Jos. Carpenter to Unknown, March 27, 1862

HEADQUARTERS CARPENTER’S BATTERY,
March 27, 1862.

March 27, 1862. GENERAL: In obedience to General Orders, No. 43, I make the following report of the part taken by my company in the engagement of Sunday, the 23d instant: I received orders at 1.20 o’clock to take two of my pieces, without caissons, and follow the infantry across a wood west of the Valley turnike. Px ted proceeding some half or three-quarters of a mile we observed to our front and right some three regiments of infantry and some cavalry, when we were ordered to open fire upon them; we did so. After firing some ten rounds they retired to the wood in the rear, when I

ceased firing.

In a few minutes I received orders to take my battery farther west and on the same ridge upon which the enemy were stationed in strong force. I did so under a very heavy fire of the enemy’s battery, which commanded the whole scope of country over which we had to pass; but fortunately we lost not aman. I then proceeded some half a mile under the crest of the ridge to an open field, where I discovered the position of the enemy. I brought my pieces in position and opened fire upon them, which was returned by four pieces of artillery which I had not discovered. I then ordered one of my pieces to fire at the battery. In two or three rounds the enemy’s battery was driven from its position. I then directed all my pieces to fire at the infantry and cavalry. They soon retired from view. I then was notified to watch the enemy’s movements to our left, and brought my pieces to command the wood to our left, distant some 150 yards, and ordered my pieces to be loaded with canister. Before the order could be executed the enemy made his appearance and opened upon us with small-arms, when I received orders to move my pieces from the field. I did so in good order, losing nothing in our whole operations but ove wheel and two horses, which I was compelled to leave.

lam greatly indebted to Lieutenants Carpenter and McKendree for their assistance during the whole engagement, as also to Messrs. Lambie and Fonerden, two of my gunners, for their coolness and the accuracy with which they aimed their respective pieces.

My men generally acted and performed their duty well and like men.

Very respectfully submitted.

Captain, Commanding Battery.
[Indorsement.]