11th PA Cav-- Official Report Operations August to December 1864

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations August 12-26, October 27-30, and December 9-10.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS,

August 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this division from August 22 to August 26, 1864:

At 12 m. August 22 I received orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Morgan, chief of staff, to move the division to a point on the Weldon railroad near the Parker house, to the left of the position occupied by the Fifth Corps, and to destroy the railroad, keeping half my force at the work, the remainder being held in reserve and covering the working party. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was ordered to report to me for duty in covering my left flank. Working until dark, about two miles of the road were destroyed. The division bivouacked for the night near the Parker house. On the morning of the 23d I was directed to continue the destruction of the railroad. Colonel Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, was ordered to report to me with his brigade of two regiments, relieving the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, then under my command. At 11 a.m. the road had been destroyed to within a mile of Reams' Station. General Barlow, having returned from hospital, resumed command of the division. He directed me to send two regiments, under Colonel Lynch, to occupy Reams' Station, three squadrons of cavalry having previously been sent to the same place. Immediately upon hearing from these regiments I moved my brigade there, occupied the works, and commenced destroying the track. At dark the remainder of the division also moved into the works. On the morning of the 24th General Barlow turned over to me the command of the division. By direction of Major-General Hancock I moved the division out of the works and continued the destruction of the railroad, General Gibbon's division occupying the works and relieving my picket-line. The road was effectually destroyed for three miles south of Reams' Station. During the day Colonel Spear's cavalry, supported by 100 infantry from the Fourth Brigade, was engaged in slight skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry, driving it at least two miles beyond the working parties, or five miles from Reams' Station toward Rowanty Creek. At dark the division was withdrawn to the works around the station, leaving the cavalry, under Colonel Spear, at the cross-roads, near Sharp's [Smart's?] house, picketing all the roads in that direction.

By order of Major-General Hancock, at daylight on the morning of the 25th, I relieved the troops of General Gibbon in the works and his picket-line of 700 men around the station. At 9 o'clock, while General Gibbon's division was moving out, Colonel Spear's cavalry was attacked and driven from its position. About half an hour later the cavalry in front of the extreme left of my picket-line was attacked by dismounted men and driven in on the road leading to Jerusalem plank road. The picket-line was also driven in a short distance. I ordered two small regiments (about 200 men) to their support, which, with the cavalry, drove the enemy back, after which he disappeared. I then ordered these regiments back, as firing had commenced on my front. The cavalry in my front was attacked and compelled to retire. General Gibbon's division then returning to the works, one of his brigades relieved the left brigade of my line, which was then placed in the front, on the right of Sleeper's battery, closing up my line to the right, it having been hitherto formed in one rank. The line as then formed, and as it remained until it left the works, was as follows: Fourth New York Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Allcock, connected with the right of General Gibbon's division at the railroad. On its right was the Fourth Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Broady, Sixty-first New York Volunteers; the consolidated Second and Third Brigades, Major Byron, Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers; and connecting with this, its left resting on the railroad, the First Brigade, Colonel Lynch, One hundred and eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. My troops could not fill the works on the right, but in the center the line was strong, Lieutenant-Colonel Broady having one regiment, the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania, in reserve. The two batteries of artillery on the left were very much exposed to the fire of sharpshooters, and in a position from which it was difficult to withdraw under fire. It was not posted under my direction, and I did not consider the position strong, but was obliged to occupy the works as I found them. Immediately upon occupying them the entire pioneer corps of the division, and an additional detail of fifty ax men, were set at work in slashing timber in front of the Consolidated, First, and Fourth Brigades, and in cutting roads for the movement of troops and artillery in rear of the line. At 12 o'clock the enemy drove in my picket-line and advanced in some force upon the line of battle, but was quickly repulsed with some loss, and the picket-line re-established. At 1 o'clock he again advanced, driving the skirmishers to the rifle-pits, and, advancing in line of battle, came within thirty yards of them, under a severe fire of musketry, before he was checked, but was repulsed and fell back. The One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania was quickly advanced as skirmishers, and took a few prisoners of Wilcox's division of Hill's corps. Soon after another vigorous attack was made in front of the Fourth Brigade, which was handsomely repulsed, with the assistance of the Fourth New York Artillery and the Consolidated Brigade, firing to the right and left oblique, the troops fighting with determination. In this attack, rebels were killed within three yards of the line. I directed a few skirmishers to be thrown forward in front of each regimental line to pick up prisoners and watch the enemy's movements. Prisoners were taken of Anderson's brigade, of Field's division. Soon after this repulse it was reported to me by officers of the skirmish line and an officer of my staff' that the enemy was placing a battery in position and massing troops in my front. A rebel sergeant also reported that his force consisted of Wilcox's division, two brigades of Heth's division, and Anderson's brigade. I directed the Twelfth New York Battery, Lieutenant Dauchy, to shell the woods in my front. During the second assault part of a brigade, five small regiments, of General Gibbon's division, reported to me in place of the skirmish line I had in front of that division, for a support to my line. These regiments were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Rugg, Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers, and were posted on the eastern side of the railroad cut, about twenty yards in rear of the Consolidated Brigade of this division, within easy supporting distance of any part of the line, and perfectly covered from the enemy's fire.

