OR XLII P1 #26: Reports of Major George Hogg, 2nd NYHA, August 14 and December 9-10, 1864

Numbers 26. Reports of Major George Hogg, Second New York Heavy Artillery, of operations August 14 and December 9-10. ¹

HEADQUARTERS SECOND NEW YORK ARTILLERY,
In the Field, August 17, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report in obedience to orders from division headquarters:

On the morning of Sunday, August 13 [14] instant, I was ordered by General Miles to advance my regiment of nine companies, numbering in all 320 officers and men, across the New Market road through a wood to the edge of a corn-field. I did so and then saw General Barlow, commanding division. I asked him if my line was far enough advanced. He informed me I must take my orders from General Miles. Immediately after (I should say two minutes at farthest) General Barlow ordered me to advance my regiment as quickly as possible and take a line of rebel works on the left and about 900 yards form my front. He also informed me that he would send the Third Brigade as a support. I advanced into the corn-field and then moved by the left flank. While doing so an orderly came from General Barlow sailing that I was going too far to the left, upon which I moved my regiment forward. On my right was a wood from whence the enemy was driving the skirmish line. There was a ravine on my left, in which the enemy’s skirmishers were posted, subjecting me to a flanking fire. I was at this time advancing upon the works indicated by General Barlow, my right partially covered by a wood, in which rapid firing was going on. An officer here informed me that there was a rebel line of rifle-pits about 200 yards in advance of their main works in the woods, and knowing that were I to advance while that line was held by the enemy my regiment would be completely enfiladed, I determined to take the advance line. I did so, and drove the enemy out and over a hill into the main work indicated by General Barlow. I was unable to advance farther as the enemy were in strong force and getting artillery into position on his right. I afterward saw General Barlow on the knoll behind the rifle-pit I had taken and verbally gave him this explanation, why I had not advanced on the main work.

Hoping this explanation may prove satisfactory to yourself and the general commanding division,

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE HOGG,

Major Second New York Artillery.

General N. A. MILES,

Commanding First Brigade, First Division.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND NEW YORK ARTILLERY,
December 10, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with circular of this p.m., I have the honor to report that the Second New York Artillery broke camp at daylight on the morning of the 9th instant, and marched to the left to near Hatcher’s Run, where the enemy were met in some force behind slight works on the opposite side of the run,which had been made to form a formidable obstacle to our further progress by means of a dam thrown up at a distance below. After a few shells had been thrown into the enemy’s works by our artillery, at a signal the Second New York charged across the stream and dislodged the enemy. In doing this the barrier which had been put in the way by the enemy formed a greater hinderance to our passage than the active defense of their works, which was but feeble. At a late hour of the same afternoon the regiment was relieved and retired across the run and went into camp, where it remained until a late hour of the next day, when we returned to our former camp near the Weldon railroad.

In conclusion, I would add that it is difficult to bestow praise upon any particular ones where all performed their duties so well. I would express my entire satisfaction with the conduct of the regiment, and hope it has merited the approval of the superior commanders.

The casualties in the regiment were three wounded and three missing, as follows: James D. Coffin, Company D, left arm amputated; John B. Gilbert, Company E, severely in side; John Bell, Company I, left leg amputated; Nicholas J. Shrader, Company F, missing; Daniel Van Nort, Company L, missing; Abel Bunnell, Company L, missing.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE HOGG,

Major, Commanding Second New York Artillery.

Captain McALLISTER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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