After Action Report from the 2nd New Jersey
The Battle of Crampton's Pass
From pages 297 and 298 of "HISTORY OF KEARNY'S FIRST NEW JERSEY BRIGADE" By Baquet
Report of Colonel Samuel L. Buck, Second New Jersey Infantry.
HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP IN CRAMPTON’S PASS,
September 16, 1862.
SIR—The movements of this regiment previous to, and in
action of, 14th instant are as follows:
Marched from camp near Buckey’s Station at 6 a. m., Second Regiment in column; arrived at Jefferson at 11 o’clock; bivouacked about one hour; then advanced within 2 miles of Crampton’s Pass; there rested one hour and thirty minutes; advanced by the flank under cover of rising ground until within musket- range of the enemy; formed in line of battle (having the left of the advance line of the brigade), and moved forward to relieve one regiment of Bartlett’s brigade, posted in rear of a rail fence. We occupied the same position which they had left, and opened fire on the enemy. After firing about twenty minutes, the Fourth Regiment of the second line advanced through our lines and made a charge across an open field, followed immediately by us, both reaching the stone fence about the same time, behind which the enemy were in position. The enemy broke and fled, we pursuing them up the hill and through the pass. As we advanced, the regiment wheeled to the right, the left resting on the crest of the hill on the left of the road. At this point the enemy were reinforced by fresh regiments, but they could not withstand our fire, and, without getting into position, broke and fled, we following them down the hill and along the road a distance of about a quarter of a mile, where we could see the baggage train of the enemy, protected by two pieces of artillery, in full retreat. As we appeared, they opened on us with grape and canister. If our men had been fresh at this point, we could easily have taken the artillery and part of the baggage train, but the men were so fatigued, and darkness coming on, the enemy made good their escape. Being relieved by the Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, by order of Colonel Torbert we fell back about a quarter of a mile, encamping in a field on the left-hand side of the road. which position we occupy at the present time.
As regards the conduct of officers and men, I would state that it was all that could be desired or expected. Where all exhibited so much determination and gallantry, it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot close without calling your attention to the brave conduct of Color Corpl. Joseph Donovan of Company A, who bore our colors through the thickest of the fight in the most gallant manner, and justly merits promotion.
Herewith find list of casualties:
* * * * * * * * *
Trusting the above will meet your approbation, I am, very
respectfully, your obedient servant.
SAML. L. BUCK,
Colonel, Commanding
