to make the following report of the movements and engagements of the division under my command, from the morning of the twenty-seventh of June to the termination of the first of July: officer captured from one of the enemy's batteries stated that the fire from these guns was most disastrous. Early in the afternoon, Major-General Magruder notified me of his intention to feel the On the morning of the twenty-seventh ultimo, enemy along his entire front, and directed me to the Third brigade, Colonel G. T. Anderson com-issue the necessary orders to my command. Near manding, occupied the works around Mrs. Price's sunset he further directed me to send another house. The First brigade, Brigadier-General regiment of Anderson's brigade to support the Toombs commanding, was stationed in rear and east of Mr. James Garnett's house. These positions have been held continuously since the third or fourth of June; and that around Mrs. Price's house strongly fortified by my command, under a daily harassing fire from the enemy's batteries. General Magruder, who approved it: "The divisions to your right have been ordered by General Magruder to feel the enemy in their front with strong pickets, and to follow up, to the utmost, any advantage which may offer or success which may ensue. You are ordered to do the same, taking as your signal for advance the commencement of the movement on your right." two guns placed in position in the forenoon, on the left of the Nine-mile road. The fire on my right was to be the signal for commencing the demonstration. This order was communicated to Colonel Anderson verbally; but the pickets of General Toombs being in the immediate vicinity of the enemy, and believing a serious engagement Early on the twenty-seventh ultimo, it was ob- with his brigade would be the result of this moveserved that the enemy had pushed his picket line ment, I deemed it best to issue to him the folinto the wheat-field in front of Mr. James Gar-lowing order in writing, first submitting it to nett's house, and was constructing a line of rifle pits, extending from the old chimneys toward the gate-posts, in the farther corner of the field. On his right he had a strong line of pickets thrown out a few yards in advance of his regiments drawn up in line of battle immediately in front of General Toombs's right regiment, then posted in a ravine east of the Garnett house. The nature of the position brought the opposing lines Shortly before sunset, Lane's and Woolfolk's in such close contiguity that neither could advance batteries, being stationed near and in front of the their pickets more than a few yards from the overseer's house, opened a brisk fire on the enmain body. Both positions were strong for de-emy for some minutes, drawing upon themselves fence, but an advance from either was hazardous so heavy a fire from the enemy's well-protected in the extreme. The disposition of the enemy, as batteries, that they were compelled to withdraw; above indicated, was made known to Major-General not, however, until the enemy in their camps had Magruder, who directed me in the forenoon to suffered severely, as was afterward ascertained. send two twelve-pound howitzers, of Brown's bat-The expected signal-firing on the right — being tery, with a regiment of Anderson's brigade, as a given shortly after, General Toombs advanced support, to the overseer's house, equidistant from seven companies of the Second Georgia regiment Doctor and Mr. James Garnett's, and to send two toward the enemy's position; but before these other regiments of the same brigade, as a sup-could be deployed, they were met with a heavy port to two howitzers, which he had instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, Chief of Artillery, to post on the left of ths Nine-mile road. This being done, the artillery was ordered to open upon the enemy wherever seen. His working parties were driven in, and his supporting troops retired from view. The enemy opened a terrible artillery fire from his batteries on the right of the Golding house. The rest of Brown's battery, (two smoothbore six-pounders,) and Lane's battery, of six guns, were sent to Brown's assistance, and the fire was kept up vigorously for about twenty minutes longer, when the pieces were withdrawn by Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, agreeably to instructions. In the afternoon, from the top of Mrs. Price's, I saw the enemy drawn up in great force, across the Chickahominy, ready to meet the steadily advancing lines of General Longstreet's command. So soon as the engagement began, I directed Captain Dabney to open with his heavy battery of one thirty-two-pounder Parrott gun, known "Long Tom ;" and one eighteen-pounder rifled gun, upon the enemy's left flank. Notwithstanding the necessity of indicating the direction and range from the house-top, this fire was continued with the happiest effect until nightfall. It has since been reported to me that an as front and flank fire from several regiments. Unshaken by the odds before them, these companies gallantly held their ground, and replied with vigor. The Fifteenth Georgia regiment, led by the intrepid, by now lamented McIntosh, rushed promptly to the support, and the fight was maintained with energy, until the enemy's advance was checked and driven back, and his firing had entirely ceased. The two regiments-Ninth Georgia, Colonel Turnipseed, and First Georgia regulars, Colonel Magill detached by General Magruder's order, in the forenoon, advanced into the woods on the left of the Nine-mile road, throwing out skirmishers, and meeting a regiment of the enemy. This gallant body of skirmishers drove the enemy from his position through his bivouac, capturing knapsacks and canteens, &c., and only halted when they found themselves under the direct fire of the enemy's batteries and beyond the support of our lines on the right. They then retired on the main body, which retained its position under shelter of the woods, until withdrawn at midnight by General Magruder's order, Saturday, June twentyeighth. Going to General Magruder's quarters, and failing to see him, I despatched Captain Latrobe, of my staff, to communicate with General Lee, line, and drove it back to the main body of his requesting him to assist in a contemplated attack rear guard, which was in position, with several on the enemy in my front, by placing a battery pieces of artillery, in a field beyond. Finding of long-range guns, so as to enfilade his position my command in advance of General Magruder's from across the Chickahominy. Convinced, from division, which was to move on my right, and information received, and from a personal recon- without support on my left, - General Jackson noissance, that the enemy were about to evacuate, not having crossed the Chickahominy, — I halted I directed five of the long-range guns attached my command, and directed Hart's battery, atto my command to open fire from the New Bridge tached to Anderson's brigade, and Moody's batroad, on the enemy, fortified at and near Gold-tery, attached to Toombs's brigade, to reply to the ing's house. General Toombs being in advance, fire of the enemy, my skirmishers meanwhile I directed him to take advantage of any positive keeping up a brisk exchange of fire. This was retreat of the enemy, by the occupation, with his continued until he withdrew. left flank, of the redoubt at Golding's, opening therefrom upon the retreating foe. Having ordered Brown's and Moody's batteries into position near the overseer's house, and made the necessary dispositions of my command, I went to the batteries on the road to direct their fire and watch its effect. On notification from General Magruder, I advanced until my left had passed Mickly's farm, and my right had come in view of the enemy at Savage Station, when Colonel Anderson, by my order, opened with his artillery, to wit, two pieces of Hart's battery, compelling the retreat out of view of the enemy's infantry. Observing that the enemy retreated in disorder The engagement beginning on the right, about from our fire, I despatched Captain Thurston, of this time, I caused Colonel Anderson to change my staff, to notify General Toombs of this fact, front to the right, so as to take the enemy in and to order Brown's and Moody's batteries to flank and rear, should he advance on General open upon the enemy's line to his (Toombs's) Cobb's position. Scarcely had this disposition right, and went myself to communicate with Gen- been made, when orders were received from eral Magruder. On my way to whom, Captain General Magruder, through Lieutenant Bryan, a Thurston reported to me, that, upon delivering member of his staff, to fall back to the railroad my message to General Toombs, he had been sent bridge with my whole command, to support the by him to order Colonel Anderson to advance to right of his line. Two guides were sent at the the attack, relying upon him (Toombs) for sup- same time to conduct me to the position desigport; that Colonel Anderson had at once ordered nated. This order I obeyed; but failing to find forward the Seventh and Eighth Georgia regi- General Magruder, my men were bivouacked near ments. Upon hearing this, and meeting General the road in a drenching rain, about ten o'clock P. M. Magruder, I reported it to him, who, in conse- I cannot close my report of this day's operaquence of an order from General Lee, just re-tions without expressing my very great satisfacceived through Captain Latrobe, directed me to countermand the movement at once. Idespatched Captain Ford, of my staff, with this order, but not in time to stop the engagement, which had already begun. a steadiness and coolness which exhibited the excellency of its discipline, the efficiency of its officers, and the courage of the men composing it. Monday, June thirtieth, at eight o'clock A. M., according to orders, I marched with my command to General Longstreet's position, beyond New