J. H. McCarthur to George B. McClellan, July 3, 1862

Sir: Agreeably to instructions I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry in the battle which occurred on Thursday, the 27th of June, 1862, near Woodbury’s Bridge, on the Chickahominy : Tt is here proper to state that there were but five companies present, the remaining five acting with General Stoneman to the right and rear. During the first part of the engagement the regiment was kept out of fire, prepared to move wherever occasion demanded. Late in the action, and about 6 o’clock in the afternoon, the regiment was moved up and formed in line of battle to support Benson’s battery and another battery on the right. The regiment occupied this position until the battery on the right had ceased firing. The enemy advanced boldly on these batteries, which had opened a murderous fire upon them with the evident intention of carrying them. As soon as the battery on our right ceased firing Captain Whiting, who was at that time in command, gave the order to charge. The regiment charged the enemy’s infantry under a most galling fire until 6 officers out of the 7 had been struck down. The column, being left without officers, wheeled to the right, and came off in as good order as could be expected. , Lieutenants Arnold, Sweet, Watkins, and Maley, leaving Capt. J. H. McArthur alone unhurt and in command of the five companies of the regiment engaged.

J. H. McCARTHUR,