The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-05-15

of the l05th Pennsylvania and itself been subse-
quentiy retired, but appointed 10 take Its
place, that breastwork being unoccupied. IL was
at this conjuncture that arrived from my right
/ found McCalrs position abandoned although not
occupied by the enemy. placed in ii the lst New
Jersey brigade, General Taylor. then knew 1t 10
be in true hands / observed that whilst the enc
my amusing my entire front with an ordin-
airy musket fire. that strong parties of rebel skr-
mishers, III the gloom OF the evening, rendered.
denser by the murky fogs of the smoke, were feel
ing their way slowly and distrusfully to the uioc-
cupied parapet. Galiopng back to find the nearest
troops, met General Caldwell, who, under zen
eral McCallis supervision was putting two more
of his regiments into line to the right OF the road
Ia quarter of mile in rear of the breastworxs) TO
up in order. Circumstances denied thts de-
lay; accordingly i directed General Caldwell 10
lead wing OF regiment at double lqnIek up the
road to open on these rebel sklrmishers rms was
done promptly, but, from their being foreigners,
not with full comprehension, and darkness en-
barrassed them; they fired at the rebels, but IN
direction of others of my Iine and thus, while the
enemy were swept off the arena it LETT, for some
little time troops firing at each other 10 M
crease this confusion, the residue OF the brigade,
who had not fled into the woods and formed on
the road, opened US all who were IN the front.
1t Is my impression that General Mccall taken
prisoner) must have been killed by this fire.
The of cross-iiring having at last subsidized,
my 5th Michigan gailantly crossed the parapets
| and pursued the retiring enemy. The Slst Penn
sylvania then nobly responding to my orders gall
lantIy led by Leutenant-Colonei Conner, and Cap
tain Miles, of General CadwelFs stall, dashed over
! the paTapet pursued charged and with few Wig
orous volleys finished the battle at $50 at night
| / remained much longer on the hed, ana re-
ported in person to General Heintzeiman at hls
quarierst
In concluding nv report of this battle, of the
most desperate of the war, the most fatal, II
lost am proud to give my thanks and to include
/ in the glory of my own division the LIST New jersey
/ brigade General Taylor, who held McCalfs de-
serted ground and General Caldwell, whose per-
sonal gaIantry and the bravery of whose regiments
not only entfle them to share in the credit OF our
victory, but also ever after engender ful syinpa-
| thieS between the two corps.
! In this engagement the GOODNESS and judicious
arrangements of General Birney influenced his
whole command to feel inyincibie in very weak
! position. General Berry as usual, was active The
fearful losses which his noble regiments have sus
tanned, reducing them to scarce two hundred TO q
/ regiment, oblige me to preserve such heroes ioi
the decisive moments. Still, they viii not be re-
pressed, and the 5th Michigan, under Major Fair.
banks the first to pursue the enemy. regret
for ourselves that he almost the last of noble
distinguished at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, anc
the forced advance of the 18th Of June second bat
tie of Fair Oaks of Oak Grovel, is dangerously
wounded i have to state that this division Ia:
been extremely used. This has prematurely re
duced TO nothing regiments OF the highest mark
GENERAL ROBINSON THE HERO OF THE DAY
/ have reserved General Robinson for the last
To him this day is due-above all others IN TIN
| division-the honors OF this battle. The attack wa
on his wing Everywhere present. by persona
supervision and noble example, he secured for u
the honor of the victory.
For the names of officers distinguished In thei
regiments, l. for the present refer you to the orr
gade and regimental reports.
As 10 the action of my artillery (battery O, I'd U
S. artillery it has been equaled for rapidit.
ard precision of fire. and cooness amidst great los
ofmen and horses The gallaDtry of its commander
Captain Thompson, identifies him with it's dlshnc
ton.
Our loss has been severe, and when 1t Is remem
bered that this occurs to mere skeletons OF resl
ments. there is but one observation to be made
that previous military history presents NO suc
parallel. Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
(Signedl p. KEARNY.
Brigader-Ge Commanding Sd Division.
To Captain C. McKREvER.