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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIV

APPENDIX.
JUNE 16, 1862. — Engagement at Secessionville, James Island, S.C.(*)

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[Inclosure No. 13]

BRIEF STATEMENT AS TO THE JAMES ISLAND AFFAIR.

In my report to General Hunter, I reminded him that he had himself approved the movement, and, although I was at once deprived of command and put in arrest under the verbal pretense of disobedience of orders, he has never preferred any such charge against me officially. I can find nothing at the War Department in the way of accusation, except two letters of General Hunter, one of June 27, forwarding a letter of General Stevens of June 22, with indorsement of General Wright, and another of July 10, forwarding a letter of General Stevens of July 8, which was printed in the New York Times of July 16, in neither of which does General Hunter call for or suggest any action against me.

In his first letter, General Hunter assumes that the letter of General Stevens states that my subordinate generals warned me that I "was about to fight a battle in violation of orders." This assumption, however, General Stevens' letter will not warrant. He says simply that I "was warned that under" "my" orders they were going to fight "a battle," and in a subsequent card published in the New York Times, July 22, he fully refutes General Hunter's assumption, saying that "General Hunter's orders to General Benham were not a matter brought before the conference."

General Stevens' letter is a very artful production, and wonderfully calculated to deceive. He assumes that I had said that he and General Wright favored the attack. I never said so, only that they did not oppose it; and Captain Drayton, who was present at the conference, sustains me in this, when he states that if they were opposed to it, "none of them, however, said so much as this." General Stevens also alleges that he was opposed to the attack on the morning of the 16th, and that he understood that; General Wright was opposed to it, but neither does he nor General Wright say that General Wright or Colonel Williams expressed themselves so opposed, while Captain Drayton states that neither of them expressed any opposition. General Stevens indeed opposed making the attack in the morning, or rather he proposed its being made in the afternoon. That he absolutely favored an attack I had every reason to believe from a letter I had from him on the 7th, proposing for the 9th the details for a "dash, with every man thrown in," and at "daylight to seize the lower part of James Island," embracing, of course, this battery; to receive which letter I was waked up at I o'clock in the morning, though my headquarters were but a few hundred yards from General Stevens'.

The simple facts were, first, that this battery covered our main landing and essentially commanded our camps; second, that the first order to attack this battery was issued by me with the full knowledge and approbation of General Hunter; third, that while this attack was in preparation, General Hunter's order (draughted by myself) directing me "not to advance on Charleston," 10 miles, and not to "attack Fort Johnson," 7 miles distant, but ordering me to "provide for a secure intrenched encampment, where my front could be covered by the fire of the gunboats from the Stone on the left and the creek from Folly River on the right," was issued by him; fourth, that circumstances having delayed the execution of my first order to attack, it became, in my judgment, absolutely necessary to renew it alter his departure from the Stono, and, therefore, in obedience to a military necessity, to prevent our being driven from the island, as well as in obedience to the order of General Hunter, to secure our camps and enable our gunboats to ascend the Folly River Creek, which could not otherwise be done, I ordered the attack which was made on the 16th; fifth, I did not advance one yard on the route to Charleston or Fort Johnson, in attempting to obey the second branch of General Hunter's order, which was a necessity, while the first was a mere expediency; sixth, General Stevens had nearly 4,000 troops with which to carry an earthwork defended by less than 600 men, and he disobeyed my positive orders, "to be upon the work by the earliest daylight," and "with loaded muskets," by starting, as he did, so as to reach there after sunrise, and by ordering them "not to lead ;" seventh, General Stevens was not personally with his troops in the battle, and he ordered them to withdraw after the guns of the enemy had been silenced, and when the work was essentially within the grasp of his men, he being, by the best evidence I can obtain, fully seven-eighths of a mile distant, and unaware of uhis own success. If the attack failed, as I claim by no fault of mine, but by reason of the disobedience and bad management of my subordinate, I ought not to be judged without a hearing, much less should I be punished upon the essentially false statements of a junior, made after I had left the department, and which otherwise he had never ventured to suggest.

The papers corroborative of the above statement are the letters of General Hunter of June 27 and July 10, 1862, and the letter of General Stevens of June 20 [22], and his denial card dated July 20, and published July 22; also letter of Captain Drayton of' June 18, and order of General Hunter of June 10, together with my notes upon them, respectively, with which may be considered my notes on a letter to me from Colonel Hawley, the commander of the leading brigade during its advance to the assault, with extracts from published rebel accounts, and a map of the position, with notes and explanations, all herewith respectfully submitted; also an affidavit sent me that General Stevens was heard to say he believed the attack would be successful.(*) The following affidavit was offered to Capt. A. B. Ely, the assistant, adjutant-general of General Benham, in Boston, after the publication in the newspapers that General Stevens did not expect success:

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, Suffolk, ss:

I.                 William O'Connor, of Boston, Mass., on oath, declare and say, that I am a mariner; that I was employed as such in the Department of the South; that I was coxswain of the gig used by General H. W. Benham on the Stone River during the occupation of James Island by the Federal forces; that, I was in the boat the night of the 13th of June, before the battle of James Island, and carried General Benham and General Stevens between the shore and the steamer Delaware on the evening before the battle: that I heard General Benham say to General Stevens, "Do you think we can succeed?" and General Stevens' reply, "I think we can."

II.               WILLIAM O'CONNOR.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21st August, 1862.

J. W. PRESTON, Justice of the Peace for Suffolk County.

The letter of General Stevens, forwarded with this [Hunter to Stanton, July 10, 1862, p. 48], was elated July 8, and published in the New York Times, July 16. The sum of the allegations in it is, that the generals strongly remonstrated with General Benham against the attack.

The, only reference to Generals Wright and Stevens in General Benham's letter of June 20 to General Hunter is in the following paragraph:

Those orders of General Hunter, I may say, were made known to General Stevens and to General Wright, and that neither of them ever intimated or appeared to think that the movement upon the fort on the 16th would be contrary to those orders — orders I most heartily approved and was most anxious to carry out.

Here nothing is stated to the effect that either General Wright or General Stevens favored the proposed attack; but that they did favor it might well be supposed when General Wright's letters of May 16 and 22 say, "Once on James Island and the gunboats in the Stono, and the thing is done to all intents and purposes. Taking possession of the Stono solves the question of the taking of Charleston. It is no longer anything but a question of time;" and General Stevens' letter, received June 7, suggests "an armed reconnaissance and a dash day after to-morrow (daylight), in order to seize James Island below James River and Newtown Cut, with every man thrown in," which included the taking of this battery, the final failure to take which compelled the abandonment of the island.

[Extract from a card by General Stevens, published in the New York Times. July 22, 1862]

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, BURNSIDE EXPEDITION,
Newport News, Va., Sunday, July 20, 1862.

To the EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES:

I desire to correct an error either of the printer or copyist in my official report to General Hunter. In the copy as printed in your issue of the 16th instant it is stated, "General Wright warned General Benham that his orders were, in fact, orders not to fight a battle? It should read, "General Wright warned General Benham that his orders were, in fact, orders to fight a battle," meaning thereby General Benham's own orders to his subordinates in relation to the operations of the morrow, and that a battle must inevitably result from them, and not General Hunter's orders to General Benham, which were not a matter brought before the conference.(*)

Very respectfully, yours,

ISAAC I. STEVENS.

The above refutes General Hunter's assumption of June 27.

That the subordinate, generals did not remonstrate with General Benham is positively shown by the following letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, who was at the conference, he being the commanding or senior naval officer:

UNITED STATES STEAMER PAWNEE,

Stono, June 18, 1862.

Brig. Gen. H. W. BENHAM,
Commanding at the Stono:

SIR: In answer to your letter of the 17th, just received, I beg to state that, in the meeting referred to, in it, I cannot recollect any opposition being offered to your proposed advance on Secessionville the following morning, except as regarded the time you had fixed on, Brigadier-General Stevens being in favor of deferring it until the afternoon. Although, however, no direct objections were made, I judged from a series of questions which were put to General Stevens by General Wright, in regard to the effect produced, or likely to be produced, on the enemy's works by the battery of the latter (former), that he was not in favor of a forward movement at the present time.

I cannot call to mind any particular expressions of Colonel Williams which would enable me to form any opinion as to his views, but must confess that the impression was made on me by the general tone of the conversation that, while expressing every desire to further your views to the utmost of their power, the three officers above named were scarcely in favor of the movement. None of them, however, said as much this, and General Wright did observe that we would take the battery, he thought.

The only change made in your first plan of operations, so far as I could see, was to defer the movement a half hour later than first intended by you.

Yours, very truly,

P. DRAYTON.

These [expressions of Colonel Williams] were, "Has your battery had any effect yet?" "Do you expect it to have any?" To both questions General Stevens replied, "No," and, of course, giving more reason for an early attack.

The following is General Hunter's order: (*)

There were fifteen regiments and two large batteries of artillery to "provide a secure encampment" for, and in the space fixed by General Hunter in the second paragraph there was not over about one-fourth of a square mile of dry land not covered by the fire of the rebel battery at Secessionville. Consequently, the reduction of this battery was a necessary, in order, first, to afford the troops necessary camping ground, and, second, to enable light draught gunboats to ascend the creek from Folly River, on the right, so as to cover our front, which, as it was commanded by that battery, they could not do.

General Benham, on June 10, ordered a reconnaissance for the next morning, stating, "it being deemed important that the batteries of the enemy which have borne upon oar camps at Thomas Grimbali's to-day should be closely reconnoitered or broken up, if possible, at the earliest moment, * * * a rush will be made upon and toward them at between 3.30 o'clock and the earliest daylight."(+) This was read to and approved by General Hunter, and he delayed his departure from the Stono one day after he had issued his order of the 10th, to learn the result of this reconnaissance, which was then pending. In consequence of an attack of the enemy on our lines on the afternoon of the 10th, the reconnaissance ordered for the 11th was postponed, and was again ordered for the 16th, in obedience to the terms of General Hunter's order, as well as to the military necessities of the case.

On the 30th of August, General Benham first met Colonel Hawley after the James Island affair; and, after giving much verbal information, he the next day addressed General Benham a long letter of detail upon the information contained, in which is offered the following notes on a letter (of ten pages, dated August 31, 1862) from Col. J. R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Regiment, the commander of the leading brigade at the first of the assaults on the rebel battery on James Island. The letter of Colonel Hawley gives information on several important particulars previously unknown to me, both as to the march of General Wright across John's Island and as to the attack on Secessionville by General Stevens.

As to General Wright, it was arranged with him for a previous twenty-four hours' notice, that he might rapidly cross the Edisto and march to the Stono, 15 miles, to unite with the rear column on arriving there, for a coup de main across James' Island for the seizure of Fort Johnson. It appears from this letter that General Wright had his infantry 5 miles out on June 2, and it is certain the eight pieces of his artillery, and a part, at least, of his cavalry over, so that the mass, if not all, of his effective strength was over, and within about 10 miles, by a good road, of the Stone and of our rear (then advanced column); and it did not rain any of consequence, if at all, for twenty-five or thirty hours after; and General Wright, for a portion of his horses or cavalry only, as it appears (not needed for his effective strength), remained there without moving for three nights and two days, consuming his rations, and for the last half of the time in severe rains in open bivouac; while the enemy, then knowing our point of attack, sent, as we learned, over 15,000 men from Savannah, and the dash across James Island, to bring Charleston under our guns, became impossible for our small force.

And, as to General Stevens' attack on the Secessionville fort, my orders were for Stevens' whole force to be upon the outer picket line (about a half mile beyond the causeway) before 3 a.m., and "before good aiming light, and with guns loaded." By Colonel Hawley's letter it appears that General Stevens "ordered him not to load;" that before his column moved to the causeway and picket line it was light enough to distinguish persons "75 yards distant," and, on coming in sight of the work, "to see a man at that distance," as he estimated, "700 yards ;" that the brigades (of three regiments each) were ordered up (and, of course, by the commander, General Stevens) in brigade line on this converging piece of ground between the two marshes, by which "four out of the six" regiments "were sent clear of the works into the marsh;" that General Stevens was not on the ground to rectify the error, but at Legare's house in rear (which is seven-eighths of a mile from the fort); that Colonel Fenton came up while Colonel Hawley was extricating his men from the marsh, and ordered him across the front of fire of the fort, within 120 yards distance, and that when thus across, and within "about 100 yards," and "advancing Steadily," to support the Eighth Michigan and Seventy-ninth New York, then (as Lieutenant Colonel Morrison, of the Seventy-ninth, told me) in the ditch awaiting this support for the next assault, Captain Stevens galloped up, and, in General Stevens' name, ordered the men back, and this when the guns of the fort were silenced and the advance were only awaiting this support. This shows fully that General Stevens disobeyed my orders as to the loading of the muskets and as to the starting hour, for it was, in fact, after sunrise when the fort opened on him; that he most injudiciously arranged his troops for the assault, and, remaining himself about seven-eighths of a mile in the rear, he did not and could not correct that bad arrangement; and that when the regiments had recovered from the confusion and were advancing to support the men at the parapet and ditch, his son and assistant adjutant general came forward and ordered them back, thus giving up all the chances of success to the affair, Colonel Hawley stated to me, verbally, that he judged it/to be only about ten minutes from the time he first met the obstruction of the marsh in his advance till he was ordered back by Captain Stevens; also that he never saw General Stevens more than 2 rods in front of the road at Legare's house.

The published rebel accounts state (from Charleston Mercury, in New York Journal of Commerce, of June 26, 1862):

But 25 of the garrison were awake. It was a complete surprise, and nothing but the nerve and promptitude of the officers, especially the commanding officer, saved the battery from easy capture. The first round was fired when the column was within 30 yards of the guns; the wearied men, startled by the sound or aroused by shakes or bayonet punches from the officers, going to their guns.

And to this it need simply be remarked, if the attack after sunrise was such a surprise, how much more completely successful must it have been if executed when ordered at daylight.

It may be added in reference to General Wright's delay, that Capt. J. Hamilton (General Wright's chief of artillery) states in letters of November 19 and 20, 1862, that six pieces of his artillery were posted at the Haulover Cut on the afternoon and evening of June 2, and that the two remaining pieces were across the Edisto the same evening about 8 p.m., and started at 1 a.m. of the 3d to join him at the Cut, as they did about 7 a.m. This shows that all General Wright's artillery were over, as Colonel Hawley states all his infantry was across and at the Haulover Cut.

Further, in reference to the statement of General Hunter, in letter of July 10, that the three officers all "represented the movement as one almost impossible of accomplishment," I will state positively that to a remark of mine to General Wright, that I felt "the attack must be a certain success," his reply was, "Oh, we can take the battery," and I aver that this was said without qualification, though Captain Drayton appears to think he heard the words, "he thought" added. And as to General Stevens, a person who it appears had charge of the boat that took General Stevens and myself to the steamer Delaware from the "conference," met my adjutant-general in Boston and stated to him that he heard the question put directly by myself to General Stevens during that return, if he "thought we should be successful," and to this General Stevens replied in the affirmative, of which fact this man's affidavit has been sent me, and it is not pretended that Colonel Williams ever said one word on the subject either way.

And as I have been informed that General Hunter has given as a reason for sending me from the department the want of confidence felt in me by my command there, it is due to myself to state the following facts: Upon the evening of the 16th of June, after the attack and repulse. I was requested to meet those three officers, Generals Wright and Stevens and Colonel Williams, at the headquarters of the former, where they had lice, together some hours. And upon arriving there, after a short time spent in general conversation on the events of the day, in which not one word was said to the effect that any person had objected to the movement, or that I myself was in the slightest degree to blame or responsible for the failure, Colonel Williams stood up and addressed me at some length, the other two officers most markedly appearing to assent to his remarks, among which were the following expressions, which I distinctly recollect: "General Benham, you must push General Hunter aside; you must send some one of your own staff to Washington to demand re-enforcements, and we will hold on to this position till they come, and we can make the attack on Charleston. You must push General Hunter aside." To which my reply was, "No, gentlemen; General Hunter has been too kind to me for it to be possible that I should do anything of this kind; but I will do all I can to hold this place, as I think we ought to, till we can get re-enforcements? This, I am satisfied, Colonel Williams will not deny, and it shows conclusively whether those officers then blamed or had lost confidence in myself, and the whole plan of the expedition, as well as of the attack, was entirely my own, as General Stevens took occasion to say to me explicitly the next day.

H. W. BENHAM.

[Sub-inclosure]

ASTOR HOUSE,
New York, August 31, 1862.

General H. W. BENHAM:

GENERAL: I take advantage of a few hours' leisure, while awaiting the departure of the steamer for Port Royal, to answer briefly the inquiries you made yesterday.

Last May I was at Fort Pulaski as lieutenant-colonel, commanding the Seventh Connecticut (my present commission not having arrived). Under your orders, the regiment embarked on the Cosmopolitan on the night of May 31. You remember the errors which led the captain of the steamer to land us at North Edisto, instead of taking us directly to General Stevens' command, on the Stone.

I reported to General H. G. Wright, at North Edisto, on Sunday afternoon, June 1. My arrival was unexpected, and while he was de liberating upon the disposal of the regiment, your order came to cross that night to John's Island (or Seabrook's, a part of John's). Tumbling ashore all our tents and baggage, lint two loads of ammunition, hospital stores, and provisions, and leaving all who were likely to prove noneffective in a fatiguing march, and, possibly, a fight, I went over to the pontoon wharf on John's Island. The tide was strong, and, in spite of careful management, the steamer struck and seriously injured the wharf, so that I was obliged to land my men and baggage by small boats. The commanding officer of the gunboat Crusader very kindly lent me large boat, and furnished a good crew, who worked all night. The morning was far advanced before I could possibly get ready to march. Other regiments and the battery and cavalry were brought over by the Planter and the May Flower, which could come up to the disabled wharf'. A portion of the battery and most of the infantry started before I did. (I forgot to mention that three companies of the Forty-sixth NewYork, under Captain -------, were attached to us, it having been found impossible to take the whole of the Forty-sixth from Tybee, as was intended.)

We moved at noon on the 2d. It was exceedingly hot, and, going on toot myself, I regulated the march most carefully. The Third New Hampshire and a portion of the battery passed us on the way. Arriving within a mile of Haulover Cut, we found a portion of the force halted and another portion returning from a road on the right, which it was said it had taken by mistake. I think it was not far from 4 o'clock, possibly a little later, when we arrived at the Cut. Two regiments, at least (the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers was one of them), had crossed the causeway and bridge, and occupied the rising ground about the large house. Before sunset the infantry (all, I am quite sure), a portion at least of the artillery, which was composed of Hamilton's or Ransom's battery, and a section of the Rhode Island, and some of the cavalry had arrived at the Cut. We bivouacked, my command forming the reserve, perhaps 40 yards from the causeway. On this ground we remained Monday night and until Thursday morning. During Tuesday the cavalry continued to come up. I cannot say positively whether or not all got there before Wednesday. I think, but I will not positively say, that a section or so of the artillery did not get there until Tuesday. I had been ordered to leave Pulaski with three days' cooked rations and five uncooked (the intention having been, as before stated, to send us to the Stono directly). As my cooked rations would run out Tuesday night, I took advantage of the delay to run my single wagon (one had been lost in unloadling in the Edisto) back to the landing for the rations I had been obliged to leave there. Wednesday there was much regret expressed at the delay, and many of the regiments began to get out of food. All the transportation at command, including what could be detached from the artillery, was most actively employed in running back about 5 miles to the landing for provisions, &c. We understood at the time that the delay was unavoidable on account of the defective transportation and the great labor of bringing over the artillery and cavalry and the horses and wagons belonging to the infantry.

General Wright came on Wednesday, not till afternoon, I think, having remained at the Edisto to drive the work. There was a hasty review of the force toward sunset on Wednesday.

Sunday and Monday were pleasant days. Tuesday and Tuesday night it rained most heavily, and some rain fell on Wednesday, though I do not find that my letters to my wife (which I consult for some of these facts) make any mention of that.

In conversations at the time (without reference to official returns) the officers considered the force as amounting to about 5,000, including the artillery, eight pieces, and about 600 of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, Colonel Williams, or rather Lieutenant-Colonel Sargent, the colonel acting as brigadier-general.

On Thursday morning, June 5, at 2 o'clock, the troops were ready to move: at 2.30 we started. The Third New Hampshire led. Next came a section of artillery; then my command. It was very cloudy and dark, and soon after we moved a very heavy rain began, which continued, with slight intervals of drizzling, until we reached Legateville. I think I came up to the village about 9.30 a.m.; you assigned us quarters.

While we staid at Haulover, the enemy's mounted scouts were several times seen, and we confidently expected opposition in our march of 13 miles to Legareville. We met none whatever, but we heard afterward that a considerable force of the enemy came down there the day after we left.

Some of your questions were concerning the fight near Secessionville. The Seventh Connecticut was on James Island, in General Stevens' division (called the Second until about the 20th of June, when it became the First). The First Brigade was composed of the Eighth Michigan, Colonel Fenton, commanding the brigade; the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts; the Second [Brigade], the Seventy-ninth New York, One hundredth Pennsylvania, Colonel Leasure, commanding the brigade, and the Forty-sixth New York.

Late at night, June 15, I received orders to form my regiment on the color line at 1 a.m. of the coming morning, in light marching order, with 60 rounds per man and one day's cooked rations, and there await orders. The [order] was precisely and punctually obeyed. I was then ordered to wait until the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts moved, and to follow it. I obeyed, and it was between 1.30 and 2 when we took the road behind them. On coming to Colonel Fenton's, we exchanged places with the Twenty-eighth, and became the second regiment, the Eighth Michigan taking the had. During the halt in the field just east of Colonel Fenton's headquarters, I received orders from General Stevens himself; also from Colonel Fenton, through his aide, Lieutenant Belcher, not to load, to move in perfect silence, and to trust to the bayonet. Before this, I had ascertained that the Eighth Michigan had loaded, and I had followed its example. I so stated, and was told positively not to fire. I asked if no discretion was left me, and was told (this was by Mr. Belcher) that, in the last emergency, I might do as I pleased in self-defense.

