OR XLII P1 #71: Report of Lieutenant Colonel George F. Hopper, 10th NY, October 27, 1864

No. 71. Report of Lieutenant Colonel George F. Hopper, Tenth New York Infantry, of operations October 27.¹

HEADQUARTERS TENTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, October 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this command in action of the 27th instant:

We started from bivouac, near Weldon railroad, 3 a.m.; marched cautiously about three hours, skirmishers and flankers out. Reached Cedar Creek, near mill-dam, where the enemy’s cavalry was discovered intrenched. My command was upon the first line, left resting upon the road. After some delay an advance was ordered. We forded the

stream under a brisk fire, advanced through obstructions, and carried out part of the rebel line, capturing and sending to the rear 8 or 10 prisoners. Reformed here and marched cautiously through a wilderness of pine and oak to a point upon the Petersburg plank road and about one mile and half from the South Side Railroad, where skirmishing was going on with rebel cavalry. 2 p.m., formed line alongside of woods under a heavy fire of artillery, and shortly after deployed command as skirmishers upon the right of the line, my right resting as near as possible to a road upon which a column of the enemy were moving. Soon after an attack was made on our right and rear, when we were relieved from this position and formed line of battle near the edge of woods, where we remained until ordered by brigade commander to join the balance of brigade upon the road. Took up line of march toward rear.

The entire loss in my command was 4 enlisted men wounded and 4 taken prisoners.

Although composed almost entirely of recruits, the command behaved exceedingly well, and no fault can be found with officers or men.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. F. HOPPER,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Tenth New York Volunteers.

Lieutenant T. E. PARSONS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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