O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/1 [S# 43] -- Gettysburg Campaign
No. 272. -- Reports of Brig. Gen. Alpheus S. Williams,
U.S. Army, commanding First Division of, and Twelfth Army Corps.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, TWELFTH CORPS,
Kelly's Ford, Va., August 22, 1863.
COLONEL: In compliance with circular order, Army of the Potomac, August 20, I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of this division from June 28 to its arrival at Warrenton Junction on July 26 last, excepting July 1, 2, and 3, when the division was under the command of Brigadier-General Ruger:
On June 28, the division marched from Knoxville, Md., to Frederick City.
On June 29, through Frederick to Taneytown, Md., and, on the 30th, from Taneytown to Littlestown, Pa., On approaching Littlestown, report was sent me that the enemy s cavalry, with artillery, were approaching that place, and were probably followed by infantry. Firing was heard at some distance beyond the town. The division was hastened through, and took post to the north of it. It was soon ascertained that our cavalry were driving the enemy's, and by order of Major-General Slocum, commanding the corps, the division encamped for the night.
July 1.--The division marched to Two Taverns, on the Gettysburg pike, where information was received of the engagement of the First and Eleventh Corps with the enemy beyond Gettysburg. The division moved rapidly up the pike, and when near Rock Creek was directed by a cross-road toward the Hanover road, to occupy an eminence a mile or so east of Gettysburg. The hill was found in possession of the enemy, and the division, when about to assault the position, was ordered to withdraw, as our forces had retired behind the town, which had fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Major-General Slocum having turned over the temporary command of the corps to me, Brigadier-General Ruger assumed command of the division.
For operations of the division on July 2 and 3, I respectfully refer to the official report of that officer.
July 5.--The division was engaged in burying the dead and collecting arms in front of our positions. One brigade was sent on a reconnaissance toward the Bonaughtown road, and returned through Gettysburg.
Brig. Gen. H. H. Lockwood's brigade, which reported on the 2d and 3d instant--consisting of the First Maryland Potomac Home Brigade, Colonel Maulsby; First Maryland Eastern Shore Regiment, Colonel Wallace, and One hundred and fiftieth New York Volunteers, Colonel Ketcham--was attached by orders to the division.
July 6.--Marched 3 miles toward Bruceville, and were halted for further orders, and finally encamped for the night.
July 7.--Resumed march at daylight, and encamped about dusk at Monocacy, near Frederick City, after a march of 30 miles.
July 8.--Moved through Frederick, via Middletown and Burkittsville, to Crampton's Gap, and encamped for the night, one brigade occupying the summit of the pass, and relieving a regiment of the Third Corps.
July 9.--Advanced to Rohrersville.
July 10.--Marched to Bakersville, through Keedysville.
July 11.--Marched to Fair Play; thence to Jones' Cross-Roads, taking up a position in two lines on the left of the Second Corps.
July 12.--Corrected our line somewhat, and began the construction of breastworks. The enemy appeared in strong force in our front, especially in the vicinity of Saint James' College.
July 13.--Remained in same position, strengthening defenses.
July 14.--The division was ordered to make a reconnaissance along the Williamsport road, in connection with a division of the Second Corps. Marched out at 6 a.m. and sent forward a regiment from each brigade as skirmishers. Found the enemy's works deserted, and advanced the skirmishers, followed by the brigades, excepting Lockwood's, down the peninsula toward Falling Waters, until information was received from the commanding officer of cavalry that the enemy had wholly crossed, when the brigades were halted. Our skirmishers had a sharp engagement with the enemy's rear guard, and sent in between 200 and 300 prisoners, a special report of which has been forwarded. At 4 o'clock recalled the skirmishers, and fell back and encamped in the vicinity of Williamsport.
July 15.--The division marched, via Sharpsburg, to within 3 miles of Maryland Heights, and encamped on the high grounds in Pleasant Valley, near Sandy Hook.
July 17 and 18.--Remained in camp.
July 19.--The division crossed the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harper's Ferry, and moved up Loudoun Valley, encamping toward evening near Hillsborough.
July 20.--Marched to Snickersville, and remained in camp there the 21st and 22d. Being somewhat annoyed by guerrilla parties, patrols were sent out, and suspected houses were searched.
July 23.--The division marched, via Upperville, and encamped after dark near Somerset Mills.
July 24.--We advanced to Markham, and, after a halt of several hours, countermarched in the direction of White Plains, and encamped about 10 p.m. in the vicinity of that place.
July 25.--The division marched through Thoroughfare Gap to Hay Market, and on the 26th to Warrenton Junction, via Greenwich, where it remained in camp four days.
On the 31st, it marched to the present camp, via Elkton.
It gives me pleasure to state that during these long marches, exposures, watchings, and battlings, officers and men have conducted themselves with patience, fortitude, and courage.
The reports of brigade and regimental commanders being in the hands of Brigadier-General Ruger, now absent on detached duty, I am not able to forward them with this report, but will do so as soon as received.
These reports, with that of General Ruger and mine, as temporarily in command of the corps (sent herewith), will furnish for the period herein embraced the list of casualties(*) and the particular participation of the division in the operations around Gettysburg.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General [U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Division.
Lieut. Col H. C. RODGERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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