SERVICE

No.93. Report of Major General William H. French, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division.


HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SECOND ARMY CORPS,

Camp near Falmouth, Va., May 16,1863.


CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that my division marched from this encampment on April 28, at sunrise, in obedience to orders received from your headquarters. The First Brigade, under Colonel Carroll, with Ames' battery of light 12-pounders, took the advance, and occupied the position covering the United States Ford. The Second and Third Brigades encamped near Banks' Ford.

Having, in conjunction with the First Division, opened the road connecting these two fords, on the 29th the command moved toward the upper one, encamping near it.

On the 30th, the bridges having been laid across the Rappahannock, my division leading, crossed, and, continuing its march without opposition, arrived at the Chandler house, three-fourths of a mile this side of Chancellorsville, where it bivouacked.

At 8 a.m., May 1, I received ordered from corps headquarters to move with my division and Pettit's battery, of light rifled guns, to Todd's Tavern, 8 miles from Chancellorsville. I put Hays' brigade in the advance, together with the battery, and marched a mile in the direction of the point proposed, when the Twelfth Corps, coming up the Plank road, intersected my column, causing delay until it had passed, at which time I received orders to return to my original position. My division was held massed until about retreat, when I directed the First and Second Brigades to deploy on the skirts of a woods in a line parallel with the Plank road, then held by the Twelfth and Third Corps.

On the morning of the 3rd, my First Brigade was placed in a direction opposite to this position, to form the line of defense, connecting with the First Division, Second Corps, on the right, and Sykes' division, Fifth Corps, on the left, making rifle-pits and strengthening the front by felling trees. The enemy, who had been feeling our lines during the morning, made his principal attack on the right of our position, and, driving back the troops which held it, uncovered the masses in the rear and center, of which my division formed a part. Taking a portion of my staff, I made a rapid reconnaissance of the roads leading through the woods to the Plank road, preparatory to making an attack upon the enemy's flank in his pursuit. On my return to the division, I found that my Second Brigade (Hays') had been taken off by a staff officer from corps headquarters. I followed it to Chancellorsville, and afterward saw it taking up a position to support the division of Major-General Berry. The general commanding the Second Corps sending me word that the Second Brigade was not under his orders, I confined my attention to the First and Third.

Early on the morning of May 3rd, the enemy renewed his attack upon the lines still held by Third Corps, and, judging that an attempt would be made to force the right of our center, taking the discretionary power given me by the corps commander, I withdrew four regiments of Carroll's brigade from the rifle-pits, on the left, and formed them in line of battle on the plain, and facing the direction of the Plank road. The Third Brigade was formed on the right, to support the left of the batteries of the Fifth Corps. The enemy were now pressing heavily
upon the Third Corps, and masses of troops were arriving from Chancellorsville and forming in the plain to my rear.

At about 8 a.m., the general commanding the army, who had arrived on the left of my line a short time previous and noticed my dispositions, directed me, through a staff officer, to move forward with my division, attack the enemy, and drive him through the woods. In a moment the order was given. The men directed themselves of all but their fighting equipment, and the battalions marched in line of battle across the plain with a steady pace, receiving at the verge of the woods the enemy's fire. It was returned with great effect, followed up by an impetuous charge. The rebels fell back in great confusion, receiving volley after volley, well put in by Carroll's western regiments, the Fourteenth Indiana, Fourth Ohio, and Seventh [West] Virginia. These regiments did not halt until they had driven the enemy across the rifle-pits and beyond the Plank road. The One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania and the First Delaware Regiments, of the Third Brigade, under Colonel Albright, I put on the right of Carroll, to cover that flank, and finding that the enemy continued to fill the woods beyond my right, I sent to the rifle-pits, where the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey had been left, supplying their places by the troops falling back from other commands. These two regiments were placed en echelon, keeping a connection with the regiments on their left.

The enemy, at first panic-stricken by the sudden attack on his flank, broke to the right in masses, leaving in our hands several hundred prisoners and abandoning a regiment of one of our corps in the same situation. The fire of my line was deliberate and effective, and delivered only at the exposed masses of the enemy.

Having been thus hotly engaged for more than an hour, I discovered a body of troops taking a position which flanked and turned my own. I therefore sent to the general commanding the army (General Couch, commanding the Second Corps, being at a distant point on the field), informing him of the fact. Very soon a brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Tyler, led in very handsomely by Lieutenant-Colonel Webb, of General Meade's staff, formed line of battle, connecting with my right, and immediately engaged the enemy.

