Letter

George Hogg to Captain, October 21, 1864

HEADQUARTERS SECOND NEW YORK ARTILLERY,

October 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: t

On the evening of the 12th [June] marched with corps from Cold Harbor toward James River. On the 13th crossed the Chickahominy and arrived at Wilcox’s Landing, James River, at 4 p. m.; encamped and rested till about 11 p. m. of the 14th; crossed the James in transports. 15th, resumed march toward Petersburg. 16th, arrived and continued to march to left of Petersburg, and on the afternoon of that day charged on the enemy with heavy loss to ourselves. Daylight of the 17th again charged the enemy’s position, but was obliged to retire. Moved to the right and threw up rifle-pits. On the 18th made an advance, in which Colonel Whistler was slightly wounded, LieutenantColonel Palmer severely wounded, and Captain Berry killed. Loss heavy. On the 19th threw up breast-works. 21st, marched with the corps toward the Weldon railroad and found the enemy in force. Fell back to the right front. 22d, moved to the front and again fell back to the rifle-pits. Smart engagement in the afternoon behind breast-works; the enemy driven. We captured 40 prisoners. 23d, 24th, 25th, and 26th, occupying the same position. Comparatively quiet. 27th, the regiment moved to the rear and encamped. On the 29th moved into rifle-pits half a mile to the left. July 2, moved back to former campground. 3d to 9th, encamped. 10th, marched three miles to the left; on picket duty at Aiken’s farm. 12th, called in pickets and fell back to rifle-pits in the rear. In the evening marched four miles on reconnaissance to Reams’ Station and returned. 13th, marched to the right and rear of Ninth and Highteenth Corps and camped. 16th, moved camp to right of brigade. 17th to 25th, encamped; employed principally on fatigue. 26th, marched with corps and cross the James River at Deep Bottom, and on the 27th, 28th, and 29th participated in the operations at that place, advancing ‘about two miles from the river. On the evening of the 29th recrossed to south side of the river. 30th, general assault on Petersburg, the occasion of mine being blown up;

* Embodied in tables, pp. 219, 241.

t For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol, XXXVI, Part I, p. 376.

lay in reserve, and in the evening of that day returned to old camp. Loss—commissioned officers, 2 killed, 18 wounded; enlisted men, 28 killed, 260 wounded, 55 missing.

Respectfully submitted.

GEORGE HOGG,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 28.
Report of Capt. Oscar F. Hulser, Second New York Heavy Artillery, of
operations July 26-31.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Summary: George Hogg reports to his captain on the Second New York Artillery's June 1864 movements and heavy engagements near Petersburg, detailing casualties and tactical advances during the Overland Campaign.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 40, Part 1 View original source ↗