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 Memorial Collection 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 ESTABLISHED BY THE 
 FAMILY OF 
 
 COLONEL FLOWERS 
 
Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive 
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 Duke University Libraries 
 
 littp://www.arcliive.org/details/reportoflieutenaOOconf 
 
HEPORT 
 
 OP 
 
 LIEUTENANT GENERAL HOLMES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF HELENA; 
 
 ALSO» 
 
 REPORT OP LIEUTENANT GENERAL A. P. HILL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF BRTSTOE STATION; 
 
 ALSO, 
 
 RErORT OV MAJOR GENERAL STEVENSON 
 
 OF 
 
 EXPEDITION INTO EAST TENNESSEE. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 
 
 RICHMOND : 
 
 R. IL SMITH, PUBLIC PRINTER, 
 1864. 
 
THEFLOVJli^^^^^""-" . y; ,^o ^ 
 
 MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 Richmond, Va., January 19, 1864. 
 
 To the Senate mid House cf Bcpresentathe^ : 
 
 I herewith transmit, for your information, a communication from 
 the Secretary of War, covering copies of several additional reports of 
 military operations during the last year. 
 
 JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 COMMUNICATION FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
 
 Confederate States of America, War Department, ) 
 Richmond, Va., January 18, 1864. J 
 
 To the President of the Co7ifed€rate States: 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to forward, for the information of Congress, 
 copies of the reports of Lieutenant General Holmes and his subordi- 
 nates of the battle of Helena ; and of Lieutenant General A. P. Hill 
 and his subordinates of the battle of Bristoe Station; also, of Major 
 General Stevenson and subordinates of expedition into East Ten- 
 nessee. 
 
 I am. sir. respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMES A. SEDDON, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 '^ '^ *> 9 .1 
 
BATTLE OF HELENA 
 
 REPORT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL HOLMES, 
 
 Little Rock, August 1 4th, 1863. 
 
 BrigaUer General W R. Boggs, 
 
 Chief of Staff, D(partm€nt Trans-Mississippi, 
 
 Sfirevrport, Louisiana : 
 
 General: I have the honor to submit to the Lieutenant General 
 commanding the following report of the attack made bj me upon 
 Helena, on the 4th of July, 1.S63 : 
 
 In the month of June, 1S62. the Federal forces, under General 
 Curtis, from the attempted invasion of Arkansas betook themselves 
 to the city of Helena, and there fortified. Siuoe that time it has been 
 constantly and heavily garrisoned by Federal troops. The possession 
 of this place has been of immense advantage to the enemy. From 
 it, they have threatened at all times an invasion of Arkansas, thereby 
 rendering it necessary that troops should be held in position to repel 
 Buch invasion. From it, they have controlled the trade and senti- 
 ments of a large and important scope of country. It has been to 
 them a most important depot for troops in their operations against 
 Vicksburg. 
 
 In view of these great advantages to them, of the great embarrass- 
 ment to my movements elsewhere, arising from the proximity of a 
 large and threatening army, and of the deleterious effect on that por- 
 tion of the State caused by their presence, it was deemed of very 
 great importance that they should be driven from their only strong- 
 hold in Arkansas. As a means of raising the siege of Vicksburg, 
 and of keeping the Mississippi river closed, in the event of the sur- 
 render of that city, the policy of the move vras perfectly apparent. 
 Moreover, from information, considered reliable, in my possession, 
 the capture of Helena by the forces at my disposal seemed perfectly 
 practicable. 
 
On the 14tli June, 1863, I telegraplied to Lieut. General Stnitli, 
 that I believed I could take the place, and asked his permission to attack 
 it. Two days after I started to Jacksonport, there to consult with 
 Generals Price and Marraaduke, and to make the necessary preliminary 
 arrangements. The result of this interview was the following or- 
 ders : 
 
 Trice's command, consisting General McRae's Arkansas and Gene- 
 ral Parson's Missouri brigades of infantry, constituting Price's divis- 
 ion, and Colonels Green's and Shelby'g brigades of Missouri cavalry, 
 Marmaduke's division, to rendezvous at Cotton Plant, and Brigadier 
 General Pagan's Arkansas 'brigade of infantry, at Clarendon, on the 
 S6th June, (Friday,) whence by converging roads, the two columns 
 would move in the direction of Helena. I also informed General 
 Walker, commanding baigadc of cavalry, in the vicinity of Helena, 
 of my intention, and directed him to allow no ingress to the place. 
 
 Upon my return to Little Rock, I found that General Smith had 
 fully sanctioned my proposed attack, and that the Secretary of War 
 had written a strong letter, suggesting, advising and urging it. Thus 
 encouraged, on the 26th of June, I proceeded to Clarendon, and as- 
 sumed command of the expedition. From unavoidable necessity, 
 consen^uent upon rain, high water and wretched roads. General Price's 
 command did not reach its rendezvous for four days after the date 
 fixed, thus giving the enemy abundant notice of my approach. Gene- 
 ral Fagan arrived at his place of rendezvous (Clarendon,) on the 26th. 
 As soon as the troops were in position, I proceeded towards Helena 
 by converging roads, and reached Allan Polk's house, five miles from 
 Helena, on the morning of July 3d. 
 
 Having received full, accurate and reliable information of the 
 forces and fortifications of the enemy in Helena, and the topography 
 of the surrounding country, I here made the final disposition for the 
 attack. That information disclosed that the place was very much more 
 difficult of access, and the fortifications very much, stronger than I 
 had supposed, before undertaking the expedition ; the features of the 
 country being peculiarly adapted to defence, and all that the art of 
 engineering could do, having been brought to bear to strengthen it. 
 The fortifications consisted of one regular work, heavily armed with 
 siege guns, and four strong redoubts, mounted with field pieces, and 
 protected by rifle-pits on suburban hills. (See the map.) 
 
 The disposition for the attach was as per following order : 
 
 " The attack on Helena will be made to-morrow morning at day- 
 light, and as follows : 
 
 *' First — Major General Price, in command of McRae's and Parsons' 
 brigades, will proceed by the best route, assume position, assault and 
 take Grave-yard hill, at daylight. 
 
 *' Second — Brigadier General Walker, with his cavalry brigade, 
 "will, in like manner, proceed to the Sterling road, where he will hold 
 himself in position, to resist any troops that may approach Righton 
 hill ; and when that position is captured, he will enter the town and 
 act against the enemj as circumstances may justify. 
 
" Third — Brigadier General Fagan will proceed by the best route, 
 assume position, and take the batteries on Ilindman hill, at daylight. 
 
 " Fourth — Brigadier General Marmaduke will proceed with his 
 command, by the best ronte, assume position, and take Righton hill, 
 at daylight." 
 
 This plan of attack was fully concurred in by all my general offi- 
 •cere, and the part assigned to each accepted with alacrity. 
 
 Between eleven and twelve o'clock at night, the troops began to 
 move to their respective positions, whence to assault in the morning. 
 
 General Fagan detached a regiment from his brigade, and sent it 
 forward to the right, on the lower Little Rock road, to occupy the at- 
 tention of the enemy in the rifle-pits below the city, and to protect 
 his flank, in case of an attack from that quarter. 
 
 Three detached companies of cavalry, under Captain Denson, were 
 ordered to act as videttes in the plain south of the city, and to trans- 
 mit to General Fagan rapid information of any attempt to flank him. 
 His artillery was also sent forward on this, the only practicable road, 
 with the hope that it might assist in creating a diversion, and thereby 
 aid the general movement. 
 
 I took a position a little after daylight on the Grave-yard ridge, 
 half a mile from the fortifications, a central point, there to await the 
 development of the attack. 
 
 Soon after daylight, Brigadier General Marmaduke drove in the 
 pickets of the enemy in his front and assaulted Righton fort. It is 
 believed that a strong, vigorous and sudden attack on this fort would 
 have been successful ; but some delay occurring, a heavy force of the 
 enemy appeared on his left flank and rear, and held him perfectly iA 
 check during the whole day. It was the peculiar duty of Brigadier 
 General "Walker to have prevented this movement on the part of tho 
 enemy, and, as represented by General Marmaduke, the same could 
 have been easily accomplished. No satisfactory reason has been 
 given by General Walker why this service was not rendered. This 
 attack, being most remote, was not under my personal supervision, 
 and was too distant for me to give specific orders. 
 
 The assault on the first line of rifle-pits in front of Ilindman hill, 
 was made at a few minutes after daylight. General Fagan, at the 
 head of his brigade, charged gallantly over four lines, under a deadly 
 fire from the rifie-pits and guns on his front, and a most disastrous 
 enfilading fire from Grave-yard hill on the left, previous to the attack 
 by General Price. Having driven the enemy from, and carried the 
 fifth and last line of rifle-pits, the brave men, who had followed him 
 thus far, overcome by sheer exhaustion, resulting from the inordinate 
 exertion of their difficult charge, and the intense heat of the day, were 
 unable to proceed further. A charge upon the fort was nevertheless 
 attempted, and failed. The brigade thereupon took shelter behind the 
 inner line of breastworks, anxiously awaiting assistance. This assist- 
 ance never arrived. Major Gen, Price did not make his attack till after 
 sunrise, and more than an hour after the time name^i in the order, 
 Ab an explanation of this delay, his report states, that finding when 
 
8 
 
 he had gotten within one and a half milea of the position ho had been 
 ordered to take, that his division would arrive upon the ground 
 prematurely, he ordered a halt, and resumed his march at dawn of 
 day. Ilia troops, vhen brought into position and ordered forward, 
 behaved magnificently, charging rifle-pita and breastworks without a 
 falter, and taking the hill without a halt. 
 
 As soon as the works were carried, I rode rapidly into them. Find- 
 ing the guns in the fort had been rendered useless, by the enemy, be- 
 fore being abandoned, I at once dispatched one of my staff to the 
 rear, to bring up some artillery. Owing to the impracticability of 
 the roads, this could not be effected in time. 
 
 Perceiving the position cf the gallant Fagan and his command, I 
 ordered Brigadier General Parsons, the only General officer present, 
 to proceed at once to attack the Hindman fort in the rear. Every- 
 thing was in confusion. Regiments and brigades mixed up indis- 
 criminately, and the order was not attended to. Immediately 
 afterwards, I sent an order to General Price to the same effect, and 
 then returned to my headquarters. 
 
 Two or three hundred yards in the rear, I passed Brigadier Gene- 
 ral McRae, who had not joined his brigade since the assault. I or- 
 dered him at once to the fort. 
 
 It seems that General McRae was the officer designated by General 
 Price to go to General Fagan's assistance. After much delay, he 
 proceeded on this duty, but utterly failed to render the slightest aid, 
 making no attempt to assault the hill. 
 
 Not having been advised of this order for General McRae, and be- 
 .ing impatient of the delay, I proceeded again to the fort on Grave- 
 yard hill, where I found General Parsons, with only three hundred or 
 four hundred men of his brigade. He informed me that General Mc- 
 Rae had been ordered to the relief of General Fagan. That officer 
 was no where to be seen, while General Fagan, with greatly reduced 
 force, was being assaulted and driven back by the enemy largely rein- 
 forced. Under these circumstances, at ten and a half, A. M., I or- 
 dered the troops to bo withdrawn. 
 
 My retreat from Helena was effected in the most perfect order, and 
 without the slightest demoralization of any kind. 
 
 My whole force engaged in this expedition amounted to seven thou- 
 sand six hundred and forty-six (7,646.) My loss, as near as is as- 
 certained, is one hundred and seventy-three (173) killed ; six hundred 
 and eighty-seven (687) wounded ; seven hundred and seventy-six 
 (770) missing. Total, sixteen hundred and thirty-six (1,636.) See 
 reports of division and brigade commanders forwarded herewith. 
 
 I write this report with a deep pain. I commanded brave, gallant, 
 and willing troops, and should have succeeded in the capture of He- 
 lena, for though the difficulties were very great, they were not insur- 
 mountable, and the misfortune of a failure was, in a very great 
 measure, consequent on the men not being well in hand after success. 
 Most of my loss in prisoners resulted in not restraining the men after 
 t;he capture of Grave-yard hill, from advancing into the town, where 
 they were taken mainly without resistanice. If/ instead of this, the 
 
regiments and brigades had been reformed instantly, the capture of 
 Hindman hill, and consequently of the town, would have been of 
 easy occurrence. 
 
 I cannot close this report without expressing my obli;:ations to his 
 Excellency, Harris Flanigan, Governor of Arkansas, who accompa- 
 nied me, and had my confidence during the whole campaign 1 owe 
 to his cool, discriminating judgment, many valuable suggi'stiot.s. His 
 presence, confidence and zeal had no little influence on the spirit and 
 energy of the Arkansas troops. He and Colonel Gordon Rear, Adju- 
 tant General of the State, acted as volunteer aids-de-cauip oi^my 
 staff during the battle. As the exp}dition failed, which should have 
 succeeded, I refrain from all expressions of commendation, believing 
 that the brave officers and men who distinguished thems' Ives, will 
 willingly forego the applause due to them, in consideration that our 
 beloved country reaped no benefit from their exploits. 
 I have the honor to be, General, 
 
 Very rcspectfullv, your obedient servant, 
 
 THOMAS H. HOLMES, 
 
 Lieutenant General. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL PRICE. 
 
 • • Headquarters Price's Division, ) 
 
 Camp on Jones' Lakc^ Jul J 13, 1863. \ 
 
 To Captain John W. Hinsdale, J. A. G. : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to submit to the Lieutenant General 
 cowmanding, the following report of the part taken by this division 
 in the attack made upon Helena on the 4th instant: 
 
 I left Jacksonport in obedience to his orders, on the 22nd day of 
 June, with this division and Marmaduke's division of cavalry. My 
 march was greatly impeded by the extraordinary rains, which begin- 
 ning on the evening of the 24th June, and falling almost without in- 
 termission for four days, made the rivers, bayous and creeks, over 
 which my route lay, and the bottoms and swamps through which it 
 ran, almost impassible to 'roops, unprovided, as mine were, with the 
 means of repairing roads and constructing bridges or rafts. I was 
 however, enabled by the skill and energy of my officers, and by the 
 willing endurance and laborious industry of n>y men, to surmount 
 these unlocked for obstacles, and to reach, on the morning of the 3rd 
 instant, a point within five miles of Helena. 
 
 At this point, Lieutenant General Holmes, having assumed the im- 
 mediate command of all the troops before Helena, detached Marma- 
 duke's division from my command, leaving me two brigades; the one 
 of Arkansians, under Brigadier General Dandridge McRae, consisting 
 of three regiments of infantry and afieldhattery. with twelve hundred 
 and twenty-seven men present for duty ; the other of Missourians, 
 under Brigadier General M Monroe Parsons, ccni^isting of four regi- 
 ments of infantry, a liattalion of sharpshooters and a field battery, 
 having in all, one thousand eight hundred and sixty -eight (1,868) -men 
 present for duty. These two brigades consiiluttd this division. 
 
 The order of attack directed that L "in command of McRae's and 
 Parson's brigades, sht uM proceed by the bt-i-t route, assume position, 
 assault and take the grave yard hill at daylight." I made my dispo- 
 sitions, accordingly and moved at midnight, with Parson's brigade in 
 front. 
 
 As my route lay for the greater pfirt of the way across abrupt hills 
 and deep ravines, over which it Avas utterly fmpiacticable to move my 
 artillery during the darkness, I ordered the pieces to be left behind 
 until daybreak, and armed details from each battery to accompany the 
 infantry, in order to man the guns which I expected to capture. 
 
 Finding when I had gotten within a mile and a half of the position 
 which I had been ordereil to take, that my divii-ion would arrive upon 
 the ground prematurely, I ordered a halt, during which the Lieutenant 
 General commanding came to and remained with the. division until 
 the dawn of day, when the line of march was resumed. Then push- 
 ing forward rapidly, until my skirmishers had become engaged with 
 
those of the enemy, and within half a mile of his works, the troops 
 were formed into two coluiuns of divisions, Parson's brigade occupy- 
 ing the right and moving in front. 
 
 The enemy's ire becoming somewhat sharp about this time, the 
 guides who were conducting the columns took occasion to leave un- 
 perceived. Some confusion and consequent delay ensued, but mother 
 guide having been obtained, the head of the column soon occupied the 
 position from which the assiiult was to be made. A brief hMlt was 
 here ordered, to give the troops time to recover somewhat from the 
 exhausting fatigues consequent upon their rapid march over a succes- 
 sion of almost precipitous and heavily wooded hills. 
 
 The order lor the assault (as explained to the general officers and 
 regiment*! commanders of the division the evening before ) directed 
 that General Parson's moving in front should halt tbe head of his 
 column at the point from which he was to make the as.«ault, until the 
 head of General jMcRae's column should reach its position on the left, 
 when both columns should advance simultaneously to the assault. 
 
 During the brief halt just alluded to, and just as I had ordered 
 General !McRae forward, the Lieutenant General commanding rode, 
 up and asked why the assault had not been made. I explained the 
 facts to him, and thinking that time enough had elapsed for (Jcneral 
 McKac to get into position, I dispatched one of my staff to General 
 Parsons to ascertain why he was not advancing. lie replied that he 
 was waiting for General McRae to get into position. Meanwhile 
 General McRae had moved his brigade into position, but (owing to 
 the difficulties and necessities of the ground) further to the left than 
 had been originally ordered and explained to General Parsons, and 
 with a high ridge interposing between it and Parson's brigade, so that 
 the latter officer could not see that it had gotten into position. I im- 
 mediately directed one of my staff officers tocommunicate these facts 
 to General Parsons and to order him to make the assault without any 
 further delay, as General McRae, to whom I had sent orders to that 
 effect, would be advancing before he (General Partons) could rcceire 
 my order. 
 
 Both brigades moved forward on the instant, rapidly, steadily,' un- 
 flinchingly, and in perfect order, under a storm of minnie bails, grape 
 and cannister, which were poured upon them not only from the grave- 
 yard hill in their front, but from the fortified hills upon the right and 
 the left, both of which were in easy range. 
 
 The enemy gave way before the impetuous as:=ault of the attacking 
 columns, which entering the workg almost simultaneously, planted the 
 Confederate flag upon the summit of the grave-yard hill. 
 
 Each brigade had done its allotted duty with equal zeal, devotion 
 and gallantry, and each is entitled to an equal share of the honor, 
 which justly attaches to those who discharge their duty as these men 
 did, fearlessly, well, and successfully. 
 
 Being in possession of the hill, and finding that the captured guns 
 had been shot-wedged, I directed my chief of artillery to bring for- 
 ward the pieces which I had left behind. This he did, as promptly 
 as the difl^culties of the ground would permit, but not until it was too 
 
12 
 
 ■Iftte for them to be used in the action, yeanwhileaheavy fire was con- 
 iBentrated upon tlie hill from the four fortified positions, which the 
 enemy still continued to 1 old. and from the hill sides and ravines, 
 under cover of which their t-harpshooters (delivered a well directed 
 »nd very effective fire, whilst the gunbcat, which lay in front of the 
 town, kept up au un intermitting discharge of its heavy guns. 
 
 Perceiving at once that the surest way to relieve my men from the 
 disastrous effects of this galling fire, was to aid General Fagan to take 
 the enemy's works upon my right, and receiving information at the 
 game time, that that gallant oflBcer had been repulsed in every attempt 
 to o.tsault those works, I eent to General Pareons an order directing 
 him to move his brigade forthwith to the reinforcement of General 
 Fagan. He replied to the officer, by whom I sent the order, that 
 General McRae ( who was by his side at the time) would, with my 
 permission, goto the assistance of General Fagan, whilst his (Par- 
 sons) brigade, being the stronger of the two, would hold the grave- 
 yard hill. Before this reply was brought back to me I sent an other 
 of ray staff, bv direction ot the Lieutenant General commanding, to 
 4e?.iyer to General Parsons an order similar to the one already sent. 
 General Parsons' reply having been meanwhile received, another order 
 was sent directing him to hold the hill, and General McRae to rein- 
 force General Fagan, as speedily as possible, with his brigade. 
 
 It soon became obvious, however, that both brigades had been so 
 much weakened by their heavy losses in killed and wounded, and par- 
 ticularly in prisoners, (the mcst of the latter having been captured in 
 the immediate vicinity of the town whither they had gone without 
 orders from me) and by the straggling of those whom thirst and the 
 intense heat of the day overcame, or who had become disheartened by 
 the failure of the other assaulting columns, that I could not send any 
 effective aid to General Fagan, without too greatly endangering my 
 own position. It was equally obvious that, unless such aid could be 
 promptly sent to General Fagan, the general attack upon Helena must 
 fail. It was under these circumstances that I received an order from 
 the Lieutenant General commanding to withdraw my division. In 
 compliance with this order my troops were withdrawn to a point about 
 four miles from Helena, where they rested for the night, and resumed 
 the march hither on the morning of the 5th. 
 
 The Lieutenant General commanding was himself a witness of the 
 conduct of my division. He saw the alacrity with which they ad- 
 vanced to the positions to which they had been assigned. He knows 
 the steadiness and unfaltering courage with which they moved, in the 
 midst of a deadly fire, over deep ravines and precipitous hills, ob- 
 structed with felled timber, to, into, and over the works which they 
 lijad been ordered to take, driving everything before them. He 
 fcrimoelf waa'a witness of the undaunted bravery and enduring con- 
 atancy with which, animated by his own inspiring example and 
 gallant bearing, they stood unshaken in the very centre of that 
 tince?ising fire which was hurled against them from gunboat, from 
 fiats, and from rifle-pits. I am sure that he will pay them that tribute 
 of praise to irhich their courage and endarance entitle them. The 
 
13 
 
 accompanying reports of Brigadier Generals McRae and Parsona 
 will explain in detail the part taken by their reppcetive brigades, and 
 point out to the Lieutenant General commanding such of their officers 
 and men as are particularly deserving of mcnticn. I have not been 
 able to obtain perfectly accurate reports of the casualties in this 
 division, but these may be stated approximately as follows: 
 
 Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total, 
 
 McRae's brigade 46 168 I3;i 'C^l 
 
 Parsons' brigade 59 336 3^9 '>G4 
 
 105 504 603 l,ni 
 
 I vsill forward detailed reports of these casuclties as soon as ths 
 lists can be carefully revised. The separation of the command v.'ill 
 necessarily entail some delay in the revision of them. 
 
 The almirable conduct of Brigadier General Parsons, not only^ 
 upon the field, but upon the march, merits my earnest comraendatioD, 
 whilst his skill and gallantry, as well as his long and uninterrupiod 
 active service as brigadier general, firet in the Missouri Siate Guard, 
 and more recently in the provisional army of trtP Confederate States, 
 are, in my opinion, worthy of recognition on the part of the Goveva- 
 ment. 
 
 I must also commend the excellent discipline which General McRae 
 maintains at all times in his brigade; the marked good sense and 
 energy with which he conducted its march to Helena; the prompti- 
 tude with which he has always obeyed my commands, and the earnest 
 efforts which he made to reinforce Geneial Fagan towards the close 
 of the attack. 
 
 I have not in my former reports mentioned the officers of my staff, 
 though most of them have been eminently des^erving of praise for 
 gallant and meritorious conduct upon more than one hard fought ficli. 
 Justice requires that I should not permit the present ccca.sion to pfsfl 
 without placing upon record my sense and appreciation of the worth 
 and merits of those of them, at least, who participated in the preaeni 
 movement. 
 
 Major Thomas L. Snead, senior assistant adjutant general of my 
 command, to whom I have been often indebted for vigorous support. 
 in hours of perilous trial, (apart from the intelligent and faitbfal 
 performance of the responsible and onerous duties of his ofBce,) sur- 
 passed himself this day in the intrepid manner with which he bord 
 himself throughout the conflict, rallying the troops again and again 
 and urging them forward to the scene of action. 
 
 In this work, under tho hottest fire of the enemy, and until we Lad 
 Bwep: their entrenchments and carried the hill, ho was faithfully, fear- 
 lessly and gallantly assisted by Major L. A. Maclean, A. A. G. 
 
 My thanks are due to my aids-de-oamp, Lieutenant Richard T. 
 Morrison and Lieutenant Celsus Price, for their willing assistance, 
 promptly rendered upon this, as upon other hotly contested fields. 
 
 1 commend all of these officers to the Lieutenint General command- 
 ing, and through him to the President, for promotion, on account of 
 gallant and meritorious conduct in the field. 
 
i4 
 
 Acting Engineers John Mhoon, of Alabama, and D. C. Cage, of 
 Mississippi, not only deserve honorable mention for their gallantry 
 upon the field, hue for the skill aud energy with which they overcame 
 the difficulties that obstructed my road from Cache river to Helena. 
 I have repeatedly recommended Mr. Mhoon for appointment in the 
 engineer corps, and again respectfully urge the President to recognize 
 the worth of so excellent an officer. Mr. Cage's services demand a 
 similar recognition. 
 
 Nor should the less conspicuous, but equally useful, services of 
 Major Isaac Brinker and Major John Reid be passed over in silence. 
 To the practical good sense and untiring and well directed energy of 
 the former, as chief quartermaster of my division, I am greatly in- 
 debted for the accomplishment of the march to Helena and back to 
 this point ; whilst the latter, as chief commissary of subsistence, has, 
 \n spite of many difficulties, continued to subsist the troops both 
 regularly and well. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Clay Taylor, chief of artillery and acting chief 
 of orjlnance, dischar^^d the onerous duties of both those offices with 
 laborious fidelity an(^o my entire satisfaction. 
 
 To my chief surgeon, Thomas D. Wooten, to surgeon William M. 
 McPheeters, and to assistant field purveyor R. M. Slaughter, my 
 constant thanks and commendation are due for the sedulous manner 
 in which they have at all times devoted themselves to the sick and 
 wounded, but never more humanely or more conspicuously than upon 
 this occasion. 
 
 These gentlemen tell me that they owe their grateful acknowledge- 
 ments to the Rev. Mr. Marvin for the very important services which 
 he rendered at their hospitals, not only offering the consolations of 
 his holy office to the dying, but ministering assiduously to the wants 
 of the wounded. 
 
 Major John Tyler, C. S. A., acting, for want of an appropriate 
 command, as volunteer aid-de-camp, remained by my side in view of 
 special contingencies, which might fittingly task his valuable accom- 
 plishments. 
 
 Mr. Charle* T. Perrie, volunteer aid-de-camp, is also entitled to 
 my thanks for the activity which ha displayed at the opening of the 
 attack. 
 
 I would refer particularly to the gi^llant conduct and bearing of 
 Mr. Gustavus A. Dyes, clerk in the office of the assistant adjutant 
 general, and of orderly Daniel M. Kavanaugh, both of whom have 
 by their conduct in this field, merited commissions in the army, and 
 both of whom have borne themselves equally well in more important 
 battle fields. 
 
 Major Henry M. Clark, assistant inspector general, was detained 
 from the field by serious illness ; Major E. C. Cabell, paymaster, by 
 duties elsewhere. 
 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 STERLING PRICE, 
 
 Major General. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL PARSONS. 
 
 Headquarters Fourth Brigade, Price's Division, ) 
 
 July 10, 1863. S 
 Major T. L. Snead, A. A. G. : 
 
 Major: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken 
 by my brigade in the battle of Helena, on the 4th instant : 
 
 On the evening of the 3d of July the army bivouacked on the Lit- 
 tle Rock and Helena road, and six miles from the latter place. It 
 having been determined to attack the enemy at dawn next morning, 
 the disposition of the troops for the various points of attack was im- 
 mediately made by the Lieutenant General, commanding the army, 
 and the Major General, cimmanding this division. The assault and 
 capture of the enemy's works on Grave-yard hill was assigned to the 
 Major General commanding Brigadier General McRae's brigade (Ar- 
 kansas,) and my brigade (Missouri volunteers.) This position was, 
 by the Lieutenant General commanding, believed to be the strongest 
 of all the enemy's works, and the key to all his defences. He was 
 particularly solicitous that it should be carried and held at all hazards. 
 It was represented to contain six heavy pieces, protected by earth- 
 works and a line of rifle pits on its front, and extremely inaccessible 
 on account of the numerous sharp ridges, steep ravines, and felled 
 timber in its front and flank. These works were situated between 
 Fort Iliudman on the right, and another fort on the left, both being 
 within rifle range of the position to be assailed by my command, and 
 supported in its rear by another fort between it and the town of He- 
 leaa, and Fort Curtis obliquely to the right and rear of the work to 
 be assaulted. All these fortifications were situated upon high, steep 
 hills, with deep ravines and felled timber between, rendering the rapid 
 and orderly movement of the troops very diflicult. 
 
 At twelve o'clock on the night of the 3d, the division was put in 
 motion, my brigade in advance, which moved in tbe following order, 
 viz : first, battalion of sharpshooters, Major Pindall commanding, in 
 front; second, the ninth regiment, Colonel White; third, the eighth 
 regiment. Colonel Burns commanding; fourth, the seventh regiment, 
 Colonel Lewis commanding ; fifth, the tenth regiment. Colonel Picket 
 commanding. After moving on the main road about two miles, the 
 column diverged to the left, along an obscure path for two miles fur- 
 ther, and then left this path to the left, and followed up a rivulet, 
 until arriving within about one and a half miles of Grave-yard hill. 
 Day having not yet dawned, a halt was ordered, to await sufficient 
 light, during which time my command was ordered to "load." I had 
 previously thrown out well to the front, as skirmishers, Major Pin- 
 dall's battalion of sharpshooters, to which command was attached Cap- 
 tain Bi.scoe's company of sharpshooters, from McRae's brigade. Tak- 
 ing' advantage of this halt, I particularly instructed in person the 
 commandants of regiments as to the plan of attack, an 1 charged thorn, 
 that in the event if any of their division should become disordored in. 
 
16 
 
 carrying the works, that they should be promptly reformed, and, as 
 the orders of my superiors ( xtended only to the capture of Grave- 
 yard hill, that no further movement should be made without orders. 
 I deemed this precaution absolutely necessary, as it was impossible 
 for either myself or staff to ride over the rough ground on which we 
 moved, and consequently orders could not be transmitted with the 
 usual rapidity. 
 
 At dnylight the march was resumed, and in a fhort time we en- 
 countered the steep ridges and deep ravines, which rendered the move- 
 ment very slow and fatiguing. At five o'clock, A. M., Major Pindall 
 encountered the enemy's pickets, about half a mile from the fortifica- 
 tions Sharp skirmishing ensued, and finally they were driven in. I 
 ordered the column to form divisions at half distance, and move stead- 
 ily forward in that order. The enemy now commenced throwing shells 
 and grape upon the column, killing and wounding about twenty men ; 
 but no signs of disorder or fear were apparent — they moved steadily 
 and firmly forward. By this time Pindall's sharpshooters had arrived 
 within musket range of the enemy's works, and from behind stumps 
 and logs, and the branches of felled trees, were delivering an effective 
 fire upon the gunners of the enemy's artillery. 
 
 Upon arriving within three hundred yards of the line of rifle-pits, 
 I again halted the columns, to allow rest, and to enable Brigadier 
 General McRae to move upon ray left and take position, as previously 
 agreed upon between that officer and myself, for the purpose of mak- 
 ing a combined assault upon the works. So soon as it was announced 
 to me that he was in position, I ordered the "forward" at double- 
 quick, to which officers and men responded with alacrity. Just at 
 this moment a heavy fire was opened on my right flank from a rifle- 
 pit, distant about one hundred and fifty yards ; also the shell and 
 grape from Fort Hindman was showered down upon the column. 
 This was the critical moment. I watched with an anxious eye to see 
 whether my battalions would falter or break under this flank attack, 
 but they moved gallantly on, unheeding the murderous missiles now 
 being hurled on theip both from front and flank. Turning my atten- 
 tion to the front, the head of the two columns (McRae's and mine) 
 were beyond the rifle-pits, and in an instant While's battle- flag, wav- 
 ing over the works, announced that Gravo-yard hill was won. 
 
 Thirty men of Tilden's battery having been armed and sent forward 
 with Colonel White's regiment, under command of Lieutenant Less- 
 neur, for the purpose of working the eneay's guns, upon their cap- 
 ture, this officer immediately took them in charge, but finding shot 
 wedged in the bore, and the enemy having taken away the worms, he 
 could not work them. He and his men resumed their muskets, and 
 fought as infantry throughout the battle. 
 
 As previously ordered, the commandants of regiments proceeded to 
 restore order in their commands, wherever confusion had occurred. 
 -Just at this time the Lieutenant General commanding arrived upon 
 the hill, and gave orders directly to one of my Colonels to attack and 
 carry the fort in the direction of the town, and he, proceeding to ex- 
 «cute the order, the other commandants, understanding it to be a gen- 
 
17 
 
 era! movement towards the town, advanced in that direction, a^me 
 portions of regiments rushing into town, and even to the river's bnnk. 
 All the way from Grave-yard hill to the town, and through it, those 
 devoted troops were'ex^oscd to a fatal cross-fire from the enemy's ar- 
 tillery and mut^ketry. It was here that my loss was the heaviest ; 
 not more than half of those that went in that direction returned — the 
 remainder w^re killed, woun iei, and takon prisoners. 
 
 From time to time the enemy made repented assaults on Grave- 
 yard hill, but was always successfully repulsed. Whilst Geu-oral 
 McRac and myself were thus holding it under the terrific storm of 
 bullets hurled upon us, both from the riglit and from tlie left, he sug- 
 gested that if I with my command would hold the position, he w<,ul(l 
 assjiult Fort Hindnan in the rear, which General Fagan wjisthcn en- 
 gaging in front. This arrangement having been agreed upon, ho 
 moved with what troops he had at his disposal to the assault ; hut, 
 being assailed by the guns from the fort, by the musketry from the rifle- 
 pits, and itt flank by the heavy artillery from the gunboat, he was 
 compelled 10 withdraw his gallant oommaud into the timber for shelter. 
 
