On August 13th and 14th, to keep Lee from sending troops to the Valley against Sheridan, the 2d Corps, part of the 10th, and Gregg's Division of Cavalry, were crossed over the James, with orders not to bring on a battle.
Battle of Charles City Cross Roads.
It was quite a severe move for the Regiment, an engagement with the rebels at Charles City Cross Roads on the 15th resulting in 2 men killed, 1 officer and 16 men wounded, and several captured, who suffered the horrors of Salisbury for many months, some of them dying for want of food, water and shelter.
On the night of the 20th, withdrew from the North side of the James River, and Hancock and Gregg sent Southward to destroy the Weldon Railroad. Ream's Station fought on the 25th.
Movement to Extreme Left.
October 1st, moved with the Corps to Yellow House, and thence to the extreme left of the line. First line of enemy's works charged and carried.
The Regiment was at this time a part of Pierce's Brigade, the 2d, Mott's (3d) Division, 2d Corps.
Poplar Spring Church.
On the afternoon of the 2d, the 84th, with other troops, in all not a full regiment in number, with Colonel Zinn in command of the Charging Party, moved upon the second line at a point known as Poplar Spring Church. As soon as the rebel troops became aware of the purpose to charge, there was the disposition to abandon their position, but when they saw the small number of the Charging Party they resumed their places behind their works, and held their musketry fire, keeping up the fire of their guns, until the charging line was within a few feet, when they delivered such a fire, volley upon volley, as threatened to kill, or wound, every soldier of the 84th. As we think of that flood of balls, it seems incredible that none were killed, and only 8 wounded, 2 officers and 6 men.
Colonel Zinn was shot, and would now be going around upon one natural leg, had he not successfully fought the Surgeon's conclusion to take the other off.