Edward Ferrero to W. C. Rawolle, December 16, 1862

CAPTAIN:

I have the honor to report the part taken by m i in the action at Fredericksburg. E eee meen

ee a a re ——O—_OKeK-ewm i”

* But see revised statement, p. 192.

Pursuant to orders, on the morning of the 11th instant, I left camp with my command, of 1,930 rank and file, at 7 o’clock, following General Nagle’s brigade, and marched to the plateau in rear of General Sumner’s headquarters ; there halted, waiting for the completion of the pontoon bridge over the Rappahannock.

At about 3.30 p. m. I went to the river to see the progress made toward completing the bridge. While there, four companies of the Seventh Michigan Volunteers offered themselves to cross the river in boats, in order to dislodge the enemy’s sharpshooters, stationed on the opposite bank, who had killed and wounded many of the engineers engaged on the bridge. The detachment crossed, drove the enemy from their position, and captured a number of prisoners. I immediately returned to report the fact, and met the commanding general riding toward the bridge, to whom I communicated the intelligence of the successful crossing. 1 then accompanied the general to the river, and there received orders to remain and see that the bridge was finished. Finding the work progressing rapidly, and thinking the troops on the opposite bank needed some one to direct them, I crossed, and made such dispositions as I deemed proper to secure the advantage already gained, remaining in command until Colonel Hall arrived with his brigade and took possession of the city, when I returned to my command, receiving orders to march with it to the old camp for the night.

On the morning of the 12th, at 8 o’clock, I again formed column, and crossed the river over the pontoon bridge, following the First Brigade. On arriving in Fredericksburg, I arranged my brigade in line of battle on the right and left of the road leading through the city, remaining there throughout the day and night.

On the morning of the 13th, I formed line and marched my command, by the left flank, through the second street running parallel with the river, the First Brigade occupying the river street. On arriving opposite General Willcox’s headquarters, I halted the command, and there received orders to send a regiment to support the pickets on the front, then being driven in by the enemy. The Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers was detailed for this duty, and sent to the front to support General Getty’s pickets. I also received orders to send a regiment to protect Lieutenant Dickenson’s battery (E), Fourth Artillery, then going into position on the left of the railroad, near the brick-kilns. The Fiftyfirst New York Volunteers were placed in rear of this battery. The remainder of my command was ordered to the outskirts of the city, to be ready to support General Hancock’s division in case of need. I accordingly marched my command, with the exception of the Fifty-first New York Volunteers (supporting the battery), to a point near the railroad depot.

At 11.45 a. m. the left of Couch’s command fell back, and I received orders to form and advance against the approaching enemy. I accordingly formed my brigade in two lines of battle, the left resting on the road parallel to the railroad, and advanced under a terrific fire of shell and musketry, never halting until we arrived in short range of the enemy, then pouring heavy volleys into their ranks, and driving them from their advanced position. Finding that the works could not be carried by my brigade, after remaining with them some time, I reported to General Sturgis that it was necessary to have re-enforcements, having previously sent forward the Fifty-first New York Volunteers, relieved from the support of the battery by its withdrawal. This regiment, although totally unsupported, advanced in gallant s’yle, led by Colonel

Potter, over the plateau, swept in every direction by the fire from batteries and rifle-pits, and joined the brigade, losing terribly while marching alone over this deadly plain. The First Brigade was also ordered forward to my assistance. I

My brigade remained on the field until 6.30 p. m., having been under fire six and a half hours, and having expended all their ammunition, when they were relieved by troops of General Griffin, and were marched back to the position of the night before, and bivouacked. }

On the morning of the 14th, at 8 p. m., I was ordéred to the front with my whole brigade to relieve the pickets of General Griffin, then occupying the line on which we had been engaged the day before. During the night my pickets were not fired on, but at daylight a brisk fire was opened on them from the rifle-pits and batteries, only a short distance in front. The troops were protected from the fire by a slight ridge, only covering them while lying at full length on the ground, and during the whole day my command lay here, unable to move without drawing fire from the enemy, yet not firing a shot in reply. The men this day displayed the greatest patience and endurance under such a trying ordeal. Only 1 man was wounded during the whole day.

My command remained in position till nearly 12 o’clock on the night of the 15th, when I was relieved by Colonel Zook’s brigade, and, in accordance with orders, marched my command across the Rappahannock to our old camp, arriving there at 2 a. m. of the 16th.

The command throughout the engagement of the 13th behaved with the greatest bravery. The advance in line of battle in the face of the terrific fire from the enemy’s. batteries and rifle-pits was magnificent; although the ranks were being thinned by bullets and torn with shells, every opening was closed as fast as made, and the line advanced with unflinching courage until close up with the enemy, and there remained for over six hours in position, until ordered to retire at dark.

No comparisons can be drawn where every one behaved so nobly; but I must praise particularly the conduct of the Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers, commanded by Col. Walter Harriman—a regiment but @ month in the service, and never before under fire—that marched up as bravely and fought as valiantly as the veterans of the brigade. The Fifty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Hartranft; the Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Clark, and the Fiftyfirst New York Volunteers, Colonel Potter, acted with the steadiness and courage that they have always shown on the battle-field, and that has won them their high reputation. The Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers also behaved splendidly, and, although losing their commanding officer, Maj. Sidney Willard, early in the fight, still fought with unflinching firmness.

The highest praise is due to Colonel Hartranft, the senior colonel of the brigade, for his gallant conduct and valuable services, as well as to Colonel Potter and Colonel Clark.

Dr. Calvin Cutter, brigade surgeon, although injured on the 13th by a blow from a horse, was unremitting in his attentions to the wounded, and was of invaluable service.

_Capt. G. H. McKibbin, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Tryon, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Walcott, aide-de-camp, of my staff, acted pA gallantry, and deserve high praise for their conduct during

Private Frank Shaffle, orderly, was conspicuous for his bravery in carrying dispatches under the severest fire.

For minute details of the action you are respectfully referred to the inclosed reports of regimental commanders.

Casualties: Killed, 59; wounded, 394; missing, 36. Total loss, 489.*

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,