James Nagle to Samuel D. Sturgis, December 16, 1862

GENERAL:

I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the recent operations against the enemy :

On Friday morning, the 12th instant, in obedience to your order, I crossed the Rappahannock in the vicinity of the Lacy house with my brigade, and took position under shelter on the opposite side of the river. {[ remained in this position until 4 p. m., when I moved my troops a short distance down the first street running parallel with the river, where they bivouacked for the night.

On the morning of the 13th, [ moved farther down said street, left in front, until I came up with the right of General Getty’s troops. Here I remained until 12.30 p. m., when I, by your order, advanced to the support of General Ferrero, who was already engaged. I moved, by the right of regiments, to the front to pass obstacles, until I got to the rear of the town, where the regiments formed in line of battle. The Sixth New Hampshire, Colonel Griffin, and the Seventh Rhode Island, Colonel Bliss, advanced to the front, on the right of the railroad, in good order, under a murderous fire from the enemy’s artillery. The Second Maryland, Colonel Allard, Twelfth Rhode Island, Colonel Browne, and Ninth New Hampshire, Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt commanding, being on the left of the railroad, were moved in order, under shelter as much as possible, to the railroad cut, and from there advanced to the front. The Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, Colonel Sigfried, was for a time held in reserve.

At 2.30 p.m. the Forty-eighth Regiment was ordered to the front. The men marched under a most galling fire like true veterans. The whole of my brigade remained in the front, and did good service until after 60 rounds of ammunition had been expended, and until they were relieved at dusk by other troops, when, by your order, my command was withdrawn in good order to the position occupied on the previous night. The men were here supplied with ammunition, and then bivouacked for the night. My brigade remained in the same position uutil Monday evening, when I was again, by your order, moved to the front, with instructions to hold the city at all hazards. I placed my troops in position on the left of the railroad, and commenced to strengthen and fortify my position by throwing up intrenchments and digging rifleits, &e. : At 11.30 p. m., by your order, I withdrew my command across the river to our former camp.

Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of my command, especially to the Sixth New Hampshire, Seventh Rhode Island, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, and Ninth New Hampshire Regiments. It is unnecessary for me to speak of the ‘Sixth New Hampshire and Fortyeighth Pennsylvania; they, as upon all other occasions, never flinched. The Seventh Rhode Island had never been under fire before, and much credit is due to Colonel Bliss for the able manner in which he maneuvered his men, he having lost the assistance of his lieutenant-colonel, major, and adjutant during the engagement. The Twelfth Rhode Island being an entire new regiment, some little difficulty was had in getting them into position, but they behaved well, and did more service than was expected from raw troops. Colonel Browne, who was the only field officer (Major Dyer having been disabled before going into action), is entitled to much praise for his personal conduct.

In justice to my staff officers, I am pleased to say that they behaved well, and rendered me all the aid and assistance required.

My brigade went into action with nearly 2,700 men, and my total loss amounts to 522.

I herewith inclose a list* of the names of the killed, wounded, and missing.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,