stone, Battery M, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of the defense of Jones Bridge, June 2930. No. 83.Brig. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations June 25July 1, including skirmish on James River Road and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 54.Lient. William Munk, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish of June 29 on the James River Road. No. 55.Lient. Martin Reichenbacher, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artil- lery, of the destruction of Turkey Bridge. No. 86.Licut. Edward Dougherty, Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish June 29 on the James River Road. No. 87.Brig. Gen. Albion P. Howe, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 88.Col. Thomas A. Rowley, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Infantry, pf operations June 30July 7. No. 89.Brig. Gen. John J. Abercrombie, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill Page 8 8 THE PENINSTJLAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. No. 90.Brig. Gen.Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of hat- tie of Malvern Hill. No. 91.Brig. Gen. John J. Peck, U.S. Army, commanding Second Division, of oper- ations June 24-July 3. No. 92.Brig. Gen. Henry W. Wessells, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of operations June 24-July 2. No. 93.Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter, U. S. Army, commanding Fifth Corps, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 94.Col. John F. Farnsworth, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of skirmish near Hanover Court-House, battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, and skirmish at Dispatch Station. No. 95.Col. William W. Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations June 26July 2. No. 96.Col. Henry J. Hunt, commanding Artillery Reserve, of operations June 26 July 1. No. 97.Lieut. Col. William Hays, commanding Brigade of Horse Artillery, of opera- tions May 6-July 1. No. 98.Capt. John C. Tidball, Light Battery A, Second U. S. Artillery, of operations June 27July 6, including the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 99.Capt. James M. Robertson, Batteries B and L, Second U. S. Artillery, of the - battle of Williamsburg, skirmishes at New Kent Court-House and New Bridge, battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill, and engagement at Mal- vein Cliff. No. 100.Capt. Henry Benson, Second U. S. Artillery, of operations June 28July 2, including the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 101.Lient. Col. George W. Getty, commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Re- serve, of operations June 26-July 1. No. 102.Lieut. Alanson M. Randol, Battery E, First U. S. Artillery, of operations May 27June 30, inc~[uding the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 103.Lieut. Samuel S. Elder, Battery K, First U. S. Artillery, of operations June 27-July 3. No. 104.Lient. Charles H. Morgan, Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of operations June 19-July 4. No. 105.Lient. Adelbert Ames, Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of action at Garnetts Farm and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 106.Capt. John H. Smead, Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of operations May 11 July 2, including the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill and en- gagement at Turkey Bridge. No. 107.Maj. Albert Arndt, First Battalion New York Light Artillery, commanding Third Brigade, Artillery Reserve, of action at Garnetts Farm, the battles of Gaines Mill and Glendale, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 108.Capt. John W. Wolcott, Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, of operations June 26July 1, including the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 109.Capt. Alonzo Snow, Battery B, Maryland Light Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 110.Capt. J. Howard Carlisle, Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, and Fifth Bri- gade, Artillery Reserve, of operations June 27July 4, including the action at Garnetts Farm, engagement at Malvern CliIf, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 111.Capt. La Rhett L. Livingston, commanding Batteries F and K, Third U. S. Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill Page 9 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 9 No. 112.Brig. Gen. George W. Morell, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 113.Col. Hiram Berclan, First U. S. Sharpshooters, of the battles of Gaines Mill, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 114.Capt. George G. Hastings, First U. S. Sharpshooters, of operations Jnue 29 July 1. No. 115.Capt. William B. Weeden, Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of operations May 24July 2, including the battles of Mechaniesyille, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 116Capt. Angnstns P. Martin, Battery C, Massachnsetts Light Artillery, of the battles of Mechaniesyille, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 117.Lient. John B. Hyde. Battery E, Massachusetts Light Artillery, of the bat- tles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 118.Lient. Henry W. Kingsbury. Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 119.Brig. Gen. John H. Martindale, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 120.Ce]. Charles W. Roberts, Second Maine Infantry, of the battle of Gaines~ Mdl, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 121.Col. James Barnes, Eighteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of Stonemans operations, including destrnction of stores at White House Landing. No. 122.Maj. William S. Tilton, Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry, of the bat- tles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill. No. 123.Capt. Walter S. Sampson, Twenty-second Massachnsetts Infantry, of the battles of Mechaniesyille, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 124.Col. Horace S. Roberts, First Michigan Infantry, of the battles of Mechan- icsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malveru Cliff and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 125.Maj. Francis A. Scheffel, Thirteenth New York Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and bat- tle of Malvern Hill. No. 126.Capt. Shepard Gleason, Twenty-fifth New York Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and bat- tle of Malvern Hill. No. 127.Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 128.Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement i~t Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 129.Ce]. T. B. W. Stockton, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, of the battle of Gaines~ Mill. No. 130.Lient. Col. John V. Rueble, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff; and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 131.Lieuit. Ce]. Robert M. Richardson, Twelfth New York Infantry, of the bat- tle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 132.Col. Henry S. Lansing, Seventeenth New York Infantry, of Stonemans operations, including destruction of stores at White House Landing. No. 133.Lient. Col. Nelson B. Bartram, Seventeenth New York Infantry, of Stone- mans operations, including destruction of stores at White Honse land- ing. No. 134.Maj. William T. C. Grower~ Seventeenth New York Infantry, of operations June 28 Page 10 10 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIt No. 135.Lient. Col. James C. Rice, Forty-fourtli New York Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill ai~d Malvern Hill. No. 136.Licut. Col. Hugh S. Campbell, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Mal- vein Hill. No. 137.Brig. Gen. George Sykes, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff; and battle of Mal- vein Hill. No. 138.Capt. Stephen H. Weed, Battery I, Fifth U. S. Artillery, and Chief of Artil- lery, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and bat- tle of Malvern Hill. No. 139.Capt. John Edwards, commanding Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 140.Lient. Col. Robert C. Buchanan, Fourth U S. Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Mailvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 141.Capt. Thomas W. Walker, Third U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 142.Capt. John D. Wilkins, Third U. S. Infantry, of operations .Jnne 28July 1, including engagement at Malvern Cliff amid battle of Ma~vern Hill. No. 143.Capt. Joseph B. Collins, Fourth U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 144.Maj. Henry B. Clitz, Twelfth U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 145.Capt. Matthew M. Blunt, Twelfth U. S. Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 146.Capt. John D. OConnell, Fourteenth U. S. Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 147.Maj. Charles S. Lovell, Tenth U. S. Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 148.Lient. John S. Poland, Second U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 149.Capt. Thomas Hendrickson, Sixth U. S. Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 150.Maj. De Lancey Floyd-Jones, Eleventh U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 151.Maj. George L. Andrews, Seventeenth U. S. Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 152.Col. Gouverneur K. Warren, Fifth New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Tnrkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 153.~~LLieut. Col. Hiram Duryea, Fifth New York Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Tnrkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 154.Brig. Gen. George A. McCall, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelson Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 155.Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. No. 156.Col. James H. Childs, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of battles of Mechan- icsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 157.Lient. John G. SiApson, Battery A, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill. No. 158.Capt. James H. Cooper, Battery B, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm) Page 11 CHAr. XXIII.l SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 11 No. 159.Lient. Ftank P. Amsden, Battery G, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 160.Col. George S. Hays, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, First Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 161.Maj. Roy Stone, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Reserves (First Pennsylvania Rifles), of operations June 26July 1. No. 162.Col. Horatio G. Sickel, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, Second Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 163.Col. Albert L. Magilton, Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (l~raziers Farm). No. 164.Col. C. Feger Jackson, Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves, Third Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 165.Col. James T. Kirk, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, of the battles of Mechan- icsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 166.Col. John H. Taggart, Twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves, of the battles of Mecbanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). No. 167.Brig. Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, commanding Sixth Corps, of operations June 27July 2, including the actions at Garnetts and Gold- ings Farms, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 168.Brig. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations June 27July 3. No. 169.Capt. William Hexamer, Battery A, New Jersey Light Artillery, of the battle of Gaines Mill. Nb. 170.Brig. Gen. George W. Taylor, U. S. Army, commandingFirst Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 171.Col. Alfred T. A. Torbert, First New Jersey Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 172.Lient. Col. Samuel L. Buck, Second New Jersey Infantry, of action at Garnetts Farm and the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 173.Capt. Edwin Bishop, Second New Jersey Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 17.4.Col. Henry W. Brown, Third New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 27 July 7. No. 175.Col. James H. Simpson, Fourth New Jersey Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 176.Col. Joseph J. Bartlett, Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 177.Lient. Col. Jacob G. Frick, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, command- ing Fifth Maine Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 175.Maj. Joel J. Seaver, Sixteenth New York Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 179.Lient. Col. Alexander D. Adams, Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 180.Col. Henry L. Cake, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 181.Brig. Gen. John Newton, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 182.Maj. John C. Meginnis, Eighteenth New York Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill Page 12 12 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. No. 183.Col. Iloderick Matheson, Thirty-second New York Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 184.-Lieut. Col. Gustavus W. Town, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 185.Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, battle of Savage Station, and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 186.Capt. Ronicyn B. Ayres, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of opera- tions June 28-July 1. No. 187.Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, battle of Savage Station, and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 188.Col. Hiram Burnham, Sixth Maine Infantry, of action at Garnetts Farm. No. 189.Col. Francis L. Vinton, Forty-third New York Infantry, of action at Gar- netts Farm. No. 190.Maj. Thomas M. Hulings, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, of action at Garnetts Farm. No. l91.Capt. James D. Campbell, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, of action at Garnetts and Goldings Farms. No. 192.Capt. John B. Miles, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, of action at Gar- netts and Goldings Farms. No. 193.Col. Amasa Cobb, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, of action at Garnetts Farm. No. 194.Brig. Gen. William T. H. Brooks, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, battle of Savage Station, and engagement at White Oak Swambp Bridge. No. 195.Col. Edwin H. Stoughton, Fonrth Vermont Infantry, of action at Garnetts Farm. No. 196.Lient. Col. Lewis A. Grant, Fifth Vermont Infantry, of the battle ofSavage Station. No. 197.Col. Nathan Lord, jr., Sixth Vermont Infantry, of the action at Garnetts Farm. No. 198.Brig. Gen. John W. Davidson, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the action at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, battle of Savage Station, and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 199.Brig. Gen. Silas Casey, U. S. Army, of operations at Tunstalls Station and White House, June 28. ARMY OF NORTEERN VIRGINIA. No. 200.Organization of the Confederate forces during the engagements around Richmond, Va. No. 201.General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Northern Vir- ginia, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Savage Station, engagement at~White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Fraziers Farm and Malvera Hill, with orders. No. 202.Surg. Lafayette Guild, Medical Director, Army of Northern Virginia, with Return of Casualties. No. 203.2Capt. Smith Stanshury, C. S. Army, commanding 1~ichmond Arsenal, of captured ordnance, with inclosure from Lieutenant Jones. No. 204.Capt. James E. Webb, C. S. Army, Acting Ordnance Officer of General D. H. Hills division, of captured ordnance. No. 205.Lient. William M. Archer, C. S. Army, Ordnance Officer of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hills division, of captured ordnance. No. 206.Maj. Beverly Randolph, C. S. Army, Ordnance Officer, First Division, First Corps, of captured ordnance. No. 207.Brig. Gen. James E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade, of operations June 26July 10 Page 13 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 13 No. 208.Col. Thomas R. B. Cobb, Georgia Legion, of operations June 26.-July 10. No. 209.Col. Lawrence S. Baker, First North Carolina Cavalry, of operations June 28July 27. No. 210.Brig. Gen. Fitzhngh Lee, First Virginia Cavalry, of operations in front of Richmond dnring the Seven-days Battles. No. 211.Col. Thomas F. Goode, Third Virginia Cavalry, of operations Jnne 26 July 10. No. 212.Lient. Col. Will. T. Martin, commanding the Jeff. Davis Legion (Mississippi) and the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, of operations June 25J ely 6. No. 213.Col. Thomas L. Rosser, Fifth Virginia Cavalry, of operations June 28 July 10. No. 214.Brig. Gen. William N. Pendleton, C. S. Army, commanding Reserve Artil- lery, Army of Northern Virginia, of operations June 26July 2. No. 215.Maj. Charles Richardson, commanding Second Battalion, of operations June 26July 2, inclnding the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill. No. 216.Capt. John J. Ancell, Fluvanna (Va.) Light Artillery, of operations June 26-July 2. No. 217.Capt. John Milledge, jr., Georgia Battery, of operations June 26July 2, including the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill. No. 218.Lient. James Woolfolk, Ashland (Va.) Artillery, of operations June 26 July 1. No. 219.Maj. William Nelson, commanding Third Battalion, of operations June 26July 1, including the actions at Garuetts and Goldings Farms. No. 220.Lient. John L. Massie, Fluvanna (Va.) Artillery, of operations June 26 July 4, including action at Garnetts Farm. No. 221.Capt. Thomas J. Kirkpatrick, Amherst (Va.) Artiller3~, of operations June 26-July 2. No. 222.Capt. R. C. M. Page, Morris (Va.) Artillery, of operations June 26July 2, including actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms. No. 223.Lieut. Col. A. S. Cutts, commanding Sumter (Ga.) Artillery Battalion, of operations June 26July 1. No. 224.Capt. John Lane, Company E, Sumter Artillery, of operations June 26July 3, including the actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms and battle of Savage Station. No. 225.Col. J. Thompson Brown, First Virginia Artillery, of operations June 27 July 2. No. 226.Guns captured at Fraziers Farm and Malvern Hilly taken from the field by Col. J. Thompson Brown, First Regiment Virginia Aitillery. No. 227.Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Second Corps, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 228.Col. S. Crntchfield, Chief of Artillery, of the battle of Gaines Mill and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 229.Brig. Gen. William H. C. Whiting, C. S. Army, commanding First Division (temporarily attached to Jacksons corps), of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 230.Brig. Gen. John B. Hood, C. S. Army, commanding First (Texas) Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 231.Brig. Gen. Charles S. Winder, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Second Division (Jacksons), of the battlcs of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 232.Capt. William T. Poague, Rockbridge (Va.) Artillery, of the battle of Mal- vera Hill. No, 233.Lieut. John C. Carpenter, Alleghany (Va.) Artillery, of the battle of Poin. dexters Farm (Malvern Hill) Page 14 14 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ChAP. XXIII. No. 234.Lient. Col. Lawson Botts, Second Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No 235.Col. Charles A. Ronald, Fourth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 236.Col. William S. H. Baylor, Fifth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. ~37.Capt. G. C. Smith, Twenty-seventh Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 238.Col. John F. Neff, Thirty-third Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 239.Lieut. Col. R. H. Cunningham, Twenty-first Virginia Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division (Jacksons), of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 240.Capt. William P. Moseley, Twenty-first Virginia Infantry, of operations June 27July 10. No. 241.Maj. Henry Lane, Forty-second Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 242.Capt. John M. Vermillion, Forty-eighth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 243.Capt. B. W. Leigh, First Virginia Battalion, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 244.Col. E. T. H. Warren, Tenth Virginia Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Second Division (Jacksons), of operations June 26July 1. No. 245.Capt. George W. Wooding, Danville (Va.) Artillery, of engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 246.Brig. Gen. klexanderR. Lawton, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade, Second Division (Jacksons), of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 247.Col. Marcellus Donglass, Thirteenth Georgia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 248.Maj. E. S. Griffin, Twenty-sixth Georgia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 249.Maj. J. H. Lowe, Thirty-first Georgia Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 250.Capt. William H. Battey, Thirty-eighth Georgia Infantry, of the battles of Gainess Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 251.Maj. Thomas J. Berry, Sixtieth Georgia Infantry (Fourth Georgia Battalion), of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 252.Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell, C. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of skirmishes at Hundleys Corner, battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill, and skirmish at Westover. No. 253.Col. James A. Walker, Thirteenth Virginia Infantry, commanding Fourth Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 254.Brig. Gen. Jubal A. Early, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 255.Brig. Gen. Isaac IR. Trimble, C. S. Army, commanding Seventh Brigade, of operations Jane 26July 4, including battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill and skirmish at Westover. No. 256.Col. Leroy A. Stafford, Ninth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Eighth Bri- gade, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvera Hill. No. 257.Col. Bradley T. Johnson, First Maryland Infantry (Confederate), command- ing Maryland Line, of skirmishes at Hundleys Corner, battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill, and skirmish at Westover. No. 258.Maj. Gen. Daniel H. Hill, C. S. Army, of engagement at Kings School- House, battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, arid battle of Mab-ern Hill Page 15 CHAP. XXIH.] SEVEN~DAYS BATTLES. 15 No. 259.Brig. Gen. B. E. Rodes, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 260.Col. John B. Gordon, Sixth Alabama Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 261.Maj. Robert M. Sands, Third Alabama Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. No. 262.Col. John B. Gordon, Sixth Alabama Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 263.Col. B. B. Gayle, Twelfth Alabama Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 264.Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland, jr., C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the engagement at Kings School-House, or Oak Grove, and battles ol Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 265.Col. Daniel H. Christie, Twenty-third North Carolina Infantry, of opera- tions May 30June 30. No. 266.Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, of the battles ofMechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 267.Maj. H. P. Jones, commanding Artillery Battalion, of the battles of Mechan- icsville and Gaines Mill and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 268.Capt. A. Burnet Rhett, South Carolina Battery, of the battles of Mechan- icsville and Gaines Mill and engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge. No. 269.Lieut. Col. John B. Estes, Forty-fourth Georgia Infantry, of the battles ol Ellisons Mill, or Mechanicsville, and Malvern Hill. No. 270.Lient. Col. William L. De Rosset, Third North Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Ellisons Mill, or Me chanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. No. 271.Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding Magruders, McLaws, and D. B. Jones divisions, including the actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, engagement at Peach Orchard, and battles of Sav- age Station, Glendale, and Malvern Hill, with resulting correspond~nce. No. 272.Brig. Gen. David R. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding First Division, of oper- ations June 27July 1, including the battle of Gaines Mill, actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, engagement at Fair Oaks Station (Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm), and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 273.Maj. John J. Garnett, Chief of Artillery, of the actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms, engagement at Fair Oaks Station (Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm), and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 274.Brig. Gen. Robert Toombs, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the action at Garnetts Farm and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 275.Lient. Col. William B. Holmes, Second Georgia Infantry, of the action at Garnetts Farm and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 276.Cpl. William T. Millican, Fifteenth Georgia Infantry, of the actions at Gar- netts and Goldings Farms and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 277.Col. Henry L. Benniug, Seventeenth Georgia Infantry, of the action at Garnetts Farm and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 27S.~Col. J. B. Cumming, Twentieth Georgia Infantry, of the actions at Garnetts and Goldings Farms and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 279.Col. George T. Anderson, Eleventh Georgia Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of the actions at Garnetts and Goldiugs Farms, engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 250.Col. William J. Magill, First Georgia Regulars, of the engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 281.Capt. George H. Carmical, Seventh Georgia Infantry, of the actions at Gar- netts and Goldings Farms, engagement at Peach Orehavd, or Allens 1~atm, and battle of Malvera Hill Page 16 16 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CuAr. XXIII. No. 282.Capt. George 0. Dawson, Eighth Georgia Infantry, of the actions at Gar- netts and Goldings Farms and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 283.Maj. WilliamM. Jones, Ninth Georgia Infantry, of operations June 27July12. No. 284.Lient. Col. William Luffinan, Eleventh Georgia Infantry, of operations June 26July 1, including battle of Malvern Hill. No. 285.Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws, C. S. Army, commanding division, of engage- ment at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Mal~ern Hill. No. 286.Brig. Gen. Paul J. Semmes, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of en- gagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Crews Farm, or Malvern Hill. No. 287.Brig. Gen. J. B. Kershaw, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade. of en- gagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 288.Capt. Del. Kemper, Alexandria (Va.) Artillery, of engagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 289.Maj. F. Gaillard, Second South Carolina Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 290.Col. James ID. Nance, Third South Carolina Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill, and cap- ture of arms at Shirley, Va., July 4. No. 291.Col. ID. Wyatt Aiken, Seventh South Carolina Infantry, of operations Juno 25July 1, including the engagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 292.Col. John W. Henagan, Eighth South Carolina Infantry, of operations June 25July 2, including engagement at Peach Orchard and battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 293.Col. Stephen D. Lee, Chief of Artillery, Magruders division, of operations June 25July 1, including action at Garnetts Farm, engagement at Peach Orchard, and battles of Savage Station and Crews Farm, or Mal- vein Hill. No. 294.Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Magru- ders division, of the battles of Savage Station and Malvern Hill. No. 295.Col. William Barksdale, Thirteenth Mississippi Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, Magruders division, of the battles of Savage Station and Mal- vein Hill. No. 296.Maj. Kennon McElroy, Thirteenth Mississippi Infantry, of the battle of Mal- vein Hill. No. 297.Lieut. Col. John C. Fiser, Seventeenth Mississippi Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 298.Lient. Col. William H. Luse, Eighteenth Mississippi Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 299.Capt. William C. F. Brooks, Twenty-first Mississippi Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 300.Maj. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding division, of opera- tions June 26Jidy 2, including the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. 301.Col. J. B. Walton, Chief of Artillery, of guns taken, & c. No. 302.Brig. Gen. James L. Keinper, C. S. Army, commanding First Brinade, of the battle of Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 303.Col. John B. Strange, Nineteenth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 304.Brig. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale) Page 17 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS7 BATTLES. 17 No. 305.Brig. Gen. Roger A. Pryor, C. S. Army, commanding Fifth Brigade, of the. battles of Gaines Mill and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 306.Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding Sixth Brigade,. of the battles of Gaines Mill and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale). No. 307.Maj. Gen. Benjamin Huger, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations. June 25July 1, including the engagement at Kings School-House, or Oak Grove, action at Bracketts, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 308.Brig. Gen. Robert Ransom, jr., C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigades. Department of North Carolina, temporarily attached to Hugers division,. of the engagement at Kings School-House, or O~k Grove, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 309.Capt. Joseph Graham, Company C, Tenth North Carolina Troops, command-. ing Brems Battery, of the engagement at Malvern Cliff. No. 310.Brig. ~1len. William Mahone, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of operations June 1July 1, including the engagement at Oak Grove, skir-. mish at Jordons Ford, action at Bracketts, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 311.Capt. Carey F. Grimes, commanding battery, of the engagement at; Frenchs Field, or Kings School-House (Oak Grove), and battle of Mal-. vein Hill. No. 312.Col. William Smith, Forty-ninth Virginia Infantry., of the engagement at; Kings School-House, or Oak Grove. No. 313.Brig. Gen. Ambrose R. Wright, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of. operations June 25-July 1, including the engagement at Kings School-- House, or Oak Grove, and battle of Malvern Hill. No. 314.Capt. Frank Huger, Company D, Virginia Light Artillery, of the engage-. ment at Kings School-House, or Oak Grove. No. 315.Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade,. of operations June 25-July 1, including the engagement at Kings School-. House, or Oak Grove, and battls of Malvern Hill. No. 316.Lient. Col. James S. Gilliam, Ninth Virginia Infantry, of the battle of Mal-. vein Hill. No. 317.Col. James Gregory Hodges, Fourteenth Virginia Infantry,.of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 318.Col. E. C. Edmonds, Thirty-eighth Virginia Infantry, of. the battle of Mal.- vein Hill. No. 319.Maj. Joseph R. Cabell, Thirty-eighth Virginia Infantry, of the battle of Mal-- vein Hill. No. 320.Col. H. B. Tomlin, Fifty-third Virginia Infantry,.of the b& ttle of Malvern, Hill. No. 321.Maj. George M. Waddill, Fifty-third Virginia Infantry, of the engagement; at Kings School-House, or Oak Grove. No. 322.Capt. R. W. Martin, Fifty-third Virginia Infantry, of skirmish at Fair Oaks. No. 323.Capt. John Grammer, jr., Fifty-third Virginia Infantry, of non-commissioned officers and privates who distinguished themselves in the battles around Richmond, May 31-July 1. No. 324.Lient. Col. Waddy T. James, Fifty-seventh Virginia Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill. No. 325.Capt. William B. Alley, Fifth Virginia Battalion, of tile battle of Malveinn Hill. No. 326.Maj. Gen. Ambrose P. Hill, C. S. Army, commanding Light Division, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill3 Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. 2 R R.VOL XI, PT I Page 18 18 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. ICHAP.XXIIL No. 327.Brig. Gen. Charles W. Field, C. S. Army, of the battles of Meehanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 328.Col. J. M. Brockenbrough, Fortieth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Me- chanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale). No. 329.Col. Robert M. Mayo, Forty-seventh Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale). No. 330.Col. Fraucis Mallory, Fifty-fifth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Me- chanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 331.Col. William B. Starke, Sixtieth Virginia Infantry, of the battles of Me- cbauicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 332.Brig. Gen. Maxcy Gregg, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill. No. 333.Capt. D. G. McIntosh, Pee Dee (S. C.) Artillery, of the battles of Mechan- icsville and Gaines Mill. No. 334.Col. D. H. Hamilton, First South Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Me- chaniesville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm, and Malvern Hill. No. 335.Col. Dixon Barnes, Twelfth South Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Me- chaniesville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. 336.Col. 0. E. Edwards, Thirteenth South Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Beaver Dam Creek, or Mechaniesyille, Gaines Mill, Frazier Farm (Nel- sons Farm, or Glendale), and Crews Farm, or Malvern Hill. No. 337.Col. Samuel McGowan, Fourteenth South Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 338.Col. J. Foster Marshall, First South Carolina Rifles, of the battles of Me- chanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale). No. 339.Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Anderson, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battles of M~echanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 340.Brig. Gen. L. 0B. Branch, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Briizade, of the battles of Mechaniesville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. :141.Capt. Marmaduke Johnson, Virginia Battery, of the battles of Mechanics- ville and Gaines Mill. No. 342.Col. Edward Graham Haywood, Seventh North Carolina Infantry, of skir- mishes near Meadow Bridge and Atlees Station, and battles of Mechan- icsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelson Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. 343.Col. Robert H. Cowan, Eighteenth North Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale), and Malvern Hill. No. 344.Col. James H. Lane, Twenty-eighth North Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glen- dale), and Malvern Hill. No. 345.Lient. Col. Robert F. Hoke, Thirty-third North Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. 346.Lient. Col. William M. Barbour, Thirty-seventh North Carolina Infantry, of the battles of Meehanicsville, Gaines Mill, Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale), and Malvern Hill. No. 347.Brig. Gen. J. J. Archer, C. S. Army, commanding Fifth Brigade, of the bat- tles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill Page 19 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 19 No. 348.Brig. Gen. William D. Pender, C. S. Army, commanding Sixth Brigade, of the battles of Mechanics-yule, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 349.Capt. William G. Crenshaw, Virginia Battery, of operations June 25~July 1, including the battle of Gaines Mill. No. 350.Capt. L. Masters, commanding battery, of operations June 26July 1, in- cluding the battle of Mechanicsville. No. 351.Acting Adjutant Thomas Smith, Twenty-second Virginia Battalion, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Fraziers Farm (Nelsons Farm, or Glendale). No. 352.Maj. Gen. Theophilus H. Holmes, C. S. Army, commanding Department of North Carolina, of operations June 30July 2, including the engagement at Malvern Cliff (Turkey Bridge). No. 353.Lieut. Col. James 11. Branch, commenting on the report of General Holmes in regard to Branchs Battery. No. 354.Col. James Deshler, Chief of Artillery, of the engagement at Malv-ern Cliff (Turkey Bridge). l~o. 355.Col. Junius Daniel, Forty-fifth North Carolina Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of the engagement at Malvern Cliff (Turkey Bridge). No. 356.Col. Van H. Manning, Third Arkansas Infantry, of operations June 26July 2, including the engagement at Malvern Cliff (Turkey Bridge). No. 357.Brig. Gen. Henry A. Wise, C. S. Army, commanding brigade (acting with Holmes command, Department of North Carolina), of operations June 30-. July 1. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. George B. MieClellan, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Potomac.* HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp at Berkeley, Va., July 15, 1862. GENERAL: Without waiting to receive the reports of all the subordi- nate commanders, I submit the following very brief narrative of the operations of this army since the 25th ultimo: On the 24th of June I received information that appeared entitled to some credit, that General Jackson was at Fredericks Hall with his entire force, consisting of his own division, with those of Ewell and Whiting, and that his intention was to attack our right flank and rear, in order to cut off our communications with the White House and throw the right wing of the army into the Chickahominy. Fortunately I had a few days before provided against this contingency, by ordering a number of transports to the James River, loaded with commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance supplies. I therefore felt free to watch the enemy closely, wait events, and act according to circumstances, feeling sure that if cut off from the Pamunkey I could gain the James River for a new base. I placed General Stoneman in command of the cavalry on the right, intrusting to his charge the picket duty toward Hanover Court-House, to give the earliest possible information of an advance of the enemy from that direction. On the 25th General Heintzelman was directed to drive in the enemy~~ pickets from the woods in his front, in order to give us command of the cleared fields still farther in advance. This was gallantly and hand. somely done under a stubborn resistance, the brunt of the fighting See also general report, Part I, pp. 4971 Page 20 20 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXTIL falling upon the division of Hooker. Just as the new line was gained I was called from the field by intelligence which tended strongly to con- firm the belief that Jackson was really approaching. I immediately repaired to the camp of General Fitz John Porter, commanding on the right of the Chickahominy, to obtain further information and arrange the movements for the morrow. On my arrival I found that there was a strong probability of Jacksons advancing, although not a certainty of it. I therefore determined to leave our heavy guns in battery and to retain McCalls division in its strong position on Beaver Dam Creek, near Mechanicsville, posting merely small outposts to watch the cross- ings near Meadow Bridge and Mechanicsville and to give General McCall immediate notice of the enemys approach. Porters remaining troops were to be held in reserve, ready to act according to circum- stances. The center and left of the army were also to be held in readi- ness to repulse any attack or to move to the assistance of the right. It had long before been determined to hold the position of Beaver Dam Creek in the event of being attacked on that side, for the reasons that the position was intrinsically a very strong one, was less liable to be turned on either flank than any position in advance of it, and brought the army in a more concentrated and manageable condition. The natural strength of the position had been somewhat increased by slight rifle pits and felling a little timber in front of it. With the exception of epaulements for artillery near Gaines and Hogans houses to act against the enemys batteries on the right bank of the Chickahominy, there were no other artificial defenses on the left bank of that stream. Our position on the right bank of the river had been rendered reason- ably secure against assault by felling timber and the construction of slight earthworks. Measures had already been taken to secure the passage of White Oak Swamp. The right wing, under the command of General Fitz John Porter, consisted of the divisions of Morell, Sykes, and McCall, with a large part of the cavalry reserve. He had ten heavy guns in battery on the banks of the Chickahominy. Such was the state of affairs on the morning of June 26. I was by that time satisfied that T had to deal with at least double my numbers, - but so great was my confidence in the conduct of the officers, and the bravery, discipline, and devotion of my men, that I felt contented calmly to await the bursting of the coming storm, ready to profit by any fault of the enemy, and sure that I could extricate the army from any difficulty in which it might become involved. No other course was open to me, for my information in regard to the movements of the enemy was too meager to enable me to take a decided course. I had not long to wait. During the afternoon of the 26th the enemy crossed in several columns in the vicinity of Mechanicsville and Meadow Bridge and attacked McCall in his position at Beaver Dam Creek. His repeated efforts were constantly repulsed, with but little loss on our side, but with great slaughter on the part of the enemy. The con- test ceased here about 9 p. in., the enemy leaving us in full possession of every part of the field of battle. During the action McCall was supported by the brigades of Martin- dale and Griffin, of the division of Morell. While this was going on there were some sharp affairs of pickets on the center and left, but nothing of a serious nature. By this time I had certain information that Jackson was rapidly advancing in strong force from Hanover Court-House; that his ad- vance guard had probably participated in the battle of Beaver Da Page 21 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 21 Creek. This rendered that position untenable. I therefore determined still further to concentrate the army, by withdrawing Porters com- mand to a position near Gaines Mill, where he c~uld rest both his flanks on the (Jhickahominy and cover the most important bridges over that stream. The wagons and heavy guns were withdrawn during the night, the troops falling back to their new position early in the morning. The enemy attacked Seymours brigade, constituting the rear guard of the division, McCalls, but were sharply repulsed, and the movement was not further molested. In the course of the morning of the 27th I received intelligence that Longstreets corps was at Mechanicsville, ready to move down on either bank of the Chickahominy, according to circumstances. This intelli- gence, and many threatening movements of the enemy on various parts of the center and left, i)laced a limit to the amount of the re-enforce- ments available for the support of Porter. Under the circamstances, it was impossible to withdraw him to the right bank of the Chicka- hominy by daylight. The enemy were so close upon him that the attempt would have insured the loss of a large portion of his corps, and in any event the abandonment of his position at that time would have placed our right flank and rear at the mercy of the enemy. It was necessary to fight him where we stood, to hold our position at any cost until night, and in the mean time to perfect the arrangements for the change of base to the James River. In the report of General Porter will be found a detailed description of the field of battle at Gaines Mill and the circumstances of that eventful contest, creditable alike to the energy of the enemy and the desperate valor of the comparatively small band that repelled the attacks of his enormous masses. It will suffice for the purposes of this report to state that the action commenced about 2 p. in., an that during the afternoon I ordered up the division of Slocum to t support of Porter, and soon after the brigades of French and Meagher, of Richardsons division. The latter were not engaged. At a later period two brigades of Pecks division were ordered forward, but as their services were not needed they did not cross the Chickahominy. The contest continued with varying for- tunes until dark, when the enemy discontinued his attack. During the night the final withdrawal of the right wing across the Chicka- hominy was completed without difficulty and without confusion, a portion of the regulars remaining on the left bank until the morning of the 28th. Early on that morning the bridges were burned, and the whole army was thus concentrated on the right bank of the Chicka- hominy. During the battle of Gaines Mill the position of General Smith was warmly attacked, but the enemy was at once repulsed with loss. In the course of the night of the 27th General Keyes was ordered to cross the White Oak Swamp with the Fourth Corps and take up a position to cover the passage of the trains. Measures were also taken to increase the number of bridges across the swamp. The trains were set in motion at an early hour, and continued passing across the swamp night and day without intermission until all had crossed. On the 28th, Porters corps was also moved across the White Oak Swamp, and on the morning of the 29th took up a position covering the roads leading from Richmond toward the White Oak Swamp and Long Bridges. During the night of the 28th and 29th the divisions of Slocum and McCall were ordered across the White Oak Swamp, and were placed i Page 22 22 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL position to cover the passage of the remaining divisions and trains. In the course of the same night tlie corps of Sumner and Heintzelman and the division of Smith were ordered to fall back from their original position to an interior line resting upon Keyes old intrencliments on the left and so arranged as to cover Savage Station. They were ordered to hold this position until dark, then to fall back across the swamp and rejoin the rest of the army. This order was not fully carried out, nor was the exact position I designated occupied by the different divisions concerned; nevertheless the result was that two attacks of the enemy-..-one a very determined onsetwere signally repulsed by Sumners corps, assisied in the last by Smiths division, of the Sixth Corps. These are the two actions known as the affair of Allens Field and the battle of Savage Station. The Third Corps crossed the swamp before dark, having left its position before the hour assigned and was not in action during that.day (the 29th). The Second Corps and Smiths division safely crossed the swamp during the night with all their guus and materiel, and brought up the rear of the wagon train. In the night of the 29th and 30th the Fourth and Fifth Corps were ordered to move to James River, to rest on that river at or near Turkey Bend and occupy a position perpendicular to the river, thus covering the Charles City road to Richmond, opening communication with the gunboats, and covering the wagon train, which was pushed as rapidly as possible upon Haxalls and Harrisons plantations. The remaining corps were moved in the same direction and posted so as to cover the main roads leading from Richmond as well as the crossings by which the army had passed the White Oak Swamp and to guard the passage of our large trains to the James River. When the troops were in position in the afternoon before the enemy attacked they were posted about as follows: Porter with two divisions (Morells and Sykes) and the mass of the reserve~rtillery on Malvern Hill (the left of the position); next Couch, with one brigade of Pecks division iii reserve; next Sedgxvick; then McCall, Hooker, Kearny, Slocum, Naglees brigade, Richardson, and Smith. During the actions which ensued at Turkey Bridge, on the New Market road (Glendale), and at White Oak Swamp, changes were made in this disposition. The result of the various actions of the 30th, during which our whole line was attacked, was that the enemy was everywhere repulsed except in his attack upon McCalls division, which, hard pressed by greatly superior numbers, and having lost three of its general officers, broke and lost most of its artillery. The gallant con- duct of their comrades near by, especially Hookers division, retrieved that mishap, and rendered it impossible for the enemy to reap any ad- vantages from it. By this time the last of the trains had reached Haxalls Landing, and during the night the troops fell back to the vicinity of that place, all arriving in safety and unmolested at an early hour of the morning. They were promptly placed in position to offer battle to the enemy should he again attack, the left of the line resting on the admirable position of Malvern Hill, with a brigade in the low ground to the left watching the road to Richmond; the line then following a line of heights nearly parallel to the river and bending back through the woods nearly to the James River on our right. On the left we relied upon the natural advantages of the position. On the right, where the natural strength was less, some little cutting of timber was done and the roads blocked. Although our force was small for so extensive a position it was Page 23 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 23 necessary to hold it at any cost. When the battle commenced in the afternoon I saw that in the faces and bearing of the men which satisfied me that we were sure of victory. The attack was made upon our left and left center, and the brunt of it was borne by Porters corps (including Hunts reserve artillery and Tylers heavy guns) and Couch~ division, re-enforced by the brigades of Sickles and Meagher. It was desperate, brave, and determined, but so destructive was the fire of our numerous artillery, so heroic the con- duct of our infantry, and so admirable the dispositions of Porter, that no troops could have carried the position. Late in the evening the enemy fell back, thorou.ghly beaten, with dreadful slaughter. So com- pletely was he crushed and so great were his losses, that he has not since ventured to attack us. Previously to the battle of Malvern I had fully consulted with Com- modore Rodgers, and with him made a hasty reconnaissance of the posi- tions on the river. The difficulty of passing our transports above City Point was so great that I deterniined to fall back upon the position now occupied by the army; a position, too, much less extensive than that of Malvern, and therefore permitting me to give the men the rest they so much needed. Accordingly the army fell back during the night of the 1st and 2d of July, reaching this place at an early hour on the 2d. On the 3d the troops were placed essentially in their present positions. To the calm judgment of history and the future I leave the task of pronouncing upon this movement, confident that its verdict will be that no such difficult movement was ever more successfully executed; that no army ever fought more repeatedly, heroically, and successfully against such great odds; that no men of any race ever displayed greater discipline, endurance, patience, and cheerfulness under such hardships. My mind cannot coin expressions of thanks and admiration warm enough or intense enough to do justice to my feelings toward the army I am so proud to command. To my countrymen I confidently commit them, convinced they will ever honor every brave man who served during those seven historic days with the Army of the Potomac. Upon whatever field it may hereafter be called upon to act I ask that it may never lose its name, but may ever be known as The Army of the Po- tomac, a name which it never has nor ever will disgrace. It is not my purpose now to make mention of distinguished services. The names of those who deserve well of their country would swell this report to too great dimensions. I will simply call attention to the in- valuable services rendered by the artillery, and say that its perform- ances have fully justified my anticipations, and prove it to be our policy to cherish and increase that arm of the service. I cannot conclude this report without expressing my thanks to the gallant and accomplished Commodore John Rodgers for the valuable assistance rendered this army in various ways, but especially by the fire of a portion of the flotilla upon the flank of the enemy attacking Malvern Hill on the 30th of June and 1st of July. Their fire was excel- lent and produced very beneficial results. I am, general, very, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. LoRE~zo THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C Page 24 24 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. ~CHAr. XXIII. No. 2. Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the operations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusive.* [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ~ Remarks. S S S A ~ ,,3 ~ cA ~ ~ bL ~, -4 ~ H H ~ H H 0 u ~ o r~ ~ SECOND ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. EDWIN V. SUMNER. Staff 1 1 FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ISRAEL B. RICHARD- SON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. CALDWELL. Staff 1 1 5th New Hampshire 7 3 42 2 55 109 7thNew York 1 15 7 89 ..... 40 152 61st New York 10 6 50 1 20 117 81st Pennsylvania 2 26 10 118 . - - - -- 19 175 Total First Brigade . 3 58 27 329 3 134 554 Second Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. T. F. MEAGHER. (2.) Col. ROBERT KUGENT. (3.) Brig. Gen. T. F. MEAGHER. Staff 1 1 29th Mnssachusetts 1 5 1 21 3 54 85 63d NewYork 1 18 1 50 70 69th New York - 1 19 7 120 - - - . 61 208 88th NewYork 2 6 2 57 62 129 Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. WM. H. FRENCH. 52d New York 57th New York 64th New York 66th New York SId Pennsylvania 2d Delaware Total Third Brigade 4 30 11 216 5 227 493 17 17 1 ~ 35 44 - 1 10 27 38 9. 36 45 I 12 15 28 2 2 32 36 3~ 2411 1162i208 * Includes losses at Oak Grove, or the Orchard, June 25; Mechanicsville and near Hanover Court-House, June 26; Gaines Mill, or the Chickahominy, Fair Oaks, and Garnetts Farm, June 27; Garnetts and Goldings Farms and Dispatch Station, June 28; Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, Savage Station, and near Willis Church, June 29; White Oak Swamp Bridge, Turkey Bridge, Jones Bridge, and Glendale (Nelsons Farm, or Charles City Cross-Roads), June 30; Malvera Hill, July 1, and near Malvern Hill, July 2 Page 25 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 25 Organization of Troop8 and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. dl Command. a 0 Remarks. 8 8 8 a a, Q ~1 0 ~ 6 ~1 Artillery. Ca~t~ GEORGE W. ITAZZARD (wounded). 1st New York Light Artillery; Battery B. 4th U. S. Artillery, Batteries A and C. Total artillery ~otid First Division SECOND DIVIsION. Btlg. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK. First Brigade. Got ALFRED SULLY. 15th Massachusetts.... 1st Minnesota Massachusetts Sharpshooters (1st an). 34th or 82d New York Ruasells company sharpshooters Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLa& u W. BuRNs. Staff. 69th Pennsylvania 71st {ennsylvania. . 72d enusylvania 106th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Bri0ccde. Brig. Gen. N. J. T. DANA. 19th Massachusetts 20th Massachusetts 7th Michigan 42d New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. Col. CHARLES H. TOMrnrns. 1st Rhode Island Light Artil. lery, Battery A. let U. S. Artillery, Battery I... Total artillery Total Second Division 1 6 12 2 8 8 21 1 18 10 29 7 91 41 604 8 513 1,284 . 1 10 27 38 6 3 34 1 47 91 1 1 4 3 20 1 34 62 2 1 9 42 54 12 8 74 2 150 246 1 11 6 4 27 44 81 1 8 2 52 1 27 91 1 13 2 83 60 159 11 22 1 39 73 2 38 9 184 2 170 405 3 ~7 5 119 42 196 3 4 55 55 117 16 2 49 29 96 2 2 26 2 25 57 3 48 13 249 2 151 466 3 1 4 9 3 12 . 121 4 16 5 98 30 519 6 475 1,133 OHAP~ XXIII. Page 26 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- atton8 before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. 0 0 Remarks. S S S Li Li ,~ ~ ~ n ~ ;~ ~ ~ 0 [~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Corps Artiller~j Reserve. 1st New York Light Artillery, Battery G.* 1st Rhode Island Light Artil- lery, Battery B. 1st Rhode Island Light Artil- lery, Battery 0. Total Artillery Reserve.... Cavairy. 6th New York Cavalry, Corn. panies D, F, H, and K. Total Second Army Corps.. THIRD ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. S. 1. HEINTEELKAN. SECOND DIVISION. Brig Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. CUVIER GROVER. 1st Massachusetts 11th Massachusetts 16th Massachusetts 2d New Hampshire.... 26th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. DANIEL B. SIcni~s. 70th New York 71st New York..... 72d New York 734 New York 74th New York Total Second Brigade. Third Brigade. Col. JosEPH B. CAKE. 5th New Jersey 6th New Jersey 7th New Jersey. 8th New Jersey 2d New York Total Third Brigade 1 1 U 2 2. . 12 189 72 1,123 14 1,010 2,420 13 9 73 2 57 154~ 21 . 21 1 6 3 43 36 89 4 3 42 . 49~ 1 20 21 42. 1 24 15 199 2 114 355 3 1 9 1 14 4 1 32 3 78 118 1 13 67 6 87 3 1 25 1 5 35 2 37 15 54 1 25 3 170 4 105 308 . .............I.. 2 10 3 15 S 10 13 1 7 1 10 19 2 2 1 1 3 1 4 10 1 3 1 23 2 29 59 N?o loss reported. See Artillery Reserve, Fifth Army Corps. 2 Page 27 SEVEN~-DAYS BATTLES. 27 Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a . Remarks. ,~ .5 ~ CI a a a a SC a ~. ~ n ~ n l~ a bL ~ 0 r~ ~ Artillery. 1st New York Light Artillery, Battery ID. New York Light Artillery, 4th Battery. 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery H. Total artillery Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. PHILIP KEARNY. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. Jouu C. Roniwson. 20th Indiana. 87th New York 57th Pennsylvania 63d Pennsylvania 105th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. DAVID B. BIRNEY. Staff 3d Maine 4th Maine 38th New York 40th New York 101st New York Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. HIILAIS G. BERRY. 2d Michigan 3d Michigan 5th Michigan 1st New York . 37th New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Battery E. 2d U. S. Artillery. Battery G. - -. Total artillery Total Third Division 6 1 1 6 2 ... 1 7 8 3 52 19 393 8 255 730 1 16 3 97 2 68 187 5 33 38 1 8 2 38 24 73 1 12 7 72 24 116 12 2 h6 43 113 3 53 14 296 2 159 527 - 1 1 1 6 27 34 1 2 5 22 30 4 33 37 3 19 80 102 5 17 22 44 10 2 51 1 184 248 2 19 21 1 4 27 32 1 2 4 29 1 22 59 22 5 122 2 85 216 42 39 Si 1 27 9 216 3 173 429 1 3 3 7 1 13 2 16 2 16 5 23 4 92 25 57t 6 521 1,227 Ciu.v. XXIII.] No loss reported. Page 28 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. xxm. Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or miss ng. Command. a a 0 Remarks. 8 8 8 .~ a a a .~ ~ a ~ 0 ~ (Jo?yp8 Artillery Reserve. Capt. GTJSTAYUS A. Da Russr. New York Light Artillery, 6th Battery New Jersey Light Artillery, 2d Battery 4th U. S. Artillery, Battery K... Total Corps Artillery Re- serve. Cavalry. Col. WILLI~u W. AVERELL. 3d Pennsylvania Cavalry Tots] Cavalry Total ~hird Army Corps... FOURTH ARMY CORPS.* Brig. Gen. ERASMUS D. KEYES. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. DARIUS N. Couca. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALBION P. HOWE. Staff 55th New York 62d New York 93d Pennsylvania 98th Pennsylvania 102d Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN J. ABERCROM. BIE. Staff 65th New York 67th New York 21d Pennsylvania 31st Pennsylvania 61st Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 5 6 2 3 11 6 2 3 11 8 150 44 977 14 780 1,973 1 1 2 1 41 1 45 4 2 21 ...... 14 41 3 3 2 9 2 39 7 59 2 8 38 1 10 59 4 23 6 142 1 32 208 1 1 9 1 47 11 68 1 2 40 4 47 2 1 26 29 2 3 1 33 ~39 2 2 15 19 2 17 7 161 1 15 203 Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. IuitIS N. PALMER. Staff 2 2 7th Massachnsetts 1 1 . 14 16 10th Massachusetts 1 7 2 62 1 8 81 * This statement embraces the losses of the Fourth Army Corps from June 2 to Jnly 2, inclusIve. 2 Page 29 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 29 Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the op~-- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. ]~iI1ed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a ~ Remarks. 8 8 8 . a . CI ~ .5 a ~ IS Q a Q a Q C o a ~ .~ ~ o ~ ~ 0 ~ N 36th New York -. - -. 2d Rhode Island Total Third Brigade ArtiZler~j. 1st PennsylvaniaLight Artillery, Battery C. lstPeunsylvaniaLight Artillery, flattery ID. Total First Division. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN J. PECK. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. HENRY M. NAGLEE. 11th Maine 56th New York - - - - - 100th New York 52d Pennsylvania l04thPennsylvauia Second Brigade. Brig-Gen. HENRY W. WESSELLS. 81st New York - - 85th New York 92d New York 96th New York. 98th New York 85th Pewusylvania 101st Pennsylvania lOld Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Artillery. 1st New York Li~ht Artillery, Battery H. New York Light Artillery, 7th Battery. Total Second Division Corps Artillery 1?eserve~ ~1aj. RODEnT M. WEST. New 5~ork Light Artillery, 8th Battery. 1st PennsyivaniaLightArtillery, Battery B. 1st ,I~ennsylvaniaLight Artillery, Battery H. 5thThS. ~ M - - 7 6 4 1 93 16 . 39 143 23 2 21 9 185 1 47 265 8 61 22 488 3 94 676* . . . . . . . . . .. . ,. .. . 2 2 12 12 1 1 79 81 1. 8 9 1 19 20 1 2 1 120 124 1. 2 1 120 124 = ~Six ]iuiidred of these casualties occurred at Malvern BiU, July 1. I No loss re- ported. I No loss re- ported. No loss reported. No loss reported. No loss reported. } No loss re- ported. } No loss ro- potted Page 30 TIIF~ PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of tl~e Potomac during the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclu8iveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. . Remarks. S S 8 5 a ,~ ~ .?i ~ 48 ~ .3 Ia II 0 ~ 0 ~ o r~ ~ Cavalry. CoL D. McM. GREGG. 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry Total Fourth Army Corps. FIFTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. FITz JohN PORTER. Staff FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORELL. FiT8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN H. MARTINDALE. Staff 2d Maine 18th Massachusetts * 22d Massachusetts 1st Michigan 13th New York 25th New York Massachusetts Sharpshooters (2d company). Total First Brigade & cond Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES GRIFFIN. 9th Massachusetts 4th Michigan 14th New York . . . . 62d Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. DANIEL BUrrERFIELD. Staff 12th New York 17th New York * 44th New York 18th Michigan Bradys company Michigan Sharp. shooters. 83d Pennsylvania... Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM B. WEEDYE. Massachusetts Light Artillery, 3d Battery (C). No loss reported. 8 62 22 490 4 214 800 . 1 1 . 1 1 4 3 52 5 45 109 3 66 i47 5 119 346 1 32 5 128 1 47 214 2 1 54 2 67 126 2 4 2 39 2 35 84 6. 6 6 108 17 426 16 313 886 8 61 10 271 2 41 393 5 51 5 136 1 54 252 3 30 9 167 1 15 225 2 22 10 164 4 81 283 18 164 34 738 8 191 1, 153 1 1 2 19 5 116 3 56 201 16 6 99 34 155 2 47 5 140 2 54 253 1 6 2 9 2 77 12 154 4 113 362 6 160 31 515 10 259 981 1 8 *Deta~hed with Stonemanscommand. 4 3 Page 31 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 31 Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Command. ii ii Rema~k~. 8 8 ,i3 ~ ~A ii ~ Si ii 0 Si P.. 9 . ci .~, ci is is 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Massachusetts Light Artillery, 5th Battery (E). 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Battery C. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery D ... Total artillery Sherpshoeters. Col. HIRAM BERDAN. 1st U. S. Sharpshooters Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE SYKES. First Brigade. Col. ROBERT C. BUCHANAN. 3d U. S. Infantry 4th U. S. Infantry . 12th U. S. Infantry . 14th U. S. Infantry . Total First Brigade. Secend Brigade. Maj. CHARLES S. LOVELL. 2d U. S. Infantry Oh U. S. Infantry .... 10th U. S. Infantry 11th U. S. Infantry 17th U. S. Infantry Total Second Brigade. Third Brigade. CoL G. K. WARREN. 5th New York 10th New York . Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. STEPHEN H. WEED. 3d U. S. Artillery, Batteries L and M. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery I. Total artillery Total Second Division 3 5 1 9 1 5 21 8 37 1 1 2 5 1 8 10 31 11 56 = 1 7 4 31 13 56 31 448 87 1,747 35 784 3, 132 2 9 30 22 63 4 2 16 1 9 32 1 54 5 101 56 217 19 5 138 93 255 3 86 12 285 1 180 567 2 14 4 103 16 139 1 4 1 69 46 121 4 1 13 4 22 7 2 26 8 43 1 5 1 8 2 17 34 4 34 9 219 2 91 359 1 37 4 106 1 14 163 9 4 40 1 69 123 1 46 8 146 2 83 286 1 3 15 2 21 3 1 5 2 11 4 4 20~ 432 8 170 33 670 5 358 1,244 CHAP. XXIIL Page 32 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper- ationa before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveC ontinned. Killed. Wounded. Captured or Inisslng. Command. a a a S -~ Remarks. a a a a a a a --~ ~4~ a a a a u, o .,~ a .5 ~ a ~ ~ ~ o ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ THIRD DIVISION. (1.) Brig.Gen. GEORGE A. MCCALL (captured). (2.) Brig. Gen. TRUMAN SEYMOUR. Staff First Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. JOHN F. REYNOLDS (captured). (2.) Col. SENECA G. SIMMONS (killed). (3.) Col. R. BIDDLE ROBERTS. Staff 1st Pennsylvania Reserves. 2d Pennsylvania Reserves 5th Pennsylvania Reserves..... 8th Pennsylvania Reserves 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (1st Rifles), Companies A, B, D,E,F, andK. Total First Brigade Secend Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. GEORGE G. MEADE (wounded). (2.) Col. ALBERT L. MAGILTON. Staff 3d Pennsylvania Reserves 4th Pennsylvania Reserves 7th Penns~4vania Reserves..... 11th Pennsylvania Reserves. .. . - Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. TRUMAN SEYMOUR. (2. )C oL C. FEGER JACKSON. 6th Pennsylvania Reservest. 9th Pennsylvania Reserves lOl~h Pennsylvania Reserves. 12th Pennsylvania Reserves Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery A 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery B 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Battery G. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery C.... Total artillery. . . 1 1 3 - - -- 2 2 2 26 7 122 1 47 205 1 15 7 74 21 118 3 23 9 114 58 207 32 7 106 5 80 230 1 6 3 48 9 180 247 7 102 33 464 17 386 1,009 = I 3 4 14 4 76 4 89 187 11 5 41 6 136 199 27 5 132 2 128 294 1 53, (*) *18 25 619 716 2 105 17 267 37 972 1400 1 24 5 129 1 48 208 1 39 6 137 1 55 239 1 12 3 59 37 112 3 75 14 325 2 140 559 1 2 1 8 4 16 2 2 15 19 7 1 12 20 7 1 4 7 19 3 18 3 39 11 74 * The wonnded at Gaines Mill are counted among the captured or missing. Detached with Caseys command. 3 Page 33 8EVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 33 Organization of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac dieriug the oper- ations before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a 8 8 8 ~ Remarks. ~ a a in Q a 0 a ~ o .,~ a a p~ 8 Li o ~ o r~ 0 ~ Cavalry. Col. JAMES H. CHILDS. 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry Total Third Division . Govairy. Col. JOHN F. FARNSWORTH. 8th Illinois Cavalry ARTILLERY RESERVE. Col. HENRY J. HUNT. First Brigade (Horse Artillery). Lieut. Col. WILLIAm HAYs. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery A.. -- 2d U. S. Artillery, Batteries B and L. 2d U. S. Artillery. Battery M... 3d U. S. Artillery, Batteries C and Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Lieut. Col. GEORGE W. GETTY. 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery E. 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery 0-. 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery K.... 4th U. S. Artillery, Battery G.... 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery A. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery K.... Total Second Brigade. Third Brigade. Maj. ALBERT ARNDT. 1st Battalion New York Light Artillery. Battery A. 1st Battalion New York Light Artillery, Battery B. 1st Battalion New York Light . Artillery, Battery C. 1st Battalion New York Light Artillery, Battery D. Total Third Brigade Fourth Brigade. Ma). B. IR. PETHERHRIDGR. Staff Maryland Li0ht Artillery, Bat. tory A. 2 2 11 1 6 9.) 16 302 70 1, 106 58 1, 515 3, 067 2 9 3 15 6 1 7 1 1 6 2 8 2 4 6 1 3 4 2 3...... 20 1 1 1 3 7 1 28 6 42 1 3 1 2 6. 4 11 4 2 4 4 6 19 3 1 Dot died with Caseys command. 3 i~ i~yOi~ XI~ PT II 1 4 No loss reported. No loss rellorted. No loss reported. CHAr. XXIII. Page 34 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Organization ~ Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac) dnring the oper- ateon8 before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, iBclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a S S S ~ Remarks. (5 ui E ~O. ~ ,,, a ~ -~ a a ~, ~ ,~ a Q ~ ~ 61) 0 ~1 -~1 Maryli~d Liglt Artillery. Bat tery B. Total Fourth Brigade Fifth Brigade. Capt. T. HOWARD CARLISLE. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery E. . -. 3d U. S. Artillery, Batteries F and K. Total Fifth Brigade Unattached. 1st N w York Light Artillery, Battery G.* New York Light ArtIllery, 5th Battery. I Total unattached Total Artillery Reserve ... Siege Train. Col. ROBERT 0. TYLER. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Total Fifth Army Corps... SIXTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gm. Wit. B. FRANKLIN. FIRST DIVISION. Bri~. Gen. HENRY W. SLOCUM. First Brigade. Bug. Gen. GEOR~ W. TAYLOR. 1st New Jersey 2d New Jersey 3d New Jersey 4ah New Jersey Total First Brigade 2 2 1 2 17 20 20 1 25 2 2 4 2 2 2 4 6 = == -- 1 5 6 1 1 4-- 1 6 7 15 4 75 13 107 == - 2 4 2.27 35 56 939 194 3,611 101 2,700 1 20 5 80 1 57 164 13 3 53 1 42 114 33 5 131 1 43 215 1 44 7 96 22 415 585 -- -~-. -- 6 110 20 360 25 557 1,078 Semosid Brigade. Col. JOSEPH J. BARTLETT. 5thMaine 1 8 5 44 2 9 69 16th New York 1 34 8 173 12 228 * Temporarily assigned July 1 from Second Corps. Not mounted; officers and men serving with other batteries. 3 Page 35 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 35 Organizition of Troops and Return of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac during the oper ~tions before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1S62, incleaireContiniied. Killed. Command. F. 0 27th New York 96th Pennsylvania. Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JonN NEWTON. Staff 18th New York 2 31st New York. - - - 32d New York 2 95th Pennsylvania I ____ Total Third Brigade S Artillery. Capt. EDWARD H. PLATT. Massachusetts Light Artillery, 1st Battery (A.) New Jersey Light Artillery, lat Battery. 2i1 U. S. Artillery, Battery D. ... Total artillery Total First Division....... SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. SnlTn. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. S. HANCOCK. 6th Maine 43d New York 49t1I Pennsylvania 5th Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. T. H. BRooKs. 2d Vermont :1(1 Vermont.... 4th Vermont 5th Vermont 6th Vermont Total Second Brigade 1 42 Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. DAVIDSON. 7th Maine. 20th New York 1 2 BId New York I 1 6 S 2 a 12 12 Wonaded. S 2 a a a a ~ 0 ~4 10 Captored or missing. Remarks. S 0 108 59 2 a 32 13 a IC IC U 162 87 3 66 25 . 184 2 60 546 2 2 10 4 59 1 19 125 16 4 83 .~ 30 134 1 43 16 60 8 4 80 18 112 35 14 265 1 113 413 1 2.... 2 5 6..... 1 7 5. 1 6 1 13 4 18 14 212 59 1,022 28 740 2,075 3 1 25 31) 59 2 40 29 71 4 13 12 29 2 12 27 41 9 3~ 90 98 200 1 42 . 36 79 1 6 1 21 15 44 12 12 2 29 9 138 31 209 47 57 111 6 1 -- 11 260 1 1 ~ 139 455 5 51 19 5 64 36 CnAP. XXiIi. Page 36 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL Organization oJ iroops and Return of CasuaUie8 in the Army of the Potomac during the opci- ationa before Richmond, Va., June 25July 2, 1862, inclusiveContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a a ~ Remarks. 8 8 8 a ~ n a ~ a a ~ ,~ ~ ,~ ~ 0 0 I~ 49th New York 77th New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. ROMEYN B. AYERS. 1st New York Light Artillery, Battery E. New York Li,,ht Artillery, 1st Battery. New York Light Artillery, 3d Battery. 5th U. S. Artillery, Battery F.... Total artillery Cavalry. 5th Pennsylvania, Companies I and K. Total Second Division.... Unattached Cavalry. 1st New York Total Sixth Army Corps... CAVALRY RESERVE. Brig. Gen. P. ST. GEo. COOKE. 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry 1st U. S. Cavalry, Companies A, C, F, and H. 5th U. S. Cavalry, Companies A, D, F, H, and I. 6th U. S. Cavalry Total Cavalry Reserve VOLUNTEER ENGINEER BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. DANIEL P. WooDnuHY. 15th New York Engineers 50th New York Engineers Total Volunteer Engineer Brigade. Battalion U. S. Engineers TROOPS AT WHITE HOUSE, VA. Brig. Gen. SILAS CASEY. IlthPennsylvania Cavalry, Corn. ~p anies B, D, F, I, and K. 1st ew York Light Artillery, Battery F. 93d New York, Companies B, C, D,E, G, and I. 1..... 2 2 1 11 3 14 1 11 2 21 1 86 122 2. 3 ., 3 2 5 10 7 7 3 4 15 22 1 . 1 4 66 16 375 1 338 800 3 3 18 278 75 1,397 29 1,081 2,878 6 1 5 1 61 74 4 1 18 2 25 1 3 3 27 2 19 55 1 13 5 50 3 82 154 4 4 8 8 12 12 2.... 9 11 No loss reported. No loss reported. } No loss reported. 3 Page 37 ~IACOCO ~ CO 00 ~ CC LCO CO CO CO CC CO 0 I tO A ~.n.CC. C* ~~00~CO ~ OOCCOOOCCCCCC 0CC~. 00000 0 0 ~ 00000* Cl 0 0 CC 0 Officers. ., .. ,, ,. 0 ~ CO Enlistedmen. ~ CO...:: ......: COCOCO :: Officers. 0 0 0 CC Enlisted men. 0 CO COCOCOCO COACO. . 1 CO CO CO A CO Ci Ci CO CO CO CO A CC CO. Cl Officers. Enlisted men. 0 CO. . . A. . . . CO COCOCO AgCCregate. CC A CO C~i COOt CC CO CO CO CO Ci A CO 0 0 0 CC 0 CO CC 0 0 0 CC 0 CC 0 CC 0 CC 0 0 0 0 CC 0 CO 0 CO 0 cEC0 *0 0 0 0~ 0 0 0 -C 0 0 0~ 0 p C.9 0 CC~0~0~ ~ ~ ~ 0~. CCCC.0~C0 ~.. ~ CC. CC Cl ~ ~ ~ . . C~ ~liC CCCC COO ~C ~ COOt CO CO CO COCO C~ -~ COOt CO CO CCC CO CO CO CO CO CO -1 COCOA-I CO CO A CO A CO C~CO CO CiA CO CO CO CO CO -C CO 0 CO 0-IO-ICO . . CO Ci . COO CO COCO.AAA CO 1 CO -10 COO: CO -~ CO CO CO CO CO CO 0 A 00 CO-I CO CO CO 00 CO A CO CO -100-I CO CO CO A CO 0 COO Cl H H H z 0 ~ z~:i~ ~ CC CC~ ~0CC0~ 0 0~,~0r(2m~ CC. 0 CO..~. ~Q ~ ;~l; ~ - ~ E~:~ CC~ ~ Co ~ g2:: CC.:: a ~ ~ ~ Officers. 0 Enlisted men. Officers. 0 0 CC Enlisted men. Cl Officers. CCO CC.~ Enlisted men. CC Aggregate. z 0 0 CC CO 0 CC CC H 0 0 0 CC CC CC CC C. CC CC CC CO CC CC sq p CS Cl CO CC N z H H ~I2 Cl 0 C-.0 00 0 CtO ~iC -.0 C~0 .0 C.0 0* 00 I~00 0 *0 -~0.. 00 0 CC - Page 38 THE PENJNSIJLAR CAMPAIGN, YA. [CHAP. XXIII. Return of Gasualtics itt the Union forces engaged at Oak Grove, or the Orchard, Va., June 25, 1862-Continued. Command. Killed. 0 72d New York 73d New York 74th New York 87th New York . 101st New York New Jersey Light Artillery, 2d Battery. 5th Now Jersey 7th New Jersey 1 26th Pennsylvania . 63d Pennsylvania . -.... 105th Pem~sylvania 2d Michigan . 3d Michigan . 5th Michigan . 20th Indiana .... 4th U. S. Artillery, detachmt Battery K. Total 2 S 8 Wounded. Captured or missing. @3 0 2 1 2..... 4 1 2 1 2 11 3 S a 23 24 28 31 7 4 5 10 12 6 3 79 483 3 a 0 S .5 5 1 1 1 1 32 a a 28 28 to 35 10 5 7 11 16 8 1 3 125 ii 54 626 Return of Casualties in the Union forces etigag((i at the battle of Mechanicsviile, Va., June 26, 18432. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Command. Massachnsetts Light Artillery, 3d Battery (C). 9th Massachusetts 22d Massachusetts 13th New York 14th New York 25th New York 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Coin. panics It~ and F. 1st Pennsylvania Light Artil. lery, Battery A. 1st Pennsylvania Light Artil. lery, Battery B. 1st Pennsylvania Light Artil. lery, Battery G. 1st Pennsylvania Reserves 2d Pennsylvania Reserves 3d Pennsylvania Reserves .... 4th Pennsylvania Reserves 5th Pennsylvania Reserves 7th Pennsylvania Reserves 8th Pennsylvania Reserves 9th Pennsylvania Reserves 10th Pennsylvania Reseives.... - 12th Pennsylvania Reserv s 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (1st Rifles), Companies A, B, D, E, F, and K. Killed. a S a 1 3 1 7 7 8 I 3 2 3 2 2 Wonnded. @3 0 1 1 3 1 2 S a 2 2 2 3 5 20 27 2 43 12 8 10 11 16 Captured or missing. 0 8 a 1 1 1 2 4 5 3 72 I 3 5 1 3 Remarks. No loss reported. No loss reported. . No loss reported. 27 36 9 55 22 13 16 5 18 95 * These casualties are emhraced in first table, pp. 2437. No loss reported. 38 Remarks. No loss reported. No loss reported. No loss reported Page 39 ...~-0 a ~ ~- __ a a 0 ZZZzZZZzZZZzZZZ~ 0000 0000000c 0~ ~ a0~0 ~ ~ ~ 0 0 0. 0 ~ 0 a ~: ~,~:~:~::: Officers. 0 ~~ii . ~ ~ Enl~tedmen. ~ Officers. 0 0 a )-~ ~ Enlisted men. ~ ~. 0.~ .~3. ~o0~ ~ 0 t~. AA ~ . . . Officers. ~, . Enlisted men. 0 1 n n~a~ on Aggregate. ~ P a 0 0 a 0 B a o 0 0 ~ a o 0 ~ a a ~ o 0 a 0 a 0 o o 0 a a a 0 a O~ a a * nn nn~ ~ a ~ ~ ~ a5 ~-1. 00 ~wa~ ~ ~ ~ a 0 S a a 0. Officers. - 0 0 Enlisted men. Officers. - - a 0. Enlisted men. o a Officers. 00 Enlistedmen. Q~0~ 0 n .~, a Aggrcatc. 00 aa 00 00 a a 0 0 S. a 0~ ~0 a ~ n: C fri Cf2 z C/2 H H C~3 0 a 0 00 no. no. 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 a 0 Page 40 ci ~ ~ con~ ~ C/I C/I~ CII C/I~ CJI~ 0 -~ o~ ~o o~ e+ 4 ei- e- once .0.0.0.000000 . 5, 0 ~ ~ 0 ~ 0 0 0ooooooowc .~.- e+.0 ~ 00000CC onOon 00 5, 0000000000 el-9.1,~.i e~~j 0 000 000 ~ o ..0...095.. 0 ~ ..0 - . . 0 z z i~ z z o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .0 .0 ~ .0 ii 9 9 -~ ~1 e9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .0 9 9 9 9 .0 .0 .0 .0 0 0 0 . . . . , . . . . Officers. , 9-CC~9--~ . . . . , . . .09-0 0 05 ci ~ ,.,~ Enlisted men. , 9-~ ~ -~- 9-~5... .0~citCnICC ~: ..~. ~. Officers. C 0 to nmi ~n.so. -9~0)C~90 010 9-. Enlisted men. ~oci c-i -i0909-3. 5. .5.59 -CIci 0 -9 .0-1 5.9-1.00 5.9 .00-4.0. .5.10 5.9.059fl~05.9t0t-90) ci ioo.~-~ em ci , , (.1 H ~: ~: Officers. ci - .5.~. . .0. . . , , .0-. to. ~ ~ ~-. toto ~ to~ ~ ~ ,~ Enlisted men. -i ~o o~coo; -os~-~ Aggregate. 0 0 .0 H Sb C S. ~ ~5 z 0 ~ z b C/I 0~ On 0 2 9-9- 0 -~ fr Page 41 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 41 Return of (Jasnaltte8 in the Union forces at the battle of Gaines Miii, Va., June 27, 1562 Continued. Killed. Wo~t~dc~d. Captured or missing. 7 7! H Command. ~ Remarks. a ~ a ~ a Q . ,2 n 0 ~ 0 F~ 0 ~ 10th U. S. Infantry, Companies 4 1 13 4 22 B, E, G, and I. 11th U. S. Infantry 7 2 26 8 43 12th U. S. Infantry 1 53 5 97 56 212 14th U. S. Infantry 18 5 124 93 240 17th U. S. infantry 1 5 1 8 2 17 34 Provost Guard, Regular Cay 1 3 2 6 airy Division.* Total 51 843 164 2,943 104 2, 732 6, t37 * Not accounted for in their regiments. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Reserve, of the battle of Gaines Mill. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY RESERVE, Camp on James River, July 3, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the operations of the Cavalry Reserve in the battle of June 27. Its extraordinary duties and exposure for the (lay or two previous in covering the right and rear of the army had Caused tile detachment of about half IA. my forces, under Brigadier- General Emory, and which that morning were ordered to retire on a dulerent line. 111 obedieiice to orders I left Cold Harbor, and arrived on the field of l)attle about the hour the enemy began his attack. I selected a posi- hon and (lisposed my force in contiguous close columns. Of the First Brigade there were present two and a half squadrons Fifth Cavalry, and three squadrons Lancers Colonel Ilush of the Second Brigade 7 , Colonel Blake, only two skeleton squadrons First Cavalry, and the provost guar(l, under Lieutenant-Colonel Grier. About 6 oclock p. m. I observed all the infantry of the left wing, in rear of which was my position, giving way, an(l three batteries, which in reserve positions had been silent the whole day, opened a violent fire 111)01) tile advancing lines of the enemy. Without orders, of course, 1 instantly conducted the Fifth and First Cavalry to the front, and deployed them in two lines a little iii rear of and just filling the interval of the two right batteries. This was under a warm fire of musketry and shell. I instructed Captain Whiting, commanding the Fifth, to chat ge when the support or safety of the batteries required it. I instructed Colonel Blake to support the Fifth and charge when necessary. I then galloped to the left, and placed the Lancers on the right of th~ third batterySecond Artillery, Captain Robertson. I found it limber- CHAP. XXIII. Page 42 42 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (ChAP. XXIIL ing, having been wholly unsupported. I ordered the fire reopened. The position was not very good for the matter in hand, but the renewed fire was continued until the rest of the army had retreated, and the enemy was nearer the only line of retreat than we were. I then ordered this battery to retire, and when it was all to the rear I fell back about 400 paces with the Lancers, and found the enemy checked at the brow of the hill by a most brave handful of infantryI was told part of the Ninth Massachusettsand my First Cavalry, in line on the slope, a little in their rear. I then formed the Lancers, and ordered the First Cavalry to take post on the left of the infantry, but by an unhappy miscoucel)tion of the order they advanced close upon their rear. While they were in motion Colonel Childs. Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, re- ported to inc with an only squadron of his regiment in hand, expressing a noble (levotiou. I sent him to join the left of the First, and this was done with a precision and bravery which would have honored veterans. Th us was withstood, under a hot fire of infantry, the advance of the enemy at tli~ brow of the hill. Then a battery of ours, which had been posted 4~~0 or 500 paces in our rear in the obscurity of evening and of smoke and dust, opened a fire of shrapnel, which fell amomig its instead of the enemy. I then ordered the cavalry to retire, having been informed a secoiid or third time that General Porter had ordered a retreat, an(i which he has informed me he had not done. The infantry were near the cover of a ravine leading to the rear, and retired at the same time. Having rcached time hollow under amid safe from the fire of our battery, I formed once more the First Cavalry and the Lancers. The enemy made no further advance. It was a hard duty given this half of the Fifth Cavalry. Emunlation of the habitual devotion of our artillery ~vas a strong muotive. I was determined on this occasion they should not be sacrificed nor lose their guns. The charge of the Fifth Cavalry failed to be carried homne. The left sqnadroii had but one officer present, the gallant Captain Chamubliss, and when he fell it broke and tlmrew the rest of the line into (lisorder. Its success, beyond enabling the batteries to get oft; was impossible. It lost mnost severely, and did not rally. The First Cavalry then retired in line, covering the retreat of the batteries. Its subsequent action has been given. The Sixth Pennsylvania (Lancers), under its gallant colonel (Rush) an(l his fine officers, performed its (luty handsonmely. The reports of conunanders are inclosed, with the lists of casualties. These show a loss of killed, wounded, and missing of 9 officers, 92 rank and file an(l 128 horses. I again have the pleasure of comnmnemtding the bravery and ability with which mny staff (Capt. W. Merritt, Second Cavalry; First Lieut. James P. Martin, Seventh Infantry, and Frank Beach, Fourth Artiller~~) l)erformned their duties. Privates B. F. King, Company D, Sixth Cavalry, and Adam Homer, Company B, Fifth Cavalry, performed services above their position as orderlies with intelligence, bravery, and promptness. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. ST. GEG. COOKE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army. Capt. FRED. T. LOCKE, Asst. A djt. Gets., Ftfth Provisional Army Corps Page 43 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 43 HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, February 28, 1864. Su~: I inclose communication from Brig. Gen. P. St. George Cooke, U. S. Army, which explains itself. I was on General Cookes staff at the time spoken of, and he sends the paper to me to be assured of the correctness of his statement. All he says in his letter is strictly true. There are a thousand and one misrepresentations in regard to the oper- ations of the cavalry at Gaines Mill, arising from statements of per- sons who were ignorant of the facts or circulated falsehood maliciously. The cavalry did much on that field to restore the fortunes of the day in charging and supporting under the most merciless fire batteries ~vhich otherwise, on account of having no supports, would have been obliged to retire much earlier than they did, thus suspending a fire that kept the enemy in check. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. MERRITT, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. To the ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington. [Inclosure.] BATON ROUGE, LA., February 6, 1864. I have found in the Army and Navy Journal of January 23 what purports to be part of Major-General McClellans official report, and of which the following is an extract, relating to the battle of Gaines Mill: This reverse, aided by the confusion that followed an unsuccessful charge by five companies of the Fifth Cavalry, and followed, as it was, by more determined assaults on the remainder of our lines, iiow outflanked, caused a general retreat from our posi- tion to the hill in the rear, overlooking the bridge. Frenchs and Meaghers brigades now appeared, driving before them the stragglers who were thronging toward the bridge. These brigades advanced hoidly to the front, and by their example, as well as by the steadiness of their bearing, reanimated our own troops and warned the enemy that re-enforceinents had arrived. It was now dark. The enemy, already re- pulsed several times with terrible slaughter and hearing the shouts of fresh troops, failed to follow up their advantage. This gave an opportunity to rally our men be- hind the brigades of Generals French and Meagher, and they again advanced lip the hill, ready to repulse another attack. The whole paragraph, compiled, of course, from time report of his favorite general, who has since been dismissed and forever incapacitated to hold an office of honor, is essentially false, but especially iu its be- ginning, where a devoted and ~nccessful effort of a few squadrons of cavalry, in conimection with a few others, to save some of the artil- lery and some of the honor of an army after it had suddenly retreated in disorder, is maliciously and absurdly belied into a cause of the defeat. Also, when General Frenchs brigade approached the field of battle, the rebels had been checked and finally stopped at its edge by this remnant of the Cavalry Reserve and perhaps 100 Massachusetts Infantry, and while they thus faced the enemy were fired into from their rear by a battery belonging to or with said brigade. If the War Department publishes General McClellans report it would be but just to give publicity to this, and I request it. Very respectfully, ~. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army. To th~ ADJUTANT-GENERiL OF THE ARMY, Washington Cit~j Page 44 44 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. {& ~TIAP. XXIII. No. 4. Report of (Jol. George A. lii. Blake, First U. S. Cavalrq, commanding Second Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Miii. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Camp, Harrisons Landing, James River, Va., July 3, 1862. SIR: In compliance with orders from the headquarters cavalry divis- ion I have the honor to report the movements of this brigade on the 26th instant and its engagement with the enemy on the following day. The brigade consisted of two small squadrons of the First U. S. Cav- alry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Grier, and the provost guard of the division, consisting of 39 men, under the command of Lieutenant Balk, Sixth U. S. Cavalry. On the 26th instant information was re- ceived of the approach of the enemy, who we were informed were seen upon the road in our rear. The brigade was immediately formed. About 12 oclock m. we took up the line of march and reached Cold Harbor, where we remained for the~night. About 7 oclock upon the following morning (Juiie 27) the line of march was again resumed, and we proceeded to a point which was then occupied for the time by General F. J. Porter as his headquarters, on the road leading to No. 8 Bridge. The brigade was placed in position, and about 11 oclock the engagement commenced. A short time after the brigade was moved to the left and rear of the house occupied by General F. J. Porter as his headquarters. Late in the evening, when our infantry retired before the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, the brigade was ordered upon the hill in rear of the Fifth IJ. S. Cav- alry, with orders to act as a reserve to th~ Fifth Cavalry, who were ordered to charge the enemy, and, if successful, to take advantage of it and follow it up. The fire of the enemy was so destructive that a charge was not effected. The command fell back with the artillery in good order and occupied a position about 600 yards from our former position. We were again ordered to the front, and acted as a support to a body of infantry who had rallied at the bottom of the hill and were holding the enemy in check. When our artillery was posted on the hill in rear we were ordered to retire, so as to be out of his fire. We fell back a short distance and remained until 1 oclock a. m. on the 28th instant, when the command retired across the Chickahominy, near Savage Station. I am indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Grier, Captain Ileno, Ca~ptaiu Kellogg, Lieutenant Feilner, Lieutenant Allen (dangerously wounded), all of the First U. S. Cavalry; Lieutenant Balk, Sixth U. S. Cavalry, and Lieutenant Kneass, acting assistant adjutant-general Eighth Penn- sylvania Volunteer Cavalry, for the prompt and cheerful assistance given me on the field. Lieutenant Balk and myself were slightly struck during the engagement, but not of sufficient importance to notice further. A list of casualties will be furnished when received. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. A. H. BLAKE, Colonel First Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. Lient. JAMES P. MARTIN Page 45 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 45 No. 5. Report of Cot. Richard H. Rush, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of battle of Gaines JAfill. CAMP OF THE CAVALRY RESERVE, In the Field, June 28, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in the action of the 27th instant, when the enemy in force attacked General F. J. Porters corps, three squadrons of my regiment were engaged. I was assigned my l)osition in the field with the Cavalry Reserve, and during the close of the action received orders to be on hand and ready to support the reg- ular cavalry when it charged. Soon afterward received orders to sup. l)ort Robertsons battery and afterward to cover its retreat from the field. These duties were all performed under a very heavy fire from the enemy, and at about sunset I took up a new position in advance of the troops that were rallying near the hospital. My regiment was the last to leave the left~ of the field, where our troops had given way, and the perfect coolness and admirable behavior of officers and men enabling me to maneuver the regiment in close column of squadrons and to take advantage of the character of the ground, I was enabled to cover my regiment and prevent a heavier loss in killed and wounded. My men and horses were worn down with previous picket and outpost duty. Some of the companies had not been unsaddled for a week. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHD H. RUSH, Colonel Regiment of Lancers. Lient. JAMES P. MARTIN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Reserve. No. 6. Report of Jiieut. Cot. William N. Grier, First U. S. Cavalry, of battle of Gaines Mill. HEADQUARTERS FIRST U. S. CAVALRY, Camp near Richmond, Va., June 28, 1862. SIR: For the information of Col. G. A. H. Blake, First Cavalry, com- manding Second Brigade of Cavalry Reserve, I have the honor to make the following report of the part borne in the action of 27th of June, 1862, at or near Gaines Hill, on the Chickahominy, by two squadrons of the First U. S. Cavalry. The whole strength of the regiment on that day consisted of two small squadrons, about 125 enlisted men, Captain Reno, First Cavalry, commanding one squadron, and Lieutenant Kel- logg commanding the other. During the day the regiment was kept moving from one point to another until in the afternoon it was placed, together with the Fifth U. S. Cavalry and Rushs Lancers, (volunteer cavalry), on the extreme left, in the support of our artillery. Late in the afternoon our left wing was driven back by very heavy re-enforcements of the enemy, and after they debouched from the timbe Page 46 46 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL in our front were charged by the Fifth Regiment of U. S. Cavalry, my two squadrons directed to be held as a reserve to watch the effect of that charge and act accordingly. The charge of the Fifth having made no visible impression on the overwhelming masses of the enemy and none of them effecting a rally on the reserve, my squadrons retired in good order at a walk in rear of our artillery. Dnring the afternoons engagement the squadrons were subjected to a heavy fire from the enemy, which was met with coolness and steadi- ness by officers and men. Colonel Blake having been present, and acted with these two small squadrons of the regimeiit, is frilly cognizant of its services during the day, and therefore probably requires no detail of its different movements from point to point during the day. WM. N. GIIJER, Lientenant- Colonel, First Cavalry, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. N. W. KNEASS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Reserve Cavalry. No. 7. Report of Capt. Joseph II. MeArthur, Fifth U. S. Cavalry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CAVALRY, In the Field, July 3, 1862. SIR: Agreeably to instructions I have the honor to make the follow- ing report of the operations of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry in the battle which occnrred on Thursday, the 27th of June, 1862, near Woodburys Bridge, on the Chickahominy: It is here proper to state that there were but five companies present, the remaining five acting with General Stoneman to the right and rear. During the first part of the engagement the regiment was kept out of fire, prepared to move wherever occasion demanded. Late in the action, and about 6 oclock in the afternoon, the regiment was moved up and formed in line of battle to support Bensons battery and another battery on the right. The regiment occupied this position until the battery on the right had ceased firing. The enemy advanced boldly on these batteries, which had opened a murderous fire npon them with the evident intention of carrying them. As soon as the battery on our right ceased firing Captain Whiting, who was at that time in command, gave the order to charge. The regiment charged the enemys infantry under a most galling fire until 6 officers out of the 7 had been struck down. The column, being left without officers, wheeled to the right, and came off in as good order as could be expected. 1 regret to state that Captains Whiting and Chambliss and Lieuten- ant Sweet have not been seen or heard of since the charge, and I am unable to state whether they are killed or merely wounded and taken prisoners. Great credit is due to Adjt. Thomas E. Maley, who, although severely wounded, rendered great service to me in assisting to reform the regi- inent at once in rear of our forces. Lieutenant Watkins was severel Page 47 CHAP. XXIII.J SEVENDAYS7 BATTLES. 47 wounded and a1~o trampled on by several horses of the regiment. Lieutenant Arnold was slightly wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. MoARTHUR, Captain, Fifth Cavalry, Corn manding Regiment. Licut. JAMES P. MARTIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Cavalry Reserve. NOTE.Those stru~k dol7n were Captains Whiting and Chamblis~, Lieutenants Arnold, Sweet, Watkins, and Maley, leaving Capt. J. II. MeArthur alone unhurt and in command of the five companies of the regiment engaged. J. H. McAIRTHUR, C~aptain, Fifth 6~avalry, Commanding. No. 8. Report of Afaj. Alfred Pleasonton, Second U. S. Cavalry, of operations June 28July 3. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY, Camp at flarrisons Landing, James River, Va., July 4, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of services of my command, the Second Cavalry and the A eClellan Dragoons, 489 strong, in executing the orders of General McClellan, from the 28th of June to the 3d day of July: On the evening of the 28th of June I received orders to escort Lient. Col. B. S. Alexander, Corps of Engineers and aide-de-camp, in a recoii- naissance to (letermine the best position for the army on the left of White Oak Swamp to cover the movement to James River. The corn- tuand started from Sa~vage Station at 8 oclock p. in., and was all night on the road through White Oak Swamp, owing to the (lifficulties and obstructions on the route. Next morning at 7 a. m. I reported to Col- onel Alexander, who was then beyond the White Oak Bridge, amid we immediately proceeded to examine the country in front of Keyes corps, at that time in the advance, and a line of battle was suggested covering the junction oft he Quaker, New Market, and Charles City roads, and extending up the latter beyond the d5bouch6 of the road through the swamp, over which Sykes division had passed. We were occupied in this duty until near 1 oclock, when learning the commanding general had arrived on the field, the colonel reported to him what had been doime. The general then ordered us to proceed to James River, open coip- munication with the gunboats, and examine the country for a suitable location to establish the army. After a march of 18 miles, in which every precaution w-as taken to repel an attack, the command reached time James River, near Carter~s Landing, on the evening of the 29th June, at 5.30 oclock. No gunboats were in sight, but Colonel Alexander proceeded immediately down the river in a small boat in search of one. Upon iimquiring I learned that a force of the enemy had been in that vicinity that morning. I therefore kept my command ready to mount, and extended my pickets from 1~ to 3 miles on the right, front, and left. More thart trn hour elapsed and Co1oi~l Alexander did not r Page 48 48 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. turn, and knowing how necessary it was to have the p~a~~~ of the general commanding carried out at an early moment, I availed myself of the kind offer of Captain Been, [11 of the gunboat , who had just come down the river, and went off to the Galena, Commodore Rod- gers flag-ship, which was lying 4 or 5 miles above us. The commodore offered us every assistance, and directed the Port Royal, Captain Mor- ris, to cover our position at Carters Landing. Colonel Alexander re- turned about 8 oclock with the steamer Stepping Stones, and having dispatched an express to General McClellan, repaired on board the Galena. I then returned to my command, which remained saddled all night in a strong position, ready for service at a moments notice. Early next morning, the 30th of June, my pickets reported the arrival of the advance troops of Keyes corps; but in tlie mean time the sick, wounded, stragglers, and trains of wagons and ambulances from (lit- ferent corps came rapidly in on us. The former repaired in great num- bers to the steamer Stepping Stones, which was at the wharf, and so great was the rush that I was obliged to clear this vessel three different times of all persons except such wounded and sick as the medical officers in attendance declared ought to be sent to Fortress Monroe. This vessel left about 11 oclock a. m. with 500 or 000 of the worst cases of sick and wounded. To the generous kindness of the Navy were we indebted for this opportune assistance; and in connection with this subject it is proper to record the valuable services of Capt. George U. Morris, of the Port Royal, in furnishing subsistence and supplies, be- sides giving his own personal attention and exertions to the care of the sick and wounde& Throughout both days, the 30th of June and the 1st of July, the sick, wounded, and stragglers kept coming in, and I can only estimate their numbers by the means I adopted to supply their wants, for they were without food or organization. The sick were established in camps according to their respective divisions, and as the different medical offi- cers came in I assigned them to duty with the divisions to which they belonged. The wounded were sent to the Carter house to be attended to by the surgeons at that place. The stragglers were organized into two commands, viz, those with arms and those without. Captain light, Second Cavalry, had charge of those with arms, and they numbered over 2,000 men. The party without arms was more numerous. The trains of wagons and ambulances were parked in convenient positions to water and forage. On the 30th of June beef and salt were issued to those who asked for them, and 1,000 rations of bread obtained from the Navy were also issued. On the 1st of July the steamer Spaulding arrived with sup- plies, when 8,000 additional rations of coffee, sugar, bread, salt, and meat were issued; besides, 15 head of beef cattle were killed and dis- tributed ~by my command. From these facts there must have been 10,000 or 12,000 men in sick, wounded, and stragglers at Carters Land- ing during the 30th of June and 1st of July. There were also some 800 wagons and 300 ambulances. On the morning of the 2d of July I was apprised of the army being ordered to move to a position covering Harrisons Landing, and in con- sequence I ordered all the trains of wagons and ambulances, with all the sick and wounded capable of moving, to start immediately for that place. My command covered the rear of all of these parties, and I have the satisfaction of reporting to the general commanding that all of these large trains of rnaariet and personnel reached their several destinations in the army in safety. When the state of the weather, th Page 49 CHAP. xxm.j SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 49 roads, and the near approach of the enemy at that time are remem- bered, the duties required of all concerned for the successful accom- plishment of this undertaking will be understood. Besides these arduous duties, I caused the country in the neighborhood of the Chickahominy to be explored to observe the enemy. Captain Norris, with his squadron, performed this duty on the 30th of June, and Captaiu Green with an equal force went within 4 miles of the Chickahominy on the River road, while one of his detachments passed as far as Charles City Court-louse on the Charles City road. There was no enemy visible on either occasion, and the fact was re- ported by me at the time to General Marcy, chief of staffi The squadron of McClellan Dragoons under Major Barker rendered good and efficient services in the above-named movements, and the niajor himself was conspicuous for the energy and activity he displayed in keeping the road clear on the march from Carters Landing to this place. In conclusion, I desire to recommend to the favorable notice of the general commanding the following-named officers of the Secoiid Cav- alry, for the zeal, gallantry, and activity they have displayed in the discharge of their duties: Capts. Charles E. Norris, Thomas flight, and John Green. Captains Norris and Green were charged with destroying two bridges over the Chickahominy after our army had crossed, and the services performed by them were highly satisfactory. Three cais- soils if one of our batteries having been left on the other side of the Chickahominy, Captain Green crossed with some of his men, threw the ammunition into the river, and set fire to the caissons. First Lient. James F. McQuesten, adjutant, and Second Lient. Ed- ward Ball, regimental quartermaster, have discharged their duties with great credit and ability, and are very deserving officers. The faithful services and good conduct of the non-commissioned offi- cers and privates of the Second Cavalry in the campaign of the last three months in this Peninsula have been a source of the highest grati- fication and pride to all the officers of the regiment. I do not think this appreciation can be better expressed than by naming two of the most deserving of them to the general commanding for such promotion as the exigencies of the service will l)Crmit. I am satisfied that Sergt. Maj. Robert Lennox and Quartermaster Sergt. Edward J. Spaulding wilt show themselves worthy of any advancement in their profession it may be deemed proper to bestow upon them. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Major, & cond Cavalry, Commanding. General S. W1LLJA~Is, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac. No. 9. Reports of Brig. 4en. Edwin V. AS1nmner, U. ~. Army, commanding Sec- ond tilorps, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or A liens Farm, and bat- tles of Sacage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and Malvern Hill. ITEADQITARTERS SECOND Con~s DAR~E, 6amp near James River, Jnly 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to rcl)ort that, in compliance with orders from 4 U UVOL XJ, PT Page 50 50 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAR~N, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, I abandoned my works at Fair Oaks at daylight on the morning of the 2~th ultimo, and pro- ceeded to the principal depot at Orchard Station, at which place the commanding general had ordered all the Government property to be destroyed. I then marched to Allens field and went into bivouac. At 9 oclock a. m. the enemy came up and commenced a fnrious attack npon my right and center with shells and musketry. I immediately got three batteries in position (Kirbys, Pettits, and ilazzards), which played with great effect and finally silenced the enemys batteries. A farm-house stood near the point of attack, which was an important point, and was occnpied by General French with one regiment (Brookes Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers), supported by Jones Californians. The action was very sharp at this point, and continued till 11 a. when we drove the enemy from the ground, and thus ended the battle of Allens Farm. The regiments and batteries engaged behaved admirably, and I fully confirm the subordinates reports in commendation of their commands. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. V. SUMNER Brigadier. General, U. AS. Army, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS DARM~E, Camp near James River, July 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, the 29th nltiino, at 12 oclock in., about an hour after the action ceased at Allens field, I received intelligence from Generals Franklin and Smith that the enemy was crossing the Chickahomniny and advancing in large tbrce upomi me. I saw the necessity at once of concentrating the troops (lleintzelmans corps, Franklins corps, and my own) at Savage Station, and this was speedily done. I ordered lleintzelman to hold the Williamsburg road, on which we had several field works, and a skirt of timber between those works and the railroad. I then put Franklins corps and my own in order of battle, Brook& brigade holding the wood on the left of the field, where he (lid excellent service, receiving a painful woumid, but keeping his command till the close of the battle. These arrangements were hardly completed when the enemy came in upon me at 4 oclock p. m. in large force, advancing by the Wilhiamsbarg road and through the timber that I had ordered lleintzelman to hold, at the same time throwing shells upon my comnmnand with remarkable precision from the railroad. The assault was met by Burns brigade in the most gallant manner, supported amid re-emiforced by two lines iii reserve and finally by the Sixty-ninth New York (Irish) Regiment. The action continued with great obstinacy until some time after dark, when we drove the enemy froni the field, and thus closed the battle of Savage Station. When the enemy appeared on the Williamsburg road I could not imagine why General lleintzelman did imot attack him, and not till somne time afterward did I learn, to my utter amazement, that General fieintzelman had left the field and retreated with his wh@le corps (about 15,000 nien) before the action commenced. This defection mnighi have been attemided with the most disastrous consequences, and althoug Page 51 CHAP. XXIil] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. we beat the enemy signally and drove hini from the field, we shonid Certainly have given him a more crushing blow if General lleintzelman had beeii there with his corps. I inclose the reports of the subordinate officers, and I fully confirm all they say in co~nmendation of their commands. No troops could have behaved better. Immediately after the action closed I received orders from the corn manding general to fall back and cross the White Oak Swamp, which was accomplished (luring the night. I am, sir, very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, E. V. SUMNER, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. General S. WILLiAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS DARM~E Camp near James River, July 4, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 30th ultimo I received an order from the commanding general to advance with my command to Glendale an(l halt there till further orders. At 12 oclock in. I receix-ed a pressing applicatiomi from General Franklin for reenforcements at the bridge at White Oak Swamp. I sent off at once two brigades, leaving but one of my own brigades and two bat- teries on the field. General Hooker was 1mm time woods on my left with his divisiomm and Kirbys battery was placed near mny left. About 3 oclock p. ni. the action commenced by a determnined assault of the eminemny on McCalls division, which was somne distance on my right and imi front. The battle drew- near. Many of McCalls division came fly- ing into my lines, closely followed by the e~memny. Just at this time I got back the two brigades which I had previously detached and they went into the battle splendidly, and after a furious contest, lasting till after dark, the enemy was routed at all points and driven fromn the field, and thus ended the battle of Glendale. Duriimg time contest the enemy would change his point of attack. Sometimes lie ~voul(l be in front of General Hooker and then again in front of General Sedgwicks division. Lieutenant Kirby again distinguished himself by the able manner in which line handled his battery. To Generals hooker, Sedgwick, Burns, Dana, and Meagher, and Lieutenant Kirby the country is indebted for very important services in tlmis actiomin. General Richardsons division was engaged at the bridge, and will, of course b Franklins rel)ort. , e embraced in General The battle of Glendale was the most severe action since the battle of Fair Oaks, and it gives mne great pleasure to state that the troops engaged in it, with the exception of McCalls division, behaved most nobly. I cannot too strongly confirm every word the subordinate officers Imave sai(l in praise of their officers and men. At 9 oclock p. mu. I received intelligence that General Franklin had retreated and that General Ileintzelmnan was going to do it. This, of course, compelled nine to retire at once, xvhiclm I certaiimly should not have done without orders from the comninanding general if these ge Page 52 52 THE PENiNSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. [CTAP. Xxiii. erals had not fallen back and entirely uncovered my right flank. My command reached the lines near James River about daylight. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. V. SUMNER, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS DARMfiE, Camp near James River, July 4, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 1st instant. I was ordered to place my corps darmSe near the center of our hues on the field of Malvern. This action was mainly fought on the left of the line, and but two of my brigades (Meaghers and Caldwells) and my batteries of artillery were engaged in it. These brigades and artillery behaved nobly, as usual, and lost many valuable officers and men. As tim commanding general came onto the field during this battle I ccasc(1 to be in command and therefore do not make a detailed report of the action. I would respectfully recommend the few staff officers I had with me. In consequence of the illness of four of my staff officers the whole duty devolved upon Captain Clarke, chief of artillery; Surg. J. F. Ham- moud, medical director; Lient. L. Kip and Lient. A. II. Cushing, aides- (le-cami). These officers were indefatigable in the discharge of their duties. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. V. SUMNER, Brigadier- General, U. S. Ar my, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 10. Report of Capt. John D. Prank, Battery G, First New York Light A rtil lery, (f the battle of Malvern Hill. LIGHT COMPANY G, FIRST NEW YORK ARTILLERY, Sumners 2d Army Corps, Turkey Bend, Va., July 5, 1862. COLONEL: Agreeably to instructions received from General Sumner, commanding Second Army Corps, I l)laced myself with my battery of eight 10-pounder Parrott guns under t4me orders of an officer said to have been detailed by you to post my battery in line of battle on the evening of the 1st instant, and arrived at the left of the center of our lines about 6.30 oclock p. in. This point being at this time pressed by I he enemy with the greatest determination, 1 opened at once on the enemy with the~ left half of my battery and posted my remaining four pieces on the right of another battery, as the intervening space between the batteries on my right and left did not admit of any more than four pieces being posted there. The right half battery, being posted in rear of a line of infantry Page 53 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 53 opened a rapid fire of shell and shortly after of spherical case. As no infantry of ours was posted in front of the left half battery, these four pieces were for a time exposed to a very galling fire of musketry as well as artillery, but the well-directed discharges of shrapnel from these pieces soon silenced the musketry 111 front of them; but while directing my fire to right, where a most terrible fire of musketry was being poured into our infantry, one or more of the enemys regiments had approached to within 300 yards of the battery almost unobserved in the darkness, but were soon driven back by some rapid and well-directed discharges of canister, assisted by several volleys delivered by a regiment on my left (the Third Maine). Two of my caissons having failed to come up one on account of having two horses shot, which at the time, unknown to me, had not beeii replaced; the other one being unable to keep up with the battery, lost its waymy ammunition becoming rapidly ex- hausted, I at once had the facts reported to General Porter, with a re- quest that another battery might be sent to my relief. This, however, was not accomplished until nearly 9 oclock, when the action had nearly closed, and Captain Bensons battery of the Second U. S. Artillery took the place of mine. During the time my battery was engaged nearly 400 rounds of shell, 515 rounds of spherical case, and 66 rounds of can- ister had been expended. Lient. S. A. McClellan was slightly wounded by a fragment of shell, but (lid not leave the field until the battery was withdrawn. One man was severely wounded; it is feared mortally. Pour others were but slightly wounded. My loss in horses consists of 4 killed, 5 severely and 3 slightly wounded. in conclusion, I consider it my duty to state that with few excep- tions my officers and men acted with determined courage and bravery, even while a battery of our own, posted in my rear, fired three rounds ot canister into ruiy horses aii(l men. I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. D. FRANK, Captain, First New York Artillery. Col. HENRY J. HuN~r, Fifth Regiment U. AS. Artillery, Commanding Artillery. No. 11. Report of Brig. Gen. israel B. Richardson, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of engagement at I~eah Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Brid~qe, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Maivern Hill. HEADQUARTERS RICHARDSONS DIVISION, July 6, 1862. DEAR SIR: In compliance with order I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by my division in the several actim~s uf Allens Farm, Savage Station, Nelsons Farm, and Malvertcn: On Friday, June 27, while in the intrenchments erected by my divis- ion in front of the station at Fair Oaks, and late in the afternoon o Page 54 54 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. that day, 1 received orders from General Sumner, commanding the corps, to (letach t~vo of amy brigades to the assistance of General Porter on the opposite side of the Chickahominy. I was directed to remain with the remaining one to defend the intrenebments. The brigades of Generals French and Meagher were accordingly detached nnder corn- mnand of the former officer, and I remained with the brigade of Gen- eral Caidwell and the batteries of Captains Hazzard and Pettit to hold the line at Fair Oaks. The operations of the command of General French and the stand that he made against the enemy, who were already pursuing the routed columns of General Porter, are fully set forth iu the accompanying report of the former. His command returned to the division next morning, after performing the duty assigned to it. Saturday, June 28, I was ordered to get my division ready for a move, and accordingly the tents were struck, wagons packed and sent off to Savage Station, and late in the afternoon I was ordered to de- tacit the brigade of General Meagher to that station, to report to Major- General McClellan for duty, which was done. The whole day and night were consumed in waiting orders to move. About daylight on Sunday, June 29, I left as a rear guard to the army with my two remaining brigades and my two batteries. On arriv- ing at Allens farm, distant some 2 miles, I was directed by General Sumner to form line of battle facing toward Richmond, and ~ny left flank in connection with the right of Sedgwick, both of us being on the right of the railroad. I formed the line with General Frenchs brigade in the front line and General Caldwell in second line. At the suggestion of General French I obtained permission of General Sumner to occupy a large house and sonie log buildings in front of my position as an ad- vanced redoubt. This was done by Colonel Brooke with his regiment, the Fifty-third Pennsylvania. I also placed four pieces of ilazzards battery on an elevated piece of ground a little in rear of Colonel Brookes advance, and supported by two regiments. The two positions taken together I considered as a key to the whole position. These arrangements had hardly beeu effected when the enemy made his appearance in onr front in force, attacking the right of General Sedgwicks and the left of my division with great vigor. Colonel Brooke was soon en gaged with the enemy~s infantry and a battery of artillery which he now brought against ns. The battery of Hazzard was now in full action. Only the limber~boxes had been retained by him (by my directions), and his caissons had been sent off to Savage Station. We soon brought them back, however, at a gallop before his supplies in the limbers had been exhausted. I also sent for Pettits battery to come back from Savage Station, which it did about that time. The enemy in the mean time had made great efforts against the position of Colonel Brooke, but he bravely maintained himself, assisted by the battery, and was re-enforced also by a regiment of General Sedgwicks division, the Seventy-first New York. Soon after the return of that portion of the artillery which had been sent for the enemy fell back and disappeared in the wood. Sooii after this General Sumner, commanding the corps, gave me in person the order to fall back to Savage Station with my command as fast as possible which I proceeded to do. This movement was much expedited by means of the new road, which I had already caused to be cut through the woods in anticipation of the movement. On arriving at the hills in the rear of the station I met General Sumner, who directed me to form my line nearly opposite the road which had been cut for the purpose of crossing White Oak Swamp. This was about 4 ocloc Page 55 CHAP. XXIII.J BATTLES. in the afternoon. About that time the brigade of General Meagher came up and reported to me for duty. The difi~reut corps had already gained this new position when the enemy again made his appearance in our front, and immediately commenced opening with his artillery. This attack was opposed at first by the commands of Generals Franklin and Sedgwick, and at the order of General Sumner I detached parts of two of my brigades (Generals (Jaidwells and Meaghers) to their assist- ance, also both of my batteries; soon after which I was directed by Gederal Sumner to prepare with my remaining brigade (General Frenchs) to repel an attack from the front, toward which a heavy column of the enemy was reported to be moving. I was re-enfhrced on my right by one brigade of General Smiths, and I deployed in line of battalions the brigade of General French to the front, the remain- ing parts of the brigades of Generals Caidwell and Meagher in the second and thjrd line. The enemy was repulsed in his flank attack, but my front not come into action. Late at night I received an order to act as a rear guard with my division in covering the movement of the army across the White Oak Swamp, and also to take charge personaJly of the breaking up of the bridge across the creek, so as to make it impracticable for the passage of artillery. My march commenced about 1 oclock on the 30th of Jane, and after marching until nearly daybreak in the morning, on coining up to the bridge I found the mass of stragglers from other parts of the army wedged in so as to be unable to move. I impressed them with the necessity of crossing as rapidly as possible or the enemy would be u~xn us and the rear of the army cut off. By the greatest exertions of myself and staff I succeeded in getting this mass over by sunrise and iry own division, and the bridge was broken up aiid burned by about 10 oclock a. in. I was now directed by General Sumner to remain here until further orders, the division of General Smith being on my right and my o~wi being at Glendale. Early in the afternoon, ~vhile our troops were rest- ing, a heavy cannonade was opened by the enemy on the other side of the creek from a hill partly covered by timber. It appeared to be some three batteries, all(l they all opened at once. My division stood firmly. The battery of flazzards exhausting its ammunition, the captain beimig wounded and many men and horses disabled, it was replaced by tIme battery of Captain Pettit, which kept up a continuous fire until night. After firing away all their ammunition these were now replaced by a battery of Franklins division, which kept up a fire with two pieces until 12 oclock at ni~ht, when I was ordered again to hill back to forni the rear guard. Two of my brigades had been detached during the day, and I had only that of General French to cover the movemiment. The movement was again performed successfully, and during the next day my division was again l)laced in position at Malverton Hill where I was again directed to detach two of my brigades to report to General Porter, leaving me with General Frenchs brigade to again fall baclZ in the night to Harrisons Landing, and brought off what remained of my division in good order. During all these operatioiis the patience, fortitude, and discipline of my division, both officers and men in general, showed conspicuensly, and could not have been excelled. Very respectfully, I. B. RICHARDSON, Brigadier General, Commanding Division. IAeutenant Rip, A ide-dc- Camp Page 56 56 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL P. S.My division, which had been reduced to a skeleton by the battle at Fair Oaks, June II, had been filled up by three regiments. After losing 1,500 men by that battle and of the last eight days, it has lost , by the several engagements 1,500 more; aiid by this mornings re- port it numbers 7,000 men for duty. I cannot too much, commend the admirable manner in which my three brigadier-generalsFrench, ~leagher, and Caldwellhave (lone their duty with their brigades, and the skill with which Captains Hazzard and Pettit, with their batteries, kept down the fire of the enemy. If anything can try the patience and bravery of troops it must be their fighting all day for five consecutive days and then falling back every night. No. 12. Report of Capt. Rufus D. Pettit, Battery B, First New York Light Artil- lery, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and Malvern Hill. CAMP ON JAMES RIVER, July 5, 1862. SIR: In compliance with orders this day received I have the honor to report that my battery, according~ to orders, withdrew from its posi. tion in Redoubt No. 5 of our works before Richmond at 4 a. m. June 29, 1862, and on reaching Allens fhrmn took a position in battery, where it remained some two hours, when I was ordered to report with my command at Savage Station, and on arriving there was ordered to return to Allens farm, the enemy having attacked our rear at that place. Arriving here, I took up my former position and opened lire on two of the enemys batteries which were shelling our position, and suc- ceeded in silencing them, after expending near 200 rounds of shell and case-shot, without toss to my command. Remaining here until 12 in. my battery was again ordered to Savage Station. Then it moved a short distance down the Williamsburg road and took a position in bat- tery. The enemy attacking our rear again with batteries from the wood and railroad, their skirmishers appearing at the same time, I was ordered to a position some 1,200 yards from his batteries, and opened on them with good effect, causing them to slacken their fire, all(l finally drove them from their position, after expending nearly 400 rounds, hav- ing in this engagement 3 men severely wounded and 1 missing. Placing my sick and wounded on the caissons, the battery moved to White Oak Swamp, which it crossed at 2 a. m. June 30, with the loss of the rear chests and carriages of two caissons l)y the breaking of the stocks in such a manner as to prevent their being taken farther, amid after removing the ammunition the carriages were further disabled by cutting the wheels, boxes, & c. The battery then moved to and took position near General Sumners headquarters, where it remained until ordered to Nelsons farm to relieve the battery of the gallant Hazzard, which had nearly expended its supply of ammunition, but was still keeping up its fire with good effect under the direction of Lieutenant King, from whom I obtained some knowledge of the whereabouts of the enemys batteries, their guns being masked by the timber, and opened at once a rapid fire, first at 1,200 yards, then 1,500, and finally silencing their guns at 1,800 yards, blowing up one of his ammunition chests Page 57 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. Cinp. XXIII.] 57 My loss here was 43 men wounded, it missing, and 4 horses (lisabled. Here we expeude(1 nearly 1,600 rounds of ammunition. I was ordered at 11 a. m. to report to General Yaglee wilii my com- mand, and moved with his column en route for James River, reahing a point at 3 a. m. July 1, 1862, some 2 miles from the river, where I took position again in battery by the directions of the general, where it remained until July 2, at 7 a. in., when it moved to this place and joined its divisiomi. It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men nuder my command behaved with great spirit and gallanti~. The fatigue was excessive and long, but was borne with great patience; iu fact, the conduct of all was all that could be desired. Hoping that this may meet with your approval, I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant, H. D. PETTIT, Capt., Comdg. Battery B, First New York Artillery. [ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL Richardsons Diviion.] No. 13. Report of Lient. Rufus King, Jr., Batteries A and C, Fourth U. S. Artil- lery, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glen- ,dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern fill. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, VA., July 6, 1862. SIR: The battery took position on time brow of a hill commanding the woods and the approaches to the right of Mr. Allens house. The general commanding, considering four guns sufficient to hold the position and cover the retreat of the army, ordered half the battery and alithe caissons to retire to the rear, under my command. About half ami hour after the half battery under my command had retired the enemy opened a hot fire of musketry fromn the edge of the woods and field in front of the ravine. The battery replied with spherical case, shell, and canis- ter, expending 100 rounds. The enemy brought artillery to bear shortly after their musketry opened, playing upon the battery with accuracy, their shells bursting directly in front of the pieces. The fire was kept up by the half battery, under Captain Hazzard, until all the ammunition was expended. Two caissons were sent to replenish the Imalf battery, but did not arrive until after it had been relieved. The enemy having ceased firing the hale battery retired to Savage Station, where the half battery under my command had previously taken position. The two half batteries were then joined. About 4.30 p. m. the enemy commenced shelling us with great rapid- ity and accuracy. A section of the enemys guns commanded a fine view of our battery. The sun shining on the brass pieces made an ex- cellent target for their artillery. The enemy continued firing with their artillery until our infantry advanced. Then Captain Hazzards half battery was ordered to take position a little farther on the right, where it immediately opened on the enemy, but finding that the enemy were hidden by a thick wood, discontinued firing, after having expended 20 rounds. At the close of the engagement Captain Hazzards half bat Page 58 58 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Ciur. XXIII. tery retired to its former position, where we remained until daylight. Our men, thoroughly exhausted from the fatigues they had undergone, slept soundly through a drenching raiu-storm, wetting all to the skin. We were aroused from our slumbers by the uncommon noise of drums an(l bugles, and discovered that our battery was the sole occupier of the battle-field of the previous day. Not being anxious to fall into the hands of the enemy, Captain flazzard immediately commanded the pieces to be limbered up, moving the caissons ahead of the battery, in- structing me to keep a general supervision over all of them and see that the column was well closed up, he remaining in rear with two of the light 12-pounders, so as to be prepared to give the enemy a warm reception should they attempt to take us. The battery moved off in remarkably good order, the horses going at a walk until we had proceeded about a mile, when the command was oven for the head of the column to move at a trot. The road being in a remarkably good condition we bowled along in fine style, hurry- ing up stragglers with the information that the enemy wa~ in hot pur- suit, saving probably many an abled-bodied soldier from spending the l)alance of the summer in a Southern prison. We found upon reach- ing the bridge across White Oak Swamp that preparations were being made to destroy it. We immediately crossed over an(l went into J)ark on the top of the hill, congratulated by all hands upon the narrowness of our escape. Our horses were then fed, and our men, who were thor- oughly tired out from fatigue and hunger, had a short chance to rest their weary limubs and satisfy their hunger. About two hours after our arrival at Nelsons farm we were suddenly aroused (muost of the men sleeping soundly at the timne) by a perfect hail storm of artillery missiles, the enemy having opened upon us with at least, in my estimation, three batteries. My reason for so thimiking is from the immense rapidity of their fire a#d the differemit ki ids of l)ro.jectiles thrown, some of which I l)icked up myself, finding them to be the Armstrong gun, G-poun(ler rifled and 6-pounder smooth-bore; also pieces of railroad iron from 6 to 12 inches lommg. Our battery immediately moved out of park, a perfect shower of missiles falling in our ranks and wounding our sergeant (I3renmmamm) severely in the leg, also striking the staff of the guidon and breaking it to pieces. General Richardson rode forward and or(lered the battery immediately into position ou the left of Nelsons house. After taking this position, General llichardsomm directed four guns to be })laced in a small gorge to the left aimd front of the first position, covering the bridge across the White Oak Swamp. We remained in that position about fifteen minutes, when an order came for the battery to retire. After having proceeded about 400 yards another order caine, directing that the battery should occupy its first position and open upon the enemy immediately. We commenced firing between 1 and 2 oclock p. in., firm gvery rapidly and drawing the entire fire of the enemys batteries Ul)Oil us. no other battery being in position. The enemy was completely covered by a thick wood, and the only indication we had of their position was from the smoke of their guns. Their lire was very rapid and very pre- cise, most of their shot and shell striking within 20 feet of the battery and a perfect shower of grape passing through the battery. Were it not for the splendid position we had, few of us would have left the bat- tle-field that day without a serious wound. The brow of the hill form- ing a natural breastwork, our guims, just poimiting over the top of the hill, were in a manner sheltered, and most of the solid shot fired by th Page 59 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 59 enemy struck the brow of the hill and rjcochetted harmlessly over our heads. The men stood to their guns nobly, working them as coolly as if it was an ordinary practice the chiefs of pieces sighting their guns themselves and relieving the cannoneers from their arduons duties by performing them themselves. Captain ilazzard behaved in the most gallant manner, encouraging the men and cheering them when they.ap- 1)eared fatigued, also superiutended the entire fire of the battery, fre- quently changing the direction of the guns and sighting them himself~ At one piece, where three of the horses of the limber had been shot and the harness entangled by their fall, and two of the drivers shot through the legs and feet, being unable to disentangle them themselves, Captain Hazzard performed the deed huinself, also carrying ammunition to one piece where the cannoneers were entirely tired out, and taking turns with myself in performing the duties of No. 1. About half an hour after we had beeii in action Captain ilazzard was standing by one of the limbers, superintending the taking out of the airitnunition, when a shell burst in the battery, a fragment striking Captain Hazzard in the leg, breaking the bone, and wounding him severely. He was immediately carried oft~ the field and sent to the rear. Great praise is due to Captain ilazzard for the soldierly conduct he displayed in this engagement. The command of the battery then (levolved upon me, and I continued firing nntil I had expended all my ammunition. General Meagher stood by one of the pieces, and, exposed to the hot- test of the fire, assisted the men in running the gun forward. - Upon my telling him how near out of ammunition I was, he kindly volun- teered to ride to General Hichardson and have ammunition sent to me as soon as possible; but before the ammunition could reach me I had expel1ded every shot in my chests, and had to fall back into a hollow, where my battery was protected from the murderous fire of the enemy, and there I refilled my ammunition chests. During an interval of a few seconds in the fight I could plainly see a large body of infantry on the skirts of the woods, evidently intent upon taking the battery. I immediately ordered canister to be fired, though the range was rather long, but 1 think it had the effect of driv- ing the enemy back into the woods. It is impossible to mention individual merit on the part of the non- commissioned officers and men, as every man behaved with the greatest bravery and coolness. Lieutenants Field and Morris deserve the high- est praise for their coolness and bravery, directing the fire of their respective sections with the greatest skill. Lieutenant Morris was struck by a spent rifle-ball, evidently fired by a sharpshooter. Sergeant ONeill (Second), Corporals Kidd and Bright were wounded early in the fight. SergeantONeill (First) was wounded while carrying Captain ilazzard off the field. Some of my pieces were in a great degree disabled by the loss of the pointing rings, causing double exertion to the men in handling the guns. Several-of my pieces were struck by shot and shell, but not injured materially, though I lost a great many of my gun implements. After retiring into the hollow where my ammunition chests were filled up I sent three guns back into position a little to the left of the ground that the battery formerly occupied. Captaimi Pettits battery came up to our relief and took position on our right and immediately opened fire The canuoneers of my three guns being so completely exhausted as to be unable to perform their duties rested while Captain Pettits battery was firing, and did not open fire again until toward dusk, when th Page 60 GO THE PEMNSIJLAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XX1It sound of the enemys axes was heard felling trees for the purpose of building a bridge. We then opened with our light 12-pounders, firing case-shot, and I think doing great injury to the rebels. I theii left the section in command of Lieutenant Field, with instruc- tions to fire slowly and surely, while I took one gun to join the rest of the battery, which was parked back in the woods, and proceeded to get the battery into such order as to be able to take up the march that iiight. The want of horses was very great, as we had lost some 15 or 20, and 1 was obliged to send forward and procure horses from my bat- tery wagon and forge in order to pili my pieces and caissons from the field. An order then came directing me to report to General Naglee, which I did, and was ordered by him to take up my line of march behind the rear of General Smiths command. The section under Lientenant Field was kept behind by some mis- take, as I had sent ami order to Lieutenant Field to bring up the section and join the rest of the battery through the authority of General Naglee; but he did not receive the order, and consequently remained in position until 2 oclock the next morning, firing occasionally, amid was one of the last to leave the ground. The rest of the battery followed the coin- muand of General Smith, and went into park in a large clover field at Malverton, where we fed our horses amid rested our men. About an hour after we had gotten into Malverton General Naglee informed me that the enemy were advancing in force, and that I had better take a position, which I did, on the right of Captain Pettit, and remained there all that day and night. In the evening the sectiomi under Lieutenant Field joined the battery, having been moved off to the left, where the hottest fight was, but did not go into position. The next morning we took up our line of march an(l proceeded to our present cairiping ground. We lost on that march a caisson body. The axle-tree having broken, and it being impossible to mend it, we al)andoned it, saving the amnmunnition. I am, respectfully, RUFUS KING Jn First Lieutenant Fourth Artillery, Commanding Battery. To the AssIsTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Richardsons Division. No. 14. Report .~f Brig. Gen. John C. Caidwell, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, qf engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, batUe of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Maivern Hill. HEADQUARTERS CALDWELL5 BRIGADE, Camp near Harrisons Landiug, July 6, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in time actions of June 29 and 30 and July 1: At Allens Farm, on Sunday, the 29th, mny brigade formed the second line behind that of General French, and at that place sufibred no loss excepting 3 men of the Sixty- first New York Volunteers, who were wounded by a ricochet shot. By order of General Richardson I sent forward the Fifth New llampshh-e Yolunteers to re-establish the picke Page 61 CHA& XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS7 BATTLES. 61 line in front of our earthworks. Before arriving at this place they found the enemy in such force that it was deemed imprudent to attack him, and the regiment fell back into the woods and awaited his ap- proach. After a severe skirmish the enemy was repulsed with consid- erable loss. In the battle at Savage Station my brigade form ed the second line, and was not engaged. On the afternoon of Monday, the 30th, the brigade was exposed to a severe artillery fire at White Oak Swamp while supporting the bat- teries of Captains ilazzard and Pettit, and lost several in killed and wounded. Between 5 and 6 oclock the same afternoon I was ordered forward to support General Kearny, who was engaged in a severe battle at Nelsons Farm. We moved forward at double-quick, and arrived on the ground in the hottest of the fight. I formed three regiments on the right of the road and the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers ou the left. The Fifth New Hampshire and the Seventh New York, beyond a first volley, were not engaged. The enemys fire had nearly ceased in their immediate front and darkness soon caine on. The Seventh New York was soon withdrawn. The Fifth New Hampshire was advanced to within a few paces of the enemy, and there remained until withdrawn, about 1 oclock a. in. of Tuesday, the 1st. The Sixty-first New York, Colonel Barlow, formed behind a fence on the border of an open field at the right of the wood. Other regiments were firing into the open field from behind this fence. After stopping the fire of the other regiments the Sixty-first, with- out firing a shot, charged over the fence and through the open field, driving the enemy in such haste and confusion before them that they abandoned their colors which were picked up by Colonel Barlow. On approaching the woods on the farther side of the open field the Sixty- first opened fire upon the enemy in the woods, which was vigorously returned. After the firing had continued for some time I ordered the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers to relieve the Sixty-first New York. Both regiments continued firing until their ammunition was nearly exhausted, when they took position on the right of the field iiear the fence, where they remained until withdrawn, about 1 a. m. of Tuesday. In this engagement both these regiments behaved with the greatest gallantry, particularly the Sixty-first New York, which lost one-third of its men engaged and 6 out of 9 officers. Colonel Johnson, of the Eighty-first, was wounded in the thigh. On the morning of Tuesday, July 1, the brigade was formed in line of battle at Malverton, being assigned its position by Captain Irwin, of General McClellans staft~ Here we were exposed to a severe artillery fire of the enemy, which killed and wounded several of my men. About the middle of the afternoon I moved my whole brigade to the support of General Couchs division, and while lying in reserve was again ex- posed to a violent artillery fire. Between 5 and 6 oclock p. in. the brigade came into action, the Fifth New Hampshire supporting a battery on the right and the three other regiments engaging the enemys infantry. The Fifth ~ew Hampshire remained supporting a battery until withdrawn on th9 morning of the 2d. The Sixty-first New York and Eighty-first Pennsylvania I con- solidated, and placed under Colonel Barlow. They engaged the enemy on the extreme right of General Couchs line, being drawn up in an open field, while the enemy were posted in the edge of a wood. These regiments, under the able command of Colonel Barlow, fought mos Page 62 62 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. splendidly. I do not think their steadiness and gallantry were ever surpassed. The Seventh New York Volunteers were on the left of the Sixty-first and Eighty-first, and fought gallantly. All these regiments fought till every round of arninumition was exhansted, ~nd then stood without flinching the fire of the enemy when unable to return it. The brigade was withdrawn about midnight, and marched with the rest of the army to this place. In mentioning officers worthy of particular commendation I cannot fail to award the highest praise to Colonel Barlow, Sixty-first New York Volunteers. It will be remembered that this officer distinguished himself at the battle of Fair Oaks. In every engagement since he has only added to the laurels there acquired. lie possesses in an eminent degree all the qualities of a goo(l conmmnander..-intelligence, coolness, and readiness. Lieutenant-Colonel Conner, of the Eighty-first Penn- sylvania fought bravely, and was shot dead at the head of his regi- ument. dolonel Von Schack and Major Gaebel, of the Seventh New York, behaved with great coolness and gallantry. During the battles of the three days but two members of my staff were with me, Lieut. and Aide-de-Canmp George W. Scott and Capt. and Acting Asst. Adjt. Gen. N. A. Miles. Lieutenant Scott was wounded in the thigh on Mon- day afternoon while the brigade was advancing to the support of Gen- eral Kearny. Of Captain Miles I cannot speak in terms of sufficient praise. His activity was incessant. On Sunday he volnnteered to cut a road through the woods from Allens farm to Savage Station, and collecting axmen from various regiments soon made a road })ractica- ble for artillery, which was undoubtedly the means of saving three batteries. On Monday he most vigorously seconded my efforts, and himself conducted the Eighty-first to the support of the Sixty-first. On Tuesday, although he was my only staff officer, I sent him to Gen- eral Sumner for re-enforcements, which duty he performed in the umost speedy and successful manner. Near the close of the engagement he conducted and placed a piece of artillery on the left, which by send- ing a shower of canister silenced a very effective musketry fire of the enemy. During the whole movement his services have been to nine invaluable. I cannot close my report without paying a tribute to the gallant dead and wounded as well as to the living and l)resent. Men never fought more gallantly and nobly, or endured fatigue, privation, hunger, and sleeplessness with a more uncomplaining spirit.. We have never lost a gull, a color, or fallen back an inch while the battle lasted. I deem myself honored in leading such gallant ninen, and claim no other praise than that inseparable from being the commander of such brave soldiers. My report shows 3 officers killed, 28 wounded, and 3 missing; enlisted men, 86 killed, 467 wounded, and 178 missing; making a total of 765.* Time list of missing will probably diminish. I will send de- tailed lists of the killed and wounded as soon as possible; certainly to-morrow. Respectfully submitted. JOHN C. CALDWELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding Brigade. Lient. C. STUART DRAPER, Aide-de-Gamp and Actg. Asst. A01. Gen. * iI3ut see revised statement, p. 24 Page 63 (ILIAP. XXLII.J SEVEN-DAYS BATTLE8. 63 No. 15. Report of Lieut. Gol. Samuel U. Langley, P~fth New Hampshire infantry, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at Whitc Oak Swamp Bridge, and battle of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). JIDQRS. FIFTH NEW HAMPsHiRE VOLS., July 3, 1862. (AENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers in the late actions: Sunday, June 29, after the division had fallen back and formed a new line, I was ordered by General Richardson to establish a picket on the old line iii front of our eartliworks. Moved the regiment into the clearing near Fair Oaks Station; saw large numbers of the enemy inside the works; reported to General Richardson, and received orders to remain where I ~vas. I threw out skirmishers and fell back gradu- ally into the woods in front of the main force. I was attacked in this position, and a sharp fire was kept up for some time, the enemy falling back. 1 remained in the woods until ordered by General Sumner to join our brigade. Our loss in the above affair was 2 killed, 11 wounded, 1 second lieutenant and several men missing. in the afternoon the regiment acted only as sul)port. It was under heavy artillery fire, but sustained no loss, and retired with the brigade. Monday, June 30, the regiment was formed as support to battery, and was under.a very heavy artillery fire nearly all day, during which time we had 5 killed and 9 wounded. At about 7 p. m. went with the brigade to support General Kearny, then engaged about 2 miles to onr left. On onr arrival we formed line of battle on the left of the Seventh New York Volunteers iii the road. We remained in this position sub- ject to a musketry fire, but were unable to return it on account of a regiment ot our meii being in our front. Some time after the firing had ceased the regiment was ordered forward about 100 yards as picket. At about ~ a. in. I was ordered by General Caldwell to retire and join the bi~gade. In retiring I lost one first lieutenant and several men, who must have remained on the ground asleep and been taken prisoners. Tuesday, July 1, after forming the regiment in column, I was unwell and retired, and did not join it until Wednesday, at this camp. Here- with 1 forward a report of Captain Sturtevant, who was in command during my absence. A large number of the sick and wounded were left behind, and have probably fallen into the hands of the enemy. A day or two more and we can tell nearer how we stand. Respectfully, S. G. LANGLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Fifth New Hampshire Vols. Brig. Gen. J. C. CALDWELL, Commanding Brigade. No. 16. Report of Capt. Edward F. Sturtevant, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry, of the battle of ]tlialvern Hill. HDQRS. FIFTH REGT. NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, City Point [Harrisons Landing], Va., July 3, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of th Page 64 64 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CRAr. XXIII. part taken in action by the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers on Tuesday, July 1, 1862: The regiment moved forward with the brigade, and deployed in line of battle to support the batteries in our front, where it remained six hours. During nearly all the time the regiment remained in the line the enemy kept up a heavy fire from artillery. After the enemy ceased his fire in this direction the line of battle was changed, abont 4 oclock in the afternoon, to a fence, where it remained about one hour, and was then changed again to a road leading near the enemys fire on the left, where it remained in reserve a short time, receiving a severe fire from the enemys artillery, and then the line of battle was moved to the front, where I was ordered to report for orders to General Howe, which I did. His orders to me were to move my regiment to the right of a battery which was near us and assist in supporting it. 1 did as ordered, and the enemy kept up for an hour a heavy fire from his artillery. Another of our batteries then came up and advanced toward the enemys lines. I then moved my regiment forward to support this battery. The enemy formed in line of battle several times and at- tempted to advance, but were repulsed by the heavy fire from our battery, which kept up a constant fire until near 10 oclock at night, when the battery withdrew. It being then understood by me, from what I could learn from two other regiments who were also engaged in supporting this battery, that another battery was to return and take its place, and failing to receive any orders I concluded to remain on the ground with my regiment and assist the other two regimemits in keeping guard in front. No other battery returned, and I found that most of onr troops had been drawn oil during the night, and not being able to find our brigade I conclnded to retire to the rear, which I did at about 5 oclock in the morning of July 2, 1862. I found on going to the rear that most of the army had left for City Point [Harrisons Landing], Va. I remained in the rear some two hours, when I learned from our cavalry and provost-marshal (as I was informed) that our brigade and division had gone to City Point. I then started on the march with my comm and for this camp, where I arrived with my com- inand and joined this brigade at about 11 oclock in the forenoon of July 2, 1862. During the action of the day 2 lieutenants and 5 enlisted men were wounded and 21 enlisted men were missing. Respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. STURTEVANT, Captain, Comdg. Fifth Regt. New Hampshire Vois. Brigadier General CALDWELL. No. 17. Report of (lot. George Von Sehack, Seventh New York Infantry, of engage- ment at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, en- gagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and ]Ifalvern Hill. HDQRS. SEVENTH REGT. NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, July 6, 1862. The Seventh Regiment New York Volunteers left Fair Oaks Station omi the 29th of June at 3 oclock a. mu. for Orchard Station. Tlere the regiment was placed on the right of the railroad in the second line Page 65 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 65 At Savage Station, where the regiment arrived at dark, it was ordered to support the right flank in the woods. During the night it marched through the White Oak Swamp. On the 30th, at noon, when the enemy opened fire, the regiment was ordered to White Oak Swamp Hill for the protection of our batteries. At sunset it had to march to the left for supporting the left wing, under General Heintzelinan. Here it took position in the woods in the second line. At 1 oclock a. m. it marched to Malverton. On the 1st of July early the brigade was formed in line of battle, the Seventh Regiment on the right flank, to cover our batteries near Nelsons Farm. In the afternoon the regiment was ordered to the front, and remained here until 7 p. m. The regiment kept its position for two hours without any ammunition, and received the order to fall back to Nelsons Farm at 11 oclock p. in., from where it marched to Harrisons Landing. G. VON SCHACK, Colonel Seventh Regiment New York Volunteers. No. 18. Reports of Col. Francis C. Barlow, Sixty-first New York Infantry, of engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. HDQRS. SIXTY-FIRST REGT. ~EW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Near James River, July 3, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on June 30, 1862, the regiment under my command marched with the other regiments of General Caldwells brigade toward the sound of the enemys firing at about 6 p. m. On arriving near the front we became separated from the remainder of our brigade in the confusion arising from our troops firing upon each other. I then had the honor to report to Brigadier. General Robinson, of General Kearnys brigade, for orders. By order of General Robinson my regiment was formed in line npon the border of a large field into which our troops were firing and in the rear of a fence which our men were using as a parapet. Having stopped the firing of the other regiments, General Robinson ordered my regiment to advance into the field, which we did with bayonets at a charge. By reason of the darkness and thick smoke I am unable to say whether the enemy was occupying the open field or not. I think they were, and that they fell back hastily at our approach, as I found one of their colors lying upon the ground. It bore the inscriptions Seven Pines and Fair Oaks upon it, and I have caused it to be sent to the head- quarters of Sumners corps. As we approached the woods on the other side of the field the enemy asked from within what regiment we were. My men answering Sixty- first New York, the enemy shouted, Throw down your arms, or you are all dead men. We at once opened fire upon them. They were posted just in the edge of the woods. We were very close to them, and their fire was severe and fatal. I requested Lieutenant Greenhaigh, of General Berrys staff, who had advanced ~vith us into position, to bring re-enforcements if possible, as no other regiment was in the field. He informed me upon his return that he could bring us none. Having S i~ RVOL XI~ PT I Page 66 66 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [OHAP. XXIIL succeeded in communicating with General Caidwell, he sent us the Eighty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, which formed in front of as and opened fire vigorously upon the enemy. I was directed by the staff officer who brought this regiment to assume command of that part of the brigade which was in the open field. We remained in this position for a considerable time, firing vigorously. No re-enforcements came to us. Perceiving indications that the enemy were in force on our left flank and were preparing to make a vigorous attack, I moved the regiments to the right of the field, nearer the parapet, from which position we were soon withdrawn by General CaIdwell. Later in the evening, by order of General Kearny, I formed my regiment, in conjunction with the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers and the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teers, both of CaldwelPs brigade, inside the parapet, and there remained until withdrawn with the rest of the troops occupying the position. On account of previous losses I had reduced my regiment to eight companies, one of which was absent on picket and not in the action. As supports of Hazzards battery we had been under a heavy artil- lery fire during the whole day and had marched directly thence to the fight, for which reason I am unable to state exactly what number of men we took into action. There were present 8 officers besides myself; 6 of whom were wounded severely and taken prisoners at the hospital to which they were removed. The horses of myself, Lieutenant Greg- ory, regimental adjutant, Major McKeen, Colonel Johnson, and Lieu- tenant Swain, of the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Regiment, were shot nuder us. The number of men of my regiment in th~ action was not more than 225 at the very outside, of which 75 were killed and wounded. Having been engaged several times since with loss I cannot tell exactly the loss of men in this action, but suppose the proportion of our whole loss which is to be credited to this action to be as I have stated. Company H, First Regiment Berdans Sharpshooters, Captain Hastings, which had been encamping with my regiment, was in the action with us and suffered largely, losing one of its two commissioned officers. I am, captain, very respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Cot. Gist Regt. N. Y. Vols., Caidwelts Brig., Richardsons Div. Capt. C. H. POTTER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Robinsons Brigade, Kearnys Division. HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-FIRST NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Camp near James River, July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of June 30, 1862, the regiment under my command was placed in line with Meaghers brigade at White Oak Swamp as a support to Hazzards and Pettits batteries, which were hotly engaged with the enemy. We remained in this position nearly all day, exposed at times to a severe artillery fire, which killed 2 and wounded several of the men. During the afternoon a heavy musketry fire commenced on our left, at some distance from us, and about 6 p. m. this regiment, together with the others of this brigade, was moved in the direction of the firing. After a march of some 1~ miles we arrived at the scene of the engagement, and my regiment became separated from the remainder of the brigad Page 67 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 67 in the confusion arising from some of our troops firing upon each other. I at once reported to the first general officer I could find (Brigadier- General Robinson, of Kearnys division) for orders. By his directions the regiment was formed in line on the border of an open field into which our men were firin~ from two sides. We were formed behind a fence which our men were occupying as a parapet and from which they were then firing. After stopping the firing of these other regiments General Robinson directed this regiment to go over the parapet into the open field, which was done with bayonets at a charge. We advanced quickly, and with- out firing, into the field. It was qnite dark and the atmosphere was thick with smoke, for which reason I am unable to state what was the position or number of the enemy in the open field. They broke and fell back atour approach, and a fit gwiththeinscriptions Williamsburg and Seven Pines was abandoned by them. I took possession of this, and have forwarded it to brigade headquarters. Upon approaching the woods at the opposite side of the field the enemy shouted from the woods, What regiment is that ~ Upon being answered by the men that it was the Sixty-first New York, the enemy shouted, Throw down your arms, or you are all dead men. We at once opened fire, which was vigor- ously coiitiuued on both sides. I requested Lieutenant Greenhalgh, of the staff of Brigadier-General Berry, who came into position with us, to procure us re-enforceinents, as we were the only regiment in the field or in sight. He returned, and informed me that he could bring none. After we had continued firing for some time Captain Miles, of the staff of General Caldwell, brought in to our assistance the Eighty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Johnson, of this brigade. This regiment took position in our front, and opened and sustained a vigorous and determined fire. I directed my men to lie down and rest for a time. They came again into line and recommenced fire before we left the position. I am unable to state how long we remained in this position. Both regiments exhausted nearly all their ammunition, and we once changed position to avoid a threatened attack on our left flank. The staff officer who brought in the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teers directed me to take command of that part of the brigade then in the field as the ranking officer. We changed our position, as I have above stated, to the right side of the field, near the parapet, from which position we were subsequently withdrawn by order of the general commanding the brigade. Later in the evening we, in conjunction with the Fifth New Hampshire Volun- teers and Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, were ordered by Ccii- eral Kearny to occupy and hold the parapet until further orders. We remained there until withdrawn with the rest of the troops. My regiment consists of eight companies, one of which was absent on picket duty and not in the fight. There were not exceeding 230 men present and 9 officers, including myself, in the action. Six officers were wounded and taken prisoners at the hospital to which they were removed after the action. The proportion to be credited to this action of the loss of enlisted men which we sustained in the sev- eral actions in which we were engaged on this and the following days is at least 70 enlisted men. Colonel Johnson, of the Eighty-first Regi- ment Pennsylv~ nia Volunteers, was wounded. For the remaining loss in that regiment I respectfully refer to the list of casualties forwarded from that regit ent. On Tuesday, July 1, we were formed in line with the remainder of the brigade at quite an early hour, and sustained an artillery fire o Page 68 68 THE PTh~NSULA1I CAMPAIGN, VA. [~tWiP. XXIII. more or less violence during the whole day. We lost ~several men by this fire. On the morning of this day the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers was consolidated with the regiment under my command, and the whole put under my command. This consolidation still con- tinues. About 5 p. in., July 1, the whole brigade was moved to the support of General Couchs division, and was again subjected to a violent fire of artillery. About 6 p. m. the ~ixty-first and Eighty-first Regiments con- solidated were sent into action, and engaged the enemys infantry on the extreme right of General Couchs line. The enemy were posted in the edge of a wood and our line was in the open field. The Seventh Regiment New York Volunteers, of this brigade, subsequently took the place of a regiment which had been withdrawn on our left. We re- mained in this position until all other regiments in the vicinity were withdrawn except the Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade. At about 11 p. m. we were withdrawn to camp, and the next morning marched to this place. Lieutenant-Colonel Conner, Eighty-first Penusyivania Volunteers, was shot dead in this fight. Both the Sixty-first and Eighty- first Regiments behaved with great gallantry and steadiness in both infantry engagements and under all the artillery fire to which they were exposed. Their steadiness and resolution in the infantry en- gagement of Tuesday evening II do not believe could be surpassed by any troops, for nothing of the qualities which make men efficient sol- diers could be possessed or exhibited by any men beyond what they showed. Of the officers of the Eighty-first Regiment I desire especially to praise and commend the coolness and good conduct of Lientenant~ Colonel Conner, Major McK~en, and Lieutenant Swain, regimental adjutant. Being entirely unaecpi~ainted with the other officers of this regiment even by name, I am compelled to pass over without mention the good conduct of several others which came nuder my notice, as I have no means of identifying the officers whom I noticed on the field. Of my own regiment all that can be said of a brave and good soldirn should be said of Captain Broady. ~Captain Mount also deserves much praise. Lieutenant Gregory, adjutant, behaved most gallantly, and rendered most efficient service in urging on the men. His horse, and also the horses of myself and Colonel Johnson, Major MeKeen, and Lieutenant Swain, -adjutant-.4he last three officers all of the Eighty- first Regiment Pennsylvania Volnnteers~were shot under them. - If I maybe permitted tospeakof an officer not under my own com- mand I desire to speak imterms~of admiration of the good behavior of Capt. N. A. Miles, acting assiatant adjntant-general, on the staff of General CaIdwell. Captain Miles sought us out on Monday night, and in person brought us re-~enforcements when under heavy fire. On Tuesday night he came repeatedly down into the field to look after our welfare, and finally by much exertion succeeded in bringing~down to our aSsistance a piece of art~llery, which by a fire of grape succeeded in checking the lire of the eliemy. Ifeel that both regiments under my command are much indebted to Captain Miles. Company H, First Regiment Berdan~s Sharpshooters, Captain Hast- ings, which had been texnporarily encamping near us, gallantly volun- teered to go into the action of Monday with us, and did good service. Captain Hastings behaved very bravely, and after our loss of officers I put him in command of part of my regiment. During the fight of Monday night Lieutenant Peet, of this company, was mortally wounded and taken. prisoner. From my knowledge o Page 69 ChTA4~. XX4Tr.J Y~Th-DA~Y~ BATTLES. the charaqter of all my officers present, with one or two. exceptior~s, I am sure they behaved nobly, though those above iuentioned were th~ ones whom I happened especially to be brought in contact with in the field. The loss of the Sixty-first Regiment in, all those engagements is 10 killed, 87 wounded, and 20 missing on the battle~field~* Qthers fell out on the various marches to and from action, and many of them are doubtless prisoners. All who were severely wounded were likewise left to be taken prisoners. Among the missing are the surg~on ~nd adjutant of the regiment, the latter beiug also wounded. I have at the present time in. camp 170 enlisted men, of whom at least 50 are sick and unfit for duty, many being old chronic cases. The 170 enlisted men includes some 12 drummers and the hospital and qnarter- masters attendants. I have on duty 2 captains, 1 lieutenant, quarter- master, assistant surgeon, and chaplain. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, FRANCIS C. BARLOW, Colonel Sixty-first Regiment ATew York Volunteers. Capt. N. A. MILES, A. A. A. OK, Gaidwells Brigade, Richardson Di~vision. No. 19. Report of ]Ifaj. H. Boyd MeKeen, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, of engagement at Peach Orehard, or Alten& Farm, battle ~f Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), amd Malvern Hill. JULY 3, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of June 29 we received orders to march to Orchard Station. Arriving there, the regiment was ordered to the front to support a battery l)osted in front of the line of battle. The enemy kept up a severe fire, but were silenced by Pettits battery. In the afternoon we were marched to Savage Station, and were formed in the brush fronting the railroad, in the second hue of battle; were not engaged. About midnight we again took up our line of march, and at daylight halted. Line of battle was again formed, and the enemy opened a heavy fire from their artil- lery, during which we had a number wounded. About 5 oclock we were ordered to the left, and were marched into the woods, and then were marched to support the Sixty-first New York, posted in an open field. The enemy were posted iu a wood about 100 yards from our I)osition. We took up a position in front of the Sixty-first, and con- tinued firing until we had almost expended our ammunition. We were then ordered into the woods. It was here that Colonel Johnson was wounded, Captain Harkuess and Captain Conner wounded, Lieutenants Hawk and MeKernan wounded, and Lieutenant Abbott killed. We agaiu took up our line of march, and at daylight July 1 again halted. Line of battle being formed, we were posted along a fence ir~ front of the house used as a hospital. By order of General Caidwell the Sixty-first New York and Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers were thrown together and placed under command of Colonel Barlow, * But see revised statement, p. 24 Page 70 70 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. jjCHAr. XXIII of the Sixty-first New York. About tbe middle of the afternoon we were marched to the front and engaged the enemy. The men behaved with remarkable coolness, loading and firing as if on drill. Lieutenant- Colonel Conner was killed by the last volley fired by the enemy. Officers killed, Lieutenant-Colonel Conner and Lieutenant Abbott; woun(led Colonel Johnson, Captains Schnyler, Wilson, Harkuess_ and Conner; Lieutenants Pryor, MeKernan, and Belford. Enlisted men, 26 killed, 120 wounded, 104 missing. Total, 28 killed, 128 wounded, 104 missing.* H. BOYD MoKEEN, Major, Commanding Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers. Capt. N. A. MILES, Actinq Assistant Adjutant- General, Caldwelis Brigade. No. 20. Reports of Brig. Gen. Thomas Francis ]Ifeagher, U. S. Army, command ing Second Brigade, of the battles of Gaines Mill. Sarage Station, Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Jllialvern Hill. IIDQRS. MEAG-HERS BRIG-., IRICIIARDSONS DIV., SUMNERS CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, JuQi 6, 1862. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with the order received by me yester- day from the general commanding the division I have the honor to report to him through von the action of the brigade which I command in the following engagements: Allens Farm [Gaines Mill], Savage Station, Nelsons Farm, Malverton. On Friday, the 27th of June, at 5 oclock p. in., 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 (livision to report to Brigadier-General French, whose brigade was also ordered to the support of the forces engaged with the enemy at Allens Farm. Marching rapidly to the Chickahominy, the two brigades crossed Wood- burys (or Alexanders) Bridge. The head of the column bad 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 w been cut to pieces. hose cry was that they had At this critical moment Brigadier-General French o~ dered me to throw forward and deploy one company of the Sixty-ninth, Col. liobert Nugent commanding, and with fixed bayonets to (Irive back th~ runa- ways. Captain Felix Duffy~s company was accordingly thrown forward and deployed (and the resolute and ilnpetuous sI)irit with which they discharged their duty under the command of their experienced and gal- lant 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 * But see revised statement, p. 24 Page 71 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 71 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 hi two lines of battlethe Sixty-ninth and Eighty-eighth the first, the Sixty-third and Twenty-ninth the second line of battleand 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 sud- denly ceased on our front and opened on our right, in consequence ot which General Porter directed me to move my brigade obliquely to the right and so relieve the regulars under Brigadier-General Sykes, occu- pying the ground which these splendid troops had so gallantly main- tained 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 Chicka- hominy, 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 oclock on the night of Saturday, the 28th of June, when I re- ceived orders to march my brigade instantly to Savage Station, and there report to the general-in-chief. The Sixty-ninth New York Vofun- teers, 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 oclock on the afternoon of the 29th of June. Being temporarily placed under arrest until 8 oclock the following day, I respectfully refer the general commanding the division to the re- port 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 he~rtiest satisfaction to hear witness to the able and intrepid manner with which Colonel Nugent fulfilled the duties which devolved nion him during my arrest; and it may not be inopportune for me to say that no colonel with whom I am acquainted is more deserv- ing 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 Nelsons Farm and Malvern, in which my brigade suffered severely but most worthily behaved, I shall furnish you with a report within the next honr. I cannot close this report, however, without commending to the favora- ble consideration of the general commanding the division the followin Page 72 72 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ChAP. XXIII. officers, who served on my staff during the engagement on Allens Farm. [Gaines Mill]: Capt. William II. Hogan, of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery; Lient. 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 Vol- unteers~ 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 ONeil, also of the Second Battalion New York State Artillery, rendered me the most gallant service, and in fulfillment of one of my or- ders 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. Lient. C. STUART DRAPER, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division. HEADQUARTERS MEAGHERS BRIGADE, RICHARDSONS DIVISION, SUMNERS CORPS A. P In Camp at Harrisons Landing, James River, 17a.,July2,1862. GENERAL: Ju 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 cogni- zant: Shortly after 6 oclock p. in., being seated at the headquarters of General E. V. Sumner, commanding the corps darm6e in which my brigade is incorporated,being ordered to do so by that officer,I dis- patched two of my aides, Lieut. John J. Gosson, of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers (the fim9st regiment of the brigade), and Lieut. Temple Emmett, of the Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers (the fourth regi- ment of the brigade), with orders to hurry up the four regiments com- posing the brigade, and to advance themn as quickly as l)ossible 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 Massachu- setts Volunteers, which has been recently assigned to the brigade, had been in position in line of battle from an early hour, occupying and ex- tending along a ravine to the right of the headquarters of Sumners 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 regimnents 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 mne to say that under an unre- mitting fire of some hours they exhibited a composure and steadiness which was only equaled by their eagerness to engage the enemny more actively and immediately. The orders communicated by the aides I have mentioned were promptly and enthusiastically obeyed. Advau Page 73 CTtAP. XXIII.1 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 73 ing from the ravine by a flank march they deployed into line of battle in the field immediately in front of the headquarters of General Sum- ner, the Sixty-ninth, under the command of Col. Robert Kugent, form- ing 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 ilazzards battery, and in co-operation with the other regiments of the brigade. The advance of the regiments with a rapid step, displaying their colom~s, 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, accom- panied by your staff and you will permit n~me to say even in this report, which is addressed particularly to you, that your presence and direc- tions 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-Gen- eral Butterfield, who, grasping the distinctive green flag of the leading regiment of the brigade, exhibited the ardor of a general who was per- sonally interested ~n 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 over- whelming. 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 outfianking 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 nuder 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 Robertsons 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 bat- tery 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 de- volved on Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler. This officer, however, under- took to disobey the order I issued to support the battery, alleging tha Page 74 74 THE PENINStILAI~ CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIt 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 rep- resenting 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 OKeil the gallant Sixtythird 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 ~om- manding the corps. They snstained 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- tained, when Colonel Kugent, 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 McClellans staff, who most kindly accompanied me to Gen- eral Sumner. The general directed me, in case the firing had com- pletely 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 oclock 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 under- gone, 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 battle- field. With a pride and pain no less sincere and heartfelt I have to report that Capt. Joseph ODonoghue, of Company C, Eighty-eighth Regiment; Lieutenant Reynolds, of Company A, Sixty-ninth Regi- ment, and Lient. Francis J. Hackett, of the Eighty-eighth, are amongs Page 75 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 75 those zealous and brave young officers who suffered most severely iu the action. There are many deaths amongst the men, of which I think it my duty to make especial mention of that of Sergeant ilaggerty, 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 pas- sion of Sergeant ilaggerty to emulate. In closing this report I have to acknowledge with grateful satisfac- tion 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 inces- sant 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 conflile this enumeration of gallant officers who pre-emi- nently 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~Armee. No. 21. Reports of Brig. Gen. William H. French, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Peach Orchard battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, an~ battles of Gendale (Fraziers Farm) and ]Jfalvern Hill. HDQRS. FRENCHS BRIG., RICHARD SONS DIV., ~3UMNERS CORPS, July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of my command at the battle of Gaines Mill, on Friday, June 27, 1862: On Friday afternoon, June 27, at about 5 p. in., I received instruc- tions from First Lieutenant Kip, acting assistant adjutant-general, Sumners Corps, to move rapidly with my own brigade and that of General Meaghers anross the Chickahominy to the support of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter, whose forces were hard pressed by a superior force of the enemy. In a few moments these brigades were rapidly in motion, and guided by Captain Custer, of the staff of Major-General McClellan, they crossed the Chickahominy on the Grapevine Bridge. When the head of my column debouched into the meadow on the oppo- site bank a crowd of fugitives, encumbering the road and preventing the progress of the ambulances, were encountered. I directed General Meagher to deploy a company of his command as skirmishers to drive them back, which had great effect, being vigorously executed Page 76 76 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP~ XXIII. Reaching Gaines Mill, the main body of the right anny corps was found in full retreat, making it almost impossible for my re-enforcements to pass through the masses of congregated troops of the various arms of the service which had fallen back upon a confined space. J therefore ordered the heads of regiments to force their way through any intervals they might find by the force of the bayonet, which was immediately done and my command extricated. It was deployed in line of battle and advanced to meet the enemy, who was pressing hard upon the rear with artillery, cavalry, and light infantry. When my command was interposed about three-fourths of a mile beyond Gaines Mill I sought for and reported to Brigadier-General Porter, and under his instructions moved the two brigades as far as the crests of the hills commanding the position, beyond which our troops were now rapidly reforming. These were occupied during the night by my command. The regulars had not lost their ground, but maintained it on my right until about 9 oclock at night, when, by direction of General Porter, they were relieved by two of my regiments. At 12 oclock at night General Porter returned from the headquar- ters of the army, and directed me, in the name of the general-in-chief, to hold my line on the front until all the rest of our force had crossed the river. With great difficulty I communicated this to the different commanders of regiments and batteries, but in the course of two hours the whole line was in regular march, without the least confusion. Ascertaining that the object, upon which -so much stress had been laid by the general-in-chief, was accomplished, I then directed myself to the withdrawal of my brigade and Meaghers, which, far to the front~ lay in close proximity to the enemyso near that numbers of their men and officers were taken crossing our lines of pickets to communicate with regiments which had bivouacked on our right and left, separated~ by the darkness of night. I had now, by repeated communications by members of my staff; to prevent the possibility of mistake, so concerted it that at a given notice the entire command by the right flanks of regiments (drawing in pick.ts) should simultaneously move to the rear to Gaines Mill. Here they were put on the road in the order of march, and by 4 oclock of the morning of the 28th of June the rear of Frenchs and Meaghers brigades had recrossed the Chickahominy. Leaving the Eighty-eighth New York (Meaghers), under Colonel Baker, to destroy the bridge, which had been previously prepared for the purpose, and communicating with Colonel Hunt, of the Reserve Artillery, a battery of artillery was posted to cover the operation, which was thoroughly effected. Before crossing the river and about daylight a very heavy firing was heard in the direction of Fair Oaks Station, to which point my column was moved with celerity, where I reported to the general commanding the Second Army Corps. It is needless for me to say anything in praise of my command engaged in this most important duty, considered by all military authority as the highest and most honorable which can be intrusted to troops to perform, nor is it necessary to make comparison between tIme enthusiasm of the Irish Brigade, which has gained universal applause, and the unobtrusive courage of the American soldier, who does his duty cheerfully, although unnoticed. It is sufficient that both brigades made a most rapid march; a most bold deployment in presence of the enemy, effectually checking the career of his victorious pursuit; a most vigilant night, and having accomplished the object successfully retired, entirely deceiving the enemy, who shelled the woods in distrust o Page 77 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 77 their presence for twelve hours after my command had returned to its camp. I am2 captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. II. FRENCH, Brigadier- General. To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Porters Army Corps. IIDQRS. FRENCHS BRJA~., RICHARDSONS Div., SUMNERS CORPS, July 5, 1862. SIR: On Sunday, 29th of June, my brigade moved with the division when the lines in front of Richmond at Fair Oaks Station were aban- doned, and retiring down the railroad about 2 miles, took position of defense on the open field to the left, called Orchard Station. At about 9 a. in. the enemy, having discovered our retirement from the works in front of them, followed upon our rear and established a battery on our left, upon the road leading to Trents house. Our troops were now shelled with great spirit, but our batteries answering with effect, pre- paration was made to resist an attack of a heavy infantry column, which was showing itself on our front and right. Having advanced the Fifty- third Pennsylvania on the right of Pettits battery to sapport it, and observing a cluster of houses about 300 yards in front, 1 applied for authority to occupy them, which being obtained, the Fifty-third Penn- sylvania was advanced, and in time to sustain the attack of the enemy, who was eqaally desirous to obtain so important a post. A vigorous combat ensued, but so judicious was the defense of Colonel Brooke, that whilst effectually covering his own troops he continued to repulse the attempts of the enemy, who were driven back invariably with heavy loss. Finding their efforts futile in this direction the enemy moved off liytheir left, and during this pause in the action the occasion was taken to rapidly withdraw our troops 2~ miles farther to the rear, at age Station. Here the enemy, bringing up more and heavier guns, shelled our exposed battalions, and his columns of infantry offered and received battle from that portion of the army which had not retired. My brigade in this affair was advanced to and held the railroad in the rear and right of our line of battle. During the night all of the army corps had been moved off and all the divisions and brigades except my own, which was left to cover the rear ~ind to destroy the bridge across the White Oak Swamp. This duty was successfully performed, and by 10 oclock a. m. on the next day (Monday) all our train was across and the bridge cut up. At about 11 oclock a. m. the enemy having brought up several batteries placed them so as to command the plains at Nelsons farm, an& for hours our troops were subjected to one of the severest and most destructive cannonades which has occurred in the course of this campaign. Our troops behaved with great coolness nuder it, one of the most trying to which men can be subjected. My brigade was in reserve in thc battle of the evening, and at sun- down I was directed to move my regiments to the crossing of the White Oak Swamp, and to hold it at all hazards. Ayres battery was placed at my disposal, where by advanced pickets and an occasional discharge of artillery the efforts of the enemy to reconstruct the destroyed bridge were greatly retarded, although their workmen were heard at intervals endeavoring to make the passage of the creek practicable Page 78 78 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. The whole army having retired, my brigade was noiselessly with- drawn, and, following the direction of its march, we debouched at day- break upon the road parallel to and upon the James River, wherein the course of the morning (Tuesday) we occupied a position upon the crest of the hill at Malvern, exposed to the cannonading of that day. At sundown the brigade was directed to advance in line of battle to meet a body of the enemy a mile in our front, when, night intervening, the troops lay on their arms until, obeying the order to retire in the place of its succession, my brigade in compact order marched for this camp. The success which invariably attended the covering movements assigned to my brigade must be attributed to the habits of discipline acquired in months of active and arduous service. That no disaster occurred is due to perfect obedience to orders and those dispositions made to foil the sagacity of a most enterprising foe. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. FRENCH, Brigadier- General. Lieut. C. STUART DRAPER, Aide-de- Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Richardsons Div. No. 22. Report of Lieut. Col. William P. Baily, Second Delaware 1 fantry, of the engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and ]tlialvern Hill. HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS, Camp on James River, July 5, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders from the general commanding brigade I moved from the intrenchments at Fair Oaks at daylight on the morn- ing of the 29th ultimo and marched to Allens farm where I took position in line; shortly after changed front, my riglit wing in the woods, the left outside. Then, in accordance with orders, I marched from that place to Savage Station, but losing my horse and becoming exhausted after arriving at the station, I was compelled to turn the command over to Capt. D. L. Striker, and did not resume it until the commencement of the engagement at Nelsons farm. What took place during my absence from duty Captain Striker re- ports as follows: In obedience to orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Baily the command of the regiment devolved upon me on the afternoon of June 29, at Savage Station. I was immedi- ately ordered to move the regiment 300 yards to the left of the Williamsburg road, where we lay in line of battle until 6 p. in., at which time I was ordered to advance to the railroad and throw out skirmishers. We then fell back to the edge of the woods, and at 10 p. m. I was ordered to draw in my skirmishers and report to General Frenchs headquarters, and were moved to White Oak Swamp at daylight of the 30th, where we halted, and Lieutenant-Colonel Baily took command. On the morning of July 1 the command again devolved npon me, and I was ordered to follow the Sixty-sixth New York Regiment. On our arrival at a high hill on the James River the regiment was formed in line of battle and so remained until sun- down, at which time we were ordered to the front, where we remained until near morning July 2. We thbn took up our line of march in the rear of the Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, and arrived at this place. At Nelsons farm I was ordered to take position on the right of and a few paces to the rear of the Fifty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Vo Page 79 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 79 unteers, my right about 200 yards from the road, until sundown, when I was ordered to advance toward the bridge over White Oak Swamp, and occupied the ground between Nelsons house and the road, throw- ing forward Companies A and II to close the interval between the Fifty- third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, which position was held until ordered to march into the road toward James River, where we arrived shortly after daylight. Previous to the march to Malverton I was forced by severe indispo- sition to again turn over the command to Captain Striker. I have to report the following casualties in the regiment since it left the intrenchments at Fair Oaks: Corpl. Frederick Sparr, Company F, killed at Nelsons farm; William Hepson, Company G, wounded, Nel- sons farm; Jacob Bowers, Company K, killed at Malverton.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. P. BAILY, liieut. Gol., Second Regiment Delaware Volunteers. Lient. J. W. PLUME, Aide-de. Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 23. Report of (Jol. Joseph C. Pinckncy, Sixty-sixth New York Infantry, of en- gQqement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. IIDQRS. SIXTY-SIXTH REcfT. NEW YoRK VOLUNTEERS, July 5, 1862. SIR: On Sunday morning, June 29, the Sixty-sixth Regiment occu- pied the breastworks at Fair Oaks to the left of and right of the rail- road. At daybreak we received orders to abandon this position and fall back by the railroad track. We halted at Allens farm. and formnd in column closed in mass on the left of the road facing the enemy. Shortly after we moved to the left and formed line of battle across the wagon road. At about 10 a. m. we changed position to the rear in the woods, so that the line was perpendicular to last position. The enemy threw selid shot and shell, but failed to dislodge us. At 12 oclock in., finding that a general falling back of the force was taking place, I made a flank movement to the left, and followed the Fifty-second Regiment New York Volunteers thence to the rear, and marched parallel with the railroad through the woods until we arrived at Savage Station. We formed line of battle facing the railroad, Jooking north. At about 6 oclock p. in. I threw forward skirmishers and advanced my line to within 100 yards of the railroad and sent forward pickets for the night. The night was very dark, and a heavy rain-storm set in. At 9 oclock p. in. I received orders to draw in my pickets and retire, which being done, I reported my command to Brigadier-General French, who di- rected me to retire by the road, following the Sixty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers. Continued niarclting until nearly break of day, when we arrived at the ford of White Oak Swamp Monday morning, June 30, at 4 oclock, and crossed and halted for rest at Nelsons farm. At 9 oclock we took up position along the road preparatory to a march. At about 12 oclock in. the enemy opened upon our position But ~ee revised statement, p. 24 Page 80 80 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. xxm. with a terrific fire of round shot, rifled shot, and shell. Our position being parallel aud near the road, which seemed to be the point toward which their fire was directed, a change of front was ordered, so as to present a line of battle toward the enemy. The fire of the enemy con- tinued for several hours, during which the only casualty in my com- mand was the wounding in the arm by a fragment of a shell of 1 en- listed man. I now received orders to change front forward and occupy the woods to our left, from where we were informed the enemy menaced us. I deployed my command as skirmishers, and occupied this position unin- terruptedly until the arrival of General Burns brigade, which relieved us, and I retreated to my former position in the open field. At 7 oclock p. m. I advanced my line of battle to the front in support of Hazzards battery, which had occupied this point during the day to prevent the enemy from building a bridge across White Oak Swamp. I sent for- ward skirmishers in front and to the left, at which last point I drew the fire of the enemy. By order of Brigadier-General Richardson I moved my battalion forward and took a position in and around Nelsons house, with orders to hold it. At 9.30 oclock p. m. retired as per orders and joined the column, marching all night, arrived at 4.30 a. in., and bivouacked in a clover field behind Malverton. At 9 oclock a. m. July 1 received orders to march. Advanced l)y the road, and ascended the hill at Malverton and formed line of battle on the crest of the hill while being shelled by the enemys guns. At 6 p. m. we changed front forward in support of a battery. At 7.45 p. m. I advanced the line and rested in front of woods. At 2 oclock a. m. July 2 I received orders to retire and join column en route to James River. At 8 oclock a. in. we arrived near ~ Landing and bivouacked. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOS. C. PINCKNEY, Colonel Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers. Lieut. J. W. PLUME, Aide-de-Camjp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Frenchs Brigade. No. 24. Report of Brig. Gen. John Sedgwick, U. S. Army, commanding Second Di- vision, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Mal- vein Hill. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SUMNERS CORPS, Harrisons Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part sustained by this division in the march made and the actions fought by this army during June 29 and 30 and July 1 and 2: The division left its camp at Fair Oaks immediately after daybreak June 29, and formed in line of battle faced to the rear on the left of Richardsons division, on Allens farm between Orchard and Savage Stations, on the Richmond and York River Railroad. The enemy appeared and attacked about 9 a in., but was successfully held in check. At about noon, all firing having been suspended, the com- mand crossed the railroad and fell back to the high ground south o Page 81 CHAP. XXIII.J SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 81 Savage Station and near the Williamsburg Road. About 5 p. m. the enemy attacked again in stronger force and with more impetuosity, but was gallantly resisted and driven back, the engagement continuing until quite dark. About 11 p. m. the march was resumed across White Oak Swamp, the crossing being successfully accomplished by about daybreak. After a brief rest the march was continued to the point known as Nelsons Farm, or Glendale. About 11 a. m. June 30, the enemy having made a strong attack with artillery upon Franklins command, which had remained to defend the bridge across White Oak Swamp, Danas and Gormans brigades (the latter nuder command of Colonel Sully, First Minnesota) were sent, under Brigadier-General IDana t support, moving a, part of the way at double-quick. 0 Franklins About 3 p. m. a very fierce and strong attack was made upon Mc- Calls division in the first line, which after a short resistance retired, thus bringing in direct contact with the enemy that portion of my com- mand remaining with me. Burns went immediately to meet the enemy, and Danas and Sullys brigades were recalled, agaiu marching a part of the way at double-quick. The Nineteenth Massachusetts, Colonel links, was the first to arrive, and scarcely pausing to draw breath, gal- lantly dashed at the enemy. The others followed and went to the front as they came up as rapidly as their wearied condition rendered possible. Some temporary confusion arose among the regiments of Danas brigade owing to their failure to advance equally with each other, and all these regiments suffered severely. The entire division was now hotly en- gaged, the greater part of it until night, and not only did these troops meet and repulse the assaults of the enemy, but were forced to withstand the demoralizing influence of the panic among those of the first line, who in many instances broke through our ranks in their haste to move out of reach of the enemys fire. About 10 p. m. the regiments, which were lying upon their arms in the positions occupied at the close of the fight, which lasted, as at Savage Station, until some time after dark, were called in, and prepa- rations made to continue the march to Malverton, which we reached about daybreak. At 9 a. m. July 1 the enemy again attacked. My division took up a position under the orders of General Sumner, which was chaiiged once or twice daring the day, and was held in readiness to meet the enemy should he appear in our immediate front or to give any assistance required on other parts of the line, lit was exposed during a portion of the morning to a heavy fire of artillery, from which, however, sur- prisingly few casualties resulted, among them, unhappily, the death of Major Brown, Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers. Between 12 and 2 a. m. of the 2d instant my command was with- drawn from the hill, and took up the march down the Iliver road to this point, arriving about 10 a. m. We have to deplore the loss of several valuable officers. Colonel links, Nineteenth Massachusetts, fell, dangerously wounded, during the action at Glendale while gallantly leading his regimeiit. Major How, of the same regiment, fell at the same time. Colonel Charles, Forty-second New York, also fell, mortally wounded, at the head of his regiment. I cannot refrain from speaking with pride and satisfaction of the great resolution, cheerfulness, and good conduct of the men during the entire march. All were ready at all times, in spite of the severe and 6 R RVOL XI, PT I Page 82 82 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. almost unparalleled fatigues they were compelled to undergo, to meet the enemy at a moments notice. I would especially call the attention of the general commanding the corps to the gallantry of Brigadier- General Burns in the severe engagements both of Savage Station and of (~ lendale, in the former of which he was severely wounded, and in both of which he exhibited great daring and excellent judgment in the disposition of his troops. The conduct of Brigadier-General Dana and of Colonel Sully, though they were less conspicuously engaged, was in every way what was to be expected from their well-established reputation. I would also especially commend the firm and steady behavior of the Seventy-first Pennsylva- nia, under Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, which covered the movement from Fair Oaks to Allens farm, repelling several attacks made by superior numbers most handsomely. Kirbys battery was of great service in the engagement at Glendale, and it is needless to say that officers and men fully sustained their well-earned reputation. Captain Tompkins IRhode Island battery was also engaged upon the same occasion, and was worked with great spirit. I refrain from multiplying mention of good conduct, but refer for additional details to the reports of brigade and regimental commanders which I herewith submit. My personal staff, Cmt. William D. Sedgwick, assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. Church Howe, aide -de-canip, as well as Col. C. H. Tompkins, chief of artillery, were untiring in their exertions, and rendered me, as usual, constant and most valuable assistance. Maj. IR. F. Haisted, volunteer aide, also behaved most handsomely, and ren- dered me important services. To Capt. li. N. Batchelder, assistant quartermaster, for his skill and indefatigable energy in the difficult un- dertaking of moving our transportation, the service is under great obligations. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SEDGWICK, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding Division. Lient. L. KIP, Acting Assistant A djutant- Gener-al, Sumners Army Corps. No. 25. Report of Col. Charles if. Tompkins, Chief of Artillery, c~f engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, -and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, SEDGWICKS DIVISION, July 6, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report: The batteries of this division left camp at Fair Oaks on the 29th ultimo at daybreak and marched with the division to Allens Farm, or Peach Orchard. There Kirbys battery was placed in battery on the north side of the railroad and Tompkins battery on the right of the Nineteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. They had scarcely taken their positions when the enemy opened with a sharp fire of artil- lery and musketry. I ordered both batteries to commence firing, Tomp- kins to endeavor to reach their battery with his Parrott guns and to shell the woods with his howitzers; Kirby to shell the woods. Afte Page 83 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 83 firing briskly for a few minutes I found that many of the Bormann fuses were imperfect and would burn short, thus endangering the lives of our own troops. I therefore ordered Kirbys battery and Tompkins? section of howitzers to cease firing, still continuing firing with the tw~ sections of Parrott guhs. About 9 oclock a. m. -General Sumner ordered one section of Tomp- kins Parrott guns to be placed on the railroad on the left of Kirbys battery and to open fire upon the enemy, who could be distinctly seen crossitig the railroad about 2,000 yards above where the battery was. placed. This was immediately done, and a brisk fire opened with shelL and case-shot. About 10 oclock a. m. the remaining two sections of Tompkins bat- tery were by order of General Suniner moved to the right and front of the position previously occupied, and relieved ilazzards battery, of IRichardsons division, they having expended their ammunition. Shortly after they had commenced firing from this position Pettits battery arrived and took position upon their left. Both batteries kept up a continuous fire until the enemy withdrew. About 1 oclock p. m. the division was ordered to fall back as rapidly as possible to Savage Station. Kirbys battery and one section of Tomp- kins marched down upon the south side of the railroad, and the other two sections of Tompkins battery on the north side. Upon arriving at Savage Station I received orders to order Lieutenant Kirby and Cap- tain Tompkins to report to General Smith, with their batteries. This. was done, and as they did not come under my command again till the following morning I would respectfully refer you for the particulars of ihe part taken by them in this action to their reports, herewith inclosed. Being thus left without a command, General Sedgwick was kind enougk to accept my services as an aide in the engagement of that afternoon. Upon the arrival of the division at ~ farm, or Glendale, on the morning of the 30th ultimo, both batteries reported back to the division, having been ordered to do so by General Smith. In the ac- tion of that afternoon Kirbys battery was placed upon a knoll on the left of the division and west of the road; Tompkins battery on a knoll on the west of the road and in rear of the center of the division. His. caissons were placed on the east side of the road, the fences being leveled between them and the guns. Shortly after the action commenced large bodies of infantry and some artillery of McCalls division broke through the woods in our front, re- treating within our lines in the utmost confusion and disorder. They were closely followed by the enemy, who advanced some 200 yards~ from the woods, where they were checked and soon driven back by a terrific fire from Tompkins and Kirbys batteries and Burns brigade. From this time till after dark, when the enemy were repulsed and the action ceased, both batteries kept up an almost continuous fire, doing, I have every reason to believe, excellent execution. Captain Tompkins and Lieutenant Kirby are entitled to great credit for the able and efficient manner in which they handled their batteries. At 11 oclock p. m. both batteries took up the line of march for Malverton,~where they arrived and went into park the following morn- ing. During this march a wheel came off of one of Tompkins caissons and the axle-tree was broken, rendering it necessary to abandon it. All the ammunition was removed, and such means taken to destroy the caisson as to render it worthless. Neither battery was engaged in the action of July 1. The position of both, however, had to be changed several times during the day to escape the effect of the fire from th Page 84 [CHAP. XXIII 84 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. enemys batteries. At 4 oclock a. m. on the 2d instant both batteries left Malvertou and marched direct to this place, arriving here about 8 oclock a. m. The casualties are as follows: Kirby~s battery, 9 men wounded, 2 of whom are missing, and 3 men missing; total wounded and missing, 12; 3 horses shot. Tompkins battery, 4 men wounded, one of whom is missing; 5 horses shot. I cannot close this report without calling to your attention the untir- ing energy displayed by Captain Tompkins and Lieutenant Kirby and the able and efficient manner in which they have condncted their com- mands throughout the ardnons marches and severe actions since leaving Fair Oaks. I would also speak iu terms of highest commendation of officers and men of these two batteries, and would especially indorse the remarks of battery commanders in commendation of those mentioned in their reports. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. TOMPKINS, Colonel, Commanding Artillery, Sedgwiclcs Division. Capt. WILLIAM D. SEDGWICK, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 26. Report of Capt. John A. Tompkins, Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Famn, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and ilfalvern Hill. IIDQRS. COMPANY A, FIRST IIHODE ISLAND LIGHT ARTY., Harrisons Landing, Va., July 4, 1862. COLONEL: Herewith I have the honor to hand you a report of the operations of my battery in the actions of the 29th and 30th ultimo and 1st instant: I left camp near Fair Oaks at 3 a. m. June 29, and marched with the brigade, under command of Colonel Sully, First Minnesota, to Allens farm, where I was ordered to place the battery upon the right of the Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers. At 8 a. m. I opened with case- shot from the Parrott guns upon the enemy in the wood. At 9 a. in. a section of Parrott gnns was sent to take position npon the western side of the railroad to shell the enemy while crossing the railroad above. The remainder of the battery was moved to the right, and re- lieved Captain Hazzards battery, and opened a brisk fire of case-shot upon time enemy, who were in front, covered by the woods. At 12 in. the battery marched to Savage Station. At 4 p. in. I was ordered to report to General Smith, an(l marched with Brooks brigade toward the White Oak Bridge. At 5p. m. orders were received to return to Savage Station, and the gnus were pushed rapidly forward, the caissons being left to follow the division, under charge of Lientemmant Mason. At 6 p. in. the rifled guns were placed in position upon the left of Hancocks brigade, facing the railroad, and the howitzers upon the right of the brigade, imear Kirbys battery. At 9 p. m. I withdrew the battery, and marched with the advance regiment of Smiths division; crossed the White Oak Bridge at 12, and was placed in position to command the bridge. At 11 a. m. on the 30th ultimo II was ordered by General Smith t Page 85 CHAP. XXIII.) SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 85 report without delay to General Sedgwick at Nelsons farm. At 3 p. m. the battery was placed in position upon the western side of the road. At 51 opened fire upon the enemy with shell and case-shot, and continued firing until 8 p. in., when the enemy retreated. At ii p. m. I was ordered to move my battery to the road and join the division on its march to Malverton, where I parked my battery at 3 a. m. Jnly 1. At 9 a. m. July 1 was ordered to move to the front, and formed in line in rear of Company I, First Artillery. I was obliged to change the position of my battery several times during the day to protect my men and horses from the enemys fire. At 12.30 a. m. the 2d instant I received orders to hold my battery in readiness to march, and at 4 a. m. marched for this place, where I went into park, as directed by you. I have to report wounded in the action of Nelsons farm Sergt. John II. Hammondmusket-ball in arm and hip; Private William H. Sb- cum, slightlymusket-ball in thigh, and Simon M. Sidelinger, slightly musket-ball in thigh, and 3 horses shot. At Allens farm 1 horse broke away from the holder and could not be caught. At Malverton Private James Cooper was shot in the leg through the carelessness of a private of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers. Also 1 horse shot at the same time. I was obliged to abandon a caisson body upon the march from Nel- sons farm to Malverton, owing to the wheel coming off~ and the axle breaking. The ammunition was all removed. All my wounded have been sent on board the transports with the exception of Sidelinger, who is missing. Amount of ammunition expended, 750 rounds. One of my wagons was upset on the White Oak Swamp Bridge, and owing to the carelessness of the infantry guard detailed to protect the prop- erty my company desk was broken open, and my papers, invoices, maps, & c., destroyed, and my quartermaster stores and clothing stolen. I in- close as full a list as possible of the articles lost or expended in action or during the march. The conduct of my officers and men during the hard and tedious marches and actions of the past week bias been such as to merit the greatest praise and to warrant the belief that they will at any or all times respomid willingly to any call that the general may make upon them. They all acted with great coolness and all seemed desirous of doing everything in their power for the furtherance of the service. I would call to your favorable attention Lients. John 0-. Hazard, Jef- frey Hazard, and C. F. Mason, who by their untiring energy greatly aided me in the execution of all orders I received. I have the honor to remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. TOMPKINS, Capt., First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Gomdg. Company A. Col. C. H. To1VUPKTNS, Gomdg. Artillery, Sedgwicks Division. No. 27. Report of Lieut. Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U. S. Artillery, of en- gagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Sta- tion, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and ]Ilialvern Hill. COLONEL: In accordance with instructions, received at daylight on time 29th of June, 1862, I retired with Light Company I, First U. S Page 86 86 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Artillery, from Pair Oaks to Allens farm, when I was ordered into lbosition near the railroad. We remained here about four hours and were under a heavy fire of artillery. As my battery was iu an ex- posed position, I advauced nearly 100 yards to obtain the cover of -a slight hill. I fired from this position a few rounds of shell and shot, when orders were received to retire to Savage Station, where I was to report to Brigadier-General Smith, who placed me in position on the right, where I was under a continual fire, but did not open with my battery. During the evening I received orders to retire to White Oak Swamp, which place we reached before daylight, and remained a few hours, when I was ordered to march to Nelsons Farm and toward night was placed in position on a bluff in rear of our troops. Soon after arriving at this point heavy firing commenced upon my left and front. I changed front to cover the ground more effectively. As some of onr troops were retreating in confusion I opened with solid shot and shell and kept up a rapid fire upon the advancing enemy. They did not approach nearer than 500 yards to my position, but kept np a terrible fire of artillery and musketry upon us from their positiou in the woods, where they lay concealed. I succeeded in exploding a caisson of the enemy. The fight continued until dark, and about 10 p. m. I received orders to retire to Malverton, which place I reached about daylight. At this point I was under fire most all day, but took no active part in the battle. I would respectfully call the attention of the commanding officer to the conduct of Corpl. Michael Hart, who was sent with an order and was wounded while conveying it. He returned with the answer before visiting the hospital. It may be proper here to state that lie commanded a section of the battery at the battle of Balls Bluff with great credit to himself Also Peter Carlina citizen, employed to drive ambulancewho gave his ambulance to a soldier who was unable to work but was able to drive, and came forward to act as a cannoneer when there was scarcely enough men to work the guns. Also Edward Perkins and James Mooney, members of Company E, First California Regiment, who cauie forward during the fight at Nelsons farm, and rendered efficient service after several cannoneers had been disabled. At present I have scarcely a gnu-carriage fit for service. Most of the trails are almost worthless, the wheels are fast falling to pieces, and the different parts are fast giving way. These carriages were made by Wood & Brothers, contractors, New York. Very respectfully, E. KIRBY, First Lieutenant, Commanding Company I, First Artillery. Col. C. H. TOMPKINS, Chief of Artillery, Sedywicks Division. No. 28. Report of ~Jol. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Peach Orchard, battle of Savage Station, en- gagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale (Fraziers Farm) and Malvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS GoRMANS BRIGADE, Camp near Harrisons Landing, July 43, 18432. ~I5APTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the par Page 87 CHAP. X~TIT.] SEVEN-DAYS~ BATTLES. 87 taken by the brigade I command in the march from Fair Oaks to this camp: Owing to the illness of General Gormnan, the commanding officer, I was placed in command. Early Snuday, 29th ultimo, we left our in- trenebments and fell back to Allens farm, on the railroad. The Fif- teenth Massachusetts the evening before were ordered to Savage Station as a guard, and were employed in destroying Government stores there. The enemy opening on us at Allens farm, the brigade was drawn up in line on the edge of the woods as a support, and though exposed to a heavy artillery fire~ were not engaged. The enemy being repulsed, we were ordered to move promptly to Savage Station, and took our position there on a hill. About 4 p. in. the enemy opened on us with artillery. The First Minnesota Regiment was ordered to follow General Burns brigade, which was advancing across the field to the woods occupied by the enemy. They here did good service in protecting Burns left flank and firmly held their ground against great odds. Their loss here was very heavy. The enemy still pressing Burns heavily the Eighty-second New York aimd Fifteenth Massachusetts were ordered to his assistance and the relief of the One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. These regiments moved up handsomely in line of battle, and taking their position in the edge of the woods under a heavy fire, held their ground. The Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers was kept on the hill in reserve as there was some danger of our extreme left. About 9 p. in. the regiments were withdrawn, and we took up our line of march through the White Oak Swamp; continued the march during the night au(l next day until we reached Nelsons farm. At the time sonic skirmishing was going on in front by troops of other divisions. Heavy artillery firing taking place in our rear, the brigade was ordered back to support Richardsons division. Being very unwell I remained behind, seim(lin g my staff with orders to send for me in case we got engaged. Soon after this the battle opened on the field where I was, the enemy driving large bodies of our troops (McCalls division, I believe), who ran to the rear panic-stricken. I did all I could to rally them, but without success. General Sumner told me he had sent for my brigade, and wished me to lead it into action, keeping the First Minnesota as a reserve. The brigade soon after arrived, very much exhausted, having marched most of the way at double-quick. It was soon formed and marched to the front the First Minnesota being placed in advance of our batteries. I rode to tIme right of our line and found that General Burns had ordered the Fifteenth Massachusetts and Thirty-fourth New York into the woods, to support some regiments hotly pressed by the enemy. The Eighty-second New York was l)laced in position on their right. Finding that the right of the line was very much expose4, owing to the fact that sonic regiments before stationed there had fallen back and the enemy were collecting a large force in our front,I sent back word to General Sumner and then went mnyself in hopes of bringing up the First Minnesota Regiment, but I found that General IDana had ordered it into tIme thickest of the fight, to sustain some regiments of his brigade. This, I understand, they did most gallantly. The Fifteenth Massachusetts were ordered farther to the left by General Burns, to support part of his brigade. During the rest of the day they held the ground they were ordered to. The Thirty-fourth and Eighty-second New York also maintained their position on the right till 12 at night Page 88 88 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (OnAP. XXIII. when all the regiments were withdrawn and we again took np our line of march. By sunrise we reached Malvern Hill, and the rest of the army, almost entirely broken down by fatigue, but not to rest. We were soon again under arms, a~zid marching to the right formed line of battle, to support some batteries and be ready for an attack. After waiting there some time, exposed to a heavy fire of artillery, we moved by the right flank and joined Smiths left, where we remained in posi- tion until night, when we were again ordered to march, reaching this place about noon July 2. Where so many behaved well it is bard to mention names. Colonel Suiter, Thirty-fourth New York; Colonel Hudson, Eighty-second New York; Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, First Minnesota; Lieutenant-Colonel Kimball, Fifteenth Massachusetts, commanded their regiments with great coolness and bravery. Colonel Suiter, Thirty-fourth New York, recommends his adjutant, Lient. George W. Thompson, for his effi- ciency. I cheerfully concur in this recommendation. My thanks are due to my staff, Captain flebard, Lieutenants liaquet and Gorman, and Mr. E. L. Sproat, volunteer aide, acting on the staff, for the services ren- dered me in time of action. I beg leave to state to the general com- manding that I can say with pride that in all these fights not a regiment of the First Brigade yielded one inch of ground to the enemy. I have the honor to be, very respectfally, your obedient servant, ALP. SULLY, Colonel First Minnesota, Commanding Brigade. Capt. WILLIAM B. SEDGWICK, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 29. Report of Lieut. fJol. John W. Kimball, Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the action at ~ Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLS., Camp near Harrisons Landing, July 5, 1862. [SIR:] I have the honor to report that on Friday, June 27, 1862, at 2 oclock p. in., I was ordered to move my regimnent as rapidly as possi- ble from camp near Fair Oaks, and take a position on the right of the Eighty-second New York Voluimteers, this being the extreme right of Gormans brigade. Remained in this position until about 5 oclock p. in., when I was ordered to report immediately to General Bnrns, which I did, taking a position on the left of his brigade, in support of the Seventh New York Volunteers. We remained in this position about half an hour, during which time a very hot skirmish was going on directly in front in gaged. , which the front lines and artillery only were en- Was then ordered to report immediately to General Smith on the right of the line, which I did, moving my regiment a part of the way at double-quick. Reporting to General Smith at 8 oclock, was ordered at once to enter a rifle pit to the left of the front, thereby relieving the Fifth Wisconsin Volunteers, who were ordered to the front where a most terrific engagement was going on. Was Umeim ordered to leave the pit and advance in line of battle to the front, in order to relieve the troops whose ammunition had been e Page 89 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 89 pended. When but a few rods in advance of the pit the order was countermanded, the report having been received that the enemy had been repulsed and driven from his position in much confusion. After receiving the thanks of General Smith I returned to camp by his order, reporting to General Sumner. Although not actually engaged with the enemy in any part of the days fight, I cannot but think that it was owing to the timely arrival of my regiment on the right, thereby per- mitting re-enforcements to go to the front at this critical time, that the tide of battle was turned and the success made complete to our arms. My loss was 2 wounded which will be shown in the recapitulation of casualties. At 6 oclock p. in. on Saturday, the 28th ultimo, was ordered to have everything packed and in readiness to move at a moments notice. At 8.30 oclock p. m. I reported in person to General Sedgwick for orders by order of Lient. Church Howe. Was ordered by General Sedgwick to proceed immediately and as rapidly as possible to Savage Station and report there to General Marcy, chief of staff. I left camp precisely at 9 oclock, and proceeding by way of the railroad, reported to General Marcy at 10.30 oclock. By his orders bivouacked my regiment near station until morning, there to await further orders. By orders of Gen- eral Williams my regiment was ordered at 9 oclock a. m. to report immediately at the station, for the purpose of destroying ammunition and stores collected there. Such was the quantity and weight of ma- terial to be destroyed, that the utmost exertions of my entire force were required to accomplish the desired end before the arrival of the division to the general of which I was ordered to report. At 4.30 oclock p. m. was ordered to form in line of battle on the hill as reserve, the enemy having appeared in front and opened on us with artillery. The engage- inent becoming general, was ordered by General Sumner to advance to the front at double-quick. With cheers the men advammeed, amid with an unbroken line soon reached the woods, there to relieve the One hundred and sixth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, then somnewhat disordered, and occupy a position to the right and rear of the Eighty-second New York Volunteers and to the left of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers. This position I was ordered to hold, throwing out my l)ickets 300 yards to the front. About 9 oclock p. inn. was ordered to withdraw quietly, leaving my pickets, and report to Colonel Sully, commanding brigade, near my original position. When a~lxranciug to the front the men, by order of General Sumner, threw knapsacks and blankets off, and were not al- lowed to recover them on their return, by order of Colonel Sully. In this engagemeut my loss was 3 wounded whi recapitulation of casualties. ch will be shown in the On Monday, 30th ultimo, at 2.30 oclock p. in., was ordered to form my regiment in the open field in front of headquarters at ~ Farm, heavy firing of artillery having -opened omi the right. After remaining about half an hour in this position was ordered to move to the right and report to General Dana. After proceeding haifa mile in this direc- tion was ordered to form my regiment in the field near the road. At this time Colommel Suiter took command of the brigade. At about 4 oclock p. m. was ordered to the left of General ~ line of battle, ibrinniug a right angle with his line, in order to protect his left flank. At about 5 oclock p. m. was otdered to return to my original position, a severe engagement having opened at that point. On the road I received orders direct from C eneral Sedgwick, through Lieut. Church Howe, to use the utmost speed in reaching the field, as more troop Page 90 90 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. ~Xitt were greatly needed at this critical moment. Almost exhausted by fatigue and heat, my men, unable to move rapidly, still came in in good order, and forming in the field advanced, by order of General Sumner, to the front. After advancing some 300 yards was ordered by General Burns to move by the right flank to the rear and support of Colonel Baxter. The firing becoming very heavy on the extreme left, was ordered by General Burns to proceed to the left of the First Minnesota Volunteers and then move forward to that point where the fire was the hottest. On reaching the froiit I relieved the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, whose ammunition had become exhausted. Before my arrival the tire had slackened and soon ceasing altogether Was not renewed at that point. I remained in this position until 12 oclock, when being ordered to withdraw quietly, did so, taking iii my pickets. The loss to my regiment dnring this engagement was 0 wounded, which will be shown in the recapitulation of casualties. On Thursday, July 1, at 11 oclock, the enemy having appeared in force, I xvas ordered to form in line of battle on the hill at Malverton as a reserve to the First Minnesota and Eighty-second New York Vol- unteers. When in this position received a severe fire from the enemy~s artillery, and was SOGI) ordered out of range and under cover of the woods. Remained in this position until 1 oclock a. ma. July 2, and was theii ordered to withdraw quietly, taking in my pickets. Of the conduct of my coinman(l during the five (lays of labor and fatigue I have but to say tliat they all, officers and men. evinced a dis- position to perform the arduous duties assigned them to the utmost of their ability and strength, and although not at any time under severe fire, advanced when ordered upon points of apparent danger with that same spirit and determination which they have ever shown in former engagements. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfally, your obedient servant, [JOHN W. KIMBALL Lieut. Cot. Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry.] Captain HEBARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 30. Report of Brig. Gen. William W. Burns, U. S. Army, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and Malvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS BURNs BRIGADE, Camp at Harrisons Landing, July 5, 1862. On Sunday, June 29, I was directed to draw my brigade from the breastworks to join the division, and march to Orchard Station, which was done in the face of the enemy under favor of a fog. 0mm reaching Orchard Station the corps was formed in line of battle, facing to the rear. Soon after I received an order to send a regiment back to reoc- cupy our former lines as advanced pickets. I sent the Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers (California), Lieut. Col. W. G. Jones. When Colonel ~ pickets reached the wood where the battle ended on the 31st of May he captured 2 prisoners, the advance of the enemys pickets Page 91 SEYEN~DAYS* BATTLES. He soon discovered the enemy in force in lily old camp, who commenced to advance on him. At the same tune a force came down the railroad in front of the regiment, advanced on his left, and forced this regiment back. Colonel Jones fell back to a favorable position at the left of the wood behind Allens house, aiid received the enemy in gallant style. The force of the enemy, however, beginning to mnltiply, the Califor- nians retired fighting throngh the woods to the edge of the field, in front of the line of battle formed by Sumners corps. Here it halted on the second advanced line, composed of the Sixty-third New York, Colonel Burke, on the right; Twentieth Massachusetts, Colonel Lee, on the left, and the Fifth New Hampshire, which had previously been the left of the advanced line. The enemy were here che& ked, but anticipating a renewal of attack, General Sedgwick directed me to take command of this line. The Sev- enty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, under its gallant young lieutenant- colonel, won high encomiums from the corps commander, who knows what hard fighting means. About 12 oclock we received orders to fall back upon Savag& s, passing through the lines of General Heintzelman, when lying at Say- ages, expecting an attack iu the direction of Bottoms Bridge. About 4.30 oclock the enemy appeared in the corner of the field to onr left rear, having evidently followed us, and, avoiding Heintzelmans work, passed to the left of the railroad. General Sumner ordered me to take two regiments and move promptly back across the field about half a mile, and hold the woods between the Williamsburg road and the rail- road. Before I reached the position a scout informed me that the enemy were in large force on the Williamsburg road. Seeing that both of my flanks would be exposed, I sent to General Sumner for another regiment. Fortunately the enemy did not attack until Lieutenant- Colonel Miller, First Minnesota Regiment, reported, and I had time to throw it to the left, across the Williamsburg road, with the left flank retired. I found I still had not sufficient length of line to cover the ground, and was obliged to move Colonel Baxter to the right and throw back his right flank to cover the railroad, leaving a gap in the center of my line. These dispositions were in progress when the enemy attacked most furiously with infantry, he having been playing with artillery upon me during the whole movement across the field, which was answered by General Sumners batteries. The battle raged along the whole line, but concentrated gradually toward my two weak points, the center and the Williamsburg road. 1 urged more regiments, which were promptly sent me. Before these arrived, however, the enemy made a rush on the center, wounded me and killed the captain of the left com- pany of Baxters (Captain McGonigle), forced through to the fence, and flaunted their flag across the rails, broke the line for a moment, but the brave men rallied and drove them back. The fight then moved toward the Williamsburg road, when most op- portunely the Eighty-eighth New York, Colonel , came across the field double-quick and cheering. I threw them into the gap on the road, when the enemy opened artillery and infantry upon them, but they never falterednot only went up to my line but beyond it, and drove secesh before them. The Eighty-second New York, Colonel Hudson, then came over the field, and I advanced it to the gap of the center. It too advamiced beyond the original line. The Fifteenth Massachusetts coming up, I relieved Colonel Morehead with it, and Colonel Baxter with the Twentieth Massachusetts, Colonel Lee. The First Californi Page 92 92 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAr. XXIII. and Seventh Michigan coming up, I held them in reserve, looking to the flanks. Colonel Owen, of the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was led to the left of the Minnesota by my aide, and still farther to the left General Brooks brigade was thrown by General Sumner, on learn- ing the enemy was moving in large force in that direction. The fight closed, however, with the fire of the Eighty-eighth New York, Eighty- second New York, and Fifteenth Massachusetts. Prisoners reported four brigades of the enemy. Generals Cobb and Kershaw came down the Nine-mile road, General Toombs and another down the Williams- burg road. My loss in killed and wounded cannot well be had, as regiments of different brigades will make their reports to their own brigade corn- manders. Our men showed their superiority, and the victory can fairly be claimed by us. He was the attacking party, and was not only checked, but repulsed and driven from the ground. The battle ceased at 7 oclock. About 11 oclock I received orders from General Sumner to withdraw my brigade and march to White Oak Bridge. On Monday, about 8 oclock, we were again put in march for Malverton. When arriving at Glendale we were halted to allow the train to pass us. About 11 oclock the enemy attacked the troops of General Franklin at the bridge. General Sumner sent two of Gen- eral Sedgwicks brigades back to his support, leaving but mine at Glen- dale. About 3.30 oclock an attack was made on General McCalls division in front of ~ house. Soon his left gave way and broke toward us in confusion. General Sumner made the disposition of my brigade, placing Colonel Baxter on the right, Colonel Owen in center, and Colonel Morehead left the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, Colonel Jones, in rear of Kirbys battery, in support. At the request of Gen- eral Hooker, General Sumner forwarded Colonel Owen to the right of Hookers first line and sent Colonel Morehead in reserve of General Hookers right. I was then directed to lead Baxter to the wood on the right of the field, throngh which McCalls left retreated, as the enemy seemed to be moving that way to rid themselves of the terrible fire of Kirbys battery, which swept this field. Soon after General Danas brigade came back from the bridge and went forward, filling the space between Colonel Owens right and Colonel Baxters left. Another heavy attack broke McCalls center and sent the fugitives shamefully through our ranks. Our line was advanced, and Colonel Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, unsupported, pursued the victorious rebels back over the ground through which they were passing and crowned the crest of the hill where McCall had lost his artillery. Gallant Sixty-ninth! The line followed this noble example, and McCalls position was held and the enemy discomfited. By direc- tion of General Sedgwick I placed the Seventy-first Pennsylvania Volunteers and Nineteenth Massachusetts in support of the first line, in connection with Baxters Seventy-second, Colonel Hudsons Eighty- second New York, Colonel Suiters Thirty-fourth New York. While perfecting this line another attack was made on the left center, and I found that the Seventh Michigan and Forty-second New York had broken from the front line, the enemy rapidly advancing through the gap. I threw the SeventyAlrst Pennsylvania, Colonel Jones, and Nine- teenth Massachusetts, Colonel Hinks, into the breach, and nobly did they redeem the faults of their comrades. These two noble regiments met the enemy f~ce to face, and for nearly one hour poured into them sach tremendous volleys that no further attack was had at that vital point Page 93 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 93 On going to the right I received a message from General McCall that he was wounded and hard pressed on his right. By authority of Gen- eral Sumner I immediately forwarded the Thirty-fourth New York, Colonel Suiter, to the left of General Berry, at his request, and advanced our right, then in reserve, to relieve McCall, but before reaching him three staff officers came back, and informed me that the enemy had been taken in flank on the right and was in a fair way of being cap- tured. I halted our line, as it was growing late and I was fearful of firing upon friends coming from the right flank. Again Sedgwicks division was victorious. About 11 oclock orders were given to fall back on Malverton, which was quietly done. At Malverton my brigade was exposed to a heavy enfilading fire of shells, in which 2 were killed. I refer to the reports of regimental commanders for individual good conduct. Colonel Baxter, Colonel Owen, Colonel Morehead, and Lieutenant-Colonel Jones fulfilled my utmost expectations. I repeat my assertion at Fair OaksI am satis- fied with the conduct of my brigade. iNone will gainsay it. My staff (Captain Hicks, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Blakeny, wounded, and Lieutenant Griffiths) were indefatigable. Sur- geon Lidell made an army fame. My brigade lost Captain MeGonigle and 99 privates killed; Captain Mallery, Lieutenant Kenny, Captain Johnson, Seventy-first Pennsyl- vania Volunteers; Lieutenant Shewell, Seventy-second Pennsylvania, and 148 privates wounded.* iRespectfnlly submitted. WM. W. BURNS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. WIIJ4IA~~Lr D. SEDGWICK, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 31. Report of Brig. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Mialvern Hill. IIDQRS. 3n BRIGADE, 2n DIVISION, 2n Cones DARM]~E, July 5, 1862. I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the brigade under my command and of other regiments at different times assigned to my command: My brigade occupied the intrenchments in the advanced position at Fair Oaks on the left of the Second Corps. About 11 oclock at night of the 28th instant I received an order from the brigadier-general com- manding corps to have all tents struck, knapsacks packed, and regi- ments ready to march at a moments warning. About dawn of day 29th I received an order to repitch the tents, and about half an hour afterward I received an order to march immediately to ~ Farm, on the railroad next below Orchard Station. I then reported my brigade to the brigadier-general commanding division, and formed line of ba.ttle on the edge of the woods ou the lower side of the farm, and at the same *But see revised statement, p. 25 Page 94 94 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAI~. XXIII. time sent a regiment (the Twentieth Massachusetts) to hold the line of woods about 600 yards to the front on the other side of the farm. My brigade occupied this position about four hours d they were exposed to a sharp artillery fire. , uring which time About 11 oclock a. m. of the 29th instant I received an order from the brigadier-general commanding corps to hasten my command by regiments with all possible dispatch down the railroad to Savage Sta- tion. Here I formed my brigade in obedience to orders on the left oi Richardsons division, fronting the north, and detached the Forty-second New York Volunteers about 1,000 yards in the woods to the front, to observe the enemy and resist his approach. This regiment, as well as the Twentieth Massachusetts, lost several men by the enemys shells, and the whole line was exposed to the sharp fire of artillery. About the middle of the afternoon I discovered a long line of the enemys skirmishers emerging from the woods far off on our left into the open field, a portion of which we occupied. I could not conceal my surprise and astonishment at this, as I had supposed that portion of the woods was occupied by a portion of another corps of the Army of the Potomac. Batteries were promptly placed in position by the brigadier-general commanding corps, and a line of battle formed on that flank by a portion of the corps which was rapidly advanced into the edge of the woods, and I was ordered to support the right by two of my regiments, the Seventh Michigan and the Twentieth Massachu- setts. The enemy were found in these woods in great force, an dthe battle raged here with great violence until after dark, at which time the enemy were repulsed. I was just leading my remaining regiment (the Nineteenth Massa- chusetts Volunteers) to the snpport of my two regiments on the right, when at about 9 p. m. I received an order to recommence the retreat, and immediately recalled my four regiments. The brigade marched about 10 p. m. across White Oak Swamp, and crossed the bridge at the swaump at about dawn of day of the 30th instant, slept on their arms about two hours, and then resumed the retreat, halting at Nelsons farm. Aboat noon of this day a very heavy artillery fire was heard on our right at the White Oak Swamp, where General Franklin was posted with three divisions to hold the place. Soon after this an artillery fire commenced in our front. About 2 p. m. I was ordered to go with my brigade and with the First Brigade, under Colonel Suiter, to re-enforce General Franklin. Assuming coinumaud of these two brigades, I directed Colonel Lee, the senior officer, to assume command of my own brigade. On arriving at White Oak Swamp I was ordered to place one of my brigades on the left of Frenchs brigade and hold the other in reserve. After remaiuiiig in this position about two hours a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry was heard in the position we had left two honrs ago. Messengers came to me almost every moment from General Sum- ner to hurry up my command by regiments in double-quick time and to make all possible haste. Very many men broke down on the road, and those who arrived at Nelsons farm, althongh in excellent spirits, showed the marks of great fatigue. The regiments were formned and marched into the woods as rapidly as they arrived. The first three which arrived were under command of Colonel Lee. The last one which ar- rived was the First Minnesota, which I formned myself and marched for- ward to the woods. The first line, under Colonel Lee, advanced beyond support and was subjected to a tremendous fire. One of the regimuents kroke? but was afterward rallied, which compelled the Twentieth Mass~i Page 95 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 95 chnsetts, which had advanced farther than any, to fall back, which they did in order. Soon after dark orders were given to withdraw the regiments and continue the retreat. The retreat was continned all night, and at dawn of day of the 1st instant we arrived at Malverton, where my brigade was formed in line of battle immediately in rear of Richardsons division. The enemy soon after commenced an attack, and we were exposed to a galling fire of artillery, but about 9 oclock we moved to the right to occupy a road in the woods in the direction of Smiths division. Soon after this the One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers was sent to report to me, which connected my line with Smiths division. About 11 oclock at night I received an order to again withdraw my regiments and continue the retreat, and arrived here about the middle of the fore- noon. I regret to report that some of the most Valuable officers of my com- mand are lost to the service for the present. The gallant old veteran Colonel Lee, T~ventieth Massachusetts Volunteers, the second in com- mand of the brigade, has been entirely disabled by an artillery horse falling on him at the battle of Nelsons farm. Colonel links Nine- teenth Massachusetts Volunteers, next in rank, a most gallant and com- petent officer, severely wounded at Nelsons farm, has been sent to the rear. Colonel Charles, Forty-second New York Volunteers, was left wounded (supposed mortally) at a hospital at Nelsons farm. Major How, Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, one of the most valuable and brave officers in the service, was killed at Nelsons farm. I my- self am now confined to my bed quite ill for the first time during my service, and have been unable myself to write this report. If it is un- satisfactory I hope these losses and my own condition will be sufficient excuse. I desire to make particular mention of the officers of my staff (Capt. W. B. Leach, assistant adjutant-general; Licut. Col. L. Peirson, Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers; Lieut. E. P. Bishop, Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers; Surg. A. N. Dougherty and Capt. W. U. Le Due, assistant quartermaster), whose labors were incessant and un- remitting during these four days of trial. I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours, N. J. T. DANA, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM D. SEDGWICK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, Second Corps dArm6e. No. 32. Reports of Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Ilieintzelman, U. S. Army, commanding Third Corps, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, battle of Savage Station, engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and ]Jfalvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, Camp near Harrisons Bar, James River, Va., July 18, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to mike this report of the operations of my corps on the 25th of June, when onr pickets were pushed for- ward from beyond our intrenchn4ents near the seven Pines, on the Jlichrnond road Page 96 96 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. [CHAP. XXIII. A few days after the battle of Fair Oaks our pickets were withdrawn from the position they occupied after the battle. This was in conse- quence of the difficult character of the swamp and the thick under- growth. Our pickets being so near, necessitated keeping the troops more on the alert than would have been necessary had they been out the usual distance, thus depriving them of necessary rest. All our efforts to extend our pickets were opposed by the rebels in the most determined manner, occasioning a daily loss on both sides. The evening of the 24th I received orders from the commanding general to put my whole corps under arms and extend my picket line to the requisite distance, that General Sumners left would advance at the same time, and a demonstration with artillery would be made still farther to the right. The necessary orders were given that night. At 8 oclock a. In., the hour fixed upon, I went to the front. The tronps were soon iu position, and the advance commenced. General Hooker has so fully explained the position of his division it is not necessary to repeat it here. Information was sent to General IRich- ardson on the right and to General Kearny on the left of our advance to enable them to push forward their pickets at the same time. The enemy from the beginning opposed the advance of General Sickles brigade on both sides of the Williamsburg road. The enemy were, however, steadily driven back some 600 yards on our right half a mile in front of General Grovers brigade and near a mile on the front; of General Kearnys division. At this time General Hookers division was opposed by three to one, and the enemy held the woods so pertinaciously that no further prog- ress could be made without re-enforcemnents. This I telegraphed to general headquarters, and ordered up General Birney~s brigade as a support. Just as this brigade reported to General Hooker he received a telegram from General Marcy, intended for me, directii~g him to fall back. The order was given, but the enemy was contented to hold the ground on which they were. As the commanding general was coming to judge for himself about pressing farther,I directed the troops to halt and hold what we had gained. At about 1 oclock p. m. the general arrived. After learning the position of affairs he directed the attack to be renewed. Ordering np General Pahners brigade, General Couchs division, of General Keyes corps, as a support, should it be needed, I sent Captain IDe IRussy forward with a section of a battery to dislodge the enemy. This was handsomely done, and the rebels were driven into the open field and to the woods beyond. In the edbe of the woods were several rebel camps, which were shelled. Our troops were now in the position we wished to hold from right to left. Measures were taken to establish a picket line and withdraw the troops to their former lines. Whilst this was being done (at 5 oclock p. m) the commanding general received a telegram requiring his presence on our extreme right and left immediately. Everything remained quiet for half an hour, when the rebels made a sudden attack on the right of General Kearnys line on General Robinsons front. The attack was so vigorous that a portion of the line gave way. I had previously ordered up General Birneys brigade to relieve General Grovers, as the latter had already finished their tour in the advance. This brigade being at hand I immediately directed it to the relief of General Robinson. One regiment, the ,enabled him to repulse the enemy and again occupy our advanced line. By 9 oclock p. m. all was quiet, and I returned to my headquarters. All the brigades o Page 97 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 97 General Hooker being worn-out by continued service in throwing up works and constai~t watchfulness, the commanding general allowed me to retain General Palmers brigade to cover our front on the Williams- burg ioad. IDuring the night there were several stampedes, but I observed that most of the firing came from our troops. There were also indications that the enemy were collecting and moving troops and artillery. This was supposed to indicate a purpose on their part to attack us in the morning. I thought it rather a preparation on their part to meet an advance from us, as a very small advance farther in this direction would turn their works at Old Tavern. To be prepared for any contingency I was on the ground at daylight. An hour after there was heavy firing again, but almost entirely from our side. Last evening it was reported to me by the signal officers that the enemy were moving and placing artillery in position. As soon as the fog lifted sufficiently it was observed that the rebel troops and camps had been withdrawn out of sight bmik into the woods, beyond the range of our artillery. Only their pickets were to be seen. The sounds taken for the moving of artillery the evening before being the wagons employed in removing the rebel camps, we were now left in undisturbed possession of the ground we had gained the day before. I cannot close this report without again calling attention to the gal- lantry and good judgment displayed by General Hooker. All the arrangements of his division were made by him and nuder his special superintendence. Than him there is not a braver man in this army or one more worthy of promotion. I also would call attention to General Robinson. The attack on his line was one of the severest of the day, and he handsomely sustained himself. The Twentieth Indiana, of his brigade, distinguished itself and bore the brunt of the attack, well sup- ported by the Sixty-third Pennsylvania, Colonel Hays. I also desire to call attention to the special mention made in General Hookers report of Brigadier-Generals Sickles and Grover and the commanders of regi- ments. General Kearny, with the officers and men of his division, conducted themselves with their usual gallantry. It is impossible to mention all who are deserving, but I inclose the reports I have received. The officers of my staff were with me, and active in the performance of their duties. This was apparently only an affair of pickets, but there were engaged on our side both the divisions of my corps, a brigade of General Couchs division, General Keyes corps, and a portion of General Richardsons division, General Sumners corps. The ground was exceedingly diffi- cult, and every inch of it was most gallantly contested by a large force of the enemy, and our heavy loss shows with what energy. It put us in a position that with fresh troops the next day I had no doubt we could have turned the enemys position at Old Tavern. The men of my corps were worn-out by continued watchfulness for near a month, and an encampment, with bad water, in an unwholesome swamp, on the old battle-field, with the half-buried dead men and horses poisoning the air. They had already accomplished all that could be expected from men. 7 R RVOL XI, PT I Page 98 98 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. I annex a table of the loss in my corps.