The line moved till the head rested near the causeway. While waiting here, I was instructed, through Lieutenant Belcher, to be ready when the proper time came to move into line on the left of the Eighth Michigan, and to watch and guard against any movement of the enemy on its left. Shortly after, the division started in perfect silence, crossed the causeway, passed through a field, then took into and through a cornfield. Near the eastern edge of this stood a house, used as a hospital during the fight, and, at its close, burned. I have made a very rough sketch of the ground where our division fought, and refer to it.(*) Near this house the enemy's pickets fired into the Eighth Michigan, and were captured. The Eighth started forward with a prolonged yell, and we kept close behind. As I passed through the hedge, at A, I received word from Lieutenant Belcher to move on the right into line. I observed the Eighth Michigan getting into line as at C, and my regiment hurried on at the double-quick, over the cotton rows, by companies, as indicated at B, soon getting a good line as at D, at which time the Eighth Michigan appeared as at E. Clambering over the second hedge, I caught my first good view of the earthwork.

You ask about the time. It is utterly impossible for me to tell. Before we started to cross the causeway, I remember noticing, and easily distinguishing, General Stevens and party at the distance of, perhaps, 75 yards, and when we crossed the second hedge I could perfectly well see the window in the gable of the little house in the earthwork. There soon came a flash from it. The lookout or tower was clearly distinguishable, and I could have seen a man at that distance. I saw that the work presented a short front, and, supposing that to be the object of attack, though not forgetting my injunctions to protect the left of the Eighth, I told my color-bearers to direct their steps toward the right, but suddenly I found my left wing plunging into low bushes and marsh, and unavoidably breaking into confusion, while the right moved steadily on. Rifle and grape shot poured upon us heavily. The line staggered and halted as at F, say 120 yards from the work, though single men and groups pressed nearer. The men edged back a little, but did not run, or even intend to walk away. The Twenty-eighth came up on my left, obliquing as they saw the marsh, but soon got into the same difficulty, and fell back to the first hedge, or near there, to reform. I got our colors into the open field, and reformed my line under a constant fire, as at G. Colonel Fenton came up during our labors at reforming. A portion of my men were permitted to fire, and made good use of their opportunities, but I soon stopped it, as I feared it might interfere with somebody's scaling the work. Colonel Fenton ordered us to move by the right flank across the fire, and we obeyed. When partly across the field, the Seventy-ninth(*) came up, advancing in line of battle, striking across and somewhat disturbing my left. We soon after filed to the left, and were in the position indicated by the dotted lines at H, I myself being at the place marked X, near the H, and hurrying to the head of my men, when Captain Stevens galloped up to me, saying, "The general wishes you to call the men off." The rifle fire at this moment was very sharp from the enemy's left, and my first and second companies were suffering, but advancing steadily. The head was, perhaps, 100 yards from the work. I do not remember noticing any abatis on the front; it might have been there. All my energies were directed to cheering and regulating my men. We faced about and walked steadily, faced by the rear rank, and followed by rifle balls, to the second hedge, where, by General Stevens' order, we halted and took shelter, as at I. After a time the general called us back to the first hedge. All but the last company had got through the opening, when the general said he wanted us again, and we faced about and reentered the open field, where I completely reformed my regiment at K, equalizing companies, reassigning officers, &c. My left company (Sharps rifles) General Stevens retained to protect Rockwell's battery. General Stevens rode through the hedge, and looked on a few moments. At other times when I saw him he was where I have marked his position, + on the sketch, and where he had a good view of the field.

Soon after we moved again to I, and lay in the dry ditch, and two howitzers, and afterward a rifle of Rockwell's, came up, and, partly protected by the hedge, fired perhaps 100 rounds, so they said, my men, and I myself, assisting somewhat in moving the guns and serving ammunition. The howitzers started with grape, to clear the bushes on either side of the work, but I represented that many of our men must be about the field wounded, and the distance was so great that we should hurt them more than the enemy, and the gunners changed to spherical case. Captain Gray and myself watched closely the effects, and informed the gunners, at their request, as they fired very rapidly. They lost some horses at this place. The enemy fired grape and other shot, but the infantry kept their cover tolerably well, and were not hurt. In permitting my best marksmen to practice on the work from this point, I remarked that they might set their leaf sights at 700. I think my Enfield rifles rather inferior and they under-shoot. The distance must be full 500 yards from the second hedge to the work. After Rockwell's guns had got back to the first hedge, my men arose and marched with admirable steadiness back to the first hedge and filed through. Grape and heavy shot followed us, but hurt no one. We found the Seventy-ninth standing in line there. After some delay, General Stevens ordered us to camp.

Of course, I do not give all the details, but I am sure of what I have asserted. I knew in a general way that we were expected to surprise some work, but, aside from that, I have given all the orders that I received before or during the fight. I have never seen the report of a single regimental commander engaged in that battle, though I should be exceedingly glad to read them.

I have individually laid the failure of the attack to the adherence to the order to advance in brigade line. Had the other regiments followed in the footsteps of the Eighth Michigan, along the open field, or had none but my own (which sufficiently reconnoitered that marsh)been suffered to pitch into the mud and bushes, I have always thought that we should have taken the work. It was impossible that the regiments should come up in prompt support successively, when they were ordered forward in a direction that would have sent four out of the six clear of the work's right flank. I suppose that the Second Brigade was ordered forward like ours. The work had not the front of a regiment by a good deal.

l trust that I have not overstepped the bounds of propriety in my remarks, for I have no intention to do so. These same opinions I have always expressed, without knowing with whom any particular order originated, and having always been treated with the greatest kindness by my superior officers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

JOS. R. HAWLEY.

Notes on map.(*)

Colonel Hawley's verbal statement, on August 29, to me was that General Stevens once rode through the first hedge, "about 2 rods," to speak to him, after his regiment had been called back to that hedge, and that he had never seen him in advance of, or more than 2 rods in front of, that hedge during the day.

H. W. BENHAM.

Colonel Hawley also stated to me that from the time his regiment first encountered the marsh, at F, till he had reformed and brought, it to the position at H, advancing, and within 100 yards of the fort, when he was recalled by Captain Stevens, was about ten minutes, as near as he could judge.

H. W. BENHAM.

 

[Inclosure No. 14]

116 FOURTH STREET, NEW YORK,
January 10, 1863.

Hon. JOSEPH HOLT, Judge-Advocate-General:

DEAR SIR: In my interview with you on Saturday last, when I brought you from the President the papers relating to the case of General Benham, you will remember that there was among them a letter of General I. L Stevens, printed in the New York Times of July 22, 1862, of which you suggested to me that some authentication was necessary.

I have now the satisfaction of transmitting herewith the original of that document, which, as you suggested, was possible had been preserved in the New York Times office. I know not whether any authentication of such an original is important, but I add the depositions of Mr. Wilson, the managing editor, and of Mr. Fuller, the intimate friend and correspondent of General Stevens, in this city, authenticating the signature and proving the publication from this manuscript in the Times of that date.

Your kindness in permitting me on the occasion of that interview to direct your attention to some of the points of General Benham's case, emboldens me, as the friend perhaps most familiar with the facts of his defense, to beg that your particular attention may be directed to this document, as well as to another of much consequence, the letter and map of Colonel Hawley, of Seventh Connecticut Regiment. The facts in these two letters are new, and have never hitherto been laid before the authorities, though General Benham has been anxious to secure some attention to them. They are believed to be not only important, but, if carefully considered, absolutely decisive on all the important points of the alleged charges against him. Your kindness will, I trust, permit me to point out their bearing.

The main charge against him, so far as General Benham is informed, for his defense labors under the disadvantage of having no formal or accurate knowledge of what the charges are, is contained in two letters of General Hunter to the War Department, copies of which, with some notes of General Benham upon them, I left with you. The principal accusation contained in these letters is, that General Benham was warned on the evening before the battle, in a conference of the three generals on James Island, that he was about to fight a battle "in violation of orders."

This charge General Hunter presents on the authority of a report of General Stevens, respecting the facts of his own defeat. This concurrence of superior and subordinate officers in charging upon General Benham a willful and clear violation of orders was, it is believed, the only and sufficient ground of his disgraceful dismissal from the roll of brigadiers.

Upon the publication, however, of his report and letter to General Hunter, General Stevens made haste to correct his statement, and to disclaim, by this publication, the imputation which had thus, in his name, been cast upon General Behnam. In the printed letter, the authenticated original of which I now send, he declares this charge to have been a mistake, and that the orders under which General Benham was acting were not a subject before the conference.

This statement agrees with that of General Benham himself, and of Commodore Drayton, the impartial naval officer who witnessed the interview to which the charge refers, in a letter which is among those submitted by the President. The charge rests only on General Stevens' authority, and his disclaimer of it is believed to be an absolute and complete refutation of this most serious charge, At the same time no official disclaimer was ever forwarded, and the charge thus publicly disavowed in the newspapers, by the only person on whose authority it was made, remains on the files of the Department, to the great injustice and disgrace of General Benham.

This statement is supposed to be the only one of sufficient weight to have called forth the severe censure of the Department under which General Benham is suffering, and its complete refutation would, of itself, seem to be sufficient reason why that censure should be canceled and the dismissed general restored to his rank.

This document of General Stevens is important in another respect. It shows that there was no question in the mind of any general at the conference preceding the battle about any violation of orders in the prospective fight. The subject was not alluded to. Now, General Benham expressly declares that the orders of General Hunter to him were announced to the other generals of his command. This assertion, moreover, is unquestioned. They all knew under what orders he fought. It appears, then, that while the three generals were aware of those orders, no one of them alleges that they supposed General Bonham's action in ordering the battle to be a violation of them, They must be considered, therefore, to have believed his action legitimate in this respect, as he himself did. None of them supposed the battle to be in violation of General Hunter's orders. This position is substantiated by a consideration of the order of General Hunter, which General Benham is charged with violating. It is very brief, and forbids "any attempt to advance on Charleston or to attack Fort Johnson," both which prohibitions General Benham faithfully observed. It moreover enjoined him to "provide for a secure intrenched encampment, where your front can be covered by the fire of the gunboats."

This injunction he faithfully endeavored to carry out. It required him to attack a battery, which was firing into his camp, as he honestly believed; and it now appears that no one of his associate generals considered his act a violation of the instructions he had received.

Such is the bearing of the letter of General Stevens, now for the first time brought to the official notice of the President.

The other new presentation of the facts is that made in a letter already mentioned— of Colonel Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers. It speaks for itself, as a moderate, judicious, and perfectly intelligible statement of the causes of the failure of a well planned and promising attack. Colonel Hawley's letter contains so distinct an account of the action, and of its want of success, that no comment of mine is necessary. I would observe, however, that he attributes the failure to a neglect of General Stevens to provide for the proper arrangement of his regiments in regimental column. He moreover points out the headquarters of General Stevens at the first hedge, nearly a mile from the scene of the action, and in a position in which it was impossible that he could witness or direct the advance of the troops at that early hour, for the attack was ordered to take place at daylight.

If the attack failed from General Stevens' erroneous dispositions, surely great caution should be observed in admitting any statements by which he has endeavored to throw off the responsibility of concurring in it.

Moreover, Colonel Hawley, who had advanced to within 100 yards of the work when he was recalled by the aide-de-camp of General Stevens, declares that he saw no abatis or formidable ditch, and that he "attributes the failure to the adherence to the order to advance in brigade line."

It seems, therefore, that there were no circumstances which rendered the attack a foolish or desperate one, or which forbade in any way the hope of its success.

As for the statement that the generals remonstrated against it, this, as I have said, is to be received with caution, as a statement made after the disastrous failure. General Benham did not understand their inquiries as designed to express a remonstrance, and the letter already referred to of Commodore Drayton to General Benham expressly declares, "I cannot recollect any opposition being offered to your proposed advance on Secessionville, except as regards the time you had fixed on, General Stevens being in favor of deferring it until the afternoon."

This most unexceptionable testimony shows that there was no decided remonstrance whatever against the proposed movement. When subsequently it became important to evade the responsibility of having ordered or concurred in the attack, a very slight question as to its propriety was magnified into a remonstrance, by the generals, who then became able to see it as injudicious.

On the whole, then, it appears that: First, there was no remonstrance against Benham's action, as a violation of General Hunter's orders; and this is the important charge. Second. There was no idea that the attack was a violation of orders, either in the mind of General Benham or of any one of his associate generals. Third. The attack was, on his part, a simple adherence to what he supposed to be the true meaning and effect of General Hunter's order. Fourth. The attack was not extravagant or rash, and failed only from an unhappy arrangement of the troops, and not from any inherent impracticability in the work attempted.

These points General Benham considers fully proved by the testimony submitted; but if not absolutely established, thus much, at least, is clear, that the force of the charges is greatly weakened by these authentic statements. The ground of censure is brought very much into doubt; nothing whatever can by regarded as established against him. No ground is made out as clearly justifying the public severity with which he has been treated, now that General Stevens has retracted the accusation which alone seemed to call for the censure of the Department.

If there are other charges against General Benham, of which, however, the President mentioned none to me, he has no knowledge of them, and is, of course, unable to attempt a vindication of himself against them. It would seem that justice requires that he should be informed of them if such other accusations exist, and be called upon for explanation.

After having given, myself, a most careful and protracted examination to these charges, I feel entirely at liberty to say that I am fully convinced that they are wholly groundless, and that in any court in which General Benham could have the liberty of examining the parties who have made them, their futility would be made abundantly conspicuous. No one will ever give to the case the same minute examination, with the explanations of both friend and foe, that I have myself done, with clear assurance of injustice in General Benham's dismissal.

One topic remains. The inquiry suggests itself, Why should General Hunter deem his orders violated, and press the case for censure against his subordinate? The answer to this inquiry is obvious upon an examination of the case, but, it is painful to state, it. Among the papers which I left with you in the package bearing my address, is a copy of General Benham's original plan of the expedition. It bears date May 17, and was presented to General Hunter on that date, formally written at his request. The first sentence of it shows that General Benham had presented this plan more than two weeks before, upon receipt of accurate intelligence of the small number of troops then in and about Charleston. At that, time six or eight large steamers were at command in the department, and the troops could have been transported in a single day to the scene of action. General Hunter, however, hesitated to set, and the opportunity was lost. The Quartermaster General at Washington, not informed of the possible necessity of these steamers, withdrew them from the department; and when, after repeated intelligence confirming the originally known facts, General Hunter at length authorized the movement, but one or two small steamers remained. This lack of transportation involved an additional loss of many days. The attack, which should have been made early in May, was delayed for a full month. The enemy gathered re-enforcements, and the happiest plan of the war was spoiled by the indecision and tardiness of the commanding general, who now accuses the zealous subordinate, who constantly urged a more active and early attack.

If this is a true statement, it abundantly shows the animus of General Hunter's censure to be an attempt to cover his own delinquency. It can be decisively proved in every particular, as I personally know from conversation with the Assistant Secretary of War, Mr. Wolcott.

Pardon, sir, the zeal for a friend and for justice which prompts this long statement of the case, and believe me, with many thanks for your kindness on a previous occasion, and with the highest confidence in your impartiality,

Most sincerely and respectfully, yours,.

BENJ. N. MARTIN.

P. S. — I am concerned to remember that several of the papers to which I here refer are only copies. The circumstance arose thus: I called on the President, in order to explain the case, and to secure, if possible, a formal hearing for General Benham, in which his original documents could be presented. The President was suddenly called away, and hastily took my papers, disregarding my momentary remonstrance that they were only my own copies, as I supposed, for his own examination. He afterward concluded to refer them to yourself, and sent we with the order and the papers, which, of course, I felt bound to deliver to you untouched. General Benham most earnestly desires the opportunity of presenting original documents, should there be any question about the validity of those I have left with the President. I earnestly hope that his case may not be prejudiced for want of an opportunity of duly authenticating his statements. Full papers in Washington are in the hands of Senator Hale.

-----

Report of Lieut. Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH SOUTH CAROLINA. VOLUNTEERS,
James Island, S.C., June 23, 1862.

COLONEL: By your direction I herewith submit the following report: On the morning of the 16th instant, our regiment being on picket duty on the roads leading, respectively, to the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches and to Rivers' place, about daylight the enemy was reported advancing from Rivers', immediately on Secessionville. I accompanied you down the road toward the causeway, near the Rivers place, where Gooding's company (D), Tompkins' company (K), Wever's company (I), and Pearson's company (G) were stationed. While we were deploying these companies in the wood south of Hill's house, Colonel Hagood joined us with his own and Simonton's regiments. The enemy by this time was near the work of Secessionville, and a force had crossed to our side of the creek by the Rivers causeway, and had taken position beyond Hill's negro houses and immediately opposite the Secessionville work, and a little to the rear of its right flank. From this position we could see what a telling fire he was pouring into the battery. Meanwhile the enfilade battery in front of Clark's house was silent, and had not fired a shot. Its position enabled it to rake the front of the Secessionville work, and to fire right into the rear of the force at and beyond the negro houses. Colonel Hagood ordered me to gallop back to the battery and order it to open fire at once. This I did with all possible speed, and found Lieut. J. B. Kitching's 15 or 18 men there, belonging to Lamar's regiment. To my demand why he was not firing on the enemy, the lieutenant said that he and his men had but just come from the country, had no orders to fire, knew nothing of the service of the guns or ammunition, but would gladly fire the guns if I would direct them how to proceed. I at once loaded, sighted, and fired the right piece, the lieutenant and his men springing to the work in gallant style. The shell we fired burst just in rear of the fence beyond the Hill negro houses with fine effect on the enemy, delighting us all.

In my haste I did not notice that the guns were on separate and very narrow platforms, elevated about 2 feet. As I had trailed this gun to the right, to get a better direction, the carriage stood crossways the platform, and the recoil of this first shot dropped it off the platform and disabled the piece for the rest of the engagement. We loaded the other gun at once, and I provided against a similar accident for it, and we went ahead. Kitching and his men worked gallantly, and with remarkable aptitude, so much so that I thought it my duty to return to my command. Passing Clark's house, I reported to General Evans the above facts, and he ordered me peremptorily to return to the battery and direct its fire until relieved. This I accordingly did. We fired as rapidly as we could load, right into the troops at the negro houses and in the bushes to the east, and when they retreated we directed our fire on the force in front of Secessionville.

During the final attempt of the enemy to carry the work, the effect of our 24 pounder on his left flank was very perceptible at every discharge. I am satisfied that the fire of this battery contributed no little to our success, and am gratified to inform you that the general commanding rode to the battery during the close of the engagement and warmly thanked us for our work.

I have since had the honor to receive the thanks of the general, in writing, a copy of which I herewith inclose.

The enemy fired on us from a light battery, but did us no harm.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

ELLISON CAPERS,

Lieutenant-Colonel Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteers.

Col. C. H. STEVENS,

Twenty-fourth South Carolina.

 

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS,
James Island, June 22, 1862.

Lieutenant-Colonel CAPERS,
Twenty-fourth South Carolina, James Island:

COLONEL: In the absence of General Evans, first in command on the 16th instant, allow me to thank you and the small detachment of South Carolina Artillery under your command, for the efficient and distinguished service which was rendered by Battery Read upon that day. Make known to detachment my thanks.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. DUNCAN SMITH,

No. 2.--Return of Casualties in the Union forces.

No. 3.--Brig. Gen. Henry W. Bonham, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, Department of the South.

No. 4.--Brig. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U. S. Army, commanding First Division.

No. 5.--Col. John L. Chatfield, Sixth Connecticut Infantry, commanding First Brigade, First Division.

No. 6.---Col. Henry R. Guss, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.

No. 7.--Col. Thomas Welsh, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, First Division.

No. 8.--Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, U.S. Army, commanding Second Division.

No. 9.--Col. William M. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Second Division.

No. 10.--Lieut. Col. Joseph R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry.

No. 11.--Lieut. Col. MacLelland Moore, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry.

No. 12.--Lieut. Col. Frank Graves, Eighth Michigan Infantry.

No. 13.--Col. Daniel Leasure, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division.

No. 14.--Col. Rudolph Rosa, Forty-sixth New York Infantry.

No. 15--Lieut. Col. David Morrison, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry.

No. 16.--Maj. David A. Leckey, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry.

No. 17.--Col. Robert Williams, First Massachusetts Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade.

No. 18.--Lieut. Col. John H. Jackson, Third New Hampshire Infantry.

No. 19.--Capt. Alfred F. Sears, First New York Engineers.

No. 20.--Capt. Alfred P. Rockwell, First Connecticut Battery.

No. 21.--Maj. Edwin Metcalf, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery.

No. 22.--Capt. Lucius M. Sargent, jr., First Massachusetts Cavalry.

No. 23.--Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina and Georgia.

No. 24.--Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces.

No. 25.--Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans, C. S. Army, commanding Second Military District.

No. 26.--Col. T. G. Lamar, First South Carolina Artillery.

No. 27.--Maj. David Ramsay, First South Carolina (Charleston) Battalion.

No. 28.--Col. S. D. Goodlett, Twenty-second South Carolina Infantry.

No. 29.--Col. Johnson Hagood, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding advanced forces.

No. 30.--Lieut. Col. J. McEnery, Fourth Louisiana Battalion.

No. 31.--Col. C. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry.

No. 32.--Lieut. Col. Charles H. Simonton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry.

No. 33.--Lieut. R. A. Blum, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry.

No. 34.--Capt. J. E. Adger, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry.

 

[con't]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., June 23, 1862.

SIR: On the 13th instant I had the honor of informing you that we had occupied the southwestern portion of James Island, on the Stono River, within 5 or 6 miles of Charleston, intending to make a rush for the reduction of that city as soon as re-enforcements should arrive. As we failed in being able to make a coup de main on Charleston in consequence of our transportation not having been returned to us from the North, the enemy had time to throw strong re-enforcements on James Island, rendering an advance with our existing force extremely hazardous. I therefore determined to make no forward movement, having satisfied myself by reconnaissances of the increase of the enemy's strength; and on leaving the Stono to return to this point, where matters affecting the safety of the command in other portions of the department called for my presence, I gave positive orders to General Benham that no advance should be made until further explicit orders had been received from these headquarters.(*) General Benham disobeyed these positive orders and clear instructions, and the result, I deeply regret to say, has been a disastrous repulse, only redeemed by the brilliant conduct of the troops while engaged ill the assault and their steadiness and patient courage when compelled to retire.

