Civil War Battle Reports written by Charles E Hazlett - American Civil War Research Database
Civil War Battle Reports written by Charles E Hazlett - American Civil War Research Database
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Regiment Data
5th LA Batty D Regular Army Light Artillery Battery (Union)
- Enlistment term: 3 years
Available statistics for total numbers of men listed as:
- Enlisted or commissioned: 386
- Transferred in: 1
- Killed or died of wounds: 5
- Died of disease: 1
- Disabled: 3
- Deserted: 4
- Discharged: 10
- Transferred out: 1
Roster for this Regiment
Battles involving this Regiment
Assignments for this Regiment
Historical notes and Reports:
United States Regular Army
BATTERY "D" 5th ARTILLERY,
"WEST POINT BATTERY."
Attached to Porter's Division, Army Potomac, October, 1861, to March, 1862. Artillery,
1st Division, 3rd Army Corps, Army Potomac, to May, 1862. Artillery, 1st Division,
5th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to May, 1863. Artillery Brigade, 5th Army Corps, to
December, 1863. Camp Barry, Washington, D. C., 22nd Army Corps, to March, 1864.
Artillery Brigade, 5th Army Corps, to November, 1864. Consolidated with Battery "G"
November, 1864. Artillery Reserve, Army Potomac, to June, 1865. Dept. of
Washington, D. C., 22nd Army Corps.
SERVICE.-Rockville Expedition June 10-July 7, 1861. Duty in the Defences of Washington
till March, 1862. Lewinsville, Va., September 11, 1861. Reconnoissance to Lewinsville
September 25. Edward's Ferry October 22. Ordered to the Virginia Peninsula March, 1862.
Howard's Mills April 4. Warwick Road April 5. Siege of Yorktown April 5-May 4. Hanover
Court House May 27. Operations about Hanover Court House May 27-29. Seven days before
Richmond June 25-July 1. Mechanicsburg June 26. Gaines Mill June 27. Turkey Bridge
June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. At Harrison's Landing till August 16. Moved to Fortress
Monroe, thence to Alexandria August 16-23, Maryland Campaign September 6-22. Battle of
Antietam September 16-17. Shepherdstown Ford September 19. Reconnoissance to
Smithfield, W. Va., October 16-17. Kearneysville and Shepherdstown October 16-17.
Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 12-15. Expedition from Potomac Creek to
Richards and Ellis Fords, Rappahannock River, December 29-30. Chancellorsville
Campaign April 27May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-5. Gettysburg (Pa.) Campaign
June 11-July 24. Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Advance
to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Rappahannock Station November 7. Mine Run
Campaign November 26-December 2. At Camp Barry, Washington, D. C., till March, 1864.
Rapidan Campaign May 4-June 12. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Spottsylvania Court
House May 8-21; North Anna River May 22-26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28.
Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Bethesda Church June 1-3. Siege of
Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Weldon Railroad August 18-21, 1864.
Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9, 1865. Junction of Quaker and Boydton Roads and
Lewis' Farm March 29. White Oak Road March 31. Battle of Five Forks April 1. Appomattox
Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Moved to Washington, D. C., May.
Grand Review May 23. Duty at Washington, D. C.
Frederick A. Dyer "A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion" vol. 3
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Report of Capt. Charles Griffin, Fifth U.S. Artillery.
CAMP NEAR ARLINGTON, VA., July 23, 1861.
COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions, I have the honor to report
that Battery D, Fifth Regiment of Artillery, arrived on the battle-field near
Manassas at about 11.30 a.m. on the 21st instant, after a march of near
twelve miles. The battery immediately opened on the enemy's battery at
about one thousand yards' distance, and continued firing until his battery was
silenced or forced to retire. The battery then advanced about two hundred
yards, and opened upon a regiment of infantry formed upon the right of their
line, causing it to fall back. The battery then changed position to the right
and front, and opened upon a regiment formed near the enemy's right and
a little in front of the one first referred to, doing deadly execution, and
causing it to retreat in much confusion.
An order was then received through Maj. Barry, Fifth Artillery, to advance
to the brow of the hill, near the position occupied by the enemy's battery
when we first arrived on the field. The battery opened upon the enemy's
battery amidst a galling fire from his artillery, and continued firing for near
half an hour. It then changed position to the right and fired two rounds,
when it was charged by the enemy's infantry from the woods on the right of
our position. This infantry was mistaken for our own forces, an officer on
the field having stated that it was a regiment sent by Col. Heintzelman
to support the battery. In this charge of the enemy every cannoneer was cut
down and a large number of horses killed, leaving the battery (which was
without support except in name) perfectly helpless. Owing to the loss of men
and horses, it was impossible to take more than three pieces from the field.
