Gaines' Mill Timings

[67th Tigers]

AP Hill's Grand Division

The rebel attacks begin with Gregg attacking Warren's brigade. AP Hill says he was waiting to hear from Longstreet, and at 1430 he did, and ordered an attack, which developed slowly from his left to right, lasting two hours before Ewell came up. AP Hill's command was (left to right) Gregg, Branch, JR Anderson, Field and then Archer, with Pender as his reserve brigade. AP Hill says Longstreet came up on his right at 1600,* and he received reinforcements from Jackson (i.e. Ewell's division) later, and was relieved from the line. He times the order for the general assault at 1900, after Whitting's attack and Hood's break-in.

* Reports from within Longstreet's grand division confirm the vanguard of this command reached Gaines' Mill about this time.

Gregg says the bridge over the Powhite was complete just before 1400, and at 1430 he was ordered by AP Hill to wait for the whole of the grand division to be up before attacking, and they made an attack at 1600. Barnes of the 12th SC reported the attack at close to 1700, but states it was a guess. Edwards of the 13th SC gave precise timings, with the brigade halting at 1440 before the enemy, and being held to cover the retreat of the three attacking regts (1st SC, 12th SC and 1st SC Rifles) which happened after. The 14th SC wasn't with the brigade, being left in camp on the 25th and reached the field late, never rejoining the brigade. Marshall of the 1st SC Rifles says he reached Cold Harbor about 1400, waited two hours and the attack started about 1600.

Branch gives no timings, but reports finding the enemy in front of the works whilst moving to form astride the road right of Gregg (note this isn't where some maps place him). Heywood of the 7th NC places this as between 1500 and 1600. Cowan of the 18th NC states they were put in at 1600. Hoke of the 33rd NC reported reaching the position at 1600 and the forward regiments were engaged. Barbour of the 37th NC simply stated he was ordered forward to engaged in the "evening."

Field reported being ordered to form next to JR Anderson about 1400. JR Anderson gives no timings, and nor does Archer. Pender says he was in reserve (having been the lead on forcing the Powhite) and went to support Gregg, but gives no timings.

Generally, it appears the major fighting didn't start until close to 1600, which is consistent with reports from Lovell's and Warren's brigades, which received the first attack. Buchanan's brigade and it's battalions report a much earlier start of 1100-1200, but it appears they were the rearguard disputing the Powhite, and start the beginning of the action from AP Hill reaching the Powhite.

Given that Newton's brigade was started at 1400 and the rest of Slocum's at 1430, with them arriving ca. 1500-1600, it appears Slocum's division was already on the field before AP Hill began the affair. It looks like the forcing of the Powhite caused them to be sent.

TBC

 

[67th Tigers]

Longstreet's Grand Division (and Two of Jackson's Brigades)

Longstreet himself gives only a sequence of events, but no timings. Longstreet's force is in reservee. It is divided into two three-brigade divisions, one division behind a wood and another behind a hill. Not long after Longstreet arrives, Lee gives him an urgent order to make a demonstration. Wilcox's division (Wilcox, Featherston and Pryor) are on the right, and Pickett's division on the left. Jenkins' (RH Anderson's, commanding division) brigade was divided to cover the flanks. Kemper's brigade was in reserve and not engaged. This demonstration occurs just before Whiting arrives, and soon attacks.

Two of Jackson's brigades, Fulkerson's and Jones' (commanded by Cunningham) ended up with Longstreet.

Kemper's report confirms he was not engaged, being the rear brigade of the column.

Strange, reporting for Pickett's brigade, places them arriving at Gaines' Mill at 1600. He gives no further timings, but the order to move to the right was soon after arriving.

Wilcox has his division remaining at Gaines' House (west of the Powhite, behind the hill) for 2.5 to 3 h, skirmishing the Federals. Then he advanced Pryor to the top of the hill to drive back the skirmishers, and advanced his division.

Pryor confirms approaching the Gaines' House about 1100, and there being considerable time to push away the Federal skirmishers, which required a divisional effort. The order to demonstrate against the main position is timed 1600.

Featherston times the order to advance at about 1600, and the combat lasting three hours.

RH Anderson (in the SOR) writes them advanced after the collapse of [Martindale's brigade] and were engaged with the 16th Michigan.

Fulkerson of Jackson's division ends up near the Gaines House, and at 1900 is asked to relieve Wilcox. He places Wilcox on the extreme right, only half a mile north of the river. Jenkins' brigade had driven Butterfield from in front of this position about as they arrived. Lane of the 42nd VA places them two miles west when ordered forward. Leigh of the 1st VA Bn places their arrival west of the Gaines House at 1700, and they never got the order to advance, and instead one of Winder's staff officers found them and ordered them to march round to the rebel left, where he places Winder's attack at 1930.

Warren of the 10th VA, reporting for Fulkerson's brigade, places their advance late, and they met no opposition, meeting with Hood's brigade (probably near the Watts' House, the limit of the rebel advance) and Fulkerson's brigade relieved Hood's spent brigade at nightfall.

 

[Mississippian1861]

Longstreet's Grand Division (and Two of Jackson's Brigades)

Longstreet himself gives only a sequence of events, but no timings. Longstreet's force is in reservee. It is divided into two three-brigade divisions, one division behind a wood and another behind a hill. Not long after Longstreet arrives, Lee gives him an urgent order to make a demonstration. Wilcox's division (Wilcox, Featherston and Pryor) are on the right, and Pickett's division on the left. Jenkins' (RH Anderson's, commanding division) brigade was divided to cover the flanks. Kemper's brigade was in reserve and not engaged. This demonstration occurs just before Whiting arrives, and soon attacks.

Two of Jackson's brigades, Fulkerson's and Jones' (commanded by Cunningham) ended up with Longstreet.

Kemper's report confirms he was not engaged, being the rear brigade of the column.

Strange, reporting for Pickett's brigade, places them arriving at Gaines' Mill at 1600. He gives no further timings, but the order to move to the right was soon after arriving.

Wilcox has his division remaining at Gaines' House (west of the Powhite, behind the hill) for 2.5 to 3 h, skirmishing the Federals. Then he advanced Pryor to the top of the hill to drive back the skirmishers, and advanced his division.

Pryor confirms approaching the Gaines' House about 1100, and there being considerable time to push away the Federal skirmishers, which required a divisional effort. The order to demonstrate against the main position is timed 1600.

Featherston times the order to advance at about 1600, and the combat lasting three hours.

RH Anderson (in the SOR) writes them advanced after the collapse of [Martindale's brigade] and were engaged with the 16th Michigan.

Fulkerson of Jackson's division ends up near the Gaines House, and at 1900 is asked to relieve Wilcox. He places Wilcox on the extreme right, only half a mile north of the river. Jenkins' brigade had driven Butterfield from in front of this position about as they arrived. Lane of the 42nd VA places them two miles west when ordered forward. Leigh of the 1st VA Bn places their arrival west of the Gaines House at 1700, and they never got the order to advance, and instead one of Winder's staff officers found them and ordered them to march round to the rebel left, where he places Winder's attack at 1930.

Warren of the 10th VA, reporting for Fulkerson's brigade, places their advance late, and they met no opposition, meeting with Hood's brigade (probably near the Watts' House, the limit of the rebel advance) and Fulkerson's brigade relieved Hood's spent brigade at nightfall.

The Palmetto Sharpshooters and 5th SC are the ones who face off with the 16th MI and 83rd PA, with the Sharpshooters taking the flag of the 16th.

 

[67th Tigers]

DH Hill's Grand Division (and Two of Jackson's Brigades)

DH Hill gives no real timings, but does tell us of Lee's intent. He says the night before, at 2100, he received orders to march round to the north and support Jackson's movement (this still being aimed at dislodging the Federals from Beaver Dam Creek). He says at daylight the route was found to be blocked, and he used Garland and GB Anderson to flank the position, and the Federals withdrew. His force reached the swamp north of Sykes, and advanced 10 guns to bombard Sykes, but was repelled. Jackson ordered him to pull back, and the intent was to open the road north.

