OR XLII P1 #349: Report of Lieutenant Dorman L. Noggle, 4th WI Btty, October 7, 1864

No. 349. Report of Lieutenant Dorman L. Noggle, Fourth Wisconsin Battery, of operations October 7.¹

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH WISCONSIN HORSE BATTERY,
Near Jones’ Landing, Va., October 9, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations by the Fourth Wisconsin Horse Battery in the engagement on the Darbytown road, October 7, 1864:

The battery was posted on the left of the Darbytown road, near the old breast-works, one section about twenty rods in rear and on the right of the road. As the attack was made on both flanks at the same time, my left section engaged the enemy on the left and in front, and the right section on the right and in front. After firing several rounds, the enemy continually advancing, I was compelled to retire with both sections. A again formed in battery about ten rods in rear of the position first taken by the right section, both sections united. We were again compelled to retire, as the enemy were on our right flank. Again we took position about fifteen rods in rear of the second position taken. Before taking our last position two of my pieces became temporarily unserviceable. I sent them to the rear. As the enemy were steadily advancing we were compelled to retire. Before leaving the field 4 of my men and several horses were wounded, 1 man mortally. After retiring a few rods the leading piece of the battery, which preceded me, became mired, delaying the column and giving the enemy time to come up with his main force. The enemy appearing on our left flank, I was ordered to abandon my pieces. I succeeded in getting some of my horses away, but lost most of my harness.

I sustained the following casualties: Lost 4 pieces and caisson, 45 horses, 24 sets of harness, 4 men wounded (1 mortally), and 1 missing.

The men all behaved well; I could not ask for better soldiers. Where all stood so well at their posts I do not desire to speak of individual cases.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. L. NOGGLE,
Second Lieutenant, Commanding Fourth Wisconsin Horse Battery.

Major THEODORE H. SCHENCK.

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