My left was now free to act, and continued to break and drive the enemy until all our positions between it and Chancellorsville had been abandoned and occupied by the rebels, who, discovering that my attack was not being followed up by fresh troops, moved a heavy column to turn that flank, when my line retired slowly to the edge of the woods, the rebels declining to follow. General Tyler, having reported his ammunition exhausted, on consulting General Meade, commanding the Fifth Corps, he was authorized to withdraw his brigade, which was done in an orderly manner. After this brigade had uncovered the right of Albright's, the enemy made a lively attack upon it, but the First Delaware, Colonel Smyth, changing front to rear, faced rapidly, and repulsed him handsomely.

In the meantime Hays' detached brigade shared the fortunes of the troops it was ordered to support. General Hays and his staff, with the exception of one aide, were taken prisoners. Colonel Powers, One hundred and eighth New York Volunteers, who succeeded in command, my division, which had reassembled at 12 m., took up the position designated for it, in which it remained until the night of the 5th, when the division recrossed the Rappahannock, and returned in good order to its former encampment at this place.
I take great pleasure in calling the attention of the general commanding to the dashing and gallant manner in which Colonel Carroll carried his men into the fight. Colonel Carroll makes particular mention of the judgment and indomitable courage of Colonel Coons, Lieutenant-Colonel Cavis, Major Houghton, Fourteenth Indiana; Lieutenant-Colonel Carpenter, Acting Major Jones, Fourth Ohio; Colonel Snider and Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, Seventh [West] Virginia.

The Eighth Ohio, Cavalry Sawyer, was held in reserve during the 3rd, but performed gallant and valuable services during the rest of the operations. Colonel Albright, One hundred and thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Colonel Smyth, First Delaware, were distinguished for their coolness and courage during the attack.

Reference is respectfully made to the reports of brigade and regimental commanders for detailed recitals of the various acts of valor performed by the officers and men of their respective commands during the entire period of the operations around Chancellorsville.

Major J.M. Norvell, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff, was untiring, day and night, in the performance of his arduous duties. His coolness under fire was constantly conspicuous. Major J.A. Fithian, acting assistant inspector-general, rendered me valuable assistance at all period of the battle. Lieutenant W.E. Potter, ordnance officer, was indefatigable, brave, and zealous. His department was never better served. Captain M.I. Ludington, assistant quartermaster, and C.J. Queen, commissary of subsistence, kept the division fully supplied with every requirement, and so conducted their trains that no losses whatever occurred to the Government.

Chief Surg. Isaac Scott was most assiduous in organizing his field hospitals, and the wounded of the division are greatly indebted to his care, skill, and attention, aided by the surgeons of the command.

A list of casualties accompanies this report, of which the summary is:

Killed..................................................... 63
Wounded.................................................... 534
Missing.................................................... 89
_____
Total*..................................................... 686

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

WM. H. FRENCH,
Major-General, Commanding Division.


Captain J.N. POTTER,
A.A.A.G., Second Army Corps.

No.94. Report of Colonel Samuel S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade.


HDQRS. 1ST Brigadier , 3rd DIV., 2nd ARMY CORPS, May 10, 1863.



SIR:I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the late expedition across the Rappahannock and in the action at Chancellorsville:
I moved from my present camp at 6 a.m. on the 28th ultimo, and

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*But see foot-note (+), p.177.


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Page365 CHAP.XXXVII.] THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.


arrived in the vicinity of the United States Ford about 11 a.m. Picketed the river from about a mile below the ford up to and including Richardson's Ferry.

On the 30th ultimo, at 3.30 p.m., the pontoon bridges having been laid, this brigade was the first to cross, forming line of battle on the hills opposite, and skirmishing through the woods, finding no enemy. A short time before dusk we were put en route, and marched to the white house near Chancellorsville, where we bivouacked for the night.

On May 1, at 1 p.m., I was ordered to move the brigade on the road to Chancellorsville. The column had not cleared camp before the action was commenced by the forces in our front. We remained in this position for an hour, and I was then ordered to mass my brigade in the woods on the right of the road, which was done. After retaining this position for some two hours, I was ordered to occupy the same ground I did the night before. About dusk I was ordered to form line of battle in the edge of the woods to the right of the road, which position we occupied during the night.