After several hours of AP Hill and Longstreet being engaged, it was apparent they'd been repelled. An order came from Lee for Jackson and DH Hill to support AP Hill and Longstreet. DH Hill formed his command, left to right, as Garland, GB Anderson, Rodes, Colquitt and Ripley (but see other reports where the line about faces and inverts), and they wheeled to face south. Winder's and Lawton's brigades ended up on their right.

Rodes gives no timings, but confirms the events. He reported Jackson commanded them, and that after having crossed the swamp they were ordered to halt, but the lead regiments went on and didn't return for some time. After having crossed the swamp it took some time to get the line back into good order. An order for a general charge was made, but not all of the line went due to confusion. Sands of the 3rd AL says three times they were ordered to charge, but it was countermanded every time. Gordon of the 6th AL reported getting separated going through the swamp, getting pinned down and then withdrawing back to the swamp. Gayle of the20th AL says they came under artillery fire at 1500, and at 1600 was ordered forward and crossed the swamp. They remained just the other side of the swamp until half-an-hour before sunset, when they charged. The advance halted short of the Federal batteries, and they were ordered to retire a short distance at nightfall.

Garland gives no timings, but mentions the line advancing to the swamp under Jackson's orders beginning with an about face reversing the order of the brigade, but there then being confusion. Him and GB Anderson were debating charging the Federal artillery when DH Hill came up and ordered them to do it. The charge pushes the Federal first line back, but the second line stands firm for a while before it is pushed back. Garland then met with Lawton's, Winder's and some of Hood's troops.* Christie of the 23rd NC reported they'd been left behind and were not on the field.

Ripley said it was afternoon when they moved forward, and they were on the left of the line (confirming the inversion), and were not engaged (but came under arty fire). The brigade then consisted of the 3rd NC and 48th GA (full regts), a battalion of the 1st NC and a detachment of the 44th GA. He sent the 48th GA to RH Anderson, and lost the 3rd NC during the movement, leaving him with basically no brigade. Estes of the 44th GA confirms they were not engaged.

There are no reports from GB Anderson's or Colquitt's brigades.

* This would place them on the right of the brigade, confirming the inversion of the grand division.

Jackson's Two Brigades

Jackson's report says they were shelled a little and that after AP Hill's attack started he directed DH Hill to move to the left of the road so as to leave it open so that the Federals would retreat in that direction. Stuart was also there. Thus Lee's intent for the battle can be seen. He intended to drive the Federals not back on their bridges, but east/NE away from the Chickahominy. After the wheel, Ewell's division was on DH Hill's right, and Lawton was sent to support Ewell. Winder's brigade was involved on the McGhee plateau.

Winder says that whilst on the march he received orders from Ewell to move up rapidly, between 1600 and 1700. Arriving afterwards, he emerged near AP Hill, who kept him in reserve, but soon ordered the 2nd and 5th VA to support a battery. Half an hour later, AP Hill ordered the rest of Winder's brigade (27th VA, 33rd VA and 1st VA Bn) forward in an attack, and the two demi-brigades attacked separately. The 4th VA isn't mentioned. Botts of the 2nd VA places the order to move up at 1700, and soon after arrive they (and the 5th VA) moved forward to support the Purcell Arty. Later they charged through the swamp, got separated, and emerged on McGhee's field about 1900, where they halted on a hill under heavy arty fire and remained. Winder then reformed the brigade and they apparently made a charge about nightfall. Baylor of the 5th VA gives a similar story but no timings.

Ronald of the 4th VA places the order to march to Cold Harbor at 1600, and the order to advance into action at 1830. They fell in behind Lawton's brigade, and about twilight they and the 27th VA charged a battery to their front, but the battery limbered up and withdrew without them reaching it. Smith of the 27th VA says similar, and Neff of the 33rd VA also says similar, but they received a volley from a withdrawing NY regt.

Lawton says they were halted some time two miles from the battle, and the order to move forward was about 1700, and they reinforced Ewell, finding Garland there. It was already "quite dark." As he started to advance, the news that the batteries on the rifge had been taken arrived, and the main body of the brigade wasn't really engaged. However, the 31st and 38th GA on the left disconnected, and they suffered.

Douglass of the 30th GA places the order to move forward about 1700. Griffith of the 26th GA places the order at 1630, and they were pinned down 1.5 to 2h under fire after crossing the ravine. Lowe of the 31st GA reports they emerged opposite Sykes' regulars and a battery, and after an hour, at 1930, their ammunition was exhausted and they received permission to withdraw. Battey of the 38th GA places the order to move forward at 1700, and was with the 31st (although he says the bty was 5 guns). He reports they lay down and fired (at a reported distance of 180 yds) until their ammunition was expended, and then charged carrying the battery. Berry of the 60th GA also says it was 1700 they were ordered forward and were met with the 3rd (actually 4th) NJ.

 

[67th Tigers]

Ewell's Division

Ewell doesn't give a time, but as he approached Cold Harbor the action was already underway (so it was after 1600). He reports being ordered to send Elzey's brigade on the left of the road from Gaines' House to McGhee's (hence against Warren/Lovell) and Trimble and Seymour to the right of the road. At the same time as they were going in, he was told to send for Jackson's and Whiting's divisions, and Lawton's brigade. They cross the branch of the Powhite and go in. He was in action "two or more" hours before Lawton and Whiting came up.

Walker of the 13th VA, reporting for Elzey's brigade. He reported that half the brigade (12th GA, 25th and 52nd GA) were detached to support batteries, and the other half (13th, 31st, 44th and 58th VA) were in action. They were ordered to the rear at nightfall to reammunition.

Trimble reports that at 1530 they were 1.5 miles from Cold Harbor and formed line of battle. They moved forward towards the action, following the road. At Cold Harbor he met Whiting, who asked him what to do. Trimble suggested moving half a mile to the right (which he believed was north rather than west). Just after this, Winder asked him where to go, and in a meeting with him, Whiting and Winder he suggested they follow the right hand road heading south (towards Martindale's brigade) whilst he took the left hand road. There is no description of the collapse, although he notes that as he climbed onto the plateau, he found the batteries Hood etc. had taken were right there. He placed the 21st NC in charge of the captured guns.

Leroy of the 9th LA, reporting for Seymour's brigade (Seymour being killed) says he took command after Seymour was killed, and Trimble ordered him to form the brigade at the edge of the woods. It was nightfall, and there was no further action.

Johnston of the 1st MD says on arriving he was supporting a battery until between 1700 and 1800, when he was ordered to advance. He found troops of Rodes' brigade retreating in panic, and went in next to Winder.

Whiting's Division

Whiting reports they caught up with DH Hill's column about midday, and heard firing in the direction of Gaines' Mill between 1300 and 1400. They were ordered to form line about 1500 and move towards the firing. About 1600 they reached the Telegraph Road and pressing forward, arrived at Cold Harbor and met Lee, who indicated them to form to the right (west). The division was formed astride the ravine in the Parson's field, the 1st TX and Hampton Legion on the left, Law's Brigade and the balance of Hood to the right. They turned to face the line towards the enemy, with Pickett's brigade to their right. They then make the charge that will penetrate the line, but there are few details.

Hood says they arrived between 1600 and 1700, and they became engaged sometime thereafter, with the 1st TX and HL on Law's left and 5th TX on Law's right. Later he moves up the 4th TX and 18th GA to support the 5th TX, and they will affect the break-in, although there are few details. Night is falling by the time they climb the ridge, and they do not pursue.

There are no reports from Law's brigade in the OR or SOR.

 

[67th Tigers]

Reserve Artillery

Crutchfield of the Jackson's arty says he was ordered at 1700 or a little later to counterbattery the Federal artillery on the left (i.e. Sykes' divisional area) with 3 btys.

Pendleton says they tried shelling from the right bank with 2 large rifles.