Market, on the Darbytown road, a march of over eighteen hours' duration, reaching and occupying the field of Monday's battles with my exhausted troops, between two and three o'clock A. M. of Tuesday, July first. tion with the admirable manner with which the First Georgia regulars acquitted itself of the arduous duties assigned it. Deployed in full, as skirmishers, nearly the whole day, in advance of the entire division, it preserved its alignments The Seventh and Eighth regiments, with that through woods and over every obstacle, and when impetuous valor exhibited on other fields, ad-in immediate conflict with the enemy, behaved with vanced rapidly on the enemy, facing a hail of grape, canister, and musketry, and driving him from his intrenchments to the edge of the "Labor-in-vain" Swamp. Just then, as General Toombs had ordered his regiments to advance in support, the order of recall was received, and the Seventh and Eighth were withdrawn with much loss; leaving the chivalrous Lamar dangerously wounded on the field. (See Anderson's report.) | Sunday, June twenty-ninth, obedient to orders from General Magruder, I advanced across the Labor-in-vain Swamp through the camps lately occupied by the enemy, to the neighborhood of Fair Oaks Station. Discovering there that the enemy's pickets were a short distance in front, I directed Colonel Anderson to advance the First Georgia regulars, deployed as skirmishers, putting the remainder of his command in line of battle, instructing General Toombs to form his line on the left, rear of Colonel Anderson, and so placing the two brigades in echelon. Meanwhile the First Georgia regulars, having advanced about four hundred yards, came upon the enemy's picket About seven o'clock A. M., by direction of General Magruder, my command, in conjunction with other troops, advanced as far as the Willis Church road, where many prisoners were captured. In obedience to orders, about ten o'clock A. M. my troops were withdrawn from this position, marched back on the Darbytown road some three or four miles, countermarched, and finally halted some two miles in rear of the position occupied in the morning. Between two and three o'clock P. M., under orders from Major-General Longstreet, Colonel Anderson's brigade was placed cient service, to the members of my staff. Captain Coward, A. A. General, who rendered valuable assistance to me throughout and in Tuesday's battle, most gallantly went into action in lead. Captain Latrobe, A. A. and I. General, Captain Ford, Aid-de-camp, and Captains Thurston and Jones, volunteer Aids, the former (Captain Thurscourage and coolness, Captain Ford accompanying a portion of my command in the charge on Tuesday. Lieutenant Campbell, engineer officer, attached to my staff, superintending the construction of the works around Mrs. Price's house, was indefatigable in the discharge of his duties, accompanying Toombs's brigade in its charge on Tuesday. Major Garrett, my chief of artillery, was most efficient in the discharge of his important duties. Captain DeSaigle, when not necessarily absent in discharge of his duties as division quartermaster, was of much service to me as an aid. Major Haskell, division commissary, volunteered, with Captain Latrobe, to carry to General Longstreet, across the Chickahominy, information of the position of the enemy, on Friday the twenty-seventh; remaining with that General, at his suggestion, he fell dangerously wounded while leading a regiment to the charge. Surgeon Barksdale, division surgeon, for the prompt and efficient management of all pertaining to his department, deserves all praise. in position on the right of the road leading to Crews' officers and men of my command. Especially farm, and immediately in rear of the position are my thanks due, for prompt, cheerful, and effioccupied by General Cobb. General Toombs was stationed to the right and rear of Colonel Anderson. In an hour or two, under orders from General Magruder, sent through Captain Coward, of my staff, Colonel Anderson was advanced to the position of General Cobb, who had just gone to the support of General Armistead- General Toombs occupying Colonel Anderson's position. ton) in charge of ordnance trains, displayed Hardly was this change made, when Anderson was ordered by General Magruder to the support of General Cobb. Having no instructions to the contrary, Colonel Anderson advanced upon the front occupied by General Cobb over broken ground, and into a dense swamp. Under orders from General Magruder and direction of Captain Coward, the brigade changed front to the left, and advanced in line of battle through the swamp, followed closely by that of General Toombs, who took position upon his (Anderson's) left, and, under repeated orders from General Magruder, both brigades were hurried through the swamp, the difficulties of which, or the fearful fire of the enemy, cannot be exaggerated. Owing to less distance, General Toombs reached the plateau first, and advanced