OR XL P1 #126: Report of Major Edward B. Knox, 44th NY, June 12-July 30, 1864

No. 126. Report of Major Edward B. Knox, Forty-fourth New York Infantry.¹

HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH NEW YORK STATE VOLS.,
Near Petersburg, Va., August 6, 1864.

lieutenant:+

FIFTH EPOCH.

June 12, at 8 p.m. took up the line of march for Long Bridge, arriving at 2 a.m. of the 13th; crossed the Chickahominy at daylight and moved out on the New Market road three miles. At 8 p.m. again started, moving toward Charles City Court-House, where we arrived at 10 a.m. the following morning. On the 12th [14th], at 12 m., continued the march toward the James River, reaching Wilcox’s Landing at 2 p.m. and went into bivouac. On the 16th crossed the James River at noon and marched toward Petersburg, arriving within three miles of that city and bivouacked at 2 a.m. 17th. On the 18th, at 7 a.m., moved to the front and relieved a portion of the Ninth Corps. At 6 p.m. constructed breast-works in front line. Remained in works until the 20th at 10 p.m., when we were relieved and marched to the rear. Our loss while in this

position was 3 men killed and 2 wounded. On the 21st

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+For portion of report (here omitted) covering operations from May 4 to June 12, 1864, see Vol. XXXVI, Part I, p.586.

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took position in front line about one mile to the left of our former position and constructed works, losing on the skirmish line 1 man killed and 1 wounded. Since which time up to July 30 we have occupied nearly the same position, losing a few men, but not having been actively engaged.

On the morning of July 30, at 3.30, the regiment was under arms, and immediately after the springing of the mine under, the fort in front of the Ninth Corps, and the opening of the artillery along the line we opened a heavy musketry fire, which continued for half an hour. The enemy making no reply the order to cease firing was given. During the affair we met with no casualties.

I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. KNOX,

Major, Commanding Forty-fourth New York State Volunteers.

Lieutenant L. C. BARTLETT,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Third Brigadier, First Div., Fifth Corps.

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