Jos. Carpenter to John F. O'brien, June 11, 1862

GENERAL : ‘In obedience to your orders I hereby make the following report of the operations of my company in the recent engagements of the 8th and 9th instant near Port Republic:

On the morning of the 8th, while in camp on the heights opposite Port Republic, and, as I supposed, in quarters for one day at least, my horses all turned out to graze, was very much surprised to hear a brisk cannonading at or near the bridge over the Shenandoah River. Knowing that the enemy was on that side of the river, and believing that he had made his appearance, I immediately ordered my horses to be caught and harnessed and my battery put in readiness for action. At this time I received orders from you to move my battery forward as soon as possible. I did so, and placed it in a position at a point indicated by yourself. Upon looking across the river I saw the enemy’s cavalry in full retreat, and upon looking down the river I observed his infantry coming, upon which I turned my pieces and opened fire. He was at first very obstinate and appeared determined to move forward, but a few rounds from our artillery upon the head of his column soon taught him the importance of the about-face and double-quick in his drills. I then kept up a fire upon his retreating column, advancing by half battery so long as it was in sight. After remaining some time at the last position occupied, some half a mile below the bridge, I received orders to move to camp.

Early in the morning on the 9th instant I received orders to move ‘my battery avross the South River. After proceeding a short distance

down the river, on the road leading to Swift Run, the eneimy’s pickets were observed. Two of my pieces were unlimbered, and one or two rounds drove them off. I then received orders to limber up and move to the right. About this time the enemy opened fire upon us. I was then ordered to move my pieces forward and through a wood that was just in front of me. After examining the wood I found that it was impossible to move artillery through in consequence of the thick under- growth. I reported this fact to Captain O’Brien, assistant adjutantgeneral, when he directed that I should send one section of my battery to the support of the left. I did so, under the command of Lieutenant McKendree, who reported to the general in person, and was ordered to take position on the extreme left. Of the operations of this section the general must be acquainted, as it was under his immediate observation nearly the whole time. With Captain O’Brien’s permission I ordered the other section, under command of Lieutenant Carpenter, to take a position on the extreme right, as there was no artillery there, and by so doing to get a cross-fire upon the enemy. He moved forward until within short range of the enemy’s guns and opened upon them with shell. Very soon the infantry of the enemy began to advance upon him. Then I ordered a round or two of canister, which staggered them. He continued to pour canister into their ranks and maintained his ground until his ammunition, except a few shell, was exhausted, in consequence of which and the close proximity of the enemy I ordered him to move to the rear and fill his limbers again.

I then went to look after my other section on the left. After getting nearly there I found that it had already been ordered to the rear.

The artillery duel was a sharp one, having been fought principally with canister and short-range shell.

Strength on 8th, rank and file, 70. Strength on 9th, rank and file, 55; 11 not engaged.*

Very respectfully submitted.