Official Records of the Rebellion

[p.547]

CAMP NEAR WILLIAMSBURG, May 7, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of orders carried by me on the 5th instant

Just as the Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin crossed the dam at the first fort General Hancock sent me back to inform General Smith that he had possession of the fort. General Smith, upon receiving the message, sent me to General Hancock to ascertain how many troops he needed, and whether there was any road near his position leading to Williamsburg in the rear of the enemy. When I arrived, the brigade had advanced and taken possession of another fort and the artillery were shelling a third to the front and right of us. I delivered General Smith’s message to General Hancock, and returned at once to General Smith with the reply that “there was such a road, and that he ought to send up another brigade to cover accidents.” General Smith’s answer was, “1 will send General Hancock four regiments at once.” This message I carried to General Hancock immediately.

About 5.15 p. m., when the enemy had debouched from the woods and attacked us, I took an order to the Fifth Wisconsin and Sixth Maine Regiments to fall back, fighting in line of battle, toward the fort. Laterin the action, when our whole line advanced down the slope, driving the enemy before it, I went back to bring up the artillery, one section of which came up and took up a position on the right of the fort.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. B. PARKER, JR.,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

Capt. JOHN HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade, Smith’s Division.