Editor’s Note: Brett Schulte recently noticed this report transcribed online among the James H. Lane Papers at the Auburn University Archives web site. Permission was asked for and granted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives to reproduce these transcriptions here at The Siege of Petersburg Online. These transcriptions are copyrighted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives and may not be reproduced without their express written consent. The transcription attribution reads as follows: “Transcriptions made by Terri Stout-Stevens, Pfafftown, NC, in 1997 and 1998. Edited by Marty Olliff, Assistant Archivist, Auburn University, who takes all responsibility for any errors.”
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Unpublished Report of LtCol John W. McGill, 18th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations June 22, 18641
Hd Qrs 18th N.C.T.
Sept 24th 1864
Captn:
I have the honor to submit the following account of the action of the 18th NC Regiment in the Engagement of the 22nd June 1864 near Wilcox’s Farm, Va.
About 11 oclock A.M. on the 22nd of June 1864 the Regiment was ordered to march. Leaving its position in line between batteries no. 34 & 35 and following in rear of the 7th N.C. Regiment. About 2 oclock P.M. a Halt was ordered and the Regiment was formed in to Line of Battle on the Left of the 7th Regiment and on the right of the 28th. The Line being formed, the order was given to advance. At a distance of nearly one mile from the point where the line was formed [the] 28th and the left of 18th came up with and drove in the Enemy’s line of skirmishers taking some prisoners At a short distance from where the skirmishers of the enemy were formed the Regiment was fired into by this Line of Battle and in compliance with instructions from Col Barry then comd’g the Brigade the Regiment was ordered to lay down (at about seventy yards from the enemy’s line) and not to return the enemys [“enemys” overwritten with “his”] fire unless he attempted to advance. The Regiment lay thus in line, exposed to a very severe fire for about three fourths (3/4) of an hour when it was ordered to retire. The Casualties in this action were two (2) men killed and two (2) wounded. The officers & men behaved with coolness and their usual determination.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant
John W. McGill
Lt. Col. Comdg 18th NCT
Source:
- McGill, John W. (1864, September 24). (Official Report sent to E. J. Hale, Jr.). James H. Lane Papers (RG 501, Box 2, number 81). Auburn University Libraries Department of Special Collections & University Archives, Auburn, AL. ↩