CAPTAIN: On Friday, June 27, at 4.30 p.m., the Fifty-third Virginia Regiment was pointed on picket, the right wing resting on the left of the Williamsburg road [and] the left on the right of the Ninth Virginia Regiment, the men deployed at five paces apart.

About sundown the enemy opened fire upon our line both with musketry and shell. The fire was not returned, because I instructed the men to wait until the enemy was in good distance, which distance was not obtained. The enemy, however, advanced upon the center and left, [and] was driven back by the fire of the left wing. The whole line was well sustained, except by three companies (F,H, and K), F and K falling back because they could not sustain the heavy fire of the enemy, Company H having no commander. All three of these companies, however, returned to their positions and held them.

The enemy again opened fire this morning about half an hour before day. This fire was, however, not directed so much toward us as the picket on our right. This fire was not returned at all by our picket. The regiment generally acted coolly and deliberately, keeping its position until relieved by the Fourteenth Virginia this morning.

The casualties are as follows: Company A, 1 slightly wounded; Company D, 1 slightly and 2 severely; Company H, 2 slightly; Company K, 2 slightly. Total, 7 wounded.

Most respectfully,

R.W. MARTIN,
Captain, Commanding Fifty-third Virginia Regiment.
 

Captain J.D. DARDEN,
Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.