Eleventh Battalion
Georgia Volunteers
(Cutt’s Artillery)
STATISTICAL REPORT TO APRIL 24TH, 1864
No. of men killed in action
28
No. of men died of wounds and sickness
104
Total loss by death
132
Discharged
76
Deserted
6
Transferred
43
Missing
and not heard from
8
Total
real loss
265
Wounded
in action
154
Real
and temporary loss
419
Original
strength Company A,
180
Recruits*
376
Total
strength
556
* I presume from the large number of recruits that my informant, Sergeant Major J. D. Harris, alludes to the companies which were added to company A, and which formed the battalion.
Company A, upon which the Battalion known (and widely known,) as the Cutts’ Battalion, was organized and formed in Sumter County, Georgia, by Captain A. S. Cutts, who, with his command left Americus, Georgia, on the 6th day of July, 1861, for Richmond, Virginia. This company was mustered in to service of the Confederate States on the 15th of July, and ordered to report to Manassas on the 24th of the same month. In the August following the company was equipped with six guns. The original number of men enlisted was one hundred and fifty, but in the fall of 1861 was increased to one hundred and eighty men, and two more guns were added, making an eight gun battery of seven 6-pounders, and one 12-pound howitzer.
On the 20th of December the company was ordered to report to General Stuart with four guns, and it met the enemy at Dranesville in overwhelming force. We took position in a narrow country road walled in by a dense pine grove. The road was so narrow and the forest so think, that there was no room to work but three guns. The enemy opened upon our little battery with 12-pounders from three different points at once, which could barely be discerned by the smoke from their pieces through the pines. The sharpshooters of the enemy poured a continuous and galling fire into this battery.
In one hour we suffered a loss of one caisson blown up, another demolished, a limber shot down, twenty horses killed, six men killed and fifteen wounded, out of forty cannoniers and drivers at the guns. In this fearful encounter, Captain Cutts rendered himself particularly conspicuous for desperate energy and cool, self-possessed, calculating courage. Lieutenant L. E. Sprivey (acting number five,) Privates Doolittle, Green and Lingo, and Sergeants Randall and Fletcher deserve special mention for the gallant conduct. Private J. L. Price at this place displayed that coolness and intrepidity which has marked his conduct ever since upon every battlefield in which his company has been engaged; his name deserves to figure in the list of Georgia’s heroes. Many others of the command behaved very handsomely.
In the spring of 1862, Captain Cutts was authorized to augment his command from a company to a battalion. Three more companies were recruited by him in Sumter County, Georgia, and Company A, of the Ninth Regiment of Georgia volunteers, having been detached from that regiment as an artillery company, was assigned to this battalion, thus making five companies in all. On account of much sickness and many deaths and discharges, one of the three new companies was disorganized and amalgamated into the remaining two new companies, thus reducing the Battalion to four companies. Captain Cutts was elected Major and soon afterwards promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The battles in which we have participated are as follows:
Company A, at Drainesville in December, 1861; Company B, at Fredericksburg on the 2d day of May, 1863; Company C, at Richmond July, 1862, Warrenton Springs November, 1862, Washington, North Carolina, April, North Carolina, April, 1863, and Suffolk during the same month.
The whole Battalion was engaged in the night attack on McClellan’s fleet and camp, on the James river in July, 1862; also at Boonsboro, Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg, 1862, and at Gettysburg, 1863. After the battle of Sharpburg one of the companies were broken up and the men distributed among the present three companies composing the Battalion; Company A (original company) and B, from the county of Sumter, and Company C, from Wilkes County, Georgia. The present field officers are Lieutenant Colonel Cutts and Major John Lane. Colonel Cutts served for three years in the regular army of the United States, and two years in Mexico, during the war with that country in Steptoe’s famous battery. From the experience thus acquired as well as from great natural fitness for command, he is a most excellent officer, and esteemed one of the best for artillery in the service. Promotion in this branch of service is of low grade and comes slowly, especially to any but Virginians, and our commander’s rank does not fairly indicate either his merits or past services. As pertinent to this idea, Cutts’ Battalion and the Jeff Davis Battery (another Georgia company) were all the artillery at the battle of Boonsboro on the Confederate side, and without support, kept back heavy masses of Yankee infantry during the entire day. In the official report of General D. H. Hill, commanding General, they are not even mentioned.
