This is the regiment's report of its operations from Savannah, Ga. to Goldsboro, N. C.

HDQRS. THIRTY-EIGHTH INDIANA VET. VOL. INFANTRY
Goldsborough, N. C., March 24, 1865
SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by the 38th Rgt. Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the recent campaign commencing Jan. 20, 1865, and ending March 23, dated at which the command reached Goldsborough, N. C.:

January 20, the 38th Regt. Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, forming part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, XIV Corps, LtCol. D. Miles, 79th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, commanding, broke camp near Savannah, Ga., and moved six miles north, going into camp, remaining in same till morning Jan. 25, when the command moved northeast, passing through Springfield, Ga., and arriving near Sister's Ferry, on Savannah River, Jan. 29, where it remained until the 5th of February, when it crossed river into South Carolina.

From this date the march was continued northward, passing through Barnwell, striking Charleston and Augusta Railroad at White Pond, which the command assisted in destroying near this point; continuing march, moving northeast, crossed the Edisto River, arriving at Lexington, S. C., Feb. 15; resuming march crossed the Saluda and Broad River, passing through Winnsborough, assisted in destroying Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad at Black Stocks; from this place marched to Catawba River, which was crossed Feb. 28.

Marching northeast from Catawba River arrived at Great Pedee River March 5; crossed same the 6th, taking road to Fayetteville, N. C., which was reached the 11th of March. The 13th crossed the Cape Fear River, taking Goldsborough road. Morning of the 16th came up with the advance forces of our army, who had engaged the enemy near South River; the engagement progressing moved with the brigade in support of the 2nd Division, XIV Corps, which was then engaged. 17th, enemy left our front at 9 a. m., moved forward on Goldsborough road, crossing South River, camping about six miles from same. Continued march, 18th, camping at 3 p.m. The 19th moved on Goldsborough road in support of 1st Brigade, which becoming engaged we were put in position on the right of the road, the 21st Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry on our left and the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on our right. Light works were thrown up, and four companies were thrown forward as skirmishers. About 2 o'clock the command was ordered forward, with the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the purpose of finding the enemy's works. We advanced through a swamp so densely covered with underbrush that it was impossible to advance in line. The enemy's skirmishers were driven to their works. When within about 50 yards of their works they opened fire upon us. Capt. Low, then in command of the regiment, ordered the men to lie down. At this time, through some mistake, the report was circulated that we were firing on our own men, whereupon Capt. Low gave the order to cease firing. Firing from the front grew more rapid and Capt. Low fell, mortally wounded. The men having no protection and being under orders not to fire, began to fall back to their former position. Capt. Low then being taken from the field I took command of the regiment, which then occupied the same position it had held before the advance. The line giving way at some point on our left the enemy swung in upon our flank and rear.

The 21st Ohio Volunteers being on the left and most exposed was moved to the right. I then ordered the Thirty-eighth to swing back. A new line was then formed by the brigade at about right angles with its former position, but no sooner was this line formed than its position became flanked also. We were then ordered to move forward and regain our old position. We pressed forward until the 38th Indiana, then on the left, extended into a swamp so that it was impossible to advance in line. The enemy was then within forty yards of us. A brisk fire was then kept up for half an hour, when not only our flank but our rear became endangered. The brigade was then ordered to a position in the rear, which was occupied till the morning of the 20th, when the regiment with brigade took position in rear of that occupied the 19th. After the 19th the command took no further part in the operations of the
20th and 21st. The enemy having retreated during the night of the 22d the regiment with brigades moved forward on Goldsborough road, going into camp at 5 p.m. the 23d; crossed Neuse River, passing through and camping near Goldsborough, N. C., near which place the command is encamped.

Of the conduct of both officers and men of the regiment in the recent battle I desire saying they did their whole duty, and, had our flank been protected, not a position would have been lost. Capt. Low and Lt. Deweese fell bravely at their posts and are lamented by the entire command.

The losses during the campaign are: one commissioned officer killed and three wounded; three enlisted men killed and 14 wounded, and 10 enlisted men missing.

Very respectfully, your most obedient,

D. H. PATTON, Capt., Cmdg. Thirty-eighth Indiana Vet. Vol. Infantry.
Lt. L. G. BODIE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 14th Army Corps.