State of New York, Cattaraugus County
"On this __ day of June, 1905, before me personally appeared, George W. Van Vlack, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that during the time hereinafter mentioned he was Orderly Sergeant of Company A, Sixty-four Regiment, USA volunteers; that he was in all the battles in which said regiment was engaged until the battle of Ream Station , VA., on the 25th day of August, 1864 when he was taken prisoner; that said regiment belonged to the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, Army of Potomac.
Deponent further says that during the nights of May 11 and 12, 1864, said Second Corps commanded by Gen. W.W. Hancock under orders to move noiselessly and with the utmost caution, took position in close proximity to the fortifications of the enemy; that said night was dark and cloudy and toward morning a fog and drizzling rain set in adding to the density of the darkness.
Deponent further says that just before daybreak on the morning of May 12, 1864, said 64th Regiment led the advance in a charge upon the enemy's works, that said charge was so well planned and so noiselessly executed that the enemy's pickets were taken completely by surprise, that many of them were taken prisoners, that the balance of the pickets retreated hastily to the main line, that the 64th regiment reached the main line about the same time as the retreating Confederate pickets, that a portion of the Confederate main line retreated in confusion, that another portion held their ground where the fighting was most spirited and hand to hand. Fighting became most desperate just at and to the left of the bloody angle of the Confederate line.
Deponent further says that his position in line brought him opposite that portion of the Confederate line that retreated, that deponent followed closely the retreating Confederates.
Deponent further says that on reaching the enemy's works he discovered a big headquarter tent on lower ground about thirty yards to the rear of the Confederate main line; that deponent surmised said tents were occupied by officers; that as he approached said tent he heard some persons inside and that he ran hastily to the door of said tent, that he then discovered two persons hastily dressing, one with his coat in his hands and the other with his pants in his hands.
Deponent further says that at the time his musket was loaded and his bayonet fixed, that he cocked his gun, brought it to a ready and announced to the occupants of the tent that they were prisoners; that said occupants appeared very much surprised, that deponent gave the order 'come here, throw down your arms, four paces to the front'; that said occupants promptly obeyed the order, that the one in rear with pants in his hands asked to be allowed to put on his pants, that the situation being critical deponent replied he would have no use for his pants if he delayed one instant, at that time covering him with his gun.
Deponent further says there was much fighting and confusion in the immediate vicinity -- that it became important to move promptly, that he ordered said two persons to move promptly in front of deponent and proceed in the direction indicated, which led to the rear of the Union lines, that said order was promptly obeyed. That other prisoners fell in during the progress of the movement, that other Union soldiers fell in to act as guard, that on reaching the Union lines the deponent told said person he might there put on his pants, that he courteously said 'thank you, orderly' and proceeded to put his pants on; that on going a short distance further to the rear deponent saw and called to General Hancock.
Deponent further says that when General Hancock came up he recognized said two persons as Brig. General George H. "Maryland" Stewart [sic - Steuart] and Major Gen. Edward A. Johnson, who were classmates of General Hancock at the West Point Military Academy, and both of whom were then holding rank as above stated in the Confederate service.
Deponent further says that General Hancock walked up to General Stewart [sic - Steuart], extended his hand and said, 'Why Bob Stewart [sic - Steuart], how do you do?' General Stewart [sic - Steuart] drew himself back and said 'I am Brig. General George H. Stewart [sic - Steuart]of the Confederate Army and under the present circumstances I decline to take your hand.' General Hancock said, 'Under any other circumstances I would not offer you my hand', and turned to Johnson, saying, 'General Johnson, how do you do?' General Johnson shook hands courteously and with much feeling said he 'wished death had overtaken him sooner than to have met such a disaster'; then General Hancock told where his headquarters were, gave directions to take them there, and turning to deponent said, 'Orderly, where did you get these fellows?' to which deponent replied 'in their headquarters tent'; that he then slapped deponent on the shoulder and said, 'My God, Orderly, you made a splendid haul. Stewart [sic - Steuart] is a spicy fellow, look out for their safe keeping.'
Deponent further says that very soon thereafter said prisoners were turned over to the guard, he returned to his regiment and participated in the remainder of the battle."
Because of the above captures, George W. Van Vlack was awarded a commission - On Oct. 10, 1868, he was commissioned a Second Lt. (Brevet) in the Union Army for "gallant and meritorious services."
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