AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia.
No. 33.--Reports of Brig. Gen. John Gibbon, U.S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade, of engagement near Gainesville and battle of Bull Run.
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp near Upton's Hill, Va., September 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade during the action of the 28th of August:
The division was marching on Centreville from Gainesville, my brigade following General Hatch's, on the Warrenton turnpike, in the following order: The Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel Cutler; Second Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel O'Connor; Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers. Colonel Robinson; Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, Colonel <ar16_378> Meredith, and Gibbon's battery, Fourth Artillery, Capt. J. B. Campbell. Hatch's artillery was engaging the enemy in front, when from a point to his left and rear one of the enemy's batteries opened on my column. I directed the men to lie down in the road, and ordered up Captain Campbell with the battery. It came up at a gallop, formed in battery under a heavy fire, and opened with such vigor that the enemy's battery was soon silenced and made to retire. In the mean time I found that two of the enemy's pieces had been planted to our left and rear and were firing on Doubleday's brigade, which was behind us. I had no information of the presence of an infantry force in that position, which was occupied by General Hatch in person not three-fourths of an hour before. I therefore supposed that this was one of the enemy's cavalry batteries, and ordered the Second Wisconsin to face to the left and march obliquely to the rear against these pieces to take them in flank. As it rose an intervening hill it was opened upon by some infantry on its right flank. The left wing was thrown forward to bring the regiment facing the enemy, and the musket firing became very warm. The Nineteenth Indiana was now ordered up in support and formed on the left of the Second Wisconsin, whilst the Seventh Wisconsin was directed to hold itself in reserve. As the enemy appeared to be now heavily re-enforced, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin were both ordered into line, and I sent repeated and earnest requests to division headquarters for assistance. Two of General Doubleday's regiments finally got into line and the fight was kept up vigorously until after dark, when finding that we were far outnumbered and outflanked on the left, where I at length lost all hope of getting help from Patrick's brigade, I ordered the line to fall back, which was done in good order. We, however, occupied the ground with our pickets and collected the wounded.
From the best information I can gather it appears that these six regiments and the battery sustained for over an hour the fire of two of Ewell's brigades, commanded by Jackson in person.
Of the conduct of my brigade it is only necessary for me to state that it nobly maintained its position against heavy odds. The fearful list of killed and wounded tells the rest. The troops fought most of the time not more than 75 yards apart.
The total loss of the brigade is, killed, 133; wounded, 539; missing, 79. Total, 751, or considerably over one-third the command.
The gallant Colonel O'Connor, Second Wisconsin, fell mortally wounded whilst placing his regiment in position. His major (Allen) was wounded in two places, but kept the field. Colonel Cutler, Sixth Wisconsin, whilst bravely moving up to the assistance of his comrades, was badly wounded in the leg. Every field officer of the Seventh Wisconsin (Colonel Robinson, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, and Major Bill) was wounded, the lieutenant-colonel remaining on the field and bringing off his regiment in the best possible manner. The major of the Nineteenth (May) fell mortally wounded whilst his regiment was sustaining a most destructive fire on the left of the line.
I refer to the reports of regimental commanders for individual cases of merit, and am much indebted to Captains Wood, Drum, and Mason and Lieutenant Haskell, of my staff, for their able assistance in bringing troops forward to our help.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Kings Division.
<ar16_379>
P. S.--I take great pleasure in calling special attention to the con duct of Private William Lawrence, of Company I, Sixth Wisconsin, whose coolness and bravery under fire fell under my personal observation on the 30th.
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HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp near Upton's Hill, Va., September 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade during the action of the 30th of August:
The division was placed under the orders of Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter to aid in the pursuit of the enemy, who was supposed to be retreating on the Warrenton turnpike. The brigade was formed in two lines, and entered the woods on the right of the turnpike in rear of Patrick's. My rear line was afterwards moved to the right by order of General Porter, and the whole brigade moved forward in one line, the Sixth Wisconsin on the right, then the Nineteenth Indiana., and the Second and Seventh Wisconsin consolidated on the left.
