On the morning of the 28th the regiment moved with the brigade by the left flank in the direction of the enemy. Halted and formed line, remained a short time, when we again changed position. We were kept constantly on the move until 4 p. m., when we were ordered to erect works on the south side of the river road; after having them well nigh completed we received orders to turn over the intrenching tools and prepare to move. At 8 p. m. the regiment moved with the brigade and recrossed the James River. Marched all night, halting only at short intervals to refresh the men. Crossed the Appomattox and halted in rear of the Eighteenth Corps, in front of Petersburg, at 4 a. m. on the morning of the 29th. Here we remained during the entire day and at dusk moved with the brigade to the front and relieved the One hundred and forty-eighth New York Volunteers, of the Eighteenth Corps. Here we remained until the evening of the 30th. During that day we were severely shelled, but only one man was wounded. Shortly after dark we were relieved by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and returned to our former camp. The casualties in the regiment during the entire operations were 2 enlisted men wounded. Respectfully submitted. J. C. CONSER, Captain, Comdg. 105th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. Capt. J. B. TEN EYCK, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig. 3d Div., 2d Army Corps. No. 90. Reports of Lieut. Col. Casper W. Tyler, One hundred and forty-first Pennsylvania Infantry. SIR:* HDQRS. 141ST REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, August 27, 1864., On the night of the 12th day of June the One hundred and fortyfirst Regiment left the front line of works at or near Cold Harbor, acting as rear guard for the division. Marched during the 13th, 14th, and 15th, arriving near Petersburg, Va., south of the James River, on the night of the 15th. During the 16th and 17th we frequently changed position and were under fire. Colonel Madill took command of the brigade on the morning of the 16th, the command of the regiment again falling upon Lieut. Col. G. H. Watkins. Early on the morning of the 18th the One hundred and forty-first advanced in line of battle (the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers on our right and One hundred and twenty-fourth New York on our left), Capt. B. M. Peck having been sent out with two companies as skirmishers. Advanced over the enemy's works, finding that he had aban doned them during the night. Advanced through a strip of woods until we emerged into an open field, when we encountered the enemy's sharpshooters. Here received orders to build works. Soon after completing the line of works moved by the right flank a short distance, massing with the brigade, the One hundred and forty-first in the rear *For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 476. line on the left of what is known as the Hare house, for the purpose of charging the enemy's works. In this charge, which failed, Lieut. Col. Guy H. Watkins was mortally wounded while nobly encouraging his men forward. During the long and arduous campaign, Colonel Watkins had been continually with his command, sharing its dangers and fatigues with that patience and forgetfulness of self which patriotism inspires, and which he possessed in an eminent degree. He was a brave, good officer, and I would most respectfully request that he receive such honorable mention as unswerving fidelity and spotless integrity de serve. During the remainder of the fifth epoch I had command of the regi ment. It was frequently in exposed and trying places, though at no time engaged with the enemy. During the fifth epoch the loss of my command was 1 commissionéd officer and 3 men killed, 1 officer and 14 men wounded, and 1 man missing. Total loss during the five epochs: 1 commissioned officer killed and 5 wounded, 15 enlisted men killed and 124 wounded, and 16 men missing. Respectfully submitting the above report of the operations of the One hundred and forty-first Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, though imperfect as regards detail, I have the honor to remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. TYLER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. 141st Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain MARBLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade. HDQRS. 141ST REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, September 28, 1864. SIR: In compliance with circular from brigade headquarters dated September, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report: On the 26th July, A. D. 1864, I was second in command, Col. H. J. Madill being then in command of the regiment. We broke camp about 1 p. m. and marched rapidly to the James River, crossing about daylight on the morning of the 27th; massed with the brigade in rear of some woods in two lines, the One hundred and forty-first being on the right of the second line. Colonel Madill was ordered, soon after halting, to take his regiment on picket some 1,000 yards to the right of the woods, to a house and out-buildings. Arriving at the house, the enemy were seen advancing a skirmish line, supported by a line of battle, some 1,200 yards away. I was ordered to deploy a portion of the regiment and advance skirmishers toward the enemy. I directed four companies to be deployed and advanced them about 100 yards into an intervening corn-field, where we began to exchange shots with the enemy. Briga dier-General De Trobriand being apprised of the enemy's advance, directed us to maintain our position. I posted several men as sharpshooters in some of the out-buildings to watch and annoy the enemy should he attempt an advance through the corn-field, behind which he was now posted. As soon as the firing commenced on our left, the enemy moved in that direction by the flank, exchanging shots with us as he took his departure. We remained here until about 2 p. m., when we were ordered to rejoin the brigade. We then moved about one mile toward the left, where we remained during the night as a support to the picketline. About noon of the next day (July 28) Colonel Madill was ordered to the command of the Second Brigade, and the One hundred and forty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers transferred, by order of Brigadier-General Mott, commanding Third Division, Second Army Corps. After joining the Second Brigade nothing worthy of men tion occurred. With the brigade recrossed the James River after dark of the same day, and arrived near Petersburg at daylight on the morning of the 29th of July, A. D. 1864, where the brigade was massed Remained here during the day, and after dark relieved a portion of the Eighteenth Corps in the first line of works. Remained in these works during the 30th, and after dark returned to camp formerly occupied by the Second Brigade, in the rear of the Deserted House. I would respectfully submit the above report of the operations of the One hundred and forty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, during five days ending July 30, A. D. 1864. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieut. Col., Comdg. 