33rd Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers 
Partial Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

Many lengthy OR documents contain a very small portion of the 33^rd Massachusetts Infantry. Instead of ignoring these documents, that portion of this regiment was taken out and placed in an abridged version.

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...

        Early on the morning of the 3d instant, engaged the enemy's battery, and, after firing for an hour, ceased firing by order of the colonel commanding, no damage being inflicted by us other than with solid shot at 1,800 yards.
        I have the honor to acknowledge the timely services of the officers and men of the Twenty-fourth Michigan, my cannoneers becoming temporarily exhausted by the difficult service of the pieces, and the hearty and gallant co-operation of Colonel Underwood, Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment, Eleventh Corps, in sending men to assist in serving ammunition and in the reconstruction of the works which protected us.

...

                                                            E. N. WHITTIER. First Lieut.,
                                                                    Comdg. Fifth Battery Maine Vols.

                                                            Lieut. A. MATTHEWSON,
                                                                    A. A. A., Artillery Brig., First Army Corps.

                                                            HDQRS. SECOND BRIG, SECOND DIV., ELEVENTH A C.,
                                                            Near Catlett's Station, Va., August 5, 1863.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the operations of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps, from June 12 to July 4, beginning with its departure from Brooke's Station and ending with the battle of Gettysburg.
        The brigade, consisting of the Seventy-third Ohio, Thirty-third Massachusetts, Fifty-fifth Ohio, and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, marched from its encampment at Brooke's Station on Friday, June 12, at 1 p.m. Its marches and halts until its arrival at Gettysburg were as follows:
        Friday, June 12.--Brooke's Station to Hartwood Church, 13 miles.
        Saturday, June 13.--From Hartwood Church to Weaverville, near Catlett's.

...

        The final disposition of the brigade was as follows: The base of the hill in front of the batteries of the corps was occupied by the Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers and the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, the former being on the extreme right, and reaching to the southwest corner of the town, the Seventy-third in the center, and the One hundred and thirty-sixth on the left, connecting with the Second Corps. The Thirty-third Massachusetts was placed on the northeasterly side of Cemetery Hill, and, as I learned from the report of Colonel Underwood, was put temporarily under the command of General Ames, of the First Division, this, however, being the first intimation to me of such a fact.

...

        Where all vied with each other in the performance of their respective duties, it is impossible to single out officers for special mention. I desire, however, to express my entire satisfaction at the conduct of the regimental commanders--Lieut. Col. R. Long, of the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers; Col. C. B. Gambee, of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; Col. A. B. Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, and Col. James Wood, jr., of the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers--all of whom, by their vigilance and watchfulness, contributed to lighten my own cares and responsibilities.

...

                                                            ORLAND SMITH,
                                                                    Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.

                                                            Lieut. R. E. BEECHER,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

                                                            HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., ELEVENTH CORPS,
                                                            Stevenson, Ala., October 17, 1863.

                                                            Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD,
                                                            Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: In compliance with General Orders, No. 53, Department of the Cumberland, current series, I have the honor to report the disposition of my command for the protection of the railroad from Widow's Creek, between Bridgeport and Stevenson, to the tunnel between Tantalon and Cowan Station.
        The brigade consists of the Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio Regiments, the Thirty-third Massachusetts, and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York.
        For convenience' sake, I propose to number the posts from east to west, beginning at Widow's Creek,

No. 1, where is posted one company under command of Lieut. Caleb Blood, Thirty-third Massachusetts. <ar53_448>

No. 2 (bridge next west of Stevenson): One company, under command of Lieut. A. S. Wormley, Fifty-fifth Ohio.

No. 3 (bridge): One company, under command of Capt. L. M. Buchwalter, Seventy-third Ohio.

No. 4 (bridge): One company, under command of Capt. James Farson, Thirty-third Massachusetts.

No. 5 (bridge): One company under command of Lieut. John Kinney, Seventy-third Ohio.

...

                                                            ORLAND SMITH,
                                                                    Colonel Seventy-third Ohio Regt., Comdg. Second Brigade.

...

        General Greene was severely wounded while in the heroic performance of his duty. Colonel Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, was also desperately wounded, and for his recovery I am deeply concerned. If only in recognition of his meritorious services on this field, his many martial virtues, and great personal worth, it would be a great satisfaction to me to have this officer advanced to the grade of brigadier-general.

...

                                                            JOSEPH HOOKER,
                                                                    Major-General, Commanding.

                                                            Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD,
                                                                    Assistant Adjutant-General.

