Artillery of the Army of the Potomac
Sent to the Peninsula in March and early in April, 1862.

Artillery Reserve,
Colonel Henry J. Hunt

Graham's battery (K and G), First U. S., six Napoleon guns
Randol's battery (E), First U. S., six Napoleon guns
Carlisle's battery (E), Second U. S.,six 20-pounder Parrott guns
Robertson's battery, Second U. S., six 3-inch ordnance guns
Benson's battery (M), Second U. S., six 3-inch ordnance guns
Tidball's battery (A), Second U.S., six 3-inch ordnance guns
Edwards' battery (L and M), Third U. S., six 10-pounder Parrott guns
Gibson's battery (C and G), Third U. S., six 3-inch ordnance guns
Livingston's battery (F and K), Third U. S., four 10-pounder
Parrott guns; Howe's battery (G), Fourth U. S., six Napoleon guns
De Russy's battery (K), Fourth U. S., six Napoleon guns
Weed's battery (I), Fifth U. S.,six 3-inch ordnance guns
Smead's battery (K), Fifth U. S., four Napoleon guns
Ames' battery (A), Fifth U. S., six (four 10-pounder Parrott and two Napoleon)
guns; Diedrich's battery (A), New York artillery battalion, six 20-pounder Parrott guns
Voegelie's battery (B), New York artillery battalion, four 20-pounder Parrott guns
Knieriem's battery (C), New York artillery battalion,four 20-pounder Parrott guns
Grim's battery (D), New York artillery battalion, six 32-pounder howitzer guns
Total, 100 guns.
Also, Artillery troops, with siege trains; First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Colonel Tyler.

SECOND CORPS, GENERAL SUMNER
RICHARDSON'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Clarke's battery (A and C), Fourth U. S., six Napoleon guns; Frank's
battery (G), First New York, six 10-pounder Parrott guns; Pettit's battery (B),
First New York, six 10-pounder Parrott guns; Hogan's battery (A), Second New
York, six 10-pounder Parrott guns

SEDGWICK'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Kirby's battery (I), First U. S., six Napoleon guns; Tompkins'
battery (A), First Rhode Island, six (four 10-pounder Parrott and two
12-pounder howitzer) guns; Bartlett's battery (B), First Rhode Island, six
(four 10-pounder Parrott and two 12-pounder howitzer) guns; Owen's battery (G),
six 3-inch ordnance guns

THIRD CORPS, GENERAL HEINTZELMAN
PORTER'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Griffin's battery (D), Fifth U. S., six 10-pounder Parrott guns;
Weeden's battery (C), Rhode Island; Martin's battery (C), Massachusetts, six
Napoleon guns; Allen's battery (E), Massachusetts, six 3-inch ordnance guns

HOOKER'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Hall's battery (H), First U. S., six (four 10-pounder Parrott and
two 12-pounder howitzer) guns; Smith's battery, Fourth New York, six 10-pounder
Parrott guns; Bramhall's battery, Sixth New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns;
Osborn's battery (D), First New York Artillery, four 3-inch ordnance guns

HAMILTON'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Thompson's battery (G), Second U. S., six Napoleon guns; Beam's
battery (B), New Jersey, six (four 10-pounder Parrott and two Napoleon) guns;
Randolph's battery (E), Rhode Island, six (four 10-pounder Parrott and two
Napoleon) guns

FOURTH CORPS, GENERAL KEYES
COUCH'S DIVISION
Artillery.-McCarthy's battery (C), First Pennsylvania, four 10-pounder Parrott
guns; Flood's battery (D), First Pennsylvania, four 10-pounder Parrott guns;
Miller's battery (E), First Pennsylvania, four Napoleon guns; Brady's battery
(F), First Pennsylvania, four 10-pounder Parrott guns

SMITH'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Ayres' battery (F), Fifth U. S., six (four 10-pounder Parrott and
two Napoleon) guns; Mott's battery, Third New York, six (four 10-pounder
Parrott and two Napoleon) guns; Wheeler's battery (E), First New York, four
3-inch ordnance guns; Kennedy's battery, First New York, six 3-inch ordnance
guns

CASEY'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Regan's battery, Seventh New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns: Fitch's
battery, Eighth New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns; Bates' battery (A), First
New York, six Napoleon guns; Spratt's battery (H), First New York, four 3-inch
ordnance guns.

The following troops of the Army of the Potomac were left behind or detached on
and in front of the Potomac for the defense of that line April 1, 1862.
Franklin's and McCall's divisions, at subsequent and different dates, joined
the active portion of the army on the Peninsula. Two brigades of Shields'
division joined at Harrison's Landing:

FIRST CORPS, GENERAL McDOWELL.
FRANKLIN'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Platt's battery (D), Second U. S., six Napoleon guns; Porter's
battery (A), Massachusetts, six (four 10-pounder Parrott and two 12-pounder
howitzer) guns; Hexamer's battery (A), New Jersey, six (four 10-pounder Parrott
and two 12-pounder howitzer) guns; Wilson's battery (F), First New York
Artillery, four 3-inch ordnance guns

M'CALL'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Seymour's battery (C), Fifth U. S., six Napoleon guns; Easton's
battery (A), First Pennsylvania, four Napoleon guns; Cooper's battery (B),
First Pennsylvania, six 10-pounder Parrott guns; Kerns' battery (G), First
Pennsylvania, six (two 10-pounder and four 12-pounder) Parrott guns

KING'S DIVISION
Artillery.-Gibbon's battery (B), Fourth U. S., six Napoleon guns; Monroe's
battery (D), First Rhode Island, six 10-pounder Parrott guns; Gerrish's battery
(A), New Hampshire, six Napoleon guns; Durell's battery, Pennsylvania, six
10-pounder Parrott guns

FIFTH CORPS, GENERAL BANKS
WILLIAMS' DIVISION
Artillery.-Best's battery (F), Fourth U. S., six Napoleon guns; Hampton's
battery, Maryland, four 10-pounder Parrott guns; Thompson's battery, Maryland,
four 10-pounder Parrott guns; Matthews' battery (F), Pennsylvania, six 3-inch
ordnance guns; Cothran's battery (M), First New York, six 10-pounder Parrott
guns; Knap's battery, Pennsylvania, six 10-pounder Parrott guns; McMahon's
battery, New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, January 23, 1862.

Messrs. COOPER & HEWITT,
Numbers 17 Burling Slip, New York:

Be pleased to make thirty 13-inch mortar beds with the utmost dispatch. State
how soon, by telegraph, they can be got ready.

J. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

NEW YORK, January 24, 1862.

General J. W. RIPLEY,
Chief of Ordnance Bureau, War Dept., Washington City, D. C.:

DEAR SIR: Your telegraphic dispatch was received late last evening. We have
spent this morning in making the contracts for making the beds, thirty in
number, and have ordered of the manufacturers all the materials required. Our
contract with the iron-workers calls for the completion of two mortar beds
daily, allowing eight days to begin the delivery after the plates and chord
bars are received. We have ordered the chord bars of the Phoenix Iron Company,
and the plates of Messrs. H. Abbot & Son, and have begged them to use all due
diligence and personal effort to send the materials with dispatch.

If we are not disappointed in the receipt of the plates and chord bars, we hope
to have the whole thirty beds done by the 1st day of March. Ten beds per week
for three weeks in succession is a large product, but we expect to accomplish
it. We think that these beds will cost about $100 each less than the cost of
those made for the Navy Department. The experience gained in the execution of
that order will save, therefore, about $3,000 on this order. As in the case of
the Navy Department, we shall decline all compensation or profit in this
business, being glad that our knowledge and position can in any way bu turned
to account in the present crisis of our national existence. You may rely that
the job will be well done and in an economical manner.

Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
COOPER, HEWITT & CO.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, January 24, 1862.

Messrs. COOPER & HEWITT,
Burling Slip, New York:

GENTLEMEN: I have this day received your telegram announcing your willingness
to procure for this department thirty 13-inch wrought-iron mortar beds. Accept
my thanks for the prompt attention you have given this matter.

If it be possible to procure the materials and turn out beds before the time
specified (two weeks) 1 trust you will be able to do so, for the demand for
them is of the most immediate and urgent nature.

Respectfully, &c.,
JAS. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, January 25, 1862.

Messrs. COOPER & HEWITT,
17 Burling Slip, New York:

Employ every establishment and person you can on making the 13- inch mortar
beds. They must be turned out and sent to Pittsburg as soon as possible. Spare
no exertion, labor, or expense to hasten the completion of this work. Report
immediately by telegraph what you can do and what you do daily.

J. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

Report of Lieutenant C. Cushing Eyre, First New York Marine Artillery.

ROANOKE ISLAND, February 8, 1862.

I have the honor to report the working of the battery of the Ranger during the
action at Pork Point Battery on February 7 and 8:

commenced firing at 12.30 at the distance of 3 miles. As the vessel worked
ahead we were several times obliged to wear ship, each time running nearer to
the battery. During the afternoon the firing was more effective, owing to the
vessel having been brought closer to the enemy's position. During the latter
part of the engagement the shell were thrown into the Point battery with
accuracy.

Expended during the action, 3 Parrott shell, elevation 17 1/2^, distance about
3 miles; 6 Parrott shell, elevation 15^, distance about 2 3/4 miles; 3 Parrott
shell, elevation 16^, distance about 2 3/4 to 3 miles; 12 Parrott shell,
elevation 12^, distance about 2 1/2 miles; 2 Parrott shell, elevation 13 1/2^,
distance, about 2 3/5^ miles.

From Wiard's 12-pounder, expended 20 shell and shot at an elevation of 15^ to
17^, distance 2 3/4 miles; 38 shell and shot at an elevation of 8^ to 12^,
distance 2 1/2 miles.

About 3.30 p. m. being within range for the 12-pounder boat howitzer, commenced
firing with int, and expended 45 shot and shell, very few of them falling short. This gun
was in charge of Lieutenant Dennison, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers.

Respectfully,
C. CUSHING EYRE,
First Lieutenant Marine Artillery.

Report of Lieutenant A. Hedden, First New York Marine Artillery.

GUNBOAT HUSSAR,
Roanoke Island, February 10, 1862.

SIR: In answer to your request this morning I herewith inclose you a statement
of the working of guns on board the gunboat Hussar at the bombardment of Pork
Point, Friday, February 7, 1862; 102 cap shell from two 30-pounder Parrotts; 82
percussion shell from two 30-pounder Parrotts; 52 shot from one 6-pounder Wiard;
6 percussion shell from one 6-pounder Wiard (fell short). The former had an elevation
of from 8^ to 10^ at a distance of from 2 1/4 to 1 1/2 miles. A portion of the firing was
directed to a rebel steamer which came under cover of battery but retired soon, evidently
having a few shot through her. The Wiard gun (6-pounder) shot with great accuracy at a
distance of 2 miles with as much elevation as we could give her, suppose about 11^. The
first shot was fired from the Hussar at 11.45 a. m., and continued firing until a signal
from the commodore, "Cease firing," at 6.30 p. m., when we came to anchor out of range
of their batteries.

JAMES A. HEDDEN,
Lieutenant.

Report of Lieutenant Daniel W. Flagler, U. S. Ordnance Department.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT NORTH CAROLINA,
Roanoke Island, February 20, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit for your information the following report
of the ordnance and ordnance stores captured on Roanoke Island during the
engagement of the 8th instant:

The total number of cannon captured was forty-two. In the inland battery were
three, all mounted on field carriages and covered by an earthwork with
embrasures. One of these is a heavy 24-pounder boat howitzer; one a 6-pounder
brass field gun, model 1864, and the other an 18-pounder brass field gun -
probably a Mexican trophy. There were no caissons with these pieces, but the
implements and equipments of the pieces were uninjured, and a quantity of
ammunition in the ammunition-chest of each of the limbers. In Fort Foster, at
Pork Point, were nine guns. Eight of these are heavy 32-pounder navy
smooth-bore guns and one a banded rifled gun - this last peculiarly rifled, and
has been manufactured by the enemy since the beginning of the war. It has seven
grooves, the bottom of the groove being cylindrical in form, intersecting at
one edge with the surface of the bore. At the other edge the groove is
eleven-hundredths of an inch deep. It has thus but one shoulder, which is at
the right edge of the groove, as the twist is to the left. The grooves and
bands are of equal width, and have a uniform twist of one turn in 32 feet. The
gun is manufactured from a 32-pounder navy gun of 62-cwt. A portion at the
breech was turned down to a perfect cylinder, and then wrought-iron cylinders
shrunk around the breech, similarly to the Parrott gun. The cylinder, when
complete, is 24 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. The few experiments I
have been able to make with the gun show that it will compare not unfavorably
in range and accuracy of fire with the Parrott gun. The only projectiles found
for it were shells, ready filled and fused with the navy fuse. It is mounted en
barbette, with the French navy carriage, on a chassis traversing a semicircle.
Two of the other guns at the left flank of the battery are mounted en barbette,
traversing the entire circle. All the remaining guns have embrasures, and are
mounted on the French navy carriage, with platform. The fort has two small
magazines. In them and in the fort were found 828 32-pounder round shot, 84
stand of grape, a few shells, and 110 cartridges for the 32-pounder guns. There
was also a small quantity of musket ammunition and ammunition for 12-pounder
boat howitzers stored in the magazines.

In Fort Parke were found four 32-pounder navy guns mounted en
barbette on the army 32-pounder barbette carriages, and one spare carriage
without the chassis. It had also 440 32-pounder round shot, but all the
ammunition had been taken from the magazine and destroyed. The implements
belonging to the guns in this fort were not much injured.

In Fort Reno were twelve guns. Of these the two upon the left flank of the
battery are rifled guns like the one in Fort Foster which I have already
described, and mounted upon the same carriage en barbette. All the others are
smooth-bore 32-pounder navy guns of 57 and 61 cwt. The two upon the right flank
are mounted en barbette and the remaining eight on the navy carriage at
embrasures. In the fort rifle guns, and 42 32-pounder shells. All the
ammunition had also been taken from this magazine and destroyed. I found in the
water near the shore just outside this fort a 32-pounder gun, which the enemy
had apparently let fall in trying to land it. I have hauled it out, and if
necessary it can be mounted on a spare carriage. The remaining two guns are in
Fort Ellis, opposite Nag's Head.

All of the guns excepting the three field pieces in the island battery I found
had been spiked and other ineffectual attempts made to render them
unserviceable. Six of them were spiked with rat-tail files; the remainder with
wrought-iron spikes and nails. They were all loaded, some with several shot
wedged, and others with charged shells unfused and inverted, so arranged as to
explode in the guns if fired. All of these have been removed without accident,
and the guns are now ready for service.

In Fort Reno and Foster considerable injury wad done to the carriages,
implements, and equipments. The guns being mounted on navy carriages, the
breechings and tackle-ropes were in most cases cut. With some of the carriages,
however, the breechings and tackle were unnecessary, so that with some repairs,
using the spare parts and implements that were found, the injuries have been so
far repaired that made some 400 cartridges for the 32-pounder guns, and so
distributed the ammunition found in these two forts as to render them as
defensible as possible until larger supplies can be obtained.

The implements and equipments in Fort Parke sustained much less injury. These
have all been repaired, but as the magazine of the fort is very damp, and you
told me you intended to change the position of the battery, I have done nothing
to supply the guns with ammunition.

The small-arms captured were generally of an inferior quality. Of those that
have been preserved there are about 1,500. They are principally smooth-bore
muskets (caliber .69) made at Harper's Ferry, in 1832, and have either
flint-locks or have been altered to percussion. Some of the enemy's troops were
armed with fowling-pieces, sporting rifles, and a motley collection of arms
nearly useless for military purposes. These were all carried away by our
soldiers and people from the transports. The iron parts found among the ruins
of the camp destroyed by fire on the day of the bombardment. I am also
satisfied that a quality of arms and ammunition has been buried or hidden on
the island, although we have as yet been unable to find it. Several muskets
have been sent as trophies to naval officers of the fleet in accordance with
your orders. This must account for the large discrepancy between the number of
prisoners and small-arms captured. There are also 1,600 sets of infantry
equipments, many of them incomplete. Such of these and of the muskets as will
not be required for service in this department I have had boxed, preparatory to any
disposition of them the Ordnance Bureau may direct. The greater part of the
ammunition found in the cartridge-boxes of the prisoners was so much injured by
exposure to the weather that I do not think it worth preserving. In the magazine at
Fort Foster were found in good order 40,000 musket cartridges (caliber .69), 2,200
cartridges for Minie rifles (caliber .54), and 134 rounds fixed ammunition for the
24-pounder boat howitzer. The magazines in the forts are generally not well
constructed, affording insufficient protection for the ammunition against
dampness. They are bomb-proofs, and built of such light soil that in falling
weather the dampness easily penetrates to the magazines. If they are to contain
considerable stores or ammunition for any length of time I would respectfully
recommend that they be reconstructed or replaced by new ones.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. W. FLAGLER,
Lieutenant, Ordnance Officer Department North Carolina.

Report of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Daum, Chief of Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY BRIGADE,
Shields' Division, Strasburg, Va., March 26, 1862.

On Saturday, March 22, about 4 p. m., the enemy made an attack upon our forces
near Winchester and on the turnpike leading to Strasburg. Battery H First
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Artillery, Captain J. F. Huntington, was promptly
placed in position, and opened fire upon the enemy, when they immediately retreated.

Sunday morning, 23rd, about 9 o'clock, the enemy opened fire upon our advance
guard. I ordered Captain Jenks to advance four rifled guns of his battery, and
placed them in position on a hill commanding the enemy's batteries and the
village of Kernstown. He opened an effective fire upon them. I immediately
ordered Captain Clark's battery to take position on the left of Jenks' battery
and upon the same hill. Both batteries kept up an effecting fire until the
enemy was compelled to change the position of his batteries.

The enemy then attempted to flank our right wing, which they endeavored to do
with a column of about 3,000 men, but a very effective salvo from Daum's
battery (Captain Jenks) scatted their force, and made them seek cover in the
adjoining woods. By this the enemy had succeeded in placing a battery upon a
hill to the right of the one occupied by our batteries,and opened a hot and
well-directed fire upon us, which was promptly responded to by Clark's and
Jenks' batteries. By this time I had placed Captain Robinson's Ohio battery in
a position about 500 yards to the right of Captain Jenks, to cover our right
wing from any charge might be made upon it from the opposite woods, 1,500 yards
distant, which was occupied by the enemy. I placed one section of Battery B,
First Artillery upon our left wing to support Colonel Sullivan. This section
did good service. Toward evening, when our forces charged upon the left wing of
the enemy, I placed Captain Robinson's battery such a position as to support
the brigade which was to make the charge or cover its retreat if necessary. Our
forces having engaged the enemy upon their left wing, I ordered the batteries
of Captains Clark, Jenks, and Robinson to cease firing.

The enemy's battery having been taken, I placed Captain Robinson's battery in
the position which the enemy had occupied. The batteries commanded by Captains
Jenks and Clark having Parrott guns, and being placed in a very commanding
position, did excellent execution. The Ohio batteries, commanded by Major
Israel, on account of the inferiority of their guns, could not be used to good
advantage. Captain Huntington's battery was kept in the rear as a reserve.

The loss sustained by the different batteries is as follows: Captain Clark's
battery, E, Fourth Regiment, U. S. Army, Private Bartley Kelley killed and 3
house disabled; Captain Jenks battery, A, First Virginia Artillery, Private
Charles Schneider killed and 10 horses disabled; Captain Robinson's battery, L,
First Ohio Volunteers Artillery, Private Brown killed, Private-wounded and
missing; on the 22nd, Captain Huntington's battery, H, First Ohio Artillery,
Private Jacob Yeager killed and 2 horses disabled.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. DAUM,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Artillery, Shield's Division.

Report of Lieutenant Marshall H. Rundell, Battery G,
First New York Light Artillery.

CAMP RICHARDSON'S DIVISION,
Warrenton Junction, March 29, 1862.

CAPTAIN: Having been instructed to report to you yesterday morning with a
section of 10-pounder Parrott rifled guns, pertaining to Frank's light battery
G, First New York Artillery, I accordingly started at 10 o'clock a. m.
yesterday, and took my place in the advance guard, composed of the Fifth
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Cross, and one squadron of the
Eighth Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Farnsworth. After marching about 2
miles I fired one shell at a vedette of the enemy's cavalry. About 1 1/2 miles
farther I found a battalion of the enemy's infantry formed in line of battle
and fired two shells, which had the effect of immediately dispersing them.
Without changing position, threw four shells into some buildings to the left of
the infantry, under the impression of dislodging a hidden enemy.

Moving the section upon the ground previously occupied by the enemy's infantry,
I directed two shells into the corner of a wood to the right and in a line with
the railroad, and likewise three to the left
at a small body of cavalry. Next to this I shelled some cavalry nearly 2 miles
from the depot and to the right. Having been ordered to the front along the
line of the railroad, I shelled another depot and fired into a train. Half a
mile farther to the front and right shelled another detachment of cavalry.
Moving again to the front, dislodged some of the enemy from a small
entrenchment. At this place two pieces of the enemy's artillery opened fire
upon us. After moving to the right and front, and sheltering my limbers and
caissons behind a building, I opened fire, with the effect of silencing the
enemy's artillery.

This closes the proceedings of my section of artillery during the 28th instant;
having expended 35 shells, 14 spherical-case, and 2 percussion shells; total,
51 rounds. The fire of my guns, with few exceptions, seemed to be very
effective. I returned from this reconnaissance at about 1 o'clock p. m. to-day.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
MARSHALL H. RUNDELL,
First Lieutenant Company G, First New York Artillery.

HDQRS. DIVISION OF ARTILLERY (CASEY'S DIVISION), April 13,1862.

Captain HENRY W. SMITH,
Asst.Adjt.General , Headquarters Casey's Division:

CAPTAIN:I have been requested by the general commanding the division to make a
written statement of the fact concerning the capture of three schooners by the
rebel steamer Jamestown on the 11th instant. I have the honor, therefore, to
submit the following official report:

On the morning of the 11th instant I was attracted to the beach by the
discharge of heavy guns. I found the rebel steamer Merrimac, accompanied by six
gunboats, near the opposite shore, between Sewell's Point and the mouth of the
Elizabeth River. They were then directly opposite the encampment of General
Casey's division, and at least 3 miles from our own shore.

Soon after I arrived the Jamestown steamed down rapidly, hugging their own
shore for a considerable distance, and then bore directly upon the three
schooners, which were apparently anchored off Hampton. The course of the
Jamestown was such as to increase her distance from General Casey's encampment.
If there was any point between this and Fort Monroe where field guns could have
been brought to bear upon her it must have been near and above the village of
Hampton, where I understand there were two or more batteries of field artillery
subject to the orders of General Wool.

My opinion at the time was (and still is) that nothing but heavy guns could
have reached her, even from the place just mentioned; and I am positive that no
rebel gunboat came within 3 miles of the shore occupied by General Casey.

The extreme range of 3-inch guns is 4,000 yards.

I may mention that soon after the appearance of the rebel steamers the
artillery on this division was placed in position and so kept throughout the
day, from which it could be instantly deployed near the beach in case the enemy
came within range. But of course no ammunition was thrown away upon an enemy at
twice the effective range of our guns.

I am, captain, respectfully, &c.,
G.D. BAILEY,
Colonel and Chief of Division Artillery.

NEAR YORKTOWN, April 14,1862.

General J.W. RIPLEY,
Chief of Ordnance:

Twelve 10-inch mortars, eight 8-inch mortars, one 8-inch siege howitzer, five
100-pounder and five 30-pounder Parrott's, and ten 4 1/2-inch rifled guns of
the siege train requested to be sent here have arrived, and we hear nothing of
the remainder. I am directed to ask that the other guns ordered may be pushed
forward immediately, and that navy carriages may be procured, if possible, for
the eight other 100-pounder Parrott guns on hand in New York and at Fort
Monroe. I am also directed to ask that all the war rockets and tripods for
firing the same at Washington Arsenal may be sent here; also the Union
repeating guns and ammunition on hand; 500 carcasses each for 12 and 24 and 32
pounders, and for 8 and 10 inch calibers any incendiary shells that may be
procured, and all the 4 1/1-inch guns available. If any tables of fire have
been prepared for these guns they ought also to be furnished, and I would again
urge upon the Department the necessity of having an efficient officer to attend
to the forwarding of stores after their arrival in this vicinity. It is
probable that much property will be lost without such an officer, and at this
time it may be invaluable.

C.P. KINGSBURY,
Colonel and Chief of Ordnance.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Sir;
My calculations were based upon the expected immediate expansion of the
"Division of the Potomac" into the "Army of the Potomac," to consist of at
least 100,000 infantry. Considerations of the peculiar character and extent of
the force to be employed, of the probable field and character of operations, of
the utmost efficiency of the arm, and of the limits imposed by the as yet
undeveloped resources of the nation, led to the following general propositions
offered by me to Major-General McClellan, and which received his full approval:

1st. That the proportion of artillery should be in the ratio of at least two
and a half pieces to 1,000 men, to be expanded if possible to three pieces to
1,000 men.

2nd. That the proportion of rifled guns should be restricted to the system of
the U. S. Ordnance Department, and of Parrott and the smooth bore (with the
exception of a few howitzers for special service) to be exclusively the
12-pounder gun of the model of 1857, variously called the "gun howitzer," the
"light 12-pounder," or the "Napoleon."

3rd. That each field battery should, if practicable, be composed of six guns,
and none to be less than four guns, and in all cases the guns of each battery
should be of uniform caliber.

4th. That the field batteries were to be assigned to divisions and not to
brigades, and in the proportion of four to each division, of which one was to
be a battery of regulars, the remainder of volunteers; the captain of the
regular battery to be the commander of artillery of the division. In the event
of several divisions constituting an army corps, at least one-half of the
divisional artillery was to constitute the reserve artillery of the corps.

5th. That the artillery reserve of the whole army should consist of 100 guns,
and should comprise, besides a sufficient number of light mounted batteries,
all of the guns of position, and until the cavalry was massed all the horse
artillery.

6h. That the amount of ammunition to accompany the field batteries was not to
be less than 400 rounds per gun.

7th. A siege train of fifty pieces. This was subsequently expanded (for special
service at the siege of Yorktown) to very nearly 100 pieces, and comprised the
unusual calibers and enormously heavy weight of metal of two 200-pounders, five
100-pounders, and ten 13-inch sea-coast mortars.

8th. That instruction in the theory and practice of gunnery, as well as in the
tactics of the arm, was to be given to the officers and non-commissioned
officers of the volunteer batteries by the study of suitable test-books and by
actual recitations in each division, under the direction of the regular officer
commanding the divisional artillery.

9th. That personal inspections, as frequent as the nature of circumstances
would permit, should be made by me, to be assured of the strict observance of
the established organization and drill and of the special regulations and
orders issued from time to time under the authority of the commanding general,
and to note the progressive improvement of the officers and enlisted men of the
volunteer batteries, and the actual fitness for field service of the whole,
both regular and volunteer.

[10th.] A variety of unexpected circumstances conspired to compel in some
degree trifling modifications of these general propositions, but in the main
they scrupulously formed the basis of the organization of the artillery of the
Army of the Potomac. This sudden and extensive expansion of the artillery arm
of the nation taxed far beyond their capacities the various arsenals and
private foundries which had hitherto exclusively supplied to the United States
the requisite ordnance material. The Ordnance Department promptly met my
requisitions by enlarging as far as possible the operations of the arsenals of
supply and construction and by the extensive employment of private contractors.
The use of contract work, while it gave increased facility in meeting
promptly the suddenly-increased demand, was the unavoidable cause of
introducing into the service much inferior ordnance material. The gun-carriages
were particularly open to this objection, and their bad construction was in
more than one instance the unfortunate occasion of the loss of field guns.

[11th.] It affords me great satisfaction to state that the Ordnance Department
in the main kept the supply constantly up to the demand, and by cheerful and
ready attention to complaints and the prompt creation of the requisite means
enabled me to withdraw inferior material and substitute such as was found to be
more reliable.

[12th.] To Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, in command of Washington Arsenal, to
Lieutenant Bradford, his assistant, and to Captain Benton, in the office of the
Chief of Ordnance, these remarks in particular apply. To their promptness,
industry, and active general co-operation am I indebted in a great degree for
the means which enabled me to organize such an immense artillery force in so
short a time.

[13th.] As has been before stated, the whole of the field artillery of the Army
of the Potomac July 25, 1861, was comprised in nine imperfectly-equipped
batteries of 30 guns, 650 men, and 400 horses. In March, 1862, when the whole
army took the field, it consisted of ninety-two batteries of 520 guns, 12,500
men, and 11,000 horses, fully equipped and in readiness for active field
service. Of the whole force thirty batteries were regulars and sixty-two
batteries volunteers. During this short period of seven months all of this
immense amount of material was issued to me and placed in the hands of the
artillery troops after their arrival in Washington. About one-quarter of all
the volunteer batteries brought with them from their respective States a few
guns and carriages, but they were nearly all of such peculiar caliber as to
lack uniformity with the more modern and more serviceable ordnance with which I
was arming the other batteries, and they therefore had to be withdrawn and
replaced by more suitable material. While about one-sixth came supplied with
horses and harness, less than one-tenth were apparently fully equipped for
service when they reported to me, and every one of those required the supply of
many deficiencies of material and very extensive instruction in the theory and
practice of their special arm.

[14th.] When the Army of the Potomac on the 1st of April embarked for Fort
Monroe and the Virginia Peninsula the field-artillery force which had been
organized was disposed of as follows, viz:
........................................................................................................................Batteries..... Guns.

Detached for service in the Department of South Carolina ....................................... 2 ..........12

Detached for service in the Department of North Carolina ....................................... 1........... 6

Detached for service in the Department of the Gulf .................................................. 1 ...........6

Detached for service in the command of Major-General Dix .................................... 3 ..........20

Detached for service in the Mountain Department (division Blenker) ........................ 3.......... 18

First Corps (Major-General McDowell) ................................................................ 12.......... 68

Fifth Corps (Major-General Banks) ...................................................................... 13 ..........59

Defenses of Washington (Brigadier-General Wadsworth) ...................................... 49 .........253

Embarked March 15 to April 1, 1862, for thePeninsula ......................................... 52 .........299

[15th.] The operations on the Peninsula by the Army of the Potomac commenced
with a field-artillery force of fifty-two batteries, of 299 guns. To this must
be added the field artillery of Franklin's division of McDowell's corps, which
joined a few days before the capture of Yorktown, but was not disembarked from
its transports for service until after thebattle of Williamsburg, and the field artillery
of McCall's division of McDowell's corps (four batteries, 22 guns), which joined in
June, a few days before the battle of Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862, making a grand
total of field artillery at any time with the army on the Peninsula of sixty batteries,
of 343 guns. With this large force, serving in six corps d'armee of eleven
divisions and the artillery reserve, the only general and field officers were 1
brigadier-general, 4 colonel, 3 lieutenant-colonels, and 3 majors, a number
obviously insufficient, and which impaired to a great degree (in consequence of
the want of rank and official influence of the commanders of corps and
divisional artillery) the efficiency of the arms. As this faulty organization
can be suitably corrected only by legislative action, it is earnestly hoped
that the attention of the proper authorities may be at an early day invited to
it.

[16th.] When there were so many newly-organized volunteer field batteries, many
of whom received their first and only instruction in the entrenched camps
covering Washington during the three or four inclement months of the winter of
1861 - '62, there was, of course, much to be improved. Many of the volunteer
batteries, however, evinced such zeal and intelligence and availed themselves
so industriously of the instructions of the regular officer, their commander,
and of the example of the regular battery, their associate, that they made
rapid progress and attained a degree of proficiency highly creditable.

[17th.] Special detailed reports have been made and transmitted by me of the
general artillery operations at the siege of Yorktown, and by their immediate
commanders of the services of the field batteries at the battles of
Williamsburg, Hanover Court-House, and those severely contested ones comprised
in the operations in front of Richmond. To these several reports I respectfully
refer the commanding general for details of services as creditable to the
artillery of the United States as they are honorable to the gallant officers
and brave and patient enlisted men, who with but few exceptions, struggling
through difficulties, overcoming obstacles, and bearing themselves nobly on the
field of battle, stood faithfully to their guns, performing their various
duties with a steadiness, a devotion, and a gallantry worthy of all
commendation. [18th.] For the artillery of the Army of the Potomac it is but
simple justice to claim that, in contributing its aid to the other two arms as
far as lay in its power, it did its whole duty faithfully and intelligently,
and that on more than one occasion (the battle of Malvern particularly) it
confessedly saved the army from serious disaster.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM F. BARRY,
Brigadier-General, late Chief of Artillery Army of the Potomac.

GENERAL ORDERS,} HDQRS. MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT,
No.14.} Wheeling, Va., April 17,1862.

I. Lieutenant Colonel W. H. Hayward, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery, is
relieved from his duties as chief of artillery in the department.

II. Lieutenant Colonel John Pilsen, aide-de-camp, is hereby appointed chief of
artillery in this department.

By command of Major-General Fremont:
HENRY THRALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington,April 17,1862.

Major General GEORGE B.McCLELLAN,
Army of the Potomac, near Yokrtown, Va.:

Your communication to the Secretary of War regarding the failure of the 3-inch
percussion shells has been referred to this department. The fuses used are
Schenkl's, the best of their kind. It is suggested that the failures may arise
from an omission to reverse the screw cap, the operation of which General Barry
or Major Webb understands.

Mr.Schenkl, the inventor, will leave to-nigh for Yorktown to investigate the
matter.

JAS.W.RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 17,1862.

General J.W.RIPLEY, Chief of Ordnance:

Telegram received. Much obliged for your promptness. We shall require a good
deal of ammunition, and probably as many heavy guns as you can let us have.
Mortars will be very useful. I think the 4 1/2-inch gun will be admissible, and am
only sorry we have not more of them.

GEO.B.McCLELLAN, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 18,1862.

Brigadier General J.W.RIPLEY,
Chief of Ordnance:

The supply of field ammunition, battery and reserve, is becoming rapidly
exhausted, and the consumption of that for small-amrs is very great. I have to
request that 200 rounds per gun of the former and 200 pounds per man of the
latter may be added to my former requisition and sent forward with rapidity.
Requisitions are coming, too, for all sorts of battery stores, which cannot be
filled. The forges for the siege train have not yet arrived, and cannot be
heard from.

C.P.KINGSBURY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 18,1862.
(Received April 19,1862,9.40 a.m.)

General RIPLEY, Chief of Ordnance:

Will be glad to have another 200-pounder Parrott. Can provide for more if you
have them. Will aslo be glad to have more 10-inch sea-coast mortars. Send the
additional 13-inch mortars. Can use them well. Pleasure hurry up ammunition.

GEO.B.McCLELLAN, Major-General.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington,April 18,1862-12,35 p.m.

Major General GEORGE B.McCLELLAN,
Army of the Potomac, near Yorktown,Va.:

Telegram received. The first 200-pounder and carriage were shipped from Cold
Spring on the 8th instant to Fort Monroe. Lieutenant Baylor has been instructed
to hold it subject to your order. The second one is finished, and will be sent
to Fort Monroe at once; it will be placed at your disposal if you desire it.
Have no more siege mortars finished. Have ordered Colonel Ramsay to send you
ten 10-inch sea-coast mortars. Can let you have ten more 13-inch sea-coast mortars
if you want them.

A large supply of 3-inch ammunition will be sent down to the arsenal at Fort
Monroe at once.

JAS.W.RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP MINNESOTA,
Hampton Roads, April 18,1862.

Captain A.A.HARWOOD, Chief of Ordnance:

The 100-pounder Parrott is at present the only gun that can avail us anything
at Yorktown. They are of immense service. The carriage of the Sebago's
100-pounder has already given out in firing upon that place. Send us another
one to replace it in the earliest possible way. Send us, too, four more
100-pounder Parrotts, with carriages for ship-board and fitments complete. Send
us also a full supply of projectiles for 100-pounder Parrotts. We shall have to
use a great many of them, and there are none on hand in charge of our ordnance
officer at Fort Monroe.

L.M.GOLDSBBOROUGH,
Flag-Officer.

Report of Captain Romeyn B. Ayres, Fifth U.S.Artillery,
Chief of Artillery Smith's division, of engagement at Lee's Mill,
or Burnt Chimneys.

HDQRS. LIGHT ARTILLERY, SMITH'S DIVISION,
Camp near Lee's Mill, April 18, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that pursuant to orders the artillery of
this division moved with it-Mott's battery with the leading brigade-and was
brought into actio at different times during the day as follows: Mott's
battery, on arriving in a position about 1,250 yards in front of the rebel
works on Warwick Creek, occupied that position till about 2 o'clock p.m. when
all the artillery (save one section of Kennedy's) was pushed forward into the
field in front of the rebel works to within 900 yards. Firing was kept up from
this position sufficient to prevent the enemy from working his guns to any
extent. Later, some infantry being pushed forward on our left, I ordered the
whole twenty pieces to open for their support. Still later, infantry being
pushed forward on our right (Colonel Stoughton's regiment), the enemy lined the
parapet with musketry and opened a terrific fire upon our troops. I immediately
ordered all the guns to open with case-shot upon the enemy, firing over our
troops. The result fully met my expectations, the rebels scarcely being able
to get any shots to advantage, but firing over our troops, which were withdrawn
with but slight damage.

It is believed that the enemy suffered severely. At one time we fired upon a
regiment marching by flank, carrying away their colors and scattering them
quickly. The position last taken up by the artillery is now occupied by ten
pieces (four of them still more advanced) behind works thrown up night before
last and night. From those positions occasional shots are thrown during the
day and night. It will be seen from Captain Mott's report that his battery
suffered severely, especially in their first position. The captain and all his
officers and men bore themselves with gallantry. All the command conducted
themselves with perfect coolness. The firing was admirable. First Lieutenant
Charles Kusserow adjutant and inspector is again entitled to mention for his
coolness and skill as an artillery officer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R.B. AYRES,
Captain Fifth Artillery, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 19,1862.

General J.W.RIPLEY:

Please send, in addition to previous requisition, 100 rounds for all the siege
and field guns of this army. We shall need them to destroy the enemy's parapet.
He is playing the game of concealing his guns when under fire, and we must use
our shells as mines, and the parapet fuses should be arranged accordingly.

GEO.B.McCLELLAN, Major-General.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, April 19,1862.

Major General GEORGE B.McCLELLAN,
Army of the Potomac, near Yorktown,Va.:

Telegram received. Have ordered tne 10-inch and ten 13-inch
sea-coast mortars to be sent to you at once. Regret that the projectiles sent
with the 4 1/2-inch siege guns do not work well. Have directed
Hotchkiss to send you 10,000 of his with the utmost dispatch as fast as made.

JAS.W.RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, April 19,1862.

Colonel C.P.KINGSBURY,
Chief of Ordnance, Army of the Potomac, near Yorktown,Va.:

Telegrams received. The gins and sling-cars have been ordered to be sent to you
from Washington. Twenty spare 6-pounder carriages and four 12-pounder heavy
have been ordered to Fort Monroe. The reserve 3-inch ammunition will leave the
Washington Arsenal to-day. The sixty-seven hundred rounds for the field
batteries are being prepared.

The additional 200 rounds per man will be sent forward as soon as
transportation can be provided.

JAS.W.RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

NEAR YORKTOWN, April 20,1862-Midnight.

General J.W.RIPLEY, Chief of Ordnance:

Please send me all the 20-pounder Parrotts you can as soon as possible, and let
me know many you send and when I can look for them. I am short of siege guns.

GEO.B.McCLELLAN, Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, } HDQRS.ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
No.119.} Camp Winf.Scott, near Yorkt'n,Va, Apl, 30. 1862

Paragraph XI of General Orders, No.102,
current series, prescribing flags to designate the various headquarters, is amended as follows:
For the Artillery Reserve - red flag with a white star in the center.
All the above flags to be 6 feet long and 5 feet wide.

By command of Major-General McClellan:
S.WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by
Major General George B. McClellan, during the siege of Yorktown

Report of Brigadier General William F. Barry,
U. S. Army, Chief of Artillery Army of the Potomac, of the siege.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 5, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following general report of the
operations of the artillery at the siege at Yorktown:
The army having arrived in front of the enemy's works April 5 went
into camp, and preparations were at once commenced for the siege. From this
date until April 10 active reconnaissances of the enemy's line and works were
pushed by the commanding general. By his orders I examined the various inlets
and creeks for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for landing the siege
train. Cheeseman's Creek, an affluent of the Poquosin River, about 2 1/2 miles
from the proposed location of our works, was selected as possessing the
greatest advantages of deep water, a good landing, and facility of approach.
The siege train depot was established in a large open field about one and a
half miles from the landing and at the junction of the roads forming the
approaches to the various batteries. The siege train consisted of 101 pieces,
as follows, viz: Two 200-pounder Parrott rifled guns, eleven 100-pounder
Parrott rifled guns, thirteen 30-pounder Parrott rifled guns, twenty-two
20-pounder Parrott rifled guns, ten 4 1/2-inch rifled siege guns, ten 13-inch
sea-coast mortars, ten 10-inch sea-coast mortars, fifteen 10-inch siege
mortars, five 8-inch siege mortars, and three 8-inch siege howitzers. Three
field batteries of 12-pounders were likewise made use of as guns of position.

To serve this siege train the First Connecticut Artillery, Colonel R. O.
Tyler, (1,400 men), and the fifth New York Volunteers, Colonel Warren (800
men), were placed under my orders. Upon consultation with the commanding
general and the chief engineer (General Barnard) the following location of
batteries and distribution of guns was decided upon:

BATTERY No.1
Two 200-pounder Parrott rifled guns; five 100-pounder Parrott rifled
guns.

BATTERY No.2
Three 4 1/2-inch rifled siege guns; six 30-pounder Parrotts; six
20-pounder Parrotts.

BATTERY No.3
Seven 20-pounder Parrott guns.

BATTERY No.4
Ten. 13-inch sea-coast mortars.
Garrison.-Two batteries First Connecticut Artillery (Captains Dow and Harmon),
Major Alex. Doull, Second New York Artillery, commanding.

BATTERY No.5
Eight 20-pounder Parrotts.
Garrison.-Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, Captain Carlisle, and one-half
Battery C, First Battalion New York Artillery.

BATTERY No.6
Sixteen 10-inch sea-coast mortars.
Garrison.-One company (Captain Burbank's) First Connecticut Artillery.

BATTERY No.7
Six field 12-pounders.

BATTERY No.8
Two batteries (twelve guns) of field 12-pounders.

BATTERY No.9
Ten 10-inch siege mortars.
Garrison.-Two batteries (Captains Cook and Rockwood) First Connecticut
Artillery, Major Trumbull commanding.

BATTERY No.10
Three 100-pounder Parrotts; one 30-pounder Parrott; seven 4 1/2-inch
rifled siege guns.

BATTERY No.11
Four 10-inch sea-coast mortars

BATTERY No.12
Five 10-inch siege mortars

BATTERY No.13
Six 30-pounder Parrotts.

BATTERY No.14
Three 100-pounder Parrotts.
Garrison.-One battery (Captain Perkins) First Connecticut Artillery.

Thursday, April 17.-By pushing close reconnaissances the engineer officers have
seen at least fifty guns in the enemy's works. Of these thirty-three are on
water front and looking down York River, of which twenty-three bear on our
battery Numbers 1. The remainder, seventeen guns, are on land front. There are
probably more, which are masked by sand bags.

Friday, April 18.-Batteries 1,2,3,6, and 7 laid out, and ground broken in Nos.
1,2,3, and 6. At daylight working party in Numbers 1 well
covered in. Numbers 2 less advanced. Numbers 3 progressed far enough to shelter
men. Numbers 6 raised to height of sole of embrasures.

Saturday, April 19.-Colonel Hunt, commanding artillery reserve ordered to
detail a 20-pounder Parrott battery for Battery Numbers 3, to occupy it after
dark to-night. Also ordered to detail fifty-four harnessed horses to haul the
100-pounders into Numbers 1, the works to be continued all night. Platforms
laid and magazine completed in Numbers 1, and all preparations made for
mounting guns. Rain for the past twenty-four hours, and ground soft and
slippery and altogether unfavorable for heavy work.

Monday, April 21.-Batteries 4 and 5 commenced. The officers and cannoneers of
Randol's and De Russy's batteries making gabions and fascines, under
Brigadier-General Woodbury. Cannoneers of Lieutenant-Colonel Brickel's brigade,
under Major Arndt, reverted the embrasures of Battery Numbers 7, with gabions
and finished the battery generally.

Ames' battery (A, Fifth Artillery) in position in Battery Numbers 7,
relieving Diederichs' battery, First Battalion New York Artillery.
One hundred horses hauling siege guns to Batteries 3 and 6.

Battery Numbers 2. Received from depot four 100-pounder Parrotts, 250 shell, 50
shot, and implements. Five 100-pounders are now mounted, and this battery fully
ready for service.

Battery Numbers 3. Received from depot four 4 1/2-inch siege guns and
platforms. Two platforms laid.

Battery Numbers 6. Received from depot six 4 1/2-inch siege guns and platforms.
The artillerymen excavated the terre-plain to the depth of 14 inches and
commenced to lay platforms.

A vessel has arrived at Cheeseman's Landing with 13-inch mortars. Number not
known. Arrangements are made to receive the mortars when hoisted out of the
vessel, and when the present heavy weather abates to tow them around to the
immediate vicinity of the battery in which they are to be placed. It will be
necessary to ask the assistance of the Navy to hoist them out of the transport.
I would respectfully ask that such assistance be requested.

Tuesday, April 22-a.m.-Batteries 1,2,3, and 6 are now ready for service and are
fully supplied with implements and ammunition to the full capacity of the
magazines.
The vessel with five 30-pounder guns has arrived and a detachment is now
discharging her. They will be disembarked by 3 or 4 o'clock, and if the road is
repaired by that time they will be at once hauled to Battery Numbers 2.
Another detachment is at work on the 13-inch mortars. Blocks and tackle for
hauling them have arrived.

Tuesday, April 22-p.m.-The usual daily detail of the cannoneers of two field
batteries for the manufacture of gabions, fascines, &c. Harnessed horses
furnished for transportation of siege guns. Ninety barrels of powder
transported from landing to depot.

Battery Numbers 1. Two hundred and fifty-cartridges supplied for 100-pounder
gun. Magazine arranged and drains constructed.

Battery Numbers 2. Five platforms for siege guns laid; 50 rounds of canister
and 500 cartridges supplied; also implements and equipments complete for five 4
1/2-inch guns. This battery is now ready for service.

Battery Numbers 6. Platforms for five 4 1/2-inch guns laid and the guns put in
position. The following ammunition was placed in the magazine of this battery:
600 cartridges, 300 shot, 300 shell, 100 case-shot, and 50 canister. Implements
and equipments also supplied. Battery now ready for service.

The expenditure was as follows, viz: Solid shot, five from 200-pounder, one from
100-pounder; shell (percussion), sixteen, all from 100-pounder; shell (time fuse),
thirteen, all from 100-pounder; shell (filled with Creek fire), four, all from 100-pounder.
The performance of the guns was excellent, as was also that of the iron carriages and chassis.
Most of the percussion shell failed to explode, and no observable effect was produced by
the Creek fire.

Batteries Numbers 2,3, and 5. No change.

Battery Numbers 4. One mortar transferred from barge, and two mortars mounted
and now ready for service. A third mortar was being mounted when the blocks
broke, and further work was delayed for repairs. Three hundred and fifteen
shell placed in the battery.

Battery Numbers 6. Six 4 1/2-inch guns removed to Battery Numbers 10.

Battery Numbers 10. Six platforms laid for 4 1/2-inch guns and six guns placed
in position. One platform for 100-pounder hauled to the battery.

Battery Numbers 11. Materials for platforms supplied.

Cheeseman's Landing. The following material was landed, viz: Three 10-inch
sea-coast mortars, ten do. beds, four 20-pounder Parrott guns and carriages,
four Whitworth guns, fifteen 13-inch shell with Creek fire, and quantity of
platforms, implements, &c. I beg to urge the necessity of immediate further
repairs upon the road near Cheeseman's Landing and in front of General Hooker's
division (Yorktown road.) It is impossible to haul heavy guns over that portion
of the road.

Thursday, May 1.-Battery Numbers 1. A few shots were fired this p.m. at
Yorktown wharf, with what effect is not knows, as the fog was thick. Fire at
the rate of one shot per hour was maintained at this battery all night, to
prevent the enemy's transports, which were driven away yesterday afternoon,
from returning to discharge their freight under cover of darkness. Some of the
pintle-blocks have started; repairs will be made at once.

Battery Numbers 2. No change. A working party of 80 or 100 men is needed to
complete the road.

Battery No 3. and 5. No changes.

Battery Numbers 4. Two more mortars mounted, three more mortars discharged,
five beds discharged, and five platforms laid.

Battery Numbers 6. Six 4 1/2-inch guns and ammunition sent to Battery Numbers
10.

Battery Numbers 9. Not yet ready for platforms and the magazine not yet
completed.

Battery Numbers 10. Garrisoned by two companies of Fifth New York Volunteers.
Six platforms laid for 4 1/2-inch guns, and the six guns placed in position
ready for service. Magazine supplied with one hundred rounds per gun for six
guns. One 100-pounder platform laid and materials hauled in for two more.

Battery Numbers 11. Material got out of hewn timber for foundations for four
10-inch sea-coast mortar platforms. Magazine nearly completed.

Battery Numbers 13. Not yet ready for its garrison.

Battery Numbers 14. Reported ready for its garrison to-night. One company First
Connecticut Artillery detailed, and platforms will be laid to-morrow.

Cheeseman's Landing. Four 20-pounders, four Whitworth guns, and five platforms
for 100-pounders landed and sent up to depot. Four 10-inch sea-coast mortars
landed, and a large quantity of shot, shell, and implements sent from landing
to depot.

Friday, May 2, 1862.-Battery Numbers 1. Repairs made to the platforms. Sixty
shot and shell fired at the enemy's wharf and water battery with apparent good
effect. The long-range guns in the enemy's high bastion is believed to have
burst.

Battery Numbers 2 Mantelets put up in embrasures. One 4 1/2-inch gun
transferred to Battery Numbers 10.

Batteries Nos. 3,5, and 6. No change.

Battery Numbers 4. Three 13-inch mortars and three beds disembarked, four
platforms laid, and three mortars mounted.

Battery Numbers 9. Six platforms laid. Six 10-inch siege mortars mounted.

Battery Numbers 10. Three platforms for 100-pounders laid. Three chassis for
100-pounders in position.

Battery Numbers 11. Four platforms for 10-inch sea-coast mortars laid; ninety
shell received.

Battery Numbers 12. Five platforms for siege mortars laid and two 10-inch
mortars placed in position.

Battery Numbers 13. Not yet ready.

Battery Numbers 14. Platforms for two 100-pounders carried into battery; three
chassis and three upper carriages for do. received. Two 8-inch mortars, 100
shell, 8 barrels of gunpowder, and implements and equipments for same, sent to
headquarters of General Smith.

Cheeseman's Landing. Six chassis for 100-pounders; six carriages for do. landed
and sent to depot. Large quantity of implements, ammunition and ordnance stores
landed and sent to depot. I have again most urgently to request that a strong
working party be sent to complete the road in rear of Battery Numbers 2.

Saturday, May 3.-Battery Numbers 1. Thirty-four shot and shell fired at big gun
bastion and water battery, with very good effect at the latter.

Battery Numbers 2. Completed the setting up of the mantelets. A working party
on the road from 12 m. until 5 p.m.

Battery Numbers 3. Completed setting up of mantelets. One 20-pounder platform
laid and one additional 20-pounder gun placed in position.

Battery Numbers 4. This battery was entirely completed, platforms all laid, and
mortars all mounted at 9 o'clock a.m. One hundred barrels of powder placed in
magazine; implements and equipments supplied. The battery is now ready for
service.

Battery Numbers 5. Two additional 20-pounder guns placed in position.

Battery Numbers 6. Supplied with platforms and with 634 10-inch shells.

Battery Numbers 10. Laying platforms for 100-pounder and placing chassis and
carriages for ditto in position. Two badly-directed shots from Numbers I
dropped shells into this battery to-day, of which one exploded, fortunately
without injury to any one.

Battery Numbers 11. Remaining platforms laid and ready for mortars. Magazine
completed. Two beds and one 10-inch sea-coast mortar hauled in an placed in
position. One hundred more shell received. Twenty-five barrels powder placed in
magazine, with implements, equipments, &c. This battery will be fully ready for
service in twelve hours more.

Battery Numbers 12. Remaining platforms laid and the mortars all mounted and
placed in position. Magazine completed and supplied with powder, fuses,
implements, and equipments. This battery is now fully ready for service.

Battery Numbers 13. Engineer work not yet completed. Armament, garrison, and
all artillery equipment and supply in waiting. The battery can be made ready
for service in six hours after the engineers turn it over to the artillery.

Battery Numbers 14. Platforms laid for three 100-pounder Parrotts, and
the chassis and upper carriages placed in position and mounted. The guns and
ammunition will be hauled in to-day and the guns mounted to-night. The battery
will be ready for service at daylight to-morrow morning.

Sunday, May 4.-The enemy evacuated the place during the night, and the United
States troops took possession at daylight.

The difficulties attending the placing in position the unusually heavy material
used in this siege were very much increased by the peculiarities of the soil
and by the continuance of heavy rains during the greater portion of the
operations. Oftentimes the heavier guns in their transportation of three miles
from the landing to the batteries would sink in the quicksands to the
axle-trees of their traveling carriages. The efforts of the best trained and
heaviest of the horses of the artillery reserve were of no avail in their
attempts to extricate them, and it became necessary to haul this heavy metal by
hand, the cannoneers working knee-deep in mud and water. In these labors the
officers and men of the First Connecticut Artillery, and of the Fifth New York
Volunteers exhibited extraordinary perseverance, alacrity, and cheerfulness. It
finally became necessary to construct a heavy corduroy road, wide enough for
two teams to pass each other, the whole distance from the landing to the depot.
Whenever it was practicable to use horses, they were promptly supplied by
Colonel Hunt from the batteries of the artillery reserve under his command.

At the suggestion of Major-General McClellan a number of rope mantelets, on the
plan of those used by the Russians at Sebastopol, were constructed in New York,
under the supervision of Colonel Delafield, corps of United States Engineers,
and were forwarded to me with great dispatch. They were placed in the
embrasures of batteries 2 and 3, and would doubtless have fully answered the
same good purpose which those of similar construction did at Sebastopol.

Although all of the batteries but two (and they required but six hours more to
be completed) were fully ready for service when the enemy evacuated his works,
circumstances only permitted fire to be opened from Battery Numbers 1. The ease
with which the 100 and 200 pounders of this battery were worked, the
extraordinary accuracy of their fire, and the since-ascertained effects
produced upon the enemy by it force upon me the conviction that the fire of
guns of similar caliber and power in the other batteries at much shorter
ranges, combined with the cross vertical fire of the 13 and 10-inch sea-coast
mortars, would have compelled the enemy to surrender or abandon his works in
less than twelve hours.

It will always be a source of great professional disappointment to me that the
enemy, by his premature and hasty abandonment of his defensive line, deprived
the artillery of the Army of the Potomac of the opportunity of exhibiting the
superior power and efficiency of the unusually heavy metal used in this siege,
and of reaping the honor and just reward of their unceasing labors day and
night for nearly one month.

In conclusion, I beg to present the names of Colonel Tyler, Majors Kellogg,
Hemingway, and Trumbull, Captains Perkins and Burke, First Connecticut
Artillery; Major Alex. Doull, Second New York Artillery; Colonel Warren,
Lieutenant-Colonel Duryea, Major Hull, and Captain Winslow, Fifth New York
Volunteers, as conspicuous for intelligence, energy and good conduct under
fire.

My assistant, Major Webb, captain Eleventh U. S. Infantry, and my
aides-de-camp, First-Lieutenant Marshall, Second New York Artillery,
and First-Lieutenant Verplank, Sixty-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers,
carried my orders day and night, frequently under fire, with promptness and
good judgment. The conduct of Major Webb in running the 13-inch sea-coast
mortars, with their material and ammunition, into the mouth of Wormley's Creek,
under the fire of the enemy, was particularly conspicuous for perseverance and
great coolness and gallantry.

The services of several artillery officers were valuable employed in
superintending the construction of gun and mortar batteries, magazines,
splinter-proofs, traverses, fascines, and gabions. As they were under the
orders of General Barnard, chief engineer, I leave it for him to bring their
names and services to the notice of the major-general commanding.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM F. BARRY,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery.

Reports of Colonel Henry J. Hunt,
commanding Artillery Reserve, of operations April 18-June 25.

HDQRS. ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp Winfield Scott, near Yorktown, April 27, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a report of the services of the artillery
reserve for the past week:

On the 18th instant Carlisle's battery (six 20-pounder Parrotts) was ordered to
Battery Numbers 7, in front of Wynn's Mill. The position was occupied at
daybreak on the 19th, and the men set to work laying platforms and clearing
away the wood in front of the embrasures. At 7 o'clock firing was commenced and
continued at intervals, setting fire to the enemy's barracks, disabling two of
their guns, and silencing their fire.

Lieutenant Durando Russell, of Taft's battery, Fifth New York Artillery,
temporarily attached to the battery, was severely wounded by a fragment of
shell; the only casualty from the enemy's fire.

Carlisle's battery was relieved on the 20th by Diederichs' (four 20-pounder
Parrotts), which kept up a fire at intervals all day, expending sixty-seven
rounds. Captain Diederichs reports that he distinctly saw a conflict going on
between two bodies of the enemy's infantry in the edge of the wood behind their
batteries. The same fat was reported to me by some of the pickets in advance of
the battery. On the same day (20th) Voegelee's battery (six 20-pounder
Parrotts) occupied Numbers 3, in front of the White House. He threw a few
shells, when the firing was stopped. Captain Voegelee reports that his fire
caused 300 or 400 of the enemy, probably a working party, to leave the work.
The guns were withdrawn at sunset, the battery being unfinished. Ames' battery
of light 12-pounders replaced Diederichs'. His firing was rather to test his
guns than for any other object. The distance (about 1,000 yards) was too great
for effective shell-firing.

On the 24th Captain Smead, with one section, of his own battery (light
12-pounders), one section of Voegelee's, and one of Knieriem's (20-pounder
Parrots) occupied the earthworks (Numbers 7.) to cover a reconnaissance made
by Colonel Gove, Twenty-second Massachusetts Volunteers. After the
reconnaissance was successfully accomplished the guns were withdrawn under the
enemy's fire. No casualties.

On the 25th Diederichs' battery, re-enforced by a section of Knieriem's (six
20-pounder Parrotts), was placed in position in Battery Numbers 2., and
Carlisle's battery occupied Battery Numbers 5, which position they still
hold.Voegelee, having laid the necessary platforms and the works being
completed, occupies Numbers 3. I inclose herewith the reports of the officers
commanding the batteries above referred to.*

Early in the week the cannoneers of two batteries at a time were detailed daily
for making gabions and fascines, under direction of General Woodbury.

On Friday this detail was discontinued and the work was commenced in the
batteries.

On Friday and Saturday 158 gabions and 11 fascines were prepared. As
soon as the necessary preparation can be made and the material procured a
regular supply of these articles can be furnished by the batteries not
otherwise employed. A number of officers have been daily detailed as assistants
in the construction of works, and two officers (Lieutenants Dresser, Fourth
U.S. Artillery, and Sinclair, Third U.S. Artillery), are now regularly detailed
for engineer duty and employed in the construction of redoubts. The reserve has
furnished day and night the teams and drivers necessary for hauling the siege
guns, mortars, and material from the landings to the depot and from the depot
to the different batteries.

Respectfully your obedient servant,
HENRY J. HUNT,
Colonel, Commanding.

Report of Captain Edward H. Flood, Battery D,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of operations April 28.

HDQRS. BATTERY D, FIRST PENNSYLVANIA VOL. ARTY.,
Fort Ennis, April 28, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report:

This morning at about 6.30 two of the enemy's gun-boats appeared off the
position now occupied by my battery. One of them mounted two guns - one at the
bow, the other at the stern; the other mounted one gun at the stern. They laid
there apparently at anchor until 9.25 o'clock, when they opened fire upon us,
aiming at the works, also at the log-house and the woods behind them. After
firing ten shells (64-pounder capped shell) at us they changed their direction
to the woods on our left, which is divided from us by a creek, and fired eight
shells into then. Fortunately there was, as far as my knowledge extends, no one
hurt, although their shells burst in the middle of our camp, one of them
tearing the roof off one of the log-houses, and another ricocheted up the
street, dividing the log-houses, but fortunately did not burst. Had it done so
loss of life must have ensued. After firing the eighteen rounds one of the
boats retired to the opposite shore, where she lay until 3 o'clock, when she
departed. The other came to anchor, where she remained until 6 o'clock, when
she also retired. During the day (about noon) a large side-wheel steamer,
accompanied by a small tug-boat, appeared opposite us and held communication
with the gun-boat that was lying near the shore. They staid about two hours, when
they departed up the river. I would respectfully ask to have the breast-works
now occupied by my command strengthened, as they were built originally by the
enemy for rifle-pits, and are totally unfit for the purpose for which they are now used.
It would take but a small amount of labor to make them strong enough for our use.
At this writing (9 p. m.) all is quiet here, but I can hear cannonading some distance
on my right.

I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
EDW. H. FLOOD,
Captain, Commanding Battery D, Pennsylvania Artillery.
Lieutenant BENSON, Adjutant.

[First indorsement.]
HDQRS. ARTILLERY, FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
April 28, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded.

The recommendation of Captain Flood concerning the strengthening his works is
earnestly commended to the favorable consideration of the general commanding.
Working parties should not, however, operate in daylight. A detail of fifty
good men ought in one night to perform the necessary work.

Most respectfully,
ROBT. M. WEST, Major and Chief of Artillery.

[Second indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH CORPS,
Warwick Court-House, Va., April 30, 1862.

Respectfully referred to Colonel Briggs, commanding brigade, who will exercise
his discretion as to the strengthening of the works at the house. If advisable,
sufficient working parties will at once be detailed. If not deemed advisable,
Colonel Briggs will report the reasons of this decision. He will also acquaint
Major West with any plans made for the purpose of defense.

By order of Brigadier-General Couch:
FRANCIS A. WALKER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

General W.F. BARRY.
HDQRS. ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp Winfield Scott, near Yorktown, Va., May 4, 1862

Since my report of April 27 Diederich's battery, with one section of
Knieriem's, has continued to occupy Earthwork Numbers 2. During this time, down
to the morning of the 4th instant, when the enemy evacuated his positions,
firing between this battery and the enemy has taken place at intervals night
and day. On the 1 st instant the cheek of one of his pieces was somewhat
damaged by a shot. No other injury done the battery.

On the 28th, the work being finished and the platforms laid by his cannoneers,
Voegelee's battery reoccupied Earthwork Numbers 3. Firing between the work and
the enemy's batteries took place daily, but nothing of moment occurred. The
work was frequently damaged by the enemy's shot and shell and repaired by the
labor of the cannoneers. On the 1st and 2nd the enemy's fire was very heavy.
On the 3rd mantelets were placed in the embrasures and two more platforms laid
for additional guns.

On April 28, on the application of Brigadier General F.J. Porter, director of
the siege, two sections of Grimm's battery, First Battalion New York
Artillery (Brickel's), re-enforced by a section of Knieriem's (20-pounder
Parrotts), took position, the first in the open in front of Redoubt A, the
section of 20-pounders behind the section of the parallel running from the same
redoubt, and engaged the enemy's battery near Wynn's Mill. After a brisk firing
the enemy's guns were silenced and Grimm's guns withdrawn.
General Porter speaks in terms of praise as to the conduct of the officers and
men. The 20-pounders remained in position until Redoubt A was occupied by three
light 12-pounders of Howe's battery, under Lieutenant Morgan, Fourth U.S.
Artillery, of Howe's battery.

On April 29, about 8 p.m., three light 12-pounders of Howe's battery were
placed in position in Redoubt A by Lieutenant Morgan, who had been engaged
during the day with his cannoneers in making a ramp, laying a platform, &c. As
soon as they were in position the 20-pounders of Knieriem's battery were
withdrawn from the parallel in front.
From this date until yesterday firing took place between this redoubt and the
enemy's works. No damage was done to the work or the guns. The fire of Morgan's
guns dispersed parties of workmen and twice drove off a gun placed so as to
command his position. During the period merlons were constructed of sand bags,
so as to protect the guns without interfering with the field of fire.
Carlisle's battery has occupied earthwork Numbers 5 from the time of its
completion to the date of the withdrawal of the enemy's force.

During the week Brevet Captain Pennington, Lieutenants Wilson, Barlow, and
Hains, Second U.S.Artillery; Sinclair, Third U.S. Artillery; Dresser, Fourth
U.S. Artillery, and Ames and Watson, of the Fifth U.S. Artillery, have been
detailed for engineer duty, and engaged in the construction of works,
magazines, &c. Other officers were detailed as assistants to these. The
officers and men not detailed from the reserve on battery or other duty have
been engaged in the fabrication of gabions, fascines, &c., under direction of
Lieutenant-Colonel Getty, U.S. Army.

The teams have been used daily for hauling siege guns, mortars, material, and
munitions, as during last week.

The services required of the reserve were well performed,and it is now ready
for any armed service required of it.

The subjoined reports of the officers commanding batteries are transmitted with
this. *

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY J. HUNT,
Colonel, Commanding Artillery Reserve.
Brigadier General W.F. BARRY.

Reports of Brigadier General John G. Barnard, U. S. Army,
Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac, of operations during the siege.

CAMP NEAR YORKTOWN, VA., May 6, 1862.

SIR: The accompanying drawing (map Numbers 2)* gives with accuracy the outline
and armament of the fortifications of Yorktown proper, with the detached works
immediately connected therewith (map Numbers 3.). The general outline is almost
the same as that of the British works in the Revolution; the trace is somewhat
different. The profile is everywhere respectable. The three bastioned forts
looking toward our approaches appear to have been earliest built, and have
about 15 feet thickness of parapet and 8 to 10 depth of ditch the width varying
much, but never being less at tops of counterscarp than 15 feet, and I should
think generally much more. The works extending around the town from the western
salient of fronts just mentioned appear to have been finished during the past
winter and spring. They have formidable profiles, 18 feet thickness of parapet,
and generally 10 feet depth of ditch.

The water batteries had generally 18 feet parapet, the guns en barbette. They
were (as well as all the works mentioned) carefully constructed, with well-made
sod revetments. There were numerous traverses between the guns and ample
magazines, how sufficient in bomb-proof qualities I am unable to say. The water
batteries were as follows: Numbers 1, five 8-inch columbiads; Numbers 3, three
32s and one 32 navy; Numbers 4, three 32s (1827); Numbers 5, two 32s; Numbers
6, three 9-inch Dahlgrens and one 10-inch Dahlgren; Numbers 7, on beach, three
8-inch columbiads and one 64-pounder, besides a 42-pounder carronade, intended
to sweep the shore.

The first two guns of the works on the heights bore upon water as well as the
land, and were of heavy caliber. The guns in position on the fronts of attack
(the first two of which bore on the water) were as follows, commencing on the
left. (See the list herewith, which gives all the guns in position or for which
there were emplacements.) The emplacements were all occupied before the
evacuation by siege guns, rifled, 4 1/2-inch 24-pounders and 18-pounders.

In Fort Magruder (the first exterior work) there were found one 8-inch
columbiad, one 42-pounder, and one 8-inch siege howitzer, the two formed en
barbette. Two of these were placed behind traverses, with embrasures covered
by blindages. The two external redoubts with the connecting parapets formed a
re-entrant with the fronts of attack, and all the guns bore on our approaches.
It will be seen, therefore, that our approaches were swept by the fire of at
least forty-nine guns, nearly all of which were heavy, and many of them the
most formidable guns known; besides that, two-thirds of the guns of the water
batteries and known; besides that, two-thirds of the guns of the water
batteries and all the guns of Gloucester bore on our right batteries, though
under disadvantageous circumstances. Besides the above there were emplacements
for four or five guns in the entrenchments running from Yorktown toward Fort
Magruder. The guns on barbette carriages had not any protection, except in a
few cases sand bags had been piled up. It is supposed that they awaited further
indications as to the localities of our batteries before constructing merlons.
For the guns on ship or siege carriages some arrangements had been made for
protection by building up sodded merlons, or by sand bags and cotton bales, but
as they were they would have been very inefficient against our fire.

The ravine behind which the left of the Yorktown fronts of attack was placed
was not very difficult, and its head formed depressions in front of their left
imperfectly seen by their fires, and from which access could be had to the
ditches, but we could not be sure, of this fact before the evacuation. The
enemy held, by means of a slight breastwork and rifle trenches, a position in
advance of the heads of these ravines as far forward as the burned house. Our
own rifle trenches were advanced to within 60 yards of the burned house-a point
from which the day before the evacuation I made my last reconnaissance. Owing,
however, to the fact that the enemy's riflemen were better concealed by
shrubbery, &c., than our own, our men, who had just constructed their trench
the night before, did not dare to show their heads or use their rifles, and I
was unable to examine the grounds in front.

The ravines which head between the Yorktown fortifications and exterior works
are deep and intricate. They were tolerably well seen, however, by the works
which run westwardly from the Yorktown works, and which were too numerous and
complicated to be traced on paper.

Fort Magruder, the first lunette on our left, appears to have been built at an
early period, probably before the rear of Yorktown was inclosed, and to prevent
the approach of an enemy who should attempt to pass the ravines. It had a
moderately strong profile, but its gorge, a mere stockade, was taken in
reverses by our Battery Numbers 13.

The Red Redoubt (square) farther to the left answered very well as a means of
continuing the line and securing against assault by ordinary means, but its
front was almost wholly occupied by barbettes for field or siege guns, and its
interior was seen from our Battery Numbers 13. The exterior was seen from our
Battery No 13. The exterior connection between this work was first a rifle
trench, probably afterwards enlarged into a parapet, with external ditch and en
emplacement for four guns in or near the small redan in the center.

Behind this they had constructed numerous epaulements, with connecting boyaux,
not fully arranged for infantry fires, and mainly intended, probably, to
protect their camps and reserves against the destructive effects of our
artillery. From the Red Redoubt these trenches and epaulements ran to the woods
and rivulet which forms a head with the Warwick, and continue almost without
break to connect with the works at Wynn's Mill. This stream mentioned (whatever
be its name, the term "Warwick," according to some, applying only to the tidal
channel from the James River up as high as Lee's Mill) is
inundated by a number of dams from near where its head is crossed by the
epaulements mentioned down to Lee's Mill. Below Lee's Mill the Warwick follows
a tortuous course through salt marshes of 200 to 300 yards in width, from which
the land rises up boldly to a height of 30 or 40 feet. The first group of works
is at Wynn's Mill, where there is a dam and bridge. The next is to guard
another dam between Wynn's and Lee's Mills. (This is the point attacked by
General Smith Wynn's and Lee's Mills. (This is the point attacked by General
Smith on the 16th ultimo. His object was merely to prevent the further
construction of works and to feel the strength of the position.)

A work, of what extent is not now know, was at the sharp angle of the stream
just above Lee's Mill, and a group of works was at Lee's Mill, where there was
also a dam and bridge. From Lee's Mill a line of works extends across Mulberry
Island, or is supposed to do so. At Southall's Landing is another formidable
group of works, and from here, too, they extend apparently across to the James.
These groups of field works were connected by rifle pits, trenches, or parapets
for nearly the whole distance. They are far more extensive than may be supposed
from the mention of them I make, and every kind of obstruction which the
country offered, such as abatis, marsh, inundation, &c., was skillfully used.
The line is certainly one of the most extensive known in modern times. The
country on both sides of the Warwick from near Yorktown down is a dense forest,
with few clearings. It was swampy and the roads impassable during the heavy
rains we have continually had, except where our own labors had corduroyed them.
If we could have broken the enemy's line across the isthmus we could have
invested Yorktown, and it must with its garrison have soon fallen into our
forces, owing to the impracticable character of the country, to do so.

If we could take Yorktown or drive the enemy out of Yorktown the enemy's line
was no longer tenable. This we could do by siege operations, and the result was
in my mind a certainty. It was deemed too hazardous to attempt the reduction of
the place by assault. The operations of the siege required extensive
preparations, and the landing and bringing up of siege artillery by roads which
we had to corduroy throughout their whole extent were in themselves heavy
operations. The position of Wormley's Creek, with its numerous wooded ravines,
which head near Yorktown, 1,500 yards (at that distance there was everywhere
good cover in them), offered great facilities for siege operations, while it at
the same time demanded great preliminary labor. Numerous bridges had to be
built and roads prepared along the margin of the creek and up the ravines.
Nearly 5,000 yards of road, mostly side cutting, with numerous crib-work
bridges over intersecting ravines, were constructed. The mill-dam was widened
for vehicles, and a crib-work bridge built at the "old dam." Three pontoon
bridges, two long crib-work bridges, one floating-raft bridge, were constructed
lower down (though not all maintained), and other bridges were in construction
toward the mouth and over the South Branch.

This preliminary work was so far complete on the 17th of April that it was
deemed practicable to commence the construction of batteries, and the following
decided on:

Battery Numbers 1, five 100-pounder Parrotts and one 200-pounder Parrott at
Farinholt's house. Battery Numbers 2, fifteen guns, 4 1/2-inch 30 and 20
pounders, 1,500 yards from Red Redoubt, and 2,000 yards from big gun. Battery
Numbers 3, six guns, 20-pounder Parrotts, 1,900 yards from Red Redoubt. Battery
Numbers 4, ten 13-inch motars, Moore's plateau. Battery No 5, four 20-pounder
Parrotts, near Warwick road.
Batteries Nos. 1 and 2 were immediately commenced and finished (essentially
finished) in three days. Numbers 3 was commenced, but its construction was
retarded by circumstances unnecessary to explain. The sites of Nos. 4 and 5
were not definitely fixed until two or three days later, and another, Battery
Numbers 6, for six 4 1/2-inch ordnance rifled guns, was determined upon.
Portions of parallel connecting Nos. 2 and 3, and from the left of Yorktown
road to Numbers 5, were commenced in the edge of the woods by daylight on the
25th. The same night a parallel was run through the open ground from Numbers 3
to connect with those portions just mentioned, and carried to a depth of 4 feet
and a width of 6 feet, affording good cover. The same night a portion of
parallel was commenced from near the point marked on the map as Redoubt C to
near the head of the ravine toward the York River, and carried to dimensions
to afford cover.

On the night of the 27th a parallel was run across from the head of ravine in
one night to the York River (or rather to the edge of bluff) and on the night
of the 29th a branch or boyau was run from this to a point 200 yards more
advanced on the bluff, from which the whole area between us and the fortress
was seen, the gorge of the first redoubt taken in reverse, and the Red Redoubt
plunged into.

I have not time to enter into the details of works and batteries, but will
simply state that Battery Numbers 6 was changed into a battery for five
sea-coast mortars, Battery Numbers 5 enlarged to contain eight 20-pounders, and
Battery Numbers 3 enlarged to contain seven 20-pounder Parrotts. Batteries 7
and 8, for six 20-pounder Parrotts each, were built to operate on the work at
Wynn's Mill; Battery Numbers 9, for ten 10-inch siege mortars; battery Numbers
10, for three 100-pounder Parrotts and seven 4 1/2-inch ordnance; Battery
Numbers 11, for five 10-inch sea-coast mortars; Battery Numbers 12, for five
10-inch and five 8-inch siege mortars; Battery Numbers 13, for three
30-pounder Parrotts and four 30-pounder Parrotts, directed at the redoubt at
Yorktown works and on to batteries capable of being used on Gloucester; Battery
Numbers 14 for three 100-pounder Parrotts and one 100-pounder James, to operate
on Yorktown water batteries and Gloucester. Another 200-pounder Parrott was
ordered to Battery Numbers 1.

Redoubts A and B, for strengthening our line, were finished, Redoubt C well
advanced, and Redoubt D just commenced on the night of May 3. A parallel had
been run from Redoubt A to Battery Numbers 5, obstructions and portions of
parallel from Redoubt A to Batteries 7 and 8. The foregoing applies to the
state of the works on May 3; not to the particular time at which they were
finished. A battery for two 8-inch siege howitzers was being commenced in a
clearing south of the Wynn's Mill works, to enfilade that position, and two
8-inch mortars were to be put in position to operate on the works in front of
General Smith's position.