 During these operations against Fort lliudman, the enemy was- 
 continually shelling my position from the fort upon my left, and re* 
 peatedly advanced against me, but was each time repulsed. General 
 Fagan having retired from the assault upon Fort Ilinlman, no troops 
 were now upon the field except my own. The enemy moved upon me 
 in front and upon both flanks, and opened a furious cross- fire of ar- 
 tillery from right and left. I still maintained my position, driving 
 back the enemy's infantry wherever assaulted. At a quarter past ten 
 o'clock, A. M., I received an order from the Major General command- 
 ing to " retire." I immediately sent orders to commandants of regi- 
 ments and PindalTs battalion to withdraw their commamls in good 
 order, and fight the enemy as they retired. At half-past ton, A. M,, 
 I withdrew my command from the field. 
 
 It gives me great pain to report the heavy losses in brave oflUcera 
 and men that my brigade 8ustaine<l on that bloody field. The fol low- 
 ing commissioned officers of the ninth regiment fell killed on the fiijld : 
 Major Sandford, Captain Launius, and Lieutenant Spencer, The 
 following were wounded: Colonel White, Adjutant Thomas, Lieuten- 
 ants Kelly, Essleman, and Kerr. 
 
 In PindalTs battalion were wounded: Captains Cake and Phillips, 
 and Lieutenant Armstrong. 
 
 In the eighth regiment were killed : Lieutenants Fester and Far- 
 ley. Wounded : Lieutenant Colonel Murray, Captains M'Rill, Brad- 
 ley, and Johnson ; Lieutenants Pierce, McBride, Gibson, Dudley, 
 Good, Stevens, and Wetherford. 
 
 In the seventh regiment were, killed: Captains Cocko and Perry. 
 Wounded : Lieutenant Colonel Cummings, Adjutant Waisburg, Cap- 
 tains Gillett, StemmonB,and McGee ; Lieutenants Austin, Anderson, 
 Weims, Wllite, Strong, W^all, Finley, West, Gonce, and Bronaugh. 
 Colonel Lewis captured. 
 
 In tho tenth regiment were wounded : Lieutenants Wright, Baker, 
 and Uanley. 
 9 
 
17 
 
 
 126 
 
 
 54- 
 
 -19-/ 
 
 14 
 
 
 82 
 
 
 67- 
 
 -163 
 
 7 
 
 
 53- 
 
 - 60 
 
 II 
 
 
 41 
 
 
 237- 
 
 -289 
 
 9 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 8- 
 • 1 
 
 - 43 
 
 1 
 8 
 
 
 3- 
 
 - 12 
 
 18 
 
 The fono\ying is a suramary of my losses in each regiment, battal- 
 ion, nd the artillery detachment: 
 
 Seventh regiment — Killed, - - - . - 
 
 Wounded, _ > _ 
 
 Missing, - - - - 
 
 Eighth regiment — Killed, - 
 
 Wounded, _ - _ 
 
 Missing, - - - . 
 
 Ninth regiment — Kilied, - - - _ 
 
 Wounded, _ '_ . 
 
 Tenth regiment — Killed, . . - - 
 Wounded, 
 
 Missing, - - - • - 
 
 Pindall'sshps'trs— Killed, . - - . 
 
 Wounded, _ > _ 
 
 Misv>itig, - - - - 
 
 Artillery detach't — Killed, - - . . 
 
 Wounded, _ - . 
 
 Missing, - - - 
 
 Total loss, . - . _ 764 
 
 Recapitulation. 
 
 Killed, 59 
 
 Wounded, - . . - . 3ii6 
 
 Missing, - . . . . 3G9— 764 
 
 It will thus be seen that every regiment, battalion and squad of my 
 brigade was actively engaged with the enemy, and that each sustained 
 its proportionate of the heavy losses above reported — Captain Til- 
 dcn's battery not havif;g been taken into action, it being impractica- 
 ble to do so on account of obstructions in the line of march 
 
 While the country will long mourn the loss of the gallant officers 
 and men who fell as martyrs to our cause, the historians of this rev- 
 olutiqn Villi record them as " the bravest of the brave." For their 
 gallant comrades who lie now disabled from their wounds, the officers 
 and soldiers of this brigade feel the deepest solicitude, and cherish 
 the hope that they will soon recover and return to their commands, to 
 ^ive the country more examples of unprecedented coolness and daring. 
 To mention the name of any particular officer or soldier as hav- 
 ing distinguished himself for gallantry above his fellows, would be 
 to do injustice, for the brigade as a whole fully sustained its well- 
 earned reputation, and given additional evidence of the disinterested 
 devotion of Missourians to the cause of their country — showing, as 
 heretofore, that they are always among the first in the breach, and 
 the last to leave it. I am indebted to my aids, Captain Edwards and 
 Lieutenant Chesnut, for the prompt and untiring energy with which 
 they assisted me in the engagement. Major Monroe, my brigade 
 quartermaster, and Major Ruthvan, my brigade commissary, deserre 
 great praise for the activity with which they discharged the duties of 
 their respective departments. Chief Surgeon Bear, with the regi- 
 
19 
 
 mental surgeons and their assistants, were on the Md an? k .1 • 
 prompt professional attention to the wounded ^v.!j' ^"'^ ^^/^^'' 
 
 1 Have the honor to be, very respoctfullj, 
 
 M. M. PARSONS, • 
 Official ; Brigadier General commanding. 
 
 Thomas L. Snead, Major and A. A. G. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL McRAE. 
 
 IlEAnquARTERS McRak's Brig/.de, Julj 14, 1863. 
 
 To' Major Thomas L. Snead, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General Price's Division : 
 
 M/'JOr: I submit the following report of the action of my brigade 
 in the assault upon the town of Helena on the 4th instant. 
 
 On tie 3rd orders were issued fiom district headquarters for Gen- 
 eral Parsons' and my brigade to assault and take the fort upon 
 Qrave-yard hill at daylight upon the morning of the 4th. By 
 egre^'ment, General Parsons' brigade was to move in front until he 
 got into position, so as to enable him to rush past the fortification, by 
 vaj of the ravine south of the Grave-yard hill, and then charge the 
 fort in reverse. As soon as Geneial Parsons was in position, my 
 bri;;n(le Avas to move to the left and charge the works in front, simul- 
 t-ineously with the assault to be made by General Parsons. The 
 evening before the assault General Parsons and myself had been fur- 
 nisVod with five guides. We took up the line of march at twelve 
 o'clock at night. Three of these guides went with General Parsons 
 I al.-o sent to his front one company of sharpshooters, under command 
 of Captain Biscne, of Hart's regiment — Captain Biscoe being familiar 
 V.ith the country. Before daylight our column was halted, to await 
 until the other attacking columns were in position. After forming 
 Into columns of divi.-ions, we again moved on. As soon as the ene- 
 oy'^ fire opened, General Par.sons sent back ior atiother guide, those 
 sent with bim having deserted him. I sent one, and the one who 
 remained with me shortly after left. At this time we were upon the 
 ridges, three in number, each having a fort upon it and firing, and in 
 appearance were exactly alike. Here I halted for a short time, in 
 douLt as to the route. Finding the correct route, we pushed on upon 
 Ite '.'rest of the hill to where the timber was cleared away in front of 
 the rifle-pits, and then crossed to the north side of the ridge and 
 inovfd up to a position that I thought near enough to make a charge ; 
 but between my position and the work that was to be carried there 
 vae a deep ravine, just in front of the fort. As soon as the command 
 V'a& massed into position, a general rush was made into the fort, and 
 the works were carried. This assault was made from the north. The 
 eneny were driven from the works and pursued into the verge of the 
 town. About this time General Parsons' brigade entered into the 
 fort, he having charged about the same time as my brigade, thus 
 ' rendering the capture of the position certain ; for, had our assault 
 failed, he would have been so close that we could not have failed. 
 Here' I would state that, while moving along the north side of Grave- 
 jard hill, my command was exposed not only to the fire of the fort 
 lind rifle pita in front, but also to the fort north of Grave-yard hill, 
 which fort was not attacked, and to whose fire my command wa» 
 exposed. While moving along, I discovered a battery of field-pieces 
 
21 
 
 were being moved to the rear, so as to completely enfilade ray com- 
 mand, and being in point blank range for canister. Before mavchir^g 
 I had armed Captain Marshall's company of artillery with mu«keta, 
 and moved it along in rcur of my column, so that, in the evert w« 
 captured the fort, I ^vould be prepared to work the guns. I n<vw was 
 compelled to use this company as sharpshooters, and deployed thovij, 
 ordering them to approach a a close as possible to the battery and pie- 
 vent it getting into position, which they accomplished in a very 
 gallant manner. As soon as the works wore carried, I at once 
 returned to where I had deployed Marshall's company, and ordered 
 Captain Marshall to call in his men and take charge of the gnus and 
 work them. While giving these orders, Lieutenant General IT lines 
 rode up and ordered me at once to the assistance of General F.ig an, 
 who was attacking the fort upon the south of Grave-yard hi'l. I at 
 once went to the fort and ordered my officers to assemble their men, 
 but, before they were able to do so. General Holmes again, in a pe- 
 remptory manner, ordered me to the assistance of General I'\vg;in. I 
 had not more than two hundred men with me. With them I '•harged 
 down the hill, aiming to assault the north front of the fort, but wtien 
 I arrived at the foot of the hiil, the fire of the enemy was so wither- 
 ing that, with the foice I had, it was madness to attempt to scale tho 
 hill, the hollow being raked by artillery situated opposite its mouth. 
 and completely, enfiladed with rifle-pits, in point blank range. I 
 therefore deployed my men, and commenced firing upon the ritle-pits 
 and Avorks, which were being attacked by General Fagan, aiming to 
 make as great a diversion as possible. 
 
 I remained here until I was informed that the enemy had retaken 
 the works on Grave-yard hill, when I sent Captain Cobbs, of II :irt*s 
 regiment, with his company, to General Fagan, and to inform hira 
 that I was unable to attack the works in front, being now exposed to 
 fire in rear, as well as flank' I crossed over the narrow ridge in front 
 of the fort attacked by General Fagan, and the fire was so great an'l 
 severe that the men were compelled to cross this ridge singly. When 
 I reached the crest of the hill I discovered General Fagan's men in a 
 rifle-pit in front of the main works, and they seemed too few, cvftn 
 reinforced with what men I had, to accomplish anything, and within 
 a short time 1 saw them rush out of the rifle-pits into a deep gorge 
 immediately in their rear. Discovering the enemy moving around 
 the crest of the hill, and fearing that 1 would be surrounded, I re- 
 treated into the ravine between the two forts attacked, and 
 re^organized what command I had with me, and then moved to the 
 rear, forcing every straggler thart I f'und to fall into the ranks. The 
 first field officer that I met was Colonel Hawthorne, at some hrfts 
 where some of General Fagan's wounded were, and in a short titfae 
 General Fagan carne up. After moving a short distance from her^ I 
 met General Holmes. * 
 
 I must here call your attention to the fact that the information 
 concerning the localities, strength of the enemy, &c., was vdvy 
 erroneous. The ground over which we moved was almost entirely 
 iuipractieable ; the creat of the hill so narrow that it would have 
 
22 
 
 been murder to have attempted to have assaulted along it ; the sides 
 of the hill full of gullies, with almost perpendicular sides, and that 
 covere 1 with fallen timber, so placed as most to impede an approach ; 
 the daj one of the hottest; our column not only exposed to a storm 
 of shell, but for a long way (say six hundred yards) to a fire of 
 canister and grape, front and flank, as well as from sharpshooters from 
 'rifle-pits, which were placed by the enemy to protect every possible 
 approach. 
 
 Under all this, I am proud to say that my little brigade of less 
 
 than three regiments, and these small, moved steadily, without falter- 
 
 'ing, upcn the foe, protected by fortifications and artillery; and the 
 
 ^iiill, up v.hich the final rush was made, was so steep and slippery that 
 
 it was almost impracticable. For all that, with a wild shout they 
 
 rushed up it, drove the concealed enemy from his position, and seized 
 
 ^fets works. 
 
 I am happy and proud to state that the ofiicers and men in my 
 brigade did their whole duty, and when all did so well a distinction ia 
 difficult. As for my field officers — that they did their duty, it needs 
 but to state that, of nine who went into the battle, six were wounded, 
 'two mortally. 
 
 Attention is called to the gallant conduct of Colonel Hart, who led 
 'Ills meii to the assault, and, when in the fort, seized one of the ene- 
 my's guns and fired it against them. 
 
 Here also fell mortally wounded Lieutenant W. F. Rector, 
 adjutant ot Hart's regiment, whose gallantry and undaunted bravery 
 ' signally distinguished him in the assault. 
 
 Major Davie, gallantly leading his men, fell shot through the thigh 
 in front of the fort. 
 
 Captain Robinson, acting major, fell mortally wounded in front of 
 his men. 
 
 There also fell mortally wounded the brave, the zealous Major 
 Martin, of Hart's regiment, as also Major Stephenson, of Gause's 
 regiment. There also fell Captain Garland, of Glenn's regiment ; 
 'Lieutenant Eppes, of Gause's regiment, than whom* a better man or 
 braver soldier has not offered up his life during the war. 
 
 Colonels Glenn and Gause and Lieutenant Colonels Rogan and 
 Hicks iaserve special mention for the cool and daring manner ia 
 which they led their men. 
 
 Lieutenant Crabtree, of Green's regiment, displayed the greatest 
 intrepidity. 
 
 Sergeant Champ, company A, of Hart's regiment, deserves the 
 greatest credit for gallantry, rushing in advance of his regiment in 
 the charge. 
 
 Color Sergeant Garland, of Glenn's regiment, also deserves special 
 mention. He advanced his regimental colors to the front, and main- 
 tained his position through the assault, his colors being torn into 
 ribbons. 
 
 My thanks are due my staff for efficient aid rendered me during 
 the action, especially to Lieutenant John McKoy, my A, A. L G. 
 
 In conclusion, I will state that I left the field without orders. 
 
23 
 
 Having been ordered by General Holmes to the part of the field upon 
 which General Fagan's brigade fought, I was unable to communicate 
 with Major General Price, but when he left all effort upon our part 
 had ceased. My loss is as follows: Killed, forty six ; wounded, one 
 hundred and sixty-eight; missing, one hundred and thirty-throe; 
 total, three hundred and forty-seven. For further particulars refer- 
 ence is made to list sent herewith, which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Kespectfully, 
 
 D. McRAE, Brigadier Gtnrral. 
 Official: 
 
 Thomas L. Snead, Major and A. A. G. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL FAGAN. 
 
 Headquarters Second Brigade, &c., ^ 
 
 Camp at Searcy, Arkansas, > 
 
 July 21, 1863. > 
 
 Major W. B. Blair, A. A. A. General: 
 
 Headquarters District of Arkc7isas, ^c. : 
 
 Major : I have the hcnor to report as follows, in regard to the 
 part taken by my brigade in the attack on Helena, upon the 4th in- 
 stant . 
 
 On the evening of the 3d instant, at dark, I ordered Colonel 
 Brooks, with his regiment, one section of Etter's battery of light ar- 
 tillery, commanded by Lieutenant John C. Arnett, and three compa- 
 nies of cavalry, commanded by Captain Denson, to move to the front 
 in support of the cavalry, then within three miles of the town of He- 
 lena. About eleven o'clock at night, with the three remaining regi- 
 ments, commanded respectively by Colonels King, Hawthorne and 
 Bell, ai.d Blocker's battery of light artillery, commanded by Captain 
 W. D. Blocker, I moved forwaid on the road towards Helena. On 
 joining Colonel Brooks, where the old hill road leaves the Little Rock 
 road, I ordered him to advance at once with his command, on the lat- 
 ter road, to attract and engage the attention of the enemy, south of 
 the town, and hold his forces in the rifle-pits on the river. At the 
 same time. I ordered Col. Hawthorne, whose regiment was in advance, 
 to lead the brigade forward on the hill road. This was promptly com- 
 plied with, and the brigade moved on without interruption, until 
 within one mile of the outer works of the enemy. At this point, the 
 road was completely filled with felled timber, the largest forest growth 
 intermingling and overlapping its whole length, whilst on either side 
 prvcipitous and impassible ravines were found running up even to the 
 very entrenchments of the enemy. It was utterly impossible to 
 move my artillery or ammunition train along this road ; the obstacles 
 were so great, indeed, that I was under the necessity of directing 
 every officer of my command to dismount, and proceed on foot — a dire 
 necessity, which subsequent events gave occasion seriously to deplore. 
 After crawling through the interstices of the closely jutting limbs 
 and boughs, and climbing over the thickly matted timber, for one 
 mile, my line of skirmishers, who had been ordered by me not to fire, 
 came within sight of the enemy. I went to the front, and could 
 plainly see that the enemy was on the alert, afld evidently expecting 
 and awaiting an attack. The order of the Lieutenant General com- 
 manding was to assault the fortifications with the several attacking 
 columns, precisely at daylight on the morning of tho 4th. Not hav- 
 ing been apprised of the obstructions in the road, I had made no ar- 
 rangements to i-emove them. The limited time to daylight would not 
 allow of an attempt even to take my artillery along. It was ordered 
 to remain in the road, where the obstructions were first met with. 
 
