OR XLII P1 #143: Report of Lieutenant Colonel De Witt C. McCoy, 83rd PA, August 18-27, 1864

Numbers 143. Report of Lieutenant Colonel De Witt C. McCoy, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations August 18-27.¹

HDQRS. EIGHTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In compliance with instructions from headquarters Third Brigade, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this command in the operations on the Weldon railroad:

On the morning of the 18th instant we broke camp at 5 a. m. and marched down the Jerusalem plank road from two to three miles,

there striking a road to the right, leading to the railroad. We advance in line of battle, supporting the First and Second Brigades. Reached the railroad about 10 a. m. Moved down the road to rear of Yellow House; halted some five hours. At 4 p. m. the enemy attacked the Second, third, and Fourth Divisions. We advanced in line of battle to their support. Not being needed we moved by the flank up the road, and took position on the extreme left of the corps; throwing up breast-works, bivouacked for the night. 19th and 20th, in the same position. 21st, the enemy attacked the Fourth Division. We occupied our line of works, where we now remain.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. C. MCCOY,

Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Lieutenant HAND,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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