Fire was soon after opened by the enemy, and the fight continued actively until we were ordered to retire, which we did slowly and in good order. The wood being thick, communication between the different commands was difficult. My regiments got separated. Some doubt appeared to exist as to whether the order to retire had been given, and while waiting for its reception all the rest of the troops retired, followed by the enemy, and when I got out with the Sixth Wisconsin none of our own troops were in the vicinity. Capt. J. N. Mason, my quartermaster, while gallantly making an examination to ascertain the presence of the enemy on our left and rear, was wounded by their skirmishers. After leaving the woods the brigade was formed to support Gibbon's and another battery engaged in repelling an attack on our left and center. It behaved here with its usual gallantry, although subjected to a severe cross-fire of both infantry and artillery, and successfully beat back the advance of the enemy. It retired in excellent order on my receiving directions to that effect from Major-General Hooker.
The commanding officers, Colonel Meredith, Nineteenth Indiana; Lieutenant-Colonel Fairchild, Second Wisconsin, commanding Second and Seventh Wisconsin consolidated; Lieutenant-Colonel Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin, and Capt. J. B. Campbell, commanding Gibbon's battery, by their prompt and energetic execution of my orders merit the highest commendation, while the steadiness and discipline of the officers and men were most admirable, and I have great cause to be proud of the brigade I have the honor to command.
The brigade was detailed by General McDowell to act as rear guard during the retreat, and they were in consequence the last troops to leave the field. The coolness and efficiency of fire exhibited by Gibbon's battery under its gallant commander were the admiration of all, and the battery did most excellent service throughout the day.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, King's Division.
P. S.--The total loss by the brigade during the action was 16 killed, 68 wounded, 36 missing. Total, 120.
<ar16_380>
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp at Upton's Hill, Va., September 5, 1862.
SIR: The following is a table of casualties in this brigade from August 21 to August 30 inclusive, made in pursuance of circular from division headquarters of September 4:
O Officers.
M Men. A Grand total
--Killed-- -Wounded- Missing. ---Total.----
Command. O M O M O M O M A
Brigade staff .... .... 1 .... .... .... 1 .... 1
6th Wisconsin Volunteers .... 17 4 87 .... 11 4 115 119
2d Wisconsin Volunteers. 2 51 8 205 1 31 11 287 298
7th Wisconsin Volunteers. 1 30 8 145 .... 33 9 208 217
19th Indiana Volunteers 1 46 7 161 .... 44 8 251 259
Total 4 144 28 598 1 119 33 861 894
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General.]
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
A. A. G., King's Division.
No. 33.--Reports of Brig. Gen. John Gibbon, U.S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade, of engagement near Gainesville and battle of Bull Run.
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp near Upton's Hill, Va., September 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade during the action of the 28th of August:
The division was marching on Centreville from Gainesville, my brigade following General Hatch's, on the Warrenton turnpike, in the following order: The Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel Cutler; Second Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel O'Connor; Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers. Colonel Robinson; Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, Colonel <ar16_378> Meredith, and Gibbon's battery, Fourth Artillery, Capt. J. B. Campbell. Hatch's artillery was engaging the enemy in front, when from a point to his left and rear one of the enemy's batteries opened on my column. I directed the men to lie down in the road, and ordered up Captain Campbell with the battery. It came up at a gallop, formed in battery under a heavy fire, and opened with such vigor that the enemy's battery was soon silenced and made to retire. In the mean time I found that two of the enemy's pieces had been planted to our left and rear and were firing on Doubleday's brigade, which was behind us. I had no information of the presence of an infantry force in that position, which was occupied by General Hatch in person not three-fourths of an hour before. I therefore supposed that this was one of the enemy's cavalry batteries, and ordered the Second Wisconsin to face to the left and march obliquely to the rear against these pieces to take them in flank. As it rose an intervening hill it was opened upon by some infantry on its right flank. The left wing was thrown forward to bring the regiment facing the enemy, and the musket firing became very warm. The Nineteenth Indiana was now ordered up in support and formed on the left of the Second Wisconsin, whilst the Seventh Wisconsin was directed to hold itself in reserve. As the enemy appeared to be now heavily re-enforced, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin were both ordered into line, and I sent repeated and earnest requests to division headquarters for assistance. Two of General Doubleday's regiments finally got into line and the fight was kept up vigorously until after dark, when finding that we were far outnumbered and outflanked on the left, where I at length lost all hope of getting help from Patrick's brigade, I ordered the line to fall back, which was done in good order. We, however, occupied the ground with our pickets and collected the wounded.
From the best information I can gather it appears that these six regiments and the battery sustained for over an hour the fire of two of Ewell's brigades, commanded by Jackson in person.
Of the conduct of my brigade it is only necessary for me to state that it nobly maintained its position against heavy odds. The fearful list of killed and wounded tells the rest. The troops fought most of the time not more than 75 yards apart.
