Editor’s Note: Brett Schulte recently noticed this report transcribed online among the James H. Lane Papers at the Auburn University Archives web site. Permission was asked for and granted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives to reproduce these transcriptions here at The Siege of Petersburg Online. These transcriptions are copyrighted by Auburn University Libraries, Department of Special Collections & University Archives and may not be reproduced without their express written consent. The transcription attribution reads as follows: “Transcriptions made by Terri Stout-Stevens, Pfafftown, NC, in 1997 and 1998. Edited by Marty Olliff, Assistant Archivist, Auburn University, who takes all responsibility for any errors.”
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Unpublished Report of Colonel Robert V. Cowan, 33rd North Carolina, Lane’s Brigade, of operations June 22, 18641
Capt
I send you a short & imperfect sketch of the fight of the 22d of June. I supposed it is only for you and therefore was not so particular. If you wish it to go to Div Hd qrs or if I have omitted any thing please send it back to me. I can find an officer who was in skirmish, and will swear that he saw the works
In haste
R.V. Cowan
Col 33d
………………………………………..
Hd qrs 33d N.C.
Sept 22d, 1864
Capt.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by my Regt in the fight of June 22nd 1864. After leaving the R. Road we were marched some distance, and then formed in line of battle on the left of Gen Scales’ Brigd. My orders were to be governed by the movements of that Brigade. Marched with it for, I think, about a half of a mile, (some of my officers think it was more) skirmishing with the enemy. Finally came upon the enemy in his works. Here we halted & fought for at least 30 minutes, when the Brigade on my right withdrew. After I was certain they (Scales Brigade) had gone I ordered my Regt to retire which was done in as good order as could be under the circumstances.
I am Capt
Very Respectfully
Robt. V. Cowan
Col 33d N.C.
Capt.E.J. Hale
A.A.G.
Source:
- Cowan, Robert V. (1864, September 22). (Official Report sent to E. J. Hale, Jr.). James H. Lane Papers (RG 501, Box 2, number 81). Auburn University Libraries Department of Special Collections & University Archives, Auburn, AL. ↩
Robert Vincent Cowan is a direct ancestor of mine who I have been researching the family for some time.
Any information you could supply on him, especially his Civil War, and subsequent, Activities would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Keith Shaw
Keith,
Thanks for contacting me. I unfortunately do not have any more information on Colonel Cowan than what is already on the site. I would recommend that you get a subscription to Fold3.com for a year. They should have Cowan’s complete compiled service records available, and possibly a pension application, which should tell you a lot about his war years and what he was doing postwar.
Brett