From the Official Reports - Col. John
R. Brooke
.
MAY 4-JUNE 12, 1864--Campaign from the Rapidan
to the James River, Va. No. 41.--Report
of Brig. Gen. John R. Brooke, U.S. Army, commanding Fourth
Brigade.
ANNAPOLIS, MD., November 1, 1865.
SIR: My command (Fourth Brigade,
First Division), consisting of Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers,
Lieut. Col. R. McMichael;
One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
Col. H. L. Brown; One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col.
James A. Beaver; Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers, Major Bradley; Sixty-sixth
New York Volunteers. Lieut. Col. J. S. Hammell; Second Delaware Volunteers,
Col. W. P. Baily, in all 3,200 officers and men, marched at 12 o'clock midnight,
May 3, 1864, in obedience to orders received that day, for Ely's Ford, on
the Rapidan River, being the leading brigade of the corps. Arrived in sight
of the river at 5.25 a.m. of the 4th instant, immediately com menced crossing
the river (Gregg's division of cavalry in the advance) on pontoons, and formed
on the hills on the south side of the river; at about 8 a.m. marched on the
direct road to Chancellorsville, arriving there about 9.30 a.m., and went
into position, covering the Fredericksburg road; camped for the night. Received
orders from Brigadier-General Barlow, commanding division, to remain at this
point until after the trains of the corps should take the road on the 5th
instant, then to move as rear guard to the corps toward Shady Grove Church.
Marched at 10 a.m. on the 5th instant, and proceeded as far as the Catharpin
Furnaces, where I was met by orders from division headquarters to halt and
cover the trains, which were being parked; went into position and remained
until 4 p.m., when I was ordered to proceed by a road through the woods toward
the intersection of the Brock road with the Orange plank road. Reached the
Brock road about 5.30 p.m., after a tedious march over a faint track through
a dense thicket. Hearing heavy firing at 4.30 p.m., I made all possible exertions
to hasten the march. Having reached the Brock road, I was ordered into position
on the left of the First Division, and throwing a strong line of skirmishers
to the front, I commenced strengthening the position by throwing up slight
breast-works. During all this time the battle was raging in the vicinity
of the intersection of the Brock and plank roads to our right. Our line ran
parallel to the Brock road. At about 6.45 p.m. I received orders to move
rapidly by the right flank. After moving a half mile I met General Barlow,
who directed me to send two regiments to support the Second Brigade (Smyth's)
then engaged in my immediate front. I sent the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-sixth
New York Volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hammell, of the Sixty-sixth
New York. These regiments moved up and formed on the left of Smyth’s
line, and at nearly a right angle to it. I was then ordered in with the rest
of my brigade, four regiments, to support the First Brigade (Miles'), which
was then formed on the left of Colonel Hammell's command. It was by this
time quite dark, and very difficult to pass through the dense thicket of
the Wilderness. At about 9 p.m. I found Miles' brigade and formed my troops
in support, leaving Colonel Beaver's regiment, One hundred and forty-eighth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, on the extreme left, where I had sent it when the
movement began. The loss of the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers
was considerable in this part of the fight. I remained in this position until
about 3 a.m. of the 6th instant, when I retired to the Brock road by General
Barlow's orders (leaving a strong skirmish line at our advanced position),
and occupied a line of works thrown up by the pioneers. Formed in two lines;
first line consisted of One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
Sixty-fourth and Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers; second line, of One hundred
and forty-fifth and Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Second Delaware
Volunteers. Remained in this position until 9 a.m., when I was ordered to
move with my brigade and a section of artillery (Hunt's) of Arnold's (Rhode
Island) battery, down the Brock road about 1 ½ miles, and repel any
attempt by the enemy to come up the road. I found the Eighty-first Pennsylvania
(Colonel McKeen) in position at this point. I at once strengthened the position
with slight breast-works, and placed the artillery to cover the road. At
10 a.m. Colonel Coulter, with part of a brigade of the Fifth Corps, reported
to me. I had sent scouts to the front, and could discover no enemy. I reported
this to General Barlow at 10 a.m., and received orders to rejoin the division,
which I did, leaving Colonel McKeen to hold the road. I formed in my former
position, as before given, at 12 m. At about 4.30 p.m. a heavy assault was
made by the enemy on our right near the plank road. General Gibbon directed
me at about 5 p.m. to move with that part of my brigade in the second line
to the assistance of Mott's division. Moving with my left along the works,
and my line perpendicular to them, I reached General Mott's line in time
to see it leave the works (which were on fire in many places) and the enemy
plant their colors on them. I at once changed front to the left, and charging
drove the enemy from our front. I then had the fire put out, and held the
position until relieved by Owen's brigade, of the Second Division. I then
returned to my former position in the line of the First Division. My loss
during this short engagement was very slight. My command was not again engaged
on this day. On the 7th instant, with the exception of sharp skirmishing
on our front, nothing occurred of importance. On the 8th instant marched
with the corps to Todd's Tavern, forming line parallel to Brock road on left
of the Third Brigade, skirmishers to the front. At 5.30 p.m. the enemy attacked
Miles' brigade near Corbin's Bridge. General Barlow ordered me to be ready
to support Miles if necessary. On the 9th instant, at 4.30 a.m., having sent
scouts out in my front, I found no enemy, and reported this to General Barlow.
