From the Medical and
Surgical HIstory:
AUGUST 16-SEPTEMBER
2, 1862.--Campaign in Northern Virginia.
No.79.--Report of Capt. M. William Burns, Seventy-third New York
Infantry, of engagement at Kettle Run and battle of Groveton.
HDQRS. FOURTH REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE,
Camp near Alexandria, Va., September 5, 1862.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the command of this regiment
devolved upon me about 5 o'clock on the afternoon of August 27,1862, by
Capt. A. A. Donalds (previously in command, Colonel Brewster having been
left in Alexandria) being carried from the field mortally wounded.
The regiment left Warrenton Junction on the morning of the 27th and
reached Bristoe Station about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, going
immediately into action on its arrival at that point. There were but 99
men and 8 officers of the regiment went into action, and our loss was as
follows: Killed---commissioned officers, 3; enlisted men, 9; total, 12.
Wounded--commissioned officers, 3; enlisted men, 38; total, 41--being
more than one-half of the entire force of the regiment.
On the 29th ultimo the regiment went into action at Bull Run and lost 3
wounded, and on the night of September 1, near Centreville, one man who
had straggled was wounded in Kearny's division; the total loss of the
regiment in the time mentioned above being 12 killed, 44 wounded, and 3
missing.
Captain Donalds died on the 29th, after the amputation of his leg. By
his death the regiment and the service lose one of their most brave
<ar16_453> and gallant officers-- one who was always at his post and
ready for any and all duties required of him. Lieutenants Lewis (acting
adjutant) and McAllister were both young officers, and both fell while
at their posts. Capt. John P. Short, of Company I, was severely wounded
while gallantly leading his men under a most terrific fire. Lieutenants
Thompson, of Company H, and Kiernan, of Company F, with Sergeants
Ramsey, of Company D, and McDermott, of Company A, deserve special
mention for their conduct during the several engagements. I have
recommended both sergeants for promotion.
Every officer and man present did their duty nobly, and the terrible
toss sustained shows the terrific fire to which they were exposed, and
:he steadiness with which they stood under it.
Assist. Surg. Frank Ridgway
was very efficient in the discharge
of his duties, which were extremely arduous, he being without
assistance.
Colonel Brewster, who was cut off from the regiment by the rebel advance
upon Manassas on the night of the 26th ultimo, arrived at Fairfax and
assumed command of the regiment on the morning of September 2.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, yours, &c.
M. WM. BURNS,
Captain Company A, Commanding Regiment.
Col. NELSON TAYLOR,
Commanding Excelsior Brigade.
Sitings in the
Medical and Surgical History:
"Brady, J., Pt., A, 73d New York, age
22. May 5, 5, '62. Left; flap; by Surg. F. Prentice and
A. Surg. F. Ridgway,
73d N. Y.; gangrene: necrosis; sequestrum removed. Disch'd; pens'd."
"O'Garvey, J., Pt., H, 74th N. Y.,
age 25. Feb. 11, 11, '64. Right; circ.; by
Surg. F. Ridgway.
Disch'd July 19, 1864."
