Petersburg

After Action Reports

The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation

of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS, April 16, 1865.

CAPTAIN: In the absence of Maj. C. K. Prentiss, who was at that time in command of the regiment, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the command on the 25th ultimo: On the morning of the 25th the command was aroused by heavy firing on the right of our line, held by the Ninth Corps. The command was immediately formed and moved into the works, Companies A, G, I, and K being detached to garrison Fort Gregg, under the immediate command of Capt. John J. Bradshaw. We remained in our works under arms until about 2 p.m., when the command (less the fort garrison) filed out of the works formerly occupied by our picket-line and formed line of battle. The line thus formed consisted of the One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the Sixth Maryland Volunteers. The signal to move forward was the waving of the brigade flag from the parapets of Fort Fisher. At the given signal the line moved forward, and, with a shout of victory, we entered and occupied the enemy's works, Color-Sergt. Robert Spence, Company B, being the first man in the works, and planted our starry banner thereon, shortly after which he was wounded in the neck by a bullet from the enemy, but I am happy to say is doing well at present and is in a fair way to recover. Great praise is due Maj. C. K. Prentiss for distinguished bravery on this occasion, he being one among the first officers to enter the enemy's works. In this engagement we lost in killed one man (First Sergt. Michael Hallorn, Company E, a brave and meritorious soldier). We lost in wounded four enlisted men. I most respectfully call your attention to the following-named officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves for bravery on that occasion: Maj. C. K. Prentiss, First Lieut. Samuel W. Angel, First Lieut. Frederick K. Bryan, for being the first officers in the enemy's works. Color-Sergt. Robert Spence, Color-Corpl. William J. Brown, for planting the first colors on the enemy's works. Sergt. John E.Buffington, Company C; First Sergt. Whitfield Stansbury, Company C; Corpl. Jonas Frock, Company C, for dashing ahead of the line over the works amid demanding the surrender of a number of rebels, and bringing them in as prisoners of war. Sergt. Maj. Frederick Boltze, for encouraging and rallying the men. Private Elisha L. Kirk, Company B, for capturing and bringing in a number of prisoners. Corpl. Christopher C. McCullough, Company B; Private Marion Gillespie, Company B; Corpl. Amos Davis, Company H; Private George Damuth, Company D; Private Cyrus P. Willhide, Company D, for volunteering to advance and occupy rebel sharpshooters' pits in our front, thereby preventing them from leaving their main line of works and forming a skirmish line in our front until after dark. In conclusion, allow me to say that the Sixth Regiment Maryland Volunteers on that occasion acquitted herself with honor to her command, honor to her State and to her country at large.

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

J. C. HILL,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Sixth Regiment Maryland Volunteers.

Capt. W. L. SHAW,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.

 

 

Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. Warren Keifer, One hundred and tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations March 25.

 

HDQRS, SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., SIXTH ARMY CORPS,

Camp at Burkeville, Va., April 16, 1865.

MAJOR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by this brigade on the 25th of March, 1865, in the charge upon and capture of the enemy's intrenched picket-line near Forts Fisher and Welch, in front of Petersburg, Va.:

This brigade, save the One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, occupied the line of works including Forts Fisher, Welch, and Gregg, and was situated about three-quarters of a mile from the enemy's fortifications. The enemy's picket-line was strongly intrenched and manned by an unusually large number of men. About 1 p.m. of the 25th ultimo I received an order from Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, commanding division, to send two regiments to support our picket-line in an attack upon the picket-line of the enemy. I accordingly ordered the One hundred and tenth and One hundred and twenty-second Ohio Regiments, commanded respectively by Bvt. Col. 0. H. Binkley and Lieut. Col. C. M. Cornyn, to move outside the works for the purpose ordered. Colonel Binkley was directed to take command of both regiments. The picket of our division was composed of troops from the Tenth Vermont and Fourteenth New Jersey Regiments, of the First Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel Damon, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, had been charged with the movement of the picket. The attack was made, but the greater portion of the pickets failed to advance. The two Ohio regiments moved forward, but being unsupported on either flank they halted before reaching the enemy's line, and subsequently retired to our own intrenched line. Both regiments met with considerable loss. Orders were then received by me to take charge of the troops and make the desired capture. I at once moved out the Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, one battalion Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and portions of the Sixth Maryland and One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio Regiments, and under a severe fire from the enemy pushed them forward to our intrenched line, preparatory to making the charge. About 3 p. m., at a given signal, the troops charged, and without halting to fire passed over the enemy's lines, capturing over 200 prisoners. In the last charge the picket-line from the Tenth Vermont went forward in good style. Col. B. F. Smith, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, Bvt. Col. 0. H. Binkley, One hundred and tenth Ohio, Lieut. Cols. C. M. Cornyn, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, and James W. Snyder, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and Maj. C. K. Prentiss, Sixth Maryland, led their men with great gallantry. Bvt. Lieut. Col. Aaron Spangler, One hundred and tenth Ohio Volunteers, received a severe wound in the leg while gallantly urging the men forward in the last charge. Lieutenant-Colonel Damon, Tenth Vermont, did his duty nobly. Capt. Simon Dickerhoof, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, who was division officer of the day at that time, also showed great coolness and gallantry. Notwithstanding a heavy artillery fire from the enemy's guns was concentrated upon the troops the captured line was held. It subsequently proved to be of great benefit to the corps by enabling troops to be formed behind it for an assault upon the enemy's main works. Copies of regimental reports are herewith transmitted. A summary of casualties is hereto appended.

