HDQRS THIRD BATTALION, FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION

In the Field July 17, 1863

SIR: In compliance with the circular from Brigade Headquarters, I have the honor to report: the MRA Battalion, under the command of Col. Don Heitman, was marched in front of the enemy on the 1st instant and engaged them. The left wing of the brigade, comprising the Western Battalion and the MRA Battalion, under the command of Brig. Gen. Warnick, seeing the right wing of the brigade give way, retired a short distance, and then formed line of battle in connection with the right wing, and together charged upon the railroad cut and took as prisoners a large number of the enemy, being part of the 2d Mississippi and capturing their flag.

 At this time we were ordered to retire to a new position, in doing we left the field in the care of Vincent's Brigade, under the command of Col. Wolfe. We advanced again to near the ground where the left wing had been engaged in the morning on the ridge. Being outflanked, we again retired, after which we changed direction to the right and again engaged the enemy. From this position we were also compelled to retire by reason of being flanked by the enemy.

 We were next ordered to retire to a position on the right of the White Barn, and again engaged the enemy. From this position we retired along with the whole First Army Corps.

 Our battalion behaved very well, and gave me just cause to be proud of it. All the officers, with one or two exceptions, behaved well.

 The loss of this gallant battalion was fearful at this point, being 3 officers killed and 4 wounded, 12 men killed and 53 men wounded, and missing (mostly prisoners) 32 men.

 On the 2d instant, we were ordered to the wheat field. Our infantry in front of us had advanced upon the enemy and pushed him for a while, but were in turn driven back in some confusion, the enemy following in heavy force. To check the enemy, Maj. Gen. Valuska ordered us to advance, which we did, moving at the double-quick down the slope of the hill right upon the rebel line. The fire we encountered here was terrible, and, although we inflicted severe punishment upon the enemy, and stopped his advance, we there lost in killed and wounded more than two-thirds of our officers and men.

 On the 3d instant, we were ordered to hold the defensive position on Culp's Hill the extreme right of the line. We held the line from two enemy assaults till relieved by a battalion of the USV's. At this time Colonel Heitmen was wounded and retired the field. I then took command of the battalion, in which I was ably assisted by Major Tom Laws of the battalion. No other casualties occurred.

 On the 4th instant, we were ordered to the wall on cemetery hill and posted in front as skirmishers. On this day we watch the approach of the enemy while firing well placed shots into their ranks. For the most part we lost a lot of our numbers in killed, wounded and missing (mostly as prisoners).

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. Grover

Lt. Col. Comdg. Mid-Atlantic Reenactors Association

Col. C. Ableson,

1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps.