Report of Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Smith's division, of engagement at Lee's Mill, or Burnt Chimneys.
During this march the rain fell in torrents, the roads were very heavy, and the tired troops suffered a great deal. The night march of the 30th instant, owing to the results of the operations of other troops in our advance during the day and from the supposition that we would probably meet the enemy in force on the route, was full of uncertainty, knowing that in the narrow road we pursued we labored under the greatest disadvantage in case of an attack even from a small force in our front, the wooded nature of the country making it difficult to cause any prompt preparation to meet an assault from that direction.
No phase in war could try the endurance, the discipline, and the patriotism of our men more than the late movement. I am happy to say that they did all that could be expected of the best troops. Our ambulances, wagons, &c., having been sent in advance and separated from us, it was necessary to leave the sick by the road-side, to get along as best they could.
The brigade has one gratifying assurance- that although forming a portion of the rear guard the greater portion of the time, our losses from straggling were but few; and it is a matter of congratulation to us that the regiments of the brigade have never met the enemy but to repulse them. I regret to say that a number of officers and soldiers followed the baggage trains during the march under pleas of illness which were not warranted by necessity. Many officers and soldiers of high spirit, who had had but little sleep for days and who were really sick, followed the fortunes of their command, ready to turn upon and repulse the enemy whenever he appeared.
To commemorate the services of these officers and soldiers I have had lists prepared of all who, on arriving at this camp, marched out to meet the enemy, and have directed that these lists should form part of the record of each regiment.
It is a matter of regret to me that I cannot do substantial justice to all the deserving men of my brigade. Where so many have deserved so well of their country it is impossible for me to particularize individuals further than I have done, except as has been done by regimental commanders.
To the following members of my staff I am indebted for the most valuable assistance during the march: First Lieut. W. G. Mitchell, aide-de-camp; First Lieut. Isaac B. Parker, jr., aide-de-camp; Second Lieut. C. S. McEntee, acting brigade quartermaster. They showed the greatest intelligence and good conduct.
I herewith mention the names of individuals not mentioned in my personal report, referred to by regimental commanders as having been especially distinguished:
Maj. B. F. Baker, Forty-third New York Volunteers; Maj. C. B. Stoughton, Fourth Vermont Volunteers; Capt. S.C. Gray, Company A, Sixth Maine Volunteers; Capt. J. H. Ballinger, Company C, Sixth Maine Volunteers; Capt. R. W. Young, Company G, Sixth Maine Volunteers; Capt. George Fuller, Company H, Sixth Maine Volunteers; Capt. W. H. Stanchfield, Company I, Sixth Maine Volunteers; Capt. J. H. Platt, Company B, Fourth Vermont Volunteers; Capt. H. L. Terry, Company E, Fourth Vermont Volunteers; Capt. James N. Duffy. Company C, Second New Jersey Volunteers; First Lieut. J. B. McKinley, Company E, Sixth Maine Volunteers; First Lieut. John M. Lincoln, Company F, Sixth Maine Volunteers; First Lieut. G. B. French, Company G, Fourth Vermont Volunteers; First Lieut. S. E. Griffin, Company B, Forty-third New York Volunteers; Second Lieut. W. H. Gilfillan, Company G, Forty-third New York Volunteers; Second Lieut. W. C. Tracy, Company K, Fourth Vermont Volunteers; First Sergt. Theo. Lincoln, jr., Company F, Sixth Maine Volunteers, and Private Matthew Wood, Company F, Sixth Maine Volunteers.
I am, sir, very, respectfully, your obedient servant,
WlNF'D S. HANCOCK,
Brigadier-General. Commanding.
Capt. L. D. H. CURRIE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Smith's Division.
Index