 

[67th Tigers]

Porter and Arty Reserve

Porter's report is that there was skirmishing happening at 1400, the main fighting started at 1800, and another effort occurred at nightfall. He says Slocum was up before he'd committed his last reserve from McCall. He has Reynolds, Newton and Taylor committed to the central woods (Griffin's right and Warren).

Towards nightfall the line breaks, and the artillery on the ridge is moved to block the penetration. Cooke's cavalry charges through them, creating disorder and the loss of many guns. French and Meagher arrived and stabilised the line, allowing for the trains etc. to be withdrawn.

Tidball's battery withdrew from Mechanicsville with Buchanan's brigade (the rearguard), leaving "little Cold Harbor" at 1100. He says the rebels appearing in the distance at 1300 and opening with artillery. He says the troops in the area were pushed back at 1600, but the ground regained. Later the hill was gained by the enemy, and Tidball pulled his battery back.

Robinson's Battery, on arrival, were kept at Porter's HQ (the Adams' House) until 1330. They were then posted on the bottom lands west Turkey Hill, but no enemy appeared on that front until near sunset. After the collapse on the hill, enemy infantry pushed into the bottom land in pursuit and he opened with shell. He remained for some time, supported by a squadron of Rush's Lancers, and expended all in his limbers. Towards dusk, he saw a battery on the ridge in front of him limber up, and it left two guns behind (this may be de Hart's battery, TBC).

Randoll's Horse battery was in camp and hitched up to go over, but didn't.

Smead's Battery was attached to McCall. He was at the Adams' House at 1100, when ordered to cross over the Chickahominy and refill his caissons. He returned in the afternoon and went to where McCall's division was, but couldn't find McCall, Seymour, Meade etc. He remained in that place and later fired 40-50 rounds covering the withdrawal.

Voeglee's battery of 1st NY Arty Bn was stationed near the (Woodbury) bridge and fired on the rebels at a range of 2,000 yards.

 

[67th Tigers]

Morell's Division, Part 1 (Arty and Martindale)

Morell describes laying out the defences, with Porter personally posting Butterfield, and Morell posting Martindale and Griffin. He gives attacks at 1200 (on the right), 1430 and 1730 (along the whole front), and finally 1830 (against the centre and right) which overran him. He mentions Cooke running through the artillery line. The cavalry reformed at the Adams' house and steadied the line there, but Cooke ordered them away, and the infantry followed. Most of Griffin's brigade crossed, but the rest rallied near the hospital (i.e. the Adams' House).

Berdan's report says they were in the fight at Gaines' Mill, but Morell says they weren't. They were, near Warren.

Weeden's battery reports forming on the field behind Griffin's bde at 1100. He places the first attack on Martindale at 1500, and says there were four attacks during the day, with Martindale giving way on the fourth (i.e. Whitings). Weeden reports two of his sections withdrew 100 yards and formed part of the stop line, whilst the other section couldn't be moved as the horses had been killed. They were lost. The four guns in the stop line fired 40 rounds, but because of the smoke couldn't see the enemy any more and so started limbering so to withdraw to the crest of the hill. The cavalry then stampeded through the line, causing confusion and the abandonment of some guns of the line. Another of his guns mired during the withdrawal and was abandoned.

Martin's battery arrived at Gaines' Mill at 0700 and assigned a position where Morell's and Sykes' divisions met, in an open field (with Warren's brigade). He reports several times the enemy appeared at the woodline 1,000 yards to their front, but the shelling prevented them forming line for an attack. Only when the left collapsed did he receive an order to withdraw, when the enemy appeared in front of him. He blasted them with 36 rounds of canister and brought all his guns off (although three caissons were abandoned for lack of horses). About half a mile back one piece fell off a bridge (over a branch) and was abandoned due to a broken horses leg, and they continued to the Chickahominy.

Hyde's battery occupied several positions on the withdrawal, but was placed behind Butterfield's brigade. When Butterfield was pushed back he had to leave one gun for lack of horses, but during their movement had another three teams shot down and so lost 4 guns. (Note to self, this was likely past the stop line, hence the lost horses).

Kingsbury's battery was in general reserve initially, and had several orders to go to positions countermanded. He was then sent to Sykes as a reserve battery. Buchanan asked for support later and 4 of his guns moved forward to the firing line near Edward;s battery, and two hours later moved up the other two. As the front started to be pushed back he move 80 yards back and continued firing supported by the 16th NY. With Buchanan's bde rallying behind them, they withdrew another 150 yds and held that position until relieved.

Martindale's report is from nine months after the event, and widely considered to be unreliable and self-serving. It was Martindale's brigade that broke, but he claims he held until everyone else did. There are no useful timings.

Roberts of the 2nd ME says they formed in the position about 1000. He says there was first a minor attack on the right (Warren?), then centre (Griffin) before they were. He says when the line broke, he withdrew 1/8th of a mile (i.e. 200 m) to behind the artillery stop line, and held that position until 0100, when there was an order to withdraw. Maj Tilton of the 22nd MA gives them forming at the Watt's house as noon, and the time of the enemy artillery starting to shell them as 1430. They later heard some fighting to the right, before a regiment charged them. He gives 2-3 hours of general fighting along the front before three lines formed and assaulted them, with the regiments to his left giving way. He was shot and the Col ordered a retreat, and tried to reform about 200 yards back, before he was shot and the regiments largely disintegrated. Capt Sampson of the 22nd MA who assumed command also reported, saying the last assault lasted an hour before the flanking regiments gave way. He rallied some of the regiment and they held their position during the night allowing for the wagons etc. to cross the river before joining them.

Roberts of the 1st Michigan gives us the detail that 2 of his coys were already as skirmishers, and they became engaged, and some artillery fire happened at 1200. Twice before 1500 were the skirmishers driven in. At 1500 a force appeared on their right, on the hill in front of them, and they were shelled and forced to retire. At 1600 another force appeared on their left and were repelled by musketry. At 1800 a serious attack developed, and the regiment eventually broke and ran. They fell back to the hospital (the Adams' House) and reformed, remaining there until 0300, when they were ordered to withdraw.

Schoeffel of the 13th NY reports 1300 to 1400 the skirmishers were driven in, and in the fighting 9 rebel prisoners were taken, all from Archer's Bde. The main attack wasn't until 1700 or later. They report running out of ammunition and then withdrawing to the second line, wherein the enemy pushed forward. The regiment rallied three times as it was being pushed back, and was finally rallied at the hospital with 160 men. The order to withdraw over the river was received 0030.

Gleason of the 25th NY reports reaching the field at 0800, and says he had 4 coys advanced as skirmishers. There was some skirmish action, and more serious fighting to their right and left, but they were not attacked until 1900 (Whitings attack). He reports it was the regiment to their left that broke first (the 1st Michigan), and a panic ran through the line. Gleason reported trying to rallying the regiment on the ridge, but because the artillery stop line was preparing to fire they kept running to escape the incoming, and he didn't rally the regiment until the next day.