directly towards the enemy's batteries in open view, some six or seven hundred yards ahead, and slightly to the left. To that point every thing tended, my own command, as well as others already on the field, soon bringing the different troops in contact; and, under the terrific fire of the enemy, partial confusion ensued, to avoid which, and erroneously thinking I had so ordered it, Toombs's brigade obliqued to the left, crossed the road, getting out of my control. These movements had been made under a murderous fire, which these brave troops endured without the opportunity of returning a shot. For the further movements of this brigade I have to refer you to the report of General Toombs herewith enclosed. Colonel Anderson, coming up in line with, and to the right of, General Toombs, struck the ridge at a point where it fell rapidly away from his front toward the right, causing the two regiments on his left to mount the ridge, while the balance of his brigade was in the bottom. To remedy this, and to advance with his whole command in line, he halted and retired the two regiments in advance, so as to bring his brigade parallel with the edge of the plateau. Before this change of front was completed, three of his regiments, mistaking some order for that to advance, rushed forward, coming under a deadly cross-fire of artillery, and suffering severe loss. Night had now closed in, and convinced that further attempts would be unavailing, this command was kept under the crest, in order to repel any advance of the enemy. Remaining in this position until about eleven o'clock, and there being no water convenient to the men, in the absence of other instructions, I withdrew the command to the position occupied previous to the commencement of the action. Before closing this report, I desire to bear testimony to the brave and soldierly behavior of the The casualties in my command are as follows: In infantry-killed, one hundred; wounded, six hundred and ninety-seven; missing, twenty-one. In artillery killed, three; wounded, eleven. For a detailed list of casualties, I refer you to the enclosed report. I have the honor to be, Captain, D. R. JONES, Brigadier-General R. H. Chilton, Assistant Adjutant-General: GENERAL: I send you my report of the battles of the Chickahominy, with an apology for so long delaying it. The report of General Gregg I have not been able to get yet, but will have it in a day or two, when I will send it up. Respectfully, A. P. HILL, Major-General. } HEADQUARTERS LIGHT DIVSION, CAMP GREGG, February 28, 1863. Brigadier-General R. H. Chilton, Adjutant and Inspector-General Army of Northern Virginia: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the light division in the battles of the Chickahominy: In obedience to orders received from the General commanding, on Wednesday night, the 25th of June, I concentrated my division near the Meadow Bridge, viz.: the brigades of J. R. Anderson, Gregg, Field, Pender, and Archer -- the brigade of General Branch having been di- Andrews galloped up to the assistance of Pegram. rected to move to the bridge some seven miles The battle now raged furiously along my whole above, where the Brooke turnpike crosses the line. The artillery fire from the enemy was terChickahominy; the batteries of Braxton, An- rific. Their position along Beaver Dam Creek drews, Pegram, Crenshaw, McIntosh, Bachman, was too strong to be carried by a direct attack, and Johnson, with five extra horses to each gun, without heavy loss; and expecting every moment -Johnson's battery accompanied Branch, in to hear Jackson's guns on my left and in rear of all, about fourteen thousand men. The brigades the enemy, I forbore to order the storming of and batteries were entirely concealed from the their lines. General Branch, having come up, view of the enemy. My orders were, that Gen- was ordered forward as a support to the brigades eral Jackson, moving down from Ashland, would already engaged, and Johnson's battery took poinform General Branch of his near approach. sition near McIntosh and Braxton. Gregg was As soon as Jackson crossed the Central Railroad, held in reserve near Mechanicsville. The thirtyBranch was to cross the Chickahominy, and, eighth North Carolina, Colonel Hoke, and the taking the river road, push on and clear the thirty-fourth North Carolina, Colonel Riddick, Meadow Bridge. This done, I was to cross at of Pender's brigade, made a gallant but abortive Meadow Bridge, and, sweeping down to Mechan- attempt to force a crossing. Meeting General icsville, to open the way for General Longstreet. Ripley, who had crossed his brigade at the MeIt was expected that General Jackson would be chanicsville Bridge, I requested him to turn the in the position assigned him at "early dawn," enemy's left lower down the creek. This was and all my preparations were made with a view gallantly attempted, but failed, and with heavy of moving early. General Branch did not, how-loss. Anderson, with the