Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[360] King's division of McDowells corps, and during part of the operations was in command of that division, and rendered good service. Generals Schenck and Milroy, of Sigel's corps, exhibited great gallantry and zeal throughout the operations. They were engaged actively in the battles of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth of August, and their commands were among the last to leave the field of battle on the night of the thirtieth, Gen. Schenck being severely wounded on that day.

I must also mention in high terms the conduct of Generals Schurz, Stahel and Steinwehr, during the actions of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth. Generals Birney, Robinson and Grover, of Heintzelman's corps, commanded their brigades during the actions of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth, and Birney, during the action of the first of September, with zeal and gallantry, and Gens. Birney and Grover were especially distinguished in the actions of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth of August, and Birney also in the engagement of the first of September.

General Stevens, of Reno's corps, was zealous and active throughout the operations, and distinguished himself in the most conspicuous manner during the battles of the twenty-ninth and thirtieth of August. He was killed at the head of his command in the battle near Chantilly on the first September, and his death will be deeply felt by the army and the country. Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Buchanan, commanding a brigade of regulars of Porter's corps, was noticeable for distinguished service in the afternoon of the thirtieth of August. Of the conduct of the other officers commanding divisions or brigades of Porter's corps, I know nothing, having received no report from that officer of the operations of his corps. Brig.-General John F. Reynolds, commanding the Pennsylvania reserves, merits the highest commendation at my hands. Prompt, active, and energetic, he commanded his division with distinguished ability throughout the operations, and performed his duties in all situations with zeal and fidelity. Generals Seymour and Meade of that division, in like manner performed their duties with ability and gallantry, and in all fidelity to the Government and to the army. General Sturgis arrived at Warrenton Junction on the twenty-sixth of August with Piatt's brigade of his division, the only portion of that division which ever joined me. This brigade was temporarily attached to the army corps of Fitz-John Porter, and although misled in consequence of orders to follow Griffin's brigade of that corps, which, for some unexplained reason, strayed from its corps to Centreville on the thirtieth of August, was led forward from that place by Generals Sturgis and Piatt as soon as it was discovered that Griffin did not intend to go forward to the field of battle, and reported to me, late in the afternoon of that day. Shortly afterward the brigade was thrown forward into action on our left, where they acquitted themselves with great courage. Brig.-Gen. Sturgis, as well as Gen. Piatt, deserves especial mention for the soldierly feeling which induced them, after being thus misled, and with the bad example of Griffin before their eyes, to push forward with such zeal and alacrity to the field of battle, and for the valuable services which they rendered in the action of the thirtieth of August. Generals Bayard and Buford commanded all of the cavalry belonging to the army of Virginia. Their duties were peculiarly arduous and hazardous, and it is not too much to say, that throughout the operations, from the first to the last day of the campaign, scarce a day passed that these officers did not render services which entitle them to the gratitude of the Government. The detachment of the signal corps with the various army corps rendered most important service, and I cannot speak too highly of the value of that corps, and of the important information which, from time to time, they communicated to me. They were many times in positions of extreme peril, but were always prompt and ready to encounter any danger in the discharge of their duties. Brig.-Gen. Julius White, with one brigade, was in the beginning of the campaign placed in command at Winchester. He was selected for that position because I felt entire confidence in his courage and ability, and during the whole of his service there he performed his duty with the utmost efficiency, and relieved me entirely from any apprehension concerning that region of the country. He was withdrawn from his position by orders direct from Washington, and passed from under my command. I transmit herewith reports of corps, division, and brigade commanders, which will be found to embrace all the details of their respective operations, and which do justice to the officers and soldiers under their command. To my personal staff I owe much gratitude and many thanks. Their duties were particularly arduous, and at times led them into the midst of the various actions in which we were engaged. It is saying little when I state that they were zealous, untiring, and efficient through the campaign. To Brig.-General Roberts, in particular, I am indebted for services marked throughout by skill, courage, and unerring judgment, and worthy of the solid reputation as a soldier he has acquired by many previous years of faithful and distinguished military service. I desire also especially to mention Brig.-Gen. Elliott, Surgeon McParlin, Col. Beckwith, Lieut.-Col. T. C. H. Smith, Capt. Piper, Chief of Artillery, Capt. Merriett of the Engineers, and Lieut. Shunk, Chief of Ordnance. I must also honorably mention the following members of my staff, the conduct of all of whom met my hearty approval and merits high commendation: Cols. Macomb, Clary, Marshall, Butler, Morgan, and Welch; Majors Selfridge and Meline; Captains Archer, Douglas Pope, Haight, Atcheson, De Kay, Piatt, Paine, Strother. Mr. McCain, confidential telegraph operator at my headquarters, accompanied me throughout the campaign, and was at all times eminently useful and efficient. My personal escort, consisting of two small companies of the First Ohio cavalry, numbering about one hundred men, performed more arduous