USA > New York > History of the 27th regiment N.Y. Vols. > Part 9
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It was evident that the position could be carried only by an infantry charge. Accordingly I directed Major-Gen. Slocum to advance his di- vision through the village of Burkettsville, and commence the attack upon the right. Woolcott's First Maryland Battery was stationed on the left, and to the rear of the village, and maintained a steady fire on the positions of the enemy until they were assailed and carried by our troops. Smith's division was placed in reserve on the east side of the village, and held in readiness to co-operate with Gen. Slocum, or support his attack, as occa- sion might require. Capt. Ayres' battery, of this division, was posted on a commanding ground to the left of the reserves, and kept up an uninter- rupted fire on the principal battery of the enemy until the latter was driven from its position.
The advance of Gen. Slocum was made with admirable steadiness, through a well-directed fire from the batteries on the mountain, the brig- ade of Col. Bartlett taking the lead, followed, at proper intervals, by the
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brigades of Gen. Newton and Col. Torbert. Upon fully determining the enemy's position, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and Col. Bartlett's brigade became engaged along his entire line. He maintained his ground steadily under a severe fire, for some time under a manifest disadvantage, until reinforced by two regiments of Gen. Newton's brigade upon his right, and the brigade of Col. Torbert and the two remaining regiments of Newton's on his left. The line of battle thus formed, an immediate charge was ordered, and most gallantly executed. The men swept for- ward, with a cheer, over the stone wall, dislodging the enemy, and pursu- ing him up the mountain-side to the crest of the hill, and down the oppo- site slope. This single charge, sustained as it was over a great distance, and on a rough ascent of unusual steepness, was decisive. The enemy was driven in the utmost confusion from a position of strength, and al- lowed no opportunity for even an attempt to rally, until the pass was cleared, and in the possession of our troops. *
The victory was complete, and its achievement followed so rapidly upon the first attack, that the enemy's reserves, although pushed forward at the double-quick, arrived but in time to participate in the flight, and add confusion to the rout.
Four hundred prisoners, from seventeen different organizations, seven hundred stand of arms, one piece of artillery, and three stand of colors were captured, while numberless articles of equipment, knapsacks, haver- sacks, blankets, etc., were abandoned by the enemy in their flight.
The gallantry of the officers, and the spirit and dash displayed by the troops, are worthy of the highest praise ; and I respectfully call attention to the recommendations made in the accompanying reports of Major-Gen. Slocum and the commanders of brigades, and solicit for them the favor- able notice of the commanding general. I also respectfully refer to the reports in question for a detailed account of the operations of the respec- tive brigades, and for the names of such officers as have won honorable mention for their gallant bearing in the field. While fully concurring in the recommendation offered in behalf of Cols. Bartlett, and Torbert, who have certainly earned promotion on this and other occasions, I respect- fully and earnestly request that Brigadier-Gen. Newton may be promoted to the rank of major-general, for his conspicuous gallantry and important services during the entire engagement.
The prompt and energetic action of Dr. White, the medical director of the corps ; of Dr. Bradley, his assistant ; and of the medical staff of the different organizations engaged in bringing off and caring for the wounded, is worthy of the highest praise.
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SLOCUM'S REPORT.
Our total loss, in killed and wounded, is 530. Of these, 16 are officers, 5 of whom were killed. The total loss, killed, was 110; wounded, 420.
The losses of the enemy are not accurately known. We buried 150 of their dead, and took charge of more than 300 of their wounded, who were left upon the field.
I am, General, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General, Commanding Sixth Corps.
Report of Major-Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, Commanding the First Division, of the Battle of Crampton's Pass.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS, - CAMP IN THE FIELD, Sept. 24, 1862.