Between 7 and 8 a.m. on the 2nd, I was ordered by the major-general commanding the division to occupy the edge of the woods on the left of the road, the line of battle being nearly perpendicular to the line occupied the night before, joining with Major-General Hancock's division on my right and Major-General Sykes' division on my left, and to throw out skirmishers on the same line with theirs. Between 10 and 11 a.m. I was ordered by the major-general commanding the corps to dig rifle-pits and fell an abatis in my front, which were completed by sunset. I retained this position during the night.

At 7 a.m. on the 3rd, I received orders from the major-general commanding the division to the four regiments and from line of battle facing the woods, parallel to the Plank road, which I did, taking the Eighth Ohio, the Fourteenth Indiana, the Fourth Ohio, and the Seventh West Virginia, leaving the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey to occupy the rifle-pits we had dug. I then received orders from the same source to have the right wing of the right regiment form behind the houses and outbuildings occupied by the division commander as his headquarters.

In about half an hour, I received orders from the division commander to move forward through the woods and attack the enemy who had just driven the force in front of us from those woods. I did so, leaving, by some misapprehension of the lieutenant-colonel commanding, for which no blame can be attached to him, the Eighth Ohio, which remained, supporting the battery on our right. We engaged the enemy, consisting of about eight battalions, some 30 yards in the woods; received one volley from them (fire at random), and drove them at a quick pace through the woods, over the Plank road, and out of their rifle-pits. Some 30 yards beyond their pits they had a column of at least a division massed, which, also started in retreat when the first line reached them; but, perceiving our small number, they turned and drove us back, at the same time opening a battery on the Plank road, enfilading us with grape and canister. In their rifle-pits we captured two stand of colors; had possession of a large quantity of small-arm ammunition, lying in boxes in front of their works, and captured 1 major, 5 captains, 7 lieutenants, and 270 enlisted men, and released a regiment of Zouaves belonging to the Third Corps that was held as prisoners behind those pits. In my pinion, had we been supported by a division, we could have retained possession of the Plank road. In retiring through the woods, they followed us slowly and at long range, doing but little damage with small-arms, but



Page366 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.


playing upon us heavily with shell. We met Caldwell's brigade going to the front as we were emerging from the woods, retiring.

The Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey afterward moved in on our right, separated from us by the First Delaware and One hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania, of another brigade, and, consequently, not knowing of their movement or being able to see them an account of the thick underbrush, I could not supervise them. They joined me after I came out of the woods, retiring. It was about three and a half hours from the time I formed line to move forward until I returned. My men behaved in the most gallant style, and I had much more trouble to make them retire, when it was found useless to advance, than to move forward.

The pioneer corps, under the command of Captain N. Willard, was formed across the road to stop fleeing stragglers. They took possession of our prisoners, as they were brought out of the woods, and turned them over to an aide of General Patrick, and rejoined me at the same time with the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey.

We then re-occupied our rifle-pits for about an hour, when I was ordered to move to the left and occupy the position at right angles to our rifle-pits, which General Sykes' division had formerly occupied. In moving to this position, we were heavily shelled by the enemy and met with some loss. The rest of the day was occupied by us in constructing rifle-pits along this time. Skirmishers were placed about 600 yards in front of my works, connecting with General Hancock on the right and the Eleventh Corps on my left.

At 5 p.m. on the 4th, the enemy shelled our rifle-pits for about half an hour, doing to damage. About 12 midnight there was an alarm caused by a portion of the Eleventh Corps firing on an unseen and unheard-of enemy.

Between 9 and 10 a.m. on the 5th, a reconnaissance of the enemy in our front drove in our pickets some 300 yards, but, sending out a re-enforcement, forced them to retire. At 8 p.m. I received orders to be ready to move back toward the United Stated Ford.

At 3 a.m. on the 6th, I was put en route for the rear, crossing the United States Ford about 5 a.m., marching to our old camp, which we reached between 11 and 12 o'clock.

Where all, both officers and men, behaved so gallantly it would seem invidious to particularize, and as it would require too much space to record the personal gallantry of even the commissioned officers, I will confine myself to the mention of the cool judgment and indomitable courage of Colonel Coons, Lieutenant-Colonel Cavins, and Major Houghton, of the Fourteenth Indiana; Lieutenant-Colonel Carpenter (commanding), Captains Jones (acting major), and Grubb, of the Fourth Ohio; Colonel Snider and Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, of the Seventh [West] Virginia. The preceding are the only regiments that went into action with me on the 3rd instant.

My thanks are due to Captain [Samuel] Fiske, acting assistant inspector-general, who was either killed or wounded and taken prisoner while carrying an order from me to the Seventh [West] Virginia, on the Plank road; Lieutenant J.G. Reid, of the Eighth Ohio, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Joseph H. Carr, of the Fourth Ohio, and Lieutenant A.M. Van Dyke, of the Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers, acting aides-de-camp, for their promptitude and valuable assistance in a trying emergency. I would also state that no surgeons or their assistants, except Asst.Surg. W.F. Hicks, of the Seventh [West] Virginia, and no ambulance men or stretchers, were furnished me from the time I formed



Page367 CHAP.XXXVII.] THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.


line to move forward until we came out of action. Surgeon [Henry M.] McAbee, brigade surgeon, was detailed on the operating board at the division hospital. I found that a Merrill rifle, furnished one of my men by the division commander, reached the enemy's sharpshooters when none of our other guns seemed to have any effect on them, and would respectfully recommend that two companies of my brigade be armed with them. I inclose herewith the reports of the regimental commanders, and append a list of our killed, wounded, and missing:

Killed. Wounded. Missing.

Command.    Officers    Men    Officers     Men    Officers    Men      Total
8th Ohio    --    1    --     10    --    --    11
7th West Virginia    1    4    1     18    --    13    37
24th New Jersey    1    2    2     17    --    14    36
28th New Jersey    --    1    2     30    --    26    59
14th Indiana    --    7    8     42    --    7    64
4th Ohio    --    14     2     53    --    4    73
Total*    2    29    15    170     --    64    280

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

S.S. CARROLL,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.


Major JOHN M. NORVELL,
Asst.Adjt.General , French's Division, Second Army Corps.



No.95. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Elijah H.C. Cavins, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry.


CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 10,1863.


SIR:In compliance with an order just received, I respectfully submit the following report of the Fourteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, in the engagement commencing on the 1st instant:
On the morning of the 1st instant, our regiment, under the command of Colonel John Coons, was, with the brigade, under the command of Colonel S.S.Carroll, in a field about half a mile north of Chancellorsville. At about 12 m. we marched with the brigade to the Plank road at Chancellorsville, and were soon after ordered back to said field. At 6 p.m., by order of Colonel Carroll, we formed in line of battle in the field, fronting toward the field occupied by the Eleventh Corps, and the men slept in rear of their stacks during the night.

On the 2nd instant, at 8 a.m., we were ordered to a position on the left of the road leading from the United States Ford, where we constructed breastworks. Late in the evening we were ordered still farther to the left, in the woods on the left of said field, and on a line with General Sykes' division, on our left, and General Hancock's division, on our right.

On the 3rd instant, at about 7 a.m., we were led into battle by Colonel Carroll, commanding our brigade, and Colonel Coons, commanding our regiment, in the woods, on the right of said road. The Fourteenth Indiana Regiment was on the brigade, and our right, before marching into the timber, rested near a house on the road. We encountered

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*But see revised statement, p. 177.


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Page368 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.



the enemy after marching into the woods about 75 yards, and gave them the first volley. The enemy broke and retreated in confusion after the men had fired 2 or 3 rounds, and we pressed them closely. After following the enemy about 200 yards, we discovered them in considerable force on our right flank, whereupon we changed front with the right wing of our regiment, and drove them from their position. We followed the enemy, and drove them beyond the Gordonsville Plank road, and out of their fortifications. On arriving at the Plank road (the left of the regiment extending across the road), we saw the enemy in large force in our front. Their artillery had an enfilading fire upon us, and their infantry appeared on our right flank. We fell back under cover of the woods, where we maintained our position until we were relieved and ordered back to the field from which we started.

The regiment was commanded during the entire engagement by our gallant colonel, John Coons. We captured two pieces of artillery, but were unable to bring them off the field, and we captured and sent to the rear 85 prisoners.

The officers and men all acted gallantly, and each one deserves to be personally mentioned. Major Houghton acted nobly, as he always does. Adjutant Bailey was efficient in all parts of the field, and had his horse shot under him while riding in advance of the line to see the position of the enemy. At 10 a.m. we were ordered to the left of the road, and took position where we were on the evening before. At about 12 m. we were ordered farther to the left, between the Eleventh Corps and Hancock's division, where we constructed breastworks. At 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. we were under a heavy artillery fire.

On the 4th instant, we remained in line behind our works during the day, being shelled at 5 p.m. On the 5th instant, our pickets in front had a spirited skirmish, but no general engagement was brought on. On the 6th instant, at 2 a.m., we took up our line of march for this camp, via the United States Ford, and arrived here at 12 m. on said day.

We lost in the several days' battle 7 killed, 50 wounded, and 7 missing. The killed and wounded were all on the 3rd instant. One killed and 3 wounded by shells on the left on the United States Ford road, and the others in the fight on the right. Two were missing on the 3rd and 5 on the night of the 5th. I herewith send a list of the killed and wounded.*
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E.H.C. CAVINS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Fourteenth Regiment Indiana Vols.


Lieutenant J.G. REID,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.



No.96. Report of Colonel William B. Robertson, Twenty-fourth New Jersey Infantry.



HDQRS. 24TH Regiment NEW JERSEY VOLS., May 10,1863.


COLONEL: I have the honor to report the operations of this regiment from Thursday, April 30.

On the afternoon of this day crossed the river in our proper position, in brigade line, until the brigade halted near a large brick house beyond the enemy's deserted earthworks. We remained there about an hour. About 7 p.m. moved with the brigade to the front, arriving near

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*Embodied in revised statement, p.177.


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Page369 CHAP.XXXVII.] THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.


Chancellor's about 9 p.m., where we halted and bivouacked for the night in an open field on the edge of the woods.

Friday, May 1.-Called the roll at 4 a.m., and remained under arms until 11.30 a.m., when we were ordered but to Chancellor's house. When near that point were ordered to return to our former position. At 3.30 p.m. I received orders that the men should eat diner and be ready to move at a moment's notice. At 5 p.m. formed line of battle on the edge of the woods, and orders were received that the men should lie down behind the stacks without unpacking.

Saturday, May 2.-Order was received to call the roll at 4 a.m., and men get breakfast immediately. About 8 a.m. we moved our position to the edge of the woods, on the left of the road, where rifle-pits were dug and abatis formed for 200 or 300 yards in front, the right of which connected with the left of similar works erected by the Second [First] Division, commanded by General Hancock' occupied these works during the day and night without any change of position.

Sunday, May 3.-At 8 a.m. this regiment, with the Twenty-eighth New Jersey, was left to defend the rifle-pits on the left, while the other regiments, of this brigade were sent to the front. We remained until about 8 a.m., when we were ordered to leave the pits, by command of Major-General French, and proceed to take up a position on the open field to the right of the general's headquarters. Almost immediately after the line was formed, we were ordered to advance into the woods and take up our position on the right of the First Delaware, and to advance as fast as it advanced. While in that position, the enemy drove in the One hundred and twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, which occupied our right and front (it being flanked), when some of my men delivered their fire and broke. As soon as we got out of the woods we began to reform, and marched over to our old grounds, where we rejoined the brigade. We immediately marched into the woods to the rear of our former position, dug trenches, formed abatis, and threw out skirmishers in front, and remained here unmolested during the night.

Monday, May 4.-At 2 a.m. a general alarm took place, from frequent firing by pickets on our front and left. At 11 p.m. a heavy musketry firing on our left. Our pickets ran in, and we found it was caused by the line on the left of our brigade mistaking our pickets for the enemy.

Tuesday, May 5.-At 8 a.m. a very extensive alarm on our right and front. At 11.30 o'clock, our pickets ran in, reporting the rebels in force on our front. They failed to appear, however. At 11.45 o'clock, the woods on our right and front took fire and burned fiercely. About 5 p.m. thunder and heavy rain. At 9 p.m. received orders to awake the had orders that the men might stack arms and lie down behind the stacks; raining steadily.

Wednesday, May 6.-Still raining; left our line of works about 3 a.m. and marched back to the river; arrived at the bridges, recrossed the river, and arrived at our old camp at 12 m.

The aggregate loss of this regiment in killed, wounded, and missing is 36, a statistical report of which I have already forwarded you. I have also sent a copy to the office of the Adjutant-General, at Washington, D.C.

Respectfully submitted.


WM. B. ROBERTSON,
Colonel, Commanding.


Colonel S.S. CARROLL,
U.S. Army, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps.


24 R R-VOL XXV, PT I


Page370 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.



