Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-01-09
Official Report of Col. John w. Andrews,
COMMANDING THIRD BRIGADE.
WtLMlsGroS. DELAWARE, l
ID. ctmbtr 97th. lSj2.

~ NtiANFl -tNIt loJ1s
Capt. Jo-EPH W. PLUME, A. A. A. G Freneh's
Division.
CAPTAiS:-l have the honor to report the
following AS the patt teken ~ the Sd Brigade,
under my command, in the attack on the eue,ay's
works near Fredericksburg Ou lhs morning Of
the l2th Of December VI 7.30, the command
following Gen. Kimba Is Brigade, and advancing
By the left flank, crossed tie p5utoon bridge, nn1
formed line OF battle in the m lin street O. Ere
dericksturg, the men keeping near their atmp
and the roll being called every hour. This eve
ming, the lth New York volunteers pgfforned
picket duty, Ga the morning vi the 18Th. I
received marching orders from DIVISION head
quarters, aud lurmed the Brigade III the rear Of
kimhall in the following order, in st,cct run
ming parallel with ineih street; 10th New Yorl,
volunteers, Oh. Hcnedx; 1924 pennsylyaniA
volunteers, Lieut.. Col Albright; 4th New York
volunteers, Col, McGregor. The lst Delaware
Regiment being now detailed as skirmishefs, in
advance Of Kimball'e Brigade, aud the column
formed right in front | reported TO Brigader
General French as ready 10 move, aud received
my final instructions. The men seemed full Of
enthusiasm, aud eager 10 meet the enemy. AT
this time Col Benedix received shell wound
and Capt Salmon Winchester assumed command
of the l0th New York volunteers.
AT II NJ the command d" Forward r. was
HANK
TO position indicated, face TO the FONT thus
forming the Brigade in line of battle, and keep.
ing one hundred and fifty paces in the rear Of
kimball to support him We accordingly ad-
yanced briskly under heavy artillery fire, until
We reached the position Indicated then facing to
the front marched steadily up the slope, and took
position in Kmhalrs rear. Wa remained here
short time, until hndng that his ranks had
become reduced, and that although be held his
ground nobly, he was unable to improve his no.
siion ordered my men forward TO support
him. The commanders Os regiments led on their
men in manner worthy OF nl praise and re-
mained engaged until relieved in turn by the
next advancing Brigade. They then retired and
were re formed in the second street from the
river under their RegimenIal commandsrs--
Having, myself become disabled during the ac.
tion, / did not leave the field until after A
O'clock; and finding myself on my return unable
10 perform duty, turned over the commsnd to
Lieut. Col. Marshal 10th New York volunteers.
who had been detailed on special duty on the
other side Of the river, with the pioneers and
was not present in the action.
In conclusion, beg leave to state that the
officers behaved with exemplary coolness, and
the men with the Hteadlness und courage of
veterans. ! wish also particularly TO mention
the efficient services of Col. John D. McGregor.
4th New York volunteers, wounded in the arm ;
Lieut.. Col, Charles Albright, 1920 Pennsylvania
volunteers Lieut. Col. Wm. Jameson, 4th New
York volunteers; Major Thomas A. smyth, Ist
'laware volunteers; Major Charles Kruger,
4th New York volunteers and Capt Salmon
Winchester, an accomplished gentleman and a
true svldier, who fell inortally wounded, while
commanding and leading on his Regiment. the
10th New York volunteers. Also, to the valua-
BILE aid afforded me by tue gentlemen of my
staff, Lieut. W. p. Saville, A. A G.; Lieu.
Theodore Rogers, A b, severely wounded by my
side, while the command was under a heavy fre
OF musketry, and Lieut.. W. Q. IuholF, Aid
Having already testified to the good conduct
of those under my immediate command, it b.
comes my duty also TO state that the 1st Delaware
volunteers, detached as skirmishers, were re.
ported to me as having behaved with great
courage mud endurance. That after driving ia
tue enemy's skirnishe;s, they sustained alone
their fire for II considerable time before the
supporting couma arrived, aud that after
expendiug ull their nnmuniiiop, they retired in
good order. Major T. A. Smyth ia command, 8
represented as having displayed much oaoness
aad ability. The list OF casualties will be
reported by Lieut.. Colonel Marshall, now in
command.
Very respectfully,
Your obedeul servant,
JoHN W. ANDREWS,
Cll. CONG 81 Brigade