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V. T. COOK, 
 
 NOT » ^ • -^'^BLE 
 
 COL. VIRGIL YOUNG COOK 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 DURHAM, N. C. 
 
 CtVEN BY MIS DAUGHTER 
 
 MRS. R. DWIGHT WARE 
 
 OATF. ^~A e^ J /^^ m/ 
 

 V. Y. COO>^, 
 
 NOT LOAN^etE. 
 
 \r \ N 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2010 with funding from 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/reportsofoperati02conf 
 
REPORT] 
 
 OV THK OPERATIONS OF ThW. 
 
 ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, 
 
 *^- 
 
 FKOM JUNE lSt>'<J, TO AND INCLUDING THE BATTLE AT 
 FKEUERTCKSBURG. DEC. 13, 18C2 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES : 
 VOLUME n 
 
 RICHMOND: 
 
 B. M. SMITH, rUBLIC PRINTER 
 1864. 
 
'^ 
 
BATTLE OF CEDAR RUN 
 
 REPORT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON. 
 
 Headquarters Second Cor.ps, A. N. V., ) 
 
 ^yprU 4, 1 06 3. \' 
 
 Brigadier General R. H. Chilton, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant, and Inspector General^ 
 
 Headquarters Department Northern Virginia : 
 
 General: I have the honor herewith to submit to you a report of 
 the operations of my command in the battle of Cedar Run, on the 9tb 
 day of August, 1862: 
 
 Intelligence having reached the commanding General that Gordons- 
 ville vras endangered by the approach of the enemy, I was ordered to 
 move in that direction with EwelTs and Jackson's divisions, from my 
 position on the Mechanicsville turnpike, near Richmond. I arrived 
 near Gordonsville on the 19th day of July. From inforj^iation re- 
 ceived respecting the strength of the opposing Federal army, under 
 General Pope, 1 requested tbe comm;\ii<iing General to reitifm-.v me. 
 He accoidingly pent forward Major General A. P. Hill, with his 
 division. On the 2nd of August, whilst Colonel (now Brigadier 
 Gf'neral) W E Jones, by direction of Brigadier GenerMl Robertson, 
 was moving with the seventh Virginia cavalry to take charge of pieket 
 posts on the Rapidan, he receivtMl intelligence, before he vraohed 
 Orjinge Court- House, that the eni^my ^^■as in possession of the town, 
 Fiinlii g the main street filled Avith Federal cavalry, C<dori(l Jones 
 bobilv rbargcd the head of the Ftderal column, whilst its flvijk was 
 attacked by another portion tf the regiment, under Major Marshall, 
 Both attrjcks were successful and the enemy was hastily driven from 
 the town ; but as our cavalry was vastly outnumbered, ic was soon 
 after foicni 10 fall back, in consequence of the enemy's greatly supe- 
 rior foice in front, aod the fire from his flanking parties. Upoa 
 Colonel Jones' eubsi quent t-how of resistance, near where the engage- 
 ifient commeiiced, the enemy retired a short distance, and about an 
 hour atierwaids retreated. Whilst Colonel Jones was gallantly lead- 
 
 181461 
 
ing his men in the charge he receiveil a sabre wound. I regret to 
 say that, .luring the eng;igeineiu, Mivjor Marshall was captured. 
 
 Having received inform ition that only p»rtof General Pope's army 
 was at Culpeper .Court-llouse, and hoping, through the blessing of 
 Providence, to he able to defeat it before reinforcements should arrive 
 tht^re, Ewell's, Hill's anil Jackson's divisions were moved, on the 7th, 
 in the direction of the enemy, from their respective encampments 
 near Gordonsv ille. On the morning of the 8th, the enemy's cavalry, 
 north of the R::pidan, was driven back by ours, under Brigadier 
 General Robertson. Our cavalry pursued the enemy's on the direct 
 road from Barnett's ford to Culpeper Court-llouse, and was followed 
 by the other troops, Ewell's diviriion leading. As the Federal cavalry 
 Bubsequenily displayed unusual activity, a'kd. from reports received 
 by me. was seriously endangering "the train of Jack-Jon's division, I 
 directed General Lawton to guard it with his brigade. He was thug 
 thrown in rear of the division, and prevented from taking part in the 
 battle of the following day. 
 
 On the 9th, as we arrived within about eight miles of Culpeper 
 Court-llouse, we found the enemy in our front, near Cedar Hun, and 
 a short distance Vest and north of Slaughter's Mountain. VVhen first 
 seen, his cavalry, in large force, occupied a ridge to the right of the 
 road. A battery, under Lieutenant Terry, opened upon the cavalry, 
 which soon forced it to retire. Our fire was response 1 to by some 
 guns beyond the ridge, from which the Federal advance had just been 
 driven. Soon after this, the enemy's cavalry returned to the posi- 
 tion where it was first seen. General Eirly was ordered forward, 
 keeping near the Culpeper road, whilst General Ewell, with his two 
 remaining brigades, Trimble's and Hays', (the latter com:nmded by 
 Coloncd Forno,) diverged from the road to the right, a Ivauciug along 
 the western slope of Slaughter's Mountain. General Early, forming 
 his brigade in line of battle, moved into the open fi dd, and passing 
 a short di.-gance to the right of the road, but parallel to it, pu-hed 
 forward, driving the Federal cavalry before him to the ci^st of a hill, 
 which overlooked ihe ground between his troops and the opp ijite hill, 
 along which the enemy's batteries were posted. In his front the 
 country was, for some distance, open and broken. A coru-fioll, and, 
 to the It'tt of it, a wheat-fieh^, upon which the shocks were yot 
 standing, extended to the opposite hill, which was cove.riil with 
 timber. So soon as Early reached the eminence (lescrihed, the Fed- 
 eral batteries were opened upon him. Largo bodies of cavalry were 
 i-oen in the wheat-field to the left. General Early hijving retired his 
 troops under the protection of the hill. Captain Brown, with one 
 piece, and Captain Dement, with three pieces of artillery, pi mted 
 their guns in advance of his right and opened a rapid and well 
 directed fire upon the Federal batteries. By this time. General 
 Winder, with Jackson's division, hal arrived, and, after having dis- 
 posed Campbell's brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Garnett comman ling, 
 to the left, under cover of the wood, near the wheat field, Tali*- 
 ferro's brigade, parallel to the road, in rear of the batteries of Poague*, 
 Carpenter, and Cuskic, then being placed near the road, uirder the 
 
direction of Major Andrews, chief of artillery of tlie division, and 
 Winder's brigade. Colonel Ronald commanding, as a reserve, he was 
 proceeding to direct, with his usual pkill and coolness, the movements 
 of those batteries, when be'wa.« struck by a shell, from v.liich he ex- 
 pired in a few hours. It is difficult within the proper reserve of an 
 official report, to do justice to the merits of this accomplished oflicer. 
 Urged by the medical director to take ro p^rt in the movements of 
 the day, becaur-e of the then enfeebled state of his health, his ardent 
 patriotism and military pride could bear 'no such restraint. Richly 
 endowed with thos-e qualities of mind and person which fit an officer 
 for command, and vhich attract the admiration and excite the enthu- 
 siasm of troops, ho was rapidly rising to the front rank of his pro- 
 fession. His loss has been severely felt. The command of Jackson's 
 division now devolved upon Rrigadier General William B Taliaferro, 
 whose liigade during the remainder of the action was commanded by 
 Colonel A. G, Taliaferro. 
 