I am, major, your obedient and humble servant,

J. WARREN KEIFER, Brevet Brigadier-General.

Bvt. Maj. 0. V. TRACY, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Sixth Army Corps.

 

 

Reports of Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. Warren Keifer, One hundred and tenth Ohio Infantry,
commanding Second Brigade

 

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS,
Camp at Burkeville, Va., April 17, 1865

MAJOR: I have the honor, as required in orders, to forward the names of enlisted men, who, by their gallantry and good conduct, deserve rewards at the hands of those in authority.
One hundred and thirty-eight Pennsylvania Volunteers.- Sergt. Maj. Osceola Lewis, who was conspicuous for bravery and meritorious conduct on the 2d and 6th instant. He rendered most valuable assistance to the commanding officer of this regiment on the days above named.
Color-Sergt. Charles R. Jones, Company C, for bravery in waving the colors of his regiment in the face of the enemy on the 6th instant, with a view to encourage the men in the attack.
Corpl. Trustrim Connell, Company I, for gallant conduct and the capture of the battle-flag of the Tenth Virginia (rebel) Infantry.

Sixth Maryland Volunteers. Sergt. Maj. Frederick Boltze; First Sergt. John D. Hall, Company B; First Sergt. Whitfield Stansbury, Company C; Color-Sergt. Robert Spence, Company B; Color-Corpl. William J. Brown, Company K; Color-Corpl. Jesse Arnold, Company C; Corpl. John Traver, Private Josiah E. Willhide, and Private George Damuth, Company D; Sergt. John E. Buffington, Company C; Corpl. Henry Cinton, Company F; Sergt. Peter Stone, Company I; Privates Samuel F. Barrett and Albert T. Gregg, Company G; Corpl. Amos Davis, Company H; First Sergt. Samuel Kearney, Company I.

The above-named enlisted men of the Sixth Maryland are each reported by their company and regimental commanders as having been conspicuous for bravery in the charge on the 2d instant, and in the battle of the 6th instant at Sailor's Creek, Va.

Sixth-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. - Corpl. John Keough, Company E, for gallantry in capturing the colors of the Fiftieth Georgia Regiment. Sergts. Horace P. Warfield, Company C, John Larimer, Company H., William A. Rager, Company E, are reported by their regimental commanders as having distinguished themselves by their bravery and good conduct in keeping up the men in the battle of Sailor's Creek, Va. ...

Privates Richard Netz, Company F, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, Lewis H. Shreeve, Company A, Sixth Maryland, Oliver F. Plank, Company B, and George W. Ickes, Company D, One hundred thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, mounted orderlies at my headquarters, were each distinguished for gallantry in the battles of the 2d and 6th instant. They have shown superior gallantry on the former occasions. Richard Netz, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, carried the brigade colors at the head of the troops in the attack at Sailor's Creek, on the 6th instant. I take great pleasure in recommending each for rewards.

I am, major, with high esteem, your obedient servant and humble servant,

J. WARREN KEIFER,
Brevet Brigadier-General.

Bvt. Maj. O. V. TRACY,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Sixth Army Corps.

 

 

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS,

Camp at Burkeville, Va., April 18, 1865.

