UPR: Report of Lieutenant Colonel John W. McGill, 18th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations September 30-October 1, 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Unpublished Report of Lieutenant Colonel John W. McGill, 18th North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations September 30-October 1, 1864¹

Hd Qrs 18th N.C.T.
Oct 6th 1864

Capt:

I have the honor to submit for your information the following account of the part taken by the 18th NC Regiment in the engagement near Jone’s Farm [ ] on the 30th September 1864 together with the part taken in the action on the 1st October. Presuming that you are aware of the preliminary arrangements for the attack, I will confine my account to the part taken by the Regiment while actually engaged. The Regiment with the rest of the Brigade and connecting with McGowan’s on the left advanced and drove the enemy from Jones House capturing and carrying off the field over one hundred and twenty (120) prisoners. The enemy being completely routed in its front the Regiment [ ] to advance until the line halted in a field near the Pegram House. With the hopes that the line would follow I moved forward, with the colors of the 18th and such of the Regiment as I could collect moved then to a point about one hundred yards in front of the line, but being unsupported and too weak to accomplish any good and seeing that the line in my rear was falling back I ordered that portion of the Regiment and a few men from other Regiments under my command to fall back to. and unite with the remainder of the Brigade.

When I had reached a fence running nearly parallel with the Pine woods, I halted, and by order of Gen Lane, formed near this fence. Afterwards by order of Col Cowan I united with the Brigade and remained in line until sometime after dark where I received orders to with draw moving by the left flank. Having halted near the Jone’s House the troops were ordered to bivouac for the night. About 7 O’clock the next morning (Oct the 1st) I received orders to follow the 7th NC Regiment and arriving in the vicinity of the Pegram House, a line was formed and a temporary breast work erected. About 10 o’clock the order to advance was given and the Regiment with the Brigade moved up to and occupied a line of the enemy’s works running near the Pegram House. Here it remained until night when orders were received to withdraw, and march back to Battery No 45 on the fortifications around Petersburgh.

The Officers and men behaved well generally but owing to the want of commissioned officers and the distance over which they passed became somewhat scattered. I beg leave to mention the good conduct of 1st Seargt Jesse F Bloodworth of Co K who was severly wounded while trying to induce the line to advance to the colors of the 18th at that time some distance in front of the other troops. I would also respectfully mention Corp James A [Cromiantee] of Co K [ ] [MJ] Ward of Co C and color Seargt H Hickman as men who discharged their whole duty in a very praise worthy and gallant manner.

Among the wounded was 2nd Lieut J.P. Stringfield of Co E an officer of high standing in the Regiment both as a soldier and a gentleman.

The following statement will show the casualties in both engagements

I have the honor to be Capt very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servt

[John W.] McGill
Lt Col Comdg 18th N.C.T.

Capt E A T Nicholson
A A & I Gen

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