Orlando B. Willcox to John C. Youngman, September 13, 1864

CAPTAIN:

June 17, before Petersburg. The division made an isolated attack in the morning on the enemy, who was. behind his rifle-pits. The point of attack was such that in marching toward it my lines were enfiladed by the enemy’s canister at very short range. Our batteries did not co-operate effectually, in fact not at all, at the critical moment. The supporting brigade of the First Division had just lost its commander, Colonel Marshall, who was wounded, and his successor could not be found, and the assault was not successful; but my Second Brigade (Colonel Christ) intrenching itself between the lines and the enemy, when the First Division charged, my division rendered the most effectual assistance capturing about 100 prisoners, with the colors of the Thirty-fifth North Carolina, and a portion of the enemy’s works. ‘

“For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations fr ay 6 1864, see Vol. XXAVI, Part I, p. 941. se ciple kero pe ntop el

June 18, the division had a severe engagement, lasting nearly all day, moving up to, across, and beyond the deep cut of the Norfolk railroad, in front of the Taylor house, driving the enemy into his new works, notwithstanding our very heavy loss, and finally establishing ourselves nearer to the enemy than any other portion of the army.

A full report of the affair on the 30th of July has been forwarded ;* also report of the action of the 19th and 20th of August, on the Weldon railroad.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,