<ar54_96>

...

        I shall make hereafter special recommendations on account of good conduct in this action. The conduct of the men, as well as their officers, was excellent. In the night, as it was, and uncertain as we were as to the enemy's position and strength, there was no giving way, and little or no straggling in the command. Several officers, endeared to us and invaluable to the country, have given their lives. Colonel Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, is seriously wounded. We cannot be too grateful to him and them for the noble part they have acted, and for the sacrifice they have made. I will frankly say that great encouragement and confidence was given us by the immediate presence of the commanding general.
        Very respectfully,

                                                            O. O. HOWARD,
                                                                    Major-General, Commanding.

                                                            Capt. H. W. PERKINS,
                                                                    Assistant Adjutant-General.

...

        The case of Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Underwood, Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, merits especial mention. A conical ball entered externally a few inches below the great trochanter, passed through the soft parts horizontally, fractured the upper third of the femur, passed out and into the dorsum of the penis, whence it, together with a piece of bone the size of a half pea, which it had carried with it, was extracted by Surgeon Hubbard. A few days after the affair he was taken to Nashville, and at the present writing, I am informed, the bone has united, the wound closed, and the general health good, though the injured leg is 4 inches shorter than before. The treatment was perfect rest, good diet, and an unmovable position of the wounded extremity.
        I have the honor, sir, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            D. G. BRINTON,
                                                                    Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Medical Director, Eleventh Corps.

                                                            Surg. GLOVER PERIN,
                                                                    U.S. Army, Medical Director.

...

        General Howard ordered his command to march at once to the aid of General Geary. This regiment, at a double-quick, took up the line of march in rear of the brigade, being preceded by the Seventy-third Ohio, Thirty-third Massachusetts, and Fifty-fifth Ohio. When about 1 ½ miles from camp it was ascertained that the enemy occupied the crest of a hill, at the foot of which the road on which we were marching passed, and it was regarded important to dislodge him. Col. O. Smith, commanding the brigade, was ordered to do it. Preparatory to executing the movement, the brigade was halted in the road. Colonel Smith sent forward the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts, and directed them to charge the hill and drive the enemy therefrom.
        In the meantime, I was ordered by Brigadier-General Steinwehr, division commander, to march my regiment by file to the left and form line of battle west of and perpendicular to the road on which we had been halted. This was at the foot of another hill, about 200 yards north of the one occupied by the enemy, and similar in appearance to it and from which it was separated by a gap or pass. When I had completed the movement ordered, I was directed to send two companies to skirmish up the hill at the foot of which our line of battle was formed, to ascertain if it was occupied by the enemy. I immediately detached Companies H and K from the left of my left wing to execute the movement, and placed the force in command of Captain Eldredge, Company K. The Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty.-third Massachusetts being hard pressed by the enemy on the hill which they had been ordered to charge, my regiment was ordered to their support. I marched to the base of the same hill, halted, and formed line of battle facing it. My center was opposite the highest crest of the hill. Although it was a bright moonlight night, neither the height of the hill nor the obstacles to be encountered could be seen. I was ordered to charge in line of battle to the top of the hill, drive off the enemy, and form a junction with the Thirty-third Massachusetts on my right. It should be borne in mind that the two companies detached as skirmishers had not at this time rejoined the regiment.
        I gave the command "forward," when the regiment advanced in line of battle at as quick a pace as the steep ascent of the hill would permit. Moved steadily and firmly forward under a brisk and constant fire from the enemy, reached and crowned the crest of the hill, drove off the enemy, and took possession. Not a shot was fired by my men until the crest was gained, when one volley was discharged at the retreating enemy. At the time the charge was made the enemy was engaged in throwing up a line of rifle-pits. We captured his intrenching tools. Having gained and occupied the crest of the hill, I deployed one company to the front as skirmishers, moved by the right flank, and formed a connection with the Thirty-third Massachusetts, which regiment had preceded me, charging up the hill on my right, and was vigorously engaged with the enemy when I reached the crest. The victory was complete. The crest of the hill is not more than 6 yards in width, from which there is a rapid descent into a valley on the other side. Down this declivity the enemy precipitately fled in the utmost confusion. He staggered under the intrepid charges and deadly blows delivered to him by the braves of the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts. His discomfiture <ar54_107> was made complete by the vigorous and splendid charge of the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. The ground over which he retreated was strewn with rifles, swords, hats, caps, and haversacks. As daylight opened upon us, we were all astonished at the audacity of our charge and astounded at our success. The hill is over 200 feet perpendicular height, and the distance from the road where I formed line of battle to the crest of the hill is 180 yards.

