hours on the eighth, and regiments not more ex-partly on their batteries, and partly on their posed than ourselves suffered severly. infantry, with canister, until the ammunition was I have the honor to be, Captain, your obedi-exhausted, when I ordered the piece to retire B. W. LEIGH, a short distance up the road. Hastening across Captain Commanding First Va. Bat., P. A. C. S. A. to the left, where my other guns had been ent servant, REPORT OF CAPTAIN POAGUE. BROWN'S GAP, VIRGINIA, June 11, 1862. Captain J. F. O'Brien, A. A. G., First Brigade, V. D.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the battery under my command, on the eighth and ninth instant, near Port Republic, Virginia. ordered up, engaging the artillery and infantry of the enemy, I found that they had retired to the position first occupied in the morning. The officer in charge of them, Lieutenant Graham, informed me that after our infantry began to fall back, he ordered the guns to be limbered to the rear and retire. Having lost his horse in the engagement, and being some distance behind the guns, he sent three different messsengers on to On the morning of the eighth, in obedience have the guns halted in the orchard. These to directions from Brigadier-General Winder, I orders were not received by the Lieutenant in hastened from camp with one of my Parrott charge. After the battery had commenced fallguns, the first hitched up and ready to move, in ing back, the fourth piece, a brass six-pounder, the direction of the bridge at Port Republic, in charge of Lieutenant Davis, was ordered by about three fourths of a mile distant. Under Brigadier-General Winder to halt and fire on the the direction of Major-General Jackson, in per- advancing infantry of the enemy. While unson, this gun was placed in position in the wheat-limbering, Lieutenant Davis was severely, and field near the bridge, commanding both it and several cannoneers slightly, wounded by the inthe country beyond the Shenandoah River. This fantry of the enemy; two of the horses were piece drove the enemy's cavalry from beyond also shot, one of them falling across the pole. the river, and fired two shots at a six-pounder, But few men being left with the gun, the enemy stationed by the enemy at the further extremity within a hundred yards, and, finding it impossiof the bridge, when the cannoneers abandoned to extricate the wounded horse, it was abanthe gun and retreated across the river, taking doned; the piece was taken from the field by the limber with them. After this piece had been the enemy; though the limber was afterward placed in position, I hurried back and found my A careful search was made for the other guns, four in number, taking a position, gun, but nothing heard from it. Three of my under the direction of Brigadier-General Win- pieces were again moved forward, and assisted der, on a ridge to the left of the road, and nearly in the final dislodgment and rout of the enemy, opposite the position occupied by two pieces of joining in the pursuit for about two miles, when the enemy's artillery, which had kept up an ir-I received orders to halt. The following is the regular fire for some time. After two or three list of casualties, all of which occurred on the shots from my battery, these two guns ceased ninth: firing. One of them, I learn, was afterward found in the woods near by. Thereafter, my guas, in conjunction with Carpenter's battery, were turned upon the enemy's infantry, several regiments of which were within range. They were soon driven back, retreating in considerable haste, leaving some of their dead along the road. Two of my guns were then moved about a mile down the river, to a position from which to sweep the road, if the enemy should again endeavor to advance. This, however, was not attempted, and shortly after dark all of my guns were taken to camp. Seventy-three rank and file, (strength of com pany.) On the morning of the ninth, having crossed South River, and following the brigade about one and a half miles down the road leading to Swift Run Gap, I received orders to place two Parrott pieces on the left of the road, from which position they opened on the enemy's batteries. The balance of my guns, being of short range, were kept under cover. After firing about two hours, shifting position occasionally to the left, I received an order to take one of my Parrott guns to a point indicated, some distance down the road, within short range of the enemy's batteries. From this point, under a hot fire from four of their guns, a rapid fire was kept up, recovered. Lieutenant James C. Davis, severely wounded in the side; privates, J. T. Gibbs, slightly in the foot; James Nicely, slightly in hand; William Cox, slightly in arm; Frank Singleton, missing, and believed to be severely wounded. A number of others were slightly bruised. The conduct of all the men and officers engaged was unexceptionable. Very respectfully, WILLIAM T. POAGUE. REPORT OF CAPTAIN CARPENTER. GENERAL: In obedience to your orders, I hereby make the following report of the operations of my company in the recent engagements of the eighth and ninth instant, near Port Republic. On the morning of the eighth, while in camp on the heights opposite Port Republic, and, as I supposed, in quarters for one day at least, my horses turned out to graze, I was very much surprised