OR XLVI P1 #90: Report of Major John A. Cline, 155th PA, April 1, 1865

No. 90. Report of Major John A. Cline, One hundred and fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry.¹

HDQRS. 155TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
Near Appomattox Court-House, April 14, 1865.

I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the One hundred and fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers during the action of April 1, 1865:

About 3 p. m. the regiment was formed in line eighty paces in rear, covering the left of the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps, as reserve to fill any vacancy which might occur near that point of the general lines. After an advance of about one mile from a halt the regiment moved a short distance by the left flank and formed a line facing to the left of the general lines. From this position the regiment was moved at a double-quick by the right flank by file left to connect on the right of the troops formed on the crest of a ridge about 300 paces distant to the left. When within seventy-five paces of the line to which we were to connect it moved forward on a charge, and the regiment was ordered to follow, and moved forward on their right with all possible haste. After crossing a fence into the woods the regiment was brought into line facing by the rear rank, and advanced with a view to connect on the right of the troops now out of sight in the advance on the left. The regiment moved forward independently and without connection on

the right or left, and when passing through a thick growth of small pines came upon the enemy, striking their works on the left flank and rear at the time they were receiving re-enforcements from their right. The left striking their works some of the men pushed into their works, and about 140 of the enemy passed through to our rear, prisoners; others had thrown down their arms, but were rallied and the butts of muskets were used by both parties, and on account of their superior numbers the men fell back in comparative good order, with the loss of 5 killed and 21 wounded, about 100 paces, when they were formed and advanced farther to the right, the enemy leaving without much resistance. We then connected on the left by troops supposed to be of the First Brigade, First Division, and a general advance was made, the regiment capturing three pieces of artillery, several wagons and ambulances, and a number of prisoners. At this point portions of the Third and Second Divisions, with the First Division massed, while moving forward, separated the men of the regiment into squads, who continued to follow the routed enemy until after dark, when halted and called together by the officers and call of the brigade bugle, when they bivouacked for the night.

Very respectfully,

J. A. CLINE,
Major, Commanding Regiment.

Captain WILLIAM FOWLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division, Fifth Corps.

Source: