OR XL P1 #89: Report of Captain John C. Conser, 105th PA, July 26-30, 1864

Numbers 89. Report of Captain John C. Conser, One hundred and fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations July 26-30.¹

HDQRS. 105TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VET. VOLS., Near Petersburg, Va., September 24, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with circular from headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps, dated September 24, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the operations from July 26, 1864, to July 30, inclusive:

Having complied with all preparatory orders the regiment moved with the brigade at a short time before dark on the evening of July 26, marched all night, and crossed James River at Deep Bottom, Va., at daylight on the morning of the 27th. After halting a short time between the grove of timber to the left of the Burnt Chimneys and the river the regiment again moved with the brigade and formed line of battle in grove before mentioned. Here one man was wounded by a piece of shell from one of the enemy’s guns. After remaining in line a short time we again moved off by the right flank and formed line under cover of hill near the river road, as a support for the line of skirmishers who were then some 200 yards in advance. We soon after moved off by the left flank and again formed line of battle in the margin of woods parallel with road before mentioned. Position was changed several times during the remainder of the day, but nothing of importance transpired, and at night the regiment bivouacked with the brigade in the pine grove near aforesaid road.

On the morning of the 28th the regiment moved with the brigade by the left flank in the direction of the enemy. Halted and formed line, remained a short time, when we again changed position. We were kept constantly on the move until 4 p. m., when we were ordered to erect works on the south side of the river road; after having them well nigh completed we received orders to turn over the intrenching tools and prepare to move. At 8 p. m. the regiment moved with the brigade and recrossed the James River. Marched all night, halting only at short intervals to refresh the men. Crossed the Appomattox and halted in rear of the Eighteenth Corps, in front of Petersburg, at 4 a. m. on the morning of the 29th. Here we remained during the entire day and at dusk moved with the brigade to the front and relieved the One hundred and forty-eighth New York Volunteers, of the Eighteenth Corps. Here we remained until the evening of the 30th. During that day we were severely shelled, but only one man was wounded. Shortly after dark we were relieved by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and returned to our former camp.

The casualties in the regiment during the entire operations were 2 enlisted men wounded.

Respectfully submitted.

J. C. CONSER,

Captain, Commanding 105th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers.

Captain J. B. TEN EYCK,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, 2nd Brigadier 3 Div., 2nd Army Corps.

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