Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-01-01
Report of Col. AmOry, Acting Brigadier
of Gen. Fosters Expedition.


Headquarters lsT BRIGADE 1sT DIvIs-
ION, DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
NEwBERN, N. c., Dec. 81, 2.-Major -
have the honor to submit the following re-
port of the part taken by the brigade under
my command in the several actions of the
14th, 10th, and 18th instants:
The LIST brigade, consisting of the 18th,
3d. 43d, 45th, and 5lst Massachusetts regi-
ments (the last three being nine months vol
unteers), marched from Newbern with the
army under Major General Foster, on the
morning of the 18th inst. The brigade num-
bered at this time nearly thrty-five hundred
men; of these about one hundred were sent
back on our second day out, being mostly
convalescents from hospital, who were found
unfit to continue the march.
On our arrival at Southwest Greek on the
18th, was ordered to form my brigade in
two lines on the left Of the road, detaching
one regiment to line the bank of the creek
the passage of which was disputed by the en-
envy. sent forward the 23d Massachusetts,
which crossed at the mill dam, the bridge hav-
ing been destroyed. This regiment remained
on the opposite bank and reinforced my COM
mand on the march next morning. The 5lst
Massachusetts had previously been detached,
WIN oruer 70 retiIaiIr IovesI 0rUSl., ss>.rd
ing our rear. This regiment rejoined my
command on the evening of the 14th.
In approaching the battle field of Kinston
on the l4th, by order of the commanding gem
eral detached the 23d and 43d Massachu-
sets to the right and left of the road respec-
lively in support of batteries. The 18th was
sent to the extreme right to support Colonel
Hickman, 9th New jersey in advance. While
experimenting this movement on the right,
the 23d and 45th were ordered forward in the
centre and opened fire in the woods, gradual
ly advancing, as did the entire line driving
the enemy to the bridge. On the right post.
ed the ADD to cut off the forces of the enemy
on the river road from the bridge, and a por-
ton of these-some sixty in number-shortly
afterward surrendered to Maj. Chambers, 23d
Massachusetts. In this action the 18th suffer-
ed most severely, as indicated by the return
of killed and wounded hereto annexed togeth-
er with the reports Of the regimental COM
manders, to which l beg leave to refer for
particulars. The different regiments of my
brigade were during most of the action scat
tered through the woods or separated in sup
port of batteries. All who came under my
observation conducted themselves with COM
mendable steadiness and gallantry.
In the action at Whitehall, on the 18th, my
brigade being in advance three of the regi-
ments-the 18th, 23d, and 45th-were imme-
diately engaged, with what effect could not be
asccrtained, as the enemy was posted in en-
trenchments on tine opposite side of the river,
which was not fordable. Theme regiments did
their whole duty, remaining under fire as far
in advance as possible, until l was directed to
withdraw them in order to allow the artillery
to occupy their position, which was done, and
the guns of the enemy soon atterward ST.
fenced. In resuming the march from White
hall was directed to detach the 18th to REIN
force the advance guard under Colonel Heck
man, 9th New Jersey. The remainder of my
brigade took position in the rear of the col
umn.
On the morning of the 18th was further
directed to detach a regiment with the battery
which was to hold Thompsons ford, five miles
above, which order l complied with, sending
the 43d Massachusetts, under Colonel Hol-
brook.
In the engagement at Goldsboro bridge, the
three remaining regiments of my brigade were
not brought forward into action. Col. Heck
man of the ninth New Jersey, will doubtless
report upon the conduct of the seventeenth in
that action. Their list of wounded proves
them to have been completely engaged, and
the successful accomplishment of the object
Of the expedition, in the destruction of the
railroad bridge, is the only comment | need
make on their efficiency. When all did their
duty well, it seems unnecessary to mention
names, but l feel compelled in this place to
testify to the fidelity with which DR.. Galloupe,
the senior surgeon of my brigade, discharged
his duties. His efficiency at all times and
his care of the wounded men merit the high.
est praise.
REHABILITATION OF KILLED AND WOUNDED IN
THE FIRST BRIGADE.