Company E News

Click here to read about the 2nd Michigan at Upper Canada Village in July 2008

Check here for after action reports and other items of interest about Company E of the 2nd Michigan Volunteers

Captain: George C Woods Commanding, 2nd Division 6th Corps. September 19, 1863

Captain:

I have the honor to submit the following report of the action taken by elements of Company E of the, 2nd Michigan Volunteers at Tupper Lake on the 17th instant:-

While encamped at Tupper Lake, our captain received orders to investigate reports of Rebel activity in and around the area.

The ladies of our unit are cooks without equal and if you leave our camp hungry, the fault lies with you.	I am conferring with our lieutenant over a meal, little knowing the we would be soon engaged with a result we could not anticipate.	Two of our privates prepare rounds and and otherwise maintain a high state of vigilance for which we are known.

While we were preparing noon meal, our caption was briefed on Rebel activity and was ordered to prepare to march to meet the enemy.

The reports were quite accurate as we would be facing overwhelming numbers with enemy forces comprised of elements of the 55th Va. Co. D Vol. Inf., 13th N.C. Vol. Inf., 1st Virginia Calvary (Dismounted), 1st Georgia (1) and CSA 55th Va. Co. B (Artillery Infantry, with Mortar).	Our soldiers were galvanized into action and immediately made preparation to engage the enemy.	Our captain formed our company for a quick inspection before marching out to give battle to the rebels.

We were formed into line and march quickly to where we had been told the enemy was to be found.

We set off from camp, in good order, ready to fulfill our mission and thwart the rebel forces.	We made a brief halt and inspected weapons as we knew we would soon be engaged.	Imagine our delight when we were joined by the 11th NY Middlesex Artillery. This would certainly be an advantage in our meeting with the  enemy forces.

While our battery deployed to support our advance, we formed into two lines of battle; the left wing under Sargent Marshall while the right wing was under my leadership. Our captain retained overall control providing expert and fearless leadership.

Our captain and our color bearer advance with us towards the rebel's location.	In the meantime, our battery loads their gun, knowing that soon they called on.

Advancing on towards the trees, the enemy responded and we became hotly engaged. We were instantly under heavy fire from the enemy which we returned with a good will. As We advanced towards their line, we labored under a decided disadvantage, which will account for our losses. The enemy had the advantage in numbers as my unit filled the intervals in open ground. As the enemy advanced from the   trees, their fire was most intense and galling. It was then when we suffered our first and most severe loss.

The enemy immediately engages our skirmish line with the most intense fire I can recall.	Our battery responded with shot and shell to assist us.	Alas, our brave captain was struck down by a rebel mini ball, leaving us for a better place and a great sadness in our hearts.

As we advanced to drive the enemy from their position, we were heavily pressed in front and on our right flank as the enemy brought fresh forces which was much greater than mine. While engaged in a valiant and spirited fire, I then saw that this large force was marching our right flank and would soon cut off our line of retreat so ordered my unit to retire.

Our battery answers the rebel fire.	Not only were we outnumbered, the rebels were supported by artillery.	The enemy fire began to have its effect on our soldiers.

While doing so we received the most distressing fire, which caused several casualties and began to force us from the field.

More enemy reinforced the rebel lines.	We fell back to regroup.	Our boys gave as good as they received.

We reformed again and fell back towards our battery, all to no avail

With our captain taken from us, I ordered the color bearer to fall in with our wing. We must protect our colors.	The canoneers were under such intense fire that they could not load their piece.	We thought we could rush the  enemy and still carry the day as they might flee.

I was obliged to leave my dead and seriously wounded on the field as we were overwhelmed and most our brave boys were lost.

We supported the  brave cannon crew...	but it was not to be. I got off one more round but...	was quickly overwhelmed and captured.

As I was loosely guarded, I was able to make my way back to our lines and prepare this report. I am proud to say the conduct of my men throughout the entire day is deserving the highest praise. Their coolness and courage in resisting a force which they could plainly see was much larger than that of their number. I cannot pass over lightly, but feel somewhat recompensed for my loss by the knowledge that the few that are left are of the same material as the gallant spirits of those who have fallen.

I have the honor to be, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Walter L. Weart Corporal, 2nd Michigan, Company E

After to battle, both sides gather to accept the cheers of the audience.	A moment of silence is observed to honor the soldiers who are defending our liberty today	A final inspection and the unit is dismissed until the  next call to battle.

Walton New York

Our second outing was at Walton, NY on May 27 and 28. Our unit "galvanized" or put on Confederate uniforms in order to provide enough solders to have a proper re-enactment. The real soldiers of both sides fought and died for their beliefs so when we put on a Confederate uniform, we show it the same respect as we would our own. It is also very interesting to see the "war" from the other side, especially when we were out numbered and out gunned!

This was also the "debut" of our unit's quilt. The ladies of Company E work on a quilt during the season as a fund raiser as we sell raffle tickets. Not only is the fund raiser very successful, the  quilt is beautiful! The quilt is authentic to Civil War and tells a "story". Each lady makes one or more squares then when they are sewn together, they all work on the actual "quilting".

The warriors relax for a few minutes before more drilling and marching.	Our Sergeant drills our soldiers. Looking sharp!	Our Captain briefs our Sergeant while a Private looks on.
A very impressive Union battery.	Our Sargent checks our Corporal's musket while our Caption looks on. We in Confederate uniforms for today's battle.	Our detail lines up after weapons inspection.
Always time for more drill.	We fall in and are about to recover our muskets from the stack.	Ready to take the field.

Our boys are in this line.	Our boys prepare for a charge by the  Union soldiers.	This is the Union line that our boys had to face as Southern soldiers.

Those sneaky Rebs attempt to grab our flag!	The debut of the quilt with three of our ladies showing off their handy work.

Our first event was May 6 and 7 at Elmira New York and this was an outstanding event. We "fought" in an area very reminiscent of the Wilderness and both sides put on a first class show for the very large crowd of spectators who were most appreciative of our brave boys in blue or gray.

The 2nd Michigan fell in with other units to prepare to meet the enemy.	We're waiting for the officers to give us our instructions.	Weapons are inspected for a safety before we take the field.
The building is a Union supply depot and we expected an attack by a near by Confederate column. Our artillery set up a battery to support us if attacked.
Our artillery opens on the advancing Confederate column.	We advance to engage the enemy.	A burst of musket fire erupts and the battle is on!
Note our brave captain is looking over the field but the enemy is the other direction.	We keep it hot and ...	advance to a rough breastwork of fallen logs.
We have driven off the attackers and now our officers confer and congratulate each other on a splendid victory while we warriors just stand and wait.	We march back to camp victorious, to fight again another day.

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