At 12 m. marched down Spotsylvania Court-House road about 1 mile, then by
a wood road to the right toward the Po River. At about 2 p.m., having been
ordered to annoy the enemy's train, which was passing- on the opposite side
of the Po, I moved out with two regiments and a section of Arnold's artillery,
shelled the train, compelling it to take another road. At 5 p.m. was ordered
by General Barlow to cross the Po and take possession of the Block house
road. After crossing the river, which was 2 ½ feet deep, I met considerable
opposition from some cavalry and horse artillery, but succeeded in occupying
the road with slight loss. Camped for the night near the intersection of
Block house road and Glady Run road. On the 10th instant, at about 10 a.m..
General Barlow ordered me to move down the Po and cross a portion of my command
to feel the enemy in that direction. I sent Colonel Ham-moll with the Sixty-sixth
New York across, and driving in the skirmish line found a strong line of
works filled with men, and with several pieces of artillery. I reported this
to General Barlow, who directed me to withdraw and oppose the advance of
Heth's (rebel) division, which was crossing Glady Run, and threatening our
right. In obedience to these orders, I formed on the left of the Third Brigade
about 100 paces from and parallel to the Block house road, and awaited the
attack.
At 2.30 p.m. Heth attacked vigorously and was repulsed
with loss. He rallied and was again repulsed. He came up the third time in
column and was driven from the field with heavy loss. I then received the
order from General Barlow to retire to the opposite or left bank of the Po,
which I at once commenced. After having nearly reached the Po, I was informed
that one gun of Arnold's battery was wedged between two trees, and could
not be extricated. I immediately halted and directed every effort to be made
to bring it off, and rode in that direction myself, when I met Captain Arnold,
who informed me that it was impossible to save the piece. I then continued
retiring, and without further annoyance reached the left bank of the Po.
My loss in this action was very heavy, being the first of importance in which
this brigade was engaged in this campaign, and the first in which most of
the men were ever in.
The officers and men behaved with great gallantry.
I would particularly mention Col. James A. Beaver, One hundred and forty-eighth
Pennsylvania, whose regiment occupied the right of my line and the most exposed
position, for his great gallantry and the masterly manner in which he extricated
his regiment from the burning woods (which were set on fire by some means
during the action). During the latter part of the action this regiment had
to contend with the enemy in front and the burning timber in the rear, and
at its close were compelled to retire through the fire to the opposite or
left bank of the Po, there being no other path left open. Lieutenant-Colonel
Hammell, Sixty-sixth New York, for the able and gallant manner in which he
executed the difficult and dangerous reconnaissance of the morning, deserves
special mention. Lieutenant-Colonel Stricker, Second Delaware Volunteers
(in command of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, to which regiment
I had assigned him on the night of the 9th), deserves great credit for the
gallant and soldierly manner in which he fought his regiment. To Colonel
Beaver, Lieutenant-Colonel Stricker, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ham-moll I am
desirous of calling the attention of the general commanding.
In retiring to the Po my command crossed a wide plain,
swept by the enemy's artillery and infantry from the front and left flank,
but notwithstanding the enemy and the burning forest, we retired with a scarcely
perceptible break in our lines. Many of the gallant wounded perished in the
flames. After arriving on the north side of the Po my brigade was placed
in position to cover the place of crossing, with Smyth's brigade on my left
and Brown's on my right. In this position we constructed slight works of
rails and earth. While here the enemy attempted to bring a battery across
the plain before spoken of on the south side of the river and place it in
position, but Arnold's battery soon sent it flying back with the loss of
one or two caissons. After this nothing occurred of importance, except attempts
of the enemy to cross their skirmishers on the 11th instant, which was defeated
by the Sixty-fourth New York, then posted along the north bank of the steam.
