Hope this helps.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/1 [S# 43] -- Gettysburg Campaign
No. 149. -- Report of Col. Hiram Berdan,
HEADQUARTERS FIRST U.S. SHARPSHOOTERS,
On the morning of July 2, I received instructions from the division
About 7.30 a.m. I received orders to send forward a detachment of 100
sharpshooters to discover, if possible, what the enemy was doing. I went out
with the detail, and posted them on the crest of the hill beyond the
Emmitsburg road, and where they kept up a constant fire nearly all day upon
the enemy in the woods beyond until they were driven in, about 5 p.m., by a
heavy force of the enemy, after having expended all their ammunition.
As it was impossible with this force to proceed far enough to discover what
was being done by the enemy in the rear of this woods, I reported the fact to
Major-General Birney, and about 11 a.m. I received an order from him to send
out another detachment of 100 sharpshooters farther to the left of our lines,
and to take the Third Maine Volunteers as support, with directions to feel
the enemy, and to discover their movements, if possible.
I moved down the Emmitsburg road some distance beyond our extreme left and
deployed the sharpshooters in a line running nearly east and west, and moved
forward in a northerly direction parallel with the Emmitsburg road. We soon
came upon the enemy, and drove them sufficiently to discover three columns in
motion in rear of the woods, changing direction, as it were, by the right
flank. We attacked them vigorously on the flank, and from our having come
upon them very unexpectedly, and getting close upon them, we were enabled to
do great execution, and threw them for a time into confusion. They soon
rallied, however, and attacked us, when, having accomplished the object of
the reconnaissance, I withdrew under cover of the woods, bringing off most of
our wounded, and reported about 2 o'clock to Major-General Birney the result
of our operations and discoveries.
The Second Regiment was deployed in front of the Second Brigade, by order of
General Ward, and moved forward to a favorable position, where they held the
enemy's skirmishers in check and did good execution, breaking the enemy's
front line three times, and finally fell back as the enemy advanced in heavy
force, remaining in action with the remainder of the brigade during the
engagement. The balance of the First Regiment, under the immediate command of
Captain Baker, moved forward to the right of the peach orchard, on the right
of the First Brigade, where they had a splendid chance for execution, the
enemy coming forward in heavy lines. I relieved them from time to time as
they exhausted their ammunition.
On the 3d, a detachment of about 100 sharpshooters was sent, under command of
Captain Baker, as sharpshooters, to cover the front of the Sixth Corps. They
remained there all day, constantly firing, and toward night advanced, driving
the enemy's skirmishers some distance, and capturing 18 prisoners. The
balance of the command was moved toward the right with the rest of the
division, to the support of some batteries, where nothing of importance
occurred.
On the morning of the 4th, the Second Regiment was deployed in the field in
front of our position on the 3d, and advanced, driving the enemy's
skirmishers to the edge of the woods, which position they held until relieved
at 7.30 p.m. by a New Jersey regiment, having been under heavy picket firing
all day.
The entire command, with very few exceptions, behaved most gallantly.
I desire to make special mention of Colonel Lakeman and Major Lee, of the
Third Maine Regiment, for their services on the reconnaissance, in which the
Third Maine was used as a support to the detachment of sharpshooters.
I desire to make special mention also of Captain Nash, who rendered
invaluable assistance in the reconnaissance referred to, and behaved most
gallantly; also of Major Stoughton and Captain Baker, for their judgment and
skill in handling their troops under fire; also Lieutenant Norton, acting
adjutant of the Second Regiment, who displayed great bravery, and who with a
small squad captured and sent to the rear 22 prisoners on Thursday.
We went into action with about 450 rifles. During the three days, we expended
14,400 rounds of ammunition.
Our total loss was:
Officers and men. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total
Commissioned officers. 2 7 1 10
Enlisted men 10 52 17 79
Total 12 59 18 89
I trust that the sharpshooters lost none of their reputation at Gettysburg.
Though operating in small detachments, and with other troops, and in such
extensive engagements, their deeds may not have been so conspicuous as on
some former occasions where the whole force was used together.
I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,
H. BERDAN,
Colonel, Commanding U.S. Sharpshooters.
Capt. F. BIRNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
The 1st USSS were ordered out to scout for the enemy and their fartherest
position was Pitzer's Woods. After seeing and skirmishing with the enemy,
that is when ole Hiram reported to Sickles about a main division on
Confederates were at his front.
The 1st USSS then retreated back to the 3rd corp main line skirmishing during
the retreat.
The Second USSS were just south of the 1st USSS and their fartherest point
south was the Snyder House on the Emmitsburg road. After meeting Law's
Brigade they also made a hasty retreat skirmishing as they went and trying to
slow down the advance even thou they were outnumbered. 1/2 the group went
north of the Rts and ended up coming over the 83rd PVI who were on the right
flank of the 20th Maine. The other half went north of the Rts and hooked up
with Co B of the 20th Maine.
The third day part of the Berdan's were on Stannard's brigade left flank and
did participate in helping to repulse Picketts Charge...manily if I remember
Wilcox's men.
Ole Hiram was suspected of being a coward by quite a few officers including
Barney of Sickles corp. Hence Barney sent one of his aides with Hiram on the
2nd day recon just to be sure Hiram went near the front lines etc.
A very good read on H. Berdan's suspected cowardize and some court-martial
threats that took place agianst him and by him to fellow officers is Hiram
Berdan Chief of Sharpshooters.
Marc Riddell
Mike N.
First U.S. Sharpshooters, commanding First and Second U.S. Sharpshooters.
Since this is the Gb discussion group I assume the battle you want to know
about the Sharpshooter's is Gettysburg. The 1st and 2nd USSS played a very
important part during the second days battle. Both regiments arrived late the
1st day with the 3rd Corp and spent the night near the round tops just north
west.
PS; For a good account of the 2nd USSS at Gettysburg and the life of a common
Berdan read 'The CW diary of Wyman White'