I inclose herewith a copy of General Benham's report of his assault upon the enemy's fortifications, as also of my orders forbidding that any such movement should be made. You will see that General Benham endeavors to evade the responsibility of having violated his instructions by terming his attack upon the enemy's works a "reconnaissance in force," but such a plea is too puerile to deserve consideration.

In view of these circumstances and the serious consequences which have arisen from his disobedience I have felt it my duty to arrest General Benham and order him North by the steamer conveying this letter. This step has cost me much regret, as previous to this unhappy act of rashness he has been industrious, energetic, and wholly devoted to his duties.

We still hold our former position, and shall continue to hold it so long as any hope of being enabled to make it useful by the receipt of re-enforcements shall remain. It is a most valuable point d'appui for operations against Charleston, and should not lightly be abandoned.

From all the evidence reaching me, however, I am satisfied that Charleston has been heavily re-enforced of late, possibly by some brigades from the Army of Corinth; and the injudicious attack of General Benham will doubtless contribute, both by its calling attention to the place and by the eclat of the Confederate success there, to still fur; her swell the number of its defenders.

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

D. HUNTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War, Washington.

-----

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., June 27, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith letters of Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright and Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, with explanatory copies of the letter of Brigadier-General Benham, to which they refer, and my letter of instructions to Brigadier-General Benham, dated June 10; also copy of General Benham's report of the action of the 16th instant on James Island.

You will see from the letters of General Wright and General Stevens that, in a council of war held On the evening previous to the attack, these officers, together with Colonel Williams, also commanding a brigade, remonstrated strongly and emphatically with General Benham, and warned him that he was about to fight a battle in violation of orders.

If consistent with the interests of the service, in your judgment, the publication, by transmission to Congress or otherwise, of this correspondence would greatly aid in setting this department right before the country.

I have the honor also to transmit herewith copy of my letter of instructions to Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright, directing the withdrawal of our forces from James Island to some more healthy location. The military reasons making this course advisable are fully set forth in the letter and the increasing sick list from the command is another argument not to be overlooked.

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

D. HUNTER, .

Major-General, Commanding..

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

 

[Inclosure No. 1]

HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
James Island, S.C., June 22, 1862.

Maj. CHARLES G. HALPINE,
A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S.C.:

MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose a communication from Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens in reference to General Benham's letter of the 20th instant regarding our attack upon Secessionville.

I fully indorse all that is said by General Stevens in his letter, and repudiate as emphatically as he has done for himself any attempt to use my name as favoring the operations of the 16th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

H. G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 

[Sub-inclosure]

HDQRS. 1ST DIV., NORTH. DIST., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Smith's Island, S.C., June 22, 1862.

Capt. E. W. SMITH,
A. A. A. G., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S.C.:

CAPTAIN: I have received a copy of General Benham's communication of the 20th instant in regard to the attack on Secessionville. I repudiate the use he attempts to make of my name. On the evening before the battle, at a conference invited by him, and at which were present General Wright, Colonel Williams, and myself, General Benham was most distinctly warned that under his orders we were going out to fight a battle. General Wright made the statement to General Benham, and it was most positively and unequivocally concurred in by both Colonel Williams and myself. I was utterly opposed to the attack on Secessionville on the morning of the 16th, and so expressed myself unequivocally in conference. I also understood unequivocally that General Wright and Colonel Williams were opposed to it. Much more might be said on this subject, but I forbear.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,.

ISAAC I. STEVENS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 

[lnclosure No. 2]

HILTON HEAD, S.C., June 20, 1862.

Capt. E. W. SMITH,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South:

SIR: As you did not mention the cause of my arrest last evening while notifying me thereof, yet, as I understood from my previous conversation with General Hunter that it would be on the ground that I had disobeyed his orders against making an advance toward Fort Johnson or Charleston, I desire to lay before him one or two considerations in relation to this matter which I think have an important bearing on the case, but which were not, I believe, brought to his notice in the conversation I had with him on the subject last evening; and while disclaiming, as it is true and my duty to myself to do, most fully and completely any other intention than that of carrying out his orders to the strictest letter, as it has always been my wish and my pleasure to do, I cannot avoid stating that it is as strongly impressed on my mind as possible that after the receipt of the written orders as to the disposition of the troops and the non-advance upon Charleston, upon the evening prior to his leaving I showed him the map (as I have it here now with a line upon it) drawn from the church (where Colonel Morrow's skirmish was) "to the north of the isthmus, where the Secessionville tower and fort are," stating that as that fort shelled our upper camp I considered it indispensable that we should have and hold those points for the security of our camps and even for the occupation of the Stone, and that I understood him distinctly as assenting to and approving of my representation. But, more than this, and what I would respectfully ask his consideration of, in addition to the explanation I offered last evening, is the fact that the battery just in front of General Stevens' advanced position was projected and being built to attack the fort at Secessionville before General Hunter left, and this was known to and as I understood approved of by him, and I could not but suppose that if I was authorized to construct such a work to disable or destroy a fort whose fire covered our camps and failed in so destroying it (a work which I feared would be a good foundation for driving us from the Stone entirely) I should be fully authorized in taking it if possible by a direct attack; or, in other words, while only holding our present camps and without an advance toward Charleston I was authorized and expected, if it were possible, to keep the front of our camps clear of the works of the enemy far beyond cannon range, and beyond that range even on the day of the action I would not allow our troops to pass as was proposed by going farther to our left, because my object was simply to make secure the present position of our camps, which I considered it my duty to protect against the fire of the enemy. The orders of General Hunter I may say were made known to General Stevens and General Wright, and neither of them ever intimated or appeared to think that the reconnaissance upon the fort upon the 16th would be contrary to those orders--orders which I most heartily approved and was most anxious to carry out.

I may say in addition that the demonstration was made only after the fullest reasons for being assured of success and with the greatest apparent necessity for it.

The deserters who arrived from Secessionville gave information separately, confirmed by prisoners taken on the day of the action and in part by our own officers who mounted the parapet, that the fort was only a common earthwork, without a stockade, and with abatis only in part; that it mounted only four to six guns, and that six or seven more, with their carriages, were at hand ready for mounting, and that the garrison was not more than two battalions there and in Secessionville. Add to this the active operations which we could see and hear going on for strengthening and perfecting the work during the two days of our ineffective artillery fire upon it, with the fear that bomb-proofs would be erected, the additional guns mounted, and probably a stockade and abatis soon completed, it appeared indispensable to make the effort at once to take it before it should be brought to its greatest strength, and though I did not doubt that 2,000 men would have amply sufficed, the large force was brought out that no doubt of success might exist.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

H. W. BENHAM,

Brigadier-General.

 

[Inclosure No. 3.1

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
On board U. S. Transport Delaware, Stono River, S.C., June 10, 1862.

Brig. Gen. H. W. BENHAM,
Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South:

SIR: In leaving the Stono River to return to Hilton Head I desire, in any arrangements that you may make for the disposition of your forces now in this vicinity, you will make no attempt to advance on Charleston or to attack Fort Johnson until largely re-enforced or until you receive specific instructions from these headquarters to that effect. You will however provide for a secure intrenched encampment, where your front can be covered by the fire of our gunboats from the Stono on the left and the creek from Folly River on the right. After making all proper arrangements for the security of the camp, and the necessary provision for quartermaster's, commissary, and medical stores, if in your judgment you can safely leave the position you will return to your usual headquarters at Hilton Head, reporting to me verbally the state of affairs here; or, if delayed, reporting in writing by each boat that may leave here previously. You will be especially careful to have the free communication established and kept up by the repairs of the causeway between the old battery and Cole's Island.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,.

D. HUNTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

 

[Inclosure No. 4]

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
James Island, S.C., June 25, 1862.

Col. D. LEASURE,
Commanding Second Brigade, First Division:

COLONEL: In your report(*) to General Stevens of the operations of your brigade on the morning of the 16th instant, in the attack upon the enemy's works at Secessionville, I find the following:(+)

After I had formed my command behind the hedge, ready to move again to the attack, I rode down to the troops lying back half a mile, in reserve behind a hedge, and begged them, for God's sake, to come up to the front and support, me in a charge, and was very coolly told that these troops did not belong to my division and could not obey either my orders or General Stevens'. Of course this was a very distant support, and I did not feel at liberty to take the responsibility of acting without orders of General Stevens.

I desire to know to what troops you refer as lying half a mile behind and to what officer you applied for assistance, and also whether you applied to your division commander; to Acting Brigadier General Williams, who was acting with him, and who was seldom 150 yards behind the hedge first, referred to; to myself, when near that hedge, where the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment was reformed, or to General Benham, who commanded the whole. You will understand, colonel, that troops on a field cannot be moved without proper orders, and that any appeal of yours, however correct, must have been useless unless made to some authority competent to give the order; hence the state-meat above quoted does great injustice to all the troops not of your immediate brigade, and requires that you should specify in the most distinct manner the officer in authority to whom you made the appeal to which you refer. An early reply is desired, in order that the reports of the battle may be submitted without unnecessary delay. There were no troops, that I am aware of, as far as a quarter of a mile in rear of the hedge behind which you reformed your command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

H. G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 

[Inclosure No 5]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., June 27, 1862.

Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT,
Commanding U.S. Forces on James Island, S.C.:

GENERAL: Hearing from Washington that there is no probability of our receiving re-enforcements, and it being all-important to provide for the health of the command in the sickly season approaching, I have determined to abandon James Island, in order that the troops may be placed where, in so far as practicable in this climate, they may be out of the way of malarious influences, and where the picket duty will not be so exhausting on our men as at present.

In making this retrograde movement you will be governed by the instructions contained in my letter of the 19th instant, so far as they are applicable to this movement. You will, however, leave two regiments at North Edisto in addition to the one now there, remaining there yourself in command. The other regiments will be ordered to this place under Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, and will be here distributed. All the stores brought from the Stono and needed at Edisto will be transferred to the latter place. I send you the Vanderbilt, Locust Point, Ben De Ford, Potomac, &c., all towing schooners. Take your time, and do not allow the transports to be overloaded. If you think best you can march over John's Island with the two regiments for North Edisto. After the sick and stores and your first detachment have been embarked you will transfer all the remaining portion of your command to the right bank of the Stono at Legareville. The smaller steamers will of course be used in towing in and out the schooners, and as there need be no hurry, a few days' delay for good weather will not be objectionable.

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

D. HUNTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., July 10, 1862.

Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington:

SIR: I have the honor of transmitting to you herewith duplicate of a letter addressed to me by Brig. Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, giving particulars of the protest made by the council of war against General Benham's action in ordering the attack upon the enemy's fortifications on James Island.

You will see from it, in a full detail of the conversation which transpired, that all three division commanders--Generals Wright and Stevens and Colonel Williams--agreed with me in the opinion which had led me to issuing the order that no such attack should be made, and that all represented the movement as one almost impossible of accomplishment. "General Benham, however," adds General Stevens, "overruled all our objections, and peremptorily ordered the attack to be made."

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

D. HUNTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

 

[Inclosure]

HEADQUARTERS STEVENS' DIVISION,
Hilton Head, S.C., July 8, 1862.

SIR: I desire to state briefly a few facts in relation to the operations of my division at the battle of Secessionville, fought on the 16th of June, in relation to which there is some strange misapprehension; to present some of my own views in relation to that affair, and some particulars of the conference held by General Benham with his general officers on the evening previous to the battle.

1. That conference was held with Generals Wright and Williams and myself. All were unmistakably opposed to the attempt, in the then condition of the enemy's works, to take them by a coup de main, and so unequivocally and unmistakably expressed themselves. When General Wright was called on for his opinion he answered that he would make his reply in the shape of certain interrogatories to me, to which he desired answers.

First interrogatory. Have you impaired the strength of the enemy's works at Secessionville by the firing of your battery?

General Stevens' answer. Not in the least. I have driven the enemy from his guns by my fire and I can do it again, but as soon as the fire ceases he returns. I have not dismounted a gun, and we shall find him in the morning as strong as ever.

Second interrogatory. Do you know of any instance where volunteer troops have successfully stormed works as strong as those which defend the approach to Secessionville?

General Stevens' answer. I know of no such instance.

Third interrogatory. Have you any reason to believe that the result in the present case will be different in its character from what it has invariably been heretofore?

General Stevens' answer. I have no reason to expect a different result. It is simply a bare possibility to take the work.

In this Generals Wright, Williams, and myself concurred.

I then proceeded to state, with all possible emphasis, my objections to his morning attack. I urged that it should be deferred to a much later period in the day; that we should first shake the morale of the garrison, and endeavor to weaken its defenses by a continuous fire of the battery and of the gunboats; that in the mean time we should carefully survey the ground and prepare our troops, and make the attack when the battery and the boats had had the desired effect. I closed by saying that under such circumstances I could do more with 2,000 men than I could with 3,000 men in the way he proposed. General Wright, moreover, warned General Benham that his orders were in fact orders to fight a battle. In this General Williams and myself in express terms concurred. General Benham, however, overruled all our objections, and peremptorily ordered the attack to be made. I assured him, as did the other gentlemen, that he should rely upon my promptitude and activity in obeying his orders, but I considered myself as obeying orders to which I had expressed the strongest possible objections, and I therefore determined there should not be the least want of energy or promptitude on my part.

2. It has been charged that I was behind time. This is not true. I was exceedingly prompt and up to time. The orders were to move at 4 o'clock. My division was formed at 2 o'clock, and was at the outer pickets before 3.30 o'clock. It was a very dark and cloudy morning. I moved at 4 o'clock. It was so dark that one man could not follow another except at very short intervals. It was much darker than on usual starlight nights. My men were at the enemy's works about 4.30 o'clock, and the conflict of twenty-five minutes, so dreadful in its casualties, was over, and the men returned at 5 o'clock. Porter's section of Rockwell's battery advanced to the hedge within 500 yards of the enemy's works with the troops of Fenton's brigade; fired above 100 shots from his two guns; was joined in the midst of his fire by one piece of Seward's section (a rifled gun, which fired 20 shots, and the three guns were withdrawn to the second hedge and actually there reopened fire at 5 o'clock. The watch was actually consulted by one of Rockwell's sergeants at the very moment, and it was exactly 5 o'clock.

In my official report I have stated that the sharp conflict was from 5 to 5.30. I am perfectly satisfied that it occurred between 4.30 and 5. The men moved very rapidly from the pickets to the work--much of the time at the double-quick, and they moved that distance in about half an hour.

3. It has been stated that my regiments were not within supporting distance of each other. This is a great mistake. They followed each other closely. There was not a pause in the movement. They entered successively under fire without hesitation. They entered necessarily in the following order: Eighth Michigan, Seventh Connecticut, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Seventy-ninth (Highlanders), One hundredth Pennsylvania, and Forty-sixth New York. They moved at first by the flank on the road to avoid ditches and hedges and the rough cotton-furrows, and they necessarily marched one behind the other. As they came into the field before the work they pushed forward by regiments into line of battle and entered the close fire.

I have mentioned how Rockwell's battery pushed up. Quite a number of the Eighth Michigan and Seventy-ninth (Highlanders) gained the ditch and parapet of the work. All the regiments pushed close up to the work, and more or less men of each made lodgments at the marsh and abatis on either side. The Seventy-ninth Highlanders went into fire the fourth regiment. They passed by the Seventh Connecticut and «4 R--VOL XIV

the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, and actually supported at the parapet, as every one admits, the Eighth Michigan. They passed those regiments, too, within less than 200 yards of the enemy's work.

The Highlanders have been in many battles and skirmishes, are very expert in drill, and are indeed old soldiers. If they were in supporting distance certainly the Seventh Connecticut and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts were, but the terrible fire of grape, canister, and musketry from the front, and the rifle-fire of sharpshooters from the flanks, poured upon the several regiments as they were passing on in line to the very neck of land on which the enemy's work is situated, and which is stated by them to be only 30 yards wide. Large portions of each regiment were thus thrown on the marsh on either hand and were unable to go forward. The succeeding regiments in pushing forward became intermingled with them, and the only alternative was to retire the regiments to reform them.

The very thing happened which is to be feared in such an attempt. When it is recollected that in twenty five minutes every one of my regiments passed the advanced hedge, pushed clear up or nearly clear up to the ditch, made the best fight they could, and were withdrawn by my positive orders to the same advanced hedge again, losing over 500 men, every regiment suffering largely and two regiments terribly, there can be no doubt but they followed each other closely. The fault is not in my orders or arrangements, but in having a fight there at all under such circumstances.

4. So rapid and prompt were the operations of my division that I was hard at work reforming my troops before Williams' advance came in sight, and I was afterwards ready with all my battalions in line of battle to move to the assault of the works the second time whenever General Benham should give the order.

This I announced to General Benham by Captain Elwell, his aide, and by officers of my own staff. At this very juncture General Benham withdrew Williams, and, as stated in my official report, at a subsequent period ordered me to withdraw.

5. All the above facts I can establish by the most incontrovertible testimony. I have entered the service with the earnest purpose of doing my duty, and submit the above statements to show that I was prompt and faithful to my orders on the day of the 16th.

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

ISAAC I. STEVENS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER,

Comdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S.C.

 

[Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, &c]

O - Officers.         A - Aggregate.   M - Enlisted Men.   C - Captured or missing.

                                                    

	Killed		Wounded		Captured
Command.	O	M	O	M	O	M	A	Remarks
7th Connecticut	2	7	1	68	….	4	82	Capt Edwin Hitchcock & Lt. Thos. Hooton Killed.
1st Mass Cavalry (det)	….	….	….	3	….	….	3
28th Massachusetts	….	8	2	48	1	8	67
8th Michigan	2	46	10	110	1	15	184	Capts. Benjamin B. Church & Simon C. Guild killed.
3rd New Hampshire	1	8	5	88	….	2	104	Capt. Ralph Carlton killed.
1st NY Engineers (det)	….	1	….	2	….	….	3
46th New York	1	5	2	16	….	9	33	Lt. Ferdinand Sehrt killed.
79th New York	1	8	5	62	….	34	110	Lt. James Kinnear died of wounds June 18.
45th Pennsylvania	….	….	….	1	….	….	1
97th Pennsylvania	….	….	….	2	….	1	3
100th Pennsylvania	1	8	2	31	….	6	48	Lt. Samuel J. Morrow killed.
3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (det)	1	7	1	28	….	9	98	Lt. Erasmus Bartholomew died of wounds June.
Total	9	98	28	459	2	87	683

 

NOTE.--Of the number reported wounded, 3 officers and 40 men fell into the hands of the Confederates.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. NORTHERN DIST., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Left bank of the Stono, Grimball's Plantation, June 16, 1862.

GENERAL: You will recollect that in our last intercourse upon the subject, before you left the Stono River, upon the 11th instant, you approved of my representations for the security of our present camps here on James Island; that it was indispensable that we should destroy or capture the fort and floating battery of the enemy at Secessionville. For this there appeared no alternative, as these batteries covered with their fire the whole of the position and camps of General Wright on our left and the advanced post of General Stevens on our right, and as these were the only or the lower positions that secured a footing upon the main portion of James Island and a direct route on firm land to Fort Johnson, which, when required, gave us the command of the city and harbor of Charleston.

There was, therefore, constructed within the last four or five days a battery of two Parrott and one James gun near the point in front of General Steven's command. This opened fire upon the fort and hulk battery at Secessionville on the 14th instant, continuing it upon the 15th, when the guns of the hulk were silenced, it having once been set on fire by our shells. As the fort appeared uninjured, however, and it was evident that extensive works were being constructed in the interior for covering the men and the guns, the fort being apparently made much stronger every day, I deemed it important that a reconnaissance should be made in force at the earliest practicable period, with the object, if it were successful and the fort not too strong, of capturing and holding the same.

For this purpose I arranged last evening that a large part of the command of General Stevens, or about 3,500 men, and four guns of Rockwell's battery should lead the advance of that reconnaissance this morning, starting at 4 o'clock from a position previously secured in our front picket line, while it was to be supported on the left with large detachments of General Wright's and Colonel Williams' command, or about 3,100 men, with six guns of Hamilton's battery. I myself accompanied the latter command, which left this place at the appointed time, between 3 and 4 o'clock a.m.

By the reports made to me I learn that the command of General Stevens were well placed in the positions assigned them with great silence and secrecy between 2 and 3 a.m., and that at about the hour appointed, 4 o'clock, they moved forward rapidly, capturing the advanced pickets, a lieutenant and 4 men, and by 5 o'clock were immediately in front of the fort, by a rapid march of nearly 2 miles. The head companies of the leading regiment, the Eighth Michigan, closely followed by those of the next, the Seventy-ninth New York (Highlanders), and the balance of those regiments then rushed up to and upon the parapet of the fort, in rear and in support of which were the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment and the Seventh Connecticut; but the destructive fire from the fort and from the large masses of infantry behind dikes and hedges on the flanks and in rear of the fort cut down the leading men and officers, and after the advance held the position close upon the fort for some fifteen or twenty minutes the order to retire and reform was given, which was done in good order, a portion of our dead being brought off, though followed by heavy discharges of musketry and grape, and the regiments all reformed behind a dike some 500 yards from the fort, and the firing continued from this point, supported here by Rockwell's Connecticut battery, which was most admirably served.

During this time the left wing, under General Wright, the advance of which was led by Colonel Williams, of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, with Hamilton's and Ransom's guns, were pushed rapidly and gallantly forward, and the enemy on our left flank with a battery of field guns were driven forward about 1 mile in advance of our line of pickets, and the left flank of General Stevens was completely covered and protected, while a portion of this force, or nearly one-half, was sent forward to support General Stevens.

After a protracted firing across the marsh on our left and the open space in front of the fort until about 9 o'clock a.m., it was found that our infantry, supported by our field pieces only, could not make any marked impression on the fort, and as any further attempt upon it in broad daylight, with several hundreds yards of this open space in front, would have caused a useless sacrifice of life, and as the main object of the reconnaissance was accomplished in ascertaining the nature of the fort and the position in front on our right, as also the character of the ground in advance of our left as far as may be necessary to secure our camps here, I ordered the withdrawal of the troops, which was done with the greatest regularity and in most admirable order, all of our dead and wounded, except, perhaps, a few of those who fell upon the parapet and in the ditch of the fort, having been previously sent to the rear.

