P. T. Wyman to Sixteenth Massachusetts, June 26, 1862
June 26, 1862.
Capratn: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the fight of yesterday.
On taking the field in the morning my regiment was held in reserve by the general, and so placed as to repel any attack from the enemy on the left intended to cut off the advancing line of our regiments. Five companies of the regiment were detached under Lieutenant-Colonel Meacham about 8.30 o’clock a. m. to support the left of the Eleventh Massachusetts, they being seriously threatened by the enemy. These companies remained on this duty until almost 4 in the afternoon, when they were recalled. About 3 o’clock I was ordered to support the right of the First Brigade with these companies, and conducted them myself. I was relieved in command of them by Major Lamson about 4 p.m. I took command of the remaining seven companies, then held in reserve. ‘
About 5 p. m. I received orders to march to the left and report to General Robinson for the temporary purpose of supporting a light battery. On reporting I was directed to put my regiment in the edge of some woods to ward off any attack from the enemy coming from the left, the enemy being supposed to be in strong force there. My right flank, therefore, rested toward what may be considered the front of the enemy’s lines. The battery having performed the service required of it was now withdrawn, but I was still left in the same position, with no orders to return. The enemy was soon reported as advancing in strong force upon my right flank through the woods. The pickets of our troops, which were in front of me, were rapidly retiring toward their left without firing. I took measures to attempt to withdraw my
128 . THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. [Cuar. XXT
regiment in good order from their exposed position, and though in the outset there was a little confusion, the men were rallied and advanced to the support of their comrades on the right flank, then seriously threatened.
At this moment there appeared to be a general movement of the enemy along the front, and the troops of Robinson’s brigade began to retire along the whole of their front. With some of my companies I then crossed an open space between the right and left of that front, with intention of endeavoring to rally these broken troops. But the tide was too strong, and my own men were soon retiring with them to the cover of the woods, when again a stand (and a permanent one) was made. My regiment in the mélée had become divided into two portions, one of which, under the lieutenant-colonel, reached their own brigade some time before I was enabled to do so. The regiment was reunited on its own brigade grounds of the morning about 8 p. m.
It being impossible for me to see the whole regiment during the period of this fight, there were doubtless many instances of good behavior on the part of officers and men which did not come under my personal observation. Of those which did I desire to mention particularly the behavior of Captain Wiley, Adjutant Merriam, and First Lieutenant Amory as worthy of the highest commendation. The energetic exertions of the adjutant and his constant presence wherever most needed are deserving of more than a passing notice.”
The casualties of yesterday in the regiment are 3 killed, 4 missing, and 22 wounded. Of the wounded one was a commissioned officer, Second Lieut. Cassander Flagg, who was slightly hurt in the shoulder in the early part of the day.
Very respectfully,
Colonel Sixteenth Massachusetts.
No. 44,
Report of Maj. Daniel 8. Lamson, Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of
the battle of Glendale, or Nelson’s Farm (Frazier’s Farm).
HpqQrs. SIXTEENTH REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS,