OR XLVI P1 #227: Report of Captain Francis G. Hickerson, 10th CT, Mar 27-Apr 9, 1865

No. 227. Report of Captain Francis G. Hickerson, Tenth Connecticut Infantry.¹

HDQRS. TENTH INFANTRY CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,
Near Appomattox Court-House, Va., April 11, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the actions and losses of the Tenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers during the campaign just ended:

On the 26th [27th] of March, 1865, orders were received to break camp on the north side of the James River and be in readiness to move in heavy marching order at dusk. In compliance with said order we moved at about 7 p.m. to the rear, crossing the James River at Deep Bottom and the Appomattox River at Point of Rocks, passing well in rear of our lines at Petersburg to the left at Hatcher’s Run, Va. We remained in camp there until March 29, when most of the regiment went on picket in the morning and the remainder were ordered out in the afternoon to take part in opening the campaign. There were no casualties on this day, the regiment being held in reserve. March 30, we moved forward to take our position in line and built slight breast-works; about noon moved farther to the left. For the casualties of the day I respectfully refer to accompanying list.* March 31, we remained in the same position, with no casualties. April 1, we took part in repulsing an assault of the rebels on our lines. April 2, the regiment

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* Shows 1 officer killed and 1 officer and 3 men wounded.

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moved from our lines at Hatcher’s Run, Va., and taking part in the assault on Fort Gregg, lost very heavily, as shown by the accompanying list of casualties.* In this engagement Lieutenant Colonel E. D. S. Goodyear was severely wounded, and the command of the regiment devolved upon me. April 3, we moved from before Petersburg the brigade. Having taken part in the march, following yourself, it would be useless for me to give it more than passing notice. The regiment was in no engagement until April 9, when General Lee was forced to surrender, with his command.

In conclusion, I cannot speak in too high terms of the conduct of both officers and men in the engagement named, as well as on the march. Very many of the men refused to give up, although their feet were very badly blistered, and braved it through the entire march.

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

F. G. HICKERSON,
Captain, Commanding Tenth Connecticut Volunteers.

Captain GEORGE H. STOWITS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade.

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* Shows 11 men killed and 7 officers and 72 men wounded.

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