SIR :- I have the honor of submitting the following report of the action of this division in the engagement at Crampton's Pass, on the 14th inst. The division encamped, on the night of the 13th, about three miles east of Jefferson, on the road leading from Urbana to Jefferson. At daylight on the 14th instant the division left camp, moved through Jefferson, and at 12 M. met the pickets of the enemy, near Burkettsville. Col. Bartlett, commanding the leading brigade, at once deployed the Ninety-sixth Reg- iment Pennsylvania Volunteers as skirmishers, who drove in the enemy's pickets, and advanced to the village. The other regiments of the division were then advanced to a position about half a mile east of the village, where they were completely concealed from the view of the enemy, and covered from the fire of his artillery. Wolcott's First Maryland Battery was then advanced to a point to the left of the infantry, and replied to the enemy's artillery, until preparations for the attack of the infantry were completed.
At 3 P. M. the column of attack was formed in the following order : The Twenty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers deployed as skir- mishers, followed, at a distance of 200 yards, by the Fifth Maine and Sixteenth New York Volunteers, in line of battle ; the brigades of Gen. Newton and Col. Torbert followed, each brigade being in two lines, the
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regiments in line of battle, and the lines 200 yards from each other the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, of Bartlett's brigade, which had advanced into the village, formed in rear, and joined the column as it ad- vanced : the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Volunteers was held as a reserve, at the point where the column was formed. As soon as the advance began, the enemy opened with a heavy and well directed ar- tillery fire ; but the troops advanced steadily, every line in the entire col- umn preserving its alignment with as much accuracy as could have been expected at a drill or review. The line of skirmishers soon drew the fire of the enemy's infantry, which appeared in strong position in rear of a stone wall, which afforded them an admirable cover.
The position and strength of the enemy having been ascertained, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and Col. Bartlett led the first line to a point within 300 yards of the enemy's line. A severe engagement ensued, the enemy having greatly the advantage in position, and being aided by at least eight pieces of artillery, posted on the side of the mountain. The position of this pass and its approaches rendered it evident that, in the attempt to carry it, reliance was to be placed mainly upon the infantry. I had, therefore, left all the artillery of the division in rear; but, fearing that the stone wall behind which the enemy had taken cover, would prove an insurmountable obstacle to the advance of my lines, I at once used every effort to bring forward a battery, with the view of driving the enemy from his position. But, before the battery was fairly in position this ob- stacle had been overcome by a most gallant charge of the infantry, and the enemy were fleeing in confusion up the mountain, closely pursued by . every regiment of the division, except the one in reserve, each vying with the other in the pursuit.
The enemy made another stand at the crest of the mountain, but was speedily dispersed, and pursued through the pass and into the plain below. The victory was complete, and resulted not only in the utter ront and dis- persion of the forces opposed to us, but in the capture of over 300 pris- oners, 3 stand of colors, over 700 stand of arms of the most approved pattern I piece of artillery, and a very large number of knapsacks haver- sacks, blankets, etc. * * *
Of the gallantry of the officers and men under my command, I cannot speak too highly. Although greatly reduced in numbers by fosses on the peninsula , although fatigued by long marches, and constant service since the opening of the spring campaign, cach regiment-indeed, every man did his whole duty, not reluctantly, but with that eagerness and enthu- siasm which rendered success certain.
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SLOCUM'S AND BARTLETT'S REPORTS.
To attempt to designate any regiment, or any regimental or line officers, as being entitled to particular notice, would be an act of injustice to all others. I cannot, however, without great injustice omit to call attention to the conduct of the brigade commanders, Gen. Newton, Col. Bartlett, and Col. Torbert, all of whom led their brigades in the action, and gave renewed evidence of their skill and courage. Col. Bartlett, commanding the leading brigade, was on this, as on all former occasions, conspicuous for his gallantry, and the skill with which he handled his troops under a most galling fire. I sincerely trust that both Col. Bartlett and Col. Torbert, commanding their respective brigades, both of whom have given abundant proofs of their qualifications for the positions which they now occupy, as brigade commanders, may be rewarded by the promotion they have so well earned.
I append a list of casualties, showing the number of officers killed, 5 ; wounded, 16; men killed, Ic9; wounded, 381. Total killed, 114; wounded, 397 : aggregate loss 511. This list embraces many of the bravest and most gallant officers and soldiers of the division, for a more particular reference to whom I respectfully refer to the reports of the brigade com- manders which are herewith enclosed.
I am greatly indebted to the members of my staff, Major Rogers, As- sistant Adjutant-General ; Lieutenants Guindon and Shannon, Aids-de- Camp. and to Capt. Urquhart of Col Bartlett's staff, for the zealous manner in which their respective duties were discharged.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major-General Volunteers, Commanding.
Report of Col. Joseph J. Bartlett, Twenty-Seventh N. Y. Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade, of the Battle of Crampton's Pass.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIV., SIXTH CORPS, -
- , IS62.
MAJOR :- I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the battle of Crampton's Pass, Sunday, September 14th, 1862 :
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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.
My command, after a march of ten miles, arrived opposite the village of Burkettsville and Crampton's Pass about 12 o'clock M., with the Ninety- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Cake commanding, deployed as skir- mishers. The enemy's pickets retired from the town, and opened an ar- tillery fire from two batteries upon the line of skirmishers. I was ordered by Major-Gen. Slocum to halt, until he could mass his troops and arrange the plan of the assault, as the appearance of the mountain pass convinced all that artillery was of no avail against it, and that nothing but a com- bined and vigorous charge of infantry would carry the mountain.
It being decided that the attack should be made on the right and flank of the road leading over the mountain, I was ordered to lead the column, under cover from artillery fire, and as secretly as possible, to a large field near its base, where the column of attack was to be formed, each brigade in two lines, at 200 paces in rear.
About 4 o'clock p. M. I ordered forward the Twenty seventh New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Col. A. D. Adams commanding, to deploy as skir- mishers ; and upon their placing the interval ordered between the column of attack and their line. I advanced at quick time the Fifth Maine Volun- teers, Col. A. J. Jackson commanding ; and Sixteenth New York Volun- teers, Lieutenant-Col. J. J. Seaver commanding. My line of skirmishers found the enemy at the base of the mountain, safely lodged behind a strong stone wall. Their entire line, being now developed, exhibited a large force. My first line advanced rapidly and steadily to the front, under a severe fire of artillery from the heights above, and musketry from behind the wall and the trees on the slope above it. Halting behind a rail fence, about 300 yards from the enemy, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and the battle commenced.
By some unexplained and unaccountable mistake, more than 1,000 yards intervened between the head of the column of Gen. Newton's brig- ade and my own line ; and nothing but the most undaunted courage and steadiness on the part of the two regiments forming my line, maintained the fight until the arrival of the rest of the attacking column. On their arrival, the Thirty-second New York Volunteers, Col. Matheson com- manding ; and the Eighteenth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Col. Myers commanding, were sent to report to me, by order of Gen. Newton. commanding Third Brigade. The Fifth Maine and Sixteenth New York Volunteers having expended their ammunition, I relieved them, and formed them twenty paces in rear.
The New Jersey brigade, Col. Torbert commanding, now arrived on the left of the line, and commenced firing by its first line ; and the Ninety-
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BARTLETT'S REPORT.
sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers having joined my command, and been positioned by me on the extreme right, it became apparent to all that nothing but a united charge wonld dislodge the enemy and win the battle. A moment's consultation with Col. Torbert decided us to make the charge immediately, at a double quick ; and the order was passed along the line, 10 "cease firing," and the command given to "charge !" and our whole line advanced with cheers, rushing over the intervening space, to the stone wall, and routing the enemy. The charge was maintained to the top of the mountain, up an almost perpendicular steep, over rocks and ledges, through the underbrush and timber, until the crest, overlooking the valley bevond, was gained. The victory was decisive and complete, the routed enemy leaving arms, ammunition, knapsacks, haversacks and blankets, in heaps by the roadside.
The great natural strength of the enemy's position, supported by his well-served batteries, made it absolutely necessary that the first attempt should be successful, or great confusion and slaughter must ensue. The success was fully and clearly established by the masterly arrangement of the column of attack by Major-Gen. Slocum ; and circumstances seemed to have been controlled by some master hand, to enable us to carry out the clear instructions received before the assault. All orders were carried out in detail. No more and no less was done than to execute the plan, during the fiercely contested assault, which was so clearly expressed in the bivouac.
I have the honor of reporting the capture of one battle-flag, by the Six- teenth New York Volunteers.
