Today in History:

205 Series I Volume XXI- Serial 31 - Fredericksburg

Page 205 Chapter XXXIII. BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.

The important duty of supplying the batteries during the battle with ammunition was well performed by Lieuts. W. D. Fuller and Elbert.

List of ammunition expended.

Rounds.

Lieutenant Benjamin.................................... 817

Lieutenant Hazlett..................................... 390

Captain Owen........................................... 230

Captain Pettit......................................... 1,330

Lieutenant King........................................ 140

Captain Smith.......................................... 1,600

Captain Roemer......................................... 195

Captain Durell......................................... 192

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Total.................................................. 4,894

WILLIAM HAYS,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

General HENRY J. HUNT,

Chief of Artillery.


No. 38. Report of Captain Rufus D. Pettit, Battery B, First New York Light Artillery.

BATTERY PETTIT,

Falmouth, Va., December 17, 1862.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on Wednesday, the 10th instant, I was notified that I would receive orders from you, and, in compliance with such orders, the following day, as soon as the fog cleared away, I opened fire upon the enemy's batteries that were shelling the bridge, firing during the day 130 rounds. Friday, I opened upon the same objects, and fired 350 rounds. On Saturday, I was ordered to direct my fire wherever I could see the enemy's infantry, or upon their batteries. I did so with apparent good effect, firing during the day 700 rounds. Sunday, I fired 100 rounds at the enemy's batteries that were shelling the city. On Monday, I fired 50 rounds at the same objects. On Tuesday, I was ordered by General Sumner to open upon the enemy's infantry whenever they showed themselves. I discovered them stripping our dead, and fired 12 rounds at them, when I received orders to cease firing until further orders. No casualties to report on our side.

I have the honor to remain, yours, &c.,

R. D. PETTIT,

Captain, Commanding Battery B, First New York Artillery.

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HAYS,

Commanding Reserve Artillery.


No. 39. Report of Captain Jacob Roemer, Battery L, Second New York Light Artillery.

FALMOUTH, December 18, 1862.

COLONEL: I have to report the part my battery took in the late engagement with the enemy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 11th, 12th, and 13th of this month.

On the 10th, my position was assigned me by yourself on the farm of Mr. O'Brien, above Falmouth, on the bank of the Rappahannock, on the


Page 205 Chapter XXXIII. BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.