Hiram G. Berry to F. Birney, December 14, 1862

Siz: In conformity to orders from your headquarters, we broke up camp yesterday morning at 4 a. m., and moved, with the other brigades of this division, to the bank of the Rappahannock, just below Falmouth, where we were halted until 10.30 a.m. At that time we moved to the river to cross.

In obedience to orders from corps headquarters, I crossed this brigade over the upper bridge, and connected with the First [Second] Brigade, General Ward, upon this side, arriving on our present ground about 11.30 o’clock, and took up a position on the left of the First [ Second} Brigade.

At 12 o’clock I was ordered by General Birney to take one regiment over to the right of our first line, and to sustain the rifle batteries; also to guard our left flank with the other regiments of my brigade. I sent the Fifth Michigan, Lieutenant-Colonel Gilluly in command, to the ridge, and placed the Thirty-seventh New York, Colonel Hayman, One hundred and first New York Volunteers, Colonel Chester, and Seventeenth Maine, Colonel Roberts, in support of the batteries, keeping, as a reserve, the First New York and Third Michigan. These dispositions being made, I awaited the result of the attack then going on in front.

I received orders about this time (1.30 p. m.) from the general of the division to be prepared fully to sustain a charge on our batteries, should our forces then engaged be driven back.

At 2 p. m. it was evident that our forces were being driven in. I extended my left by moving the Seventeenth Maine to my extreme left. At this time the charge took place on the batteries in my front. The disordered troops, who had been driven in, by passing my front to the rear, did not dampen the ardor of my command, and when the enemy came within range, the Fifth Michigan, Thirty-seventh New York, One hundred and first New York, and Seventeenth Maine poured a withering fire into their ranks, which sent them to the right-about, they having met with a bloody repulse. This ended the infantry fight, as far as my brigade was concerned. We were subject, until night, to a heavy artillery fire, during which my men behaved handsomely. We lay on the ground under the enemy’s batteries Sunday and Monday.

Monday, at 10 p. m., I received orders from the division general to form my brigade on a third line, in rear of the road, and to be prepared to move at a moment’s notice. A half hour later I received orders from General Stoneman, commanding the corps, to move my brigade by its left flank to the rear, and form a line of battle, the left resting on the river, and the right resting on General Sickles’ left flank. Captain Sumner, of corps staff, was sent with me to place the brigade in position. As I was about forming my line, I received a second order from corps headquarters, through Captain Livingston, of the artillery, to march my brigade directly to the lower bridge, to cross and go into camp near corps headquarters. I proceeded on with my brigade, crossed the lower bridge, and went into camp within 400 yards of corps headquarters at 1 a. m.

At daylight I reported in person to General Stoneman, and sent Lieutenant Freeman, of my staff, to report to division headquarters.

At 8 a. m. I received orders from division headquarters to join thi division, and place my brigade in rear of the First Brigade. I did so, and followed it to its camp, and then, under direction of the general of the division, I placed my brigade in its present camp.

_This brigade has sustained in this battle its former good reputation; forming, as it did, on the plains of Fredericksburg, under fire of the enemy’s batteries from the heights in front, and from their batbene on our flank, without any signs of wavering, is proof of its reliaility.

I have to again, as upon every field where this brigade has fought under my command, make honorable mention of the Fifth Michigan Volunteers. Its brave chief, the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Gilluly, fell at the head of his regiment in repelling a charge of the enemy upon the battery which his regiment was supporting. The conduct of this war-worn regiment was, indeed, most noble.

The Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers was no less conspicuous. Colonel Hayman was ever on the alert. His regiment was in support of a battery, and was always ready. It contributed largely in repulsing the enemy. It has won new laurels in the fight, which, added to its very many old ones, makes this organization one of the most noted in the volunteer service.

I have also to mention the good conduct of the One hundred and first New York Volunteers, Colonel Chester commanding. They nobly performed their duty during the fight; also as picket on the night of the retreat. This regiment, though small in numbers, did good service, and its conduct, together with all its officers, was unexceptionable.

The Third Michigan Volunteers and the First New York Volunteers formed my second line. They were not actively engaged, but, by their steady bearing and devotion to duty, have again won my admiration. The conduct of these two regiments could not be bettered.

Next, I have to mention the Seventeenth Maine Volunteers. This was its first engagement; but very few of its members were ever before under fire. Officers and men alike nobly performed their duty ; no one would have known but that they were veterans. Colonel Roberts, Lieutenant-Colone}l Merrill, and Major West acted nobly, and performed their duties in a most satisfactory manner. This regiment assisted in the repulse of the enemy’s attack on our batteries.

I cannot close this report without making honorable mention of Capt. G. W. Wilson, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and my aides, Lieuts. J. B. Greenhalgh, George Freeman, and 8S. S. Huntly. They were active in the performance of their duties, and rendered the most efficient service.

I also feel it my duty to mention Father Tissot, chaplain of the Thirtyseventh New York Volunteers. He was with his regiment during the engagement, and by his bearing and teachings rendered valuable service. He is, indeed, a model chaplain.

The several surgeons of this brigade were on the field, and were very active in the performance of their duties.

Herewith please find a complete list of killed and wounded.* You will observe we have no missing. I am happy to be able to state that I have not a straggler in the whole brigade.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,