No.97. Report of Major Samuel K. Wilson, Twenty-eighth New Jersey Infantry.


CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 10,1863.


SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the five days' action at Chancellorsville:
At 4 p.m. on April 30, crossed the river at the United States Ford. After reaching the heights, skirmishers were thrown out to feel our way.

About sunset the brigade moved forward, marching some 6 miles, and encamped on Bullock's farm, near Chancellorsville.

Next morning (May 1), battle was opened at 12 m., our brigade acting as rear guard. Shortly after, we moved forward as if going into the fight, but not being needed, were sent back to our old encampment on the farm.

Here we spent the remainder of the day, but just before sunset we were drawn up in line of battle on the edge of the woods, toward the right, and in that position spent the night.

Saturday, May 2, changed our position to the left, and were drawn up in line of battle on the edge of another wood. Rifle-pits were thrown up and skirmishers sent out in advance. Remained there until the following morning.

May 3, about 7 a.m, we were detached from the brigade and placed under the command of Colonel Robertson, of the Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers, when we were ordered to the left, and formed in line of battle in the rifle-pits.

About 7.30 a.m. we were ordered from the pits to advance to the front and form in line of battle at the edge of the wood, and advanced about 500 yards, with our left resting on the Twenty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers; came to a halt, and sent Company F out as skirmishers to the right, who soon became engaged with the skirmishers of the enemy. Were supported by some Pennsylvania volunteers, who, together, engaged the enemy for nearly an hour. At length, finding themselves flanked and overpowered, they were compelled to fall back upon the regiment with such precipitancy, so closely pursued by the enemy, that the regiment was unable to fire without danger of killing our own men.

We were compelled to retire in some disorder, after the loss of our commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Wildrick, either killed or captured. The regiment then reorganized near the rifle-pits from which we had formerly advanced, and marched with the brigade to the edge of the wood on our left, where confusion arose, and, through mistake, the regiment became disengaged from the balance of the brigade, and, not knowing their whereabouts, did not return and join the brigade until about 9 o'clock next morning.

We lay in that position until Wednesday morning, May 6. At 3 a.m. we began our retreat, reaching our old camp near Falmouth about noon of that day.

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

S.K. WILSON,
Major,Commanding Twenty-eighth New Jersey Volunteers.


Lieutenant J.G. REID,
Act.Asst.Adjt.General , 1st Brigadier , 3rd Div., 2nd Army Corps.




Page371 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.



No.98. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Leonard W. Carpenter, Fourth Ohio Infantry.


CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 10,1863.


SIR:I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under my command, in the action of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th instant, near Chancellorsville, Va.:
On the afternoon of the 1st, I had orders to mass my regiment in a wood between a mud pike and the Gordonsville Plank road, where we remained for a short time, when I received orders to move to the front, and, after advancing 400 or 500 yards, the order was countermanded, and we resumed our old position in a cleared field, on the skirt of the wood, where we formed line of battle and remained during the night.

On the morning of the 2nd, at about 5.30, we changed our position to the left of the road, and formed line of battle, facing the wood in the direction of the river. At about 9 a.m., in obedience to orders, we commenced digging rifle-pits and cutting the timber in our front for the purpose of constructing an abatis. We remained in this position, picketing well our front, until about 7 a.m. on the 3rd, when we again of the Plank road, with the Fourteenth Indiana on our right and the Seventh Virginia (Union) on our left, and then awaited orders to move upon the enemy.

About 7.30 a.m. the order to advance was given. We moved forward in line of battle across an open field about 250 yards and entered a thick wood. After penetrating the wood about 30 yards, we came upon the enemy, drawn up in line of battle, supported by a column massed in their rear, the number or depth of which, owing to the thickness of the wood, it was impossible to estimate. The enemy opened upon our line, to which we immediately replied, and charged them, driving them before us through the wood about 800 yards, across the Plank road, and through their works on the opposite side. At this point, the enemy opened upon us with artillery from the right, enfilading our entire line. At the same time a heavy column of infantry, at least a division strong, moved upon us on our right and front. Being thus overwhelmed in numbers, and unsupported, except by our own brigade, we were unable to hold our position, and fell back about 200 yards, across the Plank road. Reformed, and again advanced to within 100 yards of their line. Finding our position untenable, we were obliged to retire, which we did in good order, and took our position to the left of the rifle-pits before mentioned, and formed in line of battle at right angles thereto, immediately on the right of the Seventh Virginia (Union), and at once threw out heavy pickets, and strengthened our position by digging rifle-pits.

