August 16, 1864. "In A.M. Gen Terry received orders to attack in front of Hawleys (2d) brigade, but a reconnaissance showed it to be impracticable there being a mill pond in front on which Fussells Mill is situated. Our light batteries shelled the enemy‹his skirmish line was driven in by the swinging round of Fosters (3d) brigade which brought us in front of entrenchments the right of which rested on and was protected by the mill pond. The whole ground was covered with thick woods. arrangements were then made for an assault on these works. Gen Terry made all the dispositions in person as is his usual custom. Howells (1st) brigade was brought up and formed in line of battalions in Mass, Hawleys (2d) Brigade was deployed in rear, and Fosters (3d) on the left. This brigade had previously advanced and taken some rifle pits. It was now about 10 A.M. and hot to suffocation. The dense woods made the air close, but gave no shelter from the fierce August sun. The charge was then ordered. The 1st Brigade went in with a cheer‹gained the slashing, through it and surged over the breastworks in the face of a destructive musketry fire. Wherever a massed battalion struck, it went through like a sledge hammer, and this was the formation of the 1st brigade in assaulting. Hawleys (2d) brigade followed in line. The musketry fire was incessant, men fell fast‹at least 800 men of Terry¹s division were killed and wounded, but the works were carried & held. I was then sent back to Gen Birney for re-inforcements. The 2d Br 2d Div, Col. F. A. Osborn 24th Mass, cmig, was then ordered forward. While I was speaking to him, a rifle ball grazed his neck & he fell senseless. The 3d Br 2d Div was also ordered forward, and Col Craig¹s brigade 2d Corps. I guided them through the woods, & they filed in on the reverse side of the captured works. Pennypacker of the 97th Pa sprang up on the parapet & waved with his sword his men into line. In the meantime Howell & Hawleys brigades which had advanced in front of the captured works towards the enemy were in turn severely pressed bu superior force. we were turned on each flank and the fire of the enemy converged on us as a centre. I had retained my horse through it all, & was talking with Col Craig who commanded the brigade of Hancocks corps‹he was on foot. Just as I turned away I heard a sharp sound like the snapping of a dry stick. Looking back I saw Craig whirl on his heel & fall on his back. A bullet had plowed across his forehead just deep enough to lay ones finger in the wound. He was dead. But I had time merely for a look, the enemy was pushing us hard. Lt Col Plimpton 3d N.H. was shot through the heart while talking with Gen Hawley. Adjt Carruthers 97th Pa. mortally wounded. Lt Col Henderson 7th N.H. also‹both died. The two first were my personal friends. I could give them but a look as they were carried to the rear. All this time I had been riding to different parts of the line. Returning to Gen Terry who was at the front, I was riding rapidly at a gallop. The bullets were striking the trees everywhere. One struck my horse in the head & he fell dead, throwing me near some wounded men. I walked on to find Gen Terry. Gen Wm Birney who commanded a colored brigade, was with him. Capt Dawson, Inspector 1st Brigade, came up & reported ammunition getting low. The fire of the enemy was hotter than ever. It seemed impossible to stand & not be hit. Gen Terry so exposed himself that I felt tempted to remonstrate. Gen Wm Birney hugged the ground close, at the foot of a large tree which was continually struck by bullets. Finally running short of ammunition we were reluctantly forced to retire, none too soon to escape being surrounded. We fell back about 600 yds and entrenched. The enemy having recovered his own works, seemed content with throwing out pickets to feel our position. In this fight we took 6 flags & 500 prisoners. We lost 982 men. Thus ended the ŒBattle of Fussells Mill¹ Va."