Major John Lane is a son of General Joseph Lane, of Oregon, and a good officer. He is an under graduate of West Point, and warmly devoted to the cause of Southern Independence.
The small losses which this Battalion which this Battalion has sustained in battle, and mainly owing to the judicious manner in which the batteries have been posted by the field officers, and the skill and address with which the guns have been worked. All the batteries in this battalion are six gun batteries.
BATTALION RECORDS
From January 1st, 1864, to August, 1864
On the 27th of February, Lieutenant Colonel Cutts was promoted to the rank of Colonel, and was, on the 5th of June, assigned to the command of a division of artillery, composed of his own and Lieutenant Colonel Richardson’s Battalions. Major John Lane was assigned to the command of Cutt’s Battalion. On the 4th of May, this battalion, then temporarily attached to Anderson’s Division, guarding fords of the upper Rapidan, left winter quarters and proceeded to the Wilderness. In the battles which took place during the next two days at this point, the ground being impracticable for artillery, only a few guns were put into position, which few however, did effectual service in aiding to drive back some heavy columns of the enemy.
Arriving at Spottsylvania Court House on the 9th of May, the battalion took position on the main road leading through this place to Richmond, and proceeded to fortify the point. Soon afterwards a column of the enemy approaching, a brisk fire was opened upon their ranks, when they retired with speed. For several days nothing transpired save a few artillery duels between the opposing guns, as no assault was made upon this portion of the line.
Arriving at Hanover Junction on the 23rd of May, the Battalion went into position on the south bank of the North Anna river, between two fords on this stream, to resist the crossing of the enemy, and were almost immediately engaged in repelling his advance upon the infantry guard at the lower bridge. His guard being driven back., the enemy next day commenced crossing in heavy force, under a vigorous and almost incessant fire from the guns, this Battalion, under command of Major Lane, Colonel Cutts being informally in charge of two battalions. So accurate and damaging was this fire that the Federal commanders resorted to the expedient of crossing only a few of their troops at a time, and these in straggling squads, while a long line of their artillery attempted to silence our guns. Several of the cannoniers were seriously wounded, some by the bursting of a 20-pounder parrot; but their comrades remained unshaken at their posts, although the enemy used mortars for the first time in the field, since the commencement of the war, in addition to a heavy fire. Nearly the whole artillery fighting in General Lee’s army, while on these lines fell to the lot of Lane’s Battalion.
General Grant continuing to move by the left flank the Battalion was ordered to ------ Creek, where after some firing, and a few days on the lines, it took up the line of march for Cold Harbor, and there went into position on Turkey Ridge on 3rd of June. After several days of more or less artillery, it moved to the Chesterfield Heights on the north bank of the Appomattox, near Petersburg, and proceeded to fortify the position known as the Archer House. An enfilading fire was here obtained upon the enemy’s line to the south, and fifteen guns, mostly rifles, from the battalions of the Third Corps were concentrated at this point under command of Major Lane, to check the enemy’s fire from batteries one and five upon Petersburg, and two 30-pounder parrots added to his own battalion. To oppose this array of strength, the enemy brought into commanding positions on the opposite side of the river twenty odd guns, mostly 20 or 30-pound parrots, three eight inch mortars, and one thirteen inch. For five weeks Major Lane with inferior guns, and far inferior ammunition, fought the enemy more or less everyday or night, with unyielding tenacity. Guns were disabled, works knocked down, many of the best and bravest men and officers killed and wounded; but new guns were mounted, the works rebuilt, and as often as the enemy’s guns were mounted, the works rebuilt, and as often as the enemy’s guns on that front sent a shot into the city, the iron watchdogs on Archer’s Hill belched forth their thunders in its defense, forcing the vandals to turn from the shelling of women and children to defend himself. The Petersburg Press was loud in its praise of "our strong batteries on the Chesterfield side." Finally after in vain attempting to silence our guns, a sort of tacit truce prevailed. Whenever the enemy attempted to shell the town, a few shots from the Archer’s house would produce perfect silence; the enemy ceasing their fire to prevent our guns from enfilading their infantry line. Under this arrangement the Federal batteries on our front became comparatively useless and were moved further to their left. Subsequently Major Lane with all the guns of his Battalion, except the two 30-pounders were ordered to the more immediate Petersburg front, and now holds position on the Jerusalem Plank road and other points to the westward.