25 
 
 To conform to orders, it was necessary for ine to move with the ut- 
 most celerity. Freeing myself of everything except my column of 
 infantry, I pushed forward with all the haste in my power. 
 
 At (daylight I reached and attacked the enemy in his Avorks. Col- 
 onel Hawthorne being in advance, was hurried rapidly into lino on 
 the right of the road, which led directly up to the fori on Ilindman's 
 hill. He at once engaged the enemy, who occupied their extreme or 
 outer line of rifle-pits. Bell's regiment emerged next from the con- 
 fused mass cf felled limber, and coming up, was also double-"quickcd 
 into line on the left of the road, engaging as they came into position 
 the entrenched forces of the enemy, over against them. King's re- 
 giment brought up the rear. He rapidly threw his men into position, 
 and was ordered by me immediately to the support of Colonel Haw- 
 thorne. My entire force was now engaged. The assault upon the 
 rifle-pits was made from both the right and left of the road. Never 
 did men behave with greater steadiness and gallantry than did the 
 troops of those three regiments. Over the heavy timber, the deep 
 gorges, and the precipitous banks, they moved. Over opposite to 
 them ran the long line of fortifications, towards which they moved 
 with eager, anxious steps. Cowering behind their strong works, the 
 enemy beheld their advance with consternation. Still on they moved, 
 unhesitatingly, amid the '* leaden rain and iron hail." The gorge is 
 passed, the ascent of the steep acclivity is nearly gained, the red lino 
 of rifle-pits looms up clearly amid the uncertain light and haze of 
 dawn With a shout of triumph they rush towards it, and the enemy 
 are driven pell mell from one row of the rifle-pits to another. Up to* 
 this time there had been no attack at any other point. Daybreak had 
 come and gone, and still the guns of my brigade and those of the en- 
 emy were the only ones that interrupted the stillness of the tnnrn- 
 ing. Owing to this my brigade was exposed to a constant and galling 
 enfilading fire from the works on Grave-yard hill. This exposure, 
 combined with the close and constant fire in our front, was most try- 
 ing to the men. Their numbers were being rapidly decimated, not 
 only by the fire of the enemy, but by extreme exhanstion, occasioned 
 by their i-caling the steepest of hills, made almost impassable by quan- 
 tities of timber cut down, which was of itself an almost insurmount- 
 able barrier to our advance. We reached and took possession cf the 
 fourth tier of rifle-pits. Now it was that the column commanded by 
 Major General Price, (Parson's and McRae's brigades,) cliarged the 
 works on Grave-yard hill, gallantly driving the enemy before thera, 
 and taking possession of their fortifications and artillery. There re- 
 mained yet one row of entrenchments between my brigade and the 
 fcrt on Ilindman's hill. I ordered a charge. My men, though tho- 
 roughly exhausted and worn, answered with a shout, and sprang for- 
 ward most gallantly. This being the inner and last line of works 
 between us and the enemy, of course was defended with great stub- 
 bornness. It was of no avail. My men sprang forward bravely and 
 defiantly, and after a severe contest, succeeded in driving out the en- 
 emy, who fled, crowding back into the frowning fort, and unfler cover 
 of its heavy guns. The fort .yet remains to be taken. Of all the 
 
26 
 
 many obstacles and threatening fortifications that opposed our ad- 
 vance that morn, there only remained the fort. All oilit-r obstacles, 
 natural and artificial, had been overcome — rugged and almost i-npas- 
 sable ravines — the steepest and most broken hill sides, 'batfis, and 
 line after line of breastworks, had been passed and left behind. Be- 
 fore us there only remained the fort, and the plain on which it was 
 built. Notwithstanding the reduced condition of my command and the 
 exhaustion of those yet remaining, I ordered a chaigo upon the fort. 
 My Colonel.-f, King, Hawthorne and Bell, did all in thei'- power to en- 
 courage the men to the attack. The effort was made, but the pros- 
 trate condition of my command prevented success, and after losing in 
 the attempt several gallant officers and many brave men, I formed 
 again in rear of the inner line of rifle-pits, whilst the guns of the fort 
 continued to pour forth a furious fire. 
 
 It w^as now verging on eleven o'clock in the day. More than three 
 hours before, the guns on Grave-yard hill had been taken by our 
 friends, and there seemed no obstacle in the way of their victorious 
 march. Eagerly did we look to see their column coming to our aid, 
 and at first with the most undoubting hope and confidence, but less 
 confidently as hour after hour wore on, and still they made not their 
 appearance. Time wore on, tho pleasant morning deepened into the 
 sultriest and hottest of days. The thinned ranks of n^y regimouts 
 became thinner and thinner each moment. The guns of the enemy 
 (not more than one hundred or one hundred and fifty v ards distant), 
 were telling sadly against us, whilst the heat, the want of water, and 
 the toil, were no mean auxiliaries. Still, the bnve men left stood 
 manfully up to the discharge of their duty. At this time, written 
 orders were received from Lieutenant General Holmes, directing that 
 I withdraw my troops from the field, and fall back to Allan Polk's, 
 (six miles in the rear.) We retired from the field, and fell back 
 slowly to that point. It was in the last assault upon the fort that 
 Major Cocke, of Hawthorne's regiment, received a severe wound in 
 the shoulder. I would make especial mention of this brave and ac- 
 complished officer — his daring was conspicuous throughout the cu- 
 gagement. 
 
 Here, also, the much beloved Captain Walton Watkins. whilst most 
 gallantly leading his company over the enemy's works fell. It has 
 never been my lot to witness more gallantry and more determined 
 courage than displayed by this young officer on that day. We mourn 
 the loss of other brave and true officers who fell during the engage- 
 ment. 
 
 Of the conduct of my colonels, too much praise cannot be said. 
 Brooks, King, Hawthorne and Bell, each and every one, did his whole 
 duty. Brooks' command being on the lower road, was not immedi- 
 ately under my eye, but of the part taken by him I respectfully refer 
 you to his report. He succeeded entirely in carrying out the orders 
 he received to the letter. His report will show the number of pris- 
 oners captured by him, as well as the amount of property taken and 
 brought from the field or destroyed. 
 
 The position assigned to Colonel King threw him perhaps on that 
 
27 
 
 ■ground most difficult of all to get over. Had it not be'^n for the de- 
 termined character of this hrave young colonel, his regiment, per- 
 haps, would not have been advanced over all the difficulties he met 
 with. 
 
 Major Diilard and Adjutant Bourne, of same regiment, (King's,) 
 deserve much praise for the assistance they rendered Colonel King. 
 
 Colonel Hawthorne was constantly to the front, cheering his men 
 on from one success to another. When orders came from Lieutenant 
 General Holmes to abandon the field, Colonel Hawthorne remained 
 ■with a small number of his men, engaging the enemy, until tiie last 
 of the array had left the field, and retired beyond the high hills which 
 lay between them and danger. 
 
 Colonel Bell and Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, same regiment, with, 
 a large number of his officers and over one hundred of his men, v.ere- 
 captured by the enemy, in an attempt to enter the fort from the south 
 side. The loss of Colonel Bell is a serious one to us. It affords me 
 pleasure to bear testimony to his distinguished gallantry and ilaring. 
 
 Major Blackwell, (Bell's regiment,) was entrusted by me with an 
 important part on the field, and is entitled to my thanks for the suc- 
 cessful manner in which he performed it. 
 
 Major B T. Duval, quartermaster on my staff, is entitled to my 
 thank -t for his constant attention to every duty on the march from 
 Little Rock. He was with me on the fiehl, and by his coolness and 
 good judgment, was enabled to render me important assistance up 
 to the time of the withdrawal of my troops from the field. 
 
 Captain Wyatt C. Thomas, A. A. General of the brigade, was, as 
 usual at his post. The conduct of this young officer has often before 
 won for him "honorable mention." On this field, he was constantly 
 with, and cheering the troops forward. His bravery and gallantry 
 justify especial mention. 
 
 My A. D. C, Captain Albert Belding, always eager to discharge 
 every duty, was pent by me, at daylight, with important orders to Col- 
 onel Brooks, some distance fr .m me on my right. I was consequently 
 deprived of the valuable assistance his quickness and daring so well 
 qualify him to render on the field. 
 
 Captain John B. Howell, my ordnance officer, was ordered to re- 
 main constantly with his ammunition train, which, as above stated, 
 had to be left in the rear. This deprived me of the immediate ser- 
 vices of this gallant officer. 
 
 The officers of my staff. Major B. F. Fall, brigade commissary, 
 Mr James H. Tucker, volunteer A. D. C, and Mr. J. W. Paul, act- 
 ing Inspector General, are all entitled to my thanks for the assist- 
 ance rendered me during the engagement. 
 
 The aggregate force engaged against Fort Hindman and the de- 
 fences in front of it, was thirteen hundred and thirty-nine. 
 1 have, Major, the honor to be, 
 
 With much respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. F. FAG AN, Brigadier Gtncral. 
 
 NoTK. — A correct list of the casualties in the brigade will bo rendered in throe or 
 four days. F. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL KING. 
 
 Headquarters King's Regfment Arkansas Infantry, 
 Camp at Searcy, July 22, 1863. 
 
 Captain Wyatt C. Thomas : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to make the following report of the part 
 taken by my regiment in the late battle fought at Helena, on the 4th 
 instant. 
 
 On the night of the 3d instant I took up the line of march at eleven 
 o'clock, taking the road leading to Helenii ; and "when within about 
 ten miles of that place, I, with Colonels Hawthorne and Bell, led by 
 General Fagan, took the road leading into town by the way of Hind- 
 man hill. When arriving within about three-quarters of a mile of 
 the hill, we found the road so blockaded by fallen limber that it was 
 impossible for anything but infantry to pass, and it was with great 
 difficulty that the men could got through it at all. By the time I got 
 my regiment to the open road, skirmishing commenced by Colonel 
 Hawthorne, who was moving in front. I immediately moved my 
 regiment up at a double-quick, arriving at the scene of action 
 about day-light. 1 was immediately ordered by General Fagan 
 to take position on the right of Colonel Hawthorne, who had form- 
 ed line of battle, and was skirmishing with the enemy in the rijle- 
 pits, which were- immediately in front of us. I moved my regi- 
 ment as ordered, taking position on the crest of a hill overlook- 
 ing the town, where I was exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's 
 rifle-pits or breastworks, which were about one hundred and fifty yards 
 in front of us. By the time I got my men well up and in line, I re- 
 ceived an order from General Fagan to charge the works in front of 
 me, which I did ; but, as you yourself know, the ground was so veri/ 
 rough that it was impossible to move rapidly. After scrambling over 
 and under the fallen timber, across a ravine, that I would at any other 
 time, or under any other circumstances, have considered impossible 
 to make my way through, and at last up the side of a hill that was so 
 steep the men had to pull themselves up by the bushes, we reached 
 the first line of breastworks, and drove the enemy back. Here we 
 were pact with a terrific fire, not only from the inner line of works 
 and an enfilading fire from our left, but from the fort on the hill in 
 front of us, near Hindman's house, which was about two hundred yards 
 distant from us, and also from the battery on what is known as Grave- 
 yard hill. 
 
 In this position we kept up a heavy fire, moving forward from one 
 line of works to another, until we reached the inner line of the enemy, 
 taking refuge in their forts. I then received, an order from General 
 Fagan to send a small force round to the right of my position, to see 
 that the enemy did not flank us ; also; to move my regiment to the 
 left, where I jfound Colonel Hawthorne, with his regiment and a por- 
 tion of Colonel Bell's, behind the last line of works, 'which was about 
 one hundred yards from the first line. Here it was we found that it 
 
29 
 
 was impossible for our men to go further. Many of them had been 
 left, 80 exhausted that they could not go on. 
 
 While in this situation, General Fagan ordered me to take the fort, 
 but the men were so exhausted that most of them were unfit for further 
 service. 
 
 We remained behind the breastworks, keeping up a steady fire at 
 the fort, until about eleven o'clock, A. M., at which t^e we were 
 ordered off the field. 
 
 I cannot speak too highly of the most of my officers and men 
 throughout the fight, particularly of the gallant Major Dilla'rd and 
 Adjutant Bourne, who were in every charge, and cheering the men on 
 at all times. 
 
 My loss was as follows : Twelve killed, forty-six wounded, and 
 twenty missing. 
 
 I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 J. P. KING, 
 Colonel commanding regiment. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL BROOKS. 
 
 ■A 
 
 Headquarters Brooks' Regiment, 
 Camp near Cotton Plant, Ju'y 10, 1863. 
 
 • 
 
 Captain Wva^t C. Thomas, 
 
 Assistant Adjidf/^nt General Second Briznde : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to report the following as the part taken 
 by my command in the engagement of the 4th instant at Helena ; 
 
 At dusk on the 3rd, in compli nee with instructions from Brigadier 
 General Fagan, I moved forward with my regiment and one s«'Ction 
 of Ettcr's light artillerv, Lieutnnant J. C Arn' tt commanding, to 
 the support of the cavalry, then within three miles of the enemy 
 
 At h:ilf-past one o'clock, A. M., on the morning of the 4th. I 
 received orders from Biigadier (jrenernl Kag^in to aiivance on tho 
 Little Rock road with my regim''nt. Captains Denson's, Miller'si 
 
 and companies of cavalry, and tho section of artillery ; make 
 
 a feint on the south of Helena ; attract the attention cf the enemy 
 in that direction, hold the force in the rifle-pits south of the town, 
 and operate otherwise as I could. 
 
 Before reaching Beech Grove I withdrew the cavalry advance, anii^ 
 deploying skirmishers, met the enemy's infantry and cavilry pickets 
 at daybreak. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which three of the enemy 
 were killed and six captured. The company of cavalry in position 
 on the right of the lin" of skirmishers received a fire which killed 
 three horses. Moving forward to the negro quarters, I found rheiu 
 abandoned, the occupants having fled to the town at the fiist alarm. 
 Eight n:5gVoes were taken and sent io the rear. Shortly after wa-ds 1 
 reached the hill at the Clements house, and. placing my commaml in 
 position, advanced skirinishera well to the front and right, extending 
 nearly to the river. The enemy soon opened with a rifled battery 
 from the left of the rifle-pits next to the levee, but without doing 
 any injnry. Immediately the gunboat commenced firing, one shell 
 exploding in Captain Denson'.s company, wounding three men an I 
 killing three horses. Captain Blocker reported to me with his battery, 
 but a position for it could not be obtained. I moved fitter's section 
 to the hill, and upon gaining the summit it was found impracticable 
 to use hut one piece. This opened briskly, drawing a terrific fire 
 from the battery and gunboat, and after expending thirteen roun Is 
 Lieutenant Arnett was compelled to withdraw About eleven o'clock, 
 I ordered Lieutenant E. T. Delony upon the hill with the gun. The 
 range of the enemy's guns was so accurate, and the fire so furious, 
 that he retired after firing eight rounds. The force in front and on 
 the right was fully three times as large as mine. An advance to 
 attack the enemy in the rifle-pits would have subjected my small 
 command to the heavy ffuns of Fort Curtis, a light battery in rear of 
 the works, an enfiladii^fire fiom the rifled battery, and an attack in 
 flank and rear from the levee. Under these circumstances, I deemed 
 it best to hold that force of the enemy in check, and prevent him from 
 
31 
 
 reinforcing his most important points of defence, and by the use of a 
 8ix pounder (not being able to bring more than one piece into posi- 
 tion) divert as mach as possible the fire of the battery and gunboat 
 from the attacking columns. In this I was entirely suocessful. 
 
 At twelve o'clock, M., I received orders from Brigadier General 
 Fag;in to retire, and subsequently instructions from Lieutenant Gen- 
 eral Holmes to halt at a designated position, as the rear guard of the 
 army. By my direction Captain Denson's company applitd the 
 torch to the negro quarters, which were consumed, together with five 
 thousaml pounds of bacon, fifteen hundred bushels of corn, and a 
 quiintity of commissary stores and clothing. 
 
 During the entire morning the demonstrations of the enemy bidiind 
 the levee were of a threatening character. Captain Denson, 
 commanding caviilry detachment, rendered efficient service in 
 
 couiiteracriiig his movements and protecting my right flank. 
 
 , of his company, distinguished himself in the capture of 
 
 three prisoners. 
 
 I brougtit oft' nine prisoners, eight negroes, five mules, one horse 
 and equipments, one ambulance and team, and a small lot of cl 'thing 
 and canteens. 
 
 Companies li and K, (skirmishers,) commanded respectively by 
 Captains F. R. Eirle and Arkansas Wilson, deserve especial mention 
 for the steadiness with which they advanced, drove the enemy before 
 their., pnd maintained their positions under a heavy artillery tire. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Gunter and Major Pettigrew were constantly 
 at their posts in the discharge of their duties. , 
 
 The only casu;ilty in my regiment was private A. C. Peck, com- 
 pany B, severely wounded in the chest. 
 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. BROOKS, 
 Colonel commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL BELL'S REGIMENT. 
 
