415 Series I Volume XLII-I Serial 87 - Richmond-Fort Fisher Part I
Page 415 | Chapter LIV. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. |
At this stage of affairs Captain Sleeper was wounded in the arm and left the field, Lieutenant Granger assuming command of the battery. The rebels sharpshooters, from their position in the corn-field had full range of the horses attached to our limbers and rapidly shot them down until not one remained unhurt on either limber, many receiving five or six bullets before they fell. By 5 p. m., 45 minutes before the last charge, not one house was left standing, and several of the men had been wounded. The rebels now attempted to charge on the right of our guns, but were repulsed and driven back before reaching half the distance across the field. Soon after this the rebel artillery opened a furious cannonade on our lines from twelve pieces of artillery, and under cover of this their infantry again advanced in solid column with regimental front. They succeeded in reaching the works and partly breaking the line, some of our infantry stampeding. The latter, however, were rallied again, and with the aid of canister from our guns a second time drove them back in confusion. About 6 o'clock they advanced again for the final charge, and breaking the lines a short distance from our right, they poured over the works, and driving our infantry before them, turning, advanced upon our guns. The right piece was swung round and poured charge after charge of canister into the approaching column. The cannoneers then fell back to the next piece, under direction of their lieutenant, and fired that piece in like manner. So, falling back from piece to piece firing each in!, they did not leave their guns until all their supports had gone and the last round of ammunition had been expended, then being compelled to leave the field. Some time after dark Lieutenants Granger, Adams, and Smith, with about forty men, came together, and with one single caisson, the sole remains of the battery, were ordered to report to the Williams house, which was accordingly done, arriving there at 11.30 p. m. and camped for the night. The following morning we marched for our former camp, arriving there at 8.30 a. m.
Total loss of the battery was all 4 guns captured, 3 caissons destroyed or captured, 33 horses shot, and 30 men killed, wounded, and missing.
I must say that great credit is due Lieutenant J. Webb Adams for his promptness and fearless conduct in the discharge of all duties assigned him on that day. likewise to Lieutenant Asa Smith, as chief of caissons, in keeping the limbers well supplied with ammunition and for the safety of one caisson and seventeen horses.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. GRANGER,
Lieutenant, Commanding Tenth Massachusetts Battery.
Lieutenant U. D. EDDY,
Actg Asst. Adjt. General, Arty. Brigadier, Second Army Corps.
Numbers 111. Report of Lieutenant Edward S. Smith, Fifteenth New York Battery, commanding Tenth Massachusetts Battery, of operations October 27.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY,
Before Petersburg, Va., November 2, 1864.MAJOR: In compliance with instruction from headquarters Artillery Brigade Second Corps, of this date, I have the honor to make the fol-
Page 415 | Chapter LIV. THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. |