Throughout the whole of this affair I have great pleasure in reporting that the gallantry and good conduct of General Wright and Colonel Williams, directly under my eye, as also that of the several regiments engaged on the left wing, was most admirable; while the careful arrangement and skillful disposition of the forces of General Stevens, guided as they were by his own cool courage in action, supported as he was by some of the best troops in the service, have mainly contributed to the success of this reconnaissance and the safe and orderly return of our forces.

The details of the action with the notices of the several officers and men deserving special praise I shall submit as early as the reports can be obtained from the respective commanders.

The casualties to the command I regret to say are quite serious as to number and character. From the reports so far as obtained they are in General Stevens' command as follows: Seven officers and 46 men killed, 14 officers and 307 men wounded, and 2 officers and about 150 men missing (more than one-half of which last number it is expected will return to camp), the expected total loss being about 450. Of General Wright's and Colonel Williams' commands there are reported so far (I have not been able to get the details as yet) about 150 in all, killed, wounded, and missing. Of these many---perhaps some 40 or 50--were, I fear, duplicated, by the fact that many of the wounded of General Stevens' command are in the hospital of General Wright, so that I doubt not the entire casualties will be much within 600 as a total for killed, wounded, and missing.(*)

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

H. W. BENHAM, .

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER,

Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head, S.C.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, NORTH. DIST., DEPT. SOUTH,
James Island, S.C., June 18, 1862.

MAJOR: I have the honor to present the following report of my division in the action of the 16th instant:

Before proceeding to describe the part taken by the troops under my immediate command it is important, and indeed indispensable, that the plan of operations as determined upon by General Benham, and distinctly laid down by him, regarding the entire force brought into the field should be explained. This is essential to a complete understanding of the part taken by and the disposition made of the various commands in the action. .

According to this plan the division of General Stevens was to form the assaulting column against the enemy's works at Secessionville, and, being formed in the utmost silence at his outer pickers, was to move forward at the first break of day upon the enemy's batteries, while the remainder of the troops, comprising Williams' brigade and a part of my division, moving together from the camp at Grimball's, were to act as a support to General Stevens, protecting his left and rear from an attack of the enemy's forces from that direction. So important was the duty assigned to this covering force deemed, and so convinced was General Benham of the probability of an attack from that direction, that he ordered, in the event of the repulse of Stevens, that the covering troops should not renew the assault.

The parts to be performed by the two columns were therefore well defined and distinctly understood; that of General Stevens was to assault and carry the works at Secessionville; that composed of troops of General Williams' brigade and my division was to cover the assault and protect it from attack on the left and rear.

The organization of the left column having been left with me, I added to the brigade of Williams the Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and one section of Hamilton's battery, and arranged the force as follows:

First. Third Rhode Island, five companies; second, Third New Hampshire, ten companies; third, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania, six companies; fourth, Company E, Third Artillery, one section. Acting Brigadier-General Williams' brigade.

Fifth. Sixth Connecticut, two companies; seventh, Forty-seventh New York, eight companies. Colonel Chatfield's brigade.

Eighth. Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, six companies; ninth, First New York Volunteer Engineers, three companies. Colonel Welsh's brigade.

Tenth. Artillery, two sections.   Eleventh Cavalry, two squadrons.  The remaining troops were left in camp and on picket duty, from which they could not be withdrawn without compromising the safety of the camp and depot. Orders were issued to call the men at 2 a.m. and have them in line for marching at 3 a.m. All this was accomplished, and at the appointed hour the column was in motion, and proceeded to and formed under cover of the woods, about 1 mile in advance of our camp to await information of the advance of General Stevens' column, as had been agreed upon. Prior to receiving such intelligence, however, a few stray shots on our right and to our front indicated that General Stevens' command was advancing, and without waiting further the column was at once pushed forward.

By this time daylight was upon us, but as the morning was dark and cloudy objects could not be clearly discovered to any considerable distance. I should remark here, that just after or about the time I gave the order for the advance from camp I was joined by General Benham, who assumed the command of the column and who retained it during the action, leaving me responsible for a division only. Moving rapidly to the front, I formed my command partly behind a hedgerow parallel to the front of the enemy's works, partly a little in rear, and brought up two pieces of artillery to open upon the enemy, and then proceeded to the front to ascertain exactly the condition of affairs there.

I should have stated that soon after the column was put in motion from the woods, where it had been halted, a messenger came from General Stevens to say that he was advancing, and before we had reached our position a message from General Stevens asking immediate support was answered by an order from General Benham to Acting General Williams to report to General Stevens with his command. This was a change in the original programme by taking from the covering column the brigade under Williams and adding it to the assaulting column.

On reaching the front I found that the command of General Stevens was falling back; that a portion had been reformed behind the advanced hedgerow; that the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania was behind the same hedge on the left of General Stevens, and that the Third New Hampshire and Third Rhode Island, which had been pushed well up to our left of the enemy's works and on the left of the marsh, were hotly engaged and under a cross-fire from the works and from a force of the enemy (artillery and infantry) on our left, in a low growth of bushes, which covered them from view. The performances of these regiments and their gallant bearing under a most destructive fire will be detailed by their immediate commander, General Williams, and I refer to them at all only with a view to their connection with the movements of the rest.

To silence the fire on our left just referred to and to be able to resist more promptly any attack from that point a section of Hamilton's battery was brought into the field to the left of the marsh and opened on the enemy, and the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, of Colonel Chatfield's brigade, was also brought forward and formed in line of battle to the left in face of the low growth of bushes to which I have alluded, a movement which was executed with the most admirable coolness and in perfect order. The fire of our battery soon silenced that of the enemy, which was not resumed. The other troops of my command maintained their original position through the entire engagement, except the Volunteer Engineers, who by my direction changed front forward to the left, to cover the approach in that direction.

Although not actually engaged with the enemy the troops of my command were constantly under the fire of the enemy's artillery, which was at times very warm, and which was borne most unflinchingly by officers and men, who were anxious to be brought up face to face with the enemy. The conduct of officers and men was deserving of all praise. To Captain Hamilton, Third Artillery, chief of artillery of the left column, I desire to express my obligations for the judicious management of the artillery, which had much influence in subduing the fire of the enemy, and to the various members of my staff, Col. E. W. Serrell, Volunteer Engineers, chief engineer; Capt. C. W. Foster, assistant adjutant-general; Captain Goodrich, assistant quartermaster; Lieut. F. A. Sawyer, acting brigade commissary; Lieutenants Hayden and Hubbell, aides-de-camp; Mr. Darlington, volunteer aide-de-camp, and Capt. J. M. Rice, of General Hunter's staff, but serving with me as a volunteer aide, I desire to acknowledge the prompt and satisfactory discharge of the various duties assigned them.

The troops of the entire column left the field in the most perfect order, the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania bringing up and covering the rear as far as our front line of pickets, where it was halted, and remained in position till all prospect of an attack on the part of the enemy had passed away. The withdrawal from the field of both columns was ordered by General Benham.

Accompanying this are the reports of Colonels Chatfield and Welsh, commanding brigades.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

H. G. WRIGHT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIV., U.S. FORCES,
Grimball's -Plantation, S.C., June 16, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that, in accordance with previous instructions from the division headquarters, my brigade, composed of two companies of the Sixth Connecticut Regiment and the Forty-seventh New York Regiment (the remaining eight companies of the Sixth Connecticut being left behind on picket duty and the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment being assigned to the command of General Williams), was formed in line at 3 a.m. this day, and took up the line of march, as assigned, in rear of General Williams' command. I moved forward about a fourth of a mile beyond our line of pickets, when I formed in line of battle, and in that order moved forward in support of our artillery until within about 800 yards of the enemy's position, where we lay under a galling fire from their battery for over an hour, after which I was ordered to move the Forty-seventh New York Regiment forward in support of General Williams' column, which I did, accompanying it myself, forming line of battle to the left and about 500 yards in rear of the enemy's main work, where we remained for half an hour, throwing skirmishers for ward into the woods. We were then again ordered to the rear of our artillery. We remained here but a few moments, when we were once more ordered forward to the former position, which having taken and again thrown out skirmishers we were immediately ordered to the rear of our artillery, and soon after to retire and take up a position in front of our line of pickets. This being accomplished, we were soon ordered back to our old position in camp in rear of our intrenchments.

I have the honor to report that the officers and men of my command conducted themselves with the greatest coolness.

I had occasion several times to execute different movements with the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, and although done under a galling fire from the enemy, all the movements were accomplished with the greatest facility, the men acting calmly and without any excitement.

I have also the pleasure to report that there were no casualties whatever in my command.

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

JOHN L. CHATFIELD,

Colonel Sixth Regiment Connecticut Vols., Comdg. Brigade.

Capt. C. W. FOSTER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. NINETY-SEVENTH REGT. PA. VOLS.,
James Island, S.C., June 18, 1862.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of Brigadier-General Williams the following report of the part sustained by my regiment in the reconnaissance of June 16:

On the evening of the 15th an order was received to prepare one day's cooked rations, which was accordingly done.

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 16th the regiment was formed on its color line and in a few minutes thereafter moved forward, followed by two pieces of Captain Ransom's battery, Third U.S. Artillery.

About 4 a.m. the line was formed in the corn field on the east of your headquarters, awaiting orders. Shortly after a heavy artillery fire opened on the right and in the advance, upon which the column of which we formed a part was ordered forward. After filing through the woods I deployed the Ninety-seventh into line of battle, and advanced steadily across an Open field to a hedge, in front of which was a deep swamp. This was crossed without delay, not, however, without being exposed to a severe fire of grape and shell from the enemy's batteries and fort. Taking a position behind another hedge I awaited further orders. We were next ordered to advance and support a small force of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was holding a ditch about 500 yards from the enemy's large fort. This position we occupied for about one-half hour. We were then ordered to file through an open country across a very deep and difficult morass and take up a position that would cover the retirement of the infantry that had been engaging the enemy's right. This was accomplished in good order. Skirmishers were thrown out into the woods on the left and around and beyond the houses on the right. This advanced position was maintained by the Ninety-seventh until the final order to retire, which was done in perfect order and in a deliberate manner, bringing up at the same time the rear of the whole division.

My regiment consisted of but six companies, two companies being on detached service and two others on picket and not drawn in.

The regiment, although exposed to showers of grape and canister and at one time to a converging fire from a battery on the left and the fort on the right, with a gunboat dropping shell around us, lest, I am happy to say, but one man, Gabriel Spence.(*) He was a member of the band, and was engaged in collecting the wounded, and is supposed to have been killed.

The officers and men of my command alike exhibited a praiseworthy coolness and courage. To mention the name of one would be doing injustice to the rest; each man did his duty.

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

HENRY R. GUSS, .

Colonel, Comdg. Ninety-seventh Regt. Pennsylvania Vols.

CHANNING CLAPP,

First Lieut. Mass. Cav. and A. A. A. G.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG, FIRST DIV., U.S. FORCES,
James Island, S.C., June 16, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from Brigadier-General Wright's headquarters, received last evening, the troops composing my command--consisting of six companies of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under command of Maj. J. M. Kilbourne; five companies of Colonel Serrell's Volunteer Engineers, under the command of Major Butts, and eight companies of the Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Power--were in readiness to move at 2 a.m. this morning. Colonel Power's battalion was then detached, by instructions of the brigadier-general commanding, and ordered to the left, for the purpose of guarding the camp near headquarters. I proceeded with the rest of my command to the field beyond the woods in front of our camp when, receiving orders to hold my command as a reserve to the forces engaged with the enemy, I immediately directed Major Kilbourne to form line of battle facing to the enemy's works, directly in front and to the left of the road, the battalion of Volunteer Engineers under Major Butts forming line facing in the same direction and about 50 yards to the rear of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. The position of the battalion was soon after changed, facing to the woods on our left, and, with the battalion of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, forming an angle racing to the front and to the left. We remained in this position until our forces returned to camp, Major Kilbourne's battalion marching in rear to the wood, in rear of which it took position and remained under my immediate command to check any advance they might be disposed to make. No enemy appearing, at 1 p.m. I returned with the battalion to camp.

I commend the officers and men of the entire command for their coolness and good conduct during the affair.

The only casualties in the command were Private-------, of Company ------, Volunteer Engineers, killed, and Private --------, of same company and regiment, severely wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

THOS. WELSH,

Colonel Forty-fifth Regt. Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. 2d Brig.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. 2D DIV., NORTH. DIST., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
James Island, S.C., June 19, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my division in the action of the 16th instant :(*)

The instructions of Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham, who commanded the forces, were to form my entire division before the break of day, in secrecy and silence, at the outer pickets, and at break of day, say about 4 o'clock, to move rapidly upon the enemy's works at and about Secessionville, with the view of carrying them by coup de main. In this attack it was arranged that all the available forces of General Wright's division and Williams' brigade were to move to its support as soon as the fire from my attack was heard. In the event that the attack proved successful the other operations of the day were to be determined by the circumstances of the occasion.

My command was all in order of battle at 3.30 o'clock at the outer pickets, the head of my column being within rifle-range of the advance position of the enemy. The First Brigade, Colonel Fenton commanding, consisting of the Eighth Michigan, Lieut. Col. Frank Graves commanding; the Seventh Connecticut, Lieut. Col. J. R. Hawley commanding, and the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. M. Moore commanding: being in front, and the brigade of Colonel Leasure, consisting of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, Lieut. Col. David Morrison commanding; the One hundredth Pennsylvania, Maj. David A. Leekey commanding, and the Forty-sixth New York, Col. Rudolph Rosa commanding, being in support. A storming party, consisting of Companies C and F, commanded by Capts. Ralph Ely and Richard N. Doyle, of the Eighth Michigan Regiment, was in the advance, followed by Company E, Serrell's Engineers, Capt. Alfred F. Sears commanding. Four guns of the Connecticut Light Battery, Capt. A. P. Rockwell commanding, followed the First Brigade, and Company H, First Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. L. M. Sargent commanding, followed in rear.

The strictest orders were given to maintain the most perfect silence; for each regiment to follow the preceding regiment within supporting distance, and to rely exclusively upon the bayonet in encountering the enemy, resorting to firing only in case of manifest necessity.

At the break of day, or about 4 o'clock, it being a dark and cloudy morning, the entire command was in motion. My aide-de-camp, Lieut. Benjamin R. Lyons, with a negro guide, was at the head of the storming column. My aide-de-camp, Capt. W. T. Lusk, guided the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts. The command pushed forward, surprised and captured the pickets at the house occupied by them, entered the fields beyond, and as they came within the effective range of grape and musketry pushed forward into line of battle, and the entire Eighth Michigan Regiment, at about 100 yards from the enemy's works, the main body being preceded only about 40 feet by the two storming companies, received his fire of grape, musketry, and canister.

At this period of time the entire three regiments of Fenton had passed the hedge some 500 yards from the enemy's works, and I was engaged in directing the attacking and supporting force of Colonel Leasure. They were ordered to keep to the left and push up to the work, regiment following regiment, as in the case of Colonel Fenton. Up to this period not a shot had been fired, although 5 men of the Eighth Michigan had been wounded by the pickets, who were surprised and captured.

The firing, now became general and continuous in front. The advance of the Eighth Michigan was on the parapet. The light battery of Rockwell's was immediately pushed to the front, and took its position at the second hedge, and the Highlanders, led by Morrison, seeing the hot fire to which the Eighth Michigan was exposed, pushed forward at the double-quick, and moving from the left to the right of the field entered a narrow opening, gained the parapet to the right of the point reached by the Eighth Michigan, and shot down the enemy whilst serving the guns.

The front on which the attack was made was narrow, not over 200 yards in extent, stretching from the marsh on the one side to the marsh on the other. It was at the saddle of the peninsula, the ground narrowing very suddenly at this point from our advance. On either hand were bushes on the edge of the marsh for some little distance. The whole space at the saddle was occupied by the enemy's work, impracticable abatis on either hand, with carefully prepared trous de-loup on our left and in front a ditch 7 feet deep, with a parapet of hard-packed earth, having a relief of some 9 feet above the general surface of the ground. On the fort were mounted six guns, covering the field of our approach. The whole interior of the work was swept by fire from the rifle pits and defenses in the rear, and the flanks of the work itself and the bushes lining the marsh on either hand were under the fire of riflemen and sharpshooters stationed in the woods and defenses lying between the work and the village of Secessionville. It will thus be seen that the whole front was scarcely enough to deploy a single regiment. Colonel Fenton, in command of the First Brigade, used every exertion to throw the Eighth Michigan as far to the right as possible and to bring on in support the Seventh Connecticut and Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, but the terrible fire of grape and musketry cut the two former regiments in two, the right going to the right and the left to the left, whither finally the whole of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts took position, and where they were joined with scarcely an interval of time by the One hundredth Pennsylvania and Forty-sixth New York, of Leasure's brigade. These regiments had been brought up with great promptness and energy by Colonel Leasure, and the right of the One hundredth had pushed up to and joined the Seventy-ninth in their charge.

It was during this brief period of less than one half hour, from 5 to 5.30 o'clock, that the greater portion of the casualties occurred. The Eighth Michigan made the most heroic exertion and suffered the most terrible losses. Captains Pratt, Church, Guild, and Lieutenant Cottrell, commanding companies, were killed, and Captains Doyle and Lewis and Lieutenant Bates, commanding companies, were wounded on or near the parapet of the work. My aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Lyons, who led the storming party and the first man to cross the ditch, was severely wounded on the berme of the work, and was obliged to retire. Of 22 officers of that regiment who went into action 13 were killed or wounded.

Seeing that without supports and reforming the line it was useless to continue the contest, I ordered the troops to be reformed on the hedge nearest the works, and the regiments which had suffered most, viz, The Eighth Michigan, the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, and the Seventh Connecticut, to be withdrawn to the second hedge to be reformed.

It was not till, in the execution of this order, the line at the advanced hedge had been formed and the regiments at the second hedge were forming, that Colonel Williams' advance was to be seen to our left, and soon afterward his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Adams, reported to me for orders. My orders to Colonel Williams were to maintain the position he had taken on that flank, and to do the best, in concert with our attack, the circumstances of the ground permitted. The movement of Colonel Williams was in my judgment the best thing that could be done, and he executed it in a manner worthy of all admiration.

Some time was occupied in establishing the whole line at the advanced hedge. The remains of two or three companies of the Eighth Michigan and of several companies of the Highlanders never once abandoned the advance positions on the right and left of the enemy's works till ordered so to do at a subsequent period of the action, and the remainder of the regiments were gallantly led, that of the Eighth Michigan by Captain Ely, twice wounded, and the only officer of the storming party not killed or disabled, and that of the Highlanders by their gallant lieutenant- colonel, Morrison, who, wounded in the head on the parapet, seemed only the more eager and determined to lead on to the assault, The Seventh Connecticut also moved up in a beautiful and sustained line of battle; for it must be borne in mind there had not been the least panic or running from the field on the part of a single regiment. Commands--in consequence of the roughness of the ground, the unexpected abrupt narrowing of the front at the neck of the peninsula, the destructive fire of grape and musketry from the enemy, and the rapidity with which regiment followed regiment--were divided, became somewhat intermingled, and it was simply a necessity to disentangle and reform them. Not a fugitive did I observe passing from the battle-field. The battery which had been temporarily withdrawn to the road was again advanced to the hedge and opened a destructive fire upon the enemy. Of my entire command all were thus advanced except the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, which had withdrawn, and now occupied a position on the left of the road. The command was in excellent spirits and in a position enabling them clearly to discern the effect of our fire, and were prepared and eager to be led to the assault. The flank movement of Williams was having a very marked effect. I sent word to Brigadier-General Benham, commanding the forces, through his staff officer, Captain Elwell, that my troops were in line of battle, my guns in position at the hedge, and that I was preparing to move upon the enemy's works.

At this stage of the action Williams' troops were withdrawn, and I learned from staff officers who reported to General Benham in person that they were withdrawn by his orders. I still maintained my advanced position, nor did I withdraw a regiment till, by the orders of General Benham, Williams had been entirely withdrawn, and every regiment of Wright's except the Ninety-seventh had passed to the rear of the road, and until I received his positive orders to that effect. My troops were then withdrawn in good order and were returned to their several encampments.

I must express my profound sense of the intrepid bearing and soldierly conduct of my brigade commanders, Colonels Leasure and Fenton, who did everything that commanders could do to lead their respective brigades to the attack, and it is mainly due to their exertions that their line of battle was maintained throughout the action. Colonel Fenton left a sick bed to command his brigade, and the bold, well-sustained charge of the Eighth Michigan Regiment was made under his direction, as was that of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders, led by Morrison, under the direction of Colonel Leasure. All which these officers have to say in commendation of their staff I know from personal observation to be their simple due.

To my own staff I am under the greatest obligations, and it is owing to the great harmony and concert of action between myself and brigade and regimental commanders and their respective staffs that exact information was had in regard to the field, and that the command was not longer exposed, without purpose, to a destructive fire. My assistant adjutant-general, Capt. Hazard Stevens, was in all parts of the field, carrying my orders and bringing me information to the great exposure of his life, as was my aide, Capt. William T. Lusk, Seventy-ninth Highlanders, and my acting aide, Lieut. O. M. Dearborn, Third New Hampshire Volunteers. Lieutenant Lyons, my junior aide, led the storming column, was the first man to cross the ditch and make the ascent of the parapet. My division quartermaster, Lieut. Jefferson Justice, One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, volunteered his most acceptable services at the outer pickets and served on my staff throughout the action. He communicated with me and Leasure's brigade, and I call attention to his services, so conspicuous for their gallantry, and to the mention made of him in Colonel Leasure's report. My signal officers, Lieutenants Tafft and Howard, are worthy of honorable mention. Lieutenant Tafft took his station in an advanced and exposed part of the field, kept constantly in communication with Lieutenant Howard at the gunboats and Lieut. E. H. Hickok, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania, at the battery, and was perfectly efficient and self-possessed under the heavy discharges of grape from the enemy. In the latter part of the action he carried my orders and aided in the formations and movements.

The staff officers of Colonel Leasure were Lieut. S. G. Leasure, One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general.