Two of these were afterwards lost in the retreat, by the blocking up of the
road by our own forces and the complete exhaustion of the few horses
dragging them. The same thing happened with reference to the
battery-wagon, forge, and one caisson. All that is left of the battery is one
Parrott rifle gun and one 12-pounder howitzer limber.
Of the 95 men who went into action 27 are killed, wounded, and missing,
and of 101 horses 55 are missing.*
* * * * *
In conclusion, I would state that my officers and men behaved in a most
gallant manner, displaying great fearlessness, and doing their duty as
becomes brave soldiers.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. GRIFFIN,
Capt., Fifth Artillery, Commanding Battery D.
P.S.--In addition, I deem it my duty to add that Lieut. Ames was
wounded so as to be unable to ride on horse at almost the first fire; yet he
sat by his command directing the fire, being helped on and off the caisson
during the different changes of front or position, refusing to leave the field
until he became too weak to sit up. I would also mention Capt. Tillinghast,
A.Q.M., who gallantly served with the battery, pointing a piece and
rendering valuable assistance.
CHAS. GRIFFIN,
Capt., Fifth Artillery.
Col. ANDREW PORTER,
Commanding Second Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. IX.] THE BULL RUN CAMPAIGN. PAGE 394-2
[Series I. Vol. 2. Serial No. 2.]
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2nd Bull Run, VA after action report:
No. 89.
Reports of Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett, Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, of the
battles of Groveton and bull Run.
MINOR'S HILL, VA.,
September 3, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the actions of
Battery D, Fifth U. S. Artillery, in the recent action near Bull Run and in
the marches previous to that action, from the time of leaving Harrison's
Landing:
Pursuant to orders received from division headquarters the battery left its
camp at Harrison's Landing on the morning of the 15th of August, 1862,
and proceeded by way of Charles City Court-House to the other side of the
Chickahominy River, from there to Williamsburg, thence to Yorktown, then
to Newport News, from there to Hampton, where we embarked on board of
transports and were disembarked at Aquia Creek. We then marched to
Falmouth, Barnett's Ford on the Rappahannock, Warrenton Junction, and
Manassas Junction, and immediately after our arrival at the last-named place
were ordered to proceed toward Gainesville, on the Warrenton turnpike.
We took up a position on an eminence opposite to where the enemy were
ascertained to be, and in a short time they opened on a column of our
infantry with one gun, a 6-pounder. We replied, but with what effect could
not be ascertained, as the enemy were concealed in the woods. The enemy
kept up the firing for a very short time, none of their shots reaching us, and
then ceased, by shortly after opened upon us again with two rifled guns, one
of them being a 10-pounder Parrott. None of their shots took effect in the
battery, though some of the infantry some distance in the rear were injured
by ricochet shots.
At this same time clouds of dust were seen rising in woods near the enemy's
batteries. I directed part of the guns of the battery on this dust and part on
the enemy's batteries. The effect of none of these
shots could be seen for the woods, but shortly after a large column of
infantry appeared in an opening in the woods, on which the guns which
could seen into this place were immediately turned with very good effect, as
the shells could be seen bursting directly in the column, which broke and ran
into the woods for shelter, but soon again formed, only to be again
dispersed. They did not appear again. We encamped on this ground till
daylight next morning , when we marched to the Warrenton turnpike near
where it crosses Bull Run.
In the afternoon I was ordered by Maj.-Gen. Porter to place the battery
on a hill to the left of the road, in order to shell the woods in front of our
position until our infantry advanced, and then turn my guns on the enemy's
batteries. When the order was given Gen. Reynolds' division occupied the
woods on the left and front of the designated position, but as I was
proceeding to it I saw his division withdrawing. I rode forward and found
that all the troops had been withdrawn, not even leaving pickets. As this was
a dangerous position to place the battery in without a strong support, I asked
Col. Warren, commanding the Fifth and Tenth New York Volunteers, if
he could not give me some support while I sent back word to Gen. Porter
of the state of affairs. He did so, and in consequence saved the battery from
capture. The firing from the battery in this position was extremely effective,
as the effect was very visible.
