OR XLII P1 #139: Report of Captain Luther S. Bent, 18th MA, August 18-27, 1864

Numbers 139. Report of Captain Luther S. Bent, Eighteenth Massachusetts Infantry, of operations August 18-27.¹

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTALION,
August 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In complicate with circular from Fifth Corps headquarters of this date, I have the honor to report the part taken by this command from the 18th instant to this date.

18th, broke camp; marched to Weldon railroad; supported Second Brigade in taking possession of railroad. In afternoon supported Second Division in repulsing attack from the enemy. In evening threw up breast-works west of railroad, our position being on right of brigade. 19th, in afternoon supported Second Division in repulsing an attack from the enemy. 20th, remained in works, furnishing details for fatigue and picket duty. 21st, engaged the enemy’s right, Hagood’s brigade, who attacked; repulsed him, capturing 50 prisoners and a battle-flag belonging to the Twenty-seventh South Carolina Regiment. In afternoon buried 8 of their dead. 22nd, remained in camp, furnishing details for fatigue and picket duty. 23rd to 27th, the same.

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

LUTHER S. BENT,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant CHARLES H. HAND,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Third Brigadier, First Div., Fifth Corps.

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