The WALKER TAVERN REPORT
Sir,
I have the honor to submit my official report of our activities against the Rebels July 23-25 in and around Cold Harbor, Va. During the night of the 23rd the men of my command assembled from various duties to be ready to begin active campaigning against the Rebels the following morning. Camp was made on the right flank of our works. The 24th dawned clear and early morning found the company being issued rations and cooking breakfast. Once these tasks were completed the men were set to work improving upon our works. Works were made at right angles to the existing works to protect our flank. Finding ourselves with sufficient time we also made an 'L' shaped work to the right of an artillery piece that had been deployed to support us. It was our hope that this labor would protect our flank if need be. While work was being finished on these works orders came to fall in. The balloon bearing our scouts had crashed and we were ordered to try to retrieve it from a nearby wood. The regiment was formed, skirmishers put out and headed into the woods. Upon entering the wood, we saw Rebel skirmishers running away, presumably with the balloon. We dropped packs under guard and prepared to pursue the enemy. Several hard engagements were fought in the woods. Our company found ourselves both flanking and being flanked in the confusing fighting. Finally, with heavy losses and the Major wounded, I found myself as Senior Captain. Further fighting seemed unlikely to retake the balloon and I ordered the battalion to withdraw, leaving only skirmishers behind to protect our retreat. Upon returning to our packs, the Major had been treated and was well enough to resume command. We returned to our works for a short rest and were then ordered once more to fall in and head into Cold Harbor. Upon entering the town, pickets were placed to keep us from being surprised. Two unlucky Rebs had been left shackled for some offense and became prisoner. The inhabitants were not overly friendly, but the appearance of Yankee greenbacks at a farmers market at least convinced them to do business with us. Breads, fruits, ham, pickles and other items were quickly purchased. Duty once again called as my company was ordered to fall in and escort the 2 Reb prisoners to the edge of town for exchange. A Reb unit had sent flag of truce and had 3 of our prisoners. We proceeded to make the swap. A number of my men were not thrilled to see that the Rebs were sending back Cpl.'s Minton and Young and Private Wright. These men had 'accidentally' wandered into Reb lines. As the swap was nearing completion a shot was fired. We quickly deployed and drove the Rebs back. The rest of the battalion was formed and we pushed out into the field. The Rebs had taken cover behind a line of works. Two charges failed with some loss. A third charge proved enough to drive the Rebs from their works in flight. Many of the Rebs barely got off a shot before taking to their heels. Our men retook the works and made camp for the nite. A brief spurt of fire took place near dark, but proved to be only a false alarm. Sunday the 25th found us still in the works, preparing what was left of our rations and wondering what the day might bring. Orders arrived from the Major temporarily placing me in command with orders to bring the men to town at 11:30. I did so and upon arriving in town we found that we were to be reviewed by several officers from other battalions. The men, always seeking sport quickly turned this into a competition of who could outdo whom! As luck would have it the 'judges' were of the opinion that my company was the best drilled they had seen. Several small items were issued to the men as reward for their hard work. We returned to our works and had a quick lunch before orders again came sending us into battle. We marched out near a large woods where enemy movements had been reported. Skirmishers in the woods to our left came flying back, driven by large numbers of Rebs. We formed up on the road and stemmed the tide only briefly. The men broke and reformed on another road only to again be driven back. Finally, we ended up back in our works of all places. We valiantly tried to hold the works, but the determined Rebel advance could not be halted. The men took to the woods and could not be reformed for quite some time. It was not good for morale to be driven from a strong position like that. Now that some two weeks have passed the unit is rested and ready to again take the field. Special recognition is deserved by Private Simpson for volunteering to guard our packs.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Bob Minton
Captain, Company A, 1st Michigan