On the night of May 3 all the batteries were armed (i. e., contained their
armament) except three 100-pounders in Numbers 10, seven Parrott guns in
Numbers 13, four 100-pounders in Numbers 14, and part of the sea-coast and
siege 10 and 8 inch mortars were yet to be placed in battery.
All would have been ready on the night of the 5th, and the fire would have been
opened on Tuesday morning. The water batteries would have been enfiladed by
Batteries Nos. 1, 13, and 14, while they were in the direct line to receive
all the shots of Numbers 10, which passed over the front of the work, and
indeed Numbers 2 as well. The gunboats would have engaged and run past the
water batteries, and opened a fire upon the rear of the town and enfiladed the ravine
over the outlet of which the road from Yorktown to Williamsburg passes.

When the number of our mortars and guns are considered, the great security with
which they would have been worked (owing to their careful construction and the
mantelets provided for the embrasures), the positions which Batteries Nos.
1,10, 13, and 14 occupied, the co-operation of the Navy, &c., it will be
admitted, I think, that the enemy's position had become untenable; that he
could not have endured our fire for six hours.

It should be mentioned that Battery Numbers 1 was opened on the 1st, and with
great effect on the wharf (where the enemy appeared to be receiving artillery
and stores) and the town.
During the first opening of our parallels little effort was made by the enemy
to interfere with our work by his fire, but after opening the parallel between
the ravine and York River an incessant fire was kept up during the day with
rifled projectiles, 8-inch shell, and solid shot, and 32 and 34 pounder shot,
without retarding the work in the least or causing material loss of life. It is
also a matter of surprise that, since our first appearance before Yorktown
(April 5, and particularly since thee 15th) the ravines and woods have been
filled with men, night and day, making roads, building batteries, parallels,
and guarding the works, the loss of life has been most trifling. I know not the
exact number, but I have reason to believe that it does not amount to a dozen.
I can hardly conceive that the enemy should not have known how to use his
curved fires with more effect upon those ravines. There was probably no very
great supply of ammunition, and that was reserved for warmer work. His fire for
the last two or three days was pretty brisk, however. During the siege
operations General Woodbury, with his brigade, has been mainly engaged on the
construction of roads and bridges, making gabions fascines, and constructing
Battery Numbers 4 (13-inch mortar).

Captain Duane, with his command, and Lieutenants Comstock and McAlester, have
superintended the siege works. All these officers have exhibited great energy,
industry, and courage, and will be favorably mentioned by the commanding
general, as also my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant H. L. Abbot, Topographical
Engineers, who has done most valuable service in the reconnaissance and
determination of the positions of the enemy and our own works.
Although it is next to impossible to fix by reconnaissance the exact trace of
field works, our plans prove to be quite accurate, and the position of every
one of the enemy's guns bearing on our own was marked.

Captain Stewart and Lieutenant Farquhar have been at General Sumner's
headquarters engaged in examining the enemy's positions along the Warwick and
in strengthening our own and in constructing Batteries Nos. 7 and 8. Had the
siege continued further they would have been brought to the front. I should
mention that besides the siege work mentioned extensive boyaux of communication
were made down the Peninsula between the York River and Wormley's Creek, as
shown on the siege plan.

I should remark that the bateaux-bridge equipage constructed during the last
winter has proved of infinite service, and I believe it is the only reliable
military bridge. Such equipages as the India-rubber, or even the Russian
canvas-boat bridge, are of very limited applicability.
The forcing of such a line with so little loss in itself is an exploit less
brilliant, perhaps, but more worthy of study, than would have been a murderous
assault, even if it had proved successful.

I am, very respectfully, your most obedient,
J.G. BARNARD,
Brigadier General , and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.

MEMORANDUM OF BATTERIES.

Battery Numbers 9 on left of old dam, about 1,900 yards from fortress, for ten
10-inch siege mortars.

Battery Numbers 10 in middle of parallel between right branch and York River,
1,500 feet from big gun, built for seven siege guns and three 100-pounder
Parrotts. The six 4 1/2-inch guns from Numbers 6 will be placed in it; also one
from Numbers 2. This last will be replaced by a 30-pounder Parrott.

Battery Numbers 11 in head of ravine E, 2,600 yards from fortress, 4,000 from
Gloucester Point, for four 10-inch sea-coast mortars.

Battery Numbers 12 behind secession huts, 1,700 yards from fortress, 2,000 from
exterior work, for ten 10-inch siege mortars.

Battery Numbers 13 on right of boyau to be made to-night and near bluff, 1,250
yards from fortress and 2,400 yards from exterior work and 2,500 yards from
Gloucester, for three 100-pounder and three 30-pounder Parrotts, leaving four
30-pounder Parrotts to be otherwise employed.

Battery No.6 to be converted into a mortar battery for six 10-inch sea-coast
mortars. An epaulement to be built to protect against Wynn's Mill and a couple
of platforms behind it to direct mortars that way.

Battery Numbers 1 to be extended to receive another 200-pounder Parrott.
Tuesday, April 29.-Redoubt C:200 men are employed night and day. The ditch is
now 6 feet deep and about 7 wide. It is proposed to continue the width to 12
feet, which will require twenty-four hours more time at least. The closing of
the redoubt to the rear can be commenced to-morrow morning. Parallel: in
consequence of the detail being short 500 men, little progress was made in the
day-time; also, the detail for the night was not filled out, and Battery
Numbers 12 was opened in consequence. The branch parallel leading from main
parallel to rear to Plum Tree Ravine, L, was not opened last night. It will be
opened to-night. Battery Numbers 9: the detail worked very sluggishly and the
platforms cannot be put in this morning, as was anticipated. It will be ready
to-morrow. Battery Numbers 11 has progressed rapidly and is now ready for its
platforms. Battery Numbers 12 will be ready for its platforms to-morrow
morning. The magazine timbers ought to be delivered at all the above batteries
to-day, and to-morrow the carpenters, with tools, nails, and spikes, ought to
be on hand. Parallel between ravine and York River requires steps and banquette
tread. Parallel between Battery Numbers 2 and Yorktown road requires widening,
a berm, and steps. Parallel behind Battery Numbers 10 requires a little more
excavation. Branch parallel traced and nearly excavated. Redoubt A will be
completed to-day. Redoubt B: revetment done; parapet nearly completed; will
probably be done to-day. Battery Numbers 10 ready for gun-platforms; one
magazine completed, except floor; the other under way. Number of gabions ready,
176; on hand, 950; at depot at saw-mill, 276; about 400 at the Methodist
Church, and about 250 distributed near batteries. The artillery has charge of
lying the platforms and mounting the mortars in Battery Numbers 4. The beds for
the platforms are prepared by the engineer. General Woodbury suggests that as
the mechanics employed on these beds have no experience in that line, they can
be usefully employed on other mortar beds. General Woodbury desires that the
Fifth New Hampshire and Sixty-ninth New York Volunteer Regiments be ordered to
continue on the service for which they have been detailed for four more days. I
respectfully request that this may be granted. Captain Stewart reports progress
on Nos. 7 and 8 and corduroy road to No.7 and also having examined the grounds
along left of line. Nothing of moment to report. Inclosed is a memorandum for
reference. The following memorandum, changing the armament of Battery Numbers
13 and establishing Battery Numbers 14, is approved by the commanding general:

Battery Numbers 13 to consist of six 30-pounder Parrott guns, two on the left
to be directed at the gorge of right redoubt, the other four to be directed 5
north of hospital. A change of 15 in the direction of embrasure will bring
these last four to bear on Gloucester, if necessary. Battery Numbers 14 to
consist of three 100-pounder Parrotts and one 100-pounder James gun,to be
placed at extremity of old parallel; right cheek of embrasures to embrace the
extreme right-hand effective gun of Gloucester fort. Shifting embrasures 5 or
10 will bring the big gun and water batteries of Yorktown into the field.

Wednesday, April 30.-Parallel from Battery Numbers 2 to Battery Numbers 5
completed, except leveling top of parapet. Parallel leading from Battery
Numbers 5 to Redoubt A will be completed to-day. Parallel on right completed,
save a few steps and a small portion of banquette. Redoubt B is essentially
completed. Battery Numbers 10 finished, except placing dirt upon magazine.
Battery Numbers 6: changed for mortars; will be completed to-day. Battery
Numbers 1: extension for 200-pounders commenced, and will be completed to-day.
Four hundred and three men of General Woodbury's brigade are engaged on bridges
on south and west branch of Wormley's Creek, 415 on detached service, the re-
mainder on Battery No.4, guards, making gabions, &c., Three hundred and
eighty-four gabions were made yesterday, and 1,370 on hand; 700 or 800 of these
are at Methodist Church. I have directed that they be collected at the saw-will
depot immediately; 119 fascines are on hand. The bridge over the south branch
of Wormley's requires four more framed trestles; they will be in place
to-night. The roadway covering has been delayed for want of teams, but will
probably be done before the end of the week. The lower (formerly the middle)
pontoon bridge over west branch will be repaid to-day with four additional
balks throughout and an additional covering of boards. The upper pontoon bridge
over the same stream is ready for the passage of siege artillery. Crib bridge
may also bear heavy artillery. The communication between this bridge and the
lower road along the north bank of west branch is completed, but the turn is
rather abrupt for teams. Nearly five of the foundations for platforms for
Battery Numbers 4 are laid. One magazine is completed, except the door; another
is well advanced. The work progresses well. General Woodbury can spare twenty
more pontoons for General Franklin, who has eighty already. Lieutenant
McAlester reports as follows:

Parallel: 400 men were at work completing it during the day, and at night I
opened with 500 men the branch parallel designed to communicate with Duane
parallel at Battery Numbers 2. Redoubt: 200 men during the day-time were
widening ditch and parapet. Battery Numbers 9: 250 men were completing
excavation and reading road leading up to it by daylight. It will be ready for
platforms and traverses at noon to-day. Battey Numbers 11: 150 men completed
excavation for battery and magazine by daylight. May complete the magazine
to-day. Battery Numbers 12; 200 men completed excavation ready for platforms,
and opened road leading up to it by daylight. Magazines will be excavated
to-day.

Thursday, May 1.-The parallel under direction of Captain Duana on left of
Wormley's Creek nearly finished; on right branch of Wormley's Creek completed.
Redoubt B completed. Battery Numbers 1: extension nearly completed; enough to
receive armament. Batteries Nos.13 and 14 laid out and worked one day and
night. General Woodbury reports 416 men on detached service, and the remainder
employed on bridges, batteries, making gabions, &c. Two hundred and twenty-six
gabions made yesterday and 1,241 on hand; 79 fascines on hand. Bridge over
south branch of Wormley's: frame completed. If the weather will permit it will
be ready for use in two or three days. Two double covered pontoon bridges and
one good crib bridge now span the west branch of Wormley's Creek. Seven
foundations for mortar platforms in Battery Numbers 4 were ready last night.
Captain Stewart reports that 195 axmen were employed in cutting trees on the
29th ultimo from Redoubt A to Battery Numbers 7 and from No 7 to the clearing
between Nos. 7 and 8. To form an obstruction trees were also cleared away from
front of Battery Numbers 8. A party was also employed at night, under
Lieutenant Farquhar, in throwing up a covered way along the road from Numbers 7
to Numbers 8. On the 30th ultimo a party of 800 men worked upon the pit across
the clearing between os. 7 and 8; 200 men also employed on Numbers 7. Others
were making fascines, making abatis, and preparing timber for magazines.
Lieutenant McAlester reports his operations for the last twenty-four hours as
follows:

Redoubt C: the width of ditch was increased from 7 to 8 feet, the ramp of
approach commenced, and last night the excavation for closing gorge was opened.
To-morrow I hope to commence emplacements for guns. Parallel: the parallel has
now its width of 12 feet. With some slight exceptions earthen banquettes are in
for about one-quarter the length, and a few log ones were arranged yesterday. I
think it can all be completed to-morrow night. Road leading from mill road to
Battery Numbers 2. The bridge across ravine half done; can be completed
to-night, I think. Battery Numbers 9: excavation ready for platforms to be completed
at 11 a.m. to-day; those for magazines probably to-night; magazines to be put in tomorrow.
Battery Numbers 12: all excavations to be completed to-night; magazines to be put in tomorrow.
Battery Numbers 11 to be finished, magazines and all, to-night.

MEMORANDUM OF BATTERIES Numbers 2.

The commanding general directs the following changes for batteries:

Battery Numbers 5 to be enlarged to receive two more 20-pounder Parrotts,
making 8 in battery.

Battery Numbers 3 to receive one additional 20-pounder Parrott, for which there
is space already.

Battery Numbers 10 to receive additional siege guns, making eight siege guns
and three 100-pounder Parrotts.

Battery Numbers 1 to receive the additional 200-pounder Parrott.

These changes, with those fixed by memoranda of April 28 and 29, will
constitute the batteries as follows: Two 200-pounder and five 100-pounder
Parrotts (one 200-pounder Parrott not arrived, the other in battery.)

Battery Numbers 1, distance to Gloucester fort 5,025 yards, distance to
Yorktown wharf 4,820 yards, and distance to big gun 3,810 yards.

Battery Numbers 2 (right wing nine siege guns, three 4 1/2 Ordnance, six
30-pounder Parrotts, and left wing six 20-pounder Parrotts), distance to
Yorktown front 1,850 yards, and distance to exterior redoubts, 1,800 yards.

Battery Numbers 3 (seven 20-pounder Parrotts) distance to exterior redoubts
2,000 yards, and distance to Yorktown front 2,300 yards.

Battery Numbers 4 (ten 13-inch mortars) distance to Gloucester fort 4,100
yards, bearing N. 28 W.; distance to Yorktown wharf 3,400 yards, bearing
Numbers 43 W; distance to big gun, 2,400 yards, bearing N. 49 W.; distance to
right redoubt 3,100 yards, bearing N. 77 W.; distance to Red Redoubt 3,360
yards, bearing Numbers 86 W., and distance to work at Wynn's Mill, 4,900 yards,
bearing S. 52 W. Battery Numbers 5 (eight 20-pounder Parrotts), distance to
Red Redoubt 1,575 yards; distance to right redoubt 2,000 yards, and distance to
Yorktown front 2,800 yards.

Battery Numbers 6 (five sea-coast 10-inch mortars), distance to Gloucester fort
5,100 yards, bearing N. 3 E.; distance to Yorktown wharf 3,900 yards, bearing.
N. 5 W.; distance to Yorktown front 2,775 yards, bearing N.; distance to
exterior redoubts 2,050 yards, bearing N. 32 W., and distance to Wynn's Mill
works 2,500 yards, bearing S. 45 W.Battery Numbers 7 (six 20-pounder Parrotts,
if it be had), distance to Wynn's Mill works 1,100 yards.

Battery Numbers 8 (six 20 pounder Parrotts), distance to Wynn's Mill works
1,125 yards.

Battery Numbers 9 (ten 10-inch siege mortars), distance to Yorktown front 1,910
yards, bearing N. 20 W., and distance to exterior redoubts 2,000 yards, bearing
N. 70 W.

Battery Numbers 10 (seven siege guns and three 100-pounder Parrotts), distance
to Gloucester fort 3,400 yards; distance to Yorktown wharf 2,550 yards;
distance to Yorktown front 1,500 and distance to right redoubt 2,150 yards.

Battery Numbers 11 (four or five sea-coast 10-inch mortars), distance to
Gloucester fort 4,700 yards, bearing N. 9 W; distance to Yorktown wharf 3,650
yards, bearing N. 17 W.; distance to Yorktown front 2,500 yards, bearing N. 18
W.; distance to exterior redoubt 2,400 yards, bearing N. 52 W., and distance to
Wynn's Mill 3,300 yards, bearing S. 52 W. Battery Numbers 12 (ten mortars; at
present it is proposed to put in the 10-inch and five 8-inch mortars), distance to
Yorktown front 1,580 yards, bearing N. 20 W.; distance to exterior redoubt 1,900
yards, bearing N. 78 W., and distance to Burnt House 925 yards, bearing N. 9 E.

Battery Numbers 13 (left wing, three siege guns, 30-pounder Parrotts, directed
at gorge of right redoubt; distance to Red Redoubt 2,590 yards, and distance to
right redoubt 2,100 yards; right wing four siege guns, directed 5 N. of
hospital; this wing will embrace the whole Yorktown front, and a change of
embrasures of 15 will bring it to bear on Gloucester fort, in all, seven
30-pounder parrotts), distance to big gun 1,250 yards; distance to left
salient of Yorktown front 1,625 yards; distance to Yorktown wharf 2,300 yards,
and distance to Gloucester fort 3,100 yards.

Battery Numbers 14 (three 100 pounder Parrotts and one 100-pounder James,
embrasures to be arranged to sweep from big gun to Gloucester fort), distance
to big gun 1,400 yards; distance to Yorktown wharf 2,450 yards, and distance to
Gloucester 3,150 yards.

Friday, May 2.-The parallel between right and left branches of Wormley's
complete, except about 100 feet of banquette and some trimming of excavation;
the whole to be finished to-night or to-morrow. Battery Numbers 11 finished,
except traverse; to be put in after mounting mortars. Batteries Numbers 9 and
12 complete, except magazine and traverse. Every effort will be made to finish
these by to-morrow night. Redoubt C: ditch from 9 to 12 feet wide and gorge and
ramp excavation nearly completed. They can doubtless, with emplacements for
guns, be finished by Sunday night. Road connecting parallel across left-branch
ravine to be completed to-night. The one along the shore of right-branch ravine
commenced to-day. Parallel between Battery Numbers 2 and Redoubt A needs slight
changes. Battery Numbers 3: change complete, except traverse. Battery Numbers
13: parapet three-fourths completed; magazine commenced; magazine for reserve
in commenced and excavation completed. Captain Stewart reports parties still at
work on Battery Numbers 7 and constructing magazine for Battery Numbers 8.
Three hundred and forty-eight gabions were made yesterday and 215 issued,
leaving 1,374 on hand. The south-branch bridge progressing well. Sand-spit
bridge will be commenced to-day. Work on lower crib bridge to be resumed
to-day. But one platform foundation remained to be laid last night in Battery
Numbers 4. The magazine will probably be finished. to-day. The commanding
general authorized two 8-inch siege mortars to be sent to General Smith, to be
located near Garrow's Burnt Chimneys, for shelling the works in front of
General Smith's position. Captain Stewart was directed to establish a battery
for two 8-inch siege howitzers in the small clearing west of General Sumner's
headquarters be fired at 12 30' elevation. To clear trees 60 feet high when
firing at this elevation the howitzers must be placed 270 feet back from the
woods; if 100 feet high, 440 feet back. If fired at 5, they must be 686 feet in
rear of trees 60 feet high and 1,143 feet in rear of trees 100 feet high. The
position, according to our own maps, will enfilade the Wynn's Mill works, from
the further extremity of which it is but about 1,800 yards, and it is but 2,000
yards from the enemy's works at the one-gun battery.

Saturday, May 3.-Battery Numbers 3: extension completed. Battery Numbers 5:
extension for two guns ready for platforms. Battery Numbers 13: parapet done,
extension for one gun commenced, and magazine ready for earth cover. Battery
Numbers 14: revetment completed, magazine ready for cover, and parapet to be
thickened. Battery for Whitworth gun, near Numbers 14, commenced; boyaux,
2,500 yards, 6 feet wide and four fee deep, completed.
Battery for Whitworth gun, near Numbers 5, has one row of gabions up.
Lieutenant McAlester reports that his portion of the parallel will be finished
to-nigh, including the additional banquette decided upon last night. He reports
also that no interest whatever in the work could be excited in the officers,
and that the men were therefore generally idle. The detail from the Mozart
Regiment accomplished very little. Battery Numbers 11 is complete. Batteries
No.s 9 and 12 progressed very slowly from a failure of carpenters and teams to
report as expected. Lieutenant McAlester thinks they may possibly be completed
to-night. Two-gun (Whitworth) battery located and commenced yesterday; will be
ready to-morrow evening. Infantry road up right branch ravine commenced
yesterday; will be finished and ready to-day. Redoubt C: the enemy concentrated
so heavy a fire upon it that the working party was withdrawn at about 10 a.m.
At night work was resumed upon it, but the officers and men from Hooker's
division worked badly. Lieutenant McAlester thinks he will be able to finish it
to-night. Captain Stewart reports that during a part of the day a party of 100
men was employed in revetting, building traverse, and repairing Battery Numbers
7; 200 men were engaged in making obstructions in its vicinity, and 200 men
were at work on Numbers 8. A party of 200 men was engaged yesterday afternoon
in forming the parapet of a barbette battery for two 8-inch siege howitzers in
peach orchard clearing; also 100 men cutting timber in its vicinity. General
Woodbury reports 255 of his command at work on bridges over Wormley's Creek;
100 on Battery Numbers 4; over 300 men on detached service, and the remainder
variously employed. Two hundred and forty-two gabions were made yesterday and
485 issued, leaving 1,131 on hand. A large force will be employed in making
fascines to-morrow. The road covering of bridges over south branch of Wormley's
Creek is complete. The earth-covering will probably be done by Sunday night.
The sand-spit pontoon bridge will, I hope, be done by Sunday night.

Sunday, May 4.-Battery Numbers 8 is reported as completed; some trees were to
be felled to unmask it. A mortar battery near Garrow's Chimneys was being
constructed; this would have been completed to-morrow. The parallel between
Batteries Nos. 3 and 5 is completed. Battery Numbers 10: one traverse and
magazine to finish and embrasures to open. Battery Numbers 13: three traverses
to build. Battery Numbers 14: traverse to build and parapet to thicken. Battery
for Whitworth guns: interior slope to be reverted. Battery for Whitworth guns,
near Battery Numbers 3; parapet three-fourths done. Battery Numbers 5; change
completed. Redoubt D commenced last night. Five hundred and seventy gabions and
83 fascines were on hand at engineer depot. No report has been received from
Lieutenant McAlester of the work under his charge. Redoubt C was completed, and
only a little finishing was required to be done upon the parallel and batteries
between the branches of Wormley's Creek. The works upon the batteries,
trenches, &c., were suspended on the morning of the 4th, the fortress of
Yorktown and the whole line of rebel works, including the fort and batteries at
Gloucester, having been evacuated during the preceding night by the enemy.

J. G. BARNARD,
Brigadier-General, and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.

Positions of guns and emplacements for guns in the fortress of Yorktown,
beginning with water battery and going around the entire main works of Yorktown
from east to west.

Water battery of one 8-inch columbiad; one 64-pounder gun; two 8-inch
columbiads, and one 42-pounder carronade. (Lower or beach battery; two or three
of its guns would see our battery-Numbers 14, perhaps Numbers 13 also.)

Three 9-inch Dahlgren guns and one 10-inch columbiad. (Water battery is on
left flank of front of attack, drawn on siege sketch, with embrasures, but the
embrasures had been filled with guns mounted en barbette. The 10-inch columbiad
would probably have borne on our Battery Numbers 14.)

Front of attack.-One 6 1/2-inch rifled gun (burst); one 9-inch Dahlgren
occupying place of next, i. e., one 6 1/2-inch rifled (burst); one 8-inch
columbiad; two barbettes for field guns (guns gone); one 32-pounder; two
barbettes for field guns (guns gone); one 32-pounder, navy (burst); one 8-inch
columbiad; on 8-inch siege mortar; one 244-pounder gun; one barbette for field
gun (gun gone); one 8-inch columbiad; one 32-pounder, navy; one 24-pounder gun;
one 32-pounder navy; one barbette for field gun (gun gone); one 4 1/2-inch
rifle; one barbette for field gun (gun gone); one 32-pounder navy; one
24-pounder gun; one 7 3/4-inch carronade; one 24-pounder; one 8-inch columbiad,
and one 12-pounder gun.

On parts of works not seen by our approaches.-One barbette for field gun (gun
gone); one 24-pounder gun; one 12-pounder gun; one 6-pounder gun; one barbette
for field gun (gun gone); one breech-loading rifle, 2 8/10-inch caliber; six
barbettes for field guns (no guns); one 42-pounder carronade; three barbettes
for field guns (no guns); one 42-pounder carronade; four barbettes for field
guns (no guns); one 42-pounder carronade; four barbettes for field guns (no
guns); one 42-pounder carronade, and three barbettes for field guns (no guns).

Redoubt of five 8-inch columbiads; battery of four 8-inch columbiads; battery
of four 32-pounders; battery of three 32-pounders; (two-thirds at least of
these guns would have borne upon our battery Numbers 14, some on battery 13);
battery of two 32-pounders (gone, probably removed since siege began and
mounted elsewhere); flanking battery to ravine of one 42-pounder carronade (to
sweep to beach.).

Battery for two guns (no guns in place) and battery for five guns (no guns in
place) on beach (upper battery.)

Total arrangement for guns 94, of which we captured 53 guns in good order; 3
guns burst. Total number of guns, 56. Barbettes for field guns 31, and 7
embrasures for navy guns.

J. G. BARNARD,
Brigadier-General and Chief Engineer.

Report of Captain James Thompson, Second U.S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION ARTILLERY,
Camp near Williamsburg,Va., May 6,1862.

SIR: Having been instructed by the general commanding the division to report
the operations of the batteries under my command on the 5th instant, I have the
honor to respectfully submit the following:

The batteries left camp a few miles this side of Yorktown about 10 o'clock
a.m., one section of Battery G, Second U.S.Artillery, following immediately
after the leading regiment of the infantry column, the remaining portion of the
artillery following the leading brigade. The roads were almost impassable,
owing to the nature of the soil, the storm prevailing as the time, and the
magnitude of the army train. New road were cut and old ones reconstructed in
many places. The batteries succeeded, however, in reaching the vicinity of the
field of action about 3 o'clock p.m. By direction of General Heintzelman (whom
I met while proceeding to the front in search of the division commander)
Battery G, [Second] U.S.Artillery, was moved to a field on the left, to join
the force in that position.Soon after reaching this position it was ordered to
the field of battle. The battery was prepared for immediate action and moved as
directed. Its intended position was examined. The approaches being found
greatly obstructed, and the field not admitting of battery maneuver, it was
deemed advisable not to bring it into action.
One section remained near the battle-field, and the remaining sections moved at
dark into camp on the left. Beam's and Randolph's batteries came into the woods
near the battle-field, but were not in action against the enemy.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES THOMPSON,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Division Artillery.

Report of Major Robert M.West, Chief of Artillery.

HDQRS.LIGHT ARTY., 1ST DIV.,4TH ARMY CORPS,
Camp near Williamsburg, Va., May 6, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of the division of artillery
during the engagement of yesterday:

Flood's and McCarthy's batteries at about 3 p.m. were posted by
direction of General Sumner in reserve in rear of General Peck's line of
operations. Subsequently one piece of Flood's battery was moved to the point in
front where the Williamsburg road enters the woods. While this piece was in
position at the latter point Private Eugene Sherry, of Flood's Battery D
[Pennsylvania Reserve Artillery], was so dangerously wounded by the explosion
of a shell as to render amputation of both legs necessary. I inclose the
surgeon's report. No portion of this artillery was engaged, all the points at
which artillery could operate having been occupied by artillery from other
divisions.

I have the honor to be, captain, with the highest respect, your obedient
servant,
ROBT.M.WEST,
Major and Chief of Artillery.

Report of Major Charles S.Wainwright, Chief of Artillery.

HDQRS. DIVISION ARTILLERY, HOOKER'S DIVISION,
Camp near Williamsburg, May 7,1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to lay before the general commanding this division
the following report as to the part taken by the batteries under my command in
the battle of the 5th instant:

Being in rear of the infantry, we camped about 1 o'clock that morning, two
batteries about half a mile this side of King's Creek and two the same distance
on the other side. By 6 o'clock that morning we were again en route, Battery H,
First U.S.Artillery, Captain Webber, and Battery D, First New York Artillery,
Captain Osborn, being in advance, Captain Bramhall's Sixth New York Battery
about a mile in the rear.

On arriving at the front I at once, by the general's direction, ordered Captain
Webber to place his guns in battery - one in the road just at the corner of the
felled timber which lay on its left, another some 20 yards in rear of this, and
the other four in a field on the right of the road. They were immediately got
into position, but while the first section in the road was being unlimbered
Lieutenant Chandler P.Eakin was shot down close by my side and Lieutenant
Horace L. Pike near the second piece, as also two of the privates. The drivers
of the limbers taking fright, as also some of the cannoneers, they fell back
about a hundred yards to the rear of their pieces. Aided by Captain Webber and
First Sergeant [William A.] Harn I tried to urge and drive them forward to
their guns, but did not succeed in getting a sufficient number up to open fire.
I then went back to Captain Osborn's four-gun battery, which had come up, and
called for volunteers to aid in manning these pieces. Every cannoneer at once
sprang to the front, and headed by their officers, opened fire from four of
Battery H's guns, while at the same time Captain Webber got some 15 or 18 of
his men at the other two. The rain was falling fast at the time, rendering it
impossible to see that exact position of the enemy. Our fire was directed in
reply to some pieces on the works about 700 yards directly in our front, and at
part of a field battery to our front and left, which appeared to be in the
open, but which I have since ascertained was in a sunken redoubt.
Half an hour later Captain Bramhall came up, and I immediately ordered him to
take position in the field to the right of the other guns, which he did in a
most soldier-like manner. The ground in this field was exceedingly soft and
full of stumps, so that he was only able to get five of his guns in battery.
Our men soon got the range and distance of the enemy, and in half an hour more
silenced their guns entirely.
They did not fire from the works in front except occasional shots again until
late in the afternoon, but about 10 o'clock they opened again from the sunken
redoubt and from another still farther to our left. Finding that these shots
were enfilading some of my pieces I moved my right wing forward in echelon, and
by noon we had again silenced them so effectually that their next efforts to
open fire about an hour later was a very weak one.
My men had now been in the open under fire not only of the guns we had silenced
but of a very severe fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, for some seven hours,
and were greatly fatigued. As all had been quiet for some time I rode to the
rear to hasten up Captain Smith's Fourth New York Battery, which had been kept
back by the bad roads and the baggage wagons of other divisions. It was while I
was absent on this duty that the infantry supporting me abandoned the felled
timber on my left, leaving my batteries entirely exposed on that flank. They
(the enemy) came upon us over this timber, driving the men from the guns, which
were badly mired, and having lost a large number of horses we were unable to
bring them off. Captain Bramhall gallantly fought his pieces until the battery
on his left was fairly in the hands of the enemy, when, finding that his men
were exposed not only to the fire of the advancing foe but also to the return
fire of his support on the right, he ordered his men to fall back. The enemy
keeping possession of a portion of the felled timber on our left prevented any
attempt again to work or remove these pieces.
So soon as I got Captain Smith's battery up I placed four of his guns in
echelon on a know to the right of the road, just within the woods, and loaded
with canister, to be ready in case the enemy should attempt to charge down the
road. This was done about half an hour later. When the head of their column had
approached to within some 150 yards we opened on them and effectually stopped
their advance. Directly after this we suffered severely from single men of this
column who had taken positions in the felled timber on the line of the road,
four or five of the cannoneers falling at the advanced piece, until General
Kearny furnished me with a company of sharpshooters as a support. After his
charge was repelled the battery was not seriously engaged, only firing
occasional shell in the direction of the works in front and on our left, which
had again opened fire. At sunset, with the general's permission, I withdrew my
two remaining batteries, leaving Captain Thompson, chief of artillery in
Kearny's division, in charge of the position.
I regret exceedingly to be obliged to report the loss of four of Battery H's
guns and one caisson, which were carried off by the enemy when they had
possession. Captain Bramhall's guns were so deeply mired that they did not
succeed in moving them. I have also to report the loss of 4 men killed and 2
officer and 18 enlisted men wounded, a full list of which is appended.* The
enemy carried off 40 horses with the guns, and we have as many more left dead
on the field, besides a number wounded and missing.
I have every reason to be satisfied with the conduct of my officers generally.
Captain Webber, who only joined his command since our arrival at Ship Point,
showed great bravery in urging his men up to the guns. Lieutenants Eakin and
Pike fell well to the front at the first fire of the enemy.Captain Bramahll's
conduct was that of an experienced officer, having his men in perfect command,
and such as fully sustained his gallantry at Ball's Bluff last October. He was
seconded by all his lieutenants and men. Captain Osborn and his lieutenants in this
their first engagement gave promise of making brave and efficient officers. I
would especially mention among the enlisted men Sergeants Harn and [John] Doran
and Privates [Daniel] Barry and [Daniel] Conway, of Battery H, and Privates
[John] Shoemaker and [George O.] Westcott, of Battery D, as having done
particularly good service. Captain Osborn's and Captain Smith's batteries are
still in condition for service; Captain Bramhall's lacking horses, and Captain
Webber's both horses and pieces.

I will furnish a more complete report of the present condition of my command as
to ammunition,&c., so soon as I get my reports from the captains.

I remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.S.WAINWRIGHT,
Major and Division Chief of Artillery.

Report of Captain Romeyn B.Ayres,
Fifth U.S.Artillery, Chief of Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS LIGHT ARTILLERY, SMITH'S DIVISION,
Camp near Williamsburg, Va., May 8, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of my command for the two
days of active duty, the 4th and 5th instant:

Pursuant to orders the artillery moved forward, crossing Dam No.2 by hand,
pieces unlimbered, and occupied their proper places in the column on the march.
Wheeler's and Cowan's batteries were placed in position in the open space
behind the woods, and about 200 yards from it, which skirts Queen's Creek.
About 10 o'clock a.m. of the 5th, pursuant to orders, I directed Cowan's
battery to report to General Hancock, to move to the right with his brigade.
Subsequently I sent Wheeler in the same direction with that brigade. I inclose
reports of the operations of those batteries on that day.
About 12 m., pursuant to General Smith's orders, I posted four pieces of Mott's
battery under his command in front of the woods, and opened fire upon the
enemy's works in front about the same time that the two batteries with General
Hancock opened upon the same works from the right flank.
This cross-fire had a favorable effect and was evidently very
annoying to the enemy, artillery being seen to retire from a threatening move
made upon Hancock's brigade and their fire turned upon the four pieces. As the
fire slackened Mott's pieces were withdrawn, and his battery and my own moved
around to the dam over Queen's Creek and put into camp.

I inclose extracts of the reports of the battery commanders during these
operations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R.B.AYRES,
Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding.

Report of Lieutenant Charles Kusserow,
Adjutant of Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF ARTILLERY,
Smith's Division, Camp No.11, in the field, May 8, 1862.

CAPTAIN: According to the order I received I have the honor to report of all
circumstances in my knowledge occurring on the day of the 5th instant during
the fight of General Hancock's brigade:

After the detail of General Hancock's brigade to our right I saw General Keyes,
commanding our corps that General Hancock went across the dam on our right,
occupying the first fort, without having found any resistance of the enemy.
Captain Ayres immediately ordered me to lead Captain Wheeler, with his battery,
as quick as possible to General Hancock's support. Executing the order, I found
General Hancock's brigade occupying one redoubt nearly one mile beyond the
enemy's infantry. Lieutenant Cowan, with his battery, had engaged the enemy,
but being too far off for good effect, he advanced to a distance of 800 yards
to said fort by an order given to him by Captain Currie.
General Hancock held Wheeler's battery in reserve, and having disposed of all
his staff officers, ordered me to ride as quickly as I could, reporting to
General Smith what I had seen, and asking him at once for larger supports,
himself with his troops not being able to secure sufficiently his right and
right rear flank. General Smith sent me back to General Hancock to report to
him that he had ordered four regiments for his support. By this ride I found
Lieutenant Parker, of General Hancock's staff, who told me the said four
regiments were on the road. Having delivered this message to General Hancock I
stopped some time in our batteries, Wheeler's battery being posted on the right
of Cowan's. The fire of Captain Wheeler was of good effect, being directed on
columns of infantry and cavalry and little bodies of artillery moving behind
one fort farther on the right.
The enemy suddenly formed line of battle, and General Hancock ordered me to
report this fact to General Smith, asking again for re-enforcements. Riding
back, I missed on the road the four regiments sent, as said before, and heard
by General Brooks that they were ordered back.
I found General Smith in presence of General Sumner. Stating the fact of
General Hancock's position dangerous in case of a retreat, and at the same time
expressing General Hancock's hope of great success when sufficiently
re-enforced, I received General Sumner's order for General Hancock to retire,
which order General Smith repeated, explaining to me that he wanted General
Hancock to occupy his first position. On my return to General Smith wished him
not to advance farther. Then I rode back to Captain Ayres, reporting to him the
position of our batteries and the state of our affairs, begging him at once to
do everything in his power to bring re-enforcements to General Hancock.
We happened to stay near General Smith, who had just received the order-I
should rather think the permission-to bring up the rest of his division to
General Hancock's support, but we had not yet made 800 yards with the head of
the column when the order was given to return. Some time after that I heard
that General Hancock was given up, when Major-General McClellan arrived and
immediately ordered General Casay's division to advance on our right for
General Hancock's support.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CH.KUSSEROW,
First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Artillery.

First Lieutenant CHARLES KUSSEROW,
Adjutant and Chief of Artillery, Smith's Division.

CAMP IN THE FIELD, NEAR WILLIAMSBURG, VA., May 8, 1862.

CAPTAIN: By order of Captain Ayres, chief of artillery, the battery under my
command proceeded to the position taken by General Hancock on the 5th instant,
and by his order came into battery on the right of the position occupied by the
battery commanded by Lieutenant Cowan, and some 1,700 or 1,800 yards from Fort
Magruder, and opened fire first on an earthwork 600 yards to our right and
front, then upon a battery placed at the corner of the woods near Fort
Magruder, and upon bodies of infantry passing to the front of the enemy's
position, and upon artillery passing to their front and returning, afterward
firing upon the fort itself, and finally, when the enemy charged our position,
the guns were turned upon them as they advanced, firing case-shot and canister.
The earthwork on our right was struck by several of our shells, some of them
grazing the parapet and passing into the farther embankment. The fire upon the
battery appeared to be effective, as the enemy changed its position, and
several of our projectiles were exploded in the fort.

About 5 p.m. I proceeded to the general to report a piece disabled, its axle
broken by firing at a high elevation, when he ordered me to retire the
batteries, one at a time, to the ridge some 400 yards to our rear. Returning to
the batteries, I perceived the enemy advancing in force, and opened upon him
with case-shot. When he reached the fence where our skirmishers had been, some
300 yards from us, we commenced firing canister, and the disabled piece was
sent to the rear. When he arrived within 150 yards of our position I sent to
the rear the left piece, which occupied heavy ground and from the position of
the enemy was no longer effective, and placing the limbers of the remaining
pieces so that they could be rapidly limbered up, continued the fire with
canister until the enemy was within 20 yards of the fence inclosing the house
in the yard of which the battery was placed, when we retired, and by General
Hancock's order took a position on the left of the earthwork, on the ridge,
again opening with canister and firing until, from the nature of the ground,
the enemy could not be reached, when I ordered the battery into the road in
rear of the earthwork, and soon afterward, by General Hancock's order, placed
two guns on the right of the earthwork and fired at the enemy retreating
through the edge of the woods.

After dark, by order of General Smith, I placed another gun in position on the
right of the earthwork. Our loss is 1 killed.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS.C.WHEELER,
Captain, Commanding E Battery, First N.Y.Artillery.

HDQRS. ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp near Roper's Meeting-House,Va., May 11, 1862.

Immediately after sending my last report, dated the 4th instant, I received
orders to send Hays' brigade of horse artillery, consisting of Gibson's,
Benson's, Robertson's, and Tidball's batteries, to report to General Stoneman
and accompany the cavalry in pursuit of the enemy in his retreat from Yorktown.
The brigade moved accordingly, and was engaged, portions of it, at various
points on the road and at the battles fought on the 4th and 5th instant near
Williamsburg. The reports* of Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, commanding the brigade,
and of Captains Gibson and Benson, commanding batteries, are inclosed herewith.
From these it appears that Lieutenant D'Wolf, Third U. S. Artillery, and 4 men
of Gibson's battery and 1 of Tidball's men were wounded severely and Captain
Gibson lost 17 horses killed and 5 wounded.

Captain Gibson was engaged under the concentrated fire of eight pieces of
artillery and a cross-fire at short distance of large bodies of infantry. He
maintained his position without any infantry support for an hour and was then
ordered by General Cooke to withdraw. Such was the nature of the ground that
one piece and four caissons sunk in the mud. Twenty minutes were spent in
unavailing efforts to move them; but the loss of horses and the manner in which
the carriages were bogged rendered all his efforts unavailing, and he was
reluctantly compelled to abandon them. Three of the caissons were afterwards
recovered. The loss was due to the mud; the piece was abandoned, not captured.
The conduct of officers and men is represented as admirable.

Captain Gibson speaks in high terms of Lieutenants Fuller, Pendleton, Meinell,
and D'Wolf, Third U. S. Artillery; the latter had his horse killed under him
and is very dangerously wounded. He also specially notices the gallant conduct
of Sergt. G. A. Niforth, of his battery (C, Third U. S. Artillery), and of
Private John Thompson, who captured a guidon from the enemy, and was sobered by
some of our own men in the melee, receiving four wounds.

Captain Benson had his horse killed under him. He mentions in terms of
commendation Lieutenant Barlow, Second U. S. Artillery.
Asst. Surg. J. S. Smith, U. S. Army, was very active in the discharge of his
duties and under the hottest fire.

The reserve left Yorktown on the 9th and reached camp at Roper's Church to-day,
where it was rejoined by Gibson's, Tidball's, and Benson's batteries.
Robertson's is still with the advanced corps of observation under General
Stoneman.

The siege guns and material were hauled by the teams of the reserve batteries
from the trenches to the landing at Yorktown.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY J. HUNT,
Colonel, Commanding Artillery Reserve.

Report of Captain Richard Arnold,
Fifth U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery.

CUMBERLAND, VA., May 13, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of the
artillery brigade, of General Franklin's division, from Sunday, the 4th
instant, up to the disembarkation at the head of York River, opposite West
Point, as well as the part it performed during the action which took place on
the 7th instant:

An order was received at 10 o'clock on the 4th instant to embark the artillery
at Poquosin River for Yorktown. This was accomplished, and the fleet was in
motion at 12 o'clock on the following day, arriving opposite Yorktown at dusk.
Here we remained until the following morning, when, by General Franklin's
order, we steamed for West Point, arriving at about 5 p.m. The place for
disembarkation being designated, the steamer Boardman, towing the principal
part of the artillery and the pontoon train, moved successfully, without
obstructions or detention, directly to the shore, where wharves of canal-boats
were speedily placed, and three batteries were run on shore at 10 p.m. At 10
a.m. the next morning all the batteries of the division complete were landed.
So from 6 o'clock p.m. of one day to 10 a.m. of the next four complete
batteries were transferred to an unknown shore on wharves of our own
arrangement and ready for immediate action.
During the night of the 6th rumors were in circulation that an attack would be
made in the morning by the enemy. About 9 o'clock a.m. the pickets were
seriously engaged, and Company D, Second Artillery, under Lieutenant E. Upton,
Fifth Artillery, and the First New Jersey Battery, under Captain Hexamer, all
commanded by Captain E. R. Platt, Second Artillery, were ordered to report to
and were placed in position by General Newton. Captain Wilson, First New York
Battery [F, First New York Light Artillery], was ordered to report to General
Slocum, and was placed in the center. Captain J. Porter, First Massachusetts
Battery, finished the disembarkation about 10 a.m., when it was attached to
General Dana's brigade and placed on the left, resting on the river.
The engagement was almost exclusively confined to the infantry, carried
on in dense woods; but the service rendered by Captain Hexamer when the enemy
appeared on the border of the woods, and the accurate firing of shell from the
battery commanded by Lieutenant Upton, which resulted in routing a portion of
the Hampton Legion and releasing Captain J. E. Montgomery, assistant
adjutant-general to General Newton, who had been taken prisoner by them a few
minutes before, contributed greatly to the repulse of the enemy, and gave all
our troops on this flank increased confidence.
All the batteries except Captain Wilson's, which was placed partly in reserve,
fired during the day, and from the most reliable authority I believe with
accuracy and good execution. All the artillery fire was delivered over the
heads of our men, and in no instance was there any wavering or falling back,
notwithstanding some of the shells, owing to defective fuses, burst in their
midst. The conduct of the men in this particular was worthy of veteran troops.
I saw enough to feel assured that when the opportunity offers the artillery
will do credit to the infantry of the division, whose steadiness under severe
fire and against superior numbers was so signally attested in this their first
engagement.
I cannot close this report without acknowledging the untiring zeal of Captain
Jeff. Parks, of the steamer Boardman, and Captain Perry, of the Fifteenth New
York Volunteer Engineers, assigned to duty with me from the time of the
embarkation at Poquosin River to the landing near West Point.

The following is the only casualty during the day: Private Stehwein, First New
Jersey Battery, seriously wounded in the arm.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
RICHARD ARNOLD,
Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Artillery Brigade.

Report of Colonel Robert O.Tyler,
First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, of operations May 22-June 1.

CAMP NEAR GAINES' LANDING, June 1,1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report for the information of Brigadier-General
Sykes that my regiments has been employed from the date of its being detached
on special service (May 22) until that in which the brigade has reported with
its division (June 1), as follows:

Thursday, May 22, the regiment marched from White House by Tunstall's Station
to the cross-roads at Mount Airey, 9 miles. I there found the Thirteenth New
York Volunteers (Colonel Marshall), and the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry (Colonel
Rush). In the afternoon a reconnaissance was made by the Sixth Pennsylvania
Cavalry along the banks of Pamunkey and a special report forward.

Friday, May 23, the three regiments, of which I was in command marched from
Mount Airey to Old Church (5 miles). A careful reconnaissance was made of all
the roads leading to the Pamunkey and to Hanover Court-House. Upon these strong
infantry pickets were established, and cavalry vedettes observed the ferries at
Hanover, New Castle, and Pipingtree. A copy of the survey which was made by
Major Doull, Second New York Artillery, extended as far as Mr.Hawes' shop (5
3/4 miles from Old Church and 7 miles from Hanover Court-House), was forwarded
next day. The provost duty was performed by Thirteenth New York Volunteers. In
investigating the neighborhood, the provost-marshal discovered that Mrs.General Lee
was staying at Mrs.Sayers' house, within our picket lines. A large quantity of commissary
and some naval and light-house stores were found by this officer. A detailed report has been
made.

Saturday, May 24, in accordance with instructions received, I mad a
reconnaissance in force with the three regiments under my command toward
Hanover Court-House. Ascertaining that the enemy was established there in
considerable strength the infantry was drawn up in position near Mrs.Newton's
house (about 5 miles from Old Church), and the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry
advanced 2 miles, to Widow Huntley's and found the enemy in force. During the
reconnaissance Colonel Marshall destroyed the ferry at Hanovertown, and Major
Doull, having ascertained that a private ferry existed about 2 miles above
Hanovertown and about 1 1/2 miles from the main road, in a deep salient bend of
the river, took 3 men of the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry and destroyed it. The
ferr-boat being on the north side of the stream, a man of Company I swam over
and brought it across. A re-enforcements, consisting of the Fifth New York
Volunteers, under you command, and Captain Weeden's Rhode Island having arrived
in the evening, I turned over the command of the detached force to you.

Monday, May 26, one battalion of my regiment, under command of Major Hemingway,
accompanied the force under your command to destroy the bridge over the
Pamunkey near Widow Huntley's. While the Fifth New York crossed the river and
destroyed the bridge this battalion deployed and showed front toward Hanover
Court-House, to cover the operation in that direction. During the same day a
detachment of the regiment, under Captain Rockwood, Company E, marched to New
Castle Ferry, with orders to destroy all means of crossing the river from that
point down until he communicated with the gunboats. At New Castle Ferry Captain
Rockwood burned the ferry-boat and captured four row-boats, in which he
embarked one-half of his detachment and proceeded down the river, the other moving
along the banks in support.

About 2 miles down Captain Rockwood captured four row-boats, and about 4 miles
(by river) found a ferry called Basset's Landing, and twelve boats, one of them
a small yacht, called the Teazer, said to have been used at Yorktown. The whole
were capable of transporting about 500 men at a time across the stream. All
these were destroyed, and fifteen found between this point and Pipingtree,
where he destroyed the ferry-boat, and between that point and North Berry
seventeen boats, besides some in process of construction; one of these an open
boat, propelled by steam. At North Berry, about 4 miles below Piping Ferry,
Captain Rockwood found the ferr-boat already destroyed; and having ascertained
that the gunboats had been up that far the disembarked and encamped for the
night. This operation, in concert with that undertaken by the column under you
command, completed the destruction of all the means of crossing the Pamunkey
below Hanover Court-House. The distance from New Castle Ferry by Newberry by
river is about 22 miles.

Tuesday, May 27, the regiment formed part of the column under your command
which advanced toward Hanover Court-House. When you advanced with the cavalry,
leaving the infantry under my command, the regiment was deployed to attack the
enemy in the woods were entered. When the column was ordered to counter-march,
to repel the attack of the enemy upon our left rear, as the advance of the
brigade was so much impeded by the artillery that it was impossible to bring all the
regiment up together, I directed Colonel Marshall, commanding the Thirteenth
New York Volunteers, who, being on the left, led, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Duryea, commanding the Fifth New York, to deploy in the open ground near
Dr.Kinney's house, and report for orders to Brigadier-General Porter. I did the
same with my regiment. The Thirteenth New York were ordered to support Captain
Griffin's battery on the left flank. They were seriously engaged and did great
execution upon the enemy. They Fifth New York deployed and entered the wood on
the right, and in support of this movement and to prolong the attack in this
direction I deployed my regiment and entered the woods. Unfortunately the enemy
retired too rapidly to enable either the Fifth New York or my own regiment to
operate upon their flank. Upon the final retreat of the enemy we retired, and
encamped at Dr.Kinney's. The regiment marched about 18 miles this day. A
captain of Virginia cavalry was taken prisoner by this regiment.

Wednesday, May 29, the regiment formed part of the column under your command,
which advanced toward Ashland, and came into position to defend the fork of the
Richmond and Ashland roads in force, while the reconnaissance was pushed
forward by the cavalry. The regiment returned thence to Dr.Kinney's, and by
night marched to Old Church, marching in all about 18 miles.

Saturday, May 30, the regiment marched from Old Church to Cold Harbor, and on
Sunday, June 1, joined the headquarters of the division.

Although not actually under fire during this period the regiment has many times
taken those preparatory steps for action which are more trying to new troops
than actual conflict, and they have shown a spirit and steadiness which
convinced me that they may be depended on upon occasion. My field, staff, and
line officers have shown themselves capable and efficient.

I need not call to your attention the valuable character of the services of
Major Doull, Second New York Artillery, as they must have come constantly under
you notice.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R.O.TYLER,
Colonel First Connecticut Artillery.

Report of Colonel Robert O. Tyler,
First Connecticut Heavy Artillery.

CAMP NEAR OLD CHURCH, May 24, 1862-10.45 a. m.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that since my report of 6 a. m. I have
returned to this place. Colonel Rush reported as the result of his
reconnaissance that he had found the enemy in strong force enough to confirm
the more moderate reports which had reached us (say from 3,000 to 5,000), and
that there was a show of pursuit on their part. I placed the infantry in
position and allowed the Lancers to pass, but receiving no attack I returned to
this point, having just destroyed the Hanover (Old Town) Ferry and one between
that and the Court-House by scuttling the boats and cutting the ropes. I still
hold New Castle Ferry, but have not secured the boat at Pipingtree. My pickets
and vedettes are placed as before. An officer sent out yesterday spent the day
without finding General Stoneman.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. O. TYLER,
Colonel, Commanding.

Report of Captain John C. Tidball, Second U. S. Artillery.

CAMP NEAR MECHANICSVILLE, VA.,
May 25, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that about 12 m. on the 33rd instant my
battery was ordered from its camp near New Bridge, over the Chickahominy River,
for the purpose of shelling the ground occupied by the enemy in the vicinity of
that bridge.

The pieces were placed in battery near the mansion of Dr. Gaines, and from
there opened a steady and well-directed fire on the point indicated. The enemy
made no reply, but from the report of those in the balloon, fled from their
position. After firing 93 round the battery was withdrawn, and a few minutes
afterward started on its march toward Mechanicsville. A few rods after the head
of the column, of which the left section of my battery constituted an advanced
portion had passed the bridge over Bell's creek, several cannon-shots were
fired by the enemy from pieces on the eminence immediately in our front.

Immediately the commanding general (Stoneman) directed the leading section to
be brought in battery on the top of the hill, which from the winding of the
road was upon the left hand. i a few seconds this was done, and the pieces
opened upon a section of the enemy posted at a little greater elevation, in
full view and about 1,000 yards distant. A few rounds from my pieces caused
them to withdraw behind the hill upon which they were situated. From this
position they continued firing for about half an hour, but all their
projectiles passed over my section and did no damage. This section was
commanded by First Lieutenant Dennison, Second Artillery, and it gives me much
pleasure to testify to the skill and ability with which he managed it under
fire. The non-commissioned officers and privates of this section also did their
duty nobly. Having a scarcity of cannoneers, the drivers voluntarily dismounted
and assisted at the service of their guns. Private Keck was most conspicuous in
this duty. The remaining for pieces of my
battery-the right section, under First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain
Pennington, and the center, under Second Lieutenant Clarke-were posted under
your immediate directions on the other side of Bell's Creek from that upon
which was stationed the section of Lieutenant Creek from that upon which was
stationed the section of Lieutenant Dennison. From this position they kept up
for some time a fire upon the enemy, and owing to the nature of the ground and
their distance were particularly exposed to the missiles of the enemy, but
fortunately no injury whatever was sustained. The section under Lieutenant
Dennison fired 74 shots; the other two sections fired 25 together.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Horse Company A.
Lieu. Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Horse Brigadier

Report of Lieutenant Alexander C. M. Pennington, Second U. S. Artillery.

MECHANICSVILLE, VA.,
May 26, 1862.

CAPTAIN: Me section having been detached from the battery on the morning of
the 24th instant to join Brigadier-General Davidson, at his ardent request for
a section of flying artillery, he being then engaged with the enemy who
occupied the village of Mechanicsville in force with infantry and artillery, I
have the honor to make the following report a. m. on the 24th until I rejoined
the battery at 12 o'clock m. on the 25th:

Immediately upon leaving you I started the section at a brisk trot down the
road toward the scene of action, and when I arrived about 1,000 yards from the
village I halted my section in a field upon the right-hand side of the road
until I could find General Davidson, which I soon did, and asked him where ge
wished me to place my guns. I had sent one of my cannoneers on ahead to inform
General Davidson that the section was on its way to join him, and when I
arrived he had already selected the spot from which I was to open. It was in a
wheat field, which gradually sloped up toward the houses in which the enemy was
concealed, the highest point of the slope being about 200 yards from the
building. Before entering the field a fence had to be taken down, for which
purpose General Davidson sent for some infantry, but as they were some distance
off i dismounted my cannoneers to avoid delay. After tearing down a sufficient
amount I mounted the cannoneers and started the section up the slope at a trot
until I reached the top of the raise, when I brought the section into battery.
The enemy opening a brisk fire upon us as soon as we appeared above the rise,
I sent my limbers will back under cover of the slope and opened a well directed
and deliberate fire of canister upon the buildings.

After I had fired a few rounds of canister the enemy opened a section of
artillery upon us, some of the shot striking very near the battery. I directed
one of my guns upon the spot where I supposed the enemy's guns to be situated
and fired three shells, each of which burst apparently near the enemy's
battery. after my third shot the enemy ceased firing and removed their pieces.
My other piece in the mean time kept up a rapid fire upon different parts of
the village and the woods adjacent, riflemen in the buildings keeping up all
this time a brisk fire
upon us. Finding that my ammunition was getting low I sent back to you for the
limbers of the caissons, which were promptly sent, and arrived when much
needed. The enemy under the heavy fire kept up upon them were finally compelled
to evacuate the town, and I received an order from General Davidson to cease
firing and remain in battery till further orders. A heavy rain set in just as I
commenced firing and did not cease during the action. The firing
notwithstanding was well kept up. An examination of the buildings were
completely riddled with shell and canister. After the village had been occupied
by our troops general Davidson ordered me to place one of my guns in the
village to sweep the roads leading to the bridges and the other he wished to
go with him. He told me that I could either stay with the gun in the village or
accompany that which went with him. Preferring to remain in the village, I sent
the other gun under its chief of piece, Corporal [William] Mathes, with General
Davidson. i remained in the village on picket duty during the night, and the
next morning my other gun, which had been actively employed under fire during
its absence, joined me by order of General Davidson. General Davidson spoke
very highly of the services rendered by the piece while with him. After this
piece joined me it was placed at the junction of the Ashland and Richmond road
crossed it. At 12 m. I was relieved by order of General Stoneman, and returned
to the battery.

It gives me much pleasure to state that the men served the guns with alacrity,
coolness, and ability. Sergt. [William] Brauns and Corporal Mathes deserve a
great deal of credit for the manner in which they handled their pieces. i fired
during the action 58 rounds. Corporal mathes while detached fired 47 rounds,
but replenished his limbers from the caisson.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. C. M. PENNINGTON,
First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain, Second Artillery.
Captain J. C. TIDBALL,
Commanding Light Co. A, Second Artillery.

Report of Captain Charles C. Wheeler,
Battery E, First New York Light Artillery.

CAMP SEVEN MILES FROM RICHMOND,
General Smith's Division, May 26, 1862.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from Captain Ayres, chief of artillery,
General Smith's division, I reported to General Davidson, commanding Third
Brigade, with the brigade to the position taken by it near a branch of the
Chickahominy, remaining in reserve during the cannonade that took place that
afternoon near said branch until about 6 p. m., when by General Davidson's
order i went into battery on a ridge covering the ground to the right and
front. Just about dark we crossed the stream and went into battery on a ridge
covering the ground to the right and front. Just about dark we crossed the
stream and went into battery on a steep bank, relieving a section of horse
artillery there, and remaining in battery during the night of the 23d.

Early on the morning of the 24th, by ordered of General Davidson, I sent one
piece of artillery to the right of the road leading to Mechanicsville, under
charge of Lieutenant Parker, who opened fire upon two pieces of artillery in
the village at a distance of about 1,600 yards, apparently with good effect,
and after firing two shells at a body of troops drawn up in line of battle
across the Chickahominy, at a distance of about 3,000 yards, causing them
thereby to change their position for one less exposed, I opened fire with two
pieces on the troops of the enemy occupying Mechanicsville, keeping one piece
in reserve. The fire from the two pieces was quite effective, as the enemy
quickly and repeatedly changed the position of his pieces and finally for a
while ceased firing. The general then ordered the entire battery to the right
of the road and to a position 800 yards nearer the village, when we opened a
heavy fire upon the houses and woods in rear, occupied by the enemy, and
advanced by half battery until we were within about 500 yards of the village
and keeping up the fire until the enemy retreated. The houses were much cut up
and torn by our shells.

When the infantry took possession of the village were went into battery on the
left of the road on a ridge commanding there until about 4 p. m., when by order
of General Davidson I placed the battery in position near the place first
occupied by it on the 23d, and commanding the road and country toward
Mechanicsville. I remained in battery here until the morning of the 25th, when
by order of the general I placed the battery on the left of the road near the
bridge crossing the branch near the mill, one section commanding the country
toward the Chickahominy and one section to enfilade the road leading to the
bridge. Here I remained until about 5 p. m., when by order of General davidson
I proceeded to Mechanicsville, placing one section to command the road leading
from the village to the right and leaving one piece in reserve. We remained
here in battery until the morning of the 26th, when, after firing two
percussion shells at a body of troops across the Chickahominy, distant some
2,800 yards, exploding both shells directly in front of them and putting them
into some confusion, by ordered of the general I returned to camp. I have lost
no men killed or wounded. I have lost no men killed or wounded. I have lost
one horse killed by cannon-shot and one wounded by rifle-ball.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. C. WHEELER,
Captain, Commanding Battery E, First New York Artillery.

Report of Captain Charles Griffin,
Fifth U. S. Artillery, of engagement May 27.

CAMP NEAR HANOVER COURT-HOUSE, VA.,
May 28, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with the orders of the 27th instant from the general
commanding the division the batteries were assigned as follows: Battery C,
Massachusetts Artillery, to General Martindale's brigade, Battery E to Colonel
McQuade's, and battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, to General Butterfield's
brigade, and for a detailed account of the Massachusetts batteries attention is
respectfully called to the reports of their commanders.

Battery D, Fifth Artillery, left camp near Dr. Gaines' at 5.30 a. m., and
arrived on the field of action about 1 o'clock, and by direction of General
Porter was sent under the command of First Lieutenant Kingsbury to relieve two
pieces of Battery M, Second U. S. Artillery, which were firing on the road to
our left. Lieutenant kingsbury directed one section, under command of First
Lieutenant Charles E. Hazlett, to move about 200 yards to the front of the
position occupied by the guns of the Second Artillery. One piece was placed on
a little rise in the road and the other in a plowed field to the left, and
opened on two pieces of the enemy, one 6-pounder and one rifled gun, distant
about 1,500 yards. The fire was kept up with spirit on both sides for about an
hour, when the enemy's guns were silenced. Our guns told handsomely, killing 3
horses and striking one caisson twice, one shot exploding the ammunition-chest
of the limber, and according to the information of the prisoners killing 1 man
and wounding 4 more and 3 horses. The same source states that our guns
dismounted one piece, which was carried away, and completely disabled the section,
killing and wounding quite a number of cannoneers.

It is but just to specially call the attention to the commander of the section,
First Lieutenant Hazlett, First Sergt. Samuel Peeples, and Corporal Timothy
Gready, gunners to the pieces.

About 3 o'clock p. m. the battery, by order of general porter, moved in the
direction of Hanover Court-House, and had proceeded about 2 miles when, heavy
firing being heard in our rear, it was turned back, and had proceeded about 2
miles when, heavy firing being heard in our rear, it was turned back, and about
5 o'clock commenced firing at the enemy, about 1,800 yards distant. The enemy
occupied the position held by our guns at 1 o'clock and was heavily pressed by
our musketry. Our infantry soon after routed them when the battery was moved to
the front by Lieutenant Kingsbury through an open plowed field, firing
advancing, our infantry protecting the flanks, and driving the enemy before
them until the that was sounded.

The battery fired 169 rounds (10-pounder Parrot gun) of percussion shell and,
shrapnel, the performance being highly satisfactory, nearly every projectile
bursting. Three privates were slightly bruised, 2 horses killed, 1 (Lieutenant
Kingsbury's) wounded. The officers of the battery were First Lieuts. H. W.
Kingsbury and C. E. Hazlett, Second Lieutenant L. M. Harrison, H. B. Reed, and
C. H. Carrol, all of the Fifth Artillery; and where officers and men, afters
and men, after a march of 20 miles through rain and mud, behaved with such
courage, willingness, and alacrity it would be difficult to mention any others
specially by name.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. GRIFFIN,
Captain, Fifth Artillery.

Report of Captain Augustus P. Martin, Battery C,
Massachusetts Light Artillery, of engagement May 27.

NEAR PEAKE'S STATION,
Hanover County, Va., May 29, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the engagement of
one section of my battery on the afternoon the 27th instant, under command of
First Lieutenant Dunn:

The section came into battery near the road on Harris's farm, near Peake's
Railroad Station, supported on the right by the Second Regiment Maine
Volunteers and a detachment of the Twenty-fifth New York Volunteers, and on the
left by the Forty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, the whole under command
of Brigadier-General Martindale. The woods, about 800 yards in front, where the
enemy were supposed to be secreted, were shelled. The enemy soon formed in line
of battle in front of the woods, and advanced toward our force, when the
support fell back suddenly 20 or 30 yards, leaving the pieces uncovered, and so
much exposed to the enemy's fire that it was found impossible for the
cannoneers to remain at their posts, and they retired with the infantry until
the enemy broke and retreated in rear of the woods. The expended during the
engagement the following amount of ammunition:
Thirty-five rounds spherical case, 7 rounds shells, 1 round solid shot;
total 43.

Private James B. Robinson was severely wounded in the neck, and John Ryan
slightly wounded in the abdomen. i also lost 3 horses killed and 2 horses
wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. P. MARTIN,
Captain Battery C, Massachusetts Artillery.
Captain CHARLES GRIFFIN,
Chief of Artillery, Porter's Division.

Report of Captain George D. Allen, Battery E,
Massachusetts Light Artillery, of operations May 27-28.

HDQRS. BATTERY E, (FIFTH) MASSACHUSETTS ARTILLERY,
Camp near Gaines' Mill, May 30, 1862.

SIR: In obedience to General Orders, Numbers 49, from General Morell, and a
verbal order from Captain Griffin, to report to Colonel McQuade, commanding
Second Brigade, Porter's division, this battery marched early in the forenoon
of May 27 in rear of this brigade. We were too late to take any part in the
first skirmish near Hanover Court-House, but followed on with the rest of the
division until ordered by General Porter to turn back, as firing was heard in
our rear. We followed Captain Griffin's battery, but took no part in the
engagement.

On Wednesday, the 28th, we were ordered by Captain Griffin to go down the road
we came in the rear of our advance force. Here we remained until ordered
forward again into a field, where we encamped.

Thursday we received orders from Captain Griffin to march back to our old camp
at Gaines' Mill, where we arrived at midnight. No ammunition was expended and
no casualties occurred to the battery.

GEO. D. ALLEN,
Captain.

Reports of Captain Henry Benson, Second U. S. Artillery.

CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE,
May 31, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information if the general commanding
the Fifth Army Corps, that I joined the brigade of Brigadier-General Emory with
my battery of horse artillery early on the morning of the 27th instant, in
compliance with instructions of the evening previous. My strength was as
follows: Four officers, 109 noncommissioned officers, mechanics, privates, &c.,
141 horses, and six 3-inch rifled guns, with caissons and ammunition complete.
Early in the afternoon I received orders from the general commanding to move
the battery rapidly to the front. The battery was moved forward and placed in
position as follows: One (right) section, under Lieutenant Barlow, was placed
on the road to Hanover Court-House, whilst another, the center section, under
the command of Lieutenant Chapin, was moved to a position in a large field to
the left of the road leading to the railroad station. Both soon became engaged
with the enemy's infantry. The left section, under command of Lieutenant Hains,
was for the time held in reserve.

An order from the general commanding to move a section forward and shell the
buildings at the railroad station was at this time partially executed. The
enemy being in position in a dense woods on the left and in front of the center
section, it was found necessary to force them from it before the section could
move to the desired point. To effect this object I moved Lieutenant Chapin's
section to a commanding position, one piece in the road and the other in a
peach orchard to the left, and after a few well-directed discharges of canister
and shell (percussion) routed the enemy from their cover.

About this time General Morell informed me that he had pushed skirmishers in
the woods to the left and front of the section. The firing was that the section
of Lieutenants Barlow and Hains had been moved forward and placed in position
in a large field to the right of the Hanover road, and were engaged with the
enemy's artillery and infantry. I now directed the fire of the battery (four
guns) on the infantry in position in rear of a building (afterward used as a
hospital) and on the right and left of the Hanover road. The enemy were soon
forced to retire from their position in confusion. Lieutenant Chapin's section
having joined me, I moved the battery to the right and a little in front of its
former position. Intervals between the guns were increased and the caissons and
detachments of the cannoneers' horses placed under cover of the woods, and then
the fire of the whole battery was concentrated upon the enemy's artillery,
which, after a sharp and well directed fire, were entirely silenced. One
12-pounder howitzer, which could not be removed in consequence of one of the
team horses having been killed by a fragment of a shell, was taken possession
of by some of the Seventeenth New York Volunteers- at least I understood such
to be the case. As soon as our fire had silenced the enemy's guns the battery
moved rapidly forward in pursuit with the cavalry on the Hanover road. Our fire
was again opened on the retreating infantry in the vicinity of the
Court-Hourse. The battery afterward returned to the enemy's first position and
camped for the night.

Our loss during the day was 1 ordnance mechanic, Henry Krantz,
killed; 2 cannoneers severely wounded, William Cope and Joseph F. Francis; 2
horses killed, 1 wounded, and 1 missing. On the 28th the section of Lieutenant
Barlow and hains were detached to support commands pushed forward in pursuit of
the enemy, &c. On the 29th one section, under Lieutenant Hains, was detached to
support Major Williams' command, and on its return the battery marched back to
the camp of the artillery reserve near New Bridge, where it arrived on the
morning of the 30th at 8 o'clock.

Before closing this report I cannot omit the opportunity offered of bringing to
the notice of the general commanding the admirable conduct of my officers and
men during the days mentioned. The sections of Lieutenants Barlow, Hains, and
Chapin were commanded by those officers with discretion, skill, and coolness.
Lieutenant Barlow had the good fortune to be closely engaged with the enemy's
infantry, and performed his work well. He speaks in high terms of the
intelligence, coolness, and bravery of Sergeant Reilly, chief of one of his
pieces. My non-commissioned officers-in fact, all of my men-behaved so well
that it is a difficult matter to speak of one without giving the names of all.
Sergeants Flood, Hasenzahl, and Corporals Brower and Leese deserve particular
notice. I take the liberty in this report of expressing my thanks to General
Emory for the handsome support he gave me until the battery returned to this
camp.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY BENSON,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding.

Report of Lieutenant Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U.S.Artillery.

SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders, received
about 3.30 p.m. on the 31st of May, 1862, I took up the line of march in rear
of Gorman's brigade. The roads were almost impassable for artillery, and I
experienced great difficulty in getting my guns along. I was obliged at times
to unlimber and use the prolonge, the cannoneers being up to their waists in
water. About 4.30 p.m. I was within three-quarters of a mile from Fair Oaks
Station with three pieces and one caisson, the remainder of the battery being
in rear and coming up as fast as circumstances would permit. At about 4.45 p.m.
I was ordered by General Sumner to place the battery in position, the right
resting on a strip of woods and the left about 70 yards from Adams' house,
facing nearly south and toward Fair Oaks Station. The enemy advanced through an
open field, and were about 1,000 yards from the battery when I commenced firing
with spherical case and shell. They immediately tried to cover themselves in
the woods on my right.

I was now obliged to change the position of my guns. At the same time First
Lieutenant C. A. Woodruff, First Artillery, arrived with two pieces, which I
ordered him to place on the left, in order to fire into the woods through which
the enemy were advancing. But a few rounds had been fired before First
Lieutenant F. S. French, First Artillery, arrived with the last piece. In the
mean time one trail had broken after the fourth discharge, rendering the piece
useless. All of the spherical case and were exhausted. I sent two limbers to
the rear, where the caissons were buried in the mud, to bring up a fresh supply
of ammunition. As the enemy were beyond canister range, I fired a few rounds of
solid shot to occupy them until I could obtain more shell. As soon as the
ammunition arrived I ordered shell and spherical case to be fired until the
enemy were within 500 yards of my right flank, when I opened with canister.

The enemy now prepared to charge mu right. I advanced the left of the battery.
They came down a road which was on my right when the firing commenced, and when
they emerged from the woods found themselves directly in front of the battery
instead of on the right, as they expected, and were consequently subjected to a
tremendous fire of canister from five light 12-pounder guns, which they were unable
to stand. They retreated in disorder into the woods. I advanced two pieces-all that could be
extricated from the mud-and fired a few rounds upon the now retreating enemy,
when the battle ceased. During the entire action the enemy kept up a continuous
fire of musketry upon us, but fortunately most of their balls too high, as the
caissons and limbers were well covered by an elevation upon which the pieces
were placed.

During the battle I made a complete change of front to the right, and at no
time had more than five pieces engaged.

I was obliged to call upon the infantry in my rear several times to assist in
dragging the pieces from the mud, which assistance was promptly rendered by the
Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. At one time three pieces were up
to their axles in the mud, their trails being buried to a corresponding
distance.

Expended during the action 70 rounds shell, 210 rounds spherical case, 48
rounds canister, and 15 rounds solid shot; total, 343 rounds.

To the untiring exertions of Lieutenants Woodruff and French am I indebted for
the presence of a greater part of the battery on the field of battle. I claim
that we are indebted in no small extent for the success of the day to the
personal bravery and efficiency of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
privates of Light Company I, First Artillery.

Respectfully submitted.
E. KIRBY,
1st Lieutenant , 1st Arty., Commanding Light Company I, 1st Artillery.
Colonel C.H. TOMPKINS,
Colonel R. I. Light Arty., Chief of Artillery, Sedgwick's Div.

Report of Charles D. Owen,
Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery.

HDQRS. BATTERY G, RHODE ISLAND ARTILLERY,
Camp near Fair Oaks, Va.

SIR: On Saturday, 31st of May, I received orders to move my battery. At about 2
o'clock we started from camp, marching behind Battery B, Rhode Island
Artillery, until we came to the bridge that crosses a little stream just before
entering the first woods. Here the road was very poor indeed, and therefore I
took a road across the next field above, and from thence brought my battery
behind Battery B, at the first corduroy road. Before my entire battery was
across, however, night came on, and 7 o'clock found me with one-half my battery
across the Chickahominy and the other half in the swamp on the eastern side.
The remainder of the night was spent in crossing the river with the half
battery, and at 3 o'clock in the morning I started for the division camp. We
had more trouble in crossing the swamp beyond the river, but 5 o'clock found me
across with everything, and about 6 o'clock we arrived on the ground, and
General Sumner assigned me a position on the left of Kirby's battery.

I remained there while the battle was raging, and at 2 p.m. received orders to
move two sections on the extreme right, to support a portion of General Burns'
brigade located at that place. The battery was placed in position, one section
near Golding's house and the other on the hill beyond.

I remain, sir, your most obedient servant,
CHARLES D. OWEN,
Captain, Commanding.

Report of Captain Edward H. Flood,
Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery.

SIR: In obedience to orders I submit the following report:

On Saturday, May 31, at about 1.30 o'clock, I was ordered to harness by General
Couch. Before the harnessing was completed the enemy opened fire in our front
of both artillery and musketry. After completing my harnessing I remained in
the position I occupied for some fifteen minutes, when I was ordered by General
Keyes, commanding Fourth Corps, to bring my guns in position in a line parallel
with the road in front of our camp and on the right of the main road, so that
my left gun would command that road, which I did. We held that position for
about thirty minutes without firing, and until the artillery in front of us,
belonging to General Casey's division, fell back. I then opened fire on the
enemy, first firing percussion shell at an elevation of 3 1/2 with good effect.
After firing some 15 rounds from each gun I found that the enemy had changed
their position, which you, sir, also remarking, ordered me to increase my
elevation to 4 1/2 and fire spherical case, which I did.

We held this position for about two hours in all, and I believe did good
execution, when I was ordered to cease firing, the enemy having my exact range,
and change my position some 100 yards in rear of the position I then held. The
order to cease firing was very necessary at the time, as my guns were getting
too warm to continue firing with safety. Whilst in my first position I had 1
man killed and 1 wounded. I had also three wheels broken by the fire from the
enemy's artillery. The shot that broke the wheel of the limber of my right
piece also wounded the driver of the wheel-horses and tore the canteen from the
side of the cannoneer acting as Numbers 7. This I saw as it passed under my own
eyes. We kept our second position for about an hour, firing spherical case at 4
1/2 elevation, when, my guns getting too warm to work, I retired, by order of
General Heintzelman, behind the wood in rear of our camp, and there awaited
further orders.

Shortly after 5 o'clock you ordered me to again advance my battery to the
position last occupied before falling back and open fire, which I did. The
advance of the enemy were then some 600 or 700 yards in advance of my position,
and our infantry between my battery and them.

I therefore gave orders to fire at 2 elevation with spherical case, and
continued firing at that elevation until forced to retire by our infantry
falling back on us so close that to fire at all would injure our own men. I
then fell back to the position occupied by my battery in our old camp previous
to our advance on the 28th instant.

The conduct of both officers and men of my battery was excellent. Every man
stood to his gun like a veteran, and as eager to advance the last time as they
were to engage the enemy at first. I cannot, therefore, mention any one in
particular, more than to say that both lieutenants, Dougherty and Hall,
together with the drivers and cannoneers, were prompt to execute all orders
received and were as cool as if on drill; in fact, I have seen the enlisted men
not near so collected on drill as they were while the shots of the enemy were
falling about them.

The list of casualties was as follows: John Sharpless, killed; William W.
Breen, wounded in the foot, slightly. I also had three horses killed, lost two
sets of lead harness and one set of horse equipments; also three wheels broken.
I was also forced to abandon all my men's knapsacks, containing their clothing,
together with the curry-combs, brushes, &c., belonging to the battery.

I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
EDWARD H. FLOOD,
Captain, Commanding Battery D, First Penn. Vol. Arty.

Report of Captain Peter C. Regan,
Seventh New York Battery, Acting Chief of Artillery.

CAMP NEAR SEVEN PINES, June 1, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose the accompanying reports of commanders of
batteries of the division, made to me in consequence of the deaths of Colonel
G. D. Bailey and Major Van Valkenburgh, of the First Regiment New York
Artillery. The colonel was killed in the redoubt in front of your headquarters
by a rifle-ball passing through his brain while giving an order to spike the
guns of Company A, First New York Artillery, when the redoubt was no linger
tenable and the large number of horses killed in the road between two of my
guns whole in action and while setting an example to the men of cool,
self-possessed courage under a galling and terrible fire.

I have received no report from Company A, First New York Artillery, and can
only report to you the that their battery of six light 12-pounders were
captured by the enemy. Battery H, of the same regiment, was ordered into
battery to the left of the Nine-mile road in advance of division headquarters,
and opened fire on the enemy. Captain Spratt was wounded in the shoulder early
in the action, as was also Lieutenant Howell, and the command of the battery
devolved on First Lieutenant C. E. Mink, who fought the battery, assisted by
Second Lieutenant E. H. Clark, with spirit and bravery until compelled to
retire by the repulse of his supports and the near advance of the enemy, but
not until the safety of his supports and the near advance of the enemy, but not
until the safety of his battery compelled his retreat, with the loss of one of
his pieces left in the hands of the enemy.

The Eighth New York Independent Battery, Captain Fitch, commenced firing about
1 o'clock, and fired with rapidity and effect on the advancing lines of the
enemy until compelled to retire, which was done in good order, to our present
encampment. Captain Thompson, chef of artillery of General Couch's division,
ordered a battery forward. Captain Fitch moved again toward the front and took
his position in rear of the batteries of Couch's division, where I understood
he did good service and inflicted considerable injury on the foe.

The Seventh New York Independent Battery, under my command, remained in
position on the right of the Nine-mile road, directly in front of headquarters,
awaiting the signal to commence firing. Our own troops were in our immediate
front in the undergrowth of pines, which compelled us to reserve our fire for
fear of killing our own men, and were compelled to remain under a galling fire,
which wounded 1 man and killed and wounded several of my horses, without the
satisfaction of replying.

At a signal from Major Van Valkenburgh we limbered our pieces and moved to the
left, and took our position in battery, with one section in the road and the
other two in the field to the right of the road, and opened on their advancing
column and for a time held them at bay. By taking cover in the woods, their
left flank continued to advance within 30 yards of the battery, whole they kept
pouring a continuous fire of musketry and artillery and flaunting their
battle-flags in our faces. To give them an idea of re-enforcements I seized our
colors and rode in front of our battery. At this time the flag was twice hit
and my horse shot under me. Major Van Valkenburgh gave the order to limber up
the four pieces in the field. As the ground was soft and the
guns had settled nearly up to their axles, with difficulty we got the guns out
and sent them to the rear, while we still worked the section in the road. It
was at this time the major received his fatal shot and fell lifeless from his
saddle.

At this time all the batteries had left the field and all the infantry in our
immediate vicinity had been driven back. A part of the First Brigade, the
Fifty-sixth New York, were still disputing the ground with the enemy on our
extreme right. General Naglee ordered me to fix prolonges and fire retiring,
which was done with one piece. The Garde Lafayette (Fifty-fifth Regiment New
York Volunteers) came up about this time and made a gallant charge, but
unfortunately got in front of our pieces and prevented us from firing when we
were able to do so. First Lieutenant M. V. McIntyre acted as Numbers 1,
Corporal Hasbrouck served ammunition, and myself as gunner. The lead driver was
shot dead, also Numbers 4, Artificer Goodsel. With two officers and one
corporal as cannoneers and no lanyard or friction primers, and the regiment in
front terribly cut, we retired, and shortly after received orders from you to
collect the batteries and place them in position where they now are.

The officers and men under my command behaved gallantly and deserve credit for
their steadiness under a wasting fire. The adjutant of the artillery,
Lieutenant William Rumsey, was wounded whole executing the orders of our chef.
We were not expecting so severe a battle so soon. I had orders about two hours
before the battle commenced to harness up one section of my battery, expecting
to go on a reconnaissance, but before I had barely time to give the order the
order was changed, and the whole battery was ordered to be harnessed, together
with all the batteries in the division. I could have saved my battery wagon and
forge by sending them to the rear sooner, but did not feel justified in
assuming by that proceeding that it was possible for the division to retreat.
Two caissons were abandoned in consequence of the horses being killed. The
battery wagon, forge, and cessions have been since recovered, with the
exception of one limber of the caisson, which was taken by the rebels.

I cannot close this report without expressing my deep sense of the irreparable
los sustained by your division in the death of Colonel G. D. Bailey. Modest,
unassuming, and gentlemanly in his manner, united with great decision of
character and personal bravery and a thorough knowledge of his profession, your
division has met with a loss that cannot be replaced, and the service has lost
one of its brightest ornaments.

Annexed is a list of the casualties in the artillery of the division.*
All of which is respectfully submitted.

P. C. REGAN,
Captain Seventh N. Y. Battery, Actg. Chief of Arty., Casey's Div.

Report of Captain James Brady,
Battery H, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery.

HDQRS. LIGHT BATTERY H, FIRST PA. RESERVE ARTY.,
Battle-field, Fair Oaks, Va., June 2, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report my battery as participating in the successful
stand made by General Couch with the right wing of Keyes' corps d'armee,
supported by three regiments drawn from different brigades composing Couch's
division, at Fair Oaks Station, near Richmond, on the afternoon of the 31st
ultimo, sustaining for several hours a heavy fire from the enemy's musketry,
directed from the cover of the woods in front of our battery at a distance of
50 yards, in open battery. The left section, in command of Lieutenant Fagan,
was particularly noticed for the rapidity and effectiveness of its fire,
repulsing the head of the enemy's column as it frequently appeared emerging
from the woods charging on the battery. This section, after exhausting
canister, plagued upon the enemy's lines with spherical case and shell without
fuse, bursting the shell as it left the gun, as determined by the yellow
sulphurous smoke, sweeping its broken fragments before it, eliciting the remark
from the enemy that nothing could stand up before such "rotten shot."

The right section, held under my immediate command, moved down to support the
center in time to check a charge of the enemy in that direction, and was the
newt moment ordered to the support of Colonel Sully, First Minnesota, who held
the enemy's left in check. This position was soon gained, passing over a deep
morass at a trot-out, receiving the enemy's compliments in a heavy cross-fire
on my drivers and horses, wounding many. The position once turned we opened,
throwing, wounding many. The position once turned we opened, throwing shell and
spherical case without fuse, exploding in the enemy's
lines and crushing his flank, causing them to retire, leaving their dead and
wounded officers and soldiers on the field. The enemy being silenced and driven
off, orders were received from General Abercrombie to cease firing,
complimenting our men for their good conduct. During the engagement on Sunday
morning in the woods to the left of the railroad, to recover the position
Casey's column occupied on Saturday, my battery was held in reserve.

Lieutenant Fagan is worthy of particular notice for gallantry displayed by him
in fighting his section. After his horse was wounded he assisted setting an
example to his men, who vied with him in serving their guns. Sergeant Brown,
Corporals Cogan and Graham, with Privates McCaughey, Harris, Nagle, Emerson,
Grow, Whittaker, McKinley, and Daniels, were particularly conspicuous during
the action. Nothing could exceed in rapidity and effectiveness the canister
practice of their pieces.

Respectfully, &c.,
JAS. BRADY,
Captain, First Pennsylvania Reserve Artillery.

Report of Captain John A. Tompkins,
Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery.

HDQRS. COMPANY A, FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY,
Fair Oaks, Va., June 3, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to hand you herewith a report of the operations of
the battery under my command in the engagement of the 31st ultimo and the 1st
instant.

I left camp near Tyler's house on Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m., and crossed the
bridge over the Chickahominy River at 5 p.m. After crossing the bridge I was
delayed by the difficulty of crossing the swamp for over an hour and a half,
and succeeded only by the most severe exertions of my cannoneers, who were
obliged to haul the guns through the mud while wading in water waist-deep.
Leaving the caissons to follow, I brought the guns to the front at a sharp
trot, and reached the battle-field about 7.30 p.m. just at the close of the
engagement. I reported at once to General Sedgwick, and was ordered to keep my
battery in the road during the night.

At 4 a.m., June 1, the battery was moved to Courtney's house, upon the right of
the line, and the guns posted to command the ground to the west of the house;
the caissons were placed under cover of the woods skirting the road leading from
the main road opposite Adams' house. The battery was in readiness for action
during the engagement of that day, but as the enemy did not attack upon the right
the guns were not used.

I have no loss of men or material to report.

I have the honor to remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.A. TOMPKINS,
Captain, First R.I. Light Artillery, Commanding Company A.

Report of Captain Walter O. Barlett,
Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery.

HDQRS. BATTERY B, FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY,
Fair Oaks, Va., June 3, 1862.

COLONEL: We left our camp at Tyler's house at 2.30 p.m. on the 31st ultimo, and
after a great delay, in consequence of being obliged to corduroy about 20 rods
of road, we crossed the Chickahominy about 6 p.m. I immediately proceeded with
the right piece, and arrived at the scene of action about 7.15 p.m. The second
piece, in crossing the bog on this side Chickahominy, got stuck by a horse
falling in a deep hole, where he came near drowning before he could be got out.
This caused a long delay, as it was nearly 10 o'clock before the piece was got
out. All carriages after this one were unlimbered and pulled through by hand
with the assistance of the Forty-second Regiment. One caisson was so badly
mired that it was necessary to take out the ammunition and pass it ashore. Four
prolonges were broken by the cannoneers in hauling out the guns. The last gun
was got up to this place just before daybreak. Soon after daylight of the 1st I
was ordered by General Sumner to place two guns on the road near General Dana's
brigade. One other was ordered there soon after by General Richardson, who
ordered them to shell the point of woods across the wheat field, about 900
yards distant, where the bayonets of the enemy could be plainly seen. These
were the first guns fired on that morning. During the day 56 shell were fired
at that point and down the road across the railroad. The third piece was
brought up about 9 a.m. to the point; the howitzers were placed in position in
front of the First Minnesota and fired into the woods on the left in the
afternoon. The howitzers were moved to the right of Battery A, and the center
section of Lieutenant Bloodgood placed in their old position.

This morning seven spherical case were fired into the woods at 1,500 yards by
order of General Sedgwick. All the guns remain in the same position to-night.
The ammunition expended is as follows: Sixty-one spherical case, 4 shell, and
65 cartridges from Parrotts, and 5 spherical case and 1 shell from howitzers.

Yours, respectfully,
W.O. BARTLETT,
Captain, Commanding Battery B, First R. I. Light Artillery.

Report of Captain Jeremiah McCarthy, Battery C,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery.

HDQRS. BATTERY C, FIRST PENNSYLVANIA ARTILLERY, June 3, 1862.

SIR: I herewith submit the following report of my battery in the late
engagement of the 31st of May:

Shortly after 1 o'clock p. m. on the 31st day of May I was ordered by General
Couch to harness up and have my battery in readiness at a moment's warning,
which order was promptly obeyed. Shortly afterward General Keyes ordered me to
send one section of my battery to report to General Peck and the other to take
a position alongside of the road, which was immediately done. General Peck, not
thinking it a safe place for the section, ordered it to go back and report to
General Keyes, who gave orders from it to take a position on our camp ground,
near the woods.

At 2.30 o'clock I opened fire with my whole battery, and keeping it up without
intermission, doing good execution. About 5 o'clock the enemy were pressing on
my left with their infantry and at times pouring a most deadly volley into us,
but without any serious injury. Fearing that they would charge on us, I ordered
the battery to limber to the rear, and too my position about 50 yards to the
right and rear. I then ordered the men to fire as rapidly as possible at the
enemy's battery and the infantry that were supporting it. I would have fired
into the woods immediately on my left, but knowing that some of our own
regiments were in there, I feared it would be doing more injury than good.

After I was in my last position about fifteen minutes the enemy seemed to
concentrate their fire upon my battery, the shells striking my men and horses
and breaking rammers, &c. My men by this time were greatly fatigued, nearly all
hands working in their shirt-sleeves. I kept my battery there as long as I
though it was safe, the guns being so hot that they burned the thumb-stalls
while on the men's thumbs. Several cartridges were also singed whilst they were
being put in the pieces. I then limbered three guns to the rear and retreated
back to the next field. The fourth gun could not be limbered, on account of
the lunette being mashed by one of the enemy's shells. My men were at their
posts and fought with the most determined bravery. To the best of my knowledge
we were fighting between four and five hours.

I could not keep an accurate account of the projectiles, fuse, &c., as
requested by the chief of artillery, as we were so busily engaged. Number of
projectiles fired was nearly 500.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JEREMIAH McCARTHY,
Captain, Commanding Battery C, First Pennsylvania Artillery.

Report of Captain Theodore Miller,
Battery E, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery.

CAMP NEAR SEVEN PINES, VA., June 3, 1862.

SIR: According to instructions received I have the honor to transmit the
following report relative to the engagement with the rebels on the 31st of May:

About 1.30 o'clock p. m. I, perceiving the division in front attacked by an
apparently strong force of the enemy, prepared my battery for action. At about
2 o'clock, seeing plainly the direction of the fire of the enemy, I opened
fire, directing it to the right and front of me, using spherical case-shot, the
distance about 900 yards, elevating the pieces 2 1/2. This distance, elevation,
and projectile used I think proved effective, for after about ten minutes'
firing the musketry in that direction slackened, and some well-directed shells,
I think 12-pounder howitzer, exploded in my battery. I thereupon changed
position about 200 yards to the right and opened a cross-fire at the same
elevation and direction as stated before.

All this time shell upon shell exploded at the place a few minutes before
occupied by my battery. This new position I occupied for about twenty minutes,
when the fire of the enemy's artillery ceased. I at once returned to my former
position and changed limbers, the ammunition suitable being all expended and
recommenced firing.

About this time I saw a regiment of infantry enter the woods to my
left, but almost at the same moment a murderous fire was opened on them from
within the woods, some of the balls passing through and over my battery. I
ordered my left section to load with canister, which was barely done when a
large body of rebel infantry came pressing out of the woods. The canister was
poured into them at about 350 yards from my battery, and when the smoke had
cleared away I perceived that besides the canister doing its usual work not a
single rebel could be seen in that direction. Again the enemy opened his
artillery on me, this time assisted by a large force of infantry, and I
perceived likewise that the infantry supporting me in the commencement of the
battle had changed position away from my battery. I therefore changed position
once more, this time to the left and about 100 yards to the rear of my first
position, changed ammunition-chests, and recommenced firing.

I was joined here by Flood's and McCarthy's batteries, and our united fire
continued for upward of one hour; the distance fired at 750 yards to the left
and front, using spherical case-shot and shell. During the last part of the
fight I was compelled to use solid shot, my other ammunition being expended. It
was about 6 o'clock p. m. when I retired from the field, McCarthy's battery
retiring first, Flood's next, and I followed Flood. The wheels of my limbers
and caissons and the axles of my pieces are more or less injured by
musket-balls and pieces of shell, but none were disabled.

My casualties, I am happy to say, are trifling, for besides having 2 men
(Privates Kempher and Lyman) temporarily disabled, the former by a splinter and
the latter by the falling of a horse, and 5 horses killed, not a single man was
lost.

The amount of ammunition expended is as follows: One hundred and ninety-two
rounds of spherical case-shot, 40 rounds of shell, 6 rounds of canister, 10
rounds of solid shot.

The men of my battery behaved splendidly. To name individuals is impossible.
One and all did their duty nobly. Both of my subalterns being sick (one present
and the other absent) I was ably assisted by the regimental adjutant,
Lieutenant Joseph Benson, who volunteered his services. General Keyes had my
battery under his eye constantly and approved all my dispositions.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THEO. MILLER,
Captain, First Pennsylvania Artillery, Commanding Battery E.

Report of Colonel Charles H. Tompkins, Chief of Artillery.

HDQRS. ARTILLERY, 2nd DIV., 2nd CORPS D'ARMEE,
Fair Oaks, Va., June 4, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report:

In obedience to the orders of General Sedgwick the artillery of this division
left camp at Tyler's house at 2 o'clock p.m. on the
31st ultimo in the following order: Kirby's battery in the rear of the First
Brigade (Gorman's); Tompkins', Barlett's, and Owen's batteries in the rear of
the Third Brigade (Dana's). Great difficulty was experienced in crossing
the open field contiguous to the Chickahominy swamp, the nature of the
ground being such that the horses in many instances would sink to their girths
in mud, rendering it necessary to unharness them and draw the carriages though
by hand. After Kirby's and Tompkins' batteries had crossed this field the road
was so cut up that it became absolutely necessary to corduroy a large portion
of it. This was quickly accomplished by the men of Barlett's and Owen's
batteries, and they crossed the field with much less difficulty than the
batteries which proceeded them. From the entrance to the swamp to the bridge
over the Chickahominy the mud and mire were less compact than in the field, and
although the horses sank to their girths and the guns and caissons over the
axle-trees, they were got upon the bridge, with a few exceptions, without
unharnessing.
The crossing to the swamp upon this side of the river was upon a narrow
causeway, and here the difficulties were even greater than upon the other.
Kirby's battery was, by great exertion upon the part of himself, officers, and
men, got across, and arrived upon the field of battle in time to participate in
the action. It being there under the immediate eye of the commanding general
renders it unnecessary for me to enter into the particulars of the part taken
by this battery in the engagement. Notwithstanding the terrible condition of
the causeway, rendered worse than at first by the crossing of Kirby's battery,
Captain Tompkins, by great exertion of himself and command, got his battery
through, and arrived upon the field of action just at the close of the
engagement. Captain Barlett also succeeded in getting one piece of his battery
across, and at once proceeded to the front, arriving upon the field immediately
after Captain Tompkins.
A bridge which crossed a ditch in the causeway having broken though, and the
continued rise of the water overflowing a portion of the causeway, it became
necessary to unharness the horses and draw the remainder of Barlett's and all
of Owen's battery through by hand. In the performance of this arduous duty
valuable assistance was rendered by Major Bowe, Forty-second New York
Volunteers, and 100 men of that regiment.
By early dawn of the 1st instant all the remaining artillery, with the
exception of two pieces of Owen's battery, was upon the field, and at 7 a.m.
the remaining section of Owen's battery arrived. The untiring energy and zeal
displayed by the officers and men of the batteries of my command in overcoming
the almost insurmountable difficulties of this march well merited the success
which crowned their efforts and entitles them to the highest commendation.

Captain F. N. Clarke, Fourth Artillery, chief of artillery Second Corps, was
present during the entire time of crossing, and to his aid and assistance much
of the success is due. Upon getting the artillery forward I reported to General
Sedgwick, and received orders to place two sections of Barlett's battery in
position near Courtney's house, where Tompkins' battery had already been
posted, and to send two sections of Owen's battery to report to General Burns
at Golding's house.
The remaining section of Barlett's battery was, by order of General Richardson,
placed in position near Fair Oaks Station, and was the only artillery of this
division engaged in the action of June 1. As the part taken by this section did
not come under my immediate supervision, my station being upon the right, I
would respectfully refer you to the report of Captain Bartlett, herewith
inclosed.
Kirby's battery and the remaining section of Owen's battery were
held in reserve field near the Adams house hospital. The repulse of the enemy
rendered it unnecessary to bring them into action.

I cannot refrain from taking advantage of this opportunity to express my belief
that the gallantry displayed by the officers and men of that portion of the
artillery of the division fortunate enough to be engaged with the enemy, and
the untiring energy displayed by the others in their efforts to overcome all
obstacles preventing their participation in the action, conclusively shows that
they may be relied upon to meet with promptness and efficiency, at all times
and in all places, the enemies of the Government.

I remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. TOMPKINS,
Colonel, Commanding Artillery of Division.

Reports of Captain James M. Robertson,
Batteries B and L, Second U. S. Artillery, of the skirmishes at and battle of
Williamsburg, skirmishes at New Kent Court-House and New Bridge, battle of
Gaines' Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, VA., June 4, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I marched from Camp Winfield Scott at
10.30 o'clock a. m. Sunday, May 4, 1862, in command of Batteries B and L,
Second Artillery. Taking the road to Williamsburg, I arrived (about 4 o'clock
p. m.) at the edge of the woods near the enemy's 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 enemy's
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, and was placed in
position in a wheat field, and remained till dark, 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 army, and remained
on this duty until the 31st of May, 1862, when the battery returned and joined
the Reserve Artillery, under the command of Colonel Hunt. During the time the
battery was with General Stoneman's column it performed the following service
and marches:

At 6 o'clock a. m., 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 day 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
obstructions till about 1 p. m. on the 9th, when the enemy opened fire upon us
from a concealed battery in our front. Lieutenant Wilson's (the leading)
serious was at once put in position on the road, and Lieutenant Vincent's (the
center) section placed in position on the right. These two sections at once
opened fire, judging the direction and distance by the enemy's shot. Lieutenant
Woodruff's (the rear) section was now thrown about 200 yards to the left of the
road, where the smoke could be seen firing the enemy's guns, and opened fire.
Firing from the enemy soon ceased, and the battery advanced to Slatersville,
near where the enemy's 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 Cumberland, 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
accomplished with difficulty. On the 19th of May, near Parsley's Mill, the
plates of a third trail became disconnected, and were replaced like the two
former.

On the 21st of May 1 officer and 24 enlisted men of the Ninth New York
Volunteer Cavalry, attached to my battery, were detached by direction of the
Secretary of War.

On the 23rd of May the battery was put in position at Hogan's, near New Bridge,
and opened fire upon some cavalry and a section of the enemy's artillery on the
opposite bluff of the Chickahominy River. Fifty-one shell were fire, when the
enemy retired. The practice was very good in regard to elevation and direction,
but fully one-third of the fuses failed.

The battery returned to camp, and at 2 p. m. same day marched toward
Mechanicsville. As the head of the column was passing the bridge at Ellison's
Mill the enemy opened fire from a battery beyond the hill on the opposite side
of the creek. His first shot (a 3-inch solid shot of the Hotchkiss pattern)
passed between the teams of one of my pieces and lodged in the bank at the side
of the road. My battery was ordered to take a position in a field on the left
of the road and open fire. Ninety shell were fire, but with what effect I am
unable to say, Captain Tidball's battery firing at the same time and a hill
intervening to obstruct my view.

May 27, having arrived at the crossing of the Virginia Central Railroad, a
section under charge of Lieutenant Wilson was put in position on the road. Soon
after a train of cars was seen approaching from the direction of Hanover
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 did
not move again, after firing 12 rounds the firing ceased. Upon examination the
cars were found deserted, and taken possession of. I was informed the following
morning by negroes who were on the cars at the time that the first shot went directly
over the train, struck, and exploded on the track, and 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 Lieutenant John M. Wilson, and Second Lieuts. Carle A. Woodruff and A.
O. Vincent, of the Second Artillery, and my chiefs of caissons, First
Lieutenant 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 entitles them to, and I hereby tender them, my most sincere thanks.
During the skirmish near Slatersville several of the enemy's 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
case-shot.

Respectfully submitted.
J. M. ROBERTSON,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Batteries B and L.

CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE,
June 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the general commanding
the brigade, the operations of my battery of horse artillery on the 27th, 28th,
and 29th of May, 1862:

The battery engaged the enemy's artillery and infantry on the road to Hanover
Court-House, some 3 or 4 miles from that place, early in the afternoon of the
27th. After a severe fire of shell and case-shot he was forced to retire from
the different positions occupied by him during the engagement. The battery,
with the Fifth and Sixth Cavalry, then moved rapidly forward in pursuit, and
when within a mile of the Court-House a fire of percussion shell was again
opened upon his retreating infantry, after which the battery camped for the
night near the enemy's first position. Loss during the action was 1 ordnance
mechanic, Henry Krantz, killed, and Cannoneers Francis and Cope severely
wounded; 2 horses killed, 1 wounded, and 1 missing.

On the 28th the battery moved forward to Hanover Court-House. The sections of
Lieutenants barlow and Hains were detached to support commands sent to destroy
the enemy's railroad bridges.

On the 29th the section of Lieutenant Hains was detached to support major
Williams' command, and on the return of the section the battery marched for the
camp of the artillery reserve, where it arrived on the morning of the 30th at 8
o'clock.

I take this opportunity to bring to the notice of Brigadier-General Emory the
handsome conduct of my officers and men during the engagement and the days
subsequent. At one time one of the guns of Lieutenant Barlow's section engaged
the enemy's infantry at very at very short range (about 100 yards), and with canister
forced in back in confusion.
On another occasion the section of Lieutenant Chapin engaged their infantry in a dense
wood at some 250 yards, and soon routed them out of their cover. all the
officers, Lieutenant Barlow, Hains, and soon routed them out of their cover.
All the officers, Lieutenants Barlow, Hains, and Chapin, managed their sections
with discretion, coolness, and energy. Lieutenant Barlow speaks in high praise
of the bravery, intelligence, and coolness of Sergeant Reilly, who was chief of
one of his pieces. All my men behaved so well that I find great difficulty in
naming one without giving the names of all. Sergeants Flood, Pfeffer, Lance
Sergeant Hasenzal, and Corporals Brower and Leese deserve particular notice.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY BENSON,
Captain, Second Artillery.

Report of Major Robert M. West, Chief of Artillery.

HDQRS. 1ST PA. LIGHT ARTY., COUCH'S DIV., 4TH A. C.,
Camp near Seven Pines, Va., June 5, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the reports of Captains Flood,
McCarthy, and Miller, detailing the operations of those batteries during the
engagement of the 31st ultimo at Seven Pines.

When the division in front first engaged the enemy I was at Fair Oaks, on the
right, superintending the erection of an earthwork for Brady's battery, and
consequently was not present to give the preliminary orders. Coming as quickly
as possible from Fair Oaks to Seven Pines, I found the batteries being
harnessed and everything prepared for action. The batteries opened fire at 2.30
p. m. by direction of General Keyes, and continued with regularity and
precision during the engagement. The fire was directed against the enemy's line
as they advanced from the woods in front of General Casey's position, against
the artillery coming into position in the clearing there, and later into the
slashing in our front over the heads of our own infantry. Flood and McCarthy
were operating under my own observation at the cross-roads, while Miller was to
the right and in rear of the rifle pits, with supports in the pits and on his
right flank.
Nothing occurred to interrupt or divert our fire until about 4.30 p. m., when
we took up a position about 100 yards retired, to afford more room for
disposing of the re-enforcements which were now coming in. At about this time
Miller, who was operating to the right and advanced from the batteries of Flood
and McCarthy, was set upon by a heavy body of the enemy, who forced back his
supports a short distance and imperiled his guns. He succeeded, however, in
driving the enemy back with canister and bringing his battery off in good order
to the point where I now had Flood and McCarthy in position. In this position
the three batteries continued their fire. The enemy's fire was well directed,
but mostly too high; nevertheless he damaged us considerably. We succeeded in
silencing all of his guns but three, and held our position until about 6
o'clock. At this time our supports, had gone forward into action and the
infantry on our right was losing ground. McCarthy's battery had suffered most.
He had one piece disabled. Our infantry were losing ground on the right, and
deeming it possible that our right flank might give way, in which case the
batteries would be in great jeopardy, the order was given to retire beyond the
woods, there to await orders. I rode to General Keyes, commanding, to report
that the artillery had gone out of action. The general directed that it should
return. I thereupon ordered Flood up to his second position. He came in good
style and opened fire. A New York battery (one of Casey's) came up at the same
time and went into battery on the left of Flood. These two batteries continued
to fire for about half an hour, when the New York battery withdrew. Flood
remained in position, firing until the infantry retired. Then he withdrew in
good order in column of pieces (owing to the nature of the road), his
cannoneers at their posts.

Thus ended the operations of this artillery for that day. General Keyes,
commanding Fourth Corps, placed the artillery in position at the commencement,
and continued principally to direct its firings and changes of position
throughout the engagement. Much execution was done by our firing. In noted
numbers of fine shots. In one instance a piece brought into position in the
road was rendered useless by a percussion shell from McCarthy's battery, and a
case-shot immediately after disabled a majority of the detachment which was
trying to take the piece away. In Flood's battery the firing was also good and
very regular. Miller, on the right, with his light 12-pounders, rendered most
excellent service, firing case-shot and shell, and it has been conclusively
shown that whole rows of the enemy were moved down by a discharge of canister
from a section of his guns. It is a source of deep regret that McCarthy was not
able to bring away his disabled piece (a 10-pounder Parrott). It became
isolated and disabled, and was abandoned after repeated efforts being made to
bring it away. Our loss was not great when the length of time during which we
were under fire is considered.
I report 2 men killed, 6 men wounded, 14 horses killed.
I am glad to report the good conduct of my officers and men. All stood bravely
up to their work, and with a coolness and determination which promises well for
the next fight. I cannot name any individual without making unjust
distinctions. All had equal chances, and all acquitted themselves equally well.
I have heard a good account of Brady's battery, although nothing official has
reached me up to the hour of closing this report. He was with General Couch in
the vicinity of Fair Oaks, and I am reliably informed that his battery, especially
Lieutenant Fagan's section, performed important service there.

I have the honor to be, captain, with the highest respect, your obedient
servant,
ROB'T M. WEST,
Major, Chief of Artillery, First Division, Fourth Corps.

P. S.-Since the foregoing was penned Captain Brady's report reached me, and is
herewith inclosed. It speaks for itself. By this report the wounded of my
command is increased to 12, and the number of horses killed, wounded, and
disabled to 24.

Very respectfully,
ROB'T M. WEST,
Major and Chief of Artillery.

Report of Captain George W. Hazzard, Chief of Artillery.

HDQRS. ART. Brigadier , RICHARDSON'S DIV., SUMNER'S CORPS,
Fair Oaks Stantion, June 6, 1862.

On Saturday, the 31st ultimo, about 1 o'clock p. m., and soon after the firing
at Casey's intrenched camp was first heard, I received an order from division
headquarters to proceed with the three batteries under my command across the
Chickahominy by the bridge which had been constructed in front of our camp at
Tyler's house. On reaching the bank of the river it was found impracticable to
pass the artillery, whereupon I was directed to march up the left side and
cross on General Sedgwick's bridge in rear of his division. The heavy rain of
the previous afternoon had rendered the high road nearly impassable for guns,
and the field which we were compelled to traverse had been converted into
quagmires, into which the wheels sank at once to the axles. The leading battery
of General Sedgwick's division had cup up every spot by which artillery could
move without first constructing corduroys. This indispensable labor detained
all of our guns and a majority of Sedgwick's on the east bank till after
sunset, and the night proved extremely dark, but all of our pieces were safely
crossed over the river before 3 o'clock Sunday morning, June 1.

On arriving at the west end of the bridge the valley beyond was found flooded
to the width of 200 yards and to the depth of 18 inches; the corduroy was
floating on the surface of the water, and two ambulances which had entered the
columns in violation of printed orders had been abandoned in the roadway. A
fatigue party of a lieutenant and 44 infantry soldiers sent from the division
here reported to me, but they were unavoidably without either lamps or tools
and could consequently render no assistance. Later in the night a regiment of
infantry returned from the front, but they attempted nothing beyond guarding
the batteries. By the greatest exertions Captain Pettit's New York battery of
10-pounder Parrott guns was about 2 a. m. dragged across the slough, and at 4
o'clock Sunday morning our cannoneers had constructed a corduroy over which the
remainder of our pieces passed with but little difficulty. The only assistance
the infantry regiment proffered us was the loan of some shovels.

Pettit's battery (B, First New York Artillery), being in advance on account of
the lightness of his guns, arrived on the battle-field of Fair Oaks about 4.30
o'clock Sunday morning, and was placed by the division commander along the road
which runs north from the railroad stantion. In this position this battery
completely defended the only open ground by which the enemy could approach our
position, namely, some cleared and level fields extending west and southwest
from 900 to 1,500 yards, and bounded north and south by dense woods.

Frank's battery (G, First New York Artillery) was placed 200 yards in rear and
at right angles to Pettit's battery, so as to drive back the enemy should he
attempt to emerge from the woods which line the southern side of the railroad.

My own battery (C, Fourth Artillery) was at first placed in reserve, but
subsequently four pieces (12-pounder) were moved south to the railroad, to
shell abandoned camps of Generals Casey and Couch, which the enemy had
occupied.

About 6 o'clock a. m. June 1 a body of the enemy's cavalry and infantry showed
themselves in the edge of the woods and fields to the west and southwest of our
position, but a discharge of shells and spherical case from Pettit's battery
drove them at once out of view. Very soon afterward a most violent
infantry attack was made on our left flank, with the obvious intention of
penetrating between our division and that of General Kearny. This
attack was continued by the enemy with the utmost pertinacity for nearly four
hours, and every regiment in the division was sent into the woods and engaged
the foe before he relinquished his purpose. Toward the close of this attack I
was directed by the division commander to move four of Pettit's pieces to the
left, and one of the infantry regiments being withdrawn by General Richardson
from the woods, a well-directed fire of shells and shrapnel discharged through
this opening in our line, no doubt contributed materially to our success in
repelling this obstinate effort of the enemy to separate the two wings of our
army. Very soon after the cheers of our men indicated the retreat of the foe.
Pursuit, at least with artillery, was utterly impossible, the whole country
being a swamp, and the soil a mixture of sand and clay on a substratum of clay
perfectly saturated with water.

Ten horses were required to move our guns from one part of the field to
another, and our wheel-traces and prolongs snapped like packthread.

The only casualties occurred in my own battery: Private Charles Griffin
(attached), of Company B, Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, was shot mortally
through the chest, and Corp. Lawrence Kidd, of Company C, Fourth Artillery, was
slightly wounded.

Every officer and man under my orders did his duty-no more, no less.
The firing of Pettit's battery has never, in my observation, been excelled.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. HAZZARD,
Commanding Batteries, Richardson's Division.

Reports of Lieutenant Colonel William Hays,
Commanding Brigade of Horse Artillery,
of operations May 6-July 1.

HDQRS. BRIGADE OF HORSE ARTILLERY, ARTY. RES.,
Camp at New Bridge, Va., June 6,1862.

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 Robertson's battery joined General
Stoneman's command (this command being the advance guard of our army).

On the 12th of May, with Captain Tidball's battery, I joined General Stoneman's
command at Cumberland. The two batteries continued on duty with General
Stoneman until the 31st of May, when they rejoined the Artillery Reserve.
Captain Benson's battery was detached with General Porter's command on the 27th
of May, and took an active and important part in the battle of Hanover
Court-House.

On the 23rd of May Captains Robertson's and Tidball's batteries were placed in
positions to drive the enemy's troops from New Bridge and the banks of the
Chickahominy, which service they succeeded in accomplishing 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
enemy's artillery opened a fire on us. Lieutenant Dennison's section of
Tidball's battery immediately returned the fire. The two batteries were
promptly placed in battery and commenced firing. The firing was continued until
some time after the enemy had stopped firing. On the following day Lieutenant
Pennington's section of Tidball's battery was ordered to report to General
Davidson and was actively engaged in the attack on Mechanicsville. 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,+ and
Pennington,+ 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. Army, was on duty with the command, and performed his duties in a highly
satisfactory manner.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM HAYS, Lieutenant-Colonel.

Colonel HENRY J. HUNT,
Commanding Artillery Reserve.

Report of Colonel Philip Daum, Chief of Artillery,
of engagement at Port Republic.

HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY,
Luray, June 13, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the actions
which took place on the 8th and 9th of June last, near Port Republic, Va.:

I reached Sunday last, June 8, early in the morning, a point 1 mile north of
Port Republic, where I found the forces under Colonel Carroll in full retreat
from a bridge spanning at that place the Shenandoah. I learned from Colonel
Carroll that Captain Robinson, Ohio artillery, with one section, was ordered to
take position near that bridge. I immediately started toward the same to recall
it, but found bridge as well as guns in possession of the enemy. On my return I
found one piece of the same battery abandoned in the field, with only two
horses and one driver attached to it, the sergeant being killed and the
lieutenant commanding missing. I found Captain Keily, aide-de-camp, making
great efforts to rescue the piece. It was impossible to accomplish this, as it
was sunk in the swamp. I went to the next infantry regiment, which I found
about one-half mile to the rear, and succeeded in procuring the assistance of
eight volunteers of the Seventh Indiana Regiment (the names of whom I
respectfully attach). With these brave fellows and the help of Captain Keily I
was lucky enough to bring the piece to the road, and this under the
concentrated fire of eighteen of the enemy's guns. Pursuing the road in retreat
with the thus secured gun, I found in the same another piece of the same
battery also abandoned, the pole being broken. This piece belonged to the
reserve and had not been in action. Officers and men, panic-stricken, had taken
off the horses and fled. I mended the pole and had the piece brought to the
rear by infantry. Officers, cannoneers, and horses could not be found for four
hours afterward.

We now were out of the enemy's range, and took position at a point commanding
the road and ground before us, so as to enable the infantry to rally here. I
brought two guns from Clark's battery and one howitzer of Robinson's in
position. This was at noon. The enemy moved now their baggage train toward the
bridge, en route to Gordonsville, and a heavy fire was heard to our right and
rear across the Shenandoah, which we supposed to be the forces of General
Fremont engaged with those of General Jackson. At 2 o'clock General Tyler
arrived with the Third Brigade, and I had now the artillery attached to the
Third and Fourth Brigades and the reserve, consisting in all of sixteen pieces,
under my command. I ordered a 12-pounder howitzer and a 6-pounder smooth-bore
to the rear, to guard a ford. I proposed to General Tyler and General Carroll
to attempt the destruction of the bridge at all hazards. Jackson's force being
then in an engagement with General Fremont, the infantry should move to the
woods unobserved by the enemy, the artillery and cavalry to move rapidly along
the road after the infantry had started, but the plan was abandoned by order of
General Tyler.

Evening now set in, and the troops went into bivouac. By daylight of Monday
morning, June 9, everything was apparently quiet, and a heavy fog rested over
the ground. At 5.45 the fog had partly disappeared. The enemy opened fire upon
us from a battery near the road, within 1,800 yards of my selected position.
I promptly replied, and the infantry fell in. I suggested to General Tyler to draw
a sufficient infantry force to the left of Clark's battery in the road, because I saw the enemy
pour into the same some distance above, fearing a flank movement. The enemy kept up
a sharp artillery fire from two batteries. I brought three guns of Huntington's
battery into position on the right of Clark's, and the rest of Clark's, under
Lieutenant Baker, and two guns of Huntington's battery on our right near the
river, to prevent a flank movement, which the enemy attempted. These guns did
excellent execution, as they drove the enemy back with canister. The infantry
support had not then come up. As soon as the infantry came our troops moved
forward and captured one of the enemy's guns.

