Numbers 188. Report of Captain Samuel A. McKee, Second U. S. Infantry. OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 25, Part 1 (Chancellorsville)

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,

May 7, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report as follows:

The battalion (Second U. S. Infantry) left camp, near Falmouth, Va., April 27, crossing the Rappahannock at Kelly's and the Rapidan at Ely's Fords, in conjunction with the remainder of the Second Brigade, meeting the enemy 2 miles south of Chancellorsville on the 1st instant, when the battalion, with the remainder of the brigade, was ordered at a double-quick to advance. The battalion of the Second Infantry, by your order, formed line of battle on the right of the Sixth Infantry, and advanced through thick woods for over half a mile, when it halted, and marched by the left flank to reform on the right of the Sixth, the connection with which had been lost, owing to the thickness of the woods through which the Second Regiment had to advance. The latter battalion had already been established on a slight rise of ground within 150 yards of the enemy's forces, which at this juncture opened a heavy fire of musketry, which was replied to briskly by the battalion, silencing the enemy, who apparently fell back. Holding this position for about half an hour, it was found necessary to advance a platoon of skirmishers from the battalion to the front and right, as the enemy were moving to the right and rear of our brigade, their skirmishers advancing at a brisk walk. The skirmishers of the Second Infantry, under the command of First Lieutenant William F. Drum, opened fire on those of the enemy, stopping their progress for a time. The battalion remained in its position until ordered to gradually fall back. When executing this order, Captain Salem S. Marsh, commanding the battalion, a gallant and valuable officer, fell, and I assumed command of the same. The battalion moved back slowly in line of battle until ordered to move by the flank, the enemy still firing with musketry and artillery. We then occupied the camp of the night previous.

The behavior of the officers and men was excellent, with the exception of a few of the recruits lately received, who had never been under fire. Through the exertions of the officers, even the latter did their duty. I desire also to bring to the attention of the brigade commander the cool manner in which the battalion behaved on picket the night of the 5th instant-never firing a shot unless seeing the enemy, although continually fired at by the enemy's pickets. The officers present with the battalion were Captain Samuel A. McKee, commanding; First Lieutenant and Adjt. A. W. Kroutinger; First Lieutenant William F. Drum, commanding Company B; First Lieutenant F. C. Goodrich, commanding Company F; First Lieutenant A. Grafius, commanding Company I; Second Lieutenant Daniel W. Burke, commanding Company K, and Second Lieutenant Robert Davis, commanding Company C; Second Lieuts. Thomas Byrne and Henry Sommer. Second Lieutenant James Butler, Second Lieutenant James Butler, Second Infantry, joined the battalion May 3, from sick leave.

I would respectfully call the attention of the brigade commander to the gallant and cool behavior of First Lieutenant William F. Drum, Second Infantry, while advancing and withdrawing the line of skirmishers. I inclose a list of casualties.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. A. McKEE,

Captain Second U. S. Infantry, Commanding Regiment.

ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

Second Brigadier, 2nd Div., 5th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac.