Jacob Roemer to Samuel Chapin, August 5, 1864

Sir: I have the honor to transmit the following report of Thirtyfourth New York Battery of the action of Saturday, July 30, 1864:

The battery had four pieces of 3-inch rifled ordnance in position on a hill commanding the greater part of the enemy’s lines in front of the Fifth and Ninth Army Corps, and between 900 and 1,000 yards distance from the point assaulted. On evening of 29th ultimo received notice of the intended explosion of the mine and attack of our forces, which was stated to take place at 3.30 o’clock, but for some unknown reason it did not take place until 4.07 o’clock by my time. I had the men of my command at their post at 3 o’clock with pieces loaded and lanyards in hand ready for immediate service. At instant of the explosion of the mine we opened fire with all four pieces directed upon enemy’s works. Our fire was very rapid and accurate, silencing the guns of the enemy that our pieces could be brought to bear upon, but the guns that did most damage to our troops we could not get range of, on account of trees being in the way. After our troops had gained a portion of the works our fire slackened for awhile, but opened again as soon as the enemy made any demonstration against our troops. At the time they made the charge across the field in our front upon our forces that were in the advance, we opened a very destructive fire upon them, using case-shot, which I know did great execution among them, our shells bursting splendidly every time.

Our casualties during the day were none. We expended 448 rounds of ammunition.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,