David Ireland to Camp Advance, Left Wing Seventy-ninth Regiment, September 12, 1861

September 12, 1861.

: Camp Advance, September 12, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Seventy-ninth Regiment Highlanders whilst forming a portion of the reserve under your command in the expedition to Lewinsville and vicinity:

I joined the regiment about a mile beyond Langley, and immediately assumed command. At the same time two companies were posted as

— skirmishers, the sixth, under command of Lieutenant MeNie, and the

tenth, under Lieutenant Elliott. This latter was posted on the road to Falls Church communicating with the road to Lewinsville, and the left resting at Gilbertís house. The sixth company was thrown out in advance. After remaining in that position until the object of the expedition was evidently accomplished, the recall was sounded. When the skirmishers were retiring from Gilbert’s house they were fired upon by the enemy’s skirmishers, who had crept up as our men retired, also by a battery of artillery that was posted on the right of Gilbert’s house and which could not have been more than fifteen yards from them at the time they opened fire, but which caused no damage to our men at that time. The skirmishers then took position in line. The enemy’s cannonading at this time was very severe, both of shot and shell, wounding 3 of our men, viz: James Van Riper, first company, in the knee; James Elliott, second company, in the ribs; and John Colgan, sixth company, in the foot. The column was then ordered forward, the Highlanders covering the retreat, which they did in firm order, the men being cool and behaving bravely. We were halted several times to support batteries in position, and when drawn up in line of battle in the rear of Captain Cook’s house to support Mott’s battery, Colonel Stevens assumed command, General Smith taking command of the column.

The conduct of the officers and men on this occasion was all that could be desired. They were cool and collected, behaving as well as if on parade, and more like veteran troops than volunteers. Where all did so well it would be wrong to individualize.

I herewith inelose the report to me of Lieutenant Elliott, in command of the skirmishers.

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

Captain, Commanding Seventy-ninth Regiment N. Y. 8. M.

Lieutenant-Colonel SHALER,

Commanding Reserve, Expedition to Lewinsville.

; No. 8.

Report of Lieut. Samuel R. Elliott, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry.

September 12, 1861.