Soon Col. Warren informed me that the enemy were approaching though
the woods on my left, and immediately after they were upon him with an
overwhelming force. Col. Warren's troops were between the enemy and
the battery, on the left of the battery, so that I could afford him no assistance
by my fire. Immediately limbered up and left the field at a walk. Although
opposed to an overwhelming force, Col. Warren's men stood their
ground until the battery was removed, though at a cost of half their number.
I would give all praise and credit to Col. Warren and his command for
the noble manner in which they stood their ground, thereby preventing the
capture of this battery.
I then took up a position on a hill farther to the rear, and again opened fire
on the enemy's infantry and artillery with good effect. The division to which
the battery is attached having retired, I applied to Gen. Hooker, who
furnished me support. I remained in this position until ordered away by
Gen. Hooker, who directed me to retire to Centreville.
The conduct of the officers and enlisted men under my command was all that
I could ask, and was only a repetition of their gallant conduct in previous
actions. The casualties were 2 men wounded and 2 horses wounded.
I expended about 1,000 wound of shrapnel and percussion shell.
Very Respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. E. HAZLETT,
First Lieut., Fifth Artillery, Comdg. Battery D.
Capt. MARTIN, Chief of Division Artillery.
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HEADQUARTERS BATTERY D, FIFTH U. S. ARTILLERY,
--- ---, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of this
battery while under the command of Maj.-Gen. Pope:
On the morning of August 29, having reached Manassas Junction,
the division to which I was attached was ordered to march on the road to
Gainesville. On arriving within about 2 miles of that place the enemy's
pickets were discovered. The battery took up a commanding position and
remained there for some two or three hours; then started again on a road
toward the Warrenton turnpike, was ordered back; came into battery. While
the column was marching back the enemy opened upon it with one 6-pounder
gun. We replied, and shortly after they opened upon us with two or three
rifled guns. The firing was kept up some time, the enemy infecting no injury
on us. The effect of our firing on their artillery could not be ascertained,
but several times their infantry made their appearance, when the effect of our
fire on them was plainly visible, causing them to break and seek shelter out
of sight.
The next morning about daybreak we left, and reached the main body of the
army at the crossing of the Warrenton turnpike through Bull Run.
About the middle of the day (the 30th) the battery was ordered to take
position on a hill to the front to shell the woods into which it was intended
this division should advance. At the time the order was given me Gen.
Reynolds' division was in the woods on this hill, but as we were going to the
place indicated I saw all of Gen. Reynolds' command leaving. As it was
a dangerous position for the battery without support, I explained my position
to Col. Warren, commanding a brigade of Gen. Sykes' division,
requesting him to advance with me to support the battery. This he kindly
consented to do. I had sent word to Gen. Porter that the division of
Gen. Reynolds had left their position. We fired from this position for
some two hours, I should judge, with apparently very good effect, when the
enemy suddenly attacked Col. Warren, who was on the left of the
battery, in the woods. They both were in such position that I could not assist
Col. Warren by my fire, he being directly between me and the enemy,
and as he had sent me word that they were in greatly superior numbers to
his command, nothing was left for me but to leave as soon as possible, as
there was a very difficult ditch to cross, but one carriage being able to cross
at a time. I left at a walk.
Col. Warren's command, especially the Fifth New York Volunteers, by
the most gallant fighting, kept the enemy, who were in over whelming force,
in check till the battery was out of danger, though at a loss of about half
their numbers. I would give all praise and credit to these gallant men for the
preservation of the battery from total loss.
The battery then took a second position farther to the rear, and fired from
that position till after dark, when Gen. Hooker ordered me to proceed to
Centreville. The division had gone thither some time previously.
The casualties were 1 private killed and 1 sergeant wounded, 2 horses
wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. E. HAZLETT,
First Lieut., Fifth U. S. Artillery.
Capt. PERKINS,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
CHAP. XXIV.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. PAGE 468-16
[Series I. Vol. 12. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 16.]
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Chancellorsville, VA after battle report:
No. 179.
Report of Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett, Battery D,
Fifth U. S. Artillery.
CAMP BATTERY D, FIFTH U. S. ARTILLERY, May 8, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to state that this battery left camp on the 30th
ultimo, and reached Chancellorsville, Va., on the afternoon of the 1st
instant.
On the morning the 2d instant it took position on the left, where it
remained until ordered to recross the river. The battery was not
engaged, and suffered no loss either in men, horses, or material.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. E. HAZLETT,
First Lieut. Fifth Artillery, Cmdg. Battery.
Capt. S. H. WEED,
Chief of Artillery, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac.
Source: Official Records Series I. Vol. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 39