* I have no reports of the loss in General Palmers brigade. Respectfully submitted. S. P. IIEILNTZELMAN,, Brigadier- General. General S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Potomac, Harrisons Bar. HEADQIJARTERS THIRD CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Harrisons Bar, Va., July 21, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to make a report of the operations of my corps after the action of the 25th of June, and to include th~ battle of Glendale, or Nekons Farm. On the night of the 28th of June I received orders to withdraw the troops of my CO~l)5 from the advanced position they had taken on the 25th of June, and to occupy the intrenched lines about a mile in rear. A map was sent me showing the positions General ~ and Gen- eral Franklins corps would occupy. About sunrise the next day our troops slowly fell back to the new position, cautiously followed by the enemy, taking possession of our camps as soon as we left them. From some misapprehension General Sumner held a more advanced position than was indicated on the map furnished me, thus 4eaving a space of about three-fourths of a mile between the right of his corps and Gen- eral Smiths division of General Franklins corps. The night of the 27th of June I was sent for to general headquarters, and was there informed of the determination to change our base of operations to James River. I returned to my headquarters at Savage Station, where 1 remained on the 28th and the 29th, nrging the artil- lery and wagons across the railroad. I had another crossing prepared a short distance below, which much facilitated the operation. By 10.30 a. m. the second day all had passed. At 11 a. m. on the 29th the enemy commenced an attack on General Sumners troops, a few shells falling within my lines. Late in the fore- noon reports reached me that the rebels were in possession of Dr. Trents house, only 14- miles from Savage Station. 1 sent several cav- alry reconnaissances, and finally was satisfied of the fact. General Franklin came to my headquarters, when I learned of the interval between his left and General Sumners right, in which space Dr. Trents house is; also that the rebels had repaired one of the bridges across the Chickahominy and were advancing. About 2 p. m. General Smiths division commenced to appear in the large field to the north of Savages, and in a few minutes he and Gen- eral Franklin rode up. I learned from- them that the enemy was advancing in force, and of the necessity for General Sumner to fall back to connect with General Smiths left. I rode forward to see General Sumner, and met his troops falling back on the Williamsburg road through my lines. General Su~nner informed me that he intended to make a stand at Savage Station, and for me to join hini to determine upon the position. This movement of General Sumners uncovering my right flank, it became necessary for me to at once withdraw my troops. I directed General Kearny, who was on the left of the road, to fall back so soon as General Sumners troops were out of the way, * Embodied in revised statement, pp. 2628 Page 99 Clii?. XXrfl.l SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 99 and to be followed by General Hooker. I rode back to find General Sumner. After some delay, from the mass of troops in the field, I found him, and learned that the course of action had ~been determined on; so I returned to my command to give the necessary orders for the destruction of the railroad cars, ammunition, and provisions still re- maining on the ground. Lieutenant Norton, of my staff, with some cavalry, set fire to them. The whole open space near Savages was crowded with troopsmore than I supposed could be brought in action judiciously. An aide from the commanding general had in the morning reported to me to point out a road across the White Oak Swamp starting from the left of General Kearnys position and leading by Bracketts Ford. General Kearny~ having also reconnoitered it, sent a portion of his division and his artil- lery by this road. Feeling it to be impossible for all the troops to retire by the roads leading by Savage Station, I ordered the whole of my corps to take this road, with the exception of Osborns a~nd Bramhalls bat- teries. These, at General Smiths request, I directed to report to him~ as all his batteries had already retired. 1 beg to refer to Captaint Osborns report for the particulars of the gallant service rendered by those batteries that afternoon. The road from General Kearnys left across White Oak Swamp soon forked, one going by Jourdans Ford, another by Fishers, and a third by Bracketts, the latter alone practicable for artillery. The first was occupied by a force of the enemy. After he was repulsed General Berrys brigade crossed by Fishers Ford and the rest of the troops by Bracketts. The advance of the column reached the Charles City road at 6.30 p. m. and the rear at 10 p. m. without accident. We found General Sykes troops holding the point at which the road terminated. General Berrys brigade entered the Charles City road some distance in advance. I repaired to general headquarters and reported, where I remained until the next morning, when I received instructions where to post my division. In the morning June 30 1 sent and destroyed the bridge at Bracketts Ford, and gave orders to fell trees across that road, as well as to ob- struct the Charles City road in the same manner. After the commanding general passed on his way to James River he sent back an aide to inform me that General Sedgwicks division was close in rear of my corps, with instructions to furnish me with re-en- forcements, if needed. The left of General Slocums division was to extend to the Charles City road, at a point a short distance in front of the d6bouche of the Bracketts Ford road; General Kearnys right to connect with General Slocums left, and to extend across to the Long Bridge road, which branches some 2 miles in advance into the Central and New Market roads. Beyond this was to be General ~ division. The object was to cover the Quaker road, upon which our wagons and artilleiy were crossing to James River. General Kearnys division took np a strong position very favorable for an advance upon Richmond, ~ much too far forward for the object we had in view. After much difficulty I got this division into its proper position. In the mean time General McCalls division took post to the left of the Long Bridge rsad, in communication with General Kearnys left. General Hooker was then forced to move still farther to the left and connect with the left of General McCall. This is the reason why General Hookers division was not in its proper position. These delay Page 100 100 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. brought it to the afternoon before General Kearnys division was in position. At 1 p. in. the enemy commenced a heavy artillery fire to the right, I afterward learned, at the White Oak Swamp Bridge. There was also an attempt made to cross at ~ Ford, but it was repulsed by the troops I sent to destroy the bridge and obstruct the road. At 2 p. m. General Berry reported the enemy advancing in force on~ the Charles City road. At 3.30 p. m. the attack was made down the road on General Slocums left. His artillery kept the enemy in cheek. About 5p. m.perhaps a little earlierGeneral McCalls division was attacked by the enemy in large force, evidently the principal attack. In less than an hour General McCalls division gave way. General Hooker, being on his left, by moving to the right repulsed the rebels in the handsomest manner and with great slaughter. General Sumner, who was with Gen~ral Sedgwick in McCalls rear, also greatly aided, with his artillery and infantry, in driving back the enemy. They now renewed their attack with vigor on General Kearny~s left, and were again repulsed with heavy loss. The attack continned until some time after night. This attack commenced at 4 p. in., and was pushed by heavy masses with the utmost determination and vigor. Captain Thompsons battery, directed with great skill, firing double charges, swept them back. The whole open space, 200 paces wide, was filled with the enemy. Each repulse brought fresh troops. The third attack was only repulsed by the rapid volleys and determined charge of the Sixty-third Pennsylvania, Colonel Hays, and half of the Thirty- seventh New York Volunteers. When General McCalls division gave way, as I felt satisfied that the attack on the Charles City road was not the serious one, I rode over to the open field in front of the house at Nelsons farm where General Sumner had his headquarters, to see for myself the situation of aff~iirs, having previously ordered over Captain Be Hussys battery to aid in checking the enemy. General McCalls troops soon began to emerge from the woods into the open field. Several batteries were in position and commenced firing into the woods over the heads of the fugitives in front. I placed Captain IDe Hussys battery on the right of General Sumners artillery, with orders to shell the woods. General Burns brigade was then advancing to meet the enemy and soon drove him back. Other troops began to return from White Oak Swamp Bridge, where they had been sent earlier in the day to sustain our defense of that point. Here, whilst looking on, I received a severe contusion on my left wrist, disabling my arm for several weeks.. Seeing that the enemy were giving way I returned to the forks of the road, where I received a call from General Kearny for aid. Know. ing that all General Sedgwicks troops were unavailable, 1 was glad to avail myself of the kind offer of General Slocum to send the New Jersey brigade of his division to General Kearnys aid. I rode out far enough on the Charles City road to see that we had nothing to fear from that direction, and returned to see the New Jersey brigade enter the woods to General Kearnys relief. A battery acconipanied this brigade. They soon drove 1)ack the enemy. It was now growing dark. I sent by three different aides of the com- manding general a detailed verbal statement of the events of the day and of our situation. From the exhaustion of the men, want of ammu- nition and provisions, uncertainty as to the force and position of the enemy, I also gave my opinion that the troops had better be withdrawn Page 101 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS~ BATTLES.~ 101 I had no fears of the force we had just defeated so signally, but of the fresh troops they could bring up against our worn-out men. Shortly after dark I heard that General Franklin was retiring. The right of my troops being so far in advance, and my being without orders, I could not believe it. Soon after General Seymour came and assured me tliat it was so. I sent Lieutenant Hunt, of my staff, to entreat him to hold on until I could hear from the commanding general, as T ex- pected to do so every moment. Lieutenant Hunt returned, and reported that when he got there General Franklins troops had already left; that three regiments of General Kaglees brigade were drawn up a short distance from the White Oak Swamp Bridge, waiting for the return ot the general. It was now 12 oclock, and I could not wait any longer. General Slocum was at my headquarters, waiting for me to decide what to do, he having also heard that General Franklin was leaving. We arranged for his division to leave immediately, to be followed by General Kearnys and then by General Sumners. It was necessary for us to move promptly, as the enemy were busily engaged repair- ing the bridges, and would soon be enabled to cross in force on our rear. I hastened to General Sumners headquarters~ and informed hiM of what had been done. He concurred with me, and sent a note to the commanding general with the information. I then took the road and reached Malvern Hill at 1.30 a. in., and reported to the com- manding general. Soon after daylight both of my divisions were on Malvern Hill. I cannot speak too warmly of the gallantry displayed by General Hooker and his division. Special mention is made of General Grover, the First Massachusetts, Sixteenth Massachusetts, Sixty-ninth Penn- sylvania, Second New Hampshire, and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Reg- iments. The colors captured by Captain Park, Company F, Second New York Volunteers, had ~~Williamsburg~~ and Seven Pines on them, and belonged to the Seventeenth Virginia Volunteers. They were sent to General Sumners headquarters. This same company captured 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 5 lieutenants, and 30 to 40 privates. General Kearny showed his usual gallantry and activity. The por- tion of his division engaged behaved most gallantly. The first of the attack fell on General Robinsons brigade, and con- tinued five hours. General Robinson was particularly distinguished. Captain Thompsons battery was conspicuous from the admirable man- ner in which it was served. It was most admirably supported by Colonel Hays, with the Sixty-third Pennsylvania and half the Thirty-seventh New York. Attention is called to General Kearnys report of this part of the action. I gladly add my commendation. General Caldwells brigade, sent by General Sumner, rendered valu- able aid; also General Taylors New Jersey brigade, volunteered by General Slocum. My thanks are due to both these officers for the promptness with which they gave this assistance. General Berry and his brigade behaved with their usual gallantry. Special attention is called to Major Fairbanks, who commanded the Fifth Michigan, and was dangerously wounded. The Twenty-fourth New York Volunteers, only 200 men, led by Lieutenant Greenhalgh, one of General Berrys aides, captured a stand of colors. I neglected to mention in the proper place that Captain Randolph, who commanded a battery, is highly commended. My staff; as usual, performed their duties to my satisfaction. Captain MeKeever, chief of staff was active in communicating orders to the left at a critical moment, and Lieutenant Hunt especially, in going to Whit Page 102 102 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Oak Swamp Bridge just before midnight to learn whetlier our troops had retired. All the reports received accompany this, and will give the names of those worthy of mention. I annex a statement of the losses in General Hookers division this day, but cannot of General Kearnys, as the casualties of this day and the next are blended. The aggregate is 951 for the two days, of which I believe the greater part occurred on the 30th of June.* Respectfully submitted. S. P. HEINTZELMAI{, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters Army of the Potomac. HDQRS. THIRD Conrs, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near ~ Bar, Va., July 24, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the operations of my corps at the battle of Malvern Hill and till their arrival at their present camp the next day: On my arrival at Malvern Hill, at 1.30 a. m. of the 1st of July, I met the commanding general on horseback and reported to him what had been done. He directed me to see General Barnard, chief engineer, and General Porter, commai4ding the Fifth Corps, and consult with them as to the position for the troops to occupy. I found them, but they were of the opinion that nothing could be done before daylight. As soon as it was light I saw General Barnard, and he rode out to make another examination of the ground. On his return he pointed to the direction where I was to post my troops. I gave the necessary orders, but before they could be carried out the commanding general returned, and I rode with him the whole circuit of the lines, leaving staff officers to place my t~vo divisions in positionGeneral Kearnys on the left, to connect with General Couchs right on the right of Kearny; General Hookers division with General ~ corps on his right. It was near 10 a. m. when I returned via ~ to Mal- vein Hill. We now occupied a very strong position, but lacked some 20,000 men to be certain of holding it against the superior force 1 feared would be brought against us. Before my troops were all in position the rebels commenced an artil- lery fire, which we returned. Some of their shells exploded beyond the brick house on the hill and in the bottom beyond. This lasted about two hours. At 3.30 p. m. the attack was renewed with artillery and accom- panied by infantry on the left of General Kearny, but principally on Gen- eral Couchs division. By 5 p. m. this was repulsed. Later the attack was renewed on General Porters front, extending to the right as far as 4I~eneral Kearnys, by artillery and infantry in large force. The firing continued until 9 p. m. The rebels were defeated with great slaughter. During the afternoon large bodies of troops were seen passing along our front toward the right in the edge of the woods. They were sev- cral hours passing. They disappeared, however, without any further demonstration. They passed beyond the range of our field artillery. Toward dusk General Porter sent to General Sumner for a brigade and battery of artillery. This was sent. I added another brigade and battery, to enable him to make the defeat more complete. I sent them, as it was now so late I did not anticipate any attempt on my right. See revised statement, p. 26 Page 103 -CifA?. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 103 All the troops under my command were exposed to this artillery fire. In General Kearnys division only the artillery and skirmishers were immediately engaged. Captain Thompson managed his battery with the full genius of that arm, whilst Captain Randolph with his Parrott guns persecuted all that attacked him, silencing several times batteries that were sweeping our front or covering their columns of attack on General Couch to our left. The Fourth Maine was particu- larly distinguished for its coolness in holding a ravine and repulsing the enemys skirmishers. In General Hookers division the men behaved with their nsnal cool- ness. The batteries were so placed that they were enabled several times to enfilade the enemys artillery and infantry advance. We have to deplore the loss of Captain Beam, a most gallant officer, command. ing one of the batteries. He was killed by a shell. Captain De iRussy, my chief of artillery, was quite distinguished. It was through his good management and personal attention that the bat- teries sent to the left later in the day were so effective. Quite late in the afternoon a staff officer from the commanding gen- eral informed me that we might fall back to another position farther down the river in the course of the night. At 10.50 p. m. I received orders to move in rear of General Couchs division. Before the road was clear for the leading brigade of my corps it was 3.40 a. in., and the rear did not leave till daylight. Soon after daylight a heavy rain set in, seriously injuring the road, but early in the day all the troops reached their camps. My whole corps made the march with its artillery and baggage wagons from Savage Station to the camp at Harrisons Bar without the loss of a single wagon. Our reported loss in missing is but 745, and of this number a portion of killed and wounded were left on the battle- fields, and some have since come in. To show the endurance and forti- tude of the troops, the Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Regiments did not lose a man in the whole march. Of these regiments one had 8 stragglers, of whom 3 were wounded. They have all since come in. The Seventh New Jersey did not have a field officer present. Captain Bartlett, Company C, commanded, with 11 captain, Frederick Cooper, and 3 lieutenants, Hillyer and Mullery, of Company K, and ,of Company C. At Savage Station we received orders to reduce our baggage. We left our tents for the wounded and the officers part of their personal baggage. This enabled me to place 500 pounds of ammunition in each wagon for the reserve artillery of the corps. Captain De Russy made good use of It at Malvern Hill. All the troops were exposed for several hours to a continuous fire of shells, which they bore with unflinching courage. Those exposed to the infantry fire behaved with their usual gallantry. General Sickles brigade was sent late in the day to aid General Por- ters command. How well it was done is well set forth in the general~5 report. The conduct of Colonel Taylors regiment, the Seventy-second New York Wolunteers, was brilliant. The officers of my staff performed their duties with their usual prompti- tude and energy. IDr. Milhau did all it was possible to do nuder our peculiar circumstances. Captain Weeks, assistant quartermaster, Cap- tain MeKelvy, chief commissary, and Lieutenant Dresser, ordnance offi- cer, attended faithfully to the duties of their respective departments. To 4hem I am indebted for the safety of every wagon, for ample supplies ~f provisions, and that the reserve ammunition was on the field at th Page 104 104 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. proper moment. Captain McKeevers duties since the first day of the battle of Fair Oaks have been exceedingly arduous, and have been per- formed with great judgment and untiring energy, assisted by Captain Moses, assistant adjatant-general. Lieutenant Hunt I have mentioned in my previous report. Lieut. Henry Norton, one of my aides, particu- larly distinguished himself at Malvern Hill by communicating with General Couch at the extreme front during the hottest part of the en- gagement and previously, showing much personal gallantry. I beg leave especially to call the attention of the commanding gen- eral to the loss in battle of General Hookers divisioii since the 1st of June, 847 men, and since the opening of the campaign 2,589. As they have uniformly slept on the field of battle, no other evidence can be required of their gallantry and that of their distinguished commander. Respectfully submitted. S. P. HEJNTZELMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General S. WILLIAMS, A. A. G., Jfiidqrs. Army of the Potomac. No. 33. Report of Capt. Gustavus A. De Russy, Chief of Artillery, of the engage ment at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. CAMP NEAR FAIR OAKS, VA., June 25, 1862. CAPTAIN: About 1 oclock on the afternoon of the 25th June a staff officer of the army brought me an order from General Heintzelman, commanding Third Corps, requiring that a section of artillery should be taken to the front to report to Brigadier-General Hooker, at that time immediately in front of the enemy and occupying the most advanced position. I ordered a section of Battery K, Fourth Artillery, to march at once, and by putting 10 horses to a piece succeeded in getting up the guns without difficulty. Ammunition was supplied them by send- ing the limbers to and fro. When I reported to General Hooker I was directed by him to station the section in front, at a turn in the road where both the approaches to our position and the enemy~s camp could be commanded. Lieuten- ant Henderson, of Tafts battery, temporarily attached to Battery K and commanding the section, opened with canister shot and spherical case, according to the range and the work to be accomplished. His guns were served with accuracy and judgment, and the effect was to drive the enemy entirely beyon4 their reach. About 3 oclock the enemy succeeded in bringing up on his side four rifled guns, which he halted bey6nd the range of Lieutenant Hender- sons 12-pounders, an~ with which he opened fire. General Hooker directed Lieutenant Henderson to continue his fire until the ammuni- tion at that time up should be expended. This having been done, the section was withdrawn. There were expended during the firing 20 round shot, 17 shells, 51 spherical case, and 20 canister. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. A. DE RUSSY, Captain, Fourth Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Third Corp8. To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Hookers Division Page 105 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 105 Ko. 34. Report of Capt. Walter M. Bramhall, Sixth New York Battery, of the battle of ]Llalvern Hill. CAMP NEAR JA1~n~s RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: I beg to submit for your consideration the following re- port of the movements of this battery since its departure from Fair Oaks, on the 28th ultimo: At 6.30 p. m. the 28th ultimo I reported, by order of Brigadier-General Heintzelman, commatiding Third Army Corps, to his headquarters at Savage Station, coming into position in the immediate vicinity. At 6 oclock the next morning I was ordered to follow the column then moving down toward the White Oak Swamp Bridge. I marched that day to a point about 2~ miles beyond the bridge, halting for the night near general headquarters. The following morning I moved forward to the position of General Hookers division, and receiving from that gen- eral an order to continue the march toward the James River, I followed the column, arriving at noon in the place upon the bluff near the river then occupied by the Artillery Reserve, reporting, as directed by General Hooker, to General Porter. At 3.30 p. in., by order of General Porter, I moved back upon the road up which we had come and came into bat- tery upon Hill in a position to command the same road, co-operat- ing with Lieutenant Ames battery in our front and on the right, a bat- tery of 10-pounder Parrotts and Captain Osborns battery of four 3-inch guns on our left, with a support of two regiments of General MorelPs division distributed among these several batteries. I remained in this position until the next morning, July 1, at 6 oclock, when, by order of General Porter, I took up a position to the right of the road up which the army had marched 200 yards in front of a wood, to command either of two approaches which intersected on the side of the woods on which we lay. I was instructed that our pickets were a short distance in ad- vance in the wood and upon both roads, and that if attacked they would retire through the wood, a~nd emerging at the junction of the two roads, fall back upon the main line. At about 7 a. m. the pickets, having been attacked, fell back rapidly,. and in a few minutes the fire of the enemy fell among us and passed over our heads. Our pickets having retired in order and in the man- ner indicated I immediately opened fire upon the woods in front and on the right, firing at first the Hotchkiss caseshot with 2 fuses. For a few minutes the enemy manfully withstood the fire, advancing and firing. At this time the firing from my battery was very rapid, being at the rate of two shots a minute from each piece. That it was effective I am induced to believe from the fact that after about five minutes the enemys fire ceased almost entirely. Upon this we gradually increased the range and lengthened the fuses until we reached the 5 fuse, using both case-shot and shell, but mainly the latter, and scattering our fire generally through the woods. At this time, too, I used, for experiments sake as much as for any other reason, a half-dozen percussion shell (Schenkls percussion) which we had found and appropriated at Fair Oaks. The result was a perfect success, every one bursting, though some of them fell upon soft meadow-land. Our fire now grew very slow and deliberate, being maintained by order of and in the manner prescribed by Brigadier-General Griffin, iu command at that point. At about one hour after opening fire, being ordered to report to Brigadier-General Heintzelman, we ceased firing, and moved from ou Page 106 106 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. position to that indicated by yourself, near general lleintzelmans head quarters. From that time until the present the battery has taken no part in any movement beyond retiring, on the morning of July 2, with the corps of Generals Sumner and lleintzelman to the plain immediately upon the river, from where, by your order, we moved yesterday to our present camp. I have to report but one casualty among my men, that of Private John H. Vennett, slightly wounded in the leg by a fragment of a shell while the battery was moving from one position to another. One man is still missing, but I hope yet to recover him, he having been known to have gone in advance with the wagons. It affords me much gratification to testify to the gallant and spirited conduct of my officers and such of my men as were well enough to accompany the batteiy. Exposed as they had been for five days tG almost uninterrupted fatigue, hardship, and privation, with little or no rest and almost nothing to eat, they were always ready to meet their duties, which they performed with alacrity, cheerfulness, and I may say success. I beg to refer particularly to the case of Private William IR. Colby, an intelligent lad of twenty years of age, who, having be- come separated from the battery when near White Oak Swamp Bridge, volunteered his services to Captain Porter, of the First Massachusetts Battery, and served gallantly during the battle of 30th of June, as tes- tified to by Captain Porter in a note which 1 have received from him. The main damage which I have sustained during this movement has been to my horses, of which I have lost 9 on the route; one only from a positive injury, the rest having dropped in harness during the last days march, utterly incapable of being moved. I was already short in the number of my horses before starting, and until I can have time to rest those which I have (95, of which only 80 are effective), and to recuperate their strength by care and sufficient food, I cannot under- take to move my battery any considerable distance. An equal degree of prostration exists among niy men; out of 138 present there being but 108 fit for any duty. My loss in equipments, implements, and accouterments has been but slight, and can doubtless soon be replaced. With rest from too onerous duty, regularity, and sufficiency of food I believe that in a short time I shall be able again to report the battery in as effective a condition as ever. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, W. M. BRAMIIALL, Captain, Commanding ~3ixth Independent K. IT. Battery. Capt. G. A. BE iRussv, U. S. A., Commanding Reserve Artillery, Third Army Corps. No. 35. Report of Lieut. Francis W. & eley, Battery K, Fourth U. & Artillery, of the action at Bracketts and battles of Glendale and Mialvern Hill. CAMP NEAR CITY PoINT, VA., July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the participation of Battery K, Fourth Artillery, under my immediate com- man~,in the actions of June 30 and July 1 near the White Oak Swamp. On the 30th of June, the enemy having in strong force attacked the rear guard of our army at the White Oak Swamp, Battery K was or- dered about 4 oclock p. m. to a position on General Slocums right, nea Page 107 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN DAYS BATLLES. 107 the Charles City road, where the enemy were reported to be crossing the swamp. After getting our guns into this position we shelled the woods vigorously for about half an hour, effectually checking the en- emy at that point. I then received orders from you to move the bat- tery to the left of our line to aid General lleintzelman. We immedi- ately limbered up, moved off at a trot, and took a posirion, designated by you, in an open field, a short distance in rear of our infantry, which was then engaged, and about 800 yards in front of the enemys line. We then opened a rapid and well-directed fire with solid shot, firing about 20 rounds, when the enemy, finding it impossible to withstand the combined fire of our artillery and infantry, retired under cover of the woods. By this time our infantry had advanced so far to the front of our position that it was considered dangerous to fire any more at that time. We therefore ceased firing, but remained in position until about 2 oclock a. m. on the 1st of July, when, pursuant to orders re- ceived, we withdrew from the field. Our loss this day was as follows: Sergt. James L. Johnson and Pri- vate Patrick Swaine, both supposed to be mortally wounded, and have probably fallen into the hands of the enemy. I have also to report 3 horses killed. We fired duripg the day 130 rounds of shot, shell, and spherical case. On the 1st of July, after withdrawing about 4 miles from the scene of the previous days engagement, the battery was held in reserve until about 6 oclock p. nii., when it was ordered up to the assistance of Gen- eial Conchs division, which was engaged with a superior force of the enemy. Our battery was posted in a small field near the head of a large and thickly-wooded ravine on the right of the division. It hav- ing been reported that the enemy occupied this ravine in force, with the intention of turning General Couchs right, we opened fire with spherical case-shot and shell, discharging each gun about twice every five minutes. In a short time an aide came to me from General Couch, and said that the general depended upon our battery to prevent the enemy from turning his right. From that tl:iie until we ceased firing we discharged our pieces as rapidly as possible. Not a shot was lost by being fired too high or too low, and I have been told by officers who were in a position to witness the result that the effect on the enemy was very destructive and finally compelled him to retire with great loss. After keeping up a constant fire for about an hour and a half, having expended all of our ammunition, the enemy having retired, we were relieved by order of General Couch, and withdrew from the field with- out the loss of a man, although the rebel sharpshooters stationed in the neighboring trees kept up an incessant fire on the battery, killing 1 horse and wounding 4 others. In both engagements the conduct of the non-commissioned officers and men was excellent, and my special thanks are due to Lieutenants fleuderson and Bancroft and First Sergt. Robert James, who each commanded a section, for the efficient manner in which they performed their arduous and responsible duties. in the engagement of July 1 we expended 670 rounds of shot, shell, and spherical case. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. SEELEY, First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, Commanding Battery K. Capt. G. A. Dn Itussv Fourth Arty., Chief of Artillery, Third Corps Page 108 108 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. No. 36. Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), with resulting correspondence, and Malvern Hill. IIDQRS. HoOKERS DIVIsION, Tnnw ARMY CORPS, Near Harrisons Landing, James River, Va., July 14, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that instructions were received through the headquarters Third Corps on the night of the 24th ultimo to push forward the line of pickets covering the advance of the army before Richmond, and early the following morning chiefs of the First and Second Brigades were directed to establish their lines of battle im- mediately in rear of the then existing line, preparatory to commencing the movement. The Second Brigade, under Brigadier-General Sickles, was drawn up across the Williamsburg road, and the First Brigade, under Brigadier-General Grover, on its left, and extending well to the south. The Third Brigade, under Colonel Carr, was posted behind our lines of defenses, to hold them or to furnisl~ supports for other brigades, as circumstances might require. For half a mile to the front of our line of battle heavy forest covered the ground, and running through the middle of this was a belt of swampy soil, on each side of which was an almost impenetrable under- growth. From the great difficulty of relieving pickets across the swamp, in many places waist-deep, the latter had tacitly become the dividing section between the advanced pickets of the two armies, and any invasion of it was regarded as an aggressive encroachment by the opposing force, and repelled, if practicable, at once. Beyond this forest, in the direction of Richmond, was a cleared field of a little greater width, on the western margin of which were encamped up to a recent date two divisions of the rebel army. The swamp and the jungles presented formidable obstacles to an advance, the latter by affording places of concealment for masses of the enemy close by, while to pene- trate it discovered the approach and position of the advancing force. At 8 oclock the advance commenced along the, entire line by send- ing forward skirmishers, while the supports and reserves followed them within easy supporting distance. Grovers skirmishers became engaged at once, and as the fire from the enemy increased they were strength- cued from time to time sufficiently to insure a vigorous and successful advance along his whole line. The Fifth New Jersey Regiment, Carrs brigade, under Major Henry, rendered good service in this movement. Owing to the obstacles to be overcome, Sickles brigade was slower to come up with the enemy, but a rattling musketry fire soon announced that the enemy were in his front, and no less prepared to resist his advance. Still the brigade pressed forward until it had almost reached the outer edge of the woods, when the increased fire of the enemy Sat- isfied me that our right was outnumbered. This was between 9 and 10 oclock, and Colonel Carr was directed to re-enforce it with the Seventh New Jersey Regiment, under Colonel Revere, which was promptly ex- ecuted, and that regiment was posted on the right of the Second Bri- gade, and again the whole line pressed forward in the face of a galling fire and an obstinate resistance on the part of the enemy. Grover, on the left,had fought his way up to the line, and reported that he had established his picket upon it. In connection with this service I desire to call the attention of the commander of the corps to the brilliant con Page 109 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 109 duct of the First Massachusetts, and to Company 13, Captain Littlefield, Second iRegiiuent New Hampshire Volunteers, as reported by their brigade commander. At this moment, about 11 oclock, from some misapprehension of my true condition at general headquarters, orders were sent to withdraw my command from the contest, and at the same time Brigadier-General Birney, at the head of his brigade, gallantly tendered me his services, which from the character of my instructions I was constrained to de- cline, and the brigade returned to its camp. Suddenly the major-general commanding the army, appearing on the field and learning the state of affairs, gave directions for me to resume and finish the duty assigned me the night previous. The Second New York Regiment, Carrs brigade, nuder Lieutenant-Colonel Olmsted, took the place of the Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, which had been withdrawn from the advance during the suspension of our operations, and the line again moved forward under a severe fire from our adversaries, when Olmsteds regiment established itself on the right of the line which we were to occupy. About this time Palmers brigade, from ~ division, came up, and soon after a section of De Russys Napoleons arrived, and on being judiciously posted and brought into action by that brave and accomplished officer, they opened with canister to the right and left of the Williamsburg road and literally swept the jungles of rebels. A part of Palmers brigade had been assigned the section as support, while the remaining regiments deployed and took the advance of the infantry on this part of the field and im- mediately moved forward to the outer edge of the woods. I respectfully call the attention of the commander of the corps to the rc])ort of Brigadier-General Palmer of the services of his command. As it has not been received by me, I can only add my testimony to that of others to their courage and good conduct. After the undergrowth had been cleared of rebels the section opened fire with great effect on the rebel encampment on the side of the field opposite their position. These pieces were worked under the immedi- ate charge of Lieutenant Henderson, and this young officer deserves especial mention for the skill and intrepidity he displayed in the per- formance of his duty. At 7 oclock my command was withdrawn and our new line turned over to Brigadier-General Palmer to defend for the night. In this affair our loss was 28 killed, 262 wounded, and 19 missing. The reports of brigade and regimental commanders are herewith trans- mitted. In all of our encounters with the enemy my brigade com- manders have uniformly rendered me, by their zeal, activity, and in- telligence, a generous support, but on this field, from its character, I was more than ever indebted to them. To them should be accorded the merit of our success, and to their prudence and excellent arrangement the limited loss With which it was achieved. I desire to make especial mention of Brigadier-General Sickles for his great gallantry in rallying a part of the Seventy-first New York Regiment and returning it to action after it had given way, and Brigadier-General Grover, for the skillful disposition of his force and his gallant use of it in accomplish- ing our object. I desire also to call especial attention of the major- general commanding the Third Corps to all the commanders of the regiments of the First and Second Brigades; to Colonel Revere, of the Seventh New Jersey Regiment; Major Henry, Fifth ~1New Jersey, and Lieutenant-Colonel Olmsted, of the Second New York Regiment. It -was on their courage and intelligence that our success in a great incas Page 110 110 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ChAP. XXIII. ure depended. Especial attention is also invited to the gallant and meritorious services of Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, Seventy-first New York Volunteers, Major Stevens, Seventy-second New York Volnnteers, and to Captain Donalds, of the Seventy-third New York Volunteers, whose heroic conduct was conspicuous throughout the day. Surgeon Prentice, of the Seventy-third New York, was with the ad- vance the greater part of the day, and too much praise cannot be awarded him for his unwearied devotion to the wounded. His soldier- ship in the intervals of his professional duties were no less the snbject of admiration. Many other names among my officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates have claims to honorable mention, as will be found in the ac- companying reports. I must again tender my sincere thanks to Captain Dickinson, assist- ant adjutant-general, Lieutenants Lawrence and Candler, aides-dc- camp, and Lieutenant Austin, officers of my staff, for their faithful and devoted services during these operations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JOSEPH HOOKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Divtswn. Capt. CHAIJNCEY MOKEEVER, Assistant~Adjutant-General, Third Army Corps. HDQRS. HOOKERS DIVISION, THIRD ARMY CORPS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, James River, Va., July 15, 1862. In obedience to instructions my command was withdrawn from its advanced position before Richmond about sunrise on the 29th ultimo. We retired in condition to give or receive battle, as occasion might require, to a new line a mile or more to the rear, where it was halted and drawn up to check any advance of the enemy either by the Will- iamsburg road or railroad. The enemy followed up our movements closely, taking possession of our camps as soon as they were abandoned, but evincing no disposition to come to close quarters. We remained in our new position until about 3 oclock p. m. with no other event than a feeble attack on Sumners advance line, that ~ corps being on my right, and a few projectiles from the artillery which found their way inside my lines. Orders were now sent me to fall back to Savage Station for its de- fense, and while my column was moving for that purpose orders wer& again received to follow Kearny in his flank movement toward James River and to cross White Oak Swamp at Bracketts Ford, which was accomplished that night, the rear of my column coming up to Charles City road about 10 oclock, at which point we bivouacked for the night. In this flank movement two of my batteries, Osborns and Bramhalls, had been detached for duty in the defense of Savage Station, where they rendered excellent service. The report of Captain Osborn is here- with forwarded, to which the attention of the major-general command- ing the corps is especially invited. About daylight the following morning, 30th ultimo, the major-general commanding the corps communicated to me in person that it was his desire that my division should cover what is called the Quaker road,~ over which our troops, artillery, and trains were to pass in their retro- grade march to James River. As Kearnys division was assigned th Page 111 CHAP. XXIII SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. ill same duty, and as it was yet early in the morning, we mounted our horses, rode over the road we were required to defend, and examined the country and the approaches over which the enemy would be most likely to advance. The direction of Quaker road is nearly perpendic- ular to the general course of James River and crosses at nearly right angles the principal highways leading out of Richmond between the river and the Williamsburg road. Numerous by-roads connect these most traveled highways with the Quaker road, and it was determined that I should establish my division ou the one which falls into the last-named road near Saint Pauls Church, the right resting on this cross-road, and the line nearly parallel with and half a mile or more in advance of the Quaker road. A forest covered the area between my position and this road. On my right was Sumners corps in a cleared field, occupying the position which I had supposed was assigned to Kearny, and Kearny remained near where I had left him early in the morning. About 9 oclock my line of battle was established, Grover on the right, Carr in the center, and Sickles brigade on the left. In the mean time directions were given for all of my batteries to continue on their march to our proposed camp on James River, in order that they might be put in position there. Abouk 11 a. m. some of our army wagons were observed in our front, which on inquiry were found to belong to McCalls division, which was the first intimation I, had received of his being in my neighborhood, and on examination I found his division drawn up in line of battle his left resting 500 or 600 yards from my right, and stretching off in au obtuse angle with the direction of my own. The woods in which this division was found extended to the immediate front of my right wing, narrowing in width as it approached my position. About 3 oclock the enemy commenced a vigorous attack on McCall, and in such force that General Sumner voluntarily tendered me the services of a regiment, which was posted in an open field on my ex- treme right and under shelter from the enemys artillery. This was the Sixty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, nuder Colonel Owen. Meanwhile the enemys attack had grown in force and violence, and after an ineffectual effort to resist it, the whole of McCalls division was completely routed, and many of the fugitives rushed down the road on which my right was resting, while others took to the cleared fields and broke through my lines from one end of them to the other, and actually fired on and killed some of my men as they passed. At first I was apprehensive that the effect would be disastrous on my com- mand, and was no little relieved when they had passed my lines. Following closely upon the footsteps of these demoralized people were the broken masses of the enemy, furiously pressing them on to me under cover of the woods until they were checked by a front fire of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers and afterward by a diagonal fire on their right and left flanks from the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers and the left of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers; also, whenever the enemy ventured to uncover himself from the forest, a destructive fire was poured into him along my right wing. After great loss the enemy gave way, and were instantly followed with great gallantry by Grover, at the head of the First Massachusetts Regiment, while the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, heroically led by Owen, advanced in the open field on their flank with almost reckless daring Page 112 112 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. IXIIi Grover was re-enforced by the Second New Hampshire and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiments, but not until after he had suf~ fered severely from the enemy~s reserves. The enemy were rolled back through a part of McCalls camp, and passing Sumners front, were by him hurriedly thrown over onto Kearny, where the fire was kept up to a late hour in the night. During all this time several of Sumners batteries had been doing splendid execution in the rebel ranks and greatly contributed to our saccess. The troops nuder Grover were withdrawn from the pursuit at dark and restored to their places in our line of battle. Soon after this attack was made word was received from General Sickles that the enemy in his immediate front was preparing to turn our left~, when all of our reserves were dispatched to strengthen him. No attack, however, in force was made, and Sickles and Carrs bri- gades remained in position. The former reports the capture of 150 l)risoners, in which are included 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 5 lieu- tenants, and 40 enlisted men, taken by Captain Park, Company F, Second Regiment New York Volunteers, Carrs brigade. To these should be added one stand of colors, all of which were forwarded to the headquarters of General Sumner. The loss of the rebels in this battle was very severe. The field on whicb it was fought was one of unusual extent for the nunibers en- gaged, and was almost covered with their dead and dying. From their torches we could see that the enemy was busy all night long in searching for his wounded, but up to daylight the following morning there had been no apparent diminution in the heart-rending cries and groans of his wounded. The unbroken, mournful wail of human sufthring was all that we heard from Glendale during that long, dismal night. I was instrut~ted to hold my position until Sumner and Kearny had retired over the Quaker road, and soon after daylight my command was withdrawn and followed them. Among others I have to deplore the loss of Colonel Wyman, of the Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers and there is too much reason to believe of Major Chandler, of the Fiist Massachusetts Volunteers, both officers of singular merit and promise. Diligent search was made for the latter during the night without success, and no tidings of his fate have since been received by his regiment. I respectfully forward herewith the reports of brigade and regi- mental commanders; also the report of the services of Osborns battery at Malvern Hill. From these it will appear that my division has again given me cause to be profoundly grateful for their conduct and courage. As Colonel Owen has rendered me no report of the operations of his regiment, 1 can only express my high appreciation of his services, and my acknowledgments to his chief for having tendered me so gallant a regiment. I must again make my heartfelt acknowledgments to my brigade commanders, and especially am I indebted to Brigadier-General Grover for his gallantry on this field. I also beg leave to call the attention of the major-general command- ing the corps to Surgeon Foye, of the Eleventh Massachusetts Volun- teers, fo~ his activity in searching for our wounded and his devotion to them when found. His labors only ended on our abandonment of the field. To Captain Dickinson, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Law Page 113 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 113 rence and Candler, aides-de-camp, I tender my sincere thanks for their services. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. Capt. CIIAUNCEY MCKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant- (#eneral, Third Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS, U. S. INSANE ASYLUM, Near Washington, D. C., November 8, 1862. Maj. Gen. GEORGE A. MCCALL, Commanding, & c.: Your letter of the 30th ultimo* reached me day before yesterday, since which time my engagements have prevented reply, and even now I have not time to give it the consideration it requires. I regret extremely that you should have discovered any exceptiona- ble statements in my report of the battle of Glendale, and if injustice has been done you or your command I shall be rejoiced to remove it, but before doing so I must be satisfied that I am in error. In rendering the report of Glendale my single object was to be just to my own division, and if I had felt that my desire admitted of execu- tion without reference to your command I assure you no mention would have been made of it by me. You will excuse me, general, if I give you some of my reasons for sup- posing that your command had met with discomfiture at Glendale, and I believe I nowhere leave it to be inferred that it was not without abun- dant cause, for of that I had no opportunity of knowing. Sumner was ou my right in an open field, where at one time not less than six or eight regimental colors were seen flying to the rear, while between my position and his the horses of the artillery, without their batteries, and the dragoons rushed down the road. Crowds of men were even run- ning panic-stricken to the rear along the road, and far to the right and left of it I myself arrested an officer in his flight with a small body of men, who represented himself to be in command of the provost guard of your division, and ordered him to halt, form his guard, and check the flight of the runaways in his immediate vicinity, which he attempted, but was soon hurried to the rear by overwhelming numbers. He de- clared openly that this division had been all cut to pieces, that all the artillery was lost, and that several regiments had lost their standards. From my personal observation I must confess I was prepared to be- lieve it all, and without knowing the impression of any great num- ber of the officers of Sumners and your own command, I never felt a doubt but that they confirmed my own. If it should become necessary their evidence can readily be procured, as well as that of officers of Kearny~s command, on your right. In fact, I am more indebted to that officer for knowledge of the operations on the right than to any one with whom I have conversed. Of what related to the extreme right I know nothing from personal observation. You will remember where I met yourself and General Meade, in the vicinity of your batteries, early in the afternoon, and it was only from that visit that I had an opportunity to form an idea of your position. With regard to Sumners views of our relative positions, as communicated * Not found, but ~ee McCalls report, No. 154. 8 R RYOL X1I~ PT I Page 114 114 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Cuir. Xxiii. th-rough your letter, I can only say that his knowledge of them seems to be extremely limited. I hope that an opportunity will soon present itself, if it is a matter of doubt now, whether his opinions or mine are the correct ones. In calling it the Quaker road, I adopted the name by which it was called on every map furnished me from headquarters; and in referring to your position as a camp, it only referred to the place where I had seen your troops passing the day in like manner with my own. I had pitched no tents during my transit from Caseys camp to Harrisons Landing. Until I received your letter I was not aware that any troops except your own occupied the ground in advance of my position. But these are matters of but little or no consequence in the issue. I reported that your command was routed at Glendale, and if it was not I shall be rejoiced to be convinced to the contrary, that I may do your division justice. I should be sorry to learn that I had ever done them injustice. I simply announced what I believed, and still believe, to be a fact, without reflecting upon the conduct of your men while en- gaged with the enemy or expressing an opinion of his force which re- quired your command to give way before him. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, U. S. INSANE ASYLUM, Near Washington City, D. 0., October 15, 1862. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General: If you have no objection I request that you will substitute the in- closed report* of the battle of Glendale for the one forwarded at the proper time. I desire it for the reason that the latter contained a re- flection on the conduct of McCalls command which they nobly redeemed at South Mountain and Antietam. The language of my report was just and called for when made, but I do not think that it was so much the fault of the men as of other causes. I am now of opinion that the men were all right. In other regards the reports are identical. Captain Moore will go up and return with the reports. Please say to Hardie that I will do all I can for him, but my weight with the authorities is not perceptible. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTER GRAND DIVISION, Camp near Potomac Greek, Va., December 7, 1862. Brig. 0-en. GEORGE A. MCCALL, Washington, D. 0.: Your letters of the 11th, 13th, and 19th of November,t with inclosures, were duly received, as also that of the 2d instant,t and if I have delayed making my acknowledgment I assure you it has been from no want of respect to yourself, or desire on my part to remove from yonr mind *Tliat of July 15, p. 110. t Not found, but eee MoCall8 report, No. 154 Page 115 Cnip. xxm.~ SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 115 as early as possible any unfavorable impression you may have entertained respecting the accuracy of my official report of the battle of Glendale. From the perusal of your letter of the 13th ultiino, the impression left on my mind was that you did not look for answer until the op- portunity to ascertain from General Meade, and others of your divis- ion, tht, particulars of this hard-fought field had been presented me,. since which time my official engagements have more than ever before absorbed my attention. I only regret that I could not relieve your mind earlier, and that you have not furnished me with more evidence that I had been unkind or unjust in that part of my report which re- lates to your command at Glendale, for I had already assured you that it was my conviction that you had been completely routed on that fieldnot so much from the reports which were ma de me by the ofil.- cers of your command, as you seem to convey in your letter of the 13th,. as from my own personal observation. These only helped to confirm me in the opinion I had previously formed, from the falling back not of ~~stragglers~~ or the parts or whole of one or two regiments, but, II should judge, of the bulk of your command, in a flying, demoralized condition. The objectionable part of my report appears to be that which alleges that your division was completely routed, and yet I will venture to assert that neither General Reynolds, Meade, or Seymour will ever say that such was not the fact. Reynolds, since the receipt of your letter of the 19th ultiino, has assured me that such was the case. I have had no opportunity to converse with Meade and Seymour on the sub- ject, but do not doubt that if that specific question is put to either of them they will reply in the affirmative. In the extract from Meades letter furnished me he seems to dwell on the fact that if the whole division had run through my lines our army would have been destroyed. I certainly nowhere in my report declared that they did, for of these that fled to the rear but an incon- siderable portion crossed my line; a much greater proportion made their escape through the field occupied by Sumner. Generals Sumner and Sedgwick are good authority on that subject, for they had as good an opportunity to witness it as myself. The letter of Captain Clark is no less irrelevant to the point at issue, which is not that your men did not behave well? but that they were completely routed. In announcing that fact I did not impeach their conduct, for of that I had not the same opportunity to know. Troops can be whipped, I take it, and still preserve their honor. The same remark is applicable to extracts from letters of other officers of your division. They all seem to mistake the point at issue. To arrive at the fact it would be much more conclusive and satisfactory to inquire of each whether or not your division was completely routed on that field. Generals Kearny, Berry, and Robinson informed me that such was the fact, on the extreme right. The two latter are now living and can testify for themselves. If any further doubt is felt on this point it would be well to refer to the record of the court of inquiry on young Ran- dol, commanding battery. But of thisthe testimony of my whole divisionthat of Sedgwicks and Kearnysno matter. I assure you, general, that it is no agreeable task for me to accumulate proof to the prejudice of any companion in arms, and I have only written the above to satisfy you that I have not been unjust or untrue in my report of this battle. The crossing of my lines by your men filled me with apprehensionthe approach of the rebels none. Justice and duty required that it should be placed o Page 116 116 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. record at my hands, and from that consideration only I made mention of your command. This record must stand as it is, because it is true of yours and it is just of mine. I shall never refer to it again except in vindication of what I have stated. Very truly, your friend, JOSEPH HOOKER Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. Hooiu~us DIVISION, THIRD ARMY CORPS, Gamp near Harrisons Landing, James River, JT0, July 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: After withdrawing from Glendale our march was con- tinued to the Malvern Hills without interruption, and about 10 oclock a. m. my division was established in line of battle for the defense of our new position. Under a heavy fire of the enemys artillery Grovers brigade was strongly posted on the right, Carrs on his left, and well sheltered. Subsequently Sickles brigade, held in reserve, was posted in rear of my right, protected from the enemys shots, and well in hand to re-enforce any part of my lines. Osborns and Beams batteries occu- pied higher ground, where they could reply to the enemys artillery, or open upon his columns of infantry should he attempt to advance. Webbers and Bramhalls batteries were located in rear of these, and held in reserve. During the remaining part of the forenoon a brisk fire was kept up between the artillery, principally on the part of the enemy, without any decided effect, as far as conldbe discovered, on either side, the dis- tance being about 1,500 yards. I regret, however, to state that it was in this artillery skirmishing that the gallant chief of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment [Second New Jersey Battery], Captain Beam, fell from a shell which pierced his body. About 3 oclock this firing was resumed with more activity in the direction of Kearnys left. This exposed the rebel batteries to an enfilading fire from my position, a direct one from Kearny, and a diagonal one from several other bat- teries, which soon resulted in driving the rebel gunners from their pieces. Prior to this a heavy column of infantry had been seen pass- ing to my right, which disappeared behind the forests in my front, and were not heard from again that afternoon. On the left an attack was made in great force, and the battle lasted until long after dark. About half an hour before sunset orders were sent me by General Sumner* to dispatch a brigade of my command to the assistance of General Porter, and immediately General Sickles brigade moved to that point. For a full account of the important services it rendered on the left I respectfully call the attention of the major-general commanding the corps to the report of its chhif, herewith inclosed. I will especially invite his attention to that part of the report which relates to the bril- liant conduct of Colonel Taylors regiment, the Seventy-second New York Volunteers. The loss sustained by that regiment is the truest index of its services. The First and Third Brigades were not engaged during the day, and remained in their position until near morning, when orders were re- ceived to march in the direction of Harrisons Landing. * Sent by my ordere.S. P. H Page 117 CHAP. XXIIL] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 117 I transmit herewith the reports of brigade, regimental, and battery commanders. I desire to make honorable mention of Capt. John S. Godfrey, the assistant quartermaster of the division, for his zealous, faithful, and meritorious services in the performance of all of his duties from the commencement of the campaign. As no official list has been furnished the major-general commanding the corps of the losses sustained by the division I have the honor to command since the 1st day of June last, I herewith forward it.* The number, as will be seen, is 847, making the aggregate of my loss in bat- tle since the opening of the campaign in the Peninsula 2,589. And in this connection I may be permitted to add, in justice and fidelity to the living and the dead, that the brave officers and men whose honor and welfare were confided to my care have uniforuilv slept on the field on which they have fought; that in all their en- counters with the enemy, whether involving the whole force of the division or down to an affair between the pickets, they have inflicted heavier blows than they have received, and under all their toils, hard- ships, and privations have evinced a cheerfulness, obedience, fortitude, and heroism which will never fail to command the gratitude, reverence, and admiration of their chief. Very respectfully, your obedient servant JOSILIPII HOOKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Capt. CHAUNCEY MCKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Army Corps. No. 37. Return of Casualties in Hookers division from June 224,1862, inclusive. (Compiled from nominal lists of casualties.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. e e e Commaisd. QmQ0 e ~ a SC 6 SC 2d Newflampshfre 4 1 ~ Massachusetts 3 3 1 1 16th Massachusetts 17 30 i2 61 New York Light Artillery, 6th Battery 1 1 2dNewYork 1 7 S 1 1 1 3 72dNewYork 2 3 5 10 73d NewYork 2 3 11 16 5thINewJersey 5 5 8thINewJersey 1 1 2 26th Pennsylvania 5 5 Total 2 23 2 61 2 30 120 * See No. 37 for losses from June 224. The losses June 25July 1 are embodied in revised statement, p. 26 Page 118 U8 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. No. 38. Report of Capt. Thomas W. Osborn, Battery D, First New York Light Artillery, of engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, battle of Saiage Station, engagement at Mialvern Cliff, and battle of ]Jfalvern Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: In reporting the part taken by this battery in the late engagements before Richmond, and in the march from the position of General Hookers division at the intrenchments to the bank of James River at Harrisons Landing, 1 would report that on the 25th of June, General Hookers division having been engaged during the morning, 1 was ordered up about 3 p. m. in front of the redoubt, taking position on the right of the road and 500 yards from the woods. I commenced shelling the opposite side of the woods to protect the passage of Gen- erals lookers and Kearnys troops through them, giving my guns 4~O and up to 6A0 elevation, and using fuse from 5 to 7, being directed both as to elevation and direction by the lookout in the tree in front of our center redoubt. We threw 60 fuse shell, 55 case-shot, and 14 per- cussion shell. We used the ammunition originally prepared for the 3-inch wrought iron regulation guns, and the paper fuses worked very indifferently, but the percussion well. From the position of the battery we could not see the enemy, but the lookout reported to me that our shells did good execution on the column of the enemy as they were marching down the road from the direction of Richmond toward our forces. On the 30th [29th1 of June, about 6 a in., we were ordered to take posi- tion behind the rear line of intrenchments, as General Hookeis division was at the time falling back from the front. I placed the battery 300 yards from the road on the right. We were subject during the engagement of the morning to the shelling of the enemys artillery, but as neither the enemys artillery nor infantry approached us in such a manner that we could employ the battery without endangering General, Sumners corps on our right, I did not open fire. At 2.30 p. in. we were ordered to fall back. Having reached the corner of the open field in which Sav- age Station is, I was ordered, together with Lieutenant Nairn, Fourth New York Battery, by General Heintzelman, to report to General Smith, near the station. At 4 p. m. General Smith moved forward, leaving the field, and we were ordered to report again to General Hooker. I then learned that General Hooker had retired from the left of the rear intrenchments to the left. I rode back to learn whether the passage, was clear, but just as we reached the intrenchinents they were being occupied by the enemys skirmishers. I immediately reported this to Gsneral Sumner on the field, and found that Lieutenant Winslow had already placed the battery in an admirable position, 200 yards in rear of a perpendicular line from Savage Station to the main road and 300 yards from the road. I do not know the regiments which supported the battery, only that they belonged to Sedgwicks division. At 5 p. m. the enemy opened fire on the infantry of Sedgwicks divis- ion lying near this battery from a battery planted at the skirts of the woods to the right of the railroad and 1,400 yards from us. I directed the fire of the battery on it, and in a few minutes silenced it, dismount- ing one piece Page 119 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 119 About this time Captain Pettit (B), First Xew York Artillery, took position on our left, and soon after a portion of another battery on our right. The enemy soon showed the masses of his infantry near where the battery had been in position, and was moving to the right. We opened fire and drove them under shelter of the woods. We now learned the position of the enemy in the woods by our skirmishers to be directly in front of us, and by turning the fire of the three batteries on their masses, held them at bay for an hour, their prisoners affirming that we did splendid execution among them, the range being good and the shells exploding well. A few minutes before sunset the enemy opened a battery from near the railroad bridge, in rear of the former site of General Keyes headquarters. This was silenced in a few min- utes by the fire of the three batteries. Fifteen or twenty minutes before sunset the infantry of the two armies became engaged, and the roar of musketry was incessant and terrific till after dark, when the enemy was routed, and fled before our forces at least a half mile. Our infantry made charge after charge upon the enemys front, and the determined shouts and huzzas rang distinctly above the roar of the musketry. J consider the whole affair a splendid and magnificent one. The enemys troops fought bravely, but our own surpassed them in every particular and in two and a half hours from their first appearance had fought, def2eated, and driven them from the field. During the engagement I fired 90 fuse shell, 40 case shot, and 11 percussion shell. At 10 l~ m. I was ordered to move to the rear, and at 1 in the morn- ing I crossed White Oak Swamp Bridge. Jn the morning (July 1) [June 30] I reported to General Hooker for duty. July 1 [June 30], having been ordered by General Hooker to pass on before his division and report to any commanding officer at the front, I proceeded to the hill on which the battle of July 2 [1] was fought and reported to General Sykes, but he not having a position for me, Ii after- ward reported to General Morell, and was ordered into position near the large white house which the general occupied that evening as head- quarters. Captain Bramhalls battery (Sixth New York Battery) occupied my right, and still another battery at Captain Bramhalls right. About 5 p. m. a battery of the enemy opened fire on us from the woods on our left and about 1,300 yards distant. General Morell ordered me to open fire on it, and at the same time shell the woods in its vicinity. I threw 50 shell at an elevation of 3~O to 4~Q, During the firing there was a heavy explosion in the immediate vicinity of the enemys battery, resembling the ~explosion of a caisson, upon which the enemys firin~ immediately ceased. We remained in this position during the night. While in this position we were supported by the Fifty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. July 2[l],at 6.30 in the morning, I left the battery in charge of Lieu- tenant Winslow, to search for and report to yourself. At 7 a. m. the enemy appeared in large force on the main road on our front, coming forward rapidly, driving our pickets in, and yelling desperately. General Griffin ordered Lieutenant Winslow to open fire upon them, which he did, firing at 30 elevation 5 fuse, and having a most admirable cross-fire on the enemy with Captain Bramhalls battery. Lieutenant Winslow and Captain BramhalL fired rapidly and their ammunition worked well. There were two other batteries in position, but were not firing so rapidly. The enemy retreated under the artillery fire in a very few minutes, our infantry not becoming engaged Page 120 120 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. Immediately after this very brief engagement the battery was ordered to report to General Couch on General ~ right, and before corn - ing into position was again ordered to report to General Hooker, on General Conchs right. These orders were by General Heintzelman. From this last position we participated at several different times during the day in assisting in driving the enemys batteries from the open field, where he persisted in placing them at short intervals during the day. They were about 1,500 yards from us and shelling our troops. During the very severe engagement late in the afternoon I was in posi- tion too far to the right to bring the battery to bear upon the enemy. That day I fired 55 fuse shell, 20 case shot, and 4 percussion shell. The firing was mainly good, excepting that 4 shell in the afternoou failed to take the rifling of the piece, and revolving rapidly in their flight fell one-third of the distance short of their intended destination. At 2 a. m. I was ordered to fall back with the body of the army, and reached camp near Harrisons Landing. It is a source of great satisfaction to me that none of my officers or men were injured in any of the engagements. I brought the battery through complete, and only suffered in the loss of several horses, brought about by excessive labor. Also the personal effects of many of the men. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. WARD OSBORN Captain Battery D, First New York Artihery. Captain DE HUSSY, Chief of Artillery, Third Corps, Army ~f the Potomac. No. 3~ Reports of Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of engagements at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Ilfalvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS FlEST BRIGADE, HOOKERS DIVISION, Camp near James River, 17a., July 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 25th of June I re- ceived orders to move my brigade to the front of our intrenchments, near Fair Oaks, and to take up a position with a view to advancing our picket line and await further orders. The length of front assigned to my command was about that occupied by it when in line of battle. Upon this line I caused to be deployed as skirmishers the First and Eleventh Massachusetts, with strong supports, and detached two com- panies of the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania on the left of the line to keep the connection with General Kearnys division in case his pickets should not advance at3 the same time. The Second New Hampshire, the Six- teenth Massachusetts, and seven companies of the Twenty-sixth Penn- sylvania were held in reserve until the strong points of the enemys po- sition should be developed by the advancing line. These dispositions being made, at 8.30 a. m. the final order was received to advance, and our line moved steadily on, meeting with increased and varied resistance in proportion to our advance. It there- fore became necessary to materially strengthen the whole line, and a Page 121 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 121 any flank movements were from the nature of the ground and position of the enemy hazardous, it became necessary to support our line by pushing forward detachments from the reserves as circumstances and the constant and changing attempts of the enemy to break our lines made expedient. Four companies of the Second New Hampshire Vol- unteers were ordered to the support of the right of the First Massachu- setts and to keep the connection with the Excelsior Brigade on our right, which connection was becoming broken by the more rapid ad- vance of our right, and six companies of the same regiment to the sup- port of the left of the First and the right of the Eleventh, the latter regiment gradually closing on their centers to strengthen their line and fill the places of the killed and wounded. Five companies of the Six- teenth Massachusetts, under Lieutenant-Colonel Meacham, were thrown forward to support our extreme left, which was becoming very much exposed, as the division on that flank had not as yet commenced the advance. Hardly had these re-enforcements got in place when I learned that our right required still further re-enforcements, on account of the in- crease in distance between it and the left of the Excelsior Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, of the First Massachusetts, commanding the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, was ordered to that flank with the remain- ing seven companies of his regiment, with orders to keep up the con- nection and to use whatever portion of his force he found necessary to accomplish that object. Colonel Wells was also ordered to fill a break in the line between the left of the First Massachusetts and the re-en- forcements from the Second New Hampshire, which he did with two companies. Failing to find the point of connection with the left of the Excelsior Brigade, Colonel Wells advanced three of his companies and covered the whole ground between the right of the Second New Hamp- shire and the Williamsburg road. This, however, was only a tempo- rary position, and these companies were soon returned and withdrawu~ the advance of the Excelsior Brigade making it no longer necessary to extend farther to the right than the ground occupied by the Second New Hampshire. During all this time since the commencement of the advance the contest had been sharp all along the line, varied by dashes of the enemy to break our front at different points. Every attempt, however, was a failure, and at 11 oclock a. m. my line occupied the whole ground I was ordered to take and hold, with considerable ground to the right and left of it. The fighting did not, however, cease, and our losses were considerable after our possession of the ground. I must in this connection make special mention of Company B, Captain Littlefleld, of the Second New Hampshire Volunteers, which deployed upon a most exposed position in advance of our center, and did signal service in clearing the front of tke enemys sharpshooters, who had made them- selves especially annoying. I regret to say that in this gallant service the company lost 2 killed and 14 wounded, 1 mortally. General Kearny~s lines having advanced in the afternoon and received the support of the five companies of the Sixteenth Massachusetts, no longer necessary, they were withdrawn about 4 p. m. At about 5 p. m. I received a request from General Robinson to send him a regiment as a support to a battery at some distance from my left. Though I felt great reluctance in sparing my only remaining reserve, yet thinking that important results might depend upon it, Colonel Wyman was ordered with the seven remaining companies of his regiment to report to General Robinson for that service Page 122 122 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL For details of the service thus rendered I would respectfully refer to the inclosed report of Colonel Wyman. Soon after the detachment of the Sixteenth information was received from the left that a heavy force of the enemy was advancing, apparently with a ~riew to attack our position on that flank. Major Henry, of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, having his regiment in position in the field behind my right, at a request from me, with great alacrity re- enforced my left, and remained in that position until my brigade, at a late hour in the evening, was relieved by a picket from General Couchs division. Previous to the establishment of the pickets and after night had closed in the enemy had accumulated a large force of infantry, probably two brigades, with some artillery, in our front, and busied themselves the whole evening in removing their wounded, leaving the dead. About 9 p. m. the enemy formed line of battle and marched on our lines, delivered one fire, which was returned along our whole lines, upon which he retired. After the establishment of the pickets upon the new line I withdrew my brigade into the trenches and guarded them for the night. Our whole loss during the day was 17 killed, 139 wounded, and 4 missing; total, 160. The First Massachusetts Vol- unteers suffered much more heavily than any other regiment. In conclusion I would specially recommend all of the regimental com- inandersColonels Cowdin, Marston, Blaisdell, Wyman, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Wellsfor having well and gallantly performed every duty required of them, and would refer the attention of the general com- manding the division to the recommendation which they make in their reports as deserving notice. I would also make special mention of Captain ilibbert, Lieutenants Hubbard and Perkins, of my staff, as having done their duty with the greatest efficiency, both on the field and off, during the day. I consider that the rank and file of the whole brigade behaved during the day with most admirable steadiness, as usual. I have the honor to be ca servant, , ptain, most respectfully, your obedient C. GROVER Brigadier-General, Commanding Pirst Brigade. Capt. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, llooJ~Rs DIVISION, Camp near James River, Va., July 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that after the battle before Fair Oaks, in which my brigade was engaged, on the 25th of June last, my command remained at its camp in that vicinity without the occurrence of any incident or movement worthy of note until the morning of the 29th, when, pursuant to orders duly received, my brigade, at about 6 a in., withdrew from its advanced camp and took up a position behind the second line of intrenchments, on the right of the Williamsburg road, and joining on its right the left of General Sumners corps darm6e, which rested upon the railroad. In this position we waited an advance of the enemy. Dispositions were made to avail ourselves of all the ad- vantages afforded by the ground, and a strong picket from the Eleventh Massachusetts, under Major Tripp, was thrown out, covering the van Page 123 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 123 ous approaches to our position. The enemy, however, did not move upon us in force, but directed his whole attack against General Sum- ners position on our right, only throwing occasionally a few shell into the woods occupied by my command. Fortunately, thongh many shells fell within our limits, no one was killed, and but 2 men of the Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers, who were on picket duty, were wounded. Early in the day, the enemy having been repulsed on the right and not appearing in front of our position, I received an order to fall back along the line of the railroad in the direction of Savage Station, and subsequently to take a road leading across White Oak Swamp to the Jame~i River. At about 9 oclock p. in., having crossed the swamp, my brigade encamped not far from Saint Pauls Church, and early in the day on the 30th took up a position on the left of a direct road from Rich- mond, intersecting our line of march to the James River near Saint Pauls Church. Here again, under the instructions of the general com- manding division, my brigade was placed in a position to meet an advance of the enemy upon the flank of the moving army. About 3 oclock p. m. the enemy moved upon General McCalls lines in our front, and having broken them, came down in great force upon our position. The Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, being in posi- tion across and on the immediate left of the road along which the ad- vance was made, received and repulsed the heaviest and most persistent attempts of the enemy to break the lines. The Twenty-sixth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, on the left of the Sixteenth, were not hard pressed, and had not an opportunity to deliver its whole fire upon the enemy. The Eleventh Massachusetts was thrown upon the extreme left of our division lines, in anticipation of an attempt to turn our flank. As no such attempt, however, was made in force, this regiment did not become engaged during the day. The First Massachusetts and Second New Hampshire occupied a line in rear of the Sixteenth Massachusetts and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, but the steadiness and de- termination with which the first line met the enemy, not only checking his advance but causing him to withdraw from this portion of the field, rendered any assistance at this time unnecessary from the second line. It had now become nearly sunset; the fury of the battle had shifted to the right of our position, and the strength of the enemy was evidently broken in our front. I was ordered with the First Massachusetts to drive what there remained of the enemy from our immediate front. That gal- lant regimeiit, with the greatest enthusiasm and rapidity, advanced to the front, driving before it whatever enemy still remained upon the ground, and advanced to the crest of a hill something like a quarter of a mile from our lines. Upon this high ground the smoke of the battle had settled heavily and obscured our view; still, upon advancing in line, the left of a body of our troops in line of battle on the right could be seen. On the left, somewhat nearer to our l)osition, a column of infantry was moving by the flank to the right. Their colors were furled, and they wore the uniform of our trooj~, and were believed to be a regiment from the left of the Excelsior Brigade, moving to re-en- force the right of our position. Upon approaching nearer, however, this column halted, faced to its right, and fired a volley upon us. Fully assured still that it was one of our own regiments. I ordered the regiment to fall back under cover of the crest of the hill without return- ing the fire. Having withdrawn my men, I returned to assure myself of the facts of the case, and rode within about 100 yards of their colors Page 124 124 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. which had become partially loosened from the staff. It was a rebel reg- iment, and gave me a volley as soon as I was observed. At dark a portion of my brigade, the Second New Hampshire and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, re-enforced the line on our right of the road, where the fighting did not cease until about 9.3Q p. m. These regiments did not, however, come into action. At about 10.30 p. m. the latter regiments were withdrawn to their first positions. At about 4 a. m. on the 1st of July we carefully withdrew our pickets and continued our march, making an early camp at IVilalvern Hill. On the morning of the 2d the march was continued to James River during a heavy rain and almost impassable roads. Since reaching this vicinity no incident worthy of notice has occurred. The conduct of the Sixteenth Massachusetts on the 30th was highly distinguished. Its gallant colonel lost his life and its lieutenant-colonel and adjutant were wounded. The First Massachusetts sustained the character it had previously won. It lost among many others its major. The other regiments, the Second New Hampshire, Eleventh Massa- chusetts Volunteers, and the Twenty-sixth Peniisylvania, filled well and as usual the positions which by the fortunes of the day fell to their lot. I deem it sufficient to say that the regimental commanders, Col- onel Cowdin, Colonel Marston, Colonel Blaisdell, Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, of the First Massachusetts, commanding the Twenty-sixth Penn- sylvania, and Major Lamson, commanding Sixteenth Massachusetts, after the fall of Colonel Wyman and the wounding of Lieutenant-Col- onel Meacham, filled their positions unexceptionably and with credit to themselves. For cases of honorable mention within their commands I would respectfully refer to the inclosed reports. To the members of my staffSurg. T. B. Reed, Captain Hibbert, Lieutenants Hubbard, Brown, and PerkinsI am especially indebted for their faithful and efficient services in their respective lines of duty during the time covered by this report. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GROVER Brigadier- General, Commanding Br4ade. To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Hookers Division. No. 40. Reports of f2o1. Robert Cowdin, First Massachusetts Infantry, of the en- gagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House a dale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). , nd battle of Glen- HDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY, Camp Lincoln, Va., June 25, 1862. In accordance with orders from the brigadier-general commanding brigade I this morning proceeded with my command from camp to the front and thence into the fallen timber and deployed umy regiment as skirmishers, the right toward the Richmond road and the left toward Kearnys right flank, and moved forward my line of skirmishers to the front, throwing a few pickets in advance, who soon became engaged with the enemy, the regiment continuing to move forward, driving the euemy~s pickets back to their reserves, who made a firm and deter Page 125 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 125 milled resistance, but did not check our advance. At this time we lost 3 captains, 3 lieutenants, and a number of sergeants, leaving two com- panies commanded by corporals. We now drove the reserve from their position through the bushes, across the open field, and into the bushes on the other side near the rail fence. At the same time a large force of infantry was seen moving from left to right, when I sent to the brigadier-general commanding for re-enforcements. Eight companies of the Second New Hampshire came up promptly and took position, six on my right and two on my left. Soon after Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, with the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, took position as support in my rear. The services of only two companies being required, the remainder was ordered to a new position by the brigadier-general commanding bri- gade. Meanwhile, my line being established according to previous in- structions on the edge of the bushes and being continually fired upon by the enemy from the bushes and trees on the opposite side of the field, we kept up a well-directed fire upon their position. We continued to hold our position until relieved late in the evening by the Thirty- sixth New York Regiment and Third Maine, the instructions of the brigadier-general commanding having been fully carried out, but in doing so I met with quite a severe loss. I annex a list of casualties.* During the day we were visited several times by the brigadier-gen- eral commanding brigade, which greatly encouraged the men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT COWDIN, Colonel, Commanding First Regiment Massachusetts Infantry. JOSEPH HIBEERT, Jr., Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRs. FIRST REGT. MASSACHUSEnrS VOLUNTEERS, Near James River, Va., July 11, 1862. SIR: I make to you the following report ofthe part taken in the bat- tle of Nelsons Farm, near White Oak Swamp, by the First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, under my command, on Monday, June 30: The enemy in overwhelming numbers attacked a portion of our lines held by General McCalls division for the purpose of breaking our lines and completely destroying the rear of our army. This, it seems, was nearly accomplished, when General Hookers division was ordered up and placed in such a position as to check their farther advance, and they were finally repulsed and put to flight with great slaughter. During this action I was ordered to charge on the enemy in front at considerable distance, which I did, passing over a fence across a field and through the woods, the rebels falling back before us; we still advanced through an open field. Here we advanced in line of battle, when a brigade of troops, dressed in our uniform and supposed by us to be our own, opened a terrific fire on our front and left flank, from which fire I lost many of my bravest and best men. In connection with this movement I cannot speak in too high praise of Major Chandler, Capts. Clark B. Baldwin, G. Walker, A. W. Adams, and First Lients. George E. Henry and William Sutherland, who as- sisted greatly in cheering on the men. During this encounter Major *Embodied in revised statement, p 37 Page 126 126 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL Chandler and Lieutenant Sutherland were wounded and fell, and were probably taken prisoners. iDr. Munroe, my assistant surgeon, was untiring in his zeal in attend- ing to the wounded as they were carried to the rear. The officers and men behaved with great courage and bravery during the whole time. The following is a list of casualties in this engagement: Killed, 4; wounded, 30; missing, 28. The commanders of companies report their men as acting with great bravery and doing their duty faithfully. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT COWDIK, Colonel, Commanding First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant- General, Massachusetts. No. 41. Report of Cot. William Blaisdell, Eleventh Massachusetts Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or King~s & hool-House. HDQRS. ELEVENTH REST. MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, Camp at Fair Oaks, Va., June 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 25th 1 was at 7 oclock ordered to take a position in line of battle on our picket line and to deploy as skirmishers. I proceeded according to orders and deployed one-half of each company as skirmishers, holding the other half in reserve, and at once advanced and started my line of skirmishers through the fallen timber, and immediately became engaged with the enemys pickets and reserves, moving cautiously and steadily~ killing and driving the enemy before us to the open field, there forming a line of battle Qn the left of the First Regiment Massachusetts Volun- teers, and held that position until relieved by the One hundred and first Regiment of New York Volunteers, at 2 oclock this morning. In skirmishing through the woods my regiment kept up communica- tion with the regiment on our right and arrived at the open field at th& same time. The firing of my skirmishers in passing through the wooda was very heavy and continuous, and yet I am most happy to state that the casualties in the regiment were very small comparatively, having no one killed and only one man supposed to be mortally wounded. The officers and men all behaved coolly and bravely. To single out any particular one would be doing injustice to the others, where all be- haved so well. I was well supported by my field and staff officersMaj. Porter D. Tripp and Adjutant (Jurrier. Surgeon Foye and his assist- ant, Alfred G. Williams, were employed all day most assiduously in caring for the wounded of our own and other regiments. Herewith annexed is a list of the wounded of this regiment, and I am most thankful for the almost miraculous escape of my men from being injured by the very heavy and continuous fire of the enemy.* I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BLAISDELL, Colonel, Commanding Regiment.. To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, First Brigade, Hookers Division. * 5~ return, p 37 Page 127 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. Ca& r. XXIII.] 127~ No. 42. Report of Lieut. Gol. George F. fiileston, Eleventh Massachusetts Infantry,. of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battle of Glen- dale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm). IIDQRS. ELEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS YOLUNTEER~, July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: In reply to circular of this date I would state that the regiment was engaged in the action near Seven Pines on Sunday, the 29th day of June. The casualties were 2 men wounded. The regiment was also engaged in the action near Saint Pauls Church June 30, but met with no loss. A report of the action of June 25 has been already forwarded. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. TILESTOK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOSEPH HIBBERT, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade. No. 43. Report of Col. Powell 17. Wyman, Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or King~s School-House. IIDQRS. SIXTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, June 26, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the fight of yesterday. On taking the field in the morning my regiment was held in reserve by the general, and so placed as to repel any attack from the enemy on the left intended to cut off the advancing line of our regiments. Five companies of the regiment were detached under Lieutenant-Colonel Meacham about 8.3q oclock a. m. to support the left of the Eleventh Massachusetts, they being seriously threatened by the enemy. These companies remained on this duty until almost 4 in the afternoon, wheu they were recalled. About 3 oclock I was ordered to support the right of the First Brigade with these companies, and conducted them myself. I was relieved in command of them by Major Lamson about 4 p. m. I took command of the remaining seven companies, then held in reserve. About 5 p. m. I received orders to march to the left and report to General Robinson for the temporary purpose of supporting a light bat- tery. On reporting I was directed to put my regiment in the edge of some woods to ward off any attack from the enemy coming from the left, the enemy being supposed to be in strong force there. My right flank, therefore, rested toward what may be considered the front of the enemys lines. The battery having performed the service required of it was now withdrawn, but I was still left in the same position, with no orders to return. The enemy was soon reported as advancing iu strong force upon my right flank through the woods. The pickets of our troops, which were in front of me, were rapidly retiring toward their left without firing. I took measures to attempt to withdraw m Page 128 128 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XX1II~ regiment in good order from their exposed position, and though in the outset there was a little confusion, the men were rallied and advanced to the support of their comrades on the right flank, then seriously threatened. At this moment there appeared to be a general movement of the enemy along the front, and the troops of Robinsons brigade began to retire along the whole of their front. With some of my companies I then crossed an open space between the right and left of that front, with intention of endeavoring to rally these broken troops. But the tide was too strong, and my own men were soon retiring with them to the cover of the woods, when a gain a stand (and a permanent one) was made. My regiment in the melle had become divided into two por- tions, one of which, under the lieutenant-colonel, reached their own brigade some time before I was enabled to do so. The regiment was reunited on its own brigade grounds of the morning about 8 p~ m. It being impossible for me to see the whole regiment dnring the period of this fight, there were doubtless many instances of good be- havior on the part of officers and men which did not come nnder my personal observation. Of those which did I desire to mention particu- larly the behavior of Captain Wiley, Adjutant Merriam, and First Lieutenant Amory as worthy of the highest commendation. The ener- getic exertions of the adjutant and his constant presence wherever most needed are deserving of more than a passing notice. The casualties of yesterday in the regiment are 3 killed, 4 missing, and 22 wounded. Of the wounded one was a commissioned officer, Second Lient. Cassander Flagg, who was slightly hurt in the shoulder in the early part of the day. Very respectfully, P. T. WYMAN, Colonel Sixteenth Massachusetts. Capt. JOSEPH HIBBERT, Jr., Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Hookers Division. No. 44. Report of Maj. Daniel S. Jamson, Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Yelson~s Farm (Frazier~s Farm). IIDQRS. SIxTEENTH REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTRERS, In Camp, James River, Va., July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with the circular from headquarters of this date I will proceed to relate the position and actions in which this regi- ment participated since the date of the last report rendered. The action of the 25th June has been reported by the late colonel of the regiment, P. T. Wyman. On Sunday, June 29, in connection with the brigade, we took up our line of march to the rear, first covering the retreat of our picket line in front of our position at Fair Oaks. Upon reaching the first parallel of defense in rear of our late advance it became necessary to cover the artillery and baggage train against a threatened attack of the advancing enemy, and the Sixteenth was placed in line of battle in the woods com- manding the approaches to the line of the woods, and on the left of the railroad. The march was resumed, however, without an engagement Page 129 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 129 and at iiight the brigade encamped in the vicinity of White Oak S watnp. On Monday, June 30, we took up our position in froiit of Charles City Court-i-louse, covering the road and the left of the army in connec- tion with the other regiments of our brigade. At this post we were en~aged in hot contest with the enemy from 2 oclock p. in. till after sunset, but maintained throughout the afternoon the position assigned to us fiomn the first. During a sortie of the enemy in force upon the road the right wing of my regiment suff~red considerably, but they were successful in preventing the enemy from accomplishing his pur- pose, which was to break the left wing of our army and thus cut off the retreat of the army to the James River. At this point of defense Col. P. T. Wyman was killed by a ball in the heart whie encouraging his men to defend at all hazards this all-important ~oiri t. Adjutant and First Lient. Waldo Merriam is worthy of mention for his courage at this trying moment. He was badly wounded in the throat. Lieutenant-Colonel Meacham was slightly wounded in the left arm at the same time. The horses of both the colonel aiid adjutant were shot under them. Company II, Capt. Gardner Banks, was posted immediately upon this road, and the entire company performed their duty with credit to them- selves and their regiment. Company C, Captain King, at a house and fence in advance of our line, were exposed to an uninterrupted fire of shell amid ball throughout the greater part of the engagement. When ordered to rally on the regiment their coolness and good conduct called forth the attention and congratulations of Colonel Wyman. When the attack was made on the road above alluded to the left coni- Panics of my regiment were enabled to play a flank flue through the ravine on the left, which in my opinion in no little served to check the enemy. I annex herewith a list of the names of those reported by their cal)tains as worthy of special mention, and also the killed, wounded, and missing.* On Tuesday, July 1, we reached the heights above James River, and were posted during the engagement of that day upon the left rear flank on the edge of the woods, but with the exception of the sliehlimig were not engaged throughout the day; Respectfully, your obedient servant, D. S. LAMSON, Captain HIBBERT, A. D. C., Major, Gommanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant- General, Headquarters in the Field. No. 45. Reports of (Jol. Gilman Marston, Second New Hampshire Ihfaniry, ?t the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battle of Glen- (late, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm). HDQRS. SECOND NEW llA1~IP5HIRE VOLUNTEERS, Gamp near Fair Oaks, Va., June, 1862. Iii compliance with orders from the brigadier-general commanding the brigade I marched my regiment at 7 oclock on the morning of the * Embodied in revised statement, p. 26. 9 it ItVOL XT~ PT T Page 130 130 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CrIAP. xxitr. 25th instant to the front of the redoubt at Fair Oaks. At S.3() oclock, agreeably to further orders, J sent four companies, under command of Major Stevens, to support the left of the First Regiment of Massachu~ setts Volunteers, who had a few moments previously advanced into the fallen timber in front toward the enemys lines. At fifteen minutes before 9 oclock T advanced with four companies from the right wing of my regiment to the right wing of the First Massachusetts, which had now become engaged with the skirmishers of the enemy. Advancing through the fallen timber and into a swamp covered with a dense growth of bushes I came upon four companies of the First Massachu~ets and formed upon their right. The fire to the left and in front was now quite severe, and the shots of the enemy fell thickly in our ramiks. Sending messengers to the front and left I soon ascertained the position of the remainder of the First Massachusetts, and then, with the detachmen t from my own regiment and the four companies of the First Massachusetts before mentioned, quickly advanced and formed a connection with their right. Major Stevens formed his detachment on the left of the First Massachusetts, and at the request of Major Chandler (leploye(l Coin- pany B, armed with Sharps rifles, as skirmishers in front of that regi- ment. The whole line then rapidly advanced through the fallen timber and underbrusli and over the swampy ground on the right, the enemy re- tiring, but all the while keeping up a sharp fire in front and from the timber on the left, which was returned with spirit and goGd effect along the whole line. As we approached the margin of the wood the enemy were seen in considerable force flying in confusion across the open field in front. Several well-directed volleys were fired into the retreating foe before he could cross the open ground into the woods beyond. Offi- cers and men were anxious to follow the retreating enemy, but the general commanding the brigade ordered that no farther advance be made, but to hold the line we then occupied at all hazards. I should have mentioned that soon after I advanced with four com- panies from the right of my regiment the two remaining companies were ordered to join on the left and b~ detached under Major Stevens, which they did. The line thus formed on the margin of the woo(l we occupied during the remainder of the day, being continually annoyed by the sharpshooters of the enemy, stationed in the woods to the left of our line. A portion of Company B was deployed as skirmishers, and did good execution upon the enemy lurking in the woods in that vicinity. During the afternoon we were much annoyed by the fire of some pieces of oar own artillery to the right of us, many shots from which fell very near us and some in our own ranks. Toward night the enemy brought down some pieces of artillery immediately in front of our line, but concealed from view by a narrow belt of bushes beyond the open ground, but the fire being directed to the right, we did not suffer therefrom. About 9.30 oclock the four companies from my right wing were relieved and marched back tn the redoubt at Fair Oaks, and about 11.30 oclock the six companies on the left of the First Mas- sachusetts were also relieved, and just as they were about to niareh back to the redoubt the enemy came out into the open field in front and there forming in line fired one volley without much effect, which being returned by a fire along our whole line was not repeated. Major Ste- vens then marched his detachment back to the redoubt, where my regi- ment remained in the trenches until 8 oclock the next morning, when we were relieved, and the regiment marched into camp Page 131 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 131 I should have remarked that after fighting all day and standing iii the trenches the following night about 100 men were detailed from my regiment at 5 oclock in the morning to fell timber on the WilLiamsbnrg road until 8 oclock a. m. During the operations of the 25th the detachment under Major Ste- vens was handled judiciously and effeetively by that officer. It is bitt simple justice to the regiment to say that all the officers and the inev, with but very few exceptions, acquitted themselves admirably. They were confident, brave, and obedient to orders. Adjutant Lawrence is deserving of commendation, not only for his activity and efficiency on the 25th instant, but also for the. protnptness with which he performs all his duties; also Sergeant-Major Moore, a brave man and a good soldier. He brought down 2 rebel sharpshooters from the trees where they were concealed and was himself severely wounded in the hand. I wish particularly to call attention to Surgeon Merron. I believe there is no one in the medical corps who performs his duties more faithfully or more skillfully than this officer. Where almost every man performed his part well and according to the best of his ability it might be considered invidious to mention particular cases of gallantry and good conduct, which otherwise I should be gla(l to do. The casualties in my regiment on the 25th instant were 4 killed and 32 wounded, 4 mortally.* Of these 17 occurred in Company B. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILMAN MARSTON, Colonel Second Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. JOSEPH HIBBERT, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. SECOND REGIMENT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 10, 1862. On the morning of the 29th ultimo this regiment marched with the First Brigade, Hookers division, from Fair Oaks, and after awaiting an attack from the enemy some 2 miles from that place on the road toward Savage Station until past 3 oclock p. mu., again marched toward White Oak Swamp, crossing the same at sunset and Saint Pauls Church. , camped near About 9 oclock a. m. of the 30th ultimo the regiment was posted in line of battle on the right of the road leading past said church, and there remained until about 3 oclock p. in., whemi by order of the briga- dier-general commanding the brigade I moved the regiment rapidly to time right about half a mile to the support of De Russys battery, which was then hotly engaged with the enemy in that quarter. Before reach- ing the battery I was ordered to return to the ground originally occu- l)ied, the enemy having made a very deterumined attack in front and to time right of that position. Thence I was immnediately ordered forward and formed line of battle at the base of a slight ridge of land beyond which the enemy were in force, themice forward to the crest of the ridge, then by the right flank into a wood on the same elevation, then farther to the right into an open field, where we remained until 9 oclock p. in., momentarily expecting an attack at that point, the enemy being * But see revised statement, p. 37 Page 132 132 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CMAP. XXIII. at this time iii Piree beyond a narrow belt of wood in front of us. We were subsequently mo~Te(l to the left, to the position we had before occUpie(l, on the crest of the rising ground in the wood, throwing one company forward to olner ye the enemy. Soon after the regiment was moved farther to the left and in the rear of the Sixteenth Massachu ~etts ltegiinent, and this position we continued to occupy until dawn, when the whole brigade marched toward the James liver. Although my reginient occupied so many positions upon the field of b itik (luhiug the day, ~ all the while within long musket-range of the eneunv,it (lid not l)eeome actually engaged. We were never in position o return effectively the fire of the enemy, which reached us lioia a uv~tance until as late as 9 oclock p. m. I have never seen the men of m~ regiment for a as on y mdi so eager fight that day. Ever vl(lu il in tu seeme(l anxious to come to close quarters with the foe and to stiik~ telling blows for the great cause in which they had volun- tardy e11o~ge(l at the peril of their lives. ~oiie were killed upon the field. Capts. Edward L. Bailey and Sam- uel P. Sayles were slightly \Younded, as also were Privates William A. Heywood and John W. ilarmond, of Company A; Jo5e!)h Tallin and James M. Wiggin, ot Company II; James Mayhew, Company F; James M. Weihuan, Company G; Abiel W. Colgan and George IL Thyng, Company E, and John II. 13t ceze, of the same coIn~)any, mortally. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILMAN MAlISTON, Colonel Second Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. Capt. JOSEPH HIBBERT, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 46. Reports of Lie~t. Col. George D. I Veils, First Massachusetts Infantry, commanding Twenty-sixth .Pennsyliania Ii~fantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings S1ehool-Ilonse, and b attic of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). ThJQRS. 2Gm IIEGT. PA. VOLS., 1ST BRIG., HOOKERS Div., Camp at Fair Oaks, Va., June 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 25th I was ordered to detach four companies, under Captain Moffett, to re- enforce the Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers. I was ordered with the remaining companies to the front to support the First Massachu- setts, then heavily engaged. While performing this duty I ascertained that our line there had no connection with the right and that its con- nection with its left was very weak. I so reported, and was ordered to make the connection on both flanks. I threw two companies be- tween the right and left wings of the First Massachusetts on the left and extended the remaining three companies from the Second New I-Iampshire to the Williamsburg road. Soon after this Sickles bri.~ade caine P)rward on the left of the road, and I concentrated may cOmpanies on the right of the Second New Hampshire, my right connecting with Sickles left. The First Brigade now formed a continuous line of battle, holding the extreme advance ordered in the morning, and extending from Sickles on the right t Page 133 Oat mj SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 188 Kearnys on the left. I received from General Hooker au order to push the line forward on the Williamsburg road, but as my command did not extend to that point was unable to comply. Boon after three regiments of Palmers brigade formed a ine in front of tJae New York regiments. As this line overlapped my three companies T withdrew them, placing the left of the Seventh Massachusetts in the precise position I had oecnpwd. I was then ordered to take my three companies and join the force first sent to the left. I found that it needed only two companies to establish a sufficient line between Bisiadells left and Kearnys right, and I held the live companies remaining as a support to hold a wood road in which my left rested. Unable to ascertain where this road led to, I sent a scouting party up it to find out. They soon came upon an open space, In which the enemy was forming a line of three regiments for an attack. Supposing this to be intended for our position I sent to say so, and that if m we s ould need help upon that road. The attack was made, however, upon Kearnys line, Thrtber to the left. The. enemy broke through, and we heard them sweeping. by our left flank and to our rear. The Seventh New Jersey coming we formed a ptrong line of battle, and with them and the Sixty4hird Pennsylvania Reserve I waited. General Kearny soon ap~ired on the left with re-enforce. ments, driving the enemy before turn, and we held the line until re- lieved. Officers and men were all that could be desiredsteady and coprage- ons. Adjutant Hail left a sick bed to come to the front when he heard we were engaged. My list of casualtiesI kifled and 10 woundedhas already been sent in. I am, captain, with respect, your obedient servant, Li eutnaut Colonel, Cosdg. GEO. D. WELL% Taoeaty-.lwtk Peunglmni. el~ Capt. JosnH HaunT, Jr., Aeuivets,nt MJutas-OmwaL HDQEs. TWENTY-SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA VoLnnna, (lamp near Jamee River, July 4,1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on June 29 this regiment broke camp at Pair Oaks, marched to the second line of intrenchmenmz, and formed in line of battle on the right of intrenchments in the woods; were exponed to artilleiw lire without casualty for some hours; then marched through White Oak Swamp. June 30 were drawn up in line of battle on the left of the Quaker road. McCall, who was in front, became engaged about :i 9clock. The en~ment was progressing with considerable vigor, and McCall seemed to holding his own when nu(l(lenly he gave way, and the attack fell upon our own lines. bwlng to the nature of the ground I could bring the fire of but one company to bear upon the enemy, who struck our lines some rods to the right of my position. This company delivered a rapid and telliog lire, which was returned, but the return lire all went over. The enemy was soon beaten back from that point, and the battle raged farther along the right. [was then ordered by General Hooker to take my regiment out of line and dear the open space betwceit the wood held by the enemy an Page 134 134 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. that held by us. I did so, charging through for about a quarter of a mile, and covering and holding the eutire OI)CH space, clearing it of the enemy so far as I could see. The men charged ~vith great cheering and shouting and the enemy fled, leaving us from 20 to 30 prisoners, ~viio were extracted from ditches and other l)laces of concealment. The smoke of battle and the coming night making it very (lark, and my left flank extending toward and nearly reaching the eneu s wood, I filed my men into the front edge of our wood in such position as to cover the entire open space on our front. From this point I was with(lrawn aIl(l posted to snpport a portion of Sumners corps. The next morning we went to Malvern Hill, and were posted on the right (lireetly before oue of our batteries, which xvas firing over us mxiost of the day. The next day reached harrisons Landing. Casualties: 113 wounded, 12 missing, 5 prisoners. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, GEG. D. WELLS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Corndg. Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Vols. Capt. JosEPH HIBBERT, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 47. Reports of Brig. Gen. Daniel F. Sic/des, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the engagements at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Mialvern Hill. HDQRS. EXCELSIOR BRIG-., SECOND (IlooKElis) DIVISION, July 7, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at sunrise on the morning of the 25th ultimo I was directed by the brigadier-general commanding the division to report with my coin mand at the advanced line of defenses on the Williamsburg road. In obedience to orders recei~ ed soon after reaching the earthworks at 8 oclock a. in. I formed my brigide in line of battle in front of the works on time right of the First Lnga1 an(l on the right and left of the Williamsburg road. My right ~xmn~ (Second and Fourth Regiments) rested on the left of General Sumneus line My left wing comprised the Third, First, amid Fifth Regimemits the ii lit of the Fifth IRegiment resting on the road, and my left flank regiment (Colonel Taylors) snpported by the right of the First Brigade. Se~ cn commipanies of skirmishers were thrown forward through the fallen timber about 300 yards, and were soon engaged with the enemys h)icket5. In this order of battle the two brigades advammeed thmongh time woods in a line perpendicular to the road. Owing to tIme extreme (lifilcultv which my left encon mitered in penetrating the abatis as ~ve entere(l the woods I was unable to keel) in line with the First Brigade, an(l conld not move my right, which was unimpe(ie(i an(l somewhat in advance, nutil the left had gained sufficient ground to aligmi with the right wing. Colonel Graham imn sOon reported to w(iiately on the left of the r6ad nine that half of his men xvere struggling through a swamn]~ micarly up to their waists in water and inu(l. I withdrew him from the lhiheu timber, and directed him to move along the road by time thank an(l then by file into line parallel with the right. We then a(lvanced in line of battl Page 135 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS~ BATTLES. 