Manuscript copy of the report by Major John C. Meginnis of the 18th NY Vols on the Battle of Gaines Mill, six pages, lightly-lined, 8 x 10, July 5, 1862. In part: “Enemy in front commenced shelling our camp. One of the shells exploded in front of our regt…the battle was raging…our right companies received a terrific fire of grape and canister, the men lying down and receiving the fire with great coolness…discovered the enemy approaching in force…he remarked that ‘they were coming’ when he was hit by a rifle ball and killed instantly. I then gave the order to open fire…enemy had succeeded in turning our right flank…my men have expended all their ammunition…lost the most of our men…the 31st NYV poured a volley onto us from out rear.” In fine condition.