 

[Mississippian1861]

Augustus Dean, 2nd SC Rifles:

"The Seven Days battle commenced on Wednesday, June 26, 1862. There was not much fighting done that day, more fighting done the next day. A brigade that we belonged to until a few days before the fighting began was in the fight on Thursday and was pretty bad cut up. A good many of the men were killed and wounded. The three principal battles were Gaines Mill, on Friday, June 27th, Frasier's Farm on the 30th, and Malvern Hill on July 1. On Thursday evening about dark we crossed the Chickahominy River and camped not far from where we crossed. The next morning, Friday 27th, we started early and went down on the east side of the river. We passed through a number of camps where the Yankees had been but had left, though a few tents were about all they had left. About ten or eleven o'clock we were halted and stacked arms in a field. We were ordered to leave our guns though it was very warm. There was a piece of weeds not more than fifty yards in front of us where the trees were large and no undergrowth. The shade certainly looked tempting but we were not allowed to go near it, though there were no Yankees about. After remaining there for an hour and a half or two hours we were ordered to fall in and take arms, march out into the road, and turn down toward the Mill. After going a short distance Col. Moore gave the command "Halt", Front, Load, Load at will." What a feeling that produced in me. I knew it meant going into battle, or expecting to, and I might be a corpse before night. We marched on down to the mill and turned down the branch a short distance, then went up the hill in the direction of the enemy. We were ordered to lie down. The firing commenced in front of us. It was about the heaviest infantry firing that I ever heard in my life. There were a great many cannons firing too and the minie balls passed over our heads by the hundreds. It seemed to me that a great many of them just passed over the hill and then turned right toward my head. I was almost sticking my nose in the ground I was so afraid that one of them would hit me. We lay there for some time while the battle was raging in front of us. While there an officer rode up in front of our regiment and ordered us forward. A good many of the men jumped right up, but Col. Moore ordered us to lie down and the officer ordered us forward again. Many of us got up the second time. Col. Moore ordered us to lie down and said he was the officer to get orders from. After that we paid but little attention to that fellow. He may have been sent back to bring up reinforcements, but I think he was drinking and was trying to lead us into the battle and distinguish himself. He should have been with his own command. Soon afterwards, Col. Moore ordered us forward. I thought as soon as we got to the top of the hill, fifty or seventy-five yards distant, that we would see the whole face of the earth covered with dead men, the fining (firing) had been so tremendous. We could not see a single one till we had gone nearly half a mile; the fighting was so much further than I had thought. It was while we were moving forward that the shells from the enemy's guns were flying and bursting around us, which made it extremely unpleasant for us. One shell passed very near us, and J.L. Humphreys jumped behind a bunch of sprouts not much more than knee high and not larger than my finger. This reminded me of the old saying that a drowning man will catch at a straw and a man in battle will jump behind one when a shell comes near him.
The Yankees had their line formed along a branch where the firing was so heavy in front of us. The front line was close to the branch and just behind it was another line. As the hill was steep the rear line could fire over the heads of the front line. A little higher up the hill they had their cannons, which could fire over the heads of both, while our men had to advance across an open field for a long ways. I saw a few of our men dead there. The Yankees had left before we got there and our men had followed them. We were halted when we got to where the cannons were, to get the men in good line. There were two horses to a gun that I passed, and one was down. I think it was dead; the other was wounded in several places. It had turned with its head toward the gun and was standing there, squealing. He was badly hurt and so excited that he did not know what he was doing. We only stopped a minute, but while there another line of men who was coming fired into us. The firing was still going on in front of us and those men behind shooting at us. Some man fifty or sixty yards from me hollered, "Cease that firing g-- d--- you, you're shooting your own men." Though there was so much shooting all around us I could hear him as if everything was perfectly quiet. I thought "what in the name of common sense does the man mean by using such oaths in battle." But before the war was over I heard it so often it did not surprise me at all. We went on and saw many of the Yankees dead not far from where their lines had been. Our regiment was detached from the rest of the brigade and sent over another hill to take a battery, but some other troops had taken it before we got there. We went right on and were but a short time in reaching it. Before we got there we were fired into by our own men again. There was a man killed right close to me. By that time it was getting late, it was smoky, and they thought we were Yankees. There was some Yankees down in a hollow between our regiment and the men that fired into us. They came up to us thinking we were Yankees till they got close to us, about thirty of them. We took them prisoner. One of them came up holding his gun as if he were going to shoot. Our fellows ordered him to surrender. I think that he was scared or excided (excited) and hardly knew what he was doing and had no notion of shooting. Jim Maroney ordered him two or three times to throw down his gun but he did not. Maroney shot and killed him. I always thought he did wrong. The next Monday evening Maroney was killed in the battle of Frasier's Farm. We went on to the battery we were ordered to take and stayed there some time. There was a pole of knapsacks there, enough to fill a two-horse wagon. They were full of paper, envelopes, pens, pencils and such things, as soldiers need. I could have taken anything I wanted but the weather was hot and I thought I would probably have to go into battle the next day and didn't want them.
I got a Yankee canteen, haversack, and blanket, as theirs were a great deal better than the ones we had. Where the Yankees formed their lines they laid down their overcoats, knapsacks, and blankets and left them there. This was very much appreciated by our men as we certainly made good us of them. There were many more there than we could possibly use. After that I would have been ashamed to have been seen with a Confederate canteen or haversack for it would have been thought I was a recruit or a hospital rat and had never seen a battle. The battery we were ordered to take was supported by U.S. Regular Cavalry and our men had to go up a steep hill to reach it. The Yankee Cavalry charged them as they were going up the hill. Our men killed eight or ten of their horses in front of the battery. They were fine looking horses. We stayed a while at the battery, then went back near where the Yankees had two lines of battle near the branch. We camped there that night; the Yankees lay pretty thick around us, a number of them a short distance from where I slept.

I walked about over the battlefield some after dark and talked to some the wounded Yankees. One of them belonged to the 22nd Massachusetts Regiment and was wounded in the hip, the bone was shivered. He asked me to turn him over, as he was tired lying in the same position so long. I did but he turned back very quick. He screamed, as the pain was so great when I turned him on the wounded side. He told me he had a wife and two children at home, I told him I hoped he would get back to them. He shook me by the hand for some time. I have no idea he ever saw home again. We stayed there on the battlefield all day Saturday. I walked over the battlefield again a good deal, talked to some the Yankees and offered them water when I thought they needed it. There was a field hospital near us that day and several Yankee doctors were there attending to their wounded. They cut off a great many arms and legs, a pile almost enough to make a one-horse wagonload. Some of our men would go up close and look on but I did not care to be nearer than twenty or thirty yards.

We whipped the Yankees the day before and drove them off the field, killed and wounded a great many of them. We lost a great many men too. The Yankees had a strong position and fought well. They made us pay dearly for the victory won."

 

[67th Tigers]

Morell's Division, Part 2

Griffin's report says they arrived over the Gaines' creek at 1000, and they left the 9th MA to dispute the Powhite, who fell back on them. The rebels attacked the 9th MA about 1200, and Griffin sent his reserves (62nd PA) to support. 2.5 regts (9th MA, 62nd PA and a wing of the 14th NY) held the wood against multiple attacks, were relieved by Newton's brigade and fell back. About 1800 the 62nd PA was sent to support the left. The left of this brigade held their position until after Martindale collapsed, "late in the evening" and then withdrew.

Butterfield was at Cold Harbor during the 26th, and removed the heavy artillery. He took position at about 0500, being directed by Porter and Barnard. He had skirmishers on the hill to their front (from the 44th NY, 83rd NY and Michigan sharpshooters). A battery at the Gaines House opened on him at 1200, but was silenced by the heavy guns on Garnett's Hill. The first attack in force is timed as 1430, preceded by a like attack on the centre and right, and he sent two regts to support Martindale. A second attack was at 1730, and was more severe, requiring him to use his reserves. His skirmishers still remained out front, alerting whenever the rebels moved. A third attack starts just after 1800 which resulted in Martindale's brigade collapsing. Most of Butterfield's brigade held firm until outflanked and surrounded. They then withdrew to the right (east) towards the artillery stop line, but was distracted by a pursuit (we know this was RH Anderson's bde). A large portion of the command reformed with the rest behind the artillery. They remained at the hospital on the hill near Woodbury's Bridge (i.e. the Adams' House) until ordered to withdraw during the night.

Stockton of the 16th MI reported they were in reserve until near 1500, when skirmishing started, followed by a battery opening. The enemy then made a "strong demonstration" in front of Martindale, and the regiment was sent to support him in case it turned into a real attack. They return to Butterfield and during this period there is continuous firing, sometimes getting "fierce and hot." An hour or more after moving to the left, they are again ordered to move to Martindale's support. As they were moving, the line was broken between Butterfield's and Martindale's brigades, and the collapse started. He tried to pull his regiment back, but it panicked and most of the men ran for the bridge. He didn't manage to rally the regt.

