Today in History:

517 Series I Volume XL-I Serial 80 - Richmond, Petersburg Part I

Page 517 Chapter LII. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.

following marched in the same manner to beyond Charles City Court-House. June 15, reported to General Ricketts and was placed in position near the James River. June 16, changed position to near Wilcox's house, where I intrenched. Moved to James River at 5.30 p.m. and crossed the James on pontoon bridge at 6.45 p.m. and marched in direction of Petersburg. June 18, placed the guns in Battery No. 5, where I remained till June 21, engaging the rebel batteries beyond the Appomattox on the 18th, 19th, and 20th. June 21, moved with the corps to the left on the Jerusalem plank road. Marched with the brigade June 29 to Reams' Station, and returned to camp July 2. July 9, marched to City Point and embarked on steamers Disney and Star the 11th; arrived in Washington at noon July 12, and marched to Crystal Spring.*

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

ANDREW COWAN,

Captain First New York Independent Battery.

Lieutenant E. N. WHITTIER,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Artillery Brigade, Sixth Corps.


No. 171. Report of Captain William A. Harn, Third New York Battery.

CAMP THIRD NEW YORK INDEPENDENT BATTERY, Before Petersburg, Va., September 5, 1864.

SIR: +

Moved at 1 o'clock morning of the 13th [June], and marched with rear guard; crossed the Chickahominy at Jones' Bridge about 10 p.m. and went into park. 14th, one horse died; moved early; marched to near James River and parked. 15th, went into position on right of line to protect trains coming in; one horse died. 16th, crossed the James River on pontoon bridge; marched all night; parked near Petersburg. 17th, took position in battery marked No. 5, defenses of Petersburg; one horse died. 18th, same position; moved at noon directly to the front, and took position in an earth-work previously taken from the enemy, remaining here during the 19th and 20th, and firing 344 shots of all denominations. 21st, moved to the left; marched all night. 22nd and 23d, in position on left of line. 24th, moved back at night; parked in rear. 25th, changed camp. 26th, 27th, 28th, in same camp. 29th, moved at 11 a.m.; marched toward the left, and arrived at 10 p.m. on the Weldon railroad; in harness all night. 30th, moved back a few miles and parked.

July 1, in same park. 2nd, moved back to former camp; one horse died from fatigue. From the 3rd to the 6th, no change. 7th, moved battery to breast-works in front. 8th and 9th, in same position. 10th, moved at night and marched to City Point. 11th and 12th, in camp near City Point. 13th, embarked at City Point. 16th, arrived at Baltimore; took cars for Washington; arrived at Camp Barry. 17th, felt

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*For continuation of report, see Vol. XXXVII, Part I, p.280. The beginning of that part of the report published in Vol. XXXVII is incorrectly printed. It should read-Arrived in Washington at noon July 12, and marched to Crystal Spring.

+For portion of report [here omitted] covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p.766.

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Page 517 Chapter LII. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.