"Headquarters 3d Division,
August 20, 1863.
Major General Howard,
Commanding 11th Corps.
General:
Of the part taken by my Division in the actions of July 2 and 3 at Gettysburg, I have the honor to submit the following report: One of the five regiments of the 1st Brigade, the 74th Pennsylvania, was left with General Ames to strengthen his right wing; the remaining four were directed towards a strip of woods on the right of the Division, in which the firing had become very heavy, and where, according to a report of some staff officers of the 1st Corps, immediate aid was needed. Two regiments, the 157th New York and the 61st Ohio, were guided by one of their officers, while the other two, the 82nd Illinois and the 45th New York, were led by my Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, of the 50th New York.
It had meanwhile become quite dark, the direction of the fight being indicated by nothing but the sound of musketry. The regiment entered the woods with the greatest determination, and drove the enemy from our rifle pits.
It is my pleasant duty to mention as especially deserving, the names of Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, who superintended this operation with great judgment and courage, and Lieutenant Colonel Salomon, of the 82nd Illinois, who displayed the highest order of coolness and determination under very trying circumstances.
I am, General,
Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) C. Schurz,
Major-General Commanding Division.
Headquarters 3d Brigade, 1st Division,
20th Army Corps.
Near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.