...

                                                            JAMES WOOD, JR.,
                                                                    Colonel, Commanding.

                                                            Capt. B. F. STONE,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

...

        On the morning of the 29th, while the Second Brigade, with the Seventy-third Ohio in the advance, was moving to the support of General Geary, at about 2 o'clock in the morning, I was ordered to form line of battle on the left of the road and sweep through the woods on the west side of a range of hills that ran parallel with the road on which we had been advancing. I immediately sent forward Captain Buchwalter, with instructions to deploy his company (A) as skirmishers and move in the direction indicated for the battalion. We then moved forward in line as rapidly as possible, considering the irregularities of the ground, the dense growth of underbrush, and the fallen timber. We had advanced, however, only a few hundred yards when the enemy's skirmishers opened fire upon us from the hill-tops on our left and from our front. I was ordered to wheel the battalion to the left and charge the hill, and was informed that the Thirty-third Massachusetts would connect with me on the left and move up the hill in the same line of battle. I instructed Captain Buchwalter to move his skirmishers by the left into our new front and advance in that direction, in executing which order his line received a heavy volley from an unseen force of the enemy on our right, and the gallant captain fell mortally wounded.

...

        When we had approached within 2 or 3 rods of the enemy's breast-works <ar54_109> there opened upon us a most murderous fire from a force on our right flank, completely enfilading our line. The appearance of this force on our flank seemed to forbid our farther advance. I knew we had no support on our right, and we had not held communication with the Thirty-third Massachusetts at any time during the engagement. Regarding the Seventy-third as the directing battalion, I had paid no attention to our support on the left, and it was impossible for me to learn whether Colonel Underwood was advancing or not, while heavy and irregular firing, with cries of "Don't fire upon your own men," coming from the left of our front, only increased the confusion. Under the circumstances I deemed it rash to advance farther until I knew that one, at least, of my flanks was protected. I ordered the regiment to retire a few rods, which they did in perfect order, and lay down again, while I sent Captain Higgins to ascertain the position and movements of the Thirty-third Massachusetts. Learning that, though they had fallen back, they were again advancing, I was preparing to go forward also, when information came that the Thirty-third had turned the enemy's flank, was gallantly charging him in his breastworks, and driving him from the left crest of the hill.

...

                                                            SAM'L H. HURST,
                                                                    Major, Commanding Regiment.

                                                            Capt. B. F. STONE,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General

...

        The following regiments composed the brigade: Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers, Fifty-fifth Ohio, Thirty-third Massachusetts, and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. The passage of two pontoon bridges being necessarily attended with some delay, the position assigned for encampment, in front of Chattanooga, to the right of Fort Wood, was not reached till near night.

...

        After this division had established its position upon Orchard Knob we were ordered to move in conjunction with the rest of the corps to the left, and to advance to Citico Creek. After marching some distance to the left of Fort Wood the brigade was formed in two lines, the first line being composed of the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York and the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, deployed: the second, consisting of the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, in column of division en masse. The front line having been covered by skirmishers, the brigade was ordered forward, connecting on its left with the First Brigade and on its right expecting to connect with the Third Division. The advance regiments soon came up with a regiment of Beatty's brigade, Fourth Corps, then on picket. Passing and relieving the skirmishers of this regiment, our skirmishers were soon briskly engaged with those of the enemy. They pressed on rapidly, however, returning but few shots, the enemy fleeing as they advanced. As the enemy's fire increased in intensity both skirmishers and the main line seemed disposed to rush forward with impetuosity, all moving at double-quick but in perfect order.

...

        The enemy occupied a line of rifle-pits running from the direction of the mouth of the creek across the railroad, thence sweeping around our front toward our extreme right. While this brought those on the opposite bank of the creek directly in opposition to the regiments of the First Brigade, it afforded them an opportunity to annoy our left flank and rear. At nightfall, I therefore changed the direction of the left wing of the Fifty-fifth Ohio to correspond, and advanced a part of the Thirty-third Massachusetts <ar55_373> to establish complete connection with the First Brigade. Meantime the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin, of the Third Division, had been brought forward to connect with the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York on our right. On this line intrenchments were formed and the position held without material change all the next day (November 24).

...

        By direction of General Howard, I immediately threw two companies of the Fifty-fifth Ohio across the river in such rough boats as could be collected, the object being to secure some cars which were on the track near the village of Calhoun. The cars, 5 in number, loaded with flour, meal, salt, ammunition, bridge tools, &c., were secured, and afforded a timely issue of rations to at least two brigades of the corps. During the afternoon the remainder of the Fifty-fifth Ohio and the whole of the Thirty-third Massachusetts were crossed in boats. Meanwhile, repairs were progressing on the railroad bridge, which was ready by midnight for the passage of troops, wagons, and artillery. The other two regiments remained in Charleston till a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, when the crossing commenced; thence the march continued, without noteworthy event to this brigade, as follows:
        December 1, to Athens, Tenn.

...

        It affords me pleasure to mention favorably the names of the respective regimental commanders in the brigade. Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, who, though unsupported by any other field officer, carried his regiment through the whole campaign in fine order. Col. C. B. Gambee, Fifty-fifth Ohio; Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third Massachusetts, and Maj. S. H. Hurst, commanding Seventy-third Ohio. I desire also to make especial mention of Capt. Thomas W. Higgins, senior captain of the Seventy-third Ohio, who on this occasion, as on many previous, displayed great energy, perseverance, and gallantry. The captain has acted as major for some time past with marked success, and I think the rank of major, by brevet, would be judiciously bestowed upon him.
        The members of my staff on this occasion, as heretofore, won my favorable commendation by their diligent attention to their respective duties and by their efficient co-operation.

...

        On the march, finding it necessary to draw upon the country for forage, I detailed Lieut. E. M. Cheney, Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, to act as brigade quartermaster, and through him regular vouchers were given for hay and grain taken, and the forage was by him formally issued to the regiments. Though the duty was new to him, by industry and attention he succeeded in furnishing supplies without resorting to foraging by irresponsible parties. <ar55_376>
        The official reports of the several regimental commanders and the consolidated list of casualties(*) are herewith transmitted.
        Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            ORLAND SMITH,
                                                                    Colonel Seventy-third Ohio Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade.

                                                            Lieut. R. E. BEECHER,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

...

        Third Brigade: One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Infantry, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry.
        First Division, Twentieth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams commanding:

                                                            U.S. GRANT,
                                                                    Lieutenant-General.

...

        Halting for a time by order of brigade commander, the line was reformed, and Colonel Lockman, One hundred and nineteenth New York, being placed in command of that portion of the brigade on the advance, we were ordered to charge forward and take the works and battery in our front at all hazards. The men rose and rushed on with yells and cheers to the very summit of the hill, under a scorching fire from the enemy, and drove them from their guns to the works in the rear. The One hundred and thirty-fourth New York was now upon our right. On our left at first we formed no connection, but afterward connected with the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania, and still later with the Thirty-third Massachusetts, of General Butterfield's division. The enemy retired from his guns, but the fort was still covered by their fire, and neither party could hold possession. We were then ordered to lie down and hold the ground already won. We did so and remained in position till dark, when Colonel Cobham, of the Third Brigade, was by order of General Hooker placed in command of the forces on the hill. Colonel Cobham considering that he had sufficient force to hold the hill in his own brigade, relieved my regiment. <ar73_222> Just as I was drawing them off, heavy firing commenced in our front, and we were retained to assist in removing the guns from the fort. About 12 midnight Colonel Cobham ordered a fatigue detail from my regiment to haul the cannon from the fort down the hill. This was done, contrary to our expectation, without drawing any fire from the enemy. About 1 a.m. on the 16th we were finally relieved and retired to the foot of the hill for rest. I lost in the action, one of my very best officers, Captain Bray, wounded through the thigh, 2 enlisted men killed, 24 wounded, and 1 missing.
        I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            ENOS FOURAT,
                                                                    Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

                                                            Capt. C. C. BROWN,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

...

        I took command of the regiment and advanced about 5 p.m., in support of the First Brigade, and took position on hills in front of the enemy; about 9 o'clock relieved the First Brigade. Had difficult marching through the woods; considerable shelling by the enemy; First Brigade lost heavily. The Nineteenth Michigan, of our brigade, lost Major Griffin killed, and 40 men killed and wounded. Our brigade threw up earth-works during the night. Our position parallel to and within 300 yards of the rebel breast-works. Thursday, June 16, lay in our works all day; great firing of artillery and rebel sharpshooting. A new line of works was built in our rear by the Thirty-third Massachusetts. I was taken suddenly sick, and was sent to the rear, and in my absence Captain McCrea took command of the regiment. The enemy left their works on our immediate front about 2 a.m. last night and evacuated.