to hear a brisk cannonading at or near the bridge over the Shenandoah River. Knowing that the enemy was on that side of the river, and believing that he had made his appearance, I immediately ordered my horses to be caught and harnessed, and my battery put in readiness for action. At this time, I received orders from you to move my battery forward as soon as pos sible. I did so, and placed it in a position at a point indicated by yourself. Upon looking across the river, I saw the enemy's cavalry in full retreat, and upon looking down the river, I observed his infantry coming, upon which I turned my pieces and opened fire. He was at first very obstinate, and appeared determined to move forward; but a few rounds from our artillery, upon the head of his column, soon taught him the importance of the "about-face and doublequick" in his drills. I then kept up a fire upon his retreating column, advancing by half-battery, so long as it was in sight. After remaining some time at the last position occupied, some half a mile below the bridge, I received orders to move to camp. Early in the morning, on the ninth instant, I received orders to move my battery across the South-River. After proceeding a short distance down the river on the road leading to Swift Run, the enemy's pickets were observed. Two of my pieces were unlimbered, and one or two rounds drove them off. I then received orders to limber up and move to the right. About this time the enemy opened fire upon us. I was then ordered to move my pieces forward and through a wood that was just in front of me. After examining the wood I found it was impossible to move artillery through, in consequence of the thick undergrowth. I reported this fact to Captain O'Brien, Assistant AdjutantGeneral, when he directed that I should send one section of my battery to the support of the left. I did so, under the command of Lieutenant McKendree, who reported to the General in person and was ordered to take position on the extreme left. Of the operations of this section the General must be acquainted, as it was under his immediate observation nearly the whole time. With Captain O'Brien's permission, I ordered the other section, under command of Lieutenant Carpenter, to take a position on the extreme right, as there was no artillery there, and by so doing to get a cross-fire upon the enemy. He moved forward until within short range of the enemy's guns, and opened upon them with shell. Very soon the infantry of the enemy began to advance upon him, when I ordered a round or two of canister which staggered them. He continued to pour canister into their ranks, and maintained his ground until his ammunition, except a few shell, was exhausted, in consequence of which, and the close proximity of the enemy, I ordered him to move to the rear and fill his limbers again. I then went to look after my NO. OF BRIGADE. other section, on the left. After getting nearly there, I found that it had already been ordered to the rear. The artillery duel was a sharp one, having been fought principally with canister and short-range shell. The following is a list of the casualties sustained in my company: Thomas Jordan, supposed to be mortally wounded in head; Samuel S. Carpenter, gunner, severely in arm; William McAllister, slightly in side; John Mackay, slightly in thigh; George Byrd, slightly in cheek. I lost two horses, killed; three were disabled, and had to be left on the field. Strength on the eighth, rank and file, seventy; strength on the ninth, rank and file, fifty-five-eleven not engaged. Very respectfully submitted. JOSEPH CARPENTER, Commanding Battery. COPY OF FREMONT'S ORDER OF MARCH. 1. Colonel Chiseret's brigade. 2. The pioneers of all brigades, as also the axemen of every regiment, to start at five A.M. 3. Fourth New-York cavalry. 4. General Stahl's brigade, with Bucktail Rifles as flankers, at half-past five o'clock A.M. Casualties of Third Division-Action of June sixth, near Harrisonburgh. OPERATIONS AROUND RICHMOND. REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL LONGSTREET. HEADQUARTERS, NEAR RICHMOND, July 29, 1862. stroying most of the property that he could not remove. The pursuit was steadily continued until one o'clock, when the enemy was discovered strongly posted behind Powhite Creek. The three brigades, under Wilcox, were advanced to the edge of the creek, to feel the enemy, and ascertain, as far as practicable, his strength. It was soon found that he was in full force. A message to this effect was received from Brigadier-General D. R. Jones, a few moments previous. The troops were halted in position to await the arrival of the other divisions. Colonel R. H. Chilton, A. A. General: COLONEL: In obedience to confidential General Orders, No. 75, and previously arranged plans, the division of Major-General D. H. Hill and my own were put in march, the former at two, the latter at three o'clock A.M., on the twentysixth, for the Mechanicsville turnpike, to await the progress of the command of Major-Generals Jackson and A. P. Hill. The two divisions, Major-General A. P. Hill soon repaired the were in position in front of Mechanicsville bridge, bridges at the mill, crossed the Powhite Creek, at eight o'clock A.M., but some unavoidable de- and took position for the attack. The columns lay in the movement of the troops on the other under