Thirty-fifth Georgia, ever, receive intelligence from General Jackson Colonel E. L. Thomas, leading, had moved as until about ten o'clock, when he immediately heretofore directed, and encountering the enemy, crossed and proceeeded to carry out his instruc- drove them back; and Colonel Thomas, with his tions. He was delayed by the enemy's skirmish-regiment, crossed the creek, and gained an admiers, and advanced but slowly. Three o'clock rable position for charging the enemy's batteries. having arrived, and no intelligence from Jackson The Fourteenth Georgia, Lieutenant-Colonel Folor Branch, I determined to cross at once, rather som, pushed forward to his support; but Lieuthan hazard the failure of the whole plan by tenant-Colonel Folsom being stricken down, the longer deferring it. General Field, already se-regiment lost his gallant leading, and but few lected for the advance, being in readiness, seized crossed. Colonel Thomas held his own until the the bridge, and the fortieth Virginia, Colonel Brockenbrough, leading, his brigade passed over, meeting but slight opposition, the enemy falling back to Mechanicsville. The division being safely over, Anderson and Archer followed. Field, Gregg, and Pender turned short to the right, and moved through the fields, to cooperate on the right of the first column. Beaver Dam Creek curves around Mechanicsville, the high banks being on the north side, and in possession of the enemy. This naturally strong line of defence had been made very much stronger by rifle pits and earthen epaulements for guns. The enemy opened a concentrated fire of artillery on the head of Field's column, who, throwing his brigade into line of battle, with Pegram in the centre, steadily advancing, drove the enemy from Mechanicsville. Anderson was ordered to make a flank movement to the left, and take in reverse a battery which was spiteful in its activity, while McIntosh was sent forward to attract its attention, and keep it employed. Archer was moved up to the support of Field, and formed in line on his (Field's) left, with his own left resting on the turnpike- Braxton being sent to the assistance of McIntosh. Gregg and Pender approached the village in line of battle, over the hills and open fields, from the direction of the road. Field having driven the enemy from the village and its surroundings, across Beaver Dam Creek to his stronghold, Pender was ordered to support those brigades already engaged, and to take position on the right of Field. This was gallantly done in the face of a murderous fire. battle closed, when he withdrew, and joined his brigade, on the south side of the creek. The battle ceased about nine o'clock, my brigade resting along the creek, the object of this attack, my clearing the way for Longstreet, having been justly accomplished. It was never contemplated that my division alone should have sustained the shock of this battle; but such was the case, and the only assistance received was from Ripley. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding Nineteenth Georgia, and Major Bronaugh, Park battalion, were killed, and Colonels Starke, Connor, Hoke, Thomas, A. J. Lane, and Lieutenant-Colonel Folsom and Captain Vandigraff, commanding Fifth Alabama battalion, wounded. COLD HARBOR. The morning of the twenty-seventh, before dawn, the enemy again opened a rapid fire of artillery, it being directed principally to the village of Mechanicsville. My division was directly under arms. This shelling having continued some hour or more, I was directed by General Lee to take the route to Gaines's Mill. Gregg's brigade was put in advance. It was soon found that the enemy had retired from his lines along Beaver Dam Creek, two companies from Gregg's brigade having handsomely dashed across and cleared the pits of the few men left as a blind. The evidences of precipitate retreat were palpable all along the route. Arriving at the creek, upon which Gaines's Mill is located, half a mile from Cold Harbor, the enemy were discovered upon the opposite bank. About seven o'clock, the General-in-Chief, in person, gave me an order to advance my whole line, and to communicate this order as far as I could to all commanders of troops. This was done, and a general advance being made, the enemy were swept from the field, and the pursuit only stopped by nightfall and the exhaustion of our troops. The batteries of Crenshaw, Johnson, Braxton, and Pegram were actively engaged. Crenshaw pretty well knocked to pieces. Pegram with indomitable energy and eagerness of purpose, though having lost forty-seven men and many horses at Mechanicsville, had put his battery in condition for this fight also. Gregg's brigade was at once thrown in line of success. These brave men had done all that any battle, and the skirmishers directed to effect a brave soldiers could do. Directing their men to lodgment. Andrews's battery was brought up, lie down, the fight was continued, and help and the woods opposite vigorously