At this time there were indications of a movement by the enemy to my right. The right of the skirmish line, however, had not been disturbed. This line connected with that of a brigade of cavalry posted at the junction of the Brock road and road running parallel with railroad. I sent the strongest regiment of those from General Gibbon's division up the railroad in charge of Captain Marlin, my division inspector, with directions, in case the enemy appeared in that direction, to deploy along the railroad and support the picket-line, or, in case he attacked the front of the Consolidated Brigade, near the angle of our works, to attack him in flank and rear, with the assistance of the picket-line on the right. A more favorable opportunity was never offered a regiment to render distinguished service. I expected the next assault of the enemy would be at this point (the angle) and had every reason to believe he would not only be repulsed with severe loss, but would be attacked by about 300 men in rear, and followed up by the reserve of General Gibbon's division. I had placed one gun (12-pounder)of the Twelfth New York Battery at the angle to rake the railroad cut in case the enemy took it. At 5 o'clock the enemy drove in the skirmishers of the Consolidated Brigade, who made feeble resistance, debouched from the woods in front of that and the Fourth Brigade, advancing through the slashing, which was thirty yards wide. At first he was met by a sharp fire from these brigades, part of the First Brigade, which fired to the left oblique, and the Fourth New York Artillery to the right oblique. Although he pushed forward with determination, he was repulsed at several points and his organization greatly broken up by severity Of the fire and the obstacles in his front; but, unfortunately, just as his entire repulse seemed certain, a portion of the Consolidated Brigade, consisting of the Seventh, Fifty-second, and Thirty-ninth New York Regiments, broke and fell into confusion. At the same time a break occurred in the right of the same brigade--the One hundred and twenty-fifth and One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Regiments. I stood at the time on the bank of the railroad cut and saw a rebel color-bearer spring over our works and down into the cut almost at my feet.

But few of the enemy had reached the work, and a determined resistance for five minutes would have given us the victory. I looked for Lieutenants-Colonel Rugg, but not at the moment seeing him I directed his brigade to rush into the gap and commence firing. Not a minute's time was lost before giving this order, but instead of executing it they either lay on their faces or got up and ran to the rear. I then rode down the line of the Fourth Brigade, ordering it to move toward the right and hold the rifle-pit. These troops were then fighting gallantly, their brigade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Broady, being conspicuous, encouraging and directing his men. Finding the enemy had gained the angle and flanked my line, I rode to the Twelfth New York Battery and directed Lieutenant Dauchy to fire canister at that point, which he did with great effect, working his guns gallantly until the enemy was upon him. His horses were killed, and it was impossible to limber up and draw off his guns on the breaking of the line. The enemy pushed forward, and taking possession of them, turned one of them and opened fire with it upon our troops. The One hundred and fifty-second New York Regiment, Captain Burke [Burr] commanding, when the assault was made, was directed to attack the enemy in flank and rear. The regiment had changed front, was moved up to within 200 yards, and directed to open fire. Captain Marlin, division inspector, a very cool and reliable officer, reports that not a shot was fired at it, but the men broke from the ranks and fled in a disgraceful manner, only two men in the regiment discharging their pieces.

The panic had become somewhat general, and it was with the greatest difficulty that any line could be formed. One regiment, the Sixty-first New York, was observed fighting with determination. It had changed front after the rifle-pits had been flanked, and with its right resting on the works was contesting every foot of ground gained by the enemy. I rallied a line on this regiment perpendicular to the line of works, forming it as well as possible under fire, with its right extended about 100 yards in front of the works, the enemy holding the works but a short distance from it, and directing his fire chiefly to our left On account of the smoke he apparently did not observe this new line on his left flank, and ordering the firing to cease I directed it to advance, with a cheer. It swept the enemy from the entire north face of the works, recapturing the three guns of the Twelfth New York Battery, and driving the enemy into the railroad cut. This line was held by us until dark. I then succeeded in getting about 200 men around to our right and across the railroad, about 200 yards from the left flank of the enemy and partially in his rear. This force advanced, taking the enemy by surprise, and forcing him back a short distance. A brigade in this position would have swept him from the works and captured those of his troops who were in great confusion in the railroad cut, but the force was too small. This was the position of affairs at dark. With the exception of the loss of our artillery, our loss had been very slight. I established a picket-line along the road parallel with the railroad, near the church. In going to the front I could hear the enemy's men calling out their regiments, and I felt confident his loss was much heavier than ours, that his confusion was equal, and that I could retake all my line. I sent by Captain Driver, assistant adjutant-general, to Major-General Hancock information of the state of affairs. At 8 o'clock I received orders from General Hancock, by Captain Conrad, to withdraw and march to the Williams house on the Jerusalem plank road.

I am much indebted to the officers of my staff. Captain Driver, assistant adjutant-general, behaved gallantly in rallying the men. Lieutenant Black, acting aide-de-camp, was fearless in his endeavor to press the men forward again after they had broken. Captain Marlin, division inspector, rendered efficient service. Captain Hizar, assistant commissary of musters, and Lieutenant Binney, acting aide-de-camp, were wounded.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

NELSON A. MILES,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Capt. W. P. WILSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Army Corps

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 278.--Reports of Lieut. Col. Edwin S. Greeley, Tenth Connecticut Infantry, of operations October 27-29.

