UPR: Report of Major Samuel N. Stowe, 28th 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Unpublished Report of Major Samuel N. Stowe, 28th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations August 25, 1864¹

Hd. Qr’s. 28th N.C.T.
28th Aug’s’t 1864

Cap’t. E.J. Hale, Jr.
A.A. Gen’l

Sir. I have the honor to submit most respectfully a brief report of the part borne by my Regiment in the action of the 25th inst. with the enemy at Ream Station. Our position in the Brig was with the 7th N.C. Regt on the left, the 37th N.C. Reg’t on the right governed by movements on the right. The Brig was halted and formed on the right of Ream Station road for a while, then moved forward by the right flank circuitous one fourth (1/4) of a mile halted and moved to the left, crossing the road to the Station. Halted as it were, after forming line of battle to support other troops, which soon became engaged with the enemy after some time additional troops [passed] us forming on our right, we forming by moveing some what to the left upon this line. Were in due time moved forward with the entire line in a charge on the enemies works which were found to be very formidable by us, not only regarding the dificult ground to pass over of dense obstructions but in approaching his works at an angle in which our Regiment was terably exposed and for a short time did fail to advance as rapidly as our friends on the right. But upon their better success we were enabled to carry everything before us and did succeed in achieving what we believe to be the greatest victory of the war.

The sacrifice was truly fearful in my Regiment. Col. Speer fell mortally wounded (doubtless). Cap’t I.T. Smith of Co “B” and five (5) enlisted men were killed instantly. Six (6) other gallant officers wounded and Twenty four (24) men most of them badly.

Most Respectfully Your
Obedient Servant

S[amuel]. N. Stowe, Maj
Com’d’g 28th N.C.T.

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