The staff officers of Colonel Fenton were Lieut. L. C. Brackett, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. H. G. Belcher, Eighth Michigan Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Lieut. Joseph B. Fenton, Eighth Michigan Volunteers, aide-de-camp.

Lieutenant Belcher, though early and severely wounded, continued actively on duty throughout the action, and was the last man to leave the field.

Capt. A. P. Rockwell, of the Connecticut battery, deserves particular mention for his gallant bearing and skillful handling of his guns on that field. His senior lieutenant, S. E. Porter, was remarkable for his energy, daring, and persistency throughout.

Captain Sears, following with his engineer company the storming party, did most excellent service; first at the advanced hedge, under circumstances of great exposure, preparing embrasures for Rockwell's battery, and afterwards at the road, removing obstructions therefrom, and arranging the openings in the hedge both for infantry and artillery. There was no opportunity for cavalry movements proper, but the orderlies furnished from Captain Sargent's company did most gallant service, and the remainder of his company served effectively as vedettes and pickets. Two men of his company were severely wounded and two horses were killed. The firing from the batteries at the point by Company I, Third Rhode Island Volunteers, Capt. Charles G. Stra-han commanding, was commenced immediately after the unsuccessful charge of our troops had been made upon the works of the enemy. Although having every gun but one disabled very soon after the commencement of the action the firing was conducted with great precision and regularity, nearly every shot taking effect in the fort or the woods in the rear of the work where the large force of the enemy were lying. The single gun was worked with as much rapidity as possible during the entire engagement, in the course of which 1 sergeant was killed. The gunboats Ellen and Hale came into action at a later hour, but by their excellent range, obtained by the assistance of Signal Officer Howard, who had been upon the Ellen for several successive days, did very great execution among the ranks of the enemy. Although the gunboats did not advance up the river as far as could have been desired in order to give a more effective flanking fire upon the fort, still much credit is due them for the precision with which their fire was directed at such long range.

The whole force which went into action was as follows:

 

First Brigade, Colonel Fenton commanding: Eighth Michigan, 4 field officers, 21 officers, 509 men; total, 534. Seventh Connecticut, 7 field officers, 18 officers, 573 men; total, 598. Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, 6 field officers, 18 officers, 520 men; total, 544. Two compa-hies of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts were on fatigue duty and did not join their regiment.

Second Brigade, Colonel Leasure commanding: Seventy-ninth Highlanders, 3 field officers, 21 officers, 460 men; total, 474. One hundredth Pennsylvania, 3 field officers, 18 officers, 400 men (including 130 out of 300, who were on picket duty, which 130 joined the advance under the fire of grape and musketry); total, 421. Forty-sixth New York, 3 field officers, 19 officers, 452 men: total, 474.

Rockwell's artillery, 4 officers, 73 men; total, 77. Strahan's artillery, 3 officers, 80 men; total, 83. Sears' Corps of Engineers, 2 officers, 59 men; total, 61. Sargent's company of cavalry, 2 officers, 28 men; total, 30. Total of special arms, 11 officers, 240 men; total, 251. General staff, 9 officers, 6 men; total, 15.

Total force in action, 3,562.

 

Moreover, the Seventh Connecticut had been on very severe fatigue duty the three previous nights. I desire in this official report to place on record my objections to these early morning attacks. They are justifiable, in my humble judgment, only under extraordinary circumstances. The troops get necessarily but little rest the night before, and they go to the work fatigued and excited. An attack at a more advanced period of the day I consider vastly preferable. These views I presented with all possible cogency and earnestness to General Benham on the evening of the 15th in stating my objections to his proposed attack at daylight on the morning of the 16th.

I must confess that the coolness and mobility of all the troops engaged on the 16th instant surprised me, and I cannot but believe, had proper use been made of the artillery guns from the Navy, and our own batteries, fixed and field; had the position been gradually approached and carefully examined and the attack made much later in the day, when our batteries had had their full effect--all which you will recollect were strongly urged by me upon General Benham the evening of the conference-- the result might have been very different.

From the best information I can get I am satisfied the force of the enemy on the peninsula at Secessionville and in immediate defense of his works was five regiments, or about 3,000 effective men. It was the headquarters of his advance forces on James Island, and was in command of a general officer.

The casualties in the action of the 16th are as follows:

O Officers.                B       Killed.                   E        Missing.

M Enlisted men.        C       Wounded.              F        Total.

A  Aggregate.             D       Unwounded.          G       Prisoners.

	G		B		C		C		D		E		T
Command.	O	M	O	M	O	M	O	M	M	O	M	O	A
1st Brigade:
7th CT	2	7	2	64	….	3	….	1	….	3	4	78	82
28th Mass.	….	8	2	40	1	4	….	6	….	6	3	64	67
8th Michigan	1	11	8	93	2	20	1	13	1	35	13	172	185
TOTAL	3	26	12	197	3	27	1	20	1	44	20	314	334
2nd Brigade
40th NY	1	5	2	15	….	….	….	1	….	9	3	30	33
79th NY	1	8	5	51	….	17	….	9	….	19	6	104	110
100th Penn.	1	8	2	30	….	1	….	….	….	6	3	45	48
TOTAL	3	21	9	06	….	18	….	10	….	34	12	179	191

 

Special arms:

Company 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. L. M. Sargent, 2 wounded.

Company I, 3d Rhode Island Volunteers, Capt. C. G. Strahan, 1 killed.

Company Volunteer Engineers, Capt. A. F. Sears, 1 wounded.

 

The missing are unquestionably killed, and the total loss is as follows:

O     Officers.   C     Wounded.    M     Enlisted men.

D     Prisoners.  A     Aggregate.  E     Total.     

B     Killed.          

 

The medical officers of the division were and have been unwearied in their exertions and attendance upon the wounded both in the battlefield and in the hospital The medical director of my division, Dr. George S. Kemble, is especially entitled to commendation for his good arrangements and activity.

I herewith submit the reports of brigade and regimental commanders and of commanders of special arms. I call special attention to the mention made therein of gallant conduct on the part of officers and men. Where so much intrepidity and devotion were exhibited I cannot do more than to refer to the sub-reports, with the expression of my judgment that every case noted is well deserved.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,.

ISAAC I. STEVENS, .

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. H. G. WRIGHT,

Commanding U. S. Forces, James Island, S.C.

 

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HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 2D DIV, NORTH. DIST., DEPT. SOUTH,
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

SIR: I have to report, for the information of the brigadier-general commanding Second Division, the part taken by this brigade in the attack of yesterday on the enemy's batteries. Agreeably to orders this brigade was in readiness to move at 1 o'clock a.m., 16th, and at 2 o'clock in line, and moved to the second houses. After specific orders were received from Brigadier-General Stevens, who advanced with us and at the head of the line, the brigade was put in march by the right flank in perfect quiet and stillness; Lieutenant Lyons, aide to General Stevens, in advance with guide.

1. Two companies--C, Captain Ely, and H, Captain Doyle--of Eighth Michigan Volunteers, for the advance skirmishers and attacking party.

2. The remaining eight companies of the Eighth Michigan, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Graves.

3. The Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, followed by a section of Connecticut battery.

4. The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Moore.

On passing the house beyond the marsh the advance was fired on by the enemy's pickets and 2, at least, of Company H, Eighth Michigan, wounded. Silence was still preserved, no shots returned, but the 4 men of the enemy's pickets captured and sent to the rear. The two advanced companies were deployed into line beyond the main hedge and marched toward the enemy's works, followed by the Eighth Michigan, which came up into line on the march Advancing with this regiment as they formed into line in the open field, in view of the enemy's works, and observing as well as practicable his position, I deemed it desirable to gain ground to the right for the purpose of flanking his left in the assault, and advancing the other regiments into position for effective fire on his infantry supporting the works, and ordered an oblique march, which was executed promptly and in good order. I then dispatched Lieutenant Belcher, acting aide, to bring up the Seventh Connecticut to form on the left of the Eighth Michigan, and Lieutenant Brackett, acting assistant adjutant-general, to bring up the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts to the support of the two former, taking my position on the front and center, to receive and direct the other regiments as they advanced.

The order not to fire, but to use the bayonet, was obeyed, and the advanced companies reached the parapet of the works at the angle on our right and in front, engaging the enemy at the point of the bayonet. They were closely followed by the remaining companies of the regiment. During this advance the enemy opened upon our lines an exceedingly destructive fire of grape, canister, and musketry, and yet the regiment pushed on as veterans, divided only to the right and left by a sweeping torrent from the enemy's main gun in front. This brought a portion of the regiment to the left near the tower or lookout, and a brisk fire of musketry was soon opened on both sides. The enemy's fire proved so galling and destructive that our troops on the parapet were compelled to retire under its cover, and that of the ditch and slope on our right at the marsh, slope and trees on our left. They maintained their position, partially covered, doing good execution as sharpshooters. Further details and honorable mention of gallant officers will be found in Lieutenant-Colonel Graves' report.

The Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, formed into line as they advanced, reaching a point in the open field in front of the tower, with their left resting on the bushes skirting the marsh when I ordered their march by the right flank across the field and up to the support of the troops on the right. I personally directed the movement, which was executed in good order under a continual shower of grape and canister as well as musketry on nearing the work. In the mean time one section of the Connecticut battery had opened on time enemy from our left, and the march of this regiment at first was between two fires. I refer for further particulars of the action of this regiment and honorable mention of names to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, commanding.

The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers filed through the first hedge and came rapidly up after the advance of artillery which preceded them, forming column of companies and then coming into line, «5 R R--VOL XIV» and arriving near the Seventh Connecticut filed up to the left by the flank. For a short time the left of the two regiments were clustered together in the bushes, but the march of the Seventh Connecticut cleared them. The Twenty-eighth then filed up to the obstructions a short distance from the enemy's intrenchments near the tower, opening fire upon them. Lieutenant-Colonel Moore's report embraces further particulars of the action, to which I respectfully refer.

All the regiments behaved well, subjected as they were to a most galling and raking fire until they retired. The storm of grape and canister, as well as musketry, continuing, and many of our officers and men being disabled, orders were received to withdraw the troops. My command was then withdrawn, and reformed behind the main hedge, from which an advance was again made to the cover of the ditch or second hedge in support of a field battery which was pushed forward.

In the woods on our right, near the angle of the fort, were posted some of the enemy's sharpshooters. They were also in rifle pits, and under cover in the rear as well as in the house, which was filled with them. From these and other covers in and about the fort and on its right a constant fire of musketry was kept up by the enemy, who were in considerable force. The Second Brigade of this Second Division was promptly pushed forward to our support, and from all accessible points the enemy was vigorously replied to.

I have no doubt they suffered a severe loss in killed and wounded. From the enemy's floating battery or hulk to our right and front at least four shots were fired. When the order to withdraw was given I sent Lieutenant Fenton, acting aide, to our extreme right and front to recall the men there. At this time he found them near the angle of the fort and directed them to fall back, which was done by most of the troops; but after the regiments were reforming behind the hedge 100 or more of the Eighth Michigan still remained at the angle and were recalled by Lieutenant Belcher, who rode over the field to bring in all who remained able to move. The field of battle was furrowed across with cotton ridges, and many of the men lay there loading and firing as deliberately as though on their hunting grounds at home.

All time horses connected with my command were either killed or wounded, and all my aides and orderlies hit in some way. During the engagement the Eighth Michigan colors were carried on the parapet, and after the men first withdrew were unfurled to protect from shots of friends in rear.

While the firing was hottest and during the day's action, through the efficient attention of Surg. Francis Bacon and Asst. Surg. Horace Porter, of Seventh Connecticut, Surgeon Wilson, of Eighth Michigan, and Surgeon O'Connell and Assistant Surgeon Snow, of Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, with their respective corps, speedy relief was afforded the wounded who were accessible.

Orders having been given to that effect, about 9 a.m. this command was withdrawn, and returned to camp in good order. The conduct of all the officers of this command who came under my notice was gallant without exception. The men behaved with admirable bravery and coolness. I regret to report the heavy loss in the command, which is not yet precisely ascertained, but as last reported amounts to 341 killed, wounded, and missing, of which lS2 are in the Eighth Michigan Volunteers, 85 in the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and 74 in the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers.(*) I will transmit at the earliest practicable moment a correct list of names, &c., which is in preparation.

Lieutenant Brackett, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieu tenants Belcher and Fenton, acting aides, were efficient and active. Lieutenant Belcher was wounded slightly, as he supposed at the time, and continued through the entire affair on duty, although on his return to quarters he had a ball extracted from his shoulder. His wound, however, is not dangerous.

The forces engaged were as follows: Eighth Michigan-- 4 field and staff, 21 line officers, 509 rank and file; Seventh Connecticut--7 field and staff, :18 line officers, 573 rank and file; Twenty-eighth Massachusetts (two companies on fatigue duty)--6 field and staff, 18 line officers, 520 rank and file.

Accompanying this are copies of reports of regimental commanders and a rough sketch of the scene of action not claimed to be entirely correct, but as near as can be made from the view had under fire on the field of battle.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

WM. M. FENTON, .

Colonel Eighth Michigan Volunteers, Comdg. First Brigade.

Capt. HAZARD STEVENS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division.

 

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HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,
James Island, S.C., June 16, 1862.

COLONEL: I submit a brief report of the part taken by this regiment in the assault upon the enemy's earthworks this morning.

Our line was formed promptly at 1 o'clock, as ordered. There were 2 field, 5 staff, 2 non-commissioned staff, and 18 line officers, 76 noncommissioned officers, and 497 privates; total, 600. In addition 10 or 12 musicians, and more accompanied the surgeons.

We were assigned to the center of your brigade, the First Brigade, Second Division, and as we approached the enemy were ordered to move forward into line on the left of the leading regiment, the Eighth Michigan. As our right passed the building afterwards used as a hospital, and through the heavy hedge entered the first of the two fields between us and the earthworks, it formed into line and continued to march on at a rapid step. It was impossible for all of the left to get forward into line on the run across the high ridges of the cotton fields, encumbered as they were and worn down by night fatigues. I halted the right for one single minute, the left still running, and the completed line moved on in excellent order over the hedge between the two fields and steadily advanced upon the enemy, whose grape and rifle shots came in showers. When within 200 or 300 yards of the earthwork the left wing came obliquely upon an unforeseen ditch and morass, so that in advancing it must crowd by its right flank toward the center. At this moment a terrible fire of grape and musketry opened on us. The line was inevitably broken. The colors stood fast, protected by Captain Palmer's company (E). Captain Hitchcock, with part of Company G, and Lieutenant Atwell, with part of Company C, advanced within 130 yards of the parapet. These and a portion of the right wing, conceiving that the time had come when the order not to fire might be waived opened a lively discharge upon the parapet. The men stood bravely, but the line could not be formed until the colors were brought into the open field. As soon as this was done the regiment moved by the right flank under the heaviest fire, the left wing rapidly closing up, and under your orders, when well across the field toward the marsh, filed to the left and advanced upon the enemy.

After moving a short distance Captain Stevens brought me an order from General Stevens to call the men off. They could not resist the temptation offered by the enemy's men at the guns, and a portion of the right was slow to get the order and fall back, preferring to pick off gunners and riflemen. Faced by the rear rank the battalion marched to the hedge and lay behind it until an order from General Stevens brought it back to the hedge in front of the hospital. In a few moments the general again sent us forward to the hedge across the fields, where we lay, while three pieces (two howitzers and a rifle) of the Connecticut light battery came up and carried on a rapid and for the most part a very well directed fire. Several times my men assisted with the utmost eagerness in moving the guns and giving other aid. A portion of the best marksmen were permitted to fire at the enemy's parapets. When the pieces had retired beyond danger, by order from General Stevens we were again move(l in regular line to the rear, the enemy's rifled cannon and howitzers playing upon us.

After standing behind the hospital hedge a short time General Stevens ordered us to camp, whither we returned in good order. An immediate inquiry showed very few missing men, and the number absent not positively known to have been left on the field dead or severely wounded does not exceed 3 or 4.

I find it impossible to select individuals for praise. Captain Edwin S. Hitchcock, of Company G, among the foremost, and enthusiastically cheering on his men, was severely wounded in the thigh. He continued to call out cheerfully and to fire rifles handed him by his men until he received a rifle-ball straight from the front through his upper lip. Four of his men then undertook to carry him to the rear. While they were doing this two of them, Sergeant Haynes and Private J. N. Dexter, were wounded by rifle-balls, and they were obliged to leave the gallant captain dying there. Lieutenant Hooton, of Company D, was doing his whole duty nobly, rallying and regulating his company, when a heavy grape-shot passed entirely through his right thigh nearly up to the body. He was carried to the rear, praising his men and urging them on, and he lived but a short time. Lieutenant Dempsey, of Company E, while in the discharge of his duty, was disabled by a ball through his left shoulder, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound. Sergeant (Acting Second Lieutenant) Upson, of Company F, was heroically at work when a grape-shot took off three fingers and dashed through his right shoulder. There are but very slight hopes of his recovery. Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Gardiner, Captain (Acting Major)

Rodman, Adjutant Mills, and Quartermaster Terry and Sergeant-Major Sawyer, of the field and staff, did all that could be asked of the bravest soldiers. They were entirely fearless and constantly active and near me every moment. The same I may say, from personal observation, of nearly every line officer, and for aught I know it is true of all. At a most critical moment, when we were rearranging the line for the second advance, nothing could have been better than the conduct of Captains Gray, Palmer, and Skinner, and Lieutenants Chamberlain, Atwell, Thompson, Townsend, and Greene. Formidable as were the obstacles, I cannot help believing that had we possessed a better knowledge of the ground the highest success would have crowned our efforts.

This regiment was most actively engaged in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, but this was the first time it had encountered a heavy direct infantry fire. To meet that discharge of grape and musketry was a severe test. When the ditch broke up our line the men did not leave the ground; they stood patiently until the line was formed, and our advances and retreats were in regular line and time. Surgeon Bacon and Assistant Surgeon Porter and their assistants were very industrious in bringing off the wounded, to which I attribute our small number of missing.

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

JOS. R. HAWLEY, .

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Seventh Regt. Conn. Vols.

Col. WILLIAM M. FENTON,

Comanding First Brigade, Second Division.

 

[con't]

HDQRS. TWENTY-EIGHTH REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLS.,
James Island, June 17, 1862.

COLONEL: In obedience to your orders of this date I have the honor to transmit the following report of this regiment in the action of yesterday:

The line was formed with eight companies (two, A and F, having been detailed previously for fatigue at batteries) at 1 o'clock on morning of the 16th instant, with 60 rounds of ammunition, canteens filled with water, and twenty-four hours' rations in haversacks to each man, as per order. When we arrived we found two regiments engaged; marched the regiment by the flank through a gap in the hedge into a large field in front of the enemy's work; forward in column by company, and formed into line of battle on first company as soon as clear of hedge. While this latter movement was being executed one regiment that was in front fell back and broke through our regiment, throwing it into confusion. Forward again; marched by the flank through a dense bush on our left, and followed the edge of the bushes, which-formed one side of a marsh to within 40 yards of the enemy's work. Here our progress was interrupted by a large fallen tree, between which and the enemy's work was an impassable marsh. On our right was an abatis of dense brush and on our left and front marsh. Here we lost many of the men who were killed and wounded in the regiment. Seeing that we could be of no possible use in this place with less than a platoon front to retaliate by fire on the enemy, and this position being raked by the fire of the gun on the corner of the enemy's work nearest the observatory, I ordered the regiment to retire. After getting back into the field I again formed line, and soon after was ordered to retire, which we did in good order. The officers and men behaved very well.

Herewith I have the honor to transmit an account of loss--killed, wounded, and missing.(*)

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,.

M. MOORE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-eighth Regt. Mass. Vols.

Col. WILLIAM M. FENTON,

Commanding First Brigade.

 

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HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS,
James Island, SC, June 16, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to present the following report of the action of the Eighth Regiment of Michigan Volunteers in the attack upon the Tower battery of the enemy near Secessionville, SC, to-day:

The regiment marched from camp at 2 a.m. In accordance with orders from Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, commanding Second Division, Companies C and H (Company H in front) were advanced within supporting distance of the regiment, with positive orders from General Stevens to push rapidly forward, using only the bayonet, and not to fire a shot unless compelled to do so by an attack of a much superior force. Upon arriving at the first negro houses in advance of our camp a halt was ordered, when Major Watts, of this regiment, who was there on duty as field officer of the day, was ordered to report to me, which he did promptly, and joined the regiment, acting as lieutenant-colonel. I moved my command rapidly forward without opposition to the first houses beyond our lines, where we found a picket of the enemy, consisting of a lieutenant and 3 men, who, after firing two shots at us, wounding 5 men of Company H, ran away. Two of them were soon captured by some of Company H. The others having gained considerable distance, the men were unable to catch them, when I dashed after them, soon overtook, captured, and sent them to the rear.

The regiment soon arrived at the open field in front of the enemy's works, when I formed my advance and battalion companies forward into line, and moved forward at a charge bayonet at the battery. By this time we could see the enemy formed in his intrenchments ready to receive us. The lines advanced steadily and in good order to within good musket-range, when the enemy delivered a close and deadly fire of musketry along his whole front, accompanied with rapid and heavy discharges of grape and canister and the fire of sharpshooters from cover. Still the regiment moved rapidly on, preserving their order and leaving the ground in their rear strewn with their dead and wounded, and did not stop until they gained the parapet and delivered their their fire upon the enemy in his works. But they were unable to contend against such great odds, and being entirely unsupported for a considerable time they fell back slowly, contesting every inch of ground a short distance, where they maintained ground until ordered to retreat, which they did in good order, although under fire. The regiment, however, had became much scattered, owing to the great number of officers who had fallen. A portion of the regiment was again formed upon the colors, and took up position in support of a section of the First Connecticut Battery.

The veteran coolness with which the Eighth Michigan Volunteers moved forward upon that battery and the literal execution of their instructions under such trying circumstances were most admirable. The conduct of the men speaks much more for the bravery of their officers than anything that I can say, yet I cannot refrain from mentioning Major Watson, who so gallantly conducted the right wing; Captain Doyle, who led the van to the very parapet, and stood upon it amidst a storm of bullets, coolly "spotting" his man with each discharge of his revolver, and not quitting it until his arm fell powerless by his side, shattered by a shot; Captain Church, who fell at the feet of the enemy, sword in hand, cheering on his men; Captain Guild, who fell in the hottest of the fight bravely fighting, musket in hand; Captain Pratt, who, though wounded, still led on his men until he fell from sheer exhaustion; Captain Lewis, who was severely wounded in the first fire; the gallant conduct of Lieutenants Donohue and Cottrell, who fell severely wounded at the head of their commands; also of Lieutenant Bates, commanding Company F, and Lieutenants Hutchison and Smith. I take great pleasure in mentioning the coolness, patient attention, and skill of our surgeon, J. C. Wilson, and notwithstanding the great disadvantage of having no assistants no one was neglected, but all made as comfortable as possible. And before closing this report I wish to testify my gratitude for and admiration of the valuable services and daring bravery of Lieutenant Lyons, of the commanding general's staff, who was chosen as the guide of the Second Division owing to his superior knowledge of the route, gained by his daring personal reconnaissances, and when we arrived in front of the enemy's works he dashed to the front, and with a "Come on, boys," he displayed his willingness and ability to guide us into as well as up to the fort.

Upon the withdrawal of the forces the regiment was ordered to bring up the rear of the division, so that the Eighth Michigan were the first in and last out. I much desire, if space were allowed, to make mention of some of the cool and daring acts of bravery on the part of some of the privates and non-commissioned officers of this regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

FRANK GRAVES, .

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Lieut. LEVI C. BRACKETT,

A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 2d Div., North. Dist., Dept. South.

 

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HDQRS. 2D BRIG., 2D DIV., NORTH. DIST., DEPT. SOUTH,
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

CAPTAIN: The undersigned respectfully reports that pursuant to orders from division headquarters, the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers and that portion of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers not on advanced picket duty were formed into line, and at 1.20 o'clock a.m. started for the rendezvous of the brigade, at the headquarters of the First Brigade, where the remaining regiment, the Forty-sixth New York Volunteers, joined, and the troops moved toward the enemy's work in good order and the most profound silence.

About 4.30 o'clock the head of the column, marching by the flank on a double-quick for at least half a mile, arrived opposite the work of the enemy, about a mile in front of them, with an open field, traversed by two hedges, formed by cutting deep ditches, one on either side of an embarkment 6 feet in height, extending up to the breastworks. The First Brigade, under Colonel Fenton, had meanwhile advanced upon the work, and the fort had opened fire.

I now received the order from the brigadier-general commanding the division to form the column to support the attack of Colonel Fenton. I immediately ordered the regiment on the right, the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, into line of battle, and when about two companies on its right had got into line an urgent message came from Colonel Fenton to hasten to his support, and General Stevens gave me the order to advance at a double-quick, and the companies then in line started off at that step, which made it extremely difficult for the left to get into line, which indeed it never did until it reached the fort, where the right, or about two companies of the right, under charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, in command, gained a position alongside of and upon the embankment. The left, having encountered a perfect storm of grape and canister, was obliged to seek shelter either by obliquing to the left under cover of a small ravine, or by dropping amongst the cotton ridges in front of the fort, where they kept up a steady fire on the enemy's gunners.

Immediately following the advance of the Seventy-ninth New York Regiment the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment, under command of Major Leckey, formed, while marching at a double-quick, to support the advance of the Seventy-ninth New York Regiment. The line of battle of the One hundredth was so formed as to cover with its right that portion of the left of the Seventy-ninth which I saw was not likely to perfect its formation before reaching the breastworks. The Forty-sixth New York Volunteers, Colonel Rosa commanding, were formed in a like manner to cover the left of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, thus forming three lines of battle in echelon.

Pending these movements of the One hundredth Pennsylvania and Forty-sixth New York Regiments I advanced to hasten up the left of the Seventy-ninth New York and lead the assault in person. On arriving at the intrenchment or hedge, 300 yards in front of the fort, I found I could not get my horse over, and dismounting, as did also my assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant Leasure, we proceeded on foot. At this point, together with the left wing of the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, we entered the range of a perfect storm of grape, canister, nails, broken glass, and pieces of chains fired from three very large pieces on the fort, which completely swept every foot of ground within the range, and either cut the men down or drove them to the shelter of the ravine on the left. I now turned to look after and lead up the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment, and found its center just entering the fatal line of fire, which completely cut it in two, and the right, under Major Leckey, obliqued to the right and advanced to support the right of the Seventy-ninth New York, and many of the men reached the foot of the embankment, and some succeeded in mounting it, with a few brave men of the Seventy-ninth, who were there with a portion of the Eighth Michigan.

It was here that Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison was wounded, and many of the Seventy-ninth either killed or wounded, as were also some of the One hundredth Pennsylvania. The principal casualties to the Seventy-ninth New York occurred at this point from the enemy's musketry, while the principal casualties to the One hundredth Pennsylvania occurred during the few minutes that the center of the regiment was under fire of the guns of the fort, throwing every conceivable kind of missile, and that portion of the left which remained with a portion of the Seventy-ninth New York under partial cover of the ravine before spoken of.

The One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers went into the battle a fragmentary command. Three hundred and odd privates, with the necessary officers, were on the advanced picket posts, not more than 130 of whom could rejoin before we went into battle. The previous morning report, as shown by Major Leckey's report, verified by the official report, shows 583 privates present for duty. This would leave 283 privates to go to battle, added to which the fragmentary portions of companies that were able to join from the pickets, amounting to not more than 130 men, would make the whole number of that command in battle not more than 400 men, with the necessary complement of officers, and of these 130 men who joined from pickets three companies did not arrive in time to join the regiment till it was under the thickest of the fire, when they joined on the left, and suffered severely. It was of these that Lieutenant Morrow was mortally and Lieutenants Blair and Galliland seriously wounded. During the formation of the column of attack 1 mile from the fort the Forty-sixth New York Volunteers, by orders of General Stevens, had proceeded to the left along the road toward Secessionville, to form, if possible, a junction with General Wright's troops on that side, but on my plan of advance being represented by my assistant adjutant-general the general directed that the regiment should be recalled and support the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment. This caused some delay, which was no disadvantage under the circumstances, as it enabled that corps to form in good line of battle, which it did, and marched steadily to the front until ordered to halt and remain in reserve. This regiment afterward advanced and took its position in the brigade, when it was rallied at the hedge 300 yards in front of the fort.

As soon as the advance had been checked, and it was found impracticable for the few troops on the embankment to take the fort, Captain Stevens, as I am informed, ordered them to fall back to let the artillery play upon the works, which was accordingly done in very good order. Meantime about two companies of the One hundredth Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteers had rallied to their colors at the hedge 300 yards in front of the fort, and on these, with the assistance of Lieutenant Leasure, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Justice, acting post and division quartermaster, I soon succeeded in rallying the whole of my command, and formed it in regular order for attack where we lay, until orders came for us to fall back to the hedge in the rear, which we did in good order, bringing off our wounded and leaving our dead. During the battle two of my mounted orderlies were wounded and one had his horse shot under him.

I may be permitted to report further that at the time I arrived in front of the hedge near the fort I saw nothing of any part of the supporting regiments of the First Brigade between the advancing Highlanders and the fort, and only a portion of the Eighth Michigan, who led the attack in front of the fort, that regiment having already been decimated by the murderous fire through which we all had to pass. The troops under my command behaved with much intrepidity and coolness, and did not shrink from exposing themselves, as the list of casualties will show, and did not at any time evince any tendency to panic, though to maintain a position for two and a half hours under a constant stream of fire was an affair calculated to try the disposition of soldiers pretty thoroughly.

Accompanying this report please find the reports of the several regimental commanders, together with their lists of casualties. I must return to, the officers of the several regiments my thanks for their steadiness and coolness and for their ready and prompt obedience to my orders. Lieut. S. George Leasure, assistant adjutant general, and Lieut. Jefferson Justice, quartermaster of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting post and division quartermaster, deserve my marked approbation for most effective assistance and for setting an example of coolness and disregard of personal danger that aided materially in preserving coolness and intrepidity throughout the command.

All of which is very respectfully reported.

DANIEL LEASURE, .

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HAZARD STEVENS,

Capt., A. A. A. G., Second Div. North. Dist., Dept. South.

 

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HDQRS. FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS.,
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

COLONEL: In obedience to your orders I have the honor to report that the Forty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers left the camp on the morning of June 16, numbering 452 enlisted men and 22 commissioned officers. It was the last regiment in the brigade under your command. About three-fourths of a mile from the place of action the order was given to advance in double-quick time. The regiment was conducted to the right of the road, over a very uneven field, and over a deep ditch with hedge, which runs in front of the fort at a distance of about one thousand paces. The regiment was then formed in line on the left wing of the brigade under your command, and then advanced to about 400 paces of the fort, where a very marshy ravine covered with bushes to the left seemingly offered the means of approaching the fort under cover. At this moment parts of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment and Seventh Connecticut Regiment in retreating from this ravine threw themselves on our left wing, taking with them about 50 of our men. At the same time the fort, which till then had fired with solid shot, began to fire at us with heavy grape. The line of the brigade fell back in general and the order for retreating was given. Nearly all our losses occurred in these movements from the heavy grape of the fort. The regiment retreated behind the ditch with hedge before mentioned, formed behind, and stood there for about fifteen minutes, when a general retreat took place, and the regiment went back about 400 paces from this ditch, where it halted. Colonel Leasure then ordered the regiment to again take position at this ditch to the right of the Seventy-ninth Regiment, which was done. At a later period the whole brigade was again formed at this ditch, and our regiment took position at its left wing, covered by the ditch. During all this time our own artillery fired over our heads from enormous distances and burst several shells right over our heads. The fire of our gunboats was also very disagreeable until they finally succeeded in getting a better range. At about 9.30 o'clock the order was given to fall back on the road, which was executed in good order, and the troops were afterwards marched back to their quarters.

I have the honor to annex a correct list of casualties.(*)

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,.

RUDOLPH ROSA, .

Colonel, Comdg. Forty-sixth Regiment N. Y. State Vols.

 

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HDQRS. SEVENTY-NINTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLS.
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

GENERAL: In compliance with your orders I have the honor to report the part which the Seventy-ninth (Highlanders) took in the action of yesterday.

Between the hours of 9 and 10 o'clock p.m. (Sabbath), June 15. I received your orders for twenty-four hours' cooked rations and to be ready for the march at 1 o'clock a.m. Having made the necessary preparations we moved at the time appointed. On arriving at the camp of the Eighth Michigan I halted my command for half an hour. I then received orders to move forward, preceded by a section of light artillery, and in this order we advanced until within range of the enemy's guns, where I received orders from General Stevens to file past the battery and advance on the double-quick. Having proceeded about half a mile we entered a large cotton field, where I was ordered to form line of battle and charge upon the enemy's works, and notwithstanding the ground was very unfavorable, good order was preserved. When at a distance of about 1,000 yards the guns of the fort opened upon us with canister, grape, and shell with fearful effect, and although many of my men fell, yet the regiment never faltered or wavered, but kept steadily on. Their bearing was worthy of veterans. Gallantly did they withstand the shock of musketry, and onward they pushed until they reached the ramparts.

As I mounted the parapet I received a wound in the head, which, though slight, stunned me for the time being, but still I was able to retain command. With me many mounted the works, but only to fall or receive their wounds from the enemy posted in the rifle pits in rear of the fort. I ordered the right wing of the regiment to post itself behind the intrenchments at the left of the fort, which drove them back and held them in check.

From the ramparts I had a full view of their works. They were intrenched in a position well selected for defensive purposes, and upon which our artillery seemed to have little effect, save driving them into their retreats, and in attempting to dislodge them we were met with a fierce and determined opposition; but with equal, if not superior, determination and courage were they met by our forces, and had I been supported, could have carried their works. One man came out from the fort and surrendered himself, and at that time had the reserve force come up could have held the fort, for we virtually had it in our possession.

After remaining in this position for some considerable time and not being supported by the other regiments I received orders to fall back, which I did in good order, leaving behind about 40 killed or badly wounded, many of whom fell upon the ramparts, and brought back with me 6 killed and about 60 wounded.

I was again ordered to form the regiment and advance the second time, supported by the Seventh Connecticut on the right and the One hundredth Pennsylvania on the left. We advanced in perfect order within the distance of about 600 yards, when we were ordered to halt, and the Connecticut battery on the right opened a galling fire with shot and shell, which told with wonderful effect on the enemy's works.

At this time I selected a number of my best riflemen, some of whom volunteered to advance in front of my line for the purpose of annoying the gunners inside the fort, many of whom were picked off by our men. The battery having expended their ammunition we were again ordered to fall back, which we did slowly and in good order. Nobly did the regiment sustain its former reputation and character. Many of our brave are fallen, and fallen too upon the parapets of the fort; others wounded severely, among whom are Lieutenants Kinnear and Robertson. Their example in encouraging their men is worthy of all praise.

I inclose also a report of the killed, wounded, and missing.(*)

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

DAVID MORRISON,

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-ninth Regt. (Highlanders) N.Y. Vols.

Col. D. LEASURE,

Actg. Brig. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., North. Dist., Dept. South.

 

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HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT PA. VOLS.,
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

COLONEL: Pursuant to your order I have the honor to report that on yesterday morning, the 16th instant, a portion of the One hundredth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers participated in the battle at the Tower Fort, near Secessionville. It is proper that you should know the exact force which we took into the field. The morning report of the 15th instant showed 583 privates present for duty. Of these 300 and some odd, with the necessary officers, went on advance picket duty at 4 o'clock on the evening of the 15th, which left me about 280 men, with the necessary officers, to go into the field.

On arriving at the picket headquarters, about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 16th, I found that two companies of the picket reserve had been sent by somebody to drag a heavy piece of ordnance to the new battery and bring a correspondingly heavy piece that was damaged back again, and ordering them to follow as rapidly as possible, together with all the other pickets that could be collected on the march, and proceed with the column to the attack of the enemy's works with the brigade. About 130 men of the picket, including the two companies of the reserve alluded to as being on fatigue duty, joined me on the march or after we had got under fire. Some three-quarters of a mile before reaching the point opposite the fort from which the charge was made we marched at a double-quick, and immediately on entering the field, about a mile in front of the fort, we were ordered into line and also to advance to support the Seventy-ninth New York, already moving at a double-quick upon the enemy's works. Of course to prove of any service as a support we must also move at that pace, and it was extremely difficult to maintain even the semblance of a line when the men on the left were falling breathless from the great exertions they were obliged to make to get forward into line.

On passing the hedge about 300 yards in front of the fort our center at once entered the line of a discharge of grape and canister which completely cut the command in two, the part on the right obliquing over to the right to support the Highlanders, who were up to and some of them upon the breastworks of the fort. The other part advanced steadily till, when within about 30 or 40 yards of the fort, an order came from one of General Stevens' aides to fall back, which they did in good order, to the hedge, and there halted till ordered by Captain Stevens to fall back still farther to permit the artillery to fire over our heads. Afterward Lieutenant Leasure, acting assistant adjutant-general, brought me your cheering order to advance and rally on our colors, which we did with alacrity. Here we soon found the whole brigade in good order, good spirits, and ready to advance, and after remaining till 7.30 o'clock Captain Stevens brought up the order to fall back to the road, which, as you are aware, was done slowly and in good order.

Of the earlier operations of the left wing of my command, after we were separated by the fearful storm of grape and canister that we encountered in front of the fort, I cannot speak from personal observation, but as that part of the regiment was on the extreme left, under your own eye, and where our chief losses occurred, you will be able to judge of the conduct of that portion of my command for yourself. I may say, however, that so far as I could observe the conduct of the men was cool and brave, and the officers discharged their duties regardless of personal danger.

Accompanying this report I send a report of our casualties.(*)

I cannot permit this opportunity to pass without bearing testimony to the great personal worth, coolness, and bravery of the lamented Lieutenant Morrow, of Company I, mortally wounded, and since dead.

D. A. LECKEY,

Major, Commanding.

 

HEADQUARTERS,
Hilton Head, S.C., July 13, 1862.

GOVERNOR: I have the honor to inclose herewith the official copy of Maj. Edwin Metcalf's report of the part taken by his battalion, Third Rhode Island Artillery, in the battle of Secessionville: James Island, S.C., June 16.

Major Metcalf's command was thrown forward into the position of which he first speaks with the Third New Hampshire Regiment, and supported by the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania and Forty-seventh New York Regiments, for the purpose of keeping down the fire of the enemy's main works while General Stevens made his second advance. This was so well done by the Third New Hampshire Regiment and by Major Metcalf's battalion while with the New Hampshire Regiment, that the enemy were wholly unable to man their guns, and General Stevens succeeded in bringing forward his command to a small embankment about 400 yards from the work without the loss, I believe, of a man while crossing a large open space before reaching the embankment.

I desire to express to Your Excellency my extreme admiration of the courage and soldierly conduct of Major Metcalf's battalion, and particularly of the major himself. It is my belief that no officers or men could have behaved better under fire than they did, and certainly no officer could have led his command with more skill and bravery than did Major Metcalf.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

ROBT. WILLIAMS, .

Colonel First Massachusetts Cavalry, Commanding Post.

To His Excellency Governor SPRAGUE,

Providence, R. I.

 

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HDQRS. THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS,
James Island, S.C., June 19, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to present the following report:

On the morning of the 16th instant I received orders to form the six companies of my regiment remaining in camp (four companies being on picket) and fall in the rear of the Third Rhode Island, which I did at 3 o'clock. After the line had been formed a short time I received orders to march forward. When I came up with our pickets I was joined by the remaining four companies of my regiment. I soon received orders to again advance, which I did until I reached some wooden buildings near the enemy's earthworks, and as I had then got in advance of those I was ordered to support I halted my command and waited for further orders. Orders soon came for me to move on and support the advance. Thinking I had made some mistake, and that there was some of our forces in advance, I threw forward my two flank companies as skirmishers under cover of some shanties that were very near the earthworks, and gave them a fine opportunity to operate against the enemy. Company A was commanded by Captain Clark, and Company E by First Lieutenant Maxwell. I then moved the remainder of the regiment to within 40 yards of the side of the earthworks and opened fire, driving therefrom three guns, which appeared to me to be facing the southwest. I found there was no artillery facing the side I was on, and it would have been very easy for me to have gone into the fort, provided I could have crossed a stream between me and the earthworks about 20 yards in width, with apparently 4 or 5 feet of water and the mud very soft; the men therefore could not cross. After getting into this position the enemy soon opened on me from a battery that was about 200 yards in our rear, throwing grape into the ranks, from which we suffered severely. In a short time they opened fire with rifles and infantry. At the same time a battery about a mile north of us opened on us with round shot and shell, one shot from which killed a captain and non-commissioned officer, yet the men stood all these fires and obeyed orders promptly. There soon appeared on our left a body of the enemy, forming in three battalions, in which form they marched to re-enforce the earthwork in front of us. During this time I had informed the general of our position and of the above-mentioned re-enforcements. At this time the Third Rhode Island made an attack on the force in my rear, materially assisting me in my position.

Meanwhile the re-enforcements of the enemy had come in range of our fire, and I opened fire on them with good effect, but they were so well covered that they succeeded in throwing a portion of the force into the fort, and there, being well covered, their fire on us was very severe, and detracted our fire from the re-enforcements and gave them an opportunity to throw them all into the fort. Their number was so large we could not cope with them to any advantage, and by this time the other batteries, both in our rear and the one at the north of us, opened a fresh fire on us with more effect than ever. Some of my men by this time had fired over 50 rounds and many of the guns were very foul, some even having to shoot away their rammers, being unable to draw them.

Finding at this time that I was far in advance of all our forces and seeing some of the forces retiring from the field, and as it appeared of no advantage to hold my position any longer, I gave the order to retire, which the regiment did in good order, to the old buildings from which we started. I soon received orders to fall back in the rear of some of our forces, and in a short time after reaching that position orders to return to camp.

All my command, with one exception, behaved so well that it is hard to discriminate in favor of any few, but a number of cases coming under my personal observation, I will take this opportunity to mention them.

The field officers-Major Bedel, acting lieutenant-colonel; Captain Plimpton, acting major--rendered me great assistance, coolly performing all their duties and encouraging officers and men by their example.

Adjutant Libby and Sergeant-Major Copp rendered me great assistance. The adjutant was several times much exposed in carrying orders, but came out of the fight unscarred.

Of the captains I would particularly mention for meritorious conduct Captains Donohoe, of Company C; Wilbur, of Company B, and Randlett, of Company F. His (Captain Donohoe's) company was stationed on the left and received the first fire of the enemy's re-enforcements, which wounded his lieutenant and orderly-sergeant and many of his men. Captain Wilbur, with his company, was next in line and much exposed to the enemy's fire. He was cool and continually encouraging his men. Captain Randlett's company was under a severe fire, during which the captain kept his men in order and set them a good example.

First Lieutenant [H. C.] Handerson, commanding Company G, was in position near Company C, and handled his company finely, with the assistance of Second Lieutenant Cody, detailed from Company C to assist him. Lieutenant Cody was shot through the thigh and Lieutenant Handerson was shot in the arm.

Captain Dow, of Company H, although he carried his company on the field in good shape, behaved very imprudently while there, making remarks about the impossibility of our sustaining our position and the impropriety of our remaining in that position; all this in the hearing of his men discouraging the men, taking their attention from the enemy in front of us.

Among the non-commissioned officers and privates who are worthy of special mention are Orderly-Sergeants [Jonah] Libby, of Company B; [Joseph J.] Donohoe, of Company C; [M. P.] Hawkins, of Company I, and [W. H] Trickey, of Company G, who came under my personal observation; also Second Sergeant [N. J.] Campbell, of Company K. Captain Clark, of Company A, reports that First Sergeant [R. W.] Houghton deserves mention for the faithful manner in which he performed his duty on that day, but my space will not allow me to mention all who are worthy of mention for their good conduct.

We went into the fight with 26 officers and 597 enlisted men, and 104 were killed and wounded.

Surgeon Moulton was absent from the regiment from Sunday morning, the 15th instant, until Wednesday morning, the 18th, without my consent, and therefore the whole duty of the hospital department devolved upon Asst. Surg. B. F. Eaton, who faithfully performed his duties to the sick and wounded soldiers.