On the 4th and 5th repeated attempts were made upon our picket line by the enemy's skirmishers, but without success.

About 2 a.m. on the 6th, the order to recross the river was received, and about 5 a.m. we recrossed the pontoon bridge at the United States Ford, and at 2 p.m. were in our old camp occupied previously to crossing the river.

My regiment was not actively engaged except on the 3rd. It went into action with 19 commissioned officers and 353 enlisted men. Our losses were 2 commissioned officers, slightly wounded; killed, 1 sergeant,



Page372 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.


1 corporal, and 12 privates; wounded, 5 sergeants, 5 corporals, and 43 privates; missing, 4 privates. Total killed, wounded, and missing, 73. We captured 1 stand of colors and 68 prisoners, among whom were 1 major, 2 captains, and 4 lieutenants. On driving the enemy from his position, several hundred prisoners, previously captured by him, were enabled to make their escape.

Both officers and men of my command behaved in the most admirable manner. Where all did so well, to particularize instances of individual gallantry would, perhaps, not seem proper; but justice compels me to make favorable mention of Captain Jones, who was acting major; of Captain Grubb, who, after he was wounded, refused to leave the field; of Captains Laird and Dolbear; also Adjutant Wallace and Lieutenant Brophy; and I would respectfully them to your favorable consideration.

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

L.W. CARPENTER,
Lieutenant Colonel Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Regiment

Lieutenant J.G. REID,
A.A.A.G., 1st Brigadier , 3rd Div.



No.99. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Sawyer, Eighth Ohio Infantry.


CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 10,1863.


SIR:I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the recent campaign across the Rappahannock by the Eighth Ohio Volunteers:
We broke up camp on the morning of April 28, and, with the brigade, marched to near the United States Ford, where we bivouacked for the night, and where we remained until Thursday morning, when my regiment was ordered out to picket three points on the river. The enemy appeared to have left, and our pontoons were put down, and, about 3 o'clock, the Eighth Regiment, preceded by a company of the Tenth Regulars, crossed the bridge, and, forming in line of skirmishers, passed through a thick wood, and came upon a pontoon train on the road from Chancellorsville to the ford. Here we halted, and were joined by the balance of the brigade, when we marched to near Chancellorsville, where we bivouacked for the night.

The next day (Friday), we were moved out past Chancellorsville, but returned before night, and formed in line of battle near a wood, where we remained during the night.

On Saturday, our front was changed, looking toward the river, and rifle-pits constructed along our line. Toward evening, our position was shelled by the rebels pretty vigorously, and my regiment was moved to the left of our line, where it remained during the night.

Early on Sunday morning, I was ordered by Colonel S.S. Carroll to support a battery near a frame house on the road, and near where Generals Hooker, French, Meade, and other officers had their headquarters. My men were thrown into barns, outbuildings, and behind temporary breastworks, trees, &c., and which position we held something over on hour, when we were withdrawn, and united with the brigade. Soon after, I had orders to send Major Winslow, with the right wing, into the wood south of the road, as skirmishers, where he was posted for nearly an hour, when he was withdrawn by order of Colonel Carroll, and the regiment


Page373 CHAP.XXXVII.] THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.


men united to the brigade, when we were ordered to take a position on a line nearly at right angles with the road, and where General Sykes had been posted the day before. This line we fortified by rifle-pits and breastworks, and held until Wednesday morning, when we were, at about 3 o'clock, withdrawn to this side of the river, and returned to the camp occupied by us before the movement.

During the days of Saturday and Sunday we were within reach of the enemy's shells, and on Sunday 7 of my men were struck, but none very dangerously hurt. My horse was also struck with a fragment of a shell and seriously injured.

On Monday, we were subjected to occasional shots from the enemy's sharpshooters, in the trees in our front, and on Tuesday morning, about 10 o'clock, our pickets were driven in, but Captain Reid, of Company D, reformed them, and drove the enemy back to his works, losing 1 man killed and 1 wounded; 2 others were also wounded in our rifle-pits. I subjoin a list of casualties.*
All my officers and men behaved with great courage and coolness. Among the officers, I can mentioned Major Winslow, Lieutenant O.G. Daniels, acting adjutant, Captains Reid, Kinny, Lewis, Pierce, Gregg, Craig, Butterfield, and Nickerson as particularly conspicuous and attentive to their duties. My loss on Sunday was 7 wounded, and on Tuesday 1 private killed (Company D) and 3 wounded.