The action of my own regiments, and of the Thirty-second and Eigh- teenth New York Volunteers, who were under my command, recommend them to the highest consideration of their general officers. There were no officers, field or line, who did not distinguish themselves upon this occasion ; and the highest praise should be awarded the soldiers under their command.
It is with sorrow I have to report the death of Major Martin, Ninety- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who fell gallantly leading his wing of the regiment to the charge.
My warmest thanks are due to the brave, able and gallant assistance rendered me on this, as on all former occasions, by Lieut. R. P. Wilson, acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieut. M. E. Richards, acting Aid-de-camp.
Among the surgeons of the several regiments, Surg. N. S. Barnes, Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, I wish particularly to mention for
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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS.
gallantry in following his regiment into battle, and establishing his field hospital close to the scene of action, thereby rendering immediate and valuable assistance to the wounded.
JOS. J. BARTLETT, Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander D. Adams, Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, of the Battle of Crampton's Pass.
HDQRS. 27TH N. Y. VOLS. - IN THE FIELD, NEAR WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Sept. 23, 1862.
LIEUTENANT :- I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the action of Crampton's Pass, September 14th, 1862 :
On leaving Jefferson, the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania was sent out in advance, as skirmishers ; and, soon after, the Sixteenth New York was assigned to support a battery ; so that the Twenty-seventh had the advance on approaching the pass. The presence of the enemy having been dis- covered, the brigade was drawn into a ravine, in column by battalion, to avoid his artillery, and to prepare for storming the gap. Shortly after, the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania having been recalled and placed in the column, the brigade moved, under cover as far as practicable, toward the pass, and at 3:30 the Twenty-seventh-still leading the column-was ordered by Col. Bartlett, commanding brigade, to deploy as skirmishers, advance on the pass, and develop the enemy's position,-the center of the line, which was at least a mile long, being directed a little to the right of the pass. Almost as soon as the deployment was completed, and the flank companies had been thrown forward a little, bringing the line into the form of an arc, the skirmishers became briskly engaged, simultaneously on the right and left, with a superior force of the enemy, posted at the base of the moun- tain, behind stone fences and houses.
The firing at once became general along the whole line, and was very rapid, and at close range. In ten or fifteen minutes the first line of attack of this brigade had advanced to the left of the center of the line of skir- mishers, and opened a fierce fire on the enemy in the woods in front. After considerable interval, the musketry continuing fiercely, the Second
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ADAMS' REPORT.
Brigade, in column, Gen. Newton's, having been brought up to support the attack, and the skirmishers, as well as the first line of Col. Bartlett's brigade, having expended their ammunition, the colonel commanding directed that the skirmishers should retire and rally on the center, for the purpose of re-forming the regiment. This was done in good order, though, owing to the extent of the line, it necessarily occupied some time,-the charge which carried the pass being made when but three or four compa- nies had formed. As soon as the flank companies had come in, the regi- ment was placed in the position previously indicated by Gen. Bartlett, where it remained until the next morning. The action had terminated in the total rout of the enemy before this position was taken up.
The conduct of this command, during the entire engagement, was most admirable. Though exposed to the fire of the enemy's artillery, while advancing over the open fields, there was no faltering or hesitation, and the severe musketry fire of the enemy was returned with the cool deliber- ation and steady aim of experienced marksmen.
It is reported by prisoners, that the manner and steadiness of the ad- vance convinced the enemy that he had not raw troops to deal with. The great extent of the line rendered the transmission of orders difficult, and I am greatly indebted to Major Bodine and Adjutant Thompson, for the aid which maintained the proper disposition and unbroken continuity of the line. All the officers, save one, maintained and added to the reputa- tion they had won in the previous history of the Twenty-seventh.
It would not be proper to conclude this report without mentioning the efficient conduct of Surgeon Barnes, of this regiment, whose hospital was established nearest to the field, and who was the first surgeon to visit the wounded, collected in the houses at the foot of the mountain, and on the field after the action was over.
The casualties are : 6 killed, and 27 wounded ; among the latter are Lieuts. Seely and Christman, and Color-bearer Sergt. McMahon.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
ALEXANDER D. ADAMS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
I
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RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS.
