E. D. Baker to 218 OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA, AND W. VA. — [CHar. XIV, October 6, 1861

HEADQUARTERS BAKER’S BRIGADE,

Near Monocacy, October 6, 1861.

GENERAL:

I have the honor to inclose the reports of the officers commanding two regiments in the brigade under my command. It is only necessary for the commanding general to peruse them to be satisfied that the casualties which occurred on the night of the 28th ultimo were inevitable results of causes over which the troops themselves had no control. The circumstances were peculiarly trying, and the confusion, though great, did not impair the courage or steadiness of most of the officers and* men.

As the California regiment was most exposed, I deem it proper to speak in terms of high commendation of Lieutenant-Colonel Wistar, eommanding, who evinced peculiar coolness and intrepidity.

The command is under great obligations to Captain Harvey, assistant adjutant-general of the brigade, for his excellent conduct on the occasion, and the adjutant of the California regiment, Lieutenant Newlin, deserves the praise bestowed on him by his commanding officer.

The field officers of the other regiments of the brigade also evinced high personal bravery, and I have no reason to doubt, from the conduct

-of officers and men generally, that the losses they sustained are not to be attributed to any want of soldierly qualities, and will in nowise ‘diminish their confidence either in their officers or themselves. Having been absent on duty at the time the events in question took place, I form these opinions after a careful examination, and am, confident of. their general correctness. `

I have the honor to be, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Army of Potomac, Washington.

r

No. 2.

Report of Lieut. Col. Dennis O’ Kane, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry.