Official Records of the Rebellion

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No. 13.

Report of Lieut. Charles B. Hazlett, Battery D, Fifth U.S. Artillery, of operations April 5.

HEADQUARTERS BATTERY D, FIFTH ARTILLERY,
Camp near Yorktown, April 6, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following facts with reference to the action of my section yesterday:

After having been detached at about 2 o’clock p. m. I proceeded some distance on the Warwick road to our left, where there was a strong force of the enemy intrenched. They had guns mounted in three earthworks, which were connected by infantry parapets. In the center fort I could count four field pieces; in the other, although they appeared to have several guns, I could not see any of them. Just as I left the road to enter the field in front and opposite the works they opened a very heavy fire. They apparently had previously ascertained the range of the road, as the shot plunged into the road, passing over our heads.

I had with me my own section of two 10-pounder Parrotts, and also three light 12-pounder guns belonging to Captain Martin’s battery. I opened fire at once, and for a short time the firing was on both sides very severe. The enemy had some light guns outside of their intrenchments in the ditch.

During the early part of the engagement there were 2 men killed and 3 wounded, belonging to Captain Martin’s battery.

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I could not ascertain certainly what execution our firing did. Most of our shot burst directly over their intrenchmeuts, and I think they must have done injury to the enemy. After a short time the enemy slackened their fire. I then ceased firing, except a shot about once in ten or fifteen minutes. There was a large white frame house on my left and front. The enemy fired several shells inside of this house, evidently desirous of setting fire to it.

Some time after the fire slackened two or three regiments of infantry and some horsemen, with two or three wagons, were seen to leave the fort from their left. I fired a percussion shell at them, which burst directly in the column. I then threw three or four shrapnel, which burst over them. The column then took the double-quick and left.

Soon after this a portion of Captain Randolph’s battery came to relieve me, but just as I was getting ready to move another column of infantry appeared on the left leaving the fort. I then threw one shrapnel, which burst in the column. I then rejoined my battery, the only casualties being 2 men killed and 3 wounded of Captain Martin’s battery.

The conduct of my men during the action was all that could be desired.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. E. HAZLETT,
First Lieutenant, Fifth Artillery.

Capt. CHARLES GRIFFIN,

Chief of Artillery.