Report of Major-Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, U. S. Army, Commanding Sixth Corps, of the Battle of Antietam.
HDQRS. SIXTH ARMY CORPS-CAMP NEAR BAKERSVILLE, Md., ) October 7, 1862. . S
GENERAL :- I have the honor to make the following report of the oper- ations of this corps, under my command, in the battle of Antietam, on the 17th ultimo :
For the preceding two days I had been encamped in rear of Rohrers- ville, in Pleasant Valley. During the night of the 16th I received orders to move towards Keedysville, in the morning, with two divisions, and to dispatch Gen. Couch's division to occupy Maryland Heights.
I started at 5:30 A M. Gen. Smith's division led the column, and its head arrived at the field of battle about II o'clock. This division was ordered to take post in a wood on the left of the stone bridge across the Antietam ; and I was directed to place Slocum's division on the right of the same bridge. Before the arrival of Slocum's division, Gen. Smith was ordered to go to the assistance of Gen. Sumner, forming on his left. He at once obeved this order, and arrived on the field at a most opportune moment. His first brigade (Hancock's) formed as the support of two of Gen. Sumner's batteries (then severely pressed by the enemy), drove away his skirmishers, who had already advanced close to the batteries, and oc- cupied some buildings and fences in front of his position. This brigade was the means of saving two batteries, and occupied a position during the remainder of the action, sometimes under very heavy cannonading.
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Slocum's division arrived on the field about II o'clock. Immediately after its arrival, two of his brigades (Newton's and Torbert's) were formed in column of attack, to carry the wood in the immediate vicinity of the white church The other brigade (Bartlett's) had been ordered by General Sumner to keep near his right. As this brigade was to form the reserve for the column of attack, I waited until it came up. About the same time Gen. Sumner arrived on the spot, and directed the attack to be postponed; and the enemy at once proceeded to fill the woods with infantry. and planted a battery there, which opened a severe fire upon us.
Shortly afterwards the commanding general came to the position, and decided that it would not be prudent to make the attack, our position on the right being considerably in advance of what it had been in the morn- ing. This division therefore held its place until it was finally removed,
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REPORTS OF FRANKLIN AND SLOCUM.
on the 19th. On two occasions, during the afternoon of the 17th, the en- emy opened upon us from the wood with artillery fire. In each case their fire was soon silenced, and, it appeared from an examination of the ground afterward, with heavy loss of artillery and men.
In this position, suffering severe cannonading at intervals, which they bore like the veterans they are, my command remained without change until daylight on the 19th, when a general advance was made by the pick- ets, under orders from headquarters. This advance revealed the fact that the enemy had retreated during the night.
The batteries of the corps, under command of Capt. Ayres and Lieut. Upton were splendidly served, and did excellent execution.
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My staff were very efficient, and behaved well. Without any previous knowledge of the field, and with a large extent of ground covered by my command, its duties were ardnous in the extreme. *
I am, General, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General, Commanding.
Report of Major-General Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army. Command- ing First Division, of the Battle of Antietam.
HDORS. FIRST DIVISION SIXTH CORPS, CAMP NEAR BAKERSVILLE, September 26, 1862.
SIR :- I have the honor to report that, early on the morning of the 17th instant, the division under my command left Crampton's Pass to join the main army, then already engaged with the enemy, near Sharpsburg. We reached the battlefield ahout 12 M., and immediately took position in front of the white church, on the Hagerstown and Sharpsburg turnpike, reliev- ing a part of Gen. Sumner's corps. Our infantry, though not actively en- gaged, were exposed to a heavy artillery fire from the enemy until sun- down, and are entitled to great credit for their gallantry under a severe fire, which they were unable to return. The artillery of the division, un- der command of First Lieut. Emory Upton, Fifth U. S. Artillery, was well served, and did good execution. The batteries of Capt. Hexamer, First New Jersey Volunteer Artillery; Capt. Wolcott, First Maryland Volunteer Artillery ; and Lient. Williston, Battery D, Second U. S. Artillery, were
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