 Camp Bayou DeVievv, July 10, 1363. 
 To Captain Thomas : 
 
 Captain: I have the honor to make my report of the part taken 
 by Bell's regiment in the engagement of the 4th instant at Helena. 
 We moved for half a mile at double quick, passing through brush and 
 logs, with v/hich the read was blockaded, and approt^ched in view of 
 Helena at half-past four o'clock, A. M., taking our position on Colo- 
 nel Hawthorne's left in line of battle, and commenced firing on the 
 enemv in front. The enemy threatened to flank us on the left, when 
 Captains Hurley's and Donaldson's companies were detached and 
 thrown out to engage him, under my command, to protect our left 
 flank. The regiment then advanced over the first hill. Here Cap- 
 tains Pleasants and Smith were wounded, and many men killed and 
 wounded. The ground at this point was almost impassable, and. the 
 whole road and deep ravine full of timber, over which I scattered my 
 men, and it was impossible to keep in line ; but we succeeded in get- 
 ting through, after remaining in the timber and hollows nearly two 
 hours under a heavy fire, and made a charge, when, the enemy giving 
 way, we entered the rifle-pits. Here many of our men fell, perfectly 
 exhausted, from over-heat, 
 
 ' ^t this point the firing ceased on our left, indicating that our 
 forces had been called off". The enemy, seeing our condition, rushed 
 upon and surrounded us, and compelled many of our officers and men 
 to surrender. 
 
 The detachment under my command advanced over two ravines and 
 up the hill fronting and nearest to the entrenchments and fort., about 
 three hundred paces distant, which position we held about two hours, 
 keeping up a constant fire until the ammunition was exhausted. 
 
 About that time Colonel Hawthorne, on our right, ordered a charge 
 on the entrenchments. 1 called on my men to join in the charge, 
 which, with the exception of Captain Donaldson and part of his com- 
 pany, followed, and in about twenty minutes we reached the 
 entrenchments, where I remained, awaiting ammunition, which I had 
 sent for, until I was ordered to fall back. 
 
 My men, with few exceptions, acted well. I will mention the 
 names of Lieutenant Porter of company B, Lieutenant Thompson, 
 Sergeant Lowry and private Dance, of company A, as acting with 
 marked bravery. The loss of the detachment was two killed, six 
 wounded, and thirty missing. The regiment entered the fight with 
 an aggregate of four hundred and thirty-two ; the entire loss was 
 two hundred and seventeen. 
 
 I respectfully submit the above as my report of the part taken by 
 Bell's regiment in the engagement of the 4th instant at Helena. 
 
 T. H. BLACKNALL, 
 Major commanding Bell's regimmt. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL HAWTHORNE. 
 
 Headquarters Hawthorne's Regiment, > 
 Camp near Bayou- De Vuw, July 9th, 18C3. J 
 
 Cftptain W. C. Thomas, A. A. General : 
 
 • Sir : In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I have the 
 honor to submit the following report of the part my regiment took in 
 the action at Helena, on the 4th instant : 
 
 At eleven o'clock, P. M., on .the night of the 3d, \Te left our 
 encampment, six miles from Helena, and marched to take up our posi- 
 tions in front of the entrenchments, my regiment being in the 
 advance. The road over which we*passed -(known as the Hill read, 
 from Little Rock to Helena,) was extremely rugged, and it was not 
 without considerable difficulty, and great fatigue to the men, that we 
 succeeded in getting within one mile of the enemy's entrench- 
 ments. At this point I found the road blockaded with falkn timber 
 to such an extent, that I halted the brigade, of which I was tempora- 
 rily in command, sent Captain Jlillar's company, which had been in 
 advance, to the rear, and sent forward Captain P. G. Ropci's com- 
 pany, (A,) deployed as rkirmifhers. General Fagan now arrived at 
 the head of the column, and ordering all the field and staff officers to 
 dismount, we moved forward as rapidly a.s possible towards the 
 entrenchments — the pkirmishers deployed on either side of the road, 
 keeping well in advance of the main body. At five minutes past four 
 o'clock, A M., my skirmishers reported the enemy in sight. Bf order 
 of General Fagan I moved ray regiment in double-quick by the right 
 flunk, along the crest of a hill running at right angles with tiie road, 
 and parallel with the enemy's first line of entrenchments ; sind with- 
 out halting, so soon as my left had passed the road, I moved by the 
 left flank in line of battle towards the enemy. Without waiting for 
 the o?hcr regiments of the brigade to form, I gave the order to charge, 
 which was responded to by loud shouts along my entire lino. The 
 men dashed down the steep declivity amid a perfect storm of bullets, , 
 climbed step by step over vast piles of fallen timber, up the rugged 
 sides of almost perpendicular hills, and finally, after unheard of toil 
 and fatigue, scaled the opposing height and drove the enemy in con- 
 sternation from their first line of defences. Here I waited to re. ruit 
 my men, whof-e strength was very much exhausted, and to give Colo- 
 nel Bell time to form his regiment and move up on my left. As soon as 
 Colonel Bell informed me that he Avas ready, our two regiments moved 
 forward together, and after encountering and overcoming obstacles 
 eimilar to and even greater than those in front of the first line of riflo* 
 fits, drove the enemy out and took possession of their second line. 
 Colonel King had, b^ order of General Fagan, under a heavy and 
 constant fire, and after almost superhuman exertions, placed his regi- 
 ment two or three hundred yards beyond my extreme right, f)avt]y in . 
 rear of the enemy's third line of entrenchments, and nearly at right 
 3 
 
34 
 
 angles with the position occupied by Colonel Bell's regiment and mine, 
 I sent a courier to commjinicate \Tith him, who returned with tbc grat- 
 ifying intelligence that his regiment was in position, nnd was ready 
 and anxious to charge the enemy. The three regiments now moved 
 forward with a shout, and notwithstanding the steep hill-sidoa, cov- 
 ered with immense masses of fallen timber, up and over which we had 
 to climb, and notwithstanding the perfect hail storm of bullets which 
 assailed us at every step, we soon drove the enemy out of his third 
 line of defence. We soon rallied our exhausted troops, reformed our 
 broken lines, and again charged the enemy, driving him from his 
 fourth line of entrenchments. It was now about seven o'clock, A. 
 M. My regiment had been hotly engaged for nearly three hours. 
 The men were completely exhausted. Numbers had fainted from 
 •excessive heat and fatigue. Many had been killed and wounded, and 
 a large majority in each of our three regiments were utterly unable 
 to fight any longer. We began to be discouraged. From the rery 
 commencement of the action we had been listening for the guns of 
 Generals Price, Marmakuke, and Walker, but thus far we had lis- 
 tened in vain. Every brigade except ours had failed to attack at day 
 light, as ordered. Even the very guns on Grave-yard hill were 
 wheeled around, and directed against our lines, which they swept 
 again and again from one end to the other with grape and canister. 
 
 Just at this moment the scene changed. Heavy and rapid vollies 
 of musketry were heard on our If ft. General Fagan announced to 
 us that our friends were storming Grave-yard hill, and ordered us to 
 move forward at once Our men responded with a shout, dashed 
 down into the deep ravine, climbed the steep sides of the opposite 
 hill, and just as the noble brigades of Parsons and McBae swept in 
 triumph across the face of Grave-yard hill, drove the enemy from his 
 fifth and last line of rifle-pits back to his forts, and under cover of 
 his siege guns. An attempt was now made by General F.igan to cap- 
 ture the fort on Hindman's hill, which was immediately in our front. 
 But our men were too much exhausted and our numbers too few The 
 attack was unsuccessful, and resulted in the death and capture of 
 many valuable oflBcers and men. It was here that Captain Walton 
 Watkins, commanding company D, of my regiment, was killed, while 
 gallantly leading this last and most desperate charge. His conduct 
 throughout the engagement had been chivalrous and manly, so much 
 so as to attract universal attention and admiration. Here, also, I lost 
 the services of Major John B Cocke, who was severely wounded and 
 compelled to retire from the fitld It affords me much pleasure to 
 bear testimony to the coolnecs. courage, and efiSciency of this gallant 
 oflScer. His services throiighcut that desperate fight were invaluable, 
 and his absence was most keenly and sensibly felt. Lieutenants Rich- 
 ard Shaddock, Hinson, Hainard, and Thompson were killed while 
 bravely fighting at their posts. 
 
 But to return to the fight: Grave-yard hill was evacuated soon 
 after it was taken. The other positions to the left of that hill, that 
 urere to have been taken at daylight, had not even been attacked. The 
 firing had ceased at all poiots except the firing of our brigade, and 
 
35 
 
 that of our enemies directed against us. This latter was now most 
 terrific, and the whol« force of the eneoiy seemed to be directed 
 against our little band. Yet, notwithstanding their vast superiority 
 in numbers and position ; notwithstanding the terrible, withering fire 
 that continued to pour upon us from their own ranks ; notwithstaLding 
 the repeated attempts of the enemy to flank our position, both on the 
 right and on the left, we held our position firmly for three long hours. 
 
 At thirty minutes past ten o'clock, A. M., I received an order from 
 General Fagan to withdraw my regiment from the field. I had marched 
 some forty or fifty paces, in compliance with this order, when I 
 received another requiring me to leave a small guard to cover my 
 retreat. I called for volunteers, but no one responding, I returned 
 myself, and with nine men who volunteered to accompany me, kept 
 up a fire upon the enemy for twenty minutes longer. The ammuni- 
 tion was now expended and I thought it prudent to retire. Tho 
 enemy were close upon us and advancing from all points. Not a 
 moment was to be lost. We retreated as rapidly as possible, bat as wo 
 deicended the first hill, the enemy assailed us with a terrible volley 
 of musketry. Three of our little party fell to rise no more. The 
 remaining six, myself, and a Yankee prisoner, whom we had kept 
 with us all the time, succeeded in making our escape. 
 
 My oflltfcers and men, with but few exceptions, deported themselves 
 with great gallantry. 
 
 My loss, so far as I have been able to ascertain, is as follows : 
 Killed, twenty ; wounded, seventy ; missing, forty-three. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 A. T. HAWTHORNE, 
 Colonel commanding fegiment. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL MARMADUKE. 
 
 Headquarters Marmaduke's Division, 
 Jacksonport, Arkansas, July 25, 1863. 
 
 To Major W. B. Blair, A. A. A. General, ' 
 
 District of Arkansas : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report herewith the part taken by my 
 command in the battle at Helena. 
 
 I was ordered on the evening of the 3rd of July, to be in position, 
 attack and take the fort on Reiter's hill, at daylight on the morning 
 of the 4th July. 
 
 My command, mounted, consisted of Shelby's brigade, about one 
 thousand one hundred men, and Greene's brigade, six hundred and 
 fifty men, total one thousand seven hundred and fifty men. 
 
 At ten o'clock, P. M., July 3rd, I marched to get into position; 
 when three miles from the fort I dismounted my whole force except 
 one company under Major Elliott. I then moved forward. When 
 within two miles of the fort, I found the road and country thoroughly 
 obstructed, the enemy having chopped down the trees and rendered 
 almost impassable that approach to the fort and town. The country 
 was exceedingly rough. 
 
 I was delayed some half hour or more by my guides, who lost their 
 way, and reported that they were completely lost and unable to guide 
 ucie farther ; in consequence of \vhich I did not get into position until 
 a little after daylight, but before sunrise. 
 
 The enemy's pickets and skirmishers were encountered some three 
 quarters of a mile from the fort, and driven to within one hundred 
 ftnd fifty yards of the fort. In this the enemy lost several killed, 
 wounded, and five prisoners. 
 
 Shelby's brigade was in the advance, and so narrow was the road, 
 and so rough and rugged were the hills, that the troops could only 
 march by the flank, and the artillery with great diflSculty was brought 
 lip piece by piece and by hand. 
 
 By the time the advance had reached within two hundred yards of 
 the fort, and those in rear bi-ought up and deployed along the ridges, 
 the enemy had brought to my left and rear a body of infantry and 
 several pieces of artillery, which during the whole day's fight, poured 
 upon me a deadly fire. 
 
 I now had a heavy force in my front, ( infantry in rifle-pits and 
 artillery in position,) which it would have been dfl5cult with my whole 
 force to have carried. In addition, I had the forces on my left (of in- 
 fantry and artillery) thoroughly protected by the levee, which engaged 
 a large part of my force, and on every attempt to advance enfihided 
 my line. It was from the sharpshooters and artillery on my left and 
 rear that I suffered my greatest loss, and not until they were dis- 
 lodged could I have advanced. I twice dispatched to Brigadier 
 
37 
 
 General Walker to advance and assist me in dislodging thera. It 
 was not done. 
 
 From half past four, A. M., till eleven, A. M., I held my position, 
 unable to advance; the enemy with their infantry and artillery on my 
 front and left flank constantly engaging my forces. At eleven, A. M., 
 I received orders from General Holmes to retire. 
 
 My loss was fourteen killed, fifty-two wounded, one missing. 
 Among the killed were Major R. II. Smith, my division quartermaster, 
 and Captain J. C. Clark, of company D, Shelby's regiment. Major 
 Smith was a gallant and valuable officer ; he was shot dead beside a 
 piece of artillery, encouraging and assisting the canonniers in their 
 duties. Captain Clark was a most exemplary man and excellent offi- 
 cer ; he was killed leading his men forward. 
 
 Amongst the wounded, I regret to announce that Colonel Shelby, 
 commanding brigade, who was ever in the thickest of the fight, re- 
 ceived a painful and serious wound in the wrist 
 
 For a more special report of the conduct of the sPveral regiments 
 and their officers, I respectfully refer you to the brigade commander. 
 
 As yet I have not received the report for Shelby's brigade — will 
 forward it as soon as received — have delayed this report awaiting 
 same. The conduct of every officer and soldier of my command, as 
 far as I know, was excellent. 
 
 The attack upon Fort Reiter, by my command, was a failure. I 
 have every reason to believe that my troops would have carried it, had 
 it not been for the force on ray left and rear, which occupied that 
 position after daylight, and which could and should have been pre- 
 vented from taking that position, and after they had gained the posi- 
 tion, could have been driven from it by General Walker's brigade, 
 which did not come to the support of ray left till after seven o'clock, 
 A. M , and during the whole engagement his force was more than half 
 a mile to my left and rear. I could see the force which engaged 
 Walker's brigade, and at no time did it exceed five hundred ; I think 
 three hundred a big estimate. Walker's brigade not or.ly did not pre- 
 vent reinforcements from going to Fort Reiter, but the enemy, after 
 eunrisc, actually passed to my left, and half a mile to my rear, ani 
 held that position during the day. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 J. MARMADUKE, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL WALKER. 
 
 Headquarters in the Field, 
 Camp near Lick Creek, July 7, 1863 
 
 I 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 conduct of my cavalry brigade, in the battle before Helena, on the 
 4th instant. 
 
 In obedience to general orders No. 2, 1 moved my command towards 
 Helena, on Sterling's road. Arriving at the blockade before daylight 
 I dismounted and sent forward three companies, attempting to capture 
 the enemy's pickets in that direction. At daylight, I sent forward 
 three more companies dismounted, and commenced the work for re- 
 moving obstacles in the blockade, for the passage of artillery. My 
 advance soon became engaged with the enemy. Reinforcing my ad- 
 vance, and forwarding and bringing into action my artillery, I was 
 continually engaged until nearly three o'clock, P. M. I effec- 
 tually complied with the part assigned me in the order of attack, by 
 preventing^the enemy from - throwing troops to Reiter's hill, which 
 they were constantly trying to do, and made two strong efforts and 
 >were repulsed. I protected General Marmaduke's left flank. My 
 command was engaged in front of his left. At about two o'clock, I 
 was informed by General Marmaduke, that he had already withdrawn 
 his command. I had hard fighting to protect my left flank, and when 
 my right became exposed I commenced getting loose from the enemy, 
 and retired. 
 
 I must speak in the highest terms of the ofilcers and men of my 
 command upon the occasion — no straggling in reaching the place as- 
 signed them, although accompanied by apparent insurmountable diffi- 
 culties, resisted successfully the enemy, and twice drove him away 
 handsomely. I send herewith reports of Colonels Dobbins and 
 Nev/ton. 
 
 I am Major, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 L. M. WALKER, 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL DOBBINS. 
 
 In the Field, July 5th, 1863. 
 Brigadier General Walker : 
 
 General : I respecfully submit the following report of the move- 
 ments of my regiment on the 4th ultimo: 
 
 According to your order, I moved my regiment and battery of four 
 pieces, on the evening of the 3d, from the Bowie farm, on the Little 
 Rock road, four miles west of Helena, to t\e old Porter farm, efcst of 
 Crawler's ridge, on the road leading from Helena to Sterling, a dis- 
 tance of about fifteen miles, and remained at that place until two 
 o'clock on the morning of the 4th, then moved down the road to a 
 point where the mill road intersects the Sterling road, one and a half 
 miles {north , of Helena, where I dismounted one hundred and fifty 
 men, and sent them forward as skirmishers, beyond the blockade, to 
 within three-quarters of a mile of Helena, and a short distance above 
 the levee leading out from the hills. I then dismounted one hundred 
 and fifty more men, and sent them forward to the same point, and ex- 
 tended the line of skirmishers from the hills to the Mississippi river. 
 I then drew up the remainder of the regiment in line of battle north 
 of the blockade, about four hundred yards in the rear of the line of 
 skirmishers, and there awaited to learn the result of the attack made 
 by General Marraaduke upon the battery and fortifications on Reiter 
 hill, and, not learning anything definite, and discovering the enemy 
 moving up between the levee and Mississippi river, I moved my bat- 
 tery forward according to your order, and commericed firing on the 
 enemy advancing, and also the enemy's batteries playing upon (rene- 
 ral Marmaduke's command and my front. I then advanced, causing 
 the enemy to fall back, moving their battery some six hundred yards 
 further down the levee. About two hours after the enemy again ad- 
 vanced with artillery, and in much larger force than at first. I again 
 opened fire on them with my battery and sraalll arms, and, with the 
 assistance of a portion of Colonel Newton's regiment, again caused 
 them to fall back, and move their battery still further down the lovee ; 
 after which skirmishing was kept up until some three hours after the 
 firing had ceased along our entire line, at which time I received your 
 order to fall back slowly on the Grant mill road, which I succeeded 
 in doing without losing any men after I left the battle-field. 
 