Company A
March 1, 1862
Muster Roll
11th Battalion Artillery Georgia (Sumter Artillery)
(Formerly known as Sumter Flying Artillery)
Recruits for the Sumter Flying Artillery Battalion stationed at Americus, Sumter County, Georgia. The recruits have since been organized into companies B & C, Capt. Price & Crawford.
October 31st to Nov. 30, 1863
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on field and staff muster roll.
November 30 to December 31, 1863
Shown at Rapidan Station, Virginia on field and staff muster roll.
March and April 1864
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on field and staff muster roll.
May 1864 – Dec 1865
Shown at Petersburg, Virginia.
July 15, 1861
CERTIFICATE OF MUSTERING OFFICER
I certify, on honor, that I have carefully examined the men whose names are borne, and equipment, and have accepted them in the service of the Confederate States for the term of the war from this 15 day of July, 1864.
W. P. Bullock, 2nd Lt., C. S. A., Mustering Officer.
Date: July 15, 1861.
Station: Richmond, Virginia.
July 6 to Aug 31, 1861
Station at Manassas. Our Battery is composed of Guns captured from the enemy at the Battle of Manassas Plains on the 21st July 1861. It is an honor to have them against their former owners which I am satisfied this command will do successfully should an opportunity afford itself.
Sept & Oct 1861
Shown near Centerville, Virginia on company muster roll.
Nov & Dec 1861
Shown near Stone Bridge, Virginia on company muster roll. This company was engaged in the Battle of Dranesville on the 20th December 1861. Three men were killed on the field and fifteen wounded three of which have since died. Only one half of the Battery (4 guns) were present although our loss was heavy in the recent engagement we are still able to man the battery and are ready for active service.
Near March and April 1862
Shown near Lebanon Church on company muster roll.
May and June 1862
Shown near Richmond on company muster roll.
June 30, 1862 to Oct 1862
Camped near Winchester, Virginia on the company muster roll.
Nov and Dec 1862
Shown in camp in Caroline County, Virginia on company muster roll. This company left camp at Nineveh near Winchester, Virgiania on the 1st Nov 1862 en-route for Culpepper Court House reached the latter place on Nov. 4, 1862. Camped there two weeks. Left on the 19th Nov 1862 for Fredericksburg, reached there November and were ordered to Alsops Bluff on the Rappahannock river to resist the approach of the Yankee Guns boats. Left Alsops Bluff on the night of 10 Dec 1862 – there Parrott Guns of the Battery were ordered in position in the rear of Gen. McLaws Division on the same night the remaining three guns were attached to Maj. Gen. Hoods Division but were not in action - the three Parrott Guns attached to Gen. McLaws fired about thirty rounds each with considerable damage to the enemy. Causalities – none.
Jan and Feb 1863
Shown near Chesterfield Station R. F. and Potomac R. R. on the company muster roll. The company left the vicinity of Fredericksburg on the 26th Dec, 1862. It camp near Chesterfield Station on the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. We were ordered back to Fredericksburg on the 16th Jan. 1863 and remained about 10 days and then returned. We accomplished nothing by this trip, but succeeded very well in breaking down our horses by starvation and hard work.
March and April 1863
Shown near Chesterfield District on the company muster roll. In consequence of being engaged in the recent actions near Fredericksburg from April 30 to 9 Inst. this company was not mustered till the later date.
May and June 1863
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on company muster roll. This company left Fredericksburg on the 1st of June 1863 and marched with the Battalion in company of Anderson Division to Fayetteville, Penn., arriving there on the 27th June 1863. This muster was not made until the 11th August 1863 in consequence of consisted marches and costly for the want of muster.
July and August 1863
Shown at Haxall’s Farm near Gordonsville, Virginia on company muster roll. Muster roll would have been forwarded earlier but for pay roll blanks not having been finished.