MAJOR: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to forward a report of movement and operations of this brigade from the 3d to the 13th of April, 1865 inclusive.

After the movements and operations of the 2d instant the brigade bivouacked for the night in front of Petersburg, Va. Early on the morning of the 3d it was ascertained that Petersburg was evacuated on the night previous by the rebel army and reports were received, which proved to be true, that Richmond, the rebel capital, was also evacuated on the same night. About 9 a.m. on the 3d this brigade, with the division and corps, commenced the pursuit of the enemy by the road in the direction of Burkeville Junction, Va. The pursuit was continued on the 4th and 5th. Just after dark of the 5th instant the brigade went into position, on the left of the corps, in two lines, near Jetersville, Va., facing Amelia Court-House, its left connecting with the Fifth Army Corps. The front line threw up slight earth-works.

Early upon the morning of the 6th instant the brigade, with the corps, advanced toward Amelia Court-House, in the vicinity of which it was known that the rebel Army of Northern Virginia had been concentrated. The troops moved forward about three miles, when information was obtained that the rebel army had withdrawn and was then moving around the left flank of the army and it the direction of Burkeville Junction. The troops were marched back by the way of Jetersville, and moved upon a road which enabled the corps to strike the enemy in flank. The corps came up with General Sheridans's cavalry about 3 p.m. of the 6th instant. This brigade was in the advance of the corps; the brigade sharpshooters and the One hundred and twenty-second Ohio Regiment were rapidly deployed as skirmishers, and the other regiments formed in two lines in their rear. Without delay or scarcely a halt for the formation the whole brigade was pushed forward, as directed by Major-General Wright through Brigadier-General Seymour. During the movement I caused two companies of the One hundred and tenth Ohio to deploy to the right to protect the flank. The enemy was moving troops and trains upon a road which extended parallel to our then front. A short distance from the road upon which the enemy was marching a brisk skirmish ensued between my advance and troops of the enemy, but the road was soon gained, and a considerable number of prisoners and wagons captured. The brigade struck the main road upon which the enemy was moving at the junction of a road which led off to the right and at right angles with it. The greater part of the skirmish line-One hundred and tenth Ohio and Ninth New York Heavy Artillery-was ordered to pursue a body of the enemy which had retreated on that road. The enemy also had a section of artillery upon that road, from which they fired shell and canister shot, but without producing much damage. The troops in pursuit soon compelled the artillery to withdraw from its first position to a second. Although the troops had performed a march of over eighteen miles they eagerly pressed forward, and were in the act of making a second charge upon the artillery when orders were received purporting to come from Major-General Sheridan to halt and allow the cavalry to charge. The cavalry charge was not made. The section of artillery was very soon withdrawn, but it is believed that it was subsequently captured. The Sixth Maryland, Sixty-seventh and One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiments were reformed in line across the main road upon which the enemy had been moving, and at once commenced his pursuit. The rear guard of the enemy was soon overtaken and attacked; it was vigorously pressed for about one mile, to and cross Sailor's Creek. The enemy being cut off from retreat by cavalry, under command of Major-General Custer, were forced to give battle, and for that purpose formed his line behind Sailor's Creek. The divisions of General Pickett, Kershaw, Custis Lee, and also the Marine Brigade, commanded by Commodore Tucker, the whole under the command of Lieut. Gen. R. S. Ewell, are known to have participated in the battle. Artillery was brought within range of the enemy and opened a destructive fire upon him. The First Brigade, Third Division, and the First Division, Sixth Army Corps, were soon upon the ground and formed for an attack. Although staff officers were sent to withdraw the part of this brigade a portion arrived in time to participate in the final engagement, in consequence of the refusal of officers in the Second Army Corps, which had then come upon our right, to allow them to be withdrawn from their front. An attack was ordered to be made by Maj. Gen. H. G. Wright, commanding corps, with the troops already upon the ground. A concentrated artillery fire was directed upon the enemy's center, under cover of which the troops advanced through and across the swamp, and at once charged up the steep hills upon which the enemy was posted. A severe conflict ensued as the lines of the opposing forces came together. A number of men were bayoneted on both sides. The enemy had a heavy column massed in the rear of his center, with which he charged upon our troops. Owing to the fact that our troops could only be fought in one line, the enemy succeeded in breaking through the center and gaining a momentary success. The troops on the right and left continued the advance until the enemy's column in the center was enveloped and cut to pieces and captured. The enemy was soon routed at all points, and many general officers and many thousands of prisoners threw down their arms and surrendered. The rebel Marine Brigade fought with most extraordinary courage, but was finally cut off and captured. Commodore Tucker, Commander Hunter, Captain Semmes and about twenty-five naval officers, with the brigade, surrendered to me.
It is impossible to give the number of prisoners captured by troops of this brigade. Two battle-flags were taken from the enemy during the conflict. Corpl. John Keough, Sixth-seventh Pennsylvania, and Corpl. Trustrim Connell, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, each captured a battle-flag.

