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HDQRS. 124TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS
Maryland Heights, September 25, 1862.
Colonel J. F. KNIPE,
Commanding First Brigade, First Division, Banks' Corps.
DEAR SIR: I would beg leave to report that on the morning of the 17th instant the One hundred and twenty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, was ordered to the front about 7 o'clock. On reaching the extreme edge of the wood on the east of the corn-field, our line was formed and stationed in a position behind the fence. We were then ordered to advance, a portion of our right extending across the road and beyond the grain-stacks. We were led in line into the corn-field about 20 paces, and ordered to halt, as we could not distinguish our own troops. It was here our colonel was wounded. We were then ordered to fall back to the edge of the corn field and take position behind the fence, which was done in good order. We were again ordered to advance, when the right, advancing about 100 yards, received a raking fire from the enemy in the woods, which was responded to by repeated volleys from our men, but the fire from our left and the battery of the enemy on the right compelled us to again fall back to the stacks. A battery now planted on the hill between the wood and the corn-field and opposite the stacks, this portion of our right was ordered to its support. The balance of the regiment followed up the advance through the corn-field, making many successful charges upon the enemy, until they were also ordered back to the support of the battery.
The enemy's battery being silenced at this point, our regiment was ordered to the rear by General Hancock, with instructions to hold ourselves in readiness to support the batteries on the right.
Receiving no further orders, we remained in our position with the One hundred and twenty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers during the night.
I am, yours, very respectfully,
I. L. HALDEMAN,
Major One hundred and twenty-fourth Regt. Pa. Vols.
Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 19, Part 1 (Antietam - Serial 27) , Pages 490 - 491