UPR: Report of Captain Benjamin F. Rinaldi, 18th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations August 25, 1864

Editor’s Note: Brett Schulte recently noticed this report transcribed online among the James H. Lane Papers at the Auburn University Archives web site.  Permission was asked for and granted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives to reproduce these transcriptions here at The Siege of Petersburg Online.  These transcriptions are copyrighted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives and may not be reproduced without their express written consent.  The transcription attribution reads as follows: “Transcriptions made by Terri Stout-Stevens, Pfafftown, NC, in 1997 and 1998.  Edited by Marty Olliff, Assistant Archivist, Auburn University, who takes all responsibility for any errors.”

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Unpublished Report of Captain Benjamin F. Rinaldi, 18th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations August 25, 1864¹

Head Qrs 18th N.C. Troops
August 28th, 1864

Capt:

I have the honor to submit the following account of the operations of this Regiment while under my Command in the engagement near Reams Station on the 25th inst.

At about 4 ½ O’clock P.M. (my Command being on the right of the Brigade) I was ordered to connect with the left of Genl Cook, which I did, and at about 5 o’clock, the formation of the line of assault being completed, the order to advance was given, and I was instructed to connect with the right and conform to the movements of the left.

The Regiment moved forward with the line, and a portion of it entered the breast works of the Enemy with the left of Cooks Brigade, and with it, pursued the Enemy some 1/3 of a mile beyond the Rail Road to a Battery, one gun of which they abandoned, with several caisons.

The casualties of the Regiment were heavy, considering the number of men actually engaged, which was not more than Twenty five (25) and are as follows:

Killed. Private Calvin Davis Co. K.

Wounded. Capt. M. W. Buie [Co.] B.

[Wounded.] Lieut. Owen Smith [Co.] C.

[Wounded.] Sergt. M M Keel [Co.] H.

[Wounded.] Prvt. J. A. Craig [Co.] I.

[Wounded. Prvt.] J. R. Baldwin [Co.] H slight

The conduct of the officers and men generally, was good.

I have the honor to be Capt.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.

B[enjamin]. F. Rinaldi
Capt. Comdg 18th N.C.T.

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