HDQRS. TENTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,

In the Field, before Richmond, Va., October 29, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the affair of to-day:

I received orders to move my regiment from camp and report at the sally-port in front of this brigade at 2.30 p.m. to-day. I reported as directed and joined the brigade, which had been put in motion, at 2.35 p.m., and marched without halting until the head of the Column reached the open field near the Johnson place, where the brigade was formed incline. My regiment formed on the right near the edge of the wood, my right resting on the road leading to the Johnson house. At 3.15 p.m. the colonel commanding the brigade directed me to deploy skirmishers to connect with those of the Eleventh Maine Volunteers. I deployed Companies F and I, under command of Sergeant Chapman, of Company F. The skirmish line then advanced into the open field, where they received a fire from the enemy's skirmishers posted in a line of earth-works extending from the Eagle house on the left across the Darbytown road on the right. Subsequently a detachment of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry formed on our right flank. At 3.30 p.m. the order to advance was given the skirmish line. Taking the doublequick, advanced in fine style across the open field and drove the enemy from the works, with some loss. I advanced with the reserve to the open field and halted by direction of the colonel commanding brigade. The skirmish line now occupied the works, keeping up a sharp fire upon the enemy, who had halted in a wood near their works, keeping up a desultory fire. I remained in this position until dark, and on being relieved by a squadron of cavalry, rejoined the brigade and marched to camp.

Owing to the prompt and rapid movement of my men, I am happy to say I have to report only 1 man wounded.

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

E. S. GREELEY,

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Tenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.

Capt. FRANK HAWKINS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 335.--Reports of Brig. Gen. August V. Kautz, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, of operations September 16-17, October 7, and December 10.

HEADQUARTERS KAUTZ'S CAVALRY DIVISION,

September 19, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith my report of the attack on the left of my line on the 16th instant, the subsequent pursuit, together with a list of casualties, and the reports of the brigade and regimental commanders:

On the morning of the 16th, about daylight, General Hampton made a general attack on the left of my line. He attacked simultaneously at points extending from right to left a distance of six miles. His force consisted of three divisions of two brigades each, each brigade consisting of three regiments, according to statements of prisoners. General W. H. F. Lee came up the Lawyer's road, intersecting the Powhatan stage road near Rollins' house. General Hampton, with Rosser's division, came up the road leading south from Sycamore Church and attacked the main reserve of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, at the church, whilst General Butler, with his division, came in on the extreme left at Cocke's Mill. The only defense of note was made by Major Baker, at Sycamore Church, which, according to prisoners' statements, was very gallant and inflicted considerable loss upon the enemy. The force, however, was overpowering, and not to be resisted by so small a force, so much exposed as the line held rendered unavoidable. Lee's advance penetrated to Prince George Court-House, where the Third New York Cavalry had been fortunately placed in reserve. This regiment drove the enemy back to the vicinity of Green's house, where they opened on Colonel Jacobs with two pieces of artillery. At this point the enemy threw up an intrenchment, near 1,000 yards in length, of earth and trees newly felled. About 9 o'clock the enemy retreated, having evidently accomplished the object of their expedition, which seems to have been the capture of the cattle herd. The corral for this herd, said to number about 2,400, seems unfortunately to have been placed very near the church, and visible for some distance from prominent points beyond the picket-line. According to Captain Speers' statement, no effort was made by the cattle guard to let the cattle out or to stampede them, which would have materially interfered with their capture by the enemy, and there seems to have been quite time enough to have done so. It was 10 o'clock before I could get force sufficient together to pursue the enemy and try to annoy their rear, as directed by the general commanding the cavalry. The enemy retreated on several roads, but united at Cook's Bridges on the Blackwater. I followed on the road leading south from Sycamore Church. At Cook's Bridges, which were burned some time since, I was delayed, replacing the corduroy which the enemy had torn up after crossing. Here a small rear guard of the enemy was driven away. About 10 p.m. we came upon the enemy near the Jerusalem plank road, near Hawkinsville. After skirmishing for some time and finding the enemy in force I fell back a short distance and waited for daylight.

At daylight I sent a party to the plank road and ascertained that the enemy had left, and also that General Gregg's forces, which had been on the road above, had fallen back in the night toward Petersburg. The command, having been hastily turned out to repel an attack, was not prepared for so long a march, and I thought it prudent to return, as my command consisted only of detachments of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and the Third New York, and did not exceed in all over 500 men, and about half the number were without carbines. I returned by Gee's house and Baxter's Mills, being a more direct route. I sent a small force by the route we came to pick up any stray cattle or stragglers of the enemy. Of the latter we picked up several on the day previous.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobs, who had the advance with the Third New York Cavalry, managed his regiment well, and claims that he inflicted some loss on the enemy in the night without any loss on his part. No written report has yet been received from Captain Speers, the present commander of the First District of Columbia Cavalry.

The greater portion of the officers of the regiment was captured, together with their company papers, which will render the transfer of the officers and men of this regiment to the First Maine, as ordered by the War Department, somewhat troublesome.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 335.--Reports of Brig. Gen. August V. Kautz, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, of operations September 16-17, October 7, and December 10.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE JAMES,

October 13, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit herewith my report of the enemy's assault on the 7th instant:

My division of about 1,700 men, including two batteries, in an exposed position, partially intrenched, held the Darby, or Central, road at the rebel intrenchments at Doctor Johnson's farm. The pickets extended up the Central road about a mile, and to the Charles City road at Jordan's and White's Tavern. Before daylight the pickets on the Charles City road were attacked. They were immediately re-enforced by Colonel Spear, who personally attended to delaying the enemy. The advance of the enemy was delayed until about 7 a.m. About this time the enemy were quiet for about half an hour, and, as no great force had been reported, it was uncertain whether a serious attack was contemplated or only a reconnaissance similar to others on one or two previous occasions. The information received from refugees the night before indicated a reconnaissance in some force, but from all I had heard up to this time I believed the division would be able to hold its position. About 8 o'clock, however, the enemy appeared in overpowering force. The situation was such that it was necessary to send the horses to the rear, for the horses would all have been killed by the time the dismounted men should be driven from their intrenchments. The command was thus depleted one-fourth by the absence of the horse-holders.

The superior force of the enemy made it necessary to put every available man in the rifle-pits, which were, owing to the scarcity of intrenching tools, but partially completed. Four guns of the Fourth Wisconsin Battery, supported by the First Brigade, held the left. The Second Brigade held an unfinished rifle-pit on the right, and Battery B, First U.S. Artillery, under Lieutenant Hall, was thrown to the rear on commanding ground and partially intrenched. The right, commanded by Col. Samuel P. Spear, gave way first. He could not have had more than 400 men, and was assaulted by a line of infantry bearing four battle-flags. This necessitated the falling back of the left, which was simultaneously assaulted, also, by a line with four battle-flags. The artillery was well served and to the last moment, and the firing of the dismounted men was rapid and heavy. Unused to foot service the dismounted men fell back in some confusion, and it was impossible to rally them. On the right was a swamp that united with another in the rear. The road across these swamps, although it had been repaired, was badly cut up again by the supply trains. The leading piece of artillery mired. A regiment of rebel cavalry had succeeded in turning our right and getting in our rear, attacked the retreating men, shot the artillery horses, and the men and officers were obliged to abandon the guns and caissons. In falling back I met a number of the enemy conducting a wagon captured from the First New York to the rear. I ordered the few men with me to attack and recover the wagon, which was promptly done, and it was here that Colonel Haskell, Seventh South Carolina Cavalry, was wounded. His regiment was a few yards farther on in line of battle near Cox's house, which we avoided by keeping in the woods, and soon reached the New Market road, where I succeeded in rallying my command under cover of the infantry, which was just moving out. The Tenth Corps soon met the enemy, and after about one hour's heavy firing the noise of battle died away and the enemy retired. After the repulse of my command in the morning it was not further engaged.

The loss of my command is shown in the summary below. The loss of the two batteries (eight guns and caissons) is serious; but I do not attach any blame to the officers and men. It was the natural result to be anticipated from a spirited attack in superior force, and to the defect of position, which was unavoidable, as the necessary tools to make a road and to finish the intrenching could not be had. The real defect consisted in the advanced position of the cavalry with nothing to rest upon, and a serious obstacle in rear, with avenues of approach from every other direction. This defect was of course fully known to the rebel commander, as he took every possible advantage of it. Had there been any surprise about the attack the entire command must have been sacrificed. Capt. M. J. Asch, FirstNew Jersey Cavalry, 'acting assistant adju-tant-general of the division, and Lieutenant Beers, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, acting aide-de-camp on my staff, I regret to say were captured. The latter was captured whilst returning from carrying a message to the commander of the Tenth Army Corps. I was assisted with the greatest zeal by all the members of my staff and I have no one to reproach except myself, and only for the reason that I did not retire earlier, and that I did not have the foresight to anticipate the seriousness of the attack. I have, however, the satisfaction of feeling that the loss of my division, and the resistance it opposed to the enemy, gave time to the Tenth Army Corps to deploy and prepare for the attack.

The attention of the commanding general is called to the statement of Colonels West and Jacobs, in their reports, that a rebel regiment attempted to desert. I am still at a loss to understand whether this was a ruse or a bona fide intention to desert their cause.

My loss is considerably less than first reported, and is not so serious as was at first supposed. By far the largest is in prisoners, which is due to the fact that the Seventh South Carolina Cavalry (Colonel Haskell) succeeded in turning our right and getting in our rear.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 340.--Reports of Col. Samuel P. Spear, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations August 21-26.

HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZ'S DIVISION,

Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, August 22, 1864.

SIR: I this morning received instructions from Major-General Humphreys, and subsequently from Major-General Warren, to be relieved on the arrival of General Gregg, and to report with my command to General Kautz. At this hour, 9 a.m., General Gregg has not arrived. I have just seen one of his staff officers and hear that he is encamped on the plank road, and will be here before noon. I shall then draw in my picket, which will occupy two hours, and start; will try to get in to-night; if not, early to-morrow. Will you please notify my brigade

quartermaster and commissary to send no more forage or rations. Yesterday afternoon I attacked another force at Reams' Station, drove him two miles, burned store-house, two large water-tanks, destroyed telegraph wires, pumps, &c. Lieutenant Ring also, being detached by me, surprised a party on the Brent road and completely routed them, making some prisoners. The enemy withdrew from General Warren's front and flank about 9 o'clock last night, and the ground occupied by them is now vacant. Where they have gone to is a mystery; perhaps only a ruse.

With my best respects to the general, I remain, very respectfully,

S. P. SPEAR,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. M. J. ASCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZ'S DIVISION,

Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, August 23, 1864.

SIR: I had the honor on yesterday to state that I was about being relieved by General Gregg's cavalry, and that I would report to General Kautz last evening or this morning. This was my expectation, but on being relieved I at once proceeded to get my orders (at headquarters were Major-Generals Warren, Humphreys, Meade, Parke, and several brigadiers), but instead of getting orders to return I received an order to "report to General Gregg for duty." I was ordered with my brigade to "proceed and attack Lee's cavalry" on Warren's left. I did so; found him about three miles west of Warren's headquarters, attacked him, and fought for three-quarters of an hour, with the following result: I had 1 man killed, 6 wounded, and 4 horses killed; captured some prisoners and completely routed his cavalry. (Private Christian Dritt, of Company I, killed.) I am kept going all the time; am ordered this morning on a reconnaissance to Stony Creek. I request that you will do all you can to keep me supplied with forage, as I wish to keep my horses in the best possible condition. I do not know anything of the Third New York Cavalry; have only seen one squadron; I have no idea of their whereabouts. I shall inform you daily of my doings. I wish to be informed where I shall send my reports--to General Warren, to General Gregg, or to General Kautz. Please be definite on this point, as shortly the monthly, tri-monthly, &c., will be due. Please answer by return of mail.

S. P. SPEAR,

Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade, Kautz's Division.

Capt. M. J. ASCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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PLANK ROAD, August 26, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours relative to the paymaster, but have not seen him. Yesterday was a sad day. I was, as usual, in command of the outpost, with orders to "hold it at all hazards." I was stationed on the railroad, five miles below Reams'. The enemy attacked me at 8 a.m. I held my position till the last moment, losing many men. I was isolated from any other command for two miles. I fought them, falling back slowly, till I lost 5 officers and 60 men. No assistance came to me till I reached the (General Gregg's) column. By this time a general engagement on front and flanks with a greatly superior force ensued. General Gregg fell back slowly, fighting all the time. Here the Second Corps was brought into requisition: subsequently the Ninth Corps. General Hancock's horse shot; General Gibbon's division did heavy execution. I had every man on duty. Lieutenant Neilson, Eleventh, killed; Lieutenant Wonderly, Lieutenant Clark, badly wounded; four lieutenants missing. The men fought nobly. The First District of Columbia Cavalry, under Major Baker, did admirably. Our horses are completely broken down. I have no relief; been on duty constantly night and day since I left; my men and horses cannot stand it much longer. Cannot the men be paid off or cannot we come in for one day for that purpose? Please do all you can for me. I am again ordered on picket on the outpost. I can stand anything myself, but my officers and men think it very hard. Don't let that paymaster go. The enemy attacked Warren at 7 this morning.

S. P. SPEAR,

Colonel, &c.

Capt. M. J. ASCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE,

KAUTZ'S DIVISION,

In the Field, Va., August 30, 1864. SIR: In accordance to your communication of this date I have the honor to forward a report (together with a list of casualties) of my operations from the 23d [22d] to the 26th of August, 1864:

On the morning of the 23d [22d] I was on picket at the outpost; some little firing and skirmishing took place, but nothing of importance occurred. On the 24th [23d] I was ordered to make a reconnaissance with all my available force down to Petersburg and Weldon Railroad, in the direction of Stony Creek and westward, crossing the Vaughan road, to ascertain the strength and location of the enemy's picket-line, their reserves, &c. This I did, and reported on my return to General Gregg. In this reconnaissance I had several skirmishes, always driving in the enemy's pickets and routing their reserves, having 2 men killed and 4 wounded. On the 25th [24th] I was ordered on the extreme left, and the day was spent in closely watching the enemy's movements and reporting the same when anything worthy of note occurred; some skirmishing during the day. On the 26th [25th], being still on the extreme left and at a point four miles below Reams' Station, some little skirmishing with the enemy took place about 8 a.m. I immediately mounted my horse, and on visiting the line found the enemy advancing in force from three directions. I immediately sent my aide, Lieutenant Ford, to report the same to headquarters. Re-enforcements were promptly furnished me, and I received orders to hold my position as long as possible, and if I was forced back, to retreat fighting every inch. At this hour, 9.40 a.m., the enemy advanced in superior numbers. My orders to fall back slowly were obeyed and every foot of ground strongly contested. On reaching the main body I reported to General Gregg. He ordered my horses to the rear, and my dismounted men placed in position to prepare to fight on foot. Here I remained, acting under orders of Generals Hancock and Gregg, till night, remaining in position and doing good execution till the close of the engagement, when I was ordered to fall back and bivouac on the plank road for the night. Next morning, the 27th [26th], I received orders from General Gregg to report with my brigade to General Kautz, which order was at once obeyed.

It becomes my painful duty to report that at the engagement on the 26th [25th] First Lieut. Henry B. Neilson was killed. He was an energetic and exemplary officer and a high-toned gentleman. His loss is deeply deplored by all. My report of casualties will show the heavy loss to my brigade. All my officers and men behaved most excellently, and their actions have met my warmest commendations.

I cannot close my report without recommending to the commanding general my acting assistant adjutant-general, First Lieut. A. H. D. Williams, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. Throughout the day on the 26th [25th] he was exposed at all times to the heavy fire of the enemy, carrying orders, placing men in position, &c. All his acts clearly prove this gallant young officer competent and worthy of a higher position.

I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant,

S. P. SPEAR,

Colonel: Commanding Brigade.

Capt. W. P. WILSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Corps.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 341.--Report of Maj. Samuel Wetherill, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 16-17.

HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZ'S DIVISISION,

Green's House, September 18, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit report of the transactions of this brigade on the 16th and 17th instant:

A large force of the enemy, said to be Lee's, Rosser's, and Butler's divisions, commanded by General Wade Hampton, and six pieces of artillery, attacked the left of the line picketed by this brigade at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 16th instant. The detachment of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, stationed at Cocke's Mill, the regiment at Sycamore Church, under command of Maj. J. S. Baker, as well as a squadron of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, at Hite's house, under Captain McFarlan, were attacked at the same time. The First District of Columbia Cavalry fought until most of the officers and men were surrounded and captured, inflicting, it is said, much damage to the enemy, as their advance was repulsed three times, and were finally overpowered by numbers. I regret that the field officers and nearly all the company officers were captured, so that I am unable to give a detailed report of Major Baker's defense of his exposed post, and can only say that it was stubborn, as the rebel dead and wounded were reported to have filled their ambulances. The squadron of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Captain McFarlan, stationed at Hite's House, were alarmed by the vigorous attack on the First District Cavalry, but instantly discovered that the enemy presented in their own front an extended line, which they advanced at a charge on both the Lawyer and stage roads which unite at the reserve. The mounted men on the stage road and the dismounted men in the woods were driven in, the line of vedettes outflanked, and threatening to envelop the reserve. Captain McFarlan, after some resistance, fell back in good order, losing a few men and horses of the advanced posts, captured on the stage road toward Sycamore Church. He continued to skirmish, falling back as slowly as possible, but their advance pressed with vigor until they had driven him in sight of the Prince George CourtHouse. Here they met the Third New York Cavalry, before whom the enemy fell back to Rollins' house, developing artillery. On hearing the charge upon Sycamore and Hite's, I immediately notified division headquarters and proceeded to Mount Sinai Church. On my way I heard the enemy charging in my rear along the stage road. On reaching Mount Sinai Church Maj. F. A. Stratton, commanding Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, dispatched a detachment under Captain Titus, Company M, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, to reenforce the left; but hearing the cheering, Major Stratton directed him to hold the left center, near Cahoon's house, which he did, until I was ordered to concentrate my force at the cross-roads. In the meantime I endeavored to get an orderly through to Major Baker, but the enemy held the stage road at Rollins' house in force, and my orderly was driven back a distance through the neighborhood road.

The firing along several miles of the line and the appearance of pickets on the Powhatan road in front of Mount Sinai Church, indicated a serious attack. The pickets on the neighborhood road were called in to the City Point road,. and ordered to report to Captain Titus. About this time I received a message from Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobs, Third New York Cavalry, asking if I needed assistance, and I requested him to send a squadron to hold the cross-roads, which he did. I continued to hold the position at Mount Sinai Church, ably seconded by Maj. F. A. Stratton, commanding Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, until I received orders to concentrate the command and connect with the Third New York Cavalry at the cross-roads. Upon my arrival I found the Third New York had advanced, under direction of the commanding general, and followed in rear of the section of artillery to Sycamore Church. At this point Captain Speers was found with a detachment of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, who had escaped from the enemy, and had re-established their pickets on the line as much and as far as they could. The dead were found to have been stripped, and lay nearly naked where they fell. From the Sycamore Church I marched in rear of the Third New York Cavalry and section of artillery to near the Jerusalem plank road, where we arrived some time after dark. I was not called upon directly to participate in the engagement had by the Third New York Cavalry. In obedience to your orders I fell back about a mile and bivouacked.

At daylight on the morning of the 17th instant I was directed to send one company by a wood road to the right to reconnoiter to the plank road, a distance of two miles. Major Stratton detailed Captain Titus, who accomplished the reconnaissance, returning by the plank road to where he met Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobs' command occupying the ground of the engagement of the night before. Ordered on the advance on the return march, taking the neighborhood road from Gee's house to Baxter's Mills. At Gee's house a rebel scout was captured, where we arrived about 1 p.m. Captain McFarlan, Company B, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, brought in fifteen head of cattle collected by him, by order, which were turned over to Lieutenant Wilson, acting division and brigade commissary. Captain Ringland, Company A, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, with seventy-five men of Companies A, C, and G, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, were detailed, by order, at Gee's house to return by the original route for the purpose of driving in several head of cattle left by the enemy in their retreat, but none were found. They had probably been picked up and secreted by rebel scouts, several of whom were seen by Captain Ringland's party. One rebel officer and four men, with one citizen, charged the extreme advance of two men, accompanied by Lieutenant Nimmon, acting regimental quartermaster, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. They were met by Lieutenant Nimmon, aided by some men who came up from the main column, and in the skirmish the rebel officer was shot. The others escaped, leaving in our hands a private of the Third New York Cavalry, who had been taken by them. Captain Ringland charged another party of rebels at the Blackwater, but they escaped in the woods. Captain Ringland rejoined the command at Mount Sinai Church at 2 p.m. In the afternoon, after feeding, I was ordered to picket from the left of the Third New York Cavalry. I moved the headquarters Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry to Rollins' house, the detachment of the First District of Columbia Cavalry, under Captain Speers, 196 men, on their left, and I moved my headquarters to Green's house. The report of casualties is herewith respectfully submitted.(*)

The loss of arms and horses cannot be directly ascertained in the First District of Columbia, as many of the company officers are captured, with the field and staff. Captain Speers will be obliged to take an account and be responsible for whatever is on hand at this date.

The officers and men of my command are entitled to credit for the vigilance and promptness with which every order was executed during the excitement of the attack, and for their endurance without murmuring during the subsequent march. It would be difficult to select those most anxious to do their whole duty.

