OR XLVI P1 #57: Report of Colonel James P. McIvor, 170th NY, commanding 2/2/II/AotP, Mar 29-Apr 9, 1865

No. 57. Report of Colonel James P. McIvor, One hundred and seventieth New York Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.¹

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS,
April 15, 1865.

MAJOR: In compliance with circular of this date from headquarters Second Division, Second Army Corps, I have the honor to report the following as the operations of the Second Brigade since the 28th of March:

The brigade broke camp on the morning on the 29th, and moved with the balance of the division across and beyond Hatcher’s Run, a distance of some three miles. During the 30th and 31st of March the advance toward the enemy’s main line of works was continued until the Crow house was reached. Whilst en route the brigade built three lines of breast-works, the last line upon what is known as the Crow farm, from which point reconnaissances were made by portions of this command against the enemy’s works, which were found to be of a formidable character.

On the 1st of April the command was advanced still nearer to the enemy (our skirmishers driving those of the opposing force into their breast-works), forming a connection with the Twenty-fourth Army Corps on the run; and at that point also strong line of works was constructed. During the night of the 1st a force from this brigade, consisting of the Sixty-ninth New York National Guard Artillery, One hundred and fifty-fifth and One hundred and seventieth New York Volunteers, was ordered to assault the enemy’s works, in column of fours, at 4 a. m. the following morning. Everything was prepared accordingly, and the above-named regiments were advanced beyond our skirmish line and close to the enemy’s abatis at 3.30 a. m. At 15 minutes before 4 o’clock the order for the assault was countermanded and the troops were quietly withdrawn. Shortly afterward the enemy made a fierce attack upon the left of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps and also upon our brigade skirmish line. The latter was immediately re-enforced and repulsed the enemy. At 7 a. m. orders were received to assault the

enemy’s fort, in column of fours, with one-third of the number of men at first detailed. For this purpose the Sixty-ninth New York National Guard Artillery, under command of Captain Robert Haggard, was quickly formed upon the skirmish line, and together with the skirmishers, consisting of the One hundred and sixty-fourth New York Volunteers and Company G of the Eighth New York Heavy Artillery, attacked and captured the fort and works, with two guns and caissons and many prisoners, in the most gallant manner. The Sixty-ninth New York National Guard Artillery, led by Captain Robert Haggard, observing another fort directly in rear of the one first attacked and captured, advanced on it and captured it, together with one gun and caisson and many prisoners. The Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers were promptly reformed and sent as skirmishers in pursuit of the enemy, of whom they captured and sent to the rear many. The Sixty-ninth Regiment New York National Guard Artillery was led throughout by Captain Robert Haggard, whom I would respectfully recommends deserving of some mark of approbation for his meritorious services. Immediately after the capture of the works the remainder of the brigade advanced and occupied them for a short time, when it was rejoined by that portion which had been skirmishing, after having marched to a point within three miles of Petersburg.

The evening of the 2nd and the morning of the 3rd was occupied in marching and countermarching between Well’s Church (South Side Railroad) and the point above named. On the afternoon of the 3rd the brigade was detailed to guard the train of the Cavalry Corps, which was in park at Sutherland’s. On the night of the 3rd the train moved toward Namozine Church, the brigade accompanying it as escort, repairing roads and building bridges in places which had been rendered impassable. The march was continued day and night until 6 a. m. on the 6th instant, when this command rejoined the division, and without being permitted to rest accompanies it in pursuit of the enemy during the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th instant. Encamped at Clover Hill on the 10th, since which date this command has marched to its present location.

The brigade has captured in all above 300 prisoners.

I am, major, yours, very respectfully,

J. P. McIVOR,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Major JOHN M. NORVELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Div., Second Army Corps.

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