With great respect, this report is respectfully submitted.

JOHN H. JACKSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Third New Hampshire Vols.

Actg. Brig. Gen. ROBERT WILLIAMS.

 

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CAMP OF COMPANY E, NEW YORK VOL. ENGINEERS,
Second Div., Northern Dist., Department of the South,
James Island, S.C., June 17, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit, in accordance with to-day's circular, the following report of our part in the action of yesterday:

By order of General Stevens my company was constituted the pioneer corps of the attacking column, and moved forward in the rear of the forlorn hope, provided with engineering implements to remove obstructions, the men having their muskets slung upon their backs.

When the line charged upon the enemy's battery we withdrew to the rear of the right, as directed, to await orders, and before reaching the fort were ordered to render the artillery such assistance as they needed in crossing the field. Accordingly I marched to the left and proceeded to open a road through the dike to the left and front of our field battery then nearest the fort. The enemy discovered the proceeding, and, determined to prevent the passage, distributed his favors between the battery and my little company. The fire was dreadful for a time, but by keeping the unemployed under cover of the dike, and carefully watching the enemy to protect those at work, we succeeded in filling both ditches and making a good road.

While engaged in the operation at this point the half-completed opening was adopted as an embrasure for one field piece, and the enemy became more severe in his fire, holding the two corps in range.

Having remained with the artillery to assist them to the rear I was ordered to clear the causeway on the right in rear. We found large timber of pine and live oak thrown across the road at various points, which were cleared away, and we returned to near the position occupied by the artillery to await orders, our labor ending with widening the road by which the battle-field was entered and left.

Some of my men having received the order to unsling muskets and fix bayonets just before the charge, and supposing they were to have part in that movement, dropped axes and shovels and rushed forward to charge with the advancing column. I thus lost the use of some implements.

I respectfully submit that our efficiency would have been increased if we had entered the field unencumbered with arms and accouterments--unless indeed we could have been provided with pistols and sabers for our defense in case of need. The sabers would form a useful implement also in clearing entanglements, abatis, and hedges. As it was, we found it impossible to move with the horses of the artillery without great exhaustion. Nothwithstanding their fatigue the men worked with zeal and energy.

I find it difficult to name separately any man of my company when so many of them did their whole duty; but a striking instance of bravery occurred in the conduct of Corpl. George D. Hughes, who on two occasions, when the men for a moment shrank under the galling fire of grape, sprang upon the dike nearest the enemy and worked till exhausted, thus inciting the men by his example and securing the rapid completion of the work in hand. Corporals Mandeville and Duggan were also examples of bravery to the men. I have especial pleasure in mentioning the conduct of my first lieutenant, Hiram Farrand, whose singular coolness and efficiency in the midst of the worst fire have increased my appreciation of his character and made him the pride of his company. I have already reported 1 wounded. The casualty occurred on the dike above mentioned, where Cartright was earnestly at work in discharge of his duty. Mr. Farrand and myself had occasion to notice that the enemy's sharpshooters were not confined to the fort and that our standing together drew their favors.

On our return from the field with the artillery my men found and captured a rebel outlier hidden in a ditch. He was sent to the rear and given in proper charge.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant.

ALFRED F. SEARS, .

Captain Company E, New York Volunteer Engineers.

Capt. HAZARD STEVENS,

A. A. G., Second Div., North. Dist., Dept. South, U. S. A.

 

[VOL XIV]

 

JAMES ISLAND, June 17, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the commanding general, the part taken by the First Light Battery, Connecticut Volunteers, in the attack yesterday upon the enemy at Secessionville, S.C.

In compliance with orders received from Brigadier-General Stevens, commanding Second Division, the two sections of the First Connecticut Battery were ready to move at 2.30 o'clock in the morning. The section of 12-pounder howitzers, under command of Lieut. S. E. Porter, took its place in the First Brigade immediately in rear of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment; the remaining section, under command of Lieut. William T. Seward, immediately in rear of the First Brigade, and all moved forward with the column. On reaching the causeway the rifled section was halted by order to allow the Second Brigade to pass by. It then moved forward in the rear of this brigade. The howitzer section on reaching the field moved obliquely across the field in rear of the two advancing regiments as rapidly as the extremely uneven surface of the ground would admit, and took up a position on the left of the Eighth Michigan Regiment at a point about 500 yards from the Tower, and opened fire upon the enemy's earthwork very soon after the enemy had commenced firing. In the mean time the rifled section had arrived upon the field and was advancing to the support of the pieces already in position, when orders were received to send forward one piece only, and that I should plant the other piece in the road to protect the left flank. I accordingly sent the one piece, under command of Lieutenant Seward, to support Lieutenant Porter. He joined him, and the three pieces kept up a constant fire until after the infantry had fallen back to the hedge. The pieces were then withdrawn in good order to the road. Here the two sections took position and opened fire upon the enemy's works at a distance of about 1,500 yards, firing constantly and regularly until after the enemy's guns had ceased to answer.

When the infantry were again moved forward on our right the howitzer section, in obedience to orders, advanced to support them, with instructions to fire canister. They took up a position and maintained it under a heavy fire of grape, canister, and solid shot from the enemy's earthworks, at a distance of from 400 to 500 yards, until the retreat was ordered. The rifled section was soon ordered up to support the howitzers, and accordingly moved rapidly forward.

Finding upon examination that I had fired away nearly all my ammunition I sent Lieutenant Seward back to camp for a fresh supply, which arrived on the ground just after the retreat to the wood hail been effected.

The four pieces continued firing from the advanced positions which they held until the retreat was ordered. It was here that I had 4 horses killed. The retreat was effected in good order, one piece at a time, so as not to give the enemy a point to concentrate his fire, to the corn field in the rear of the wood, where the battery was ready to move in any direction ordered.

While preparation was being made to plant the pieces on the line of the road a further retreat was ordered, and the battery moved off and took up a position near the causeway, supported by cavalry, to cover the retreat should the enemy advance. Subsequently we moved back to camp, leaving one section at the headquarters of the reserve pickets. It remained there, all day until 10 o'clock at night, when in compliance with orders it moved back to camp.

It gives me pleasure to notice the cool courage and good judgment of Lieutenant Porter and Lieutenant Seward, the former of whom had command during the action of the howitzers, and was more particularly exposed to the enemy's fire; and I would also call attention to the admirable behavior and unflinching courage shown by the non-commissioned officers and privates of my command as well as to their ready and prompt obedience of orders.

After leaving the field I found that there were still remaining 31 rounds to each one of the four pieces, of which, however, ten only were shell and spherical case, the balance being canister. During the action, therefore, more than 500 rounds, almost entirely of shell and spherical case shot, were fired. I have to add that I suffered no loss in killed, wounded, or missing.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

ALFRED P. ROCKWELL, .

Captain, Commanding First Light Battery, Connecticut Vols.

Capt. HAZARD STEVENS,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Div., North. Dist., Dept. of the South.

P. S.--Having no wounded of the battery, to attend to, Assistant Surgeon Hurlbut rendered most efficient service in bringing in the wounded from the field and assisting in the care of the wounded of other regiments.

 

[con't]

JAMES ISLAND, S.C., June 18, 1862.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with the instructions received on the evening of the 15th instant from the acting brigadier- general commanding the First Division, headquarters brigade, my battalion was held in readiness to move at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 16th. Company I, Captain Strahan, being detailed for duty at the battery in advance of the First Brigade, and a detachment under Lieutenant Metcalf, of Company K, remaining in charge of the battery at this point, my command comprised but five companies---B, E, F, H, and K--numbering 360 enlisted men, with 2 field, 3 staff, and 14 company officers.

Leading the brigade, three companies---B, F, and K---of my battalion were deployed as skirmishers, under the direction of Major Sisson, at the entrance of the wood covering the approach to the rebel battery. The other companies marched steadily to the front, halting in a position to support the troops of the First Brigade, who had fallen back, and being joined at this point by the parties thrown out as skirmishers. After again advancing in line, under orders to support the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, the battalion for this purpose crossed the marshy ground flanking the enemy's battery. We had hardly formed in line of battle and commenced firing when an order came to capture a field battery in their rear, which was firing with a fatal effect on the Third New Hampshire Regiment. The battalion was immediately ordered to about-face, and advanced upon the thicket behind which the enemy's field guns were concealed. In effecting this object we encountered a galling fire from the enemy's sharpshooters in the thicket at our front and left, and many were wounded in our ranks; but all pressed forward, the men cheering and firing with spirit. I urged them to the cover of the wood as rapidly as possible, and with great difficulty they forced their way in, encountering small parties of rebels, many of whom were shot and bayoneted, I prisoner being secured. A few of my men succeeded in reaching the inner edge of the thicket and gaining sight of the field guns, 3 in number, without horses, and supported apparently by only two or three companies of infantry. I felt confident of securing them, but the Third New Hampshire Regiment having fallen back, I deemed it my duty to order my men to retire, which they did in good order, but slowly and reluctantly, bringing off such of our dead and wounded as could be seen on our way.

Feeling my utter want of experience, I have great hesitation in speaking of the conduct of those under my command, some of whom were, not like myself, for the first time under fire. I keenly appreciate the honor of leading such men into battle, and cannot too highly praise their coolness, steadiness, and courage. If any faltered, I was spared the shame of seeing it.

Where all did their duty so well I mention a few whose bearing was conspicuous, without detracting from the merits of others: Maj. H. T. Sisson deserves much credit for his successful management in the skirmishes during the advance and for his constant efforts to aid me in carrying out the various orders received in the course of the morning.

I take great pleasure in speaking of the adjutant of the battalion, First Lieut. J. Lanahan, of Company I, always prompt and cool, and sustaining me in every difficulty by his good.judgment and long experience as a soldier. First Lieut. A. E. Greene, commanding Company B, was especially energetic and active. Second Lieut. E. S. Bartholomew, of Company E, nobly proved himself deserving the commission he had received since our departure from Hilton Head, falling mortally wounded while cheering on his men into the thicket from which the enemy so severely annoyed us. Capt. H. Rogers, jr., and First Lieut. C. R. Brayton, of Company H, were untiring in their exertions and zealously supported me. First Lieut. A. W. Colwell, of Company F, and Second Lieut. D B. Churchill, of Company K, particularly attracted my notice by their coolness and energy.

I am pleased to name First Sergt. G. W. Greene and Sergt. J. B. Batchelder, of Company B; First Sergt. O. A. Thompson, of Company E, and First Sergt. W. Wheeler, jr., of Company K, as distinguished for gallant conduct. I shall feel justified in recommending them to the Governor of Rhode Island for promotion.

It is with a bitter feeling of regret, though with no sense of shame, that I have to report the serious loss sustained by my battalion: One sergeant and 6 privates killed; 2 officers, 4 corporals, and 24 privates wounded; 1 corporal and 7 privates missing. Total, 45.

I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient ervant,.

EDWIN METCALF,

Major, Comdg. Second Battalion, Third R. I. Artillery.

Lieut. CHANNING CLAPP,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

[con't]

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 16, 1862.

The loss of the enemy this morning in killed left on the field is not less than 150. We have taken wounded prisoners not less than 65; prisoners not wounded, 42. The number of dead is probably greater. They removed some dead and wounded. Our killed about 20; wounded, perhaps 30.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

-----

HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA,
Charleston, S.C., June--, 1862.

GENERAL: I trust it will not be considered irrelevant, in officially reporting the action of June 16 between our forces and those of the United States on James Island to refer briefly to the connection which this affair had with certain alterations I had adopted in the plan of defense established prior to my assignment to the command of this department.

After a thorough personal examination of Cole's Island, its defenses and approaches, I was convinced that, however desirable in many respects it might be to continue its occupation, there were disadvantages not to be overcome with the means at my disposal I deemed it therefore essential to the safety of Charleston that the batteries on Cole's and Battery Islands should be transferred to a more defensible position on the James Island side of the Stone River. This change would draw in our lines to the best supporting distance, and compel a land attack upon our intrenched position across James Island, flanked on the right by the proposed fort on the Stono and on the left by the advanced work at Secessionville. This design was carried into execution. A strong and commanding work was erected on the Stone, completely controlling that river in the direction of the inlet of the same name, as well as the approach through North Edisto Inlet and the mouth of Wappoo Cut. The intrenched lines to the east of James Island Creek were also greatly strengthened by a system of interior redoubts and redans. Early in May the guns were removed from Cole's and Battery Islands. On the 13th of the same month the abduction of the steamer Planter by her negro crew gave the enemy information of the abandonment of Cole's Island. The services of skillful pilots among' these negroes were immediately availed of, and the enemy's gunboats entered the river about the 17th. Under cover of their fire he commenced landing his troops on James Island on June 2. His force was gradually increased until it was believed to have amounted to from 10,000 to 12,000 of all arms. Between June 2 and 15 several skirmishes occurred, the results of which were duly reported by the immediate commander and the reports forwarded to the War Department. The enemy kept up at intervals a heavy fire from his gunboats, varying from five to eight in number, against Secessionville, from positions on the Stono and a branch of Folly River, as also from a land battery, established under cover of his boats, on a point distant about a mile from our own battery at Secessionville. No injury was, however, done to our works; 1 man was killed in his tent and several wounded. A few shell were thrown in the direction of the new fort on the Stono at long range, but no attempt was made to engage the fort at a less distance than 2~ miles.

About 4 a.m. on the 16th the enemy drove in or captured our pickets some 800 yards in front of the battery at Secessionville, and advancing rapidly upon this work in line of' battle arrived within a few hundred yards of it before our guns could open upon him.

To the culpable negligence of the pickets is to be attributed the near approach of the enemy before he was discovered. The men, however, were at their guns, which were at once well and rapidly served. Lien-tenant. Colonels Gaillard's and Smith's battalions (Charleston and Pee Dee) were moved promptly into position, under the orders of Col. T. G. Lamar, the heroic commander of the post. The enemy was driven back in confusion and with great loss. A second attempt after he had received re-enforcements met with a similar result, and a third was equally unsuccessful. A flank movement was then attempted against the right of the battery, but was repulsed by the Charleston Battalion, aided by the Louisiana Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery, which had been promptly dispatched by Col. Johnson Hagood, the immediate commander, to the support of Secessionville on the first intimation of the enemy's advance upon that position, and which arrived in time to participate fully in the dangers and glory of this admirable repulse.

On the evening of the 15th I directed Brigadier-General Evans to send sufficient re-enforcements to Secessionville to relieve the Louisiana [Battalion] of the arduous duties in which it had been engaged for a number of days previous. A detachment of 4 officers (Capt. J. Jamison commanding) and 100 men of Colonel Goodlett's Twenty-second South Carolina Volunteers came up just in time to meet the first onset of the enemy, performing most excellent service and sustaining a loss of 10 killed and 7 wounded. For further details of the action immediately in front of Secessionville I respectfully refer to the reports herewith, of Brigadier-General Evans, Col. T. G. Lamar, and his subordinate commanders; and for those details resulting from t he enemy's flank movement upon Secessionville to Brigadier-General Evans' report, to that of Col. Johnson Hagood, First South Carolina Volunteers, who had been assigned to the command of an advanced corps, composed of his own regiment, the Twenty-fourth South Carolina, Col. C. H. Stevens, the Eutaw Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Simonton, and the Louisiana Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery--the latter, as before stated, was early dispatched to the support of Secessionville, the remaining corps greatly aiding in the first and complete defeat of the enemy. The report of each of the above-named subordinate commanders is respectfully forwarded herewith.

Not having been an eye-witness of this well-fought combat, it is impossible for me perhaps to commend where commendation is most due. Many of the best and bravest have fallen, among them Capt. S. J. Reed, Louisiana Regiment; Capt. Henry King, Charleston Battalion; First Lieut. John Edwards, of the same command, and Second Lieut. R. W. Greer, Eutaw Battalion, and First Sergt. James M. Baggott, who fell while serving his piece as No. 1, and was immediately succeeded by his company commander, the gallant and lamented Reed.

My estimation of the conduct of Col. T. G. Lamar is frilly expressed in my General Orders, No. 30, of June 17. His undaunted courage was an example well followed by those who surrounded him. Lieutenant-Colonels P. C. Gaillard, A.D. Smith, and J. McEnery, Maj. D. Ramsay, Capt. J. Jamison, were each in command of their respective corps during the whole or a part of the action, and are highly commended in the report of Colonel Lamar I refer to his and to the reports of the officers above named for records of further instances of individual gallantry. In like manner I refer to the reports of Brigadier-General Evans, to Colonel Hagood, and to his subordinate commanders, Col. C. H. Stevens and Lieutenant-Colonel Simonton and to Colonel Goodlett, who, all deserving high praise themselves, have doubtless bestowed it where it is best deserved.

I inclose herewith a list of killed, wounded, and missing, amounting in the aggregate to 204.(*) Many of those reported as wounded were but slightly so. I also inclose a list of those most highly commended by commanders.

From the best, information I have received I estimate the loss of the enemy to have been between 700 and 800.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

J. C. PEMBERTON, .

Major-General, Commanding.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

 

[Inclosure]

In the report of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans.

Col. T. G. Lamar, Lamar's regiment South Carolina Artillery, for gallant and meritorious conduct. Lieutenant-Colonel Galliard, Charleston Battalion South Carolina Volunteers (mentioned particularly in report of Col. T. G. Lamar), gallant conduct. Lieut. Col. A.D. Smith, Smith's battalion South Carolina Volunteers (mentioned particularly in report of Col. T. G. Lamar), gallant conduct. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, Company B, Lamar's regiment artillery, fell gallantly fighting one of his guns (again mentioned in report of Col. T. G. Lamar).

Personal staff--First Lieut. W. H. Rogers, special aide-de-camp, rendered valuable service in transmitting orders under fire. Capts. R. E. Elliott, Samuel J. Corrie, and H. W. Carr, volunteer aides-de-camp, rendered valuable services in transmitting orders under fire. Assist. Surg. James Frans rendered material aid to the wounded.

 

In the report of Col. T. G. Lamar.  Lieut. Col. A.D. Smith, Smith's battalion South Carolina Volunteers, gallant and meritorious conduct (mentioned in report of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans). Lieut. Col. P. C. Galliard, Charleston Battalion, gallant conduct (mentioned in report of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans), stationed in the center and on the right of the battery at Secessionville and subsequently in command of the battery, Maj. David Ramsay, Charleston Battalion, meritorious conduct, on the right of the battery at Secessionville. Major Hudson, Smith's battalion, meritorious conduct, on the left of the battery at Secessionville. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, Company B, Lamar's regiment artillery, fell fighting one of his guns in the battery at Secessionville (mentioned in Brigadier-General Evans' report). Capt. F. T. Miles, Calhoun Guard, Charleston Battalion, gallant conduct, stationed in battery at Secessionville. Capt. G. D. Keitt, Lamar's regiment artillery, great bravery. Lieutenants Barton, Oliver, and Moseley, same regiment, great bravery. Senior First Lieut. J. B. Humbert, Company I, Lamar's regiment artillery, specially mentioned for great bravery and valuable services, stationed in battery at Secessionville, 8-inch columbiad. Lieutenants Lancaster and Johnson, Company B, Lamar's regiment, and Lieutenant Bellinger, of same company, gallant conduct in battery at Secessionville. Lieut. J. B. Kitching, Company H, Lamar's regiment, gallant conduct, Reed's battery, Clarke's house. Adjt. E. J. Frederick, Lamar's regiment, gallant conduct, battery at Secessionville and Reed's battery at Clarke's house. Capt. W. W. McCreery, Ordinance Department, C. S. Army, rendered valuable service at the 8-inch columbiad in the battery at Secessionville. Captain Bonneau, Lieutenants Matthews and Hall, C. S. Navy, rendered valuable service at the 8-inch columbiad in the battery at Secessionville.

In the report of Col. S. D. Goodlett, Twenty-second Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

Capt. Joshua Jamison, Lieuts. L. S. Hill, H. H. Sally, and J. B. Cobb valuable service and gallant conduct in sustaining the battery at Clarke's house.

In the report of Col. C. H. Stevens, Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, gallant conduct in defending advanced battery of 24 pounder guns. Captain Tompkins, Company K, and Lieutenant Beckham, Company G, gallant conduct in holding advanced position until ordered to withdraw.

In the report of Lieut. Col. A.D. Smith, Smith's battalion South Carolina Volunteers.

Lieutenant Campbell, Company F, gallant conduct in personally repulsing an assaulting party on the left of the battery at Secessionville. Capt. W. H. Ryan, valuable service in battery at Secessionville. Lieut. George Brown, Company F, and Lieut. Alexander A. Allemong, Irish Volunteers, valuable service in carrying ammunition through fire of artillery and infantry. Sergeant Hendricks, valuable service in carrying ammunition under heavy fire in battery at Secessionville. Private Joseph Tennent, of the Calhoun Guard, gallant conduct on the left of the battery at Secessionville.

In report of Lieut. Col. C. H. Simonton, Eutaw Battalion.

Lieutenant Blum, Washington Light Infantry, Company B, gallant conduct; advanced position on right flank. Privates J. Campbell Martin and T. Grange Simons, jr., gallant conduct; both severely wounded, but still fought until exhausted and carried off (mentioned in report of Lieutenant Blum).

In the report of Lieut. R. A. Blum, commanding detachment of Eutaw Battalion.

 

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 30.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF S.C. AND GA.,
Charleston, S.C., June 17, 1862.

The major-general commanding the department tenders his heartfelt thanks to every officer and soldier of this command whose happy fortune it was to participate in the glorious work of Monday, the 16th instant.

To the gallant and indefatigable Col. T. G. Lamar and to the brave men who so steadfastly supported him special thanks are due, and to the noble dead a debt of deep and lasting gratitude.

By order of Major-General Pemberton:.

