OR XLII P1 #155: Report of Lieutenant Colonel John E. Cook, 76th NY, August 18-28, 1864

Numbers 155. Report of Lieutenant Colonel John E. Cook, Seventy-sixth New York Infantry, of operations August 18-28.¹

HDQRS. SEVENTY-SIXTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
August 28, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with circular of last evening, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the operations of the corps since the 17th instant:

At 4 a. m. of the 18th instant the regiment broke camp and marched with the rest of the brigade to the Yellow House, on the Weldon railroad, arriving there at 12 m., stacked arms in line, rested for an hour, and then marched about three-fourths of a mile up the railroad toward Petersburg, and formed line of battle on the fight of the railroad. About an hour later moved rapidly to the left of the railroad, and formed line. The regiment was soon after sent out as skirmishers to cover the brigade front. About dark received orders to advance the line, and if possible reach a cleared field about thirty rods in front. Moved forward under a heavy fire, gained half the distance, but found it impossible to advance farther, and held our position until morning. In advancing the line First Lieutenant Barnard Phenis, of Company D, was killed, and Private Frederick Thomas, of Company D, was wounded in the hand. On the morning of the 19th were relieved on the skirmish line by the Fourth Delaware Regiment, and returned to a line of slight works, put up by the brigade during the night. Strengthened the works and remained in them. Were attacked by the enemy in the afternoon, and repulsed him, with no loss to ourselves. Retained our position during the night. Private Jay Bronson, of Company H, stretcher-bearer, was wounded in the arm, while going to the skirmish line after a wounded man, in the evening. About midnight Second Lieutenant Moses M. Whitney, of Company C, was wounded in the hip by a stray shot from the skirmish line. Held our position until the night of the 20th instant, when moved to our present position and put up breast-works. Were attached by the enemy on the morning of the 21st; repulsed him, with heavy loss, and captured about seventy-five prisoners. Captain J. C. Hatch, of Company G, jumped over the works as

the enemy retired and brought in the colors of the Twenty-fifth South Carolina (rebel) Regiment. During the action Sergt. Laverne E. Teeter, of Company C, was wounded slightly in the shoulder, Sergt. Parmenas A. Norton, of Company D, had his left arm shattered; Private William M. Bristol, of Company D, received a flesh wound in the shoulder, and Private William H. Hungerford, of Company I, received a flesh wound in the hip. As the enemy retired skirmishers were sent forward, and soon after the line was ordered to be doubled, when First Lieutenant Thomas F. Weldon, of Company C, was sent out to take charge of the men from this regiment. Soon after, while on the line, he was shot by a sharp-shooter and instantly killed. His death is a severe loss to the regiment, as he was one of the most courageous and efficient officers in the command. We still retain the position occupied by us on the 21st instant, and since that time the regiment had not been engaged.

Hoping this report may prove satisfactory, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. COOK,

Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers.

Captain F. H. COWDREY,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.

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