William Hays to Henry J. Hunt, September 26, 1862

September 26, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded to the headquarters Army of the Potomac. In my official report of the actions before Richmond I referred to the services of this command, but now take pleasure in again calling attention to the distinguished services of the Reserve Artillery and the importance of such resources, as well for the moment when suddenly large reserves are thrown into action as to replace that artillery of divisions which has been disabled in action or otherwise not available.

The Reserve Artillery, under command of Colonel Hunt and lately under Colonel Hays, has been ever judiciously employed, and always was within reach of and employed when it was required. In every case (and this has been in every action, not only in the Army of the Potomac, but in all in which this aimy was associated with the Army of Virginia) its services have been marked and valuable, its officers serving with distinguished ability, and doing their full part to gain the battle by their individual efforts and their cordial co-operation and labors with other troops.

I also here especially commend the services of that portion of the reserve which has served as mounted or light artillery or horse artillery, whose labors have been severe and losses in some cases irreparable. The officers of the artillery have received but little if any reward for their services, and while their companions of the same date are elevated in rank and command they receive not the reward a soldier seeks and they and the army are conscious that they merit, and the fact tends to discourage them. Their duty to the country which educated them and their patriotism alone keeps them in the service so long as they benefit her. Some*have been offered promotion in volunteer regiments, but appreciating the value of their services in the artillery and that they could not be spared from an arm which has*been among the most prominent in earning victory they have declined the advancement, while others have avoided seeking what they know they could obtain. Such self-sacrifice deserves reward, and taken in connection with their services, I would respectfully ask of the Government promotion by brevet or in volunteer service.

F. J. PORTER, Major-General, Commanding. 16 R R—VOL XI, PT I

Reports of Lieut. Col. William Hays, commanding Brigade of Horse Artillery, of operations May 6-July 1.

Hpers. BRIGADE OF HoRSE ARTILLERY, ARTY. RUus., Camp at New Bridge, Va., June 6, 1862.

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of the services of the batteries of the brigade of horse artillery:

On the 6th of May, at Williamsburg, Captain Robertson’s battery joined General Stoneman’s command (this command being the advance guard of our army).

On the 12th of May, with Captain Tidball’s battery, I joined General Stoneman’s command at Cumberland. The two batteries continued on duty with General Stoneman until the 31st of May, when they rejoined the Artillery Reserve. Captain Benson’s battery was detached with General Porter’s command on the 27th of May, and took an active and important part in the battle of Hanover Court-House.

On the 23d of May Captains Robertson’s and Tidball’s batteries were placed in positions to drive the enemy’s troops from New Bridge and the banks of the Chickahominy, which service they succeeded in accomplishing in a very short time. The command on the same afternoon marched in the direction of Mechaniesville. When about three-quarters of a mile from the village the enemy’s artillery opened a fire on us. Lieutenant Dennison’s section of Tidball’s battery immediately returned the fire. The two batteries were promptly placed in battery and commenced firing. The firing was continued until some time after the enemy had stopped firing. On the following day Lieutenant Pennington’s section of Tidball’s battery was ordered to report to General Davidson and was actively engaged in the attack on Mechanicsville. For a more detailed account of the services rendered by the batteries of my command I respectfully refer you to the reports of Captains Robertson,* Benson,t Tidball,t and Pennington,t herewith inclosed.

The officers and men were all active, cool, and efficient under fire, and bore with patience and cheerfully the privations and exposures incident to the arduous and important service they were.on. Assist. Surg. Joseph 8S. Smith, U.S. Army, was on duty with the command, and performed his duties in a highly satisfactory manner.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,