CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my
command at the battle of Gettysburg, on July 1, 2, and 3:
On the 1st instant, the regiment broke camp with the corps at Littlestown, and
marched to Two Taverns, where we arrived at about 12 m., and the command rested until 3.30
p.m., when we were hastened forward in support of the First and Eleventh Corps, which had
engaged the enemy at Gettysburg. We were posted in double columns with the balance of the
division near what was afterward the left of our general line of battle. A strong line of
skirmishers at about 6 p.m. was thrown well to the front, and remained in position until
about 4 a.m. of the 2d instant, when, with the division, we were marched across the
fields, and placed in line of battle along the crest of a wooded hill of slight elevation,
at the right of the First Division, First Corps, and near the right of our general line of
battle. A strong line of skirmishers was thrown well to the front.
My command was second from the right of our brigade. A substantial breastwork of
stones, logs, rails, and earth was hastily constructed, and the regiment rested in its
rear until about 6.45 p.m., when the enemy drove in our skirmishers and attacked us in
large force. The enemy made repeated and desperate charges upon our position, but was as
often repulsed with great slaughter to him until our ammunition gave out, when we held the
position with the bayonet and such limited firing as could be made with the ammunition of
the killed and wounded.
At about 8 p.m. the enemy gained a hill on the right flank of our position. Seeing the
regiment on my right give way, I attempted to change the front of the three right
companies to resist him. The order was understood by the line officers for the regiment to
fall back, which it proceeded to do in good order, but was brought to the right-about
before getting 3 rods away, and again put in the trenches. This movement was executed
under a most galling fire and when wholly exposed, as the ground a short distance to the
rear of the works was elevated so as to give full range to the enemy's musketry.
At about 9.30 p.m. the enemy, repulsed in his every effort, withdrew. The regiment was
relieved at about 10 p.m., but remained immediately in rear of the trenches during the
night.
At about 4 a.m. of the 3d, the regiment was again put into the trenches, and had barely
settled into position when the enemy again furiously attacked us. His charges were most
impetuous and his fire terrific. Twice was our flag shot down, and a rebel first sergeant,
in a brave attempt to capture it, fell within 2 feet of the prostrate banner, pierced with
five balls. Its record of the bloody contest is eighty-one balls through its field and
stripes and seven in its staff. Each time it fell, the color-sergeant, William C.
Lilly,
spliced the staff, and again placed it upon the works, and received a slight wound in
doing so. The regiment was relieved at 6.30 o'clock, but went into the works three other
times before the fight closed, which was about 1 p.m.
With a single exception among the officers, and but very few among the men, all
performed their duty to my entire satisfaction, and far exceeded what might have been
reasonably expected of a regiment in its second engagement. The exceptions I have noted,
and the delinquents will be properly disciplined. When so many did so well, it would be
invidious to' make special mention of some in the rank and line who were particularly
brave and meritorious. I should disappoint my entire command, however, if I did not call
especial attention to the consummate skill and unsurpassed coolness and bravery of
Lieut.
Col. Charles B. Randall, who was dangerously wounded in the left breast and arm while
cheering the men to their work. Through illness of myself, he was in command of the
regiment after the fight closed on the 2d instant, and during the whole of the fight of
the 3d until wounded, which was near the close of the contest. I was present during a part
of the time the regiment was engaged on the 3d, but was unable to assume command.
Appended is a list of our casualties, which are so small, in view of the long exposure
and heavy fire under which the command was placed, only because of the excellent
management of its officers, the substantial character of our works, and the advantage of
our position.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. A. BARNUM. Colonel,
Comdg. 149th New York Vols.
