Sergeant Henry Storch Official Records of the War of the
Rebellion PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN--SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES No. 186. -- Report of Capt. Romeyn B. Ayres, Fifth U.S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of operations June 28-July 1. HDQRS. LIGHT ARTILLERY, SMITH'S DIVISION, CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the movements and operations of the artillery of this division during the recent fights and marches. On the 28th day of June, pursuant to orders, arrangements were made to move from Golding's. Before the movements took place the enemy opened a heavy cannonade upon the plain at that placer followed by an attack of infantry upon our left. Mott's battery, posted at that point, opened upon the infantry and did handsome service. The batteries were gradually withdrawn from the field, my own after the infantry. Early next morning a temporary position was taken farther down the Chickahominy. Subsequently the division marched to Savage Station. The general commanding the division here directed me to move at once with the artillery through White Oak Swamp and report to the commanding general. The order was executed, and the batteries by his direction posted to cover the crossings and for the night. Captain Wheeler having reported that his numbers were so reduced that he could serve but two guns, his battery was placed in park. Next morning the troops of other divisions moved off, while the field in our rear was filled with wagon and ambulance trains, slowly dragging themselves away. About noon the enemy suddenly opened upon this narrow front from many pieces, which they had secretly assembled during the morning on the opposite heights behind bushes, &c. I ordered the two batteries_ my own and Mott's_ in position to open at once in reply, at the same time directing Wheeler's, which, as mentioned above, was comparatively useless, to retire to the edge of the woods in rear of the field. I gave the same order to Cowan's also, which was at this time quite in rear of any position where he could open with any advantage. This unequal contest continued a short time, when Motifs battery was thrown into confusion and soon became useless. I had ordered the captain to join and look to it. It left the field broken up and in disorder, the horses, many of them, scattered. Shortly after this the general commanding the division ordered the artillery to be withdrawn across the field. My battery was drawn off to the right and rear, so as to be in position on the left of the division and the right of Richardson's. The order was given in good time, as the woods on the right flank of the position were soon occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters. Riding to the position just vacated by the artillery, I found there was still a piece of Motifs battery and its limber, with five horses, near where my battery stood. Riding back and meeting a corporal of that battery mounted on a harnessed horse, I ordered him to go at once, hitch in the horse, and bring off the piece. In a moment after I met Lieutenant Flynn, and ordered him to go with the corporal and bring off that piece. In another moment I met Lieutenant Stuart, same battery, and ordered him to go, and be sure that that piece was brought off. I then joined my own battery and put it in position on the right of Richardson's division. In a few moments Captain Hazzard, of that division, not seeing my battery (owing to time dust), put his in position immediately in its front. I then selected a position for mine to the right and between two brigades of our division. Some time after this I learned with surprise that the piece of Mott's battery alluded to above was left. Just after dark I was directed to turn over my battery to General Richardson, who followed us; to fire for a time upon the crossing of the swamp and then to cover the retreat. This duty was well done, the officers deserving credit for bringing off their pieces under peculiarly trying circumstances. They rejoined the division next morning at Turkey Bend, and according to orders I brought the batteries to this place, arriving on the morning of the 2d. All the officers and men of my battery bore themselves well. The following officers and enlisted men are particularly deserving of mention for their good behavior and efficient performance of their duty under fire: First Lieut. L. Martin, Second Lieut. D. H. Kinzie, Second Lieut. C. R. Hickox, and First Sergt. Charles Simon (always in the right place at the right time), Sergeants [George] Uhri, [John] Cronin, [Henry] Storch, and Corporals [Francis] Burns and [John] Conshingan, Battery F, Fifth Artillery. After my own battery hall been withdrawn Sergeants Uhri and Storchaccompanied Lieutenant Hickox and brought off a 10-pounder Parrott under heavy fire, abandoned by Captain Mott. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. AYRES, Capt. L. D. H. CURRIE, |
