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Return to Index |
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Company K 14th New York Heavy Artillery Volunteers |
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Camp Near Weldon rr |
A press release as printed in the Utica Daily Observer, Tuesday Evening, August 2, 1864, page 1, from the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac concerning the battle was filed at 9 o'clock in the evening on July 30th and reads as follows:
"After the explosion at an early hour this morning everything betokened a brilliant victory, but soon after matters assumed a different aspect, part of the attacking forces, having given way, thus exposing the balance to an enfilading fire from both artillery and infantry.
The mine was to be exploded at 3 AM, the batteries to open at once along the entire line immediately after the explosion, and the 9th corps to make the charge, supported by the 28th, Ayre's division, of the 5th corps, and the 3rd division of the 2nd corps.
The greater part of the arrangement was carried out as ordered although the commencement was later than the hour designated, on account of the fuse going out twice. The explosion took place at precisely 40 minutes past 4 o'clock. The roar of artillery that followed was almost deafening.
At half past 5 o'clock the charge was made, and the fort and part of the line on each side was carried in the most brilliant style. The 2d division which was in the center advanced, and carried the 2nd line, a short distance beyond the front, and here they rested, holding their ground with the utmost determination. It was at this time the colored division under Brig. Gen. White, was pushed forward and ordered to carry the hill, which would have decided the contest. The troops advanced in good order as far as the first line where they received a galling fire, which checked them; and although quite a number kept on advancing, the greater portion seemed to become utterly demoralized, part of them taking refuge in the fort and the balance running to the rear as fast as possible. The men rallied and again pushed forward but without success, the greater portion of their officers being killed or wounded.
During this time they seemed to be without anyone managing them, and finally they fell back to the rear out of the way of the volley of canister and musketry that was plowing through the ranks.......The loss in the 2nd division of the 9th corps, General Ledlie commanding, was very severe, and is estimated from 1,000 to 1,200, while many make the figures larger.......Col. Marshall commanding the 2nd brigade of this division was... taken prisoner along with several of his staff."