Thomas H. Neill to Theodore McGowan, December 23, 1862

December 23, 1862.

Sir: In conformity with instructions from your headquarters, I have the honor to report that the Third Brigade crossed the Rappahannock with the division at about 9 a. m. the 12th instant, and formed on the left of the second line of battle, our left resting on the river, near the stone house occupied by Mr. Bernard. About noon we advanced with the line, and took a position near the road which runs parallel to the river. General Reynolds’ corps formed upon our left and extendeil to the river.

In this position we laid on our arms until about daylight on the morning of the 13th instant, when we relieved the First Brigade of our division, which formed the first line. About 9 a. m. Brigadier-General Vinton was advancing the skirmishers, in order that the left.of General Smith’s skirmishers should keep on a line with General Reynolds’ right, which was advancing, when he (General Vinton) was wounded by a minie ball, and had to leave the field. Col. R. F. Taylor, Thirty-third

New York Volunteers, was then placed in command, but was relieved by myself on the field of battle about 12 m.

During the 13th, the brigade was under fire of the artillery and musket shot of the enemy’s skirmishers. Our loss will be found in the list of casualties appended.*

The morning of the 14th, we were relieved by the Second Brigade, and occupied the second line a few yards in the rear. :

On the morning of the 15th, at 4 o’clock, the whole division was relieved by Newton’s division, and occupied the position, in reserve, at the head of the pontoon bridge.

On the evening of the 15th, about 7.30 o’clock, we crossed the river and occupied a position on the north bank, covering the crossing of the troops on our left. We held this position until the evening of the 16th, and our sharpshooters, in conjunction with those of General Meade’s division, kept the enemy at bay until the whole of the material of the pontoon bridges was safely removed.

From the time of assuming command in the first line, 1 am happy to bear tribute to the steadiness and good conduct of the brigade. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge my indebtedness to the intelligent services rendered me by Capt. William H. Long, assistant adjutantgeneral, as well as by Lieutenants Alberts and Pemberton, my aides, during the four days we were under fire. To Captain Martindale, who volunteered his services on the occasion of this battle, I am under obligations for able and gallant services in assisting me to restore a line of skirmishers which was falling back. They went back.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,