Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1864-07-08
PETER 7. WAsIIBURY,

VuhV -OiuJ lOOt J
PETER T. WAsHBURN,
Adjt. & Insp. General
Sir: The 9th army corps left their entrencb.
ments near Coal Harbor at dark on the nigbt of
the 18th, and with but four hours sleep arrived
near James river in the night of the 18th. We
here halted until I O'Clock p. m. of the follow.
ing day, when we moved towards the James ri
yer, crossing at II p. m. At noon of the 10th
we reached The present battle ground, after a
march OF % miles, during which our ranks
were much depleted from hard marching on
very short ratlCns. Al e p. M the I'd brigade,
I'd division was drawn up in line of battle in
support OF portion the I'd corps, then about
to ma ke charge. This charge proving unsuc-
cessful, we were moved around on the ripbt
flank 10 hold ground wrested from the enemy
by Birney's division OF the same corps. In the
night 1t was determined TO assault the euemy's
position IN the centre, where battery, suppor-
ted by strong rifle pits, was protected by a
house and out buildings, and supported by six
gun redoubt little way towards our left and
al point where the epemy's line turned 10
nearly right angle. This assault wrs coniided
to the I'd division 9th army corps and Frank S
(tormerly Owen's) brigede of the I'd corps.
When the time came for the assault, however,
the I'd division alone had the work TO do. Ac.
cordingly three regiments of the LIST brigade.
supported by the other three, were assigned to
the easterly side OF the angle, and the same
disposition OF the I'd brigade was made on the
northerly side. The regiments selected TO lead
in the battle were the 18th VI, 9th n. III. and
32d Me. the 18th on the right with instruct
ions to take the battery. Al o'clock a. m.
the line was put in motion, the 9TH leading off.
Marching up the steep hill over Franks brig
ade and the earlhworks protecting their Skin
mishers, reformed my line and gave the order
10 charge. The men (only numbering 1856 guns)
rushed impetuousy forward, driving the enc
my's skirmishers and carrying q strong line of
earthworks fully manned. In less time than |
can write this we had captured two cannon. a
caisson, six horses, 10 prisoners and tie colors
and Adju,ant OF the l7th Tennessee. The other
two guns fell 10 the 9th N. H., their position
having been changed during the night.
Our casualties in this engagement were 9 Kill
led and IA wounded. Among the killed, | re-
gret to record, was LIST 1t. Guy II. Guyer, one
of the most gallant and faithful officers in the
regiment lie fell early in the charge, shot
through the left breast.
The Sallaniry OF my officers and men in this
charge would be worthy especial mention, were
it not that on that occasion there was no deyia-
ton from their usual conduct before the enemy
cannot refrain from noticing the coincidence,
that on the anniversary of the l7lh of June the
18th w., captured the colors of the 18th Tenn.
Col Fulton's brigade, Bushrod Johnson's divi-
sion, Buckner's Uormerly of Hardee's) corps,
together with guns and prisoners numbering
more ihan hall their own men. To us the l7th
OF June will hereafter have double signifi-
canoe.
understand that the LIST brigade captured
two guns, 1.-THE others having been removed,)
and quite number of prisoners.
This charge by the l7lh was warmly com.
pllmenled by our brigade and division COM
manders and the entire assault has elected
general order of which The following is a copy
HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS. }
June 18th, 1864.
General Orders No. "a.
The Commanding General takes great pride
in assuring this command of the high apprecia.
ton in which their services, after the fatigue of
the recent movement, are held at the Head
quarters of the Army. and quotes with pleasure
the expressions used by the commanding Gem
eral of the Army Of the Potomac in speaking of
the brilliant assault on the morning of the l7lh
He writes:
at affords me great satisfaction to congratu.
late you and your gallant Corps on the success
iul assault on the morning of the l7lh. Know
ing the wearied condition Of your men from the
night march Of over twcnt, two miles, and the
NAL mo- - L..