Capt John D. Wilkins's Official Report

Report of Sepember 26, 1862 of Antietam and Shepherdstown

HEADQUARTERS THIRD U. S. INFANTRY,
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., September 26, 1862.

Lieutenant WILLIAM H. POWELL,
Acting Asst. Adjt. General, First Regular Brigade.

SIR: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to report that on our arrival at the Antietam River the Third Regiment of Infantry was ordered forward as skirmishers, and deployed on the right and left of the bridge crossing the same. We remained in that position all night and until relieved, about 10 a.m. on the 16th. The remainder of that day and the 17th we remained in position, as also on the 18th. On the 19th moved forward with the brigade and passed through Sharpsburg, and on the 20th reached the Potomac at our present encampment.

During the morning of the 16th the regiment was under a severe fire from the enemy's artillery, but I am happy to report no casualties. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN D. WILKINS,
Captain Third Infantry, Commanding Regiment.

Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 19, Part 1 (Antietam - Serial 27) , Page 356