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Lot 165

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Col. Richard Coulter's Antietam Battle Report

Excellent war-date Antietam battle report by Col. Richard Coulter who took command of Gen. Hartsuff's brigade after the general was wounded by a sharpshooter. Coulter became a brevet major general by 1865 and was thrice wounded during the war at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Spotsylvania. Presented here is his retained copy report as commander of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers during America's bloodiest day where his regiment suffered over 110 casualties, reading, in part: "In pursuance of orders I report the following as the part borne by this (Genl. Hartsuff's) Brigade in the action with the enemy of the 16th & 17th insts. On evening of 16th Brigade was, (under heavy fire of artillery and with loss of some wounded) placed in position, in line, connecting with Genl. Duryea's 1st Brigade on right, and left resting in rear of right of Genl. Seymour's Brigade. Here remained on arms during night. At daylight, 17th, Genl. Hartsuff moved Brig. forward, skirmishers being advanced, who soon engaged the enemy. On reaching wood, in which Genl. Seymour was already engaged, learned that Genl. Hartsuff, (who was in advance examining position) had been severely wounded and removed from the field. I here assumed command of Brig....I advanced Brigade to front, and, at suggestion of Genl. Seymour, to right, so as to clear right of his line. This obliquing to the right had the effect of bringing one half of 13th Mass into the open ground, leaving the other half of this Regt. and the 83rd N.Y. Vols in the wood, and somewhat protected by the trees and nature of the ground. The advance was maintained under a most severe fire of artillery and Infantry, which however was as briskly replied to, as the forward movement would admit of. This continued until the left had reached within about 40 yards of the front of woods mentioned, and in front of which the enemy had well established their line. The loss was becoming very heavy, especially on the right, and repeated demands were being made throughout the line for additional ammunition - the supply being by this time nearly exhausted. The left was reinforced by a part of the Second, (Genl. Towers) Brigade, in consequence of which, and the protected nature of the ground, a very heavy fire was maintained from this quarter, while on the right the fire lessened every moment. At this time Col. Lyle (90th Penna. Vols.) advanced through the woods to the right and engaged the enemy...Here remained until the front line was occupied by another Division when by order of Genl. Ricketts, again moved forward to join other Brigades of Division where a supply of ammunition was received and a rest allowed...The Brigade went into action about 5 o'clock A.M. and retired about 9 o'clock A.M. for two hours of that time it was exposed to a most galling fire, as is shown by the casualties reported, while a view of the ground occupied by the enemy in this attack, exhibits at least a four fold mortality. The 83d N.Y. went into the action with 15 officers of whom 3 were disabled. I would desire to make favorable mention of Capt. Moesch and Capt. Henderickson of this Regt. The 13th Mass. had disabled three officers, out of 12 taken into action. I would make here especial mention of Major Gould, commanding this Regt....The 11th Penna. had 5 officers disabled ( 2 temporarily) out of 9 taken into action. Upon my assuming command of the Brigade, the command of this Regt. devolved upon Capt. D.M. Cook who commanded throughout the action, and brought it off the field. Adjutant Uncapher had his horse killed, and was himself injured by the fall, but remained upon the field. The services of this officer were invaluable to me, he being the only mounted assistant I had upon the field. The 12th Mass had killed and disabled 11 officers of 15 taken into the field. The loss of this Regt. owing to its position was by far the most severe in the Brigade. Maj. Burbank commanded at the commencement of the action, and was disabled early. He performed his whole duty while in the field. Capt. Allen who next assumed command, was also severely wounded (near the close of the action.) I cannot express to high an opinion of this officer; he has proved himself one of the most gallant officers in the Brigade....The loss of officers cannot be replaced - many have been lost permanently to the service, while others will be disabled for a long time. This, however, is of minor importance to the loss of Genl. Hartsuff at the time and under the circumstances when it occurred. To appreciate this, it is necessary to know both the officer and the high estimation in which he is held by his entire Brigade. All had been schooled to look to him as their leader, in whom all trust could be placed, and no faltering was to be apprehended. It was with elasticity and buoyancy of spirit unprecedented that our line first moved to the fight - the change was most perceptible when we had learned that Genl. Hartsuff could not further lead his Regiments, on that day..." Fine.

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