135 through a dense undergrowth and heavy timber toward the open ground beyond the woods. My skirmishers, having driven in the enemys pickets, soou encountere(l their supports and reserves and some re-en- torceinents moving rapidly into position to resist onr advance. Pressing my line forward briskly, the skirmishers falling back in or(ler Uf)OlI their sl1I)poltS, the hre became general and sustained along the line. The resistance of the enemy, although stubborn, sensibly diminished until we reached the clearing on the left of the wood and approached the Oi)CII ground beyond the woods on the right. Here we encountered their re-enforcernents, w hen a brisk engagement resulted in driving the enemy back beyond the clearing on the right and left of the road. The most serious demonstration made by the enemy was on my right flank, which at one moment was in great (huger of being turned, partly by the force which menaced it, but quite as much by a panic which seized the left wing of the right-flank regiment (Colonel Halls Second Excelsior). At the moment of this occurrence J was proceeding with Colonel hall to reconnoiter on the right, where, as Colonel Hall re- ported to me, the enemy were in such force as to make a farther ad. vance hazardous without re-enforcements. I had gone only a few paces beyond the color company when a heavy volley attested the presence of the enemy in that quarter. Some oue, whom I could not ascertain, exclaimed in a lond voice, We are flanked; retreat. Instantly the left wino including the color company of the Second, broke to the rear in (lisgracefnl confusion. Calling aloud to the rest of the line to hold their ~ronn(l md keep up their fire, which order was gallantly obeyed by the iught M un~, under Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, and by the Fourth iRegi- inent nndu CQptain Donalds, I used my best exertions, aided by Colonel Hall lh(l M mjor Hammerstein, of General McClellans staff, to rally the fugitix ~ This was soon done, although some of the men, including the color sergeant, had fled to the open ground in the rear, between the ~u oods tud the new redoubt. This occurrence was all the more mom Sly 1110, as it happened in the immediate presence of the brigadier- general commanding the division, who was in front throughout the day. The line l)eing reformed was again pressed forward, when the brig- adier-general conumanding the division informed mue he had ordered the Second New York from Pattersons brigade to support inc on the right. I then hastened to the left and found that the enemy had been pressed back beyond the cleared fields, and mny line was strongly posted at the edo-c of the opening. My left flank was not supported in sufficient force, Lientenaut-Colonel Wells, of the First Massachusetts, having only a detachment of his regiment [Twenty-sixth Peunsylvammia] on Colonel Taylors left. Extending my left by a further deployment, and requesting Lieutenant-Colonel Wells to take ground in the same direc- tion, so as to be within supporting distance of his reserves, and direct- ing that part of the line to advance with my right, I returned to the right and formed the Second New York in position, although some- what to the rear of my line. Throwing this regiment forward the whole line was again advanced, when I was ordered by the brigadier- general commanding the dmvmsmon, in consequence of orders just then received by him froum Brigadier-General Marcy, chief of staff; to fall back to our defenses. Leaving a line of skirmishers within supporting distance, I withdrew my command in order, falling back in line of battle to the ground where I had formed mny first line early in the morning. The pickets were then established by Pattersons briga(le (Colonel Carr commanding) abou Page 136 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. 136 [ChAP. XXJIL 100 yards beyond the old line. About two hours afterward the line (1 battle was again formed in obedience to orders from the brigadier-gen- eral commanding the division, and we again advanced over the same ground. The resistance of die enemy was obstinate, but our line was vigoronsly and successfully l)ushe(l forward. General Palmers brigade, of Couchs division, and a section of Cap- tain J)e Russys battery then caine up to re-enforce the right. General Palmers line was formed in front, supported by my own. The enemy fell back soon after Captain Dc Russy ol)ened his well-directed and rapid fire to which the enemy replied with spirit from a battery of rifled guns. It was not long before the heavy and continued volleys of musketry on the extreme left indicated that the enemy had encountered General Kearnys forces in that direction. On the right we were still exposed to time fire of the enemys batteries, especially in the vicinity of the road alter Captain De Russy cease(l liming. Time First [Second] Rhode Islan(l, Tenth Massachusetts, and Second New York, on the right, hav- ing advanced their skirmishers to the outer edge of the woods, we re- umained iu this position until 7 p. in., when my command, relieved by General Palmers brigade, returned to camp. The loss sustained by the enemy was severe. Two of his regiments which were pressed forward on the right and left of the w(od and the forces brought to bear on my right flank were repulsed twice under a destructive fire. Ca.ptaiu Dc Russys Napoleons were, as usual, bril- liantly handled, and with great effect upon the enemys masses. My own loss was not inconsiderable. My aggregate force present did not exceed 1,500, and of these S were killed, 116 wounded, and 11 missing. I cannot too highly commend the steadiness and ar(lor which were displayed by my officers and men in this advance, twice executed on the same day, against the determined resistance of the enemy. While my acknowledgmemmts are due to the commanding officers of all the regiments, I must especially commend the admirable conduct of Capt. Alfred A. Donalds, commanding Fourth Excelsior. lie was not assisted by a single officer above the rank of lieutenant, and of these only four were on duty. Notwithstanding every embarrassmemmt, the fragment of his brave comniand was most effectively and gallantly led by him throughout the day. Great credit is due to Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, Second Excelsior, for his coolness and courage in holdimig his wing of the regiment steady under the trying and critical cireumustances to which I have before adverted. Althongh informed by the brigadier-general commanding that the Second New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Olmsted commaml(lillg, was di- rected to report to n-ic during the engagement, I have not received any official report from that officer of his operations. I am told, however, that his rel)ort has been already made to division headquarters direct, which will render any further reference to the movements of the regi- ment unnecessary in this comnmnnication. 1 will avail myself of this opportunity to repeat my acknowledg- ments to Major Hammerstein, of the staff of the general commanding the army, without whose aid I could not have succee(led in rallying the fugitives of the Second Regiment. Although Captain Hart, assistaimt adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Tremain, aide-dc-camp, were barely convalescent from recemit illness, they bore up with fortitude through the arduous staff duties which de- volved upon them for twelve hours, evincing the same activity, zeal, and gallantry which I have heretofore had occasion to mnention Page 137 CHAP XXIIIJ SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 137 I am especially in(lebted to Surgeon Prentice, Fourth Regiment, for the services which he rendered as a volunteer aide chiring most of the day. l~ii~3 l)icse~ce near the line of battle was frequently most oppor- tune for himely attention to the wounded, considering how far in the rear the I:spital was established, and in the intervals of professional employment he displayed the courage and bearing of a soldier in con- veying my orders over the field. Attention is respectfully invited to the references made by regimental commanders to the officers and men ef their commands who were coli- spicuous for their good conduct in this affair. Colonel Graham has bronght to my notice especially Sergeants Vanderzee, Page, and Whit- iiey~ and Sergeant-Major Chamberlain, of the Fifth Excelsior. I am, cal)tain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. E. SICKLES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Hookers Division. NoTE.Major Hammerstein, of General McClellans staff, is the officer who so gallantly aided in rallying the portion of Colonel Halls Second Excelsior Regiment that gave way. S. P. II., B. G. IIDQRS. EXCELSIOR BRIG., SECOND (HOOKERS) DIVISION, July 9, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that late at night on the 28th ultimo orders were received from division headquarters to be ready to move at daylight the following morning, with three days cooked rations in haversacks. This order was accompanied by instructions to employ all our available means of transportation in bringing away intrenehing tools, ammunition, subsistence, and hospital stores, and to send the train to the rear immediately. Such camp and garrison equipage, sub- sistence, clothing, and other stores as could not be removed I was di- rected to destroy. These orders were exeented. Early next morning my commuand broke camp, and pursuant to orders marched to the defenses in front. The l)ioneers of the several regi. inents were (letailed, nuder the command of Lient. Van B. Bates, First Regiment, to destroy all the property left in the camps. In obedience to time order of the brig:~dier-general commanding the (hivision, as 50011 as our pickets were withdrawn and the artillery had moved to the rear the division marched in column to the first line of (lefenses in the rear, this brigade on the left. Lieutenant Bates with his pioneers followed the column as a rear guard, felling timber and placing obstacles imi the road. Captain Leonards company, Third Ex- celsior, was thrown out as a l)icket between the old camp and our new h~ositiou. The division foumned in line of battle on the first line of earthworks, between the Wiiliamnsburg road and the railroad, my right resting on the left of General Grover. The First and Second Regiments were heM in reserve on may right and left flank. We remained in this posi- tiomm v. bile General Sumner was engaged on our rightannoyed occa- sionally by the explosion of some of the enemys shell within our lines, killing 2 and wounding 5 of my men Page 138 138 THE PENINSULAH CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAr. XXIIL About 4 in the afternoon I was ordered to face to the rear and move in line of bat tie through the woods between the railroad and the stage road to Savage Station. Approaching the station I was directed by General Heiiitzehnari to counter-march and move briskly toward the (Tharles City road across Bracketts Ford, over the White Oak Swamp, throwing out flankers on the line of march. Crossing the swamp at sun- set the head of my column reached the Charles City road soon after (lark, and having reported to the brigadier-general commanding the division, I was ordered to bivonac with the division near the road in an opening skirted by woods on all sides. A few pickets were thrown out in front and toward the James River. On the morning of the 30th I was directed by the brigadier-general colnmnan(ling the division to reconnoiter the country in front of the Quaker road toward James iRiver, and especially with reference to intersecting roads 1eadin~ from the front. Accompanied by Colonel Carr, corn manding Third Brigade, and Captain Chester, of my staff, I made a careful examination of the line as far as Malvern Hill. While returning heavy cannonading on the right admonished me that an engagement had begun in the vicinity of the Charles City road. Has- tening to my command, I found it moving under Colonel Taylor to a position covering the Quaker road, along which onr train was passing. General McCall was in front and to the right. The brigadier-general commanding the division assigned me the left of the line of battle, einbraein g my own and the Third Brigade, which was formed on the outskirts of a belt of woods covering the Quaker road and conimnand- ing an opening extending to a small stream iii front. On the left the woods encircled the opening, and through this timber, as well as in front to another belt of timber, flankers and skirmishers were thrown ont. My left requiring support, I directed the Second New York to tbrmn on Colonel Taylors left, and later in the day the Eleventh Massa chusetts reporte(l to me with orders to co ver the left flank. It was not long after these dispositions were made before General McCall became engaged. A comisiderable body of his troops falling back on my line, and mistaking us for the enemy, poured several volleys into us. Our colors were promptly displayed along the line and through the exer- tions of Major ilolt (First Regiment) and Major Stevens (Third), with a company of Berdans Sharpshooters, which were in front, these fugi- tives xvere (Iriven back to their line. From a lookont which I estal)- lished hi a tall tree, in charge of Corporal Bowen, Company D, and Private Patrick Connor, Company B, Third Regiment, and also from the reports of my skirmishers, confirmed by my own observations, I ascertained that the enemys reserves were moving against our right in a line of battle almost perpendienlar with my front. This I cansed to be reported to the brigadier-general commnandimig the division, with the suggestion that a battery of artillery, supported by mny left, might be advantageously thrown forward, so as to assail the enemy in the rear and on his right flank. At this moment my second regiment was ordered to report to Gen- eral Sumner, and learning that the First and Sixteemith Massachusetts, of this division, were also seat to support our position on the right, I reluctantly relinquished the design of moving my left forward, even without artillery. Each regiment as it was successively posted on my left flank (Third Excelsior, Second New York, amid Eleventh Massa- chusett~), by throwing forward skirmishers and flankers, captured numbers ot l)ri~onersat least 150 in alland among these the field and some of the line ofti~ers, together with the colors of Regiment Page 139 CHAP. XXIILJ SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 139 These prisoners were sent to the rear in charge of Captaiii Chester of my staff; with directions to report with them to the division or corps commainler ai (1 iii their to tarn them over to the nearest absence provost-marshal. My loss during the (lay was limited to a small num- l)er wounded which is in the list of re embraced casualties heretofore Ported. I regret exceedingly that Private Patrick Cominor, Company E, Third Regiment, was seriously injured by falling from the tree in which he was rendering important service as a look-out. Corporal 1~owen, Company D, Third Regiment, was exceedingly active and use- ful in discharging the same duties. During the night we rested on our arms. The enemy was in motion all night. Rations for two days were issued to his men. Parties were constantly sent out for wounded. All commands given were distinctly heard along my line, and especially by my pickets. These comman(ls embraced at least forty regiments, from various States. Just before dawnindeed, twice during the nightthe enemy formed a line of battle in front and ext~n ding far beyond my left. These movements were promptly reported to the brigadier-general commanding the division. At daybreak, in pursuance of orders, I called in my pickets and flankers an(l withdrew my command, moving by the right flank through the woods to the Quaker road, where I joined the division column and marched with it to Maivern Hill, whither the main body of the army had preceded us. After remaining in column of battalions for several hours, cx posed to the enemys artillery, fortunately without loss, 1 was ordered about 2 p. in. to sul)port the First Brigade in front. Covering my imien in a ravine on the right, I threw out Captain Bliss company, Third Regi- muent, as scouts, and the First and Fourth Regiments (forming one battalion), under Major Holt, as pickets along the interval between the might of the Third Corps and Sumners left. Two l)risoners taken by Captain Bliss, who were sent to division headquarters, reported a movement of the enenmy in force toward our fromit. This was corroborated by other information amid some (lemon- stmatmons of the enemy, who was then attackimig General Porter on our extreme left, so that it appeared evident that a general eugagenment along the whole line was imminent. Soon after~vard, say about 5 p. in., I was ordered to niove at once to support General Porter which or(ler was welcomed amid obeyed with admirable spirit by my coin- niamid. For mny operations in that part of the field I have the lmonom~ to refer you to the special report made to the assistant adjutamit-general of the Fifth Provisional Corps, a duplicate of which is here~vith traims- mitted. This is an imperfect and barren narrative of the movements of my command (luring two eventful days and nights. l)esiring to confine mriy report within the appropriate limits sanctioned by usage, yet [can- not close this communication without putting on record my heartfelt testimnommy to time fortitude and constancytraits rarer than courage which signalized alike my officers and men in all the critical positions, the anxious vigils, time arduous marches, and the severe privations which they shared fri comumnon with this army in its successful muove- muent to a new and (listant base of operations. I am, captain, very respectfully, your niost obedient servant, D. E. SICKLES, , umanding. Capt. J05. DICKINSON, Brigadier- General (Join Assistant Adjutant- General, Hookers Division Page 140 140 THE PENINSULAR OAflMGN, VA. [Cnn filL HDQRs. SECoND BRIGADE, SECOND (Hoonhs) DrvxsloR, July 9,1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from the brigadier-general commanding the division, on the afternoon of the 1st instant I left my position on the right and moved rapidly with my command to report to General Fits John Porter, who was then engaged #tli the enemy at Malvera Hill, on the extreme left of the position occupied by the army on that day. On arriving at General Porters headquarters, the general being In front, I reported to General Kearny, who was present General Kearny told me the enemy were then moving in force toward the center and right, and advised me to return and resume my position. The action oo the left appeauing still to be very animated, I requested the signal officer at General Porters headquarters to Inform me of the state of affairs in General Porters front In a few moments it was reported to me that General Porters right was weak, several regiments being out of ammunition. General Kearny then maid, Ihave no further advice to give; decide for yourself. I immediately led my column at a brisk pace to that part of the field where the firing was most vigorous and sustained. Not meeting an officer from whoa I could receive orders I halted my men in a ravine partially under cover, and, accompanied by INor Stevefl, Third Begiment, rode over the field from right to left, which was nearly a mile In extent, to find General Porter. Meet- ing an officer of his staff; I reported to him, and Informing him of the l)osition of thei head of my column, returned to my command and awaited orders. In a few moments General Porter arrived in person and directed me to support two batteries near a large farm-house on the right of the main road, and for this purpose to form my line a Joke Los, left in front At the same time General Porter directed me not to pursue In case the enemy retired, but to hold my position at all hazards. The column was promptly deployed, every regiment springing into line with enthusiastic cheersindeed, the same dashing spirit animated all their movements throughout the day. I directed my left-flank regiment (Colonel Taylor, Third Excelsior) to be formed in line to the left and rear of the left battery. The Fifth, CoL Charles L Graham, the First and Fourth (forming ore battallou), under Ma~j. Thomas Holt~ and the Second, CoL George B. Hall, were formed in line vs Jokelos at 20 paces, so that the right-flank regiment (Colonel Halls Second) was within supporting distance of the battery on the right A few moments after this formation was com leteclI was directed by an officer of General Porters staff to report to General Couch, to relieve such of his regiments in front as would be indicated. I endeavored to find General Couch, but could not However, it was not long before several staff officers came to me with messages from Generals Couch, Howe, and Abererombie, requesting me to relieve a number of regi meuts in front which were out of ammunition. As soon as precise orders could be obtained from General Couch Colonel Taylors Third was sent forward, moving by the right flank, to relieve the Thirty-first Pennsylvania, which was in position In an open field in front of a belt of woods, behind which the right battery was posted. The Sixty-first New York was on the left, and both these regiments were engaging the enemy. Colonel Taylor promptly relieved the Thirty-first Penn- sylvania and was soon warmly engaged, the enemy being in force on the othersideofihe edge of the woods in front and o; his right Giv Page 141 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 141 ilig his line an oblique direction on the right, Colonel Taylor delivered sustained and most effective fire for an hour. Twice the enemy, ~affering from the rapidity and precision of our fire, attempted to ad- vance across the open field, but each time was gallantly driven ba6k with great loss, when he withdrew, leaving some Parties to carry off his wounded. In the mean time Colonel Grahams Fifth Excelsior was posted on the left of the road to the rear and left of Colonel Taylor, about 100 yards in advance of one of our batteries, and far enough to the left to unmask its fire. Colonel Graham was immediately engaged with the enemy, who was covered by some woods on the left. Opening with great spirit an oblique fire to the left, which being promptly followed by grape and canister from the battery, the enemy was driven from his ground with fearful loss. Colonel Graham was then withdrawn from I lie front to the support of the battery on his right. Later, when the firing of the enemy had ceased on the right, he was again~ advanced and pickets thrown out to the woods in front. Leaving Major II olt within supporting distance of a battery farther on the right, I moved Colonel Halls Second Excelsior to the front, where he relieved the First U. S. Chasseurs, Lieutenant-Colonel Shaler commanding. The fire from the battery effectually cleared the w~ods in his front. After lying on his arms about two hours Colonel Hall moved forward iii line with the Third Excelsior, and remained in that l)osition until mv regiments were withdrawn. The battery on the right having retired, I sent for Major Holts battalion, First and Fourth Ex- celsior, as a reserve support for my line in front, but it seems that an aide-dc-camp of Brigadier-General Howe had in my name ordered the regiment to the front, to relieve, as he understood, the Eighty-first Pennsylvania. Some time afterward I found Major bIt in positioii Oii the left he brigade. having relieved one of the regiments of General Howes Observing that there was no reserve supply of ammunition on the i-ight in General Couchs division, I bronght up from the i-ear 20,000 rounds, caliber .58, having previously supplied Colonel Taylor with 15 rounds a man from Major bolts boxes while he was in reserve. As soon as the ammunition arrived Colonel Taylor and Major Holt oh- taine(I 60 roands a man, and the remainder was placed at the dis osal of the regiments of other conmmnands. Colonel Taylor lost several men from the fire of one of our batteries in the rear. There was no hospital and 110 surgeon in my part of the field. There were many of our wounded who languished and died from the lack of medical attendance. Eai-ly in the morning I was informed by General Couch that he was ordered to withdraw all his troops and move to the rear. No orders were communicated to me, but General Couch intimated to me that I should follow the movement of his comnmand. About 2 a. m. I withdrew my regiments, commencing with the Third (Colonel Taylor), and having fornied in line of battle about 600 yards in the rear, covered the movement of several isolated regiments, called in umy pickets, and with a section of a battery moved off in column, follow- ing a portion of Kearny~s division, which I overtook on the route toward Harrisons Landing. Colonel Hall remained on the large field in the rear of General Couchs headquarters, when he reported to Colonel Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, who was in command of the rear guard, and continued under his oi-ders until about 9 a. mu., when he was relieved and proceeded to join this brigade Page 142 142 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. I have to regret the severe loss sustained by Colonel Taylor. Besides Capt. Stephen M. Doyle, an officer conspicuous for courage and zeal, who was killed early in the action, this regiment lost 14 killed and 47 wounded out of a force of about 300 engaged. Colonel Graham (Fifth) lost 8 wounded. Commendation is pre-emi nently due to Colonel Taylor, Major Stevens, and the officers and mcii of the Third Regiment for gallantry and distinguished conduct in this action. Colonel Graham (Fifth), during the brief period his regiment was under fire, handled his men with judgment and tact, displaying his characteristic intrepidity in action. The loss inflicted upon the enemy in my immediate front was very great. Without estimating the destructive fire of the Third and Fifth Regiments, which was at short range and delivered with coolness and precision, the artillery swept the woods with grape and canister, fol- lowed by shell as the enemy fled through the undergrowth. Durino- the night the air was laden with the cries of their wounded, which were audible all along my lines, and as I advanced my pickets it was diffi- cult for them to avoid the enemys dead and wounded lying in their paths. Many of my own wounded were left behind. They were brought to the rear and placed beside others of our men in some farm buildings near General Couchs headquarters. Every possible atten- tion was given to them. I sent Lieutenant Tremain, aide-de-camp, as well for ambulances as for ammunition, but with all his efforts he was only able to procure three, and these could not be brought to the depot for the wounded until morning, when we had commenced our flank movement. A few only were brought away, with the body of Captain I)oyle. It was painful beyond expression to abandon so many brave men. If a surgeon could have been left with them my solicitude for their fate would have found some alleviation. All the medical officers of my command were on duty at the general hospital, nearly a mile in the rear. Lieutenant Tremain, aide-dc .camp, the only officer of my staff able to report for duty, was, as usual, distinguished for zeal and gallantry, although suffering throughout the day from severe indisposition. I am indebted to the gallant Maj. W. 0. Stevens, Third Excelsior, for his kindness in conve~ ing my orders when no staff officer was present. I have the honor to inclose copies of the reports of Col. Nelson Taylor, Third Excelsior, and Col. Charles K. Graham, Fifth Excelsior, with lists of their killed and wounded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. E. SICKLES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. FRED. T. LOcKE, A. A. U., Fifth Provisional Army Corps. No. 48. Report of 3i~j. Thomas Holt, Seventieth New York Jififantry, of the en- gagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Mialvern Hill. IIDQRS. FIRST REGT., EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, IT. S. V., Camp near flarrisons Landing, 1, July 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that mny regiment was ordered to advance on the morning of the 25th of June, 1862, and engaged the enemy at Fair Oaks. We continued advancing until ordered to fal Page 143 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 143 back at I 1.$30 a. in. At 1.30 p. m. we were ordered to advance through the woods and swamp and drive the enemy from it again. We ad- vanced through the swamp until we gained the opeii field, which 1)051- tion we hel(l until relieved by General Palmers brigade at 6.30 p. in. On the 26th instant we were held as a reserve in the trenches. The 27th we spent in camp. The 28th we occupied the trenches in our leg ular tour of duty. On the morning of the 29th, at 6.30, we fell back to the second line of defense, lay there until 3 p. in., when we took np our line of march for James River. We bivouacked at 7.50 p. m. on the south side of the Charles City road. At 9.30 a. in. on the 30th instant moved the regiment to the Quaker City road, and formed line of Wmttle at 1.30 p. in.. to support a brigade of General McCalls. At 1.30 a. in. July 1 1 was ordered to fall back. Halted at 5 oclock a. in. in aii open field and remained until 10 a. in. I was then ordered on picket in the woods to the front of our positioii. At 6.30 p. m. I re- celve(l an order to assemble my pickets and move to the support of a l)rigade of Porters division, which order was obeyed at a double-quick. At 2 oclock a. in. July 2 I was ordered to fall back and make Harrisons Landiiig, which we did in good order. On the afternoon of the 3d of July 1 received orders to break camp. We marched at 4 oclock p. in., and bivouacke(l in an open field. At 7 p. m. on the 4th I was ordered to march to the front, and bivouacked at 9 p. m. in the field we now occupy as a camp. Our loss since June 25 has been 6 killed, 11 wounded, and 1 missing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS HOLT, Commanding First Regiment. Capt. 0. H. HART, Assistant Adjutant4jeneral. [Indor8ement.] What regiment did Major Holt relieve? What order did lie receive and from whom? Whether from General Porter or General Couch? What positions did the regiment occupy? What loss,if any, was sustained? Was the regiment engaged with the enemy? P. S.CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, in compliance with inquiries made on the foregoing report, that on the 1st of July, at about 6 oclock p. in., whilst on picket, I received orders from Lieutenant Tre- maui, aide-de-camp of General Sickles, to withdraw my pickets imme- diately and move at double-quick to support a brigade of General Por- teis division. After moving to the front and halting under the fire of the enemy I was ordered to advance about 500 yards, and was there ordered to remain in line of battle by General Sickles until I received orders from him. We remained in this position about one hour, when I received orders from an aide-de-camp of General Howe, stating that it was an order from General Sickles to advance to the front and form in hue of battle to relieve a regiment I believe to be the Eighty-first Pennsylvania, but I am not certain, in which position I remained niP ii about 2 a. in., when I was relieved by orders of General Sickles in per- son. The Fourth Regiment was nuder my command, amid acted in con- junction with me during the whole day. I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS HOLT, Major, Gommanding First Regiment Page 144 144 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. ICHAr. XXIII. No. 49. Report of Col. George B. Hall, & venty-ftrst New York LQo niiy, (~f the battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. IIDQRS. SECoND REGT., EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, U. S. V., Gamli near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: In connection with my report, pursuant to General Orders, No. 108, I am requested to add that on the 26th ultimo my command was on duty at the earthworks in front of Fair Oaks relieved in the evening. June 27, on duty at eartliworks. June 28, in camp under arms. June 29, at daylight retreated to second line of defense, near Savage Station. June 30, held in reserve near Charles City road. Lost 1 killed and 2 wounded (1 severely). July 1, moved at daylight toward Malvern Hill, where we formed line near the center and rested till 1 p. in., when, the enemys batteries having opened on our right, we were moved at double-quick to the extreme right, and took position in a clover-field on a side hill. There rested until late in the afternoon when the attack was made on the extreme left. We were then ordered to re-enforce the command there, an(l moved at double-quick about 1 mile. After forming line on hill west of the house we were ordered to re enforce General Couch; then advanced to the front, formed in support of his battery, which was then shelling the woods in front. Shortly afterward moved to the right to relieve the First Regiment Chasseurs, Lieutenant-Colonel Shaler, au(l remained in that position about two hours, when we moved forward in line with the Third Regiment of this brigade, and occupied that posi- tion until about 1 a. m. of the 2d instant, when we were withdrawn to the rear on the right of the road and in line with the negro quarters l)efore the woods. Holding this position until about 6 a. in., we were ordere(l to form a portion of the rear guard, under command of Colonel Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, continuing under his orders until, about 9 a. in., we were relieved and ordered to join our brigade, when we marched to our first camp, near Harrisons Landing, Va. July 3, in same camp. July 4, changed camp, about 2 miles distant. July 5, changed camp to present locality. July 6, in same camp. July 7, on picket from 8 a. m. until 10 a. m. July 8, being relieved by the Fifth Regiment. Respectfully submitted. 0-BO. B. HALL, Colonel Second Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, U. S. V., Gomdg. Capt. 0. H. HART, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 145 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 145 No. 50. Report of Gol. ~Jelson Taylor, Seventy-second New York Infttntry, of battle of itfalvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, Camp near Harrisons Landing, James River, Va., July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the regiment under my command in the attack made by the enemy upon the corps of General Porter and division of General Couch OIL the 1st instant: At about half an hour before sunset notice was given me that the brigade was ordered to support General Porter. The brigade in going to support marched left in front, my reglinent being upon the left of the brigade. Upon approaching the scene of action after sonie delay, which was occasioned by the difficulty of finding the precise point where a support was needed, General Porter appeared and directed the brigadier-general commanding the brigade to support with his cOin- niand two batteries, which were then stationed to the right and rear of a large farm-house. By direction of the brigadier-general commanding the brigade my regiment was immediately formed in line to the left and rear of the left battery. In a few moments I was directed by General Porter to report to General Couch who held the right of the position, and who, it was said, needed support. Soon several officers, representing themselves to be of General Couchs staff; appeared, and, in answer to my inquiry where to place my regi- ment, commenced to give a variety of directions, which were confused and conflicting. Alter some difficulty I found an aide of General Couch, who informed inc that my regiment was to go to the front of a piece of woods behind which the artillery was posted. I moved my regiment by the right flank up a narrow road on the left of this piece of woods until I reached an open field on the right skirted on three sides by woods, and in this field our forces were engaging the enemy. I was to form my regiment in line and to relieve the Thirty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who were on the right of another reglinent of Union troopsthe Sixty-first New York, T thinkand both engag- ing the enemy. Soon forming my reglinent in line in rear of the Thirty-first Pennsyl- vania they began to withdraw by the left flank, and as soon as suffi- cient space was opene(l by their withdrawal for a company to advance I pushed forward my regiment by companies, commencing with my right company, and directed each company as it was unmasked to com- mence firing by file. This was done, and when the front of the whole regiment was unmasked I advanced the line to the same ground as that occupied by the Thirty-first Pennsylvania. Having been previously directed by General Porter, in the presence of the brigadier-general commanding the brigade, not to advance beyond the position then held by the regiment which I was to relieve, I maintained this same ground throughout the rest of the action. The emiemy I found to be posted in my front in the edge of the woods, amid also in the woods to my right and nearer to my line there than in front. I then threw back the two right companies, so as to form an oblique line, and directed them to silence the fire comimig from the woods on the right and directed the rest of the regiment to take care of the fire 10 U UVOL XI~ PT I Page 146 146 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. in front. When I reached this ground it was already dusk, and the enerny~s position could oniy be ascertained from the flash of their pieces. I directed my mcii to watch the flashes and to fire low. After we had been a short time engaged I found that the battery in rear of my right flank was firing canister, and aiming so low as to endanger the safety of the companies on that flank. Two men were killed and one certainly wounded by this fire. To avoid it I threw the four right companies to the rear into column, and kept them there nutil the battery ceased firing, when they were again deployed in line and engaged. The firing was kept up briskly on both sides for about three-quarters of an hour, when the fire of the enemy sensibly diminished, and only a few shots were fired by them. Believing that they had concluded to withdraw, 1 ordered my men to cease firing, l)ut to load. This they did, and set up a loud cheer. This seemed to provoke the enemy, who cheered in turn, an(I a.(Lvance(1 out from the woods in force so near that they could be seen, and ol)elied a destructive volley from the left and front. As they advanced I ordered the firing to be renewed amid so rapidly amid steadily was it kept up that the e~memny withdrew in haste. As they withdrew I directed my m~men to aim a little higher, so as to reach them as they retreated through the woods. Nothing more was heard of the enemy that night, except the slight mioise of men col- lecting their dead and wounded. I should have stated that at the time my regiment took its l)lace in line and commenced firing the other regi- meats of our trool)s ceased firing and rested in the field omi their ar~s. By the time the enemy had been driven away in y men had tired aw~y in a little over an hour 60 rounds each. Using the patent cartridge, they loaded amid fire(l with great rapidity. During this action no man left time ranks. The dead lay where they foB, and the wounded xvere laid by the file-closers just in rear of the line. The men kept perfectly closed up, and obeyed with alacrity every order. Of the conduct of all, officers ail(l memi, I can speak but in terms of commendation. It was most ~)raiseworthy. When the firing was through 1 found that the First, S~cond, and Fifth Regimemits of this brigade were near by to support me, and my men having nearly exhausted their ammunition, I went to Major Bolt, com- mamiding the First ilegimnemit, and obtained from him 10 or 15 rounds per man, which I distributed to my men. I was then di~eeted by Gemieral Conch to withdraw my comnmnamid back near the edge of the woods, leaving outlying pickets on the line I was occupying, which I did and then we lay omi our arms until withdrawn, at about 2 oclock a mu My list of casualtn s which accompanies this, i~ quite large14 killed amid 47 wounded, making the total loss 61 out of the whole nu~umber en- gagedabout 300 1 ha~ c J)articularly to regret time loss of Capt. Stephen M. Doyle I illcd by a Miiiie ball, who upon this occasion, as before at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and. in the action of the 30th of June was conspicuous for his gall uitry. lie was au accomplished officer, aim ornament to the re~ument and to the service, and he fell as a true sol- dier falls. All of which is respectfully submitted. NELSON TAYLOR, Colo,mcl, Commanding Regiment. Capt. 0. II. HART, Assistant Adjutant- Generat Page 147 CHAP. Xxiii.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 147 No. 51. Report of Capt. Alfred A. Donalds, Seventy-third New York Infantry, ~f engagements at Oak Grove, or Kings iSchool-Jlouse, and Peach Orchard, or Allens Farm, and b attic of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). IIDQRS. FOURTH REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, July 7, 1862. In accordance to orders received from headquarters I hereby trans- mit a report of the duty performed by this regiment, commencing on the morning of June 25: The regiment left camp at Fair Oaks under command of Capt. Alfred A. Donalds with one days rations, and were ordered to form in line of battle, the left resting on the right of f lie Williamsburg road, the Secon(l Excelsior on our right. Received orders to deploy one company as skirmishers and push forward through the woods, sul)ported by the main line. Continued through the woods toward Richmond until at- tacked i)y the pickets of the enemy at the Brick Chimney, where the regiment had a brisk engagement, and lost 28 men killed and wounded, holding our ground for some time, until ordered to fall back to the edge of the woods near the redoubt, wheim, on receiving a fresh supply of ammummition, we returned to the Brick Chimney, where we received a volley of musketry from the enemy, which we promptly returned, driving them from their position. We were then relieved by General Palmers l)rigade and fell back to the skirt of the woods, and lay there until snudown. We were ordered to return to camp, which was done in good order. June 26, On duty in rifle pits and redoubt. June 27, on duty iii rifle J)its an(l redoubt. June 28, received or(iers to have three days rations in haversacks, aimd to destroy everything that could imot be carried. On the morning of the 29th left camp and P41 back as far as the second line of defenses between Fair Oaks and Savage Station, where there was a brisk engagement on our right. We lost 2 men by the bursting of sImell. Left the rifle pits amid fell back tlmrough the woods, amid encamnped in a wheat field near Charles City road. Left this place on the morning of the 30th. Wemmt through the woods and crossed the Charles City road and formed in line of battle, and was held in reserve during the engagemnent of Monday afternoon and evemming, which we left at daylight on the muorning of July 1, when we wemit on to the hill near tIme James River, where in the afternoon we went on picket, accompanied by the First Excelsior. We were next ordered to the su~)port of General Couchs division same night, which place we left betweemi 1 amid 2 oclock the morning of the 2d, and arrived at ilarri- somis Bar same afternoon, and on the 4th remnoved to the camp we now occupy. All of which is respectfully submitted. ALFRED A. I)ONALDS, Captain, Commanding Fo nrth Regiment, Excelsior Brigade Page 148 148 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. No. 52. Reports of Col. Charles K. Graham, Seventy-fourth New York Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). and Malvern Hill. IIDQRS. FIFTH IIEGT., EXCELSIOR BRIG., U. S. VOLS., Camp near James River, Va., July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: On the 25th ultimo, at 8 a in., this regiment was ordered beyond the intrencliments at Fair Oaks and to march through the woods on the left of the Williamsburg road, for the purpose of driving in the enemy~s pickets. Throwing out two companies of skirmishers it advanced over 300 yards in the wood without encountering any opposi- tion. Then, the enemy appearing in considerable force, the skirmishers fell back on the regiment, aiid the regiment advanced in line of battle, sul)l)orte(l on the right by the Fourth Regiment and on the left by the First Regiment, until the woods were about cleared. At this time the fire from the enemys rifle pits was very heavy, and it was evi(lent that they were in considerable force aiid rapidly receiv- ing re-enforcements. All the regiments steadily advanced, pouring in heavy volleys, and the enemy was forced to abandon his position. At 11 oclock a. in., in Qbedience to orders, this regiment with the others of this brigade was withdrawn to the skirt of the wood. IRe- maining there an hour, orders were again received to advance to the l)osition occupied by us in the wood before retiring. This was done, the opposition being comparatively slight. About 3 oclock the enemy commenced a heavy lire of grape and caiiister, but fortunately few of the regiments were injured. Fresh troops arriving to relieve the bri- gade, this regfment returned to camp at 6 p. m. Killed, 2; wounded, 30; total, 39* All the officers conducted themselves creditably. In the absence of the adjutant, Lieut. Willard Bullard discharged his duties with prompt- ness and gallantry. Sergeant Yanderzee, a new recruit, and Sergeants Page and Whitney, and Sergeant-Major Chamberlain deserve especial mention for their activity and coolness. In the action of the 1st instant, [30th ultimo], at 10 oclock a. m. this regiment was ordered to take up a l)osition, the Fourth Reginient on the right an(l the First on the left, along the borders of a fence, which it maintained until withdrawn, about 3 a. in. on the 2d, [1st]. About 1 p. in. a heavy fire was opeiied from the wood opposite, which was not returned, as it was evident that it proceeded from a portion of McCalls command. The fence and the character of the ground affording excel- lent shelter, no persons were injured, and but 2 persons were slightly wounded during the whole day by the bursting of a shell. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES K. GRAHAM, Colonel. Capt. 0. H. HART, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIFTH REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, Camp near flarrisons Bar, July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: On the 2d [1st] instant, at 5 p. in., this regiment was or- dered with the others of the brigade to the support of the First Brigade, which was stationed in a wood but a few hundred yards from the camp. * But see revised statement, p. 38 Page 149 t~ xmtj SEVEN-nAys BAflLES. 149 Arriving on the girnind, the brigade formed Ins ravine, and continued there until ordered to go to the support of General Couchs division, which was engaged on the left. This morement was executed rapidly. Arriving on the field of battle, the regiments were formeil in echelon, the Third Regiment 40 paces in advance of the Fifth, which positions were maintained during the continuation of the fight, the Third being on the right of the wood and the Fifth on the left, about 100 yards in advance of a battery of our artillery. Opening an oblique fire to the left, the enemy almost immediately retired from the field. SUbsequently the regiment was withdrawn fr6m the field to the sup. portcfthebatteryontherlght. AtiOp.m.itwasagalnadvanoed and pickets thrown to the borders of the woods. These pickets could distinctly see the enemy gathering up the wounded and hear com- mands given as if they were forming for an attack upon the battery. This Information was reported to General Couch, and about 2 oelock the regjment retired from the field with the force on duty there. Respectfiully, your obedient servant, CHAl~LES K. GRAHAM OoLnwL Capt 0. H. HAn, Aaebtat A4jutat6insw4 No.53. .5.4 baffles of 6tleisddle, or If eleo,ps Fans. (Frasier. Airs), and Hal. - tens HilL HDQus. Tmmn Burn., Hoonas Dry., Trnn An~ Corns, Gasp at Fair Oak., Va, J.nse 26, 1862. I have the honor to report the part which the Third Brigade, undex my command, took in the battle of Fair Oaks, on the 25th instant On the afternoon of the 24th this command relieved General Sicklet brigade, and commenced its tourof duty in the defenses on our front The Eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers were ordered out onthe right and fr6nt Into the redoubt and the rifle pits extending between It and the Williamsburg road, and the. Sixth New Jersey Volunteers were sent to the left and front todo plcketduty there. The restofthe force were disposed of in the main redoubt and the defenses to the right andleftof it At8o~clockonthemorningofthe2ththeflrst~~ Second Bripdes came up, and were by the command of General Hooker formed in line of battle on our front In two lines, and at 8.30 o~elock moved forward through the woods. Piking was soon heard, which after a short time became heavy, and at 9 oelock the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, which had previously relieved the Eighth Regiment in the redoubt on the left, were sent forward to support the Second Brigade, engaged on the right of the road in the woods in front I refer you to the accompanying report of CoL J. W. Revere for a detailed account of the part that the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers took In the engagement, and as they were Immediately under the eye of General Hooker he is enabled from actual observation to indorse the praises which Colonel Revere bestows upon the coolness and bravery ofhlsofficersandmec. The Second Regiment New York Volunteers were ordered to the front Page 150 150 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. rOITAP. xxnI. about 1.30 oclock, and advanced through the woods on the right of the Williamsburg road until, after receiving two volleys from the enemy, they formed a junction on the fhrther edge of wood, with the Tenth Massachusetts on their left and Iticliardsons pickets on their right. J am happy to say that although this was effected under the lire of the enemy, the loss of this regiment is not heavy. Capt. John Arts, of Com- pany K, who had volunteered to go ahead of the regiment to ascer- tain the position of our forces in front, was so severely wounded in the leg while bravely performing that duty as to render amputatiou neces- sary. The officers and men of the regiment with few exceptions behaved remarkably well. I would respectfully refer you to the report of Lieu- tenant- Colonel Olin sted, commanding, for a more detailed statement of the services rendered. The Fifth New Jersey Volunteers were on picket duty on the front and left of the road (lurilig the day, and after General Grover had made his advauce the Seventh, by order, advanced their pickets, and estab- lished them about 20 paces in front of the ground occupied by the First Brigade. About 2 oclock the Seventh were ordered to retire to the tree used by the lookouts, where it reulaille(l until 7 oclock P. in., when a heavy tire of musketry came from the left of the tree, and by order of General Grover the regiment moved for~vard to support the line, and formed on the left of the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, and reniained there until ii oclock p. in., when they were relieved by the Fourth Maine Volunteers. The rest of my force were in the main redoubt and trenches during the day, ready to drive the enemy back had they succeeded in forcing onr men who were engaged in front to retire. The loss in killed, wounded, and missing in the brigade is as follows, as per regimental returns: Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a a Command. ci ci ci - ~ ci ci a u~ -~ u- -~ ci ci ci ci ci ci -c be be 0 r~ 0 ~ 0~ ~ SthNewJersey 4 1 5 7th New Jersey i 5 1 7 2d NewYork 1 3 2 6 Total I 1 12 1 3 18 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. B. CAIIIR, Colonel Second New York Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. Capt. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistc~nt Adjutant-General. HBQRs. THIRD Bnw~., SECOND Div., THIRD ARMY CORPS, Arm.y of Ike Potomac, July 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of the Third Brigade, colnlflau(led by me, during the change of front and the battles in which it was engaged Page 151 CHAP. XXIIT.] 8TWEN-DAYS BATTLES. 1~,1 On Saturday, the 28th ultirno, at 4 p. in., I was ordered to the front to relieve the First Brigade, then performing picket dnty. After arriv- ing I stationed the different regiments as follows, viz: Sixth New Jersey in the advance redonbt, the Seventh New Jersey on the right of the Williamsburg road, and the Fifth and Eighth New Jersey and the Second New York on the left of the road; also sent 90 of the Second New York as the advance picket. At 11 oclock that evening I received orders to have all the wagons loaded with commissary stores and am- mnnition and for every man to I)rovide himself with three days~ ra- tions, which order I promnlgated to the commanding officers of regi- inents. At 5 oclock a. in., June 29, I was relieve(l by the First Brigade, in order that I might prepare my brigade to move, which was done in a very brief space of time. At 6 oclock I commenced the movement, an(l formed line of battle on the left of the Williamsbnrg road abont a mile to the rear of the rifle pits. I was then ordered by General hooker to move and form my brigade on the right of the road in the rear of the second line of defenses. There we remained nntil 4 oclock p. in., when I was ordered to move and take the rear of time division, which covered the whole colnmnim. This position we retained ~vithou~ molestation from the enemy nutil we arrived at White Oak Swamp, where we bivonacked for the night. At 12 in. ou the following morning (30th) I was ordered to form line of battle in the edge of the woods jim the rear of time Quaker Meeting-Honse, to snpI)ort Generals McCall amid Kearny, who amiticipated an attack from the enemy. I posted four regiments on the left of time First Brigade and one on the left of the Scoond Brigade (the Second New York), di- rectimig them to throw out one company as flankers. While the enemy was hotly engaged with the first limme they advanced on to our left and engaged the flankers from the Second New York, under comniand of Capt. Sidney XV. Park, who stoo(h their grouu(h nobly, and capture(h omme battle flag (bearing the inscriptions Williamsburg and Seven Pines) 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 5 licutemmants, and fromn 30 to 40 enlisted menall belonging to the Seventeenth Virginia. As the enemy did not advance by the first line the remainder of the brigade did not be- come engage(l. I retained time position until 3 oclock the next mnornino- July 1, when ordered to move to the rear of the First Brigade, which order I endeavored to carry out, bitt was prevented by the Se~ommd Bri- gade, which broke through my line an(l l)assed me, as I believe eon- tmary to orders. At about 6 oclock I arrive(l at Kemps farm, on the James River. After remuaiuing here for two hours was ordered to form line of battle on tIme left of the road, which was done under a heavy fire from time enemnys battery, but time positiou was chosen by Geimeri.h Ilooker, amid it was a sj)len(lid one, for xve could resist an attd( k dgamust three times our number, as every miman was under cover. I remained here nntih 3 oclock tIme following mornimig, Julx 9, x~ hen I received Orthers from General Ileimmtzelmans aide to mnove mmiv l)rig mde mmmnediatelv, and also notify Cemieral Grover to (ho the samne I sent wor(h to Gemieral Grover amid at the same t hue move(h my own brigtde. It commenced raining, amid rained incessamitly umitil after my arrival at Iharrisons Landimi g, which rendered time march excessi~ dy sex eme, especially on the convalescents. After reaching Harrisons Landing we immuediately wemit imito camp and rein ained until the. following mormi- ing, July 3, whemi we were ordered to march, without camp equipage or knapsacks. After marching about 2 miles and halting as muany hour Page 152 152 THE PENINSULAU CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. we were ordered to another camp, where we remained until the follow- ing morning, when General Patterson took command of the brigade. In closing, it affords me no ordinary pleasure to compliment nearly all the officers of the brigade, especially Colonel Mott, of the Sixth New Jersey, for his coolness and excellent jH(Iglnent, and Capt. Sidney XV. Park of the Second Infantry, New York Volunteers, who commanded his company while acting as flankers during the enga~em~nt of the 30th nltitno, and captured so many officers and men, as well as a battle flag, without losing a man; also Lient. C. K. Hall for his very efficient and able services as aide during the whole movements and engagements which the brigade took part in. Colonel Starrs report has been sent for on three different occasions, and he has up to the Present neglected to forward it. The report of the affair of the 25th ultimno has been forwarded hereto- fore. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. B. CAIRR, Colonel, Comm uding Brigade. Capt. Jos. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Dicision. No. 54. Report of Col. Samuel H. Starr, Fifth Ne?v Jersey Infantry, of operations June 28July 1. HDQRS. FIFTH REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 12, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders I briefly report that my regiment, form- ing a part of the Third Brigade, Hookers division, was one of the last regiments to fall back from our position at Fair Oaks, and formed a part of the rear guard on the 29th of June. The regiment was nuder tire every day of the movement from Fair Oaks to this camp save one, hut was not calle(l upon to take aim active part in any one of the series of engagements which characterize(l the chanoc of the base of opera- tion 5. A list of casualties since the 1st of June I Imave had the honor of subm itting.* From the 2d to the 28th of June inclusive the regiment was on i)icket duty every third day, and a unniber of casualties o(~cmlrred. The insdubrity of the locality of its camp, its hard service, exposure, and want of palatable food have sickened, weakened, amid exhausted the regi inent, and repose has become an absolute necessity. I take ydeas- nrc in beino- able to say that the regiment in retreat bore itself (with some exceptions, which I shall name) with as much coolmiess and delib- eration as if it had been advancing in stead of retreatiu~ before a greatly-sLl~)er1or force. My regiment is re(iuced by (leatli aiid sickness to 441 effective musketeers, but on these the general may confidently i-ely. The exceptions alluded to above are Lieuts. C. A. Angel and Theo- dore P. Large, and some 30 non-commissioned officers and privates, who * Embodied in revised statement, pp. 26, 117 Page 153 muff-DAYS BATTJSB. 158 absconded the night previous to the 29th June and preceded the army tothis camp. Doubtless their intention was to have returned to their homes had they not been stopped by the provost guard. I deem it my duty; in connection with this report, to enlarge upon the demoralising influence of certain officers of volunteers, who main- tain that an officer has the right, if he bt sick and unable to obtain a leave of absence, to go without one. Capt James F. Rusling, brigade quartermaster of this brigade, advocates this principle, and has himself acted, I have been informed, on the principle he avon This officer was formerly my regimental quartermaster, and some influ- ence with the officers of my regiment. His language and example, I have no doubt, have had a very injurious effect upon the minds of my officers. He has asserted and maintained that an officer of my regiment who deserted at. Wffliamsburg and returned to New Jersey was justified in leaving without permission because he was m, and declared that he would do the like. Another officer, Dr. James C. Fisher, brigade surgeon of this brigade, has caused me considerable trouble, because he persists in urging upon the medial officers of my regiment that I, their commanding officer, have no control over them whatever; that they may leave camp at any time without my permis- sion, or the fly with a simple leave from their superior medical officer; that the medical department is wholly independent of the military de- partment, being a separateorganisatnon,n & c. I should have taken official action against all the delinquents named herein were there any hope that justice might be administered through the actiom of a general court-martial. There being no such hope in my mind2 I respectEully submit the facts for such remedy as the general-. inchiefmnayseefittoapply. I am, very respectfully, yohr obedient servant, .S.H. STARR, Colonel Fifth K. .7. Yolunteers, Oouwnandl.sg Regiment. Capt Jos. DnonzrSoN Assistant A4jutanh)enwal, Hookers Division. No. 55. Report of ifJ~ Joke. Raswq, 7./tA. Jew Jersej Infustrg, of the engage-. mint at Oak Grove, or Kings Hohool-Bon.e. CAxP op rn Finn Nw JERSEY VoLuxnns Fair Oaks, ye., June 28,18132. Bra: In compliance with instructions from headquarters of the bri- .gade I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the fifth New Jersey Volunteers in the engagement of the 25th of June: The regiment marched from its camp out the afternoon of the 24th to perform its tour of picket duty, remaining in the rifle pits during the night Early in the morning the regiment was ordered forward to re- lieve the picket line. Shortly after establishing my men on the line, I received orders from the colonel commanding the brigade to withdraw my picket as soon as the First Brigade had formed line of battle in my rear of the line; The ~irst Brigade having formed line of battle, I ordered my men to retire, and then formed the battalion in rear of the First Brigade as ordered Page 154 154 THE PENINSULAI~ CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXItt About 10 oclock p. m. of the 25th I received or(lers from the geli- eral commanding the division to establish a picket line on the ground occupied by Grovers brigade. On the receipt of that order I marched seven companies forward, and established the line about 20 paces in front of Sickles and 0-rovers brigades. In a few minutes after the line had been established a volley of musketry was fired from the rear, for what reason I know not, but certainly it was not at an advancing enemy. Fortunately my men were lying down; but 2 being wounded by the volley. About 2 oclock in the afternoon I received orders from the general commanding the division to withdraw my men and form the battalion in rear of the tree used as a lookout. At 6 oclock in the evening I received orders from the colonel com- manding the brigade to march the regiment inside of our hue of works, when General 0-rover requested me to remain, stating that the enemy were then shelling his line, and he might require re-enforcements, which request I complied with. At 7 oclock in the evening a heavy volume of musketry came from the left of the tree mentioned above. General 0-rover themi ordered me to the support of the line, and to form on the left of the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which position I remaine(l in until 11 oclock at night, being relieved by the Fourth Maine Volunteers. Several of the companies had nothing to eat during the entire (lay except breakfast. Colonel Starr, having a severe attack of (lyselitery for the past several days, part of the time being confined to his tent;, was unable to appear upon the field. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN RAMSEY, Major Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, Go manding. Capt. C. M. PREVOST, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. No. 56. Report of Got. Gershom Miott, Sixth New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 28-July ~. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report time part takeii by mny regiment during the engagements since Saturday, June 28: At about 4 oclock p. in. I received orders that time Tlmird Brigade would relieve the First, then omi duty at the trenches at Fair Oaks. When arriv~l there I was ordered to occupy time outer redoubt an(l to hold it at all hazards. About 1.30 oclock a. inn., of Sunday, June 29, I received an order that the wagons were to be loaded with provis- ions and started to the rear, all private property to be destroyed, and the public property that could not be transported to be destroyed like- wise. At about 4 a. m. I was relieved by Colonel Cowdimi, and I re- ceived an order to march my regiment to camnp, have knapsacks packed, tents struck, muen to get their breakfast, and to be furnished with three days provisions, and that I had fifteemi minutes to do it all imm. I left camp about 5 a. inn., and muarched to (he rear about half a mil Page 155 (limP. XXItt.j SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 155 and formed line of battle on the left of the Williamsburg road; re- mained there about one hour, then resumed march to the rear and formed line of battle on the right of the same road to the right of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, which regiment ocdupie(1 some earth works there. About 4 p. in. resumed the march and continued until about 10 p. in., when I bivouacked for the night. Oti Monday morning about 9 oclock I was ordered into position to form a second line of battle on White Oak Swamp, to support Gen- erals Kearny and McCall. In the afternoon they had a severe battle with the enemy, and shell and shot fl~w thick among my regiment, but having them well protected I only had 2 men wounded, 1 being struck I)y a piece of shell, the other by a buck-shot, both slight wounds. I held this })osition ummtil abont daylight ou Tuesday, July 1, when orders were receive(l to march to Kemps farm, near the James River, where we were halted for a time, and about 10 oclock were ordered to support some batteries which were actively engaged with the enemy. I formed line of battle to the left of time Second New York Regiment and in front of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers. My regiment was well l)rotected by a bluff in fron1~, but pieces of shell fell thick around us and a few musket balls. I had 1 man wounded by a ball in the hand at this time. I held this position until about 3.30 a. m. July 2, when ordered to marclm to near harrisons Landing. About this time it commenced to rain very lLar(l. The mneu got thoroughly wet through, and the roads were in a terrible con(hition, and much confusion on time route, which was added to by General Sickles with his command cut- ting throngh my regiment, thereby emitting oft my two left companies and ordering one of my captains under arrest (which by my instruc- tions lie did not obey). On Wednesday, July 3, I moved to this camp. During the engagement and mnarclm the officers and men, with but a few exceptions, behaved well, and fully sustained the reputation they had gained at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. MOTT, Colonel Sixth New Jerseq Volunteers. Lient. C. K. IIALL, Acig. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brigade, Hookers Division. No. 57. Report of Col. Joseph iV. Revere, Seventh New Jersey Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, Camp Lincoln, Va., June 26, 1862. SIR: 1mm obedience to your pr(ler of June 26, 1862, I have to report that when with my regiment on guar(l in the redoubt in front of this camp, at 9 a. in. 25th instamit, I received orders from General I-looker to hold ourselves Pm readiness to support the regiments of the Second I8rigade of this divisiomi, then engage(l with the enemy in our front. The regiment was quickly formed and moved up to the edge of the woods, wlmere we lay a short time in line. Iii obedience to orders we again advanced through the woods, witim our left omi the Williamsburg road, and passing through this difficult ground for about half a mile Page 156 15E~ ~PHE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. ~XItt, driving before us with our fire the enemy, came to the edge of the woods on the other side. There we (Iressed on line, sonie~vhaL aug- mented by some 30 of the Second Brigade, who were lost in the woods, and commenced a heavy and well-directed file fire against the eiieiny in our front, which was hotly returned by them. A rebel regiment, retir- ing by a flank on the Williamsburg road, also received a well-sustained and severe fire from our left-flank companies, and their colors were seen several times to fall before it. The Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment stood steadily as a reserve to our line, and at this time (10.30 p. in.), the enemy appearing in strong numbers in the woods in our front, General Hooker ordered L15 to retire, which we did in good order, carrying off~ our dead and wounded and leaving the Nineteenth Massachusetts on the ground, at 11 a. m. I have to mention especially for your commendation the gallant and skillful conduct of Capt. II. C. Bartlett, who acted as field officer, and to whom I am much indebted for his cool and deliberate courage and invaluable assistance in carrying out my commands; also to Capt. Frederick Cooper and Acting Ad~jt. Lieut. W. J. Evans, who, thomigli quite sick, nobly stood to his duty an(l encouraged the men. J l)articularly desire to mention the noble and philanthropic conduct of Rev. Dr. Julius D. Rose, chaplain Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, who, as previously at the battle of Williamsburg, ranged over the field with the musicians, seeking out and ministering to the wounded under the fire of the enemy, and to Surg. D. W. C. Hough and Asst. Surg. A. Satterthwaite, who, from the proximity of our .camp to the field, were laboriously engaged, not only in attending to our own, but also to the wounded of several regiments, though both in feeble health. The officers and men behaved with great courage and determination, few though they were in numbersthe regiment numbering in the com- bat only 1 field officer (myself), 3 captains, 1 acting adjutant, 5 lieu~ tenants, aiid 280 non-commissioned oflicers and privates. I regret to have to report the loss of Capt. James IVicKiernan, Com- pany U, missing, who bravely left a sick couch to take his place in our ranks and commanded his company with his accustomed bravery; also Second Lient. A. T. Chazotte, Company F, who fell while encouraging his company in the most (haling manner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. REVERE, Colonel Seventh New Jersey Volunteers. Capt. C. M. PREVOST, Asst. Adjt. (len., Third Brigade, Hookers Division. No. 58. Report of Gapt. Henry C. Bartlett, Seventh New Jersey Infantry, of opera tions June 28July 1. CAMP SEVENTH REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, Near Harrisons Bar, Va., July 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the move- ments and conduct of the Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers during the late retreat from the rifle pits in front of Richmond to this place: On the afternoon of Saturday, the ~8th day of June, the regiment moved to tile front under my command, to relieve (with the other reg Page 157 158 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAr. XXIII. they performed their duties. Sergeant-Major Smith, of Company A, and Orderly-Sergeant Crane, of Company C, who were placed by inc in command of companies, also acquitted themselves iu the most praise- worthy manner. When it is considered that the regiment was almost entirely without officers, it certainly speaks well for the men that the regiment should have been brought into camp with so few stragglers. Very respectfully, HENRY C. BARTLETT, Gapt. Go. C, & renth N. J. Vols., Corndg. Regt. on the Retreat. Capt. C. M. PREVOST, A. A. U., Third Brigade, Hookers Division. No. 59. R~ort of Capt. William S. Tipson, Eighth New Jersey Infantry, of opera tions June 28July 1. HDQIIS. ELo-HTII REGIMENT Ni~w JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 10, 1862. Report of the Eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers from their camp at Fair Oaks, Va., June 29, 1862, until their arrival 011 the banks of the James River: In accordance with orders front Headquarters Aruiy of the Potomac this regiment took up their line of march with the Third Brigade, under command of Colonel Carr, of hookers division, and assisted iii the various maneuvers appertaining to the different changes and locations of the division, and the commanding officer of the regiment has the satisfaction of stating that there were no officers or enlisted men killed in any of the skirmishes on the march, nor have any officers or enlisted men of the regiment been taken prisoners or wounded. WM. S. TIPSON, Captain, Commanding Eighth Regiment N. J. Volunteers. [ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Third Brigade, Second Division, Third Corps.] No. 60. Reports of Lient. Col. William A. Olmsted, Second New York Infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-flouse, and 1 attics of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern liii. CAMP AT FAIR OAKS, VA., June 26, 1862. Report of skirmish of Second Infantry, New York Volunteers, June 25. 1862, made by order of General Hooker, as follows: The order received direct from General Hooker was that I should take the regiment through the woods ~n the right of the road and form on the line and right of the Second Excelsior Regiment; after that to throw out skirmishers in advance to the edge of the woods, to cominect with the skirmishers of the Second Excelsior and Sumners pickets, on our right. I was taken to the point of exit into the woods by the assist- ant adjutant-general of General Hooker and advane. d in line of battle through the woods, which task was difficult and troublesome, on ac- count of the thick woods and swamps on our right Page 158 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 159 After getting in the woods about 100 yards threw out skirmishers to find out our l)ositiOn an(l also the l)O~3itiOn of the Exce1~ior Second, which was rel)ovted to me as being on the immediate front of our regi~ mnent. I halted the regiment, still keeping skirmishers ahead, and sent Capt. John Arts, who volunteered to go out ahead and to the left of our regiment and ascertain the position of the regiment ahead. He had been gone bat about five minutes when we received a volley from the front, and then some of our skirmishers fired, when some men of Company H coinumemiced firing without orders, which generally spread throughout the line. I succeeded in stopping the firing, when we got another vol- icy, seemingly from our immediate front. We did not fire, but laid low. At the first fire from enemy or friend Capt. John Arts was wounded by a round bal[ in the knee. ~Te advanced to a road runnino- parallel with the edge of the woods, at right angles with the road running from our camp, halted, and here came on the person of the adjutant-general of General Sickles, who in- formed inc that we had lbeemm tirin9 over their heads, and that they also reeeive(l a volley from the fromit. He went througim the woods amid ascer- tained the right of the Excelsior. i-Ic retimrned and I advanced. We lapped theni about two companies. Aftem getting on~ the right of this regiment we received another volley, but did not fire. Shortly the Tenth Massachusetts caine up and in front of us, when we got another volley. Some of our men fired an(i broke. We also imad a rear fire of shell from somue battery. Notificd General hooker, who stopped it. Here received an order to movc to miglmt 20() tiles and allow the Tenth Massachusetts to come in and occupy our phice, we to take time right of them. I)id so. Here sent omit (~omnpany D as skirmishers to the front to edge of woods and met the pv~kets of Temith Massachusetts, but nothing on our right. Notmfied Gcneral Hooker, wTho ordered me to skirmish front our right oblique~ Did so, aiid the report was that there was no picket on our rwht thnt they had withdrawn on account of the shells falling among thcmn fromn our battery. They camne out with our company, C, who had betmi skmm mislm- mining. Finding our pickets (lid not connect on the right, I had a company and half deployed to the front at this I)lace. We joined witlm Richard- somis l)iekets about 150 yards or so to the front; also deployed a l)art of a company on our right flank, to overcome surprise on that (luarter. It has been reported to me that Lieutenant MeFeeters, of Company II, behaved very unsoldier-hike imi running to the rear and hiding be- hind a large stump. This was reported to miie by Lieutenant Schiafer. I mad a very hard timne to rally his comupany and bring themn to time front. No order was given by me at any timne to fire, kini owing the skir- misher~ were out and the regiments ahead, but at the fire of the men called out to Stop ~ Dont fire, & e. Captain Maguire was fired on by some wood-choppers wlmile he was out as skirmishers and picket. lie returned a volley, when it ceased. The Tenth Massachusetts re- lieved our l)icket and timen returned, previously being notified that w~ would be relieved soon. I hand ~O[1 a list of wounded and missing for the 25th, 1862. * W. A. OLMSTED, Lieatenant- Colonel ASecond Infantry N~ Y. Vols., Comdg~ [ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Third Brigade, Second Division, Third Gorps.] * Embodiid in rovised statemcnt, p. 37 Page 159 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 159 After getting in the woods about 100 yards threw out skirmishers to find out our 1)O8itiOfl and also the 1)o~ition of the E~ce1~ior Second, which was rei)oI~te(l to me as being on the immediate frotit of our regi~ inent. I halted the regiment, still keeping skirmishers ahead, and sent Capt. John Arts, who volunteered to go out ahead and to the left of our regiment and ascertain the position of the regiment ahead. Vie had been gone bat about five minutes when we received a volley from the front, and then some of our skirmishers fired, when some men of Company H coinmeiiced firing without orders, which generally spread throughout the line. I succeeded in stopping the firing, when we got another vol- ley, seemingly from our irnuiediate front. We did not fire, but laid low. At the first fire from enemy or friend Capt. John Arts was wounded by a ronn(l ball in the knee. We advanced to a road running parallel with the edge of the woods, at right angles with the road running from our camp, halted, and here came on the person of the a(ljmltant-geueral of General Sickles, who in- formed inc that we had l~eeii firing over their heads, and that they also received a volley from the front. He went through the woods and ascer- tained the right of the Excelsior. lIe returned and I advanced. We lapped them about two companies. Aftei getting om~ the right of this regiment we received another volley, but did not fire. Shortly the Tenth Massachusetts caine up and in front of us, when we got another volley. Some of our men fired an(l broke. We also had a rear fire of shell from some battery. Notified General hooker, who stoppe(l it. Here received an order to move to right 200 files and allow the Tenth Massachusetts to come in and occupy our l)Iace, we to take the right of them. Did so. Here sent out Company D as skirmishers to the front to edge of woods and met the pickets of Tenth Massachnsetts, but nothing on our right. Notified General Hooker. who ordered me to skirmish front our right obliquely. Did so, and the report was that there was no picket on our right; that they had withdrawn on account of the shells hilling among them from our battery. They came out with oar company, C, who had been skirmish- ing. Finding oar I)ickets did not connect on the right, I had a company amid half deployed to the front at this 1)lace. We joined with Richard- sons l)ickets abont l~0 yards or so to the front; also deployed a part of a company on our right flank, to overcome surprise on that quarter. It has been reported to mue that Lieutenant MeFeeters, of Coin pan y H, behaved very ansoldier-like in rnnmiing to the rear and hiding be- himid a large stump. This was reported to inc by Lieutenant Schlafer. I had a very hard time to rally his company and bring themn to the flout. No or(ler was given by me at any timne to fire, kmm owing the skir- misher~ were out an(l the regiments ahead, but at the fire of the men called out to Stop ~ Dont fire, & c. Captain Maguire was fired on by some wood-choppers while he was out as skirmishers and picket. He returned a volley, when it ceased. The Tenth Massachusetts re- lieved our picket and then returned, pNviously being notified tIm t W~ would be relieved soon. I hand you a list of wounded and missing for the 25th, 1862. * W. A. OLMSTED, Licatenant- Colonel Second Infantry N. Y. TTols., Comdg~ [ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Third Brigade, Second Division, Third Gorps.] * Embodhid in revised statement, p. 37 Page 160 too THu PENINSULfl CAMPAIGN, VA. [Gnaw. Xflfl. HDQEs. SECOND. REGIflNT NW Your VoLuNTnus, G.n.p mar Harrieome Landing, V.., July 11, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to make the following report of the recent movements made from Fair Oaks to Harrisons Landing: The regiment was out on picket guard at Fair Oaks, having relieved General Sickles brigade at 3.30 p. m. on Saturday, June 28, 1862. Be- ceived two circulars, under date June 28, by a mounted orderly, at. 1.30 a. m. June 29, which were obeyed. Took up line of march at 4 a. in., and proceeded down the Williamsburg road in the direction of General hookers quarters. The regiment formed line of battle in a field Oppo- site to the generals quarters, acting as reserve. Again took up line of march, formed into line of battle on the right of the road behind the breastworks. Took up line of march at 4 p. m. toward the Quaker CrossRoads, encamped in an open field, and remained during the day (Monday) till 2.30 p. in. Received orders to march. Subsequently formed line of battle in the woods in the direction of White Oak Swamp. . Received orders from Colonel Cart, commanding the brigade, to report to General Sickles. Obeyed, and was posted on the left of his brigade a very important Position. Were ordered to throw out flankers to the left, consisting of Captain Parks oompany, Company F, and relievea a company of General Sickles? brigade. At this point Captain Park captured several re6el officers and pri. yates and the colors of the Seventeenth Regiment of Virginia Volun- teers. At 7 o~cbock p. m. received orders to throw out skirmishers to the left and front of the woods, to bring in the wounded of our party, as well as rebels. Several prisoners were brought in. During the night we lost 1 lieutenant and I private, supposed to be killed. Received orders on Tuesday morning, July 1, at 3.30 o7clock, and marched to apiece of ground immediately in front of General MeClel- lans headquarters. Formed in line of battle; occupied a position in a valley directly in front of the enemy where the regiment remained during the day and part or the nighi!. This was a critical position. Being in range of the enemys guns as well as our own, shells fell in every direction around the regiment. Received orders on Wednesday morning at 2 a. in. to march, which was done, and arrived at Harrisons Landing at 8 a. in. This march was severe on the soldiers, accom- panied by a severe rain-storm, which tended to prostrate the whole regiment. Special notice is made of Capt. George W. Wilson and Captain Park, who were acting as field offlcers,.Col. J. B. Cart commanding the bri gale. Theseofficers were brave, and rendered valuable servicesthrough- out the entire movements of this and the previous days. Also to Cap- tain Quackenbush and men for the promptness evinced in obeying orders. The members of Company F thrown out.as flankers deserve also special notice for holding their ground under such difficult cir cuinstances. A4jt La Grand Benedict was uniformly prompt in car- rying orders front one end of the line to the other. a ntion of the commander of the brigade is. called to the members of Company E, they having lost all their equipments. They were hurriedly sent with J)soners to headquarters under command of Lieutenant Harrison, of Company D. The keneral deportment of the rejiment was excellent The following is the list of casualties, viz: Lient Charles G. Otis, supposed to be killed; Private Hildebrand, Company C, killed; miss Page 161 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 161 ing, Private John F. Andrew, Company C, Private Hugh ORiley, Company C. Resp& ~tful1y submitted. W. A. OLMSTED, Lieutenant-Colonel Second Infantry New York Vols., fiiomdg. [AZSISTkNT ADYUTANT-GENERAL Third Brigade, Second Division~, Third Corps.] No. 61. Reports of Brig. (len. Philip Ifearny, U. S. Arnni, commanding Third D~inston, of the engagements at Oak Grove, Peach Orchard, or A liens Farm skirmish at Jordons Ford a ~arm$ and Malvern Hill. ud battles of Glendale (Fraziers HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, Camp near Seren Pines, June 28, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to forward the reports of my three brigades for the skirmishing of the 25th instant. During these engagements I remained at my redan, and only took personal part in the same until toward evening. I remained at bivouac with Birneys brigade the entire night. I have particularly to commend General Robinson, and Colonel Brown, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers; Colonel Hays, Sixty-third Pennsyl- vania, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bachia, Eighty-seventh New York Vol- unteers, but not so much his regiment. Also the firm, solid appear- ance of the First New York Volunteers, as arriving at night and taking up position. The casualties have been principally in the Twentieth Indiana and Slxty-thlrd Pennsylvania. I refer you to brigade reports. Respectfully, your obedient servant, P. KEARNY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. Capt. CHAUNORY MOKEEVER, Chief of S~atT, Third Corps. HEADQUARTER5 THIRD DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, Harrtsons Landing, July 6, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to report as follows on the moves and battles of the last week: On the 28th of June, at midnight, I received orders to prepare to retire from Fair Oaks. This was executed at 6 a. in. regularly and without annoyance, the enemy appearing with distrust, as we left with- out pressure. My division then took up its positiou in the very strong fortified camp near Savages. In the afternoon we received orders again to retire across the White Oak Swamp. This 1 executed by the back (the mill) road. Sonic artillery and my Twentieth Indiana marksmen 11 I~ R.~.-VOI4 XI~ PT I Page 162 162 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. held this place for several hours after the retreat commenced, and manned the works on the right of the road, for the purpose of prevent- ing the enemy from hurrying us. Colonel Brown, Twentieth Indiana Volunteers, greatly distinguished himself. His regiment lost some killed and wounded, as the enemy shelled the works toward the last, and parties of his advance and our rear guard became engaged. Fearing lest the roads to the White Oak Swamp Bridge and Brack- etts Ford might be unduly clogged with troops, I proposed crossing at Jordons Ford, 3 miles below my camp. I had reconnoitered it in the morning, and found that the enemy was in force ou the central road but not on the Charles City road, and did not then seem to be on the lookout. General Robinson was to cover my retreat, and was cau- tioned against the enemys troops arriving from across the Williams- burg road. General Birney, with his brigade, was to lead the march; General Berry to follow. It was found, after crossing the double arm of the swamp at Jordons, that our moves had been expected, and it being problematical whether the relative position of the lines of retreat justified a full engagement after a successful skirmish of the advance pickets, and on learning that the road to Bracketts was then free, I withdrew the troops and pro- ceeded by that ford. General Berrys brigade, however, finding Fish- ers Ford unobstructed, passed by that route. This same night, by 10 p. in., the whole division was encamped on and near the Charles City road, at a point subsequently during the battle occupied by General Slocum. In the morning of the 30th June I drew up in a very strong position on the Charles City road. Subsequently I was assigned to guard the New Market road and country thence to the Charles City road, a space of near 2A miles. In taking up my line of battle, General Robinson, with the First Brigade, was posted on the left, his left on the New Market road, sup- porting Thompsons battery. General Birney divided the distance with him to the Charles City road. General Berry was in reserve. General Slocum was to the right of my line of battle, General McCall to its left. The enemys attack commenced on General McCall at about 2 p. m. At about 3 p. in. it seemed to be fully developed, but as I rode over to visit it, it did not seem to me to be unduly threatening further than from the shape of his line, its left greatly refused. It had disad- vantages for myself, although advantages for those to whom the enemy must present its flank in making an attack on him. At 4 p. m. the attack commenced on my line with a determination and vigor and in such masses as I had iiever witnessed. Thompsons battery, directed with great skill, literally swept the slightly-falling open space with the completest execution, and mowing them down by ranks would cause the survivors to momentarily halt; but almost in- stantly after increased masses came up and the wave bore on. These masses coming up with a rapid run, covering the entire breadth of the open ground some 200 paces, would alone be checked in their career by the gaps of the fallen. Still no retreat, and again a fresh mass would carry on the approaching line still nearer. If there was one man in this attack there must have been ten thousand, and their loss by artillery, although borne with such fortitude, must have been un- usual. It was by scores. With the irrepressibility of numbers on they persisted. The artillery, destructive as it was, ceased to be a calcul Page 163 Gsa maj SDVDN-DAYS BATTLES. 168 lion. it was then that Colonel Hays, with the Sixty-third Pennsylvania and half the Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, was moved forward tothelineoftheguns. I have here to call to the attention of my superior chiefs this most heroic action on the part of Colonel Hays ad his regiment. The Sixty- Pannavlvania third has won L,. the laiwels of fame. That which grape and canister failed m effecting was nor accomplished by the deteit- mined charge and rapid volleys of this foot. The enemy atthe muuules of our guns for the first time sulkily retired, fighting. Subsequently, ground having been gAined, the Sixty-third Pennsylvania was ordered to Lie low and the battery once more reopened its ceaseless work of destruction. This battle saw renewed three onsets as above with similar vicis- situdes, when finally the enemy betokened his efforts as past by con- verting his charges into an ordinary line fight of musketry, embracing the whole front of the brigade; for by this period he was enabledto do so from Thompsons pieces havingleft the field after expending their grpe and becoming tired of the futility of round shot. It may. have been then about 7.30 p. in.; full daylight remained, and anticipating that the enemy, foiled in the attempt to carry the New Market road and a4jacent open ground, wouid next hazard an attack toward the Charles City road or intermediate woods, my attention was called there. I therefore left everythingprogressing steadily in the left and visited the entire line to the right, notwithstanding that the line was long and that no reserve (excepting the weak Third Michi- gui) existed. The cheerful manner and solid look of Birneys brigade gave assurance of their readiness to be measured with the foe, ad they met my warning of the coming storm with load cheers of exults- lion. Half an hour or forty minutes may have been thus passed. I then returned to the extreme left of my line. Arriving there I fond that Colonel Hays had been relieved by Colonel Barlow, of tiieSixty- first New York Volunteers, the head of General Caldweli?s bri sent to me from Sumners corps, and which had reported to Robinson. Almost in the commencement ofthe action, within the first half hour, as I had. plainly foreseen ad warned my superior, General Heintuel- man, ad General Humphreys,.Engineers, who most kindly had gone over my position with me, every ma was engaged or in position or in. elose support. The Eighty-seventh New York Volunteers had been ordered by General Heintuelman to Bracketts Font, ad the First New York Volunteers was diverted from me by a misapprehension of Colonel Dyekman. This fact I announced to General Heintaelman without asking re-enforcements, since I did not conceive them neces- sary, nor they have been but for the diverting of my First New York Volunteersa very strong regimentto General McCalL The Sixty-first New York Volunteers, under its most intrepid leader Colonel Barlow, had vied with the brave regiment he had relieved, and charging the enemy bore off as a trophy one of his colors. It had sub- sequently taken up~ts~on to the left of the One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania and i 1 n subsequently retired, but none appointed to take its place, that breastwork being unoccupied. It was at this couijuncture that I arrived from my right I found McCalls position abandoned, although not cccupied.by the enemy. I placed in it the First New Jersey Brigade, General Taylor. I then knew it to be in true hands. Iobsery~4.tjja~$ whilst the enemy were ainusingmyeatir Page 164 164 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL front with an ordinary musketry fire strong parties of rebel skirmishers in the gloom of the evening, rendered denser by the murky fogs of the smoke, were feeling their way slowly and distrustfully to the unoccu- pied parapet. Galloping back to find the nearest troops J met General Caldwell, who, under General McCalls supervision, was putting two or more of his regiments into line to the right of the road (a quarter of a mile in rear of the breastworks) to move up in order. Circnm8tances denied this delay. Accordingly I directed General Caldwell to lead a wing of a regiment at double-quick up the road to open on these rebel skirmishers. This was done promptly, but from their being foreigner8 not with a full comprehension, and darkness embarrassing them, they fired at the rebels, but in the direction of others of my line; and thus whilst the enemy were swept oft the arena it left for some little time our troops firing at each of er. To increase this confusion the residue of the brigade who had not filed into the woods and formed on the road opened on us all who were in the front. It is my impression that Gen- eral McCall must have been killed by this fire. The errors of cro-~s-firing h viug at last subsided my Fifth Michigan gallantly crossed the parapets and pursued the retiring enemy. The Eighty-first Pennsylvania, then nobly responding to my orders, gal- lantly led by Lieutenant-Colonel Conner and Captain Miles, of General Caldwells staff, dashed over the parapet, pursued, charged and with a few vigorous volley flnislwd the battle at 9.30 at night. f remained much longer on the field, and then reported in person to General Heint- zelman at his quarters. [Under a tree at the junction of the Quaker and Charles City roads.S. P. II.] In concluding my report of this battleone of the most desperate of the war, the one the most fatal if lostI am proud to give my thanks and to include in the glory of my own division the First New Jersey Brigade, General T ylor, who held icCalls deserted ground, and General Caldwell, whose personal aallautry and the bravery of whose regiments not only entitle them to share in the credit of our victory, but also ever after engender full sympathies between the two corps. In this engagement the coolness and judicious arrangements of Gen- eral Birney influenced his whole command to feel invincible in a very weak position. General Berry, as usual, was active. The fearful losses his noble regiments have sustained, reducing them to scarce 200 to a regiment, obliged me to preserve such heroes for the decisive moments. Still, they will not be rel)ressed, and the Fifth Michigan, under Major Fairbanks, was the first to pursue the enemy. I regret for ourselves that he, almost the last of our nobly distinguished at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks and the forced advance of the 25th June, is dangerously wounded. I have to state th t this division has been extremely used. This has prematurely reduced to nothing regiments of the highest mark. I have reserved General liobinson for the last. To him this day is due, above all others in this division, the honors of this battle. The attack was on his wing. Everywhere present, by personal supervision and noble e~ample he secured for us the honor of victory. For the names of officers distinguished in their regiments I for the present refer you to the brigade and regimental reports. As to the action of my artillery (Battery G, second U. S. Artillery), it has never been equaled for rapidity and precision of fire and coolness amidst great loss of men and horses. The gallantry of its commander, Captain Thompson, identifies him with its distinction. Our loss has been severe, and when it is remembered that this oeeur Page 165 Onfr. XXIII.] 8EVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 165 to mere skeletons of regiments, there is but one observation to be made that previous military history l)reseIlts rio such parallel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. KEARNY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Third Division. Capt. CHAITNOEY MOKEEVER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Corps. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, July 6, 1862. SrR: I have the honor to report in continuation that at the close of the battle on the New Market road our men remained in position until midnight, when orders were brought from General lleintzelman to effect a retreat, as General Franklin had already abandoned his posi- tion. This move was again effected quietly and rapidly by the troops, but at some sacrifices from the want of transportation. By dawn we were in a new and stronger position. It was toward noon when the battle was again renewedthe battle of Malvern Hill. In this battle, whilst all our regiments were on the alert and un4er artillery fire and all lost more or less froni the enemys shelling and grape shot, none but onr artillery and skirmishers were immediately ~ngaged. Captain Thompson managed his battery with the full genius of that arm, whilst Ca l)tain Randolph with his Parrott guns persecuted all that attacked him, silencing several times batteries that were sweeping our front or covering their columns of attack on General Couch to our left. The Fourth Maine partienlarly distin- guished itself for its coolness in holding the ravine in our front and daringly engaging the skirmishers ot the enemys attacking columns. Their loss was considerable. The brigades of Generals Robinson and Berry were principally in reserve, but were constantly sent forward in support, as the tide of battle swerved to and fro on our left. The first line was held by Gen- eral Birney with coolness and firmness, and the regiments, even under fire, erected for themselves well-arranged rifle pits. Had the next day witnessed a renewal of the battle, success was sure. Our loss was 951 in the several engagements. It was at midnight that we were again called on to move in retreat, and tired as were all our command it was again executed with much regularity, and we arrived at 10 a. m. at Harrisons Landing. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. KEARNY, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. Capt. CHAIJNCEY MUKEEVER, Asst. AdJt. Gen., Third Corps. No. 62. Report of Capt. George B. Randolph, Battery L, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, qf the action at Bracketts, and the battles of Glendale and Malvern lull. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, July 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor respectfully to report the movements of my battery in the recent actions from June 29 to July 2 Page 166 166 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGI~, VA. [CHAP. IXITT. Early Sunday morning I received orders to hold myself ready to move at a moments notice from the redan in the line of works near Fair Oaks. About4 oclock, with the last regiments of General Bir- neys brigade, I moved from the line of eartliworks and placed four Parrott guns in position in a redoubt on the left of the Williamsburg road, while my howitzers were placed in a smaller redoubt on the extreme left of that line of works. I remained here until I received your order to move at once through the woods and cross White Oak Swamp by way of Bracketts Ford. I reached at about dark a point between Charles City and New Market roads, where Ii encamped, re- porting to you very early in the morning of Monday, 30th June. I was there placed in position in an advanced position on the right of Charles City road, to act in co-operation with General Birneys brigade, where I remained until the approach of the enemy, about noon. Our skirmishers having been withdrawn from the woods I threw four shells into them, and then by order of General Birney moved with his troops to the left and into woods covering ravine a little in rear of our first position. Here I took position pointed out by General Birney, but was soon ordered to report to General Kearny~s headquarters. Here I took a temporary position around the house until directed to report with my Parrott guns to General Slocuin on the right. Here I relieved Captain Porters battery, and under direction of Captain Platt, chief of artillery, shelled at a very rapid rate the woods covering the plain occupied by General Birney and myself early in the morning. This fire was continued till late in the evening, with what effect I cannot say. After midnight, with the other batteries of General Slocums division, I moved silently down the Charles City road and on to Mal- vein Hill, my Parrott guns closing the rear of the column of artillery a very questionable disposition of rifled guns where smooth-bore pieces were to be had. Meanwhile Lieutenant Jastram, whom I had left near General Kear- nys headquarters, was ordered to place his section in battery where Captain Thompsons battery had been during the day, on the left of General Kearnys line, and near the position of General McCall. His pieces were put in battery as directed, and opened on the enemy, hardly discernible for the smoke, until the falling back of our forces in front and left convinced him of the policy of retiring. The horses of the swing and wheel team of one piece having beeu shot rendered the withdrawal of it impossible, and it was spiked and left on the field.~ I was joined by Lieutenant Jastram at Malvern Hill. After a short restenough to water my horses and replenish ammun- nition-boxesJ took position, nuder direction of Captain Thompson, Second Artillery, U. S. Army, on the left of the house occupied by General Kearny as headquarters on the 1st of July. Here I almost immediately enga~ed a battery of the enemy that appeared in the oat field opposite and 1,000 or 1,200 yards distant, receiving in return a hot fire of shell and shrapnel, which however was more destructive in front and rear than to us; for, until afternoon, I suffered no loss. I kept up a fire at intervals whenever I saw in the opposite field any enemy to oppose until toward night, when Gemieral Couch engaged the enemy to our left. I was specially ordered to silence a battery of the enemy that was covering their attacking columns and making havoc in our lines. I opened a sharp fire, immediately drawing the fire of the rebel battery from General Couch to myself~ and succeeded after a short time in silencing it altogether. Soon after my attention was called to a column of re-enforcements going to the support of the enemy Page 167 CHAP. XXIIT.i SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 167 Here too I had an opportunity to do good service, as our previous prac- tice had given us the range and elevation of the point at which the enemys column entered the wood. Our fire ceased about 8.30 p. m. Tuesday, and at 2 a. m. I moved in company with General Kearnys division to Harrisons Landing, arriv- ing there at about 9 a. in. July 2. My only firing since then has been some 80 or 90 rounds fired at the battery that shelled our camp on the morning of the 3d July. Of the general behavior of my officers and men during the foregoing actions I can only say that in every instance where I could observe it I was entirely satisfied. My men were cool and persisten t, my officers collected and carefully attentive to the efficient working of their sec- tions. Where all did so well it is somewhat unjust to mention either, and yet I cannot forbear to mention Lieut. W. A. Arnold, my first offi- cer, for the coolness and determination he showed upon every occa- sion. I regret greatly the loss of one of the pieces of my battery, the more that I was not present, and am unable to judge from my own knowledge of the circUmstances attending its loss; yet the entire con- fidence that I repose in Lieutenant Jastram and in the non-commis- sioned officers of his section makes me confident that the loss of the piece was a military necessity. I am the more completely convinced of this when I learn that one of Captain Thompsons pieces (an officer of well-known judgment and bravery) was left, although it was away from the field when Lieutenant Jastram entered, and I feel confident that as Captain Thompson had personal charge of his battery there mnu~t have been good and sufficient cause for the loss of both his piece and mine. t Upon inspection, I find the vents of my Parrott pieces greatly enlarged from rapid and continued firing, so much so as almost to render them unserviceable. The copper vent-piece of the howitzers, although fired as many times, is but little injured. With great respect, your obedient servant, GEO. E. RANDOLPH, Capt., Commanding Battery F, First Rhode Island Artillery. Capt. ALEXANDER MooRE, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Kearnys Division, [Third L!orps]. [Indorseinents.] * Not a single man of my division fell back. This conduct was extraordinary. Lieutenant Jastram lost his piece by not reporting to me, who was in the advanced fire at about that period. The fugitives may have been McCalls. I desire Lieutenant Jastrams conduct to be brought up before official investigation. P. KEARNY, Brigadier- General, Division. I Captain Thompson lost his piece by not reporting that he could not get it off from some accident to his horses. I was in advance of where his battery was. The enemy never occupied the place until the retreat of next morning. P. KEARNY Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. IR~ispectfully forwarded. At my intimation for them to do so, both Captain Thompson and Lieutenant Jastram have applied for a court of inquiry as to the aban Page 168 168 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [OnAr. Xxiii. donment of their pieces. My testimony will be that they were aban- doned in rear of a steady line of my infantry, where myself and Colonel Hays were present. The good of the service demands invesfigation. P. KEARKY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Third Division. Captain Randolphs skill and gallantry at Malvern were extremely consPlcuotLs. P. KEARNYZ Brigadier- General, Oommwnding Div~alon. Ko. 63. Report of Lieut. Pardon S. Jastram, Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), with findings of Court of Inquiry. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, VA., July 7, 1862. SIR: In accordance with your instructions, on Monday, the 30th ultimo, I remained with the howitzers in position in front of General Kearnys headquarters and awaited his orders. About half an hour after one of the generals aides * rode in at full speed from the field in front, with orders to bring in the howitzers as soon as possible and save the day. The necessary orders were given, arid I started off at a quick trot, the aide continually urging me to hurry up. Passing through to the main road, and turning one side to allow the passage of Captain Thomp- son and his battery, I entered the field on the right. On inquiring of the aide what position I was to occupy or where I should go, I could obtain no definite information. The order was to Fire toward the sun. The dense smoke, covering every part of the field in front, prevented me from judging for myself where my presence was most needed. Accordingly I moved to the front and right, gave the orders, Action front, and spherical case, two seconds time. But three cannoneers suc- ceeded in accompanying each piece, and the corporal of the sixth piece was acting as Nos. 5, 6, and 7. The lead driver also acted as No. 1, and was obliged to leave his horses as soon as the piece was rinuimbered. By some mistake, too, the piece had been loaded with canister, which had to be fired into the air, since I knew not the position of our own men in our immediate front. The other charges of spherical case were thrown beyond into the woods. At this moment our men began to fall back on our left and front and came between the pieces, so that I could not work them. I then gave the order to limber to the rear, and at the same time some field officer ordered me to get my pieces out as quickly as possible. I saw the fifth piece leave the field safely, but the near wheel horse of the sixth piece had been hit when we first unlimbered, had fallen over the pole, and so entangled the harness that we could not draw the piece out. Accordingly I gave orders to spike the piece, which was faith- fully executed by young Harvey, of the sixth detachment, and at the same time Albert Hopkins, the lead driver, unfastened the lead horses from the swing team, one horse of which had also been hit, and brought It was an orderlyA. Malpus, New Jersey Fourth.[P. K. Page 169 Cni.w. XXIII.j SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 1~9 them from the field. Definite orders as to the position I was to take upon the field would undoubtedly have made the howitzers of some service, while the want of such orders could not but make their presence of little service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. S. JASTRA1VJ, First Lieutenant, Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery. Capt. GEORGE E. RANDOLPH, Battery B, First Rhode Island Artillery. [Indorsements.] Respectfully forwarded. General Kearny, nor Colonel Hays (support preordered to artillery), nor Colonel Robinson ever saw Mr. Jastram or his pieces. He was sent for by an orderly (an intelligent one), and did not come forward for orders, but all of us officers were near by, and conspicuous, as mounted. P. KEARNY, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Division. The court of inquiry asked for at my suggestion should examine this. P.K. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, No. 301. ~ Camp near Knoxville, lI/lid., October 27, 1862. 1. A court of inquiry, of which Col. C. H. Tompkins, First Regiment Rhode Island Artillery, is president, convened at the headquarters of Kearnys division, near Harrisons Landing, Va., by virtue of Special Orders, Nos. 213 and 230, from these headquarters, dated, respectively, July 24 and August 8, 1q62, issued at the request of First Lieut. P. S. Jastram, First Rhode Island Artillery, To inquire into the facts con- nected with the loss of one of the pieces of the section of Battery E, Rhode Island Artillery, commanded by said Lieutenant Jastram, on June 30, 1862, at Charles City Cross-Roads. The court, having care- fully weighed the teKimony before them, presents the following sum- mary of evidence: It appears that Lieutenant Jastram received an order to move his section, and was guided to a position he knew nothing about at a trot- out by a person having the authority of General Kearny; that he opened fire without any definite object; that regular supports were not near the section in question, but disjointed squads were moving con- fusedly about near to where it was stationed; that there was a defi- ciency of men, owing evidently to the fact that Lieutenant Jastram failed to mount his cannoneers before starting; that confusion pre- vailed around the section, the lead driver of the piece which was aban- doned having been dismounted to work at the piece, the teams became entangled, one or more horses being wounded, and a difficulty in lim- bering was the result; that Lieutenant Jastram gave the order to spike and abandon the piece; that no enemy was nearer than 200 yards, if so near; that the remaining piece of this section, with other artil- lery and other troops, remained in the neighborhood of the abandoned piece until daylight the next morning. 2. The general commanding has carefully considered the proceedings in this case. They show Lieutenant Jastrauzi to have been culpabl Page 170 170 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXITL 1st. In failing to mount his cannoneers before starting his sections. 2d. In unnecessarily abandoning his position. 3d. In not making proper efforts to withdraw the piece that was lost. 4th. In not making, or causing to be made, inquiries and efforts for its recovery during the night. It appears, however, that in moving to the front and in opening fire on the enemy he acted with promptness and spirit; that objects had then become very indistinct to the eye; that confusion prevailed around; that no one gave him sufficient information or any instruc- tions for his guidance, and that his abandonment of the position was an error of judgment. The major-general commanding disapproves the conduct of Lieuten- ant .Jastram, but upon full consideration of the testimony and the find- ing of the court is of the opinion that the interests of the service do not require any proceedings against him beyond the censure herein ex- pressed. By command of Major-General McClellan: Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 64. Reports of Capt. James Thompson, Battery U, & cond U. & Artillery, of the engagement at Peach Orchard, and battle of Glendale or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm). CAMP OF COMPANY 0-, SECOND ARTILLERY, Near Harrisons Landing, July 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tions of my battery from the 28th ultimo until the time of occupying the present position: In the night of the 28th ultimo I received orders to move my battery from the redoubt on the left of Williamsburg road, and near Fair Oaks~ as follows: One section to move before daybreak, and occupy the re- doubt near Williamsburg road, in front of Savage Station; one section to occupy position near a house about 300 yards in front of section as above; the other section to remain in the redoul~t and move with the rear guard of Berrys brigade. The battery operated as ordered, and was concentrated early in the day in the intrenchments in front of Sav- age Station. The battery remained behind these works, supported by the Twentieth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Brown, until about 5 oclock p. in., long after the right was open back as far as Savage Station. Troops appearing in front were twice driven back with spherical case- shot. I have good reason to believe that the infantry support (Colonel Brown) did not have loaded muskets.* Orders were given by General Kearny to retire, and by mistake the battery was near Savage Station when it was discovered that the wrong road had been taken. The fight commenced there at that time, and we retired by White Oak Swamp Bridge. On the morning of the 30th I moved my battery from the vicinity of the bridge up to General Kearny~s headquarters and reported. The caissons of my battery came by another road, and having been sent * See indoreement, p. 172 Page 171 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 171 forward at a rapid gait by General Kearnys orders, one complete caisson and one body were upset and lost. The battery was then ordered into position near the New Market road on the right. The fences in front were leveled, the brush cut down, and the field cleared. Soon after General Meade caine with Gen- eral Seymour and desired me to change my battery from front to right, so that instea(1 of bearing on the New Market road it should bear toward the d6bouch6 from the Charles City, & c., roa(ls. I l)ointed out to them the position of General Kearnys division, and said I was on his left flank, and, as 1 believed, in proper position as regarded his division. They retired, and soon after an apparent change of line of battle in General McCalls division was observed, and the battery they l)roposed to deploy perpendicularly was deployed nearly in prolonga- tion of it, slightly advanced. General Kearny soon rode up and I commenced to tell him of this. He ordered me to change my position so as to fire to the right, which 1)laced me nearly perpendicularly be- hind iRandols battery, and soon after General Kearny left I deployed forward in echelon of pieces, and came into action left, so as to cover the ground I did at first, and in this position the battery fought over three hours. Had I remained in the other position my battery would have been swept away with IRaudois, without doubt, before I could have changed front forward. The enemy appeared by the New Market road, and as soon as they began to show themselves in front the battery opened on them with spherical case-shot just in the edge of the woods about 400 yards. They advanced in line, stooping down and firing, and we coutinued firing spherical case-shot until they reached the torn-down fence, brush, & c., about 150 yards in front, where they appeared to falter. They soon, however, rallied for a charge, and canister was poured upon them, and as they advanced double canister was used and served without sl)onging, which with the terrible infantry volley poured into them by Colonel Hays Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, gallantly support- ing the battery, drove them back. They retired to about 150 yards at the fence, when spherical case was again used with half-second fuses. Three successive charges were made by overwhelmingly large forces, but they were each time hurled back with terrible slaughter. The battle continued in this manner when, at about 7.30 oclock p. in., the canister and spherical case-shot having become exhausted, and after firing round shot, it became apparent that the battery was being risked with- out doing the enemy injury, and it was therefore retired. Lieut. J. H. Butler is deserving of great credit for bravery and effi- ciency. I am under great obligations to him for the condition of my battery. The battery went into action with six pieces, four caissons, and one caisson limber; came out with five guns, one caisson, and two limbers. The horses of one piece were shot, and the piece lost after getting partly off the field.t One man killed, 13 wounded, 2 missing. Medical-Cadet Frank Le Moyne was on the field of battle or near the battery during the entire day, and worked until late at night dressing wounded until all were attended to. His conduct deserves great commendation. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES THOMPSON, Captain, & cond Artillery, U. S. Army. Lieut. ALEXANDER MooRE, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Third Corps. tSee indorsement, p. 17g Page 172 172 THE PENINSULAR OAMPMGN1 ~ [Indorsem~nts.] * This statement as to Twentieth Indiana is not correct. P. KEAliNY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. I No excuse for this. I remained on the field as long as the enemy continued to advanceat least half an hour after retiring of battery. It was never rep~orted to me, nor General Robinson nor Colonel Hays. ~. kEARNY Brigadier- deneral. CAMP OF COMPANY 0, SECOND U. S. ARTILLERY, Year Harrisons Landing, Va., July 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of my battery (0, Second U. S. Artillery) on Monday, the 30th June: In compliance with instructions from the general commanding the division the battery was posted on the right of the New Market road, supported by Berrys and Robinsons brigades, in order to be in posi- tion to open fire on the enemy advancing either upon the New Market road or upon the Central road. I deployed my battery facing the open field on the right of New Market road, the left piece near and a little in rear of the right piece of Randols battery, First U. S. Artillery, McCalls division, the right retired in echelon. About 400 yards in front was a dense wood, which approached within 100 yards on our right behind a small house. About 4 oclock the en- emy came upon us in line from this wood. I opened fire upon them with spherical case-shot, but they advanced to the d~bris of two fences I had caused to be thrown down in the earlier part of the day and about 100 yards in front. Canister was now use(l, and our supports opened fire on them with musketry, and they were stopped. The wood on the right was densely crowded with them in large fbrce, and three successive charges to capture the battery were repulsed by the prompt and gallant supports deployed between the guns and by the murderous double canister from our guns, loaded without sponging. The battery was enabled to hold this position until about 8 p. m.,* after the capture of the battery on our left, and until our supply of canister was exhausted, some guns having fired double spherical case- shot, cut to explode on leaving the gun. By great exertion we were enabled to bring all our guns from the field except one. When leaving with this a trace broke, and in re- placing it (although there was one under the limber) the horses were shot, and we were compelled to spike the gun and leave it. Efforts were made during the night to briub it away, but without success.t The battery was saved, first, by its double canister, served without sponging, and the admirable support rendered by Generals Berry and Robinson; secondly, by its retired echelon position. Our loss was smalli man killed, 13 wounded, and 2 missing. As the infantry deployed through the battery they mingled with the can- noneers, and in some instances served the guns with great zeal and efficiency. After Randols battery was taken one of his lieutenants worked one of my guns for some time with 3 men only. The conduct of the officers and men of the battery was excellent. * See intlorsements, p. 173 Page 173 Ciur. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 173 Lient. J. H. Butler, Second Artillery, was very cool, brave, and active, and I am greatly indebted to him for the efficient condition of the bat- tery before the battle. Lieut. J. S. Dudley, Second Artillery, and Lient. J. C. Schuetz, Second Michigan, had charge of sections, and be- haved admirably. Respectfully submitted. JAMES THOMPSON, Captain, U. S. Army. To the AssIsTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Third Division, [Third Corps]. [Indorsements.] ~ I should rather say that the time was 7.30 p. m. P. KEARNY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. I I have to complain that Captain Thompson made no report to me of this accident to his piece at the time, though immediately in front of where the pieces had been firing. A small detail of meneven his own artilleristsshould have taken it off. I was ignorant of his loss for twenty-four hours and only learned it by rumor. P. KEARNY, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. Respectfully forwarded. The court of inquiry asked for at my suggestion should examine this loss of piece, never reported and most easy to be saved. Our line never once broke, but held their ground. I was with Colonel Hays for more than half an hour after retiring of Thompsons pieces. Captain Thomp- son was brave in action, negligent afterward. P. KEARNY, Brigadier-General. No. 65. Reports of Brig. Gen. John C. Robinson, U~ S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House, and battle. of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and ]Iifalvern Hill. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., KEARNYS DIVISION, THIRD CORPS, June 26, 1862. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions received from you I left camp yesterday morning at 7.30 oclock with three regiments of my bri- gade, for the purpose of extending our line of pickets in conjunction with those of Hookers division. Ou entering the woods in front of the abati~ I deployed four companies of the Sixty-third Pennsylvania as skirmishers, with six companies as reserves, following in three col- umns. This regiment was followed by the Twentieth Indiana, ready to support. The Eighty-seventh New York was held in reserve at the edge of the wood. My skirmishers soon became engaged with the en- emy~s pickets and drove them back on their supports, when the firing becoming brisk and the right of my line of skirmishers being for a mo- ment repulsed, I ordered forward the Eighty-seventh New York. Th Page 174 174 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL enemy was now steadily driven back and beyond three of his picket camps, the whole distance contested being through thick woods, with tangled underbrush, until our left rested npon an orchard, near which were three small buildings which he had been occupying and from which he was driven. Finding that I was getting ahead of Hookers skirmishers, I here rested my command. Immediately in front of our left was an open field, from which the enemy opened on us with artillery, throwing shell and canister, but doing ns no injury. On examination, I discovered in this field a two-story frame house, which afforded shelter to the enemys sharpshooters. It was there I sent word to you that I could use artil- lery with advantage. Soon after I received a section (two 10-pounder Parrott guns) of Battery B, First New Jersey Artillery, under command of First Lieut. A. Judson Clark. One piece, being placed in position in the orchard, sent four percussion shells through the honse, rendering it untenable, and silenced a section of the battery that had been play- ing upon ns. I then directed Lieutenant Clark to withdraw his guns. About 6 oclock p. m. the enemy made a desperate attack on my left flank (composed of the Eighty-seventh New York) with a heavy body of infantry. I immediately ordered a part of the Twentieth Indiana to support the left, which was handsomely done. A deadly fire was poured into his advancing coin inns and a charge made which sent him flying in disorder across the field. At this time, when the victory was won, some man in the Eighty- seventh New York called out that the enemy was bringing a battery to bear on the left, when the whole regiment immediately broke and fled to the rear; and although the most strenuous exertions were made by myself and staff and Lieutenant-Colonel Bachia, commanding, the regi- ment could not be rallied~ and did not again appear on the field. The Twentieth Indiana, then being hard pressed by re-enforcements of the enemy, was forced to give way, and tied to the rear. I succeeded after a little time in rallying this regiment, and forming on its colors it again advanced to the attack. At this time you had arrived with a portion of Birneys brigade, which followed in support. The woods being very difficult to advance through, I, together with one of my aides, Lieutenant ilobinson, got in advance of the leading reghuent, and soon found ourselves face to face with a battalion of the enemy, who opened a volley upon us, disabling our horses. The enemy again was driven from the field, and we occu- pied the ground we had just lost. The supports furnished from liiirneys brigade were now withdrawn, and the Eighty seventh New York was replaced by a fourth regiment of my brigade (the One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania). The enemy made an attack upon us during the night, but was easily repulsed. Having but recently taken command of this brigade, it is impossible for me to name all who deserve to be mentioned. Colonel Brown, Twentieth Indiana; Colonel Hays, Sixty-third Pennsylvania, and Colonel McKnight, One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania, handled their regi- ments gallantly and with ability. Lieutenant-Colonel Bachia. Eighty- seventh New York, is entitled to my thanks for the gallant manner in which he seconded my efforts to rally his regiment. First Lieutenant Clark of the First New Jersey Artillery, performed very important service in a manner which entitles him to great credit as an artillerist and gallant soldier. The officers of my staff, Captain Potter, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Morgan and Lieutenant Robinson, aides-do-camp, are ent Page 175 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 175 tied to special notice for the gallant and zealous manner in which they performed the duties required of them. I understand that the force brought against us was of the command of Major-General Huger. The enemys loss greatly exceeded our own, and is estimated by our officers at not less than 500. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant JXO. C. ROBINSON, Brig. Gen. PHILIP KEARNY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Comdg. Third Div., Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. HDQRS. FIRsT BRIG., KEARNYS DIV., THIRD CORPS, July 4, 1862. GENERAL: On the morning of the 30th ultimo my brigade left the edge of White Oak Swamp and took the position assigned it at Nel- sons farm, on the right of the New Market road, McCalls division being on the left. About 2.30 oclock p. m. the enemy commenced a furious attack upon McCalls position. While he was there engaged I employed a portiou of my brigade in constructing a slight barricade of rails on the right of my line. Before this was completed the enemy relinquished his attack on McCall, and at 4 oclock turned his whole force against my front. I had two companies of the Twentieth Indiana deployed as skirmishers in the woods in front of the clearing, who held their position as long as possible and fought their way back to the brigade. The remainder of the Indiana regiment was in line behind the barricade. In the center was the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania, and on the left the Sixty-third Pennsylvania, while the One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania was formed in column and held in reserve. Against this line the enemy brought his whole force, cons tautly sending in fresh regiments to relieve those already engaged. For five hours my brigade sustained these assaults under a terrific fire, and frequently repulsed the enemy and drove him to seek shelter in the woods. I was supported during the afternoon and evening by regiments from Birneys, Berrys, and Caldwells brigades, but many of the regimental commanders having failed to report to me, I leave it for those brigade commanders to report their operations. The enemy was twice driven back by our troops charging upon him. The Sixty-third Pennsylvania, in addition to guarding the left of our line, was charged with protecting Thompsons battery, which duty was most gallantly performed. The regiment, although few in numbers, made a brilliant charge upon the enemy, coimtended with him hand to hand, and drove him from the field. I beg to call your special attention to the report of Colonel Hays, who mentions First Lieutenants Gray and Fulton and Adjutant Corts as particularly distinguished in this action. Considering the disparity of the forces engaged, the enemy outnum- bering us at least 4 to 1, the result of the battle was all that could be desired and more than we had reason to expect. The Eighty-seventh New York, one of the regiments of my brigade, was that morning de- tached and sent to destroy Bracketts Ford, across White Oak Swamp, which duty was well performed in face of the enemy. My thanks are due to Colonel Brown, Twentieth Indiana, and Colone Page 176 176 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Hays, Sixty-third Pennsylvania, for their active exertions and assist- ance during the engagement. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. ROBINSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. PHILIP KEARNY Comdg. Third Division, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. TLDQRS. IFIR5T BRIG., THIRD DIV., THIRD CORPS, July 5, 1862. GENERAL: .1 have the honor to report that in the action of the 1st instant my brigade was formed in column by battalion as support to Birneys brigade and Thompsons and Randolphs batteries. In this posi- tion it was for several hours exposed to shot and shell from the enemys batteries, by which we lost several officers and enlisted men. After the enemy advanced to attack our line I detached and led to the sup- port of Couchs division the Fifty-seventh and Sixty-third Pennsylvania and the Eighty-seventh New York. These regiments weie afterward ~mployed in supporting a battery attached to that division and De Russys battery, and rendered efficient service. During the day the loss of the brigade was: Sixty-third Pennsyl- vania, 4 enlisted men wounded; Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania 1 officer and 1 enlisted man killed and 8 enlisted men wounded; Onehundred and fifth Pennsylvania, 6 enlisted men wounded; Eighty-seventh New York, 1 enlisted man killed, 2 enlisted men wounded. Total, 1 officer and 2 enlisted men killed; 20 enlisted men wounded. Aggregate, 23. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. ROBINSON Brigadier- General, Gommandiug. Brig. Gen. PHILIP KEARNY, Comdg. Third Division, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. No. 66. Report of ~i1ol. William 19. Brown, Twentieth Indiana flfantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Ferm). ON THE BATTLE-FIELD BELOW RICHMOND, June 30, 186~. GENERAL: In the action this afternoon the left wing of my regiment was engaged from 5 to the close of the battle, about 9 oclock, suffering a loss of I captain and 1 lieutenant killed, 28 enlisted men wounded, and 22 missing; in all a loss of 52. During the few hours in which we were in position before the commencement of the engagement the com- mand constructed a breastworkprecions hours well employed, saving many valuable lives. Behind this work but 1, the lamented Lieutenant Andrew, fell, pierced in the h ad by a ball, and I maii wounded, nigh all our loss occurring from the pickets in retiring becoming engaged with the masses of the rebels on their left. Here Capt. Alfred Reed, Company K, fell, with his son, quart r iaster sergeant, fighting with more than heroic bravery. In the death of Lieutenant Andrew an Page 177 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 177 Captain Reed we mourn the loss of two most excellent and valuable officers. The regiment behaved wit.h the greatest coolness, the wing engaged jesting, cracking jokes, loading and firing deliberately as if at a target. The enemys force assailin~, vastly our superiors in numbers, sulkred terribly from our rifles. Time an(l again their officers were secn and heard rallying and endeavoring to bring them to a charge, but of no avail. When the contest ceased the moans of their wounded, the large uninber of searchers with torches, continued throngli the night, tell unmistakably a fearful loss to the rebels; and, saving our line to my left being flanked, the mmnmber of wounded and missing will prob- ably be reduced by retnrns to our ranks of some who were on picket, and who, being suddenly assailed, were unable at the time to rejoin ns. I have the honor to remain, most truly, yours, W. L. BROWN, Colonel Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. General JOHN C. ROBINSON, Comdg. First Brig., Third Div. No. 67. Report of Licut. Col. Fihanon W. Woods, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania In fantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). JULY 3, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the Fifty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volnimteers, 174 rank and file and 14 commissioned officers, attached to Robinsons brigade, General Kearnys division, on the 30th of June, 1862, was marched with the brigade into a field to the left of and in advance of the battery. Sent out skirmishers, who reported the enemy coming in force. Were ordered to fall back to the rear of field and posted behind a fence and a little to the rear of battery. Enemy opened upon us about 3 p. in. with shell and shortly after with mus- ketry, to which we replied, and remained at our post under fire for nearly five hours, the men firing from 80 to 130 rounds of cartridges per in an. All of which I most respectfully submit. E. W. WOOJ)S, Lieutenant- Colonel Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. Capt. W. E. STURGES. No. 68. Report of Col. Alexander Hays, & xty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). CAMP OF THE SIXTY-TIIIRD REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VoLs., In Bivouac, July 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of the Sixi y-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers during the battle of the 30th of June, near Richmond, Va. Early in the day the regiment, of 300, men was detailed to protect the battery commanded by Captain Thompson, Second U. S. Artillery ~ RYOL XI~ PT I Page 178 178 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXHL About 3 oclock p. m. the enemy opened fire upon one advanced section, in command of Lientenant Butler, which was soon withdrawn, and with the regiment retired to the rear to join the battery. The battery was placed in position to sweep an extended field, over which it was neces- sary that the enemy should advance to the attack. In about an ~ time the enemy opened upon ns with shot, shell, and other missiles, to which Captain Thompson rel)lied most gallantly. For the space of an hour the firing was unremitting. In the obscurity of the smoke it was communicated to me that the battery was en- dangered. I at once gave the order to charge, which was responded to by my men leaping thc fence and moving forward at double-qnick in better order than at an ordinary drill. The alarm was false, and I withdrew to my original position. Very soon afterward General Kearny, as also Captain Thompson, announced danger to the battery. Again the order was given to charge, and again the regiment moved forward, passing the battery, and were halted 50 feet in front, the enemy retiring to the woods and honses beyond. The order was given to lie down and open spaces for the artillery. Within good range of our ~ and the continued fire of the artillery we hnrled into the enemy a l)erfcct storm of shot. The enemy, however, replied vigorously amid presented an obstinate resistance. The contest was thus carried omi for an hour, when Captain Thompson announced to inc that his ammunition was exhausted and the necessity of withdrawing his battery. To cover his withdrawal, ~s the enemy had been made emboldened by heavy re-enforcements, I ordered again a charge. At once time men sprang to their feet, and with leveled bayonets dashed upon the enemy. The conflict was short, but most desperate, especially around the buildings. It was muzzle to muzzle a~nd the powder actually burned the faces of the opposing men as they contended through the paling fences. The enemy fled, and I withdrew my force back to the position occupied by the batteryone piece of which still remained upon the field. I was here infornied that another force was relieving us, an(l retired to our original l)osition at the fence. Night was coining on. We had been under fire for five hours, in action half the time, and our loss very heavy. We are indebted to a detachment from the Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers for assistance during oni last charge, and I would be l)leased if I could name the officers in commaimd. At the same time I regret to state that our charge was much impeded by a fire on us from our friends. The non-commissioned officers amid privates whose conduct deserves commendation is too great to enumerate. I will, however, endeavor to keel) their conduct in view for reward. Among my commissioned officers I most especially refbr to the De- partmnent the names of First Licut. G. W. Gray amid First Lieut. II. P. Fulton, as distinguished for their gallant comiduct. First Liemit. amid Adjt. George P. Corts was again distinguished and slightly woumided.. The following list of killed and wounded speaks for those enumerated: Killedenlisted men, 10 ; wounded, 85 ; missing, 23. KilIedcomnmnis- sioned officers, 1; wounded, 6. Aggregatekilled, wounded, and miss- ing, 125. Respectfully submitted. ALEX. HAYS, Colonel Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Acting Assistant Adjutamv~ General Page 179 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 179 No. 69. Report of Capt. Calvin A. Craig, One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania In fantry, of the battle of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm). HDQRS. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH RE~T. PA. VoLS., July 3, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the part taken by the One hnn(lred and fifth Regiment Pemisylvania Volunteers in the action of June 30, 1862. The regiment was led into action about 3 oclock p. in. by Lieutenant-Colonel Corbet, who commanded for a short time~ but being very unwell withdrew from the field, after which I took command. The regiment was posted on the left of the Twentieth Indiana, in edge of woods fronting open field. The regiment numbered 190 mcii when it went into action; was under a heavy fire abont four hours when re- lieved. Company colnman(lers repot t that the condnct of their respect- ive commands was praiseworthy. Not a man straggled or skulkcdin the rear. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, ~. A. CRAIG, Captain, C~omdg. One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Vols. Colonel BROWN, Commanding First Brigade, Kearnys Division. No. 70. Reports of Brig. Con. David B. Birney, U. S. Army commanding Second Brigade, of the en~qaqeme.at at Oak Grove, or kings School-House, skirmish at Jordons Ford, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern lull. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, Camp near Seven Pines, June 27, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders, I marched my brigade on the morning of the 25th instant to the line of fortifications in front of the division, arriving there by 8 oclock a. in. Formed in close column by division, I held my briga(le in rea(lilIess. During the morning, under orders from General Heintzelman, I moved up the Williamsburg road, and reported in edge of wQods to General hooker. Under his orders I returimed to my former position. About oclock p. in. I received orders from General Kearn~ to move forward and relieve General Grover. I mnarcile(l with the Fortieth New York, Fourth Maine, and seven comnl)anies of the One hundred amid first New York,. leaving orders for the Third Maine (to relieve which from l)icket General Kearny had sent the Thirty-eighth New York) to follow inc. I left a staff~ officer to conduct theni. Reaching Hookers redoubt, in front of Twin Ilonses, I was ordered to l)roceed to the woods to the left and drive th.e enemy back. 1 deployed the Fortieth New York aimd Fourth Maine in the woods, au(l moved across the woods towar(l the field to left of the open space, through which we l)assed. Finding that time enemy were miot in time woods between the fields, I changed front and ordered an a(lvance toward the enemys fortifications, and sent to hurry forward the One hundred and first New York and Third Maine. We received severa Page 180 180 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL severe volleys from the enemy, but the only casualties were in the One hundred and first New York, a list of which I annex.* At this time General Kearny changed the front of my command, posting the Fortieth New York and Fourth Maine in line in the woods behind the fence of the open field, placing the One hundred and first New York at right angles through the woods on the right. I had found Colonel Wyman, of the Sixteenth Massachusetts, with a few men of his regiment, in the woods, and placed him as my right. My left connected with the First New York. General Kearny himself took command of the troops. About 6.30 oclock I asked General Kearny whether I was to relieve General Grover. He replied not until I received orders from him. Under his orders the Fortieth New York was detached from my command. About dusk Lieutenant Linnard, who had met General Heintzelrnan, brought me an order to relieve General Grover at once. I ordered the Fonrth Maine and seven companies of the One hundred and first New York to move out of the woods by the road and report to me at the lookout tree, where General Grover was stationed, and left a staff officer to conduct them. I rode to the Third Maine, which had been ordered by General Kearny to remain in the field, and con- ducted them. General Grover kindly left officers to show my regiments their position, and with munch trouble, the night being very dark and foggy and part of line through thick abatis and the enemy at short distance throwing in volleys of musketry, his regiments were relieved, and I held the same position that he had held. About 2 oclock a. m. I commenced to cut out the road through the abatis so that artillery could be run to the front. After accomplishing a third of it I was ordered by Lieutenant Moore to desist, as the general expected shortly to order the withdrawal of my regiments. Just before dawn I received orders through Lieutenant Moore to withdraw my megiinents as rapidly and quietly as possible, protecting their rear with a guard. I sent orders to each regiment to withdraw, and to report to me in the field near the lookout tree. General Kearny then ordered me to send each regiment as it came out to the line of fortifications in front of Berrys camp, with orders to man them, retaining the Fortieth New York as a guard until all had retired. General Kearny then ordered Colonel Egan, with eight com- panies, to move toward hookers redoubt, so as to unmask the First New York iRegimnent, which he had placed on the rear line of the field at the edge of the coppice, and to leave two companies as a guard until all the stragglers and pickets came out of the field. General Keamy then detached the Fourth Maine from mny commaimd, sending them to tIme left. rfhe One hundred and first New York and Third Maine retired to the fortifications. When the stragglers were out of the abatis I moved the two companies of the Fortieth Regiment to the balance of the regiments, which had been halted by General Kearny to the left of Hookers redoubt, in front of Twin ilouses. As this was the only regiment left under my commuamid, and General Kearny had personally l)laced other regimemits amid took immediate command of the front, I remnained with the regimemit, awaiting farther orders. During the morning an order was sent to Colonel Egan to sen(l four of his companies to the left of the First New York in the woods, plac~ ing six companies as a support. As the ranking oflicer present I at- tended to the execution of orders, and alt erwar(l, under General hmmibodie~ in reyised. statement, p. 38 Page 181 CHAP. XixtItJ S~V1~N-DAYS BACITLES. Kearnys personal instructions, connected with the line of pickets, with the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania on the left and the First New York on the right, extending them in front to the position held the evening before, the pickets and scouts of the enemy retiring before us, their firing being constant but harmless. The skirmishing company of the Fortieth ~ew York did good execution with the Enfield rifle, as the bodies found testified. At 3 oclock p. in. I was, by order of General Kearny, relieved from the front, and ordered to relieve the pickets of the First New York with the Fortieth New York. This was at once executed. I take pleasure in speaking of the high state of discipline evinced by the Fourth Maine and Fortieth New York. They were steady and united. The One hundred and first New York broke when marching to post under the first volley at about 10 oclock p. in., but soon rallied ~nd marched steadily to the front, and did good service. The Third Maine were somewhat dh~ordered by the same volley, and although most of this hitherto reliable regiment remained at post, I regret to report that some retired to camp some mile in rear. The commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Saitipson, left his command and post and was next morning in camp. I could not find him during the night. He left without my permission or knowledge. I have felt it my duty to place him under arrest. I annex as part of my report a map of localities picketed and held by my command * and also a list of casualties. f I am, sir, your obedient servant, D. B. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General. Captain STURGES, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Kearnys Division. HEADQUARTERS BIRNEYS BRiGADE, Camp Kearny, July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the conduct of my command during the movement from the Williamsburg road near Seven Pimmes to this point: On the 29th ultimo under orders I withdrew my brigade from the intrenched froht of Kearnys (livision to the second intrenched line. I remained iu position here for several hours, amid then fell back to Savage Station, where I again formed line. Thence I took the woods road to the Charles City road, which I was ordered to hold. I crossed the swamp, or rather the two branches of it, at ~ Ford and pro- ceeded toward Charles City rocul. My a4vau kirint~hev~ w~v~ fixe~1. into by the enemy, and we had soon unmistakable evidence of a much superior force being opposed to us and their possession of ~trtillery. My skirmishers from the Third Maine Itegimnent, under , gallantly kept the enemy in check. General Kearny, arriving and reconnoitering the ground, ordered me to withdraw and march to the lower ford. This I did after a sharp skirmish and the arrival of the enemys artillery. Barricading the ford and leaving a guard to defend it, from the Fourth Maine Regiment, I sent my brigade to the lower ford, crossed in safety, and reached * Not found. I See pp. 3738 Page 182 182 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (Own. mm Charles City road at 10 oclock p. m. In the battle of the 30th ultimo mybrigadeheld a long line some 2 miles in extent, cennecting with Slocums division. The Yifth Michigan Bogimen M~jor Fairbanks, was sent to my support, and by its gallantry added greatly to our strength. At 11 oclock p.m. I received orders to withdraw my bri- gade, the First NewYork, Colonel Dyckman, and Fifth Michigan, Major Fairbanks and retire to James River. To do this within 100 yards of the enemy s pickets, in such along line and dark night through a dense woods and tangled copse, was no light undertaking. I am happy to report that the discipline of the troops enabled me to dolt successfully, in gobd order, and without collision. In this I was especiafly aided by Colo~el Dyckman, whoseregiment in line of battle advanced to what I considered the dangerous point, and rejnaiued until I gave him orders to follow our column. On the 1st July, on reaching Turkey Island Bend, James River, my brigade was again ordered to the front, to nieet the a Ivancing enemy. This was done in g6od order, full ranks, and determined spirit. We held the frbnt line during the furious cannonade and intrenched our entire front. The Fourth Maine and four companies from the Third Maine held tbe wooded ravine in front of Kearnys line, and when Couchs right was in danger of being driven back by an unexpected and furious onslaught of the enemy that portion of my command gal- lantly aided him in driving the enemy back. We held the position. until 2 oclock a. m. July 2, when under orders, we took up march don the river, arriving at H~sons !Polnt during the afternoon. On July 3 we were again ordered to the front and right of Heintiel- mans line1 and during the night, without tools, erected a strong barri- cade, serving for defense and protection for riflemen. I give a list of killed, wounded, and missiug in my brigade since the 29th ultimo. it is impossible now to classify them or to specify in which fight the casualties happened. The movements were so rapid that regimental and company commanders were unable to keep proper recorda I am pleased to report that my brigade, although somewhat reduced in strength, is in fighting trim anti eager to meet the foe. I mention with pleasure Brigade Surgeon Paucoast as worthy of honorable notice for his assiduous attention to his duties and his con- stant presence on the field. He proved himself a brave and skillful officer. Lieutenant Linnard, my aide-de-camp, was slightly wounded, and I fear taken prisoner during the retiring of my brigade. Lieuten- ant Lee, of my staff; was untiring in his efforts, and rendered me gal- lant and distinguished service. My whole command feels under great obligations to the general com- manding division for his unceasing untiring devotion to their interests, which his thorough knowledge of all the by-roads and paths of the swamp enabled him so successfully to promote. Captain Mindil, chief of my staff; fully sustained the honorable men- tion heretofore made of him. Respectfully submitting the annexed listt of killed, wounded, and missing, I am, sir, your obedient servant, D. B. BIBIIIDY, Br4adAer-Oe~wreL Captain BinGEs, Actg. Ant Adjt. (I..., KearweVs DMI. The order was not ent kenny hosdquartm until 19 mIdnight--S. P. H. tSeep~M Page 183 Gnaw. flRflj SEVEN-DAYS DAflLES. 188 No. 71. Report of VoL Enrico 7ar& il ~.e hundred and firet Hew York Ietfantrjv, of the engagement (Jrpve, or King. Bekoo& .Rowae. HDQS. On HflDflD an FIRST RGT. N. Y. S. VoLs. (lamp Keorny, June 27, 18b2. (lena: I hear that it has been reported to. you that my regiment broke in presence of the enemy. This report general, I must assure you is incorrect, and as commander of the regiment I feel it my duty to mention the following facts: After the engagement of the 25th, in which my command of seven. companies ~ree being on picket) conducted itself in such a manner as to be comp ~mented by you, you ordered us, with muskets slung and picks and shovels on the shoulders, to proceed.to throw up rifle pits In the advance. As we arrived near the pickets a heavy volley of inns- kefl was fired. The pickets fell back and retired through our ranks. From the nature of the path we had taken it was necessary to march in single file, and it is very probable that some of the men took ad- vantage of the darkness to get out of danger; but the regiment was not broken or disorganized. I at once reported to ~rou. You asked about the condition of the regiment, to which I replied that we were ready to more forward. You ordered me to retire and wait orders. After fifteen or twenty minutes you sent us to relieve a regiment posted as picket in the advance. We held the position during the night, though aware that the enemy was ontifanking us and that there was greatdanger of being surronded and taken prisoners. At day- break we received your orders immediately to retire. If it were true that the regiment broke and ran, it would have been an iuapossibffity to lead it, within fifteen minutes, in the darkness and through the woods, to a position farther advanced. I beg you, there- fore, general, to accept this statement of facts, and to correct the bad impression such a report would tend to create about the One hundred and first. Believe me, general, your most obedient servant, B. FABDELLA, Colonel One hundred end First Hew York Volunteer.. General KnAzn, Commanding fllrd DIwldon. Sn: Irespectflhllyforwardthis,andlamhappytostateinbchalf of this regiment my mistake. I witnessed the men, some hundred, run out Ipresuined that there was a relative portiou behind in the slash- ings. But they were with muskets slung and carrying spades An,. General Birney also makes this testimony in their favor. Their colonel Is a noble aud brave old soldier. His only difficulty is that he does not speak English fluently. Your obedient servant, P. KEARNY Brigadier-General, Comssauuding 1Mw1 slo Page 184 184 THE PENINSULAI~ CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. No. 72. R~ports of Brig. Gen. Hiram G. Berry, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the engagement at Oak Groce, or Kings School-House, and battles of Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), and Malvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, June 27, 1862. CAPTAIN: At 7 a. in., morning of 25th instant, in compliance with orders from your headquarters, I moved forward to support and advance my picket line, the Second and Third Michigan Volunteers, the Thirty- seventh New York, and ten companies of the First New York being then on outpost duty. I in mediately relieved the Thirty-seventh New York and the ten companies of the First New York with the Second Michigan, Major Diliman commanding. I placed the Thirty-seventh, after it was relieved, at the dangerous road (direct road to Charles City road), and the ten companies of the First New York in advance, some 1,000 yards on said road. I placed the Third Michigan between the dangerous road and the pine tree, some 1,000 yards in advance of the road, and had skirmishers here out along my front 100 yards. I advanced the line, keeping the connection on the right. The enemys pickets were driven in by my right at the same time that they were met by the forces of General Robinson, the enemy supporting on the left of General Robinson in firce. At this time you called on me for a regiment to support on the left of the First Brigade. I sent the Thirty-seventh ~ew York, and un- mediately ordered over the Fifth Michigan to take its l)lace. On its arrival I changed and placed the Fifth in position on my right, and placed the Thirty-seventh New York down the dangerous road 500 yards, in line with the Third Michigan, but some hundred yards from it. At 3 p. in. the firing was heavy for a time. The two pieces of artillery of Beams battery were now at work. The enemy seemed to be arranging for something. I jn(lged it to be to make a dash for the road in rear of the field pieces. I placed the right wing of the First New York Regiment on my extreme right, with orders to advance and hold the road at all hazards. This regiment, together with the Fifth Michigan, contributed much to sustain our lines when the Eighty- seventh New York broke. It now became dark, and in accordance with orders from the general of division I kept the regiments of my brigade on outpost duty; also ten companies of the First New York. We held all the ground gained during the day, having advanced our right about oiie-half mile. I will send you a detailed report, together with a list of casualties of the day, as soon as my regimental reports ~re in. Very respectfully, II. 0-. BERRY, Captain STURGES, Brigadier- General Volunteers. Assistant Adjutant- General. NoTE.I had out during the day the Second, Third, and Fifth Michigan, the Thirty-seventh and First New York. I had to guard a line of 2~ miles lommg, and as my left is the dangerous point, my attention was particularly directed to that point. All my men behaved hand Page 185 CHAP. XXIII] SEVEN- DAYS BATTLES. 185 somely. At night I established my picket line on my line of skir- mishers, having advanced it on the right more than one-half a mile. II. U. BEItRY, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Captain STURGES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: At 12.30 at night of 29th June I received orders to be pre- pared to fall back from the position that my brigade occupied on the left of the line to the second line of defenses and to pass to the same by th~ ~aw-miiiX road, my pickets to be kept to the front and my bri- gade to fall back after the First and Second Brigades. I made the necessary preparations, and at 3 a. m. the First and Second Brigades moved, together with two sections of Thompson~s battery~ which was in the redoubt on my immediate front. At 4 a. m. I filed my command to the rear by regiments, the Third Michigan covering our , taking with them the remaining section of Thompsons battery. We passed to the second line of defenses by way of the saw-mill, having succeeded in withdrawing our pickets without confusion or loss. We took posi- tion on the left of the earthwork in the skirt of the woods fronting the plain, the Second Michigan Volunteers, Major Dillinan, guarding the approaches via saw-mill, as well as picketing our front to connect with those of the First Brigade, which together covered our front from the saw-mill to the Williamsburg road. At 2.30 p. m. the general of division sent for me to pass down and examine the fords, in conformity to an order from corps headquarters. I immediately did so. I found Jordons Ford in a bad condition, re- quiring some considerable labor to finish the crossing, and I ordered it done by the Fourth Maine itegimnent, there on fatigue duty. I also passed down to Fishers Ford, and found that a little labor would put that in good condition for infantry. I also ordered that work com- lnence(l immediately. Colonel Walker put on extra men, and I am happy to state -the ford was in an hour made passable. At this time, say 3.45 p. in., an orderly came for me, ordering me to report to division headquarters. I returned as rapidly as possible, and when within a mile of camp met my brigade, nuder command of Colonel Ilayman, moving toward the ford. Colonel Hayman informed me that we were to cross the swamp at Jordons Ford, and that the division as well as the army was on the move. I passed on to headquarters of divis- ion for instructions, and when I reached there the general of division was absent. I immediately returned to my brigade. I passed down the road, and when I reached Jordons Ford I examined it again, and concluded it was not possible to pass a large body of men over it with any rapidity, and knowing the next ford was in good condition I pushed on for that. I passed over it with my command, except the Second Michigan, which had been on picket and was in the rear of the troops of our corps. After passing the ford I took the Charles City road to the left and joined General Sykes command, and took position on his front. At 3 a. in. June 30 I reported my command to the gemmeral of division. We were moved, by order of the general of division, forward to a l)05i- tion on the left of the Charles City road, my right resting upon it and uiy left on a swamp. We arrive4 in this position at. 5 a. in. At 11.3 Page 186 186 THE PZNINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Owe. KEEL a. m. I received orders to move my command to a new line to the left, and while making arrangements to get my pickets relieved an order came to hurry at double-quick. My men laid aside their knapsacks1 placing a guard over them, and moved as ordered. We took up a po- sition to the rear and reservetothetwobrigades. At4p. m. Ireceived orders to place my brigade on the right of the central road, in the skirt of the woods, directly in the front of division headquarters. At 5 a. m. the action in front of Robinsons brigade and Thompsons battery opened severely. It was evident that the troops on the left of the road (McCalPs division) were giving way. At this time Iplaced the First New York2 Colons Dyckman, In support of Thompsons bat- tery. General Robinson called on me for a regiment to sustain his line, and 1 sent him the Second Michig*n, M~jor Diiman. Oa~tain Sturges, acting assistant adjutant-general, took the Third Michigan Volunteers, Ibjor Pierce, to support General Birney. Thompsons bat- tery was severely assailed, and by the use that gallant officer made of canister, and the support rendered by General Robinsons brigade, to- gether with that rendered by the First New York and afterward by the Thirty-seventh NewYork and Fifth Michigan (Ms~jor Fairbanks)1 of my own, preventedthem from advancing their lines toward us. This rep- ment operated in front or General McCalls line and the road. The enemy were pressing in that directiqn very hard, and I thought it my duty to check them to save o~zr left flank. At 7.80 a. m.it was evident that the enemy was preparing a column to mae a strong effort to pierce our lines. I made known the fact to General Burns, who was forming a second line to McCalls. That officer gave me the Twenty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel . I marched up to the road and placed the Fifth Michi- than 200 men, and they, the remaininj one, on its right; Li by the right across our front and in rear of Thompsons battery, and ordered to charge the enemy, who had appearedina strong column. Lieutenant Greenhalgh, one of my aides, gallantly led the regiment, drove back the enemy, and captured a stand of colors belonging to the Regiment, of. Other re-enfercements arrived, and we held our line without fafling back an inch. At 12 m. I received orders to draw off my men immediately and to foflow General Robinsons brigade. Idid so without loss of anypickts, leaving my deadand wounded on the ground. My loss in this engagement was considerable, including Major Fair- banks, badly wounded. We followed the retreatin; army to Malvern Hill, and after having collected stragglers took position under orders from your headquarters on the right of the advanced general line, supporting the Second Bri- gade. At 10 a. a the enemy commenced shelling us from the plateau oppo- site with considerable affect .My men, however, kept their position all day without flinching, although some 50 men were hit; among others Captain Pulford of the Fifth Michigan Volunteers. At im. of t~e2d we were ordered to fall back and follow the Second Brigade. We did so in oi*r, arriving at this locality at 10 a. a of the 2d instant. I have to mention that my brigade behaved admirably at the battle of Charles City. The positionwas strongiy contested. Night closed in upon us in possession of our own ground. The First New York Vol. unteers, Colonel Dyckman, behaved handsomel. This regiment re- ached a charge of a rebel regiment, and charged in turn ant broke th Page 187 CHAP. XXIII. 1 SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 187 enemy in confusion. The Thirty-seventh New York Yolunteers, C ol- onel ilayman, charged a rebel regiment and broke it into confusion. The Fifth Michigan again fought as usual. Major Fairbanks, its only field officer, was here badly wounded. The Third Michigan was with the Second Brigade and the Second Michigan was with the First Bri- gade. They behaved as Michigan soldiers always dowell. None flinched. At the battle of Malvern Hill my brigade was exposed to the shot and shell from morning till night. Notwithstanding maiiy were killed and wounded, the regiments maintained the most perfect order. 1 have to make honorable mention of Captain Wilson, my acting assistant adjutant-general; also Lieutenants Freeman and Greenhaigh. rflThy were active in carrying out my wishes during the battles men- tioned. Lieutenant Greenhaigh led the Twenty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, of General Barns command, gallantly into the fight, repulsing the enemy and captuning a stand of rebel colors at one of the most critical perio(ls of the tight. All, my company officers behaved xvell. I have no fault to find with ally. For the particular ones who (listinguished themselves more than others I respectfully refer you to the regimental reports. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. BERRY, Commanding Brigade. Capt. ~. G. STURGES. Brigadier- General No. 73. Report of Maj. Louis Diliman, Second Michigan Infantry, of the engage ment at Oak Grore, or Kings School-House. CAMP OF SECOND REGIMENT MICHIGAN INFANTRY, June 27, 1862. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, received in the morning of June 25, 1 left camp at 7 a. mn. on Sunday to relieve the Thirty-seventh New York, then on picket in the woods to the left of General I-lookers line of pickets. Soon after leaving camp I was joined by two companies of the First New York, that were to act as a reserve to the Second Michigan Regiment. By order of Brigadier- Genclal Berry I deployed three companies of my regiment as skir- mishers on the old picket line, with instructions to advance the right of the line just fast enough to keep up a connection with the skirmishers of the Third M nine, who were (leploye(l to the right of my line. The two regiments becoming separated, a company of the Third Michigan was thrown onto the line, to form a connection on the right with the Third Maine and on the left with the Second Michigan. The line was now formed, but was left very crooked. On the 26th 1 straightened the line, and as now placed the pickets are about half a mile mm advance of tine line as we found it on time morning of the 25th. I would further report that there has becin nO unusual movement or noise observed on our front while on this tour of picket duty. I was relieved this morn- ing by Colommel Hayinan, Thirty-seventh New York. Your obedient servant, LOUIS I)ILLMAN, Major, Gommanding Second Regiment Michigan Volunteers. [Capt. G. W. WILSON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brigade, Third Div., Third Oorps. Page 188 i ~g ThE PE~NINSULAR (JAMPAION, VA. (CHAP. MXIII. No. 74. Report of (lapt. William Humphrey, Second Michigan infantry, of the battles of Glendale and Malvern Hill. CAMP OF SECOND REGIMENT MICHIGAN INFANTRY, On James River, Va., July 5, 1862. SIR: In pursuance of order from brigade headquarters the Second Regiment Michigan Infantry, under command of Major Diliman, took up its line of march from Camp Lincoln early in the morning of June 29, marching to the rear of the camp down the Saw-mill road until we reached an open field that had been occupied by General Couchs divis- ion as a camping ground. Here the regiment was halted. Two com- panies, E and II, were thrown forward to a light breastwork at the edge of the woods and covering the road down which we had marched from our camp. Three companies, C, K, and F, were sent back to the saw-mills to act as vedettes on the road leading from our old camp to the position we then occupied; also to throw out scouts to watch the movements of the enemy. The remaining five companies were held in reserve. About 2 p. m. the companies, C, F, and K, at the saw-mills were ordered to draw in their vedettes and scouts and join their regiment, which in turn was ordered to join the brigade, then stationed behind the earthworks to the rear of us. As soon as these orders were exe- cuted the regiment moved on the road toward Jordons Ford. But before reaching the forks of the road, where Kearnys and Hookers divi8ions were to separate the artillery broke the column, dividing the regiment, four companies, A, B, D, and (I taking the road to the right toward the ford, which they crossed about 4 p. in., and were soon en- gaged in a warm skirmish with the enemys pickets, who were found pretty strongly posted to dispute the passage of another ford (name not known) beyond Jordons. It was soon deemed impracticable to attempt to force a passage, and the troops were ordered to recross Jordons Ford. The four companies, A, B, Cx, D. of the Second were ordered to hold the enemy in check until the recrossing of the ford was accom- plished by the rest of the troops, when they were to ftdl back and bring up the rear of the division, which command was fully executed. The six remaining companies took the road to the left, followed it as far as the saw-mill in front of Crittendens Ford, when finding they were on the wrong road they retraced their steps, took the road toward Jordons Ford, and reached it just as the troops were recrossing. They at once joined the column, and marched with it across and some 2 miles beyond Bracketts Ford, where they camped for the night. June 30.This morning the companies of the regiment reunited and the regiment joined the brigade, and all marched to a position some distance to the front of where we camped for the night. Soon after we changed our position to the left and rear onto the expected battle- field, and at once formed into column of divisions to the right of the open field. Soon after we were ordered to a position farther to the right. From here we marched to the front, and were placed in position to support the Twentieth Indiana Regiment, which was holding a slightly-constructed rifle pit formed by hurriedly throwing up loose rails. We joined the Twentieth Indiana in the pit about 3 p. in., and with them held it under a galling fire on our front and left flank until the battle ended. As soon as the firing ceased and the enemy had drawn off from tim Page 189 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 189 field we received orders to throw out pickets in front of the rifle pits to observe the movements of the enemy. The line was at once formed, and a sharp lookout kept by all, for the enemy was observed to be on the alert, and about midnight quite a force was seen filing along their lines toward our right. From the number of colors seen this force consisted of at least twelve regiments. From their cries for their com- rades we ascertained that the wounded from twenty-four of the enemys regiments lay on the field within talking distance of our position. July 1.At 2 a. m. we were ordered to call in our pickets and march at once. We were soon on the road, and about 5 a. in. reached ilaxalls Landing, on James IRiver. After a short rest we were marched up to the right and front of the line then being formed to meet a threatened attack from the enemy. On reaching the ground we, with the rest of the brigade, were placed in position to support the batteries that were now playing on the enemys advancing column or replying to a fierce fire from their batteries. We reached this position about 9 a. in., and remained here until 12 m. iDuring the whole of this time the shot and shell from the enemys guns were incessantly flying over and through our ranks. At this time we were drawn back under shelter of the hill, where we remained until again ordered to march. July 2.A. little past midnight were marchiimg, and taking the road down the river we reached the present camp of the army about 9 a. in. July 3.Cl our position to the camp we now occupy. I omitted to mention in the proper connection that Major Dilhnan was carried to the rear at 12 in. July 1. lIe was obliged to go from the fatigue and exposure of the last few days excessive labor. By order of Brigadier-General Berry I at once assumed command of the regi- inent. I cannot close this report of the part the Second ilegimnent took in the execution of this grand and successful, but to many of us during its progress discouraging, movement of the army. The endurance of the men had been severely taxed by the almost incessant duties performed by them as pickets and scouts since the battle of Fair Oaks. Yet they submitted to the hardships and l)rivations incident to such a march without a murmur, and bore themselves manfully before the enemy. It would give me pleasure to speak of each officer and man l)rescnt during this march, but I cannot. I remain, very respectfully, WM. IItTMPHREY. Captain, Gomdg. Second Regiment Michigan Volunteers. Capt. G. W WILSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Xo. 75. Report of Lieut. Got. Ambrose A. Stecens, Third Michigan infantry, of the engagement at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. IIDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS Camp Lincoln, Va., Jane 27, 1862. In compliaimce with the instructions contained in your circular of this date I have the honor to report briefly the l)art taken by the Third Michigan Volunteers in the aft~ir of the 25th instant. At 7.30 a. m. orders were received from your headquarters to move time regiment fro Page 190 190. U THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Czar. flL its camp tq a position outside the rifle pits and on the right of the Fifth Michigan. This order had scarcely been complied with when we were again ordered to move forward about 100 rods~ where we halted in line of battle between the forks of two roads, being then in a con- venient position to throw forward a force on either road as a support to the troops already seat forward, for the purpose of advancing the picket lines on our front We remained but a short time at this place, when we were ordered forward by yourself about half a mile distant to the picket line of the Third Maine Volunteers, who were now by your orders about to advance their pickets to the front, the Third Michigan Regiment following closely asasupporttothe reserves of the pickets of the Third Maine for the distance of nearly one mile, when we were halted by your order and formed as a reserve line, connecting on our right with the Fifth Michigan and the Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers on our left. We remained in this position during the engagement upon our right and until evening, when the regiment was placed as pickets for the night I have the, honor to be, your obedient servant, A. A) STEVENS, IAentessant-Oolossei Third Michigan Vointeera, Obsdg. Capt (3. W. WILsoN, Acting A.efrtat AEjvtant-Geaseral, Berr9a Brlgwk No. 76. Report of M$ Joke. D. Fairbanks, .flfth Michigan I%u1nlrg, of the em- gagement at Oak Grove, or King. School- owe. HDQRs. FIPTH REGIMENT MiCHIGAN INFANTRY, Camp near White Oak Swamp, Va, Jesse 27, 186t OmAnr: In compliance with an order received this morning I have the honor to submit thefollowing report of the paft taken by this regiment on the 25th instant: The regiment was under arms in light marching order at daybreak. At 8 oclock I was ordered to march outside of the breastworks and form line of battle in front of the works my right resting on the left of the road. About 10 okilock I was ordered to march into the woods In front, and went forward at double-quick till I found General Berry. By his direction the regiment formed a line of battle by the road-side, where we remained until we were sent forward to support the Eighty- seventh New York Regiment Soon after getting into position to support the Eighty-seventh we were moved to the left, guided by yoursell, and by you placed as a re- serve in rear of the Third, Maine Regiment, then on picket duty. About 5 p. m. that regiment was telieved by the Thirty-eighth New York, Colonel Ward. Soon after Colonel Ward had stationed his men we heard rapid firing and loud cheering in front, and large numbers of men belonging to the Sixteenth Massachusetts came rushing past us in disorder and reported that the enemy were upon us jn great force. We tried to ally the runaways and turn them back, with little success. Finding I could do nothing with them, I pave the order, Forward, awxdmmcho4 to the front as rapidly a possible, considering the naUw Page 191 QUA?. XXIH] SEVEN-DAYS BAflLES. 191 of the groi~d. Colonel Dyckman came up with the right wing of the First New York and formed on our right. We soon met the enemy, and by a few weil-directed discharges from the First and Thirty-eighth New York and this regiment drove him from our front, and at sun- down found ourselves at the edge of a open held, with no enemy in sight. I am happy to be able to state that, notwithstanding we were exposed to the fire of a rebel battery which threw shell and canister among us for more than a hour all to a severe fire of musketry at short range for about half a hour, we only had 3 men slightly woundM. I have to thank the few officers present for the manner in which they executed my orders and for their advic~espeeially Captains F Gilluly Mathews, and Pulford. AU, bo officers and men, behaved well. t am also indebted to yourself and Lieutenant Freeman and General Berrys stat Corporals Lerich and Cook, ad Privates Bickford, Green, and Kin- ney, who volunteered, went to the front and brought back reliable in- formation of the position of the enemy. Corporal Lerich was captured by the enemy, but managed to escape ad rqjoin the regiment about 9 o7clock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. FAIRBANKS, .fljor, Qomig. fl/tA Regiment Michigan I#/etry. Capt. G. W WiLsoN Acting Ate Wet ljutast-GeneML No. 77. Report of VoL Garrett D~ckmw., First New York Is~fantr~, 0/the engage snout at Oak Grove, or Kings School-House. HDQEs. FasT RGInNT N. Y. VoLuNTnns, Vamp mear Whit. Oak Swamp, Va., June 27, 1862. Gsmar I beg leave to report that, as directed by you at 6.30 a on the 25th instant, I detached four oompaies from the kirst Be ment New York Volunteers, oonsistlng of Companies A Lieutenants Campbell and Nixon; C, Lieutenant Shaw; E, Captain +eamans ad Lieutenant Duncan; and F, Capt. John H. Coster and Lieutenant Allen, to proceed to the support of our troops to the right of where our regiment was lying, who appeared to be hard pressed by the enemy. On moving obliquely forward in line of battle to the right through the swamp I found that the enemy with a strong force had attacked the front and forced it on the reserve, the Fifth Michigan, with such rapidity that they were prevented from advancing. I immediately. formed across the road with the three right oompanies (the left one having been detained by the assistant adjutant-general for a few minutes), and as soon as our scattered troops had passed to the rear opened fire on the enemy, distant less than 50 yards. The Fifth Mich- igan, of about 150 or 200 men, then formed on my left. We then advanced to the opening in front, not deeming it advisable to move too far with so small a force. I halted, and received orders from you to hold the position I was in. I am happy to say that the timely arrival of the small force you sent forward I am told was the menus of saving the battery on our right. Page 192 192 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA~ [ChAP. XXIII. I take great pleasure iii reporting that the conduct of the officers and men was most gallant. Our casualties were 6 wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GARRETT DYCKMAN, Colonel First Regiment Neu York Volunteers. Brigadier-General BERRY, Commanding Third Brigade Third Division, Third Corps. No. 78. Report of Brig. Gen. Erasmus D. Keyes, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Corps, of operations June 27July 2. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH CORPS, harrisons Bar, July 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of the operations of the Fourth Corps from June 27 to July 2 instant, embrac- ing the time occupied by the flank movement or change of base of the Army Qf the Potoiuac from the Chickabominy to the James River: At 1 oclock a. in. June 28 I received orders to place three bri- gades of my corps and all their artillery aud baggage across White Oak Swamp before daylight the same morning. My orders from Gen- eral McClellan required that I should seize the strong positions on the opposite side, so as to cover most effectively the passage of the other troops. White Oak Swamp Bridge had some time previously been destroyed by General Hooker, and other bridges were to be constructed for the passage of the whole army. Not a single bridge was ready for a wheeled carriage to cross until about two hours after sunrise. The moment the first was ready I pushed forward Brigadier-General Peck commanding division, with Wessehls brigade in the advance, and imrne- diately following General Couch, commanding division, with Palmers brigade. Before 12 oclock m. those two brigades, with several batteries of artil- lery, were established nearly 4 miles beyond the bridge, in position to guard the Charles City road, the New Market and Quaker roads, and the roads and paths below which lead to the James and Chickahomiiiy Rivers. Before night Abercrombies and I-lowes brigades, of Couchs division, with most of the artillery and baggage of the Fourth Corps, had joined me. In this position, near the junction of many roads, I thought my corps could best cover the crossing of White Oak Swamp and thwart any designs the enemy might have to interrupt the passage of the army to the James River. Naglees brigade of Pecks division, and Millers and Bradys bat- teries had been left behind to guard and destroy the railroad and Bottoms Bridges, which was done most effectively, and after several conflicts with the enemy they joined the balance of the Fourth Corps at Ilaxahls, on the James River, July 1. Col. I). McM. Gregg, with a portion of his Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was also detache(l au(l made a spirited reconnaissance on the east side of the Cliickahominy, an(l rejoined the Fourth Corps by swimming the river at Long Bridge and rafting over his arms on the 28th. On the morning of June 29 a large portion of a regiment of rebel cavalry, approaching on the New Market roal, charged upon a part o Page 193 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 193 the line of Conchs division with extraordinary audacity. Averells cavalry sentinels in front gave way judiciously, leading the enemy forward to within 50 yards of our line, when a section of Captain Mc- Carthy~s battery, commanded by Lieutenant Munk, First Pennsylvania Artillery, opened with canister and case-shot, which being followed up by Averells cavalry and assisted by Lieutenant Dougherty, of Floods battery, First Pennsylvania Artillery, who commanded a section on the right, damaged the assailants to the amount of about 80 killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our side lost not a man. This little affair produced an excellent effect in clearing the roads, as the contrabands informed me that all the cavalry we did not kill had run away to Richmond. I de- sire to call particular attention to the fact that Lieutenants Munk and Dougherty were readywith their guns to fire when the enemy appeared. Lieutenant Munk had measured the ground in front of his guns, and was thus able to cut his fuses to the proper length. On the afternoon of June 29 I was ordered by General McClellan to move my whole force to the James River, where I was to communi- cate with the gunboats, guard Turkey Bridge, the mill-pond, and stream leading to the river. Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porters corps was ordered to supl)ort me in case of attack. By the assistance of scouting parties from the Eighth Illinois and Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry and persons belonging to the country I had learned all the roads and paths to the James River. I directed Colonel Farnsworth, with his (Eighth) Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, with all the baggage and mule trains, to march after dark by a road to the left. The whole of the infantry, artillery, and Colonel Greggs Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry I directed along an obscure road through the woods, which had been brought to my knowledge by Captain Keenan, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, an excellent officer, and as skillful as an Indian in woodcraft. A portion of that road had not been used for wheels in many years, and old trees were lying across it. The cavalry and artillery were divided through the column, the infantry of Couchs division in advance and that of Pecks division in the rear. In this way the Fourdi Corps moved all night silently 6 miles through the woods, and early in the morning of June 30 it encamped, with all its artillery and baggage in good order, on the banks of James River, below Turkey Bridge, which was strongly guarded, without delay. After the arrival of the commanding general and other portions of the army the line of defense on the down river side of the new position was assigned to the Fourth Corps. The enemy having attacked above Turkey Bridge, I was ordered successively to detach the brigades of infantry of Couchs division to strengthen our forces in that direction. By a reference to the reports of Brigadier-General Couch and his sub- ordinates, and of Major West, chief of artillery, and other artillery commanders, it will be found that at Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, BQt- toms Bridge, Jones Bridge, and elsewhere the troops of the Fourth Corps fought with the same gallantry with which they have uniformly met the enemy in this campaign. That corps has won many advan- tages over the enemy and has never given au inch of ground to equal numbers. With the balance of my command, embracing Pecks division of in- fantry, thirty-five pieces of artillery, and two regiments of cavalry, I was charged on the night of July 1 to form the rear guard of the army in its movement down the river to IUarrisons B Il3ridge. ar, 7 miles below Turkey 43 R I~YOL XI~ PT t Page 194 194 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. xxm. The road along which the army was to move, running at an average distance of 2~ miles from the river, was bordered throughout on the left with forest and on the right by open fields, here and there checkered with woods. From the left the enemy might approach by many roads and paths through the woods, a~nd might follow on the main road over Turkey Bridge unless we could succeed in destroying it. To insure the destruction of the bridge I requested Colonel Farns- worth, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, to send me an officer and a detachment of men from his regiment, on whom I could rely, for that purpose. He sent Captain Clark, with a party of 25 axmen, who proceeded to make, in advance, the examinations and preparations necessary to secure the prompt demolition of the bridge the moment the last of our troops should have crossed. To provide against a hot pursuit, I directed Major West to select an able officer of artillery to blow up the bridge if it should become absolutely necessary to destroy it in that way. Lieut. M. iReichenbacher, First Pennsylvania Artillery, was the artillery officer selected. Lieutenants Gibson and Jackson, of my staff (the former an officer of General McClellans staff and a volunteer with me for the night), were directed to go with the parties to the bridge and to make sure of its destruction, and bring me information. While our troops were passing, many large trees were chopped nearly through, and in fifteen minutes after the tail of the column had crossed the bridge had disappeared without the use of powder, and the road through the jungle was blocked against the possible passage of wheels or cavalry for twenty-four hours and made hazardous for infantry. Beside the main road, upon which the army was to retire to Harri- soims Bar, a road for the accommodation of neighbors starts from ilax- alls immense field, below Turkey Bridge, on which vast numbers of our wagons were parked, and joins the main road about 4 miles below the bridge. Near my headquarters on the lower edge of the field this road crosses a stream, wooded on both sides, which extends from the main road to the river. To prevent the enemy passing that way to attack our right flank I had given permission to General Naglee, who came to ask it, to fell trees across the road afte~r he had passed over with his brigade and several batteries of the rear guard. As the day began to dawn it became evident that all the artillery and wagons could not pass along one road. Immense trains were stand- ing still, and others were turning off the main road, which had become blocked, and were moving down toward my headquarters. At this time the rain began to fall briskly, and though I was not yet certain of the destruction of Turkey Bridge, I knew the roads would be seri- ously injured by the rain; so, weighing all the chances and dangers, I concluded to save the trains if possible. Accordingly I ordered as many axmen as could work to clear away the felled trees and open the road which Naglee had obstructed. Over the road thus cleared not less than 1,000 vehicles, nearly all drawii by six cattle, passed, and were saved from the enemy, who might otherwise have seized them all. The troops composing the rear guard were arranged as follows: Wessells brigade, with Millers and one section of McCarthys bat- teries, all under immediate command of Brigadier-General Peck, com- manding division, were formed in line of battle, faced to the rear, on the hill overlooking Haxalls vast farm and in the woods across the roads coming in from the direction of White Oak Swamp. Upon all these roads cavalry scouts were kept in constant motion. Half a mile below Pecks position Colonel Farnsworths regiment, the Eighth Ilh Page 195 CRAP. XXJfl.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 195 nois Cavalry, was drawn np in line of battle, faced also to the rear, and still a mile farther on Naglees brigade and several batteries under Major West were formed in line of battle on the brow of a ridge. All these arrangements were made before daylight, and the extremities of the lines of battle concealed in the woods or by the inequalities of the ground, so as to confuse the enemy in regard to our numbers. The Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, nuder Colonel Gregg, was ordered to accompany me, to act as circumstances might dictate. The columns of infantry moved in the fields parallel to the double line of wagons in the main road. The men were kept in the ranks and the minks and teams closed up, so that the army never presented a more formidable appearance nor had it before been so much massed and in so good a situation to repel an attack, which was threatened, but not made dur- ing the march of our columns. As the last of our wagons passed the rear guard withdrew to new. positions. Every straggler who could be seen was sent forward, aiid nothing was left behind except a small number of wagons which broke down. No doubt some stragglers concealed in the woods fell into the hands of the enemy. As the day advanced the continuous deluging rains rendered it next to impossible to get forward the trains over Kimmingers Creek, which is the boundary of our present camp. It was found necessary to park some 1,200 as they came up on the other side of the creek, and it was not till after dark of the 3d instant that by extraordinary exertions the last ot the wagons was bronglit over. Biigadier-Genera~l Wessells, with his brigade, assisted by Millers battery and a party of Greggs cavalry, remained to guard the wagons and to defend them against the enemy, approaching with cavalry and artillery. After firing a few shells the enemy left upon being saluted with a few 100-pounders from the gunboats. I do not think more vehicles or more public property was abandoned on the march fr& m Turkey Bridge thami would have been left in the same state of the roads if the army had been moving toward the enemy instead of away from him; and whemi it is understood that all the car- riages au(l teaums belonging to the army stretched out in one line would ext end not far from 40 miles, the energy and caution necessary for their safi~ withdrawal from the presence of an enemy vastly superior in nuni- bers will be apl)reciated. Accompanying this report are rel)orts of Brigadier-Generals Couch and Peck, commanding divisions, ~tnd of Major West c Reserve Artillery of the Fourth Corps, and of their hief of the subordinates. To these officers, especially to my staff, and to many others I owe my acknowledgments for their efficient co-operation with me in the late movements. In other comnmunications many gallant officers have been recotum ended for advancement. ln the battles, labors, and exposures to which this army has been - subject the Fourth Corps has had its full slma~e. Many in that corps have fallen while nobly and bravely fighting for our cause. Their names will be held in honorable remembrance. A few, I regret to say, have sought to evade the stern (luties which this crisis imposes upon every maii who loves his country. Respectfully submitted. E. D. KEYES, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Fourth Corps. Brig. Geim. S. WILLIAMS, Adjutant-General, Ar~~y of the Potomac Page 196 196 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. No. 79. Report of ]Jliaj. Robert Mi. West, Chief of Artillery, of operations June 28 July 2. IIEADQU~RTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, July 11, 1862. I respectfnlly present herewith a report of my movements during the change of base from York to James River. Millers and Bradys Pennsylvania batteries and Fitchs Eighth Inde- pendent New York Artillery having been previously detached from my colnman(l to the assistance of General Peck in guarding the Chick- ahominy River and White Oak Swamp, I moved on the morning of the 28th of June at 2 oclock with McKnights battery, M, Fifth U. S. Artillery, and General Couchs division of artillery, consisting of Floods and McCarthys Pennsylvania batteries, to General Pecks division camp, whence, after halting one hour, 1 proceeded with the three batteries referred to, supported by General Palmers brigade, of Couchs division, to the junction of the Charles City, James River, and New Market roads, arriving at that point about 11 a. m. General Palmer and General Woodbnry, of the Engineers, having designated the position the artillery should occupy, I proceeded to post it accord- ingly as follows: One section of Floods battery, pointing toward Rich- mnond, on the Charles City road, near the blacksmiths shop. The other section of Floods, on the New Market, advanced from the junction about 300 yards, Lients. Michael Hall and Edward Dongherty com- manding these sections resl)ectively. One section of McCarthys bat- tery, muider command of Lieut. William Munk, was posted near to and commanding the James River road, advanced sufficiently to co-operate with Lieutenant Doughertys section on the New Market road. Six pieces were in all thus posted and properly masked. I had in reserve McKnights six gnns and McCarthys remaining piece (McCarthy has but three guns). The three sections in position were supported by as many regiments of infantry from General Pal- mers brigade, of Conchs division, and three companies from Colonel Averells rfllird Pennsylvania Cavalry. Ample supports of 1)0th arms were within easy supporting distance. On the 28th all was quiet. On the 29th, at 10 a in., a strong column of rebel cavalry charged along the James River road, driving in and following with furious yells onr advanced cavalry pickets and their supl)orts. Lieutenant Munk, commanding a section on this road, allowed the rebels to advance to within 50 yards of his masked pieces, when he opened fire with deadly effect. The enemys column was thrown into confusion and retreated, followed by a columnmi of cavalry from Colonel Averells regiment. Many of the enemy were killed and many more woundedamong the latter the leader, a major of cavalry, whom I saw writhing in agony with a wound which our surgeons pro- nounced fatal. florses were disabled and trappings were abandoned, strewn along the road in munch confusion. Doughertys section parti- cipated, firing some eight shots. iNo further demonstration was made on this (lay. At 4 p. m. I started the column of three batteries toward James River, marching with General Couchs division by an unfrequented road. At sunrise on the morning of the 30th our column debonched upon the plain in front of ilaxalls Landing, in sight of James River. Millers and Bradys batteries joined from the Chickahominy and r Page 197 CHAP. XXIII. 1 SEVEl~-DAYS BATTLES. 197 ported for duty. I was also joined by Lieutenant Elder with his bat- tery, K, First Artillery. When the battle of June 30 commenced, at about 1 p. in., I assumed command of all the artillery in the corps (nine batteries), and 1)laced it in battery covering the d~boueh6~, and about 1,000 yards distant from the woods skirting the Richmnond road, General Palmers brigade being drawn up in line of battle on my left. This disposition was only tem- porary, for about 2.30 p. m. I was ordered by the corps commander to form a line of battle in a large wheat field perpendicular to the river, with the right resting on the edge of a woods which skirted the field running parallel with the river. In this line I placed half of the artil- lery, forming a reserve line parallel to the first and about 1,000 yards retired with the other half. I had ten batteries; five in position (viz: Floods, Bradys, McCarthys, and Millers Pennsylvania, and MeKuights battery, M, Fifth Regular), covering the woods, beyond whien the fight was raging; and five batteries in reserve, viz: Itegans, Fitchs, and Minks New York (the latter three guns), of Pecks division, and Elders regular battery; also Battery 0-, Fourth U. S. Artillery, com- manded by Lieutenant Morgan; which last-named battery reported at about 4.30 p. in., whence I know not. There were twenty-one guns in position and twenty-three in reserve. Thus matters remained until about 11 a. m. ou~the following (lay, July 1, 1862, when the general commanding the corps, becoming satisfied that the enemy was working around toward the right flank, gave minute instructions for a change of front of the artillery, for the better protection of that flank. The generals instructions were all faithfully executed. Timbers were slashed and guns posted, covering all the approaches to our position, to do which required all the artillery in the corps. At about 1 p. in. Morgans regular battery was taken away by order of General McClel- lan, and an hour later Elders regular battery was taken away by the~ same authority. About 5 p. m. Millers battery was sent for by General McClellan to take post in a small gap between Pecks and Slocums divisions. I posted the battery myself in the position indicated by General McClel- lans aide. Night set in without an attack. At 1 a. in., July 2, 1862, I was called to the headquarters of the corps commander, and received directions for my guidance while maneuvering the artillery in the morning for the protection of the rear of the army, which directions were adhered to during the movements which followed; Millers Pennsylvania battery being the last battery of this army to enter its present line. My coin- mand all arrived safely without loss. I inclose with this brief reports of all the commanders who acted in an independent capacity during the whole movement. I beg leave to call the attention of the proper authority to those re- ports and to the indorsements which I have made in each case. I also desire to notice the excellent bearing and valuable services of Princi- pal Musician Robert Hargreaves, First Pennsylvania Artillery, whose prompt and intelligent conveyance of my orders contributed greatly to the harmonious movement of the large mass of artillery temporarily under my command. He is qualified for a better position. The officers and men were cheerful throughout the entire movement, always cheer- fully doing what was required of them; and having the fullest confi- dence in their leaders, always determined to believe that the movement wa8 what it really wasa strategic movement and not a retreat. mdi Page 198 198 THE PENINSULAE CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XflIL vidual cases of merit are embraced in the separate reports. It is felt that they will be rewarded. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, IIOBT N. WEST, Miajor, Pennsylvania Artillery, Comdg. Artillery, Fourth Corps. Capt. C. C. SUYIDAM, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 80. Report of Capt. Theodore Miller, Battery B, First Pennsylvania Li~qht Ar tillery, of the defense of Bottoms Bridge, June 2529. CAMP NEAR HARRIsoNs LANDJNQ VA., July 11, 1862. SIR: In accordance with your communication of this date, directing me to forward a report of my operations while guarding the Chicka- hominy, I have the honor to transmit the following: On the evening of the 25th of June I received orders from the chief of artillery of the Fourth Army Corps to proceed immediately to Bot- ~ Bridge and report for orders to Brigadier-General Kaglee. At 8.30 p. in. I started from camp near Seven Pines, and arrived near Bot- toms Bridge at about 10 p. m. I reported at once in person to General Kaglee, who directed me to place three pieces of my battery guarding Bottoms Bridge and one on the railroad guarding the railroad bridge. On the morning of the 27th working parties were sent to throw np a breastwork close on the western bank of the Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge, which was completed at about 5 oclock p. in., and the three pieces of my battery were placed in position. In the course of the afternoon Light Company G, Fonrth Artillery, and Bradys battery (H), of the First Pennsylvania Artillery, had arrived, and one gun of the fornier (light 12-pounder) and two guns of the latter (10-pounder Parrotts) battery were added to my three at Bottoms Bridge, making in. all six guns (four light 12-ponnders and two 10-pounder Parrotts), while the remaining two of Bradys battery, joining Lieutenant Wildey at the railroad bridge, and Light Company G, commanded by Lieutenant Morgan, Fourth Artillery, U. S. Army, took position about 700 yards to the rear and left of my battery on elevated ground. On the morning of the 28th, about 10 oclock, small parties of the enemys cavalry appeared at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile. and at about 2 oclock p. m. our pickets reported a column of the enemy~s infantry, a squadron of cavalry, and two pieces of artillery in sight, and taking position about 2,000 yards in front and to the left of Bottoms Bridge, close to the banks of the railroad. This report proved to be correct, fot at about 2.30 oclock their artillery could be seen, and a report reached me from the railroad bridge that the enemy was throw- ing up breastworks. I then prepared for action. The guns were care- fully aimed, and I directed the Parrotts to load with shell and the 12. pounders solid shot, should the order To ~ be given; for my instructions were not to fire except fired on. At about 4 oclock the enemy opened fire, the 8hell 8triking about 2 Page 199 cHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 199 yards in rear of my right piece, and was immediately followed by an- other, which struck some 50 yards to the right of the first, neither of which exploded. I replied at once with my 10-ponnder Parrott. The shell exploded immediately over the enemys artillery. A light 12- pounder fired Bext and with good effect. The others all followed in snccession and did well. (I wonld here remark that the light 12-pounder gun carried solid shot 1,800 yards with ease and accuracy; none fell short.) The enemy in the mean time had fired four more shell, two exploding, bnt doing no damage whatever, and all with too high an elevation. The pieces at the railroad bridge also opened fire on the enemy and I think did good execution. After firing six more rounds, the enemy making nO reply, I ceased firing, and shortly after our pickets reported the enemy retiring. During the remainder of the da and the following night everything remained qniet. y On the afternoon of the 29th, about 5 oclock, I received orders from General Naglee to withdraw one of my pieces amid send it to the rear on the road to White Oak Swamp; another piece to follow in about half an hour, and so on till further orders. This was done, and at 7.30 oclock p. m. the last piece left the breastwork at Bottoms Bridge; Company G, Fourth Artillery, and the three pieces at the railroad bridge, under Captain Brady, having left some time before this. On the morning of the 30th of June about 10 oclock I reported in person to the chief of artillery of the Fourth Army Corps at camp near City Point Landing, Va. The behavior of the men was splendid; nor can I speak too highly of Lieutenants Wildey and Pagan. The former guarded for thirty-six hours with one piece the railroad bridge before he was joined by two pieces of Battery H, and Lieutenant Pagan with the other section of that battery was the whole time under my immediate observation, ~and displayed his usual cool and brave qualities. Lieutenant Benson joined on the afternoon of the 29th and assisted ably, having charge of the last piece of my battery, separate from t~ie command, till it arrived at camp near City Point Landing, Va. I am, sir, very respectfillly, your obedient servant, THEO. MILLER, Captain, First Pennsylvania Artillery, Comdg. Battery B. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, July 12, 1862. Captain Millers mention of Lieutenants Wildey, Pagan, and Benson is well merited. These officers, having each a small separate command, faithfully toiled through the route (which was much obstructed) with loss of food and rest, arriving in time and in order to render service, should any be needed of them, in the fight of June 30 and July 1. It is not so mnch for what these officers have done as for what I know they would do that attention is called to their names. Either one of them would fire a magazine and with it be blown to atoms, if such a sacrifice were necessary in the service of the country. What Captain Miller says of others may be equally well said of himself. ROBT M. WEST, Major, Pennsylvania Artillery, Commanding Page 200 200 THE P1~NINSULA1I CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII No~ 81. Report of Capt. James Brady, Battery H, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the defense of Bottoms Bridge and the Railroad Bridge over the Chiekah~miny, June 27-~29. HDQRS. LIGHT BATTERY II, FIRST PA. lIES. ART., Camp Harrison, July 11, 1862. SiR: I have the honor to transmit a report of the operations of my battery whilst guarding the Chickahoininy dnring the retirement of the right wing to the west bank of the stream and change of base of the Grand Army: On the afternoon of Friday, the 27th ultirno, orders were received from Major West to proceed to Bottoms Bridge and report to General Kaglee, which were obeyed. Reporting in person, I received orders to post one section of my battery adjoining and covering the bridge, and the other section at the railroad bridge, about a half mile np the stream, and to hold these points at all hazards, which was obeyed. Lieutenant Fagan was left in command of the section at Bottoms Bridge. The other section, at the railroad bridge, nnder my immediate command, had one gun posted on the embankment behind a small curtain hastily thrown up. The second gun was placed in a redonbt on an elevated kuoll covering the surrounding swamps, the bridge, and the position on the track. Thus posted, at daylight on Saturday morning signs of the enemys approach became apparent from the concourse of stragglers and wounded soldiers that came over the bridge. Orders were received from General Kaglee to prepare for firing the bridge. The burning of Dispatch Station now gave evidence of the enemys presence. The orders were obeyed, and the bridge was wrapt in flames almost simultaneously with the enemys appearance in force on the opposite bank, preparing to feel onr strength by opening with a battery from an eminence supported by cavalry. Soon Mr. Fagan, at Bottoms Bridge, responded to the challenge, and presently the guns of my section at the railroad bridge, getting the enemys range, joined issue. In a few minutes the enemy withdrew, declining to renew the contest, although the challenge was repeated by throwing the iron gauntlet into their camps. During the afternoon of Sunday signal was given to clear the track, as the train, loaded with ammunition, had been fired, and was about being run into the Chickahominy. The burning train, rushing over the bridge, exploded on reaching the creek, throwing fragments thou- sands of feet high. Retiring with the infantry to Bottoms Bridge that evening Gen. Nag- lee ordered the battery to join the corps, which was obeyed, reporting to our chief, Maj. R. M. West, the following morning, ready for service. Respectfully, & c., JAS. BRADY, Captain, First Pennsylvania Res. Arty., Comdg. Battery. Adjt. JOSEPH BENSON. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. OF ARTY., FOURTH CORPS, July 12, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. Captain Brady performed his arduous march well, reporting to me with his battery in excellent fighting trim. ROBT M. WEST Major, Pennsylvani~ Artillery, Commznding Page 201 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 201 No. 82. Report of Lieut. Valentine III. Stone, Battery 11!, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of the defense of Jones Bridge, June 2930. IIDQRS. ARTILLERY RESERVE, GENERAL KEYES CoRPS, July 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: On the morning of the 29th of June, 1862, I was ordered with the section under my command to guard Jones Bridge, on the Chicka- horniny. Took up position at the bridge at 6 p. in. same day. June 30, 11 a. m. the rebels appeared on the opposite side. At 1 p. in. they opened fire with eight guns. I was nuder fire the greater portion of the time until 6 p. m. For two hours of the time I had their guns completely silenced. They succeeded in crossing 2 miles with cavalry and infantry. I then retired to join the army, marching all night to do so. My riding horse was killed with a shell. No men killed in my command. One of the cavalry killed. Considerable loss on the enemys side. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, YAL. II. STONE, First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery. JOSEPH BENSON, Second Lieut. and Adjutant, Arty. Reserve, Gen. Keyes Corps. findorsement.] HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, Respectfully forwarded. July 12, 1862. This young officer, with new horses and men that had never been tried, performed exceedingly well, considering. ItOBT M. WEST, Major, Pennsylvania Artillery, Gommanding. No. 83. Reports of Brig. Gen. Darius N. Gouch, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations June 25Jitly 1, including skirmish on James River Road, and battle of iiilialvern Hill. IIEAD~UARTERS COUCHS DIVISION, Harrisons Landing, Va., July 11, 1862. SIR: In obedience to instructions I have the honor to report the following in reference to my division: On the morning of June 25 I had orders from General Keyes to move forward two brigades to support Hooker, who was engaged with the enemy beyond Seven Pines. Palmers and Howes were pushed forwar(l and held in reserve until about 2.30 p. in., when the former was ordered up by General McClellan to report to General Heintzelman. It was moved into the woods in front, where Hooker had been engaged, I ac- companying the brigade rather as a volunteer, seeing that it was taken from under my command. It was deployed in the woods under Palmer, and lay there until next day. During the afternoon it was a goo Page 202 202 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [OttAV. XXI1I. deal exPosed to fire from some of the enemys rifled guns and at night to a heavy fire of musketry. The loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Commissioned officerskilled, 1 wounded, 4. Enlisted men killed, 7 wounded, 41. On the 27th, at near night, Palmers brigade, with the exceptien of the Seventh Massachusetts, which was moved down toward the White Oak Swamp, was ordered to the Chickahominy, to support our troops falling back to the right bank of the stream. Abererombies brigade was ordered to Goldings Hill to support Smith. These brigades were recalled the same night, and at 12.30 oclock that night I was directed to fall back with my whole division and cr6ss White Oak Bridge. Crossing that bridge, I was ordered by General Keyes to take positiou at the junction of the James River, New Market, and Charles City roads. This important post was occupied by my division: Peck with a part of his small division occupying ground to my right and left. On the morning of the 29th of Jnne some of our cavalry on the James River road were driven in by a battalion of North Carolina Cav- alry, who charged clear into niy lines, which were so masked as not to be seen. Two guns and a few rifle-shot broke them completely up iu a few minutes, killing, wounding, and capturing 80 to 100 of them, with no loss to the division. In the course of the morning Sykes brigade crossed the swamp and formed on my right and many other troops in the course of the (lay came up. That night my division formed the advance of the corps, making a night march to HaxalPs, below Turkey I3ridge, on James River. It was accomplished by sunrise, being one of the most fatigu- ing marches imaginable, but it was borne by all without a murmur. The Second Rhode Island and Seventh Massachusetts were ordered for- ward to Turkey Bridge, and at noon the 30th instant Abercrombies briga(le in the same direction. At between 3 and 4 l~ m. I was directed by General McClellan to move toward Malvern Hill, and attack, the enemy in flank should they succeed in forcing our lines on the hill. They (lid not, and 1 moved forward and took a strong josition for the night, but at dark had orders to l)ush forward to Sumners support, who held the junction of the roads occupied by my division two days before. At 2 oclock that night, July 1, 1862, Sumner marched to Malvern Hill, my division of two brigades in the advance, he directing me to take post where the division was the night before. Arriving at (lay- light, we began getting into the position we held the day of our glori- ous victory of Malvern Hill, for an account of which I beg to refer you to a copy of my report to the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac. I have the honor to inclose a copy of that report. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. COUCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Divmsmon. Capt. C. C. SUYDAM, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters Fourth Corps. HEADQUARTERS Coucns DIVISION, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that at 2 oclock a. m. July 1, current, General Sumner, to whose support I had marched with two brigades the night previous, gave me orders to return to the positio Page 203 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 203 occupied the evening before on Malvern Hill. These brigades were posted on the right of the James River road, looking westward. The other brigade of the divisionAbererombieslay a few hundred yards to the rear. The Seventh Massachusetts and Second Rhode Island being on detached service much weakened the command. Part of Porters corps was to my left across the road, including two batteries. Kingsburys splendid battery (formerly Griffins) was on my left front; Palmers brigade in a strong wooded ravine a little to the right of the battery, and running to the front 200 yards. One of Howes regiments, Sixty-second New York, was strongly posted in a peach orchard to the rear and between the battery and Palmer. To the right of Palmer was an oat field, sloping to the front and skirted on the right ~y a tangled marsh and wooded bank. This was my right and held by General Howe. In the course of the morning he was re-enforced by part of Abererombies command, and the balance occul)ied the ground with Palmer. My own artillery being several miles to the rear~ General Heintzelman sent inc a battery for my right, but afterward withdrew it, to place it, probably, on his own front. To my right lay Kearny, who (luring the day advanced two regiments of Robinsons brigade to sustain Howe in case of need. The ground in front of me was open to within 100 to 500 yards from right to left. Across the road in front of Griffin the country was open for three-fourths of a mile making it very favorable for our artillery. General McClellan rode over the ground in the morning with the engineer officers, and designated the ground different corps were to occupy. General Porter also rode up about the same time. By 8 oclock a. m. there were signs of the rebels in front, and at 9 oclock Berdans Sharpshooters were driven in. The rebels were driven off by artillery alone. From this time until about 1 p. m. the contest was on both sides in the hands of the artillerists; then they pushed for- ward a column to carry the left of the line held by Griffin. They were driven back disorganized and cut up by our artillery alone. Their batteries played upon us without intermission, but owing to the care used in masking the men our loss from it was not serious, with the exception of a battery to the right, that enfiladed my position. About 3 ~ m. a brigade broke through the opening of the woods in front of Palmer and Abercrombie, but Kingsburys battery, together with the steady fire of the Tenth Massachusetts and a charge of the Thirty-sixth New York, drove them back in confusion, the latter regi- ment capturing the colors of the Fourteenth North Carolina in hand conflicts. This movement of the rebels was a rash one or a ruse to draw our troops on to disadvantageous groundundoubtedly the latterand it did not succeed. The enemy were now massing large columns on our front. At about 4.:30 p. in., after an incessant cannonade, they boldly pushed forward a large column from their right in the open field to carry Grif- fins position. The fire of the three batteries was concentrated upon them. Kingsburys battery, having been withdrawn for ammunition, was relieved by three guns of battery C, Rhode Island Artillery, and two guns (Allens, Fifth Massachusetts), under Captain Weeden. The attacking coluinii kept on, continually re-enforced, until within range of Griffins Rifles, when it was stopped and formed line. From this time until 8 p. m. there was enacted one of the sublimest sights ever presented in war, resulting in a glorious victory to our arm8. Page 204 204 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ChAP. XXIII. The action now being general, I assumed command of the whole line for the time; ordered up the reserves on the left; placed in position regiments falling back, and halted those bravely moving forward, many of the regiments having already masked the fire of our artillery. Upon seeing the advance on the left Abercrombie and Palmer pushed forward their brigades in front of the artillery, in order to drive back the foe. The enemy continually re-enforced their column of attack be- sides advancing heavy reserves in support. Abereroinbie and Palmer became engaged to their left and right. General (JaIdwell, of Richard- sons division, having been sent to my support by General Sumner, now went into action,joining my l)rave (livision, fiercely engage(l. The enemy were making desperate efforts to drive in my right. General Heint- zelman sent me Seeleys battery, which, under De Hussy, chief of his artillery, and with the advice of General Howe, was established on the ground held by this latter officer. It did its duty well. General Porter came upon the ground about 6 p. m. Later General Sickles, of Hookers division, reported to me with three regimuents, leading his men directly into action, relieving some of my division whose ammunition was expended. At about 7 p. m. General Meaglier, with his brigade, reported to me from General Sumner, and was posted on the left of Griffins batteries. Night closed upon us still fighting, the opposing forces only known by their lines of fire, that of the rebels gradually slackening until 8.30 p. in., after which an occasional cannon-shot from our batteries only broke the stillness that pervaded this bloody field. Thus euded the battle of Malvern Hill, which caused great carnage and demoralization among the best divisions of the enemy, with comparatively small loss on our side. Generals Abercrombie and Palmer formed a line with their brigades that not a private retreated from. General Howe, on the right, held his position and drove the enemy back. Your attention is particularly called to the reports of these officers accompammying; also to the reports of Generals Caldwell, Sickles, amid Meagher, for which I refer you to their division commanders and to those of the artillery officers from re- ports to their respective chiefs. This arm did brilliant service. It could not have been excelled. My thanks are due to General Sumner for his prompt assistance and anticipation of my wants; also to General ileintzelman. General Kearny rode over my lines during the morning, and I am indebted to him for some valuable information as regards dispositions. Capt. D. F. Parker, (livision quartermaster, joined me on the field; also Lieutenant Eceleston, l)rovost-nlarshal. Brave and collected, these gentlemen were always rea(ly to go where the fight was thickest. They have my thanks and admuiratiomi for their conduct. Lieutenant Smith, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, did me excellent service. Captain Walker, as- sistant adjutant-general of my staff, amid Lieutenant Bum-t, aide-d e-camp, were near me to take my orders and anticipate my wishes on the field. Having received orders from Gemmeral McClellau to fall back, my troops were gra(lnally ~vithdrawrn from the field. Captaimi Benson, who had relieved the Massachusetts and Rhode Island batteries after dark, left one section of his artillery. General Sickles, wh 6 was very active on the field at this time, drew off the rear in a(lmuirable order. His bri- gade was the last to leave. This was at midnight. From some prisoners we learned that the enemy were falling back, expecting to be attacked in the morning. Both armies retreated; th Page 205 CHAP. XXIJiT.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 205 one because it was beaten, the other because it was a part of the plans of our general. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. COUCH, Brig. Gen., Commanding First Division, Fourth Corps. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, A. A. U., Iiidqrs. Army of the Potomac. No. 84. Report of Lieat. William iJiunk, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish of June 29 on the James River Road. PENNSYLVANIA LIGHT ARTILLERY, Camp near Harrisons Landing, July 10, 1802. MAJOR: In obedience to orders calling for a report of my operations on the morning of the 29th of June ii will state that on June 28 I took post on the James River road by your directions in such position that my gnus would defliade the James River road should an enemy appear from that direction. After placing my guns in position and masking them, the Second Rhode Island, Colonel Wheaton, and the Seventh Massachusetts, Colonel Russell, with one company of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalty, came up as my support on my right and left. We remained here all night. Next morning at about 10 oclock the enemys cavalry appeared in force in full charge, driving in our vedettes. I opened fire first with case-shot, at a distance which I had previously carefully measured, and afterward with canister. My first discharge staggered them, and my second drove them pell-mell in retreat Captain Walsh, of Averells Third Penns3 lvania Cavalry, following quickly in pursuit with all the avail- able cavalry at haiid, amounting, I think, to about one squadron and a half More cavalry soon followed, and drove the enemy oat of sight. The surl)rise was complete. The leader of the enemy was mortally wounded. Numbers of them (the enemy) were unhorsed, and subse. quently captured by our pursuing cavalry. Trappings were lying in profusion along the road immediately after the pursuit commenced, showing their loss to have been heavy compared with the numbers they~ had. I think the aggregate of men killed, wounded, and captured would reach 80, and the number of horses captured or disabled 20. I sustained no loss. The section of Floods battery on my right contributed some to the general result. My men were firm and true, while the enemy caine suddenly upon them with disheartening yells. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, First Lieutenant, Battery C, WILLIAM MUNK First Pennsylvania Artillery. Maj. R. M. WEST, Chief of Artillery, Fourth Corps dArmie. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, July 1~, 1862. The success of this surprise is due not so much to the plan as to its cool, deliberate execution. Lieutenant Mtink himself with primer iii Page 206 206 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIfl. serted and lanyard in hand, awaited the coming of the enemy, deliver- ing the lirst fire in the nick of time. To the subsequent quick loading and firing by the cannoneers may be attributed the great amount of destruction. The whole affair was over in less than five minutes. One section of rifled artillery could not have done better. Very respectfully, ROIBT M. WEST, Major, Commanding. No. 85. Report of Lieut. Martin Reichenbacher, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the destruction of Turkey Bridge. LIGHT ARTILLERY, FOURTH Coups, July 11, 1862. Sin: I respectfully submit the reDort of the destruction of Turkey Bridge on the 2d day of July, 1862: Being ordered by the general commanding the Fourth Corps to take means and proceed to Turkey Bridge and destroy it after the rear guard of the army had passed, in pursuance to the above order 25 men from the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry were supplied with axes and some 75 pounds of powder. We proceeded to the above-named place, arid after the rear guard had passed the bridge was destroyed by cutting the stringers in the center of the bridge and cutting the l)lalIks in small pieces and felling trees over the bridge, and also at some places along the road, making it completely impassable for the passage of troops of any army. There also accompanied me Lieutenant Gibson, of General McClellans staff, and Lieutenant Jackson, of General Keyes staff. Ii conferred with those officers as to the best mode of obstructing. After the bridge being destroyed I returned to my command. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, MAliTIN ThiIICIIENBACIIER, First Lieutenant, Battery C, First Pennsylvania Artillery. Capt. C. C. SUYDAM, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Corps. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH Coups, July 12, 1862. This officer was selected for the important duty referred to within on account of his known coolness, bravery, and quickness of perception. The result of the affair confirms his claims to these qualities. Lieu- tenant IReichenbacher is entitled to his full share of whatever credit may be due for the successful destruction of the bridge and obstruction of the road. In any position where a brave and faithful officer and a thorough soldier will be appreciated he will always give entire satis- faction. Ilespeetfully, ROBT M. WEST M~jor, Pennsylvania Artillery, ~Jonmmanding Page 207 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 207 No. 86. Report of Lieut. Edward Dougherty, Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish June 29 on the James River Road. IIDQRS. LIGHT BATTERY D, FIRST PA. BES. ARTY. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the 28th June, after the battery arrived on the Charles City road, I was ordered by you to take my section to a l)Oint on the New Market road about 400 yards from where the New Market and Charles City roads meet, and there get it into position as mnch concealed as possi- ble, which order I obeyed. Everything remained quiet until next day (Sunday) at 8 oclock a. m. I heard a cheer on my left, and shortly after saw the enemys cavalry approaching, on a road (the name of which I do not know) at a charge, driving in a small body of our cavalry. I had placed my guns in echelon, so that they could be worked to protect the New Market road or the woods on my left. I immediately ordered the guns to action left, and opened fire with spherical case at 2 fuse and 10 elevation. I fired four rounds from each gull, doing good exe- cution, and was preparing to fire the fifth round, when I was ordered by Major West to cease firing. Nothing further transpired until ordered by you to rejoin my battery, bringing my section along. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, EDWARD DOUGHERTY, First Lieutenant, Pennsylvania Artillery. Capt. Enw. II. FLOOD. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS or ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, July 12, 1862. Respectfully forwarded. The coolness and bravery evinced by this officer and his men entitle them to be ranked among tile best soldiers of the army. ROBT M. WEST, Major, Pennsylvania Artillery, commanding. No. 87. Report of Brig. Gen. Albion P. Howe, U. ~. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of ]Jilialvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS HOWES BRIGADE, COUCHS DiVISION, Harrisons Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the instructions from the headquarters of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the brigade under my command at the battle of Malvern Hill, on the 1st instant. The brigade on that day was composed of the following regiments, viz: The One hundred and second Pennsylvania, commanded by Co Page 208 208 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. onel Rowley; the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Ballier; the Ninety-third Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain Long; the Sixty-second New York, commanded by Colonel Kevin; and the Fifty-fifth New York, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thourot. The position of the brigade was on the right of the division line of battle, the right of the brigade resting on a deep ravine running obliquely to the front, and impassable for artillery and cavalry, but practicable for infantry, the edge of the ravine on the right being cov- ered by a thin belt of woods. From the right the brigade line exteiided to the left in an open field, except at a small space of woods which covered the left center. The ground in our rear was uncovered for three-fonrths of a mile. Iii front of onr line of battle the ground was open and admitted the easy passage of any troops except in front of our left center, which was wooded, the cover extending to within some 500 yards of our front. The brigade line was formed a little before 8 a in., and immediately after Captain Mosers [1] New York battery reported to me and was posted in our line so as to sweep the open ground in our front, and if necessary to shell the woods. Before the enemy had completed his disposition for attack, having already got some of his artillery into position in onr front, an order was received withdrawing Captain Mosers [1] battery, and although the ground was admirably adapted for the play of artillery, I was left for a time without any with which I could reply to that of the enemy. A little before 9 a. in. the enemy succeeded in placing a field battery about 1,200 yards in advance of our front, and a second battery at a more distant point to our right and front. When the enemy, without any annoyance from us, had quite com- pleted his artillery preparations, lie opened fire upon our hues with his two batteries. Their artillerymen were without the range of our rifles, and I ordered the brigade to lie down and await the advance of their infantry. The rebel battery nearest us was worked with much speed and some skill, occasionally doing some little injury within our lines; but the battery more distant was not worthy of any notice, doing us no mauiier of injury or even approaching it. When the rebel batteries had continued their fire to their satisfaction the enemy threw forward, under cover of the woods in our front, a large body of infantry, and attacked our center. When the attackitug force came within the range of our arms our whole line sprang to their feet and poured into the enemy a withering fire. The rebels stood well up to their work and largely outnumbered us, but our men had the van- tage ground and were determined not to yield it. The firing continued with much violence onboth sides but the fire of the enemy, being gen- erally too high, did us comparatix~ely little injury. Soon, however, the advantage of our grounds and the superiority of our arms became evi- dent in the effects of our fire upon the enemy. The enemy begaim to waver. I then ordered the One hundred and second Pennsylvania, Colonel Rowley, which was held in reserve, to adv an~e with our line upon the enemy. Nobly and gallantly did every maim of the regiment respond to the order, and the impetuous dash of our men the enemy could not stand, but gave way, and were sent back, much cut up aimd in disorder, over the ground on which they advanced. This success gave us much advantage of position, by allowing the left center of the brigade line to rest upon the woods, some 800 yards in advance of our first position, and at the same time affording us a c~oss-flre upon aimy secoiid attempt of the enemy upon our position Page 209 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 209. At this time I was re-enforced by detachments from two Maine regi- ments, which, being posted on my right in support of the Ninety-third Pennsylvania, gave me much additional strength. I was soon again re-enforced by Captain [Snows] batteFy and the Twenty-third Pennsyl- vania Regiment, Colonel Neill. The enemys batteries, after the repulse they met with, discontinued their fire, but kept their position. On being re-enforced by Captain [Snows] battery I immediately placed it in a favorable position to bear upon the rebel battery that had annoyed us with its fire in the beginning of the action. The bat- tery at once opened fire upon them with fine effect, the spherical case- shot doing good execution on their teams and among their artillerymen. The rebel battery replied spiritedly for a time, and after a sharp can- nonading from our battery it drew off the field. During this cannon- ading the enemy kept up a sharp fire of musketry at long range, but with little or no effect. In the mean time I was again re-enforced by two other Pennsylvania regiments, under the command of Colonel Barlow, from General Cald- wells brigade. The firing now became very heavy on the part of the division on my left, and by the aid of a glass I could discover the rapid movement of bodies of the enemy to my left. At this time a division staff officer came to me for any assistance I could send to our left. I immediately ordered the battery and the three last regiments that had come to my support to the left. The enemy again came down upon the left and center of our division in strong force and was again repulsed, Colonel Kevins regiment, the Sixty-second New York, on the left of my brigade, gallantly joining with the left of the division in the repulse. The enemy again rallied, and the firing continued sharp along the whole line of the division. About this time, between 43 and 7 p. in., my brigade was re-enforced by Captain De Hussys regular battery, of the Fourth Artillery, which was at this time of great assistance, as night was coming on and the enemy seemed determined to make one more last effort before abandon- ing the field. The battery took a fine position, and delivered its fire, with that of the whole brigade and (livision line, with marked effect, until after 9 p. in., when the enemy gave up the field. I inclose herewith a list of the casualties in the brigade during the day, and when it is considered that the brigade was under fire over twelve hours, and a portion of the time hotly engaged, I think the whole loss sustained, being in aggregate 208, will be considered small. More than thanks are justly due to Capt. J. Heron Foster, of the One hundred and second Pennsylvania l~egiment a member of my staff, for the gallantry and untiring energy with which lie performed far more than his duties from early morning until late at night. He was the only staff officer I had during most of the day, the other members of the staff being disabled early in the action. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. HOWE, Brigadier- General. Capt. FRANCIS A. WALKER, A sst. Adjt. Gen., Couchs Division, Fourth Corps dArrnee. 14 R RYOL XI~ PT T Page 210 210 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. lulL Ko. 88. Report of Gol. Thomas A. Rowley, One hundred and second Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations June 30July 7. HDQRS. ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND IIEGT. PA. VOLS., Camp near ~ Landing, Va., July 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the movements of the last eight days, as follows: On Monday morning, June 30, about 6 oclock,. after a fatiguing march during the entire preceding night, we reached ilaxalls, or Cummings, Landing, on James River, near Turkey Bend, and lay down to rest in an open field. About noon we were moved to a position well calculated for defense, in a pleasant grove, convenient to good water, whence, at 4 in the afternoon, we were moved forward to White Oak Bridge and placed in line of battle until after night, when we were again moved forward to the field on which hard fighting had occurred during the day, occupying it until nearly daybreak, when we marched to the ground occupied the previous evening and took position in a grain field on the crest of the hill, where we remained dnring Tuesday, July 1, nuder the scorching rays of a July sun, greater part of the time nuder fire of the enemys batteries, until about 4 oclock, when, on the increasing rapidity of their fire and advance of their lines we were ordered to move forward to meet them. The movement was executed in perfect order, nuder heavy fire of both artillery and musketry, and a position taken farther in front in the grain field, which was held until after 5 oclock, when the regiment was ordered to move by the left flank into a wooded ravine, where they re- mained under fire of the enemys batteries amid sharpshooters secreted in tree-tops and behind shocks of grain until ordered back about 2.30 oclock on the morning of Wednesday July 2. Our loss, which mainly occurred during the advance, was -10 killed, among whom were 1 field and 1 line officer, 38 wounded, and 12 missing, including 1 line officer. Among the killed I regret to record the names of Maj. John Poland and First. Lient. Thomas Mooney, both active and efficient officers, whose places it will be difficult to fill. Major Poland, who had proved his courage not only in Mexico but in every engagement of this war in which this regiment had participated, was shot through the thigh while gallantly cheering the men in their forward movement. Lieutenant Mooney, who was suffering from illness and left his bed to lead his com- pany in the fight, lost both legs by the explosion of a shell. Both were brave men, whose memories will ever be cherished by their fellow. soldiers. At daybreak on Wednesday morning the regiment fell in line with the brigade and proceeded to Harrisons Bar, where we are now en- camped. During the whole day officers and men of my command did their whole duty promptly, obeying every order, lying under heavy fire during the heat of the day, taking no steps backward, and expending no ammuni- tion except when the enemy could be seen within range of their guns and their shots rendered effective. I feel it due to my adjutant, Joseph Browne, to say that he rendered me most effective service during the whole engagement, and proved himself, as on former occasions, a brave and a valuable officer. It is also proper to mention the efficiency of the assistant surgeon o Page 211 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 211 the regiment, Dr. M. P. Morrison, who was at all times with his regi- ment attending to his duties under circumstances which render their performance the more commendable. More than once the shells of the enemy (one of which kille(l his horse) compelled him to remove to places affording better shelter while attending to woiiiided mcii, but lie never was beyond a position enabling him to render us efficient ~i(I. Captain Foster, of Coinpaiiy A, was not with his company, having been selecte(l a few days before by lii radier G assistant adjutant-~eneral - eiieral howe as actiiio b of the brigade, in which cal)acity lie was often with ns, riding through the hottest of the enemys fire with a coolness which elicited, as it deserves, the admiration of all his com- rades in the regiment in which he has so long been an officer. Respectfully submitted. THOS. A. ROWLEY, Colonel One hundred and Second Reyt. Pa. Vols. Capt. J. II. FOSTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Casualties: Killed, 2 officers, 8 men; wounded, 38 men; missing, 1 officer, ii men. No. 89. Report of Brig. Gen. John J. Abererombie, U. S. Army, commanding Sec ond Brigade, of the battle of ]Jliaivern lull. HEADQUARTERS ABEROROMBIES BRIG ADE, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 12, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the action of 1st July, 1862: On the 30th of June my brigade crossed Turkey Creek Bridge and l)rocee(led on the road to Richmond about 2 miles, and deployed into line of battle to the right of the road in an elevated field where it re- mained for a few hours~ b~ finding T)Osition much ex~osed the it my1 to enemys shells at long range, another and a less exposed position was taken. No advances beino , he brigade bivouacked tor the night. ~ made by the rebels t Early on the morning of the 1st instant orders from division head- quarters were received to cross a ravine immediately in front of my line, to support a portion of Howes brigade and several batteries pre- viously advanced to Malvern Hill. It was soon discovered the enemy was l)reparing for an attack both in front and on our left as they were seen to emerge in great force in both directions. Two regiments, viz, the First U. S. Chasseurs and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, moved np to the support of Griffins battery and the Sixty-second New York. With the three other regiments of my brigade, viz, Thirty-first and Twenty-thud Pennsylvania Volunteers and First Long Island, I moved to the support of General Howes brigade, and took up a position on the crest of the bill on the right of the tongue of woods. Subse- quently the First U. S. Chasseurs and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volun- teers were ordered to take up their position in line of battle across the extreme point of this tongue of woods in support of General Palmers brigade. The Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers were sent to th Page 212 212 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. support of General Howes brigade, while the two remaining regiments, First Long Island Volunteers and Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, formed line of battle in the edge of the timber almost perpendiculai to the batteries. The enemy appearing in large force on the left, with the obvious intention of charging the batteries, the Long Island and Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers changed front by the left, and forming in front and nuder the fire of the batteries they held this posi- tion under a heavy fire of the enemy until relieved (their ainmnnition being exhausted) by the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel NeiIl, who continued a heavy fire upon the enemy until dark, when, 60 rounds per man having been expended, they were relieved by a regi- ruent of General Sickles brigade. The First Chasseurs and the Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers meanwhile had been under a heavy fire from the ene~ny~s artillery and infantry, and after expending all their ammunition they were relieved by some regiments of General hookers division. The brigade then re- turned to the position they had occupied in the morning, where they bivouacked until orders were received to take up the line of march. From early in the morning until dark the brigade was exposed to a storm of shot and shell from the enemys batteries and during the after- noon was hotly engaged with a much superior force of the enemys infantry. During the heat of the contest, and while the brigade was between the enemy and our own batteries (which were firing over their heads), several unfortunate accidents occurred, which resulted in the loss of several mnen. In consequence, I was induced to ride up to them, with a view of increasing the elevation of some of the pieces, and again to comnmunnicate with the division commander, General Couch, whom I found near by, in a most exposed position, calmly directing the opera- tions of his division, wimen 1 informed him of the fact that most of the regiments of my brigade had expended all their ammunition (60 rounds), when a portion of General Bookers division was ordered to relieve him. The regiments conmposing my brigade all acquitted themselves throughout the battle in a highly-commendable manner, and acted, with a very few exceptions, hike veterans. If the Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers ever host anything previously they more than regained it this time. The commanders of regimentsColonel Shaler, of the First Chasseurs; Colonel Cross, of the First Long Island; Colonel Keill, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Vailee, comm andimig temporarily Sixty-first Pennsylvaniaexhibited a great degree of coolness, and muanaged their regiments in a most satisfactory manner. Colonel Williams regimermt having been engaged for the greater part of the time farther to t9ae right with General Howes bri- gade I am unable to say more than this. From their uniform good conduct in other battles I have no doubt that it and its commander conducted thenmselves most gallantly. In alluding to the line officers, I shonld be doing a great injustice to my personal staff, Lieutenants Appleton and Slipper, were I to omit alluding to their soldierly bearing and promptness in communicating my orders during the hottest of the fight, and of some seven or eight it has been mny lot to be engaged in during a long period of military life the hottest of them all. These gentlenmenLientenant Appleton particularlyconducted regiments to their respective positions in the coolest and most gallant manner, for which they deserve especial attention Page 213 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN.~DAYS BATTLES. 213 A tabular account, together with a nominal list of killed, wounded, and missing, has already been forwarded.* I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J. ABERCIIOMBIE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Brigade. Capt. FRANCIS A. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 90. Report of Brig. Gen. Innis N. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of Ihe battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP NEAR JAMES LIVER, VA., July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of my brigade in the battle of the 1st instant: On the 30th ultimo two regiments of my command, the Second Rhode Island and the Seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, were detached by the order of Brigadier-Geiieral Couch, commanding the division, in order to take up a position near the Turkey Island Bridge, and they were unfortunately not present during the engagement. The remaining regi- ments of my brigadethe Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, commanded by Major Miller, and the Thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, commanded by Major Raneywere on arriving on the battle ground placed in pO5i- tion under the direction of General Couch, and they were directed to hold the woods on the right of the battery formerly Griffins, and to act at the same time as the support to this battery. A company of the Tenth Massachusetts was (letached as skirmishers to watch the ravine a little to the right and front of the battery, and four companies of the Thirty-sixth New York, under the command of Captain Walsh, were thrown out obliquely across the field on my right, in order to get a cross fire upon any force that might appear from the woods immediately in front of the battery. Affairs remained in this state until about 3 oclock p. in., when, after a sharp artillery fire from both sides, the enemy appeared in force on tIme right. This force proved to be a brigade of North Carolina troops, commanded by General Anderson, an(l it advanced in good order until it was within about 350 yards of my men. A heavy fire ~as then opened upon it by the Tenth Massachusetts and the four companies under Cap- tain Walsh. As soon as it was within the view of the battery a fire from it was opened, and I directed the remaining six companies of the Thirty-sixth New York to wheel from its position in the wood and open fire. This was done in gallant style, and after a sharp contest, which, however, lasted only a few minutes, the enemy broke and fled. After pursuing for some distance my command was recalled, as a pursuit would necessarily bring them in front of the batteries. In this short engagement the battle-flag of the Fourteenth North Carolina I~egiment was captured by the Thirty-sixth New York Vol~unteers, and brought in by Captain Donoghue, of that regiment. The loss in my brigade was small in this affair. This ended the first engagement of the day. Notice was immediately given to me by the general commanding the division, General Couch, * Embodied in revi8ed statement, p. 28 Page 214 214 THE PENINSI~LAH CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. that the enemy was receiving strong re-enforcements, and that the battle might be renewed at any moment. Nearly the same distribution of my command was made as before, and the renewal of the attack was awaited. At about 6 p. m. the enemy again appeared in large force in front of Griffins brigade, and one wing of that brigade immediately moved down npon them. This induced me to think that a charge would be made along the whole line, although I well knew that it was time in- tention of the general in comm and only to hold on to the line we had taken up, and not to interfere with the fire of the batteries. I ordered my command to move forward to support any troops that might be first engaged, not intending to get in front of the batteries. The firing commenced furiously along the line and other reginments of the division pressed forward, and soon my command was forced to move to time front of the batteries or remain inactive. The brigade moved in good order slowly to the front keeping up the firing. Major Miller, commanding the Tenth Massachusetts, while gallantly leading and encouraging his men, fell mortally wounded, and the command of that regiment de- volved on Captain Barton, wimo conducted it gallantly through the rest of time engagement. Major lianey led his regiment finely, and remained on the field until every cartridge was exhausted. I then directed him to take up a position in tIme rear of the regiments newly arrived on the ground. The Tenth Massachusetts, after several Imours hard fighting, reported their ammunition exhausted, but they remained firmly on the field until after dark and until the enemy was everywhere repulsed. During the entire operations of the day both officers and men acquit- ted themselves handsomely. 