Report of Lieutenant Colonel Welcome A. Crafts, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry, of operations March 25.1
HDQRS. FIFTH NEW HAMPSHIRE BATTALION VOLS.,
March 26, 1865.
I have the honor to submit the following report of operations in which my regiment participated March 25, 1865:
Moving from the works at 10 a. m. by order of Colonel Scott, commanding brigade, most of the distance on the double-quick, formed line of battle and took position near the Watkins house, being in front of the picket-line occupied by the Third Division, and about 1,000 yards from the enemy’s works, with orders to support the picket-line deployed in the captured pits of the enemy just in front. Being detached from the brigade, I acted under the orders of Brevet Brigadier-General Madill, corps officer of the day. At 2 p. m. I ordered Captain Griggs, commanding Ninth Company Sharpshooters, to deploy his company, and advance through the woods in front of the position occupied by the left of the First Brigade, and annoy the enemy’s gunners if possible, or operate against their skirmish line, according to circumstances. Six of this company, armed with target rifles, did good service from an advanced position in front of the regiment upon the rebel gunners. About 5 p. m. changed position, forming on the left of the brigade, threw up a temporary breast-work, and at 12 o’clock was ordered into camp. Although not actively engaged, the regiment was frequently under fire of rebel
batteries and sharpshooters, changed position and performed several evolutions under fire with commendable coolness and precision. The total loss in the command during the day was 1 killed, 10 wounded (one mortally), 24 missing. The latter were nearly all from the heavy detail sent to the skirmish line, which I am informed behaved with coolness. In view of the fact that the regiment as a new organization, and indeed nearly every man was for the first time under fire, the result may be considered satisfactory.
W. A. CRAFTS,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Captain WILLIAM McCALLISTER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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