To RH Milroy From Monroe Nichols March 22 1864

              Thompson Ct. Mar 22 1864 


Sir, 

       I have the honor to submit to you the following report. 


	Early upon Saturday morning June 13th 1863 it  
was announced that the enemy was approaching Manchester in force upon the 
front Royal road. Companies A & B were sent-out-to-skirmish & reconoiter  
& at intervals they were actively engaged for several hours. The balance of 
the Regt. (Co D on duty at hqrs excepted) was stationed a part in reserve &  
a part as support to artillery. 


At one P.M. we were ordered with the 3rd Md to take our position on the  
Berryville road four miles from Manchester. No enemy appearing we rested 
there until nearly dark then marching back two miles occupied for the night 
 the rifle pits on the plain. 


The rain commencing at 4 ½ P.M. fell in torrents until midnight and as the  
soldiers   had neither shelter nor sufficient rations there was much dis- 
comfort & little  rest. Our casualties this day were two men slightly woun- 
ded. 


			In the morning at half past one in accordance 
with previous orders the force was marched to the fortifications west 
of the city where we rested until daylight; at six I was ordered  
to proceed with the 18th  to the city and guard commissary train 
engaged in moving off the stores. This accomplished I reported 
 again at the main Fort. Unable from sickness to continue 
with the Regt the command from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. devolved 
upon Major Peale. 


        In his absence I can report as from the company comman- 
dent that during the day the Regt was engaged in active skirmishing. 
Co’s A & B were deployed on the Eastern Limits of the city the balance defen 
ded the rifle pits we had occupied the previous night. 


The rebels in string force were striving to gain the city & between the long 
lines of the skirmishers there was for several hours rapid firing & skillful 
maneuvering. More than once the enemy entered the city but were as 
often severely punished & driven back. In one instance the enemy’s 
sharp shooters finding protection in a large brick house became exceed- 
ingly annoying. By your order a small field piece was brought to bear 
upon this stronghold and under cover of the fire a very brilliant 
 and successful charge was made upon it led by
     Capt Bowen at the head of Cos H & L, Volunteers from the line.