1mm the death of Major Miller tIme service has lost one of its mnost gallamint officers. Major Raney and Captain Walsh, of the Thirty-sixth New York, were conspicuous for the admi- rable mammuer in which they handled their commands, and no fault could possibly be found with any portion of my commnand. I saw no strag- gling to the rear; every man did his duty. I inclose a list of casualties in the Thirty-sixth New York and Temith Massachusetts.* I account for the large proportion of wounded by the fact that the enemy use for the most part the old smooth-bore musket, firing buck and ball, or the common hunting rifle. The wounds in- flicted by these are in a majority of cases only sufficiemint to disable, without immfiictimmg mortal wounds. As soon as I can procure the full reports of the comnmnan(iimmg officers of regiments they xviii be forwarded, and the cases of individual gallantry amomig the officers and ihen will be noticed. During time day I was munch imindebted to the acting assistant adjutant- general of the brigade, Lieutenant Porter, of the Tenth Massachu- setts; to Lieutenant Storer, am to General Devens, amid to Lieutenant Wheaton, Second Rhode Island, temimporarily on my staff, and to Parker, de quartermaster, amu Captain bri 0-a I Brigade Surgeon OLeary. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. PALMER, Brig. Gin., Commanding Third Brigade, Couchs Divmswn. Capt. FRANCIS A. WALKER, A8sistant Adjutant- General, First Division. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 28 Page 215 CHAP. XXIII. I SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 215 No. 91. Report of Brig. Gen. John J. Peck, U. S. Army, commanding Second Di Vision, of operations June 24July 3. IIEADQUARTEES PECKS DIVISION, Harrjsons Point, Va., July 11, 1862. Siu: I have the honor to report that J assumed command of this divis- ion at White Oak Swamp on the 24th of June, 1862, in compliance with orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac. The division con- sisted of two brigades, one of which, commanded by General Wessells, was at the headquarters, at White Oak Swamp; the other, under Gen- eral Naglee, was guarding the intrenched line between the railroad and Bottoms Bridge, distant some 4~ miles. A squadron of cavalry and nine pieces of artillery were at the headquarters and four pieces of artillery near Bottoms Bridge. On assuming command I proceeded to make a personal examination of the whole of the White Oak Swamp, commencing at the pickets of General Couch, and also of the Chickahoininy up to and beyond the railroad bridge. My conclusions were that the swamp offered but a slight defense against enterprising infantry. During my stay at that place I kept several hundred choppers employed in closing up with trunks of trees and other obstructions all the fords and passages. An abatis was constructed across the open area in front and the timber slashed extensively on the right and left. By cutting certain timber on the right large clearings were connected and brought under the guns of the batteries. At least one-half mile of rifle pits was constructed, adding materially to the strength of the position. A small work was ordered across the railway, near a screen of timber, on the right of General Naglees line; also a general slashing of timber in his front. A redoubt on the road from Bottoms Bridge was found in a half- finished state, which I directed to be completed. The whole country beyond the White Oak Swamp in the direction toward Richmond, New Market, and the Chickahominy, and also the territory across Bottoms Bridge, was most thoroughly covered by cavalry patrols, under the general direction of Captain Keenan. From him I had information of the movements of General Wise with his force, of some 5,000 of all arms, his headquarters being near New Market. Late on the 26th I was advised that the enemy had crossed the Chickahominy in large force, for the purpose of cutting our commurn- cations. Early on the 27th I proceeded to Bottoms Bridge and made a care- ful reconnaissance of all the approaches, in conjunction with General Naglee, which resulted in ordering the construction of a redoubt for ten or twelve guns at the bridge, close to the river. An epaulement for three guns was also ordered on the railroad. I re-enforced General Naglee with Colonel flowells regiment, placing it at the battery below Bottoms Bridge. Lieutenant Morgans regular battery was sent to General Naglee; also all the intrenching tools at my command. A squadron of cavalry for special service was asked for on that part of the line. The reported crossing of Jackson with 60,000 men proving too true, I deemed it advisable to guard thewhole line to the extent of my ability from Bottoms Bridge to White Oak Swamp. By a thorough examination 1 found a line of high bluffs commanding all the approaches from Chickahominy Swamp. Four different sites were selected for line Page 216 216 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CRAP. XXIII. of rifle pits and the work commenced. One was completed, and Col- onel Lehmanns regiment placed in position that night. The instructions from headquarters to destroy Bottoms Bridge and the railroad bridge in case an attack should be made in overwhelming force I communicated to General Naglee, and the necessary prepara- tions were made therefor. The important order to Hold the road to the James River over White Oak Swamp at all hazards was received and carried out to the letter. During the evening Captain Fitchs battery, Colonel Russells Seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, and General Woodbury~s engineer force joined for duty at my headquarters. Parties under discreet officers were sent down the Chickahominy with instructions to (lestroy all bridge structures, and to proceed as far as Jones Ford if possible. General Woodhury was employed preparing bridge structures to be thrown across the White Oak at or before daylight. He was furnished with men and implements and every facility afforded for the discharge of this duty. A large force was employed during the night clearing the obstructions in the road leading to the bridge. Reports were made to the headquarters of the Fourth Corps at intervals of half hours. On the 28th, at daylight, I received instructions from headquarters Fourth Army Corps to throw my immediate command across the White Oak Swamp and seize strong positions, so as to cover most effectually the passage for other troops. So soon as the bridge was passable I moved General Palmerwho had joined me with his brigade (Russells regiment leading), a squadron of cavalry, and Regans and Fitchs bat- teries of artillery-~-.forward to a position of much strategic importance, some four miles in advance toward Richmond, covering the junction of the Quaker, New Market, Charles City, and other principal roads. General Woodbury at my request accompanied General Palmer, and made a hasty reconnaissance of the position. Having placed Wessehls brigade with Lieutenant Minks battery in movement to support Gen- eral Palmer, I proceeded in advance with Captain Keenan to make a careful reconnaissance of the country between the main road and White Oak Swamp. After placing Colonels Roses and Durkees regi- ments on the right of the road, and the Sixty-second New York, Colonel Nevins, far to the right toward the swamp in advance of Palmers line for the purpose of covering an important road, I examined the disposi- tion of General Palmer, which met my approval. The remainder of Wessells brigade, with the artillery, were placed in reserve. Soon after General Couch came up with his division, and after examining and approving the disposition placed his command in position. Lines of pickets were established, but every precaution was taken to prevent any information from reaching the enemy. At 2 p. m. I ordered Colonel Fairinans New York regiment and two sections of Fitchs battery to proceed to Long Bridge, to destroy what remained of it, and prevent the enemys crossing in that quarter. A detail of 200 infantry was sent with a section of artillery to Jones Bridge with similar instructions. About this time the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania, Colonel Howell, was established as an outpost on the Charles City road, to cover the d6bouch6 of the crossing of the White Oak Swamp at Bracketts Ford. Infantry and cavalry pickets were established in advance of this. In this connection I would mention that the Ninety-second New York, Colonel Anderson, was left on duty at the White Oak Swamp Bridge. At this time, in consequence of the numerous detachments along th Page 217 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 217 Chickahominy and White Oak Swamp, my force in hand was reduced to less than 1,400. An abatis was ordered to be cut in front, but not much progress was made for want of tools. The day passed without disturbance,which I attributed in a great degree to the precaution I had taken of having the provost guard over every house within the distance of 2 or 3 miles w his premises. , ith instructions to prevent any person leaving About 9 a. ni. on the 29th some of Wises cavalry dashed into the camp in a reckless manner, cheering, and were received with a volley, which resulted in the death of the major and the capture of some 25, among whom was Captain Ituffin, M. C. The troops lay in position all day, awaiting in anxious suspense the movements of the enemy. Somewhat encouraged by the arrival of sup- ports from White Oak Swamp, at 6 oclock p. in. my command was relieved by that of General Slocum, and in obedience to orders from General Keyes, commanding Fourth Corps, took up the line of march to James River, where it arrived in safety with its train and artillery at 9 a. m. on the 30th, having been on the road without sleep, fri expecta- tion of meeting the enemy, the whole night. I placed Wessells brigade in position not far from Turkey Creek, Naglees brigade not having joined. The emiemy having commenced his attack upon the colnmns in route, my command was I)laced in line of battle by General Keyes at 3.30 p. m. on the extreme right, and intrusted with the defense of the reserve artillery. For a long time it was the only command on the ground. Early on the 1st of July General Slocum was l)laced on my left, and in conjunction with him arrangements were made for the defense of onr portion of the line. IDuring the day my detachment at Turners and Long Bridges and Jones Ford were compelled to withdraw, to avoid being destroyed by the overwhelming force on the opposite side of the Chickahominy. They reported the enemy had already crossed at Jones Bridge in con- siderable numbers. At midnight I was advised that the army would immediately coin- mence its movement to Harrisons Landingsome 7 milesand that my command would constitute the rear guard. After consultation it was deemed best, in case of being only one road, that the brigades of Wessells and Naglee should cover the rear alternately with the needful supply of artillery. At 1.30 a. m. I was in my saddle, aiding General Wessells in forming his line of battle on the heights a short distance tIPs side of the head- quarters of General McClellan. Millers battery only was rctained. All the principal by-roads were picketed with cavalry, and Naglees brigade was formed about a mile in the rear in a commanding position. Stationing myself in the road I gave my entire time amid I)ersonal attention to the supervision of troops, batteries, and trains. Long trains of wagons and ambulances converging from every quarter toward the road, mt became a very important question how to (hispose of them under my instructions, which were to operate with reference to the rear of the artillery and troops and not with reference to the traimis, save the having of a single regiment in their rear. Time plan which I adopted was thisthat there should be one unbroken line of troops and batteries on one side of the road and that the trains should move in like manner on the other side; that as long as the troops moved the trains could move, but that upon any detention of the troops the wagon train must be halted; batteries, ammuunitioim, and hospital wagons to have the preference. Where extensive openings bordered th Page 218 218 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XxflT. road steps were taken to shorten up the train by moving in several columns. Reports frequently came in of the movements of the enemy in various quarters, and on reception of one of these General Smith formed line of battle for some half hour to co-operate with me. About 12 oclock in. Colonel Averell passed by with his fine com- mand, bringing up everything from the direction of Turkey Creek in excellent order and time. As every command, ambulance, wagon, and straggler had gone by the rear guard, I directed General Wessells to draw in his pickets and detachments, and move on and take np a new position in rear of General Naglee. About 5 oclock p. in. it was evident that, owing to the terrible condition of the roads, the whole country being flooded with water, which had poured down upon the clay soil uninterruptedly since early in the morning, the train could not reach its destination that night, and without l)rotection would fall in the hands of the enemy, rapidly advancing. I placed Wessells brigade in position on the other side of Kimmagers ror Kiinmingers ~?] Creek, with Millers battery and seven small companies of cavalry. The brigade of Kaglee, he being unwell, was placed in supporting distance this side of the creek. Soon after the enemy opened with artillery upon the train, for the purpose of creating confusion and stampeding the animals. Two additional regiments were sent to re-enforce General Wessells. Jndi- cious dispositions were made by him, and every step taken to keep the train of wagons moving through the night across the creek. At daylight on the 3d the crossings of the stream were well-nigh impassable, the rain having continued through the night. The drivers and animals were exhausted by want of food and great exertion, and the prospect for the passage of the balance of the train exceedingly dubious. New roads were cut through the woods, teams were doubled, and fresh ones sent for. The enemys pickets were around us and his advance column not far distant, doubtless held in check by the fire of the gunboats. The work proceeded slowly but surely through the day, and at 7 oclock p. in. on the 3d I had the proud satisfaction of report- ing, for the information of the headquarters Army of the Potomac, that the last vehicle had passed the creek. The opinion is ventured that the history of military operations affords no instance where a train of like magnitude and value was moved so great a distance in the pres- ence of the enemy, and in the face of so many material obstacles, with so trifling a loss. So soon as the train was fairly out of the way I brought the rear guard to this side, where I established my line of battle along the crest of the creek, my left resting on the James River. On the 4th I called the attention of the general-in-chief to the advantages of this line, and after an examination he was pleased to adopt it. The timber on the opposite side has been slashed down to the James; also in the ravine and up to the crest of the creek on one side, which is lined with rifle pits and batteries. Kumerons roads have been cut, giving free coinmn- nication between the reserves and the front and between the different portions of the front. General Ferry, with the Thirty-ninth illinois, Thirteenth Indiana, Sixty-second and Sixty-seventh Ohio Regiments, was assigned to my division on the 6th instant. The record of these troops in the Shenan- doah Valley is highly creditable, and gives promise of brilliant conduct when an opportunity offers. General Kaglee was intrusted with a highly responsible and trying command at Bottoms Bridge and the railroad, which he discharged with zeal and fidelity. His troops at Dispatch Station were brought over at the right time. His batteries and sharpshooters inflicted som Page 219 SEVEN-DAYS~ BATTLES. CHAP. XXffij 219 punishment upon the enemy when they were pressing upon the ap- proaches to the bridges. In consequence of the absence of General Naglee no report has been received from that brigade, and I am embarrassed with respect to the details thereof. His report as soon as received will be sent forward to accompany this. General Wessells has labored most faithfully night and day since I joined the division, and displayed the greatest interest in the service under very critical circumstances. In the midst of difficulties and dan- gers his judgment seemed most reliable. General Palmer led the advance from White Oak Swamp, and made excellent di8positions, of which I am happy to make mention. Colonel Russell, Seventh Massachusetts, was in advance of the ad- vance, as usual, and exhibited his anxiety to meet the foe with his fine regiment. Colonels Fairinan, Ninety-sixth New York; Lehmann, One hundred and third Pennsylvania; Rose, Eighty-first New York; Belknap, Eighty- fifth New York; Howell, Eiglity~fifth Pennsylvania, and Lieutenant- Colonel IDurkee, Ninety-eighth New York, are all meritorious ofricers, who have rendered the country good service and exert a salutary influence upon their troops. Colonel Greggs Eighth Pennsylvania Cav- alry was of great assistance in their movements, scouring the country and watching the enemy. Captain Keenan, Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, (leserves especial notice for untiring and valuable service. When he was in the saddle no movement of the enemy escaped his eye. Lient. C. H. Morgan, Fourth Artillery, displayed extraordinary zeal, pushing on many miles from Bottoms Bridge to join the advance to James River. He is an officer of merit. As usual all the members of my staff were active and rendered great assi stance. It is due to Division Surg. A. B. Crosby that I should acknowledge his nntiring devotion to the sick and wounded. That he should have deemed it necessary to tender his resignation is to be much regretted. The artillery, under Captains Re~an, Miller, Brady, Fitch, and Lieutenants Morgan and Mink, was in excellent condition, and ic- sponded promptly to every call of duty. Wi.th such batteries I fit confident of more than ordinary success in any rencounter with the rebels. The severe labors that have devolved upon inc since taking the division have prevented my finding out many deserving of notice, and I desire to thank every officer and soldier in the coin mand for the chcer- ful and faithful manner in which they have dischar~cd duties incessant and arduous by day and by night. Chickahorniny and White Oak Swamp will bear evidence of their industry for generations. While the late severe service has not been so brilliant as that which fell to other trool)s, it will ever be deemed honor enough to have been a member of that division which held the troops of Jackson at bay across the Chick- ahominy, destroying all the bridges, which held the advance of the Army of the Potomac from White Oak Swamp, and covere(l the rear safely during the great strategic movement from Turkey Creek to Har- risons Point. I am, vcry respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. PECK, Brigadier- General Capt. C. C. SUYDAM, , Commanding Division. A. A. 6k, Keyes l7lidqrs., Fourth Corps Page 220 220 TEE PE~TINSUL& E CAMPAIGN, VA. ~flL nfl No.92. Report of Brig. Ge,.. Hsry V. Weseell., U. S. Ansy, eosmausdi.sg Rec- end Brigade, of operation. .T.me 24Jut, 2. SnooI~nBmGAn;Pzors DmsrnN, Sn: In compliance with instructions of yesterday I have the honor to report the movements of this brigade since the 24th ultimo, at whkh date it was encamped at Poplar HIU, and composed of the Eighty-fifth, Ninety-second, and Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers, the Eighty-fifth, One hndred and firs; and One hundred and third Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, with the El hty-flrst and Ninet -eighth New York Volunteers temporari attach . Having hat camp for defense at the crossings of Winte Oak Swamp by extensive slashings and rifle pits the bri ade moved from its position across the White oak Swamp on the 28 of une, and bivouacked same day on the Charles City road near the place knon as the Blacksmiths Shop?. On the following day, at sndown, the movement in this direction was resumed on a cross-road, accompanied by Begans and Morgins batteries, arriving early on the morning of the 30th at the farther side of the large.o ning near Haxalls Landing, and in the evening of that daycrossedtheopenplain or field andencamped on this side ofthe clearing. On the day following the brigade changed position, being placed in line of battle and for defense near the road to Harrisons Landing and on the high ground at this extremity of the large plain referred to, on *hich were parked the several wagon trains of the army. The march of the several corps of the army, with their artillery and wagon trains, was commenced during the nigh; and all poised the point occupied by this brigade at about 10 oclock on the morning of July 2, the rear being handsomely covered thus far byAverells cavalry and Buchanans brigadeof regular troops. Averellscommandthen moved forward, myownbrigadeshortlyfollow. ing, and the Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers was detailed as a rear guard for the wagons. As it had now rained for some hours the con- dition of the road (cut up by such a multitude of wheels) began to be difficult, and the movement was very slow. At a mile and a half I ~sedNa~leE9s brigade, of the same which in turn fell in rear. aving halted my brigade in. the field near s cam it was passed by Naglee?s brigade, he moving to this side of the creek, now forming a portion of the front of our present position. The crossing was here very difficult, but one wagon passinj at a time, and the number had accumulated to near a thousand. The rear guard was followed up by a force of the enemy, consistiugof cavalry, infantry, and two pieces of artillery. Some skirmishing ensued, without loss except2 men miss- ing from the Eighty-fifth, and the infantry sup ml by Greggs cav- alry, retired to .the vicinity of the wagon train. Millers battery, of four brass pieces joined, the brigade before the commencement ofthe march. It being found impracticable to cross the wagons that night 1 was directed to remain as a guard, and at once placed the several regiments in the best position for defenses ndbr the immediate supervision of the commanding officer of the division. Two shots were fired into the plain fr6m the enemys field guns, but were silenced by a few rounds from one of the gunboats. The rain continued most of the night and several hudred wagons remained on the following morning. Addi Page 221 CHAP. XXIIL] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 221 tional bridges were finally constructed and the movement was consid- erably accelerated, so that by about 6 oclock p. m. all the wagons had passe(l. IDuring the day I was re-enforced by the One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers and Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers. Greggs cavalry remained until the last and performed most efficient service, and to the colonel himself I am indebted for active assistance iluring the arduous and trying labor attending on this movement. The train of wagons having crossed, was followed by Millers battery, with the Fifty-sixth and Eighty-first New York Volunteers, all taking position in line on this side of the creek indicated by General Peck, who was indefatigable in his personal exertions to preserve order and provide security in this delicate movement. The Ninety-second New York Vol- unteers and One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers then crossed, and were placed in position like the others. They in turn were h)lloWed by the Eighty-fifth and One hundred and first Pennsylvania Volunteers at a suitable interval, the Ninety-eighth New York Volun- teers in their rear. The One hundred and third Pennsylvania Volunteers and Ninety- sixth New York Volunteers also crossed in turn, the Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers being left as a rear guard. The outposts still re- inained in positioii, a cavalry company being stationed on the road and ~it the opening of the woods in rear of the camp. It was now about 10 oclock l~. in.; the pickets were ~arefnlly withdrawn, and the rear guard completed the crossing without the slightest accident at about 11 oclock an(l the whole brigade in line of battle facing the rear. On the following morning the camp was marked out, and the brigade proceeded to strengthen its position by the construction of rifle pits, klashing timber with epauleruents for artillery, and is now ready to re- ceive the enemy. Very resl)ect9flilly, your obedient servant, II. W. WESSELLS, Capt. W. II. Monnis, Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Pecks Division. No. 93. Reports of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter, U. ~S. Army, commanding Fifth corps, of the battles of ]ilechanicsville, Gaines iJillill, and Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Fraziers Farm), engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of JJifalvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIONAL CoRPS, Camp at Harrisons Landing, Va., July 8, 1862. GENERAL: I have to report that, in accordance with the general instructions communicated to me at the time when the operations of the right wing of this army were confided to my care by the major- general commanding, the extreme flanking force was disposed with a view to the observatiou of the bridges crossing the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridges and Mechanicsville and the line through Hanover to the Pamunkey. There were mere outposts placed at these bridges themselves, the supporting force being strongly posted on the east side of Meadow, or Beaver Creek, which runs through a ravine, and joins the Chickahominy about a mile east of Mechanicsville. This support- ing force consisted of two brigades of the Pennsylvania Reserves, un- der the command of Brig. Gen. J. F. Reynolds. The remainder.-. Page 222 222 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. Meades brigade, of McCalls division, of which these brigades formed a partwas held in reserve with Morells and Sykes divisions on Gaines Farm. The position is naturally a strong one. To increase its defen- sibility earthworks were erected, nuder the sapervision of General Iteynolds, and masked from the view of the enemy. On Thnrsday, Jnne 26, the enemy commenced crossing the bridges already named. In accordance with directions previon~y given the ontposts, observing the access to the crossings, fell back after slight resistance to the already selected line of battle on the eastern crest of Meadow Creek, destroyiuiig the bridges as they retired. Meades brigade was immediately advanced to the support of IReynolds, together with Martindales and Griffins brigades, of Morells division. General McCall at an early honr joined his command in front. The road par- allel to the Chickahominy intersected the line of troops above described near its left. The road from Mechanicsville tnrns jnst before reaching Meadow Creek Valley and runs nearly parallel to it, thus presenting the flank of an approaching enemy to the fire of troops disputing the passage. Down this road and into the ravine caine the enemys column in good order and great force. Our troops were concealed by earth- works flanking this road on the lower side of the ravine. The men coolly reserved their fire until the head of the enemys column was nearly across, then opened a terribly destructive volley in the face and flamuk of the advancing force. The survivors turned and tied in con- sternation, and no second attempt was made in force to cross the road. The enemy then deployed and took positiomi on the opposite side of the ravine, placing artillery in such positions as they could select, and from that time nutil after dark employed their time mainly in persistent efforts to drive us from our position by mere fire of musketry and artil- leryefforts which I cannot but think were attemuded with double the loss to them that we suffered. The firing ceased about 9 p. m. and the men lay on their arms in ranks as they had stood during the day, while exertions were being made by their officers to refill their exhausted cartridge boxes and to bring food to such men as had none in their haversacks, and by the medical department to care for and remove to the rear the wounded, haypily not very numerous on our side. All was made ready for a renewal of the contest on the old ground, or an advammee toward Rich- mond via the bridges which the enemny had crossed, should our success warrant it. During the night, however, as the commuanding general (who had joined me at an early hoar in the afternoon and remnained until about 10 oclock at night) is aware, numerous and unvarying accounts came in from our ontposts and scouts toward the Pamunkey which tended to corroborate the previously received intelligence of the advance of the whole of Jacksons force from the direction of Gordons- ville, whereby our right was to be effectually flanked without at all weakening the force in the imme(liate front of the army. It was thus rendered necessary to select which side of the Chicka- hominy should be held imi force, there beimug on each side an army of our enemies equivalent (in connection with their breastworks) to the whole of our own, and these two armies and defenses well connected with each other, and with IRichmond, their base. But for the concep- tion ~f the idea of a flank mnovement, changing onr base by the left flank to the James River, our position would have left but one alterna- tivea hasty abandonmuent of our attack on Richmnond and a retirement by the way we had advanced. The former plan, however, now so hap- pily accomplished, which was made safe by its very boldness, necess Page 223 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 223 tated the gradual withdrawal of our right. The commanding general, however, left me, with the intention of deciding, on information he should receive on arrival at his own headquarters, whether I should remain where I was and hold Beaver Creek, or retire to a positioii selected by General Barnard near Gaines Mill. General Barnard re- mained with me to conduct my command to the new position, if decided upon to withdraw from Mechanicsville. Immediately after pointing out to me the new ground, General Bar- nard left me, to represent the state of afhiirs to the major-general coin- manding and the necessity for additional trool)s, and also to send me axes, that the proper defenses might to some degree be l)repared. In accordance with the orders of the major-general commanding for this end, received about 2 a. m. on the 27th, the retirement from Me- chanicsville was begun at daylight of Friday, the 27th June. The brigade of General Seymour was the last to start, and that force, under its gallant and skillful commander, most coolly retired, covering the march of the other forces, occupying the attention of the foe so per- fectly that ample time was allowed for all, horse, foot, and artillery, wagons and wounded, to reach their designated posts in the line where a new stand was to be made before crossing the Chickahominy. The guns of position were safely removed from the works xve were about to abandonworks overlooking New Bridgeand during the action of the same afternoon did us good auxiliary service by the fire from Smiths position beyond the Cliickahomniny. On the open plain near those works were posted Tidhalls and ilobertsons Horse Batteries, which carefully watched the road and secure(l the retiring troops from the enemy, now pressing upon Seymours brave band. All finally got securely back within the lines selected for the next stand, near the upper bridges, in use by our forces. General Stoneman (luring the events above described was in com- mand of the force which was detailed to guard the region reaching from Meadow Bridges to the Pamunkey. To his cavalry force was added the Seventeenth New York and Eighteenth Massachusetts Ilegiinents. By the movements of the enemy this command became cut off from its connection with the remainder of my corps, and was therefore ordered to White House to aid in securing the Government pro])erty at that point. The troops have since safely rejoined me via the York amid James iRivers. The actions in which my corps was engaged followed each other in such rapid succession after this auspicious openimig that it was not possible between each two to make a report of losses. The sad list of good soldiers whose loss reduced mny noble corps by so large a part of its numbers in so short a space of time must be made up in one report, bearing date after the last of five battles fought by us in live successive days. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER, Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS FJFTIT PROVJ~IONAL Coups, Camp at flarrisons Landing, Va., July 7, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Friday, the 27th of June, alter the successful withdrawal of the right wing of the arm Page 224 224 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. from Mechanicsville and its encampment on Gaines and ~ farms, near New Bridge, it became necessary for the safety of the material to cover the bridges connecting with the main army across the Chicka- hominy. For this purpose the corps was disposed in a semicircle, having its extremities resting on the stream, while the intermediate portion occupied the ground designated by the major-general com- nianding, it being the best possible for defense nuder the circum- stances. Part of the front was covered by the ravine of the Gaines Mill stream, covered with trees and underbrush, which partially masked our force and screened the reserves from view. By this disposition the roads from Cold Harbor and Mechanicsville, which converge at that poiht, were duly covered and defended. On the front thus formed were posted the divisions of Morell and Sykes, each brigade having in reserve two of its own regiments. Portions of the divisions of artillery of Morell and Sykes were posted to sweep the avenues of approach. The rest were held in reserve. McCalls divis- ion formed a second line in rear of the woods skirting the ravine, Reynolds brigade being posted on the extreme right, to cover the approaches from Cold Harbor and Dispatch Station to Sumners Bridge. General Cooke, with his cavalry, was instructed to take a position under the hill in the valley of the Chickahominy to watch our left flank, and, should the opportunity occur, to strike the enemy on the plain. He was told that he would have nothing to do on the hill. The troops remained in position waiting the approach of the enemys columns, known to be advancing in very great force. Believing my force too small to defend successfully this long line, I asked of General Barnard, who had selected and pointed out this position, to represent to the major-general commanding the necessity of re-enforcement, and he was to send me felling axes for defensive purposes. Deserters from their ranks and loyal citizens of Virginia represented that General Jackson, with 50,000 men, had united his forces with those of Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and D. H. Hill, from Richmond, and that they were advancing, with the determination to overwhelm and crush the Army of the Potomac. The dust from the immense columns of the enemy could be seen for miles, and soon our scouts and pickets warned us that they were extending oVer our whole front. About 2 oclock p. m. they began with their skirmishers to feel for the weakest point of our position, and soon large bodies of infantry, supported by a warm fire of artillery, engaged our whole line. Repulsed in every direction, a few hours of ominous silence ensued, indicating that their troops were being massed for an overwhelming attack. Our infantry and artillery were drawn in toward the center and pOste(l to meet the avalanche. Re-enforcements were again asked for, and all available troops were sent forward by the major-general commanding. About 6 oclock the enemy renewed the attack, advancing immense bodies of infantry, nuder cover of artillery, along the road from Cold Harbor to Adams house, immediately upon our right and center, where Sykes division and Griffins brigade were placed. This furious attack was successfully resisted and repulsed, but immediately renewed by fresh troops. The reserves were l)ushed as rapidly as possible into the woods to the support of Griffin, whose regiments were relieved upon the expenditure of their ammunition. This and all our positions were held against the enormous odds, and the enemy were at times driven back by our battalions of fresh troops as they were successively thrown into action. At each repulse by us fresh troops were thrown by the enemy upnn our exhausted forces, and in such numbers and s Page 225 (HAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 225 rapidly that it appeared as if their reserves were inexhaustible. The action now extending throughout our entire lines, the brigades of Mc- Call were successively thrown forward to give support to Morells hard- pressed division. The promised re-enforcements (Slocums division) arrived just as the last of McCalls troops had been sent in to the relief of those of Morells battalions whose anlinnuition had been exhausted, or to take the place of those which had beeu nearly cut to pieces. New- tons brigade, of Slocums division, being in the advance, was promptly led, regiment after regiment, to the right of Griffins brigade, of Morells division, and the left of Sykes division into the thickest of the fight by its gallant commander. and was soon followed in the same manner by Taylors brigade, each regiment relieving the regiment in advance as soon as the aunnunition of the latter was exhausted. In the mean time Sykes, hard l)ressed ou the right, maintaining his ground with all the obstinacy of the regulars and the spirit of the vol- unteers, required support, and Bartletts brigade, of Slocunis division, was sent to his relief. A portion, however, of Newtons brigade had already been pushed in to the assistance of his left. Previous to the arrival of Slocums brigade, Reynolds, having repulsed the enemy in his front, and hearing the tremendous contest on his left, had, acting under a true maxim and with the generous spirit of a soldier, moved to the sound of cannon, and led his men, regiment after regiment, where our hard-pressed forces required most assistance. As each regi- ment entered the woods to the relief of their exhausted companions the effect was immediately shown by the enemy being driven before them, as evidenced by the sound of musketry growing more and more distant. Some regiments which had been withdrawn after having exhausted their ammunition reformed, repl~nished their boxes, and returned, in one case even for the third time, to this unequal contest. For each regiment thrown into action there seemed to be two or three fresh regiments brought up by the enemy, but our men maintained their own, and necessarily repulsed them until the last regiment had been advanced. As if for a final effort, just as darkness was covering everything from view, the enemy massed his fresh regiments on the right and left and threw them with overpowering force against our thinned and wearied battalions. In anticipation of this our artillery, which till now had been well engaged at favorable points of the field in dealing destruc- tion upon the enemy or held in reserve, was now thrown to the front to cover the withdrawal of our retiring troops. The batteries already engaged continued playing on the coming horde, while the others (in all about eighty guns) successively opened as our troops withdrew from in front of their fire, and checked in some places, in others drove back, the advancing masses. All apl)eared to be doing well, our troops withdrawing in order to the cover of the guns, the enemy retiring, and victory, so far as posses- sion of the field was concerned, had already settled upon our banners, when, to my great surprise, the artillery on the left were thrown into confusion by a charge of cavalry coming from the front. With no infantry to support, these and the other batteries limbered up and moved to the rearsome with deliberation and only after dealing destruction to the enemy; others in haste, but without confusion, leav. ing the battle-field with no enemy upon it. The explanation of this is that although the cavalry had been directed early in the day to keep l~elow the lull and under no circumstances to appear upon the crest, R R-~-.YOL XJ~ PT I Page 226 226 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Onir. XXJIL but to operate, if a favorable opportunity offered, agaiust the flank of the enemy in the bottom-land, Brig. Gen. P. St. George Cooke, doubt- less misinformed, ordered it, as I have since learned, to charge between our infantry and artillery upon the enemy on our left flank, who had not yet emerged from the woods. This charge, executed in the face of a withering fire of infantry and in the midst of heavy cannonading, resulted, of course, in their being thrown into confusion and the be- wildered horses, regardless of the efforts of the riders, wheeled about, and dashing through the batteries, convinced the gunners that they were charged by the enemy. To this alone is to be attributed our fail- ure to hold the battle-field and to bring off all our guns and wounded. At this juncture the cheering shouts of Brigadier-Generals Frenchs and Meaghers men were heard advancing to our support. Although they came too late to give us the aid required to drive back the already retiring foe, they gave renewed courage and confidence to our men, whose regiments formed under their protection and were all withdrawn that night, with the material and supplies, to the other side of thQ Chickahominy. Thus was accomplished, with defeat and heavy loss to the enemy, the withdrawal of the right wing of the army in execution of the orders of the major-general commanding. In these two severe contests of Mechanicsville and the Chickahominy the country has to deplore the loss of many gallant and brave men. In so unequal a struggle (one to three) our losses may be considered as small. It can only be attributed to the skill of the officers and the bravery and discipline of the men. For our success at the battle of Mechanicsville I desire especially to commend the admirable dispositions made by Brigadier-Generals IRey- nolds and Seymour, owing to which, with the skillful management of their men, the losses were few. In this latter respect (the excellent posting of his men) I also commend Brigadier-General Griffin. I desire to express my thanks for the service rendered by those in charge of our siege guns, referred to above, which had been previously moved across the Chickahominy to the command of Brigadier-General Smith, in checking by their destructive fire the enemy from advancing upon our left. At the battle of the Chickahominy I desire especially to call to the attention of the commanding general the conduct of Brigadier- General Sykes and of his brigade commanders, Colonel Warren, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Buchanan, and Major Lovell, who for hours, by the admirable disposition of their men, drove back the enemy and main- tained their ground against fearful odds; to Brigadier-General Morell and his brigade commanders, Martindale, Butterfield, and Griffin, who yielded their position in the front only after their ammunition was ex- pended and their regiments much cut up; to Brigadier-General McCall and his brigade commanders, Reynolds, Meade, and Seymour, who successively led their regiments into the thickest of the fight to support and relieve their exhausted commands; to Brigadier-Generals Newton and Taylor, who also conducted their regiments to the support of Morell and McCall; to Colonel Bartlett, commanding brigade, Sb- cums division, who gallantly assisted General Sykes and repulsed charges of the enemy; to Captain Locke, assistant adjutant-general; Captains Kirkland and Mason, Lieutenants Monteith and McQuade, and Lieutenant Weld, members of my staff, the gallantry of all of whom was conspicuous, and whose services in carrying orders, conduct- ing re-enforcemeuts, directing batteries, and rallying troops were no less valuable than those of the commanders themselves; and to IDr. Lyman, medical director, for hi~ prompt care and attention to the wounded Page 227 JJTAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 227 I beg leave also to express my thanks for the service rendered dur- ing part of the engagement by the aides of the major-general command- ing, Lieutenant-Colonel Radowitz, Major Hammerstein, and Capts. Louis Philippe and Robert dOrleans, whose courage and energy were conspicuous among niany brave men on that days field. I also in this connection express my admiration of the conduct of Captain Hoyt, aide to General Butterfield, who, like all the above aides (mine included), inspired onr men with confidence when rallying them in their retreat and under the fire of the enemy. I cannot further mention individual acts. I give merely those in elevated position whose conduct came nnder my own observation and as an acknowledgment of the services of each command. Many other cases of merit must be left for a more detailed report. In the operations above detailed it is to be regretted that our losses were necessarily severe, but our objects were gained in the unmolested concentration of our army with all its siege guns and material. Among the officers lost to us I regret being obliged to number Brigadier-Gen- eral Reynolds, Major Clitz, Captain Whiting, and Lieut. S. M. Weld, my aide, and Captain Chambliss, who were taken prisoners near the close of the contest. The country will mourn the loss of Colonels Gove, of the Twenty second Massachusetts; McLane, of the Eighty-third, and Black, of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, killed in actiongenial men and gallant officers, who had distinguished themselves on previous occasions; Maj. N. B. Rossell, Third Infantry, and some others who have not yet been officially reported to me. Detailed reports of commanders will be forwarded as they are re- ceived. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER. JULY 12. P. S.Since writing the above I have learned that the call for troops and axes, intrusted to General Barnard early in the day, was never delivered to the commanding general. Axes were again called for, but delivered at too late an hour to be helved and used. Two hundred men of the Eleventh Pennsylvania, detailed to helve them, were all of that regiment saved from capture or destruction. The barricades pre- pared by borrowing the axes of the artillery insured desperate and prolonged resistance, and had the call for axes first asked for and the troops been delivered and filled, the fate of the day and the result of the campaign upon the prolonged contest between the two sections of our country may have been most materially changed. F. J. PORTER, Major- General. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIIONAL CoRPS, Gamp at Harrisons Landing, Va., July 8, 1862. GENERAL: On the 29th of June, the major-general commanding hav- ing decided to move on the following day the whole of the material of the army to a position on the James River near Turkey Island, I was directed, with Morells and 5ykes~ divisions and a portion of the reserve artillery, to proceed to the vicinity of Turkey Bridge, and there select and hold a position behind which the army could be withdrawn i Page 228 228 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. safety. I moved tlie command at sundown that evening on New Market road from White Oak Swamp, but, ignorant of the country, having but one ~uide, we were misled that night and did not succeed in reaching our destination until the following morning at 9 oclock, w here I had two hours earlier selected a position on Malvern Hill west of Turkey Bridge. This hill commanded all the roads leading from Richmond and Chick ahominy Swamp to James River which converge at Turkey Bridge. Here as soon as possible were posted the two divisions, thoronghly cov- ering the River road and the d~bouch~s from the New Market Charles City, and Williamsburg roads. Warrens brigade, of Sykes division, was poste(l in the valley of the creek, across the River road, to prevent the left flank from being turned by an advance from Richmond along the read. Through the command thus posted passed in safety the supply trains of many of the divisions and the reserve artillery of the army, the current only ceasing to flow at about 4 oclock p. in. 30th of June. At about this hour the enemy began to appear and to feel onr front, and abont 5 oclock showed themselves in large force, advancing upon our left flank. Under the cover of the woods skirting the River road the enemy planted his artillery to engage our main force on Malvern Hill, while his infantry, with some artillery, moved direct upon Colonel Warren, with whom he was soon engaged. The enemys demonstration soon brought upon him the concentrated fire of some thirty guns, together with the infantry fire of Colonel War- rens troops. Under these influences the force which had advanced against that part of our line incontinently retreated, leaving two guns in the hands of Colonel Warren and numerous evidences of the destruc- tiveness of th~ artillery which crowned the crest of Malvern Hill. In this connection should be mentioned with due acknowledgment the help of the gunboats, whose welldirected fire of heavy shells gave the very greatest support, moral and physical, to the efforts by which this determined onslaught was repulsed. The assaulting column is understood to have consisted of 15,000 men under General Henry A. W ise, being part or the whole of the division commanded by General Holmes. This is known as the battle of Turkey Bridge. While the battle was taking place, McCalls division, posted on the New Market road to cover the withdrawal of our trains, was attacked by the enemy in immense force. He maintained his place till night-fall, when the surviving portion of his command rejoined the corps, coming in under the command of Brigadier-General Seymour, the only remain- ing general officer on duty. I have here to regret the loss of Brigadier- General McCall, commanding division, taken prisoner, and of the serv- ices of Brigadier-General Meade, severely wounded, and of many other valuable field and line officers, as well as many brave men. This action (the battle of New Market road) lasted from about 4 p. m. till after dark, during which period the remainder of the trains of the whole army had successfully passed the contested point and reached a place of safety within the interior lines of the army. To Generals McCalls, Meades, and Seymours reports, to be made and forwarded hereafter, I must refer for the details of the battle of New Market road, Rud to Generals Couch and Warren for those of Turkey Bridge. II am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., lleadqnarters Army of the Potomac Page 229 CHAP. XXIfl.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 229 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CORPS, Camp at Harrisons Landing, Va., July 8, 1862. GENERAL: While the battle of Turkey Bridge was taking place the necessary arrangements were being made to resist the enemy coming from the direction of New Market and Charles City, who, as a natural conseqnence of previdns operations, might be expected to launch on the following day his whole power against this force, with the hope of annihilating it and destroying the Army of the Potomac. The corps felt the responsibility and accepted it. The position in which we were thrown had certain elements of great strength, and was the best adapted for a battle-field of any with which we have so far been favored. An elevated plateau covered the con- verging roads and was fronted to a certain extent with defensible ravines and low grounds, over which our artillery had excellent play. On trie night of the battle of Turkey Bridge the division of General Morell was placed on the right of the line, with a portion of his division artillery and of Hunts reserve artillery; the (livision of General Sykes on the left, with the same support, and the reserve artillery, under Coilonel hunt, a~~vantageonsly posted for general efficiency, crowning the crest of Malvern Hill. In this position the corps lay on its arms during the night and waited the attack, which took place at about 4 in the afternoon of the 1st of July. Couchs division, which had been sent on the night of the 30th of June to General Sumner, remained in snpport of onr immediate right, and, like our own force, lay on its arms throngh the intermediate time. On the following morning, July 1, the lines were visited and recti- fied by the major-general commanding, and Generals Heintzelman and Sumner, who had retired from White Oak Swamp within our lines during the night, took position on the right of Couch, prepared to resist attack or give support to the left and center, as circumstances should require. Our position was strengthened by the arrival of heavy artil- lery under Colonel Tyler, whose ten sie~e guns were posted so as to control the liver road and sweep our left flank, and by firing over the heads of our own men to reach the enemy, advancing on the Charles City road. At about 1 oclock p. m. the enemy commenced with his artillery an(l skirmishers, feeiing along our whole front, and kept np a desultory firing till about 4 with but little effect. During this firing General Sumner, having withdrawn under the crest of the hill behind 1~l alvern house a portion of his corps, directed me to do the same with mine. I conid not at once refer to the major-general commanding then on the right of the line, and protested against such a movement as disastrous to us, adding Chat as the major-general commanding Ii ad seeii and approved my disposition, and also General Couchs, I could not change without his order, which could soon be obtained if desirable. He de- sisted, and the enemy was soon upon us, compelling him to recall his own corps. The same ominous silence which had preceded the attack in force at Gaines Mill now intervened, lasting till about 6 oclock, at which time the enemy (General John B. Magruders corps) opened upon us sud- denly with the full force of his artillery, and at once began to push forward his columns of infantry to the attack of our positions. Itegi- ineut after regiment, and sometimes whole brigades, were thrown against our batteries, but our infantry withheld their tire till they were ~vithin short distance (artillery mowing them down with canister), dis- pelsed the columns in every case, and in some instances followed th Page 230 230 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. retiring mass, driving them with the bayonet, capturing prisoners, and also flags and other trophies, some of which have been forwarded to youi headquarters. This contest was maintained by Morells and Conchs divisions, the former supported by Sykes, who had thrown some of his regiments to the front and dispersed a large column attempting to take us in flank. A portion of the reserve artillery was also here in action. While the battle was proceeding, seeing that the enemy was pressing our mcii and accumulating his masses to pour fresh troops upon theum, I called for aid from General Sumner, which call was promptly responded to by the arrival of General Meagher, with his brigade, followed by that of Sickles, which General lleintzelman voluntarily and generon sly sent to complete the contest. These brigades I postedSickles on the right of Couch and Meagher on the left of Moreli and in their sup- portwith instructions to push their regiments forward in eche!on of about 100 paces, extending to the rear from the right or left of Couchs division, to relieve those in advance whose ammunition had been ex- pended and to drive the enemy. These directions were promptly and successfully executed. McCalls (now Seymours) division was held in reserve. In the mean time Colonel Hunt hastened and brought up artillery to relieve the batteries whose ammunition had been exhausted and who had successfully borne the brunt of the engagement throughout the day. Long alter the enemys infantry was driven in disorder from the field and our own troops withheld from the desired pursuit these fresh batteries (one of them of 32-pounder howitzers) sent their missiles in destructive search after the rear of his colunm, silencing the guns he placed in position to cover his retreat. The lateness of the hour (9 p. in.) did not permit us to pursue the enemy farther, maintaining due regard to the security of the army, of which we were simply a rear guard, even had we had ammunition and provisions, in both of which particulars our men were sadly deficient. For this brilliant action of my corps, inflicting on the enemy a blow which under other circumstances might have been followed up to a decisive victory, we can only claim that the success obtained secured for the army the following days of peaceful and undisturbed retirement to Harrisons Landing, so essential to rest, recruit, and security. I have to acknowledge the excellent dispositions of the reserve artillery made by Colonel Hunt and the promptness with which bat- teries under the immediate directions of Maj. William Hays and Capt.. George W. Getty were always at hand when wanted to relieve others or to open fire in new positions, and also for valuable services, both by advice and action, received of him and of his assistants. Colonel Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, rendered me valuable service as volunteer aide during the action, au(l to him was confided the command of the rear guard, which held the position keeping the enemy in check by the boldest demonstrations during the march which ensued on the following day from Malvern Hill to Harrisons Lauding. His dispositions were in every respect brilliant in conc~ptiou and satis- factory in result. Under the protection of his regiment and i3uchanans brigade of regulars and Tidballs battery all the troops and all the trains were safely and in proper order and time brought to this depot. Reports of the commanders of divisions will soon be presented, when I shall take occasion to bring to the special notice of the major-general commanding many officers to whose services are due the successes of the day and who merit reward. Among the many noble spirits take Page 231 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 231 from us in this battle I have to mourn the loss of the brave, gallant, and beloved Colonel Woodbury, Fourth Michigan Volunteers, and Colonel Cass, Ninth Massachusetts Vohinteers, who had escaped the dangers of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, and who were about to ~ tXi& ~ vxobX~ eWoit~ aiA tho~n~ o~ their comra~Xe,s crowneO. with suc- cess and themselves with honor. In presenting this my hasty and preliminary report of the services of this corps and of those comniands which accidentally or by order served with it, I cannot close it without a tribute in general terms to the gallant officers and men who have day after day contended suc- cessfully against immense odds in severe battles, made long marches, endured exposure, fatigue, and hunger without a murmur, and patiently awaited attack of the immense forces of the enemy pouring upon us with a confidence of success. Cheered by the example of their officers; held together by mutual confidence, arising from strict discipline; relying under Providence in the justice of their cause, this gallant band has on three occasions withstood the brunt of attack of the main force of the enemy, and finally driven him from the field when expect- ing success to crown his effortsthat success the capture or destruction of this army. I am gratified to be able to add that in this movement of the army to its new base, hard pressed as it has been at times, the corps has maintained its discipline and unity, and with its accustomed cheerfulness and confidence has ever been and is now ready for any duty required of it. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER, Brig. Gen. ~. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the Potomac. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CORPS, July 8, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward to you for the Government at Washington four rebel flags taken in battle by different commands of this corps. Two were captured by the Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Reserve Corps at the battle on the New Market Road, June 30, 1862; another at the same time and place by the Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Reserve Corps, and the fourth by the Eighty- third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Butterfields brigade, Morells division, at the battle of Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. I desire to state that another flag was taken by a regiment of Couchs division at the battle of Malvern Hill from a rebel regiment which had been already cut to pieces by the destructive fire of Kingsburys bat- tery. This flag is properly a trophy of this battery, although it is held and claimed by the above-named regiment of Couchs division. An account of the capture of these flags is attached to each, with the names of the regiments to which they belonged, as well as the names of the captors. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 232 232 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CORPS, July 8. 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward an additional flag captured from the rebels at the battle of the Chickahoininy June 27, 1862, by the Thirteenth New York Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Marshall, Martindales brigade, Morells division, Porters corps, and supposed to have belonged to the First Tennessee Battalion. Sergt. John Marks, Company D, Thirteenth New York Volunteers, was the captor. You will please eanse this, with the rest of the flao~ to the Secretary of War. bs~ to be forwarded I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant. General. No. 94. Report of Got. John F. Farnsworth, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of slcirmis1~ near Hanover Court-House, battles of Mechanicsviile and Gaines Mill, and skirmish at Dispatch Statton. HDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT ILLINOIs CAVALRY, Camp on James River, July 5, 1862. SIR: The following is a brief report of the (loings of my coinnmnd from the time of the attack of the enemy on the 26th of June until the 28th, inclusive: On the morning of the 26th, at about 7 oclock, the rebels commenced the attack upon my picket some 6 miles north of Mechanicsviile, on the Hanover Court-House road. At that time my pickets extended from the farm of the widow Crenshaw, by the way of Atlees and Shady Grove Church, to the place of attack, a company being statione(1 at each of those four places, Major Dnstin, of my regiment, in charge of the whole line, and Capt. R. M. Hooker, with his company (11), on the right. Major Dustin and Captain Hooker had gone np the road toward Hanover a short distance and were returning to the l)ickets, when they were fired upon by a party of the enemy in ambush. They immediately wheeled into the road (it was thickly wooded) and rode rapidly by a circuitous route to join the company. Captain Hooker being seriously, and I fear mortally, wounded by this fire, gave out and was obliged to dismount, and was taken prisoner by the enemy. The major joined the company and at once reported the attack and position of matters. immediately notified all the companies on l)iVket to be on the alert. I also sent two companies to re-enforce Major 1)us- tin, under command of Major Clendenin, and also a company to obstruct the road upon which the rebels were advancing, by felling trees, tearing up bridges, & c., as much as possible. My I)ickets on the right, being hard pressed by infantry and cavalry, fell back slowly, constantly skir- mishing. Soon after Captain Dana, who was on picket at Atlees, sent me word that the enemy had attacked his pickets at Hughes Sto re, and were approaching in force. I directed Captain Dana to fall back slowly in the direction of Shady Grove Church and form a junction with my force there, which he did Page 233 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 233 About 3 oclock T learned that a crossing had also been eftectecl by the enemy at Meadow Bridge, when the company at Mrs. (Drenshaws, being informed of it, also to avoid being cut off; fell back and joined some companies of the Bncktail Rifles, who were on pi~ket at the bridge and upon the said road. Skirmishing contiuned during the whole day, my men frequently driving back the advanced skirmishers of the enemy upon the main body, but, being advanced npon by large forces of infantry, were obliged to give way. They, however, held them at bay so much that not until between 3 and 4 oclock p. m. did the rebels make their appearance in Mechanicsville, and during all that time my men were entirely unsup- ported by either infantry or artillery. I then brought in my meu from that route. At about 1 oclock I sent a company, under Captain Whit- ney, up the Pole Green Church road, and ascertained that the rebels had seiit a force, who were approaching by that road. General Martin- dale, being informed of this, at once so disposed his force as to check them, otherwise they would inevitably have cut off the rear of the forces under General Reynolds at Mechanicsville. At night I put out companies upon the Old Church road and the Pole Green Church road, and held the main body of my command in hand near the intersection of these roads. On the following morning, leaving one company tinder Captain Medill at the corner of the roads to cover the column and give notice to Geim- eral Reynolds of the advance of the enemy by the Pole Green Church road, with the balance of my command I fell back in the rear of the forces of General Martindale to Old Cold Harbor. Captain Medill joined me, bringing up 15 fat cattle which had been abandoned by some quartermaster and which Captain Medill snatched from the very front of the enemy. During the preceding night Dr. Hard, the efficient surgeon of my regiment, succeeded in removing all my sick and wounded, some 40 in number, from my hospital and sending them to the White House Landing in safety. Several times on Friday I sent messages through to General Stone- man in safety, the last time by your request. On Friday afternoon by your request I dispatched Companies E and K, nuder Captains Farims- worth and Kelley, to Dispatch Station, to picket and guard t~e ap- proaches thereabouts. They saw no enemy until the following morn- ing, but during the night they gathered up and sent across the Chickahominy near the railroad bridge numerous stragglers from our own army from the battle-field of Gaines Mill. On Saturday morning, however, time enemys cavalry made their ap- pearance. Skirmishing began and continued until aftermmooi, when, artillery coming up, my companies were obliged to fall batk across the ford at Bottoms Bridge. During the forenoon, however, they succeeded in getting away all time sick and wounded, with the surgeons and nurses from the hospital at Dispatch Station, who were not in- formed of the proximity of the rebels until so informed by my officers. They also removed all the teams, wagons, and ambulances, and what hospital stores they could carry, and then burned the building with the remainder. They also killed several of the enemy, including the officer commanding the cavalry, whose horse was brought in by the man (Sergeant Freelove) who killed him. During the battle of Friday afternoon the balance of my command stood to horse until a portion of your forces gave way, when, seeing the confusion, I directed my men to mount, then deployed them so as to etop the rout as far as possible. I regret to say we succeeded onl Page 234 234 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGI% VA. partially, crossing the Chickahominy that night about 11 oclock and joining my wagons, neither men nor horses having had rest or food for nearly forty-eight hours. The following day I sent a part of my com- mand to finish the destruction of Sumners lower bridge and suppori the artillery there until I was ordered to report to General Marcy in the afternoon, when I called in my command and did so report. The officers and men of my regiment, with scarcely an exception, behaved in the most cool and gallant manner, and displayed, in my opinion, great adroitness as well as daring during those days of con- stant activity and excitement, and bore all their fatigues and privations without the slightest inurrnni of discontent or complaint. Two killed; 10 wounded, including Captain Hooker; 3 missing. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. FARNSWORTH, Colonel, Commanding Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Brig. Gen. FITZ JOHN PORTER, Commanding Provisional Corps. No. 95. Report of Col. William W. Averell, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations June 26July 2. HEADQUARTERS THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Camp near flarrisons Landing, July 7, 1862. SIR: In obedience to instructions contained in circular from head- quarters Fifth Corps I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment since the 26th ultimo: On the 27th, when the corps of General F. J. Porter became engaged with the enemy, I sent Capt. B. S. Jones, with a squadron of this regi- Illent, to picket the railroad from I)ispatch Station to Tunstalls, which duty was well performed by him nntil he was relieved at daylight the next morning. A squadron under the command of Capt. J. C. White went at the same time across the Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge and scoured the country on the left bank of that stream as far down as Jones Bridge. Captain Whites squadron was relieved on the evening of the 27th by Captain Towns, which continued the same duty. In obedience to orders received from the general commanding this army, through General Heintzelman, at 3 oclock a. m. 28th I pro- ceeded with five squadrons of the regiment and crossed the White Oak Swamp Bridge, which was completed at 6.30 a. in., and covered the advance of the army toward the James River about 2 miles, where the advance of the Second Corps was halted for the night. The advance pickets for the night were composed of Companies ID, K, and E, of this regiment, under Captains Gary, Martin, and Russell. By direction of the general commanding thearmy I sent Lieutenant Davis to commu- nicate with the gunboats on James River, which delicate duty was suc- cessfully performed. Early in the morning of the 29th I sent Capt. J. C. White, with his squadron, a section of a light battery, and 200 infantry to Jones Bridge, on the Chickahominy, to prevent the enemy crossing at that point and ~o patrol the right bank of the stream, in order that the army might Pmave the earliest information of any attempt of the enemy to cross. fjL ytain White l)CrfOrmed this duty well, and held Jones Bridge unti Page 235 CHAP. XXIII.1 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 235 the night of June 30, when the enemy attacked him in force with artil- lery. The captain had his horse shot under him. My pickets in ad- vance of the army were relieved about 8 a. m. by Captain Walsh with three companies. At 9 a. m. my pickets in the Quaker road were driven in by a force of rebel cavalry, represented to have been com- posed of five companies of the First North Carolina and four of the Fourth Virginia, under the command of Col. Lawrence Baker. My pickets drew them into a position in front of a section of Major Wests artillery, which opened an effective discharge of canister at short range, which killed a major, 8 men, several horses, and wounded perhaps 100, and threw the regiment into complete disorder, when the reserves to my pickets, led by Captains Walsh and Russell, charged and drove them nearly 2 miles, taking many prisonersI believe about 60. Toward the close of the day I received an order to report to General F. J. Porter for duty with his corps, and under instructions from him took my regiment, Bensons battery, and Colonel Hays regiment infantry and covered the advance of the corps on the road to New Market. Remained on picket duty until morning, when the column was withdrawn and put in the Quaker road, with the exception of one squadron under Captain Town, which remained in position in the road until relieved by General McCall about noon. The regiment was held in position on the Quaker road until 3 p. in., some squadrons being engaged in keeping the wagon trains in order and in arresting stragglers. During this time I was sent to White Oak Bridge by the chief of staff of the general commanding the army, to view the engagement then going on at that point and to give such orders as might be essential to the holding of the position. Upon my return from that duty I rode to Malvern Hill, on the James River, to investigate the position and condition of our advance, and seeing that my regiment could be well employed along the route sent back for it, and it was engaged from that time until next evening in controlling the movements of trains and collecting stragglers and returning them to their regiments. Dur- ing the night of the 30th Lieutenants Newhall and Treichel were sent by the general commanding the army to communicate with our right and center. This hazardous duty was well performed. Lieutenant Newhall passed along the line of our army twice during the night, each time being obliged to go for 1~ miles through the bivouacs of the enemy. At 12 oclock on the night of the 1st instant I received orders from the general commanding to take charge of the rear guard of the army. At daybreak on the 2d I took command of the rear guard, composed of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry and four regiments of U. S. Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan. I found the New York Chasseurs on the field, and assumed command of them also. Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan informed me on my taking command that the enemy was threatening his pickets and advancing toward both his flanks. I sent an officer to the rear to direct the cavalry I had upon the road to push the trains forward with all dispatch and to col- lect those which could not be removed and prepare them for burning; then deployed three regiments of infantry with the Chasseurs along the front, which I immediately covered with a double line of skir- mishers; then advanced the whole line as if for attack, pushing for- ward simultaneously from the right and left wings columns of cavalry and disposing parties of horsemen far to the right and left to divert the attention of the enemy and to give me information of their movements. Observing that the feint was about to succecd, although the cavalry was suffering from the enemys sharpshooters, i sent an officer to th Page 236 236 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. ~XTTI rear to assure the rear of the army of its security, and to bring me back a battery of artillery, of which I was destitute. Captain Frank re- sponded promptly to this call, and soon had four guns in good position in rear on a hill. While he was coming one of my squadrons by a skillful disposition of troopers in sections created a very good semblance of a battery, which moved up under the crest of a hill in front, and went through the motions of going into action front. The enemy with- drew to the woods in their rear, and I held the position until 110 a. m. IIarties of the enemy gaining confidence came out without arms and commenced collecting their dead, with which the fields in front were thickly strewn. At 10, hearing that the rear of the army was 2 miles away, I withdrew my artillery to another good position, with the reserve regiment of infantry; then withdrew the main body of the infantry, and then the line of skirmishers, screening these operations with gal- loping skirmishers of cavalry along the line in front. Two guns taken from the enemy the night before had to be spiked and the carriages broken for want of transportation. I may mention here that I did not observe over a dozen of our dead upon the field and that our wounded were all under shelter. From an early hour the rain commenced falling, and its increasing heaviness assisted to render my operations obscure to the enemy. As soon as the artillery and infantry were well upon the road I directed my cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, to withdra~-, leaving 12 wagons without mules ready for them to destroys The march was con- tinued without incident until the rear crossed Turkey Island Bridge, which was destroyed. A mile farther on I found Brigadier-General Wessells in excellent position with his brigade, and a mile farther omi Brigadier-General Naglee with a second line. Considering our rear perfectly secure, I passed through their lines with my wearied forces and came to this camp. I have the honor to call your attention to the inclosed report of cas- ualties during all these operations of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry.* I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. AVEIRELL, Capt. FRED. T. LOCKE, Colonel, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fifth Provisional Army Corps. No. 96. Report of Col. Henry J. Hunt, commanding Artillery Reserve, of opera. tions June 26July 1. IIDQRS. ARTILLERY REsERVE, ARMY POTOMAC, Camp near Westover, Va., July 7, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the service of the Artillery Reserve in the operations of this army since June 26,1862: Smeads battery of Napoleon guns, attached temporarily to McCalls division, and Edwards battery of Parrotts were engaged at the battle of Mechanicsville, June 26. Smeads report is inclosed herewith. Gib- sons battery of horse artillery was detached on the 25th for service *Seep. 28 Page 237 CRAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 237 with Stonemans column. It is still absent, and no report has been received of its services. On the evening of the 26th Robertsons and Tidballs batteries of horse artillery were ordered to report to Brigadier- General Porter, commanding Fifth Army Corps, on the left bank of the Chickahominy. Smeads battery of light 12-poundcrs, Voegelees battery of 20-pounder Parrotts already with him, and Weeds and Edwards with General Sykes, were actively engaged in the battle of the Chickahominy on the 27th. For the particulars of their ~ervices I refer you to the reports of Lieutenant-Colonel Hays and Major Arudt, commanding brigades, and those of the battery commanders. It will be perceived by reference to Major Arndts report that Die- derichs and Knieriems batteries of 20-pounders, stationed near Goldin gs house, were used with effect in cannonading the enemys right at Gaines Hill. On the 27th Elders and Ames light 12-pounder batteries, of Gettys brigade; Grimms 32-pounder howitzers, and Diederichs and Knieriems 20-pounder Parrotts, under Major Arndtin all thirty-two gnusunder the general charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Getty, reported to Brigadier-General Smith, and took post in front of Goldings, where they were hotly engaged with the enemys batteries of positioii an(l field batteries on Garnetts farm repeatedly during the day. After silencing them they took part in the defense of the position when it was assaulted in the evening. During the afternoon Diedericlis and Knieriems 20-pounders were also usefully employed in cannonading the enemys right on Gaines Hill o hominy. n the opposite side of the Chicka On the 28th Morgans battery was detached and reported to General Kaglee at Bottoms Bridge. For a narrative of the services of the bat- tery I would refer you to the report of Lieutenant Morgan. On the evening of the 28th the reserve took the road for James River. passing through White Oak Swamp. It passed the bridge, and went into camp at General Keyes headquarters, near the junction of the New Market and Charles City roads during the morning of the 29th. On the afternoon of that day Bensons battery of horse artillery was as- signed to service with Averells Horse to make a reconnaissance toward New Market. Diederichs and Knieriems batteries of 20-pounder Par- rotts and Randols of light 12-pounder guns were assigned to McCalls division, and Elders to Keyes corps for special service. Diederichs, Knieriems, and Randols batteries were engaged in the battle of New Market road June 30. From the report of Lientenan: Randol it would appear that they were badly posted and badly sup ported. All that men could do under the circumstances seems to have been done by him and his officers to redeem the errors of others, but it was at the sacrifice on the part of Lieutenant Randol of all his gnus and of two of Knieriems. Randol might have saved his, but was not permitted to do so, as the effort would have brought on another attack. For the particulars of the action reference may be had to Major Arndts report and Lieutenant Randols, inclosed herewith. The loss of Randols guns and the success of the enemys charge upon them might have been prevented but for an error, so common and so deeply rooted as to require special instructions from headquarters to correct it. It appears that the column of attack on the battery con- sisted of three regiments in line. The two first were repulsed. The second repulse -was followed up by a charge froni the supports of the battery. Immediately on meeting the third regiment of the assaulting column the support broke and sought shelter in the battery, closely pursued by the enemy, who entered it wilh them. Had they returned Page 238 238 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIii. as urged and warned beforehand to do, by the flanks of the battery, thus leaving its field of fire clear, the third assault might have been repulsed and the guns saved; but, as is usual, the supports had in the first place taken up their positions in the rear of the guns, amoi~gst the carriages, where they could by no possibility be of use except to repel an attack with the bayonet, and from which position they are almost always sure to fire through the battery. Wheu in this case the sup- ports were repulsed in their sortie they rushed through the battery for their former positions, depriving the artillery of the power of self- defense. I have always found it difficult to get infantry troops ordered to support batteries to take positions on the flanks. They insist upon being either in front or rear of the batteries. Generally the command- ers of these supports rank battery commanders, and the latter are un- able to correct the evil. It is desirable that artillery officers should always be consulted as to the positions to be occupied by their supports. If this is not done, it would be better in most cases to give them no special support, but leave them to the chance assistance of troops in their neighborhood. Lieutenant Ilandols guns were well defended by the gunners, and their loss reflects no discredit on either men or officers. On the 30th that part of the reserve still at headquarters marched to Malvern Hill, and were posted on the height, on the west of the plateau and in front of the brick house. Ou the extreme left of the plateau, overlooking the valley, was stationed Smeads battery of light 12 pound- ers; then Voegelees and Carlisles 20-pounders; then Edwards and Weeds, between whom and the house on the heights were two New York batteries not belonging to the reserve. About 4p. m. the enemy commenced shelling the plateau from a point of wood at Turkey Creek across the valley. He was immediately answered, his fire silenced, his horses killed and men driven off, leaving two guns in our possession. On the 1st of July the positions were held by these batteries very much as on the day before, the line on the left being strengthened by the siege guns under Colonel Tyler. On the right of the plateau were stationed Wolcotts and Snows batteries of the reserve, and Franks battery of New York artillery, temporarily serving with it. Facing the wood which stretches along the Valley road dividing the plateau was placed Grimms 32-pounder howitzers. The horse artillery, the remaining Napoleon guns, Diederichs and Knieriems 20-pounder Par- rotts were held iu reserve near the brick house used as a hospital. Ames and Livingstons were stationed on the left front of the line of battle, near the road and in front of Griffins brigade. During the con- flict of the afternoon such changes were made as exigencies required. Wolcotts, Diederichs, and Knieriems batteries re-enforced General Sumner on the right. Snows and Franks were posted to support Conchs division. Edwards was sent to the front to strengthen the position occupied by Ames. Weeds, Carlisles, and Smeads were posted upon the road by which the enemy, should he succeed in forc- ing our left, would debouch upon the plateau. Toward night his efforts to accomplish this were fierce and persistent, and the whole of the reserve was called into aefion. By direction of General Porter I brought up all the horse artillery under Colonel Hays and Grimms 32-pounder howitzers, and pushed forward to the front of Malvern Heights, where they were immediately brought into action at the point of the enemys main attack, and took a decisive part in the final struggle for the mastery of the position, following up th Page 239 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 239 enemy until darkness and the natnre of the gronnd stopped further pnrsuit. For the particulars reference is invited to reports of commanders of brigades and batteries transmitted herewith. I concnr with theni in the praise awarded to their officers and men, whose conduct in all cases coming under my observation was excellent. The loss of the batteries belonging to the reserve during these opera- tions was: 8 officers wounded, 2 non-commissioned officers and 17 pri- vates killed, 14 non-commissioned officers and 73 privates wounded, a number of them mortally; 17 privates missing, some of them proba- bly killed or wounded; 142 horses killed, 56 wounded, and 23 missing. The officers wounded and the time and place of the actions are: At Mechanicsville, June 26, Lientenant Piper, of Smeads battery, Fifth Artillery, severely. Battle of Chickahominy, June 27, Lieutenant Hayden, Third Artillery, Edwards battery, severely; Lieutenant Kelly, Third Artillery, Edwards battery, slightly; Captain Weed, Fifth Artillery, slightly. At New Market road, June 30, Lientenant Hill, First Artillery, Randols battery, severely; since dead. Malvern Hill, July 1, Second Lieutenant Brownson, Third Artillery, Edwards battery, severely; Lieutenant Van neman, Snows battery, severely, and Lieutenant Bigelow, adjutant of Petherbridges Maryland Brigade, severely. It will be perceived from this and the accompanying reports that the Reserve Artillery had its full share in all these operations; that it was represented at the advanced position at Mechaniesyille by a battery of Napoleon guns and one of 10-pounder Parrotts; in the battle of the Chickahominy by six batteries of various descriptions, besides the aid afforded by the flank fire on the enemys right from two batteries sta- tioned near Goldings; that on the same day it contributed five batteries to our forces at the battle of Garnetts Farm, and furnished the horse artillery to Stonemans command; that it furnished the batteries for the position of Sumners Lower and Bottoms Bridges, and covered the passage of the army by those points; that it furnished three batteries for the battle at the advanced position on the New Market road; that it provided all the artillery which silenced the enemys cannonade at Turkey Bridge; that in the battle of July 1 it re-enforced strongly the whole line, and sent forward its full quota to repel the attacks on our front and left, and finally brought up to the decisive l)oint at the close of the day the howitzers and the three horse batteries, thus bringing every gun of this large artillery force into the most active and decisive use. Not a gun remained unemployed and not one could have been safely spared~ I trust that I may be pardoned for stating here that when we con- sider, in addition to all this, the service of its heavy batteries at York- town; that rendered by furnishing the large force of draught horses required for moving the siege train; the labors of officers and men in fabricating gabiions and fascines and making and laying platforms; the details of its officers for engineer duty in constructing redoubta and batteries; the service of the horse artillery at Williamsburg and in all the operations of Stonemans and other cavalry commands down to tht time of our establishment on the Chickahominy and the part it took in the battle of Hanover Court-House and in minor operations; the great and indispensable service rendered by its complete ammunition train, in not only keeping up fully its own supplies but making good the deficiencies of othersit may be justly claimed that its artillery reserve has contributed its full share to the services rendered by the 4rmy o Page 240 240 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. [CHAr. XXIIL the Potomac, and vindicated in the most complete manner the wisdom and forecast of the general commanding in organizing so completely and thoroughly a special artillery force of such niagnitude, and which events have proved was no larger than necessity required. Captain Carlisle calls special attention to the services of Captain Tafts Fifth New York independent Battery and to the good conduct of his officers and men. Captain Taft, finding his battery could not be mounted in time to take part in the campaign, volunteered its services for the Artillery Reserve, among the batteries of which the officers and men have been distributed. Captain Taft, his officers, Lieutenants Henderson, Denike, and Russell (the latter wounded at Yorktown), his non-commisioned officers, and men have served faithfully, efficiently, and usefully. I recommend them to the favorable consideration of the general commanding, and request that they be organized and nLounte(l as a battery as soon as opportunity offers. The commanders of brigades, Lieutenant-Colonels hays and Getty, Majors Arndt and Petherbridge, and Captain Carlisle, Second Artil- lery, performed their duties on all occasions with skill, courage, and efficiency. Captain Frank, First New York Artillery, temporarily attached to the reserve on the 1st of July, commanded his battery with judgment and effect at Malvern. My personal staff, Lieutenants Carling, Third Artillery, acting assist- ant adjutant-general; Miller, Fourth Artillery, and Ilardin, Third Artil- lery, were at all times and under all circumstances zealous, prompt, au(l indefatigable in the discharge of all their duties on the field, in camp, and on the march,, and I beg leave to present their names to the favor- able consideration of the general commanding. Lieutenant Miller not only kept the reserve batteries well supplied with ammunition, but by supplying the wants of many of the division batteries prevented their being thrown out of action. Lieutenants Randol and Olcott, First Artillery, volunteered their services to me as additional aides-dc-camp on the evening of July 1 at Malvern, and as such were engaged in the hottest of the fight, besides assisting in the service of the 32-pounder howitzer battery in the last struggle on the hill. I wish here to make my acknowledgments to and record the services of Lieat. F. R. Warner, Third Artillery, who was until June 1 acting assistant adjutant-general of the reserve. He labored zealously~ in its organization, and served with it at the siege of Yorktown and until time 1st of June, when an attack of typhoid fever made it necessary to scud him to Old Point. In all the duties devolving on them The labors of the officers of the staff departments attached to the reserve have been faithfully performed, and I am indebted for their services to Brigade Surgeon MeMillan, Assistant Surgeons Goulcy, Jaquett, White and Smith, U. S. Army; Assistant Surgeons Bennett, Wieber, and ODon- nell, volunteer forces; Captain Sappington, commissary of subsistence (especially), and Captain Beazell, assistant quartermaster volunteer forces. Assistant Surgeon Smith was left in charge of the sick and wounded at Savage Station, and Assistant Surgeon White at Malvern. The services of the battery commanders, officers, an(l men are detailed in the reports transmitted herewith, and I respectfully call attentioum to the claims of those whose names are there presented. To the special attention called in the brigade reports to the services of Lieutenants Benjamin, Second Artillery, and Ames, Fifth Artillery, I give my hearty concurrence. The conduct of these officers has been above praise Page 241 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 241 The names of First Sergt. Terrence Reily and Henry Flood, of Light Company M, Second Artillery; First Sergt. James Chester, of Com- pany E, First Artillery (who commanded a section in battle), and First Sergt. Charles Holmann, of Battery K, Fifth Artillery, are especially presented by their battery commanders, Captains Benson and Smead, Lieutenants Eandol and Elder, for commissions, for gallantry on the field. I concur in the recommendations, and request that the name of Quartermaster Sergt. James Davidson, Third Artillery, sergeant-major to the reserve, be added to the list. His character and services justly entitle him to the l)romotion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY J. HUNT, Golonel, Gommanding. Capt. FRED. T. LocKE, Assistant A~jutant- General, Fifth Army Corps. [Indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTH AR1~rY CORPS, September 26, 1862. Respectfully forwarded to the headquarters Army of the Potomac. In my official report of the actions before Richmond I referred to the services of this command, but now take pleasure in again calling atten- tion to the distinguished services of the Reserve Artillery aifd the im~ l)ortance of such resources, as well for the moment when suddenly large reserves are thrown into action as to replace that artillery of divisions which has been disabled in action or otherwise not available. The Re~serve Artillery, under command of Colonel Hunt and lately under Colonel Hays, has been ever judiciously employed, and always was within reach of and employed when it was required. In every case (and this has been in every action, not only in the Army of the Potomac, but in all in which this a~ my was associated with the Army of Yirginia)its services have been marked and valuable, its officers serving with distinguished ability, and doing their frill part to gain the battle by their individual efforts and their cordial co-operation and labors with other troops. I also here especially commend the services of that portion of the reserve which has served as niounted or light artillery or horse artil- lery, whose labors have been severe and losses in some cases irreparable. The officers of the artillery have received but little if any reward for their services, and while their companions of the same date are elevated in rank and command they receive not the reward a soldier seeks and they and the army are conscious that they merit, and the fact tends to discourage them. Their duty to the country which educated them and their patriotism alone keeps them in the service so long as they benefit her. Some have been offi~red promotion iii volunteer regiments, but appreciating the value of their services in the artillery and that they could not be sI)ared from an arm which hastbeen among the most prominent in earning victory they have declined the advancement, while others have avoided seekiiig what they know they could obtain. Such self-sacrifice deserves reward, and taken in connection with their services, I would respectfully ask of the Government promotion by brevet or iii volunteer service. F. J. PCRTER, ]Jift{jor- General, Gommanding. 16 R RYOL XI, PT I Page 242 242 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA (CHAr. XXIII. No. 97. Reports of Lient. Col. William Hays, commanding Brigade of Horse Artil lery, of operations May 6July 1. HDQRS. BRIGADE OF HORSE ARTILLERY, ARTY. lIES., Camp at New Bridge, ITa., June 6,11862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the services of the batteries of the brigade of horse artillery: On the 6th of May, at Williamsburg, Captain Robertsons battery joined General Stonemans command (this command being the advance guard of our army). On the 12th of May, with Captain Tidballs battery, I joined General Stonemans command at Cumberland. The two batteries continued on duty with General Stoneinan until the 31st of May, when they rejoined the Artillery Reserve. Captain Bensons battery was detached with General Porters command on the 27th of May, and took an active and important part in the battle of hanover Court-House. On the 23d of May Captains Robertsons arid Tidballs batteries were placed in positions to drive the enemys troops from New Bridge and the l)anks of the Chickahominy, which service they succeeded in acconi- pushing -in a very short time. The command on the same afternoon marched in the direction of Mechanicsville. When about three-quarters of a mile from the village the enemys artillery opened a fire on us. Lieutenant Dennisons section of Tidballs battery immediately returned the fire. The two batteries were promptly placed in battery iind coin- menced firing. The firing was continued until some time after the enemy had stopped firing. On the following day Lieutenant Penning- tons section of Tidballs battery was or(lered to report P5 General Davidson and was actively engaged in the attack on Mechauicsville. For a more detailed account of the services rendered by the batteries of my command I respectfully refer you to the reports of Captains Robertson ,~ Benson ,t Tidball,j and Pennington,t herewith -inclosed. The officers and men were all active, cool, and efficient under fire, and bore with patience and cheerfully the privations and exposures incident to the arduous and important service they were on. Assist. Surg. Joseph S. Smith, U. S. Ar:~my, was on duty with the command, and performed his duties iii a highly satisfactory manner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM HAYS, Lieutenant- Golonel. Col. HENRY J. HUNT, Commanding Artillery Reserve. HEADQUARTERS BR1GADE OF HORSE ARTILLERY, Camp at Westover, Va., July 7, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to submit the following report of the services of the batteries of this brigade since the 25th of June: On the 25th of June Captain Gibsons battery was detached with General ~ command. No report of his battery has since been received. I hear it has since arrive(l at Fort Monroe. On the 26th Captains Robertsons and Tidballs batteries Joine(l General Porters command on the north side of the Chickahominy and took an active and important part in the battle of the 27th of June. See No. 99. Stm n. ~ ~7, 694, 095, Part 1 Page 243 CRAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 243 On the night of the 28th of June the brigade moved on the road ]ea4ing to the James River. On the 29th Captaiii Bensons battery was sent on a reconnaissance with Colonel Averells cavalry in the direction of New Market ,an(1 rejoined the brigade on the 30th. On the 30th of Jni~, at Malvern Hill, Captain Robertsons battery took part in the firing of our batteiies on a battery of the enemy, which opened a fire on our camp from the woods beyond the swamp on our left. The enemys battery was soon silenced and two of his guns taken. On the 1st instant, late in the afternoon, I was ordered to take two l)atteries (Captains Robertsons and Tidballs) and move forward to where our troops were warmly engaged with the enemy. Captain Ben- son s b~ttery had preceded me to the same point by order of General Porter. As soon as the batteries reached the battle ground they were promptly brought into action, and opened a rapid and effective fire nutil the enemy had disappeared. Every officer and man of the brigade acted with energy, coolness, and ability on this and all other occasions when under fire, and bore with patience and cheerfully the fatigues an(l privations of the different marches. I find it difficult to discriminate where all did so well, but without disparagement to any one I would beg leave to call special notice to Captains Robertson, Benson, and Tid ball, the commanders of batteries, and to Licuts. J. M. Wilson, Barlow, and Pennington, the senior first lieutenants of the respective batteries. For a more detailed account of the services of each battery I refer you to the reports of battery commanders, herewith transmitted, and which are adopted as a part of my report. Officers present with the batteries: Capts. J. M. Robertson, Henry Benson, and J. C. Tidball, and Lients. John M. Wilson, A. C. M. Peniiington, John W. Barlow, Peter C Hams ruff, ~ William N. Dennison, Robert Clarke, Carle A. Wood- Albert Vincent, and Robert Ii. Chapin. WILLIAM HAYS, Lieutenant. Colonel Col. HENRY J. Hu~i~, Commanding Artillery Reserve. No. 98. Reports of Capt. John C. Tidbali, Light Battery A, Second U. S. Artillery, of operations June 27July 6, including the battles of Gaines Mill and Mialvern Hill. CAMP AT WESTOVER, July 6, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that about sundown of the 26th ultimo I was ordered by you to proceed with my battery across the Chickahominy (to the north side) and there report to General Porter at or before daylight the next morning. This I did, and received instruc- tions from hiimi to post my battery on a rising piece of ground on the north side of the main road leading from Mechanicsvihle to Gaines Mill, and about 1 mile from the latter. Hre I was to remain until the troops near Mechaniesyille should pass on their way to a new position beyond Gaines Mill, and then by a judicious misc of my battery delay the advance of the eminx-. t (letached one section. nader Brevet Cap Page 244 244 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. [CHAr. XXIII. tam Penningtou, to a favorable position farther to the right and slightly advanced. The last of our troops passed about 5 oclock a. in., and in a few minutes the enemy made their appearance and opened a fire of musketry upon Captain Penningtons section, which at once opened on and checked them. My other two sections at the same time opened fire upon troops advancing along the road. These ~vere likewise checked. I remained at this position unt.il I supposed all of our troops had passed beyond Gaines Mill, when 1 moved slowly to the rear. Arriving at Gaines Mill, I found that some overloaded wagons had obstructed the road by the bridge, and quite a nnmber of ambulances and a bat- tery of volunteer artillery were not yet across, and all those belonging thereto, as well as numerous stragglers, were engaged in ransacking sutlers stores. It took me about two hours to start forward these vehicles, battery, and stragglers, after which I crossed over my own battery, and, destroying both bridges, remained about one hour longer at this place. The skirmishers of the enemy in the mean time ad- vanced, but it was only occasionally that bodies large enough to tire upon would make their appearance. Withdrawing a short distance farther, I remained at Little Cold Harbor until about ii oclock a. mu., when I received an order from General Porter to rejoin him with my battery at Gaines Mill, which I accordingly did. After expressing his entire satisfaction at the manner in which I had l)erformed the delicate duty assigned me, he directed me to report for further duty to Brigadier-General Sykes. Shortly afterward (about 1 oclock p. in.) the enemy, appearing in force, opened fire with their bat- teries, and the battle of the Chickahomimiy, or Gaines Mill, comnmenced. Soon thereafter General Sykes ordered inc to place my battery on the extreme right of our position, there to assist Captain Weed, of the Fifth Artillery, who was then engaged with the enemity, then playing fiercely with his artillery from the ridge in front of his right flank. Hastening up at a trot and coining into battery, it required but a few minutes to silence the enemy at this point and cause him to change the position of his guns. The ground npon my left sloped off to a marshy slough, fringed with trees and bushes. Along this was posted a bat- talion of regular infantry (the Fourth), for my support; on my right and front came down to within 200 yar(ls the point of a pine forest; directly in my front along the ridge, at about l,00() yards distance, was a growth of young pines, and farther around to my left extended a thin strip of pine woods; upon my left was the open field where was posted the Third Regiment IRegnlar Infantry. In about half an hour the en- emy again returned wBh his guns, and placing them behind the small pines already mentioned opened a hot fire upon ns. Sheltered as they were from our view it required an unusual amount of shelling to silence them. In this way at irregular intervals the enemy would return and as often be driven back by our fire. in the mean while the battle raged upon the ridge extending around upon my left. About 4 oclock p. m. our troops at this point for a time were forced back, and the enemy threatened to sweep dowmi through the thin pine woods before mentioned as being upon my left and front. I at once changed front, so as to meet with canister this new danger. A few rounds were fired into the woods and shell into the open space beyond, which was now occupied by the enemy. Repeated charges of our infantry cleared this space, as far I could see, of the enemy, aiid not knowing the position of our troops in this (lirection, I was fearful of continuing the fire. The ground in rear of my battery not admittin Page 245 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. CHAP. XXJII.J 245 of my caissons in position, I left them near by in charge of my first sergeant, who supplied the exhausted limbers of the guns by con stantlv brinoung up full ones the ~ b When the enemy took possession of the top of the hill the caissons were forced to retire by the falling back of our troops. I had received instrnctions from General Sykes that if forced to retire to take the main road leading to my rear. The ammunition of my limbers, with the exception of a few rounds which I wished to retain for an emergency, was exhausted, aiid being now exposed to a sharp fire of musketry as well as of artillery I thought it prudent to withdraw and seek a posi- tioi where my few remaining rouiids might be effective. I accordingly changed my position a few hundred yards and brought some of my pieces into battery, but it was now so dark that I could not see whether the troops in front were friends or foes, and perceiving it impossible in consequence of the woods to join our troops toward the center of the battle-field I again limbered up and retired slowly by the road pre- scribed by General Sykes. About 9 oclock p. m. I crossed the Chicka- horniny at Woodburys Bridge and returned to my camp. My com- 1)any officers in the engagenient were First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Pennington, First Lieutenant I)ennison, and Second Lieuten- ant Clarke, all of whom, as well as the whole company, did their duty in the most commendable manner. They had been up the whole of the night previous; the day was oppressively hot and water scarce, and all became exhausted by the labor of working the guns. My casualties were Corporal Mathes, Privates Bedford, B ell, Bernhard, Guth, and Quin wounded, none mortally, and 6 horses killed and 3 wounded. I lost nothing in the way of material. I fired during the (lay about 600 rounds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. C. TIDBALL, Captain, Second A rtillery, Commanding Light tiiompany A. Lient. Col. WILLIAM hAys, Commanding Brigade Horse Artillery, A rmy of the Potomac. CAMP AT WESTOVER, July 6, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that soon after dark npon the evening of the 28th nltiino I received orders from you to move with my battery from my camp neaw the Chickahominy by Savage Station oii the Richmond and York River Railroad toward the James River. Starting immediately I marched, xv ith frequent delays, all night, and soon after daylioht ciossed the bridge at White Oak Swamp, and halte(l with the remainder of the Artillery Reserve about 2 miles be- yoiid. On the morning of the :30th resumed our march, and about 12 in. aiTive(l at Malvern Ihill, where we bivouacked for the night. The next morning, July 1, the enemy attacking in force, the battle coin- menced. My battery being held in reserve, was not called into actiou until the dnsk of the evening, when under your directions I moved ftrward upon the battle-field, and took position in a field upon the left of the main road. Here I caine into battery in the only position that I could see not already occupied by other batteries. A battalion of infantry wa~s in my front firing, in consequence of which I could get only my two flank pieces into action. The enemy were retiring, an Page 246 246 THE PENLNS1JLA1~ CAMPAIGN, YA. [CUAP. XXIII. it was l)llt a P~w minutes until the firing ceased along our whole line. in about an hour afterward most of our trooI)s ~vere withdrawn from the field, and I was directed by yon to close in towar(1 the road on niv right and remain in a state of vigilance during the night, occasionally firing a shot into the forest in front of me. About 11 oclock you di- rected me to withdraw and take the road leading to the James River. I accordingly (lid so, and arrived at this point abont 6 oclock the next morning, July 2. In the action of the day previous I met with no casualties, but on the march back one of my caissons breaking was unfortunately lost. On the morning of July 3 the enemy, taking position with artillery on the high ground (now our front), commenced shelling the low ground, which was occupied by our troops. They also threw with great pre- cision a score or so of war rockets. I was directed to prepare my bat- tery for immediate action, and was in a few minutes atterwar(l directed to report to General Smith who ordered me up to the front now ocen- 1)ied by the right of our line. ilere I came into battery abont 1,5(M) yards from the enemys positions and opened fire, and in a few minutes drove the enemy away. I remained at this point until the 5th instant, when, being relieved by another battery, I returned to the camp of the Artillery Reserve. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO C. TIDI3ALL, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Light Company A. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Commanding Brigade horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac. No. 99. Reports of Capt. James Al. Robertson, Batteries B and L, Second U. S. Artillery, of the skirmishes at and battle of IViilia~nsburg, skirmishes at New Kent Court-House and New Bridge, battle of Gaines Mill, engage- ment at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP NEAR NEW B1un~E, VA., June 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I marched from Camp Winfield Scott at 10.30 oclock a. m. Sunday, May 4, 1862, in command of Bat- teries B and L, Second Artillery. Taking the road to Williamsburg, I arrived (about 4 oclock p. in.) at the edge of the woo(ls near the enemys batteries in front of Williamsburg. By order of the general commanding my battery was placed in position in rear of and only a few yards from the woods. Several of the enemys shot falling in my battery, and having no opportunity to reply, I was ordered to retire and take a position on the opposite side of the field. About 12 m. the 5th I was ordered to report to General Smith, aIld was placed in position in a wheat field, and remained till (lark at which time I was withdrawn. On the evening of the 6th I was detached from your brigade, and reported to General Stoneman for duty with the advanced brigade of the armny, and remained on this duty until the 31st of May, 1862, when the battery returned and joined the Reserve Artillery, under the coin- mand of Colonel Hunt. During the time the battery was with General Stonemans column it performed the following service and marches Page 247 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 247 At 6 oclock a. ut, May 7, 1862, left camp near Williamsburg and followed the retreating enemy toward Richmond. The roads were very heavy, and in many places impassable for artillery. Several times during the (lay I was compelled to dismount my cannoneers, build causeways, and cut new roads through the woods. The roads on the 8th were much improved, and we met with no serious obstruc- tions till about 1 p. in. on the 9th, when the enemy opened fire upon us from a concealed battery iu our front. Lieutenant Wilsons (the lead- ing) section was at once put iu position on the road, and Lieutenant Vincents (the center) section placed in position on the right. These two sections at once opened fire, judging the direction and distance by the enemys shot. Lieutenant Woodruffs (the rear) section was now throwu about 200 yards to the left of the road, where the smoke could be seen rising from the enemys guns, and opened fire. Firing from the enemy soon ceased, and the battery advanced to SlatersviLle, near where the enemys guns stood. Several of our shell struck near the rebel guns, one passing entirely through a house and another killing a cavalry horse. Thirty-four shells were fired by my battery during the skirmish, fully one-third of them failing to explode. At Ciiniber]and, on the 11th of May, I found it necessary to make the following repairs to the battery in consequence of the poor material and inferior workmanship used in its construction, viz: One chain to key of ammunition chest, one linchpin, one pole-prop, one chain to tar- bucket, one pole, one large pointing ring, and one handspike. What, however, was of the most importance was the breaking of the bolts connecting the upper and lower portions of the trail-plates on two of the guns. Owing to the lower plate having sprung from its place, the work of replacing these bolts was accomi)lished with difficulty. On the 19th of May, near Parsleys Mill, the plates of a third trail became dis- connected, amid were replaced like the two former. 0mm the 21st of May 1 officer and 24 enlisted men of the Ninth New York Volunteer Cavalry, attached to my battery, were detached by (lirection of the Secretary of War. 0mm the 28d of May the battery was put in position at Hogans, near New Bridge, and opened lire upon some cavalry and a section of the enemys artillery on the opposite bluff of the Chickahominy River. Fifty-one shell were fired, when the enemy retired. The practice was very good in regard to elevation aIi(l direction, bu~ fully one-third of time fuses failed. The battery returned to camp, an(l at 2 p. m. same day marched towar(l Mechaniesrille. As the head of the column was passing the bridge at Ellisoims Mill the enemy opened fire from a battery beyond the hill on the oi)l)osite si(le of time creek. His first shot (a 3-inch solid shot of the Hotclikiss pattern) passed between the teams of one of my I)ieces and lodged in time bank at the side of the road. My battery was ordered to take a position in a field on the left of tIme road and open tire. Ninety shell were fired, but with what effect I am unable to say, Captain Tidhalls battery firing at time sanme time and a hill intervening to obstruct my view. May 27, having arrived at the crossimig of the Virginia Central Rail- road, a section under charge of Lieutenant Wilson was put in position on the road. Soon after a train of cars was seen approaching fromn the (hirection of Hammover Court-House. Having reached a distance of about 1 mile, I ordered him to open fire with percussion shell. At the first shot the train was seen to run back a short distance, and after the second shot to stop. Seeing that the train (lid not move again, afte Page 248 248 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. firing 12 rounds the firing ceased. Upon examination the cars were found deserted, and taken possession of. I was informed the following iuornin~ b who were on cars b y negroes the at the time that the first shot weiit directly over the train, struck, and exploded on the track, awl that they were afraid to run them farther back. During the whole time the battery was detached from the Artillery Reserve I have been most ably and efficiently assisted by my chiefs of sections, viz: First Lient. John M. Wilson, aud Second Lients. Carle A. Woodruff and A. 0. Vincent, of the Second Artillery, and my chiefs of caissons, First Lieut. Perry Bly, Ninth New York Volunteer Cavalry, until he was detached from the battery on the 21st of May, 1862, and also by all the non-commissioned officers and other enlisted men of the battery, both regulars and volunteers, which eutitles them to, and I hereby teuder them, my most sincere thanks. During the skirmish near Slatersville several of the enemys shell exploded in the battery, but without damage, except slightly grazing Private John De Waigner, of Company L, Second Artillery, on the shoulder, with a fragment of ease-shot. Respectfully submitted. J. M. ROBERTSON, Gaptain, Second Artillery, Commanding Batteries B and I. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Comdg. Jiliorse Brig., Res. Arty., Camp near Kew Bridge, Va CAMP NEAR WESTOVER, VA., July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I was detached from your bri- gade on the 26th of June, 1862, and with my own (Robertsons Horse Batteries B and L, Second Artillery) amid Tidballs Horse I3attery A, Second Artillery, ordered to report for duty to General Porter at his headquarters on the north side of the Chickahominy River, near the house of William Gaines. In compliance with these instructions I left my camp near Mitchies house, Virginia, at S p. in., and marched to the brow of the hill near Alexanders Bridge, where I was delayed till 11 oclock p. m. by wagon trains passing the bridge to the south. The bridge having been cleared at 11 p. m. I crossed with my comumand and proceeded on. Owing to the large number of wagons in the road my progress was very slow, and I did not reach the point of rendez- vous till 2 oclock a. m. the 27th. Taking Captain Tidball with me, I at once reported to General Porter in person. After some conversa- tion on the subject, the general assigned each battery to its special duty, relieving me of all further responsibility of Battery A. With my own batteries, B and L, I was posted in a peach orchard near the house of William Gaines, with instructions to cover amid protect the rear of General McCalls division, who were falling back to a point farther down the Chickahominy. Soon after daylight the retiring troops began to pass, and had all filed by my battery except one company of the Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, which had been indicated to me as the rear of the column. Meantime the enemy, having discovered our position or seen the troops passing, opened fire upon us from a heavy gun stationed near the widow Prices house, on the south side of the Chickahominy River. Several shot fell near my battery, but without causing any damage. At this time also the last company was seen approaching across th Page 249 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 249 field in front of the left of my battery, and at the same time sharp skirmishing was heard in a point of woods about 400 yards to the right and front of my right Piece (between the positions occupied by mine and Captain Tidballs battery). Throwing forward my left wing, I waited for our skirmishers to clear the woods, which was indicated to me by a detached section of Captain Tidballs battery opening fire, and commenced shelling the woods iii the direction of the advancing enemy, causing his advance to retire on his reserves. The company which was pointed out to me as the rear of McCalls division having passed and being well on their way to the woods near Hogans, and distinctly hear- ing the enemys columns advancing through the woods on my right and front, I retired simultaneously with Captain Tidballs battery, which was in view on my right, Tidball passing down the road to Gaines Mill in column and my battery in line across the plain to Hogans. I arrived at the entrance of the wood near Hogans just after the rear company of infaiitry had entered it. I broke into column of pieces and passed through to clear ground beyond Dr. Gaines house, where I formed in line and waited for the infantry to again pass. The rear company having, as I supposed, passed me and crossed the two small bridges below, I rode to Dr. Gaines house to inform a small guard sta- tioned there that I was in the rear of the retiring column, when upon looking up the road I saw several stragglers, and upon inquiring of one who just then came up I learned that they were a company of the Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, who by some unaccountable means had been left in the rear. Keeping the small guard of Dr. Gaines house with me I remained till this company (who came up without any officer or formation) had got well past me and I could again hear the enemy approaching through the woods and see his skirmishers on the hill to my right, and having no support within a mile except a small guard of an officer and 17 men I retired. While halted in this last position the enemy opened upon me from a battery on the south side of the Chickahominy and dropped several shot near my battery, but without doing rue any damage. Having completed my instructions I reported with my battery to General Porter at his temporary headquarters near the Adams house and was held in reserve till about 1.30 oclock p. in., when, by order of Gen- eral Porter, I took up a position on the bottom ground to protect the left of the line resting on the Chickahominy Swamp. No enemy ap- pearing at this point I remained in position till near sunset, at which time the left of the line was found to retire. As soon as the infantry had passed into the low ground in front of me I opened with shell, firing over their heads at the advancing enemy. As the first men and officers of the retiring regiment came opposite my battery I used every means in my power, without neglecting my more important duties with the battery, to induce them to halt and reform behind a small hill in my rear, and was most ably and energetically assisted by First Lieut. J. M. Wilson, of my battery, in these endeavors, but without success. The enemy advancing to within range, as soon as the infantry passed I commenced firing canister, and soon drove him from my front to the cover of the woods. The action to my right and front had now become very close, and a battery posted near me on the brow of the hill was forced to retire, leaving two of its gnus on the field. It was now getting to be dusk, and the enemy were appearing on the hill to my right, and seeing no support I limbered up to retire, when I was met by a squadron or more of Rushs Lancers, the coinmandin g officer of which informed me h Page 250 250 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. would protect my right. I again brought my battery into action, and remained holding the enemy in check till I had exhausted all the ammunition in my boxes. I then retired, my rear being protected by the Lancers before mentioned. Taking the road toward Alexanders Bridge, I saw General Porter on the hill before descending to enter the swamp, and was told by him to get a position and come into battery, but upon being informed that I was without ammunition, he ordered me to make my way to my camp on the south side of the river. I arrived and went into camp at Mitchies house at 10.30 oclock p. in. My loss this day was 1 man and 3 horses missing. Saturday, June 28, 1862, Ii left camp at Mitchies house at ii oclock p. in., taking the road past Savage Station, and reached camp near Turkey Creek at 11.30 oclock a. in. June 30, at 2 oclock p. in., the enemy opened an enfilading fire upon a portion of our infantry lying in reserve behind the brow of a hill from a battery stationed in the woods on the west side of the swamp, and the infantry were forced to leave. I at once placed my battery in position, my right resting on the ground the infantry had just left. I fired 157 rounds, when, the enemys battery having retired or been disabled, I ceased firing and returned to camp. On Tuesday, July 1, my battery was held in reserve till after sun- set, when I was ordered forward and placed in position on the left of the road. It being after dark when I arrived oii the field I found some difficulty in getting to the front, owing to a brigade of infantry march- ing off as I was going on the ground. At the time I got my battery in position the fire of the enemy was very brisk, but it soon slackened, and finally, with the exception of an occasional picket shot, ceased alto- gether. At 10 oclock p. in., in obedience to instructions I withdrew my battery and returned to camp. My loss was 1 horse killed and I wounded. At 11 p. in., in obedience to instructions, I moved with my battery, taking the road to Harrisons Bar Landing, and arrive(l near that place at dawn of day on Wednesday, July 2. Tlmr~day, July 3, I reported to General Sykes for duty with my battery, but my services not being needed I was held in reserve until late in the afternoon, when I went into camp near Westover, where I now am. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officers of my battery, First Lient. J. M. Wilson and Second Lieuts. Carle A. Woodruff and Albert 0. Vincent, and also to all the non-commissioned officers and privates, for their coolness and strict obedience to orders while umider fire, especially on the evening of the 27th of June, when, after h avimig limbered up to retire, they were again brought into action on the same ground under a direct and flank fire. Where all did so well it is mm- possible for me to particularize. Respectfully submitted. J. M. ROBERTSON, Captain, Second Artillery, Comdg. florse Batteries B and L. Lient. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Second Artillery, Corndg. Horse Artillery Brigade, I~eserve Artillery, Camp near Westover, Va. CAMP NEAR WESTOVER, VA., July 9, 1862. SIR: In my report of July 5 I inadvertently omitted to nientiomi the name of First Lieut. A. M. liandol, First Artillery, and miow beg leav Page 251 CHAP. XXIIJ.J SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 251 to state that soon after I reported to General Sykes, on the morning of July 3, Lieutenant Randol joined my battery as a volunteer, with 1 sergeant and 12 privates. The battery not being called into action, late in the afternoon he received an order to report to Colonel Hunt to fit out a new battery aiid left me. Respectfully submitted. J. M. ROBERTSON, Captain, Second A rtillery, Corndg. Horse Batteries B and L. Col. WILLIAM HAYS, Arty. Brig., Artillery Second Arty., tJomdg. Horse Reserve. No. 100. Report of Capt. Henry Benson, Second U. S. Artillery, of operations June 28Jitly 2, including the battle of ]Iilialvern Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISoNS LANDING, July 0, 1802. SIR: I have to report for the information of the colonel commanding the brigade of horse artillery the operations of my battery dnring the following days: The battery left Camp Lincoln, near Savage Station, on the after- noon of the 28th of Jnne, and occupied the ground in front of the resi- dence of Mrs. CoucI~, to command the bridge across the Chickahominy at that point. The object was to drive the enemy back should he attempt to cross the bridge. On several occasions dnring the afternooii the enemy appeared in force near the head of the bridge, and at one time a body of infantry approached apparently with the intention of crossing, but a few Schenkl shell dropped among his troops caused him to retire. The battery remained in positiou until 10 p. in., and then retired in the direction of the bridge across White Oak Swamp. The march was continued until the afternoon of the 29th, when the battery was moved to an advanced position on the New Market road, where it remained during the night, the men standing at their guns all night. At daydawn the battery was withdrawn? and retired in the di- rection of White Oak Swamp. During the 30th the march was continued until the battery reached Malvern Hill, where it camped for the night. On the morning of July 1 had one horse severely wounded by a shell from the enemy, and late in the afternoon the battery moved rapidly to the front, and opened fire on the enemys infantry engaged with the division of 0-en- eral Couch. This fire was continued until his infantry retired, when it was discontinued. The battery remained in position until ordered to return by the colonel commanding brigade, leaving one section, under command of Lieutenant Barlow, to cover the returning infantry, and then marched to camp near Charles City Court-House, where it arrived on the morning of the 2d instant. Loss during the days mentioned above was 3 horses wounded and 2 lost. Lieutenants Barlow, Hams, and Chapin commanded their sections with their usual gallantry. Conduct of non-commissioned officers and men, although broken down for want of sleep and rest, was admirable on the march and in battle. I would respectfully hand in the name Page 252 252 THE PENINSULAI~ CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. of Sergts. Terrence Riely and henry Flood, of my battery, for coni- missions for distinguished conduct in the field at Hanover Court-House and on other occasions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY BENSON, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding. Col. WILLIAM HAYs, Gommanding Brigade of Horse Artillery. No. 101. Report of Lient. C~ol. George XV. Getty, commanding Second Brigade, Artil lery Reserve, of operations June 26July 1. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, ARTILLERY RESERVE, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 8, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the services of the Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve, during the operations Iroin the 26th of June to the 1st of July, 1862: Sineads battery (K, Fifth Artillery), consistn)g of four light 12- pounder guns, was l)resent at the battles of Mechanicsville and Chicka- hominy on the 26th and 27th of June, 1862, being attached temporarily to the division of General McCall. For detailed report of the Opera- tions of this battery in those actions I refer to the report of Captain Smead, already submitted. On the 30th of June, this battery was placed in position on the bluff near the Malveru house, on the ex- treme left of the line of batteries, and rendered efficient service. On the morning of the 27th of June Ames and Elders batteries (A, Fifth Ai{illery, and K, First Artillery), of six light 12-l)ounder guns each, were Or(lere(l to the (livision of Brig. Gen. William F. Smith. Elders battery was held in reserve, while Ames was i)laeed in position with other batteries on a knoll about 700 yar(Is in rear of the earth- works thrown up (luring the previous night in the wheat field near James Garnetts house. Whilst in this l)ositiou it was subjected to a terrific cannonade from the guns of the enemy placed in redoubts and horn their field batteries, numbering in all probably twenty-four guns. At night-fall, after the firing ceased, it was withdrawn and ordered to its camp, iiear Dr. Trents house. Elders battery remained with Smith, and was l)oste(l during the night as follows: Two sections near the redoubt covering the entrance to the lines, the remaining section cov- ering the bridge on the Chickahominy. On the morning of the 28th the battery was withdrawn and took l)ositiOn at Courtneys house where it remained during the day. Dur- ing the early part of the night it joined the brigade near Savage Sta- tion, on the road crossing White Oak Swamp. On the afternoon of the 29th Eiders and Randols (K, First Artil- lery, and E, First Artillery) were (letached by your order, the former with the corps of General Keyes, the latter with the division of McCall. For the services of their batteries while detached I refer to the reports of Lieutenants Randol and Elder, herewith submitted. At the battle of Malvern, July 1, Ames battery was l)osted On the right of the main road leading by the house, and, with other batteries. was supported by the division of General Morell. The battery remaine Page 253 CRAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 253 on the field during the entire day, awl was handled with great skill. Over 1,300 rounds of ammunition was expended by this battery during the day. Sineads battery was held in reserve. About dusk it was placed in battery across the ham road in rear of the main position, with orders to act as occasion mibht require. I be~g leave to call your attention to the admirable behavior of the non-commissioned officers and men of the batteries. 1)uring all these operations they bore the fatigue and deprivation of sleep, and in many cases of food, without murmnr, and were at all times ready and eager for action. The commanders of batteries, Capt. John 11. Smead, First Lienten- ants iRandol, Morgan, Elder, and Ames, are entitled to much cre(lit for the able manner in which they managed their batteries. First Licut. Adelbert Ames, commanding Battery A, Fifth Artillery, deserves par- ticular muention for gallantry and skill at the battles of Chickahominy and Malvern. He was ably snpported by his chiefs of section, First Lieut. William D. Fuller, Third Artillery, and Second Lients. James Gilliss and George W. Crabb, Fifth Artillery. In this connection I respectfully call your attention to the gallant conduct of First Lieut. San~uel N. Benjamin, of Carlisles battery, on the afternoon of the 27th June, 1862. Although disabled and unable to stan(1 without crutches, he remained with Lieutenant Ames battery after his OWIl had been withdrawn, and directed an(l encouraged the immen until the firing ceased. He remained with the battery until it was withdrawn, after night-fall. On this occasion Captaiu Carlisles (Second Artillery) con- duct was also admirable. Other officers of the batteries doubtless be- haved with gallantry and skill; all, however, with the exception of those mentioned above, were most of the time on detached service. I was therefore deprived of the opportunity of observing their conduct. Asst. Surg. John W. S. Gouley, U. S. Army, the medical officer of the brigade, was on the field on the 27th Jumme. On this occasion and at the battle of Malvern his professional services in the care and treat- ment of the wounded were invaluable. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. GETTY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Col. HENRY J. Hti~r Commanding Arti4ery Reserve. No. 102. Reports 9f Lieut. Alanson 111. Randol, Battery E, First U. S. Artillery, of operations ]Jifay 27June 30 inc , Net ~,ons Farm (Fraziers Farm$ luding the battle of Glendale or CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, VA., July 6, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my battery, E, First Artillery, arrived in camp near New Bridge May 27. On June 1 I was ordered with my whole battery to a position near one of the bridges on the Chickahominy, and remained th~re until about sunset, when I was relieved by part of the Maryland Artillery. The whole battery was again on picket at New Bridge June 5, remaining in position twenty Page 254 254 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. four hours. On the 9th of June the right and left sections were again on picketthe right at New Bridge and the left at the bridge im- mediately below it. Ou the 11th of June J crossed the Chickahominy to Camp Lincoln. On the 27th of June, while the battle was in prog- ress beyond the Chickahominy, my battery was hitched up and in readiness, but did not leave camp nutil the morning of the 28th, when it took a pos~ion to command the bridgeLieutenant Hill and the right section on the road near the bridge, Lieutenant Olcott and the left seetion at the bridge immediately below, the center section movable. As soon as the bridge was destroyed Lieutenant Hill moved his section back some 200 yards, and took up a position to command the bridge. At about 11 oclock. p. m. the order was given to retreat, and I marched all night and part of the next day, crossing White Oak Swamp, and coining into the temporary camp of the Artillery Reserve about 11 a. m. on the 29th. Toward evening, in compliance with your orders, 1 reported with my battery to General McCall on the New Market road, and was placed l)y him on picket during the night. On the 30th of June my whole battery was engage(l in action with the enemy until about 4.30 p. in., when my supports became I)anic-strnck and ran. My cannoneers were driven from their posts with the bayonet and my guns were taken. I rallied a few companies of the supporting regiment and retook my guns, but was unable to hold them or remove them from the field. I then joined the remnant of my battery, and reported with them at City Point same night. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, A. M. RANI)OL, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Gommandinq Battery F. Lieut. Col. GEORGE W. GETTY, Commanding & cond Brigade, Artillery Reserve. CAMP NEAR HARnISONS LANDING, VA., July 7, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in compliance with sour orders I left the temporary camp of the Artillery Reserve, near White Oak Swamp, on the evening of the 28th of Jnne, in company with Ben- sons battery, and reported t o General McCall oii the New lxi arket road, near the junction of the road leading to Malvern lull. At dusk we proceeded about a mile and a half along the New Market road, x~ hen I was ordered by General McCall to place the battery in J)Osition in a field on the right of the road and await further orders. The position designated by the general was at the foot of a hill covered with small trees and underbrush, the soil swampy. Supposing that the field was selected merely for an encampment for the night, and not for a position of defense, I made no objection to entering it. Fortu- nately the enemy did not make his appearance, and nothing of iinpor- tance occurred during the night except three disgraceful staml)edes by the infantry of McCalls division. About an hour before daybreak an aide of General McCalls informed me that the (hivision was on the. wrono~ road, having moved too far to the west, and ordered me to hitch in and follow them to the junction ot the two roa(is above mentiomied. I did so, and on applying to General McCall fov fYirther orders was told to remain where I was Page 255 CHAP~ XXIILJ SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 255 About 2 p. ni. our advance pickets on the New Market road were driven in and measures immediately taken for forming our line of battle. I was ordered by Brigadier-General Meade to place my battery on a field on the right of the New Market road and on the left of Captain Thompsons battery (G, of the Second Artillery). Not having room for the whole battery, I placed four pieces in I)OsitiOfl, leaving the left sec- tion (Lieutenant Olcott) movable. Soon after General Kearny appeared omi the field and changed the front of Captain Thompsons battery to right angles with mine. I then l)laced one piece of Lieutenant Olcotts section in position in the road on my left, near the woods, t 0 command it. Shortly after the enemy al)peare(l in some force on our left and drove a regiment of onr skirmishers, who ran without firing a shot. Imme- diately after the enemy opened fire oii the batteries on my left, which was at once replied to, and a fierce cannonading ensued, which lasted about thirty minutes. As the enemy was beyond the ranbe of my guns and their movements hidden by the woods I did not open on them, lest I should unnecessarily expose the battery to a fire which we could not retnrn with any effect. After the firing of the enemy had ceased, and while they were supposed to be forming for a charge, at the suggestion of General Meade I fired four rounds of spherical case into the woods in front of me, but receiving no reply, a regiment of Pennsylvania Reserves was sent into the woods on my left to ascertain their position. They met them, fired one volley, broke and ran, closely pursued by the enemy. As soon as our flying troops had unmasked Lieutenant Olcotts gun he opened on the enemy with canister, making a terrible slaughter in their ranks. After this first attack of the enemy on the batteries on my left having been rel)ulsed, I ordered Lieutenant Olcott to limber up and come in battery with his section on my right. Soon the enemy made a secommd attack on the batteries on my left, when I changed front forward on my left piece, so as to take them in flank. Again tlmey were forced to retire, but not until they had driven the cannoneers away fi-orn all of the batteries on the left and killed many of their horses. They next appeared on my present right flank (my former front), when I immediately changed front to the rear on my left l)iece. Captain Thompson also changed front to a line parallel to mine, his pieces being in line with mny caissons. The rebels approached under cover to within 300 yards, whemi I opened on them with canister. They came boldly on, notwithstanding the frightful havoc made among them, to within 100 yar(ls of the battery, when they broke and ran, but were rallied behind a second regmment, advancing to the attack, who ap- proached to about 50 yards, but they too were driven back in confusion with great slaughter. My infantry supports, who daring the attack were lying down between the lines of my limbers and caissons firing at the enemy, arising for a charge on the disordered mass, I ceased firing. Early imi the engagement I had cautioned both officers and men of my supports that if they charged in front of the battery and were obliged to fall back, they should at once unmask my fire by returning by the flanks of the battery. They rushed boldly to the charge, con- fident of an easy victory, but being met by a fresh regiment, the third of the colunmn of attack, they fired once, were seized by unaccountable panic and fled, threw away their arms, and rushed directly for the bat- tery. I in vain endeavored to make them unmask my fire. On they came, the foe close behind them, till when wit.Lmin 3(~ yards I gave the command to fire; but it was too late. They rushed the bat- through tery, thllowed by nearly 50 of time enemy. WT liemi our troops broke 1 ordered the pieces to be limbered to the rear, but 38 of my horses la Page 256 256 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. dead on the field and many were badly wounded. Captain Thompsons battery had opened fire also, and being on the same line with our cais- Sons it was impossible to move up the limbers of the caissons, so I ordered them to leave the field. When the enemy entered the battery they drove the cannoneers (who had up to this time kept up the fire) from their posts at the point of the bayonet, and took Lieutenant Hill, who was badly wounded, a pri~oner. It was impossible to stop all our frightened, flying supports, but I rallied a few companies, and with them charged the battery and retook it, one of their officers recapturing Lieutenant Hill; but we could not hold our advantage. The enemy were within 50 yards, charg- ing again, and I was obliged to leave the field. I found two caissons and four limbers and the bulk of the men of my battery on the road about half a mile from the battle-field, and proceeded with theni to the hospital, where the wounded of my battery had been carried. Soon afterward I moved the remnant of the bat- tery, carrying all my woun(led except 2 to City Point, where I reported in persou to the colonel. My loss during the action was 2 killed and 8 wounded. Thirty-eight horses were killed and 8 wounded. I also lost six light 12-pounder guns, four caissons partially packed, and two lim- bers. The regiment that pretended to support the battery was the Fourth lieginient Pennsylvania Reserves. They acted very badly, rushing forward as if to charge the enemy, receiving one volley, breaking amid running, notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts of General Meade and his staff to rally them. I would particularly call your attention to the conduct of my officers and men during the engagement. It was gallant and memitorious in the extreme, although almost completely worn-out by frequent picket duty and long and tedious marches night and day; yet they performed their duty willingly and cheerfully, and manfully stood by their guns till (being unarmed) they were driven from themn at the point of the bayonet. Lieutenant Hill, who was badly wounded, taken prisoner, but retaken, acted with commendable bravery and coolness, and was one of the last to leave the field. Too much praise canuot be bestowed upon the conduct of Lient. E. W. Olcott during the whole engagement; constantly active, ever foremnost in the fray, endeavoring to rally our panic-stricken supports by voice and action, it was a miracle he was not killed. After we had been driven from the battery he joined Cap. lain Thompson, and did noble duty as cammnoneer to one of his guns. He left the field with me, but after we had assembled the remnants of the battery he retnrmmed and acted as volunteer aide to one of our gen- erals. All my non-commissioned officers performed their duty with great gallantry, and where all did so imobly it would seem invidious to make any distinction among them; but I would particularly recomumend for promotion my first sergeant, Janies Chester, who commanded the center section of the battery, and exhibited qualities which eminently fit him for a higher position than the one lie now fills. The greater part of my command were imi the attacks ou Forts Sumter and Pickens, and they did imot belie the almost world-wide rel)ntation they there obtained for bravery, skill, and en duraii cc. Very respectfully, yommr ci )edient servant, A. N. RANDOL, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Gomdg. Battery B. Col. GEORGE W. GETTY, U. S. Army, Gomdg. Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve Page 257 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 257 CAMP o~ ARTILLERY RESERVE, July 25, 1862. GENERAL: In my official report of the .baVtle of New Market I stated it was the Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves that rushed toward the enemy, received one volley, broke and ran, charging through my battery. Since then I have been led to believe, from testimony given in court of inquiry and statement made to me by Colonel Magilton, that I was mistaken about the number of the regiment. My mistake arose from the fact that Colonej Magiltons regiment was early in the engagement posted between my limbers and caissons, and I was not then aware he had changed his position and another regiment taken his ])lace. In justice to Colonel Magilton I would therefore respectfully request that so much of my report as (lesiguates the number of the regiment be corrected, the rest of the report remaining unaltered. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, A. M. RANDOL, First Lieutenant, First Artillery. Brig. (len. FITZ JOHN PORTER, Commanding Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. No. 103. Report of Lieut. & ~muel i~. Elder, Battery K, First U. ~. Artillery, of operations June 27July 3. CAMP NEAR ~IARRISONS BEND, July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that having been temporarily trans- ferred to Light Company K, First Artillery, I assumed command of that company June 26, 1862, at Camp Lincoln, near Trents house, on the Chickahominy. On the 27th I was ordered to proceed to the front with the battery of maneuver and remained in line on the plain near the headquarters of Brigadier.General Smith until the even ing of the 28th, when I was ordered to place two sections of my battery on the right and front of our line of intrenchments at that point, which was done under a brisk fire of the enemys musketry, with no other easualt v than the loss of one man mortally wounded, Private James Kellian, of Company G, First Artillery, who has since died. My remaining sectiou was in the mean time placed tocommand the bridge over the Chicka- liominy, which had been partially destroyed. On the 29th the sections were withdrawn and the battery placed in position about 1,200 yards in rear of our line of intrenchments. About 9 oclock a. m. of the same day the battery was withdrawn, and after a tedious march joined the Artillery Reserve in C~1fll) neat 1 he crossing of the White Oak Swamp about noon of the 30th. 1 was liei-e (hirecte(l to report to Major-General Keyes, and by him ordered to l)lace myself under command of Brigadier-General Couch, and under his orders arrived on the James River on the morning of July 1, 1862, at a point near Turkey Bridge. In compliance with orders from General Keyes I placed my right section in battery on an elevation command- ing Turkey Bridge, masking the pieces, and the remaining font pieces in position on the right of the generals headquarters. On tlte 2d of 17 n RVOL Xl, PT I Page 258 258 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Cuir. XXIII, July 1 was relieved from duty with General Keyes aud ordered to report for duty to General Smith, who directed the battery to be placed in position on his right. About 1 oclock on the morning of the 3d I was relieved from duty with General Smiths command and ordered to fall back to this point, where the battery arrived about 6 oclock p. in. I regret to report that while on the march to this camp one of the carriages of Battery G, Fourth Artillery, which had fallen in rear of its battery, drove up at a trot while one of my pieces was crossing a narrow bridge, crowding the horses from the bridge intothe stream~, which was some 5 or 6 feet deep, drowning 3 of my horses, severely injuring one of my drivers, and temporarily disabling the piece. It was impossible to save the limber under the circumstances, and the road xvas rapidly being blocked up. I therefore attached a prolonge to the lunette of the axle-strap, drew the piece to the rear, and unlimbering a caisson lini- bered up the piece and abandoned the caisson, having first destroyed the ammunition. I have also to report that 4 men of the battery are missing since the night of June 30. The men of the battery had been three nights without sleep, and during the temporary halts which the nature of the road made necessary would drop asleep in their saddles and by the guns. Several were thus left behind the battery, not being seen in the darkness. I regret to say that four of these are still absent. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. S. ELDER First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Comdg. Battey K. Lient. Col. GEORGE W. GETTY, Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve. No. 104. Report of Lient. Charles H. Morgan, Battery U, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of operations June 19July 4. CAMP NEAR JAMES RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862. SIR: In accordance with your directions I have the honor to snbniit the following report of the services of Battery G, Fourth Artillery, since it joined your brigade on the evening of the 19th June, 1862: Until the morning of the 28th no special service was rendered, though the battery was frequently in harness ix~any hours at a time waiting for orders. About daylight on the 28th a section of the battery was placed in position to dispute the crossing of Grapevine Bridge. About 10 a. m. of the same day the battery marched to Bottoms Bridge (a march of 10 or 12 miles), where I reported to General Kaglee. The battery was placed in position here to dispute the crossing. At 4 p. in. the next day I drew off four of the pieces, all the caissons, and three picce~ and caissons of a volunteer battery, leaving a section behind, under Lieutenant IDickenson. One piece of this section joined the battery that night, the other the day that the re& erve arrived at its pre~en t camp. After leaving Bottoms Bridge I reported to General Peck at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and marched with his conunand to the James River. On this occasion the battery was on the road from 4 p. rn. till 11 a. m. on the 30th, a period of nineteen hours. At 2 oclock I. m. on the 30th I was ordered to report to the chief of artillery of Keyes corps. The battery was placed in line of battl Page 259 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 259 about 4 oclock, where it remained until 110011 of the next day, when it was ordered to the rear again and placed in line of battle in Smiths division. About 5 oclock it was withdrawn, marched to the bottom on the river, where it was parked till 1 a. m. on the 2d July, when it resumed the march for the camp now occupied by the Artillery Reserve, where it arrived at 6 a. m. At noon on the 3d July the battery was again in line of battle in Smiths division, where it now remains. From the 30th June to the 4th July the men were without rations except such food as could be found without apparent owners on the road, with the exception of a little hard bread and cotThe issued at the lauding on the 2d July. I have expended to date 11 round shell, 10 solid shot, and 6 spherical case. The right piece, under Lieutenant Dickenson, fired a few rounds during the battle of Monday. The rest of the ammunition has been expended on picket or advanced duty. One man disappeared on the night of the 1st July, supposed to have straggled and been taken prisoner. Two horses (one unserviceable) were lost on the march. ~o other casualty or loss of material has occurred, and the battery is now en- tirely serviceable. It will be seen that the battery has not becit with- out its share of severe work, though deprived of the more agreeable duty of engaging in action. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. MORGAN, First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, Commanding Battery. Col. GEORGE W. GETTY, Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve. No. 105. Reports of Dicut. Adelbert Ames, Batt~~-~ A, hfth U. S. Artillery, of action at Garnetts Farm and battle of ]I/Ialvcrn Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS BAR LANDING, VA., July 5, 1862. SIR: On the 27th of June last Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery, was ordered into position near the banks of the Chickahonminy RiVer in front of General Smiths lines. About l~ oclock a heavy cannonade was opened upon us by five rebel batteries, four of which were in field works. Their distances varied from 800 to 1,500 yards and their fire converging. After a cannonading of about aii hour and a half they were silenced. Their loss is supposed to have been considerable. During the afternoon all the batteries but my own were withdrawn, the firino having ceased. At about sunset a brisk fire was opened on us. It con- tinned fifteen or twenty minutes. The enemys guns nunibered at least twenty and their practice very good. I)uring both engagements our guns were served xvith coolness aiid effect. The amount of ammunition I expended was 273 rounds. My officers, First Lieut. W. D. Fuller, Third Artillery, and Second Lieuts. J. Gilliss and George W. Crabb, Fifth Artillery, conducted themselves most creditably. I consider it my duty to call your atten- tion to the gallant conduct of First Lieut. S. N. Benjamin, Second Artil- lery. Although lame and obliged to use crutches he remained on th Page 260 260 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. ECHAr. XXIfl. field after his o~vii battery had retired, and greatly assisted me in the second cannonading. I am, sir, very reSI)ectflllly, your obedient servant, A. AMES, First Lieatcnauit, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery A. Licut. (Jol. GEORGE W. GETTY Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve. CAMP SEAR HARRISoNS BAR LANDINO~ VA., July 4, 1862. SiR: I have the honor to submit to you the following rel)ort of the engagement of Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery, in the battle of July 1,1862: The battery was in position in a field at distances varying from 400 to 1,100 yards from woods occupied by the enemy. In the forenoon a heavy caiiuonadiiig was opened upon us and continued at intervals during the day. Early in the afternoon the enemy charged a battery on our right, but were entirely ent up, with loss of their colors. In this instance our canister were very effective. Vigorous attempts were afterward made by heavy masses to turn our left. A heavy artillery fire was time to time. poured into them, canister being nsed from After night-hill all our ainmnnition but a few rounds of canister was exl)ended. To use them to advantage we maintained our position for some time un(ler a heavy musketry fire. During the battle 1,392 rounds of ammunition were expended. To obtain this quantity the caissons were sent to the rear as soon as emptied. Had not the annunnition train been removed we would not have failed of ammunition at any time. Dnring the time we were in position two or three batteries were suc- cessively in position on our left and three or four on our right, being relieved as their ammunition was expended. My officers, First Lient. W. D. Fuller, Third Artillery, and Second Lients. J. Gilliss and George W. Crabb, Fifth Artillery, behaved with great coolness and bravery, and ably seconded all my efforts. My non- commissioned officers made them selves conspicuous by their bravery and skill in handling their guns. Every private of the battery nobly did his duty. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. AMES, First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery A. Lient. Col. GEORGE W. GETT Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve. No. 106. Reports oJ Capt. elohn N. Sniead, Battery K, Fifth U. ~S. Artillery, of opera tions May 11July 2, including the battles of Meehanicsville and ~a4iws Mill and engagement at Turkey Bridge. CAMP AT HARRISONS LANDINu~ JAMES lilvEn, VA., July 6, 1862. COLONEL: Having been directed to submit a report of the move- ments of my battery, K, Fifth Artillery, since leaving Ropers Churcim Page 261 CUAP. XXIII 4 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 261. I have the honor to state the battery reached that point on Sunday, May 11, and from there marched to the camp of the Artillery Reserve near New Bridge over the Chickahominy ltiver, reaching the latter place on May 28, passing Clunberlan(l May 13, an(I White House May 17. On June 1 and 2 the 1)attery was in position covering the consti~uctioii of Upper Bridge over the Chickahominy River opposite William Gaines house. Four shots were tired (high) over the battery from the enemys guns. June 6 Lieutenant Piper went with his section to guar(l New Bridge, and Lieutenant Brewerton with his to Upper Bridge. They were relieved June 7. Sent. aoain on the 11 th and relieved on the 13th. June 13 the Artillery Reserve, except my own and one 20-pounder Parrott battery, crossed the Clijekahominy. I was ordered to report for orders to General Fitz John Porter. June 17 the ~battery went on (lilty at New Bridge in positioii behind a breastwork. About 3 oclock p. m. June 18, l)y or(Ier of General Porter, the l)attery fired about a dozen shots at theenemys Lattery near Mrs. Prices house, to (iraw its fire. The battery opened upon us very briskly. As my shells (lid not quite reach only the above numl)er of rounds were .fired the enemy continued to shel us for nearly an h6ur, bursting theiii close in front of and over the breastwork. My men lay close under the epaulement, and none were injured. My horses I had sent back to camp. The shells thrown were 10-pounder Parrott and 3-inch. rfhree spokes of one of my gun-carriage wheels were cut. The pauliiis spread between the guns to shade the men were much (lit by fragments of shell, one having twelve holes through it. Au empty camp-kettle, standing a few yards in rear of the battery, had a Pairott shot through 1)0th sides without moving or upsetting it. The battery was relieved on the 18th. June 22 Lieutenant Brewerton wa-s posted again at Upper Bridge an(1 relieved rn the 23d. June 24 1 tecci ved orders to report with the battery for temporary duty with General McCalls division. General Reynolds, of that division, (hirected me to place one section to command the Meeha-nicsville Lowem road. 1 sent J~ieutenaimt Piper with his section. June 95 Lieutenant Brewerton was (leta-che(1 by or- (lers from headquarters Artillery Reserve, and sent to rel)ort to Captain Gibson, Third Artillery. Lieutenant Vait Reed with his section relieved Lieutenant Piper. June 26 1 was directed 1w General Reynolds to take my remaining section an(l occupy the small breastwork on the Upper Mechanicsville road. D uri a g the afternoon time enenmx- at-tacked imi torce with artillery an(l i ufli ii try. him this battle my battery was divided as above state(l, Lientenamit Piper comman(ling the rioht md I ieutenant Van Reed time left section. Lieutenant Piper was sex ( mclv, but I a-nm happy to say not (langeronsly, wounded by a mnnsket-b ill ma the right hip early in the action. I was then obliged to remain with Ins S( ct-ion and unable t-o snperimmtermd the section nmm(ler Lieutenant N in Reed. However 1 am glad to be a-l~le to say that General Seym oum mufouned me that Lieutenant Van Reed handled his guns well and did xciv efficient service. Lienteima-ut i~iper also did good service a-t short ram~~es with shrapnel an(l canister. Pri- vate John DnI1~, of Lieutenant Pipers section, was killed by a musket- ball through the forehead. Three horses of Lieutenant Pipers section were wounded. In Lieutenant Vaum Reeds section James Sullivan, a private of Captain Tafts company, of New York Volunteer Artillery, temporarily attached t-o my battery, was woulm(led by a fragment of shell. He went to the rear and has been missing sincesnppose(l to have died. Three horses were killed in Lieutenant Va-n Reeds section Page 262 262 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. In this battle the battery (four guns) expended about 350 rounds of ammunitionshell, shrapnel, and some canister. At daybreak, June 27, I was directed to withdraw and unite the sec- tions. 1 remained with General McCalls division near Adams house, between Gaines MilJ and Woodbnrys Bridge, until about 11 oclock a. in., and was then ordered across the Chickahorniny to obtain ammuni- tion, forage, and rations, my wagons having been sent across the day pre- vious. In the afternoon the battery returned to the field north of the Chickahoininy, where the battle of 27th of June was then progressing, and got into position at the close of the battle in time to give the a(1. vancing enemy 40 or 50 rounds of shell and shrapnel. The battery was under their artillery fire for a short time, but without loss of men. Lieutenant Van Reeds horse was wounded at this time by a fragment of shell. About 2 oclock a. in. June 28 the battery was ordered across the Chickahoininy, and took position to cover the crossing at Woodhurys Bridge. There it remained until after dark on the same day, when I was ordered to report to Colonel Getty, commanding Second Brigade Artillery Reserve, and marched wlih his brigade to White Oak Swamp Bridge, arriving there .about 10 oclock a. in. June 29, and remainingin harness until the morning of June 30, when the battery moved to Tur- key Island Bridge and took position on the bluff to the left of the Mal. vein house, to s~veep the lower Richmond road. During that afternoon a battery of the enemy of four guns, apparently, opened fire upon us, about 900 yards from and nearly opposite to my position. Captain Voegelees 20 pounder Parrott, Captain Weeds 3-inch, andmy battery of 12-pounders returned the fire and soon silenced the enemys battery. I have been informed that two guns and 30 dead horses were found at that I)Oint next morning. On the morning of July 1 my battery was ~vithdrawn from its posi- tion. About sunset I received orders to place it at the gorge of the woods just in rear of the battle-field, and to hold this point as long as possible in case our troops should be driven back. I was thankful the emergency did not arise which would have called the battery into action. About 11 oclock p. m. I was ordered to march to this place, where I arrived at daylight on the 2d of July, with my men and horses nearly exhausted with the fatigues of the past week. My horses were in har- ness from June 25 until July 2. My officers and immen bore up under their fatigue without complaint and behaved gallantly in action, and on arriving here not one was missing, except those killed or wounded. Respectfully submitted. JNO. R. SMEAD, Col. HENRY J. HUNT, 6aptain, Fifth Artillery. Gommanding Artillery Reserve, Army cf the Potomac. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, James River, Va., July (1, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of my battery (luring the battles of the 26th and 27th of June and on the march to this point: Battery K, Fifth Artillery (4-gun battery), belonging to the Artillery Reserve, under my command, was temporarily attached to Geiieral Mc- Calls division on the 24th of June, and one section placed in position near the mill to sweep the lower road from Mechanicsville. About noo Page 263 CHAP. XXITLJ SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 263 on the 26th of June the remaining section, Lieutenant Pipers, I placed, by direction of General Reynolds, in the small earthwork on the upper road from Mechanicsville (the one leading to Old Church). Lieutenant Van Reed commanded the other section, placed as stated above. Be- tween 4 and 5 oclock the enemy attacked in force with artillery and infantry. My first section being on a bill, fire was opened as soon as the enemy app~ared on th& opposite one, the distance being some 700 yards, a small creek an(l marshy ground lying between the hills. The enemy approached down toward the creek several times to within 400 yards, when I opened upon them with canister, and I think with considerable effect. The fire, both of the artillery and infantry, was quite severe, but my position and the breastwork saved me from many casualties. Lieutenant Pipers section was first engaged, being on the right. When I heard that the section under Lieutenant Van Reed had opened fire I wi~4med to proceed to it to superintend it, but just at this moment Lieu- tenant Piper was wounded, and I remained to take charge of his section. On this account I (annot speak from my own observation of Lieutenant Van Reeds section, but I was informed by General Seymour, who wit- nessed its fire, that Lieutenant Van Reed handled his guns well and did efficient service. Lieutenant Van Reed speaks well of the conduct of his men. Lieutenant Piper showed great coolness and judgment in directing the fire of his guns, while the good conduct of his men was only what I had expected from the good order and discipline he has always main- tained in his section. At daylight on the 27th of June, in obedience to orders, I nnited the two sections and moved the battery to the neighborhood of Adams house, between Gaines Mill and Woodbnrys Bridge. About 11 a. m. I was ordered to cross the Chickahominy for ammunition and then recross l)y the Grapevine Bridge. This was countermanded, how- ever, and I recrossed by Woodburys Bridge, and endeavored to find General Reynolds on the fteld. The battle was then progressing. I could not find the general, nor Generals McCall, Seymour, or Meade, and not being able to find a position that was not already occupied by a battery, I kept my battery ready for any emergency that might arise. At the close of time fight, on the approach of the enemy, I came into l)attery, and fired some 30 or 40 rounds of shell and shrapnel. At this point Lieutenant Van Reeds horse was wounded, but no men were hurt. The night of the 27th of June the battery stood in park without unharnessing until about 2 a. m. (28th), and then moved across the Chickahomimiy and .took a position to cover the crossing of the troops. After dark on the 28th, having joined the Artillery Reserve again, the battery marched with it, arriving at White Oak Swamp Bridge about 10 oclock June 29, remaining with horses harnessed until the morning of June 30, when the battery marched to Turkey Island Bridge, and was placed in position on the bluff to the left of the brick house. During the aft~rnoon four guns opened from a point in the woods skirting the road from Richmond nearly opposite my battery, about 800 or 900 yards distant. I opened fire on them, together with two other batteries on my right. The enemys battery was silenced. I was informed next morning that two pieces and 30 dead horses were left at that spot. The next morning, July 1, the battery was withdrawn to give l)lace to the siege guns and stood in harness until evening, when I received orders to place the battery at the gorge of the woods just in rear of the battle-field of July 1, to hold the enemy in check in case our troops were driven back. I placed the battery and loaded with doubl Page 264 264 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ClEAr. XXIII. canister, but was very happy to find my services were not needed on that occasion. About ii p. in. I received orders to move to this 1)laCe, which I reached about daylight on the 2d July, and removed the harness from my horses for the first time since June 25. The men of the battery bore up wonderfully well under the fatigue, loss of sleep, and short food from the day of the first action at Mechanics~i1le to their arrival here. Although a new battery, in a new regiment, I think they have established their claim to the title of old soldiers of the Regular Army. I am l)rond to say that in action my officers and men behaved like men, and when I reached here none were missing except the killed and wounded. Respectfully submitted. JNO. It. SMEAD, Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery K. Capt. FRED. T. LOCKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fifth Army Gorps. No. 107. Report of JtLaj. Albert Arndt, First Battalion New York Light Artillery, commanding Third Brigade, Artillery Reserve, of action at Garnetts Farm, the battles of Gaines Mill and Glendale, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle c~f Mialvern Hill. CAMP NEAR IIARRISoNs BAR., VA., July 7, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report respectfully about the position and activity of the batteries under my command during the time from the 27th of June to the 1st of July: On the 27th day of Jane, at 5 oclock a. in., 1 was ordered, with three batteries (Captains l)iederichs, Knieriems, and Grimms), in front of General Smiths division, where I took position in the following order: ~ was placed on the left of the redoubt and close to the siege pieces, in order to shell the enemys redoubt. After a few shots he was stopped firing by order of Colonel Getty. Knieriems was poste(l just in front of our redoubt, and began about 11 oclock p. m. firing at tile enemy, who came down Gaines lull in great force. Diederichs was placed, by order of General Smith, to the right of the redoubt, close to the ravine, with the ob~ject to sweep the ground in front and to shell the wood to his left, but after a few shots he had to cease firing because some of his shells wounded our own men. After this battery had been nearly an hour inactive, and while the enemy continued marching down Gaines Hill I met General Barry, and asked his T)erlnission to bring IDiederichs battery in the same position as Knieriems, in order to increase the fire on Gaines Hill. My request was granted and I did in consequence, and according to time acknowledgment of General Porter and my own observation, terrible damage to the rebels. I ceased firing about 7 oclock p. in., whmemi the rebel batteries opened their firing into our rear, which was silenced by I)iederichs battery in less than half ait hour. Captain Voegelee was (luring this day in battle on the other side of the Chickahominy, lmn(ler command of General Sykes. About flOOll he was placed near the bridge leading over the Chickahomninv below Gaines Mill, and was soon brought into action by a rebel battery 2,004) yards in front. He kept up a brisk fire at the enemy till late in th Page 265 CHAP. XXIII.J SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 2G5 evening, but could not tell with what effect, as the enemys batteries had been hidden in the woods. He lost during the engagement 2 men killed, 6 severely wounded, 16 horses, mostly by rifle-balls, and the battery wagon. On the 28th, at 3 oclock a in., I was ordered to return with my bat- teries to Camp Lincoln, where I was rejoined by Captain Voegelee. About 11 oclock a. m. I received orders to march to Savage Station, and from there soon to White Oak Swamp. I arrived at 12 oclock p. m. near the bridge, which I crossed at 4 oclock on the 29th, and Ii went into park 1~- miles farther on. In the evening, about 5 oclock, I received orders to send 8 pieces (Captains IDiederichs and Knieriems) to the disposal of General McCall. On the 30th, at 4 oclock p. in., they were l)nt in position by General McCall himself on a field about 600 or 700 yards square, and surrounded on all sides by woods. On the left wing they commenced shelling the woods. At 4.30 oclock Knieriem, whose position was about 100 yards in advance of Diederichs, was attacked by infantry on his left flank at a (listauce of no more than 60 yards, wounding 4 men and killing ~2 horses. Two men were missing. In consequence of the loss of horses he had to abandon two caissons. He lost in this action also two pieces, but saved the limbers. The moment Knieriein had left his position Diederichs fired at the attacking infantry as long as he had canister and shrapnel, used with very short fuses. Then he also was obliged to withdraw. When en- tering the road the traces of the wheel horses of a caisson broke, and caused the loss of the hind part of that caisson. iDiederichs lost in this action 1 man killed, 1 wounded, 1 missing, and 12 horses killed. With Voegelees and Grimms batteries I arrived about noon at the heights of the James River, and went into battery on the right of the road. Toward evening the enemy opened fire with a heavy battery from the woods, which was, however, soon silenced by Captain Voe- gelee, in conjunction with several other batteries. I sustained no loss whatever. On the 1st of July Voegelees battery remained in the same position as the day before. iDiederichs and Knieriem I brought in position to the right of our center, where they silenced a rebel battery about 7 oclock p. m. Grimms battery was all the day in position in front of the hospital without firing. Toward evening he was brought up in pursuit of the enemy, whence he returned about 10 oclock. At 12 oclock we began to march to this camp, where we arrived at 8 oclock on the 2d of July, with no other loss than three wagons. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant ALBERT ARNDT, Major. Col. HENRY J. HUNT, U. S. A., Gomdg. Artillery Reserve. No. 108. Report of Gapt. John W. Wolcott, Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, of operations June 26July 1, ineludinq tke battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP OF ARTILLERY RESERVE, Near ilarrisons Bar, Va., July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Thursday, June 28, after the action near Mechanicsville had commenced, four pieces of my bat Page 266 2G6 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. rOHAP. XXIII. tery i~ere ordered to the Grapevine Bridge, where they remained, un(ier command of First Lieut. James II. Rigby, until the following day with- out being bronght into action. On Friday, the 27th, my battery was not under orders, and remained in park. On Saturday, the 2~th, while my battery was in position guarding the Woodbury Bridge over the Chickahominy, my guidon-bearer, named Randolph M. Ridgley, was wounded by the explosion of a shell. Leaving the above position, in compliance with orders, at about 11 oclock p. m. the same evening, I arrived at the bridge across the brook at White Oak Swamp the fol- lowing noon, where I encamped and rested my command until the fol- lowing morning. Leaving our place of encampment near the White Oak Swamp Bridge early Monday, June 30, 1 arrived at Malvern, near the James River, on the afternoon of the same day, and at about 3 oclock p. m. was ordered into l)osition near the brick house, which was used as a hospital, where I remained until Tuesday without seeing signs of the presence of the enemy. At about 9, however, in the morn- ing the rebels opened with artillery, an(l kept up a galling fire from the cover of the woods at long range for more than two hours, (luring which time 1 had 2 men wounded and 1 horse injured. At about 11 oclock, in obedience to orders, 1 withdrew my battery to a less exposed sitnation, where I remained until about 3 oclock p. in.; when I received from Colonel Getty an order to rel)ort to General Sumner. I at once proceeded with my conlman(l, and uvas l)lace(l by General Sumner upon the right of his line to enfilade two rebel batte- ries which were engaging our center and which xvere about 1, (300 yards (listant. Here I remained firm at as occa- g ml ervals and with effect sion seemed to require, during the afternoon, and receiving a return firer which passed over our heads and inflicted no injury. A t about 10 oclock in the evening I received your order to prepare for a ra arch, and immediately limbered up and left, reaching this place at about 7 oclock the following morning. The names of the two men wounded, as mentioned above, are Privates Crawford and McNulty. The injuries received are not severe. 1 have to report as missing Lieut. Francis I. Witcher, who became separated from me on Monday, June 30. He had been ill for two or three days previous, but his illness does not seem sufficient excuse for his prolonged absence. Private George W. Dougherty has also been missing since the morning of June 30, and is doubtless a prisoner. My loss of horses, which were disabled on the march and abaI~doI~e(l, is 4. In conclusion, I am gratified to be able to state that during the whole of the fatigue and peril of the past week the officers and men of my cOmmnan(1 have conducted themselves with entire propriety and in a manner which reflects credit npon them and npon the State to which they belong. Respectfully submitted. - J. W. WOLCOTT, Gaptain Battery A, First Maryland Light Artillery. Major PETHERBUIDGE, Commanding First Division, Maryland Light Artillery Page 267 CnAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 267 No. 109. Report of Gapt. Alouzo Snow, Battery B, Maryland Light Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Harrisons Landing, July 4, 1862. SIR: About noon on Tuesday last, July 1, when in column at camp near James River next above this camp, I was ordered by yourself to move my battery forward to General Porters headquarters and await further orders. Colonel Hunt there ordered me to report at once to General Griffiff out on the road by which the battery fell back from White Oak Swamp. On reporting, the general directed me to General Couch, who placed the battery in a corn field on the right of the road in rear of the battery then playing on the enemy. Afterward I was placed on the right of the line of battle by General Howe, in a field of oats, and before I got into position the enemy opened upon us from a battery in a field of wheat opposite, well masked by stacked and stand- ing grain. After a fire of thirty minutes the enemy were driven from the field, one piece with its team and men certainly destroyed. Shortly after another battery in the same field, about 200 yards nearer to us and to the right of the position of their farther battery, opened on us, to which we replied, and after about a half hours fire drove it from its position. During this time the enemys sharpshoopters drew up in a wooded ravine and annoyed us severely, wounding two of my men badly. The colonel commanding the infantry support was repeatedly begged by myself and first lieutenant to drive them out, but did not comply. The enemys batteries having been driven off I drew the battery about 50 yards to the rear, and by the time this was accomplished an order came to send a section toward the left of the line. The left section, in charge of Lieutenant Yanneman, moved off at once, and in obedience to a second order the center section, under Lieutenant Kidd, was sent out also, leaving the right section, under Lieutenant Gerry, on the right. I had fired some canister into the ravine to silence the enemys sharp- shooters, but some remained and continued their fire upon us. The right piece had a canister lodged in the bore, and although tremendous efforts were made to disengage it all tailed, and I was compelled to send it back to camp. Whilst in this position I had 4 men wounded and 4 horses killed. Leaving the right section, I proceeded along the line and found Lieu- tenant Yannemans section in action in a hot fire about the center and Lieutenant Kidds on the left of the line of battle. Both of these sec- tions were exposed to a heavy fire of musketry during the remainder ~ cheers from the troops. My battery remaiued thus divided until the close of the fight, when they were separated and ordered to cease firing and fall back to camp, the remaining piece of the right section with the last of the caissons being the last to leave the field, between 9 and 10 oclock at night. I used 688 rounds during the engagement, but having long fuse, rendering it neiessary to cut them, and a large number of rounds having been expended after night, I cannot give as full report of the efficiency of the fuse and shell as may be desirable. Those used at the batteries did excellent execution at the different ranges of about 1,200 and 1,500 yards Page 268 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (hA!. XXIII. I have the Plea~~ir(~ of reporting gallant conduct on the part of my whole command, both officers and men, but regret to state that thc casualties amounted to 2 killed and 18 wounded. Lieutenant Vanne- mna~, whilst bravely directing the fire of his section, fell, struck by pieces of shell on the breast and each leg, wounding him severely. Lieutenant Parker, whilst superiuten(ling the supply of amm niutioli, had his horse killed under him, but mounting another coolly cOntinUc(i his duties. When Lieutenant Yanneman was carried oft the field Ad- jutant Bigelow, of the battalion, took charge of his section and foii ght it gallantly until the close of the fight, and was shot through the left fore-arm durin~r the engagement. I left one spare wheel on the field, having to throw it off to bring in a piece whose limber had gone to the rear for supplies. Two spare wheels were broken by shell. Six horses were killed and five wounded and rendered unserviceable. Owing to the darkness one of my dead was left in the field. The other was brought oft and has since been buried. The division of the battery prevented that care of the wounded which it would have been my pleasure to have rendered. Some of our wounded were left on the deld, and those severely wounded who were taken to the hospitals have not since been heard from, Lieutenant Vanneman and Corporal Taylor excepted, who were placed on steamers at this place. ALONZO SNOW, Captain, Battery B, Maryland Artillery. Maj. E. IL PETHERBRIIGE. No. 110. Report of Cafit. J. Howard Carlisle, Battery F, Second U. S. Artillery, and P~fth Brigade, Artillery Reserve, of operations June 27July 4, in- eluding the action at Garnetts Farm, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, VA., ~July 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of operations of Battery E, Second Artillery, from Friday, June 27, up to July 4, 1862: On Wednesday, the 25th of June, the battery took position near Goldin gs house, returning to camp at 9 p. in. At 3 a. m. the next morning again took position near Goldings, by order from general headquarters. On Friday, the 27th, the battery was ordered to occupy a position in the large wheat field near Garnetts house, where intrenchi- ments had been commenced. Threatening demonstrations of the enemy drove the working parties from the field, and the battery was ordered to take position on a knoll about 700 yards in rear of the unfinished intrenchments. On this knoll were also five 30-pounder Parrott guns an(l Battery A, of the Fifth Artillery (light 12-pounder). An opening through the woods gave us a sweep of fire over a portiou of the wheat field. At about 12 m. the enemy opened fire upon ns, which was returned, and the firing soon became hot on both sides. The ])osition of the enemy~s guns commanded ours, and they had the advantage of being nearly concealed by the crests in the field. Their guns were 6-pounders, t2-pounder~, and rid ed pieces of unknown caliber, and their firing rapi Page 269 CHAT. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 269 and true. Their fuses were also well timed, shell ~uid shrapnel explod- lug among and around our guns with rapidity and precision. Our fire 50011 Caused them to change position, but they immediately reopell( d tire from a new position, firing probably from about twenty-four g,uns and from their redoubts, placing us under a fire from the front and two oblique fires. Our limber-boxes being exhausted, two caissons were brought up and the fire kept up with as much rapidity, but with delib- erate aim. We were crowded close together, owing to the nature of the ground, making us a fine target. The enemy also frequently changed I)osition. The fire was very hot for about an hour and a half and then quickly died away. During the last twenty minutes of the liring the enemy used but little shell. Our range varied from 900 yards to 1,700 yards with the enemys change of position. Two men were killed at the guns and 2 xvounded. Four horses were killed and 3 dis- abled. One wheel was broken by a shot; also a sponge-staff and a maneuvering handspike shot from the trail. Two of the other gun-car- riages were marked by shot, but not injured, and our guidon torn and burned by shrapnel. Near sunset the battery was ordered to return to Goldings. The battery had hardly arrived at Goldings befire the enemy shelled the plain vigorously, and then made a sharp attack on Hancocks brigade, stationed in the woods in front of the small redoubt. The battery was ordered up to shell the woods if the enemy should succee(l in driving our troops out. The attack lasted about an hour. The battery did not fire. The next morning (June 28), about 8 a. in., we were ordered to take a Dositioll near Courtneys house. Tile enemy threw some shells after us without effect as we left. We took position in battery in front of Courtneys, and remained there until 1~ at night, when we were ordered to march through the White Oak Swamp. A stampede of teamsters took l)lace on the road in front of us when in the woods at about 8 a. in., tile 29th of June (Sunday). The men acted admirably; all perfectly cool and ready for action, in spite of the confusion and terror of the teamsters and the guard to the train. About noon we crossed White Oak Swamp Bridge, and went into park without unhitching near Bret- tins honse, then used as general headquarters. About 3 p. in. we took l)osition in nattery to sweep the approaches to the bridge by order of General Marcy. At night we unhitched for the first time since the evening of the 26th. On the morning of the 30th, at 5 oclock, in obedience to an order from general headquarters, we continued our march toward the J ames Itiver. At noon we halted at the brick house and unhitched. One of the chiefs of pieces had to be taken in an ambulance, leaving but 5 non- commissioned officers with the battery. About 2 p. m. we hitched in and took a position in battery, by order of Lientemmant-Colonel Hays, of tile Second Artillery. By order of Colonel Hunt we limbered np and again took position in battery near the house since used as a hospital. The enemy, at about 5 p. in., opened fire from the low ground to our left, which was returned by one of the German batteries. The battery changed front, moved forwaud, and opened fire. The gunboats also fired and in about half an hour the enemy withdrew. The battery again moved forward and to the right, taking position on the crest of the hill, facing nearly to tile northwest. On Tuesday morning, July 1, about 10 oclock the enemy opened fire and shelled the plaiim. In the afternoon when the attack was made on our troops we shelled the woods to the left of the position of tIme regular infantry for some time, and one of the enemy~s batteries a Page 270 270 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. pearing shelled it amd drove it from its position. The range was about 2,600 yards. Our shells burst among their guns with great precision after we had got the range. Afterward, toward dusk, we again shelled the woods up the valley and to our left, it being reported that the en- emy were advancing from that direction. Later in the evening, at the request of General Butterfield, we threw a few shells in the woods. Corporal Scheerer died in an ambulance this day. He did his duty well and faithfully till the day before his death. At 11.30 p. m. the battery started for Harrisons Landing, arriving at 4 a. m. July 2. The eveit- ing of the 3d instant the battery moved to its present camp. During this time the men bore the fatigue and deprivation of sleep and food without a murmur, and were ever ready and eager for action. Although the ammunition was economized with the greatest care nearly 800 rounds have been fired. With the battery I had First Lieut. Sam- uel N. Benjamin, Second Artillery; Second Lieut. W. P. Graves, Sec. ond Artillery, and Second Lieut. J. P. Denike, Fifth New York Inde- pendent Battery (temporarily attached), who during all of this time conducted themselves with gallantry and fortitude. Lieutenant Benja- min deserves very particular mention. As he has served much under your own immediate observation, it is unnecessary for me to recount his valor and untiring energy from the day the battery left Washington, and in the affairs of the last week he was always present with the bat- tery, directing and encouraging the men, although so entirely disabled as to be unable to stand without crutches, and could only be carried on a gun-carriage. I would respectfully request that the particular attention of the general commanding be called to his service. First Sergt. Joseph Keeffe, of this battery, rendered, as he has during the whole of this campaign, invalualAe service. I would respectfully recom- mend him for promotion. In connection with this report of the battery 1 would call your atten- tion to Capt. E. D. Taft, Fifth New York Independent Battery, who has been by your order for some months attached to the brigade under my command. His services have been of the greatest importance. His courage, perseverence, and endurance have been of the highest order, and are deserving of all praise and of the highest consideration of the Government. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOWARD CARLISLE, Capt., 2d Arty., Comdg. Bat. B, 2d Arty., and 5th Brig. Art. Res. Col. HENRY J. HUNT, A. D. C., Commanding Artillery Reserve. No. 111. Report of Capt. La Rhett I. Livingston, commanding Batteries F and K, Third U. S. Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill. CAMP AT HARRISONS LANDING, VA., July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 1st instant I en-. gaged the enemy with my battery at about 10 a. m. My firing first commenced on the enerny~s infantry, who debouched from the woods on my right and front. They soon retired, however. An hour late Page 271 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN~DAYSv ~ATTLE~. 271 the enemy opened fire from some guns directly in front of us, and ~rery soon after his infantry advanced from that point. They were soon driven back. About this time they made another attempt on the right, a(lvancing in line in fine style. Here I had an enfilading fire on them with two of my guns, assisting in driving them back, and in such haste and disorder that they left their colors on the field. While this was going on they advanced again in front, but (lid not succeed in getting nearer the battery than 400 yards. About 4.30 p. m. my battery was relieved by Captain Edwards battery, Third Artillery, and I went to the rear for a supply of ammunition, my case-shot and shell being almost exhausted. My men behaved with coolness and served the guns admirably. The officers, Lieutenants Turubull, Barstow, and Unyler, are deserving of honorable mention. Sergeant Parke, of Company F, was dangerously wounded in the groin in the first of the engagement. Private McCabe, of Company K, was very slightly wounded in the arm. Two horses were killed and 2 wounded. No injury was done to th~ car- riages or other material. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LA RIIETT L. LIVINGSTON, Captain, Third Artillery, commanding. Capt. J. H. CARLISLE, (Jomdg. Fifth Brigade., Arty. Res., Army of the Potomac. No. 112. Report of Brig. (Jen. George W. Jtliorelt, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of lllialvern Hill. IIDQRS. MORELLS Div., FIFTH ARMY CORPS (PORTERS), Harrisons Bar, Va., July 21, 1862. CAPTA1N: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my division from the 25th of June last to the 2d of July: On Wednesday, the 25th of June, whilst encamped on the north bank of the Chickahominy, at Gaines Mill, near New Bridge, having received orders from the headquarters of the corps to detail two regiments of not less than 500 men each to report that evening to General Stoneman for special service, I directed Generals Martindale amid Butterfield to desig- nate each from his own brigade a regiment for that purpose. The former detailed the Eighteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Barnes, and the latter the Seventeenth New York, Colonel Lansing, and these regiments remained with General Stoneman till the 2d of July, when they rejoined the division at Harrisons Bar, on the James River. Reports having been received on the morning of the 26th (Thursday) that the enemy were crossing the Chickahominy in force at Mechanics- ville and Meadow Bridge, I was ordered to send one brigade to Mechan icsville, one to Old Church via Cold Harbor, amid to retain one in camp to take to the support of either, as circumustances should require. I or- dered the First Brigade, General Martindale, with Martins battery (C, Massachusetts), which was joined afterward b S. Artillery), to Mechanicsville, or Beaver y Kingsbury (1), Fifth U. Creek, to take position on the extreme right, near Richardsons; the Third Brigade, General Butter- field, with Allens (E, Massachusetts) battery, Lieutenant Hyde co Page 272 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. 272 [CuAr. xxiii. inanding, toward Old Church, and retained the Second, General Grif- uns, with Weedens First Rhode Island Battery, in camp. The Third wa~ subsequently ordered to go no farther than Cold Harbor. Early in the afternoon the attack of the enemy was developed at Mechanicsville, and I was ordered to go there with the Second Brigade, and to recall the Third and direct it to follow me. I arrived at Median- icsville, or Beaver Creek, between 5 and 6 oclock, and found McCalls division Pennsylvania Reserves closely engaged on the defensive. His right, under General Reynolds, was severely pressed, and I ordered Gen- eral Griffin to support him and take care of the interval between him and General Martindale. Two of Griffins regiments, the Fourteenth New York Volunteers, Colonel McQuade, and the Fourth Michigan, Colonel Woodbury, became almost immediately engaged; the other two, the Ninth Massachusetts, Colonel Cass, Sixty-second Pennsylvania~ Colonel Black, and Weedens battery, were held in reserve. The action continued until after dark, our troops repelling the enemy and main- taining their ground. As soon as the Second Brigade was in position I rode to General Martindale, who was near Richardsons. Three of his regiments, Thirteenth New York, Twenty- second Massachusetts, and First Michigan, had been slightly engaged in the early part of the ac- tion. The Third Brigade returned from Cold Harbor, and was placed in line of battle in rear of General Sykes division by General Porter, between his headquarters and Gaines Mill, and remained nuder his un- mediate orders until we formed line of battle the next day. Toward morning it removed by hand the heavy guns from the battery near Hogans house to the hill near Watts and Adams, to cover the retro- grade movement of the troops from Mechanicsville. About 1 oclock a. m. Friday orders were received from General Porter for the whole line at Mechanicsville to retire beyond Gaines Mill and take a position in that vicinity, which movement, begun on the right just before daybreak, was successfully executed, the rear being covered by Seymours brigade, McCalls division. We reached our old camping ground at Gaines Mill about 7 a. m. Our wagons had been packed and sent over the Chickahominy near general headquarters the evening previous. A small quantity of commissary and ordnance stores were not removed, and as for want of transportation (some of which was absent at White House) they could not be, they were destroyed, to pre- vent their falling into the hands of the enemy. We then retired about a mile beyond Gaines Mill to Mrs. Watts farm, near New Cold Harbom-, and nuder General Porters orders formed line of battle. From Gaines Mill to a distance beyond New Cold Tiarbor the road is l)ordered on the southerly side by woods. Near New Cold Harbor a small, shallow stream of water flows southerly between steep banks of equal height (say 30 feet), passing 150 or 200 yards west of Watts house, amid having on each side to the edge of the table-land a belt of timber, which diminishes in width and terminates where the stream strikes the bottom-land of the Chickahominy. On the east side the table-laud ascends gradually some 1,200 or 1,500 yards to Adams house, whem-e it falls off abruptly toward tIme river. On the west the ground is also open and rolling to Dr. Gaines house. The Third Brigade, General Butterfield, which duin~ing the night had been under the immediate comnimind of General Porter, was posted by himn behind this stream, with its left in the southerly extremnity of the belt of timber, and being directed to place my other two brigades also in this timber, 1. posted the First, General Martiudale, on the right of the Third, and the Second, General Griffin ,on the right of time First Page 273 CHAP. XXIIL] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 273 the whole forming almost a straight line, slightly convex, facing to the west,and in its general direction a prolongation of General W. F. Smiths, from which it was separated by the bottom land and the Chickahominy, his being on the south side of the river. Some of his gnns, however, commanded part of the open country between my left front and IDr. Gaines house, and rendered good service during the battle. The Third and First Brigades were each in two lines, with small intervals; the second in one line, with one regiment in reserve. Martins battery was in the open field between my division and Gen- eral Sykes, on my right, mine being on the extreme left. A section of Weedens, under Lieutenant Buckley, was placed at an opening through the timber in General Martindales line, and a section of Allens in a like position in General Butterfields. The rest could not be brought into action. Kingsburys was on the high ground some distance in rear of my left, to command the valley of the Chickahominy. The Ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Cass, of Griffins brigade, was ordered to hold the enemy in check at the bridge at Gaines Mill as long as practicable and then to retire slowly to our position, which duty was ably performed. With the few axes that could be obtained and the time at command a few trees were felled along a small portion of our front and slight barriers erected by means of rails and knapsacks. Berdans Sharp- shooters, under Lieutenant-Colonel iRipley, were thrown well forward as skirmishers. The enemy approached through the woods from the direction of New Cold Harbor, and made their first serious attack about 12 oclock upon the right, which was handsomely repulsed by Griffins brigade. The second attack was made about 2.30 and the third about 5.30 oclock, each extending along my entire front, and both, like the first, were gallantly repulsed. At the fourth and last, about 6.30 oclock, they came in irresistible force, and throwing themselves chiefly against the center and left, swept us from the ground by overwhelming numbers and compelled us to retire. Lieutenant Buckley lost his two guns, yet without discredit, for he fought them to the last moment, having but three men, including non-commissioned officers, left to each piece when the infantry gave way. As we retired the artillery opened fire from the left and rear, but the pressure was so great that the troops could not be rallied except in small bodies to support it. Besides, General Cookes cavalry, having been repulsed in a charge upon the enemys right, rode at full speed obliquely through a large portion of the artillery, carrying men and horses along with them. The cavalry reformed under the hill beyond the reach of musketry, and advancing to the neighborhood of Adams house imparted some steadiness to the infantry near them. I urged their immediate com- manding officer, Colonel Blake, in the presence of Lieutenant-Colonels Grier and Platt, to make a demonstration on our left, which he seemed disposed to do, when he received a peremptory order from General Cooke to retire from the field, and they rode at a brisk pace to the rear. The infantry followed, and finally rallied in the valley before reaching the hospital. The Third Brigade, with the exception of part of the Twelfth New York Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson, crossed the Chickahominy near Woodburys Bridge, and bivouacked with General W. F. Smiths division. It was now dark; the firing had ceased on both sides; ammunition was partially distributed, and after taking all necessary precautions we laid ourselves down to rest. During the battle my command was 18 R UVOL XI~ PT I Page 274 274 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. supported by General Newtons brigade and by part of the Pennsylva- nia Reserves, under General Meade. About 2 oclock a. m. the 28th, Saturday, pursuant to orders, we crossed the Chickahominy via Alex- anders Bridge, and bivouacked near the late general headquarters, on Dr. Trents farm. At 2 oclock p. m, by General Porters orders, I marched with my division to Savage Station, and reported to General Marcy, chief of staff, who directed me to push on immediately, cross the White Oak Swamp, aid General Woodburys engineers in contructing a bridge, and support General Keyes. I crossed the swamp, bivouacked before sunset on the south side on Brittons farm, reported to General Keyes, who was a mile and a half in advance, and furnished a detail of 500 men to General Woodbury, by whom the bridge and causeway over the swamp were completed. Early next morning, the 29th (Sunday), firing was heard in the direction of James River and Richmond, and a message from General Keyes directed me to move up so as to be in a position to support him if necessary. The firing, however, soon ceased. While my division was getting in motiou General McClellan and staff arrived, followed soon after by General Porter, under whose direction I proceeded up the Long Bridge, or New Market, road a short distance beyond its junc- tion with the Charles City and Quaker roads, and formed partial line of battle, facing toward Richmond. The day passed quietly, and at daylight on the 30th (Monday) I started for Turkey Bridge and James River via the Quaker road and Malvern Hill, and bivouacked about 10 a. m. on the bank of the river below the bridge, but was soon recalled to Malvern Hill, as the enemy was approaching. Near a mile north from Malvern house is a large cultivated field, stretching about three-fourths of a mile from south to north and one- fourth from east to west. It lies on the west side of the Quaker road and north side of one known to us as the Richmond road, whicli, begin- ning at a point where the Quaker road turns sharply to the east, de- scends along a depression of the grounds and runs first westerly then across a valley southwesterly till it intersects the River road to Rich- mond. On the west is a valley some 800 or 1,000 yards wide, which, sweeping around the westerly base of Malvern Hill, extends to the river. For 100 yards from the Richmond road the ground rises grad- ually to the height of about 40 feet, and then gently descends to the woods, which bound the field on the north and for some distance on the east. These woods extend also westerly across the valley and along its west side. On time west edge of the field, not far from the Richniond road and overlooking the field and valley, is a large white house, IDr. J. H. Mellerts, at which were my headquarters. My division occupied the extreme left of the line and in this field bore its part in the battle of Malvern. The Second Brigade, General Griffin, was ordered to the front. The artillery advanced toward the woods, and was supported on the left by the Ninth Massachusetts, Colonel Cass, and Sixty-second Pennsylvania., Captain Hull, and on time right by part of Couchs division. While getting into position a few casualties were caused by shot thrown from a battery on our left and rear and on the opposite side of time valley, which, however, was soon silenced by guns near Malvermi house. At evening the Eighty-third Pennsylvania, Captain Campbell, Third Bri- gade, was sent forward to the left of the batteries, and in this position we passed the night on our arms. Early in the niorning of July 1. (Tuesday) the Eighty-third was relieved by the Fourth Michigan Page 275 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 275 Colonel Woodbury, Second Brigade, and retired to its brigade. Th~ Fourteenth New York Volunteers, Colonel MeQuade, Second Brigade, with a section of Weedens battery, was placed in the edge of the field, between the Richmond road and iDr. J. II. Mellerts house, facing to the west, to watch the road and valley and protect our left. The First and Third Brigades were under cover of a narrow strip of woods which skirts the Quaker road after it turns to the.east. The artillery in front was placed under command of General Griffin. Berdans Sharpshooters were thrown forward as skirmishers, under Lieutenant Colonel Ripley. Shells were thrown into the woods where the enemy were supposed to be approaching and forming, to which they replied on my right front, but on my left front and left maintained an ominous silence. About 10 oclock an attack was made upon General Couchs right by a moderate force, which was repelled by his batteries and those in my front. Satisfied that a heavy attack was impending, and my First and Third Brigades being too far to the right and rear to render prompt assistance, about 11 a. m. I moved the First, General Martindale, into Mellerts field, immediately north of the Richmond road, and the Third; General Butterfield, in its rear on the south .side, both in close order. making the men lie down, in which position, while sheltered by th~ rise of the ground in front from all except vertical fire, they were near at hand to support Griffins brigade, directly in front, Couchs division on the right, or to meet an attack on the left. Further, to guard against accident, I directed Generals Martindale and Butterfield to support General Griffin, if he called for assistance, and each other, without waiting for further orders, if the emergency required it. Sykes divis. ion and the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, under General Seymour, were in reserve. General Couch was on my right, on the east side of the Quaker road. The batteries first in position were Captains Edwards and Living- stons, Third U. S. Artillery; Lieutenant Kingsburys (D) and Lieu- tenant Ames (A), Fifth U. S. Artillery; part of Captain Weedens (C), First Rhode Island; part of Captain Allens (E), Massachusetts, Lieutenant Hyde commanding, and Captain Bramhalls New York, which were relieved by others whose designation I am unable to give. About 12 oclock the enemy advanced against my left front aiid some two hours later against my right, but were driven off by the fire of the artillery, the infantry not being engaged. Neither of these attacks was vigorously I)ressed, and I considered them demonstrations made to feel our position Prior to the commencement of more serious work. There was now a cessation of firing till near 5.30 oclock p. in., when they made their most determined attack. It was begun by a heavy fire of artillery from the front of my division and of Couchs, producing a serious cross-fire over my two rear brigades, which were concealed and partially covered by the undulation of the ground. While this was in progress I received notice from Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, of the Sharpshooters, that a considerable body of the enemy were stealthily making their way along the valley to attack my left and rear. I had been on the lookout for such a movement, but a growth of bushes and a light mist floating a few feet above the ground completely concealed it. I cautioned Colonel McQuade, Fourteenth New York Volunteers, to be prepared; ordered General Martindale, the left of whose brigade was immediately in his rear, to wheel the Thirteenth New York, Major Scheffel, to the left to his support; directed General Butterfield to bo ready, ai~d dispatched a note to General Porter apprising him of m Page 276 276 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. situation. I had barely completed these arrangeinen ts before the en- emy appeared ascending the hill near Mellerts house, and opened fire upon the Fourteenth New York Regiment, which promptly advanced to meet them, and after a sharp engagement, in which three attacks were repulsed, drove them away. The attempt in that quarter was not renewed. Simultaneously with the attack on the left of my rear a most deter- mined and powerful one was made on my left front. The enemy in great force emerged from the woods, and, notwithstanding the severe fire from the batteries, advanced steadily until they arrived near them, when the supporting regimentsthe Fourth Michigan, Colonel Wood- bury; Ninth Massachusetts, Colonel~ Cass, and Sixty-second Pennsyl- vania, Captain Hullgallantly moved forward and repulsed them; but being re-enforced by fresh troops, who extended their line on the right and left, these regiments were compelled to fall back to their former position, where they maintained their ground until their ammunition was exhausted, and they were regularly relieved by the Twelfth New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson; Forty-fourth New York, Lieu- tenant Colonel Rice, and Eighty-third Pennsylvania, Captain Camp- bell, amid these, supported by the First Michigan, Col. H. S. Roberts; Twenty-second Massachusetts, Captain Sampson; Second Maine, Cot. C. W. Roberts; Twenty-fifth New York, Captain Gleason, and Six- teenth Michigan, Lieutenant-Colonel Ruehle, continued the fight against unequal nunmbers until they were in turn relieved by part of Sykes division and the Irish Brigade, General Meagher, which, having been sent to our aid, was led into action by its own commander and General Porter. It was now after 7 oclock. The enemy, constantly re-enforced, fought with great obstinacy, but made no impression on our line; yet they continued the struggle till after dark, and only relinquished it when their strength was exhausted. They were finally driven from the field, which remained in our possession, and was picketed from my division by the First Brigade, the Sixteenth Michigan, of the Third, and the Fourteenth New York Volunteers, of the Second Brigade, this last regiment retaining the position it held in the morning. The Second Brigade, with the exception of the Fourteenth New York, when relieved retired to the vicinity of Malvern House, and the Third a little to the rear of their position before going into action. Having meceixTed orders about 11 p. m. to go down the James River to Harrisomis Bar, I put my division in motion as soon as practicable, and arrived there near sun- rise the morning of Wednesday, July 2. I cannot speak too highly of the endurance and courage displayed by officers and men during the period embraced in this report. From the moment we were summoned to Mechanicsville till we arrived at Harrisons they were constantly on the alert, and though without shel- ter and at times ahuost without food, the respon(Ied with the utmost alacrity to every call to duty. At Gaines Mill the flag of the First Tennessee Regiment was taken by the Thirteenth New York, and that of the Fifth Alabama, which was stricken dowmm by the fire of Buckleys section of artillery, was secured by the Second Maine. At Malvermi a flag was captured in a charge made by the Forty-fourth New York ammd Eighty-third Pennsylvania, which fell into the hands of the last regi- ment. At Malvern the flag of the Sixty-second I~ennsylvania was five times cut down, but quickly raised again and carried, displayed by the regiment from the field. The Fourth Michigan nobly held its ground after its colonel (Woodhury) was killed until its ani~muunitio Page 277 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 277 was exhausted and it was relieved by the Fourteenth New York, when it retired in perfect order. I regret to add that our loss, as appears by the returns already for- war(led, has been extremely severe.* Forty-seven officers of this corps are reported killed in action, 28 of whom fell in my division, viz: 2 in the First, 19 in the Second, and 7 in the Third Brigade. At Gaines Mill, Colonel Black, Sixty-second Pennsylvania, was killed in the early part of the action leading his regiment in a charge, and soon after Lieu- tenant-Colonel Skillen, Fourteeuth New York Volunteers, met a similar fate. At a later hour Colonel Gove, Twenty-second Massachusetts, was killed, and as the line gave way Colonel McLane and Major Naghel, Eighty-third Pennsylvania, fell while changing the position of the regi- ment. Col. II. S. Roberts, First Michigan; Colonel Childs, Fourth Mich- igan, and Major Gilbert, Twenty-fifth New York, were wounded, and Colonel Stockton, Sixteenth Michigan; Lieutenant-Colonel Sweitzer, Sixty-second Pennsylvania; Lieutenant-Colonel Varney, Second Maine; Major Tilton ,Twenty-second Massachusetts, and Major Gilbert, Twenty- fifth New York, were made prisoners. At Malvern, Colonel Woodbury, Fourth Michigan, was killed late in the afternoon. Colonel Cass and Major ilanley, Ninth Massachusetts; Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, First Sharpshooters, and Major Barnum, Twelfth New York, were wounded. Colonel Cass wound was mortal. He died a few days after reaching home. I am under obligations to the brigade and regimental commanders for their able discharge of the arduous duties which devolved upon them, particularly after the great loss of officers at Gaines Mill, and I desire especially to recognize the services of General Griffin, who held the front at Malvern, and in addition to his brigade had the immediate command of the batteries, which his knowledge and experience as an officer of artillery enabled him to use with a skill and ,j udginent that contributed materially to our success. His horse was killed nuder him. I make my acknowledgments to Captain Grannis, division quarter- master, and to Captain Batchelder, Twenty-second Massachusetts Volun- teers, division ordnance officer, for their care and attention in getting their trainsto the James River; and I am particularly indebted to Captain Auchmuty, assistant adjutant-general, and to Lieutenant Will- iams, Thirteenth New York Volunteers, one of my aides, and the only members of my staff with nie, for communicating orders, and for doing promptly and cheerfully whatever was required of them, though they were far from being well. Captain Auehmntys horse was shot at Gaines Mill and Lieutenant Williams at Malvern. Also to Captain Weeden, of the First Rhode Island Battery, and chief of the division artillery, who, besides performing his peculiar duties, joined me when- ever he could do so, and acted as one of my staff. I forward reports from the commanders of brigades of the regiments of the First and Third Brigades (I have received none from those of the Second), of the batteries of Captain Weeden, chief of division artil- lery, of Colonel Berdans First U. S. Sharpshooters, and of Colonel Barnes, Eighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, of the services of his regiment while detached with General Stoneman, to all of which I beg leave to refer for further details and for the names of officers and men who have particularly distinguished themselves, concurring in their recommendations and asking for them a favorable consideration; and in addition I recommend Col. James McQuade, Fourteenth New York * See revised statement, pp. 3031 Page 278 278 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. (CHAP. XXIII. Volunteers, the only surviving colonel of the Second Brigade, for por~ motion. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. MORELL, Brigadier- General. Capt. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 113. Report of Col. Hiram Berdan, First U. S. Sharpshooters, of the battl6s oJ Gaines Mill, Glendale, or Nelsons Farm (Frazier~s Farm), and Mialvern Hill. IIEADQUARTERS Bm~DANs SHARPsHOoTERs, Camp on James River, Harrisons Landing, July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: I hav.e the honor to report that, agreeably to orders, I marched the portion of my command not on detached service late in the afternoon of the 26th ultimo with the Second Brigade. We lay on our arms all night, and retired on the morning of the 27th ultiino as far as ordered, and I then posted my men in front of the Second Brigade, on the farther side of the woods in which the principal action of the day occurred, the First Brigade being on our left and the iNinth Massa- chusetts on our right. About 1.30 p. in. the enemy advanced in line of battle the whole length of the woods. My men had good cover, and so rapid was our fire from our breech-loading guns we repulsed the enemy with great loss. They were also repulsed on our left, but the Ninth Massachusetts fell back some 300 yards in disorder, where it reformed. This made it necessary to bring my right back to prevent being outflanked. We received and repulsed the enemy a second time, as did the troops on our left. At this charge the Ninth Massachusetts fell back altogether. We held the same position during the third charge, repulsing the enemy with great loss, but finding that at this time the lines of. the First and Third Brigades were broken on onr left and that our supports were fall- ing back, we also fell back in good order. When I arrived on the field in the rear of the woods (*) I saw not le~s than 12,000 of our men and officers, each apparently making quick-time for the bridge. Only a few of the enemys cavalry would have been necessary to create a stampede. In this event the most of our force would have been inevitably lost. Seeing no effort made to rally the men, I rode through them to The right and left, appealing to the officers to get the men together, and I would go down to the bridge and bring up the rear. The bridge was full when I reached it, and fin ding my appeals to the officers and men of no avail, I drew my pistol and threat- ened to shoot the first officer or man who passed me, and finding these threats of no use, I fired several shots over their heads before I suc- ceeded in checking the rush, which had become almost a panic at this point. I forced them into line without reference to regiment or rank. I regret that I have not the names of some line officers who were more determined on crossing than the men, if possible. Others saw the ira- portance of forming lines, if only for the appearance of order, to deter the enemy from attacking us, and rendered valuable assistance. In about a half hour we reached the top of the hill with four bat- talions, varying from 600 to 2,000. Here I halted them, and compelled the stragglers in front to form. Many a brave officer had responded t Page 279 CRAP. Xxiii.1 ~EYEN-DAYS~ BATTL1~S. 279 my appeals and gathered large squads of men. Seeing the rebel cav- alry forming in line in the field on the left of the woods which they had taken possession of, and having little confidence in the men, I set them to cheering, when the enemy, thinking, perhaps, we had been re-en- forced, retired, and we crossed the bridge in good order. On Monday night, the 30th ultimo, we lay on our arms near where I had previously posted my men, where an attack was anticipated on our right. On Tuesday morning, being unable to find General Morell, and learning that the enemy was approaching, I marched my command to the front and was about to deploy them as skirmishers, when General Porter came along, and he approving my suggestion, I posted them in front of the batteries, where they remained all day, receiving and re- pelling the enemys skirmishers, and received the rebel infantry in the afternooii standing firm and firing with great rapidity and coolness until the enemys line was within grape-range of our artillery, when they fell back with the Fourth Michigan, firing constantly. At this period it became necessary to have re-enforcements, and at the request of the commanding officer of the Fourth Michigan, Lient. Col. W. Y. W. Ripley, of my regiment, went back and got two regi- inents, first the Twelfth New York and afterward the Fourteenth New York, which arrived just in time to save the left wing. Lieutenant- Colonel Ripley behaved with great bravery and coolness. The same may be said of my whole command, with a few exceptions, including the companies on detached service, as I have learned from the general comnianding. Companies C and G were in General McCalls division, and were in the engagement at Mechanicsville, and covered the retreat on the morning of the 27th. They were also in the battle at Gaines Mill. Companies A and D helped to cover the retreat in Smiths divis- ion, Company II in Richardsons, and Company B in Hookers. My muemi have all been in several engagements and are almost worn- out, but are in good spirits. One officer and 7 men killed; 4 officers and 31 men wounded; 13 men missing; 14 men left sick in hospital. Respectfully, II. BERDAN, Colonel, Commanding U. S. Sharpshooters. Capt. R. T. AUCHMUTY. [Indorsement.) Colonel Berdan was not in the fight at Gaines Mill. What occurred far to the rear near the bridge I do not know of my own knowledge, but I have every reason to believe this statement is highly exaggerated. I refer to the statement marked thus (*). GEO. W. MORE II, Brigadier. General. No. 114. R~~pom t of Capt. George U. Hastings, First U. S. Sharpshooters, of operations June 29-July 1. HDQRS. Co. II, FIRST REGT. U. S. SHARPSHOOTERS, Camp at Harrisons Point, Va., July 5, 1862. SIR: In obedience to the order of the general commanding division, requiring reports from commanding officers in this division of the 8ev Page 280 280 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. eral actions at Allens farm, Savage Station, Nelsons farm, and Mal- verton, I have the honor to report that on Sunday, 29th June, as soon as our line of battle was formed at Allens farm, I reported in person to the general commanding the division, who ordered me to deploy my company in such manner as to command by an enfilading fire the road from the Chickahominy. I deployed my company accordingly where the road entered the field occupied by our troops, about 300 yards to the right and rear of our line of battle. No enemy appearing in sight in that direction, but information being brought me that our cavalry scouts had been fired upon about three-quarters of a mile farther down the road, I advanced my men as skirmishers through the wood on the left of the road about three-quarters of a mile to an open field, and took position iii the edge of the woods bordering on the field, which position commanded the road and enabled me to observe any move- ment of the enemy from the direction of the Chickahominy. Com- munication between me and the main body was maintained by cavalry pickets. I observed only some two or three parties of armed men of three or four each in the edge of the woods on the opposite side of the field, but saw no organized body of the enemy, nor was any hostile demonstration made from that quarter. I sent report of these facts to the general commanding the division, who ordered me to remain in the position I then occupied. I did so during the entire action. When our troops had all withdrawn from the field I assembled my skirmishers, and overtook the rear of the column upon the road to Savage Station. At Savage Station I reported with my command to the general com- manding the division, who ordered us to remain where we were until further orders. Receiving no further orders, we had no part in the action which took place there. From that time I had no orders except to march my com- mand with General CaldwelLs brigade. I kejt that position in the column of march through White Oak Swamp, and on Monday, 30th of June, formed in line of battle on the right of the Sixty-first New York in supporting our batteries, and remained in line with the brigade until it went into action at Nelsons Farm on the evening of that day. I reported to Colonel Barlow, commanding the Sixty-first New York, who requested me to keep my company on the right of his regiment, which I did, and took my conimand into action with that regiment, h)nt- ting myself under Colonel Barlows orders. His report of that action will render it unnecessary for me to speak of the part which my com- mand bore in it, but I cannot forbear to state that my men stood nobly in the field with the Sixty-first under a terrific fire of musketry from an enemy concealed in the woods evidently far outnumbering our own force there immediately engaged. The conduct of my men was frilly satisfac- tory to me. Lieutenant Peet, of my company, though suffering from sickness, entered eagerly into the battle, and conducted himself with great bravery and perfect coolness. He fell wounded while encouraging and cheering on our men. In the action at Malverton on the 1st instant my command was not engaged. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. G. HASTINGS, Gaptain, Pir8t U. ~. Sharpshooters, Comdg. Company H. Lieutenant DRAPER Aide-de-Camjp and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 281 CHAr. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS BATTLES. 281 No. 115. I?ejport of Capt. William B. Weeden, Battery C, First Rhode island Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of operations May 24July 2, including the battles of Mechaniesville, Gaines Mill, and Mialvern fill. HDQRS. BATTERY C, FIRST RHODE ISLAND ARTILLERY, Harrisons Bar~ Va., July 2, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to hand you the following report of the movements of the battery under my command since it was first sta- tioned at Old Church, Va., Saturday, May 24: Having reported at headquarters, Brigadier-General Porter com- manding corps, the battery was attached to the command of Colonel Warren, commanding brigade, Sykes division. At ii a. in., by his order, marched to Old Church, Va., 7 miles, and encamped at dark. May 25 moved camp one-half mile to field opposite Old Church Hotel. May 26 three pieces of the battery, under command of Lieutenant Buckley, were ordered on a reconnaissance at 9 a in., one piece moving with a detachment of the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry on the road toward Hanover Court-House, two pieces marching with the main body along the northerly road. The two forces made a junction near Han- overtown, 6 miles from Old Church, drove in the euemy~s pickets, destroyed a bridge across Pamunkey. Battery returned into camp at 7 p. m. May 27, after an hours delay, caused by the carriages sinking in deep quicksands, by command of Colonel Warren commanding, the battery marched at 8 a. m. by direct road to Hanover Court-House. At 3.30 p. m. the column arrived at the point from which the enemy had been driven by General Morells force and continued in pursuit on the road to Hanover Court-House. At about 5 p. in. the column was reversed by command of Brig. Gen~ F. J. Porter, commanding corps, to meet the enemy, who had apI)eared in rear. The battery was halted in field to right of White House, used as hospital headquarters, and was held in reserve. By command of General Porter it bivouacked on the battle-field at 9 p. in. May 28 mo ved three-quarters of a mile toward Hanover Court-House and took position to command the roads. May 29, by command of Colonel Warren, the battery marched on a reconnaissance toward Ashland, passing by Peakes Station. After marching 4 miles three pieces were posted to command the roads to Ashland and the cross-roads on each side. At 5 p. m. the whole force returned to their camps, and at 7.30 oclock p. m. we marched 15 miles to Old Church, arriving in park at 12.30 a. in. May 30 marched to New Bridge at 2 p. in., during a heavy thunder-storm, and reported to Capt. Charles Griffin, commanding division artillery, at 6.30 p. in. The service of the battery in this expedition was very severe. It rained nearly every day; the roads were bad, and neither horses nor men ever fully recovered from the fatigue. June 1 I was stationed in position at 5 a. in. to command New Bridge, and returned to camp at dark. From this date until 26th instant the battery remained in camp on Gaines farm, doing picket duty at bridges once every three days. June 15 four pieces, under Lieutenants Water- man and Clark, stationed in intrenchinents to the right of New Bridge, opened on the rebel battery to the left of Prices house in intrench- mnents. Eight rounds of percussion shell and shrapnel were fired, seven of which were seen to take effect. Our advanced pickets o Page 282 282 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. served the same, and deserters reported that 6 rebels were killed or wounded. The rebels did not open fire again while our guns were in position. Thursday, Jnne 26, by command of the division general, this bat- tery moved from camp on Gaines farm at 5 p. m. and marched with Griffins brigade on the Mechanicsville road. Griffins command went forward into action, and the battery was held in support in rear and to right of the road. During the night it was ordered by the division general to fall back with General Griffins column. Moved at daybreak, and was in position on the field at Gaines Mill in rear of Griffins bri- gade at about 11 a. m. By command of division general, before the enemy appeared in force I placed one section under Lieut. W. W. Buckley at the edge of the woods and on General Martindales right. The enemy attacked General Martindale in force at about 3 p. in., and Lieutenant Buckley opened fire with shrapnel, bursting in the enemys line as they appeared on the crest beyond the ravine. The practice with the guns was excellent, and the fire was continued until the enemy retired. He advanced and was repnlsed three times, the section firing shell and shrapnel. At the fourth attack the infantry gave way; the pieces kept up their fire, using canister as the enemy came near. The cannoneers served the guns until the supporting infantry had all re- tired. There were then (including non-commissioned officers) 3 men at each piece. Three horses were killed at one limber, one horse was killed at the other, and the remaining ones stampeded under the tre- mendous musketry of the enemy, though the drivers made every effort to restrain them. The pieces were necessarily abandoned. The caissons retired in good order. I would respectfully submit that, from my own observation and the information of officers who saw the whole of the contest, Lieutenant Buckley made every effort to save his pieces, and that his section, as well as himself should be commended for gallant conduct. The colors of one rebel regiment were struck to the ground by a case-shot. They were never raised again by the enemy. After he retired they were brought in by the Second Maine iRegimuent. In view of these facts I would respectfully ask that they be given to this battery. The right and center sections, under command of Lieutenants Water- man and Clark, from their position iii rear of ~ brigade, opened fire when our first line retired. After a few rounds they changed posi- tion 100 yards to rear and in line with the other artillery. After firing some 40 rounds we saw the enemy turning the left of the batteries. The smoke had filled the whole field to the woods and it was impossible to direct the fire. The batteries were limbering to the rear in good order, to retire and renew the fire from the brow of the hill, when the cavalry, repulsed, retired in disorder through and in front of the batteries. The caissons were exchanging limbers with the pieces, and it was impossible to limber up and withdraw them. Men were ridden (lown and the horses stampeded by the rush of the cavalry. The whole line of artillery was thrown into confusion. Commands could be neither heard nor executed, and different batteries were mingled in disorder. One piece of my bat- tery mired in the woods. Other caissons in front and rear of the same having been abandoned by the drivers, it was impossible to rescue the piece. The remainder of the battery crossed Woodburys [~ Alexanders] Bridge at dark and encamped on Trents farm. Saturday, June 28, by command of the division general, we moved at 1 p. in., and encamped at 7 p. m. at White Oak Bottom, having marched 8 miles Page 283 4ThAP. XXIII.1 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 283 Sunday, June 29, at 8 a. in., by command of the division general, we moved to Charles City Cross-Roads; halted until near evening, moved forward about 2 miles, and encamped in the field to the left of the road at 9~3O p. m~ Monday, June 30, at daybreak, by command of the division general we marched about 6 miles, and encamped at 10 a. m. at Turkey Bend. At 3 p. in., by the Sante command, recrossed the creek and took position on the plateau inthe rear of Malvern house and bivouacked for the night. Tuesday, July 1, by command of Brig. Gen. F. J. Porter, commanding corps, at 8.30 a. in. we moved to front, and remained in reserve to sup- port General Griffins command. At 12.30 p. in., by command of Brig- adier-General Griffin, we took position on left of the White House, to command the bottom on our left. We fired several rounds into the woods below. One shell from a 30-pounder rifled gun in our rear struck into the battery, killing 2 men instantly, wounding 3 others, and l~ill- ing 2 horses. At about 4 p. m. we moved to the right of the road, and in connection with one section of Allens Massachusetts battery we relieved Kingsburys battery and commenced firing with shrapnel, and swept the woods wherever the enemy were known to be. The enemy opened fire from batteries posted under cover of woods opposite Grif- fins position. We replied to them with shrapnel and percussion shell. When the enemy deployed his masses of infantry he ceased firing with artillery. This battery maintained a rapid fire until the ammunition was expended, excepting canister, which could not be safely used, owing to the oblique front of General Couchs troops on the right. We were relieved by a battery of 10-pounder Parrotts, and retired about 7 p. in. Lieutenant Phillips section of the Massachusetts battery, which had done excellent service, withdrew at the same time. At 12 p. in., by command of the division general, we moved from Malvern house, marched 10 miles, and encamped at Harrisons Bar at 4 a. in. July 2. The exact amount of ammunition fired cannot be ascertained, as some caissons were lost. The boxes contained 1,200 rounds. June 26, 200 rounds additional were obtained, and on the 28th all was expended except 100 rounds canister and shell. The conduct of officers and the men with very few exceptions was satisfactory. There were many marked instances of heroism. Having. been on duty with the division artillery, the immediate command of this battery since June 20, both on march and in action, has devolved on Lieut. Richard Waterman. He discharged his dutieswith skill hnd at Malvern had two horses shot under him. The foregoing is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, W. B. WEEDEN, Captain, Commanding. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORELL, Commanding Division. No. 110. Report of Capt. Augustus P. Martin, Battery C, ]tiJiassaohusi~tts Light Ar. tillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISoNS BAR, VA., July 4, 1802. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of th Page 284 284 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. disposition and engagement of the battery under my command on the 26th and 27th of June and 1st day of July, 1862: At about noon on the 26th ultimo I was ordered to report with my battery to Brigadier-General Martindale at Mechanicsville. I was assigned a position in reserve with the brigade, where we remained until about 10 oclock a. m. of the 27th ultimo, when I received orders to march with the brigade in the direction of Gaines Mill, where we arrived about 7 oclock in the morning, and were assigned a position by General Porter on the left of General Sykes division and on the right of General Morells, commanding an open field occupied by General Sykes division. The enemy made their appearance in the edge of the woods, about 1,000 yards in front of the battery, several times during the day, and endeavored to form a line of battle. My battery opened upon them at every attempt to form a line with spherical case, which broke their lines and drove them back into the woods. The battery remained in the same position until late in the afternoon, when it was found that the enemyhadbrokentheleftofourline,andlwasorderedtoretirewith my battery. I at once commenced the execution of the order, when I observed a large force of the enemy advancing in line up the slope of the hill, which appeared to be a brigade of the enemy advancing on our front. My support had all retired from the field with the exception of the Eleventh U. S. Infantry, Major Jones commanding, who were im- mediately on the right of the battery. When the enemy arrived within 150 yards of the battery we poured a double charge of canister into the regiment directly in our front, which broke their lines and drove them to the rear in utter confusion, giving me an opportunity (after firing 36 rounds of canister) to retire with my battery in safety, except three caissons, on which the horses were so completely disabled that it was impossible to get them from the field, although I returned to the field in person after I had secured my pieces and made another effort to get the caissons from the field, but the horses were so badly cut up that it was impossible to move them. During the retreat, about half a mile from the field, one of my pieces was accidentally run off from a bridge, capsizing the piece and break- ing the leg of one horse. The pressure was so great that the guards would not allow time to extricate it, and we were obliged to leave it and the horse with a broken leg. We crossed the Chickahominy, and encamped during the night with General Martindales brigade. On the afternoon of the 30th ultimo I received orders to report with my battery to Colonel Warren, Fifth New York Volunteers, command- ing a brigade in General Sykes division, on the road near Turkey Creek Bridge. At daybreak the next morning Colonel Warren directed me to place one section of my battery in an open field near the banks of the James River, on the extreme left of the line of battle. Lieu- tenant Tyler was assigned to the position with one section of the battery. The enemys cavalry made their appearance in an open wheat field several times during the day, and were shelled and driven from their position whenever they made their appearance. The remaining portion of the battery took a position on the road to the left of Malvern Hill, supported by Colonel Warrens brigade. The woods in front, where a regiment of the enemy were reported to be concealed, were shelled Page 285 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 285 No damage whatever was sustained by the battery during the en- gagement. The officers and men of the battery behaved well. A. P. MARTIN, Captain) Battery C, Massachusetts Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM B. WEEDEN, Chief of Artillery, ]Iforells Division. No. 117. Report of Lient. John B. Hyde, Battery B, ]Jliassachusetts Light Artillery, of the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, July 5, 1862. I have the honor to make the following report as regards the battery under my command: June 26 I was ordered to report to General Butterfield, and pro- ceeded with his brigade in the direction of Cold Harbor, and was sub- sequently ordered back to a field near General Morells headquarters, and took position near the woods. Afterward I was ordered to the field formerly occupied by the Reserve Artillery; remained there until 3 a. m. of the 27th, and was then ordered to take position in battery to the left and near Dr. Gaines house, to command the bridge in front and to cover the retreat of our troops and then to retire after all were over and the bridge destroyed. This being accomplished, 1 again took position on the other side of a bridge on a hill, about 100 yards from the woods and then was ordered to take position near the edge of the woods by General Butterfield, and with the assistance of his brigade drove the enemy back several times in great disorder, a~fter which we resumed our position on the hill and remained in readiness for the enemy to come out of the woods, then to give them double canister, which we did with great effect until, our support giving way, we were obliged to limber up and retire, which we did in good order,, with all our pieces but one, the horses of which having been previously killed, I was obliged to leave. We had proceeded but a short distance when the fire of the enemy became so intense that the horses in three of the pieces were killed, thereby preventing their removal from the field. After having retired from the field we crossed the Chickahominy River, and encamped for the night near General McClellans head- quarters. July 1, 1862, I was ordered by Captain Weeden to take my remaining pieces with his battery to the front and on the brow of a hill, about 2,000 yards from the enemy, who were in the edge of the woods with artillery and infantry. We began to shell them, and after about half an hour, in connection with other batteries, silenced the enemy, and were then ordered with Weedens battery to take position in the field on the opposite side of ~he road, and again began firing in the direction of the enemy. This was kept up till night, when we were relieved and returned to camp Page 286 286 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. During the engagement all the men behaved remarkably well. All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN B. HYDE, Lieutenant, Commanding Battery B, Massachusetts Artillery. Captain WEEDEN, Chief of Artillery, General ]tforells Dirision. No. 118. Report of Jijeut. Henry W. Kingsbury, Battery D, F~fth U. ~9. Artillery, 9f the battles of Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. CAMP AT HARRIsoNs LANDING, VA., July 5, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders I report as follows as to the service of Battery D, Fifth Artillery, since the 26th nltimo: At noon on that day orders were received to pack camp equipage and send the wagons to General McClellans headquarters. One team- ster deserted his charge; the mules were lost, the wagon destroyed by order of Captain Tidball, of the artillery. Later on the 26th 1 was ordered to follow Brigadier-General Griffin, then on the march toward Mechaniesville. Being misled as to his route I did not find him, but reached the cross-roads near Mechanicsville just after snndown, and took position in an open field, snpported by regiments of Brigadier- General Martindales commandthis with the assent of Brigadier-Gen- eral Morell, commanding division. On the 27th, at 2 a. in., i returned, by order, with General Martin- dale over the same route by whiTh we had advanced. A little after sunrise I halted near Gaines Mill and reported to Brig. Gen. F. J. Porter. He ordered, Stand still and await further orders. These I soon received from yonrself, viz: Cross the bridge and follow General Griffins brigade. This I did, and parked near Taits house. Soon, by your order, I went into battery in a position commanding a wide stretch of the valley of the Chickahominy. In the afternoon I received orders from General Porter to move to the right of General Griffins brigade. These were immediately countermanded. Later, throi~gh Lieutenant Monteith, General Porter sent me an order to move quickly to the right of our line and report to General Sykes, if 1 could find him; if not, to go and act at my own discretion, as a regiment wonld be sent to support me. I reported to General Sykes. He held the battery, with its support (the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers),.in reserve. Lieutenant-Colonel Buchanan, of the Fourth Infantry, asked, in con- versation, If the battery would support his troops should the enemy attempt a flank movement npon them 6~ J replied, Certainly. Gen- eral Sykes not being present at the time, seeing what I thonght the enemys preparation to attack, I brought forward four pieces and placed them on the right of two pieces of Captain Edwards battery, already in position. I opened fire with shrapnel on the enemys artillery and infantryeffect satisfactory. After two hours the last fierce charge of the enemy was made. I ordered up my remaining two pieces. lmine- diately in front of the battery the enemy did not emerge from the woods, being prevented by onr canister, On our left the infantry wer Page 287 CHAr. XXIII.] 