Gershom Mott to F. A. Walker, June 24, 1864

COLONEL: In accordance with circular from headquarters Army of the Potomac, I have the honor to report that the cause of the falling back and losing some prisoners by two brigades of this division was occasioned by the giving way of the troops of the First and Second Divisions, respectively, on my left and right, thereby allowing the enemy to get on both flanks and rear. My sharpshooters being well out kept them from advancing on my immediate front. The first intimation of an attack was the troops of the First Division coming in on the left flank en masse, while the Third Brigade was digging rifle-pits, which was so unexpected that the brigade, instead of changing front and checking the enemy, joined in the retreat and fell back to the second line of rifle-pits, the First Brigade following, but the right of it not giving way until the troops of the Second Division, which connected on the right, had fallen back and the enemy had turned the right flank.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,