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LCol James C Lane's Official Reports

Reports of September1862 of his Regiment and the 2nd Brigade, Greene's Division

J. C. Lane

[author biography]

[ Of the 102nd NY Infantry ]


HDQRS. ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND NEW YORK STATE VOLS.,
Camp in Field near Antietam Creek, September 18, 1862.

Colonel STAINROOK,
Commanding Second Brigade.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in the action of yesterday the One hundred and second New York State Volunteers entered the field for duty, according to orders, at 6.30 a. m., in common with the rest of the brigade; that we marched to the woods held by the rebels in close column by division, and that line of battle was formed by deployment of column. While the line was forming, under fire of sharpshooters of the enemy, Captain M. Eugene Cornell, of Company D of this regiment, fell, dead, at the front of his command while bringing them into line, being shot through the head. After line was formed we advanced in order, driving the rebel before us, this regiment going, however, to the left of the brigade, and, after passing through the woods, taking the left of the burning building in the field beyond. From this building our men pursued the enemy to the corn-field in advance, where the One hundred and second halted and commenced firing at a battery which was playing on the right of the brigade, just beyond the corn-field. This battery retired immediately after our opening fire upon it.

At this time I marched the regiment by the right flank to rejoin the brigade, which was in position behind the battery of Parrott guns, to the right of the corn-field. Soon after the brigade moved forward past the battery, and drove the enemy through the woods beyond. The One hundred and second, however, remained supporting the battery, by order of General Sumner's aide. This battery retired after expending its ammunition, and was replaced by a battery of brass guns, which remained in position about twenty minutes, and returned, being threatened by a brigade of the enemy, the right of this brigade being out of ammunition and unsupported, retiring at the same time. The One hundred and second also retired, joining in with the rest of the brigade, and were reformed into line by the general commanding division (General Greene), at the rear of the woods behind the burning building. The brigade was here rested, and, after some two hours, was again marched one-half mile to the rear, and, after forming line, arms were stacked and ration given out.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. C. LANE,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. One hundred and second New York Vols.



[ Of the 2nd Brigade ]



SEPTEMBER 22, 1862.

Brigadier-General GREENE,
Commanding Second Division.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the Second Brigade of this division entered the field of battle on September 17, 1862, under command of Colonel H. J. Stainrook, at about 6.30 a. m., the regiments marching in column of divisions. The brigade consisted of the One hundred and second New York Regiment, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, and Third Maryland Regiment, the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Regiment being on detached service. Line of battle was formed in face of the enemy, and under fire, when the order was given to charge, and the enemy was driven back over half a mile, and batteries placed in position in front of the the line gained. Soon after, the right and center of brigade rose from behind the battery and again drove the enemy some 500 yards through another piece of woods, with great slaughter, the regiment on the left being ordered by General Sumner to remain behind the battery as a support.

At about 12 m. the brigade fell back, from lack of support and want of ammunition, and at about 1 p. m. was drawn up in line about half a mile to rear of line of battle and allowed to rest. At night-fall the command was again ordered under arms, and took position behind General Franklin's corps as a reserve, and slept on their arms, no alarm occurring to bring them into action.

In the absence, from sickness, of Colonel Stainrook, and being senior officer reported present for duty, I have the honor to sign myself, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. C. LANE,
Lieut. Col. One hundred and second N. Y. Regt., Comdg. Brig.

Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 19, Part 1 (Antietam - Serial 27) , Pages 511-512, 510

 

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