 In the meantime General Ewell, with the brigades of Trimble and 
 Hays, r-^ached the northwest terminati^p of Slaughter's Mountain, 
 and, uron jin elevated spot about two hundred feet al ove the valley 
 below, had planted Lattiraer's guns, which opened with marked effect 
 upon the enemy's batteries. For some two hours a rapid and con- 
 tinuous fire of artillery was kept up on both sides. Our batteries 
 were well served, and. damaged the enemy seriously. Especial credit 
 is due Mfijor Andrews for the success and gallantry with which his 
 guns were directed until he was severely wounded and taken from the 
 field. About five o'clock, the enemy threw forvaa-d his ekirmisbers 
 through a corn field, and advanced his infintry, until then concealed 
 in the wood, to the rear and left of his batteries. Another body of 
 infantry, apparently debouching fn^m one of those vallies hid from 
 the view by the undulating character of the country, moved upon 
 Early's light, whieji rested near a clump of cedars, where the guns 
 of Brown and Di mcnt were posted. 
 
 The ii.fantjy fight soon extended to the left and centre. Early be- 
 came Wiuraly engaged with the enemy on his right and front lie had 
 previously called for reinforcements. As General Rill had arrived 
 wilii hi'^ fli^inion, (ne of his brigades, General Thcma.^', was sent to 
 Early, and joined him in time to render efficient service. Whil-rthc 
 attack upon Early was in progress, the main body of the Federal in- 
 fantry moved down from»the wo-d, through the corn and writ at fields, 
 and fell with great vigor upon our extreme left, and, by the force of 
 superior numbers, bearing down all opposition, turned it, and poured a 
 destructixe fire into its rear. Campbell's brigade fell back. in disorder. 
 The enemy pushing forward, and the left flank of Taliaferro's brigade 
 being, bv these movements, exposed to a flank fire, fell back, as did 
 also the I. ft (if Eaily's line, the remainder of his command holding 
 its positif n with great firmness. 
 
 Duripg the adxaiK e of the enemy, the rear of the guns of Jackson's 
 division ifconung exposed, they were withdrawn. At thirt critical 
 moment Branch's Inigade. of Hill's division, with Winder's brigade 
 further to the left, met the Federal forces, flushed with their icmpo- 
 
 1814 1 i 1 
 
 A 
 
rary triumph, nnd drove thorn back T^-iih terrible slaughter, through 
 the wootl. The fight was still maintained with obavinacy, between tlio 
 enemy and the two brig ides just namod, " when Archer and Pertder 
 coming up, a general charge was made, which drove the enemy across 
 the field into the opposite woo. Is, strewing the narrow valley with their 
 dead. In this charge, Archer's brigade was subjected to a heavy fire. 
 At this time the Federal cavalry charged upon Taliaferro's brigade with 
 impetuous valcr; but were met with such deteimincd resistance by 
 Taliaferro's brigade in its front, and by so galling a fire from Branoh'8 
 brigade in flank, that it was forced rapidly from the field, with loss 
 and in dis(>ril(T. 
 
 In the uicantime, General Ewell, on the right, found himself kept 
 back fioiii adviincing by the incessant fire from our batteries in ihe 
 valley, which swept his only approach to the enemy's left, This<liffi. 
 culty no longer existing, h^ moved with his two brigades, Trimble's 
 in the advance, and pressed forward under a heavy fire from the en- 
 emy's artillery, the front covered by skirmishers Irom the fiftt'enth 
 Alabama, and the brigades ^iil van cinj; in echelon of regiments. 'J'hus 
 repuNed Irom ciur left anil centre, and now pressed by our right, ccntro 
 and lift, th« Federal force fell back at every poiiit of their line, and 
 commenced letreating, leaving their dcfid and woundt-d on the field of 
 battle. Though la'e, 1 was so desirous of reaching Culpeper Court- 
 Ilouse belote morning, as to induce me to pur-pe. The advance was 
 accortiingly ordered — General IIill, with his division leading; but 
 owing to the daikness of the night, it was necessary to move cau- 
 tiotisjy. Stafford's brigade, which was in front, captured some prisoners. 
 Befoie we had probably, advance<l more than a mile aiid a half, Far- 
 row, my mcst reliable scout, reported to me that the enemy, was hut a 
 few bundled }ards from our advance. IVgram's .hatteiy, supported 
 by Field's luigatle, soon took position. just heyoml the wood through 
 which we had passed, and opened upon the enemy.^ 'J'liis well directed 
 and unex|ectKl fiie pr()duce<l much disorder ami confusion atnong that 
 portion of the Federal troops. 'Jhree batteries were, however, soon 
 opened in re{)Iy, and a heavy caniionade was coniii ued lor some time, 
 causing C'aptain Pegram severe lo.-is and ileneing him 
 
 ]n tl:e meantime. Colonel Jones, with the sjventh Viiginia cavalry, 
 had p>8se<l to our rii^bt and front. lie succeeded in capturijig some 
 prisoners, one of whom reported that Federal reinforcements had ar- 
 rived. IJelieving it imprudent to cciitinue 40' move iorward during 
 the <laikness, 1 onlered a halt for the night. 
 
 On the fo'llowing morning, (pith) having reason to believe the 
 Federal army hail been so la>gely rei.f.iced as to render it iin- 
 prud< nt for me to attempt to advance fur;her. <lirection8 were givtn 
 for sending the wounded to the rear, for hurying the dvad, and colleut- 
 fng anIl^ froitj the battle fieM. In the course of the same morning, 
 General J. K. B. Stuart arrived on a tour of in>pection. At my re- 
 quest ho took command of the cavalry, and made a recoonoissance for 
 the purpose of gaining information respecting the numbers and move- 
 ments of the enemy From his report, as well as frotn other sources 
 of iiiformation, 1 was coufinncd iu uiy opinion' that the heavy forces 
 
concentrated in front, rendered it unwise, on my part, to renew the 
 actioa. The main body of my troops were, however, so posted as to 
 receive the attack, if the enemy decided to advance. 
 
 On the Uth, a flag of truce was received from the enemy, who re- 
 quested permission, until two o'clock, to remove and bury his dead, 
 not already interred by our troops. This was granted and the time 
 subsequently extended, by request of the enemy, to five in the morning. 
 
 We captured foiir hundred prisoners, and among them Brigadier 
 General Pi ince ; five thousand three hundred and two small arms, 
 one twelve-pounder Napoleon and its caisson, with two other caissons 
 and a limber; three colors, by Winder's brigade, one being from the 
 fifth Connecticut, and another from the twenty-eighth New York. 
 
 The official reports of the casuHlties of my command in this battle 
 show a loss of nineteen officers killt-d and one hundred and fourteen 
 wounded ; of non-comraissioned officers and privates, two hundred 
 and four killed and nine hundred and forty-six wounded, with tliirty- 
 one missing, making two hundied and twenty -three (223) killed, and 
 one thousand and sixty (1,(I6<>) wounded. Total loss of killed, 
 woun(led and missing, one thousand three hundred and fourteen 
 (l,3l*.) This loss was probably about one-half that sustained by 
 *he enemy. 
 
 I remained in p^^sition until the night of the 11th, when I returned 
 to the vicinity of Gordonsville, in oriler to avoid being attacked by 
 the vastly superior foice in front of lue, and with the hope that by 
 thus falling back, General Pope would be induced to follow me until I 
 ahould be reinforced 
 
 The conduct of officers and men during the battle merits great 
 praise. My chief of artillery, Colonel S Crutchfiidd, ably discharged 
 his duties. In the prompt transmission « f orders, great assistance 
 was received fiom M^jor E. F, Paxton, A. A A. G. ; Captain A. 8. 
 Pendleton, A. A. G. ; First Lieutenant J. K. Bcswell, Chief Engi- 
 neer ; First Lieutenant J G. Morrison, A. D G. ; First Lieutenant 
 H. K. Douglass, A. L G. ; Fir.st Lieutenant J. T. L. ?nead, of the 
 engineer corps ; Colonel Wm, L. J^^ck^ull, voluiiteer A. D. C, and 
 Colonel A. K. Boteler, volunteer A. D 0. The wounded received 
 8peci:il attention from my m«dical director. Dr. Hunter McGuire . 
 The quartermaster and comtnissary depaitments were well managed 
 during the expedition by iheir respective chiefd. Major J. A. ILirmaa 
 and Mitjor W J. Hawks. 
 
