Official Reports :: Zook's Brigade

Reports of Lieut. Col. John Fraser, One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding regiment and Third Brigade.
Gettysburg Campaign
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/1 [S# 43]

HDQRS. 140TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
August 8, 1863.

Maj. JOHN HANCOCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.

       MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade in the recent engagement with the enemy at Gettysburg, Pa.:
       On the morning of July 2, this brigade arrived on the battle-field, under the command of Brigadier-General Zook, and was placed in order of column in rear of the Second Brigade.
       About 4 p.m. on same day, the brigade was marched rapidly toward the left, to assist the Third Corps, which was at the time engaged with the enemy. When the brigade arrived nearly opposite the position assigned to it, it was formed in order of battle, having the One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the extreme right, the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers in the center, the Fifty-second New York Volunteers on the left, and the Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers a short distance in the rear as a reserve, and was moved rapidly forward to engage the enemy. The brigade advanced steadily, driving the enemy before it, until it reached its most advanced position on the crest of a small hill. It held this position until it became necessary to retreat, the enemy having brought forward fresh troops, who succeeded in flanking us on the right and left. The retreat, however, did not commence before it had become general on other parts of the line.
       Shortly after the close of this action, July 2, the brigade assembled, and was formed in line of battle in the position assigned to it, on the left center of the battle-field, about 50 paces in rear of the Second Brigade.
       The severe and long-continued artillery fire which the enemy opened on us preparatory to their fruitless attack upon the left center, on the afternoon of July 3, inflicted no loss on the brigade. It was unnecessary for the brigade to take an active part in this engagement, the enemy having failed to advance beyond our picket line.
       The conduct of officers and men deserves very high commendation.
In the action of July 2, the brigade lost its highly esteemed general, several gallant officers, and a large number of brave men. A list of casualties has been already forwarded.

I have the honor to be, major, yours, respectfully,
JOHN FRASER,
Lieut. Col. 140th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Third Brig.