J. R. WADDY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

[Compiled from the reports]

 

O.          Officers.         M         Enlisted Men.

	Killed		Wounded		Captured		Aggregate	Remarks
Command	O	M	O	M	O	M
47th Georgia	1	….	….	….	….	1		Lieut. B. A. Graham killed.
5 1st Georgia	….	….	….	….	….	….	….	(No Report)
4th Louisiana	….	6	1	21	….	….	28	Captain Walker wounded.
1st SC Artillery [+]	1	14	….	39	….	1	55	Capt. Samuel J. Reed killed.
1st SC Volunteers	….	….	….	1	….	….	1
1st SC Battalion [+]	2	8	8	22	….	2	42	Capt. Henry C. King and Lieut. John J. Edwards killed; Lieut. Col. P. C. Gaillard and Capts. Julius A. Blake, F. T. Miles, and R. P. Smith, and Lieuts. J. W. Axson, George Brown, John Burke, & F. R. Lynch wounded.
9th SC Battalion	….	3	1	22	1	2	29
22nd SC Volunteers	….	10	….	8	….	….	18	Lieut. J. G. Beaty wounded.
24th SC Volunteers	….	3	1	6	….	2	12	Lieut F. W.Andrews wounded.
25th SC Volunteers	1	3	1	13	….	….	18	Lt’s. Richard W. Geer and Sam’l J. Burger wounded
Total	5	47	12	132	1	7	204

 

HDQRS. SECOND MILITARY DIST. SOUTH CAROLINA,
Adams Run, June 19, 1862.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the troops under my command on James Island on the 16th instant: On the afternoon of the 15th instant I was informed by Col. T. G. Lamar, First Artillery, that from his observation of the movements of the enemy he was convinced that Secessionville would doubtless be attacked either on that night or on the morning of the 16th. I directed him, to hold his position; that he would be re-enforced if necessary. At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 16th instant I received a note from him informing me that the enemy were advancing. I repaired to Clarke's house as soon as possible, where I arrived at 4.15 a.m., when I found Col. Johnson Hagood, First South Carolina Volunteers, had, in his untiring vigilance, ordered three regiments to be in readiness for an immediate attack, and had already sent a detachment of Colonel Goodlett's regiment to the support of Colonel Lamar, watching closely the movements of the enemy in front of Secessionville. I determined to re-enforce the place to 2,000 strong, and immediately ordered the Fourth Louisiana Battalion and Colonel Goodlett's regiment to repair at double-quick and report to Colonel Lamar at Secessionville. Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery with his battalion arrived just in time to receive the second assault of the enemy and to materially aid in repulsing him. At this time I received a message from Colonel Hagood that the enemy were approaching on our right, and asking re-enforcements. I directed him to attack the enemy, and immediately ordered the Fifty-first Georgia and Colonel Williams' regiment to repair to his assistance.

The engagement now became general on both wings. Col. C. H. Stevens, who was with Colonel Hagood, seeing that the 24-pounder battery near Clarke's house was not being fired, directed Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, of his regiment, to take command of his battery and to fire on the enemy, with which, though one piece was dismounted, he did gallant and effective service, firing constantly into the flank of the enemy. On the third assault of the enemy Lieutenant-Colonel Capers was very successful with his piece, piercing the columns of the enemy eleven times.

For the details of the gallant defense of the works at Secessionville I would respectfully refer the major-general commanding to the official reports of the immediate commanders, herewith submitted. Three times did that heroic band repulse (often at the point of the bayonet) a force thrice their strength, under the fire of their gunboats and four stationary or land batteries.

About 10 o'clock the enemy retreated in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded on the field, a number lying in our trenches. The loss of the enemy I have been unable to ascertain, but from what I saw was at least 400 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The dead of the enemy immediately in front of the Secessionville works numbered 168, while 42 wounded had been brought within the work. The dead I directed to be immediately buried and the wounded to be removed to the hospital. A considerable number of arms and accouterments were captured, a partial return of which will be found in the paper marked G.(*) A full report of these arms I directed Captain McCreery, ordnance officer, to make to the chief of ordnance in Charleston.

At 12 m. I received a note from the major-general commanding that he was at Brigadier General Gist's headquarters, asking if I wished re-enforcements; that they were ready. I replied through my aide-de-camp that I thought the enemy was leaving his position, as he was burning the houses he had first occupied. I then joined the major-general commanding and accompanied him to Secessionville to inspect the works, as well as to ascertain our loss and the situation and condition of our troops. After giving instructions relative to the wounded and dead, also as to the arms captured, I returned to my headquarters, and in accordance with instructions from the major-general commanding ordered Col. P. H. Colquitt to repair with his regiment of Georgia Volunteers as soon as possible and relieve Colonel Goodlett, in command of Secessionville. Colonel Goodlett and his command were completely worn down and exhausted. I would here state that I had before directed Colonel Lamar to send all his exhausted men to the rear on the arrival of Colonel Goodlett's command, which order left him but 150 men for duty. The troops at Secessionville on the morning of the 16th were much fatigued, as they had been engaged at work in the intrenchments during the entire night, and many were entirely worn-out when the action commenced in the morning.

In reference to the action on our right I would respectfully refer for particulars to the reports of Colonels Hagood and C. H. Stevens, herewith inclosed.

To my personal staff--First Lieut. W. H. Rogers, special aide-de-camp; Capts. R. E. Elliott, Samuel J. Corrie, and H. W. Carr--I am much indebted for their untiring exertions in transmitting my orders under fire. Asst. Surg. James Evans, of my staff, rendered material aid to the wounded who were brought to the rear.

In conclusion, I would add that at 8 a.m. Brig. Gen. W. D. Smith joined me at Clarke's house, where I directed him to take command of the right wing and attack the enemy vigorously. I have received no report from him, but take it for granted the reports of Colonels Hagood and Stevens cover the action of the troops on the right.

To the dauntless Lamar and the troops under his command at the commencement of the assault, the Charleston Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Galliard; Lieutenant-Colonel Smith's battalion, and companies of Lamar's regiment engaged, the country, and South Carolina in particular, owe a debt of gratitude and thanks which I know a grateful people will acknowledge. For the gallant dead the country will ever mourn. The intrepid Reed fell while cheering his men to victory, just as the enemy were repulsed.

The reports herewith inclosed will give casualties on our side: 39 killed, 93 wounded, and 2 missing; total, 134.(*)

No report has been received from Lieutenant-Colonel Smith's battalion. Col. T. G. Lamar's report will be forwarded as soon as received.

Herewith I also inclose you a copy of a letter from Brigadier-General Stevens, commanding the Federal forces, and also of my reply.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

N. G. EVANS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. J. R. WADDY, .

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Charleston, S.C.

 

[Inclosure No. 1]

HDQRS. SECOND MILITARY DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
James Island, S.C., June 18, 1862.

To the COMMANDING GENERAL
Of the Confederate Forces on James Island, S.C. :

SIR: In the action of the 16th it is known that some of our dead, and it is probable that a few of our wounded, were left at or in rear of your works. In compliance with the urgent wishes of friends and in accordance with my own convictions of propriety and of duty I have determined to send a flag of truce to ascertain the names of the killed and of the wounded, and if practicable to recover the bodies of the dead. It will ever be my determination to conform In the most ample manner to the usages of civilized and Christian warfare, and I have seen to it that all of your men who are now prisoners in our hands have been treated with courtesy and respect. I am glad to learn that on your part the same course has been taken toward the prisoners recently taken by you. The bearers of the flag I now send to you are my division surgeon, Dr. George S. Kemble, and my aide-de-camp, Capt. William T. Lusk, and I trust you will find it consistent with your duty to extend to them every proper facility to procure information in regard to their missing comrades, and if possible to recover the remains of the dead. We shall be glad to send money and clothing to our prisoners in your hands, and in return will see that all articles of necessity and comfort which their friends desire to send safely reach your men prisoners with us.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,.

ISAAC I. STEVENS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 

[Inclosure No. 2]

HEADQUARTERS,
James Island, S.C., June 18, 1862.

Brigadier-General STEVENS,

Commanding Federal Forces, &c.:

GENERAL: Your communication, through a flag of truce borne by Dr. George S. Kemble and Capt. William T. Lusk, has just been received, and in reply thereto I have the honor to state that the information desired as to the names and condition of your wounded in the engagement of the 16th instant will be cheerfully furnished you at an early hour. The wounded having been sent to the city of Charleston it is necessary to communicate with that place first. I have also to state that your dead as far as found have been decently interred.

It has ever been the custom of our armies to conform to the "usages of civilized and Christian warfare," and our [your] wounded and prisoners have been and are being well cared for in all respects.

I send this by my aide-de-camp, Capt. W. H. Rogers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. G. EVANS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Confederate Forces.

 

GENERAL: Through the interposition of Providence it becomes my duty to report to you that the forces under my command gained a complete victory over the enemy on the 16th instant at Secessionville Neck.

On the morning of June 16 about 4 o'clock my pickets were driven in, and reported to me that the enemy were advancing in force and had already passed Rivers' house, distant from my batteries about three-fourths of a mile. I immediately dispached a courier to Lieutenant-Colonels Gaillard and Smith, ordering them to move up their battalions at once and to General Evans to inform him of the advance of the foe, and I then proceeded to my batteries, where I found a detachment each gun (having ordered such to be the case day and night). When I arrived at the batteries I found that the enemy were within 700 yards, in line of battle, and advancing on me at the double-quick. I ordered the 8-inch columbiad to be loaded with grape, which order was promptly obeyed by Lieut. J. W. Moseley, of Company I, whom I found at the battery on my arrival. I mounted the chassis and pointed the gun myself. In the mean time Sergt. James M. Baggott, of Captain Reed's company (B), fired upon the advancing line from the rifled 24-pounder gun to the left of the columbiad, and of which he was the gunner. My reason for pointing the columbiad myself was to fire at the center of the line and thereby break it, in order to cause confusion and delay, so that I might get my infantry into position previous to their reaching my lines. The shot had the desired effect; they immediately flanked to the right and left. I then ordered the columbiad to be loaded with canister, which was promptly done, and I again pointed it. I then left the battery to get my infantry into position. On leaving the battery I met Lieut. J. B. Humbert, of Company I (under whose command the columbiad was), within two or three paces of the battery, and directed him to give them canister freely, which he did. I then ordered Capt. T. Y. Simons to go to Lieutenant-Colonels Gaillard and Smith and tell them to hurry up their battalions.

Lieutenant-Colonel Smithy of the Pee Dee Battalion, first attracted my attention, whereupon I ordered him to take position on the left. Although the enemy had then reached the left flank and were pouring in a murderous fire on my men at the guns, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith obeyed with promptness and soon drove them from their position. I then ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard to take position on my right and center, which was promptly done.

It was not long after getting my infantry into position that the enemy were driven back in confusion. They were soon, however, re-enforced and made another desperate charge, when I again drove them back; a third time they came, but only to meet with a most determined repulse. They then made a flank movement on my right, on the west of Secessionville, and on the other side of the creek, where they were gallantly met by the Charleston Battalion, which was soon re-enforced by the Louisiana Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery, who also gallantly met them with a cheer.

At this time I was so much exhausted from loss of blood, from having been wounded in the head by a Minie ball on the second charge, that the command was turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard, and afterward to Lieutenant-Colonel Wagner, although I never ceased to give orders to my batteries.

We achieved a great victory, yet it was at a considerable loss both in numbers and personal worth. Capt. Samuel J. Reed, of Barnwell District, and commanding' Company B, fell while gallantly fighting at his gun. I may safely say that his place cannot be filled. He was everything that could be desired in an officer, and as brave, true, and gallant a man as ever sacrificed his life on a field of battle. Peace to his ashes.

Lieuts. J. W. Lancaster and William Johnson, of Company B, who were in command of the two rifled 24-pounders, did great execution, although not having grape or canister. Lieut. J. A. Bellinger, of the same company, who commanded the 18-pounders, poured a murderous fire into the approaching line, and in connection with the columbiad did more than anything else for the fortunes of the day. These gallant officers deserve the thanks of the country and I commend them to your notice. Capt. G. D. Keitt and Lieutenants Humbert, W. S. Barton, T. P. Oliver, and Moseley all acted with great bravery and determination.

I cannot close this report without bringing to further notice Senior First Lieut. J. B. Humbert, of Company I, who acted with so much gallantry and determination in managing his gun, to which may be mainly attributed the fortunes of the day, not only on account of its caliber and weight of metal but to its well-directed fire and to the skill with which it was managed, and also Second Lieuts. T. P. Oliver and J. W. Moseley, of the same company, who rendered valuable assistance to Lieutenant Humbert. First Lieut. Barton, of the same company, displayed great skill and coolness in the management of the mortar, which had considerable effect upon the enemy. Too much praise cannot be given to these gallant officers and to the detachments under their command.

Capt. F. T. Miles, of the Calhoun Guard, Charleston Battalion, who was stationed at my batteries during the previous night and whose command was the first placed in position, has my sincere thanks. He and his men fought like heroes and did all that men could do.

Lieut. Col. P. C. Gaillard and Maj. David Ramsay conducted themselves with the utmost coolness and were as gallant as officers could be. They both, as well as their entire command, acted with commendable courage and determination and deserve the thanks of the country.

Lieut. Col. A.D. Smith, commanding the Pee Dee Battalion and a most gallant officer, was the first that attracted my attention when the infantry were coming up to the engagement, and to him I am indebted for having relieved my left flank at a very critical time. I noticed that several of his men were shot down be£ore he could get into position, and that, after the enemy had been driven back the first time and while they were on their second charge, Lieutenant Colonel Smith went out upon the field in front of the battery, gathered up as many of the small-arms of the enemy as he could carry and gave them to his own men, whose guns had refused to fire. I commend him to your favorable notice. His command acted with great courage.

My thanks are also due to Major Hudson, who acted with decided gallantry.

I must also speak in high terms of the actions of Lieut. J. B. Kitching, of Company H, who was in command of the Reed Battery at Clarke's house, which battery consisted of two smooth-bore 24-pounder guns, and also of my adjutant, Lieut. E. J. Frederick, who, seeing that the enemy's sharpshooters were concealed on my right flank over the marsh and were picking off my men, proceeded immediately to the, above battery, when he and Lieutenant Kitchings soon dislodged them and poured well-directed shots into them as they retreated.

To Captain McCreery, of the Ordnance Department, as well as to Captain Bonneau and Lieutenants Matthews and Hall, of our gunboat, I return my sincere thanks for their valuable services at the columbiad battery.

The casualties in the two companies of my regiment that were engaged are as follows.(*)

I estimate the loss of the enemy as near as I can at from 600 to 800 341 of their dead are buried in front of my batteries; 107 were taken prisoners; many wounded and who have since died, and I conjecture that some were drowned. Large quantities of their wounded were carried off by their ambulances. About 400 stand of small-arms fell into our hands, together with one horse wounded in the mouth, and numerous smaller articles.

For the casualties in the Charleston Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Galliard) and the Pee Dee Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Smith),(*) together with their reports concerning the behavior of officers and men, I beg leave to refer you to the accompanying documents, marked respectively A and B. (+)

It is proper to state that the forces under my command did not amount to more than 500 men until the arrival of the Louisiana Battalion, but this small force manfully stood their ground against an assaulting force of from 1,000 to 5,000 men, among whom were the picked regiments of the enemy, the Seventy-ninth New York (Highlanders) and the Eighth Michigan, notwithstanding that they had for fourteen days and nights been subjected to the most arduous duties.

On Sunday night, the 15th instant, I received orders from Brigadier-General Evans to the effect that, although it might require superhuman exertions, he expected me to take the guns off of the gunboat and place them in battery on land. This was impossible unless I had had a force and the means under my control that were necessary to move these guns. I therefore had to have the gunboat moved up to Secessionville, where there was a wharf. In the mean time I, with the two companies of my own regiment, proceeded to throw up the earthworks of the batteries, which was not completed until 3 o'clock the next morning. My men were so much fatigued, not only from the night work but from a very spirited engagement the day previous, which lasted several hours, against the gunboats and land batteries of the enemy, that I allowed them to lie down to rest. They had hardly fallen asleep when the alarm was given, and this was the first time that any man was allowed to sleep without his arms in his hands and at the spot that he would have to use them during the time that I had been in command of the post.

In conclusion, I would state that the great victory achieved on June 16 over such a superior force of the enemy is owing entirely to the patriotism, love of freedom, and indomitable courage of the officers and men under my command. Every man did his duty.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high regard, your obedient servant,.

T. G. LAMAR, .

Colonel, Commanding Post.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. PEMBERTON,

Comdg. Department of South Carolina and Georgia.

 

[Correction.]

HAMBURG, S.C., July 15, 1862.

Maj. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding:

GENERAL: In my report to you I only estimated the loss of the enemy to be from 600 to 800; I now find that it is nearer 1,000 to 1,500.

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

T. G. LAMAR,

Colonel First Regiment Artillery, S.C. Volunteers.

 

HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT S.C. VOLS.,
James lsland, S.C., June 18, 1862.

COLONEL: In obedience to orders I beg to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Secessionville on the morning of the 16th instant:

Seven companies of the Twenty-fourth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, with six companies of First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers and one from the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, constituted the picket force placed under my command, and with which I went on duty on Sunday, 15th instant. This force covered our whole picket line except that in front of Secessionville, which was guarded by pickets from the force stationed at that post. All remained quiet along the line during the day and night, and at daylight I rode to Newtown Cut with a view to visit and inspect the pickets. On reaching that point I distinctly heard the guns of the enemy in front of Secessionville, and started on my return to that point. On my way I encountered a courier with the intelligence that the enemy had advanced in large force to storm our works at Secessionville. This information I immediately forwarded to yourself and to the headquarters of the brigadier-general commanding, proceeding myself to the front to verify the statement. In passing I took portions of four companies of my regiment, which happened to be on duty in that vicinity, and moved them in the direction of the abatis of felled timber extending on the left of the Battery Island road. I ordered Captain Wever (Company I) to occupy this abatis to prevent the enemy from penetrating it with his skirmishers The detachment of my other three companies, viz, Company D, Captain Good-mg; Company G, Lieutenant Hamiter, and Company K, Captain Tompkins, numbering less than 100 men, were posted in a heavy thicket extending from the abatis to the marsh on the left. On taking this position I found the enemy drawn up the line of battle at Hill's houses, to my right and front. With my weak force this position could only be defensive, and I rode back to ask for artillery and support, which were brought up by you.

As all of the subsequent events passed under your own observation it is unnecessary to report them, except that I would especially mention Captain Tompkins, Co. K, Lieutenant Beckham, of Co. G, and the detachments from these two companies, who held their position gallantly in the front and did excellent service until ordered to withdraw.

Lieutenant-Colonel Capers, my second in command, having been sent by you to order fire to be opened from the new 24-pounder battery in advance of our lines, was retained by General Evans at that post, and directed the fire of the battery with his usual gallantry and efficiency. Major Hammond remained at his post in charge of the picket on the Gill road and Newtown Cut. After the enemy had left the field I returned to my picket duties until regularly relieved.

I append a list of the casualties in my own regiment.(*)

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

C. H. STEVENS,

Colonel Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteer Regiment.

Col. JOHNSON HAGOOD,

First South Carolina Vol. Regt., Comdg. Advanced Forces.

 

HDQRS. EUTAW REGIMENT, TWENTY-FIFTH S.C. VOLS.,

June 17, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the results of the engagement of yesterday to my regiment:

Having been ordered to move at reveille, I formed and marched my regiment to the field in rear of Hill's house, and having then reported to Colonel Hagood, was placed by him in position behind a hedge. Upon being placed in position I was informed that Colonel Stevens had a portion of his regiment deployed as skirmishers in our front, and was ordered to take all precautions to prevent our men firing into them. Shortly after we took position we were put under a heavy fire of small-arms, directed principally against my left wing. In obedience to orders I kept my men under restraint and prevented any firing until feeling satisfied that the enemy were actually in my front. I then gave orders to fire. After a brisk fire of about a half hour they were driven on. During their retreat, we were exposed to an enfilading fire from a field battery on our flank. Below I append a list of casualties.(*)

The behavior of my regiment was such as I could have wished. Lieutenant Blum, of the Washington Light Infantry, Company B, whose company was chiefly under fire, distinguished himself by his extreme coolness, encouraging his men. He rendered most efficient aid in restraining their natural desire to return the fire of the enemy. The conduct of his men could not be surpassed. They were under my eye all the time, Two of his men, Privates J. Campbell Martin and T, Grange Simons, jr., the first wounded in the head and leg, and the other in three places, with his clothing riddled, continued to fire until taken from the field.

A large number of arms and accouterments were recovered from the field and several prisoners were captured. With this I inclose the reports of Lieutenant Blumm and of Captain Adger, quartermaster. The arms and accouterments are in the hands of the latter, subject to your order.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

CHARLES H. SIMONTON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. JOSEPH. WALKER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

CAMP PETTIGREW, JAMES ISLAND, S.C.,
June 16, 1862.

I beg leave to report the following casualties and incidents of this morning's engagement:

Shortly after our regiment had taken its position my company was subjected to repeated volleys discharged from the thicket immediately in our front, which we had been informed was held by a company from Colonel Stevens' regiment. On this account, in obedience to orders from Colonel Hagood, we did not reply for several minutes.

It is impossible for me to single out individual instances when all behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery, but I feel that it is but just to report the conduct of John Campbell Martin and T. Grange Simons, jr., as worthy of special notice. After being severely wounded they persisted in reloading and firing until overcome by exhaustion.(*)

I am, yours, respectfully,.

R. A. BLUM, .

Lieutenant, Comdg. W. L I., Company B, Eutaw Regiment.

Lieutenant-Colonel SIMONTON.

 

CAMP PETTIGREW, JAMES ISLAND, S.C.
June 16, 1862.

COLONEL: I beg leave to make the following return of arms and accouterments, &c., recovered from the field during and subsequent to this morning's engagement with the enemy:

Enfield rifles (in order)                                        54

Enfield rifles (needing repair)                             3

Enfield rifles (not repairable)                              3

Minie rifles (in order)                                          8

Total number of arms                                         68

Cartridge boxes                                                   44

Cartridge boxes and belts                                    26

Total                                                                     70

Waist belts                                                           28

Waist belts (clasps wanting)                                9

Total                                                                     37

Bayonet scabbards                                               38

Cartridges boxes                                                  24

Cartridges (Enfield)                                             950

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

J. E. ADGER,

Quartermaster and Acting Ordnance Officer, Eutaw Regt.

Liutenant-Colonel SIMONTON,

Comdg. Eutaw Regiment (Twenty-fifth S.C. Volunteers).