Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-06-04
Official Report of Col. Irwin.
HEADQUARTERS. 49th REG'T. P. V. J
May 6, 1862.

CAMP No IL, IN THE FIELD.
May g. 1862.
CAPTAIN:-ln obedience to an order from
brigade headquarters of this date, have the
nenor to report that this regiment was formed
In line of battle yesterday on the left of the
hrst brigade, and moved forward in SUPPORT
OF the battery on the right, in the open
ground IN front of the second fort over which
Its colors were hoisted The men were or.
dered to lie down during the heavy artillery
hre, and remained thus until Lieut. Mitchell.
OF the brigade staff, informed me that the
enemy had moved in force from the woods on
our right, which their severe fire confirmed.
at once formed my line, and seeing the bat
terry retiring, and also the 9th Maine and the
other regiments on my right returning to
their original line on the tanks of the fort.
faced by the rear rank, and marched at the
parade step to the 'slashings" along the line,
then faced to the front and commenced firing
on the enemy, who was rapidly and boldly
advancing, and were then in good rife range.
| ordered my right wing to fire obliuuely to
the right and their close and steady volley
struck with terrible effect on the enemy. and
when they came within easy distance the
whole line opened upon them by fle When
Gen. Hancock ordered the line forward TO
charge the enemy, who were rushing upon
us, my regiment, loudly cheering, moved
rapidly and steadily to the front, with their
colors advanced and their line accurate. A
regiment of the enemy were advancing to
the woods on my left. depoyed by the left
flank two of my companies, i and K, Capts
Dewitt and Neice,) as skirmishers, and GOV
cred the left of the line and held the woods
till the enemy retreated.
As far as possible, all random and desul-
tory firing was prevented. My men were
ordered to fire low and select their mark, and
they obeyed. 1t would seem impossible for
any more trying circumstances to surround
Il regiment, than those which, in common
with the other regiments of the brigade,
pressed on my men. They were weary =; lost
sleep; made forced march over bad roads
in wretched weather, and were, for the first
time, confronting their enemy in line of bat
tie.
The admirable discipline of the brigade
gave the men the GOODNESS of veterans. My
guides were thrown on the line and it was
formed under fire, as if on dress parade.
1t would be inVidious for me to name, as
worthy of praise, any of my officers, when
all alike deserve it. But | cannot omit to
state how well | was supported by Lieut.. Col.
Brisbin, Major lIuling and my Adjutant,
Lieutenant K. D. Smith, and my assistant sur
geon Huber who was present during the action,
at his post near the regiment, promptly at
tending to our wounded, and then repaired
to the general hospital and gave most efficient
aid. The Surgeon, DR.. Gobrecht, was absent
by order on detached duty at brigade hospit
al
Annexed is list of the casualties of this
regiment in the action of yesterday.
am, Captain,
Your ob't servant,
Signed WM. H. IRWIN,
Col. Commanding Regiment.
To Capt. j. Hancock,
a. a. General FIRST Brigade, Smiths Div.
Private David Gilbert, company G, severe
" wounded.
Private Fleming Lilly company B, slightly
woYpded.
ESffciall ERSKINE u. SMITH,
Adjutant, 10Th p. Y.