 The loss in my regiment in the engagement was four killed and 
 eight wounded — one mortally, two seriously, and five slightly. For 
 particulars I refer you to Dr. Dunn, surgeon of my regiment, here- 
 with enclosed. 
 
 The officers and men of my regiment an<l battery deserve great 
 credit for gallantry and courage displayed on that day. 
 
 Very respectfully your obedient servant, 
 
 ARCIL S. DOBBINS, 
 Colonel Commanding regiment cavalry. 
 
\ 
 
 REPORT OF COLONEL NEWTON. 
 
 Headquarters Newton's Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, 
 Camp at Gisfs^ Phillips county, Arkansas, July 8, 1863. 
 
 Captain J. C. Alexander, 
 
 A. A. G. Walker's Division, Sfc, in the field : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor, in obedience to your instructions of 
 to-d|^, to submit the following report of the part taken by my regi- 
 .mcnt in the attack on Helena on the 4th instant : '' 
 
 I reached Mrs. Moonley's and halted there about twelve o'clock, 
 P. M., on 3rd instant. About an hour before day on the morning of 
 the 4th, in obedience to an order from the Brigadier General com- 
 manding, I resumed the march, taking the Sterling road towards 
 Helena, moving in rear of Colonel- Dobbins' regiment. Arriving at 
 the spring, about a mile from town, the brigade was halted by Gene- 
 ral Wallier. We remained there until the firing commenced to our 
 •right, .when I was ordered up to a point near the blockade of felled 
 timber, there to await orders. 
 
 About seven o'clock I received an order to send thirty sharp- 
 shooters to the support of Colonel Dobbins' regiment, who were 
 deployed to our front, beyond the blockade and to the left of the 
 skirmishers, from General Marmaduke's command. I detailed the 
 required number from the different companies, selecting men with 
 long range guns, as far as practicable, placed them under command of 
 Lieutenant Barnes, of company A, and carried them forward to the 
 left of Dobbins' skirmishers and beyond the lagoon, (which, starting 
 from near the base of the levee, on the north side of Helena, runs 
 eastward to Porter's lake,) where they were soon engaged with the 
 enemy, and did good service. 
 
 At half-past seven, by order of General Walker, I detached com- 
 panies B and G, under command of Captain Portis, of the former, 
 and deployed them as skirmishers to support Barnes' sharpshooters, 
 and resist a small force of Federal cavalry which was reported to be 
 threatening our extreme left. About eight o'clock Portis reported to 
 me that the enemy had reinforced in his front, that he was being 
 pressed, and needed two more companies. I immediately communi- 
 cated the information to General Walker, and, by his direction, 
 instructed Portis to observe the enemy closely, skirmish with him, 
 and, if too heavily pressed, fall back slowly, advising me from time 
 to time of what was transpiring. 
 
 About this time I received an order to send forward another com- 
 pany to support Dobbins' skirmishers, which I obeyed by sending 
 Captain Rolland's company E, under command of Lieutenant Garner. 
 
 Learning that the enemy had made several attempts to force Portis 
 back and gain possession of the west bank of Porter's lake, which 
 would enable him, by means of his sharpshooters, to annoy the rear 
 at our battery posted on the hill in front of the blockade, and, perhaps, 
 
41 
 
 finally force us from the hill altogether, I went in person to where 
 Portis was to learn the true condition of affairs and ascertain what, 
 if anything, could be done. I found that Portis, with his small force, 
 had made a gallant resistance, and had thus far foiled the enemy in 
 his several attempts to occupy the western or inner bank of Porter's 
 lake ; but that he, nevertheless, had lost some ground, and had but 
 little more to lose. I deemed it important, therefore, not only to 
 regain what had been lost, but to drive the enemy beyond the levee 
 and into town, if possible, with my small force. There not being 
 time left me to previously communicate with General Walker, I 
 ordered up companies C and F Avithout first notifying him^ The 
 latter I deployed as skirmishers and advanced to the front. They 
 were eoon engaged. I moved company C forward across the lagoon 
 before mentioned, and, pursuing the skirmishers to t^e front vigor- 
 ously, ordered a charge. The enemy fled precipitately. We pursued 
 him about three hundred yards. Finding that he was rallying his 
 men in his rifle-pits, which were situated to the left of the levee and 
 near the river bank, I deployed my whole force then with me as 
 skirmi-hers, posted them as best I could, and left them under com- 
 mand of Captain Portis, with instructions to hold the ground we had 
 thus gained, until he should receive other orders from me. I started 
 to the headquarters of the Brigadier General commanding to get per- 
 mission to use my whole regiment for the purpose of dislodging the 
 enemy, or. failing in that, confining him to his rifle-pits, and thus 
 prevent him from annoying our left. Arriving there, I learned that 
 our troops were withdrawing, and, by General Walker's direction, 
 retired my command to the point where the mountain road, leading 
 from the spring on the Sterling road to the Grant's mill road, diverges 
 from the Sterling road, arid there disposed my forces so as to cover 
 the withdrawal of our troopii. When the rear of Dobbins' regiment 
 had passed, I moved back on the mountain road, as directed, and 
 thence upon Grant's mill road. 
 
 I enclose herewith a list of casualties. The ofiicers and men en- 
 gaged behaved in admirable style. CE^ptains Portis and Bryant, 
 commanding skirmishers, did their duty well. Lieut. Barnes, who, 
 with his thirty sharpshooters, was almost constantly engaged, here, as 
 everywhere else that I have ever placed him, was prompt and fiithful, 
 and displayed great courage. Lieutenant Smith, adjutant of th 
 regiment, brave to a fault, and seeking rather than avoiding danger 
 rendered much valuable service. And as were the oflBcers, so were 
 the private soldiers whom they led, fearless of danger, each seeming 
 intent solely on doing his duty well. 
 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 B. C. NEWTON, Colonel commanding. 
 
BATTLE OF BRISTOE STATION. 
 
 REPOllT OF GENERAL A. P HILL. 
 
 Headquarters Third Army Corps, > 
 October 26, 1863. S 
 Colonel R. H. Chilton, 
 
 A. A. mnd I. General, Army Northern Virginia : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to state that on the tnorning of the 
 14th instant, I left my camp, one mile distant from Warrenton, on the 
 Amissville turnpike, at five o'clock, A. M,, and, in obedience to or- 
 ders from the General commanding, '* took the Warrenton and Alexan- 
 dria turnpike, until reaching Broad run church, then to take the road 
 by Greenwich and 'on to Bristoe station." Upon arriving at Broad 
 run church, information reached me from various sources, that the 
 enemy were moving by a road leading from Greenwich to the Warren- 
 ton and Alexandria pike, and coming into it a mile below Buckland. 
 The rumbling of wagons, which could be distinctly heard, led me to 
 place reliance in these reports. 
 
 General Anderson was directed to take his division down the turn- 
 pike towards Buckland, and, if possible, to strike the column at the 
 point where it came into the pike. If nothing could be accomplished 
 there, to turn off and rejoin me at Greenwich. In the meantime, I 
 moved on the road to Greenwich with Ileth's and Wilcox's divisions, 
 leaving one battery and Scales' brigade at Buckland, to guard the 
 train which had been directed to halt there. General Anderson, ift 
 the execution of my orders, found the force referred to to be of cav- 
 alry, having already disappeared, and that Major General Fitzhugh 
 Lee had come up with his cavalry, on my left flank ; Col. Rosser, of his 
 advance, having skirmished with the enemy, and driven them back, 
 rejoined me at Greenwich, following Ileth's division. From this 
 point to Bristoe, we followed close upon the rear of th'i third cor^s, 
 picking up about one hundred and fifty stragglers. Upon reaching 
 the hills this side of Broad run, and overlooking the plain on the 
 north side, the third corps was discovered resting, a portion of it just 
 commencing the march towards Manassas. I determined that no 
 
44 
 
 time must be lost, and hurried up Heth's division, forming it in line 
 of battle along the crest of the hills, and parallel to Broad run. 
 Poague'a battalion was brought to the front and directed to open on 
 the enemj. They were evidently taken completely by surprise, and 
 retired in the utmost confusion. Seeing this, General Heth was di- 
 rected to advance his line until reaching the rear, and then to move 
 by the left flank, cross at the ford, and press the enemy. This order 
 *was being promptly obeyed, when I perceived the enemy's skirmish- 
 ers making their appearance on this side of Broad run, and on the 
 right and rear of Ileth's division. Word was sent to General Cooke 
 (commanding the right brigade of Heth's division,) to look out for 
 his right flank, and he very promptly changed the front of one of hia 
 regiments, and drove the enemy bark. In the meantime, I sent back 
 to General Anderson to send Mcintosh's battalion to the front, and 
 to take two brigades to the position threatened, and protect the right 
 flank of Heth. The head of Anderson's column appearing, Heth 
 was now ordered to advance again, and carry out the original order. 
 Davis' brigade, of Heth's division, had been detached as a support to 
 Poague's battalion. The three brigades, Cooke's, Kirkland's and 
 Walker's, advanced in beautiful order, and quite steadily. Cooke's 
 brigade, upon reaching the crest of the hill in their front, came within 
 full view of the enemy's line of battle behind the railroad embank- 
 ment, the second corps, and of whose presence I was unaware. The 
 position was an exceedingly strong one, and covered by the direct and 
 enfilading fire of batteries on the rising ground in rear. A portion 
 of Cooke's brigade became hotly engaged, and of course it became 
 impossible to execute his original order to move by the left flank. 
 Kirkland, finding Cooke engaged, also swung around his left, and 
 gallantly charged to Cooke's assistance. Mcintosh's battalion had 
 before this, been ordered by me to take a position overlo )king the 
 railroad and station, and in rear of Coke's left. Poague's battalion 
 was ordered to take another position, and open fire on the battery 
 which was enfilading Kirkland's line. This was not done as quickly 
 as I expected, and Kirkland's line was exposed to a very deliberate 
 and destructive fire. Nevertheless it continued to advance, and 
 gained the railroad, clearing it for a time of the enemy. About this 
 time, Generals Cooke and Kirkland were both wounded, and their 
 fall at this critical moment had a serious influence upon the fortunes 
 of the combat. Their men were unable to stand the heavy fire which 
 "was poured upon them, and commenced giving back, the three right 
 regiments of Cooke's brigade in good order. Walker had crossed 
 Broad run in pursuance of the original order. Anderson had been 
 Bent to the right to look out for the threatened right flank, and no 
 support was immediately available, Wilcox's division not having yet 
 come up. The infantry falling back, (the left of Cooke's brigade) 
 passed through Mcintosh's guns, and the enemy pressing on, the 
 guns, five in number, were immediately seized and ran down the hill, 
 under the protection of the enemy's artillery and line of battle. 
 General Walker, upon being informed of the perilous conditiop of 
 the guns, immediately sent forward a regiment, and drove off the en- 
 
45 
 
 emy, but the guns had disappeared. Dark came upon us before nevf 
 dippositions could be made to attack, and during the night the enemy 
 retreated. 
 
 Brig. General Posey was seriously wounded by a shell in the early 
 part of the action. In conclusion, I am convinced that I made the 
 attack too hastily, and at the same time that, a delay of half an hour 
 and there would have b^en no enemy to attack. In that event, I 
 should equally have blamed myself tor not attacking at once. 
 I enclose my official report of killed, wounded and missing. 
 I am, sir, very respectfuUr, your obedient eervant, 
 
 A. P. HILL, 
 Lieutenant General commending third corps. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL HETH. 
 
 Headquarters Heth's Division, 
 October 24, 1863. 
 Captain W. N. Starke, » 
 
 A. A. G., third army corps : 
 Captain : ITiave the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of my division on the 14th instant : 
 
 The division moved from camp near Warrenton at half past five 
 o'clock, A. M., on the 14th instant, following General Anderson's di- 
 vision. When within a mile of New Baltimore, orders were received 
 to pass General Anderson's artillery, by keeping to the right, as it 
 was designed that my division should follow a different road. After 
 passing through New Baltimore, and about a mile and a half or less 
 from the village, I was directed to take a right hand road, which 
 proved to be a cross road leading to Bristoe station, via Greenwich. 
 Just before reaching Greenwich, some twenty stragglers of the third 
 corps, Federal army, were captured. A desultory fire of artillery was 
 heard from just after daybreak, apparently on our right, and con- 
 tinued during the entire day. 
 
 It was nscertained at Greenwich that a corps of the enemy had en- 
 camped there the night previous, the last of this corps leaving about 
 eight o'clock, A. M., on the 14th. Frem Greenwich we passed on by 
 the most direct road to Bristoe station, picking up a number of strag- 
 glers on the road. 
 
 When within a mile and a half of Bristoe station, I was directed by 
 General A. P. Hill to form three brigades of my division in line of 
 battle, perpendicular to the road on which we were advancing, hold- 
 ing the fourth brigade as a reserve, which was to continue its march 
 by the flank. Cooke's brigade (leading) was formed on the ri;.'ht of 
 the road, its left resting on the road ; Kirkland was put in position 
 on the left of the road, his right resting en the road, and forming a 
 continuous line with Cooke ; Walker was directed to form on Kirk- 
 land's left ; Davis's brigade was held in reserve in the road. 
 
 Kirkland had not quite completed the formation of his line when 
 orders were received from General Hill to push on with the two bri- 
 gades then in line, (Cooke's and Kirkland's,) informing me, at the 
 same time, that the enemy were retreating rapidly, and that expedi- 
 tion Avas necessary. 
 
 Walker's brigade was at this time in rear of Kirkland, his right 
 resting in rear of .Kirkland's right. General Walker was in- 
 formed of the change, and directed to form on Kirkland's left, if pos- 
 sible, as Kirkland moved forward. 
 
 The order was now given to advance. On reaching a cleared space, 
 some two or three hundred yards in our front, the enemy was discov- 
 ered about three-quarters of a mile in front of Kirkland's left. A 
 few shots from one of Poague's batteries threw them into much con- 
 fusion, and all that were in sight retreated in disorder across Broad 
 
47 
 
 run. On seeing this, General Hill directed me to move by the left 
 flank, cross Broad run, and attack the fugitives. This order was 
 given, and my line halted for the left to commence the flank move- 
 ment. Before this movement was commenced, information was re- 
 ceived that a heavy column of the enemy had appeared on our right. 
 I asked General Hill whether the flank movement should continue. 
 He directed that it should be deferred for the present. Some ten 
 minutes :ifter wards I received orders to move forward. About this 
 time General Cooke in person reported to me that the enemy would 
 take him in flank as he moved forward. This was reported to General 
 Hill; who informed me that General Anderson's division had been or 
 would be ordered to the right. General Cooke was informed of this, 
 and the forward movement commenced. Walker had not been able to 
 form line of battle on Kirkland's left. The two brigades (Cooke's and 
 Kirkland's) moved off" in handsome style The fkirmishers soon be- 
 came engiiged. The enemy's strength in my front was only known 
 from the reports made by Captain Johnston, engineer corps. As 
 subsequently shown, it proved to be Warren's second army corps. 
 Marching parallel to the railroad, the enemy was concealed from our 
 view by bills and woods. On seeing our advance, the enemy formed 
 his line in rear of the railroad embankment, his right resting on 
 Broad run, and hidden by a railroad cut. In his rear a line of hills 
 ascended to some thirty or forty feet in height, giving him an admir- 
 able position for his artillery. The railroad cut and embankment, at 
 the foot of the hill, gave him perfect protection for his infantry. In 
 rear of the enemy's right, on the hills just noticed, a circular line of 
 rifle-pits had been thrown up for the protection of the bridge over 
 Broad run. These rifle-pits were filled with infantry, and a battery 
 was established in rear and higher up tlic bills. 
 
 As Kirkland moved forward, his left struck the enemy in the rail- 
 road cut, near Broad run. He drove everything in his front along 
 the line of the railroad before him, but was unable to carry the second 
 line of works (rifle-pits) that were in his front. When in the rail- 
 road cut, his men were exposed to an enfilading fire from his right, in 
 addition to a severe fire from a battery on the north side of Broad 
 run. The position was untenable. He was compelled to fall back, 
 A number of his men, unwilling to expose themselves, remained in 
 the railroad cut, and were captured. General Cooke was wounded 
 early in the action. When within some five hundred yards of the 
 railroad his brigade halted, and commenced firing. It subsequently 
 charged up to within forty yards of the railroad embankment, but was 
 driven b.ick, being exposed not only to the heavy fire behind the rail- 
 road embankment, but also to a fire on its right flank. 
 