Thus passed the 11th of May as far as my brigade is concerned. About 9 p.m.
of this day (11th May) General Barlow sent for me and informed me of an attack
to be made by the Second Corps on the enemy's works on' the left of the Sixth
Corps, which was to take place at 4 a.m. on the following morning, and that
our division would march for that point at once. At about 10 p.m. the column
marched, my brigade being in the advance, and after a tedious march of about
three hours' duration, we reached the point of attack, and formed in line
of masses in the following order: Miles' brigade (First) and mine (Fourth)
being in the front line in mass, and Smyth's and Brown's in our rear in two
lines. The Second Delaware Volunteers was placed on my left flank, with orders
to march by the flank and resist any attempt the enemy might make to turn
our left. The Sixty-sixth New York (Lieuten-ant-Colonel Hammell) was sent
forward as skirmishers (with the men deployed at 1 pace interval) to dislodge
the enemy's skirmishers, and to keep not more than 30 yards in advance of
the column. The pioneers of the brigade were placed at intervals along the
front of the column to clear away the abatis. This being the formation prescribed
by General Barlow, at 4.35 a.m. the order to advance was given, and the division
moved forward steadily in one immense mass. About 100 yards from the enemy's
line of works we ran over and captured their skirmishers, who surrendered
without much resistance, and without firing but one shot that I heard. Thus
far the path lay, first, through a slight thicket, then over an open field,
with a slight ascent, the extreme left through a forest of tall pines (which,
however, did not obstruct the march in any material manner), then down a
gradual declivity to within 50 yards of the works, then up a sharp ascent
for that distance. The face of this last ascent was covered by an abatis,
through which it was very difficult to effect a passage. The enemy was apprised
of the attack by cheers of some new troops in the division as we swept over
and down the last descent, and opened a terrific fire of artillery and musketry
upon us, notwithstanding which our brave men marched on, and dragging away
the abatis to effect a passage poured in one irresistible mass upon them,
and after a sharp, short fight, killed and captured nearly all who occupied
the works. Those who still resisted were driven in confusion. Never during
the war have I seen such desperate fighting. The bayonet was freely used
on both sides, the enemy fought desperately, and nothing but the formation
of our attack and the desperate valor of our troops could have carried the
point. Not a shot was fired by [my] men until they mounted the works. The
right of my brigade struck the works about 40 yards to the right of the Angle,
thus giving us a great advantage, in sweeping down the line to our left of
the Angle. After crossing the first line I pushed forward in pursuit of the
flying enemy. After proceeding about 500 yards, I encountered a second line
of works with a marsh in its front. Owing to the disorganization of my command
I could not make a determined attack on this line. The enemy came out in
strong force, when I retired, fighting to the line already captured, where
I found a large number of the Third Division, who seemed to be engaged in
gathering spoils, and could not be made available for the defense of this
line, though there were many gallant men among them who did their duty bravely,
conspicuous among whom was Major Duff, One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, who, with a portion of his regiment, did good service at this
time. I held them (the enemy) in check until the arrival of part of Carroll's
brigade, of the Second Division, when the enemy ceased, for a short time,
any determined effort on this part of the line. Up to this time many prisoners
were taken, among them Major-General Johnson and Brigadier-General Steuart,
of the rebel service, who surrendered to officers of my command, General
Steuart to Colonel Beaver. On the part of the line entered by my brigade
I counted sixteen pieces of artillery. Owing to the fact that the First
(Barlow's) Division did not stop to pick up the colors taken, or care for
them in any way, while the enemy were in their front, we cannot show as great
an array of such trophies as those who gathered what others won.
At about 7 a.m. I was directed by General Barlow to
withdraw my brigade from the confused mass of men, and reorganize as rapidly
as possible; also to replenish my ammunition, which was by this time exhausted.
