Waitt, Ernest Linden, History of the Nineteenth regiment, Massachusetts volunteer infantry , 1861-1865

In the morning the command was relieved from these works, and in the afternoon (28th) marched rapidly down to the right of the line and speedily threw up some works and rested for a couple of hours, anticipating a flank movement of the enemy, and at the same time being in supporting distance of the cavalry who were engaging the enemy. The skirmishers who had been out all the afternoon were then called in, and the regiment retraced its steps to the scene of the fight of the 27th.

Occupied that night and the next day in strengthening its position. At dusk fell back under orders, and commenced the return march toward Petersburg, which was reached on the 30th of July, and were immediately placed in reserve of the Fifth Corps, who occupied the front line of works, and who had been heavily engaged all day. Remained there until 7 P. M. exposed to the enemy's shells, some of which exploded in the brigade, and at that hour proceeded to the camp vacated on the 26th, being on the move during that time, and the men were thoroughly tired out by their four days operations, during which they marched by day and worked by night.

Col. Wass had been mustered out on the 28th, his term of service having expired, and Lieut. Col. Rice was commissioned Colonel but the depleted numbers of the regiment did not allow of promotions to fill the other vacancies, Captains Merritt and Hale and Lieut. Driver having been discharged to receive other appointments.

Lieut. Col. Rice who had escaped from prison, returned to the regiment with a new set of colors early in the month of August and at once assumed command, but only one flag, the National, was ever carried afterward. He found the command in very bad shape, numerically, as an official report dated August 16th, 1864, shows. The enlisted men then borne upon the rolls numbered 486, with 17 commissioned officers,—a total of 503. The report says: ‘Amon the officers are included the following Field and Staff; one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, two Surgeons, one Quartermaster and ’