Our division was ordered to retire about noon, and, in conjunction with a division of the Fifth Corps, executed a very pretty manœuvre. The troops of the Ninth Corps formed in line of battle, leaving an opening through which those of the Fifth passed by the flank; the latter then in turn formed in line and in like manner guarded the passage to the rear of the other column. The movement was conducted with the coolness and regularity of a parade, notwithstanding the rattling fire of the skirmishers, which furnished an exciting accompaniment. After reaching our old line of defence we marched quietly back to our lately abandoned camp, and reoccupied it.
Soon after the return from this unprofitable excursion the regiment received a material addition to its strength by the consolidation with it of the Twenty-first Battalion Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers. This command was the remnant made up of reënlisted men of the Twenty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and was justly proud of its long and brilliant record. On account of the smallness of its numbers it was ordered to join our larger force; but its veteran members were naturally averse to the change, as by it their old regiment lost its identity in a younger one; neither did the men of the Thirty-sixth regard with favor the accession of recruits in this wholesale manner, as their ten companies were now compacted into seven, and their accustomed formation lost. Military necessity is regardless of sentiment, however, and the change was peacefully made, the new-comers being pleasantly received; and they faithfully served with the regiment until its departure for home, when they were transferred to the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteers.
The following regimental order in reference to this consolidation and organization was issued:—
Head-quarters Thirty-sixth Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteers, November 1st, 1864.
Regimental Orders No. 28.
In obedience to Special Orders from War Dept., A.G.O. No. 358, the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers is consolidated into seven companies, and the Twenty-first Battalion Massachusetts Volunteers is transferred to the Thirty-sixth Regiment to complete the organization.
The Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers is consolidated as follows:—
| Companies | K and B to B. |
| " | G and I to G. |
| " | C and H to C. |
The Twenty-first Battalion to be H, I, and K.
Commissioned officers are assigned as follows:—