Ruehle of the 16th MI escorts the 32 pdrs (Voegle's bty) as far as the Gaines' House before taking post. The sounds of distant skirmishing start about 1200 and get closer until fighting begins at 1400. They moved ("charged over the hill") to support Martindale and returned. After about an hour they were ordered to the right to engage the enemy who'd broken-in, but they were pushed back. They returned to Butterfield but they were forced south, into the bottomlands. They ended up heading to the destroyed Duane bridge, and crossed the swamp there.

Richardson of the 12th NY says enemy skirmishers appeared on the hill opposite at 1100, and skirmishing afterwards started on Martindale's front, and so they were ordered there. The enemy demonstrated in Butterfield's front, and so they returned and engaged for 40 mins before the enemy skirmishers withdrew over the hill. At 1400 there was another demonstration. At 1800 the enemy made a general attack and after 1.5 h, at 1930 Martindale's bde gave way. Their right was thrown into disorder when the 1st MI retreated through it. A portion (the left wing) fell back onto Butterfield's main body, and moved with him. The other fragment (with the Colors) rallied at "How's House" (i.e. the Hugh Watts House?) supporting a battery until ordered to withdraw at 0130.

Rice of the 44th NY describes destroying the bridges over the Powhite etc. and throwing up obstructions. The skirmishers of the enemy appear on the opposite hill and there. For nearly two hours the enemy was moving troops towards the centre and right, whilst the skirmishing was occurring on their front. He gives the attack beginning at 1230, and the break occurring at 1800. Lt Col Rice then condemns the Col for ordering a retreat to the Chickahominy, and the left wing retreats whilst the right (under Rice) stands firm. He ran to catch up with the left wing and brought it back, whilst the colonel had ran. They are then attacked and pushed back with Butterfield's main body. They run for the river.

Campbell of the 83rd PA says they waited many hours for the enemy to approach, with 2 coys out as skirmishers. He unfortunately leaves the hour of the enemy approach blank. He describes it as a column of brigades covered by regiments, which fled when engaged. There are no real timings, and the regiment fled to the river at the end, and didn't rally.

 

[67th Tigers]

Sykes' Division

Sykes reports retiring in the morning to the position he was in. The ravine was 400 yards to his front, and the enemy appeared beyond that about 1100, and his artillery opened for a while. From then until 1400 there was apparently only skirmishing. Tidball's horse battery reinforced him about 1200. From 1400 to 1500 was quiet. At 1500 he ordered Warren to throw skirmishers forward to see if the enemy were in the ravine, and a desultory action built. Supported by Lovell's brigade, Warren drove back the enemy. At 1730 the enemy pushed against Buchanan, and the 12th and 14th US withdrew to the next ridge (in front of the McGehee house), and were reinforced with Bartlett's brigade, who'd been sent as a reserve prior. The 3rd and 4th US (Buchanan's right) remained in place until nightfall.

The enemy slowly pushed Lovell and Bartlett back past the McGehee house, and the new line was about half a mile south of the original, below the McGehee house. They were relieved at 2130 by French and Meagher. At midnight he got the order to withdraw.

Weed reports placing his guns on Sykes' right at 1200. He opened fire about half an hour after Tidball arrived (i.e. ca. 1330). He remained in position until 1830. He places the advance starting at 1700-1800, and he left the field at 1900.

Edward's battery operated in three sections, and there are no timings.

Buchanan reports the enemy arty open at noon, and being silenced by Weed. There is some skirmishing. The first serious advance is timed at 1530. The fighting continues until nightfall and Buchanan says he marched most of his forces across the Chickahominy during the night.

Walker of the 3rd US reports firing started about noon, but they wasn't a major engagement until 1600, when the 12th and 14th US was moved forward, and the 3rd supported them. By 2000 the rest had retired, and they fell back on the batteries about 600 yds to the rear.

Colins of the 4th US reports the artillery started between 1100 and 1200, and they were under artillery fire intermittently from 1200. He reports three attempts to gain Weeds' and Tidball's batteries during the day, which were all repulsed. They retired at dusk with the batteries, which were out of ammunition.

Clitz of the 12th US, writing six months later, reports hearing skirming on the left about 1100, with it reaching them about 1300, with Warren's skirmishers being driven in. Warren requested aid, and the 12th moved forward and supported a section of Edwards battery for 45 mins. That section was withdrawn, and the 12th returned to in front of the McGehee house. He then sees Warren advancing in line of battle. The 12th and 14th US go forward to support Warren, charging a chasing away a counterattack. They held this position until near 1900, when the left had given way. The enemy started pushing them, and they fell back to the line at the McGehee house. They held this position for nearly an hour and then retired per an order. Being wounded, Clitz can give no further account. Blunt reports they were engaged from 1100 to 2000, and withdrew to the Grapevine Bridge.

O'Connell of the 14th US reports they were engaged from 1100 until dark, and conforms to other reports.

Lovell reports his brigade was ordered to form line of battle about 1200, with orders to support Warren. About 1600 the firing got heavy and he sent forward two battalions (2nd and 10/17th) to Warren's right, the 6th US to Warren's left, leaving the 11th supporting the batteries. Half an hour before sunset, the 2nd, 6th and 10th/17th were out of ammunition and fell back. After this, the enemy pushed forward.

Poland of the 2nd US says they supported Warren, and held off the enemy nearly five hours. Towards evening they retreated to the line in front of the McGehee house, and later to the new one behind it.

Hendrickson of the 6th US places the order to support Warren at 1500, and held position the balance of the day. Floyd-Jones of the 11th US says they supported batteries from 1200 to 1800. At 1800 he reports the line was giving way, and he covered the withdrawal of Martin's battery, and pulled back to the next position.

Andrews of the 17th US says the batteries opened fire at 1115, and between 1400 and 1500 received orders to advance. They defeated the enemy and pushed forward to the skirt of woods, but other regiments withdrew and they pulled back and held position. Other regiments came up on them, including the 13th PA Reserves. At nearly dark, being low on ammunition, they pulled back (under orders) to the road. The enemy advanced and pushed the line back past the McGehee house.

Warren reports the defenses were complete by 1030, and about 1230 the enemy forced Gaines' Creek (Powhite) near the mill. At 1300 the artillery opened fire on the rebels. Their skirmishers were driven in and the rebel sharpshooters tried to snip the artillery from the woods, but failed. There was a lull until nearly 1500, when a lone regiment charged and was repulsed. The 6th US and 12th US came up, and Reynolds' brigade relieved them. Warren then pulled back and supported a battery (a 20 pdr one?). Towards evening Morell's division on the left was forced back, and the batteries they supported were withdrawn under the cover of Warren and some regulars. The battery occupied a new position, and as it was getting dark, French's and Meagher's brigades came up. They withdrew the next morning.

Duryea of the 5th NY gives similar timings, placing nightfall at 2030, with them withdrawing after nightfall.

 

[67th Tigers]

McCall's Division

McCall reports arriving at Gaines Mill at 1000 and being placed in reserve. He states the rebels advanced at 1530, and the action started soon after this. Porter ordered him to support the first line with Seymour's and Meade's brigades. As the action increased, Reynold's brigade was also ordered forward. After three hours, all is going well, and McCall goes to see Reynolds (in the centre). On riding back, he was moving Weed's battery when a large number of men were seen retreating from the left. He grabbed a squadron of the 8th Illinois cavalry and tried to rally the men. He stopped two retreating batteries and had them going into battery on the next hill (where the Adam's House is) as the rebels crested the ridge of the Watts' house. French and Meagher had arrived, and McCall checked the batteries fire to allow them to move north of the Adams' house, in what appears to be a counterattack. Porter halted them, and the rebels pulled back out of sight north of the Watt's house ridge, and the action ended.

Seymour gave a report for the whole division as well. He gives the start of the engaged as 1500. He says some regiments were engaged for more than four hours, and the division fell back several hundred yards as the cavalry went forward, and held that position during the night.

Childs of the 4th PA Cavalry gives no timings, but they were formed behind the Adams' House, almost charge with Cooke, and spend the night rounding up the troops, etc.*

Simpson, reporting for Easton's battery, says they were posted on the hill left of the Gaines' House (Watt's) and there were no enemy on their front (i.e. in front of Butterfield) until 1800. He shelled them for 20-30 mins, driving them off. The rallied and tried again, and were repelled. The third charge the line broke, and they fending off the enemy with double canister. The cavalry charged, and then the battery was overrun.