287 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. soon forced to retire. Finding the enemy so gaining in that quarter as to have an enfilading fire npon us and my support retiring, I moved to the rear about 80 yards and came into battery in front of the Six- teenth Regiment New York Volunteers. There we again opened fire with shrapneleffect apparently good. The Sixteenth New York Vol. unteers advanced handsomely through our battery. I directed the guns to the left, where there were crowds of Union fugitives and where the enemy were still gaining ground. At this juncture a remnant of the Twelfth Infantry passed, disor- ganized, but walking. Captain Read, Lieutenant lleckscher, and the standard-bearer strove manfully to rally them. They succeeded in so doing among some bushes 150 yards to our rear. I was now in the open plain, with no infantry near my battery. I retired therefore, to these bushes and again opened fire with shrapnel. The smoke was dense. An officer from the front, however, reported our range exact. In this last position the battery remained until after dark, when it withdrew by order of General Sykes. I parked for the night near Woodburys [l] Bridge. A caisson-driver mistook the road of retreat. Four caissons were thus misled. The next morning they came to the bridge and attempted to cross. The structure was already damaged by our engineers, and was soon after blown up. The caissons were destroyed at the same time. The driver, with the horses, save two, forded the stream and reached the battery. On June 28, at 2 a. in., moved, by order of General Porter, across Woodburys [Alexanders ~] Bridge and parked. In the afternoon moved with General Griffins brigade to White Oak Swamp; camped at dusk. On the road we picked up three abandoned caissons. On June 29, about 9 a. in., the battery marched with General Butterfields brigade, and parked after dark at Prospect Hill. On the 30th marched at 2 a. m. to join General Griffins brigade. After marching about 2 miles halted to await daybreak. At sunrise the march was resumed. We crossed Turkey Creek and parked at noon at Turkey Bend. After a rest of a few hours we marched back aud were held in reserve near Malvern House. For the night we parked on Malvern plain. On July 1, at 9 a. in., the battery moved by your order and took posi- tion on the right of that occupied by the battery of Lieutenant Ames. Qur guns commanded the fork of the roads, one of which led to Rich- mond. Toward noon horsemen appeared to our front and right, dis- tance 1,600 yards. Lieutenant Hazletts section opened with shrapnel and percussion shell. The enemy immediately disappeared. Soon the enemy appeared in force to the front and left of Captain Livingstons battery, which was posted on the left of Lieutenant Ames. The three batteries at once opened with shrapnel, and the enemy were speedily driven back to the woods. Simultaneously with the appearance of this infantry a field battery opened on us from the Richmond road. We returned the fire, and forced it apparently to change its position. Soon what I conceived to be two more batteries opened upon us from the same road. In connection with the other batteries we replied with shrapnel, range about 1,300 yards. In our front, (listant 500 yards, there now appeared a mass of infantry preparing to charge. I ordered at once a brisk fire upon them with shrapnel. They advanced steadily until within 150 yards. Our canister then caused them to fly in con- fusion. They left a battle-flag behind them. (This was l)icked up by an infantry officer some time later.) Against these rebels a portion of a regiment on our right assisted. When they first formed I drew the atte~ition of Lieutenar~t Ames to them. l3[e, too, pointed some of hi Page 288 288 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL guns on them. We entered the fight in the morning with not less than 600 rounds of ammunition. Owing to the blowing up of our caissons on the 28th of June this began to fail. One hundred and fifty rounds, mostly shell, were sent us. This we used mostly in firing at masses of the enemy as they appeared in the distance. I was now relieved by your own battery, and went to the rear for ammunition. I left with 16 rounds to a piece, which by your order I reserved for emergencies. During the day Brigadier-General Conch frequently urged me to fire through the woods at a rebel field battery stationed on the opposite side of Turkey Creek. I replied that it was useless to fire at objects we could not see. As 1 left the field the gen- erals staff officer told me from the general that it was not intended that I should retire more than 100 yards, there to receive ammunitioll. I replied that I was directed to receive it at General Porters headquar- ters. He asked if I would return immediately. I replied yes, if so ordered after receiving my ammunition. I repeated this conversation to General Porter. He bade me await his orders. The effect of the firing upon our pieces was to enlarge materially the vents of three. No ammunition for 10-pouud~ Parrott guns was to be had, nor did ~e re- ceive a supply until we reached Harrisons Landing. On the night of the battle the battery marched to Harrisons Landing, where we have since remained. In both these actions the conduct of both officers and men was such as to command my hearty praise. Especially would I commend to your attention First Lient. Charles E. Hazlett, Fifth Artillery. To his uii- wearied exertions of preparation is due much of the efficiency of the battery. In both the recent actions I have consulted with him freely, and have frequently adopted his suggestions. Whatever credit is awarded the battery much of it should fall to his share. rf o Second Lient. L. M. Harrison is due credit for coolness under the hottest fire of the enemy. Second Lieut. H. B. Reed was, as usual when under fire, cool and brave. He displayed judgment in shielding his pieces and men from the enemys fire while his section was in reserve. In the second action (July 1) Second Lieutenant Carroll behaved well. From enlisted memi I select for your special notice First Serg. Samuel Peeples, Corporals Broderick and Grady. When acting as gunners the accuracy of their fire could not be excelled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY W. KINGSBURY, First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery. Capt. WILLIAM B. WEEDEN Commanding Division of Artillery. No. 119. Report of Brig. Gen. John H. Martindale, U. S. Army, commanding First brigade, of the battles of Miechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagemeut at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON, Washington, D. C., March 27, 1863. GENERAL: At your request, and for the purpose of placing on record in proper form the operations of your command during the eventfu Page 289 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 289 movements of the Army of the Potomac in the months of June and July last, I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tion of the First Brigade of your division, then commanded by me: After the interval which has since transpired I should fail in making a report from memory satisfactory to myself~ but it happened that on the 4th and 5th days of July 1 prepared a written account of the events tbrongh wbeb I AQd ./~~S i~sse4 and rv2iieh, ozuitti~ fr~ieideiu~s or a purely personal nature, is almost literally transcribed in the following report: It is proper to premise that the infantry troops of the Fifth Provis- ional Army Corps then consisted of Sykes and Morells divisions and Berdans regiment of Sharpshooters, under th~ command of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter; that Morells division consisted of three brigades, as follows: First Brigade, commanded by the undersigned; Second Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. C. Griffin; Third Brigade, com- manded by Brig. Gen. ID. Butterfield. My brigade consisted of six regiments, viz, Eighteenth Massachusetts, Col. James Barnes command- ing; Twenty-fifth New York, Major Gilbert commanding; Twenty- second Massachusetts, Colonel Gove commanding; Second Maine, Col. C. W. Roberts commanding; Thirteenth New York, Colonel Marshall commanding; First Michigan, Col. H. S. Roberts commanding. On Wednesday, the 25th of June, my brigade was encamped near Dr. Curtis house, in the valley of the Chickahominy, about 1 mile from New Bridge and 7 miles from Richmond. Near night I received orders to detail a regiment of 500 men at least to go with General Stoneman on a reconnaissance. I detailed the Eighteenth Massachusetts. The Seventeenth New York, of Butterfields brigade, was detailed for the same service. They were to leave as early as 5 oclock in the morning of the 26th. At 6 oclock in the morning the regiment and expedition had left. In the course of the forenoon of the 26th I received a notice to repair to General Porters quarters. There I learned that intelligence had been received that a ,strong demonstration against our right and our communications with the Pamunkey at White House was apprehended and to be guarded against. I was instructed to have our wagons all loaded and packed and to move with my brigade to the rear of and above Mechanicsville about three-quarters of a mile an the Hanover Court-House road to guard against any d to form on direction. The brigade was soon under arms and approach in that moved rapidly about 3 miles away and near to McCalls division, ready to resist any effort to turn his right and assail him in the rear. At this place Col- onel Farnsworth was encamped with a body of cavalry. I proceeded more than 2 miles farther toward Hanover Court-House with a small escort furnished to me by Colonel Farnsworth, until it was reported to me by the scouts that the woods and grounds in front were full of rebels. I then formed my brigade in line of battle in a strong position about half a mile in advance of the Mechanicsville road. Afterwards I received peremptory orders from General Porter to withdraw from the line I had taken. I did so a very short distance. The battle had opened on our left nearer to Mechanicsville. I sent out the Thirteenth New York and Twenty-second Massachusetts to support General Rey- nolds, who was commanding in that direction, and waited the demon- stration against my front. The fire was very hot on the Mechanicsville side. My regiments were not much exposed to it. The Twenty-second Massachusetts lost there but 4 men killed. In my front the enemy 19 R RYOL XI, PT I Page 290 290 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAr. XXIII. opened upon ns with six pieces artillery, wounding only one of my men in the First Michigan. In this condition the sun went down and the firing on both sides ceased. At 1 oclock in the night I received orders from General Porter to withdraw my brigade and return before day. break. Immediately the men, who were resting on their arms, were ronsed and got in motion. Shortly after daylight I had reached my~ild camp, but on our march the battle had opened behind us. I learned that we were about to abandon the easterly side of the (Jhickahominy and our base at the White House and pass to the Richmond side. When I reached camp most of the wagons were gone. A considerable quantity of commissary and quartermasters stores had not been removed, and by command of General Porter these stores were burned. General Porter directed me to move into position on the right of Butterfield, about half a mile to the east and south of IDr. Gaines honse, and where Morells division formed a line of battle as indicated in the following diagram. Sykes division was on the right when the battle opened and a few solid shot were thrown at us. Before getting into position I went in person across the ravine and over the ground in our front. Our forces formed an obtuse angle, one arm of which was held by Sykes regulars on the right and the other arm by iVIorells division on the left. McCalls division of Pennsylvania Reserves were held in reserve. I found that Butterfields brigade (which had not been to Mechanicsville with Griffins and mine) was already in position, two of his regiments being placed down in the bottom of a ravine behind a ditch in a dense wood, and the other two regiments on the crest of the hill concealed by the woods, but having open ground in the rear. A similar arrange- ment was intended for me. I remonstrated, insisting that we were placing our men on the defensive in the last ditch, and that the front line ought to be placed near the top of the hill on the opposite side, because they would be concealed from observation there as the enemy approached, and could rise at once and deliver an effective fire. Besides, such a position afforded opportunity for pursuing the rebels should we repel them. But I was informed by General Butterfield that General Porter had directed it. I then sought General Morell and went over the ground with him, and pointed out the objection to the proposed formation of our lines. General Morell directed me to form on the right of General Butterfield, and I accordingly did so. The enemy approached from the direction of Mechaniesrille. Had artillery been placed on the crest of the ravine held by Morells division the enemys line of approach was within reach of our guns. It was practicable, therefore, to have directed a cross-fire against the enemys troops as they advanced to attack Sykes, as well as to meet face to face when they changed direction or sent independent columns against us. Morells division, except Griffins brigade, wa~ in two lines, and the back line was on the crest of the hill which formed the south bank of the ravine. I applied to General Morell for artillery to be planted on this crest, and where on clearing the woods a sight would be afforded of the advancing columns of the enemy. At first the application was not heeded. The battle went on. Not a piece of artillery was used on our left. It was l)laced 100 yards in rear of the woods where we were formed, and where it remained silent and useless. I applied again to General Morell, and asked him to see how desirable it was to have the artillery brought forward to the crest of the ravine. He said that Gen- eral Porter had control of the artillery. Afterward I went to his head Page 291 CHAP. XXIII.J SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 2917 quarters, which were in convenient proximity at Watts house, to urge the use of the artillery again. There I met General Griffin, who at my request went with me to examine the ground. lie pronounced the artillery most needful in the position I indicated. At length two pieces only were sent. Then my pioneers proceeded to trim up the woods, so as to get a clear sight of the enemy as they approached. I solicited and got permission to send skirmishers across the ditch at the foot of the ravine (over which men could almost jump and could easily climb) to the crest of the hill on the opposite side. Soon the skirmishers got engaged and drove back the enemy. At this time the battle raged on the right, and Sykes division appeared to me to be falling back. On the left we did not follow up the enemy as they~ were repulsed by our skirmishers. The design of battle seemed to contemplate that we should simply hold our position. After a considerable interval of time a determined assault was made in our direction. At that time I was posted on the crest of the hill close to the rank of the Second Maine Regiment. Our skirmishers came rushing back. My command withheld their fire until the enemy were within 500 yards. We then opened. The enemy followed, halted, tried bravely to hold their own, but soon retired. As soon as they passed over the crest of the hill .on their side they were beyond our reach. If we had had twenty pieces of artillery in position there and the woods sufficiently cleared we might have done much greater execution. We did not move our forces across the dAitch at the l)ottom of the ravine; we simply held our own. Repeated efforts against us of similar character were unavailing and the fire for a considerable time ceased. At length the enemy renewed the attack more determinedly than be- fore. I sent for a part of McCalls reserve, one regiment of which was placed in rear of a part of my own line. The right of our line, where Sykes division was formed, had at this time receded. The enemy had succeeded in planting artillery opposite Sykes, so as to enfilade the left of my brigade. From this fire the left of the Twenty-second Massachusetts suffered severely. It was nearly sundown. Looking through the partial clearing in front of my two pieces of artillery, I saw the enemy approaching in dense columns. Already the right had shown signs of suffering, and part of Griffins regiments had retired, having been relieved. The enemy came on. The battle was now a continuous roar. It was a very stubborn and prolonged assault, in which the enemy had a, very great preponderance of force. Presently I saw one of Butter- fields regiments coming in order out of the woods. Their movement grew quicker. The right, too, was receding. At once the whole line gave way and retired in disorder. After retiring about three-quarters of a mile re-enforcements were met from the Richmond side of the river. The enemy did not pursue. It was dark, and during the night we went deliberately across the Chickahominy. Thus ended the battle of Gaines Hill, or Mill. I had about 2,500 men in the action. Of that number I lost in killed, wounded, and missing 602. Every regiment suffered, but the Twenty-second Massa- chusetts much the most of all. Colonel Gove, commanding it, was killed. Major Tilton, of the same regiment, was wounded and taken prisoner. Major Gilbert, of the Twenty-fifth New York, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Yarney, of the Second Maine, were also taken prisoners. The Secoud Maine and the Thirteenth New York each bore away Page 292 292 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. xxia stand of rebel colors, which during the fight their skirmishers had taken on the field. We rested a little during the night on the fiat ground bordering the Chickahominy. The next day, being Saturday, the 28th, we were ordered forward, and marched some 6 or 7 miles to a camp toward the James River across White oak Swamp, being a swampy tributary of the Chickahominy. My men had scarcely any food, and that little consisted of hard bread principally, with coffee and sugar. We got into camp, tents were pitched, wagons were parked, and we counted on a good nights rest, though the men were tired and they knew that the enemy which we had fought the day before was close at hand. About 1 oclock we were roused by a false alarm, the men were got nuder arms, the wagons were repacked, and thus we rested until daylight. Not long after we had information that Keyes corps required our aid, and my brigade was put in motion to go to his assistance. It was a hot, sultry Sunday morning. My brigade was moved forward about a mile. Back of us was fighting, by whom 11 do not know. We remained in position, covering the retire-, ment of other portions of our troops,~all dry. We had no food but hard bread and coffee. Night came, and pursuant to orders t~rom General Morell I moved my brigade out of the road-side to a field half a mile distant, and halted again for more troops to pass. There was random firing all about us. My men were exhausted with the excitement of battle, want of sleep and food. They were reminded that it was a time to remember that panic would be destruction. Should an enemy assail us, there could be no security except in steady, unfaltering obedience to orders. On being reminded of these facts the response came repeatedly from the ranks, We shall be steady. A panic was started in a regiment of another brigade near us. Shots were fired in the neighboring woods. The men sprang to their feet and arms, and then quietly sank again to the ground without leaving the ranks. It was 2 oclock in the morning when I received orders to move imme- diately forward. I got my command in motion amid in the road again, but only to halt in expectation until muorning. During all the preced- Pg day it was almost impossible to find water, and as in most cases where a halt is ordered for a few hours, all the wells were drained dry amid the springs made muddy. The sun rose, and we got in motion again; went forward about 5 miles, when we struck the Janies River close by Turkey Island, or Oakley, or better known as Malvern Hill. We hoped that our troubles were ended, but there was fierce cannon- ading in our rear, mingled with the roar of musketry. The men had already fixed their little bough houses, when we had an order to get nuder arms and return to the summit of the high hill froni which we had descended to the river. It was now Monday afternoon, June 30. Back we marched up the hill. This march was about three-quarters of a mile, and through a narrow path, most of the way covered by a dense ~Vood. The springs ran down the road, and it had only been made passable by placing rails thickly across it. As we returned some of the baggage wagons ob- structed the passage, and we had to pick our way along in single files. At length my brigade was on the elevated plateau above, where we could overlook the country for miles. The battle was coming nearer and nearer. Transportation wagons were teeming in on the trot. Clouds of dust and smoke filled the air. I received orders to move my brigade still farther to the front about a mile to support a battery. These orders were communicated to me by Captain Auchmuty, assist Page 293 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN DAYS BATTLES. 293~ ant adjutant-general of General Morell, and he showed me the posi- tioW which the orders indicated. General Griffin was already there with part of his brigade. I passed Butterfields brigade on the road. My lines were all formed and I had sent out pickets. I knew that there was a force of our troops still in our front, and soon Conchs. division went forward to relieve it.. At about 10 oclock at night 1 received information from General Porter that he did not expect me to go so far to the front and not far- they than the position held by Butterfields brigade, but he sent me no orders. I then withdrew my comm and about half a mile, but still in advance of Butterfields brigade. We had l)arted from our transporta- tion, tents, and food back at White Oak Swamp on Sunday morning. This night the men had to forage for food, and although firing had ceased, pigs were squealing wherever they could be found in our vicinity. The Thirteenth New York Regiment had a fall days ration of hard bread on hand, and they generously divided with the First Michigan, which regiment had been twenty-four hours without rations. Morning came, July 1. We got intelligence from our wagons, and had sent around to us a quantity of sugar, coffee, and hard bread. This was a great relict It was quite along in the forenoon, when the rear guard of the day before retired, and Porters corps and Couchs (livision were left to cover the front. I think it was full noon when the battle opened. The firing was in a. northeast direction from us, toward Couchs division, which was on our right. Under orders from General Morell I moved my brigade forward and formed in line of battle by battalions at half distance. They were slightly covered by ground rising in front. The Second Maine Regiment was on the right; the Thirteenth New York was on the left. I directed them to lie down. Griffins brigade was in front, still farther on the left, where we had a couple of batteries. Butterfields brigade was immediately in my rear. The battle was now an affair of artillery, and none of Porters corps had yet engaged the infantry. Couch, ho~vever, was pressed severely on the right, but held his ground. I had encountered artillery before, but now it opened as I had never yet seen it. it was obvious that the whole Army of the Potomac was resting there for safety on the steadi- ness of the portion of it which was then confronting the enemy. I went alomz~g the line of my regiments and told them my dispositions for battle, and reminded them that a retreat would be annihilation. It would be better to face the enemy to the last than to retirethat there was no Washington to fall back upon, as at Bull Run; no Chickahominy to cross, as at Gaines Mill. We must be victorious or perish. That statement of the case was true, and the men knew it and appreciated it. During the progress of the cannonading my men were held inactive. I saw repeatedly the wounded rise from their places and retire to the shelter of a bank to our left and rear (which place was selected for a hospital), and those that could not go without aid borne by comrades, who deposited them with the surgeon, and promptly and quietly returned to their places. In this position a number of men were killed and were borne away in like manner, and the places thus made vacant were imme- diately closed again. Without contrasting the quiet, steady, resolute c6urage of my brigade with any other engaged that day, I am sure that no other furnished finer exhibitions of fortitude and heroism than my men displayed. At length the enemy ceased their cannonading. There was a calni, but the storm burst again speedily. I had directed the Second Maine to the right, to be in readiness to support Couch. Page 294 [CHAP. Xliii. 294 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. formed the Twenty-second Massachusetts with the Twenty-fifth New York (which was reduced to a fragment) and advanced it to the sup- port of Griffins brigade. I reformed the Second Maine in rear of the Twenty-se~ond Massachusetts and ordered it forward. At this time the enemy was attempting to move around under cover of a bank and turn our left flank. Griffin had one regiment, the Four- teenth New York, in that direction. I received orders from General Morell to use my own judgment in repelling that attack. Deeming the emergency imminent, I went in person to form and lead the Thirteenth New York in that direction. Major Schceffel, who was in command (Colonel Marshall and Lieutenant-Colonel Stephan both being absent sick), under my direction formed line to the left and moved to the sup- port of the Fourteenth New York. I returned to the First Michigan Regiment, and deploying it, ordered it forward. At nearly the same time Butterfields brigade came forward and one of the regiments (the Twelfth New York) reported to me. Other re-enforcements ap- peared on the ground not belonging to Morells division. There was danger of confusion. I placed the Twelfth New York in position to protect the extreme left, and I think also another of the regiments which moved up from the rear. As I made these dispositions General Porter himself appeared on the ground, and I explained to him how the commands were situated. At this time a considerable body of wounded men and stragglers were retiring from the lines. General Porter directed me to form a line to prevent straggling and collect the wounded. I proceeded to execute his orders, and took the Twenty-fifth New York and stretched it across the field for that purpose. The enemy had been driven back at all points. I was directed by General Porter to send out pickets to the front, and did so. My brigade, except the Twenty-fifth New York, bivouacked in line of battle on the advanced ground which had been won on the left, and which was part of the identical ground to which I had advanced the night before. The light of the fires, reflected on the clonids over the woods, and the report of the pickets disclosed that the enemy was using the night to retire out of reach of our cannon toward Richmond. At about 10 oclock, while preparing to bivouac, I learned that we must make a forced march that night 11 miles down the James River to Harrisons Bar. At a later hour the order was given me b.y General Morell in person to get in motion. My brigade, according to the order, was to lead, and I called in my pickets and moved my command back a mile to the summit of Malvern Hill. Descending, it was necessary to go through the long, dark passage which I have before described. Gen- eral Morell met me there. The artillery was moving down the defile. He told me to follow the artillery and left me, saying he would rejoin me there. I rested with the head of my column close to the moving artillery. Soon troops came on and attempted to pass the head of my column. I halted them. They pressed through to the other side of the artillery and moved on. I mo~ed the head of my column down about 100 yards to a bend in the road to see if I could not stop the movement, and halted again. But the tide on the other side rolled on. We were left in the rear, and the order of march was no longer maintained. I sent back an orderly for General Morell, but no tidings of him were brought to me. The head of my column still maintained. its ground. In the darkness I discovered General Butterfields assistant adjutant-general passin Page 295 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 295 by me. I halted him. He in,formed me that Generals Butterfield and Porter had just passed. Thereupon I gave the order to the Second Maine, th~n in advance, to move forward. We advanced, groping through the darkness. At length we emerged from the long defile and came opposite to the ground where we had encamped the previous day. There I found General Morell. The troops were retiring in great dis- order. It was fortunate for us that we had whipped the rebels so soundly a few hours before. I found that the rear of my own brigade had been following the troops on the other side of the artillery where I had been halting and were already quite in advance of me. I went forward and joined General Porter. He stopped near Haxalls Landing. I proposed to remain with him. He did not desire it, and I went for- ward in company with his staff to Harrisons Landing. I came in front of a regiment encamped at Harrisons Landing, which proved to be the Eighteenth Massachusetts. The regiment had left their camp to join General Stoneman and proceed to White House on the morning of the 26th. They had destroyed and removed the stores at that depot, had gone down the York River to Fortress Monroe, and the night before, July 1, had come up th~ James River to Harrisons Bar. The rain had commenced to fall early in the morning and continued during most of the day. Daring the forenoon my brigade was encamped in close proximity to the Eighteenth Massachusetts, over which regiment, from the time that I joined it, I resumed command as brigade commander. The continued rain and inpouring of troops, teams, and wagons were cutting up the sail, through which movement grew more and more diffi- cult. The following night was passed in great discomfort. The men were subsisting on hard bread and drinking polluted surface water. The morning of the 3d of July came. All around us was a sea of deep mud, through which the mules were struggling and goaded to drag the loads behind them. At length there was the sound of cannon. The enemy were shelling us. I got my regiments into line of battle by battalions in mass, agreeably to orders. A few solid shots plowed the earth right in our midst, but without doing any damage, except in a single instance, where a shot went crushing through a transportation wagon. At length some troops (not of our division) were sent in the direction of the firing, and the enemy retired. Then I moved my brigade about three-quarters of a mile into the edge of woods which bounded the broad plain at Harrisons Bar and skirted the Westover marshes. Our wagons reached us the following morning at about 10 oclock July 4, and during that day our tents were pitched and camp established. During the following night, agreeably to orders, my brigade was got in readiness to move, information having been communicated to me in orders that the enemy had appeared in force in our front and that the command must be on the alert. Thus ended the succession of evefits commencing with the breaking up of the camps of my brigade in the valley of the Chickahominy and followed by the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac to the James River. I was immediately afterward taken sick with typhoid fever, and on the 11th of July separated from my brigade. Since my recovery I have been assigned to other duties, and have never resumed that com- mand. For these reasons it would not now be possible for me to dis- tinguish with satisfactory discrimination the particular instances o Page 296 296 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII gallant conduct of which I was a witness. The reports of the corn.- manding officers of regiments are respectfully referred to in this con- nection. Because during a critical period of the battle of Malvern and to Ward its close the Twelfth New York, then commanded by Lieutenant-Col- onel Ricbardson, reported to me and was by me put in position and brought into action, I have taken the liberty to request a brief report from Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson on that subject, which is herewith respectfully transmitted. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to remain, general, with high respect, your obedient servant, JOHN II. MAItTINDALE, Brig. Gem., lately Comdg. First Brig., Morells Dir., Fifth P. A. C. Brig. Gen. GEORGE W. MORELL, Lately Comdg. Miorells Div., Fifth Prov. Corps, A. of P. No. 120. Report of Col. Charles W. Roberts, Second Maine Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkep Bridge, and battle of ltlia lvern Hill. HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT MAINE VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Harrisons Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. SIR: Pursuant to orders I submit the following report, viz: The morning of the 27th June my regiment, having been on picket for twenty-four hours at New Bridge, Virginia, left New Bridge at 4 oclock a. in., taking a position near the house occupied by Dr. Gaines. At 6 oclock a in., however, we left this position, and, together with the remainder of General Fitz John ~ army corps, were en route for Gaines Hill, where we arrived about 10 oclock a. m. The enemy, pur- shing our rear guard from Mechanicsville with very little loss to our troops, soon notified us that we could not cross the Chickahominy with- out making a stand. By orders of General Morell our division was speedily drawn up in line of battle, as follows: The Second Brigade on the extreme right on the skirt of the woods facing northeasterly towards the road coming from Gaines Mill, General Martiudale in the center, General Butterfield on the left. On the extreme right Gen- eral Sykes division of regulars were posted. My regiment was posted on the ext~me right of our brigade, the Twenty-second Massachu- setts, Colonel Gove, and other regiments attached to the brigade, on my left. Having the advantage of a ra~l fence, I ordered my boys to ~pake with their knapsacks a barricade, which they did in a very short time. In this position we remained nearly two hours, waiting for the enemy. At the expiration of this time sharp cracks of rifles notified us that our skirmishers were being driven in, and the shell of the enemy, stri,king about us from the right and left, warned us that the rebels were in foree. Soon our extreme right was attacked and the enemy repulsed. Then they tried our center, when they were again repulsed with great loss, my regiment taking during this encounter the colors of the Fifth Alabama Regiment. We were not allowed long to remai Page 297 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 297 inactive, for speedily our whole line was attacked from right to left by four times oar number. We stood our ground, however, until our am- munition was nearly expended. At this juncture I requested one of the Pennsylvania regiments, sta- tioned directly in my rear, to relieve me, and I gave to my command the order to fix bayonets, when, to my surprise, the Pennsylvania regi- ment, rising up to relieve me as I supposed, went to the right-about and retreated from the field in confusion. At this time, the right and left flanks of oar entire army corps having broken, I followed suit with my own command, and finally rallied them in rear of the Reserve Artillery, some eighth of a mile behind our original line of battle. Here I remained until 1 p. in., when orders came for us to cross the Chickahominy. We crossed and bivouacked for the night, and, together with the whole army, left the following morning for the James River, where we arrived, after sundry forced marches and uncomfortable bivouacs, on the morning of the 30th ultimo. Here on the banks of the James River we went into camp, but were soon informed that there was no rest for the poor, wearied soldier, as the enemy~was pressing u~ hard, and by orders from General Martindale we pressed forward double- quick on to Malvern Hill, so called. Here o ~r brigade, being drawn up in line of battle in close columns of divisio 4s near the southerly end of said hill, awaited the approach of the rebels. The roar of the artillery at this time was tremendous. The gun- boats opening, however, the enemy retreated. Later in the evening I was ordered to the front, facing easterly, to watch and ward off any attack of the enemy from this quarter. About 10 oclock the same night, however, we were relieved from this position and moved by General Martindales orders to the rear. The following day, at about 2 oclock, the enemy still giving us no rest, we were ordered, together with the remainder of the brigade, to defend the left, and. in rear of Griffins and other batteries we laid for three hours under an incessant and extremely hot artillery fire, both from the right, lefty and front. At about 5 the fight became general, regiment after regiment mov- ing forward to repel the enemy, who were charging our batteries, my command in rear of the First Michigan. I moved forward prepared to support them, but a regiment on the left of the battery being low in ammunition, Colonel Roberts, of the First Michigan, relieved them, and. I advanced my command in his position. I finally defended the right flank of a battery under the supervision of Colonel Hunt, when, dark- ness ensuing, the battle ceased, and retiring a short distance we laid down for the night, but at 1 oclock we were ordered to move, and. through rain and mud, after a forced march, I arrived at our present location. During the last seven days of trial, danger, and fatigue I cannot but express myself perfectly satisfied with my owim command, and would respectfully call the attention of the commanding general to the fact that they were obliged to leave behind their knapsacks and all the effects available to a soldier excepting muskets and ammu- nition. Very respectfully, yours, CHAS. W. ROBERTS, Golonel & cond Maine. Capt. CHARLES J. POWERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Morells Division. Page 298 298 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [C~IAP. xxm. No. 121. Report of Col. James Barnes, liNghteenth Massachwsetts infantry, of opera- tions June 26July 2. IIDQRS. EIGHTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGI~NT, In Gamp at ~ Landing, on James River, Va., July 5, 1& 32. SIR: In accordance with instructions received from you I have the honor to make the following statement of the duty performed by this regiment since Thursday last, the 26th day of June: Very late on Wednesday evening, the 25th, while iu cnmp at Gaines Hill, I received orders to report to Brigadier-General Stoneman, of the cavalry, for special duty early on tbe following morning. I accordingly reported to him, and was instructed to report to him at an early hour in the morning at or near Old Church, equipped in light marching order, and by way of the Mechanicsville turnpike. The men were to be furnished with three days provisions in their haversacks. An extra supply of ammunition was to be carried iu a wagon and a supply of medical stores and ambulances. I accordingly started at 4.30 oclock in the morning with an entire force of 514 officers and men, one am- munition wagon, one hospital transport, and two ambulances, the men furnished with the requfred provisions, and without other incumbrauce than their blankets. The sick and others unfit for the arduous duty that was to be performed were left behind, wlio, together with the camp guard and others detailed for special duty, amounted in all to 238; these, with the portion taken with me, constituting the entire regiment. . All the knapsacks and other property of the regiment were left in the camp. Proceeding by the Mechanicsvillc turnpike, I reached that vilFage and found everything apparently quiet. Passing thence by the old Hanover road toward Old Church, nothing particular occurred until arriving at the point where the road turns off to Old Church. I found General Emory in charge of a body of cavalry and artillery, and a good deal of excitement existing on account of the rumors that the enemy were likely soon to be in our rear. Under his instructions I moved rapidly forward toward Old Church, accompanied by a section of Cap- tain Gibsons battery. We soon reached the place, and the battery and the part of the regiment assigned for its support were at once placed in position, the remainder being held in reserve. In the mean time heavy firing was beard upon our left toward Me. chanicsville, the point from which we had so recently arrived, and the approach of the enemy was eagerly looked for. After waiting in this position for some time and no force appearing, the firing in the mean time ceasing, I received instructions from General Stoneman to leave four companies as a support to the artillery and to withdraw the remainder of the regiment to the rear about half a mile on the opposite side of a small creek, which I did just after (~rk, and bivouacked for the night. During the night two additional companies were established as a picket to the left of our position. Nothing farther transpired that night. The regiment was under arms at early dawn, and at a later period t1~me pickets from the front and left were drawu in and the entire torce under General Stoneman was withdrawn about a half mile to the rear, the four companies before spoken of acting as a rear guard of the column, under the direction of Major Hayes. Here the whole forc Page 299 CHAP. XXIIELJ SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 299 was drawn up in order of battle. The heavy firing upon our left heard the day before in the mean time was renewed with more frequency and vigor than before. After waiting in this position for some time orders were again re- ceived to continue in motion to the rear. This was accomplished in good order, without undue excitement, in readiness at any moment to act in any direction to which it might be called. In this way we con- tinued on until, on reaching Tunstalls Station at dark, the regiment bivouacked for the night. On Saturday morning the regiment was again early in position. The firing of the day before was continued, but apparently more remote. We remained in this position, awaiting orders, which at length came, directing us to continue to withdraw toward the ~White House Landing. The force was soon in motion, and upon arriving at the Landing a large part of the property there was in flames and preparations making to fire the remainder. Leaving General Stoneman about a mile from the landing I was directed to report to Brigadier-General Casey, from whom on arrival I received instructions to place five companies of the regiment on the steamer Vanderbilt and five on the John Brooks. This was soon done, and the latter placed under command of Major Hayes. Everything at this place having been prepared to be destroyed, and the flames having already consumed the. larger portion of the property abandoned here, word was received from General Stoneman that the enemy were already attacking his rear. The remaining tents were soon fired, and the forces being all on board, General Casey himself being on the steamer Knickerbocker, the whole moved slowly down the river, leaving nothing for the possession of the enemy but the blackened and flaming ruins of what had up to that time constituted the White House Landing. It gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the alacrity and cheerful- ness of the command, both officers and men, during the whole of this exciting duty, an active enemy constantly threatening to cut off their communication with their rear, no sign of undue hurrying, no disorder, nothing but a constant cheerfulness marking every step. We proceeded a few miles below, and near the Curuberland Landing came to anchor for the night. I was able here to recover the hospital supplies with which we started, the ambulances and transports having been turned from the road to White House, which they were unable to reach. Taking in the band, now acting as attendants on the hospital department, and the medical supplies, the ambulances were directed to continue on to Old Point, which place they subsequently reached in safety. The next morning (Sunday) the boats started on their route down the river and arrived at Old Point the same evening. Orders were here received to have the boat prepared for proceeding to Harrison~ s Bar, on the James River. The removal of the large number of the sick and wounded brought down from White House, the coaling of the steamers, & c., occupied the whole of Monday, and on Tuesday, after receiving the supplies of provisions necessary for the men, the boats started for the James River, and reached harrisons Landing late in the afternoon. The regiment, with a large number of stra~glers from other regiments, was soon landed, and under instructions I proceeded about a mile from the Landing, established the necessary pickets to the front, and bivouacked. On the following morning (Wednesday) the other regiments of the brigade arrived upon the ground, amid I soon received orders from General Casey to report once more for duty with the brigade. Th Page 300 ~3OO THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL large number of sick and detailed men left by us in camp begau t~ make their appearance, having found their way across the Chickahom- my with the trains, some of them having been able to perform some service on the way. About 20 of the number are still missing, some of whom it is supposed were captured by the enemy. I have caused requisit ions to be made for shelter-tents and camp eqnipage for the men, all their clothing and knapsacks, including their shelter-tents, having been left iu camp, and subsequently destroyed before the camp was abandoned to the enemy. In every other respect I am happy t6 be able to report the regiment as in good order. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant., JAMES BAI~NES, Colonel, Comm an ding. Capt. CHARLES J. POWERS, Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Brig., Morcils Dir., Porters F~fth A. C. No. 122. Report of Maj. William S. Tilton, Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry, of the battles of 4fechanicsville and Gaines Mill. BOSTON, July 25, 1862. %ENERAL: In accordance with your request I have the honor to make a brief report of the part taken by the Twenty-second Massachu- setts in the battles of the 26th and 27th ultitno. That I may be prop- erly understood, I shall have to mention the position of other troops, which I trust will not be out of order. On Thursday, the 26th, 1 left camp in coininan(l of the regiment, and by order of General Martindale made a stand ou Hanover Court-House road, about 1 mile east of Mechaniesyille. The First Michigan, cov- ered by the Twenty-fifth New York, were posted in a belt of timber on the right of the road; the Thirteenth New York and the Twenty-second Massachusetts to the left. A section of Martins battery was drawn up to the right of our regiment and covered the road. I proceeded to fell trees, to make openings for artillery and an abatis, to strengthen our position. Colonel Gove now came upon the ground and assumed command of the Twenty-second and Thirteenth. Rapid musketry firing was now heard to the left. General Martin- dale ordered Colonel Gove to deploy a company of skirmishers to ascertain what it was. Pending this operation word came that the enemy were in force at Old Church. The brigade should guard against being outflanked. Before the skirmishers had time to deploy we were ordered to move through the woods to our left and rear, and support a battery in Griffins command engaged with the enemy at Mechanics- ville. On emerging from the woods, about 800 yards in the rear of the battery, we met a warm reception, but got under cover within sup- porting distance with a loss of 3 men. The enemy having retreated across the Chickahominy, at dark I withdrew a short distance and pick- eted for the night. Friday, June 27, turned out at 2 oclock a. m. and after much delay marched back to camp on Curtis Farm. Durihg our march quite an action was going on on the bank of the Chickahominy toward our right. We stopped in camp an hour, packed up fir a retreat, destroyed commissary stores; also the pontoon train. The four right companie Page 301 Cnn?. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 301 of the Twenty-second being on picket, the colonel had great anxiety, fearing their knapsacks would be left to the enemy, but by vehement nrging we obtained an order to withdraw the men and saved them. We now took np the line of march down the Chickahominy, the firing between General McCall and the foe having ceased. At Gaines Mill Bridge there was some confusion, caused by an effort of several brigades of infantry and artillery, together with baggage wagons and ambulances,to get over one small bridge at the same instant. No di- recting hand was there, the only order appearing to be, The devil take the hindmost. At or near noon we caine to Watts house, and soon thereafter I was ordered to deploy the Twenty-second in line of battle on the hither edge of a wood to the left and front of the house. It was an excellent line of defense, a deep ravine running through the woods parallel with our line of battle; yet on the suggestion of Colonel Gove I still more strengthened our position by felling great pines and con- structing ot them and smaller trees a barricade. Before us on the edge of a ravine were posted the Thirteenth and Twenty-fifth New York, whom we were to support. The Second Maine was on their right, the First Michigan on their left, the latter supported, I think, by a regi- ment from the brigade of General Butterfield, which occupied the ex- treme left of the line, which extended through the woods to the Chicka- hominy bottom. Colonel Gove was very active, and caused a similar barricade to be thrown up by the regiments in front of us. At 2.30 p. m. the enemys shells began to burst over our heads, doing, however, little injury. (And here let me say, by the way, that while a prisoner I was told by the Confederates that they suffer little by artillery fire, especially when posted in the woods, our shells generally passing harmlessly over their heads. Query: Is a proper allowance made fbr the heating of the gun 6?) Fierce fighting was now heard on the right, the scene extending as far as Cold Harbor. Presently a rebel regiment came out of the woods from the other side of the field before our position in the forest and charged towar(l us. They received such a warm reception from our first line and a section of Martins battery stationed on our right that they broke and ran back to the cover of the woods. Meanwhile the din was incessant on our right, and soon three Yankee cheers told us that there the enemy had been repulsed also. Now our extreme left was visited by the vigorous assaults of the enemy, and they there met a similar fate. The battle raged furiously for two or three hours, the enemy making two distinct attacks (which I saw), only to be defeated. Everything looked favor- able tor us and much enthusiasm was manifested among the men. Congratulations were exchanged between Generals Martindale and Butterfield. The latter felt much pleased with his work, and rode up and down the lines, while the men cheered at the success of our arms. So strong was his confidence, that he re-enforced the line to our right, weakening himself. I now supposed the emiemy would abandon the field for the night, but such did not prove to be their design, for, forming in three lines, they made a final and desperate effort to break through our lines, and they were successful, but not until our weary men were trampled upon. by the hordes of Jacksons army. The attack, I say, was desperate. and so was the defense. The noise of the musketry was not rattling, as ordinarily, but one intense metallic din. The sound of the artillery was sublime. The forces on our left began to give way by regiments. Individuals from our own first line sought shelter behind our barricade. The brave Thirteenth and Twenty-fifth New York, which had so lon Page 302 [CiAP. XXIIL 302 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA defended our front, were soon compelled to retreat with the rest, fall- ing back to our breastworks. The First Michigan did the same. Before many of the troops had fallen back to our breastworks I shouted to our men to rise and fire by file. Some fired one some six rounds, but they were much embarrassed by the difficulty of di~tingnishing friend from foe, so closely were the former pursued by the latter. At this juncture I was shot through the right shoulder, went to the rear, and was ordered to the hospital by Surgeon Prince. While the surgeon was examining my wound the house was surrounded by Con- federates; so our whole line must have given way. Soon after I left the field the house was penetrated many times by shells from our own batteries. After this I can say nothing, as I saw no more of the action, unless it may be to recite the reports of some of my captains. As well as I can judge Colonel Gove gave the order to retreat, when our regiments in front threw themselves back on the Twenty-second, as at that moment we were outflanked on either side and subject to a cross- fire. On coming out of the woods about 200 yards it would appear that the colonel strove to rally the regiment, but was shot down in the act half way between his men and the enemy. I am told that Captain Thomp- son, of Woburn, rallied a few men around the colors and made a stand. Afterward, when near the bridge, Captain Wardwell, Captain Burt, Lieutenant Field, and others rallied all of our own men that they could find, together with many others retreating in disorder, forming them into a battalion. This body consisted of upward of 1,004) men. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Griswold, being now in camp, can question these officers, and give you a more thorough account of the last of the battle than I can. On Captain ~ testimony I should place great reliance, as he is a gentleman and a modest soldier. I was told by several prisoners in Richmond that Captain Sampson, of Company A, was the first man to run away. On the other hand, it is said Lieutenant Connor, of the same company, did bravely. I am also told that Lieutenant Symonds, of Company D, was eminently cool, sedulous, and vigorous in the discharge of his duty. Sergeant Carr, of Company E, not being too sick to take the field, as were both of his superior officers, fell while bravely fighting in commanding his company. Capt. J. J. Thompson, of Company II, proved himself to be a brave and reliable soldier. His first lieutenant, T. T. Salter, one of my most valuable officers, I learn with much grief is the missing. These are the only officers in the regiment worthy of particu- lar mention excepting Lieutenant Stiles, of the Sharpshooters, who did his duty, all of it, manfully. Captain Whorf, Lieutenant Washburn, and Lieutenant Stearns were wounded before they had much opportu- nity to distinguish themselves. I had nearly forgotten our chivalric adjutant, who was severely wounded in the shoulder. We can illy spare his services, as he is one of the most intelligent gentlemen in the regiment and altogether the hardest working man. Assistant Surgeon Prince is a superior man. Neither shot nor shell can deter him from his drity, which he has always performed under whatever circumstances with untiring zeal. In Richmond his good qualities were pre-eminent. I have the honor to be, WM. ~. TILTON, Major, Twenty-second Mass., in command on 26th and 27th June. Brig. Gen. FITz JOHN PORTER, Gommanding Fifth Gorps, Army of the Potomac Page 303 CHAP. XXIfl.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 303 No. 123. Repor of Capt. Walter S. Sampson, Twenty-second Massachusetts In fantry, of the battles of ]Jkchanicsville, Gaines Miii, and Malvern Hill. llD~Rs. TWENTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT, Harrisons Landing, Va., July 7, 1802. Sin: Thursday morning, June 26, at 6 oclock, I was detailed to take the four right companies (A, Lient. H. C. Connor, commanding; D, Capt. John Dunning; F, Capt. S. J. Thompson; L, Lient. Charles 0. Conant, commanding), and proceeded to the vicinity of Upper Bridge (one of the new military roads) to do picket duty. Nothing of unusual interest occurred during the day. At night I had orders to assist in destroying the bridge. This accomplished I awaited further orders. To Capt. D. K. Wardwell, of Company B, I am indebted for verbal re- port of the proceedings of the regiment during my absence. About noon (Thursday, June 26) the regiment received light march- ing orders to proceed to the vicinity of Mechanicsville to support Gen- eral NeCafi, who was severely pressed by the enemy in overwhelming numbers. The right of the line was placed in charge of the First Bri- gade. The left of the right was the position of the Twenty-second Massachusetts, and on approaching the scene of action the regiment was brought under a heavy fire of the enemys artillery. Shot, shell, and grape flew fast and furious over and around the regiment for up- ward of an hour, during which time 1 man of Company K was killed and 2 mortally wounded in Company G (since dead). About this time Company B, Captain Wardwell, was deployed in front in a piece of woods and exchanged several shots with the enemy. About 5 oclock p. m. the regiment retired slowly across a large field toward the Hanover Court-House road, leaving Company B in the woods to do picket duty. The regiment was drawn up in line of battle alongside of the Richmond road. Colonel Gove ordered Coin pan C Captain Burt, to deploy in the large field through which the regiment had just passed and the balance of the regiment to seek what rest they could resting on their arms. The shades of night were closing around the fearful scene (the battfe on the lull), except discharges of artillery, which was kept up until about 10 oclock p. m. About 3 oclock a. in., Friday, June 27, the pickets in front of the regiment were recalled a onCurtisfarm. ndallmovedas rear guard toward the camp Along the whole route on the right the battle was raging furiously. On reaching camp orders were given to sling knap- sacks and get ready for an immediate movement. Very early on Friday morning I received orders to withdraw my pickets and report at the old camp at Gaines, there to await orders. Here was a mistake. I should have reported at regimental camp on the Curtis farm. By this I lost an hour and a half of time. The mistake was discovered, and I hastened to join the regiment. This I could not do, for I met the regi- ment some distance this side of Curtis farm, where I received orders from Colonel Gove to hasten to camp, secure our knapsa~ks, and then destroy everything left behind, such as commissary and quartermaster stores, tents, knapsacks, guns, equipmentsin fact, all pertaining to a soldiers comfort or necessities. This duty was faithfully discharged by the officers and men of my command. They had hardly finished the task before the enemy came bounding into the camp, expecting to find an abundance of stores suited to their taste, but, alas for human ex- pectations, nothing met their view but the burning and charred remain Page 304 304 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CaAP. XXIII. of store and camp equipage. My command was hastening on to join the regiment, which we soon did. I made a verbal report to Colonel Gove as to the success of my mission, which I am happy to say was approved. The second company of Sharpshooters, under Lieutenant Stiles, was left the day before on camp gi~iard, and had been detailed as guard for the baggage train to go to Savage Station. The regiment moved to its assigned position toward the rear of the Gaines estate, and took posi- tion on some high rolling lands overlooking the bottom lands and the Chickahominy Swamp. The position was a most important one, com- manding the road across the Chickahominy from its elevation. Orders were early sent to Colonel Gove to hold this position at any cost or sacrifice, and the colonel ordered a rude barricade to be built. This was accomplished by felling some large trees that stood near the regi- mental line and by the use of rails near at hand. This was scarcely done before the enemy opened a well-directed fire from a battery on this position. Here was tested Colonel Goves military knowledge and foresight. The shell burst directly in front of the regiment, and many lives would have been lost, if no more serious consequences involved, had it not been for this barricade. The enemy seemed determined to have this position, for they rained metal enough into this niece of woods to drive out any body of troops who were unprotected. Their effort was furious and full of determination. The battery ceased its work for a short time to enable a large body of iufanlry which they pushed forward to seize this position. They met such a reception that but few lived to tell the tale. This conflict was short. The enemy was repulsed with a firmness, a steadiness, worthy of such men as performed deeds of noble daring on this eventful day. The enemys battery was soon again at work. They also placed a battery on the flats and opened a cross-fire, seeming determined to drive out the troops from around this ravine. Nothing moved Colonel Gove, his officers or men. They stood to their posts faithfully. Night was fast approaching, and the enemy, being largely re-enforced, made a fearful dash at the whole line of battle. At all points the battle raged fiercely. A more bloody struggle never occurred. Our hungry, weary, and worn-out soldiers had to bear the impetuous charge of at least four times their number. This unequal contest was prolonged for ul)ward of an hour amid a hail-storm of lead and iron that surpasses description. At an early period of this last attack Major Tilton was wounded and left for the hospital. Soon regiments posted on the right and left of the Twenty- second, and who had no barricades, had to fall back, closely followed by an ambitious and exulting enemy. This caused the position of the Twenty-second to. become untenable. Being outflanked right and left, it was forced to give way a few yards behind the barricade. In the open field Colond Gove endeavored to reform the line to rally the men. Here he gave his country his life. He fell nobly and manfully. En- deared to all, sincerely does the regiment mourn his irreparable loss. Here-too, Adjutant Sherwin was wounded while ably seconding Colonel Gove and the ~officers in rallying the men in the face of the enemy. Surgeons Prince and Milluer were either killed or wounded. At this time the regiment was left without a field or staff officer. The regiment rallied around its colors, ready to do any duty, and did for a time support a battery. Upward of one-half of the line officers were either killed or wounded. Of those who were present, Orderl Page 305 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 305 Sergeant Carr, of Company E, fell at the head of his company, which he commanded this day. dyer one-half of the rank and file fell man- fully battling for their countrys rights. To attempt to particularize where all showed so much gallantry would be invidious and might do some injustice. The loss sustained is a sufficient record. Before the action commenced Colonel Gove gave orders to lay aside knapsacks, blankets, haversacks, not to be encum- bered with anything, and when the regiment left they had to leave everything behind, even to tin-cups, plates, knives and forks, and spoons. The Twenty-second was among the very last to leave its posi- tion. Night was at hand, and it was too late for the enemy to get bat- teries into position. All had been effhcted that was desired. Artillery trains, stores, & c., were across the Chickahominy, passing over Wood- burys [Alexanders ~?J Bridge. Nothing remained but to remove the wounded and cross the troops, which was done in perfect order. Across the Chickahominy, behind the center of the Army of the Potomac, the regiment collected its shattered fragments together, a little less than 300 effective men, without a field or staff officer, the men without tents, haversacksnothing save what they stood in. There I assumed com- mand, and I was ably assisted by Capt. D. K. WardwelL and Sergeant- Major Benson, who acted as adjutant. About noon Saturday, June 28, I received orders to march the regi- ment to Savage Station, which I did. Here I was prostrated with a severe attack of chills and fever and rheumatic pains. I lost no time, but placed myself under the surgeons care. The command of the regi- ment now devolved upon Capt. D. K. Wardwell. At Savage Station a short halt was made. The regiment was ordered to move on, passing through White Oak Swamp, at the farther side of which, upon some high rolling lands, the regiment encamped for the night. Early next morning, Sunday, June 29, the regiment moved forward toward James River, passing over a dry and waterless country, the weather exceed- ingly hot. The men were suffering for all the necessaries of a soldiers lifefood, coffee, haversacks, & c. A halt was made at night where no water could be obtained, no coffee made, and the sufferings of our men can better be imagined than described. I hope that no troops will ever again have to endure all the privation that the Twenty-second endured during the past eight or ten days. All was borne without much mur- muringborne as heroes alone can bear their burdens. Monday morning, June 30, at 3 oclock a. in., moved again. After marching a few miles water was discovered, a halt was ordered, and all that could made coffee. Another forward movement of some miles brought the regiment in the vicinity of Turkey Bend, where a halt of some hours was made. Soon the regiment received orders to return to Maivern farm, a high plateau of land some 2 miles back. After reach- ing this place the regiment lay in column of (livision and upon their arms for the night. Tuesday, July 1, about 11 oclock a. in., a forward movement of about 1 mile was made. Here they were subject to a very heavy and severe cross-fire from the enemys artillery. Here we lost some 8 men. Cap- tain Wardwell moved the regiment forward about 400 yards and de- ployed in line of battle for shelter and protection. Soon they moved forward to support a battery, which they did firmly and steadily. Or- ders soon came for the regiment to move forward to support the first line of battle, which was being pressed very hard by the ene~ny. The regiment moved to its position and opened fire by file, using up their 20 E RVOL XI~ PT I Page 306 806 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Qua. X~ OOroimds of ammunition. The~econd company of Shflshooters, under Lieutenant Stiles, fired. upward of 40 rounds with thefr target rifies The regiment advanced so close to the enemy that they took 32 prisoners, who were sent to the rear. The regiment maintained its position with- out ammunition until properly relieved, then retired In the best order. Among the casualties of this day was the loss of Capt. S. J. Thoinp- son, who was severely wounded and left in hospitaL The loss of rank and file was about 80. In this days action Companies U, E, and I were led into action by sergeahts, and Company K was commanded by Corp. Andrew Wilson, whom I recommend to your favorable notice. Sergeant-Mi~jor Benson was detailed to act as aide to Brigadier-General Martindale during the day. I cannot close this without making especial mention of Capts. 5.3. Thompson, 3.3. Thompson, and Captain Burt; also Lieutenants Field, Symonds,Connor, and Stiles. They didtheir whole duty. Wednesday morning, July 2, about 1 oclock, the regiment received orders to fall back to Harrisons Landing, Ye. This was done in good order, amid a heavy rain, and thud almost knee-deep. Upon reaching this place the regiment bivouacked in mud and rain. Hungry and wet through, it was a sad time for the remnant of the Twenty-second. Of the conduct of the men during all the trying scenes through which the; passed! am proud. Of Capt B. K. Wardweli, commanding the rep- ment, I may say his conduct is above any praise of mine. July SI had sufficiently recovered to assume command and march the regiment to this place, its present encampment Respectfully submitted. ~. ~. ~ CaptMs, Tso.at~-aeoos.d B$swst M.aecbveuAt. YoIuture. Capt CatuLus 3. Ponus, Anfrtat A4jvtaat-fleaer4 Brat Brigade, MoreWa DEviSes No.124. Report of CoLHorme & Roborte, rivet Mlokigm. I.sftmtvy, of t1 bit lea of MeeknicavWe and (Mine. Mlii, eugagereent at 2arkeg Bridge, end battle of Jfrduen. Hill. HnADQunnus FIEST MICHIGAN Ixnhnr, Gasp near HarrisonPa Leading, Va, July 6,1862. Cannx: In compliance with instructions I have the honor to sub- mit a report of the operations of this tegiment from the 26th ultimo to the 2d instant, Inclusive: On Thursday, the 26th of June, this regiment, In light marching order, left its camp near Gaines Hill, ad puiceeded with the First B~lgade toward Mechanicsville, on the Hanover road. Arriving near the scene of the action of that day, the regiment was formed, by order of General Martindale~ in line of battle on the edge of a woed in front and to the right of the road, the Thirteenth New York being deployed on the opposite side of the road. Captain Griffiths company (B), of my regiment, was thrown forward as skirmishers1 co-operating with acom- pay of the Thirteenth New York in front of its line. The skirmishers soon became engaged with those of the enemy, when the command was crdered by the geneal to change its position more to the rear ad across a ravine. This movement was executed, leaving our skirmishers still Page 307 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 307 At this time the battle was raging heavily on our left, and our own position was again changed. Captain Grummonds company (I) was here thrown out to support Captain Griffith, and the regiment was put in position in support of Captain Martins Massachusetts battery. The men slept on their arms until 2 oclock a. in., when, by order of your general, the pickets were called in, and the regiment took up its march toward its camp. Arriving there, after a brief rest the command with the rest of the brigade, moved forward across the bridge at the mifl, then to the right, where it was placed in position for the battle of Gaines Mill, on the left of the brigade, in a belt of woods, along a ravine, with the Twenty-fifth New York on its right and the Eighty- third Pennsylvania, of Butterfields brigade, on the left. In front of the position was the sloping side of Gaines wheat field, up which and onto the field Companies B, Captain Pomeroy, and afterward A, Captain Alcott, were deployed as skirmishes. By direction of General Martindale a rude barricade was hastily thrown up along the line, and the men laid down awaiting the attack. It was not long before the skirmishers were actively engaged with those of the enemy. The firing was brisk, and we lost a number of men. Meanwhile about 12 oclock, the enemy commenced firing shot and shell, which fell and burst among and near the men, costing us a few lives. Twice our skirmishers were driven in, but regained their posi- tion as soon as practicable, until I deemed it advisable to call them in permanently. About 3 oclock the enemys infantry appeared in force on our right on the brow of the hill, and were repulsed by a vigorous fire. An hour later they appeared in strength on our left, and were there handsomely repulsed and lost severely by our musketry. Ju both of these attacks the enemy must have lost great numbers. At about 6 oclock he appeared in great force all along our line, with his troops massed and his columns heavier about our center. All along the lines fire was opened on him and maintained in a most vigorous manner. Nothing could have been better done; the effect upon his ranks was perceptible, and the slope of that hill must have borne testimony to the steadiness and accuracy of our fire. Yet he moved steadily along with a fire that cut down nearly one-fourth ot my command until up and onto us, when, unable to resist the mass hurled at them, the line broke and the men commenced a retreat. The men were borne back by sheer force of numbers. Twice the enemy had been repulsed by our fire, but with fresh troops he moved in inestimable force against the line, and it had to give way. We fell back, reformed our line, and took position near to and in front of the hospital, ready for a renewal of the fight. We remained here until 3 oclock a. in., when the regi- ment crossed the Chickahominy River. Subsequently we moved with the brigade, nothing of particular importance occurring until Monday evening, June 30, when we were formed in line of battle and remained under arms while the fight of that day was occurring. Lu the engagement of Tuesday the regiment was on the left of the first line of our brigade; was formed in (louble column; was placed in position, and for four hours was subjected to a severe fire of shell and grape and canister. At about 6 oclock the fire in front of n~i became very sharp, and I was ordered to deploy column and move forward to be ready to charge the enemy should they drive back our force in front. The deployment was made, and, supported by the Second Maine, Col- onel Roberts, we took position. Here a messenger from the Eighty. third Penus~1lvania reached me, asking to be relieved at once, as it had been actively engaged for a long period in front. I moved the regimen Page 308 308 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIII. forward in line of battle under fire and relieved that regiment, which was supporting a battery exposed to a sharp fire of the enemy. I commenced firing, and continued until that of the enemy seemed en- tirely stopped and he was nowhere to be seen. It then being reported to me that we were out of ammunition, the regiment was moved by company to the rear, the Twenty-second Massachusetts taking its place in line. I was met by General Porter, who ordered a line formed on the side of the road perpendicular to the old line, in doing which we received a volley. We cleared away a fence and some obstructions by his order, and finally, directed by him, we formed line iii the extreme advance of the line in support of Tidballs battery. Night coming on, and the firing having ceased, I threw out pickets to the front and left, keeping them out till midnight, when they were called in and the movement commenced to this place, where we arrived the next morning. In all the operations of this time I have been greatly assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Whittlesey and Major Abbott, the latter of whom had just returned from sick leave and was hardly in a state for the field. My officers and men have (lone bravely and well. Although as a regiment exposed for the first time to fire, not a man flinched or drew back. The privations amid hardships of the march were borne with patience and fortitude. I shall at another time report to you the names of those who have particularly distinguished them- selves in these engagements. It is proper here to state that my knapsacks and much of regimental and company property were destroyed to prevemit their falling into the hands. of the enemy. My loss during the week has been 209 in killed, wonnded, and missing.* A list of names is hereto appended. Capt. 0. C. Comstock, a brave and promising officer, is supposed to be killed. Nine of my officers were wounded, among whom were Captains Tliroop, Alcott, flopper, Pomeroy, and Grummond. Captain Alcott, although wounded on Friday, renderQd valuable service on the following days. Lieutenant Eggleston was severely wounded in the head and Lieutenant Hubbard is missing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HORACE S. ROBERTS, Colonel, commanding. Capt. CHARLES J. PowERs, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 125. Report of A1~j. Francis A. & haffei, Thirteenth New York Infantry, qi the battles of lllechanicsviile and Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of llfalvern Hill. HDQRs. THIRTEENTH N. Y. VOLS., ON JAMES RIVER, July 5, 1862. SIR: I have time honor to report that this regiment received orders on the 26th (lay of June to march to Mechanicsville. We started at 11.30 a. in., marching about 3 miles, ~vlien a rest was ordered. Rest- ing about half an hour we proceeded half a mile, when we were de- ployed by the left flank in an open field in line of battle. Three corn- * But ~ee revised statement, ~. 30 Page 309 CTIAI. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 309 panies (A, B, and D) were deployed forward as skirmishers. The regiment, after remaining for a couple of hours, was ordered to march back across the creek on the brow of the hill. When Colonel Marshall ordered me to go to the front and instruct the skirmishers the regiment had fallen back across the ravine. When I returned the regiment had moved to the rear and to the left. Marching through a piece of woods and entering an opei field, with the Twenty-second Massachusetts on our left, we marched to within 60Q yards of Carlisles battery, where we halted, throwing forward Company E as skirmishers through the woods, when an order caine for us to march back to the cross-roads from where we first advanced. Here we remained until 3 a. m. of the 27th of June, when our skir- mishers were called in. We had no casualties, although being under fire for three hours. The regiment marched back to camp near Gaines house. where knapsacks were packed and the regiment marched toward the Chickahominy, where we arrived about noon, when the regiments were deployed in line of battle in a ravine close to Gaines [Watts?] house, on the right of the Twenty-fifth New York Volunteers. Here we lay, expecting the enemy, and were not disappointed, for about 1 or 2 oclock p. in. the enemy came in sight, drove in our skirmishers and charged, but were repulsed with considerable loss, our regiment capturing 9 prisoners, with the battle-flag belonging to the First Ten- nessee Regiment. The prisoners belonged respectively to the First Tennessee, Seventh Tennessee, Fourteenth Tennessee, and Fifth Ala- bama Regiments. Our regiment had built a barricade, which protected the men very much. We remained behind this barricade until 5 p. m. or later, when the enemy came on us again in stronger force than before. Our men stood their ground manfully, holding the enemy in check until all their ammunition was expended, when we fell back to the second line of defense. The enemy, seeing us fall back, pressed us hard. Here our loss was severe, but not as severe as some of the other regiments. The reported loss was 4 killed, 47 wounded, 29 missing. The regiment in falling back rallied three different times. After rallying the first time Colonel Marshall fell back, being taken sick. I took command at 9 p. m. II found I had but 160 men left. In looking around I found Colonel Marshall with the rest of the regiment at the general hospital. I then marched what men I had to this hospital. At 12.30 midnight, or morning of Saturday, June 28, I received orders to march across the Chickahominy, which was done. At 7 a. m. I joined the brigade which we had lost during the night. After joim~ng the brigade we marched about half a mile toward Savage Station, where we rested until ii a. in., when we were supplied with ammunition, and resumed our march to Savage Station, where we rested half an hour, when the march was resumed again. We marched to I believe Jones Bridge or a hill close by, where we camped for the night. At 2 a. in. Sunday, June 29, we were aroused by a false alarm, which kept the command up the remainder of the night. At about 7 a. in. we resume(l the march and marched about 5 miles, when we came to a halt, remaining until about 5 p. in., when the march was resumed. We marched about 9 muiles, when we caine to a halt in a field, remaining there until Monday, 3 a. mu., June 30, when the march was resumed. We marched to Turkey Bend, on ~me Jamnes River, where we arrived about 10 a. in. We lay there about two hours, when we were ordered to march back across the swamp, up the steep hill, and on the field, when we marched by the right flank in column by divisio Page 310 310 THE PENINSULAR gAMPATON, VA. [011k?. XXIII. near to a road, where we halted for half an hour. Then we marched forward across the field, across two roads, then by the right flank across the road which we marched in on in the morning, then marched forward to a house, in front of which we lay all night on picket. In the morning of Tuesday, July 1, at early dawn, we marched to the rear about 600 yards, deployed in line of battle in the road, remain- ing there until 2 P. in., when we marched by the left flank down the road, then in line of battle across the field, when the regiment was formed double column at half distance. The column then marched by the left flank to within 190 yards of where the Fourteenth New ~rk Volunteers was deployed in line of battle. Here we lay under fire for three hours, when we received orders to march to the left on the brow of the hill and deploy in line of battle to protect our left flank, which we did until it became dark. Seeing the enemy fall back, I moved my regiment by the right flank around the house. In the mean time the firing had slackened in our front. I remained here until the Fourteenth U. S. Infantry came to relieve me (during the action I lost 6 mcii wonuded, the officers and men behaving mGnfully), when I marched my regiment by the right flank toward the road which we marched in on from Savage Station. here I joined the brigade, wheu I was ordered to march across the road to. the house by the right flank and remain there on picket. We remained there until 1.30 a. in., Wednesday, Jnly 2, when we received orders to fall back with the brigade. We did so, and marched to this place, arriving at 9 a. m. Respectfully submitted. F. A. SCIIcEFFEL, Major, ConirnandUg Thirteenth New York Volunteers. Capt. CHARLES J. PowERs, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 126. Report of Gapt. Shepard Gleason, Tuenty fifth New York Infantry, of the battles of Mechaniesville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Mialvern 11111. HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT Y~W YORK VOLS., Harrison5 Landing, Va., July 5, 1862. The brigade having been ordered under arms, the Twenty fifth IRegi- ment fell in and iaarched, under command of Maj. E S Gilbert, with- out any unusual occurrence, on the Hanover road about ~ miles resting opposite Mechanicsville. The presence of the enemy being (hlScOVCrC(l in front, the regiment was formed in line of battle on the rio lit of the second line formed by the brigade, aiid there rested until x~ ord was brought that the enemy were attempting to flank us on the ribht, whieii the major moved us, by command of the general, to the right and rear, where we afterward formed under a fence near the house on the high ground on the right of the Hanover road, and sent forward two companies of skirmPliers. The regiment afterward moved to the rear of the batteries on the Old Church road, where we lay on our arms till 2 oclock next morning, when we received or(lers from General M rt.in- dale to recall the skirmishers sent out the previons evennig, and quietly take up our line of march to our 01(1 camp. Resting a few niinntes opposite our old camp, the regiment continued to retire across th Page 311 CHAP. xxm.~ SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 311 bridge over the ravine at Gaines Mill, making a detour to the right, and finally rested at the house on the hill in rear of Sumners cause- way and in rear of the subseqnent battle-field. About 8 oclock a. with the rest of the brigade, the regiment was formed in line in the woods in front at the bottom of the ravine, where we threw up a slight barricade and rested on onr arms, awaiting the approach of the enemy. Four companie8 of skirmishers were thrown forward to the crest of the hill in front, with instructions to fire a volley upon the foe npon their approach and then retire behind the barricade. After some slight skirmishing the enemy advanced in line. The skirmishers fired upon them and then retired. The rebels came on in good style, bnt some- what to our right, so that only the right wing of the regiment was en- gage(l. They were soon compelled to retire. A small number of skir- mishers was then sent forward by Major Gilbert to watch and report the movements of the enemy, which they from time to time did. The battle continued on time right and left of us, but not in our immediate front, until about 7 oclock p. in., when the skirmishers again advised us of their approach and retired behind the barricades. This timue the enemy caine on in deployed lines and columns by bat- talions closed in mass, one battalion immediately behind the other. The Twenty-fifth Regiment reserved fire until the enemy were half way down the hill, and then opened upon them. Each line of the enemy fired on descending the hill as soon as it was unmasked by the line in froiit. The firing was heavy and continuous. Our men behaved with great coolness, firing slowly and with precision. The enemy once wavered for a utornent, and would have gone back, but for the iinpul- sion of the mass behind. Major Gilbert stood just in rear of the colors, shooting the rebels as they advanced with his pistol. Captain Bates was wounded here, and Lieutenant Fairinan, acting adjutant, twice, once in the leg and once in the hip. The break in the, first line corn- umenced to the left of our regimnent, and ran like a wave through the whole line. I did not see Major Gilbert after he left the barricade, be- ing considerably to the right of him, but I learn from t~vo or three of the men that he fell, while going back up the hill, near the second line. Lieutenant Bishop and Assistant Surgeon Norris were among the miss- ing officers in this engagement, and Captain Ferguson, of the provost guard, was also mortally wounded. I had but few men with inc on arriving at the top of the hill, and those of my own company. The plain beyond was filled with men scattered in every direction before we reached the second line, and as the artillery in rear was getting ready to fire we passed behind it. The confusion prevented me from rallying or even finding any more of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, though I spent the better part of the night in looking for them. I found Captain Alcott, and with about 30 men we crossed the Chickahominy in rear of the Twenty-second Massachu- setts. The next day, June 28, the remainder of the regiment marched with the brmgade to Savage Station and thence accompanied tlme brigade until it arrived on the bank of James River. June 30 we were ordered under arms about 3 oclock p. m. an(l marched something over a mile to the front, took position, and slept on our arms until the next morning, then retired a short distance and rested till about 2 oclock p. nm, when we again advanced. The regiment was formed in column of division between the First Michigan and Twenty-second Massachusetts, and lay under fire of shell and grape f~r about two hours. It was then ordered to advance in line on the left of the Twenty-second Massachusetts, an Page 312 312 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, YA. (CHAP. XXI[L took position on the left of the battery stationed in front. The officers and men supposed it was to advance still farther, but received orders to support that battery. While occupying this position several charges were made by different regiments. The battle being in our favor, and several lines being formed in our rear, receiving no further orders we retired to our original position, and received orders to form a line of guard across an open field, to stop all stragglers and to designate a place for the wounded. The line was formed and in working order until about 1 oclock a. m. of the next day. At that hour we were ordered to fall in rear of the column then pass- ing and retire with it. We did so, but on account of the rapid move- ments of artillery and cavalry, together with the state of the roads, the regiment was much broken and scattered before reaching the open field near Harrisons Landing. The next day, however, the regiment was together, and followed the movements of the brigade to its present encampment. The loss of the regiment during this time was 7 officers and 87 en- listed men.* SIIEPARD GLEASON, Captain, Commanding Twenty.ftfth Regiment N. IT. Vols. [Capt. CHARLES J. POWERS Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., First Div., Fifth Corps.] No. 127. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles Griffin, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle qf Mialvern Hill. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, MORELLS DIvIsION, July 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with orders from Headquarters Army of the Potomac, I assumed command of the Second Brigade at 2 oclock p. in. on the 26th of June, 1862, at Gaines farm, and at 3 oclock same date received orders for the brigade to move immediately in the direction of headquarters Fifth Provisional Army Corps, when further orders were received to march as speedily a~ pos- sible to the support of General J. F. Reynolds, who was engaging the enemy ator near Mechanicsville. The brigade arrived about 5.30 oclock, and by direction of General Reynolds formed line of battle, under a terrific artillery fire, in rear of the center of the line engaged. Soon after the Fourth Michigan, Col. D. A. Woodhury, moved forward and relieved Colonel Simmons Pennsylvania regiment, and the Fourteenth New York, Col. James McQuade, advanced to relieve and support the Kane Rifles on the right. The Fourth Michigan was scarcely in posi- tion when it was attacked by two regiments of the enemy, which were repulsed in the handsomest manner, the regiment firing about 15 rounds per man. Four companies of the Fourteenth were engaged for a short time. After night-fall the firing ceased and the enemy fell back, whilst our troops held their position until 2 oclock on the morning of the 27th, when orders were received to return to our former camp, which was reached about 7 oclock. * But see revised statement, p. 30 Page 313 CHAP. XXIII] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 313 The casualties on the 26th were 1 man killed and 3 wounded in the Fourteenth New York; 3 killed, 22 wounded, and 4 missing in the Fourth Michigan, and 1 killed and 2 wounded in the Ninth Massachu- setts, making an aggregate of 36. About 9 a. m. of the 27th the brigade received orders to fall back and take l)OSitiOu on the east side of Gaines Creek, which point was reached about 10 oclock. The urgency of the movement rendered the destruction of our commissary stores and camp and garrison equipage necessary in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy, a number of wagons belonging to the brigade train being at the White House. The Ninth Massachusetts, under command of Colonel Cass, was ordered by General Morell to hold the enemy in check and prevent his crossing at Gaines Mill, which duty was gallantly per- formed. The enemy crossing above the mill in force, Colonel Cass was ordered to fall back gradually to the line occupied by the other regi- ments of the brigade. About 12 m. the enemy appeared in force in front of the Ninth Massa- chusetts, posted on the right, and made a fierce attack. The Ninth as a regiment received the onslaught with steadinesg and repulsed it. The extreme left wavered for a moment, but soon recovered its place. The Fourteenth New York was in line of battle to the left of the Ninth and the Fourth Michigan some distance to the left of the Fourteenth. The right wing of the Fourteenth was exposed to a heavy fire of the enemy at this time, but nobly and repeatedly drove him back at the point of the bayonet. Lieutenant-Colonel Skillen, of the Fourteenth, was here mortally wounded. The Sixty-second Pennsylvania, which had been held in reserve, was moved up to support the Ninth Massa- chusetts, and after delivering a volley was pushed forward by its gal- lant colonel at a charge bayonet. Colonel Black was instantly killed at the head of his regiment (luring the charge. The right wing of the Fourteenth and the ninth and the Sixty-second held their position in the wood, resisting repeated attacks by fresh troops of the enemy, until they were relieved by Newtons brigade and ordered to fall back. About 6 oclock the Sixty-second, having received a fresh supply of am- munition, was gallantly led by Lieutenant-Colonel Sweitzer to support the troops on our left. In this advance Colonel Sweitzer was badly wounded and left on the field. The left wing of the brigade, consist- ing of the Fourth Michigan, and the left wing of the Fourteenth New York, under command of Colonel McQuade, held its position until late in the evening, but was forced to retire after the troops on the left of the line gave way. It may be proper to mention here that the artillery, by order of General Porter and under my direction, opened fire upon the ene- my advancing upon our left, but it was too late. Our infantry had already commenced to fall back, and nothing being left to give con- fidence to the artillerymen, it was impossible to make them stand to their work. The brigade was rallied and formed in its proper order near the hospital, where it remained until 2 oclock the next morn- ing, when it crossed the Chickahominy and encamped near general headquarters. Our loss in the battle was as follows: Killed, 96; wounded, 354; missing, 136an aggregate of 586. About 2 oclock p. m. June 28 the brigade left this point and marched to White Oak Swamp, where it encamped for the night, moving the next morning toward Turkey Island Bridge, which was reached about 10 oclock a. m. June 30. The men bivouacked in a wood for Page 314 314 TIlE PENINSULAR CAMPAION, VA. [OnAr. XXIII. few hours, when the brigade was ordered to take position on Nalvern Hill, a battle being in progress on our front and left. The Ninth and Sixty-second were moved to the front to support batteries in the wheat field, the Fourteenth and the Fourth being held in reserve. A rebel battery on our left opened fire and killed a sergeant in the Fourth Michigan and slightly wounded one man in the Fourteenth New York. The regiments lay upon their arms and retained their relative positions during the night. Shortly alter sunrise on the morning of July 1 the Fourth Michigan was moved up to relieve the Eighty-third Pennsyl- vania in supporting our batteries in position on the left. The Four- teenth New York was posted on the hill commanding the iRichmond road to protect the left flank, the Ninth Massachusetts and Sixty-second retaining their original positions. About 8 oclock General Porter placed the artillery under my com- mand. It was supported on the right by Couchs division. Not far from 10 oclock the enemy advanced two brigades in front of Couchs right, approaching so close as to throw their musket balls into our, bat- teries, but by a quick concentration of the fire of the four batteries on the field they were soon repulsed. About two hours afterward the enemy atteml)ted an advance upon our extreme left with what appeared to be two brigades, forming in the open field, but the same artillery fire caused him to break and retreat in the greatest disorder. An hour perhaps, after this the enemy attempted the same maneuver near our right and along the road by which the troops came up, but was again handsomely repulsed by our artillery fire, leaving a stand of colors on the field, which fell into our hands. Here Couchs right wing ad- vanced amid (Irove the enemy far through the wood. The batteries engaged were Captains Edwards and Livingstons Third U. S. Artillery, four Parrott guns each; Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, under com- mand of Lieutenant Kingsbury, six Parrott guns; Battery A~ Fifth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Ames, six light 12-pounders, and three guns of Weedens Rhode Island and two of Fifth Massachusetts, under command of Lieutenants Waterman and Hyde. The batteries were excellently served. The greatest coolness and bravery were displayed by officers and men, and my only regret is my inability to mention the officers by name. After this a sharp fire was kept up by skirmishers and artillery until 5.30 oclock, when the enemy made his final and fiercest attack on our left. The artillery comitinued its effective fire until the enemy arrived witNn a few yards of our batteries, when the supporting regiments Fourth Michigan, Colonel Woodbury; Ninth Massachusetts, Colonel Cass, and Sixty-second Pennsylvania, Captain Hullgallantly moved forward and repulsed himn. Bnt a fresh force making its appearance both on left and right, the re~iments were compelled to fall back, being relieved by the Twelfth New York, Forty -fourth New York, and Eighty- third Pennsylvania. Five times were the colors of the Sixty-second~ cut down and as often determinedly raised and rescued, the last time being picked up by an officer of the Forty-fourth New York, who deliv- ered them to Captain Ilull upon the demand of a sergeant of Company D of his regiment. The Sixty-second Pennsylvania left the field with its colors flying. The handsome manner in which the Fourth Michigan stood its ground and the good order in which it retired from the field was the subject of comment among all who witnessed it. The gallant Colonel Woodhury fell dead urging his men on to victory. The Ninth Massachusetts well maintained the reputation it has ever borne, the colonel being dangerously wounded. The Fourteenth New York wa Page 315 CITAP. XXIII.] SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 315 moved from its first position to resist an attack of the enemy, who was endeavoring to turn onr left flank, and exposed to a most deadly fire, which it withstood without flinching during the entire engagement, re~)ulsing the enemy three times. The Fourteenth was not relieved, but held its position on the field of battle until 2 oclock the next morn- ing, when the entire army was ordered to fall back. The casualties were as follows: Killed, 79; wounded, 414; missing, 38; an ggregate of 5:31. During the cannonade of the enemy on the 3d of July 2 umen of the Fourteenth New York were wounded. An accurate report of the killed, wounded, and missing will be found in the accornl)anying statements of regiments. No language conid do justice to the admirable conduct of the officers and men. The evidence of their courage will be found in the list of killed and wounded, and the comparatively small number of missing, a majority of whom it is but fair to suppose were left on the field disabled. The men received but one days rations from the 27th of June to the 2d of July, yet they made no complaints, but endured the hardships of the march patiently, and fought in every engagement with the courage and impetuosity of fresh troo])s. This report would uot be complete if it omitted a proper recognition of the valuable services of my acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. C. B. Mervine, and Lient. W. G. Lowry, aide-dc-camp. Their bravery in ~action, alacrity in the transmission of orders, and unfaltering endur- ance of the fatiguing march are worthy of the greatest praise. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. GRIFFIN, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Second Brigade. Capt. H. T. AUCIIMUTY, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 128. Reports of Brig. Gen. Daniel Bulteifield, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of the battles of Meclianiesrille and Gaines Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill. IIDQRS. BUTTERFIELDS BRICXADE, MORELLS DIVISION, FIFTH PROVISIONAL ARMY CoRPs, Harrisons Landing, Va., July [2], 1862. CAPTAIN: I respectfully rel)ort tIme following general account of the movements and actions of the brigade which I have the honor to com- mand since the 26th of June: On the afternoon of the 26th of June, between 3 and 4 oclock p. in., I was ordered by General Morell to proceed with my brigade on the road toward Old Church, by Cold Harbor, and take a strong position and hold the enemy mn check there. A subsequent order directed me not to go very far, but to assume a strong position, if one could be found. I arrived at Cold harbor and found Brigadier-General Cooke, U. S. Army, in command of a force of cavalry. In pursuance of direc- tions of General Porter, received there, I halted my brigade and assumed command of the whole force and made dispositions to resist an attack, placing skirmishers in front, disposing the infantry iii two lines, cavalry in reserve, and directed patrols to be sent out 2 or 3 miles in advance and on all the roads approaching the position Page 316 316 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Ciu~r. XXIII I had but fairly made these dispositions when I was ordered to return and report to General Morell, near the camp of General Porter, on the Mechanicsville road. On leaving my position I (lirected General Cooke to remain at Cold Harbor until receiving orders from General Porter, and notified General Porter thereof. While on the march to the posi- tion ordered by General Morell I received orders to halt in the vicinity of General Morells old camp, near Gaines house, arid await orders. After remaining until nearly dark at this point, while General Morell was with the balance of the division engaged with the enemy near Mechanicsville, General Porter ordered me to move up in the rear of the regular infantry near his camp and encamp in line of battle, which was done. At 3 a. m. on the 27th I received orders from General Porter to detail a regiment to remove by hand the heavy guns in battery near Hogans house to a point on the hill near Watts and Adams houses, east of Dr. Gaines house, on the Gaines Mill creek, to guard theta with my brigade, and take up a position on the hills east of Dr. Gaines house across the ravine, and to hold that position during the passage of Generals McCalls and Martindales troops to the rear. In compliance with these orders I posted my brigade on the hill, with the battery assigned to me, the battery commanding Gaines house, the approaches to the hill and valley in that direction, the brigade supporting it. Subsequently, at about 5 a. in., General Porter, in company with General Barnard, directed me to take up a new position in the rear of the one last mentioned, in the ravine in front of Watts house, with the left resting on the valley of the Chickahominy; to leave the battery on the hill where it had been stationed until the passage of all of our troops and the flying artillery guarding the rear; then to bring the battery back, destroying all bridges. This was all successfully and properly accomplished, and much credit is due to Lieutenant-Colonel Rice, Forty- fourth New York Volunteers, field officer of the day, who had charge of the destruction of the bridges. The following was the disposition of my brigade: Eighty-third Penn- sylvania Volunteers on the creek, with its right connecting with General Martindales left (First Michigan Regiment); Forty-fourth New York to the left and on the same line of Eighty-third; Twelfth New York on the crest of the hill, in rear of and supporting the Eighty-third.; Sixteenth Michigan back of crest of hill, in rear of and supporting the Forty-fourth; Allens Fifth Massachusetts Battery to the right and rear of my position, so situated as to be used at any point of the line I might wish; skirmishers from the Eighty-third and Forty-fourth Regiments, together with the sharpshooters of the Sixteenth Michigan, were thrown well forward on the brow of the hill, commanding our entire lines. These skirmishers throughout the day performed their duties in a manner to merit my entirc satisfiiction, successfully holding the enemy in check and only retreating when attacked by two or three regiments of the enemy. For the names of the gallant officers who comman(led the line of skirmishers so bravely and so well I refer to tue regimental report8 of the Eighty-third and Forty-fourth Itegimnents. The first attack of the enemy in force on my brigade took place at about 2.30 oclock p. in., it having been preceded by a like attack on the right and center of the general line. So soon as it began I ordered a section of Allens battery to take a position opposite to and fire through an interval in the woods commanding the hill in front of my center. Their fire proved very destructive to the assaulting column. Finding that my front line would successfully hold the enemy in check, I ordere Page 317 SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. 0HAi~. XXIII.] 317 the Twelfth Yew York and Sixteenth Michigan to the right in support of General Martindales left; bat. as the result proved, their services were not needed there and they returned. The second attack of the enemy, preceded as in the first one by an attack on the right and center, took place at about 5.30 oclock p. in. and was more severe, but so far as the result is concerned met with a like reception and repulse. I brought forward my two reserves and had the whole of my force engaged. Constant information was brought me from the skirmishers of any change in the enemys position. I was thus enabled to anticipate every assault. The Seventh Regiment Penn- sylvania Reserve Corps was once sent to my assistance but was not used, and subsequently, at the request of Colonel McQuade, sent to his support, and while on the way stopped by General Martindale to assist him. At the third and last assault, which took place shortly after 0 p. in., and which seemed simultaneous throughout the whole line, all four of my regiments were engaged, occupying the l)OsitiOns as first noted. Finding the pressure terribly severe upon General Martindales line, I moved a portion of my command by the flank to his support, changing the front of the Eighty.third Pennsylvania partially to assist in resist- ing the attack on General Martindales front, ai~d moving the Twelfth by a flank, with the hope and endeavor to hold in check the enemy, who by their vastly superior strength and their overpowering re-enforce- ments of fresh troops had succeeded in breaking a portion of General Martindales line without disgrace to any portion of his command; for no men could ever have fought better, braver, or more determinedly. in moving the Twelfth Regiment by the right flank a portion of the regimen gave way, the balance remaining firm, with the greater portion of my brigade, until surrounded and outflanked. At this time fell the gallant Colonel McLane Major Kaghel. , fighting at the head of his regiment; also The various movements of the different portions of my command in detail are set forth in the reports of the regimental commanders in- closed herewith. Finding it useless to attempt longer to hold the ground, every effort was made to form a new line in the rear and gradually withdraw the brigade under cover of the batteries on our right. Twice did the greater portion of the command form and deliver a fire with a bravery a?nd gallantry worthy of better snccess while the enemy pursued hotly in overpowering numliers. Finding from the position and condition of my command, their ammunition being exhausted, I ordered Major Vegesack to withdraw the left in as good order as possible and place it iii condition of safety. The enemy had cut my line while I was endeavoring to rally those that had broken from my right and from the left of General Martindale. So emboldened were the enemy by their success in getting on all sides of my command, that a regiment sent a flag of truce to the Eighty-third, demanding their surrender. This was indignantly refused, and the regiment expended its last round of ammunition in fighting its way out. A large portion of these succeeded in forming in good order on the hill in rear of the batteries, and with other fragments of cqmnmands, aided by the Prince de Joinville, Cap- taiu Hoyt, and Major Webb, of the regular artillery, and Colonel Rob- erts, Second Maine, two good lines of troops were formed with some degree of precision. The firing of the artillery closed the scene and saved us all from destruction Page 318 318 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [CHAP. XXIIL Too much credit cannot be given to the artillery practice of General Smiths coimnand across the Chickahoniiiiy upon the overpowering masses of the enemy thrown upon our left. The fire of General Smiths artillery upon the masses was deadly and precise and was of material assistance to us, silencing a battery planted by the enemy in the orchard near Gaines house about noon. I know not how properly to acknowledge the services of my own l)ersonal staff. They were everywhere pre sent in time of need, behaving with the greatest gallantry. Lientenaut Fisher received a mortal wound while carrying an order to the Eighty-third Pennsyl- vania Volunteers. The conduct of Captain Hoyt and Major Vege- sack throughout the day for their courage, gallantry, and coolness in the trying scenes at the close of the fight was most admirable. I cannot too highly speak of their personal bravery. Major Welch, of the Sixteenth Michigan, and Major Barnum, of the Twelfth New York, Volunteers rendered me invalnable assistance throughout the entire fight, exposing themselves to danger carrying orders and bringing in- formation with unsurpassed coolness and bravery. Lientenant Living- ston also did good service, making strong endeavors to rally the troops when broken and driven by the enemy. I shall take another time and pay a fitting tribute to the services and memory of Colonel McLane and Major Naghel and Lieutenant Fisher and all the officers who gave their lives for their country on this hard-contested field. Lieutenant-Colonel Rice, Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, behaved with the greatest gallantry and bravery, and I would recommend his promotion to the command of his regiment, made vacant by the resig- nation of his colonel. Lientenant-Colomiel Richardson, of the Twelfth New York Volunteers, with a large proportion of his regiment, added credit and honor to their name and reputation. Colonel Stockton, of the Sixteenth Michigan (too sick really for duty and now missing), with Lieutenant-Colonel Ruehle and Major Welch, behaved well and deserve credit. All my officers and men, with a very few exceptions, behaved in the most admirable manner. I should like to speak more at length of m~uiy of the officers and men of my command, but I must leave these details to the reports of the regimental commanders. En- feebled by the extreme heat and a return of the weakness and illness from which I have been suffering for some time, I am admonished that I must rest and remain quiet, that I may be ready again to answer any call. I must trust to a future report of the action of July 1 to make a general rkum6 of the whole and endeavor to d~ justice to all. I will send in regimental reports as fast as received. Much interesting detail and valuable information of the progress of the action will be gathered from them. I am not able now to write more. Respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Brigadier- General. Capt. R. T. AUCHMUTY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., FIFTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Harrisons Landing, Va., July 11, 1862. CAPTAIN: In continuation of the part of my report of the move- ments of my command from tIme 26th of June to the 2d of July I would state that tIme left of the brigade (separated from the right, as in(licate(l in my last report) was conducted across the Chickahomniny on the night of the p7th to the camp of General Smith by Lieutenant Page 319 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 319 Colonel Rice, of the Forty-fourth New York Volunteers, senior officer in command, by orders from me, sent through Major Vegesack, of my staff. At General W. F. Smiths camp they received every attention and kindness from that officer, which I desire sincerely to acknowledge. Such portions of the right as I had been able to keep in good order rested for the night on the hill at the hospital near Woodburys Bridge, on the battle-field. Subsequently the whole command were moved by order of General Porter at about daylight across the Chickahominy to the Trent farm, the old headquarters of General McClellan. On Saturday, by order of General Morell, two of my regiments were sent out on outpost duty in front of the position then held by the corps. Subsequently the whole command were recalled and marched to Savage Station and from there to White Oak Swamp, nothing worthy of note occurring on the march. The brigade encamped in the vicinity of the corps without tents, blankets, or rations, and marched at an early hour next day (Sunday, 29th), and took position on the Charles City road to repel any attack from that direction. At 8 p. in. it moved out with the rest of the division some 6 miles and back, arriving at the vicinity of the former camp at daybreak. The line of march was taken up toward James River at 6 a. m. Monday, 30th, arriving and going into camp in the vicinity and rear of Malvern Hill at 10 a~ m. On Monday afternoon we received orders to move to a position on Malvern Hill in front of the Malvern house, supJ)orting some bat- teries of General Sykes division or General Griffins brigade, as cir- cuinstances might render expedient. The enemy opened fire with a battery from the woods on the left of that position, which, though for a time sending many shell among us, caused no loss. General Griffin sent to me for a regiment to support him late in the afternoon, and the Eighty-third Pennsylvania was sent to him and remained with him overnight, returning next morning. The balance of the brigade slept on their arms that night. In the morning, at about 8 oclock, we took a position in the edge of the woods on the right of the Quaker road, behind the private road crossing it, with orders to support General Martindale, and if he captured any prisoners to take charge of them. About noon, apl)rehending an attack from the enemy in large force upon the position held by General Griffin, near Mr. s house and the junction of the road and private road, my brigade was formed ,by General Morells order, in close column in two lines in the rear of Gen- eral Martindales, and lay for a long time, suffering a severe artillery fire by the enemy, which killed and wounded several of my command. Shortly after this disposition the enemy opened a severe fire of shell canister, grape, and round shot from dift~rent batteries on his right and left, which, for the most part, converged in the vicinity of this open space. The brigade for a long time and with great patience endured this artillery fire. Many of its soldiers were wounded, yet that spirit of calmness and firmness, arising from discipline, but worthy of older and nuore experienced troops, prevailed throughout the entire ranks. This patient endurance of such a severe converging fire of the enemy~s artillery confidently assured me on what determination I might rely when the fortunes of the day should call the brigade from passive to active (luty. I at once endeavored to thoroughly acquaint myself with the nature of the ground in front, and, if possible, the threatening disposition which the enemy was continually making of his own forces. For this purpose I rode to the front frequently and personally gained the know Page 320 820. THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. IdA?. XXIII. edge required, and often communicated the same to the general com- manding the corps by orderlies furnished me for that purpose. I was greatly assisted in this duty by the invaluable services of Major Bar- num and Captain Hoyt. It soon became evident that General Couchs left would require sup- port. I visited General Couch and consulted with him. His opinion corresponding with mine, I informed him that I would assist him in case of necessity. I also advised the general commanding the corps to that effect. On receipt of this dispatch General Porter ordered Col- onel Caldwells brigade to report to me for such disposition as I might deem necessary. I ordered this brigade to remain in reserve on Gen- eral Couchs left and rear and report to him for orders. The enemy now attacked our line with renewed vigor, and advanced with the design of captnring our batteries on the crest of the hill. General Couch sent by an orderly to me for further support. I immediately ordered the Eighty-third Pennsylvania and Sixteenth Michigan to the point of junction of the Fifth Corps with General Couchs left. The result of this disposition of these two regiments is fully set forth in the official reports of the regimental commanders, to which I would call the attention of the commanding general. it soon became evident that the enemy was throwing large forces on our front and left with a resolution to flank us, and thus decide the fortunes of the day. The struggle became along the front and left desperate on both sides. Sensible of the importance of the moment, advising the general commanding the corps of my actions in the premises, the brigade stationed in front of mine not moving, I deter- mined to and did order the Forty-fourth New York to advance in line of battle, cross the field in front, and relieve a portion of General Grif- fins command, whose ammunition seemed to be exhausted, audto charge the enemy with the Eighty-third Regiment. At the same time I di- rected the Twelfth New York Volunteers to advance to the left and check the approach of the enemy and relieve the Fourth Michigan. The gallantry with which these two regiments, joined by the Eighty- third on their right, obeyed this order under the galling fire of the enemy is fakhfully set forth in the respective rel)orts of their commanding officers. The Forty-fourth New York and Eighty-third Pennsylvania were under the immediate eye of the general commanding the corps, who witnessed their heroic conduct. The ammunition of my command was exhausted, and we were re- lieved by the Irish Brigade and some troops of General Sykes. The Sixteenth Michigan picketed the battle-field after victory had crowned the efforts of oar arms. At the close of the fight and its decision in our favor, with the permission of the general commanding the corps I placed LieutenantColonel Richardson, of the Twelfth New York Vol- unteers, senior officer present, in command of the brigade, who marched it by direction of General Morehl to Harrisons Landing, where it arrived at about 8 oclock in the morning of time 2d July. I followed it a short time after, and assumned coummand on my arrival there. The Seventeenth New York Xrolunteers. Colonel Lansing, which had been detached omi the 26th for temporary service with Gcneral Stoneman, now rejoined the command. The events of the 2d of July were without interest, other than the heroism and devotion shown by the mcmi and their l)romIlptness to resist an expected attack, after the seven days of duty reported herein, some of the time without food, in the midst of mud and rain which it is im- possible to describe Page 321 CHAP. XXIII.] SEVENDAYS~ BATTLES. 321. I would especially commend to the most favorable notice the conduct of the following-named officers of my brigade: Lieutenant-Colonel Richardson, commanding the Twelfth New York Volunteers; Lieuten- Rice, commanding Forty-Fourth New York Volunteers; Colonel IRuclile, commanding Sixteenth Michigan Volunteers, and Major Welch, of the same regiment; Captain Campbell, commanding Eighty- third Pennsylvania Volunteers; Captain Conner, Company F, Forty- fourth New York Volunteers; Captain Fowler, of the Twelfth New York Volunteers, and Lieutenant Oliver, of the same regiment. I especially desire to recommend Sergt. W. J. Whittich, of the Eighty.third Penn- sylvania Volunteers, who had displayed great coolness and bravery be- fore my troops became engaged, and who in the midst of the action, while a South Carolina regiment had piled up their dead to shelter them from the fire that our troops were pouring into them, rushed for. ward in advance of the charge, seized the enemy~s colors, and brought ~t to me. Other names covering instances of most meritorious conduct will be found in the reports of the regimental commanders. I would also call attention to the invaluable services rendered me during the day by my assistant adjutant-general, Capt. Thomas J. Hoyt, and by Major Barnum, of the Twelfth New York Volunteers, who during the greater portion of the day acted as my aide, and at the close led his regiment into the fight and to the charge, and was severely wounded while thus engaged. His conduct was most praiseworthy. Privates Robert Mannle and Charles Guyer, Seventeenth New York Volunteers, musicians, accompanied me during the engagements as buglers. Their devotion and courage deserve special commendation. It is with a mingled feeling of sorrow and pride that I close this report. The plains of Hanover, the banks of the Chickahominy, the heights of Malvern are wet with the blood of the gallant dead of this l)rigade. The list of casualties is inclosed herewith.* They need no comment from me. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Capt. R. T. AUCHMUTY, Brigadier.General. Assistant Adjutant. General. No. 129. Report of Cot. T. B. W. Stockton, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill. WASHINGTON, D. C., August 18, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with your communication, dated Headquar. ters Fifth Army Corps, August 14,1862, informing me that the com- inanding general desires to receive a copy of the report of my opera. - tions on the 27th June as soon as I shall be able to make it out, I hereby submit the same: Having returned from Richmond only the day previous to the receipt of your note sick and unfit for duty, and the army being ordered to move on that day, I was unable to comply until my arrival here, and now, having no data as to the exact casualties, my report will neces- sarily be brief and limited to the operations only of the 27th up to the Embodied in statement, p. 30. 21 ii HVOL XI, PT I Page 322 322 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [ChAP. XXIIL time I was captured, leaving all omissions to be supplied by the reports of my lieutenant-colonel and General Butterfield, the latter of whoai being present knows the part I performed in the bloody battle. I deem it proper here to state that for some days previous to the- 26th of June I was unwell and under medical treatment, so much S(} that when the order was received for the regiment to march both Gen- eral Butterfield and my surgeon urged me strongly to go to the hospital rather than the field, notwithstanding which I accompanied my regi- ment to Cold Harbor, where it was first marched, and thence toward Mechanicsville, bivouacking with it, and again on the 27th to the field finally chosen for the battle. Up to this time my lieutenant- colonel had exercised the command, but after that I resumed the com- mand and exercised it all day. I am particular as to this fact, inas- much as I have seen editorials, which have remained uncontradicted by the major, that he, the major, led his regiment in all the recent fights, Colonel Stockton having been taken prisoner in the very beginning of the Gaines Mill battle; a statement entirely false. My regiment acted as a reserve to the brigade, and was posted some 150 or more yards t& the rear of the line in the open field and on the slope of the hill, resting sometimes in line, sometimes in column, usually lying down, but ready to move at any moment. The slope of the hill partially protected my men from the shot of the enemy, but exposed them much more to the scorching heat of the sun. My regiment occupied this position until somewhere near 3 oclock p. in., when the skirmishing beginning intimated that the enemy was approaching. It grew loudhr and nearer, and soon the battle began in good earnest along our whole front. The enemys artillery opened with shot and shell, evidently trying to drive us from the shelter of the woods where our line was posted. After thus, as it were, feeling of us, the enemy made a strong demon- stration to force our lines along the Second Brigade. It was then that General Butterfield ordered my regiment to move to the support of that point. My regiment was immediately deployed and most gallantly charged, thereby sustaining our hue and compelling the enemy to fall back. My regiment immediately returned to its position in rear of the right of the brigade, remaining just in the edge of the woods and nearer to our line. It was whilst here that Captain Carr was killed and some 4 or 5 men mortally wounded. Soon afterward I moved my regiment more to the left and in rear of the Forty-fourth Regiment, the extreme left. General Butterfield usually directed all these movements and changes, being present and actively overseeing every change. During all this the firing was kept up, at times raging fierce and hot. After remaining in this last position perhaps an hour or more, the firing kept increasing and the enemy evidently concentrating on our cen tei, my regiment was directed to again move to the right, to support, if necessary, any part of the line. It was whilst I was so doing that the enemy forced our line somewhere between the First and Second Bri- gades. General Butterfield was standing near me when I called hi~ attention to our flying troops. He immediately mounted his horse, the better to enable him to oversee his brigade. Our lines once broken, the troops kept giving way, thus permitting the enemy to enter and outflank those who stood firm. Perceiving this, I had faced my regiment to the rear for the purpose of falling back more under the hill and save being flanked, when Major Barnum, of the Twelfth Kew York, and field officer of the day, rode up to me and urged that I would hold on a few minutes longer, as he hoped th Page 323 ChAP. XXIII. SEVEN-DAYS~ BATTLES. 323 enemy would be driven back. I thereupon faced my regiment about again and resumed firing. Immediately afterward Major Welch came to me and stated that if I remained there a minute longer we would be all cut to piecesthat the enemy were close upon us in overwhelming force. I thereupon again faced my regiment to the rear, still intending to fall back fighting, but I had no sooner given the command to march than all started in double-quick, leaving me at once in the rear, and regardless of my command to halt. Most ran off for the bridge over the Chickahominy. Many sought the timber-land along the river. Be- lieving those seeking the bridge would be cut off by the enemy, I, with many others, gained the timber, ho ping to cross in some way, but after struggling all night through mud and water we were suddenly captured just after daylight on Saturday morning and immediately sent on to Richmond. As soon as I return to my regiment and can procure facts I will further report, in case the details have not already been made. Very respectfully, T. B. W. STOCKTON, Colonel & xteenth Michigan Volunteers. Capt. FRED. T. LOCKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, F Army Corps. No. 130. Reports of Lieut. Col. John V. Ruehie, ~ixteemth ilfichigan Infantry, of the battle of Gaines Mill e vein Hill. , ngagernent at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Mat. CAMP NEAR HARRISONS LANDING, JAMES RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862. GENERAL: In conformity with your instructions, I hereby transmit a report of the movements of the Sixteenth Michigan Infantry since June 26: On that day between 2 and 3 oclock p. m. orders came for the regi- ment to strike tents and have everything loaded and the wagons sent at once over the Chickahominy to General McClellans headquarters, and also to form the regiment in line of battle and await orders. The orders soon came to move with the brigade toward Old Church to oppose the enemy, said to be advancing from the northward. Line of battle was formed at Cold Harbor t Eio- Pennsylvania, but his regiment forming in rear of the ~hty-third orders soon caine to return at once to Gaines Mill, which was done, and the regiment moved into its old camp near that point and stacked arms, but was soon after ordered to move with the brigade toward Mechanicsville, where a heavy fight was taking place. Here the regiment halted for the night, after moving about half a mile. At daylight the regiment, with the brigade, moved back toward Gaines house, guarding to that point a battery of 32-pounder guns. Here it turned to the left and formed in line behind Allens Massachusetts bat- tery, but the position of the brigade was soon after changed by moving to the rear and behind a ravine about 800 yards distant. Here the reg- imuent formed into line in rear of the Forty-fourth New York, but was soon moved about 130 yards to the rear and behind the slope of the hill, to shelter t from the enemys artillery. Its first l)Osition was in line of battle, which was soon after changed to double column at hal Page 324 324 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. ~OnAP. XXIII. distance and changed direction by the right flank, and lay down to await orders. About noon the fire of the skirmishers in front grew louder and near, and continued at intervals until about 2 p. in., when the battle opened directly in front with great fury and soon became general along the whole line. Soon after this the regiment was ordered by the general to change direction by the left flank and deploy and ad. vance to a fence in front and to the right, and immediately after to charge over the hill to the support of the left of the First Brigade (Martin. dales), but soon after fell back to its old position, from which it was soon moved up to support the right of the Third Brigade and two com- panies (B and F) were moved to the left, and took position on the left of the Forty-fourth in the rifle pits. The regiment then moved to the left, but soon returned and was stationed in the road directly behind the Twelfth and Eighty-third and afterward moved to the left and took position directly behind the Forty-fourth New York. All the move- ments were executed under the immediate direction of General Butter- field himself who was present, and at every part of his line, directing and superintending everything under a terrible fire of musketry and artillery. After remaining here nearly an hour the regiment was ordered to move by the right flank to support the right of the brigade, which was severely pressed and exposed to a flank movement of the enemy, who had now broken through the line to the right of our brigade and were driving the regiments on our right in disorder before them. The regi- ment moved up to the right under a terrible fire from the enemy, who were now pouring over the hill upon us. The regiment was now halted, fronted, and ponred its fire into the rebel ranks at close range. It then fell back a short distance, halted, fronted, and firing, and so continued doing across a small ravine and to another about 400 yards from its first position. It was now exposed to a tremendous fire of musketry and artillery, pouring in grape, canister, and shell. Here the colors of the regiment were planted on the bank of the ditch by Major Welch, and the regiment rallied around it and fired 12 or 15 rounds, when Major Yegesack, of General Butterfields staff, brought orders to move the reg. iment back up the hill to its old position. The order was received by Major Welch, who gallantly led it back up the hill, where it remained until forced back down the hill and over the low ground and into the bridge by overwhelming forces. It fell back slowly and in good order, but its loss w