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Col William P Wainwright's Official Reports

Reports of September 1862 on South Mountain

W. P. Wainwright

[author biography]

MIDDLETOWN VALLEY, SHEFFER'S HOUSE,
Near Mount Tabor, September 16, 1862.

Captain E. P. HALSTEAD,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Doubleday's Division.

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of General Doubleday, that on the afternoon of the 14th instant, after the battalions had been moved up to the edge of the wood, the Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers passed through a line of troops under the command of General Patrick. The regiment formed with perfect steadiness on the extreme left. They were well in hand during the whole engagement, always obeyed the orders to fire and to cease firing readily, and although not many cartridges were expended, the repulse of an attempt to turn our left, which, in conjunction with the left wing of the Seventh Indiana Regiment, was brilliantly accomplished, and the orderly manner in which they afterward passed the line of troops coming up to relieve them, showed that they are fast becoming veteran soldiers.

I would again (as in a note sent yesterday afternoon by Surgeon Metcalfe) call the general's attention to the weakened state of the regiment. They went into action on this occasion with only forty files. Their loss was, so far as ascertained, 2 killed and 13 wounded-of the latter, 2 mortally. I doubt whether they can now furnish more than thirty files, commanded by four lieutenants, in any line of battle that may be called for at present.

In the above action First Lieutenants Crandall and Goddard and Second Lieutenants Byram and Foster were the only officers present under me. They all conducted themselves admirably. I think it was Lieutenant Goddard who first called my attention to the enemy stealing through the corn in order to gain our flank.

Sergeant Stamp, just promoted for good conduct in a former battle, was shot through the head while gallantly carrying the national colors.

Owing to a wound in the arm received during the action, I am unable to join the regiment. First Lieutenant Crandall is next in command.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. WAINWRIGHT,
Colonel Seventy-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.




WASHINGTON, D. C., September 24, 1862.

Captain E. P. HALSTEAD,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Doubleday's Division.

CAPTAIN: It was with great regret, after making my report on the battle of the 14th instant at South Mountain, that I remembered having omitted the name of First Lieutenant Robert Story, Company H, as present during the action. The lieutenant was present and in command of his company, and conducted himself very meritoriously.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

W. P. WAINWRIGHT,
Colonel Seventy-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.

Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 19, Part 1 (Antietam - Serial 27) , Pages 237 - 238

 

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