Capt T. F. B. Tapper's Official Reports

Reports of October 1, 1862 of Turner's Gap and Antietam

[author biography]

[Turner's Gap/South Mountain]

HDQRS. 4TH REGT., PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE VOL. CORPS,
Near Sharpsburg, Md., October 1, 1862.

Capt. E. C. BAIRD, U. S. Army,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Div. Pennsylvania Reserve Vol. Corps.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, in the action of South Mountain, September 14, 1862:

The Fourth Regiment started from the Monocacy River Sunday, September 14, 1862, and marched on the Hagerstown turnpike until it reached the base of the South Mountains. Here the regiment was marched on a road leading to the right about two miles, and formed in line of battle facing the mountains. The regiment was then ordered to advance up the mountain. At the foot of the mountain we engaged the enemy, but the regiment advanced steadily and drove the enemy over the mountain, and took up a position near the summit, and slept on our arms for the night. The next morning it was found the enemy had retired some time during the night. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing has been furnished.*

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. F. B. TAPPER,
Capt., 4th Regt., Pennsylvania Reserve Vol. Corps, Comdg. Regt.

[Antietam]

HDQRS. 4TH REGT., PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE VOL. CORPS,
Near Sharpsburg, Md., October 1, 1862.

Capt. E. C. BAIRD, U. S. Army,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Div. Pennsylvania Reserve Vol. Corps.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, in the actions of Antietam, September 16-17 1862:

The Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, marched from near Keedysville, on the Williamsport road, on the 16th of September. 1862. When near the Williamsport and Sharpsburg turnpike the enemy was discovered to our left. We immediately advanced toward the enemy, marching in column of division, until we arrived at a woods directly in front of the enemy's position, where we were deployed in line under cover of the woods, and where we lay on our arms for the night, throwing out a few men as pickets. Early next morning we were marched in column of division to the front and deployed in front of the enemy. We were then marched by the left flank under a very destructive fire from the enemy, when the regiment gave way, but it soon rallied and advanced to the front, maintaining its ground. Shortly after the enemy gave way. Being relieved by Sumner's corps, fell to the rear, where the regiment was again formed ready for action, but was not called upon. A list of the killed, wounded, and missing has been furnished.†

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. F. B. TAPPER,
Capt., 4th Regt., Pennsylvania Reserve Vol. Corps, Comdg. Regt.

* See Vol. XIX, Part I, p. 185.           † See Vol. XIX, Part I, p. 191.

Source: OR1