Henry J. Hun to George A. McCall, July 8, 1862
July 8, 1862.
Camp near Harrisonâs Landing, Va., July 8, 1862.
CoLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the services of the Second Brigade, Artillery Reserve, during the operations from the 26th of June to the Ist of July, 1862:
Smeadâs battery (K, Fifth Artillery), consisting of four light 12pounder guns, was present at the battles of Mechanicsville and Chickahominy on the 26th and 27th of June, 1862, being attached temporarily to the division of General McCall. For detailed report of the operations of this battery in those actions I refer to the report of Captain Smead, already submitted. On the 30th of June this battery was placed in position on the bluff near the Malvern house, on the extreme left of the line of batteries, and rendered efficient service.
On the morning of the 27th of June Amesâ and Elderâs batteries (A, Fifth Artillery, and K, First Artillery), of six light 12-pounder guns each, were ordered to the division of Brig. Gen. William I. Smith. Elderâs battery was held in reserve, while Amesâ was placed in position with other batteries on a knoll about 700 yards in rear of the earthworks thrown up during the previous night in the wheat field near James Garnettâs house. Whilst in this position it was subjected to a terrific caunonade from the guns of the enemy placed in redoubts and from their field batteries, numbering in all probably twenty-four guns. At night-fall, after the firing ceased, it was withdrawn and ordered to its camp, near Dr. Trentâs house. Elderâs battery remained with Smith, and was posted during the night as follows: Two sections near the redoubt covering the entrance to the lines, the remaining section covering the bridge on the Chickahominy.
On the morning of the 28th the battery was withdrawn and took position at Courtneyâs house, where it remained during the day. During the early part of the night it joined the brigade near Savage Station, on the road crossing White Oak Swamp.
On the afternoon of the 29th Elderâs and Randolâs (K, First Artillery, and E, First Artillery) were detached by your order, the former with the corps of General Keyes, the latter with the division of McCall. Tor the services of their batteries while detached I refer to the reports of Lieutenants Randol and Elder, herewith submitted.
At the battle of Malvern, July 1, Amesâ battery was posted on the right of the main road leading by the house, and, with other batteries, was supported by the division of General Morell. The battery remained
on the field during the entire day, and was handled with great skill. Over 1,300 rounds of ammunition was expended by this battery during the day. Smeadâs battery was held in reserve. About dusk it was placed in battery across the main road in rear of the main position, with orders to act as occasion might require.
I beg leave to call your attention to the admirable behavior of the non-conunissioned officers and men of the batteries. During all these operations they bore the fatigue and deprivation of sleep, and in many cases of food, without murmur, and were at all times ready and eager for action.
The commanders of batteries, Capt. John R. Smead, First Lieutenants Randol, Morgan, Elder, and Ames, are entitled to much credit for the able manner in which they managed their batteries. First Lieut. Adelbert Ames, commanding Battery A, Fifth Artillery, deserves particular mention for gallantry and skill at the battles of Chickahominy and Malvern. He was ably supported by his chiefs of section, First Lieut. William D. Fuller, Third Artillery, and Second Lieuts. James Gilliss and George W. Crabb, Fifth Artillery. In this connection I respectfully call your attention to the gallant conduct of First Lieut. Samuel N. Benjamin, of Carlisleâs battery, on the afternoon of the 27th June, 1862. Although disabled and unable to stand without crutches, he remained with Lieutenant Amesâ battery after his own had been withdrawn, and directed and encouraged the men until the firing ceased. He remained with the battery until it was withdrawn, after night-fall. On this occasion Captain Carlisleâs (Second Artillery) conduct was also admirable. Other officers of the batteries doubtless behaved with gallantry and skill; all, however, with the exception of those mentioned above, were most of the time on detached service. I was therefore deprived of the opportunity of observing their conduct.
Asst. Surg. John W.S. Gouley, U. S. Army, the medical officer of the brigade, was on the field on the 27th June. On this occasion and at the battle of Malvern his professional services in the care and treatment of the wounded were invaluable.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GHO WW Gin ly:
LTieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Col. HENRY J. HUN,
Commanding Artillery Reserve.
No. 102.
Reports of Iieut. Alanson M. Randol, Battery E, First U. 8. Artillery,
of operations May 27-âJune 30, including the battle of Glendale, or Nelsows Farm (Frazierâs Farm).
CAMP NEAR HARRISONâS LANDING, VA.,