Respectfully submitted.

Your obedient servant,

SAM. WETHERILL,

Major Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Comdg. Brigade.

Capt. M. J. ASCH,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 342.--Report of Lieut. Col. Franklin A. Stratton, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 10.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, KAUTZ'S CAVALRY DIVISION,

In the Field, December 12, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor most respectfully to report in relation to the action of the 10th instant that pursuant to orders received on the morning of that day to support the picket-line of the brigade, I moved out at 10 a.m. with all the available force of the command (nearly 500 men) to the vicinity of Fort Holly, and after a little reconnoitering of the ground proceeded to make my dispositions by sending a company of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry (mounted) to re-enforce each of the two main picket reserves, dismounting the remainder of the regiment except two companies and the detachment of the First District of Columbia Cavalry and placing the men in position to the right and left of the small house, about 300 yards in front of Fort Holly. The two companies left mounted were placed under a good officer (Captain Nimmon) a little to the left and abreast of Fort Holly, so as to protect the horses, which were sent to the rear of the hill on which the redoubt stands. This squadron had orders also to be ready to charge the enemy's line of skirmishers should he push out into the open field. The men had dismounted, but were only partly in position when the enemy charged the outer pickets in front of the fort with dismounted cavalry, driving them back to the left reserve and immediately followed with a strong skirmish line of dismounted cavalry and infantry. A sharp contest ensued for a few minutes, when the enemy's infantry advanced a skirmish line from the wood on our left flank and opened fire on our left and rear. The ground over which they advanced had been covered by a strong picket-line of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which withdrew without giving any indication of the approach of the enemy from that direction. In consequence of this enfilading fire, and finding Captain Tripp and several men already wounded, I withdrew to the crest of the hill on the left of the redoubt, sending about forty men along the line of the old rebel rifle-pits to the right of the fort, where they were joined soon after by the reserve from the left picket station. The enemy, having evidently met with some loss, did not press his advance. At this time, about 12.30 p.m., finding many of the men short of ammunition, I sent back for more, and directed those having a supply, including the detachment of the First District of Columbia, under Captain Griffin, and about 120 men of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Captain Monroe, to move into the ravine at the right of the fort, and, following it around to the front, endeavor to flank the enemy's position and drive him back. This movement, although well conducted, at first by Captain Griffin, who was soon brought off wounded, and afterward by Captain Monroe, proved but partially successful. The enemy was driven back to the edge of the second ravine, but still commanded the slashing through which our men found it difficult to make their way. I did not deem it good policy or prudent to force the advance beyond the line now held. This movement on the right was supported by fifty infantry from the fort, who passed around by the left to the first small house already referred to. General Jourdan, who commanded this portion of the line, now directed me to remain in the position I held. Moderate firing was kept up with little effect on either side until 4 o'clock, when General Jourdan directed my men to be relieved with infantry. By his direction I then ordered my men back to their horses in the rear of the fort. About dark, judging from the movements of the enemy that he was retiring, I sent out a company to reconnoiter, but found them still in position. At 9 o'clock I made another reconnaissance and ascertained that he had left. I immediately re-established my picket-lines as they were at the commencement of the action, strengthened and extended on the left, where the pickets of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry had been in the morning. My right picket station was not disturbed during the day. At dark I went into bivouac in the snow and mud, and at noon on the 11th returned to camp.

I forwarded a report of casualties on the 10th.(*) All of the missing from the picket-line, except one, returned the next day, having escaped to the right of our line.

The enemy's force in my front I judge to have been two regiments or more, cavalry and infantry. His losses must have exceeded ours. Several are known to have been killed, besides some whose bodies were found on the field. Major Skelley, commanding the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Captain Griffin, commanding the First District of Columbia Cavalry, ably seconded me in this affair. The latter was severely wounded while gallantly leading his men against the enemy. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Wonderly, who also did well. Captain Tripp, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, was severely wounded while on the skirmish line. Captain Macnamara and Lieutenant Ford, of my staff, deserve mention for their coolness and efficiency.

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

FRANKLIN A. STRATTON,

Lieut. Col. Eleventh Pennsylvania Cav., Comdg. Second Cav. Brig.

Maj. THEODORE H. SCHENCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Kautz's Division.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 342.--Report of Lieut. Col. Franklin A. Stratton, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 10.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, KAUTZ'S CAVALRY DIVISION,

In the Field, December 12, 1864.

I forwarded a report of casualties on the 10th.(*) All of the missing from the picket-line, except one, returned the next day, having escaped to the right of our line.

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

FRANKLIN A. STRATTON,

Lieut. Col. Eleventh Pennsylvania Cav., Comdg. Second Cav. Brig.

Maj. THEODORE H. SCHENCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Kautz's Division.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 343.--Reports of Maj. J. Stannard Baker, First District of Columbia Cavalry, of operations August 9 and September 3.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CAVALRY,

Sycamore Church, Va., August 10, 1864.