 For further information respecting the detoiled movement of troops 
 and conduct of individual officers an<l m«n, I would respectfully call 
 your attention to the accompanying official reports of other officers. 
 
 Tivo maps, by Mr. J. llotchkise — one of the route of the army 
 during the expedition and thp other of the battle-field — are trans- 
 mitted herewith. 
 
 In or<<er to render thanka to God for the victory at Cedar Run, 
 and other past victories, and to implore His continued favor in the 
 future, divine service was held in the army on the 14th of August. 
 1 am, General, very rc-pectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. J. JACKSON, Litutenant General. 
 
LIST skinving the killed and toounded in the army commanded by 
 Major General Jackscn in t/ic battle of Cedatst Run, 
 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Enlisted men. 
 
 Enlisted 
 men 
 
 Divi^rovs. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Killed. 
 > 
 
 C 
 
 1 
 
 
 J ackson's, 
 
 12 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 65 
 17 
 32 
 
 145 
 14 
 45 
 
 472 
 161 
 
 313 
 
 31 
 
 EwoU'a, 
 
 
 A P. Hill's, 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 19 
 
 114 
 
 204 
 
 946 
 
 31 
 
 Total killed, wounded a?»d misBing, 1,314. 
 
REPORT OF GENERAL IlWELL. 
 
 Richmond Virginia, March 6, 1863. 
 
 Colcnel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to report, as follows, the movements of my 
 division at Cedar Run, on the 9th August, 1862! 
 
 My division foUpwed the cavalry advance, and when we reached 
 the south end of the valley, the enemy's cavalry were seen in strong 
 force in our front. A reconnoissance was made, and artillery fired 
 on the enemy, which drove them back, soon to re-appear. It was 
 evident that the enemy intended to make a stand at this pla6e. 
 Shortly after one o'clock, my division was orjilered forward. Early's 
 brigade, under cover of the woods, to the left, Trimble's and Forno's 
 brigades on the right, Demont's Maryland artillery. Brown's, Chesa- 
 peake artillery, D'Aquin's Louisiana artillery, were posted in the 
 valley, and served with effect, under-the general direction of Major 
 Ccurtnay, in the plain. I reached the point of Slaughter's Moun- 
 tain, with the two brigades of Trimble and Forno, and established, 
 from a commanding position,* Latimer's battery, with a section of, 
 Johnson's, under Lieutenant Terry, which opened, with marked ef- 
 fect, on the enemy, drawing much of the artillery fire which had been 
 concentrated against our left wing. Captain Latimer was advanced 
 later in the evening, so as to obtain a more effective position. The 
 enemy moved a section of artillery to meet this fire and protect their 
 left flank. Captain Latimer exhibited His usual coolness and judg- 
 ment. Major Lowther was ordeied forward with the fifteenth Ala- 
 bama, deployed as skirmishers, against the enemy's left flank. They 
 were cxpot^ed to the fire of artillery, which they supported with 
 unflinching bravery, and led the later movements from our right. I 
 found that a mill pond stepped the further progress of our right, and 
 for a short time the only approach a!2;ain8t the enemy was swept by 
 our batteiico in the vujley: When this difficulty was removed, the 
 two biigades marched, under a heavy fire, fjom the enemy's artillery, 
 against he battery on their left, the front covered by skirmishers 
 from the fifteenth Alabama, the brigade advancing in echelon of reg- 
 iments. The enemy hastily abandoned the field, leaving their wounded, 
 several loaded ammunition wagons, and a piece of artillery. As it 
 was too late to distinguish friend from foe, and shouting was heard to 
 my lett, (in rear of line of battle,) I halted to communicate with thd 
 centre, now advancing under General Early, in a direction to inter- 
 sect my line of march. While waiting, I received orders to join the 
 left wing, under the M^jor General in person. Night stopped the 
 pursuit, and next morning I was remanded to Slaughter's Mountain. 
 An armistice having been agreed on to bury the dead, General Early 
 returned to the field with a detachment from his brigide, and while 
 there, secured six wagon loads of arms, besides burying nearly one 
 
10 
 
 hundred dead left bjf the other divisions of the army, .and which 
 "wouhl not have been buried but for his enerp;y. General Early, 
 though on duty since the battle of Malvern Hill, was still so enfee- 
 bled irom the effects of a wound received at Williamsburg, as to be 
 unable to mount his horse without assistance. I bog to call the at- 
 tention of the Msjor General commanding to the gallant and effec- 
 tive service rendered by General Early in repulsing repeated attacks 
 of the enemy, and contributing largely in driving him irom the field. 
 I beg leave to recommend him for promotion, and also heartily en- 
 dorse his recommendation for the promotion of Colonel Walker, of 
 the thirteenth Virginia, to the rank of Brigadier General. My staff 
 presprit were, Lieutenant Colonel J M Jones and Captain G Camp= 
 bell Brown, adjutant general department. Lieutenant T. T. Turner, 
 aid de-camp, and Lieutenant Richard on, engineer corps. These 
 officers were, as usual, active and efficient in the performance of their 
 duties. Lieutenant ElUott Johnson, aid-de-camp to Briiradier Gen- 
 eral (Jarnctt, volunteered on iry staff, for the battle, and here, as well 
 as afterwards, at Brit-t' e, 1 profited larg. ly by his activity, co<lnes3 
 and intelligence. This officer was severely wounded at Sharpsburg. 
 His valuai-ie and long services to the Confederacy, much < f the lime 
 •without rank, entitle liiia to promotion. I enclose herewith reports 
 from Captain D'Aquin's Loui>iana battery. Major Courtay, chief of 
 artillery. Colonel Walker, thirteenth Virginia, Colonel Forno, com- 
 nian<iing Hays' brigade, (Loui iana,) G*^neral Trimble and General 
 Early. My losses were eight woundtd in the artillery.- 
 
 
 KILLED. 
 
 WOUWDED. 
 
 Early*8 Brigade, 
 
 10' 
 
 145 
 
 Trimble's " 
 
 I 
 
 17 
 
 X<"ornc'B (Hays') Brigade, 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Total, 17 178 
 
 ReepectfuUv, 
 
 11. S.'EWELL, Commanding. 
 
 P. S. I enclose a drawing of the field of battle, by Lieutenant 
 Richardson, engineer corps, showing movements of the division. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL A. P. HILL. 
 
 Headquarters Light DrvisroN, 
 Camp Gregg, March 8, 1863. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Faulkner, ^L. A. G. : 
 
 ■ jCoLONEi. : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 part taken by the li^hc division, under my command, at the battle of 
 Cedar Run : 
 
 On the night of the 7th Argust, 1862. my division, to which had 
 been added the Lou^iana brigade of CoIi)nel >taflrord. encHmpcd around 
 Orange Court-Ilouso That night orders were received by me, from 
 M«ji>r General Ja<kson, to move at dav^n in the morning, and in the 
 foll«)wii!g onler, viz: Kwells llilTs und Jacksoik's divi ions. 
 