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

FRANKLIN SAWYER,
Lieutenant-Colonel Eighth Ohio, Commanding.


Lieutenant J.G. REID,
A.A.A.G., 1st Brigadier , 3rd Div.



No.100. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan H. Lockwood, Seventh West Virginia Infantry.


CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 10,1863.


SIR:In obedience to orders just received, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh Virginia (Union) Volunteers in the engagements near Chancellorsville, Va., commencing on the 1st instant:
On the morning of the 1st instant, our regiment, under command of Colonel Joseph Snider, was, with the brigade, under command of Colonel Carroll, in a field about half a mile north of Chancellorsville.

About 12 m. we marched with the brigade some distance toward Chancellorsville, when we were about-faced, marched back, and occupied the ground we had just left.

At about 6 p.m., by order of Colonel Carroll, we formed in line of battle in a field fronting the ground occupied by the Eleventh Army Corps, and the men slept in rear of their stacks during the night.

On the 2nd instant, at 8 a.m., we were ordered to a position on the left of the road leading from the United States Ford to Chancellorsville, where we constructed breastworks.

On the 3rd instant, at about 7 a.m., we were ordered to form in line of battle, which we did in an open field fronting the wood that lay between us and the enemy, our regiment, under command of Colonel Joseph Snider, occupying a position to the left of the Fourth Ohio and on the extreme left of the brigade.


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*Embodied in revised statement, p.177.


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Page374 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP.XXXVII.


About 8 a.m., by order of Colonel Carroll, the entire line of the brigade was ordered forward, and, when we had advanced but a short distance into the wood, we met the enemy advancing toward us in large force, and, when in close proximity to each other, we opened on them with a volley of musketry that apparently shook the ground they walked on. We immediately charged into them, putting them to flight; followed them up, and slaying them as they ran through the wood, some of them falling dead, some wounded, while others of them threw down their arms, and, throwing up their hands, ran into our lines, and many of them fell upon their faces and lay still until our lines passed over them, when they would jump up and say they were where they wanted to be. In this way we ran them through the wood and beyond the Gordonsville Plank road into an open field, where other forces of the enemy were in their breastworks and redoubts, from which they had just removed their artillery, leaving piles of shells in their works. From all these we routed them, capturing and sending to the rear in all about 150 of the enemy, and recapturing or releasing a battalion of Zouaves, who had been surrounded by the enemy before we advanced, and capturing a stand of colors belonging to the enemy, which the Zouaves took possession of, carrying it to our rear, and claiming it as theirs.

The enemy in our front, seeing us occupy their first line of works, opened upon us with canister and grape and a heavy enfilading fire, and forced us to retire to the cover of the wood, where we held out position until ordered by Colonel Carroll to withdraw from the field, reporting to him in the field in rear of the wood, where the remainder of the brigade were ordered to form and replenish their supply of ammunition. From here we took position on the left of the road, which we had left the day previous. During the day we were moved to the left flank by order of Colonel Carroll, and took position at right angles from the one now occupied, our right resting and adjoining the right of the Eleventh Army Corps. Here we constructed breastworks.

On the 4th instant, in consequence of severe illness, Colonel Joseph Snider and Major Morris had to retire from the front, leaving the entire command of the regiment with Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood.

At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. there was heavy artillery firing to the right of our post, and during the day frequent picket encounters, but we succeeded in repulsing them and preventing a general engagement, which our men were anxious to have come on.

On the 5th instant, at 2 a.m., took up the line of march, crossing the river at the United States Ford on the pontoon bridges, arriving at this, our former camp, about 12 m. the same day.

Our losses, so far as ascertained, are as follows: 5 killed, 19 wounded, and 13 missing.* Among the killed, I regret to say, was Captain F.M. Roberts, one of our most efficient and worthy officers, who was greatly beloved by all who knew him.

I cannot speak too highly of the courage and coolness of the officers and men of my regiment. Suffice it to say they maintained their former reputation, won in many hard conflicts, for daring, bravery, and courage.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J.H. LOCKWOOD,
Lieutenant Colonel , Commanding Seventh [West] Virginia Volunteer Infantry.


Lieutenant J.G. REID,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.



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*But see revised statement, p.177.

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