I commenced forming the regiments under cover near the Landrum house. I had
succeeded in collecting about 1,000 men (this about 8 a.m.), when General
Hancock in person directed me to move to the right and report to General
Wright, commanding Sixth Corps, for the purpose of supporting the right of
that corps, at the same time telling me I was not to go into battle except
to save the day, sending at the same time Major Bingham of his staff to report
my movement to General Wright. I moved at once, and marching about 1 mile
across an open plain and through a dense copse of pine, I found the right
of the Sixth Corps (General Wheaton's command), and formed my brigade to
support that part of the line. It now commenced raining heavily, making it
exceedingly difficult to preserve the ammunition. After lying in this position
for nearly an hour, General Wheaton came to me and ordered me to relieve
part of his line, which was then engaged in the front. I repeated the orders
of General Hancock; notwithstanding which, and the fact that two lines of
his own corps were then lying in my front and between my command and the
enemy, he peremptorily ordered me in. I obeyed, passing over two lines of
the Sixth Corps, which were lying on their bellies in my front, and reaching
the front line relieved it. I continued fighting in this position until I
had exhausted my ammunition, when some of my men came back to the two lines
lying in their rear, and with their caps and gum blankets carried ammunition,
received from the cartridge-boxes of these two lines, with which to continue
the fight. Ascertaining this, I directed such proceedings to cease, and finding
General Wheaton, I informed him that my ammunition was entirely exhausted,
and that other troops would be necessary to hold the line, soon after which
a line was advanced to relieve mine. I then retired, and marched back, reporting
the facts herein stated to Major-General Hancock. Among those present at
the conversation between General Wheaton and myself were Colonel Beaver,
One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel
Hammell, Sixty-sixth New York, and Lieutenant Smith, of my staff. I was then
directed to resume my position in the line of the First Division, where,
with the exception of heavy skirmishing, nothing of interest occurred. My
loss during the day was very heavy.
On the 13th, with the exception of skirmishing on the
front, no fighting occurred; the brigade occupied all day in cleaning arms
and replenishing with rations and ammunition. Nothing but skirmishing and
artillery firing occurred to-day (14th). At 4 a.m. on the 15th marched, in
pursuance with orders received, with the column to near the Harris house,
on Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania road, where we massed. No movement on
the 16th instant. At dark on the 17th instant, in accordance with orders,
marched with the division, being the head of the column, to the field of
the 12th instant, near the Landrum house, and massed. At 4.10 a.m. moved
forward in support of Second and Third Brigades, which were ordered to attack
the enemy. Occupied the position taken on the 12th, and remained here. No
fighting done by my brigade, though exposed to a heavy artillery fire throughout
the day, losing heavily in officers and men. The assault made on our part
of the line not successful. At about l0 p.m. marched with the division to
near Anderson's Mill on the Ny River, and encamped. At 6 p.m. on the 19th
moved with the division, hastily, to the assistance of Tyler's division,
then heavily engaged on the Fredericksburg road; before reaching the field
orders were received to go back to our encampment, the action being over
and the enemy being defeated. At daylight on the 20th were under arms for
any emergency, but no movement was made until 11 p.m., when I was ordered
to march at once, and (being the leading brigade of the division) following
Lieutenant-Colonel Morgan, chief of staff to General Hancock, guiding the
movements.
General Barlow passed Massapony [Massaponax] Church,
and near Guiney's Station, on Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, where,
about 5 a.m. of 21st instant, skirmishing was heard between our cavalry and
the enemy. The column halted for a short time, but soon marched again, reaching
Bowling Green at 10 a.m., cavalry still in advance. The cavalry reached Milford
at about 10.30 a.m. They had a slight skirmish and captured some prisoners.
Reached Milford at about 11 a.m. and immediately commenced crossing on the
bridge and at a ford a few hundred yards above the bridge, and forming my
brigade as skirmishers, I was ordered by General Barlow to push forward and
occupy the crest of hills beyond the ford and bridge. After the corps came
up I was directed to assemble my men and post them as a reserve to First
Division, which then occupied the extreme right, which I accomplished by
about 2.30 p.m.
On the 22d instant no movement except a reconnaissance
made by Colonel Beaver, with his regiment, in obedience to the orders of
General Barlow. No enemy could be discovered. On the morning of the 23d instant
marched with the division in the direction of the North Anna River, arriving
on its bank about 3 p.m. Found General Birney's division engaged with the
enemy; formed on the right of the division, connecting with left of General
Birney; threw up slight breast-works and remained during the night. About
11 a.m., on the 24th, commenced crossing on a pontoon bridge below the railroad
bridge, and formed line under the crest on the right of the railroad, connecting
with McKeen's brigade, of Gibbon's division, on the left, and with Birney's
division on the right; threw skirmishers to the front. Soon after received
orders from General Barlow to push back the enemy's skirmishers. I sent the
Sixty-fourth and Sixty-sixth New York, under Col. O. H. Morris, of the
Sixty-sixth, to do so, at the same time moving the brigade forward in support.