 At tlie appointed time, I was ready, with the head of my leading 
 brigade resting near the street down which I understood Ewell waste 
 paf*a. and ready to take my afipoirited place in the colutnn of mnrch. 
 A liitlw after sunrise, a division comtnenced passing, which I sup- 
 posed to be Ewell's. One or two bngadea iiaving passed, I then re- 
 cognized it to be Jackson's, and learned that Kweil had taken another 
 route by Liberty Mills. < 'f this no intimation had b^n given me. 
 Not (K'siritig to separate the btigades of the division, I awaited its 
 pas.-ing and fell in, in rear of it. Jackson's division was followed by 
 quite a train of wagons, and such I understood to be General Jack- 
 son's Older, and nothing had been said about the trains in the order 
 of niaieh. My column progressed so slowly that I*ode on to the 
 river to hee the cause of the delay. I there found that a portion of 
 Jackson's division ha 1 n(:t crossed, and all were .delayed by the pass- 
 ing ol Ewell's troops and traiys, his road joining ours at this point, 
 I ^ent word to General Jaek^^on that the trains were delaying the 
 march of the troops very much, and to know if it wts his older that 
 the trail s were to follo>v in rear of each division. Between four and 
 five o'cl'tk, the wagc»ns of Ewell still passing, and a poiiion of Jack- 
 son's division ."-till no* having crois<'«I the river, I received an O'^der 
 from General Ja.<;k;-on, to go back to Orange Court Ilous' and en- 
 f5am|Jfor the night. The head of my column having* only made 
 about a mile, I l.ivouacked the biigades where they were. That 
 night, 1 sent a note to General Jackson, at Garnett's house^ 
 that it would be impos-fhle for me to get along the next day 
 with my artillery, unless the road was cleared of the trains ; that, fa- 
 milial" with the <;ountry, if he would permit, I could take my divisiort 
 by a short load, by the ford at LLdlnlay's Mill, and join hnu at any point 
 he might de-ignate. The reply I receive"! wa-j, th:it;the trains had been 
 ordered from the road, and to move iiumediately by tho route first de- 
 Bigr.ated, as it was his intenticin to be in Culpeper Court IL.use that 
 night. Moving before daylight, Lawtcn's, Tallia'erro's and other 
 brigades were overhauled just as they were in motion The enemy's 
 cuvalry having made some demonstrations on our left, Gregg was or- 
 
12 
 
 dered to remain at the ford and protect the crossing of the trains, and 
 as a guard on the march. My order of march was, Thomas, Branch, 
 Archer, Pender, Stafford and Field. Arriving within about six miles 
 of Culpeper Court-House, the heavy firing in front gave notice that 
 the battle had commenced. I was then directed by General Jackson to 
 send a brigade to the support of Taliaferro, who was in line of battle 
 on the right of the main road. Thomas was sont on this dutVj and 
 formed his line immediately in rear of Taliaferro's. Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Walker placed Pegram'sand Fleet's batteries in eligible positians 
 in front of Early's brigade, (General Taliaferro's right;) Branch, 
 Aicher and Pender, as they came up, were successively formed on the 
 left of the road. Winder's brigade, immediately in front of Branch, 
 being hard pressed, broke, and many fugitives came back. Without 
 waiting for the formation of the entire line, Branch was immediately 
 ordered- forward, and passing through the broken brigade, received the 
 enemy's fire, promptly returned it, checked the pursuit,. and in turn 
 drove them back, and relieved Taliaferro's flank. The enemy, driven 
 across an open field, had rallied in a wood skirting it. Branch was 
 engaging when Archer came up, arid, with Pender on the left, the en- 
 emy were charged across this field, the brigade of Archer being sub- 
 jected to a very heavy fife. General Thomas, on the right, had "been 
 ordered by General Jackson to the right to support Early's brigade. 
 Quite a larg^ portion of both Early's and Taliaferro's brigades had 
 been thro^yn into confusion, some of the regiments standing firm, the 
 the thirteenth Virginia, twenty-first Virgihia and twelfth Georgia. 
 Thomas formed his line of battle along a fence bordering a corn-field, 
 through which the enemy were advancing. After a short contest here, 
 the enemy wei^ hurled back. Pegram's-and Fleet's batteries, the latter 
 under command of Lieutenant Hardy, did heavy execution this day, 
 and drove back several attempts to capture their guns. The four- 
 teenth Georgia, under the gallant Colowel Folsom, having become sep- 
 arated from the rest of the brigade, by our fugitives, charged the 
 advancing enemy, and with brilliant success. The enemy had now 
 been driven from every part of the field, but made an attempt to retrieve 
 his fortunes by a cavalry charge. Their squadrons, advancing across 
 an open fied in front of Branch, expo.c;ed their*Qank to him, and, en- 
 countering a deadly fire from the fourteenth Georgia and thirteenth 
 Virginia, h<u\ many saddles emptied, and fled in utter disorder. %Iuch 
 credit is due Thomas' brigade for the admirable manner iu which they 
 acted, under very discouraging circumstances. 
 
 It was now dark, and the field had been won. I was directed to 
 follow the enemy. Colonel Stafford and General Field being now up, 
 Stafford's brigade was put in advance, and Field, with Pegram's bat- 
 tery next. The woods in our front having first been shelled for seme min- 
 iates by all my batteries, Stafford advanced, feeling his way cautiously, 
 skirmishing and taking prisoners. Passing through the woods, he 
 came upon the enemy in force. By direction of General Jackson, 
 Pegram occupied a little knoll upon the margin of the field and opened 
 fire. Field was thrown into line along the edge of the woods bor- 
 dering the field, and a little in rear of Pegram. Very soon a concen- 
 
13 
 
 trie fire from three batteries, at ^hort range, was opened on Pegram, 
 and his loss in men and horses was so great that he was soon silenced, 
 No further attempt was made to advance. My brigade bivouacked 
 apon the ground, and next day were withdrawn a short distance back, 
 sind the dead buried. 
 
 Major J G. Field and Capt. F- T. Hill, of my staff, were wounded, 
 the former severely. , 
 
 My loss was as follows : 
 
 Killed. Wounded. 
 
 Colonels, 1 
 
 Lieut. Colonels 3 
 
 Majors, 0- 3 
 
 Captains, 1 
 
 Lieutenants, 3 
 
 Privates, 45 113 
 
 .1 
 
 49 145— Total, 194 
 
 Very respectfully. 
 
 A. P. HILL. 
 
 On the above report was the following endorsement : 
 
 Headquarters 2d Corps, A. N. V., March 19, 1863. 
 
 Respectfully forwarded. The reason assigned by Generol Hill for 
 his division not being next to Ewell's on the day preceding the battle 
 of Cedar Run, renders it proper that the f.icts of the case should be 
 stated. For the purpose of attacking the enemy at or near Culpeper 
 Court-House, I directed Generals Ewell and Ilill to leave their en- 
 campment on the 7th, and, at dawn on the following morning, to re- 
 sume the march, and move via Barnett's ford. The positions -of the 
 two divisions were such that I did not require General Hill's division 
 to follow General Ewell's on the 7th, but I did expect it to do so on. 
 the 8th ; and such would have been the case, had General Hill car- 
 ried out the instructions which I gave him before he left his encamp- 
 ment on the 7th. to move at dawn on the morning of the 8th. Ewell 
 moved early in the morning, and though he did not cross at Barnett's 
 ford, yet he passed near that point in roming into the roa*d upon which 
 the troops were to move. I passed the night probably three-qunrters 
 of a mile from the centre of the village of Orange Court-House. 
 
