OR XLVI P1 #89: Report of Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel Henry O’Neill, 118th PA, April 1, 1865

No. 89. Report of Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel Henry O’Neill, One hundred and eighteenth Pennsylvania Infantry.¹

HEADQUARTERS 118TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
April 14, 1865.

GENERAL: In compliance with instructions received from headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, April 14, 1865, I have the honor

to make the following report in regard to the operations of the One hundred and eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers and First Maine Sharpshooters, under my command on 1st instant:

In obedience to instructions from the general commanding, I advanced out with the two regiments in the second line of battle, preserving a perfect line, the men behaving well and satisfactorily. I advanced out until I reached the creek where the ambulances and wagons were abandoned by the enemy, where, meeting General Warren, commanding Fifth Army Corps, he ordered me to form my men on the left across the White Oak road, within about 500 yards of the enemy’s works. I did so as soon as possible. Afterward he (General Warren) ordered me to change front to the rear, throw up breast-works across the road, and be ready to repel an attack from the enemy’s cavalry. I did so, throwing out a picket-line in front, relieving the cavalry pickets who were then posted there. Remained there, the men well prepared to repel any attack which would have been made, until the 2nd of April, when received orders to fall in with the rest of the Third Brigade as they came along, which orders I obeyed, and followed in the advance out to the South Side Railroad.

I take great pleasure in testifying to and applauding the good conduct and excellent behavior of both officers and men of the two regiments under my command.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. O’NEILL,
Bvt. Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Bvt. Major General J. J. BARTLETT,
Commanding First Division, Fifth Army Corps.

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