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and about ten o'clock A. M. my division was established in line of battle for the defence of our new position.
Under a heavy fire of the enemy's artillery, Grover's brigade was strongly posted on the right, Carr's on the left, and well sheltered; subsequently, Sickles's brigade, held in reserve, was posted in rear of my right, protected from the enemy's shots, and well in hand to reinforce any part of my line.
Osborne's and Bram's batteries occupied higher ground, where they could reply to the enemy's artillery, or open his columns of infantry should he attempt to advance.
Webber's and Bramhall's batteries were located in rear of those, and held in reserve.
During the remaining part of the forenoon, a brisk fire was kept up between the artillery, principally on the part of the enemy, without any decided effect, so far as could be discovered on either side, the distance being about fifteen hundred yards.
I regret, however, to state that it was in this artillery skirmishing that the gallant chief of the Fourth New-Jersey battery, Captain Bram, fell from a shell which pierced his body.
About three o'clock the firing was resumed with more activity, in the direction of Kearney's left.
This exposed the rebel batteries to an enfilading fire from my position, a direct one from Kearney, and a diagonal one from several other batteries, which soon resulted in driving the rebel gunners from their pieces.
Prior to this, a heavy column of infantry had been seen passing to my right, which disappeared behind the forests in my front, and were not heard from again that afternoon.
On the left an attack was made in great force, and the battle lasted until long after dark.
About half an hour before sunset orders were sent me by General Sumner to despatch a brigade of my command to the assistance of General Porter, and immediately General Sickles's brigade moved to that point.
For a full account of the important services it rendered on the left, I respectfully call the attention of the Major-General commanding the corps, to the report of its chief, herewith inclosed.
I will especially invite his attention to that part of the report which relates to the brilliant conduct of Colonel Taylor's regiment, the Seventy-second New-York volunteers.
The loss sustained by the regiment is the truest index of its services.
The First and Third brigades were not engaged during the day, and remained in their position until near morning, when orders were received to march in the direction of Harrison's Landing.
I transmit herewith the reports of brigade, regimental, and battery commanders.
I desire to make honorable mention of Captain John S. Godfrey, the Assistant Quartermaster of the division, for his zealous, faithful and meritorious services in the performance of all of his duties from the commencement of the campaign.
As no official list has been furnished the Major-General commanding the corps, of the losses sustained by the division I have the honor to command, since the first day of June last, I herewith forward it. The number, as will be seen, is eight hundred and forty-seven, making the aggregate of my loss in battle, since the opening of the campaign in the Peninsula, two thousand five hundred and eighty-nine.
And in this connection I may be permitted to add, in justice and fidelity to the living and the dead, that the brave officers and men, whose honor and welfare were confided to my care, have uniformly slept on the field on which they have fought; that in all their encounters with the enemy, whether involving the whole force of the division, or down to an affair between the pickets, they have inflicted heavier blows than they have received; and under all their toils, hardships and privations, have evinced a cheerfulness, obedience, fortitude, and heroism, which will never fail to command the gratitude, reverence, and admiration of their chief.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Joseph Hooker, Brigadler-General Commanding Division.
Official report of General Howe.
Captain: In obedience to instructions from the headquarters of the First division of the Fourth army corps, I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the brigade under my command at the battle of Malvern Hill on the first instant.
The brigade on that day was composed of the following regiments, namely:
The One Hundred and Second (old Thirteenth) Pennsylvania volunteers, commanded by Colonel Rowley; the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Ballier; the Ninety-third Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain Long; the Sixty-second New-York, commanded by Colonel Nevin; and the Fifty-fifth New-York, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thorout.
The position of the brigade was on the right of the division line of battle, the right of the brigade resting on a deep ravine, running obliquely to the front, and impassable for artillery and cavalry, but practicable for infantry, the edge of the ravine on the right being covered by a thin belt of woods.
From the right the brigade line extended to the left on an open field, except at a small spur of woods which covered the left centre.
The ground in our rear was uncovered for three fourths of a mile.
In front of our line of battle the ground was open, and admitted the easy passage of any troops, except in front of our left centre, which was wooded, the cover extending to within some five hundred yards of our front.
The brigade line was formed a little before eight A. M., and immediately after Captain Moser's New-York battery reported to me, and was posted in our line so as to sweep the open ground in our front, and if necessary to shell the woods.
Before the enemy had completed his dispositions for attack, having already got some of his artillery into position in our front, an order was received
