Sir: I have the honor to report the movements and actions of this regiment from April 28 to May 8, inclusive.

On April 28, left its camp near White Oak Church, Va., and moved with the brigade to a point near the Rappahannock River, a little below and opposite Deep Run, where it halted until 12 o'clock at night, at which time it resumed the march and preceded to t he river, where it was intended that we should cross. The Third Brigade of the First Division, under General Russell, having the lead, first crossed in the pontoon boats, and as the advance gained the opposite shore the enemy opened upon them with musketry from their rifle-pits and breastworks. This fire was replied to by the Sixteenth, acting under the immediate order of General Bartlett. The fire of the enemy soon ceased, and the regiment was moved to the river bank, to follow General Russell's Brigade in the boats. Our crossing was splendidly effected, without loss, and the regiment was formed in line of battle immediately behind that of the Third Brigade, and advanced to the top of the river bank and halted, with our right resting on Deep Run. Two companies were thrown out along the run and one company sent to occupy a small redoubt on a commanding point on the opposite side of the run.

We remained in this position until the evening of the 30th, when we relieved the First New Jersey Volunteers on picket at the front.

On the evening of May 1, we were relieved by the Sixth Regiment Maine Volunteers (Light Division), and fell back to the river bank under the bluffs.

On the 3d instant, at 1 a.m., the regiment moved from its position on the river to the front as far as the ravine. From this point I was immediately ordered to move to a position on the Bowling Green road, on the left of our line of battle, and the position held by the First Maryland and First Massachusetts Batteries, which were engaging the enemy in that neighborhood.

I remained here until about noon of the 3d, when we were withdrawn, and joined the column on its march through Fredericksburg, and advanced on the Plank road over the heights, which were no in our possession. Advancing along this Plank road about 2-1/2 miles from Fredericksburg, we came upon the enemy near Salem Heights. This regiment was formed in line on the left side of the road, and advanced in this position, following the First Brigade about 1 mile. Here the enemy was posted in considerable force and in strong position on Salem Heights. The One hundred and twenty-first New York Volunteers were formed on our left, and advanced with us till within musket-shot of the enemy's line. Here, the Twenty-third New Jersey Volunteers being immediately in my front, I received an order from General Bartlett to march my regiment by the right flank to the right side of the road, which was immediately executed. Having gained the right of the Twenty-third New Jersey Volunteers, General Bartlett in person directed me to advance my regiment into the wood and attack the enemy's lines. The wood into which we advanced was a dense thicket of second growth and brush, about 30 yards in width, through which the men could advance but slowly and with the utmost difficulty . As we entered the wood we encountered a most destructive fire, under which we succeeded in gaining the farther edge of the wood, finding ourselves less than 50 yards from the enemy, we were protected by breastworks and a hedge-row apparently along the side of a road running at right angles with the Plank road. Immediately on our left flank stood Salem Church, a brick edifice, in which was posted a large body of the enemy, which opened a harassing and deadly fire from its windows, and from port-holes in its sides made by removing the brick.

Soon after we had gained this position, the regiment on our left retired precipitately, and the enemy advanced along the road and on our left until they had passed my left flank and were gaining my rear. Finding it impossible to hold my position with the line broken on my left, with on one on my right, and without any supporting line, I ordered it my command to fall back slowly. No sooner had my line commenced to move to the rear than the enemy sprang forward and poured in a hot fire, under which I found it impossible to rally the men with success. I accordingly fell back beyond the range of their guns, where I rallied the regiment under its colors, and proceeded to join the brigade, which had taken its position on the ground near where our line of battle had been first formed.

As all the movements of the regiment were conducted under the immediate supervision of the general commanding the brigade, I can well refrain from entering upon any comments concerning the conduct concerning the the conduct of my officers and men on this occasion. He will not fail to accord them such just praise as they may have earned.

On the 4th instant, we occupied the position assigned to us on the left of the Plank road, but did not engage in any action or skirmish. Just before sundown two companies were thrown out as skirmishers across a deep ravine, connecting with the line of skirmishers on the left of the Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers.

At dusk the regiment was withdrawn from its position, and during the night recrossed the river at Banks' Ford, in the vicinity of which it remained until Friday, the 8th instant, when we returned to our old camp near White Oak Church.

All of the dead and a number of the wounded were left on the field, and fell into the hands of the enemy.

Captain Wood, who is among the missing, was in poor health, and was nearly exhausted before we entered the wood. He behaved gallantly, and when last seen be me was endeavoring to rally his men after we fallen back. I have yet to learn of his safety.

Lieutenant Hesselgrave was wounded and left on the field. There are small hopes that he has survived. The remaining wounded officers were brought off.

In this connection I desire to mention Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer and Major Gilmore, who particularly distinguished themselves by their coolness and bravery and in their efforts to rally the men after falling back. Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer , though wounded, did not leave the field until order was restored among the men.

Herewith I forward the lists of the casualties occurring during the period of ten days covered by this report. [report not included]

I am, respectfully,

J.J. Seaver,
Colonel, Commanding

Capt. R.P. Wilson
Assistant Adjutant-General.