Cooper reports his battery formed with Reynolds brigade, in front of the Hospital House (Watt's?), at 1500 (having been ordered there at 1400). An enemy battery opened on them at 1630, but was soon suppressed. At 1730, the battery on their right (Edwards') retired and they fired on the rebels that had advanced to that position, and held their position until 2000, when the advance of the rebels threatened their position. They didn't have horses to withdraw the guns and so abandoned them.

Amsden says the enemy didn't appear until 1700, and made three charges, with the third being successful. Due to lost horses, two guns were abandoned.

Hays of the 8th PA Res reported assisting Warren and marching back to their original position and encamping for the night, but no timings. Stone of the 13th PA Res reporting being on the right of the 1st bde, and was engaged for nearly 4 hours, holding position until battalions started withdrawing. Being almost out of ammunition, one hour before sunset, he asked to be relieved. The enemy advanced, and they drove they back initially with a volley, but then had to retire to behind the hospital (the Adams' house) where they remained. He rode over the bridge and rounded up about 2,000 stragglers from the PA reserves.

Sickel of the 3rd PA Res reports he relieved the 4th Michigan and engaged an enemy column for two hours before being relieved by the 11th PA Reserve and a NJ regt. Magilton of the 4th PA Res reports he was initially behind Easton's battery, but moved to support Warren. They were eventually pushed back. They reformed and were sent to the left, but the collapse occurred during the movement and they ran across the Chickahominy. Jackson of the 9th fought in the same area.

Kirk of the 10th PA Res says the order to move to the right was at 1500. They supported a battery for half an hour before being pushed forward. The regiment was engaged for about two hours before being pushed back, reforming behind the hill and crossing the Chickahominy at 0300. Taggart of the 12th reported supporting Griffin's (Kingsbury's) battery and not being actively engaged. They escorted the battery over the Woodbury Bridge after dark and went into camp.

* Note to self - they describe the stampede mentioned in Rustics in Rebellion, and it the wagons ambulances etc. trying to get away when the fighting proper started.

 

[67th Tigers]

Slocum's Division

Franklin reported he was ordered to send Slocum over the Chickahominy in the morning, but the order was suspended with part of the division over. The order was reiterated at 1400, and the division went by the Alexander Bridge (however, see the reports at brigade and below). Franklin reports the attack against Smith started at 1030, with heavy artillery fire for an hour, and another similar attack at 1830. An infantry assault against Smith is reported close to sundown (also against 3rd Corps at 2000).

Slocum reported he was ordered to send Newton's brigade over the Alexander Bridge at 1400, and the balance of the division at 1430. On arriving, Newton's brigade was formed on the right (2 up, 2 back) and Taylor's on the left (also 2 up, 2 back) each with their batteries. They were soon ordered into the woods in the centre. Bartlett's brigade was initially kept in reserve, but later sent to Sykes. He reports the division returned to their camps at Courtney's at 2300.

Hexamer reports his battery marched about 1500. On arriving at the front a severe infantry fight was underway. After about half an hour's rest they were ordered forward to engage enemy infantry at 1,400 yards, and after 30 rounds (i.e. 5 rounds per gun) the infantry fire to their front ceased. After another 20 mins rest, they opened fire again, this time for half an hour. At this point the Federal infantry was pushed out of the woods, pursued by the enemy, and the battery switched to case and canister for 15 mins, until the noise of infantry firing ceased. Then they received a volley and limbered up to retire, leaving a gun because the team was hit. They withdrew to a hill and engaged an enemy battery at 1,000 yards until the action ceased. They received the order to return to camp at 2300.

Taylor says his brigade left camp in the afternoon and arrived on the battlefield at 1600. Soon thereafter he was ordered to send the 3rd NJ into the central woods where there was a major fight, and they held their ground until near sunset, when the whole line fell back. They were engaged thus for 1.5 h. The 1st NJ reiforced after half an hour. The 2nd NJ (4 coys) was ordered to reinforce sometime after this by Porter. The 4th NJ were ordered into the woods by one of McClellan's aides, and were captured.

Torbert of the 1st NJ (who was ill and passing on his Lt Cols report) reports initially supporting a battery, but then Porter ordering him into the woods to support the 3rd NJ. When the surrounding regts retreated, he ordered a retreat. Buck, commanding the detachment of the 2nd NJ, says they left camp at 1530 and arrived on the field at 1600. They initially supported Hexamer's bty but were sent to relieve the 4th Michigan (Griffin's bde) at the front. They maintained their position half an hour, before their colonel ordered a withdrawal to "the top of the next hill" because the fire was too heavy. As they retired, they received two volleys from their supports (who thought they were the enemy and had broken in), and were broken. Brown's report for the 3rd NJ isn't in the OR.

Simpson of the 4th NJ, times the order to the brigade to march at 1345. They marched at 1430 and took about an hour to reach the field. Whilst under orders to move up on the 3rd NJ in the woods, he received an order directly from McClellan, via the Duc de Chartres to hold position and support the regiment in front, followed by a similar order to go and support the 3rd PA Reserves in the woods, after about 15 mins he conducted a relief in place and was engaged from 1600 to ca. 1900 (3 h) against Whiting. The 11th PA Reserves they conducted a relief-in-place, and an hour after this a column of the enemy appeared on their left, the 11th reserve broke and they were then compelled to surrender.

Bartlett states his brigade was ordered to move to Duane's bridge at 0530, but at 1000 was ordered back to camp. Whilst on this march, artillery opened (on Smith) and he was ordered back to Duane's bridge to hold it. He destroyed it, was relieved by part of Brook's bde (2 regts), and at 1430 marched to go over the Woodbury bridge. About 1600 he was ordered to support the left of the Federal line, but found the 3rd PA and 6th PA Cavalry regiments covering the flank, and that the enemy had been driven back. He was then ordered by one of Porter's aides to support Sykes, and he arrived there at 1630, at the head of his brigade. At 1700, Sykes ordered him to support the troops to his left (in the central woods) and his own front. He moved them forward by regiment, and as the last regt was coming into line. They held the line for some time, and then retired behind the batteries at the McGehee house. At 2030, the line withdrew to the hospital on the second hill from the bridge (the Adams' house). At 0030, he was ordered to withdraw across the Chickahominy.

Frick, commanding the 5th ME (after the action, as they lost all their field officers) reports they marched from the Duane Bridge at 1400, crossed the Woodbury bridge and remained in reserve about an hour after arriving, when it was ordered to the front.

Seaver of the 16th NY reports they marched to the Duane bridge at 0500, and moved forward at 1400, crossing at the Alexander bridge and arriving at 1600 (with this regt as the lead regt of the bde). From the description it's clear the 16th NY went a different route, and arrived after the rest of the brigade had already moved to support Sykes. He reports after 15-30 mins they advanced, were held at a fence 50 yds in front of the ravine they were in for 5 mins, and then advanced beyond the fence to engage, and the forces to their front were already in retreat. After an hour they were low of ammunition and asked the 96th PA to support them. He gives the length of their engagement as 1 h 30, and they held their position until nightfall.

Adams of the 27th NY says they moved at 1600, but isn't sure by which bridge. They were overtaken en route by one of Porter's aides and sent to support Sykes. After 30 mins they went forward, then later withdrew to the fence south of the McGehee house after dusk. They later fell back to the ravine they were originally formed in.

Cake of the 96th PA says they filed through to the field at 1520. The brigade formed in double column (i.e. 2 up, 2 back) and they were behind the 16th NY. At 1700 the 16th NY went forward. They then later advanced to form a line to the left of the 16th NY. At 1915 the colonel of the 16th NY asked for support as the ammunition was out. They didn't retire until dusk, when they withdrew to the ravine. At 2000 (?) they were ordered back into camp.

