I have the honor to report that in compliance with General Orders
No. ---- of June 29th, from Gen. Knipe, commanding Second Brigade
of First Division of the Army of the Department of the Susquehanna,
I assumed command of a detachment composed of three companies,
viz.: one from the 8th, one from the 23rd, and one from the 56th
regiments of the N.G.S.N.Y.--in all about 150 men--for picket duty
at Oyster Point Station; this being the advance post, and about
three miles to the front and west of Harrisburg. Before arriving at
the front I heard heavy cannonading at intervals of from five to
ten minutes. Fearing a sudden attack, and not knowing the strength
or intention of the enemy, I hastened without loss of time to
establish my pickets, detaching for that purpose a portion of
company ----, 8th regiment, commencing from the Carlisle turnpike
in a direction due north across the fields and beyond the railroad;
and establishing in a like manner a portion of the 23rd regiment
from the Carlisle road due south, under command of Lieut. ---- of
company ---- 23rd; thus guarding the main roads and entrances to
the city of Harrisburg.
While thus engaged in throwing out my sentries the firing from the
enemy increased, and became more rapid, evidently with the
intention of shelling us from our position. I therefore, as soon as
practicable, deployed the companies of the 8th and 23rd regiments
as skirmishers, keeping the remaining company as a reserve.
To gain a better position, and to obtain a clearer view of the
enemy's location, I advanced over a corn-field to a small wood
situated on more elevated ground. But on entering this wood we were
exposed to a constant fire of shot and shell from the rebel
batteries. Fortunately none of our men were disabled or wounded.
The skirmishers advanced about the distance of a mile, keeping up a
steady fire. At 4 P.M., firing gradually ceased, and scouts
returned reporting the enemy having fallen back.
Late in the evening I was informed that small groups of rebels had
been seen in the immediate vicinity; and to guard as much as
possible against being surprised, I sent out a squad of the
reserves of the 56th regiment as videttes, doubled the guards, and
carefully reconnoitered to the front, and north and south of the
Carlisle and Chambersburg road, but failed to discover any enemy in
our vicinity, until 3 A.M. of Tuesday, the 30th, when two of their
scouts were seen endeavoring to get inside our lines. Our pickets
fired upon them and wounded one through the knee, and took him
prisoner; the other escaped. The prisoner stated that he and his
companion belonged to General Jenkins' Brigade of Virginia troops,
and that they were bearers of despatches to that rebel general. At
9 A.M., I received a communication from Gen. Knipe ordering me to
return with my command to Fort Washington.
I cannot speak in too high praise of both officers and men *** for
their willingness and alacrity to execute every order issued, for
their watchfulness and vigilance, and for their determination
displayed while momentarily expecting to be attacked by the enemy.
*****
Yours respectfully,
JOHN A. ELWELL,
Lt.-Col. 23rd Reg. N.G.S.N.Y. Com. Detachment.