After a stubborn resistance succeeded in driving the enemy's skirmishers
under cover of their works, which, upon a close inspection, I found to be
very strong, and filled with infantry and artillery. I so reported to General
Barlow, who ordered me to attack at once. I at once moved forward with the
left of the line on the railroad, but a heavy rain coming up the order was
countermanded and all firing ceased at dark. On the 25th instant, with the
exception of the usual skirmishing and artillery firing, nothing of importance
occurred. Brown's battery reported to me at an early hour, and was placed
in the line of works thrown up last night.
The 26th passed as the 25th. At dark received orders
to recross the North Anna at once; sent Brown's battery to the rear at once
and prepared to march. About 11 p.m. movement commenced, reaching north side
about 3 a.m. of the 27th, and about 10 a.m. marched with the division in
the direction of Hanovertown, and about 11 p.m. encamped. At sunrise of the
28th marched for the Pamunkey River, which was crossed about 2 p.m. Formed
line on left of Gibbon's division, with my right connecting with his left;
threw up slight works parallel with the Richmond road. While our troops were
crossing, the cavalry had a heavy skirmish with the enemy at Salem Church.
On the 29th of May I was ordered to make a reconnaissance on a road leading
toward Hanover Court-House; marched about 12 m., a section of battery
accompanying the brigade. After moving about 3 miles I encountered a small
body of cavalry, who fled. Reaching the Hanover Court-House and Richmond
road, I sent a body of men toward Hanover Court-House to communicate with
the Sixth Corps, at the same time sending the One hundred and forty-eighth
Pennsylvania (Colonel Beaver) to the left to communicate to General Barlow
(who had taken a road parallel to the road I had marched on). Finding the
Sixth Corps on my right, I reported the fact to General Barlow, who directed
me to march my command down the Richmond road and join the division, which
I succeeded in doing about dark and went into camp.
At daylight on the 30th General Barlow directed me
to drive the enemy's skirmishers beyond the Totopotomoy. While examining
the enemy's line I was joined by General Barlow, who directed me to turn
the enemy's left, which I succeeded in doing, driving them across the creek
with considerable loss, and occupying their line. General Owen's brigade,
of Second Division, relieved me in this position, when I rejoined the division
and soon after relieved the Second Brigade (Colonel Byrnes), which occupied
a line parallel to the Totopotomoy. I here threw up a line of slight works
connecting on the right with Miles' brigade and with McKeen's (Second Division)
on my left. The Seventh New York Heavy Artillery (Colonel Morris commanding)
reported to me this a.m. About 7.30 p.m. I received orders from general
commanding division to attack the enemy in my front at once. I immediately
ordered Colonel Morris, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, to attack with
his regiment, and moved the remainder of the brigade forward in support.
Colonel Morris moved down the slope in his front, crossed the stream, and
assailed the enemy's strongly intrenched skirmish line, which, after a hard
fight, was carried. The creek at this point had perpendicular banks 4 ½
to 6 feet high, and water about 1 foot deep, which greatly impeded the advancing
line. By this time it was quite dark, and orders were received countermanding
the attack and directing me to return to my former position, which I accomplished
about 3 a.m. of the 31st instant, leaving a strong skirmish line to hold
this point. In this engagement the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery lost
heavily. On the 31st instant, about 11 a.m., General Barlow ordered me to
reoccupy the line taken the night before, and connect with the right of General
Gibbon's division; also to support any movement made by him (General Gibbon);
nothing occurred during the day on my front but sharp skirmishing.
June 1 passed with no movement
on my front. The assault by General Gibbon proved unsuccessful, and as that
part of the line with which I was connected did not move, and receiving no
orders or instructions from him to do so, though I had reported to him (in
accordance with General Barlow's instructions) what my orders were, and the
position I occupied, he saying "all right," or words to that effect, I took
no part in the assault, except by advancing my skirmishers to cover the right
of his, and having my troops ready awaiting his orders, which did not come.
The position of the enemy I ascertained to be very strong, with an open field
and a dense undergrowth of pine in their front. At dark on the 1st of June
I received orders to march at once. I moved my brigade at once and joined
the division on the road to Haw's Shop, and at 8 a.m. reached Cold Harbor.
