D. B. Birney to SturGcEs, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Kearny’s Division, July 5, 1862

HEADQUARTERS BIRNEY’S BRIGADE,

Camp Kearny, July 5, 1862.

CAPTAIN:

I have the honor to report the conduct of my command during the movement from the Williamsburg road near Seven Pines to this point:

On the 29th ultimo under orders I withdrew my brigade from the intrenched front of Kearny’s division to the second intrenched line. I remained in position here for several hours, and then fell back to Savage Station, where I again formed line. Thence I took the woods road to the Charles City road, which I was ordered to hold. I crossed the swamp, or rather the two branches of it, at Jordon’s Ford and proceeded toward Charles City road. My advanced skirmishers were fired into by the enemy, and we had soon unmistakable evidence of a much superior force being opposed to us and their possession of artillery. My skirmishers from the Third Maine Regiment, under , gallantly kept the enemy in check.

General Kearny, arriving and reconnoitering the ground, ordered me to withdraw and march to the lower ford. This 1 did after a sharp skirmish and the arrival of the enemy’s artillery. Barricading the ford and leaving a guard to defend it, from the Fourth Maine Regiment, I sent my brigade to the lower ford, crossed in safety, and reached

* Not found, {See pp. 37-38,

Charles City road at 10 o’clock p.m. In the battle of the 30th ultimo my brigade held a long line some 2 miles in extent, connecting with Slocum’s division. he Fifth Michigan Regiment, Major Fairbanks, was sent to my support, and by its gallantry added greatly to our strength. At 11 o’clock p. m.* I received orders to withdraw my brigade, the First New York, Colonel Dyckman, and Fifth Michigan, Major Fairbanks, and retire to James River. To do this within 100 yards of the enemy’s pickets, in such along line and dark night through a dense woods and tangled copse, was no light undertaking. Iam happy to report that the discipline of the troops enabled me to do it successfully, in good order, and without collision. In this I was especially aided by Colonel Dyekman, whose regiment in line of battle advanced to what I considered the dangerous point, and remained until I gave him orders to follow our column.

On the Ist July, on reaching Turkey Island Bend, James River, my brigade was again ordered to the front, to meet the a’lvancing enemy. This was done in good order, fall ranks, and determined spirit. We held the front line during the furious cannonade and intrenched our entire front. The Fourth Maine and four companies from the Third Maine held the wooded ravine in front of Kearny’s line, and when Couch’s right was in danger of beng driven back by an unexpected and furious onslaught of the enemy that portion of my command gallantly aided him in driving the enemy back. We held the position until 2 o’clock a.m. July 2, when, under orders, we took up march down the river, arriving at Harrison’s Point during the afternoon.

On July 3 we were again ordered to the front and right of Heintzelmaw’s line, and during the night, without tools, erected a strong barricade, serving for defense and protection for riflemen.

I give a list of killed, wounded, and missing in my brigade since the 29th ultimo. It is impossible now to classify them or to specify in which fight the casualties happened. The movements were so rapid that regimental and company commanders were unable to keep proper records.

Tam pleased to report that my brigade, although somewhat reduced in strength, is in fighting trim and eager to meet the foe.

I mention with pleasure Brigade Surgeon Paneoast as worthy of honorable notice for his assiduous attention to his duties and his constant presence on the field. He proved himself a brave and skillful officer, Lieutenant Linnard, my aide-de-camp, was slightly wounded, and I fear taken prisoner during the retiring of my brigade. Lientenant Lee, of my staff, was untiring in his efforts, and rendered me gallant and distinguished service.

My whole command feels under great obligations to the general commanding division for his unceasing, untiring devotion to their interests, which his thorough knowledge of all the by-roads and paths of the swamp enabled him so suecessfully to promote.

Captain Mindil, chief of my staff, fully sustained the honorable mention heretofore made of him.

Respectfully submitting the annexed listt of killed, wounded, and missing, I am, sir,

your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General.

Captain SturGcEs, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Kearny’s Division.

* The order was not sent from my headquarters until 12 midnight.—S. Peon,

tSee p. 27.

No. 71.

Report of Col. Enrico Fardella, One hundred and first New York Infantry,