OR XLII P1 #24: Report of Major James E. Larkin, 5th NH, July 26-30 and August 13-20, 1864

Numbers 24. Report of Major James E. Larkin, Fifth New Hampshire Infantry, of operations July 26-30 and August 13-20.¹

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS,
Near Petersburg, Va, September 27, 1864.

SIR: In accordance with instructions from brigade headquarters I have the honor to forward the following report:

On the afternoon of July 26, 1864, the Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers took up line of march for Deep Bottom. About 3 a.m. of the 27th crossed the James and rested on the north bank. Line of battle was then formed, the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers on the right, One hundred and eighty-third Pennsylvania in the center, the Fifth

New Hampshire on the left. Shortly after the left wing of the Fifth was deployed as skirmishers, the right wing being held in reserve. This line then moved on the enemy’s works, driving him out and capturing four guns and a number of small-arms and prisoners. On the night of July 29 my regiment recrossed the James and returned the next day to the front of Petersburg.*

On the afternoon of August 13, 1864, the Fifth Regiment embarked on transport for Deep Bottom. Early in the morning of the 14th my regiment landed and marched toward Deep Run. That night the regiment, commanded by Captain J. S. Ricker, was on picket, and on being relieved about noon of the 15th rejoined the brigade. At 4 a.m. of the 16th the Fifth moved toward the Charles City road. On reaching the outer pickets the regiment was deployed as skirmishers and advanced until about 1 p.m., losing two men killed and several wounded. At 1 o’clock the Fifth was relieved by the Second New York Heavy Artillery and marched to the Charles City road, the enemy driving back our first line by an attack in force, the Fifth formed in the second line, the right resting on the road. The troops on our right being outflanked fell back, and we were obliged to follow. Moved back in the afternoon to the vicinity of Deep Run. On the afternoon of the 18th, an attack being made on Gregg’s cavalry, the regiment, commanded by Major J. E. Larkin, moved to their support, but was not engaged. On the 20th of August, at dark, the line of march was taken up, and crossing the James the Fifth reached the old camp in front of Petersburg on the morning of the next day. The losses of the regiment in the first expedition were 1 enlisted man killed and 12 wounded: in the second 2 enlisted men killed, 4 wounded, 9 missing.

I am, captain, very respectfully,

JAS. E. LARKIN,

Major Fifth New Hampshire Volunteers, Commanding.

Captain G. H. CALDWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade.

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*See also Vol. XL, Part I, p. 339, for another report of the operations from July 26 to 30.

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