 The enemy's batteries, during the advance of Cooke and Kirkland. 
 completely swept the field over which the advance was made. 
 
 As soon as Cocke's brigade gave way, I ordered General Davis to 
 form his brigade on Cooke's rigbt, thus protecting Cooke from a flank 
 movement. 
 
 During the advance of Cooke and Kirkland, a battery belonging to 
 Mcintosh's battalion, Anderson's division, ^aa ordered to take posi- 
 
48 
 
 tion on a hill about five cr six hundred yards from the railroad, and 
 about opposite Kirkland's right flank and Cooke's left. This battery 
 was captured by the enemy. I was ignorant of the fact that a battery 
 had been ordered to occupy this position, until it had been taken. A 
 knowledge of its position on my part, however, would not have saved 
 it, as it would not have been deemed necessary to have furnished a 
 special support for it so long as the two brigades (Cooke's and Kirk- 
 land's) were in its front. On receiving information that the enemy's 
 skirmishers were approaching the battery, and that it was in danger, 
 a regiment was ordered to its support, but arrived on the ground after 
 five guns had been taken off. 
 
 During the advance of Kirkland, Walker gained ground to the left, 
 crossing Broad run. Finding that Kirkland's left was gaining ground 
 to the right, General Walker re- crossed the run. Before he could 
 form on Kirkland's left. Kirkland had been driven back. 
 
 General Walker, during the rest of the engagement, supported a 
 battery from Poaguc's battalion, placed on a hill about seven or eight 
 hundred yards from the railroad. This engagement was over before 
 either Walker or Davis could be brought into action. 
 
 After the repulse of Cooke a»d Kirkland, I reformed my lino and 
 advanced again to within about five hundred yards of the railroad, 
 whvre I remained during the night. No second attack was ordered, 
 as I waH convinced that the position of the enemy was too strong to 
 be attacked in front The position now occupied enabled me to avail 
 myself of an opportunity to re-ume the attack in the event of an at- 
 tack being made on the enemy's left flank by General Ewell's troops, 
 or others 
 
 I deem it but just to the troops commanded by Generals Cooke and 
 Kirkland to say, that, with the exception of one regiment, all behaved 
 well under the circumstances. 
 
 It must be borne in mind that when the attack was made by Cooke 
 and Kirkland, the enemy's force in front was unknown. It turned out 
 that a much larger force was in our front than was supposed — one, if 
 not the greater portion of two, entire corps. The position accidentally 
 occupied by the enemy was as strong, or stronger, naturally and artifi- 
 cially, than military art could have made it bj many hours' work. 
 The enemy's left flank extended a mile, or three-quarters, to my right; 
 he was not compelled to manoeuvre to get into position, marchiag by 
 the flank ; he was already in line of battle, protected by, a railroad 
 embankment, at a convenient height to shelter his men ; with hills 
 in his rear admirably adapted to render effective his numerous batte- 
 ries. No military man, who has examined the ground, or who under- 
 stands the position and the disproportionate numbers of the contend- 
 ing forces, would attach blame to these two brigades for meeting with 
 a repulse. My confidence in these troops is not shaken by the result, 
 and I feel satisfied on fields to come they will vindicate the high rep- 
 utation they have gained on many a hard fought battle-field. Had 
 they succeeded in driving the enemy in their front before them, and 
 carried the hills beyond the railroad, it is probable the two brigades 
 would have been captured by the enemy unengaged on their right. 
 
49 
 
 I beg leave to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant General com- 
 manding tne gallantry displayed by Generals Cooke and Kirkland 
 both of whom were severely wounded. I regret that, in the absence 
 ot the reports of brigade and regimental commanders, J am unable to 
 name the officers who doserve special mention for good conduct A 
 report of casualties is enclosed. xMy thanks ai-e due to my personal 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 '^ H. IIETH, Major General. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL R. H. ANDERSON. 
 
 Headquarters Anderson's DivrsioN, ^ 
 
 Near liappuhaiuiock Station, Va., \ 
 
 October 21, 1863. ) 
 
 Captain W. N. Starke, 
 
 A. A. General Third Army Corps : 
 
 Captain : At half-past two o'clock in the afternoon of tte 14th in- 
 stant, when near Biiatoe Station, I received orders from the Lieuten- 
 ant General comraiUidiDg the third corps, to send Mcintosh's battalion 
 of artillery to the front, and to move two brigades of my division to 
 the right of the roari by which we had been approaching the Station, 
 to intercept a column of the enemy's troops, which was moving along 
 the railroad towards the station, 
 
 Posey's and Perry's brigades were immediately put in motion 
 through a piece of woods, to execute the order, but before they ar- 
 rived within striking distance, the enemy moved off at double quick, 
 and disappeared in a piece of pine forest, near the railroad. 
 
 The brigades continued to advance towards the railroad, in the di- 
 rection which had been indicated by Lieutenant General Hill, until 
 they found the enemy strongly posted behind the railroad embank- 
 ments and cuts, with a battery of artillery so planted as to enfilade 
 the road, and sweep the open piece of ground between them and our- 
 selves. 
 
 The column which I had been directed to intercept had got into po- 
 sition along the railroad, and I halted the troops until I could exam- 
 ine the ground between them and the enemy. Whilst so engaged, I 
 met Brigadier Gcnernl Long, who proposed to place some of his artil- 
 leiry upon a slight eminence which afforded a good position for artil- 
 lery. To this I gladly assented, as 1 deemed it necessary to the 
 further advance of the troops of ruy command. 
 
 At this time, 1 received notice that the troops of the second corps 
 were coming up on my right, and I was directed to form a line of 
 battle, so as to connect my right with the left of that corps. The 
 othsr brigades of my division were then ordered up, and the line was 
 formed as quickly as the nature of the ground would permit. During 
 these movements of my command,. Heth's division became hotly en- 
 gaged, and a brigade of his troops, near the left of my division, was 
 driven back. 'Jhe enemy's pkirmisbers advanced through the gap, and 
 General Long found it impracticable to post his artillery. Perry's 
 brigade checked the farther advance of the enemy, and Mahone's was 
 was put in motion to regain the ground from which our men had been 
 driven, but before it reached the place, it was reoccupied by another 
 brigade of Heth's division. Perry's and Posey's brigade then drove 
 back the enemy's line of ekirmishers, and General Long's artillery 
 got into position, but it was now nearly daik, and, after a few min- 
 utes' cannonading, to which the enemy replied warmly, the firing was 
 discontinued. 
 
51 
 
 The troops of my division remained in line of battle during the 
 night. In the morning, the enemy were gone. 
 
 I regret to report that in this affair, Captain Thomas L. Barrand^ 
 of the sixteenth Virginia regiment, an excellent officer, was killed. 
 Brigadier General Posey and Lieutenant Colonel Baya, commanding 
 eighth Florida regiment, received severe wounds, the former in tho 
 left thigh, and the latter in the right hip, and Captain A. R. Joneg, 
 twelfth Mississippi regiment, was wounded in the right leg. The 
 total casualties were eleven (11) killed, and forty -three (43) wounded. 
 Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 
 
 R. II ANDERSON, 
 Blajor General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL H. H. WALKER. 
 
 Headquarters Walker's Brigade, / 
 October 21, 1863. I 
 
 Major R. IT, FiNNEV, 
 
 A. A. Generalp Hei/i's Division : 
 
 Major: In accordance with circular from division headquarters, I 
 b„\'e the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my 
 tigade in the engagement at Bristoe Station, on the 14th of October, 
 1-863.: 
 
 My brigade was formed in line of battle in a woods, about one hun- 
 dred yards in rear of General Kirkland's, my right covering his right, 
 fc;3 brigade being nearly double the length of mine. While in this- 
 position, General Heth informed me the enemy was running, that he 
 would not have time for me to get upon Kirkland's left, but that I 
 c;ust do so on the march. This I found impossible to do. Kirkland'a 
 lirigade soon got into the open field, and commenced gaining ground 
 try the right, by a wheel, while mine, already behind and on 
 tr-9 circumference, had a dense woods to march through for half a mile. 
 Tiiis distance brought my brigade on Broad run. While crossing this 
 is line of battle. Kirkland became hotly engaged. Seeing his left 
 gf^ining ground so fast to the front and right, I marched my brigade 
 tj the right flank, again crossed Broad run, and double-quicked my 
 brigade, to try and catch up with Kirkland's left. When I got into 
 ite open field, I saw his left had been repulsed, and was falling back 
 in utter confusion. I succeeded in getting the three right regiments 
 of my brigade interposed between the enemy's advance and the bat- 
 trry on the hill at the cemetery. A portion of Kirkland's brigade 
 (two regiments,) were then rallied on the right of these regiments. 
 The four regiments on the left of my brigade were halted on the crest 
 of the hill at the cemetery, abreast with the battery at that place. 
 The line rencained thus until the regiments of Kirkland's brigade 
 were moved, under direction of General Kirkland, s Adjutant Gene- 
 ral, to the right and rear of the battery at the cemetery. Captain 
 Kill, of General Hill's staff, then brought an order for this batcery 
 to move to the right. I told him I was supporting the battery, and 
 asked him if I should move with it ? He replied •' Yes." I had 
 scarcely gotten half way down the hill with my brigade, when Major 
 Mcintosh reported to me that his supports kmving retired, he had to 
 withdraw his men from the battery on the right of the road, and that 
 if I could get a regiment there ia time, 1 might retake it. This I 
 •Bdeavored to do immediately, and ordered a regiment to double- 
 cuick to tha position, but before it arrived, the guns were out of sight. 
 Biraultaneously with Major Mcintosh, Major Finney, Adjutant Gen- 
 eral, reported that the enemy were again advancing in the direction 
 of the cemetery. I immediately deployed a regiment as skirmishers; 
 
53 
 
 again formed my brigade in its original position, and remained so un- 
 til new dipositions were made for the night. 
 
 I omitted to state at the commencement, before my brigade was put 
 into line. General Hill detached the fourteenth Tennessee regiment, 
 and directed it to take a position as skirmishers on the right of 1 Ja 
 line. This regiment rejoined the brigade the next morning. Ea- 
 closed is a list of casualties during the engagement. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 11. H. WALKER, 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL HALL. 
 
 Headquarters Cooke's Brigade, ) 
 
 Near Rappahannock Station, Va., October 22, 1863. ) 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that, on the 1 4th instant, on 
 arriving within one or two miles of Bristoo Station, the brigade 
 formed a line of battle on the right of the road in the following order : 
 first, forty-sixth North Carolina ; second, fifteenth North Carolina ; 
 third, twenty- seventh North Carolina, and the forty-eighth North 
 Carolina on the left. After forming, we advanced through a very 
 thick undergrowth. On clearing the woods and arriving in the first 
 opening, the brigade was halted a few moments to correct the align- 
 ment. The enemy was discovered massed upon our left beyond the 
 railroad, and to the left of the road leading to the station. Being 
 then in command of the extreme right regiment, I immediately dis- 
 covered that the enemy was in heavy force on my right, and busily 
 engaged in getting in position. In a few moments we were ordered 
 fco advance, and soon after the enemy's skirmishers commenced firing 
 en my right flank. I discovered the line of battle behind the rail- 
 road extending as far on my right as I could see. Also, a mass of 
 troops lying perpendicular to the road, and on the side next to us, 
 from which body an advance was made on my right in considerable 
 xiumbers. I then sent word to General Cooke that I was much an- 
 noyed by the fire and seriously threatened. I sent my right company 
 to engage the skirmishers on my right, but they were soon driven in, 
 1 then changed the front of my regiment on the first company and 
 checked their advance. The brigade had again halted, just before 
 getting under fire, and I moved back just in time to join the line in 
 its final advance. Soon after getting under fire, I found that the left 
 cf the brigade had commenced firing as they advanced, which was 
 taken up along the whole line. Shortly afterwards information was 
 brought me that General Cooke was wounded, and that I was in 
 tommand. I ordered my regiment to cease firing-, and passed up to 
 the centre of the brigade, stopping the firing as I went. The brigade 
 was then within two hundred yards of the railroad. On getting on 
 the top of the hill, I found the brigade suffering fz'om a heavy flank 
 fire of artillery from the right — the number of guns I cannot say, 
 evidently more than one battery. Also, the guns on the left and 
 irear of the railroad had an enfilading fire on us. The musketry fire 
 from the line of railroad was very heavy. I soon saw that a rapid 
 fedvance must be made, or to withdraw. I chose the former. I passed 
 the word to the right regiments to charge, vfhich was done in what I 
 c onceived to be in good style. The fourth regiment was somewhat 
 confused.. But I sent the Lieutenant Colonel commanding word to 
 follow the line, which he did with about two-thirds of his regiment, 
 t'le balance giving way. The brigade charged up to within forty 
 yards of the railroad, and from the severity of the fire, and from thea 
 
55 
 
 seeing the extreme left of the line falling back, they fell back ; the 
 two right regiments in good opder, the third (twenty-seventh North 
 Carolina) in an honorable confusion, from the fact l[iat between one- 
 half and two-thirda of the regiment had been killed and wounded, 
 they being in a far more expor-ed position than the other two rt'gi- 
 ments, and had gone further. The forty-eighth, in advancing,^encoun- 
 tered the whole line falling back. I halted the brigade in the first 
 field we came to, about four hundred yards from the enemy's line, 
 from which position we fell back beyond the second field, on seeing 
 the enemy come out on onr right and left. After a short time the 
 brigade of General Davis joined us on the right, when we again 
 advanced to within four hundred yards of the enemy, and, on seeing 
 the right brigade halt, I halted, where we remained during the night. 
 As there was a battery of artillery lost during the engagement, and 
 from its proximity to the brigade the loss may be laid to it, 1 will 
 state that I knew nothing of the guns being there until we had fallen 
 back to the second field. The guns may have been in our rear, but 
 they must certainly have been placed there after we advanced, and, 
 in retreating, from our losses, both by casualties and straggling, 
 shortened our line so much that, with the addition of one of General 
 Kirkland's regiment?, (forty-fourth North Carolina,) which joined our 
 left, the left of the brigade was some distance to the right of the 
 guns. On learning the guns were there, and in danger, I dispatched 
 a portion of one regiment to the relief, but the guns had been taken 
 off before the relief arrived. I would respectfully state that I have 
 been with the brigade during some of the heaviest engagements of 
 the war, and have never seen the men more cool and determin-d, and 
 that their falling back resulted from no fault of theirs, but from the 
 great superiority of numbers and position of the enemy, and entire 
 want of support, both in rear and prolongation of our lines. 
 I have the honor to be, respectfully, 
 
 . E. D. HALL, Colonel commanding. 
 
ifEPORT OF MAJOR McINTOSH. 
 
 Headquarters McIntosh's Battaltov Artillery, ) 
 In camp, near Beverly Ford, Oct. 23, 1863. 5 
 
 To Captain W. N. Starke, A. A. G., third Army Corps : 
 
 Captain : In accordance with your request, I have the honor to 
 submit the following report, being duplicate of one already furnished 
 Colonel Walker, of the part taken by this battalion in the engagement 
 at Bristoe Station on the afternoon of the 14th instant. 
 
 When within about a mile of the station I received an order from 
 Major General Anderson, through Major Duncan, his staff officer, to 
 move my battalion to the front. Passing the division I halted a 
 moment upon the opened ground where the descent to the railroad 
 begins ; and Major Duncan saying, as ho joined me again, that he had 
 directions from Lieutenant General Hill where to place me, I moved 
 immediately on, attracting some fire from the enemy's batteries. Ob- 
 serving that I was approaching near the enemy, I ordered Captain 
 Hunt to take his two Whitworth guns out of the column and place 
 them in the best position he could find on the hills in rear. Captain 
 Johnson's battery had previously been detached by order of Genera! 
 Anderson, and left at Broad run. With the remaining nine guns, I 
 proceeded to follow Major Duncan, who pointed out an open space 
 between two pine thickets as the position which I was to occupy. 
 Our line of infantry was then in the act of advancing over the hill 
 at this point, and drew a heavy musketry fire on them in rear. I 
 therefore halted my column at the base of the rising ground in front, 
 sending word by Lieutenant Houston, my ordnance officer, who ac- 
 companied me on the field, to Lieutenant General Hill, why- I had 
 done so, and ordering the pieces to draw up under cover, I proceeded 
 to look at the ground with Major Duncan. On casting my eye over 
 the field, I saw and represented to Major Duncan, the exposure of 
 the situation, because of its proximity to the railroad bank, being 
 only four or five hundred yards distant, where the enemy's line of 
 battle was posted, and in full view of a number of opposing bat- 
 teries, stretching from the left to the extreme right. He ( Major 
 Duncan) left, saying he would represent the situation to General Hill. 
 In the meantime our line had advanced a short distance over the crest 
 of the hill, and exhibiting symptoms of wavering, I ordered up five 
 light rifle guns, consisting of the second Rockbridge battery, three 
 guns. Lieutenant Wallace commanding, and a section of Hunt's bat- 
 tery, under Lieutenant Crenshaw, and directed them to open with 
 ahell, firing over the heads of our men. 
 
