OR XLII P1 #253: Report of Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames, commanding 1/X/AotJ, October 13, 1864

No. 253. Report of Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations October 13.¹

Headquarters First Division, Tenth Army Corps,

In the Field, October 14, 1864.

Lieutenant: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this division in the reconnaissance of yesterday:

Shortly after 4 a. m. the First Brigade moved from its camp, followed by the Third and Second Brigades, respectively. Before 6 a. m. the division was formed on the right of the Darby road, with about one-third its strength on the skirmish line and about one-third of the remainder as reserves. At the command of the major general command-

ing the corps the line moved forward until it encountered the enemy. It was soon ascertained that there was a line of works along our entire front, and slashings on the greater front of it. Although our skirmish line was heavy, no perceptible impression was made on the enemy. About 2 p. m. Colonel Pond assaulted the enemy’s line where no slashings had been found. He had his entire brigade, with the exception of his skirmish line, and in addition one regiment and part of another from the other two brigades of the division. His assault was unsuccessful. At about 3.30 o’clock the command was withdrawn and returned to camp.

The lists of casualties* and reports of brigade commanders are forwarded.

I wish briefly to call attention to Colonel Pond, commanding First Brigade. He was late in starting from camp. I was at his headquarters and hastened his movements. He displayed, at least I thought he did, great indifference throughout the entire day, and only did what he was ordered to do when he found it could not be avoided. He reports he had but 570 men in the assault. As I have already said, [he had,] with the exception of his skirmish line, his own brigade and one regiment and part of another from the other brigades of the command. I think his report of the opposition he met with should be received with caution.

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

A. AMES,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

Lieutenant Shreve,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps.

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* Embodied in table, p. 146.

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