Headquarters Third Division, Kearny’s Division,

On Williamsbug Battlefield, May 8th, 1862

The Commander of the Brigade takes great pleasure in making this official communication to his command: That they, by heroic fortitude, on Monday last, by making a forced march through mud and rain, each vying with the other to see who could most cheerfully stand the hardship the time called for, making thereby a march that others shrank from, coming into a fight at double-quick, made doubtful to our side by the overwhelming mass of the enemy poured upon our center: by a rapid deploy and quick formation and by coolness, precision, and energy, beat back the enemy, recapturing our last position and artillery, and also by a heroic charge took a stronghold of the enemy, and thereby dislodged him and drove him on the plains below his well chosen position, have done themselves great honor, have honored the States of Michigan and New York, and have won a name in history, that the most ambitious might be proud of.

Our lost of brave comrades has indeed been large. We mourn the departure. "Green be the turf above them." They have a place in our heart’s memory, and in the history of our common country.

Soldiers! You have won by your bravery the hearts of all your commanders—brigade, division, corps, and even those higher in command.

Soldiers I thank you; my superiors thank you; your country thanks you, and will remember you in history.

Our labors are not yet over; the insolent rebels that have endeavored to destroy, and have laid to ruin and waste portions of the best government and the finest land of earth, are still in force, and to be conquered in our fights. I have pledged you, men of the Third Brigade, in all our future trials. I know my men; they are not pledged in vain.

Commanders of regiments will have this order read at the head of their respective regiments this afternoon.

R.G. BERRY,

Brigadier General, Commanding Third Brigade.