General Jackson, having a longer march, side of the Chickahominy, kept us in waiting were not in position for some time after. Finaluntil about three o'clock P.M., when the advance ly, these columns were reported in position, and of Major-General A. P. Hill's command was dis- the commanding general directed my brigades covered. The divisions were put in readiness to to be put in position on the right, to cooperate. cross at any moment, and at six o'clock the ene- In front of me, the enemy occupied the woodmy had been turned and driven back far enough | ed slope of Turkey hill, the crest of which is fifty to enable the head of our column to pass the or sixty feet higher than the plain over which bridges. Brigadier General Hampton volunteered my troops must pass to make an attack. The to give directions and positions to our heavy bat- plain is about a quarter of a mile wide; the furteries, opposite Mechanicsville, now become use- ther side of it was occupied by sharp-shooters. less, and to follow the movements of our troops Above these, and on the slope of the hill, was a down the river. The batteries followed our line of infantry behind trees, felled so as to form movements, and played upon the enemy's lines a good breast-work. The crest of the hill, some with good effect. forty feet above the last line, was strengthened by rifle-trenches, and occupied by infantry and artillery. In addition to this, the plain was enfiladed by batteries on the other side of the Chickahominy. I was, in fact, in the position from which the enemy wished us to attack him. Ripley's brigade of D. H. Hill's division was thrown forward, and soon became engaged in a sharp fight with the enemy at Beaver Dam Creek, a stream from twelve to twenty feet wide, with perpendicular banks, from six to eight feet high. The enemy being very strongly posted behind this creek, with the bridges destroyed, these gallant troops could accomplish but little before night. A very handsome effort was made by them, however, to take the enemy's batteries. Major-General D. H. Hill's report will give particulars of the conduct of his troops at this point. Some time after dark, the rear brigade of my own division succeeded in crossing the Chickahominy, and Pryor's and Featherston's brigades were ordered to Beaver Dam Creek, to relieve the portion of Major-General D. H. Hill's division in position there, the balance of the division remaining near the bridge in bivouac. The attack was begun by Major-General A. P. Hill's division. My troops were drawn up in lines, massed behind the crest of a hill, and behind a small wood, three brigades in each position, and held in readiness, as the reserve. We had not been in position long, however, before I received an urgent message from the commanding general to make a diversion in favor of the attacking columns. The three brigades, under Wilcox, were at once ordered forward against the enemy's left flank with this view. Pickett's brigade making a diversion on the left of the brigades, developed the strong position and force of the ememy in my front; and I found that I must drive him by direct assault, or abandon the idea of making the diversion. From the urgent nature of the message from the commanding general, and my own peculiar position, I determined to change the feint into an attack, and orders for a general advance were issued. General R. H. Anderson's brigade was divided-part supporting Pickett's in the direct assault, and the other portions guarding the right flank of the brigades under Wilcox. At early dawn, on the twenty-seventh, the battle was renewed with artillery and infantry. The brigade of General Wilcox and a battery were sent to the support of the brigades on Beaver Dam Creek, and were engaged principally with artillery, until seven o'clock, when the enemy abandoned his trenches and retired. The columns were delayed about an hour repairing the bridges, when the general advance was resumed. Three of my brigades, Wilcox's, Pryor's, and Featherston's, under Brigadier-General Wilcox, At this moment, General Whiting arrived with were put in advance, to move, when the ground his division, put it into position at once and would permit, in line of battle, supported by joined in the assault. The opportune arrival of Pickett's brigade, the other two, Anderson's and this division occupied the entire field and enKemper's, some distance behind. It was soon abled me to hold in reserve my rear brigade, (Kemdiscovered that the enemy had fallen back rapid-per's.) Our gallant officers and men were moved ly from his right, burning and otherwise de- forward in the face of three lines of infantry fire, supported by batteries from both sides of the Chickahominy. The troops moving steadily on under this terrible fire, drove the enemy from his positions, one after another, took his batteries, and finally drove him into the swamps of the Chickahominy. Major Haskell, of General D. R. Jones's staff, volunteered his services to me for the day. Upon his first field, his conduct would have done credit to any distinguished veteran. After gallantly bearing the colors of one of the regiments to the enemy's breast-works, and planting the standard upon them, he lost his right arm by a cannon-shot. The gallant Captain Ochiltree, of the AdjutantGeneral's department, volunteered his services, and was very active