Cedar Creek After Action Report, Commander, 6th Maryland (2d Brigade, 3d Division, 6th Corps) (OR, 43, 254-5)

Report of Maj. Joseph C. Hill, Sixth Maryland Infantry of operations October 19.

 

HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS,

November 4,1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit to you a detailed report of the operations of this command in the recent engagement at Cedar Creek , on the 19th of October, 1864.

Before daybreak the command was aroused by heavy firing on our left and without awaiting orders the command was soon under arms. It soon became evident that the enemy had surprised and completely routed the troops on our left. Orders came for us to fall in immediately, which order was promptly obeyed. We moved on by the right flank across the run, accompanied by the One hundred and twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers. We began ascending the hill, but soon found that the troops on our right had been flanked and were falling back, which also compelled us to fall back across the run, which we did in good order, under a heavy fire from the enemy, to the point where our line first advanced from. Here we halted. The enemy still advancing, we were again compelled to fall back some 400 yards. In doing so, two guns of Captain McKnight's battery were abandoned and fell into the hands of the enemy. We again advanced and retook the abandoned guns. The whole line then fell lock opposite Middletown and there formed line, my command being on the left of the brigade. We then moved to the left, and after being in line a short time we fell still farther back, again moving by the right flank, and formed a line one mile east of Middletown, connecting with the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps, on our left, where we remained until the order was given to advance, about 3 p. m., when the whole line advanced and drove the enemy from the field, my command following to Cedar Creek. Here we received orders to reoccupy our old camp for the night.

The command went into the engagement in the morning with 9 officers and 150 men, and sustained a loss during the day of 4 officers wounded, 8 enlisted men killed, 37 enlisted men wounded, and l enlisted man wounded and missing.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. HILL,

Major, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. JOHN J. BRADSHAW,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade.