PETERSBURG
June 13 - July 31, 1864
53rd PVI Casualties
Killed Wounded Captured Total
Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted
-- 10 1 32 3 53 99
From the Official Reports - Capt. Philip H. Shreyer
JUNE 13 - JULY 31, 1864 -- The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign. No. 50. -- Reptort of Capt. Philip H. Shreyer, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations July 26 -- 30.
HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VETRAN VOLS.,
September 28, 1864
SIR: In accordance with circular, I have the honor to make the following report of operations of this regiment from the 26th day of July, 1864, to the 30th day of July, 1864:
At 4 p.m. July 26 the regiment took up a line of march and crossed the Appomattox River at point of Rocks and moved on toward the James River which we crossed about 3 a.m. July 27, 1864, and after moving about one mile from the river we halted until 6 a.m., when we moved forward in line of battle for about half a mile, where we halted and formed in line under the crest od a hill. The regiment was not engaged with enemy, although exposed to the fire of their batteries. In the evening of July 27, 1864, the regiment was detailed as a support to the picket-line and moved out on the New Market road, remaining here until the evening of July 28, when it was relieved and rejoined the remainder of the brigade, where it was engaged in building earthworks until daylight. After remaining here until 8 p.m. of the evening of the 29th we received orders to march, and recrossing the James and Appomattox Rivers arrived at or in front of Petersburg at daylight. The regiment remained in rear of Ninth Corps until dark, when we marched back to the camp
we occupied on the 26th.
There were no casulaties in this regiment during the above campaign.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P.H. SCHREYER,
Captain, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Vet. Vols., Comdg. Regt.
Lieut. J. WENDEL MUFFLY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
From the Official Reports - Capt. James Patton
JUNE 13 - JULY 31, 1864 -- The Richmond (Virginia) Campaign. No. 51 -- Report of Capt. James Patton, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Infantry
HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLS.,
Near Petersburg, VA, August 7, 1864
SIR:(*)
FIFTH EPOCH
The march across the Chickahominy and James, and the operations in front of Petersburg up to the assault on the enemy's position, July 30, 1864.
At 9 p.m. June 12 the command was ordered to march. Crossed the Chickahominy at Long Bridge, marched to near Charles City Court-House and bivouacked for the night.
At 8 p.m. June 14 crossed the James River on transports and camped about one mile from the river on the south side.
At 10 a.m. june 15 marched, and on the morning of the 16th arrived in front of the enemy's fortification at Petersburg. Line of battle was formed, with the regiment on the left of the line. The command was then ordered forward by Colonel Beaver, commanding the brigade. In advancing through a cornfield the line was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's artillery. After advancing some distance a halt was ordered and breast-works were constructed. At 6 p.m. the regiment, in connection with the remainder of the brigade, was ordered to charge upon a rebel fort in our front. The trops advanced gallantly, breasting a muderous fire from the fort of the enemy. The line advanced nearly up to the fort, when it was found that the line was not strong enough to carry the enemy's position. The troops were pressed so hard on the lines of the enemy that many of the commend were taken prisoners. Those that were able to fall back formed promptly behind the earthworks that had been constructed in the morning.
June 17, the regiment was deployed as skirmishers.
On the 18th it was discovered that the enemy had vacated his position. The regiment advanced as skirmishers for about one mile and a half when the enemy was found in a fortified position. In the evening were relieved on the skirmish line and joined the remeinder of the brigade.
On the 21st moved seven miles to the left of the ine and erected breast-works.
On the afternoon of the 22d moved forward through a dense wood and formed line. Soon it was discovered that the enemy had flanked us and were getting in our rear, and the command fell back to the line of entrenchments, with a slight loss in missing. Remained here until July 10 at 1 p.m., and then moved about half a mile to the left and went into camp in rear of the breast-works, remaining until 3 a.m. July 12, when we moved about two miles to the left and halted until 7 p.m. at the Williams House. Then moved out to near Reams' Station, on the Weldon railroad, distance about three miles, and remained until 11 p.m., when we returned to the Williams House.
At 4:30 a.m. July 13 we took up the line of march for this place, arriving here at 11 a.m., where we remained until July 26, at 4 p.m. when we took up the line of march, crossing the Appomattox River at Point of Rocks and the James River at Jones' Neck, arriving at the latter place at 3 a.m., and after marching about one mile from the river halted to rest. At 6 o'clock moved forward in line of battle. wedid not become engaged with the enemy, although we were exposed to the shells from the enemy's batteries.
On the evening of the 27th the regiment was detailed as support to the picket-line, where it remained until the evening of the 28th, when it was relieved and joined the rest of the brigade, where it was engaged in throwing up earthworks until daylight 29th. During the 29th remained in camp, and at dark, with the remainder of the brigade, took up the line of march, and crossing the James and Appomattox Rivers arrived in front of Petersburg at 5 a.m. July 30, where we remained until 8 a.m., when we received orders to march back to our former camp, where we are still encamped.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES PATTON
Captain, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Veteran Vols., Comdg. Regt.
Lieut. J. WENDEL MUFFLY
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General