...

                                                            LEV. T. MILLER,
                                                                    Major Thirty-third Indiana Volunteers, Comdg. Regt.

                                                            Lieut. F. C. CRAWFORD,
                                                                    Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 20th Corps.

...

        On the 7th, at 5 a.m., the brigade marched from Leet's, through Gordon's Gap, passing Gordon's Springs, to Woods' Store, on the road leading to Buzzard Roost Gap, a distance of fifteen and a half miles. Here the brigade was put in position in a single deployed line. The Thirty-third Massachusetts was detached from the brigade, in pursuance of orders received from division headquarters, and directed to report to Colonel Ross, commanding Second Brigade, who occupied the crest of a hill about one mile in advance of this brigade.

...

        Two companies of skirmishers <ar73_431> from the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Captains Boalt and Osborn, were ordered to take the crest. Promptly and steadily they climbed the side of the bluff in the face of a continued fire from the enemy's skirmishers, drove them from and occupied the crest. The conduct of Captains Boalt and Osborn and the men of their commands on this occasion, the coolness and bravery displayed by them, is deserving of the highest praise and reflects credit upon the gallant regiment of which they form a part. As soon as the crest was gained the skirmish line at that point was strengthened by three companies from the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Four companies of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers held the low ground on the left between the creek and the railroad. On the right two companies from the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry were thrown across the creek, which at that point was deep, and which they crossed on a tree fallen across it, and were deployed as skirmishers and ordered to ascend to the crest which formed the depression between the bluff and Rocky Face Mountain, and which connected the two. This order was executed in a satisfactory manner. The enemy made but a feeble resistance to our advance. The enemy showed no disposition to attack.

...

        As the enemy kept persistently concealed behind his <ar73_432> works, nothing could be discovered, except that his position was very strong, if not impregnable, and that an attempt to dislodge him by a direct attack could not be expected to succeed. As I had done all in my power to comply with the instructions last received, and as night and darkness had now come upon us, the operations of the day closed. The Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry had marched for their camp under the order received from Major-Gen-eral Butterfield before the last order above set forth had been promulgated. After dark the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry followed, leaving the skirmishers detailed from these regiments in the position they occupied during the day. The Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which had been held in reserve in this position first taken up, was permitted to bivouac for the night, as it was amply protected by the Fourteenth Army Corps, being connected with it and covered in front by the pickets of that corps. After these dispositions were made an order was received from the major-general commanding the division to withdraw the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Regiment and the skirmishers entirely out of the gap and the valley in front of it and bivouac them in a secure position on the hill. This order was complied with, and as Brigadier-Gen-eral Carlin had advanced his brigade and his picket-line it brought them within his lines.

...

        I was ordered by Major-General B[utterfield] to throw a regiment across the creek near the foot of the Rocky Face Mountain and to advance it to the crest of the spur that connected the bluff with the mountain. To comply with the order it became necessary to build a bridge across the Mill Creek. This was done with commendable dispatch by the division pioneers. I ordered across the Seventy-third <ar73_433> Ohio Volunteers and it pushed forward promptly to fulfill the order of the division commander. In the mean time the enemy had planted a section of artillery on the crest of Rocky Face Mountain, and opened with grape and canister on the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteers. That regiment was promptly withdrawn out of range to the west side of the creek at the foot of the bluff. The enemy's guns, however, were very soon silenced by some artillery of the Fourteenth Corps. By direction of Major-General Butterfield, I ordered the Thirty-third Massachusetts, which up to this time had been held in reserve, to cross the creek, and, if possible, to gain the crest of Rocky Face Mountain. To cover the operations of the two regiments across the creek the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York were moved to the right and deployed on the west side of the creek in the rear of Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts. While these last-named regiments were engaged in carrying out the order they had received, the skirmishers of the Seventy-third Ohio having gained the crest of the spur, so as to overlook the enemy's works in the gap, and the skirmishers of the Thirty-third Massachusetts having ascended more than half way to the crest of Rocky Face Mountain, I received an order that my brigade would be relieved by Carlin's brigade, of the Fourteenth Corps. After having returned, I marched my brigade to the Presbyterian Church on the road from Woods' Store to Buzzard Roost Gap and encamped. This ended the operations of my brigade in connection with the reconnaissance into Buzzard Roost Gap.

...

        I understood that the Second Brigade was to support the First Brigade on the right, but before the crest of the hill was half gained the regiments of the Second Brigade, after firing a volley into the First Brigade, were found on its left in no little confusion. The men ran over and through the right of my line, mingling with the right regiment and creating so much confusion as to render the regiment (Twenty-sixth Wisconsin) almost unserviceable, as well as causing great hindrance to the regiment next to it (Thirty-third Massachusetts). Major Winkler, with commendable skill and ability, with no little difficulty extricated his men from the confused mass into which they had become involved and brought them again reformed into line. This hill being a position of much importance to the enemy, it was not to be supposed that he would yield it without a struggle or without making an effort to retake it after being driven off.

...

        As soon as two regiments had crossed--the Fifty-fifth Ohio and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York in the front line, and the Seventy-third Ohio and Twenty-sixth Wisconsin in the second line--I was ordered to advance, keeping the road on my right. On communicating to Major-General Butterfield the fact that the Thirty-third Massachusetts, forming a part of my first line, had not crossed the road, he directed me to place it behind the line in reserve. As I was advancing in this position the enemy opened a sharp musketry fire on my left flank. As the fire developed a considerable force on my flank, I faced the Thirty-third Massachusetts in the direction of the fire and changed the front of the Seventy-third Ohio in the same direction, and advanced on that position of the enemy. In this way I advanced as long as it was light enough to see, swinging round my left so as not to lose connection with the other regiments of the brigade. A deep ravine, a creek, and a morass separated me from the forces that attacked my left. My left advanced to this ravine and creek, and my right and center as far as First Division advanced. With the close of the day a rain-storm and intense darkness set in, which put a stop to operations on both sides. I held the position to which we were advanced until 12 o'clock at night, when, in pursuance of orders from division headquarters, I marched the brigade back on the road to the rear of the First Division and bivouacked for the night.

...

        Accordingly, on the 22d of June I moved my brigade forward and formed a line of battle in the edge of a piece of woods near some open ground which lay between the foot of the hill and the woods, in which the brigade was formed and about 100 yards distant from the hill. This open ground was swept by the enemy's skirmishers. I threw out a strong line of skirmishers, and ordered forward the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers to support the skirmish line. In this formation the brigade advanced across the open ground in double-quick, pushed up the hill, which was occupied by the enemy's skirmish line, intrenched, drove the enemy from the hill, and occupied it, as ordered. The enemy occupied a strong position of another hill still in our front, in which position he had intrenched himself, and from which he kept up a galling and destructive fire on my line.

...

        This brigade left Lookout Valley on the 2d of May, 1864, numbering 1,900 officers and men. During the latter part of May the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers joined the brigade with 400 men. This regiment and the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers have been detached, one or the other of them, since the latter part of May, and not under fire. The casualty reports have been forwarded monthly and show a loss during the campaign in killed, 8 officers, 157 enlisted men; in wounded, 34 officers, 717 enlisted men; in missing, 1 officer, 24 enlisted men; total, 941.

...

                                                            JAMES WOOD,
                                                                    JR., Colonel, Comdg. Third Brigade, Third Division, 20th Corps.

                                                            Capt. ROBERT E. BEECHER,
                                                                    Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Division.

...

        Upon the occupation of that city by the Twentieth Corps, September 2, 1864, I was directed by Major-General Slocum, commanding the corps, to encamp my regiment in the city and assume command of the post, and by Special Orders, No. 74, extract 4, headquarters Twentieth Corps, September 5, 1864, I was detailed to the same command, and the Second Massachusetts Infantry, the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, <ar77_651> and the Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry were ordered to report to me for duty. These regiments were stationed as follows: The Second Massachusetts Infantry, Capt. R. B. Brown commanding, at the City Hall Park; the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Walker commanding, at the City Park; and the Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Rider (afterward Lieutenant-Colonel Doane) commanding, on McDonough street, near the City Hall. The duties of this command were to protect and guard all public and private property in the city, and to patrol the streets for the purpose of maintaining order and arresting all offenders and unauthorized persons in the city. Lieut. Col. C. F. Morse, Second Massachusetts Infantry, was detailed as provost-marshal of the post; Capt. James M. Wells, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, as commandant of convalescent and receiving camp; Lieut. John A. Fox, Second Massachusetts Infantry, as post adjutant, and Lieut. Peter Sears, Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, as street commissioner. The duties of the post provost-marshal were to regulate the city patrol, to take charge of all prisoners, the general charge of all citizens, and to seize all cotton and tobacco, as well as many other minor duties; while those of Captain Wells were to receive all enlisted men that might come or be sent to him; to provide them with rations, recording their names, companies, regiments and corps, and to promptly forward them to their proper commands, as well as to receive and properly care for all escaped prisoners of war. The duties of the post adjutant, in addition to the regular duties of his department, were those of keeping records of all the different detachments of the army in the city, examining all leaves of absence and furloughs, and giving orders for transportation or passes upon the same, and giving orders for meals on the Soldiers' Home, and many other new and varied duties.

