OR XLVI P1 #151: Report of Captain Crawford Allen, Jr., Btty H 1st RI Lt Arty, April 1-6, 1865

No. 151. Report of Captain Crawford Allen, jr., Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery.¹

BATTERY H, FIRST RHODE ISLAND LIGHT ARTILLERY,
Burke’s Station, Va., April 16, 1865.

COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my battery during the recent battles between April 1 and 13, 1865:

On the evening of April 1 I received orders to join the First Division of the Sixth Corps, which I did at 12 p.m. of that day. At 4.30 a.m.

April 2 I moved forward with the division, and, after crossing the rifle-pits, opened upon a section of artillery which had a flank fire on our infantry. They were soon driven out, when I ceased firing, moved to the left, bringing up my caissons, and waited further orders. I then moved the battery forward with the skirmish line, and was soon engaged with one of the enemy’s batteries. This battery soon had to leave its position. I followed it up until I arrived at Whitworth’s house, where I went into position, the enemy placing a rifle battery in position on my left and obtaining an enfilade fire upon my battery at 1,700 yards, “being beyond my extreme range.” I was ordered by Brevet Major Cowan to withdraw my guns, and went into park in rear of First Division headquarters for the night. In this day’s action I lost 4 men killed and 9 wounded; also 10 horses killed. On April 6 I went into action at Sailor’s Run, remaining half an hour; no casualties.

From April 1 to 13 I have fired 685 rounds of ammunition.

I have the honor to recommend to your especial notice First Lieutenant W. M. Knight and Second Lieutenant A. B. Horton, for their coolness and gallantry on the 2nd of April.

I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CRAWFORD ALLEN, Jr.,
Captain, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Commanding Battery H.

Colonel CLENDENIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division, Sixth Corps.

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