Summary:
Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts commanded the second division of the Third Corps of
the Army of Virginia, which included the 107th Pa. Inf. Ricketts details the
events of the battle, which included the unit being caught in a cross-fire.
Col. E. SCHRIVER, Chief of Staff.
Hall's Hill
September 4, 1862
COLONEL:
I have the honor to submit the report of operations of my division from the 17th of August, when directed by you to retire to the east side of Cedar Mountain, to this date:
At sunrise on the 30th, I was ordered by you to send two brigades to report to Gen. Kearny, and conducted the First Brigade, Gen. Duryea; Fourth Brigade, Col. Thoburn, which relieved a portion of Gen. Kearny's division. Gen. Duryea's brigade advanced in the woods, driving the enemy along the line of the old railroad excavation until directly under their guns, the Fourth Brigade a little retired on his right. While occupying this ground Gen. Duryea was subjected to a heavy fire of artillery and infantry, in which he received a slight wound and severe contusion from a shell, but remained at his post animating his men, who behaved admirably. It was in this heavy fire that my aide, Capt. Fisher, while with his usual zeal, acting under orders, had his horse shot under him, and was taken prisoner. The Second and Third Brigades, under Gen. Tower, with the four batteries, occupied our left.
While thus disposed I received the order to "Forward my division" from the right on the road leading from Sudley Springs to New Market and follow along that road "in pursuit of the enemy." I gave this order, and reported to Gen. Heintzelman as directed, when informed that the enemy following up the already advanced brigade, and confident that they had no intention of retiring, so reported personally to you, and was then directed to abandon pursuit and resume my first position, where the brigades were soon exposed to a galling cross-fire.
Gen. Tower commanding Second and Third Brigades, was detached to the extreme left with Hall's and Leppien's Maine batteries. This portion of the division most gallantly endeavored to maintain their position, suffering severely, until Gen. Tower fell seriously wounded, and the loss of officers and men was very great.
The engagement now became general from right to left. I moved Thompson's battery to the extreme right of the line to dislodge the enemy, but was outnumbered in guns, and withdrew it to unite with Matthews' battery on the right of Stevens' division, to aid in checking the enemy's advance, which was now pushed along the front. Their loss in men and horses entirely disabled these batteries, and in connection with the casualties among the commanding officers, compelled the division to retire toward night, making a desperate stand at Mrs. Carter's house, used for a hospital, which proved unavailing against the superior force.
On the 31st we remained at Centreville, supplying the exhausted division. The Fourth Brigade was here detached, and the commanding officer, Col. Thoburn, being wounded, I have been unable to obtain his report, but respectfully submit the casualties in the First Second, and Third Brigades.
On the 1st of September we took up position on the Aldie road, acting in conjunction with Gen. Reno's division, and held this point until the 2nd September, when, in compliance with orders, we fell back to Hall's Hill, near Washington.
In recapitulating the services of the brigade commanders I would make particular mention of Brig.-Gen. Duryea, commanding First Brigade, for his noble conduct at Thoroughfare Gap and his indomitable courage displayed at Bull Run while holding a trying position.
I desire to express my especial obligations to Brig.-Gen. Tower, commanding Second Brigade, for his indefatigable zeal and valuable services on all occasions, particularly at Thoroughfare Gap and at Bull Run, where he was detached with two brigades and their batteries, and highly distinguished himself. I commend the conduct of Col. Root, Ninety-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, who, although painfully wounded at Bull Run, continued on duty.
The Third Brigade, although early deprived of their efficient commander, Brig.-Gen. Hartsuff, behaved admirably. I particularly noticed Col. Coulter, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, whose regiment bore the brunt of the engagement at Thoroughfare Gap.
Col. Thoburn, First Virginia, commanding Fourth Brigade, deserves high commendation for his valuable services. Capts. Matthews' and Thompson's Pennsylvania batteries and Capts. Leppien's and Hall's Maine batteries deserve to be mentioned not only for their uniform attention to their duties, but for their efficiency throughout the 30th August. My thanks are due to the officers of my staff, Capt. John W. Williams, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. W. Fisher, aide-de-camp, and Capt. B.W. Richards, aide-de-camp, who severally exhibited a high degree of efficiency and personal bravery.
Surg. N.R. Moseley, medical director, was untiring in his exertions and care of the wounded.
Maj. William Painter showed remarkable zeal and energy; also Acting Ordnance Officer Lieut. M.S. Smith, Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers.
Very respectfully,
JAMES B. RICKETTS,
Brig.-Gen. Volunteers, Commanding Division.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16., Page 383, Broadfoot Publishing Company, , .