Newton reports he was ordered to cross the Chickahominy without waiting for the rest of the division. On arrival he was ordered to send 2 regts into the woods (31st NY and 95th PA), and he led them in. He held his position for over two hours, when the forces on the left gave way. They withdrew to a hill and held it until night.

Megennis of the 18th NY says near midday he was under orders to form line, when the rebels started shelling. At 1430 they were ordered across the Woodbury bridge and halted on the hill, near the hospital (Adams' House). He supported Upton's battery, but Upton was ordered forward half a mile and shortly thereafter they were advanced to the next hill (the Watts' house ridge) to the right of the 32nd NY. At nearly 1700 they were ordered forward and were engaged until near 1830. Firing was halted and a recce patrol went forward and reported another body of troops coming up. They were engaged again until 1930, when the enemy turned their right flank. They then fell back to the hospital where they remained until 2200. Having no orders, he decided to return to camp. Matheson of the 32nd NY says they arrived on the field at 1600, and was ordered to take command of the 18th and 32nd NY and act as he saw best. He pushed them forward. He found the 31st NY in a ravine behind them, and ordered them to relieve the 18th NY. About this time their right flank was threatened. They retired to the hill behind them (the Adams' house) and stayed there until ordered across the river.

Town of the 95th PA reported crossing Duane's bridge and holding the far bank until ordered back at 1100. At noon they were ordered back to camp. The enemy bombardment started just after they arrived and at 1400 they were ordered to cross the river via Woodbury's bridge, arriving at the hill by the Gaines House (Adam's House). They were ordered forward on the left of the bde, supported by the 31st NY. Eventually they were pushed back out of the woods and the Irish Brigade moved in front of them. They marched to the hospital and near dark decided to march back to camp. They were not allowed to cross the bridge as only vehicles and stretchers were allowed to be moved across it, and so formed to protect it. After all the wounded had been moved across, they crossed at reached their camp about midnight.

 

[67th Tigers]

Reinforcing Brigades

Five more brigades were under orders to reinforce Porter, although only two crossed the river.

Meagher reports being ordered across from his camp at Fair Oaks at 1700. As he crossed there was a bit of a crush of vehicles, and he formed the division 2 up, 2 back on Adam's Hill and advanced until he met Porter. Porter then ordered him to oblique right and relieve Sykes. They held their position until sunrise the next morning, whence they retired.

French also says he was ordered over at 1700, and was guided by Custer over the Grapevine bridge (unlikely). He found the troops in retreat and pushed 3/4ths of a mile past Gaines Mill (?) until he met Porter. About 2100 Porter directed him to relieve Sykes. Porter returned about 0000 and stated they'd retreat. French was to cover it. They withdrew over the bridge about 0400.

Davidson reports he was ordered to reinforce Porter in the evening, but the order was countermanded. The brigade came under bombardment as it started to move.

Gorman's brigade was under similar orders, but we have no report.

Couch reports that at "near night" Palmer's brigade (except the 7th MA) was under orders to support Porter, but they were halted at the bridge, and Abercrombie's brigade was under orders to go to Goldings farm. Both were recalled in the night.

 

[67th Tigers]

So, regarding a timeline, we'll start with movements upto AP Hill launching his initial attack at 1600:

1100-1200. AP Hill reaches Powhite Creek. The rearguard (9th Massachusetts, a battery, maybe a few others) fall back.

1200-1300. DH Hill's vanguard reaches Old Cold Harbor. He puts forward two batteries (Bondurant's and Hardaway's) up to bombard Weed's battery (the far right flank of the Federals) at long range. Tidball's battery moves next to Weed's and they win the firefight.

1400. AP Hill completes bridging the Powhite, allowing his grand division to cross with their vehicles etc. Slocum's division is ordered to reinforce Porter.

1430. Gregg asks permission to attack, and AP Hill orders them to wait until Longstreet is also up.

1500. Gregg (on AP Hill's left) is forming in the woods along the branch of Boatswain's Swamp with three regiments (1st SC Rifles, 1st SC and 12th SC - the 13th SC is protecting their retreat, and the 14th SC isn't on the field). The 12th SC goes too far forward and emerges from the treeline. It is hit hard by Warrern's brigade and arty, and retreats.

1600. Longstreet is mostly across the Powhite (4 bdes, Kemper's brigade didn't cross the Powhite that day, and RH Anderson's/Jenkins' were at the back of the column and apparently not yet up). AP Hill orders an attack, and Longstreet orders a demonstration with his 4 available brigades.

AP Hill's initial attacks are, from his left to right:

• Gregg (1st SC Rifles, 1st SC and 12th SC) and Branch's left (7th NC (6 coys only) supported by 18th NC) attack Warren. The SC regiments are on the 5th NY's front, and the NC regts on the 10th NY's front.
• Branch's right (33rd and 37th NC, supported by the 18th NC) attack Griffin's right, the 9th MA and 14th NY supported by the 1st US sharpshooters.
• JR Anderson attacks with two regts (35th GA and 45th GA) attack the 2nd ME and 4th MI. The rest of his bde is kept in reserve.
• Archer's small brigade attacks with the TN regts (1st, 7th and 14th TN). They hit the 13th NY, who didn't report a serious attack until 1700.

Pender's and Field's brigades, along with Anderson's second line (14th and 49th GA) and Archer's 19th GA are initially in reserve. The 25th NY are not engaged until ca. 1830, although the troops to their left were engaged with Wilcox's demonstration.

Longstreet had Wilcox's division (Wilcox's, Pryor's and Featherston's brigades) behind the hill to the west of Butterfield. He ordered them to move up onto the crest of the hill to drive off the Federal skirmishers and demonstrate against the Federal left. Pickett was must reaching Gaines' Mill itself, and will soon be ordered also to make a demonstration.

DH Hill's command is near Old Cold Harbor. Jackson's command is still marching there, with Ewell's division in the lead, and probably about 1 mile out from it. Whiting's division is following Ewell's and the Stonewall division is bringing up the rear.

Slocum's division is arriving on the field, and Porter is about to send McCall's division to reinforce the line.

 

[67th Tigers]

As a note, timings regarding when Longstreet actually demonstrated as mixed. He probably received such an instruction, but only advanced a regiment (the 14th LA of Pryor's bde) to the top of the hill. Times for him receiving the order to demonstrate from Lee are about 1700. About the same period Ewell etc. and DH Hill get orders to hurry up and move to the front. It seems AP Hill having come engaged, Lee decided to change his plans and committed to attacking Porter.

AP Hill's attacks went in echelon from left to right.

1630-1700

The combat actions, left to right (from the rebel POV) were:

Gregg advanced the 1st and 12th SC and they were stopped by heavy fire, especially from a battery enfilading their flank. Gregg directs the 1st SC rifles to charge the battery, and the 12th and 14th US wheel left to support it. Gregg's three regiments are cut to pieces and compelled eventually to fall back on the 13th SC. The 7th NC of Branch's brigade, to their immediate right, was effectively ambushed by the 10th NY in the woods halfway up Zouave Hill, and broke in almost no time. However, Warren's brigade then charged down their hill in pursuit, and ran into the supporting line of the 13th SC (in front of the 5th NY) and the 28th NC (in front of the 10th NY) about 1700. The favour would be returned, and Warren's brigade would quickly be broken.

To the right of the road the 33rd NC and 37th NC, supported by the 12th NC are advancing towards the 9th MA and 14th NY. Here Boatswain's Creek is itself defendable, and the attackers get bogged down in sustained fire combat, with them being able to advance across the creek.

JR Anderson attacked with the 35th and 45th GA. They stopped short of the ravine and engaged in a firefight for a short while before retreating.

Archer's Tennesse regiments and the 5th Alabama Bn pressed their attack, and it cost them. They were torn apart whilst approaching over an open field. They attempted a bayonet charge at went down into the ravine of the creek bed, but they could not go further. The banks are pretty steep, and in short order the Tennessee regiments retreated, losing the Colors of the 1st TN and several hundred casualties. Archer immediately put the 19th GA in with them attacking half an hour after the first wave (say 1700), with similar results.

