UPR: Report of Captain William J. Callais, 33rd 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Unpublished Report of Captain William J. Callais, 33rd North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations August 25, 1864¹

Hd Qrs 33rd N.C.T.
August 28th 1864

Capt E.J. Hale Jr.
A.A.G.

Capt:

In obedience to orders I beg leave to report of the part taken by 33rd Regiment N.C.T. in the battle of Reams Station. As follows about two o’clock P.M. we were formed in line of battle in the pine grove joining the open field in front of the enemy’s works about Thirty yards in rear of Anderson’s Brigade. They were shortly ordered forward but being repulsed fell back in rear of our line at this place Capt Gatlin was wounded and turning the command over to me went to The Hospital. Cook’s Brigade Then moved up & we moved by the left and formed on the left of Cook’s brigade in a dense Thicket & under a heavy fire of artillery. I was ordered to take up the movement from The left, we then moved forward to within about thirty yards of the enemy’s works. The undergrowth was so think that I could not See what took place except immediately around me. The point at which my regiment was formed was a bend or curve Thereby shortening the line as we advanced. We were now under a heavy fire of grape & also from infantry. Some of the men beginning to give back I ordered them forward I then noticed a great many men falling back on my left & was informed by Several officers that the order was to fall back & form in the same hollow we were formed in before we advanced.

The General then ordered us to form in the Same position and Sent our Some of my officers to Send back the men who had gone to the rear. I awaited further orders & learning that the General was in the works to our right I took what men I could gather & reported to him. There were no Colors Captured by this regiment.

I have the honor to be
Very Resfly your obt Servt

W[illiam]. J. Callais
Capt. Comdg [33rd NC] Regt

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