I now went to the left wing, and found two of Captain Huntington's battery
horses had been killed by musket-fire. I earnestly entreated General Tyler to
throw infantry into the woods, to clear them of the enemy. He answered me that
he had only two regiments to do this, but they were placed in the wrong
direction, and were insufficient to check the enemy's advance. The enemy's fire
from the wood grew hotter, but Captain Clark succeeded in driving them back
with canister, and I now demanded of General Tyler to increase and push forward
some more infantry into the woods to the left of the guns, whereupon he rebuked
me for asking or suggesting to him.

By General Tyler's order Lieutenant-Colonel Hayward was left in command of
artillery on the left wing, and I went to the right wing to follow up our
success there. The enemy then was in full retreat, and General Tyler recalled
the infantry from the extreme left, stationed in the woods. Shortly afterward
the enemy charged from the left flank through a ravine on which Captain Clark's
guns could not bear, and they were captured. Seeing this, I ordered the guns of
the right wing to fall quickly back, and took position within 200 yards of the
captured battery and opened with canister upon them. That and the musketry of
some infantry near by was too much for the enemy, and they retreated into the
woods, and I again had possession of our lost guns, but for want of horses
could not bring off more than one of Captain Clark's guns.

Captain Clark, Lieutenant Baker, and their non-commissioned officers and men
stood manfully and bravely to their posts till the last. I could have saved
some of Captain Huntington's guns, but his limbers had gone long before this to
the rear, nor could I see Captain Huntington himself. The enemy now came in an
overwhelming force upon us, and we retreated to the rear in tolerably good
order. One of Captain Huntington's guns was carelessly left in the road, half
way between the battle-ground and Conrad's Store. The axle-tree had been
broken, and although I taught him (the captain) how to mend it, it was left to
its fate. The gun was even unspiked, but Lieutenant-Colonel Shriber, acting
inspector-general, spiked it and destroyed the carriage. In the same
dishonorable manner Captain Huntington left his forge upon the field.

I cannot close my report without mentioning the names of a few brave officers
and men who deserve to be rewarded for their personal valor: Captain Keily,
aide-de-camp, stands at the head; Captain Clark, U. S. Army; Lieutenant Baker,
First Sergt. C. F. Merkle, Musician Delmege, and Private John Martin, Company
E, light artillery. Further, James M. Lambertson, N. Williams, William Merrill,
William Ripkin, N. G. Conley, Company K, Seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry; J.
Clark, Company I, Seventh Indiana; William Davis and John Henderson,
Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment; Thomas E. Smith and Corpl. Stephen
Slain, Robinson's battery. These men assisted me in rescuing a gun on Saturday,
with great perseverance, under the heavy fire of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel
Shriber rendered valuable service in his endeavors to rally and organize the
retreat.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
P. DAUM,
Colonel and Chief of Artillery.
Captain PELOUZE, U. S. A.,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. General , Shields' Div., Dept. Rappahannock.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, June 21,1862-11.10 a.m.

General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,
Army of the Potomac, near Richmond, Va.:

My attention has been called by the Secretary of War to the defective nature of
the time fuses used with your 20-pounders. As all the paper time fuses used
with the Army of the Potomac are made and carefully tested at the Washington
Arsenal, I am at a loss to understand the nature of the defects referred to. Be
pleased to state all the circumstances of the failure, so that I may act
understandingly, and I will use every means in my power to correct it.

Mr. Schenkl is pushing work on the 20-pounder projectiles. The preparation of
machinery will necessarily delay their delivery some days. I have this day
ordered him to send you 5,000 30-pounder projectiles with all possible
dispatch.

JAS. W. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.

McCLELLAN'S, June 21,1862-12 m.

General RIPLEY:

The supply of battery stores is rapidly becoming exhausted, and unless orders
for issue to Lieutenant Harris have been given, of which I have no knowledge, I
have to request a renewal of the artillery supplies asked for heretofore in
April and May.

C.P. KINGSBURY.

McCLELLAN'S, June 22,1862-7.25 p.m.
Honorable E.M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:

Your dispatch of 4.30 p.m. to-day received. The guns referred to are rifled
cannon, which General Charles F. James claims to have invented as perfectly
adapted to his patent projectile. They are manufactured by Ames, of Chicopee,
Mass.

A member of my staff, who is a good artillery officer, experimented with these
guns and James' patent projectiles in December last, and pronounced them the
best he had seen. They are highly recommended by other officers, and are said
to have been the most efficient of all those used in the siege of Fort Pulaski.
We have experienced much trouble with many of our new pattern projectiles, and
my only object is to secure the best for the service. I have no recollection of
having ever declined to recommend the purchase of these guns or projectiles,
but I have, as I mentioned in my dispatch of to-day, a distinct remembrance of
having recommended the purchase of them in January last, and that Mr. Cameron
declined to make the purchase. General James informed me that he has the guns
now ready, with projectiles. With these remarks I leave the matter in your
hands.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General.

McCLELLAN'S, June 22,1862.
Brigadier-General RIPLEY,
Chief of Ordnance:

I am directed by Major-General McClellan to reply to your dispatch of
yesterday. The fuses most complained of are the paper-case timefuse, though in
many instances the Bormann fuse does not give the satisfaction we ought to
expect. The paper-case fuses of short time-say up to seven or eighth
seconds-burn with proper regularity, but those of longer time are very
uncertain; twelve seconds often burning no longer than five of six seconds, and
fifteen or sixteen seconds frequently proving of shorter time than either. This
happens so often that it has occurred to me that careless mistakes have been
made in marking the time on the outside of the cases. The 20-pounder Parrott
projectiles are again working very badly. In very many cases they fail to take
grooves, and perform quite as uncertainly as they did at Washington last
September-Captain Benton will remember. Can it be possible that the projectiles
condemned at that time and turned into the arsenal are now accidentally
reissued? Please let us have as much of Schenkl projectiles for our rifled guns
of every description, siege as well as field, as possible. I will write by mail
more at length to-day.

WILLIAM F. BARRY,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery.

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY RESERVE.
Camp Lincoln, Va., June 25, 1862

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state the service of the artillery reserve since
my last report, dated May 4. At that time Robertson's battery was still
detached with General Stoneman and remained absent until the 31st. He was
engaged with the enemy on the 9th near Slatersville, and again at Hogan's, near
New Bridge, on the 23d, with marked success, and on the 23d, together with Tidball's battery,
he was engaged at Ellison's Mill. On the 15th of May Tidball's battery was detached to
Stoneman's advance, and engaged the enemy at New Bridge on the 23d, drove him
from his position, and again engaged him near the bridge on Bell's Creek with
success. On the 24th one of his sections, under Brevet Captain
Pennington,Second Artillery, was detached for service with General Davidson at
Mechanicsville. Benson's battery was detached on the 27th of May for service
with General Porter, and took an active part in the battle of Hanover
Court-House and the operations connected with it, during which he engaged and
silenced a battery and drove it off, and so crippled one of its pieces, a
howitzer, that it fell into our hands.

Fort the particulars of those affairs and the losses I respectfully refer you
to the reports of Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, commanding the horse artillery;
Captains Robertson, Benson, and Tidball, commanding batteries; First Lieutenant
and Brevet Captain Pennington, Second Artillery, commanding a section whilst
detached, which reports are inclosed herewith.*

The reports as to the conduct of officers and men are uniformly good. From the
period at which the army occupied the position at New Bridge the artillery
reserve furnished batteries for the protection of the bridges and working
parties, occupied the positions commanding the approaches of the enemy, and
kept his troops in check. On many occasions this led to cannonades and
artillery combats, but seldom to loss of life on our part.

On the 5th the enemy opened a heavy fire from several distinct points on our
positions, principally upon that near the New Bridge occupied by Snow's
battery, Maryland Artillery, attached to the reserve since June 2. The fire was
answered with spirit by that battery, which, aided by the fire of the German
20-pounder Parrotts and Carlisle's guns, soon silenced their fire and drove
them off.

On the 20th the firing from the enemy on Voegelee's battery of 20-pounders was
especially active and destructive, killing 1 man and several horses. He also
brought a large rifled gun or guns into play, making it necessary to throw up
earthworks as cover.In all the operations of the batteries and men have behaved
well, and cheerfully rendered the service required of the. For the names of
those who distinguished themselves I respectfully refer to the reports
transmitted herewith, and beg to call attention to the services of
Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, aide-de-camp, whilst detached in command of the horse
artillery.

On the 19th of May Weed's and Edwards' batteries were detached to join Sykes'
brigade, with which they are still serving.

On the 2nd of June De Russy's battery of Napoleon guns was detached to
Heintzelman's corps, and Petherbridge's brigade, consisting of Snow's and
Wolcott's batteries of Maryland Artillery, joined.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY J. HUNT,
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp, Commanding Artillery Reserve.

Report of Captain Gustavus A. De Russy, Chief of Artillery,
of the engagement at Oak Grove, or King's School-House.

CAMP NEAR FAIR OAKS, VA.,
June 25, 1862.

CAPTAIN: About 1 o'clock 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 sending
the limbers to and from.

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. Lieutenant Henderson, of Taft's 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 beyond their reach.

About 3 o'clock the enemy succeeded in bringing up on his side four rifled
guns, which he halted beyond the range of Lieutenant Henderson's 12-pounders,
and with which he opened fire. General Hooker directed Lieutenant Henderson to
continue his fire until the ammunition 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 Corps

Report of Captain James H. Cooper, Battery B,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of Mechanicsville,
Gaines' Mill, and Gleandale, or Nelson's Farm (Frazier's Farm).

Being on picket duty near Mechanicsville, I was ordered at noon on Thursday,
June 26, to place my battery in position by General Seymour. The right and
center sections, commanded by Lieutenants Danforth and Cadwallader
respectively, were placed behind a half-finished earthwork on the village near
the church. By a subsequent order from General Reynolds, the right and center
sections were placed behind an earthwork in camp of the Bucktails, and the left
section in the rear of the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer
Corps rifle pits.

At 3 p. m. the enemy, consisting of a regiment of infantry, attempted to cross
the field in our front, when we opened fire on them, and caused them to retire
in confusion and disorder, when a battery of rifled guns opened upon us from a
concealed position on the right. We returned the fire with marked effect,
forcing them to change their position to the left of the field in our front. At
this juncture of affairs they opened fire with a battery of smooth-bore guns
the woods directly in our front, which did but little injury, their shots all
falling short.

At intervals during the engagement we fired canister into the woods on our
right and left, assisting the First Regiment on our right and the Fifth on our
left in repelling the enemy, who were engaging theses regiments at short
musketry-range.

The rifled battery continued to engage us until 8 o'clock p. m., when we ceased
firing, having fired 800 or 900 rounds of shot, shell, and canister.

Lieutenant Fullerton, in command of the left section, reports having engaged
the same time, repulsing them with case-shot and canister. Four desperate
efforts were made to cross the bridge near the mill, but as often were they
repulsed and forced to fall back.

Having retired from Mechanicsville as rear guard of the division to Gaines'
Hill at 3 p. m., we formed in line of battle with General Reynolds' brigade
withdrew the infantry of his brigade, leaving for our support one regiment of
New York troops. Remaining in this position until 5.30 p. m. the battery on our
right retired, the enemy occupying their position, when we opened fire upon
them and held them in check until 8 p. m., when, our support falling back, we
retired in its rear to prevent the capture of our battery by a column of the
enemy who were charging upon us. The effect of our shot on the enemy was
destructive.

The battery having been ordered by General McCall to take position in line of
battle near the above-named place at 2 o'clock p. m., where we remained until
4.30 p. m., when one of the enemy's batteries, concealed in the woods to our
front, opened fire upon us, to which we replied with marked effect, as son but
one gun replied to us. During the engagement parties of infantry attempted to
cross the field in our front, but with the assistance of Battery G, First
Pennsylvania Artillery, we compelled them to retire in disorder and confusion.
This continued about one and a half hour, when Battery G was compelled to
retire for want of ammunition, and our infantry support, with the exception of
three companies, retired. The enemy, availing themselves of this opportunity,
advanced a regiment from a point of woods in our front, which our canister
failed to check, although it did marked execution.

The remaining infantry falling back, we were compelled to retire from our guns.
The charge being so sudden and overpowering it was impossible to remove them,
many of the horses being killed by the enemy's fire.

I hereby desire to bear testimony of the coolness and bravery of both men and
officer in my battery during the three days' engagement herein recorded.

Respectfully, your humble servant,
J. H. COOPER,
Captain, Pennsylvania Artillery, Commanding Battery B.

Report of Lieutenant Edmund Kirby, Battery I, First U.S.Artillery,
of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm, and battles of
Savage Station, Glendale, or Nelson's Farm (Frazier's Farm), and Malvern Hill.

COLONEL: In accordance with instructions, received at daylight on the 29th of
June, 1862, I retired with Light Company I, First U.S.
Artillery, from Fair Oaks to Allen's farm, when I was ordered into position
near the railroad. We remained here about four hours and were under a heavy
fire of artillery. As my battery was in an exposed position, I advanced 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 Nelson's 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 our
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 up a terrible fire of artillery and musketry
upon us from their position 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 which
conveying it. He returned with the answer before visiting the hospital.

It may be proper here to state that he command a section of the battery at the
battle of Ball's Bluff with great credit to himself. Also Peter Carlin - a
citizen, employed to drive ambulance - who 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
came forward during the fight at Nelson's farm, and rendered efficient service
after several cannoneers had been disabled.

At present I have scarcely a gun-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.

Report of Lieutenant Edward Dougherty, Battery D,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish June 29
on the James River Road.

HDQRS. LIGHT BATTERY D, FIRST PA. RES. 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 point 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 much concealed as possible, which order I obeyed. Everything
remained quiet until next day (Sunday) at 8 o'clock a. m. I heard a cheer on my
left, and shortly after saw the enemy's 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 1 elevation. I fired
four rounds from each gun, doing good execution, 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.

Report of Lieutenant Frank P. Amsden, Battery G,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of
Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, and Glendale, or Nelson's Farm
(Frazier's Farm).

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING, VA.,
July 3, 1862.

SIR:
In the absence of Captain Kerns (wounded) it devolves upon me to make the
following report:

In camp near New Bridge, on the 26th ultimo, about 12 m., orders were received
from headquarters of the division to be in readiness to march on a moment's
notice. Battery moved out abut 4 p. m.in rear of Captain Easton's battery and
took the road toward Mechanicsville. The right section, under Lieutenant
Amsdon, was detached and placed in position behind a breastwork to the right
and in front of the position taken by Captain De Hart's battery, with orders to
watch a road leading down a ravine to a private bridge 700 yards to the left
and front. Orders to cease firing were received from General Reynolds about 9
p. m. This section fired 93 spherical case and 29 shell, and held its position
during the night. The center and left sections, under Captain kerns, took
position in front of a private bridge about half a mile farther up to the
right. The center and left sections, under Captain Kerns, took position in
front of a private bridge abut half a mile farther up to the right. From this
position the enemy were held in check.

A brigade charged the battery from the right and rear, but were repulsed by
double charges of canister from guns Nos. 3 and 6, Gunners Wail and Kreamer. A
light battery of the enemy, opposite the end of the bridge, was silenced, our
infantry reporting two of the guns as dismounted. Orders to cease firing were
received from General Reynolds about 8.30 p. m. This portion of the battery
fired 78 spherical case, 60 shell, 16 canister, and held her position during
the night. In this affair we suffered no loss. Fired 171 spherical case, 89
shell, 16 canister.

Orders were received Friday, 27th ultimo, about 4 a. m., by Captain kerns, to
fall back and take position on Gaines' Hill. The right section followed soon
after. Battery came into position in the course of the morning. About 5 p. m.,
the enemy appearing in force in front, fire was opened upon them. They charged
the battery and were repulsed three times, but finally drove it from the field.
The charge is said by prisoners and members of the Eleventh Regiment
Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps to have been led by General Stonewall
Jackson in person, carrying the colors. The man carrying the colors was killed
by a charge of canister within 80 yards of the battery fired from the left
piece of the right section. Guns Nos. 1 and 4 were left on the field, owing to
lack of horses and men to horses and men to get them off. While the battery
was being limbered the enemy were within less than 20 yards of the pieces.
Captain Kerns was shot in the calf of the leg almost in the commencement of the
fire, but remained with the battery, taking especial command of the center
section, loading and firing the last two shots himself, and bringing the
battery off the field. In this affair 7 men were killed, 11 wounded, including
Captain Kerns; 10 horses were killed, 2 guns, carriages, and implements were
lost. One hundred and thirty-eight spherical case, 36 shell, and 75 canister
were fired. Battery crossed the Chickahominy and encamped with the division
near General McCellan's headquarters. Here the command of the battery devolved
upon me, Captain Kerns being taken to the hospital.

From what remained to us after the previous day's battle I immediately prepared
for service a four-gun battery and reported same, with a synopsis of losses,
&c., to General Meade.

On Saturday, the 28th ultimo, about 6 p. m., received orders from headquarters
to start all loaded wagons on the road through White Oak Swamp and prepare the
battery to march upon order. This was done. Orders to march came about 10 p. m.

Line of march in rear of First Brigade was taken up about 12 p. m. on Sunday,
the 29th ultimo. About 2 p. m. we encamped in a field on a hill just beyond the
White Oak Swamp. About 4.30 p. m. line of march was again taken up, and the
road followed till beyond New Market Cross-Roads. Here we bivouacked until
almost daylight. The column was then reversed and proceeded back to the
cross-roads, where we encamped. On Monday, the 30th ultimo, about 12 m., orders
received to prepare for battle. About 3 p. m. we opened fire upon the enemy.
Before the firing commenced my caissons had been ordered

to the rear by General Seymour. When I wound I should need ammunition I sent
for them. They could not be found, having been moved by order. Lieutenant
Fitzki and my two buglers were sent there different times, but failed to
communicate with them.

When the ammunition in my limbers was expended I reported to General McCall,
who ordered me to take the road to the rear with my guns and halt outside of
the fire. This was done, the guns halting near a hospital. After hunting near
an hour for my caissons I again prepared to move my guns, by advice of General
Meade, who passed by wounded. I took up line of march for James River, and
reached Harrison's Landing Tuesday, the 1st instant, about 9 a. m. My caissons
reached here all safe about 4 p. m. Quartermaster-Sergeant Buffum, who had them
in charge from the time they left me on the field, deserves especial mention
for the manner in which he bought them from the field and conducted them in
safety to the battery. I immediately made a report of my condition and where I
was, directed to yourself, and sent same to Major Clendenin, Eighth Illinois
Cavalry, then commanding post, with request that he would forward.

I am, general, your obedient servant,
F. P. AMSDEN,
First Lieutenant, Commanding Battery G, First Pa. Arty.

Report of Captain J. Howard Carlisle, Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery,
and Fifth Brigade, Artillery Reserve, of operations June 27-July 4,
including the action at Garnett's Farm, engagement at Turkey Bridge,
and battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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 Golding's house,
returning to camp at 9 p.m. At 3 a.m. the next morning again took position near
Golding's, by order from general headquarters. On Friday, the 27th, the battery
was ordered to occupy a position in the large wheat field near Garnett's house,
where intrenchments 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 and battery A, of Fifth
Artillery (light 12-pounder). An opening through the woods gave us a sweep of
fire over a portion of the wheat field.

At about 12 m. the enemy opened fire upon us, which was returned and the firing
soon became hot on both sides. The position 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, 12-pounders, and rifled pieces of unknown
caliber, and their firing rapid
and true. Their fuses were also well timed, shell and shrapnel exploding among
and around our guns with rapidity and precision. Our fire soon caused them to
change position, but they immediately reopened fire from a new position, firing
probably from about twenty-four guns 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 deliberate him. We were crowded close together, owing to the nature of the
ground, making us a fine target. The enemy also frequently changed position.
The fire was very hot for about an hour and a half and then quickly died away.
During the last twenty minutes of the firing the enemy used but little shell.
Our range varied from 900 yards to 1,700 yards with the enemy's change of
position. Two men were killed at the guns and 2 wounded. Four horses were
killed and 3 disabled. One wheel was broken by a shot; also a sponge-staff and
a maneuvering handspike shot from the trail. Two of the other gun-carriages
were marked by shot, but not injured, and our guidon torn and burned by
shrapnel. Near sunset the battery was ordered to return to Golding's. The
battery had hardly arrived at Golding's before the enemy shelled the plain
vigorously, and then made a sharp attack on Hancock's brigade, stationed in the
woods in front of the small redoubt. The battery was ordered up to shell the
woods if the enemy should succeed in driven our troops out. The attack lasted
about an hour. The battery did not fire.

The next morning (June 28), about 8 a.m., we were ordered to take a position
near Courtney's house. The enemy threw some shells after us without effect as
we left. We took position in battery in front of Courtney's, and remained there
until 12 at night, when we were ordered to march through the White Oak Swamp. A
stampede of teamsters took place on the road in front of us when in the woods
at about 3 a.m., the 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 part without
unhitching near Brettin's house, then used as general headquarters. About 3
p.m. we took position in battery 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 o'clock, in obedience to an order from general
headquarters, we continued our march toward the James River. 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 position in battery, by order of
Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, of the Second Artillery. By order of Colonel Hunt we
limbered up and again took position in battery near the house since used as a
hospital. The enemy, at about 5 p.m., opened fire from the low ground to our
left, which was returned by one of the German batteries. The battery changed
front, moved forward, 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 the
northwest.

On Tuesday morning, July 1, about 10 o'clock the enemy opened fire and shelled
the plain. In the afternoon when the attack was made on our troops we shelled
the woods to the left of the position of the regular infantry for some time,
and one of the enemy's batteries appearing shelled it and 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 enemy were advancing from that
direction. Later in the evening, at the request of General Butterfield, we
threw a shells in the woods. Corporal Scheerer died in an ambulances this day.
He did his duty well and faithfully till the day before his death. At 11.30
p.m. the battery started for Harrison's Landing, arriving at 4 a.m. July 2. The
evening of the 3rd 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 Lieutenant Samuel N. Benjamin, Second
Artillery; Second Lieutenant W. P. Graves, Second Artillery, and Second
Lieutenant J. P. Denike, Fifth New York Independent Battery (temporarily
attached), who during all of this time conducted themselves with gallantry and
fortitude. Lieutenant Benjamin 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 battery,
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, invaluable
service. I would respectfully recommend him for promotion.

In connection with this report of the battery I would call your attention to
Captain E. D. Taft, Fifth New York Independent Battery, who has been by your
order for months attached to the brigade under my command. His services have
been of the greatest importance. His courage, perseverance, 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,
Captain , 2nd Arty., Commanding , Bat. E, 2nd Arty., and 5th Brigadier Arty. Res.
Colonel HENRY J. HUNT,
A. D. C., Commanding Artillery Reserve.

Report of Lieutenant Francis W. Seeley, Battery K, Fourth U.S.Artillery,
of the action at Brackett's and battles of Glendale and Malvern 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 immediately command 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 ordered about 4 o'clock p.m.
to a position on General Slocum's right, near
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 enemy at that point. I then
received orders from you to move the battery to the left of our line to aid
General Heintzelman. We immediately limbered up, moved off at a trot, and took
a position, 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
enemy's 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 o'clock a.m., on the 1st
of July, when , pursuant to orders received, we withdrew from the field.

Our loss this day was as follows: Sergt. James L. Johnson and Private 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 during
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 day's engagement, the battery was held in reserve until about 6
o'clock p.m., when it was ordered up to the assistance of General Couch's
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-wounded
ravine on the right of the division. It having been reported that the enemy
occupied this ravine in force, with the intention of turning General Couch's
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 time 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 without 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 Henderson 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.

Report of Captain John A.Tompkins, Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery,
of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm, and battles of Savage Station,
Glendale, or Nelson's Farm (Frazier's Farm), and Malvern Hill.

HDQRS.COMPANY A, FIRST RHODE ISLAND LIGHT ARTY.,
Harrison's 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 cam near Fair Oaks at 3 a.m. June 29, and marched with the brigade,
under command of Colonel Sully, First Minnesota, to Allen's farm, where I was
ordered to place the battery upon the right of the Nineteenth Massachusetts
Volunteers. At 8 a.m. I opened with caseshot from the Parrott guns upon the
enemy in the wood. At 9 a.m. a section of Parrott guns was sent to take
position upon 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 relieved Captain Hazzard's battery, and opened a brisk fire of
case-shot upon the enemy, who were in front, covered by the woods. At 12 m. the
battery marched to Savage Station.

At 4 p.m. I was ordered to report to general Smith, and marched with Brooks'
brigade toward the White Oak Bridge. At 5 p.m orders were received to return to
Savage Station, and the guns were pushed rapidly forward, the caissons being
left to follow the division, under charge of Lieutenant Mason. At 6 p.m. the
rifled guns were placed in position upon the left Hancock's brigade, facing the
railroad, and the howitzers upon the right of the brigade, near Kirby's
battery. At 9 p.m. I withdrew the battery, and marched with the advance
regiment of Smith's 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 I was ordered by General Smith to
report without delay to General Sedgwick at Nelson's farm. At 3 p.m. the
battery was placed in position upon the western side of the road. At 5 I opened
fire upon the enemy with shell and
case-shot, and continued firing until 8 p.m., when the enemy retreated.

At 11 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. July 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 sent obliged to change the position of my
battery several times during the day to protect my men and horses from the
enemy's fire. At 12.30 the 2nd 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 Nelson's farm Sergt.John H.Hammond -
musket-ball in arm and hip; Private William H.Slocum, slightly - musket-gall in
thigh, and Simon M.Sidelinger, slightly -musket-ball in thigh, and 3 horses
shot. At Allen's farm, 1 horse broke away from the holder and could not be
caught. At Malverton Private James Cooper was shot in the left 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 Nelson's 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 property my
company desk was broken open, and my papers, invoices, maps, &c., destroyed and
my quartermaster stores and clothing stolen. I inclose 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 has been such as to merit the greatest praise and to
warrant the belief that they will at any or all times respond 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 Lieuts.John G.Hazard, Jeffrey 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,
Captain ,First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Commanding Company A.
Colonel C.H.TOMPKINS,
Commanding Artillery, Sedgwick's Division.

Report of Captain Thomas W. Osborn, Battery D, First New York Light Artillery,
of engagement at Oak Grove, or King's School-House, battle of Savage Station,
engagement at Malvern Cliff, and battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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 Hooker's
division at the intrenchments to the bank of James River at Harrison's
Landing, I would report that on the 25th of June, General Hooker's division
having been engaged during the morning, I 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 Generals Hooker's and Kearny's troops through them, giving my guns 4
1/2 and up to 6 1/2 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 percussion 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 [29th] of June, about 6 a.m., we were ordered to take position
behind the rear line of intrenchments, as General Hooker's 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 enemy artillery, but as neither the enemy's artillery nor
infantry approached us in such a manner that we could employ the battery
without endangering General Sumner's corps on our right, I did not open fire.At
2.30 p.m. we were ordered to fall back. Having reached the corner of the open
field in which Savage 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 intrenchments
they were being occupied by the enemy's skirmishers. I immediately reported
this to General 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 Sedgwick's division.

At 5 p.m. the enemy opened fire on the infantry of Sedgwick's division lying
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 few minutes silenced it, dismounting one piece.

About this time Captain Pettit (B), First New 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 minutes 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 enemy's front, and the
determined shouts, and huzzas rang distinctly above the roar of the musketry. I
consider the whole affair a splendid and magnificent one. The enemy's troops
fought bravely, but our own surpassed them in every particular, and in two and
a half hours from their first appearance had fought, defeated, and driven them
from the field.During the engagement I fired 90 fuse shell, 40 case shot, and
11 percussion shell.

At 10 p.m. I was ordered to move to the rear, and at 1 in the morning I
crossed White Oak Swamp Bridge. In 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, I afterward reported to General
Morell, and was ordered into position near the large white house which the
general occupied that evening as headquarters. Captain Bramhall's battery
(Sixth New York Battery) occupied my right, and still another battery at
Captain Bramhall's 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 1/2 to 4 1/2 . During the firing there was a heavy explosion
in the immediate vicinity of the enemy's battery, resembling the explosion of
a caisson, upon which the enemy's firing 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 [1] at 6.30 in the morning, I left the battery in charge of Lieutenant
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 3 elevation 5 fuse,
and having a most admirable cross-fire on the enemy with Captain Bramhall's
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.

Immediately after this very brief engagement the battery was ordered to report
to General Couch, on General Morell's right, and before coming into position
was again ordered to report to General Hooker, on General Couch's 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 enemy's
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
position 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 afternoon 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 Harrison's 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 Artillery.
Captain DE RUSSY.
Chief of Artillery, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac.

Report of Captain Alonzo Snow,Battery B, Maryland Light Artillery,
of the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Harrison's 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 Porter's headquarters and await further orders. Colonel Hunt
there ordered me to report at once to General Griffin 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 standing 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 hour's fire
drove it from its position.

During this time the enemy's sharpshooters 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 myself and first lieutenant to drive them
out, but did not comply. The enemy's batteries an order came to send a section
toward the left of the line. The left section, in charge of Lieutenant
Vanneman, 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 enemy's sharpshooters, 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 failed, 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 Lieutenant
Vanneman's section in action in a hot fire about the center and Lieutenant
Kidd's on the left of the line of battle. Both of these sections were exposed
to a heavy fire of musketry during the remainder of the battle, and by their
gallantry drew forth the praise of officers and cheers from the troops. My
battery remained 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 o'clock at night. I used 688 rounds during
the engagement, but having long fuse, rendering it necessary 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.

I have the pleasure of reporting gallant conduct on the part of my whole
command, both officers and men, but regret to state that the casualties
amounted to 2 killed and 18 wounded. Lieutenant Vanneman, 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
superintending the supply of ammunition had his horse killed under him, but
mounting another coolly continued his duties. When Lieutenant Vanneman was
carried off the field Adjutant Bigelow, of the battalion, took charge of his
section and fought it gallantly until the close of the fight, and was shot
through the left fore-arm during 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 unserviceable. Owing to the darkness one of my dead
was left in the field. The other was brought off 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 field,
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.

Report of Captain J. Howard, Carlisle, Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery,
and Fifth Brigade, Artillery Reserve, of operations June 27-July 4, including
the action at Garnett's Farm, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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 Golding's house,
returning to camp at 9 p.m. At 3 a.m. the next morning again took position near
Golding's, by order from general headquarters. On Friday, the 27th, the battery
was ordered to occupy a position in the large wheat field near Garnett's house,
where intrenchments 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 and battery A, of Fifth
Artillery (light 12-pounder). An opening through the woods gave us a sweep of
fire over a portion of the wheat field.

At about 12 m. the enemy opened fire upon us, which was returned and the firing
soon became hot on both sides. The position 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, 12-pounders, and rifled pieces of unknown
caliber, and their firing rapid and true. Their fuses were also well timed, shell and
shrapnel exploding among and around our guns with rapidity and precision.
Our fire soon caused them to change position, but they immediately reopened fire
from a new position, firing probably from about twenty-four guns 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 deliberate him. We were crowded close together, owing to the nature of the
ground, making us a fine target. The enemy also frequently changed position.
The fire was very hot for about an hour and a half and then quickly died away.
During the last twenty minutes of the firing the enemy used but little shell.
Our range varied from 900 yards to 1,700 yards with the enemy's change of
position. Two men were killed at the guns and 2 wounded. Four horses were
killed and 3 disabled. One wheel was broken by a shot; also a sponge-staff and
a maneuvering handspike shot from the trail. Two of the other gun-carriages
were marked by shot, but not injured, and our guidon torn and burned by
shrapnel. Near sunset the battery was ordered to return to Golding's. The
battery had hardly arrived at Golding's before the enemy shelled the plain
vigorously, and then made a sharp attack on Hancock's brigade, stationed in the
woods in front of the small redoubt. The battery was ordered up to shell the
woods if the enemy should succeed in driven our troops out. The attack lasted
about an hour. The battery did not fire.

The next morning (June 28), about 8 a.m., we were ordered to take a position
near Courtney's house. The enemy threw some shells after us without effect as
we left. We took position in battery in front of Courtney's, and remained there
until 12 at night, when we were ordered to march through the White Oak Swamp. A
stampede of teamsters took place on the road in front of us when in the woods
at about 3 a.m., the 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 part without
unhitching near Brettin's house, then used as general headquarters. About 3
p.m. we took position in battery 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 o'clock, in obedience to an order from general
headquarters, we continued our march toward the James River. 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 position in battery, by order of
Lieutenant-Colonel Hays, of the Second Artillery. By order of Colonel Hunt we
limbered up and again took position in battery near the house since used as a
hospital. The enemy, at about 5 p.m., opened fire from the low ground to our
left, which was returned by one of the German batteries. The battery changed
front, moved forward, 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 the
northwest.

On Tuesday morning, July 1, about 10 o'clock the enemy opened fire and shelled
the plain. In the afternoon when the attack was made on our troops we shelled
the woods to the left of the position of the regular infantry for some time,
and one of the enemy's batteries appearing shelled it and 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 enemy were advancing
from that direction. Later in the evening, at the request of General Butterfield, we
threw a shells in the woods. Corporal Scheerer died in an ambulances this day.
He did his duty well and faithfully till the day before his death. At 11.30
p.m. the battery started for Harrison's Landing, arriving at 4 a.m. July 2. The
evening of the 3rd 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 Lieutenant Samuel N. Benjamin, Second
Artillery; Second Lieutenant W. P. Graves, Second Artillery, and Second
Lieutenant J. P. Denike, Fifth New York Independent Battery (temporarily
attached), who during all of this time conducted themselves with gallantry and
fortitude. Lieutenant Benjamin 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 battery,
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, invaluable
service. I would respectfully recommend him for promotion.

In connection with this report of the battery I would call your attention to
Captain E. D. Taft, Fifth New York Independent Battery, who has been by your
order for months attached to the brigade under my command. His services have
been of the greatest importance. His courage, perseverance, 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,
Captain , 2nd Arty., Commanding , Bat. E, 2nd Arty.,
and 5th Brigadier Arty. Res.
Colonel HENRY J. HUNT, A. D. C.,
Commanding Artillery Reserve.

Report of Captain La Rhett L. Livingston, commanding Batteries F and K,
Third U. S. Artillery, of the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP AT HARRISON'S LANDING, VA.,
July 4, 1862.

CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to report that on the 1st instant I engaged the enemy
with my battery at about 10 a.m. My firing first commenced on the enemy's
infantry, who debouched from the woods on my right and front. They soon
retired, however. An hour later the enemy opened fire from some guns directly in
front of us, and very soon after his infantry advanced from that point. They were soon
driven back. About this time they made another attempt on the right, advancing 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 did not
succeed in getting nearer the battery than 400 yards. About 4.30 p.m. my
battery was relieved by Captain Edward's 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, Lieutenant Turnbull, Barstow, and Cuyler, 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 the carriages or other
material.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LA RHETT L. LIVINGSTON,
Captain, Third Artillery Commanding.
Captain J. H. CARLISLE,
Commanding Fifth Brigade, Arty., Res., Army of the Potomac.

Report of Captain Augustus P. Martin, Battery C, Massachusetts Light Artillery,
of the battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, and Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S BAR, VA.,
July 4, 1862.

CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the 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 o'clock a.m. of the
27th, when I received orders to march with the brigade in the direction of
Gaines' Mill, where we arrived about 7 o'clock in the morning, and were
assigned a position by General Porter on the left of General Sykes' division
and on the right of General Morell's, 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 enemy had broken the left of our line, and I was
ordered to retire with my battery. I at once commenced the execution of the
order, when I observed a large force 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 immediately 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 breaking 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
Martindale's brigade.

On the afternoon of the 30th ultimo I received orders to report with my battery
to Colonel Warren, Fifth New York Volunteers, commanding 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. Lieutenant Tyler was assigned to the position with one section of
the battery.

The enemy's 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 remainder portion of the battery took a position on the road to the left of
Malvern Hill supported by Colonel Warren's brigade. The woods in front, where a
regiment of the enemy were reported to be concealed, were shelled.

No damage whatever was sustained by the battery during the engagement.
The officers and men of the battery behaved well.

A. P. MARTIN,
Captain Battery C, Massachusetts Artillery.
Captain WILLIAM B. WEEDEN,
Chief of Artillery, Morell's Division.

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS, Commanding Horse Brigadier,
Res. Arty., Camp near New Bridge, Va.

CAMP NEAR WESTOVER, VA., July 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I was detached from your brigade on the
26th of June, 1862, and with my own (Robertson's Horse Batteries B and L,
Second Artillery) and Tidball's Horse Battery 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 Mitchie's house, Virginia, at 8 p. m., and
marched to the brow of the hill near Alexander's Bridge, where I was delayed
till 11 o'clock p. m. by wagon trains passing the bridge to the south. The
bridge having been cleared at 11 p. m. I crossed with my command 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 rendezvous till 2 o'clock a. m. the 27th.
Taking Captain Tidball with me, I at once reported to General Porter in person.
After some conversation 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, was posted in a peach orchard near the house of
William Gaines, with instructions to cover and protect the rear of General
McCall's 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 Price's 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 the 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
Tidball's 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
Tidball's battery opening fire, and commenced shelling the woods in 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 McCall's
division having passed and being well on their way to the woods near Hogan's,
and distinctly hearing the enemy's columns advancing through the woods on my
right and front, I retired simultaneously with Captain Tidball's battery, which
was in view on my right, Tidball passing down the road to Gaines' Mill in
column any my battery in line across the plain to Hogan's. I arrived at the
entrance of the wood near Hogan's just after the rear company of infantry 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
stationed 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 of 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 on the
Chickahominy and dropped several shot near my battery, but without doing me 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 o'clock p. m., when, by order of General Porter, I took up a
position on the bottom ground to protect the left of the line resting on the
Chickahominy Swamp. No enemy appearing 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 Lieutenant 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
guns 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 Rush's Lancers, the commanding officer of
which informed me he 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 Alexander's 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 Mitchie's house at 10.30 o'clock p. m. My loss this day was 1 man
and 3 horses missing.

Saturday, June 28, 1862, I left camp at Mitchie's house at 11 o'clock p. m.,
taking the road past Savage Station, and reached camp near Turkey Creek at
11.30 o'clock a. m. June 30, at 2 o'clock p. m., 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 enemy's 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 sunset, when I
was ordered forward and placed in position on the left of the road. It being
after dark when I arrived on the field I found some difficulty in getting to
the front, owing to a brigade of infantry marching 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 altogether. At 10 o'clock p. m., in obedience to
instructions, I withdrew my battery and returned to camp. My loss was 1 horse
killed and 1 wounded. At 11 p. m., in obedience to instructions, I moved with
my battery, taking the road to Harrison's Bar Landing, and arrived near that
place at dawn of day on Wednesday, July 2. Thursday, 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
Lieutenant J. M. Wilson and Second Lieuts. Carle A. Woodruff and Albert O.
Vincent, and also to all the non-commissioned officers and privates, for their
coolness and strict obedience to orders while under fire, especially on the
evening of the 27th of June, when, after having timbered 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 impossible for me to particularize.

Respectfully submitted.
J. M. ROBERTSON,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Horse Batteries B and L.

Report of Major Elisha S. Kellogg, First Connecticut Artillery,
of operations June 22-July 5.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S BAR, VIRGINIA, July 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor hereby to submit the following report of the batteries
under my command from June 22 to July 5, 1862:

In compliance with your orders, Battery F, consisting of fiver 4 1/2-inch
Rodman guns, with 250 rounds of ammunition, left White House for camp near
Gaines' Mill on the evening of June 22. After proceeding about 5 miles the
train was halted for the night on account of the bad road and the extreme
darkness, but at daylight it was again in motion and reached camp at 2 p. m.
June 23. At 7 p. m. of the same day it was moved to the earthworks already
prepared for it on the bluff in the rear of Mr. Hogan's house, subsequently
designated as "Battery Porter;" was placed in position during the night, and at
6 a. m. June 24 was in readiness for action. At 6.30 p. m. seven shells were
fired and the result pronounced satisfactory. Battery B, consisting of five
30-pounder Parrott guns, with 250 rounds of ammunition, left White House June
23 at 7 p. m., but in consequence of a severe rain was parked for the night
after having advanced about 6 miles. At daybreak it again moved forward, and
with the exception of one gun, which was left behind under guard (the tongue of
the limber having been broken), reached its destination at 12 m. June 24. After
a delay of an hour it was moved to earthworks on the left and rear of Dr.
Gaines' house, designated as "Battery Sykes," and was immediately placed in
position. The remaining gun arrived about 6 p. m., thus rendering the battery
complete. At 9.30 a. m. June 25 Battery F opened fire on rebel batteries across
the Chickahominy River and also on the houses of Mrs. Price and Dr. Garnett
with good effect. An hour later Battery B also opened on Mrs. Price's house and
the woods near it, distant 2,600 yards, to which the enemy replied, but at
12.30 p. m. the whole line of rebel batteries was silenced. The firing from
both batteries continued at intervals until about 4 p. m., when the
enemy opened with a very brisk fire on Battery F, occasioning, however, no
damage. This was most spiritedly returned until 6.30 p. m., when, meeting with
the response from the enemy, the two batteries ceased firing, Battery F having
expended 183 rounds of ammunition and Battery B 81 rounds. The signal officer
reported that the ranges during the day were very good, causing the rebels the
remove their camp, the shell striking in the midst of their batteries,
dismounting their largest gun that has as yet opened, and, to use his own
language, "doing very great damage." At 2 p. m. June 26, by order of General
Porter, Battery B opened fire on the enemy's camps in the rear of the woods
directly in front of General Smith's division, and also directed four guns at
Old Tavern, to the left and rear of Mrs. Price's house; at the same time
Battery F commenced firing at the batteries on the opposite side of the river.
At 4.30 p. m. an order was received from General Porter directing that all the
ammunition and camp equipage should be packed up and held in readiness to move
at a moment's notice. Having no transportation, I accordingly directed
Lieutenant Whittelsey to proceed at once to Gaines' Mill and ascertain what
means for moving the guns could be provided, with orders to procure a
sufficient number of horses or mules to remove Battery B, together with at
least two wagons for ammunition, &c., and not to report without them. In the
mean time firing was continued at intervals of four minutes. At 6 p. m.
Lieutenant Whittelsey reported with five teams of six mules each for the guns
and two wagons, in accordance with my directions. The guns were limbered and,
together with the wagons, were drawn into the road under a cover of a bank and
just out of range of a severe fire from the enemy's batteries. There being as
yet no transportation for Battery F, and having ascertained that no implements
were at hand either for spiking the guns or breaking off their trunnions
provided the advance of the enemy should render it necessary to leave them
behind, I directed Captain Dow to burst the guns if they could in no way be
saved. I then went to General Porter's headquarters; learned that ample
transportation would be provided by 8 p. m., and received orders to report
immediately at the headquarters of General Smith by way of Duane's Bridge.
Captain Dow having been instructed by me to proceed with his guns at the
earliest moment, Battery B moved forward at 9 p. m. and reported to General
Smith at 11 p. m. The guns were then parked and the men bivouacked for the
night.

At daylight June 27 Battery B was ordered to be placed in position on Golding's
Hill in front of General Smith's division, which order was accordingly obeyed,
and at 10 a. m. the enemy opened a severe fire of shell, which was promptly
replied to by the battery. Shortly afterwards the men were subjected to a
cross-fire from another rebel battery, to which immediate response was made by
three of the guns. At the expiration of about two hours from the commencement
of the action the enemy ceased firing. Berdan's Sharpshooters reporting that
his guns were dismounted and he compelled to retire from his positions, at 4 p.
m., by order of General Smith, the battery was withdrawn to the open plain
within his lines.

Battery F having arrived at 9.30 a. m., by way of Woodbury's Bridge, it was
ordered into position on Golding's Hill to the right of the redoubt erected in
front of General Smith's division, and opened fire on the enemy at Gaines'
house with extremely good effect, the shells from the battery constantly
falling in and near their ranks, compelling them to disperse and retire to the
woods.

About 6 p. m. a heavy fire of shell and musketry opened on the battery, as well
as the whole camp, by the enemy posted in the woods directly in front. One gun
was immediately brought to bear upon them, while the balance were withdrawn to
park by order of General Smith. This gun remained in position nearly an hour
under a severe fire, when the enemy having made a charge through the woods,
distant about 1,000 yards, it also was withdrawn, together with most of the
ammunition, by the detachment which had been working it, as no other
transportation could be obtained.

The incessant fire of musketry continuing, and anticipating an attack, I formed
Companies B and D (which composed the force attached to Battery B) in line of
battle in front of the guns, and ordered them to lie down, as bullets were
falling thickly about them. Then advancing to the front to ascertain the
situation of affairs, and hearing and officer giving directions to form two
companies for the purpose of protecting a bridge leading to the camp, I
informed him that I had two companies already in line, and asked as a favor
permission from him to occupy the position with my command, which request he
kindly granted. Accordingly I moved forward at double-quick to the bridge, and
remained until 2 a. m. June 28, when by permission of Colonel Hancock I
returned with my command to the guns and bivouacked. At daybreak the balance of
the ammunition belonging to Battery F was brought away, and orders having been
received to report to Colonel Hunt, the batteries moved forward to his
headquarters, near Dr. Trent's house. By him I was instructed to report to
General Barry at Savage Station, who ordered me to place Battery B in park on
the other side of the railroad and send back sufficient transportation for
Battery F, Captain Dow having permitted his teams to be taken away near Trent's
house at the command of some other officer. These instructions were immediately
complied with; Battery F was brought up and the guns remained in this position
until your arrival.

In accordance with your order to proceed to White Oak Bridge and report to
General Keyes, the batteries moved forward at 4 p. m., but on reaching the
point where the road turns to the left toward White Oak Swamp and finding it
completely blocked with wagons, artillery, &c., I halted the train, went
forward, accompanied by Major Hemingway (who had joined me with his batteries
shortly previous), and reported in person to General Keyes at his headquarters.
By him I was instructed to report to General Woodbury, near White Oak Bridge,
who ordered me to move across the bridge and encamp about 1 1/2 miles from it
to the right in the most convenient place, which was accordingly done, under
your direction, and the batteries placed in park about 12 m. June 29.

At 10 a. m. June 30 the batteries proceeded to Turkey Bend, in compliance with
your order, and were again parked in an open field to the right of the main
road. About 7 p. m., in accordance with instructions received from you, a train
was formed, composed of Batteries B and F, together with two 10-pounder
Whitworth guns and two 8-inch siege howitzers, which moved forward under
command of Major Hemingway to Malvern Hill, distant about 2 1/2 miles.
In order to place the guns in the position assigned them it became necessary
to move them up a very steep bluff, which was accomplished by the assistance of
three companies with drag-ropes to each gun in addition to the teams. At 7 a.
m. July 1 Batteries B and F and the Whitworth guns were in position and ready
for action, the howitzer not being called into requisition.

About 10 a. m. Batteries B and F opened fire at long range, which continued
during the day and was replied to by the rebel batteries. At 6.30 p. m. the
enemy having advanced in force and engaged the infantry on the left and in
front, I received orders from General Porter (Major Hemingway having been
previously called from the field) to withdraw the guns, and accordingly ordered
up the teams for them. On being informed that two of the wagoners had gone off
with their mules during the brisk fire of musketry that was then going on, I
ordered Captain Rockwood with Company E to draw one of the howitzers and
Captain Ager with Company K to draw the other.

The guns, together with all the ammunition, were brought safely down the bluff,
and reached the camp of the night previous, at Turkey Bend, at 11 p. m., the
howitzers having been drawn the whole distance by hand. At daylight July 2
Batteries B and F, together with the two howitzers, moved forward to Harrison's
Bar, the rain falling in torrents and rendering the roads almost impassable.

The howitzers were drawn for some distance by Companies E and K, assisted by
Company L, when I took two mule teams from a wagon train in the road and
attaching them to these two guns relieved the men. Proceeding in this manner,
the batteries, with all their implements, ammunition, &c., reached the
headquarters of the regiment near Harrison's Bar at 12.30 p. m. July 2.

The officers and men of both batteries have conducted themselves during the
extreme hardships and danger to which they have been subjected with the
greatest coolness and bravery. Their toilsome marches and arduous labors have
been performed not only faithfully but cheerfully, and to my entire
satisfaction. Especially must I call to notice the great labor and difficulty
attending the placing of the batteries in position on Malvern Hill on the right
of June 30, which could only be effected by drawing the guns up an extremely
abrupt ascent to the top of the bluff, and which was accomplished only by
uniting the efforts of the men with those of the mules. I would also especially
mention that Lieutenant Whittelsey, the ordnance officer of the two batteries
under my command, rendered me valuable service in procuring transportation, in
addition to his other duties, which were performed in a highly creditable
manner.

The casualties which have occurred are as follows:

In the action on Golding's Hill, June 27, Sergeant Hyland, Company B, was
mortally wounded; Private Copeland, Company D, mortally wounded; Private Weed,
Company F, wounded by musket-ball in fleshy part of the leg.

In the action on Malvern Hill, July 1, by the explosion of a shell from a
gunboat, which struck in Battery F, Private Goodyear, Company F, was mortally
wounded; Privates Sweetland, Murray, and Bodge, Company F, wounded in fleshy
part of the leg.

With much respect, sir, I remain, your obedient, humble servant,
ELISHA S. KELLOGG,
Major First Connecticut Artillery.
Colonel ROBERT O. TYLER,
First Connecticut Artillery.

Report of Captain John D.Frank, Battery G, First New York Light Artillery,
of the battle of Malvern Hill.

LIGHT COMPANY G, FIRST NEW YORK ARTILLERY,
Sumner's 2nd Army Corps, Turkey Bend, Va.,
July 5,1862.

COLONEL:
Agreeably to instructions from General Sumner, commanding
Second Army Corps, I placed myself with my battery of eight 10-pounder
Parrott guns under the 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 o'clock
p.m. This point being at this time pressed by the enemy with the greatest
determination, I 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
opened a rapid fire of shell and shortly after of spherical case. As no
infantry of our 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 in 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 enemy's 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 been replaced; the other one being unable to keep
up with the battery, lost its way - my ammunition becoming rapidly exhausted, I
at once had the facts reported to General Porter, with a request that another
battery might be sent to my relief. This, however, was not accomplished until
nearly 9 o'clock, when the action had nearly closed, and Captain Benson's
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 canister had been expended.

Lieutenant S.A.McClellan was slightly wounded by a fragment of shell, but did
not leave the field until the battery was withdrawn.One man was severely
wounded; it is feared mortally. Four 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 exceptions my
officers and men acted with determined courage and bravery, even while a
battery four own, posted in my rear, fired three rounds of canister into my
horses and men.

I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO.D.FRANK,
Captain, First New York Artillery.

Report of Captain Walter M. Bramhall,
Sixth New York Battery, of the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR JAMES RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862

CAPTAIN: I beg to submit for your consideration the following report 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, commanding Third Army Corps, to his headquarters at Savage
Station, coming into position in the immediate vicinity. At 6 o'clock 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 1/2 miles beyond the
bridge, halting for the night near general headquarters. The following morning
I moved forward to the position of General Hooker's division, and receiving
from that general 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.m. by order of General Porter, I
moved back upon the road up which we had come and came into battery upon---
Hill in a position to command the same road, co-operating with Lieutenant
Ames' battery in our front and on the right, a battery of 10-pounder Parrotts
and Captain Osborn's battery of four 3-inch guns on our left, with a support
of two regiments of General Morell's division distributed among these several
batteries. I remained in this position until the next morning, July 1,at 6
o'clock, 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
advance in the wood and upon both roads, and that if attacked they would retire
through the wood and 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
few minutes the fire of the enemy fell among us and passed over our heads. Our
pickets having retired in order and in the manner indicated I immediately
opened fire upon the woods in front and on the right, firing at first at
Hotchkiss case shot 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 the fact that
after about five minutes the enemy's 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
experiment's sake as much as for any other reason a half-dozen percussion shell
(Schenkl's 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 an din the manner prescribed by Brigadier-General Griffin, in
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 our
position to that indicated by yourself, near General Heintzelman's
headquarters. From that time until the present the battery has taken the corps
of Generals Sumner and Heintzelman 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 battery.
Exposed as they had been for five days to 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 R. Colby, an intelligent lad of twenty years of
age, who, having become 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 testified
to by Captain Porter in a note which I 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 day's 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 undertake to move my battery any considerable distance.

An equal degree of prostration exists among my 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. BRAMHALL,
Captain, Commanding Sixth Independent N.Y. Battery.

CAMP NEAR WESTOVER, VA., July 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I was detached from your brigade on the
26th of June, 1862, and with my own (Robertson's Horse Batteries B and L,
Second Artillery) and Tidball's Horse Battery 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 Mitchie's house, Virginia, at 8 p. m., and
marched to the brow of the hill near Alexander's Bridge, where I was delayed
till 11 o'clock p. m. by wagon trains passing the bridge to the south. The
bridge having been cleared at 11 p. m. I crossed with my command 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 rendezvous till 2 o'clock a. m. the 27th.
Taking Captain Tidball with me, I at once reported to General Porter in person.
After some conversation 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, was posted in a peach orchard near the house of
William Gaines, with instructions to cover and protect the rear of General
McCall's 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 Price's 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 the
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
Tidball's 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
Tidball's battery opening fire, and commenced shelling the woods in 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 McCall's
division having passed and being well on their way to the woods near Hogan's,
and distinctly hearing the enemy's columns advancing through the woods on my
right and front, I retired simultaneously with Captain Tidball's battery, which
was in view on my right, Tidball passing down the road to Gaines' Mill in
column any my battery in line across the plain to Hogan's. I arrived at the
entrance of the wood near Hogan's just after the rear company of infantry 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
stationed 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 of 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 on the
Chickahominy and dropped several shot near my battery, but without doing me 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 o'clock p. m., when, by order of General Porter, I took up a
position on the bottom ground to protect the left of the line resting on the
Chickahominy Swamp. No enemy appearing 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 Lieutenant 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
guns 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 Rush's Lancers, the commanding officer of
which informed me he 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 Alexander's 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 Mitchie's house at 10.30 o'clock p. m. My loss this day was 1 man
and 3 horses missing.

Saturday, June 28, 1862, I left camp at Mitchie's house at 11 o'clock p. m.,
taking the road past Savage Station, and reached camp near Turkey Creek at
11.30 o'clock a. m. June 30, at 2 o'clock p. m., 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 enemy's 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 sunset, when I
was ordered forward and placed in position on the left of the road. It being
after dark when I arrived on the field I found some difficulty in getting to
the front, owing to a brigade of infantry marching 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 altogether. At 10 o'clock p. m., in obedience to
instructions, I withdrew my battery and returned to camp. My loss was 1 horse
killed and 1 wounded. At 11 p. m., in obedience to instructions, I moved with
my battery, taking the road to Harrison's Bar Landing, and arrived near that
place at dawn of day on Wednesday, July 2. Thursday, 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
Lieutenant J. M. Wilson and Second Lieuts. Carle A. Woodruff and Albert O.
Vincent, and also to all the non-commissioned officers and privates, for their
coolness and strict obedience to orders while under fire, especially on the
evening of the 27th of June, when, after having timbered 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 impossible for me to particularize.

Respectfully submitted.
J. M. ROBERTSON,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Horse Batteries B and L.
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Second Artillery, Commanding Horse Artillery Brigade, Reserve Artillery, Camp
near Westover, Va.

Report of Lieutenant Samuel S. Elder,
Battery K, First U. S. Artillery, of operations June 27-July 3.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S BEND,
July 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that having been temporarily transferred to
Light Company K, First Artillery, I assumed command of that company June 26,
1862, at Camp Lincoln, near Trent's 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
evening 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 enemy's musketry, with no other casualty than the
loss of one man mortally wounded. Private James Kellian, of Company G, First
Artillery, who has since died. My remaining section was in the mean time placed
to command the bridge over the Chickahominy, 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 o'clock a.m. of the same day the battery was withdrawn, and after a
tedious march joined the Artillery Reserve in camp near the crossing of the
White Oak Swamp about noon of the 30th. I was here directed to report to
Major-General Keyes, and by him ordered to place 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
commanding Turkey Bridge, masking the pieces, and the remaining four pieces in
position on the right of the general's headquarters. On the 2nd of
July I was relieved from duty with General Keyes and ordered to report for duty
to General Smith, who directed the battery to be placed in position on his
right. About 1 o'clock on the morning of the 3rd I was relieved from duty with
General Smith's command and ordered to fall back to this point, where the
battery arrived about 6 o'clock p.m.

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 into the 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 was 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 limbered 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, Commanding Battery K.

Report of Lieutenant Charles H. Morgan,
Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of operations June 19-July 4.

CAMP NEAR JAMES RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862.

SIR: In accordance with your directions I have the honor to submit 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 many 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 Bottom's Bridge (a march of 10 or 12 miles), where I
reported to General Naglee. The battery was placed in position here to dispute
the crossing. At 4 p.m. the next day I drew off four of the pieces, all the
caissons, and three pieces and caissons of a volunteer battery, leaving a
section behind, under Lieutenant Dickenson. One piece of this section joined
the battery that night, the other the day that the reserve arrived at its
present camp. After leaving Bottom's Bridge I reported to General Peck at White
Oak Swamp Bridge, and marched with his command to the James River. On this
occasion the battery was on the road from 4 p.m. till 11 a.m. on the 30th, a
period of nineteen hours.

At 2 o'clock p.m. on the 30th I was ordered to report to the chief of artillery
of Keyes' corps. The battery was placed in line of battle
about 4 o'clock where it remained until noon of the next day, when it was
ordered to the rear again and placed in line of battle in Smith's division.
About 5 o'clock it was withdrawn, marched to the bottom on the river, where it
was parked till 1 a. m. on the 2nd 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 3rd July the battery was again in line of battle in Smith's 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 coffee issued at the landing on the 2nd 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. No other casualty or
loss of material has occurred, and the battery is now entirely serviceable. It
will be seen that the battery has not been without 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.
Colonel GEORGE W. GETTY,
Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve.

Reports of Lieutenant Adelbert Ames, Battery A, Fifth U. S. Artillery,
of action at Garnett's Farm and battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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 Chickahominy River in front of General
Smith's lines. About 12 o'clock 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 an
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 firing having ceased. At about sunset a brisk fire was opened on us. It
continued fifteen or twenty minutes. The enemy's guns numbered at least twenty
and their practice very good.

During both engagements our guns were served with coolness and effect. The
amount of ammunition I expended was 273 rounds.

My officers, First Lieutenant 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 attention to the gallant
conduct of First S. N. Benjamin, Second Artillery. Although lame and obliged to
use crutches he remained on the field after his own battery had retired, and greatly
assisted me in the second cannonading.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. AMES,
First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery A.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S BAR LANDING, VA.
July 4, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report 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 cannonading 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 cut 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 poured into them, canister being used from time to time.
After night-fall all our ammunition but a few rounds of canister was expended.
To use them to advantage we maintained our position for some time under 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 ammunition train been removed we would not have failed of ammunition at
any time.

During the time we were in position two or three batteries were successively in
position on our left and three or four on our right, being relieved as their
ammunition was expended.

My officers, First Lieutenant W. D. Fuller, Third Artillery, and Second
Lieuts. 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 themselves 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.
Lieutenant Colonel GEORGE W. GETTY,
Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve.

Report of Captain John W. Wolcott, Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery
of operations June 26-July 1, including the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP OF ARTILLERY RESERVE,
Near Harrison's Bar, Va., July 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Thursday 26, after the action near
Mechanicsville had commenced, four pieces of my battery were ordered to the
Grapevine Bridge, where they remained, under command
of First Lieutenant James H. Rigby, until the following day without being
brought into action. On Friday, the 27th, my battery was not under orders, and
remained in park. On Saturday, the 28th, 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 o'clock p.m. the same evening,
I arrived at the bridge across the brook at White Oak Swamp the following noon,
where I encamped and rested my command until the following morning. Leaving our
place of encampment near the White Oak Swamp Bridge early Monday, June 30, I
arrived at Malvern, near the James River, on the afternoon of the same day, and
at about 3 o'clock p.m. was ordered into position near the brick house, which
was used as s hospital where I remained until Tuesday without seeing signs of
the presence of the enemy. At about 9, however, in the morning the rebels
opened with artillery, and kept up a galling fire from the cover of the woods
at long range for more than two hours, during which time I had 2 men wounded
and 1 horse injured.

At about 11 o'clock, in obedience to orders, I withdrew my battery to a less
exposed situation, where I remained until about 3 o'clock p.m., when I received
from Colonel Getty an order to report to General Sumner. I at once proceeded
with my command and was placed by General Sumner upon the right of his line, to
enfilade two rebel batteries which were engaging our center and which were
about 1,600 yards distant. Here I remained, firing at intervals and with effect
as occasion seemed to require, during the afternoon, and receiving a return
fire, which passed over our heads and inflicted no injury. At about 10 o'clock
in the evening I received your order to prepare for a march, and immediately
limbered up and left, reaching this place at about 7 o'clock the following
morning. The names of the two men wounded,as mentioned above, are Privates
Crawford and McNulty. The injuries received are not severe.

I have to report as missing Lieutenant Francis I. Witcher, who became
separated from me on Monday, June 30. He had been ill for two or 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 abandoned, 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 command have
conducted themselves with entire propriety and in a manner which reflects
credit upon them and upon the State to which they belong.

Respectfully submitted.
J. W. WOLCOTT,
Captain Battery A, First Maryland Light Artillery.
Major PETHERBRIDGE,
Commanding First Division, Maryland Light Artillery.

Report of Lieutenant Henry W. Kingsbury, Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery,
of the battles of Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill.

CAMP AT HARRISON'S 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 ultimo:

At noon on that day orders were received to pack camp equipage and send the
wagons to General McClellan's headquarters. One teamster deserted his charge;
the mules were lost, the wagon destroyed by order of Captain Tidball, of the
artillery. Later on the 26th I was ordered to follow Brigadier-General Griffin,
then on the march toward Mechanicsville. Being misled as to his route I did not
find him, but reached the cross-roads near Mechanicsville just after sundown,
and took position in an open field, supported by regiments of Brigadier-General
Martindale's command-this with the assent of Brigadier-General Morell,
commanding division.

On the 27th, at 2 a.m. I returned, by order with General Martindale over the
same route by which we had advanced. A little after sunrise I halted near
Gaines' Mill and reported to Brigadier General F. J.
Porter. He ordered, "Stand still and await further orders." These I soon
received from yourself, viz: "Cross the bridge and follow General Griffin's
brigade." This I did, and parked near Tait's 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 Griffin's brigade. These were immediately countermanded.
Later, through Lieutenant Monteith, General Porter sent me an order to move
quickly to the right of our line and report to General Sykes, if I could find
him; if not, to go and act at my own discretion, as a regiment would 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 conversation,
"If the battery would support his troops should the enemy attempt a flank
movement upon them?" I replied, "Certainly." General Sykes not being present at
the time, seeing what I thought the enemy's 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
enemy's artillery and infantry-effect satisfactory. After two hours the last
fierce charge of the enemy was made. I ordered up my remaining two pieces.
Immediately in front of the battery the enemy did not emerge from the woods,
being prevented by our canister. On our left the infantry were
soon forced to retire. Finding the enemy so gaining in that quarter as to have
an enfilading fire upon us and my support retiring, I moved to the rear about
80 yards and came into battery in front of the Sixteenth Regiment New York
Volunteers. There we again opened fire with shrapnel-effect apparently good.
The Sixteenth New York Volunteers 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, disorganized but
walking. Captain Read, Lieutenant Heckscher, 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 Woodbury's [?] 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.m., moved, by order of General Porter, across Woodbury's
[Alexander's?] Bridge and parked. In the afternoon moved with General Griffin's
brigade to White Oak Swamp; camped at dusk.

On the road we picket up three abandoned caissons. On June 29, about 9 a.m.,
the battery marched with General Butterfield's brigade, and parked after dark
at Prospect Hill. On the 30th marched at 2 a.m. to join General Griffin's
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 and were held in reserve near
Malvern House. For the night we parked on Malvern plain.

On July 1, at 9 a.m., the battery moved by your order and took position on the
right of that occupied by the battery of Lieutenant Ames. Our guns commanded
the fork of the roads, one of which led to Richmond. Toward noon horsemen
appeared to our front and right, distance, 1,600 yards. Lieutenant Hazlett's
section opened with shrapnel and percussion shell. The enemy immediately
disappeared. Soon the enemy appeared in force to the front and left of Captain
Livingston's 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,
distant 500 yards, there now appeared a mass of infantry preparing to charge. I
ordered at once a brisk fire upon them with shrapnell. They advanced steadily
until within 150 yards. Our canister then caused them to fly in confusion. They
left a battle-flag behind them. (This was picked 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 attention of Lieutenant Ames to
them. He, too, pointed some of his 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 Couch 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 I left
the field the general's staff officer told me from the general that it was not
intended that I should retire more than 100 yards, there to receive ammunition.
I replied that I was directed to receive it at General Porter' headquarters. He
asked if I would return immediately. I replied yes, 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-pounder Parrott guns was to be had, nor did we
receive a supply until we reached Harrison's Landing. On the night of the
battle the battery marched to Harrison's 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
Lieutenant Charles E. Hazlett, Fifth Artillery. To his unwearied 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. To Second Lieutenant L. M. Harrison is due credit for coolness
under the hottest fire of the enemy. Second Lieutenant H. B. Reed was, as
usual when under fire, cool and brave. He displayed judgment in shielding his
pieces and men from the enemy's fire while his section was in reserve.

In the second action (July 1) Second Lieutenant Carroll behaved well. From
enlisted men I select for your special notice First Sergt. 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.

Report of Captain John Edwards, commanding Batteries L and M, Third U.S. Artillery,
of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill, engagement at Turkey Bridge, and
the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR JAMES RIVER, VA., July 5, 1862.

SIR:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the parttaken by
Batteries L and M, Third Artillery, in the late engagements with the rebels:

On the evening of June 26 I was directed to report with the battery to General
McCall. It was about sunset when I reached his position. The battery was here
exposed to the enemy's artillery fire. Two men were slightly wounded, two
horses placed hors de combat, and two chiefs of pieces disabled by the fall of
their horses. The battery was placed in position on the left of the line, where
it opened a fire of case-shot and shell on the enemy's artillery and the woods
harboring their troops. But a few rounds were fired, as it soon became too dark
to fire with accuracy. At early dawn the enemy, concealed in the woods across
the creek, opened a lively musketry fire upon our position, without inflicting
any serious damage. At the same time I had, received orders to withdraw to
Gaines' Mill, which order was executed.

In the engagement of the 27th two sections of the battery, Lieutenants Hayden's
and Kelly's, were posted on the right of the center in a hollow to the left of
the house used as a hospital, from which position a partial view of the plain
upon which the enemy debouched was had. Before opening fire here I was ordered
to take one section in the field to the front near the wooded ravine that ran
parallel to the right of the army. I took Lieutenant Hayden's section to this
position. The pieces were no sooner brought into battery than the enemy opened
fire upon them from at least six guns. A constant shower of shell and solid
shot fell in and around the section. One cannoneer was wounded at the piece.
The section opened upon them effective with case-shot.

I then received notice from Colonel Warren that the enemy were preparing to
charge us from the ravine. I threw double rounds of canister into ravine, and
at the same time received orders from General Aykes to retire behind the
infantry. I withdrew the section and posted it on the hill behind the infantry.
Lieutenant Brownson's section was joined to Lieutenant Kelly's in the position
first mentioned, where an effective fire was kept up upon the infantry and
artillery of the enemy. These sections remained in this position until the
enemy's fire had comparatively ceased and their artillery was seen to withdraw.
When the battle was renewed I was directed to detach one of the sections and
post it on the high ground 600 or 700 yards to the left. I placed Lieutenant
Kelly's section there, but the position was not a good one, as nothing could be
seen. His section was afterward moved directly to the front across the road and
in the angle of the field formed by the two roads, one coming from the
direction of the enemy, the other running along our front. At this time the
battery was split up into sections. Lieutenant Hayden's was posted on the hill
in front of the hospital, Lieutenant Brownson's 400 or 500 yards to the left of
it, Lieutenant Kelly's 600 or 700 yards to the left of the latter. As I could
not be in these three positions at the same time, I passed from one section to
the other continually, to observe and direct the fire.

About half an hour before our infantry fell back I withdrew Lieutenant Kelly's
section from its exposed position to the height in rear. Shortly afterward, as
our troops were breaking and running to the rear, I directed Lieutenant Kelly
to limber up and retire. The guns were the last to leave that part of the
field. I then rode to Lieutenant Brownson's section. He was already limbering
up and in great danger of losing his section, as the rebels had gained the road
in front. The two lead-horses of one piece had been killed and the two
surviving horses were shot as the piece was being limbered. This gun was drawn
to the rear by 2 horses. I started for Lieutenant Hayden's section,
but found the grounds in and around the hospital, which was in rear of his
position, occupied by the rebels. I kept on to the right of this building and
soon met Lieutenant Hayden, who informed me that the enemy advanced upon him in
large numbers; that he threw double rounds of canister, when he was struck in
the leg by a musket-ball and fell. Upon recovering himself, his cannoneers had
left and most of the horses were slain. I get a confused account of the capture
of this section, Lieutenant Hayden having been wounded. I saw nothing of it
myself. Lieutenant Brownson's section did a good deal of execution during the
action, throwing double rounds of canister at the rebel infantry on two
different occasions when they advanced beyond their cover. Eight horses out of
sixteen were shot in this section alone. Lieutenant Brownson occupied nearly
the same position through the engagement, and held it unflinchingly until the
last moment, although the enemy kept up a continuous fire of artillery upon the
section. I cannot speak too highly in praise of the lieutenants of the
battery-First Lieutenants Hayden and Kelly, who were both wounded, the latter
slightly, and Second Lieutenant Brownson. They all behaved with gallantry and
coolness.

My guns were advanced nearer to the enemy by 500 yards than any artillery on
the field. Had I been able to have reached the section in time I think I could
have saved it. In this action 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 6 privates were
wounded; 1 private missing, known to have been wounded, and 24 horses were
shot. My own horse was shot under me.

In the artillery combat of the 30th June the battery was posted on the height
occupied by the left of the army. The enemy opened their guns upon us from
their concealment in the woods on the other side of the valley. The different
batteries as well as my own, posted on this hill, opened fire upon them, and
they were soon silenced. The battery suffered no loss here. On the 1st of July,
in the afternoon, I was ordered to the front. General Griffin directed me to a
position near a small house, about 900 yards from the woods in front, where the
enemy had their forces concealed. Their artillery, hidden by the woods, played
upon us, but their fire was bad. The battery returned their fire with effect.
The enemy's sharpshooters crept along a wooded ravine to the right and on to
the left some 250 yards off,from which points they annoyed us a good deal by
attempts to pick off the cannoneers. Our own sharpshooters would not advance
sufficiently to drive them off, and I was forced to fire canister at them.

After some time a regiment of rebels emerged from the woods waving their flag.
The battery plied them with case-shot, and as they approached nearer with
double rounds of canister. The Ninth Massachusetts Regiment, which was in rear
of my battery, then rose up, gave a cheer, and advanced bravely as far as the
rear of my limbers, where they crouched down and opened a fire of musketry in
spite of all my efforts to stop them, thereby placing my men and horses in
great jeopardy. I continued the fire of canister, and under its effects the
rebel ranks were broken and many men ran to the rear. I then urged this
regiment forward. They advanced a short distance beyond my guns. I ordered the
latter to be limbered up and to withdraw. The rebels had approached so near one
of my guns that Corporal Himmer shot one with his revolver. In this engagement
Lieutenant Brownson was wounded in the head by a fragment of a shell. I
directed him to retire to the rear. One private was killed, 1 corporal and 5
privates wounded, and 1 private wounded and missing; 5 horses were shot.

I have to report my commendation with regard to the officers, and also state
that the greater part of the enlisted men fought nobly. I would mention First
Sergeant App, who took charge of the caissons, and Privates Smith, Moffitt,
Mallinger, Burke, Emmett, Reed, and others, who proved themselves good
soldiers.

JNumbers EDWARDS,
Captain, Third Artillery.

Report of Lieutenant John G. Simpson, Battery A,
First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of the battles of
Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill.

HDQRS. BATTERY A, FIRST PENNSYLVANIA ARTILLERY,
Camp near Harrison's Landing, July 5,1862.

SIR: I herewith transmit the following account of the operations of Battery A,
First Pennsylvania Artillery, commanded by Captain H. Easton, in the battles
of New Bridge [Mechanicsville], June 26, and Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862,
in General McCall's division, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps:

In compliance with general orders from division headquarters Captain Easton
proceeded with his battery of four light 12-pounder guns from camp near New
Bridge to within a half mile of Mechanicsville, and there engaged the enemy
abut 4 o'clock p. m. 26th of June, having received instructions to plant his
battery in sections in such a manner as to be effectually supported by the
Eighth and Ninth Regiments of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, who
occupied a position in the rifle pits in front and on his right flank and rear.
The battle lasted from 4 o'clock p. m. until 9.30 o'clock that night, when the
firing ceased on both sides, and our army held possession of the ground until
about 7 a. m. next morning (27th instant), when we fell back, according to
instructions, in good order to a point known as Gaines' Hill, where a stand was
made by our forces. At this place the battery was posted on a hill t the left
of Gaines' house, facing a dense woods, about 700 to 800 yards distant, wholly
unsupported by infantry or cavalry, awaiting orders, as the wing of the army
was and had been engaging the enemy during the afternoon, driving him out of
the position he held in that quarter.

About 6 o'clock p. m. the enemy suddenly appeared in front and on our left
flank, firing heavy volleys of musketry and charging up the hill on our
battery, to which we replied with a brisk fire of tell and spherical case-shot,
but without avail, as the dense masses of the enemy instantly closed the gap
our fire made in their ranks and appeared to have little effect on them,
although they were literally mowed down in heaps.

This continued for twenty minutes of a half hour, when they made a desperate
charge, and we opened on them with double-shotted canister, which checked them
for a time, but rallying again in overwhelming numbers they charged in on the
battery, driving the cannoneers from their posts at the point of the bayonet,
compelling them to leave their battery of four guns and two caissons in the
enemy's hands.

A few minutes previous to this occurrence a body of cavalry were sent to
support us, but after making a feeble charge were driven off by a volley of the
enemy's musketry. Had the support consisted of infantry, the battery might
probably have been saved.

It was at this period of the engagement that the brave Captain Easton was
killed, receiving his death-wound from a musket-ball while gallantly cheering
on his officers and men, who stood manfully and unflinchingly at their guns.
His last words were, "The enemy shall never take this battery but over my dead
body," which was received by a corresponding reply from his men as they rapidly
poured the canister into the enemy, when the fatal shot felled this soldier and
patriot to the earth, and the battery was lost.

Junior First Lieutenant William Stitt was dangerously wounded in the left arm
and breast, and although both horse and rider were badly wounded, he stood
bravely at his post until compelled to leave by the enemy, barely escaping
capture, as his wounds forced him to remain near the battle-field during that
night.

Second Lieutenant J. L. Detrich conducted the retreat of the battery in
gallant style, and conducted himself throughout the engagement with great
bravely and coolness, having had his horse shot under him, and as a last resort
was compelled to ride the mounded horse of Captain Easton to save the remainder
of the command.

Orderly Sergt. Samuel D. Martin, acting as chief of caissons, conducted himself
in a cool and soldierly manner, promptly obeying orders, and rendering every
assistance his arduous duties required in sending forward the requisite supply
of ammunition for the guns and encouraging the men.

Sergeants Snider and Weston were both wounded, the former so badly that he was
left in the field and subsequently captured, while the latter, in conjunction
with Sergeants Reese and Cummings, escaped and returned to camp.

Corporals Nerhood and Hinzy were both wounded, the latter in the engagement of
the 27th instant, firing his piece when the enemy were almost at the muzzle of
his gun, and receiving in return a wound in the leg for his coolness and
bravery.

The men throughout the whole engagements of the 26th and 27th instant (as well
as officers) conducted themselves like good soldiers and fought bravely, and
were it possible to mention individual conduct I should, from what I have
learned, consolidate them as a body truly reliable in any emergency.

In conclusion, I would state that the facts contained in this report were
obtained from those connected with the battery and who participated in the two
engagements, as I had just returned on the 27th instant from Philadelphia
(where I had been confined with severe illness), but too late to participate in
the engagement, much to my regret.

I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
JNumbers G. SIMPSON,
Lieutenant , Commanding Battery A, First Pennsylvania Artillery.

Report of Lieutenant John B. Hyde, Battery E,
Massachusetts Light Artillery, of the battles of Gaines'
and Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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 proceeded with his
brigade in the direction of Cold Harbor, and was subsequently ordered back to a
field near General Morell's 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, I 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 back several times in great disorder, after 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 McClellan's headquarters.

July 1, 1862, I was ordered by Captain Weeded 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 Weeden's battery to
take position in the field on the opposite side of the 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.

During the engagement all the men behaved remarkably well.
All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOHN B. HYDE,
Lieutenant, Commanding Battery E, Massachusetts Artillery.

Report of Captain Rufus D.Pettit, Battery B,First New York Light Artillery,
of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm, battle of Sawage Station,
engagement at White Oak, Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or
Nelson's 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 position in Redoubt
Numbers 5. of our works before Richmond at 4 a.m. June 29,1862, and on reaching
Allen's farm 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 Allen's farm, the enemy having attacked our rear
at that place. Arriving here, I took up my former position and opened fire on
two of the enemy's batteries which were shelling our position, and succeeded in
silencing them, after expending near 200 rounds of shell and case-shot, without
loss to my command. Remaining here until 12 m. my battery was again ordered to
Savage Station. Then it moved a short distance down the Williamsburg road and
took a position in battery. 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, and finally drove them
from their position, after expending nearly 400 rounds, having 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 by the breaking of the stocks in such a manner as to
prevent their being taken farther, and after moving the ammunition the
carriages were further disabled by cutting the wheels, boxes, &c. The battery
then moved to and took position near General Sumner's headquarters, where it
remained until ordered to Nelson's 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 enemy's
batteries, their guns 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.

My loss here was 3 men wounded, 1 missing, and 4 horses disabled. Here we
expended nearly 1,600 rounds of ammunition.

I was ordered at 11 a.m. to report to General Naglee with my command, and moved
with his column en route for James River, reaching 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.m., when
it moved to this place and joined its division.

It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and men under my command behaved with great spirit
and gallantry. The fatigue was excessive and long, but was borne with great
patience; in fact, the conduct of all was all that could be desired.

Hoping that this may meet with you approval, I have the honor to remain, your
most obedient servant,
R.D.PETTIT,
Captain Commanding ,Battery B,First New York Artillery.

Report of Colonel Robert O. Tyler,
First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Commanding Siege Train.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CONNECTICUT ARTILLERY,
July 5,1862.

GENERAL:From the disembarkation of my regiment at Cheeseman's Landing, on the
12th of April, 1862, until this date, most of the services of the regiment have
been performed, directly or indirectly, under your orders. At Yorktown, as
director of the siege, and at Gaines' Mill, Chickahominy, and Malvern Hill, the
portions of the regiment engaged have been under your immediate orders. Under
these circumstances I would respectfully request permission to submit a report
of the services of my regiment up the Peninsula.

Siege of Yorktown.-At Yorktown, under all the difficulties of transportation,
my regiment kept place with the engineers in laying platforms and placing guns
and material in position. Six batteries, mounting forty-eight guns and mortars,
were fully armed and equipped; twenty-three additional guns and mortars
disembarked. It is unnecessary to call attention to the amount of labor
required in such batteries as No.1, mounting 100-pounder and 200-pounder
Parrotts, and No.4, mounting 13-inch sea-coast mortars, all of which exceed in
weight any guns previously placed in siege batteries, or to say how much the
heavy firing from No.1, for four consecutive days may have had to do with the
evacuation of that place. On the day of the evacuation the six batteries
equipped were prepared to throw 175 tons of metal daily into Yorktown. My
regiment subsequently removed all this material from the batteries and
re-embarked it.

Hanover Court-House.-The greater portion of this work having been completed, I
reported with ten companies of my regiment to you at White House on the 28th of
May. Upon the services performed by the regiment in reconnaissances near Old
Church, in destroying all the means of crossing the Pamunkey below Hanover
Court-House, and in the action near the place, a report has already been
forwarded to your office. My regiment formed the advance of the infantry under
General Cooke which followed the rebels on Stuart's raid, when they marched 42
miles in thirty-seven hours, as has been reported by Colonel Warren, Fifth New
York Volunteers, commanding the Volunteer Reserve Brigade.

Upon the 20th of June I was ordered to bring up a battery of five 4 1/2-inch
Rodman guns and one of five 30-pounder Parrotts, and to place them in position
near New Bridge. The disembarkation of the guns and material at White House
commenced on the 21st of June, and upon the 24th these guns were in position,
with ammunition and material complete, in Batteries Sykes and Porter, under the
command of Major Kellogg, and in charge of Company F, Captain Dow, Company D,
Captain Cook, and Company B, Captain Brooker.

Gaines' Mill.-Upon June 25, under your direction, these batteries opened upon
the rebel batteries on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, doing, as
reported by the signal officer, much damage, dismounting the enemy's largest
gun and compelling him to remove his camps.

Chickahominy.-Upon the 26th his batteries again opened, and at 6 p.m. of that
day we moved across the Chickahominy, where they reported to General Smith.
Here they were joined by two 10-pounder Whitworths, under Lieutenant Sedgwick,
which had been brought round with their material by way of Baltimore Store and
Bottom's Bridge. Upon the following day (June 27) these batteries were placed
in position on Golding's Hill, commanding both banks of the Chickahominy, where
they were fought during the day under a severe fire, and when the services of
the guns could no longer be useful they were retired, and the companies formed
by Major Kellogg and led into the line of infantry defending that position-a
fact specially noticed by General Smith in his report. The casualties of this
day were two men killed and wounded. I wish especially to call your attention
to Lieutenant Sedgwick, in command of the two Whithworks, which with only 20
men he removed by hand a distance of 2 1/2 miles, the second gun being brought
away when our pickets were retiring past the guns.

Upon the 20th of June the regiment was ordered to report to General Barry for
duty as heavy artillery. The companies not in battery or in depot at White
House were marched to Orchard Station by Lieutenant-Colonel White. The rapid
advance of the enemy prevented the removal of my hospital from near Cold
Harbor, where many of my sick, including two officers (Lieutenants Faxon and
Harwood) and my hospital attendants, were taken prisoners. On the night of the
28th and the morning of the 29th the guns under Major Kellogg were successfully
retired behind White Oak Swamp, where they joined the remainder of the siege
train, which had been in position and in depot at Fair Oaks Station, in front
of Sumner's corps, and commanded by Major Hemingway, under whose orders were
Company E, Captain Rockwood; Company H, Captain Hubbard; Company K, Captain
Ager. The successful removal of these guns and stores from Orchard Station
is greatly due to the exertions of these officers; more especially of Captain
Hubbard, who was left in charge of the rearmost train.

On the night of the 29th the train was retired from White Oak Swamp to Turkey
Bend. On the 30th of June I received an order to report to you with such guns
as there was still ammunition remaining for.

Malvern Hill.-During the night of June 30 five 4 1/2-inch Rodmans, five
30-pounder Parrotts, two 8-inch howitzers, and two 10-pounder Whitworths,
manned by Companies F,D,B,K, and I, and commanded by Captains Dow, Cook,
Brooker, and Ager, and Lieutenant Hatfield, under Majors Hemingway and Kellogg,
were transported from the camp at Turkey Bend, and under difficulties which you
will well understand were taken chiefly by hand up the steep ascent of Malvern
Hill, with their ammunition and material, the companies working all night after
their previous tedious marches. The guns occupied the heights of Malvern Hill,
were served under your personal orders, and were said to have caused much
destruction to the head of the enemy's approaching column.

The casualties of this day were one killed and three wounded. The companies,
after working all the night of the 30th to place these guns in position and
fighting them during the whole of the day of the 1st of July, spent that night
in retiring the guns to the present depot, near Westover Landing. The remaining
guns, the ammunition of which had been exhausted, were also safely and
expeditiously retired to Harrison's Landing by the other companies under
Lieutenant-Colonel White.

At Westover Landing we formed a junction with that portion of the regiment and
of the siege train under the command of Major Doull which had been cut off at
White House.

I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that all the ammunition
used at Malvern Hill had been transported by way of Gaines' Mill, Savage
Station, and White Oak Swamp to that place, and that the officers and men with
the guns had been almost constantly laboring day and night from the 21st of
June, and to the fact that out of twenty-six heavy guns twenty-five arrived
safely at this place. This was accomplished under almost unheard of
difficulties, with mule trains, constantly breaking down, driven by frightened
citizen teamsters, who deserted whenever the fire became heavy. Frequently
teams had to be pressed into the service to replace those which had been
exhausted by the labor of drawing the guns, and sometimes for miles the guns
were drawn by hand by the different companies of the regiment. One howitzer was
abandoned near Savage Station, the carriage having become so disabled it was
impossible to remove it. Under the direction of Lieutenant Jackson the carriage
was burned and the howitzer rendered perfectly unserviceable.

To the field officers, company commanders, and men already mentioned I feel
that a debt of gratitude is due for the immense labor they performed and the
difficulties they cheerfully overcame. I wish, in addition, to mention the
services of Lieutenant and Quartermaster Robins, Lieutenants Whittelsey and
Jackson, acting ordnance officers, to whose energy the safe bringing through of
the ammunition trains is mostly due, and also to bear testimony to the great
assistance rendered me on all occasions by my adjutant, Lieutenant Pratt.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R.O. TYLER,
Colonel First Connecticut Artillery.

Report of Lieutenant Rufus King Jr., Batteries A and C, Fourth U.S. Artillery,
of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm, battle of Sawage Station,
engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and battles of Glendale, or
Nelson's Farm (Frazier's Farm), and Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING, VA., July 6,1862.

SIR: The battery took position on the brow of a hill commanding the woods and
the approaches to the right of Mr.Allen's house.The general commanding,
considering four guns sufficient to hold the position and cover the retreat of
the army, ordered half the battery and all the caissons to retire to the rear,
under my command. About half an hour after the half battery under my command
had retired the enemy opened a hot fire of musketry from the edge of the woods
and field in front of the ravine. The battery replied with spherical case,
shell, and canister, expending 100 rounds. The enemy brought artillery to bear
shortly after 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 half battery, but did not arrive until
after it had been relieved.The enemy having ceased firing the half 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 rapidly and
accuracy. A section of the enemy's guns command a fine view of our battery. The
sun shining on the brass pieces made an excellent target for their
artillery.The enemy continued firing with their artillery until our infantry
advanced. Then Captain Hazzard's 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 Hazzard's
half battery 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 rain-storm, wetting all to the skin. We were aroused from
our slumbers by the uncommon noise of drums and 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 Hazzard immediately
commanded the pieces to be limbered up,moving the caissons ahead of the
battery, instructing 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 order, the horses going at a walk until we
had proceeded about a mile, when the command was given 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, hurrying up stragglers with the information that
the enemy was in hot pursuit, saving probably many an able-bodied soldier from
spending the balance of the sumner in a Southern prison. We found upon reaching
the brigade across White Oak Swamp that preparations were being made to destroy
it. We immediately crossed over and went into park on the top of the hill,
congratulated by all hands the narrowness of our escape. Our horses were then
fed, and our men, who were thoroughly tired out from fatigue and hunger, had a
short chance to rest their weary limbs and satisfy their hunger.

About two hours after our arrival at Nelson's farm we were suddenly aroused
(most of the men sleeping soundly at the time) 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 thinking is from the immense
rapidity of their fire and the different kinds of projectiles thrown, some of
which I picked up myself, finding them to be the Armstrong gun, 6-pounder
rifled and 6-pounder smooth-bore; also pieces of railroad iron from 6 to 12
inches long.

Our battery immediately moved out of park, a perfect shower of missiles falling
in our ranks and wounding our sergeant (Brennan) severely in the leg, also
striking the staff of the guidon and breaking it to pieces. General Richardson
rode forward and ordered the battery immediately into position on the left of
Nelson's house. After taking this position, General Richardson directed four
guns to be placed in a small gorge to the left and 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 came, directing that the battery
should occupy its first position and open upon the enemy immediately.

We commenced firing between 1 and 2 o'clock p.m., firing very rapidly and
drawing the entire fire of the enemy's batteries upon 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 fire was very rapid and very precise, 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 battle-field that day without a serious wound. The brow of
the hill forming a natural breastwork, our guns, just pointing over the top of
the hill, were in a manner sheltered, and most of the solid shot fired by the
enemy struck the brow of the hill and ricochetted 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 arduous duties by performing them
themselves. Captain Hazzard behaved in the most gallant manner, encouraging the
men and cheering them when they appeared fatigued, also superintended the
entire fire of the battery, frequently changing the direction of the guns and
sighting them himself. At one piece, where three of the horses of the limber
had been shod 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 himself, also carrying ammunition to one
piece where the cannoneers were entirely tire out, and taking turns with myself
in performing the duties of No.1.

About half an hour after we had been in action Captain Hazzard was standing by
one of the limbers, superintending the taking out of the ammunition, 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 off
the field and sent to the rear. Great praise is due to Captain Hazzard for the
soldierly conduct he displayed in this engagement. The command of the battery
then devolved upon me, and I continued firing until I had expended all my
ammunition.

General Meagher stood by one of the pieces, and, exposed to the hottest of the
fire, assisted the men in running the gun forward. Upon my telling him how near
out of ammunition I was, he kindly volunteered to ride to General Richardson
and have ammunition sent to me as soon as possible; but before the ammunition
could reach me I had expended 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 I think it had the effect of driving 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 highest 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
sharpshooters.Sergeant O'Neil (Second), Corporals Kedd and Bright were wounded
early in the fight. Sergeant O'Neill (First) was wounded while carrying Captain
Hazzard 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. Captain Petti's
battery camp up to our relief and took position on our right and immediately
opened fire. The cannoneers of my three guns being so completely exhausted as
to be unable to perform their duties rested while Captain Petti's battery was
firing, and did not open fire again until toward dusk, when the
sound of the enemy's axes was heard felling trees for the purpose of building
a bridge. We then opened with our light 12-pounder, firing case-shot, and I
think doing great injury to the rebels.

I then left the section in command of Lieutenant Field, with instructions 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 night. The want of horses was
very great, as we had lost some 15 or 20, and I was obliged to send forward and
procure horses from my battery wagon and forge in order to pull my pieces and
caissons from the field.

An order then came direction 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
Smith's command.

The section under Lieutenant Field was kept behind by some mistake, as I had
sent an 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 o'clock the next morning,
firing occasionally, and was one of the last to leave the ground.The rest of
the battery followed the command of General Smith, and went into part in a
large clover field at Malverton, where we fed our horses and rested our men.

About an hour after we had gotten into Malverton General Naglee informed me
that the enemy 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 section 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 and proceeded to our present
camping ground. We lost on that march a caisson body.The axle-tree having
broken, and it being impossible to mend it, we abandoned it, saving the
ammunition.

I am, respectfully,
RUFUS KING, Jr.,
First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, Commanding Battery.

Report of Colonel Charles H.Tompkins, Chief of Artillery,
of engagement at Peach Orchard, or Allen's Farm, and
battles of Glendale, or Nelson's Farm (Frazier's Farm),
and Malvern Hill.

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, SEDGWICK'S 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 Allen's Farm, or Peach Orchard. There
Kirby's 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 position when the enemy opened with a
sharp fire of artillery and musketry. I ordered both batteries to commence
firing, Tompkins to endeavor to reach battery with his Parrott guns and to
shell the woods with his howitzers; Kirby to shell the woods. After
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 out own troops. I
therefore ordered Kirby's battery and Tompkins' section of howitzers to cease
firing, still continuing firing wit the two sections of Parrott guns.

About 9 o'clock a.m. General Sumner ordered one section of Tompkins' Parrott
guns to be placed on the railroad on the left of Kirby's battery and to open
fire upon the enemy, who could be distinctly seen crossing the railroad about
2,000 yards to above where the battery was placed. This was immediately done,
and a brisk fire opened with shell and case-shot.

About 10 o'clock a.m. the remaining two sections of Tompkins' battery were by
order of General Sumner toward of the right and front of the position
previously occupied, and relieved Hazzard's battery, of Richardson's division,
they having expended their ammunition. Shortly after they had commenced firing
from this position Petti's battery arrived and took position upon their left.
Both batteries kept up a continuous fire until the enemy withdrew.

About 1 o'clock p.m. the division was ordered to fall back as rapidly as
possible to Savage Station. Kirby's battery and one section of Tompkins'
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 Captain Tompkins to report to General
Smith, with their batteries. This was done, and as they not come under my
command again till the following morning I would respectfully refer you for the
particulars of the part taken by them in this action to their reports, herewith
inclosed. Being thus left without a command, General Sedgwick was kind enough
to accept my services as an aide in the engagement of that afternoon.

Upon the arrival of the division at Nelson's 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 action of that afternoon Kirby's
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 McCall's division broke through the woods in our front, retreating 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 Tompkin's and Kirby's batteries
and Burn's 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 o'clock p.m. both batteries took up the line of march for Malverton,
where they arrived and went into part the following morning.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 the
enemy's batteries. At 4 o'clock a.m. on the 2nd instant both batteries left
Malverton and marched direct to this place, arriving here about 8 o'clock a.m.

The casualties are as follows: Kirby's battery, 9 men wounded, 2 of whom are
missing,a nd 3 men missing; total wounded and missing, 12; 3 horses shot.
Tompkin's battery, 4 men wounded, one of whom is missing; 5 horses shot.

I cannot close this report without calling to your attention the untiring
energy displayed by Captain Tompkins and Lieutenant Kirby and the able and
efficient manner in which they have conducted their commands throughout the
arduous marches and severe actions since leaving Fair Oaks. I would also speak
in terms of highest commendation of offices and men of these two batteries, and
would especially indorse the remarks of battery in commendation of those
mentioned in their reports.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.H.TOMPKINS,
Colonel, Commanding Artillery, Sedgwick's Division.

Reports of Captain John C. Tidball, Light Battery A, Second U. S. Artillery,
of operations June 27-July 6, including the battles of Gaines' Mill and Malvern 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 instructions from him to post my battery on a
rising piece of ground on the north side of the main road leading from
Mechanicsville to Gaines' Mill, and about 1 mile from the latter. Here I was to
remain until the troops near Mechanicsville should pass on their way to a new
position beyond Gaines' Mill, and then by a judicious use of my battery delay
the advance of the enemy. I detached one section, under Brevet Captain Pennington,
to a favorable position farther to the right and slightly advanced. The last of our troops
passed about 5 o'clock a. m., and in a few minutes the enemy made their appearance
and opened a fire of musketry upon Captain Pennington's 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 were likewise checked.

I remained at this position until I supposed all of our troops had passed
beyond Gaines' Mill, when I 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 number of ambulances and a battery 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 advanced, but it was
only occasionally that bodies large enough to fire upon would make their
appearance. Withdrawing a short distance farther, I remained at Little Cold
Harbor until about 11 o'clock a. m., 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 performed
the delicate duty assigned me, he directed me to report for further duty to
Brigadier-General Sykes. Shortly afterward (about 1 o'clock p. m.) the enemy,
appearing in force, opened fire with their batteries, and the battle of the
Chickahominy, or Gaines' Mill, commenced. Soon thereafter General Sykes ordered
me 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 enemy, then
playing fiercely with his artillery from the ridge in front of his right flank.
Hastening up at a trot and coming into battery, it required but a few minutes
to silence the enemy at this point and cause him to change the position on his
guns. The ground upon my left sloped off to a marshy slough, fringed with trees
and bushes. Along this was posted a battalion of regular infantry (the Fourth),
for my support; on my right and front came down to within 200 yards the point
of a pine forest; directly in my front along the ridge, at about 1,000 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 Regular Infantry. In about half an hour the enemy again returned
with his guns, and placing them behind the small pines already mentioned opened
a hot fire upon us. 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 o'clock p. m. our troops at this point for a time were forced
back, and the enemy threatened to sweep down 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,
and not knowing the position of our troops in this direction, I was fearful of
continuing the fire. The ground in rear of my battery not admitting
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 constantly bringing up full
ones from the caissons.

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 instructions 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, and being now exposed to a
sharp fire of musketry as well as of artillery I thought it prudent to withdraw
and seek a position where my few remaining rounds 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 prescribed by
General Sykes. About 9 o'clock p. m. I crossed the Chickahominy at Woodbury's
Bridge and returned to my camp. My company officers in the engagement were
First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Pennington, First Lieutenant Dennison, and
Second Lieutenant 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, Bell, 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 day about 600 rounds.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Light Company A.
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Brigade Horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac.

CAMP AT WESTOVER, July 6, 1862.

COLONEL:
I have the honor to report that soon after dark upon the evening of
the 28th ultimo I received orders from you to move with my battery from my camp
near the Chickahominy by Savage Station on the Richmond and York River Railroad
toward the James River. Starting immediately I marched, with frequent delays,
all night, and soon after daylight crossed the bridge at White Oak Swamp, and
halted with the remainder of the Artillery Reserve about 2 miles beyond.

On the morning of the 30th resumed our march, and about 12 m. arrived at
Malvern Hill, where we bivouacked for the night. The next morning, July 1, the
enemy attacking in force, the battle commenced. My battery being held in
reserve, was not called into action until the dusk of the evening, when under
your directions I moved forward upon the battle-field, and took position in a
field upon the left of the main road. Here I came into battery in the only
position that I could see not already occupied by other batteries. A battalion
of infantry was in my front firing, in consequence of which I could get only my
two flank pieces into action. The enemy were retiring, and
it was but a few minutes until the firing ceased along our whole line. In about
an hour afterward most of our troops were withdrawn from the field, and I was
directed by you to close in toward the road on my right and remain in a state
of vigilance during the night, occasionally firing a shot into the forest in
front of me. About 11 o'clock you directed me to withdraw and take the road
leading to the James River. I accordingly did so, and arrived at this point
about 6 o'clock 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 precision a score or so of war
rockets. I was directed to prepare my battery for immediate action, and was in
a few minutes afterward directed to report to General Smith, who ordered me up
to the front, now occupied by the right of our line. Here I came into battery
about 1,500 yards from the enemy's 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,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Light Company A.
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Brigade Horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac.

Reports of Lieutenant Alanson M. Randol, Battery E, First U. S. Artillery,
of operations May 27-June 30, including the battle of Glendale, or Nelson's Farm
(Frazier's Farm).

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S 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
there 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-four hours. On the 9th of June the right and left sections
were again on picket-the right at New Bridge and the left at the bridge immediately
below it.

On the 11th of June I crossed the Chickahominy to Camp Lincoln. On the 27th of
June, while the battle was in progress beyond the Chickahominy, my battery was
hitched up and in readiness, but did not leave camp until the morning of the
28th, when it took a position to command the bridge-Lieutenant Hill and the
right section on the road near the bridge, Lieutenant Olcott and the left
section 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 o'clock p.m. the order was given to retreat, and I marched all
night and part of the next day, crossing White Oak Swamp, and coming into the
temporary camp of the Artillery Reserve about 11 a.m. on the 29th. Toward
evening, in compliance with your orders, I reported with my battery to General
McCall on the New Market road, and was placed by him on picket during night. On
the 30th of June my whole battery was engaged in action with the enemy until
about 4.30 p.m., when my supports became panic-struck 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, your obedient servant,
A. M. RANDOL,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Battery E.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING, VA. July 7, 1862.

COLONEL:
I have the honor to report that in compliance with your orders I left
the temporary camp of the Artillery Reserve, near White Oak Swamp, on the
evening of the 28th of June, in company with Benson's battery, and reported to
General McCall on the New Market road, near the junction of the road leading to
Malvern Hill.

At dusk we proceeded about a mile and a half along the New Market road, when I
was ordered by General McCall to place the battery in position 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. Fortunately the enemy did not make his appearance, and nothing of
importance occurred during the night except three disgraceful stampedes by the
infantry of McCall's division. About an hour before daybreak an aide of General
McCall's informed me that the division was on the wrong road, having moved too
far to the west, and ordered me to hitch in and follow them to the junction of
the two roads above mentioned. I did so, and on applying to General McCall for
further orders was told to remain where I was.

About 2 p.m. 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 Thompson's battery (G, of the Second
Artillery). Not having room for the whole battery, I placed four pieces in
position, leaving the left section (Lieutenant Olcott) movable. Soon after
General Kearny appeared on the field and changed the front of Captain
Thompson's battery to right angles with mine. I then placed one piece of
Lieutenant Olcott's section in position in the road on my left, near the woods,
to command it.

Shortly after the enemy appeared in some force on our left and drove a regiment
of our skirmishers, who ran without firing a shot. Immediately after the enemy
opened fire on 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 range 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 return 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 Olcott's 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 repulsed, I ordered
Lieutenant Olcott to limber up and come in battery with his section on my
right. Soon the enemy made a second attack on the batteries on my left, when I
changed front forward on my left piece, so as to take them in flank. Again they
were forced to retire, but not until they had driven the cannoneers away from
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 piece. Captain Thompson also changed front
to a line parallel to mine, his pieces being in line with my caissons. The
rebels approached under cover to within 300 yards, when I opened on them with
canister. They came boldly on, notwithstanding the frightful havoc made among
them, to within 100 yards of the battery, when they broke and ran, but were
rallied behind a second regiment, advancing to the attack, who approached to
about 50 yards, but they too were driven back in confusion with great
slaughter. My infantry supports, who during 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 in the engagement I had cautioned both officers and men of my supporters
that if they charged in front of the battery and were obliged to fall back,
they should at once unmask my fire returning by the flanks of the battery. They
rushed boldly to the charge, confident of an easy victory, but being met by a
fresh regiment, the third of the column of attack, they fired once, were seized
by unaccountable panic and fled, threw away their arms, and rushed directly for
the battery. I in vain endeavored to make them unmask my fire. On they came,
the foe close behind them, till when within 30 yards I gave the command to
fire; but it was too late. They rushed through the battery, followed by nearly
50 of the enemy. When our troops broke I ordered the pieces to be limbered to
the rear, but 38 of my horses lay dead on the field and many were badly wounded.
Captain Thompson's battery had opened fire also, and being on the same line with
our caissons it was impossible to move up the limber 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 prisoner. 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, charging 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 them to
the hospital, where the wounded of my battery had been carried. Soon afterward
I moved the remnant of the battery, carrying all my wounded except 2 to City
Point, where I reported in person 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
limbers.

The regiment that pretended to support the battery was the Fourth Regiment
Pennsylvania Reserves. They acted very badly, rushing forward as if to charge
the enemy, receiving one volley, breaking and 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 meritorious 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 them 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 cannot be bestowed upon the
conduct of Lieutenant E. W. Olcott during the whole engagement; constantly
active, ever foremost 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 Captain Thompson, and did noble duty as
cannoneer to one of his guns. He left the field with me, but after we had
assembled the remnants of the battery he returned and acted as volunteer aide
to one of our generals. All my non-commissioned officers performed their duty
with great gallantry, and where all did so nobly it would seem invidious to
make any distinction among them; but I would particularly recommend for
promotion my first sergeant, James Chester, who commanded the center section of
the battery, and exhibited qualities which eminently fit him for a higher
position than the one he now fills. The greater part of my command were in the
attacks on Forst Sumter and Pickens, and they did not belie the almost
world-wide reputation they there obtained for bravery, skill, and endurance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. M. RANDOL,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Battery E.
Colonel GEORGE W. GETTY,
U. S. Army, Commanding Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve.

Reports of Captain John R. Smead, Battery K, Fifth U. S. Artillery,
of operations May 11-July 2, including the battles of Mechanicsville and
Gaines' Mill and engagement at Turkey Bridge.

CAMP AT HARRISON'S LANDING, JAMES RIVER, VA., July 6, 1862.

COLONEL: Having been directed to submit a report of the movements of my
battery, K, Fifth Artillery, since leaving Roper's Church,

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 River, reaching the latter place on May 28, passing Cumberland
May 13, and White House May 17.

On June 1 and 2 the battery was in position covering the construction of Upper
Bridge over the Chickahominy River opposite William Gaines' house. Four shots
were fired (high) over the battery from the enemy's guns. June 6 Lieutenant
Piper went with his section to guard New Bridge, and Lieutenant Brewerton with
his to Upper Bridge. They were relieved June 7. Sent again on the 11th and
relieved on the 13th.

June 13 the Artillery Reserve, except my own and one 20-pounder Parrott
battery, crossed the Chickahominy. I was ordered to report for orders to
General Fitz John Porter. Jun 17 the battery went on duty at New Bridge in
position behind a breastwork. About 3 o'clock p.m. June 18, by order of General
Porter, the battery fired about a dozen shots at the enemy's battery near Mrs.
Price's house, to draw its fire. The battery opened upon us very briskly. As my
shells did not quite reach only the above number of rounds were fired, but the
enemy continued to shell us for nearly an hour, bursting them 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. Three spokes of one of my gun-carriage wheels were cut. The
paulins spread between the guns to shade the men were much cut by fragments of
shell, one having twelve holes through it. an empty camp-kettle, standing a few
yards in rear of the battery, had a Parrott shot through both sides without
moving or upsetting it. The battery was relieved on the 18th. June 22
Lieutenant Brewerton was posted again at Upper Bridge and relieved on the 23d.
June 24 I received orders to report with the battery for temporary duty with
General McCall's division. General Reynolds, of that division, directed me to
place one section to command the Mechanicsville Lower road. I sent Lieutenant
Piper with his section. June 25 Lieutenant Brewerton was detached by orders
from headquarters Artillery Reserve, and sent to report to Captain Gibson,
Third Artillery. Lieutenant Van Reed with his section relieved Lieutenant
Piper. June 26 I was directed by General Reynolds to take my remaining section
and occupy the small breastwork on the Upper Mechanicsville road. During the
afternoon the enemy attacked in force with artillery and infantry.

In this battle my battery was divided as above stated, Lieutenant Piper
commanding the right and Lieutenant Van Reed the left section. Lieutenant Piper
was severely, but I am happy to say not dangerously, wounded by a musket-ball
in the right hip early in the action. I was then obliged to remain with his
section and unable to superintend the section under Lieutenant Van Reed.
However, I am glad to be able to say that General Seymour informed me that
Lieutenant Van Reed handled his guns well and did very efficient service.
Lieutenant Piper also did good service at short ranges with shrapnel and
canister. Private John Duffy, of Lieutenant Piper's section, was killed by a
musketball through the forehead. Three horses of Lieutenant Piper's section
were wounded. In Lieutenant Van Reed's section James Sullivan, a private of
Captain Taft's company, of New York Volunteer Artillery, temporarily attached
to my battery, was wounded by a fragment of shell. He went to the rear and had
been missing since-supposed to have died. Three horses were killed in
Lieutenant Van Reed's section.

In this battle the battery (four guns) expended about 350 rounds of
ammunition-shell, shrapnel, and some canister.

At daybreak, June 27, I was directed to withdraw and united the sections. I
remained with General McCall's division near Adams' house, between Gaines' Mill
and Woodbury's Bridge, until about 11 o'clock a.m., and was then ordered
across the Chickahominy to obtain ammunition, forage, and rations, my wagons
having been sent across the day previous. In the afternoon the battery returned
to the field north of the Chickahominy, 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 advancing 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 Reed's horse was wounded at this times by a fragment of shell.

About 2 o'clock a.m. June 28 the battery was ordered across the Chickahominy,
and took position to cover the crossing at Woodbury's 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 with his
brigade to White Oak Swamp Bridge, arriving there about 10 o'clock a.m. June
29, and remaining in harness until the morning of June 30, when the battery
moved to Turkey Island Bridge and took position on the bluff to the left of the
Malvern house, to sweep 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 Voegelee's 20 pounder
Parrott, Captain Weed's 3-inch, and my battery of 12-pounders returned the fire
and soon silenced the enemy's battery. I have been informed that two guns and
30 dead horses were found at that point next morning.

On the morning of July 1 my battery was withdrawn from its position. 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 o'clock p.m. I was ordered to march to this place, where I arrived at
daylight on the 2nd of July, with my men and horses nearly exhausted with the
fatigues of the past week. My horses were in harness from June 25 until July 2.
My officers and men 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.
JNumbers R. SMEAD,
Captain, Fifth Artillery.
Colonel HENRY J. HUNT,
Commanding Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING, James River, Va., July 6, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of my
battery during 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 General McCall's division on thee
24th of June, and one section placed in position near the mill to sweep the
lower road from Mechanicsville. About noon
on the 26th of June the remaining section; Lieutenant Piper's, 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. Between 4 and 5 o'clock the enemy
attacked in force with artillery and infantry. My first section being on a
hill, fire was opened as soon as the enemy appeared on the opposite one, the
distance being some 700 yards, a small creek and 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 Piper's
section was first engaged, being on the right. When I heard that the section
under Lieutenant Van Reed had opened fire I wished to proceeded to it to
superintend it, but just at this moment Lieutenant Piper was wounded, and I
remained to take charge of his section. On this account I cannot speak from my
own observation of Lieutenant Van Reed's section, but I was informed by General
Seymour, who witnessed 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 maintained in his section.

At daylight on the 27th of June, in obedience to orders, I united the two
sections and moved the battery to the neighborhood of Adams' house, between
Gaines' Mill and Woodbury's Bridge. About 11 a.m. I was ordered to cross the
Chickahominy for ammunition and then recross by the Grapevine Bridge. This was
countermanded, however, and I recrossed by Woodbury's Bridge, and endeavored to
find General Reynolds on the field. The battle was then progressing. I could
not 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 the fight, on the approach of the enemy, I came into battery,
and fired some 30 or 40 rounds of shell and shrapnel. At this point Lieutenant
Van Reed's 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 Chickahominy 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 o'clock 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 afternoon 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 enemy's 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 place 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 double
canister, but was very happy to find my services were not needed on that
occasion. About 11 p.m. I received orders to move to this place, which I
reached about daylight on the 2nd 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 Mechanicsville 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 proud 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.
JNumbers R. SMEAD,
Captain Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery K.

Report of Captain Henry Benson, Second U. S. Artillery,
of operations June 28-July 2, including the battle of Malvern Hill.

CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING,
July 6, 1862.

SIR:
I have to report for the information of the colonel commanding the brigade
of horse artillery the operations of my battery during the following days:

The battery left Camp Lincoln, near Savage Station, on the afternoon of the
28th of June, and occupied the ground in front of the residence of Mrs. Couch,
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 during the afternoon the 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
his to retire. The battery remained in position until 10 p.m., 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 direction 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 enemy's infantry engaged with the
division of General 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 2nd
instant.

Loss during the days mentioned above was 3 horses wounded and 2 lost.

Lieutenants Barlow, Hains, 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 names of Sergts. Terrence Riely and Henry Flood, of my
battery, for commissions 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.
Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Brigade of Horse Artillery.

Reports of Captain John C. Tidball, Light Battery A, Second U. S. Artillery,
of operations June 27-July 6, including the battles of Gaines' Mill and Malvern 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 instructions from him to post my battery on a
rising piece of ground on the north side of the main road leading from
Mechanicsville to Gaines' Mill, and about 1 mile from the latter. Here I was to
remain until the troops near Mechanicsville should pass on their way to a new
position beyond Gaines' Mill, and then by a judicious use of my battery delay
the advance of the enemy. I detached one section, under Brevet Captain Pennington,
to a favorable position farther to the right and slightly advanced. The last of our troops
passed about 5 o'clock a. m., and in a few minutes the enemy made their appearance and
opened a fire of musketry upon Captain Pennington's 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 were likewise checked.

I remained at this position until I supposed all of our troops had passed
beyond Gaines' Mill, when I 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 number of ambulances and a battery 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 advanced, but it was
only occasionally that bodies large enough to fire upon would make their
appearance. Withdrawing a short distance farther, I remained at Little Cold
Harbor until about 11 o'clock a. m., 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 performed
the delicate duty assigned me, he directed me to report for further duty to
Brigadier-General Sykes. Shortly afterward (about 1 o'clock p. m.) the enemy,
appearing in force, opened fire with their batteries, and the battle of the
Chickahominy, or Gaines' Mill, commenced. Soon thereafter General Sykes ordered
me 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 enemy, then
playing fiercely with his artillery from the ridge in front of his right flank.
Hastening up at a trot and coming into battery, it required but a few minutes
to silence the enemy at this point and cause him to change the position on his
guns. The ground upon my left sloped off to a marshy slough, fringed with trees
and bushes. Along this was posted a battalion of regular infantry (the Fourth),
for my support; on my right and front came down to within 200 yards the point
of a pine forest; directly in my front along the ridge, at about 1,000 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 Regular Infantry. In about half an hour the enemy again returned
with his guns, and placing them behind the small pines already mentioned opened
a hot fire upon us. 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 o'clock p. m. our troops at this point for a time were forced
back, and the enemy threatened to sweep down 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,
and not knowing the position of our troops in this direction, I was fearful of
continuing the fire. The ground in rear of my battery not admitting
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 constantly bringing up full
ones from the caissons.

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 instructions 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, and being now exposed to a
sharp fire of musketry as well as of artillery I thought it prudent to withdraw
and seek a position where my few remaining rounds 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 prescribed by
General Sykes. About 9 o'clock p. m. I crossed the Chickahominy at Woodbury's
Bridge and returned to my camp. My company officers in the engagement were
First Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Pennington, First Lieutenant Dennison, and
Second Lieutenant 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, Bell, 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 day about 600 rounds.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Light Company A.

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,
Commanding Brigade Horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac.

CAMP AT WESTOVER, July 6, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that soon after dark upon the evening of
the 28th ultimo I received orders from you to move with my battery from my camp
near the Chickahominy by Savage Station on the Richmond and York River Railroad
toward the James River. Starting immediately I marched, with frequent delays,
all night, and soon after daylight crossed the bridge at White Oak Swamp, and
halted with the remainder of the Artillery Reserve about 2 miles beyond.

On the morning of the 30th resumed our march, and about 12 m. arrived at
Malvern Hill, where we bivouacked for the night. The next morning, July 1, the
enemy attacking in force, the battle commenced. My battery being held in
reserve, was not called into action until the dusk of the evening, when under
your directions I moved forward upon the battle-field, and took position in a
field upon the left of the main road. Here I came into battery in the only
position that I could see not already occupied by other batteries. A battalion
of infantry was in my front firing, in consequence of which I could get only my
two flank pieces into action. The enemy were retiring, and
it was but a few minutes until the firing ceased along our whole line. In about
an hour afterward most of our troops were withdrawn from the field, and I was
directed by you to close in toward the road on my right and remain in a state
of vigilance during the night, occasionally firing a shot into the forest in
front of me. About 11 o'clock you directed me to withdraw and take the road
leading to the James River. I accordingly did so, and arrived at this point
about 6 o'clock 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 precision a score or so of war
rockets. I was directed to prepare my battery for immediate action, and was in
a few minutes afterward directed to report to General Smith, who ordered me up
to the front, now occupied by the right of our line. Here I came into battery
about 1,500 yards from the enemy's 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,
JNumbers C. TIDBALL,
Captain, Second Artil