Ross
Capt. Commanding Battalion
Sept and Oct 1863
Shown near Brandy J & A R. R. on the company muster roll. The roll was correct as to the date of payment at the time of muster, but the men were paid before the pay roll was made out which accounts for discrepancy between muster and pay rolls.
Nov and Dec 1863
Shown at Rapidan Station, Virginia on the company muster roll.
Jan – April 1864
Shown near Orange, Virginia on the company muster roll.
May 1864 & Feb 1865
Shown near Petersburg, Virginia on company muster roll. During the time for which the muster roll represents the Battery was inactive and participated in no firing – on lines near Petersburg at Batteries No. 40 and 42; but a detachment formed out of the company charge of seven guns and went down to Burgess Mill but neither went onto position. We remained there but a day or so.
Company B
Mar and April 1862
Shown at Camp Winder on the company muster roll.
May and June 1862
Shown in camp near Richmond on the company muster roll.
July 1 to Nov 1, 1862
Shown in camp near Nineveh, Virginia on company muster roll.
Nov and Dec 1862
Shown near Chesterfield, Virginia on company muster roll.
Jan and Feb 1863
Shown near Chesterfield County, Virginia on company muster roll.
March and April 1863
Shown near Fredericksburg, Virginia on company muster roll. Left winter quarter near Chesterfield Station, Carolina County, Virginia on the 30th April 1863 and after forced marches reached Fredericksburg on 2nd day. Took position in rear of Fredericksburg Saturday 2nd day of May. Hotly engaged on Sunday 3 lost two ? (recaptured by the Louisiana Brigade) four horses left on the field. Three men wounded owing to being engaged in recent actions near Fredericksburg from 30 April till 9 this company was not mustered until latter date.
May and June 1863
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on company muster roll. Left Fredericksburg, Virginia June 14, 1863 arrived at Gettysburg, Penn. July 1, 1863. This muster for the months May and June did not take place until the 11th August. The muster was prevented by the continued marches and lastly fir the want of muster rolls. In these muster rolls the men are marked as having been paid to 1st of month when it sould be the last day of the month preceeding.
July and Aug 1863
Shown at Somerset, Virginia on the company muster rolls. Muster rolls would have been formed earlier but forwarded earlier but for pay roll blanks not having been furnished.
Sept and Oct 1863
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on company muster roll.
Nov and Dec 1863
Shown near Rapidan, Virginia on company muster roll.
Jan and April 1864
Shown near Orange Court House, Virginia on company muster roll.
May 1864 – Feb 1865
Shown near Petersburg, Virginia on company muster roll.
Company C
Nov and Dec 1861
This company formerly Co. A, 9th Regiment Georgia Volunteers was transferred by order of Gen. Johnston on the 13 Dec 1861 to the artillery corps at the same time by order from the same an election was held for Captain (to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Captain Norman) and an additional First Lieutenant and Lieutenants John Lane and Thomas P. Furgerson were chosen for these respective officers.
March 3, 1862
CETIFICATE OF MUSTERING OFFICER
I certify on honor that I have carefully examined the men whose names are borne on this roll, their horses, and equipment, and have accepted them into the service of the Confederate States for the term of war from this 3 day of March, 1862.
Lt. John F. Wingfield, Mustering Officer
Date: March 3, 1862
Station: Washington, Georgia
March and April 1862
Shown at Camp Winder, Richmond, Virginia on company muster roll.
May and June 1862
Shown at Battery No. 4 on company muster roll. In consequence of the active operations of the company in front of the enemy the muster was delayed until the 9th of July 1862.
June 30 to Oct 31, 1862
Shown at Camp Ninevah on company muster roll.
Oct 31, 1862 to Jan 31, 1863
Shown at Fredericksburg, Virginia on company muster roll. The 29 men posted as transferred from Capt. Blackshears Co. were transferred by order Gen. Lee No. 209.
Jan 31 to April 2, 1863
Shown at Fort Powhattan, Virginia on company muster roll. Lt. Barrett started to N. Carolina for temporary service there on the 22nd March taking the Whitworth gun Twenty-four enlisted men went with him. This was by order of General Longstreet. With the exception of about ten days the company have been on detached service since the 18th November 1862 on the last day of February regular muster day it was near Richmond on the way from Fredericksburg. Being on detached service and moving about it has not been convenient to muster the regular times.