Much gallantry and many acts of distinguished bravery were noticed during the attack. Unusual credit id due the troops for the vigorous manner in which they attacked the enemy, considering the long and tiresome march made on the same day. Lieut. Col. J. C. Hill, commanding Sixth Maryland, was captured by the enemy, but soon after persuaded his captors, including a number of officers and men, to surrender to him and come within our lines.

During the entire day's operations, Col. M. R. McClennan, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania; Bvt. Col. O. H. Binkley, One hundred and tenth Ohio; Lieut. Cols. C. M. Cornyn, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, and James W. Snyder, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, regimental commanders, showed great skill, judgment, and bravery. Maj. William G. Williams, One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, commanding Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania, was particularly gallant. Maj. William Wood, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, while leading his battalion in a charge, received a dangerous wound from a canister shot in the face. Majs. Anson S. Wood, S. B. Lamoreaux, and Capts. George W. Brinkerhoff, Henry J. Rhodes, and Chauncey Fish, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery; and Capts. George P. Boyer, One hundred and tenth Ohio, Charles J. Gibson and Moses D. Wheeler, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, John J. Bradshaw, John G. Simpers, and Charles A. Damuth, Sixth Maryland, and Simon Dickerhoof, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiments, are among the many who did their duty nobly. Capt. Harrison D. Yarmett, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio, commanding brigade sharpshooters, handled his men as skirmishers with great skill and success. Capt. William L. Shaw, One hundred and tenth Ohio, acting assistant adjutant-general of brigade; Capt. J. P. Dudrow, One hundred and twenty-second Ohio; Capt. William H. Abercrombie, Sixth Maryland and Second Lieut. R. W. Cook, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, acting aides-de-camp; and Capt. J. W. Jewhurst, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, serving upon brigade staff-were particularly active, efficient, and brave. Capt. T. J. Hoskinson, commissary of subsistence of the brigade, was conspicuous for gallantry upon the field.

Privates Richard Netz, One hundred and thirty-sixth Ohio, and George W. Ickes, One hundred and thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, mounted orderlies, accompanied me with the advance of the troops in the field attack, the former carrying the brigade flag. Their most commendable conduct should not be forgotten.

The troops were moved from the scene of the battle after dark toward Rice's Station, and bivouacked for the night about two miles and a half from the battle-ground and about three miles from Rice's Station. The remnant of the rebel army retreated, via Farmville, across the Appomattox River toward Appomattox Court-House, Va., and was closely pursued. This brigade, with the division and the corps, crossed the river at Farmville about 10 p.m. of the 7th, and bivouacked for the night.

The enemy was closely followed on the 8th and the 9th of April until about 2 p.m. of the 9th instant, when the troops halted about six miles from Appomattox Court-House, were soon after informed that General R. E. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia. The rebel army was then in our immediate front and not to exceed five miles from Appomattox Court-House, Va. The wildest enthusiasm prevailed among the troops upon being informed of the surrender.

Early on the morning of the 11th instant the brigade, with the corps, commenced the march to this place, where it arrived on the 13th instant and went into camp. The One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio, Col. B. F. Smith commanding, was detached from the brigade on the night of the 5th of April to guard prisoners, and did not rejoin the brigade until April 15, 1865.

Detailed reports of the operations of regiments are herewith transmitted.

My orders were received from and through Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, commanding division, to whom I beg here to tender my thanks for his uniform courtesy to me.

The once defiant rebel Army of Northern Virginia being utterly vanquished, the troops are in the highest possible spirits at the prospect of an early and universal peace in our country.

I am, major, with high esteem, your obedient servant and humble servant,

J. WARREN KEIFER,
Brevet Brigadier-General, commanding.

Bvt. Maj. O. V. TRACY,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Sixth Army Corps.

 

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