and energetic in the discharge of duties assigned him. General Wigfall and Colonel P. T. Moore, and W. Munford kindly offered their services, and were active and useful in transmitting orders, etc. No battle-field can boast of more gallantry and devotion. The severest trials were encountered by Wilcox's, Featherston's, and Pryor's brigades. These were skirmishing all day, and under a most annoying fire of artillery a great part of the time. They were the first, too, to make the assault, and receive the terrible fire of infantry from the enemy's lines. The enemy's left was forced, and his position was thus partially turned, several of Early on the following day, (Saturday,) parties his batteries and many prisoners and regimental were sent forward to find the enemy. It was standards falling into our hands. As our troops soon ascertained that he was not in force in my reached the crest, but a moment before occupied front, and had destroyed the bridges across the by the enemy, reënforcements advanced and Chickahominy, immediately in front of me. It were engaged with our troops for a few moments. was supposed, however, that we would be able Soon discovering, however, that they must give to draw him from his intrenchments, by cutting way, they fell back in some confusion, leaving his base. Whilst other portions of the army their dead to mark their line of battle. This were occupied at this work, my artillery was was the last opposition encountered by our opened with such long-range guns as I could use troops, further than a show of resistance as the against the enemy on the other side of the river. enemy was pursued. The firing along other The range was so great, however, that we could portions of the line was continued until dark. do but little more than annoy him. The fire of one of the batteries in front of General D. R. Jones, however, made him feel exceedingly uncomfortable. The effort to draw the enemy out by cutting his base was entirely unsuccessful; and, on Sunday morning, it was ascertained that he had abandoned his fortifications, and was in full retreat toward his gunboats on the James River. I was ordered, with my own division and that of Major-General A. P. Hill, to march, via New-Bridges and the Darbytown road, to intercept his retreat. After a forced march, our troops reached a point that night within easy striking distance of the enemy. General Whiting having finished his work in our front with his own division, asked for a brigade of General Jackson's command, which happened to be near me, and put it in position on our left, where he did other handsome work. After driving the enemy from his last position, many of our men continued the pursuit beyond, in a rather straggling condition. The enemy's cavalry, covering his retreat, seeing this, attempted a charge, but our troops coolly awaited their approach, and drove them back after delivering a few rounds in their ranks. A little after dark the firing ceased, and the enemy left upon the field, surrendered, or straggled through the woods. The march was resumed on Monday morning. Soon after taking up the line of march, I was Up to the moment of gaining the enemy's po- joined by the commanding general. Our forces sition our loss was greater than his, but the tell- came upon the enemy at Frazier's farm, about ing fire of our infantry upon his lines, as he re- noon, when the enemy's skirmishers were retired, and returned again to attack, thinned ported as advancing. Colonel Jenkins, comhis ranks so rapidly that his dead soon outnum-manding the Second brigade, was directed to asbered ours. There was more individual gallant- certain the condition of the enemy. After drawtry displayed upon this field than any I have ing in his pickets, it was found that he was in ever seen. Conspicuous amongst those gallant force and position, ready for battle. My own di officers and men, were Brigadier-Generals R. H. vision was put in position for attack or defence at Anderson, Whiting, Wilcox, and Pickett-the once, and one of Major-General A. P. Hill's brilatter severely wounded; Colonels Jenkins, gades (Branch's) ordered forward, to support my Withers, severely wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel right flank-the rest of Hill's division being left, Hale, severely wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel for the time, on the road, to secure the right or Slaughter, severely wounded; and Major Mullins, severely wounded. The gallant Colonel Woodward, of the Tenth Alabama volunteers, fell at the head of his regiment in the assault on the enemy's position. move up to support the front. About this time information was received that Major-General Magruder was in rear, in easy supporting distance, but as information was also received that the enemy was in force in front of Major-General My personal staff, Majors Sorrel, Manning, Holmes, it was deemed advisable to order MagruFairfax, and Walton, Captain Goree and Lieuten- der's forces to join Holmes, about three miles off ant Blackwell, displayed great gallantry, intelli- to our right. After getting into position, artiller; gence and activity. They have my warmest fire was opened about three o'cloock P.M., upon thanks, and deserve much credit of the govern- the enemy, apparently from the Charles City road. Taking this for Huger's attack, and think ment. |