Numbers 251. Report of Major  Thomas J. Berry,
Sixtieth Georgia Infantry (Fourth Georgia Battalion), of the 
battle of Gaines' Mill.


CAMP NEAR MAGRUDER'S MILL, VA.


July 27, 1862

CAPTAIN: I have the honor respectfully to make, for the information of the 
brigadier-general commanding, the following report of the part  taken by the 
Fourth Battalion Georgia Volunteers in the action before Richmond on 
June 27:
The battalion did not get into the action until about 5 p.m. We were then 
ordered through a piece of woods, and while going through  were under a heavy 
fire of shot and shell,as well as of musketry, from the enemy. On 
emerging from the woods we found near us  several regiments of Confederate 
troops and here halted, as there was  no general  officer present, we having 
become separated from our brigade in coming through the woods. While waiting 
here a regiment of the enemy, which proved to be the Third [Fourth] New Jersey,
emerged from the woods on our right. Fire was immediately opened upon it and it
fled precipitately, and were nearly all captured by some regiment of our troops
stationed to the right of our brigade. Major Birney of the Third [Fourth ] New 
Jersey, and several non-commissioned officers and privates here fell into our 
hands. We remained at this point for some time (probably half an hour) when 
General Lawton  came to us and was personally cognizant of affairs from that 
time until the firing ceased for the night.

I would respectfully  mention to the brigadier-general commanding the efficient
aid rendered the field officers by Adjt. B.F. Keller, who  was at all times at
his post, regardless of danger. I would also respectfully call the attention of
the brigadier-general to the fact that after the firing had ceased for the 
night Private John W. Mack, Company C,  Fourth Battalion Georgia Volunteers, while 
unarmed, captured in the woods 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 2 privates , of 
the First New Jersey Regiment, all armed; disarmed them, brought them into camp 
alone, and delivered them to his captain.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. J. BERRY,
Major Fourth Battalion Georgia Volunteers.


Captain  E.W. HULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.


P.S.- I make this report, in the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Stiles, by order
of General Lawton.