Field's brigade was behind Archer and JR Anderson. When their first wave retreated through they they were swept up in the retreat, and didn't attack.

Pender's brigade is behind Branch's, and is going to reinforce them, and would come into action about 1700.

Whilst this is the extent of the combat in this period, at the high level some interesting things are happening.

Lee leans into the attack. He ordered Longstreet to support AP Hill on his right, and Jackson is to march ASAP to reinforce the attack in the centre. DH Hill is to support the attack on the left. Typically these orders are timed as being received about 1700.

Porter has received Slocum's division as a reinforcement, and thus commits McCall. In his conversation with McClellan, he asks for further reinforcements. McClellan had already asked the other corps commanders what they can spare, and gotten the answer:

Sumner: 2 brigades
Heintzelman: 2 brigades, but they are exhausted and shouldn't be sent north
Keyes: nothing
Franklin: nothing, and he wants reinforcement

He immediately orders Sumner to send two brigades to Porter (order received 1700), and Heintzelman to send 2 brigades to be a general reserve south of the Chickahominy. He also sends several senior staff officers to acertain whether additional brigades can be pulled to send to Porter.

 

[nc native]

Keep this thread going! I'm enjoying your summaries detailing the troop movements and action as the battle progresses.

 

[67th Tigers]

I should note, by relying on secondary sources regarding route marches etc., I have been misled over DH Hill's and Jackson's movement to the field.

DH Hill did make a wide movement to Beulah Church, but then turned right and headed towards New Cold Harbor. The arrived near the millpond off Powhite Creek and were engaged in the artillery action there. They turned the line of the Powhite, allowing AP Hill and Longstreet to ultimately bridge it.

Jackson's march was a mystery, as there are contradictions within the sources. He was cut off from his planned route initially by DH Hill moving across his route on the Old Church Road heading E when Jackson was supposed to be heading S. Then, on reaching Walnut Church, AP Hill is moving across him. He waits for AP Hill to pass and then heads somewhere to the east. It's all a bit confused as to his actual routing.

Krick is useless here, but Woodard has references to Dabney's immediate post-war writing on the topic.

Essentially, having taken a wrong road and gotten lost, when the "get here now" message arrived at 1630-1700, Jackson had the column right face and form line. They then moved en echelon directly south through the woods in line-of-battle (treating it more as an "advance to contact" rather than a route march), emerging in waves near New Cold Harbor.

Ewell's division was first, at was sent in immediately, probably around 1730.

Following Ewell was Whiting's division, who were put in about 1830, having probably emerged at the Parson's Field around 1800.

Lawton's large brigade was next, and then probably emerged from the woods around 1830. The left of the brigade seems to have disconnected and ended up at Old Cold Harbor and went to to support DH Hill.

The Stonewall division breaks into two. Winder's brigade got separated by a swamp (the headwaters of the Powhite) and arrived near AP Hill probably around 1900. AP Hill ordered the 2nd and 5th VA to support a battery and at 1930 committed the rest to a battery, although it limbered up and withdrew before contact.

Meanwhile the right two brigades drifted too far west, and Fulkerson's and Warren's brigades apparently came down to the west side of Powhite's Creek and ended up near the Gaines House (i.e. near Longstreet's rear). Disconnected and without orders, they remained there for some time before Longstreet ordered them to support him.

 

[67th Tigers]

1700-1730

Now, timings between 1700 and 1930 get a bit fluid. Essentially there is now continuous combat. Porter is going to overly quickly put in all his reserves, and McClellan will send more but they don't arrive in time.

Where DH Hill was deployed is an interesting question, however, he was not in contact and his attack is timed around half an hour before sunset (i.e. about 1930).

It would appear from the primary readings that Ewell was ahead of the rest of Jackson's force and approached the field about 1630. At Lee's CP Lee put Ewell's brigades directly in against the central woods against Griffin's right, and Warren (both also getting reinforcements).

Elzey's brigade was split in two, with half of the brigade left to support the batteries, and half (13th, 31st, 44th and 58th VA) to advance up the left of the road towards where Warren was. Two of Trimble's regiments (15th AL and 21st GA) follow. To the right of the road Seymour's Louisiana brigade goes in, and into the woods.

Meanwhile, Lovell has moved forward to support Warren, and virtually the entire Pennsylvania Reserves (except the 4th PA Res, supporting McCall's arty on the left) have been put into the centre in various capacities. They actually relieve the exhausted Warren, who withdraws to rest and rearm. Lovell's regulars relieve Warren and the contest in this sector becomes six of Ewell's regiments (15th AL and 21st GA of Trimble and 13th, 31st, 44th and 58th VA of Elzey's bde under Walker) against Lovell's brigade supported by Reynolds regiments.

Slocum's division had relieved McCall as the reserve, but was almost immediately tasked by Porter. Around 1700 Newton was ordered to take the 31st NY and 95th PA into the woods and relieve the front line. He left Megennis in charge of the 18th and 32nd NY near the Watt's House, and they'd be basically unengaged. The 3rd NJ has been sent into the woods. The 1st NJ and the 2nd NJ (the latter only 4 coys) was supporting batteries (the 1st maybe Kerns relieving the 3rd and 11th PA Res?, the 2nd Hexamers). The Duc de Chartres will grab the 4th NJ at a later period to support the 11th PA Reserves.

Bartlett's brigade was diverted as soon as they arrived to support Sykes, and by 1700 were ordered to move forward and support Reynolds. Lovell etc. at Warren's and Lovell's hills.

Porter had put in the bulk of his reserves before 1700, and had asked for more. At 1700 French's and Meagher's brigades depart and McClellan starts trying to get more troops to go. As reserves (not battery supports) he had three of Slocum's regts, near the Watt House. He was fully committed.

In this period, it is a brutal, attritional fight in the centre. It will expand left and right as more forces are put in, but arguably Porter has overcommitted his reserves already...



Note: Locations of the Pennsylvania Reserves During This Period

1, 8, 5 and 13 (under Reynolds): Replaced Lovell and now is supporting Lovell who has relieved (literally replacing Lovell one for one in his original locations)
2 and 9: In the southern part of the central woods as a support.
3 and 11: Supporting Kern's Battery. Will relieve go into line next to the 4th Michigan replacing Griffin's battered right.
4: Supporting Easton's Battery on the left of the line
6: Detached to Casey's Command and not on the field
7: General reserve, got marched about and ended up supporting Martin's Battery.
10: Supporting Kelly's section of Edward's Battery, soon to be ordered forward to support Reynold's four regts.
12: Supporting Kingsbury's Battery

Of the 12 regts on the field, 9 would end up fighting in the central woods and Warren's Hill. The other three supported batteries.

 

[67th Tigers]

For me, it's useful to track where the Federal regiments were. Left to Right, along the line, excluding battery supports:

Butterfields brigade on the far left (12th NY, 44th NY, 16th Mich and 83rd PA) in two up, two back.
Martindale's brigade to their right (2nd ME, 22nd Mass, 1st Mich, 13th NY and 25th NY) in four up, one back
(Residue of Slocum near the Watt House, 18th NY, 32d NY and 4th NJ)
Griffin's brigade to their right, with parts of the Pennsylvania reserves and Slocum in the Central woods (9th Mass, 4th Mich, 14th NY, 62nd PA, 1st US Sharpshooters, 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 11th PA Reserves, 3st NY, 95th PA and 3rd NJ) = 12 regts committed to the fight for the woods
Lovell's brigade, supported by Reynolds' left, on Warren's Hill (2nd US, 6th US, 10th/17th US, 11th US, supported by 1st, 8th and 10th PA Reserves)
Buchanan's left supported by Reynolds' right on Buchanan's Hill (12th US and 14th US, supported by 5th and 13th PA Reserves)
(Bartlett's brigade and Warren's brigade on the road behind this, 5th ME, 16th NY, 27th NY, 96th PA, 5th NY and 10th NY)
Buchanan's right (3rd US and 4th US) still covering the right flank.