University of Virginia Library

"Captain: I am required to make a full report of the operations of my
brigade in front of Petersburg on the morning of the 24th inst. My

brigade occupied the left of our line of entrenchments, resting on the
south bank of the Appomattox—the Twenty-seventh, Twenty-first and
Eleventh regiments filling the space from the river to the City Point Road,
and the Twenty-fifth and Seventh battalion extending along the lines
south of the road. The enemy's entrenchments were at this point parallel
to ours at a distance of near 400 yards, an open field with a rank growth
of oats upon it intervening. Each side had slight rifle pits a short distance
in advance of its entrenchments. Our line of entrenchment was
single, the enemy appeared to be entrenched in their lines close together,
and the attack developed the fact that in their first line they had four and
a half regiments, numbering some 1,600 or 1,700 men.

"My division commander, Major-General Hoke, had instructed me the
night before to be ready for movement in the morning, without indicating
what it would be. About dawn on the 24th he in person informed me that
a general engagement was contemplated that day, and instructed me in
detail as to the part my brigade was to take in bringing it on. A heavy
cannonade was to be opened from the north side of the river upon the
enemy's position, and five minutes after it had ceased I was to charge
that portion of their line between the river and the City Point Road with
the Twenty-seventh, Twenty-first and Eleventh regiments. He informed
me that I was to be closely supported by Anderson's brigade. When we
had succeeded in driving them from their first line, Anderson was to
occupy it till his supports arrived, when he was to press on against their
second and third lines, while pivoting my three regiments on their right
and bringing up the other two regiments of the brigade, I was to form
along the City Point Road perpendicular to my first position. Then, taking
the enemy's first line as a directrix, I was to clear Colquitt's front as far
as and including Hare's Hill, etc., etc.

"While General Hoke was still explaining the plan of battle to me,
Lieutenant Andrews reported to me from General Anderson, stating that
the latter was in position and had sent him to keep in communication with
me. In consultation with General Hoke, my plan of attack was settled
and every preparation made.

"The artillery opened precisely at 7 a. m. and ceased precisely at 7:30.
At 7:20 a. m. I sent Lieutenant Andrews to General Anderson to say I
would move in fifteen minutes. He left me with speed. A delay of seven
minutes, however, occurred in my movement, and at precisely 7:42 I
advanced. I am so far thus accurate as to time, because I did not see
my support, did not know their precise distance in rear, and being governed
in my instructions by time, noticed the watch closely.

"My advance was made with 400 picked men and officers as skirmishers,
followed by the balance of the three regiments (about 550 men) in a
second deployed line at close supporting distance. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson,
Seventh battalion, was selected to command the skirmishers. I took
direction of the second line.

"The attack was made. The enemy were driven from their rifle pits
without resistance of moment; their first line was gained and a portion of

it captured; some thirty prisoners were taken here and sent to the rear;
and the enemy's whole line was seriously shaken, his men in numbers running
from the works. Discovering our small force, and the attack not being
followed up, his first line rallied, re-enforcements were rapidly pushed up
from his rear, and we were compelled to fall back. This was done slowly,
and the enemy, endeavoring to charge us, was driven back. My men,
under orders, laid down in the oats about half-way between the two hostile
entrenchments to await Anderson's advance and then go with him. Numbers
of them, however, got back as far as our rifle pits and were permitted
to remain there with the same orders as the more advanced line. None of
them came back to our entrenchment except a few skulkers, whom every
attack develops, and in this case, I am happy to say, they were very few.

"How much time was occupied in these movements I am unable to say,
as I did not look at my watch again. When the vigor of my attack was
broken and my men had begun to fall back, the left of Benning's brigade,
moving by a flank and coming from across the City Point Road, reached
the right of the entrenchments I had left in advancing, and there stopped.
A discussion between Major-Generals Hoke and Fields ensued, and, after
some delay, this brigade moved in and was ready to advance.

"The report of Colonel DuBose, commanding Benning's brigade, will
show the time of his arrival and the then condition of affairs. General
Anderson's report will explain the delay in his arrival. Major-General
Hoke was on the ground during the whole morning, and can speak of his
personal knowledge.

"The order of attack being countermanded, I kept out all day as many
of my men as my rifle pits would hold, withdrawing the rest by squads.
At night all were withdrawn and the regiments re-organized. My loss was
about a third of the force engaged, 25 being killed, 73 wounded and 208
missing, making an aggregate of 306.

"The gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson is missing; it is hoped not killed.
Captain Axson, Twenty-seventh regiment, was killed at the head of his
company. Lieutenants Huguenin and Trim, of the Twenty-seventh, Lieutenants
Chappell, Ford and Vandiford, of the Twenty-first, and Lieutenant
Smith, of the Eleventh, were wounded.

"Captains Mulraney and Buist, of the Twenty-seventh, were captured on
the enemy's works (the latter after receiving two wounds).[25]

"Captain Raysor and Lieutenant Riley, of the Eleventh regiment, Lieutenant
White, of the Twenty-seventh, and Lieutenant Clemants, of the
Twenty-first, are missing.