91st PA infantry: Myers House--2nd brigade report

Myers' House

[This is an excerpt from the report by the second brigade commander. Although this is not the 91st's brigade, the report sheds light on the 91st's actions.]
[source: 'Report of Brig. Gen. Emory Upton, U.S. Army, commanding the Second Brigade', The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies, series 1, volume 36, part 1, pages 663-671 at pages 669-670]

[see Spottsylvania for more information]


... At 12 p.m. on the 13th the brigade, leading the division, moved to the left in rear of Burnside's corps to near the Anderson house. On the morning of the 14th it was ordered to cross the Ny River and seize Myers' Hill to the left and front of the Fifth Corps. Before reaching the position it had been carried by the regulars, whom we relieved. The brigade was reduced to less than 800, and of these three regiments, the Fifth Maine, One hundred and twenty-first New York, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, were required to continue the picket-line from the Fifth Corps to the river, leaving the Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers in reserve. I sent a dispatch to General Wright, through Captain Paine, signal officer, that if the position was to be held, another brigade was necessary; but it could not be spared, and two small regiments, the Second and Tenth New Jersey Volunteers, were sent instead. A lookout was posted on top of the house with a field-glass, to observe the enemy's movements. At the same time a breastwork of rails was thrown up in front of the house and out-buildings, there being no other means of fortifying at hand. About 250 yards to the front of the house was a wood, to the right of which, 800 yards distant, was a high hill. To the left of the house was a broad open field, on the far edge of which could be seen squads of cavalry. About 4 p.m. the lookout discovered infantry skirmishers on the hill described.

Apprehensive that the enemy's sharpshooters might occupy the point of wood nearest the house, Colonel Lessig was directed to move forward the Ninety-sixth and take possession. Two companies of the Second New Jersey Volunteers were sent in support, and the remainder of the regiment sent forward to the works. Colonel Lessig had scarcely entered the wood before he encountered two brigades of infantry, forming to charge our position. He immediately fell back, while at the same time the Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania and Tenth New Jersey were ordered forward. They were barely in position when the enemy's column emerged from the wood.

Simultaneously cavalry, with a battery of horse artillery, galloped on to the field to the left of the house, which opened fire, nearly enfilading our line. The enemy was received with a well-directed fire, which checked his advance; but coming on in superior numbers, we were compelled to abandon the position. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was about 100. The enemy admitted a loss of 161 killed and wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Wiebecke, of the Second New Jersey Volunteers, a brave officer, and thorough soldier, was killed. After dark the position was reoccupied by our troops.

May 15 and 16, the brigade remained at Myers' Hill. ...


top of document | home
revised 11 June 06
contact Harry Ide at [email protected] with comments or questions