141st Regiment Pennsylvania Vols. Capt. J. B. TEN EYCK, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 2d Army Corps. No. 91. Report of Capt. John Wilson, First U. S. Sharpshooters. CAPTAIN :* Near Petersburg, Va., August 7, 1864. From June 16 until June 21 the regiment was employed daily on the advanced lines of the First and Third Divisions of this corps at Petersburg, occupying the most suitable place for sharpshooters. On the 18th from the Hare house and grounds in that vicinity the regiment effectuually silenced two pieces of the enemy's artillery and affording great protection to our battery, which was ordered into position at that point. Our loss during this time was 6 killed and 26 wounded, including 1 officer. On the 21st of June the corps moved into position on the left of the line. In a skirmish on the 22d had 2 killed and 3 wounded. From this time until the 26th of July the regiment rested quietly in camp near our present quarters. On the 26th of July the regiment marched to the north side of the James River, remaining there until the 28th, when we recrossed and marched to the rear of the Eighteenth Corps. The evening of the 29th moved up into the works, relieving a portion of Ord's command, staying in this position until the night of the 30th, when we were relieved and returned to our old and present quarters. Our loss on the 30th was 1 killed and 1 wounded. Much credit is due the officers and men of this command for the promptness with which every movement has been executed. Those that have fallen we refer to with respect, love, and admiration. Those that have survived are conscious of having performed their duty and a rich reward awaits them. Respectfully submitted. JNO. WILSON, Captain, Commanding First U. S. Sharpshooters. [Capt. F. E. MARBLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.] For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 3 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p. 485. No. 92. eport of Col. Robert McAllister, Eleventh New Jersey Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 26-29. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS, October 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders relative to the movements and perations of this brigade in our advance across the James River on the 7th of July, 1864, I have the honor to report as follows: July 26, broke camp at 4 p. m. At 10.30 p.m. arrived at and crossed he Appomattox River. Reached the James River at dawn of day July 7, crossed on the lower pontoon bridge, and went into position in a piece f woods in front of General Foster's command. Remained under a shell re for a short time, when I was ordered to deploy my brigade and adance through the corn-field in front. On reaching the road leading to he Malvern Hill halted; ordered to mass my brigade and wait further rders. Late in the evening ordered to move in front of the enemy's work n Strawberry Plains. Threw out the pickets and remained all night. aly 28, remained in this position until late in the afternoon; ordered back along the old rebel works captured the day before, and commenced urning these works for defense. 8 p. m., orders to suspend operations and be ready to move; 8.30 p. m. moved out, recrossed the river, and y a rapid and hard march we arrived before daylight in rear of the Eighteenth Corps and bivouacked. The only casualty that occurred in the movement was 1 enlisted man illed, in the One hundred and twentieth New York Volunteers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT MCALLISTER, Colonel Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, Comdg. Brigade. Capt. J. P. FINKELMEIER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Second, Army Corps. ADDENDA. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 2D ARMY CORPS, Lient. WILLIAM P. SHREVE, June 25, 1864. Asst. Com. of Mus.. and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div.: LIEUTENANT: In accordance with your order asking an explanation of the cause of our falling back, and also of heavy losses on the 22d when the enemy turned our left flank, permit me to make the following tatement: That morning, after having finished the first line of breastworks, I was ordered to move forward and form my line on the left of General Gibbon, connected on him, or rather took up the position pointed ut to me the evening previous. This order I obeyed promptly, and on arriving on the ground pushed forward the First Massachusetts Regiment to connect with General Gibbon's left, throwing our left considerably forward on a knoll. But the enemy's sharpshooters picked off our men so rapidly that it was necessary to throw our left back for the present and to defer the knoll line until night. This I did; at the same time I was ordered by General Mott to keep the balance of my brigade under cover until further orders. This I did, when I was ordered to form my lines as far to the front as I could without exposing my men too much. Major Willian, of General Mott's staff, pointed out the li I was formed in two angles, the continuation of General Gibbon's li north and south. On this angle I had a large portion or nearly all t First Massachusetts; the balance of the brigade was on the east a west lines. In building these works we suffered much from the enemy fire, both artillery and musketry. Near the knoll we had to dig rif pits in the ground with pick and spade; we could not chop or drive stake. My headquarters were close up to the east and west angle. W heard heavy firing on our left; supposed it to be General Barlow a vancing his line; very soon it came nearer to us. I called my men attention. Very soon a retreating mass of the First Division can running along in my rear, with the rebels on their flank and rear. could not fire on account of our men. The rebels poured in on my fla after the Third Brigade had left, as well as my front. I could do not ing but fall back to a continuance of the north and south line. Here made a stand and formed, rallying all men I could get. I wished protect the First Massachusetts. The retreating masses came on a would not stop. Here I remained until I found the Massachusetts reg ment of my own brigade had given way, and from them had learn that General Gibbon's left had given way before they did, and that th enemy had possession of our pits. I had nothing left but to fall ba to the first line, which I did. The officer commanding First Massach setts substantiates the above facts in his regiment. Had I have he my brigade any longer the result would have been a large capture the part of the enemy. They advanced not only in our rear and flar but also in our front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. MCALLISTER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., SECOND CORPS, Lieut. W. P. SHREVE, June 26, 1864. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Second Corps: LIEUTENANT: In compliance with communication from headquarter Third Division, Second Corps, of this date, I have the honor to transm herewith regimental reports of the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers an First Maine Heavy Artillery. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Colonel Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, Comdg. Brigade. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST MAINE HEAVY ARTILLERY, Lieut. W. J. RUSLING, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR In compliance with orders from division headquarters I hav the honor to report that two of the colors of this regiment were lost of Wednesday, 22d instant, in the falling back from the attempt to estab lish a line of works in advance of that before and now held. As near as can ascertain all of our colors reached the works held by Gibbon's divis |