Official Records of the Rebellion

Report of 27 April - 4 May - 25 June - Indorsement of 9 July

HDQRS. ARTILLERY RESERVE, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Camp Winfield Scott, near Yorktown, Va., May 4, 1862.

Since my report of April 27 Diederichs’ battery, with one section of Knieriem’s, has continued to occupy Earthwork No. 2. During this time, down to the morning of the 4th instant, when the enemy evacuated his positions, firing between this battery and the enemy has taken place at intervals night and day.

On the 1st instant the cheek of one of his pieces was somewhat damaged by a shot. No other injury done the battery.

On the 28th, the work being finished and the platforms laid by his cannoneers, Voegelee’s battery reoccupied Earthwork No. 3. Firing between the work and the enemy’s batteries took place daily, but nothing of moment occurred. The work was frequently damaged by the enemy’s shot and shell and repaired by the labor of the cannoneers.

On the 1st and 2d the enemy’s fire was very heavy.

On the 3d mantelets were placed in the embrasures and two more platforms laid for additional guns.

On April 28, on the application of Brig. Gen. F. J. Porter, director of the siege, two sections of Grimm’s battery, First Battalion New York [352] Artillery (Brickel’s), re-enforced by a section of Knieriem’s (20-pounder Parrotts), took position, the first in the open in front of Redoubt A, the section of 20-pounders behind the section of the parallel running from the same redoubt, and engaged the enemy’s battery near Wynn’s Mill. After a brisk firing the enemy’s guns were silenced and Grimm’s guns withdrawn.

General Porter speaks in terms of praise as to the conduct of the officers and men.

The 20-pounders remained in position until Redoubt A was occupied by three light 12-pounders of Howe’s battery, under Lieutenant Morgan, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of Howe’s battery.

On April 29, about 8 p. m., three light 12-pounders of Howe’s battery were placed in position in Redoubt A by Lieutenant Morgan, who had been engaged during the day with his cannoneers in making a ramp, laying a platform, &c. As soon as they were in position the 20- pounders of Knieriem’s battery were withdrawn from the parallel in front.

From this date until yesterday firing took place between this redoubt and the enemy’s works. No damage was done to the work or the guns. The fire of Morgan’s guns dispersed parties of workmen and twice drove off a gun placed so as to command his position. During the period merlons were constructed of sand bags, so as to protect the guns without interfering with the field of fire.

Carlisle’s battery has occupied earthwork No. 5 from the time of its completion to the date of the withdrawal of the enemy’s force.

During the week Brevet Captain Pennington, Lieutenants Wilson, Barlow, and Rains, Second U. S. Artillery; Sinclair, Third U. S. Artillery; Dresser, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and Ames and Watson, of the Fifth U. S. Artillery, have been detailed for engineer duty, and engaged in the construction of works, magazines, &c. Other officers were detailed as assistants to these. The officers and men not detailed from the reserve on battery or other duty have been engaged in the fabrication of gabions, fascines, &c., under direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Getty, U. S. Army.

The teams have been used daily for hauling siege guns, mortars, material, and munitions, as during last week.

The services required of the reserve were well performed, and it is now ready for any armed service required of it.

The subjoined reports of the officers commanding batteries are transmitted with this.  (not found)

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

[HENRY J. HUNT,

Colonel, Commanding Artillery Reserve.]

Brig. Gen. W. F. BARRY.

Report of 27 April - 4 May - 25 June - Indorsement of 9 July