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HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS,
Camp in the Field, September 24, 1862
Lieut. Col. OLIVER D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Sixth Army Corps.
SIR: I have the honor of submitting
the following report of the action of this division in the engagement at Crampton's Pass
on the 14th instant:
The division encamped on the night of the 13th about 3 miles east of Jefferson, on the road leading from Urbana to Jefferson. At daylight
on the 14th instant the division left camp, moved through Jefferson, and at 12 m. met the
pickets of the enemy near Burkittsville. Colonel Bartlett, commanding the leading brigade,
at once deployed the Ninety-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers as skirmishers, who
drove in the enemy's pickets and advanced to the village. The other regiments of the
division were then advanced to a position about half a mile east of the village, where
they were completely concealed from the view of the enemy and covered from the fire of his
artillery. Wolcott's First Maryland Battery was then advanced to a point to the left of
the infantry, and replied to the enemy's artillery until preparations for the attack of
the infantry were completed.
At 3 p.m. the column of attack was formed in
the following order: The Twenty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers deployed as
skirmishers, followed at a distance of 200 yards by the Fifth Maine and Sixteenth New York
Volunteers in line of battle; the brigades of General Newton and Colonel Torbert followed,
each brigade being in two lines, the regiments in line of battle and the lines 200 yards
from each other; the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, of Bartlett's brigade, which
had advanced into the village, formed in rear, and joined the column as it advanced; the
One hundred and twenty-first New York Volunteers was held as a reserve at the point where
the column was formed. As soon as the advance began, the enemy opened with a heavy and
well-directed artillery fire, but the troops advanced steadily, every line in the entire
column preserving its alignment with as much accuracy as could have been expected at a
drill or review. The line of skirmishers soon drew the fire of the enemy's infantry, which
appeared in strong position in rear of a stone wall, which afforded them an admirable
cover.
The position and strength of the enemy having
been ascertained, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and Colonel Bartlett led the first line
to a point within 300 yards of the enemy's line. A severe engagement ensued, the enemy
having greatly the advantage in position, and being aided by at least eight pieces of
artillery posted on the sides of the mount-sin. The position of this pass and its
approaches rendered it evident that in the attempt to carry it reliance was to be placed
mainly upon the infantry. I had, therefore, left all the artillery of the division in
rear, but fearing that the stone wall behind which the enemy had taken cover would prove
an insurmountable obstacle to the advance of my lines, I at once used every effort to
bring forward a battery, with the view of driving the enemy from his position. But before
the battery was fairly in position this obstacle had been overcome by a most gallant
charge of the infantry, and the enemy were fleeing in confusion up the mountain, closely
pursued by every regiment of the division except the one in reserve, each vying with the
other in the pursuit. The enemy made another stand at the crest of the mountain, but was
speedily dispersed and pursued through the pass and into the plain below. The victory was
complete, and resulted not only in the utter rout and dispersion of the forces opposed to
us, but in the capture of over 300 prisonerers, 3 stand of colors, over 700 stand of arms
of the most approved pattern, I piece of artillery, and a very large number of knapsacks,
haversacks, blankets, &c. The advance of General Brooks' brigade, of Smith's division,
on the left of the pass, simultaneously with the advance of my division, did much toward
the accomplishment of the work assigned to the corps, and rendered our victory more
complete than it would otherwise have been.
Of the gallantry of the officers and men under
my command I cannot speak too highly. Although greatly reduced in numbers by losses on the
Peninsula, although fatigued by long marches and constant service since the opening of the
spring campaign, each regiment--indeed, every man--did his whole duty, not reluctantly,
but with that eagerness and enthusiasm which rendered success certain.
To attempt to designate any regiment, or any
regimental or line officer, as being entitled to particular notice would be an act of
injustice to all others. I cannot, however, without great injustice omit to call attention
to the conduct of the brigade commanders, General Newton, Colonel Bartlett, and Colonel
Torbert, all of whom led their brigades in the action, and gave renewed evidences of their
skill and courage. Colonel Bartlett, commanding the leading brigade, was on this, as on
all former occasions, conspicuous for his gallantry and the skill with which he handled
his troops under a most galling fire. I sincerely trust that both Colonel Bartlett and
Colonel Torbert, commanding their respective brigades, both of whom have given abundant
proofs of their qualifications for the positions which they now occupy as brigade
commanders, may be rewarded by the promotion they have so well earned.
I append a list of casualties, showing the number of officers killed, 5; wounded, 16; men killed, 109; wounded, 381. Total killed,
114; wounded, 397; aggregate loss, 511.
This list embraces many of the bravest and most
gallant officers and soldiers of the division, for a more particular reference to whom I
respectfully refer to the reports of the brigade commanders, which are herewith inclosed.
I am greatly indebted to the members of my
staff, Major Rodgers, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Guindon and Shannon,
aides-de-camp, and to Captain Urquhart, of Colonel Bartlett's staff, for the zealous
manner in which their respective duties were discharged.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major-General Volunteers, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH CORPS,
Camp near Bakersville, September 26, 1862
Lieut. Col. OLIVER D. GREENE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Sixth Army Corps.
SIR: I have the honor to report
that, early on the morning of the 17th instant, the division under my command left
Crampton's Pass to join the main army, then already engaged with the enemy near
Sharpsburg. We reached the battle-field about 12 m., and immediately took position in
front of the white church, on the Hagerstown and Sharpsburg turnpike, relieving a portion
of General Sumner's corps. Our infantry, though not actively engaged, were exposed to a
heavy artillery fire from the enemy until sundown, and are entitled to great credit for
their gallantry under a severe fire, which they were unable to return. The artillery of
the division, under command of First Lieut. Emory Upton, Fifth U.S. Artillery, was well
served and did good execution. The batteries of Captain Hexamer, First New Jersey
Volunteer Artillery; Captain Wolcott, First Maryland Volunteer Artillery, and Lieutenant
Williston, Battery D, Second U.S. Artillery, were all engaged, and their fire proved very
accurate and effective, twice silencing the enemy's guns, and holding in check a large
force of his infantry.
The officers and men of the division lay or
rested upon their arms in line of battle for over forty hours without leaving their
position, and deserve great credit for their fortitude displayed on that occasion.
I append a list of casualties, showing a loss
of 5 men killed, 2 officers and 56 men wounded, and 2 men missing, making a total loss of
65.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major-General Volunteers, Commanding.
Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, Vol 19, Part 1 (Antietam - Serial 27) , Pages 380 - 382