 Lieutenant Houston returned just at this time, with a message from 
 General Hill, that he wished me to take position as quickly as possi- 
 ble, and.l therefore ordered up a section of Rice's Napoleon battery, 
 placing it to the left of the rifle guns. Before this order was executed, 
 however, our line of infantry in front had broken, and falling back to 
 
o7 
 
 the guns, passed on to the rear ; my officers joined me in endeavoring 
 to rally and stop them upon the slope in rear of the guns, but without 
 avail. Lieutenant "Wilson ■while thus engaged was struck down and 
 seriously injured by a shell. 
 
 The ground being clear of our infantry in front, I directed a round 
 or two of cannister to be thrown at the enemy along tbc railroad, but 
 pointed the fire chiefly against the opposing battery, which concen- 
 trated upon me a converging fire from three directions. I dispatched 
 a messenger hastily to General Ilill, to say that I was badly enfiladed 
 from the right, an<i regarded the position untenable, which message 
 the General has since informed me he did not receive. 
 
 Believing I could obtain a position to the right, where I coulddi^ert 
 the enemy's fire, I proceeded in that direction with the two guns un 
 disposed of, a section of Napoleon, under Lieutenant Price, and 
 met Major Duncan on the way, who told me guns were needed in 
 that quarter, and who showed me a position from which the enemy's 
 battery, then jnnoying me so much, could be taken almost in rear. 
 He informed me at the same time that General Long would have up a 
 number of guns in a few minutes, and as one of Lieutenant Price's 
 was detained by an accident on the way, I deemed it imprudent to 
 open with one gun, and ordered the lieutenant to report to General 
 Long as soon as ho came up, and desire him to open immediately. 
 
 Returning to the first position, where I had left seven guns engaged, 
 I observed that the fire had ceased. On inquiring the reason of 
 Lieutenant Wallace, then in command, he replied that he had not men 
 enough left to work the guns ; that the enemy was advancing, and he 
 had just beon to look for infantry support. I at once ordered the 
 guns to be dragged down the hill by hand, and the remaining men, 
 who were lying in the bush, started forward, but at that instant, a 
 body of tbc enemy, apparently skirmishers, appeared stealing over the 
 crest of the hill, and in a moment more were among the guns. I saw 
 it was too late to remove them, and directed the limbers and caissons 
 to be drawn off en the edge of the wood, and the men to retire with- 
 out noise. 
 
 Believing the number of the enemy at the guns to be email, and 
 that they could still be recovered with prompt action, I rode rapidly 
 in search of a body of infantry, but the plain in my rear was bare of 
 all troop 5. After some minutes, I found a brigade — General Walker's, 
 I think — and reported to him the condition of aflfairs, and desired him 
 to throw forward a body as quickly as possible. 
 
 A few minutes after I observed General Ileth approaching, when I 
 informed him also of my situation. Lieutenant Wallace informs me 
 that he saw the enemy roll off the guns by hand, in a few minutes after 
 they were taken possession of. The two Napoleon guns of Captain 
 Rice were both disabled, having their axles broken, and the check of 
 one shivered; one was dragged off before the approach of the enemy. 
 The other was recovered the next morning. All the ammunition in 
 the limbers of the pieces was expended by Captain Rice, bis caissons 
 being kept in rear. He estimates the time during which he was en- 
 
58 
 
 gaged, at one hour; his casualties were eight men wounded, and ten 
 horses disabled. 
 
 The five rifle pieces, which preceeded Captain Rice in the action, 
 tfere engaged probably an hour and a quarter. Lieutenant Wallace's 
 three guns fired two hundred and four rounds. His casualties were 
 two lieutenants wounded, and two men killed and thirteen wounded; 
 Lieutenant Crenshaw's section fired only twenty-five rounds ; his 
 casualties were one man killed and sixteen wounded. 
 
 The total of casualties was three men killed and thirty-nine wounded, 
 forty-foar horses were disabled. The section of Napoleon guns, under 
 Lieutenant Price, reported to Lieutenant Colonel Jones, of General 
 Long's command, and was engaged late in the afternoon, Avithout suf- 
 fering any loss in men or horses. The section of Whitworths fired 
 eight shots at the enemy, also without loss. 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 D. G. McTNTOSH, 
 
 Major artillery. 
 
EXPEDITION INTO EAST TENNESSEE. 
 
 IIEPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL STEVENSON. 
 
 Headquarters Stevenson's Division, ) 
 Near Tyner's Station, November 12, 18G3. S 
 
 To Colonel G. W. Brent, 
 
 A. A. G. Army of Tennessee : 
 
 Colonel: Agreeably to orders received from army headquarters on 
 the 17th ultimo, I proceeded to Charleston, Tennessee, arriving there 
 with a portion of my command about two o'clock, P. M., ou the 19th 
 ultimo. 
 
 The failure of the railroad officials to carry out the arrangements 
 and obey the orders relative to the transportation of the troops, and 
 the delay caused thereby, have been made the subject of a special 
 communication to the commanding General. 
 
 Immediately upon my arrival at Charleston I gave the following 
 directions to Colonels Morrison and Dibrell, commanding brigades of 
 cavalry : 
 
 " Colonel Morrison, with his whole effective force, reinforced by 
 Colonel McKcnzie's and Major Jessie's commands, will move so as to 
 reach the rear of Philadelphia by daylight to-morrow moining, and 
 be prepared to co-operate with Colonel Dibrell, who, with his effective 
 command, will advance so as to attack the enemy, suppo^-ed to be at 
 that point, at daylight. Should the enemy not be found at Philadel- 
 phia, the commands will seek and capture or drive him across the 
 Tennessee. Having routed the cavalry, they will move on London, 
 and, should the force of the enemy's infantry there be small, will 
 attack and carry that place. In that event London will be bcid by s 
 sufficient force, and suitable scouts be sent up the river for informa- 
 tion with regard to the enemy in that direction. Colonel Morrison 
 
60 . 
 
 will send a select force of one hundred and fifty men, in command of 
 a suitable officer, to destroy the ferry at Kingston, He will also 
 detail from his command two companies to picket the river on our 
 left flank." 
 
 The movement directed was at once commenced, but owing to the 
 difficulty in crossing the Hiwassee at the ford by which Colonel Mor- 
 rison moved, the attack was not made until as late as one o'clock, 
 P. M., on the 20th ultimo. For a time the resistance was stubborn, 
 the enemy making a gallant fight, but finally they broke and fled, in 
 the greatest confusion, to their defences at London. The fact that 
 they had there a fortified position, with an infantry support, the ap- 
 proach of darkness, and the exhaustion of our cavalry after their 
 long march and severe fight, decided Colonels Morrison and Dibrell 
 not to make an immediate attack upon London. Our loss amounted 
 to fifteen killed, eighty-two wounded and three missing. That of the 
 enemy was greater in killed and wounded, and by capture about 
 seven hundred prisoners, six pieces of artillery, and all their wagons, 
 ambulances and camp equipage. On the next morning the enemy 
 advanced in force, infantry and cavalry, from London, and Colonels 
 Morrison and Dibrell withdrew their commands to Sweetwater, there 
 to await the arrival of the infantry. The enemy fell back to London 
 that night. I reached the front on the morning of the 22d, moved 
 the infantry to Mouse creek that day, and soon afterwards to Sweet- 
 water. On the evening of the 23rd of October the enemy advanced 
 in considerable force and engaged the cavalry for a short time, re- 
 tiring at dusk. Their loss is not known. Ours is five wounded. 
 
 The same movement was again made by them on the evening of the 
 26th of October. In this affair our loss was three wounded and five 
 missing. The enemy are known to have had three commissioned 
 officers and several privates killed, and a number wounded. 
 
 On the 27th October I was informed that the notorious bushwhacker 
 and robber, Bryson, had been sent, with his command, by Burnside 
 to get in my rear and obtain information as to our movements and 
 intentions. I immediately gave Brigadier General Vaughn a detach- 
 ment of about one hundred men, and directed him to intercept and, 
 if possible, destroy the party. He succeeded in dispersing them, 
 killing several, and taking .among the prisoners a captain. Duridg 
 the pursuit, Bryson himself was killed. 
 
 On the 27th of October Cheatham's division, commanded during 
 the expedition by Brigadier General Jackson, reached Athens, and 
 bj this accession my force, before so weak as to be entirely inade- 
 quate for a decided movement against the enemy at London, was 
 strengthened to such an extent as would have enabled me to actively 
 assume the offensive ; but the enemy, informed doubtless by disloyal 
 citizens of the arrival of these reinforcements, evacuated London on 
 the night of the same day. 
 
 On the 28th of October I sent Brigadier General Vaughn, with a 
 foice of cavalry, across the Little Tennessee river at Morgantown, 
 with orders to make a demonstration upon Knoxville and gain all the 
 information he could of the enemy's force, movements; and intentions. 
 
61 
 
 He found a force at Leaper's ferry, attacked and drove them across 
 the river after quite a sharp engagement, inflicting conaiderable loss 
 upon them. lie also went to Lenoir's ferry. The eudden and heavy 
 rain that fell at thia time raised the Little Tennessee so rapidly that 
 it became exceedingly hazardous for him to remain on that side, and 
 be accordingly returned to Morgantown. 
 
 On the 3rd November Colonel Dibrcll crossed the Little Tennessee, 
 with about seven hundred men, but found the enemy in too great* 
 force in his front to permit him to make any decided move. Tho 
 results of these scouts in eliciting information were promptly commu- 
 nicated to you by telegraph. 
 
 On the 4th of November I received orders by telegraph to send 
 two of the brigades of Cheatham's division to Tyner's by railroad on 
 the 5th, and the remaining two on the 6th, and immediately thereafter 
 to send the two brigades of my own division. 
 
 On the 8th instant I received orders from the commanding General 
 to leave Brigadier General Gumming to bring on my division, and 
 report in porson at army headquarters as soon a'^ possibl** after the 
 arrival of Lieutenant General Longstreet at Sweetwater. lie reached 
 that point on the night of the 9th, and, as directed, I left Sweetwater 
 on the morning of the lOth, arriving at Tyner's upon the eame day. 
 I am, Colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 C. S. STEVENSON, 
 Major General comvmnding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL MORRISON. 
 
 Headquarters Cavalrv Forces, 
 Owtns\ near Sweetwater, Ttnvessee 
 Oct. 27th, 18U3. 
 
 ■\ 
 
 Major J. J. Reeves, A. A. G. : 
 
 ■ Major : I have the honor to report that, agreeable to instructions 
 from (jeneral Stevenson, I succeeded in getting my entire command, 
 numbering about eighteen hundred men, across Hiwassee river, at and 
 above Rencannon's ferry, by ten o'clock on the night of the 19th 
 instant. I immediately took up the line of march fur the rear of 
 Philadelphia, the distance to the point •,\here I expected to strike the 
 Philadelphia and Lot. don road being fifty miles. The weather wjis 
 very disagreeable, and the roads were in very bad condition, rendered 
 worne every hour by the incessant showers that had been falling since 
 I left Harrison. Men and officers bore up astonishiiigly under the 
 circumstances, liaving, in crossing the river and making the march, 
 lost two nigKts' sleep in succession. Oh arriving near Philadelphia, 
 I communicated with Colonel Dibrell, suggesting that he had better 
 move up and make a demonstration in the front, so that I could with- 
 out interruption and undiscovered, make the enemy's rear ; and reach- 
 ing Pond creek, a point to the left of and opposite Philadidphia, I 
 intercepted and captured a forage train and forty prisoners. From 
 this point I sent a patty on ea« h of the roads leading into town, with 
 instructions to drive in the enemy's pickets and hold their positior-sif 
 possible, and thus prevent his learning the direction taken by the 
 main part of my command. I finally reached the rear of Philadel- 
 phia, after a hard march of fifty miles in fifteen hours, unobserved. 
 I caused the telegraph wire to be cut, and sent as rapidly as possible 
 one regiment to LoLdon, a distance of four miles, there to make a 
 feint and prevent General White from reinforcing Woolford at Puila- 
 delphia, with his infantry from that point. The surprise was com- 
 plete, and the feint at London a success. I now hastened on to 
 Philadelphia, a distance of two miles, and soon had a view of the 
 enemy's line of battle, whereupon I dismounted my men and com- 
 menced the attack. Colonel Dibrell having opened an artillery duel in 
 the front some time before. The enemy, on discovering me in their 
 rear, at once turned their whole force, with six pieces of artillery, 
 against my command, which was now reduced to about one thousand 
 men. Afterwards ensued on3 of the hardest cavalry fights of the 
 war, both sides struggling vigorously for the mastery. 1 was made 
 to fall back twice, but with little eflFort each time rallied my men and 
 Boon had the enemy completely routed and flying in confusion towards 
 London, capturing their artillery, (six pieces,) wagon train, ambu- 
 lances, stores, and between five hundred and seven hundred prisoners. 
 A portion of the latter was captured by Colonel Dibi ell's command. 
 The officers and men of my command conducted themselves hand- 
 
63 
 
 somely from the commencement of the march to the rout of the 
 enemy at Philadelphia, but credit is especially due to Colonel Hart, 
 of the sixth Georgia; Colonel Rice, of the third Confederate, and 
 Colonel Harper, of the first Georgia cavalry, who lost a leg while 
 leading his men in a gallant charge. Colonels Rice and Ilart occu- 
 pied the left, and nobly did each do his duty. From an intrepid 
 charge on the enemy's rear, his artillery, wagons, and stores, with 
 most of the prisoners, fell into their hands. Lieutenant George Yoe, 
 Captain Davidson Lamar, and Adjutant John VV. Tench, aciing on 
 my staff", have my thanks for their assistance, efficiency, and gallantry 
 on the field. 
 
 Although the victory was complete, the fruits of it fell short, far, 
 of what they would have reached, if I had had the prompt co-opera- 
 tion of the forces in front. 
 
 The casualties in my command are fourteen killed, eighty-two 
 wounded. Those of enemy much larger. 
 
 J. J. MORRISON, 
 Colonel commanding Second Cavalry Brigade. 
 Official : 
 
 Jno. J. Reeves, A. A. G. : 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL DIBRELL. 
 
 • Headquarters Second Caj;,alry Brigade, ^ 
 
 Armstrong's Jiivis'mi^ \ 
 
 Sunday, 27th Oct., 186 3. ) 
 Major J. J, Reeves, A. A. G. : 
 
 Sir : According to previous orders received, I moved with my brig- 
 ade and a detachment of Gen. Morgan's command, from Charleston, on 
 the 19th, at twelve o'clock, M. ; crossed the Iliwassee river and travel- 
 led all night. By an agreement with Col. Morrison, coiiimandiug brig- 
 ade, I was to be in front of Philadelphia by twelve, M., of the 2i)th. He 
 was 10 cross the Iliwassee below me and move to the rear of the enemy. 
 Subsequently Colonel M. notified me that he could not he at the 
 appointed place before two o'clock. P. M. Meantime I advanced my 
 force-^, drove in the enemy's pickets, kept up a skiruiish at a respecta- 
 ble distance, keeping all my command out of ::i^ht cf th: cnoiny, 
 except two regiments and one section of artillery, until Colonel Mor- 
 rison could get in position. As soon as this was known, I moved 
 rapidly forward and opened upon the enemy with my artillery, and 
 charged tbetu with cavalry, held in readiness for ihat purpose, com- 
 pletely routing the enemy and scatteriug them through the woods in 
 every direction, capturing in all six pieces of artille--y. all nheir 
 •wagons, ambulances, stores, &<j , and a large number of horses, 
 equipments, &c., five hundred anrl six hundred prisoners. 
 
 In this engagement I only claim for my brigade that they did their 
 part most admirably, and are entitled to the reputation they hud pre- 
 viously so richly merited ; and I fully accord to Coloncd Morrison's 
 brigade an equal share of all the glories won, for the gallant part acted 
 by them in the engagements. Without their co-op*^>'ati.-»M_ «o hi-illi-^nt 
 a success would have proven a failur-?, as the enemy wei'e but a few 
 aniles from a large infantry force to support them. 
 
 My loss was one man killed and three captured. A few horses 
 were wounded. 
 
 Brigadier General Vaughn had kindly, volunteered his services, 
 which were invaluable to me, and his gallantry and daring charge 
 upon the enemy has endeared him to my brigade, and caused them all 
 to regard him as one of the bravest of the brave. 
 
 In the engagement of the 23d my loss was five wounded. The loss 
 of the enemy not known. In the engagement of yesterdiy, my loss 
 was three wounded and five missing. Two horses were wounded. 
 The enemy left some twelve or fifteen dead and wounded upon the 
 field, and are known to have had three commisaioned officers and 
 several privates killed and a number wounded. 
 
 The conduct of the men and officers, both cavalry and artillery, WM 
 very fine during all the engagements. 
 
 1 am, Major, very respectfullj, your obedient servant, 
 
 G. G. DIBRELL, 
 Colonel commanding Brigade* 
 
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