Regiment (Colonel Woodbury), posted along the edge of a thick wood about 500 yards to the front and left of the battery, which position was maintained under a heavy fire for about half an hour. Our situation was such that we were totally unable to observe the movements of the enemy on our left flank, and it was only when we received a severe cross-fire that we learned that that important point had been gained and the regiment on our left had already retreated. Owing to he superior numbers of the enemy and the want of support the battalion was forced to retire to the top of the hill, which it did through a perfect storm of bullets. Having reached the hill and formed in line of battle the number of men left was so small, the force opposing us so immensely superior, that it was thought by Major Ryeson (then in command, Colonel Tucker having been killed just after ordering the battalion to retire) better to retire to the top of the newt hill, which was then occupied by the bulk of our troops. On the was to the place designated Major Ryeson fell wounded in the abdomen, and many of the men fell killed or wounded, as the battalion was obliged to retire through a cross-fire of the enemy, and received two volleys of musketry from our own troops occupying the hill above, who evidently mistook us for the enemy.

Below I give a report of the loss sustained as near as it is possible to ascertain at this time:

Men engaged ....................................... 261

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Killed ............................................. 12

Wounded ............................................ 45

Missing ............................................ 40

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Total .............................................. *97

EDWIN BISHOP,

Captain, Second Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel S. L. BUCK,

Commanding Second New Jersey Volunteers.

No. 174. Report of Colonel Henry W. Brown,

Third New Jersey Infantry, of operations June 27- July 7.

HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS, July 17, 1862.

SIR: In accordance with circular issued from your headquarters July 16, 1862, I have the honor to submit the following synopsis of our movements since the action at Gaines' Mill:

Directly after the battle we returned to camp near Fair Oaks; remained there until the morning of the 28th.

On the night of the 28th marched a distance of 3 miles; halted until morning; took up the march for Savage Station; halted here for breakfast; started in a few hours for Peach Orchard; here encamped for the night.

On the morning of the 30th (Monday) marched to the woods on the left of the Charles City road. In the evening were ordered to the sup-

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*But see revised statement, p.40.

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