J. H. Hobart Ward to F. Birney, December 15, 1862

Sir: I have the honor to report the movements of this brigade during the engagement of the 13th instant in front of Fredericksburg.

Under orders from General Birney, commanding division, this briyade crossed the Rappahannock on Saturday, December 13, about 11 a. m.

On arriving at the ground on the left of our position, the brigade was formed in two lines, within 600 yards of the enemy’s position, and immediately in rear of two lines of our troops in front. I then received instructions to support the troops in front on their advancing to attack the enemy. During the time of formation, and for some time after, the troops sustained a heavy fire from the enemy’s batteries. In consequence of the severity of the fire, the brigade was ordered to take position in the field to the rear, with the exception of the Fifty-seventh and meee Pennsylvania, which were directed to support Randolph’s

The brigade had scarcely formed in the rear, when I again received orders to advance to the front, and, in addition to supporting Randolph’s battery, to send a support to the Second Maine Battery, in the field to the right. I detached the Ninety-ninth from Randolph, who, with the Third Maine and Fifty-fifth New York, was sent to the support of the Second Maine Battery. In the mean time the troops in front and those on the right had advanced in force to attack the enemy’s position. After entering the wood about ten minutes elapsed, when they came pouring forth in great disorder and confusion. I was now directed by General Birney to take two regiments and repulse the enemy, who were following with great rapidity our retreating forces. I immediately advanced the Thirty-eighth and Fortieth New York in line of battle, meeting our troops in full retreat. Their officers, instead of attempting to rally them, endeavored to create a panic among my troops, holding up their hands and exclaiming, “Go back! go back!” Still, the gallant Thirty-eighth and Fortieth advanced.

The enemy was now within 300 yards of our batteries. We were now re-enforced by the Fourth Maine. The three regiments rushed forward with great impetuosity, under a terrific fire from the enemy, who were partially hid behind a ditch The enemy was soon forced to give way.

“Embodied in revised statement, p. 133.

As they left their hiding place our men pursued, shouting and charg. ing, until another ditch was encountered? The rebels, now in great disorder, scrambled over the second ditch, our troops still pursuing, until we arrived at the railroad, where the enemy was in full force behind the embankment. Here our troops received a severe check, losing over 300 out of 800 in less than five minutes. Still the men went onward, large numbers crossing the railroad and driving the enemy from their position behind the embankment; and now from the rifle-pits on the hill above a deadly volley was poured into our ranks from an immense force.

With about 350 men (my whole effective force), I was now compelled to retire or remain captive in the hands of the enemy. On retiring, I brought with me some 200 of the enemy as prisoners of war. Many of them were taken in consequence of their being unable to escape the impetuosity of our charge, and others were taken beyond the railroad from their rifle-pits, all other troops that had been sent forward in my front having left the field. On retiring, I was met by the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania, which was sent to my relief. I placed them near the ditch to cover our withdrawal. The enemy now rallied and again came forth, when the Fifty-seventh repulsed them most gallantly, it losing the services of the brave Colonel Campbell by a severe wound in the arm and side. The attacking regiment now reformed in rear of our batteries. .

In the mean time the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, Third Maine, and Fifty-fifth New York, which were stationed in the field to the right, supporting the Second Maine Battery, had a similar encounter to that of the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania. The troops that had preceded my brigade to attack the enemy having spread in all directions to the right and left, attempted to break the ranks of these regiments in their retreat, but failed by the firmness of officers and men, who not only checked the retreating masses, but the enemy who were following were repulsed with great loss. The services of Colonel Leidy were lost to the Ninety-ninth by a severe wound during this encounter.

The enemy having now retired to their works, the brigade was relieved by Robinson’s brigade, which had come to our assistance. The brigade thus remained in position, alternating with Robinson’s brigade, relieving each other in the front, until Monday evening, the 15th instant, when we again recrossed the Rappahannock and occupied our old camp.

I would call the attention of the general commanding the division to the fact that in naming regiments they were mere skeletons, varying from 200 to 350 men. Many of the regiments lost more than one-third of their effective force.

Before concluding this report, I may be permitted to mention in befitting terms the action of the officers and men in my command; but, from the number of field and line officers disabled in such great proportion to the loss sustained, comment is unnecessary. The brave Colonel Campbell, with his arm still in a sling from wounds received on the Peninsula, has again been seriously injured by two wounds. This regiment was new to this brigade, and most brilliantly has it sustained the reputation gained by it on other fields.

The Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania was also new to this brigade. Colonel Leidy was wounded while his regiment was gallantly repulsing the enemy, and, notwithstanding the severe loss to the regiment of its noble colonel, nobly did Lieutenant-Colonel Biles fill his place. The proud reputation of the State of Pennsylvania will always be sustained by the Fifty-seventh and Ninety-ninth.

The Fifty-fifth New York, alsoanew regiment to this brigade, although

not actually engaged, with the,gallant De Trobriand at their head, sustained the enemy’s fire nobly. :

Of the old regiments of the brigade, viz, the Thirty-eighth and Fortieth New York, the Third and Fourth Maine, it would be superfluous to say a word. Their efficiency, bravery, and devotion have become proverbial. _ I can only say that they have added another to their brilliant achievements. Colonel Walker, Lieutenant-Colonel Carver, and Major Pitcher were conspicuous in their daring. The latter fell while cheering his men.

The cool Birney and dashing Gesner, in command of the Thirty-eighth and Fortieth, were both wounded while leading their commands, but disdained the thought of leaving the field until the action was over. Heroism and devotion like this should not go unrewarded. Major Lindsay, of the Fortieth, fully sustained his former reputation.

Colonel Lakeman, of the Third Maine, but recently promoted to his command, has given proof to the appointing power that he was well worthy of itsconfidence. Lieutenant-Colonel Burt and Major Lee, both recently appointed, have well sustained the reputation of the regiment and their State. Major Lee was severely wounded in the thigh, but remained on the field during the whole day.

I know of but one instance of misbehavior in my whole command, which will be brought before the proper tribunal. I cannot mention others without injustice, where all behaved so well, notwithstanding my desire to do so.

It affords me much pleasure to state that Capt. J. M. Cooney, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Banks, Raphall, and Leigh, of my staff, were fully appreciated by the brigade; and that the encomiums lavished ee for bravery, energy, and devotion were merited I can fully vouch.

Respectfully submitted.