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484 Series I Volume XLII-I Serial 87 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part I

Page 484 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.

had been engaged with the enemy for some time. The brigade relieved Colonel Dushane's brigade and opened fire on the enemy, and in fifteen or twenty minutes drove them back. A line of pickets was then thrown forward and breast-works erected. Our loss in this action was not very heavy. At 4.30 p. m. on the 19th the enemy broke through our lines about half a mile to the right of this brigade, and also attacked our front. The Ninety-fifth New York and Third Delaware were withdrawn from the left of the brigade line, but subsequently resumed their place in the works. The Fifty-sixth and One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, and Fourth Delaware Volunteers remainder in the works and repulsed the enemy in handsome style. In this assault the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers captured the colors of the Fifty-fifth North Carolina (rebel) Regiment. Our loss was light, excepting on the skirmish line, where it had been considerable. At 8 p. m. on the 20th the brigade was moved half a mile to the rear to a crest extending south from the Brick [Blick?] house, and running parallel with and about one-fourth of a mile west of the railroad. Breast-works were erected during the night. At 9 a. m. one the 21st the enemy advanced to attack our works. Their line of battle emerged from the wood, about 400 yards in our front, and moved steadily forward through a field of corn to within fifty feet of the works, when it broke. The men fled for the woods. They had suffered very severely in killed and wounded from our fire. One stand of colors was captured by the Seventy-sixth New York and one by the Third Delaware Volunteers, a few yards in front of the works. General Hagood's brigade of the enemy passed over the field to the left of our works. They were fired upon until they arrived at a point a little in our rear, when I observed that a number of them had thrown away their arms, and as they still moved forward, I concluded that they intended to surrender, and ordered the firing to cease. They halted for a moment in the ravine to the left of and about 150 yards in rear of our works. Then about one-half of them attempted to retreat. Fire was again opened on them and many were killed and wounded. I think that of the number that came forward not more than one-fourth regained the woods from whence they had emerged. The Third Delaware Volunteers captured another stand of colors. This brigade captured 2 lieutenant-colonels, a number of line officers, and nearly 300 prisoners. On the following day 300 stand of arms were collected and 50 of the enemy's dead buried in front of this brigade. Our loss was considerable, principally in the Ninety-fifth New York, which regiment, under command of Major Bard, was on picket duty. Major Bard was severely wounded whilst engaged in bringing in the pickets.

The regimental commanders speak in terms of praise of their officers and men during the operations of the past week. The following-named have received special notice: In Fifty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Private J. T. Jennings captured the colors of the Fifty-fifth North Carolina (rebel) Regiment on the 19th instant; One hundred and fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Sergeant Eckendorf, for gallantry while in command of his company on the skirmish line on the 18th instant (since missing); Private Mark Lewis, for gallantry in springing over the breast-works and capturing 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and 3 privates on the 21st instant. Third Delaware: Adjutant Eyre, capturing a stand of color on the 21st. Fourth Delaware Volunteers: Sergt. A. Wilson, Company F, for brave conduct


Page 484 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. Chapter LIV.