COLONEL: I beg leave to make the following report in regard to the capture by the enemy of certain men and quartermaster's stores, made on yesterday, the 9th instant, beyond my outposts:

About 8 o'clock in the morning the officer in command of the picket-line (Lieutenant Wilkins) came in and informed me that the quarter-master-sergeant of my regiment, with two teams and drivers, had been captured only a few minutes before on the stage road, from half to a third of a mile beyond his outpost on the right. I ordered Lieutenant Wilkins to take what men he happened to have with him and follow the gang that made the capture as rapidly as possible. I then took my entire available force and moved down the road leading south from Sycamore Church, leaving a strong picket guard along the road as I advanced. In two hours after the capture was made I had a strong chain of pickets extending from the point marked A (vide rough pencil map inclosed with this) to the point B, and from thence to D, connecting at D with the pickets of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. I thus cut off their return, and partially surrounded them. I then communicated with Major Stratton, informing him of what had been done and requesting that he would co-operate with me in the attempt to capture the gang. I then took that portion of my command which was not already employed, and scoured through the country which I had surrounded. At about 10 o'clock at night, my men being much exhausted, and failing to receive any aid from the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, I drew in my pickets and returned to camp, after having captured eight of the gang. The casualties of my command were two men wounded.

I ascertained during the day the following facts: The entire gang consisted of from twenty to thirty men, some mounted and some dismounted, some of whom were soldiers, and some citizens; that they were aided and cooperated with by several of the citizens living in that neighborhood. In regard to the amount or kind of public property captured by the gang in the morning I know nothing definite. Neither myself nor my quartermaster was accountable for any of it.

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

J. S. BAKER,

Major, Commanding.

[Col. S. P. SPEAR,

Commanding Brigade.]

[Indorsement.]

HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, KAUTZ' DIVISION,

August 12, 1864.

Respectfully referred to the commanding general of division.

No teams pass over any road now without a proper guard. At the time of the loss of this property I was in charge of the picket-line.

S. P. SPEAR,

Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade, Kautz's Division.

AUGUST 1-DECEMBER 31, 1864.--The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign.

No. 344.--Report of Maj. Franklin A. Stratton, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations September 16-17.

HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY,

Stage Road, Near Rollins' House, September 18, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that a large force of the enemy's cavalry attacked the left of my line on the stage road yesterday morning [16th] at 5 o'clock, a few minutes after a like attack on the line of the First District of Columbia Cavalry on the left of the brigade. My force on the stage road consisted of Companies B and D, eighty-five men, under Captain McFarlan, who, alarmed by the firing on his left, had his men promptly in line. The enemy's force, presenting an extended front, advanced on both the roads which meet at the reserve station, the mounted men on the road and dismounted men in the woods overthrowing the line of vedettes, outflanking and threatening at once to envelop the reserve. Captain McFarlan after some resistance fell back in good order, losing a few men and horses of the advance posts, captured on the Sycamore road. He continued to skirmish, falling back as slowly as possible before the rebels, who pressed their advance with vigor, until they had driven him within sight of Prince George Courthouse. Here they were met by the Third New York Cavalry reserves, who drove them back toward Rollins' house. On hearing the firing on the left I immediately dispatched, under Captain Titus, Company M, and soon after sent Company C, in all sixty-five men, to re-enforce the left, but before he arrived the firing on the stage road had extended to the direction of the Court-House. He was therefore directed to hold the left center, near Mrs. Cahoon's, which he did, until ordered to the cross-roads.

Meantime the firing along several miles of the line and the appearance of the enemy's pickets on the roads leading from Mount Sinai Church indicated a general attack, and I could not further strengthen the left of my line of five miles without too much weakening my position at the church, which I continued to hold under the direction of the major commanding the brigade, depending upon the Third New York Cavalry to occupy the stage road, until ordered to the crossing of the City Point and stage roads. Upon concentrating my command at the latter point I was again ordered to move forward toward Sycamore Church. I marched in rear of the Third New York Cavalry in pursuit of the retreating enemy to near the Jerusalem plank road, where we arrived some time after dark. I did not participate directly in the engagement had there by the Third New York Cavalry.

At daylight on the morning of the 18th [17th] I sent Captain Titus, with his company, by a wood road, to the right to reconnoiter to the plank road, two miles distant, which he accomplished, returning by the main road and coming in front of the Third New York Cavalry, where the engagement had occurred the night previous, without finding anything of the enemy. The command then took up the return march, my regiment having the advance, taking the direct road from Gee's house via Hill's to Mount Sinai Church, where we arrived about I p.m. Captain McFarlan, with his company (B), which I detailed to march in the rear of the regiment for the purpose, brought in fifteen head of cattle collected by him, which have been turned in. Captain Ringland, with seventy-five men of Companies A, C, and G, detached from the regiment at Gee's house, returned by the original route for the purpose of driving in several head of cattle left by the rebels in their retreat, but none were found, they probably having been taken off by the rebel scouts, several of whom were seen by Captain Ringland's party (one rebel officer and two men), who were accompanied by Lieutenant Nimmon. They were met by the lieutenant, aided by some men who came up from the main column, and in the skirmish the rebel officer was shot. The others escaped, leaving in our hands one man of the Third New York Cavalry, who had been taken by them. Our men charged another party of ten rebels at the Blackwater, but they escaped in the woods. Captain Ringland rejoined the command at Mount Sinai Church at 2 p.m. From the latter point, after a halt of two hours, I removed, as ordered, to my present position on the stage road near Rollins' house.

The number of casualties during the attack on my line has not yet been exactly ascertained, but is small, as most of the men captured on post escaped in the confusion and darkness. Several horses belonging to the dismounted pickets were captured.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANKLIN A. STRATTON,

Major Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, Commanding Regiment.

Lieut. FURMAN GULIC,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Kautz's Division.

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