shelled. The awaited. From having been the attacking I now skirmishers, rushing forward, cleared the crossing, became the attacked, but stubbornly, gallantly and Gregg immediately filed his brigade across, was the ground held. My division was thus enforming line successively as each regiment crossed. gaged full two hours before assistance was reHis whole brigade being over, he made the hand-ceived. We failed to carry the enemy's lines, but somest charge, in line, I have seen during the we paved the way for the successful attack afterwar., The enemy were pressed, and the general ward, and in which attacks it was necessary to sent me word that he had brought the enemy to employ the whole of our army that side the bay, and that they were in force in his front, Chickahominy. About four o'clock, reenforcements and requested permission to attack. This was came up on my right from General Longstreet, refused, however, and he was directed to await and later, Jackson's men on my right and centre, orders from me. Branch was ordered up, and and my division was relieved of the weight of formed on Gregg's right. Pender having cleared the contest. It was then continued on more my right flank, to which service he had been as- equal terms; and finally the extreme left of the signed, Archer was sent to relieve him, thus put- enemy's line was most gallantly carried by Hood. ting him (Archer) on my extreme right. Anderson was formed on Branch's right, and Field again on his right, and connecting with Archer. Crenshaw and Johnson were brought into battery on the left of the road, and in rear of Gregg's line. I had delayed the attack until I could hear from General Longstreet, and, this now occurring, the order was given. This was about half past two P. M. Gregg, then Branch, and then Anderson, successively, became engaged. The incessant roar of musketry and deep thunder of the artillery told that the whole force of the enemy was in my front. Branch becoming hard pressed, Pender was sent to his relief. Field and Archer were also directed to do their part in this murderous contest. Braxton's artillery, accompanying Archer, had already opened. They were ordered to turn the enemy's left. These two brigades, under their heroic leaders, moving across the open field, met the enemy behind an abatis and strong intrenchment at the base of a long wooded hill, the enemy being in three lines on the side of this declivity, its crest falling On Monday, thirtieth, arrived within about one off into a plateau, and this plateau studded with mile of the cross made by the Long Bridge road guns. My front now presented a curved line, its and the Quaker road, near Frazier's farm. convexity toward the enemy. Desperate but The enemy were retreating along the Quaker unavailing attempts were made to force the ene-road. My division was halted, my field hospimy's position. The Fourteenth South Carolina, tals established, and brigades closed up. The Colonel McGowan, (having hurried up from picket duty on the other side of the Chickahominy, and arriving in the thick of the fight,) on the extreme left, made several daring charges. The Sixteenth North Carolina, Colonel McElroy, and Twenty-second, Lieutenant-Colonel Gray, at one time carried the crest of the hill, and were in the enemy's camp, but were driven back by overwhelming numbers. The Thirty-fifth Georgia, Colonel Thomas, also drove through the enemy's lines like a wedge; but it was all of no avail. Gregg and Branch fought with varying success, Gregg having before him the vaunted Zouaves and Sykes's regulars. Pender's brigade was suffering heavily, but stubbornly held its own. Field and Archer met a withering storm of bullets, but pressed on to within a short distance of the enemy's works; but the storm was too fierce for such a handful of men. They recoiled, and were again pressed to the charge, but with no better FRAZIER'S FARM. Sunday, the twenty-ninth, having been placed under the orders of Major-General Longstreet, I recrossed the Chickahominy, Longstreet's division leading. division of General Longstreet, now commanded by Brigadier-General R. H. Anderson, was in line of battle some three quarters of a mile in advance of mine. The staff officer of General Longstreet at this time delivered me an order to take the command on the field. I did so, and reporting to General Anderson that such was the case, we rode over the ground and made such dispositions as were necessary. Before the battle opened, General Longstreet returned and resumed the command. The fight commenced by fire from the enemy's artillery, which swept down the road, and from which his Excellency the President narrowly escaped accident. The battle had continued some little time, when I received an order from General Longstreet, through Captain Fairfax, to send a brigade to the left, to the support of Generals Pryor, Featherstone, and others. General Gregg was detached on this service and guided by Captain Fairfax. The fire |