After resting about three hours, my brigade was placed in position on the
left of the Second Division, in an undergrowth of pine, and ordered to intrench,
which I did. At the same time I ordered Colonel Beaver, whose regiment was
deployed as skirmishers, to drive the enemy into his works, if possible,
and about 4 p.m., hearing firing on our left, I ordered him to make strong
attack, which proved successful. A short time after Gregg's division of cavalry
came in sight, driving in all detached parties of the enemy. At dark the
enemy were confined to their works. At 12 o clock (midnight) I received orders
to attack the works in my front at 4.30 a.m. June 3. At 3.30 a.m., June 3,
I moved my brigade out and formed in the place selected in the following
order. Seventh New York Heavy Artillery (Colonel Morris), in first line;
One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania (Colonel Beaver), Fifty-third
Pennsylvania (Captain Dimm), One hundred and
forty-fifth Pennsylvania (Col. H. L. Brown), Second Delaware (Major McCullough),
Sixty-fourth and Sixty-sixth New York (Col. O. H. Morris), in the second
line. One-half of the One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania, under Major
Forster, was deployed as skirmishers. I directed Major Forster to fall back
and occupy the position he then held, as soon as he had driven in the enemy's
outposts. These instructions being given and the troops formed, we awaited
the hour of attack. At precisely 4.30 a.m. I gave the order to advance. Colonel
Morris moved his regiment, 1,600 strong, forward at once, and after terrific
fighting occupied the enemy's works, capturing about 300 prisoners, 1 color,
and a battery of 4 guns. The enemy brought up their reserves and attacked
Colonel Morris in his position with great vigor. I now moved the second line
of my brigade, and when near the position occupied by the Seventh New York
Heavy Artillery, I was wounded and carried from the field insensible. Up
to the time I was wounded the assault was successful, and had I been able
to keep the field for a short time longer, I am confident the enemy could
not have regained their works.
In this battle, and before I was wounded, the officers
behaved with a steadiness and gallantry seldom witnessed, and I have learned
since that after I was wounded, and the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery
were driven back (which occurred a few moments after I was wounded), and
before the second line could reach their position, the whole command made
three desperate efforts to retake the works, and failing in this they threw
up a line of works (under the terrible fire of the enemy, which part of them
returned, while the others worked) within a few yards of the enemy's line.
All losses during the campaign were promptly reported at the close of each
action.
I cannot speak too highly of the services of Col. H.
L. Brown, One hundred and forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers (who was assigned
to command of Third Brigade on 10th of May), while under my command. Col.
James A. Beaver distinguished himself on every occasion, but most particularly
at the battle of the Po, May 10, and Spotsylvania, May 12. Col. O. H. Morris,
Sixty-sixth New York, also by his bravery and skill contributed in many instances
to success. I regret to record his death on the morning of June 3. He fell
at the head of his command. To Lieutenant-Colonel Stricker, Second Delaware
Volunteers, who fell at Spotsylvania, May 12, belong all honor and respect.
Lieut. Col. J. S. Hammell, Sixty-sixth New York, deserves especial mention
for gallant and conspicuous conduct on all occasions. Lieut. Col. George
A. Fairlamb, One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was wounded
and captured while gallantly fighting at Spotsylvania, on the 12th of
May.
I would respectfully ask the notice of the major-general
commanding in the case of Captain Brady, Sixty-third New York, of my staff,
who during the entire campaign conducted himself in the most praiseworthy
manner: also Lieu[. C. F. Smith, Fifty-third Pennsylvania, Capt. H. J. Smith,
and Lieut. Charles P. Hatch, deserve consideration for the gallant and faithful
manner in which they conducted themselves.
The loss of the notes taken during the campaign (which
were captured by the enemy with the staff officers who had them in charge)
prevented me making an earlier report of the operations of the first part
of the campaign of 1864. Their recovery at this late date enables me to make
this report from them.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN R. BROOKE,
Brevet Major-General of Volunteers.
ASST. ADJT. GEN.,
FIRST DIV., SECOND CORPS.
[Indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DEPARTMENT,
Baltimore, Md., March 8, 1866.
Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Meade, late
commander of the Army of the Potomac.
General Brooke, in describing the operations of his
command, does not in some instances coincide with my own reports of the same
actions, and I cannot, therefore, approve his report throughout, but he is
an officer of such high rank and reputation that whatever he asserts deserves
consideration. He gives his reasons within for his long delay in forwarding
the report to me.
WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Major-General, U.S. Volunteers, Comdg. Mid. Mil.
Dept. |