The total loss of the brigade is, killed, 133; wounded, 539; missing, 79. Total, 751, or considerably over one-third the command.
The gallant Colonel O'Connor, Second Wisconsin, fell mortally wounded whilst placing his regiment in position. His major (Allen) was wounded in two places, but kept the field. Colonel Cutler, Sixth Wisconsin, whilst bravely moving up to the assistance of his comrades, was badly wounded in the leg. Every field officer of the Seventh Wisconsin (Colonel Robinson, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, and Major Bill) was wounded, the lieutenant-colonel remaining on the field and bringing off his regiment in the best possible manner. The major of the Nineteenth (May) fell mortally wounded whilst his regiment was sustaining a most destructive fire on the left of the line.
I refer to the reports of regimental commanders for individual cases of merit, and am much indebted to Captains Wood, Drum, and Mason and Lieutenant Haskell, of my staff, for their able assistance in bringing troops forward to our help.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Kings Division.
<ar16_379>
P. S.--I take great pleasure in calling special attention to the con duct of Private William Lawrence, of Company I, Sixth Wisconsin, whose coolness and bravery under fire fell under my personal observation on the 30th.
-----
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp near Upton's Hill, Va., September 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade during the action of the 30th of August:
The division was placed under the orders of Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter to aid in the pursuit of the enemy, who was supposed to be retreating on the Warrenton turnpike. The brigade was formed in two lines, and entered the woods on the right of the turnpike in rear of Patrick's. My rear line was afterwards moved to the right by order of General Porter, and the whole brigade moved forward in one line, the Sixth Wisconsin on the right, then the Nineteenth Indiana., and the Second and Seventh Wisconsin consolidated on the left.
Fire was soon after opened by the enemy, and the fight continued actively until we were ordered to retire, which we did slowly and in good order. The wood being thick, communication between the different commands was difficult. My regiments got separated. Some doubt appeared to exist as to whether the order to retire had been given, and while waiting for its reception all the rest of the troops retired, followed by the enemy, and when I got out with the Sixth Wisconsin none of our own troops were in the vicinity. Capt. J. N. Mason, my quartermaster, while gallantly making an examination to ascertain the presence of the enemy on our left and rear, was wounded by their skirmishers. After leaving the woods the brigade was formed to support Gibbon's and another battery engaged in repelling an attack on our left and center. It behaved here with its usual gallantry, although subjected to a severe cross-fire of both infantry and artillery, and successfully beat back the advance of the enemy. It retired in excellent order on my receiving directions to that effect from Major-General Hooker.
The commanding officers, Colonel Meredith, Nineteenth Indiana; Lieutenant-Colonel Fairchild, Second Wisconsin, commanding Second and Seventh Wisconsin consolidated; Lieutenant-Colonel Bragg, Sixth Wisconsin, and Capt. J. B. Campbell, commanding Gibbon's battery, by their prompt and energetic execution of my orders merit the highest commendation, while the steadiness and discipline of the officers and men were most admirable, and I have great cause to be proud of the brigade I have the honor to command.
The brigade was detailed by General McDowell to act as rear guard during the retreat, and they were in consequence the last troops to leave the field. The coolness and efficiency of fire exhibited by Gibbon's battery under its gallant commander were the admiration of all, and the battery did most excellent service throughout the day.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, King's Division.
P. S.--The total loss by the brigade during the action was 16 killed, 68 wounded, 36 missing. Total, 120.
<ar16_380>
HEADQUARTERS GIBBON'S BRIGADE,
Camp at Upton's Hill, Va., September 5, 1862.
SIR: The following is a table of casualties in this brigade from August 21 to August 30 inclusive, made in pursuance of circular from division headquarters of September 4:
O Officers.
M Men. A Grand total
--Killed-- -Wounded- Missing. ---Total.----
Command. O M O M O M O M A
Brigade staff .... .... 1 .... .... .... 1 .... 1
6th Wisconsin Volunteers .... 17 4 87 .... 11 4 115 119
2d Wisconsin Volunteers. 2 51 8 205 1 31 11 287 298
7th Wisconsin Volunteers. 1 30 8 145 .... 33 9 208 217
19th Indiana Volunteers 1 46 7 161 .... 44 8 251 259
Total 4 144 28 598 1 119 33 861 894
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[JOHN GIBBON,
Brigadier-General.]
Capt. R. CHANDLER,
A. A. G., King's Division.