...

                                                            WM. COGSWELL,
                                                                    Colonel Second Massachusetts Infantry.

                                                            Lieut. Col. H. W. PERKINS,
                                                                    Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps.

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        April 10.--Again started on the campaign ending with the war at Raleigh, N. C. From thence the division marched on their homeward journey, passing through Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C., at which last place the following regiments were mustered out of service: One hundred and second, One hundred and fifth, One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois; Seventieth and Eighty-fifth Indiana; Seventy-ninth Ohio; Nineteenth Michigan; Thirty-third Massachusetts; Twenty-second and Twenty-sixth Wisconsin; Twentieth Connecticut, and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, the Thirty-third Indiana, Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio Veteran Regiments being transferred to Fourteenth Army Corps. The last regiment mustered out [was] the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, closing the records of this division June 14.

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        June 10.--The Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was mustered out of service as an organization. Those of the regiment who were not entitled to be mustered out were transferred to the Second Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers.

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        During the past week the whole of the First Brigade of my division, viz, One hundred and second Illinois, One hundred and fifth Illinois, One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois, Seventieth Indiana, [and] Seventy-ninth Ohio, and Nineteenth Michigan, of the Second Brigade, and the Thirty-third Massachusetts, of the Third Brigade, have been mustered out and returned to their respective States. The Seventy-third <ar98_787> and Fifty-fifth Ohio Veteran Volunteers and Thirty-third Indiana Veteran Volunteers have been transferred to the Fourteenth Corps. The other regiments of my division have their papers in a state of completion and by Friday next will be all mustered out.

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                                                            W. T. WARD,
                                                                    Brevet Major-General, Commanding.

                                                            Col. H. W. PERKINS,
                                                                    Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps.

                                                           HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS,
                                                            Goldsborough, N. C., March 30, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the evening of January 16, 1865, I assumed command of this brigade, pursuant to section III, General Orders, No. 16, headquarters Twentieth Army Corps, Savannah, Ga., January 16, 1865. The brigade was then stationed at Hardee's Farm, S.C., and consisted of the following regiments: Twentieth Connecticut Infantry, Lieut. Col. Philo B. Buckingham commanding; Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry, Lieut. Col. Fred. C. Winkler commanding; Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, Lieut. Col. Elisha Doane commanding; Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, Lieut. Col. E. H. Powers commanding; Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, Lieut. Col. Samuel H. Hurst commanding; One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Infantry, Lieut. Col. L. B. Faulkner, afterward Maj. H. L. Arnold, commanding. The effective force of the command was at that time, officers, 88; enlisted men, 1,399. On the morning of the 17th four regiments of the brigade moved to Hardeeville on the Union Causeway, two regiments, the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Infantry, remaining to guard the division supply train from the Savannah River to this latter place. These two regiments joined the brigade on the following day, the 18th. The brigade was encamped on the south side of the town of Hardeeville, where drills, guard mountings, and dress parades were resumed and the camp put into as tolerable condition as the nature of the ground and weather would admit, until the morning of the 29th, when, at 7 o'clock, it broke camp and marched north and easterly toward Robertsville. S. C., to a point seven miles south of the latter place. January 30, marched to Robertsville and encamped on the south side of that town. January 31, the brigade moved about one mile and a half from the camp of the day before on the Sister's Ferry road, relieving the First Brigade, First Division, Twentieth Army Corps, Colonel Selfridge commanding, and holding that road.

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        March 9, moved to within one mile of Lumber River, corduroyed a piece of swamp, and encamped. March 10, at 7 a.m., guarding wagons; moved on difficult roads; crossed Lumber River after considerable delay, massed on the north side of it for several hours, and then with wagons moved on six or seven miles in the general direction of Fayetteville, N. C. March 11, at 6.30 a.m. (unencumbered), moved; crossed Rockfish Creek on a byroad; struck the Fayetteville plank road at 4 p.m., and encamped that night, at 8 p: m., one mile and a half from Fayetteville, where the brigade remained until the 13th, when, marching through the town of Fayetteville, it crossed the Cape Fear River, and encamped four miles beyond on the Fayetteville and Raleigh wagon road. There two regiments of the brigade, the Fifty-fifth Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, were sent forward that night two miles farther on that road as an advance outpost.
        March 14, the brigade was ordered to make a reconnaissance on the Raleigh road to Taylor's Hole Creek, and on the Goldsborough or Tarborough road to the South or Black River. At 9 a.m. the brigade moved out in light marching order, leaving its camps behind and reaching the advance camps of Fifty-fifth Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts, was joined by them, and also the One hundred and second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, First Brigade of this division, Major Clay commanding, moved to the Goldsborough or Tarborough road. The Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio, and Twenty-sixth Wisconsin and One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio, were ordered to proceed on the latter road to Great Creek, and Colonel Hurst was directed <ar98_824> to cross that creek if he could and there to await further orders, while the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, and One hundred and second Illinois Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, were ordered to proceed to Taylor's Hole Creek, on the Raleigh road, if possible. I proceeded with this latter column about four miles, and the enemy was met first at Evon's Creek. In a few moments, however, and after slight dispositions on our part, he left.

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        In order to relieve Colonel Hawley I found it necessary to place all of my six regiments on the first line. This being done, the line was advanced about 250 yards to Colonel Hawley's position, the center of which was on our main road in the vicinity of Smith's house, or Smithville, and, relieving his line, immediately relieved his skirmishers with a strong one from this brigade under command of Captain Graves, Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry. The brigade remained in this position about one hour. On the skirmish line, meanwhile, continual firing was going on. Then, pursuant to an order from Brevet Major-General Williams, commanding corps, which order I immediately communicated to the division commander, I advanced both my skirmish and main line and occupied a slight line of breast-works of the enemy's; he, at the same time, retiring from my front. In advance of here a continual and sharp skirmish fire was kept.

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        On the morning of the 20th was relieved by a brigade of the Fourteenth Corps, Brevet Brigadier-General Hobart commanding, and then moved back to camp, where I had massed the p.m. before in rear of batteries. On p.m. of 20th moved to the extreme left of the line about one mile and fortified. On the morning of the 21st, with Twenty-sixth Wisconsin, Lieutenant-Colonel Winkler commanding, and Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Doane commanding, and the picket-line of the brigade, moved out a mile to the front, drew a few shots from the enemy, but gained no important information. On <ar98_827> p.m. of that day moved back to camp of the a.m. of the 20th. On the 22d moved to Falling Creek and on the 23d and 24th marched to this place, where the brigade is encamped, about three miles north of Goldsborough, on a pleasant wooded ridge.

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        I desire also to mention Capt. C. E. Graves, Thirty third Massachusetts Infantry, for bravery, coolness, and good judgment while commanding the skirmish line March 16, with an acknowledgment of the courtesy that has been invariably extended to me everywhere in this division.
        I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            W M. COGSWELL,
                                                                    Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.

                                                            Capt. JOHN SPEED,
                                                                    Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps.

                                                            HDQRS. TWENTIETH CONNECTICUT VOL. INFANTRY,
                                                            In the Field, near Fayetteville, N. C., March 15, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of troops placed under my command on the 14th instant, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance of the road in front toward Silver Run and Taylor's Hole Creek:
        The whole command moved out of camp together, under the charge of Bvt. Brig. Gen. William Cogswell, and after proceeding in a northerly <ar98_836> direction about five miles, it was divided and the Twentieth Connecticut, Thirty-third Massachusetts, and One hundred and second Illinois Regiments Volunteer Infantry placed under my command, and I was directed to proceed on the road north as far as Taylor's Hole Run, unless the enemy should be found in force strong enough to prevent it.

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        After quite a spirited skirmish the enemy was driven back to the cross-roads to within a quarter of a mile of Silver Run. Here, finding the force of the enemy had been increased and that he was making quite a determined stand, I sent forward four companies from the One hundred and second Illinois Volunteers to re-enforce and extend my line of skirmishers, at the same time sending one company from the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers out toward the left and rear of my skirmish line to guard a road which led from my left toward the right of the enemy, so as to prevent a flank attack in that direction. After these dispositions were made I ordered an advance, and the enemy was soon driven back across Silver Run Creek and took refuge behind earth-works, in which I discovered artillery in position and a force sufficient to occupy works a mile or more in extent.

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                                                            PHILO B. BUCKINGHAM,
                                                                    Lieut. Col. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Forces.

                                                            Capt. H. G. H. TARR,
                                                                    Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.