OR XLII P1 #41: Report of Captain Alfred A. Rhinehart, 148th PA, August 13-20, 1864

Numbers 41. Report of Captain Alfred A. Rhinehart, One hundred and forty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August 13-20.¹

HEADQUARTERS 148TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
September 28, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In compliance with existing orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment August 13 to 20, inclusive:

The regiment embarked with a portion of the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, during the afternoon of the 13th, and according to the general plan was carried downstream some distance. When the

transports carrying the corps moved upstream the one upon which the regiment had embarked was found to be aground, and was not got off until about 9 a.m. on the 14th instant. The command was then carried up the James and landed on its north bank, opposite Jones’ Neck. After rejoining the brigade the command immediately advanced to the front and took up position in rear of and supporting a portion of the Second Division, Second Army Corps. While on this line the regiment was subject to a raking fire from the enemy’s artillery. Late in the evening the regiment was put upon the picket-line in front of this position and was not relieved until the morning of the 16th. About noon of the 16th the command moved to the right to the support of the Tenth Corps. The regiment was almost immediately afterward put upon picket. On the morning of the 18th the regiment was detached from the brigade and sent to the right to hold a road upon which the enemy threatened to advance. In the evening of the same day the command moved down on the New Market road toward, the left, and immediately on the right of the Second Division, and constructed breast-works, which were quietly occupied until the evening of the 20th, when the command recrossed the James River.

The casualties of this movement were as follows: August 14, 3 enlisted men killed, 14 wounded; August 15, 1 enlisted man killed, 4 wounded; August 16, 2 enlisted men wounded.

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

ALFRED A. RHINEHART,

Captain, 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Commanding Regiment.

Lieutenant J. WENDEL MUFFLY,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, 4th Brigadier, 1st Div., 2nd Army Corps.

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