Report of Capt. John F. Wheaton
commanding Chatham Artillery,
on the
engagement at Olustee, Florida
HEADQUARTERS CHATHAM ARTILLERY,
Sanderson, February 22, 1864.
COLONEL: In obedience to your order of this date I have the honor
to report
that my battery entered the action on the 20th instant with 80
men, rank and
file, at 2.20 p.m., taking position on the right of the line.
After firing 20
rounds at the enemy's batteries, was ordered to advance and take
position in
rear of the center of our lines, where we opened with shell,
firing 50 rounds,
when [we] again advanced and directed our fire against the
enemy's batteries,
with good effect. As the enemy retired we were again ordered to
the front, and
took position in the rear of the marsh, directly in rear of the
center of our
lines, directing our fire on all parts of the enemy's lines and
batteries
until he was forced from his position and fled from the field.
The battery was
constantly engaged from the commencement to the close of the
action, and
expended nearly all its ammunition, except its canister.
My men conducted themselves in a highly satisfactory manner and
fought with
great spirit. First Lieut. Samuel B. Palmer was very efficient,
and handled
his section with good judgment and skill. I was also much
indebted to Sergt.
Maj. James Miller, who (in absence of the commissioned officers
attached to
the battery) had charge of the left section and managed it in an
admirable
manner. All my non-commissioned officers and men were prompt and
efficient and
performed their respective duties in gallant style.
I had during the action 3 men slightly wounded, neither of whom
left the field
until the action closed. We had 1 horse killed and 3 wounded.
During the night
I took from the field 1 of the enemy's 12-pounder guns, with 2
caissons, 200
rounds of shot, shell, and spherical case-shot.
I have for duty to-day 111 men, rank and file. I now have 230
rounds of
ammunition in my chests, exclusive of canister.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. WHEATON,
Captain, Commanding Chatham Artillery.
Col. R.B. THOMAS,
Chief of Artillery
Other Reports from Olustee
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