 After sunrise next morning, I observed some of General Elill's 
 troops still where they had bivouacked, and such was mji concern at 
 their not having moved, that I ordered my horse and rode t0 4i)range 
 Court House, where I found General Hill, but did not see any of his 
 troops with him. I spoke' to him about his not having moved, and 
 understood him to say that he was waiting for Jackson's division to 
 pass. The sun was then probably over an hour high. The advance 
 of Jackson's division had reached the town and halted. Losiring to 
 
14 
 
 avoid delay, I directed my A. -A. Gerioral, Major E. F. Paxton, to 
 order Jackson's division forward. Upon reaching Barnett's ford, oc 
 the Ilipidan, I found Ewell's divisioTi moving by there. Had Gene- 
 ral Hill moved at dawn, I could, had 1 deemed it necessary, have 
 halted EwelTs train before it reached the road upon which General 
 Hill was to move, and thus have brought the division of General H, 
 immediately in rear of that of General Ewell.. As General H. says 
 that he was to move at dawn and follow Ewell, Tie should have e.^c- 
 pectcd Ewell to bo in front, and not in rear of him at that time. If 
 he believed that the division for which he was waiting to pass was 
 Ewell's, he could easily have sent some one and ascertained the fact. 
 But though the better part erf two hoars had elapsed since the time 
 fixed for marching, ye^it dpes not appear that he had taken any steps 
 to ascertain ; but appears to have taken it for granted that the divis- 
 ion which should have been in advance of him,' was in rear. No or- 
 der was sent by me to General ll\l\ to go back to Orange Court- H mse 
 and encamp for ihe night ; en tho contrary, I sent a verbal order to 
 him, by my chief of artillery. Colonel Crutchfield, urging him for- 
 ward, and also sent a written order to the same effect by' a couiier, 
 
 T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant Geiieral 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL TALIAFERRO. 
 
 .Headquarters First Division, Valley Army, > 
 Camp near Liberty Mills, ^''a., August 13, 1.862. 5 
 
 To Captain A. S. Pendleton, A. A^G : 
 
 Captain : By direction of the Major General commanding, I have 
 the honor to report the operations of ray command on the 9th infitant. 
 during the engiigement nenr Cedar Run ; 
 
 On the- morning of the 9th, the first, second and third brigades of 
 this division, under Brigadior. General C. S. Winder, first brigade, (the 
 fourth having been detailed to protect the trains,) marched from the 
 encampmenr,, near Barnett's ford of the Rapidan river, upon the turn- 
 pike road leuling in the direction of Culpeper, the division of Major 
 General Ewoll having preceeded it the morning previous. After 
 crossing the Robertson river, and proceeding some threo miles, we 
 overtook ihe division of General Ewell, and discovered the enemy in 
 front, when our troops ware halted to make dii^positions to attack them. 
 This division was ordered to attack the enemy's right, whilst the divis- 
 ion of General Ewell was ordered to attack him upon the left. 
 
 On my riding to the front, I perceived the enemy'.s cavalry drawn 
 up on the range of hills near Cedar Run, with a line of videttea in 
 front, whilst the fall of the hills in rear and the woods beyond evi- 
 dently concealed their batteries and infantry. A corn-field in front of 
 this position also concealed the movements of the enemy,, and the 
 undulation of the country made reconnoisances very difficult. The 
 field batteries of General Ewell were now shelling the enemy, when 
 General Winiler ordered the division forwd,rd along the turnpike to a 
 point at which the wood* on the right of the road terminated. Be- 
 yond this point, the woods on the left extended to a wheat field, be- 
 yond which a denize wood again appeared. On the right of the road 
 from the point of termination of the woods, an extensive bare field 
 Btretched to the left to a considerable distance and to the front to a 
 cornfield. A brigade, under General Early, protected by the fall of 
 the hills, aceiipied the riglit of this field in line of battle directly front- 
 ing ihe gptieral J.ne of the enemy, (as far as we could make it out,) 
 General Winder now ordered ihe s>ccond brigade, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Gariiett, f >r-^y-eighth Virginia, to move forward to the left, 
 undercover of the woocls, to the wheat field ai.d to extend back to the 
 leit along the skirt of the woods. lie then ordered some pieces of 
 artillery, under the general charge of Major Snowden Andrews, chief 
 of artillery for the ilivi^ion, to the point where the bare field com- 
 menced, and ordered the third brigade, under ray command, to move 
 along up paralltd to the road in rear of the batteries, and under cover 
 of the wood, until ifie head of the column rested near the rear of the 
 secoivl brigade. The brigade was then faced to the road. The first 
 brigade. Colonel C. F. Ronald, fourth Virginia regiment, commanding, 
 was ordered, as I was informed, to move up as a reserve. 
 
16 
 
 Whilst these dispositions were being made, the troops were sub- 
 jected to a heavy discharge of shell and shot from the enemy's artil- 
 lery, thrown mostly at random into the woods. The effect of our 
 batteries from the point of woods and from a position subsequently 
 taken in the open field to the right, was very gre.it, to a great extent 
 silencing the enemy's guns. ' After the pic^es had been placed in bat- 
 tery, at the corner of tlic woods, and hail opened some fifteen minutes 
 upon the erferay, 1 returned to in^ brigade, a short dietince back ia 
 the woods and out of sight of the enemy, to await General Winder's 
 orders. I left this brave, generous and accompli.shed officer at this 
 poiilt, and was informed a short time afterwards that he had been 
 struck by a shell and mortally wounded. I now assumed coinmand of 
 the aivision, under the disadvantage of being ignorant of the plans 
 of the General, except as far as I could form an opinion from my ob- 
 servation of the dispositions made. I at once rode to the front to 
 acquaint myself with the position of the second brigade, .and recon- 
 noitre tbe enemy's position from the field in front of the first Virginia 
 battalion of that brigade. I could discover no evidences of the enemy 
 in front ; but could discover them in force on the right of that posi- 
 tion in the corn-field, somewhat concealed from the view of our troops 
 by the undulations of the country. I now returned to the position 
 occupied by our batteries, when I was overtaken by an officer who re- 
 ported that the eriemy were showing themselves in front of the posi- 
 tion I had just left, and were advancing I at once ordered the tenth 
 Virginia regiment to be detached from the third brigade and st-nt for- 
 ward to reinforce the first Virginia battalio-n, and sent an order to 
 Colonel Ronald to move his brigade (the first) rapi lly to the support 
 of the second brigade. I now perceived the enemy advancing through 
 the corn-field, and directed Colonel Garnett to throw his right forward 
 and drive them backj and ordered Colonel TMliaferro to move his 
 brigade into the open field to the right, and attack and drive back the 
 enemy in front. The twenty-first Virginia regiment, second brigade^ 
 Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham, poured a destructive fire upon the 
 enemy, and exhibited a degree of heroic valor rarely ever witnessed.- 
 
 The third brigade advanced in fine style, and the enemy gave way 
 before the severity of its fire. At this moment I discovered that, 
 owing to the fact that the fir^t brigade had not been moved sufficiently 
 near originally,- or that the order had not reached Colonel Ronald in 
 time, the enemy had attacked the left wing of the second brigade and' 
 turned it, and that it was falling back in some disorder. This move- 
 ment exposed, also, the left Hank of the third brig!vde,and caused it to 
 fall back ; but it was soon afterwards brought back to its original posi- 
 tion. At this critical moment, the first brigade moved up, and with 
 General Branch's brigade, of General Hill's division, encountered 
 the enemy, confused by their severe conflict with the second brigade, 
 and drove them back with terrible slaughter. The third brigade now 
 advanced to the brow of the hill overlooking the corn-field, and the 
 second brigade to the edge of the woods, and drove the enemy in front 
 of them, from their positions, in confusion. To cover his retreat, the 
 enemy's cavalry charged the third brigade ; but they were tuet by 
 
17 
 
 such a storm of missiles that the whole column was turned, wheeled 
 to the right and before it could be wheeled off to the rear was forced 
 to run the gauntlet of the other brigades, and scattered in every di- 
 rection with heavy loss. 
 
 This was the last effort of the enemy to make a stand ; they re- 
 treated and our troops pursued them, capturing a number of prisoners. 
 This division crossed the corn-field diagonally towards the railroad. 
 
 Brigadier General Prince, United States array, was made a prisoner 
 and surrendered to me as we were crossing this field, and his command, 
 which was on our right, had been, I think, principally engaged with 
 Brigadier General Karly's brigade, fled upon our approach with 
 scarcely any opposition. We continued to push forward until we had 
 driven the enemy some three miles, and until the darkness rendered 
 it impossible to distinguisli our troops from those of the enemy. Af- 
 ter having made report of mj' position to the commanding General, I 
 was ordered to permit the troops to rest for the night, which was done 
 in advance of the field of battle. From my own personal observa- 
 tion and the reports of olficers, it affords me pleasure to bear renewed 
 testimony to the efiioiency and gallantry of this veteran division. 
 
 The first brigade fully sustained its ancient reputation. I captured 
 a number of prisoners, and four stands of colors. Colonel Ronald, 
 who ably and gallantly commanded it, speaks in the highest terms «f 
 the support he received from the courage and zeal displayed by his 
 officers and men. He pirticularly mentions Major Williams, fifth 
 Virginia regiment ; Lieutenant Colonel Lawson Botts, second Virginia 
 regiment ; Ijieutenant Colonel H. I). Gardner, fourth Virginia regi- 
 ment ; Lieutenant Colonel Edward D. Lee, thirty-third Virginia regi- 
 ment ; Captain Charles L. Haynes, twenty-seventh Virginia regiment; 
 Captains Carpenter and Poague, commanding batteries; Captain John 
 II. Fulton, fourth Virginia; Major HoUiday, thirty-third Virginia, 
 and Lieutenant Garnett, of General Winder's staff. 
 
 The second brigade, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Gaynett, 
 who exhibited a rare skill and courage, refusing to leave the field, al- 
 though severely wounded, until the close of the fight, although at on« 
 time overwhelmed by superior numbers, pressing and turning their / 
 left flank, yet renewed the fight with determination and braverjr. 
 The conflict of this command with the enemy was most severe. 
 The bayonet was freely used, and a hand to hand fight, with superior 
 numbers, ensued before the right of the brigade fell back. Colonel 
 Garnett makes special mention of Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham, 
 who, with most heroic gallantry, led the twenty-first Virginia, and 
 fell at their head ; of Major Layne, of the forty-second Virgina, who 
 was mortally wounded ; -of Major Seddon, commanding first Virgrni* 
 battalion ; Captain Ilannum, of the forty-eighth Virginia; Captaio 
 Dyerle, forty-eighth, mortally wounded ; Captain Wilson, A. A. G, ; 
 Lieutenant Dabney, A. D C, and Lieutenant White, A. D. C. 
 
 The third brigade. Colonel A. G. Taliaferro, twenty-third Virgin) 
 commanling, was conducted into action by that officer with the in*^ 
 pidity and courage which has heretofore distinguished him. His •^°^' 
 mand was subjected to "a terrific fire, which it gallantly withsto^' * 
 
 9. 
 
IS 
 
 to a charge of cavalrv v*hich it instantly repulsed, and when the left 
 flank, for a time, gave way under an ovi'rwhelming force, the right, 
 and pnrticuhirly the twenty-third Vir;:^inia regiment, which deserves 
 speciai mention for its firmness and iuimirable conduct in tlie engage- 
 ment, remained unbroken. Colonel Taliaferro particularly mentions 
 Major Stover, commanding tenth Virginia regiment ; Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Curtis, commanding twenty-thir<l Virginia, who fell mortally 
 wounded: Major Walton, twenty third Virginia; Colonel T. C. Wil- 
 liams, of the thirty-seventh Virginia, who was wounded; Major Wood, 
 thirty-seventh Virginia ; Ijioutenant Colonel Jackson, of the forty- 
 seventh Alabama regiment ; Colonel Sheffield, of the forty-eighth Ala- 
 bama regiment, who was severely wounded ; Major Aldrich, forty- 
 eighth Alabama regiment, severely wounded ; and of his A. A. G., 
 Lieutenant Colonel F. Coleman. The batteries of the division, engaged 
 in the action, were those of Captains Carpenter, Poague and Caskie. 
 The officer? and men of the'se batteries behaved well. Captain Caskie was 
 wounded. Captain Wooding's battery wa3 not engaged ; he himself 
 acted for a time with the General commanding. 
 
 I have the honor to enclose herewith the reports of brigade, regi- 
 mental and battery commanders, to which the Major General is referred 
 for more minute details, and a list of killed and wounded of the division. 
 No one can estimate the loss this brigade and this divisioti of the army 
 has sustained in the early death of IJrigadier General Winder. He 
 was warmly beloved by all who knew him as a man. and had the full 
 confidence of his command as a soldier. I beg leave in conclusion to 
 allude to the gallantry of Major SnoAvden Andrews, chief of artillery 
 who was severely, and I fear mortally, wounded; to that of my adju- 
 tant general. Captain AVra. B. Pendleton, who was severely wounded, 
 loosing his leg ; of Lieutenant Meade, A. D. C. ; Major Taliaferro, 
 volunteer aid-de-carap. who rendered me most efficient and important 
 service, and to speak particularly of the gallant conduct of my orderly, 
 a youth of sixteen, private Clinton Depriest, company II, twenty- 
 third Virginia regiment. It affords me pleasure to mention the effi- 
 cient service, in their department, of the medical officers of the com- 
 mand I beg to refer especially to Surgeon (,'oleman, second brigade; 
 Surgeon Daily, third brigade, and Surgeon Black, first brigade. 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 WM. B. TALIAFERRO, 
 Brigadier General, commanding First Division, V. A. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL FIELD. 
 
 i Headq'rs First Brigade, Light Division, > 
 
 Augti-st 13, 1862. S 
 
 Major R. 0. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that my brigade marched from 
 Orange Court- House early on the morning of the 9th instant, bring- 
 ing up the rear of the whole army. About two or three o'clock, can- 
 nonading was heard, and I endeavored to push forward rapidly; but 
 on account of detentions in the brigades in my front, I did not reach 
 tho scene of action until sunset, when the firing was nearly over. 
 
 Forming in line of battle on the field, I was directed by General 
 Hili to push forward on the Culpeper Gourt-IIouse road and press 
 the retreating foe. After moving about a mile and a half to the 
 front, the enemy was found in position on the left of the road. Pe- 
 gram's battery, of my brigade, was directed by General Jackson to 
 open with shell and canister, whilst I was ordered by General Hill, 
 who came up at that moment, to take position with the infantry, a 
 little to the left front, as support. Pegram's battery, of four guns 
 only, was soon replied to by three batteries of the enemy. This gal- 
 lant officer maintained this unequal contest for ofi. hour, and until his 
 guns were silenced by his losses in men. I remained in this position 
 until next morning, when I was withdrawn and placed on picket in a 
 wood on ray left rear, being retired from that point late in the even- 
 ing. It is proper to observe that several prisoners were captured by 
 my brigade during that night. I have taken occasion before to speak 
 of the distingui.*hed services of Pegram's battery. It is sufficient to 
 say now that it fully sustained the reputation made on other fields 
 The battery sustained a heavy loss in the death of the brave and ac- 
 complished Lieuteniint Mercer Feather ston. 
 
 A list of the killed, wounded and missing, is herewith enclosed. 
 I am, sir, verv respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 CHARLES L. FIELD, 
 Brigadier General coinjnandnts: 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL FORNO OF EIGHTH BRIGADE. 
 
 Heapquarters Hays' Brigade, i 
 August 18, 1862. I 
 
 Captain G. Campbell Brown, 
 
 A. A. General, Third Division : 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to report the part taken by Hays' brigade. 
 now under my command, during the battle of the 9th instant, at 
 Cedar Run. Although not actively engaged, the brigade being helc 
 in reserve by General Trimble's command, were under fire and in 
 range of the enemy's shell, and suffered considerably. A list of the 
 casualties accompanies this report. 
 
 Very respectfully, yourff, 
 
 H. FORNO, 
 Colonel 5th La., commanding Brigade. 
 
I 
 
 REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ARCHER. 
 
 Headquarters Archer's Brigade, 
 General A. ,P. Hill's Light Division, August 14, 1862. 
 
 To Major R. C. Morgam, 
 
 A. A. General, A. P. Hiirs Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that, early on the morning of 
 the 9th instant, I marched with my brigade, about twelve hundred 
 strong, constituting a part of Major General Hill's division, from 
 Orange Court-House toward the battle-field. On arriving near the 
 point where General Jaclcson's division was already engaged, I pro- 
 ceeded to form line of battle in the woods, to the left of Branch's 
 brigade, which completed its formation and advanced before my line 
 was half formed. Supposing that I would be wanted in front imme- 
 diately, I moved forward with the first Tennessee and nineteenth 
 Georgia regiments, fifth Alabama battalion and seventh Tennessee in 
 line, leaving the fourteenth Tennessee, which was in rear, to come up 
 into line and overtake the brigade as it best could. I advanced 
 several hundred yards in this manner, obliquing towards the right, in 
 order to get near the left of Branch's brigade, when I overtook its 
 left regiment, which had become separated from its main body. In 
 passing to the front of this regiment my line became somewhat 
 broken, and I halted a few minutes for it to reform. 
 
 During the time thus employed. Colonel Forbes' fourteenth Ten- 
 neseee regiment came up into line, and I rode to the road, about 
 fifty yards on my right, to ascertain whether they were our or the 
 enemy's troops firing there. I found it was Branch's brigade, in the 
 open field, on the right of the road, and in a line even with that of 
 my own, halted, and firing at an enemy in front. 
 
 I rapidly returned to my brigade to move it forward, when I met 
 Captain Taylor, with orders from General Hill to advance. Imme- 
 diately after, on reaching the edge of the wood, we encountered the 
 long-range fire of the enemy, posted in the margin of another wood, 
 beyond a wheat-field. My brigade hjilted here, and commenced a 
 rapid fire, which it was several miniftes before I could arrest and 
 move the brigade forward, across the open field. In crossing this 
 field I was exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy, who, from their 
 position in the wood, were comparatively safe. My loss here was 
 nineteen killed and one hundred and sixteen wounded. 
 
 After entering the wood, and in passing through it, my two left 
 regiments met, and became to some extent mingled with, the right of 
 General Pender's brigade, which was sweeping through from the left, 
 obliquely across my course. From this point, by agreement between 
 us. General Pender and I commanded the two brigades together, 
 without regard to the proper brigades to which the regiments be- 
 longed, he taking the right and I the left. 
 
22 
 
 I did not again meet with any opposition, but took a number of 
 prisoners, and continued the pursuit until night. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 % J. L. ARCHER, 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
 P. S. — I beg to refer to the list of killed and wounded sent in 
 yesterday. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL TRIMBLE. 
 
 IIeadquartkh? Seventh Brigade, ) 
 August 14, 1862. 5 
 
 Major General R. S. Ewkll, 
 
 Commanding Third Division : 
 
 General: In compliance with your request, I submit a statement 
 of the operations of the seventh brigade on the 9th^ instant, in the 
 baitle of Slaughter's Mountain, (Cedar Run ) 
 
 On the morning of the 9th, being in view of the enemy's cavalry, I 
 was directed to approach under cover, and occupy a pine thicket, 
 about three.-quartcrs of a mile from the enemy's picket. This was 
 done successfully, undiscovered by the enemy, and a company ordered 
 to support a battery placed on our tight, which opened and drove back 
 the cavalry scouts, who reformed again and returned to their first 
 position, after the artillery ceased firing. About two o'clock, I was 
 ordered to advance through the woods on our right along the slope of 
 Slaughter's Mountain, and occupy a favorable position. About three 
 o'clock, the brigade reached the northwest termination of the moun- 
 tain, in an open space, elevated about two hundred feet above tae valley 
 below, and distant from the position of the enemy's batteries about a 
 mile and a quarter, where -sve remained concealed from vie-v. Having 
 sent for you to examine this point, you decided to drag up Latimer's 
 battery, of my brigade, and place it in position, wbich was done 
 promptly about half-past three, P. M., and fire opened with effect 
 on the enemy's batteries, which drew their fire from the front, upon 
 us At five, P. M., we first heard our musketry across the valley, on 
 our left, (Ger.eral Early's advance.) About five, some batteries were 
 advanced within half a mile of the enemy in our front, and opened a 
 brisk fire. Latimer's battery, admirably served, drew, throughout 
 the action, the attention of the enemy's chief batteries, and thus 
 aided materially in deciding the result of the day. At fivej P. M., 
 the fifteenth Alabama regiment was sent out as skirmishers on the 
 right, with orders to advance on the enemy's flank. On S3eing this 
 movement, a battery was turned on them for the rest of the day. 
 About sunset, the action appearing to be general in front, by your 
 orders, the twenty-first Georgia and twenty-first North Carolina regi- 
 ments, were ordered to advance, and gained the clump of woods in 
 the valley, four hundred yards from the battery on the Federal left, 
 followed by the fifteenth Alabama, I here determined to charge the 
 battery, but Latimer's shot and shell directed against it, was falling 
 thick in the open space which we had to pass, and I sent back Lieut. 
 McKim tD direct him to cease his fire on this battery, that w^e might 
 charge it. While Lieut. McKim was gone, I sent two companies of skir- 
 mishers up the road, who deployed to the right along a fence and 
 opened fire on the battery. Soon after which, the brigade advanced 
 to capture it, but fouud, on reaching the top of the hill, that the guns 
 
* 24 
 
 had been moved off a few minutes before. It ia to be regretted that 
 the short delay, in making the charge, caused by our ow.n fire, ena- 
 bled the enemy to get off his guns. The battery and troops in its 
 support were, however, driven off by the advance of the brigade, and 
 thus the left of the Federal forces completely turned. At dark, wo 
 had possession of the ground occupied by the Federal left, and soon 
 after took possession of and removed some ambulances and ammuni- 
 tion wagons, abandoned by the enemy, the remainder of which were 
 removed the next day. The seventh brigade, with the army, followed 
 the enemy one mile or more from the field, and bivouacked for the 
 night on their former can)p ground. Subjoined is a list of the killed 
 and wounded. The small loss sustained by the brigade was in conse- 
 quence of the positions selected throughout the day, which screened 
 the men the most of the time from the view of the enemy, even while 
 advancing upon their battery on their left. Latimer's battery was 
 also protected from lot^s, under a several hours' incessant fire from 
 three batteries of the enemy, by tlje judicious position in which it was 
 placed by you, preventing, entirely, casualties from the enemy's shot 
 or from the effects of ricochet shot. 
 Kespectfuliy, 
 
 J. R. TRIMBLE. 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
 Killed, Wounded f and Missing. 
 
 Killed. Wounded. Total. 
 Fifteenth Alabama regiment, I 7 8 
 
 Twenty-first Georgia regiment, 3 3 
 
 Twenty-first North Carolina regiment, 2 2 
 
 Courtnay battery, 5 5 
 
 _;^ _ — 
 
 Grand total, 1 17 18 
 
 The only oflBcers included in the above are the following : Third 
 Lieutenant Jno. F. Irvine, company I, twenty-first Georgia, wounded; 
 First Lieutenant R. II. Vaughan, Courtnay artillery,, wounded. 
 
V.Y.COOK, 
 
 NOT LOANABLE. 
 
 REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL BRANCH, 
 
 Headq'rs Branch's Brigade, A. P. Hill's Division, ) 
 
 August 18, 1862. 5 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir: I have th3 honor to report that, on Saturday, 9th August, 
 whilst on the march towards Culpeper Court-House, I was ordered to 
 halt my brigade and form it in line of battle on the left of, and at 
 right angles to, the road. The formation was scarcely completed be- 
 fore I was ordered to advance in line through the woods and thick 
 undergrowth, a heavy musketry fire being heard not far fro:a my 
 front. I had proceeded about one hundred yards when I commenced 
 meeting the men of a brigade which had preceded me, retreating in 
 great disorder, and closely pursued by the enemy. Opening ranks 
 to permit the fugitives to pass, and pressing forward in uub^ken 
 line, my brigade met the enemy, who had already turned the flank of 
 General Taliaferro's brigade, which was on the right of the road. 
 Not in the least sfiaken by the panic cries of the fugitives, and with- 
 out halting, my regiment poured volley after volley into the enemy, 
 who broke and fled precipitately through the woods and across the 
 field. On reaching the edge of the field, I discovered the enemy in 
 force on the opposite side, and halting my brigade in an eligible posi- 
 tion, opened fire along the whole line. For a time, the enemy stood 
 their ground, but we were w^ithin good range across an open field, 
 and the execution we were doing, (clearly perceptible to the eye,) 
 compelled them to commence breaking. Now it was that their cav- 
 alry attempted to charge upon General Taliaferro's brigade, which 
 had partially rallied, after I had cleared their flank. The cavalry 
 moved diagonally across my front, presenting to me their flank. The 
 combined fire of Taliaf^o's brigade in front, and mine in flank, 
 broke up the column and sent it flying to the rear. My brigade im- 
 mediately moved forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and 
 whilst I was hesitating in the field, in doubt what direction I should 
 take. Major General Jackson came up, and, by his order, I changed 
 front so as to incline to the right, and pushed on to a point some dis- 
 tance in advance of the battle-field, at which he had ordered me to 
 halt. 
 
 The battle having terminated in a complete rout of the enemy, 
 my men slept on the ground they had so bravely won. 
 
 My officers and men behaved finely, and I refrain from discrimina- 
 tions. Such was their steadiness, that I was able to preserve my 
 line of battle, unbroken, throughout the day. 
 
 Captain J. T. Hawks and Lieutenant J. A. Bryan, of my staff, 
 were with me, and conducted themselves gallantly. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 L O'B. BRANCH, 
 ' Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENRAL PENDER. 
 
 Headq'rs Sixth Brigade, Light I^inision, ) 
 
 August, I8G2. \ 
 
 General : I have the honor to state that, in obedience to your or- 
 ders, I formed uiy brigade on the left of General Archer's, on the 
 left of the road going from Cedar Run to Oulpeper, in the battle of 
 the 9th instant. As he had moved forward before my line was com- 
 plete, and as I had to move through thick wcods, I found myself 
 some distance to his left on coming into a field, and consequently 
 flanked to the right ; but on receiving a request to go to the support 
 of troops in front, which were being flanked on the left, faced about 
 and moved to the left until I had reached the wood on the extreme 
 left of our position, and then I moved to the front. This mana^uvring 
 placed my line obliquely to that of General Archer's, and as we 
 raov^ forward, come together a^ain, and from this time co-operated. 
 However, before we had joined our troops, I met the enemy, repuls- 
 ing him with heavy loss in almost the first round. He made but 
 slight resistance again during the evening. I thought it prudent, 
 during my advance, to detach the twenty-second North Carolina to 
 operate well on my left, as it looked probable that I might be flanked 
 in that direction. This turned out to be timely, for, as we advanced 
 into the field, after dusk^ a body of cavalry was seen on the left ; but 
 it soon scampered off as this regiment was coming up in its roar and 
 our advance was cutting it oft"- General Archer and myself advanced 
 well to the front, and halted until we could feel our way, witii skir- 
 mishers, in the wood on the opposite side of the run. At this 
 time we had gotten to the right of the wood. Here we received or- 
 ders to halt and remain until late, when we were ordered to the road 
 to follow in the pursuit. 
 
 My loss in killed was only two; in wou^ped, eleven, and in miss- 
 ing, two — making a total of fifteen. 
 
 The officers and men behaved well. Lieutenant Colonel Gray and 
 Major Cole, twenty -second, and Captain Ashford, thirty- eighth, 
 handled their men skillfully, showing great coolness. 
 
 Captain Ashe, mj assistant adjutant general, deserves notice for his 
 conduct, being found at every point almost at the same time, direct- 
 ing the men. Lieutenant Young, my aid-de camp, acted with his 
 usual efficiency. Language cannot express the appreciation I have 
 for his services in action. 
 
 A'^ery respectfully, 
 
 W. D. PENDER. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL EARLY. 
 
 HEfoQUARTERS FoURTH BrKJADE, ThIRD DiVISION, } 
 
 August 14, 1862. i 
 
 Captain G. C. Brown, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Third Division : 
 
 Captain: I have the honor to make the following report of the 
 operations of my brigade in the battle on Cedar Creek, near Slaugh- 
 ter's mountain, in Culpeper, on Saturday, the 9th instant : 
 
 Early on the morning of that day, I was ordered by Major General 
 Ewell to move forward to the cavalry camp of General Robertson, 
 picketing the road at suitable points, to the right and left, to prevent 
 surprise by the enemy's cavalry on our flanks, and the forty-fourth 
 Virginia regiment and six companies of the fifty second Virginia 
 regiment were detached for that purpose. With the balance of the 
 brigade I reached General Robertson's headquarters. Alter some 
 time spent in observing the enemy's cavalry in our front, my brigade, 
 by direction of General Ewell, was advanced on the road towards 
 Culpeper Court-IIouse, to a school house, at the intersection of a 
 road from Madison Court-House with the road to Culpeper Court- 
 House, and was placed in the woods by the side of the road, the 
 thirteenth Virginia regiment being extended to the left, behind the 
 school-house, so as to comman<i the road from Madison Court-IIouse; 
 the fifty-eighth Virginia regiment being placed in a clump of pines, 
 to the right of the Culpeper road, so as to command the fields to the 
 right; and the rest of the biigade along the edge of the woods, to the 
 left of the latter road, between the thirteenth and fifty-eighth regi- 
 ments. While this operation was going on, two pieces of Captain 
 Johnson's battery, under Lieutenant Terry, which had been carried 
 to the right, near the foot of the mountain, opened on the enemy's 
 cavalry, as did some pieces in front of General Robertson's headquar> 
 ters, and were responded to by some pieces of the enemy posted in 
 rear of th^ir cavalry, towards Culpeper Court- House ; but this firing 
 lasted only tor a few minutes, and the enemy's cavalry, which had at 
 first moved back, soon returned to its former position. After I had re- 
 mained near the school-house something less than an hour. Captain 
 A. S. Pendleton, of General Jackson's staff, came to me and informed 
 me that General JacKson had ordered an advance ; that General Trim- 
 ble would advance on the right, over the side of the mountain, 
 (Slaughter'c,) supported bv the Louisiana lirigade of General Ewell's 
 division, and that I woufd advance from the position I then occupied, 
 and be supported by General Winder, with three brigades of General 
 Jackson's own division, and he directed me to advano as soon as 1 
 received a message from General Winder that he was in position to 
 support me. 
 
 Whilst waiting for the message from General Winder, I recon- 
 noitered the ground in front, and the position of the enemy's cavalry, 
 
28 
 
 which was in the fields of Mrs. Crittenden's farm, to the left of the 
 Culpeper road, deployed aa skirmishers, supported by about a squad- 
 ron in reserve. My command was concealed from the cavalry, and I 
 determined to advance upon it, if possible, so as not to be seen until 
 within a short distance of it, and I discovered a way^vhich I could, in 
 all probability, do so. On riding back to the school-house, I found 
 a courier from General Wimler, with the information that he was 
 ready. I then commenced my movement, being about two o'clock, 
 P. M., and made a detour to the left, passing through the edge of a 
 wood and behind a hill, until I reached the place where I proposed to 
 form my line of baWle. In making the advance from this position, 
 I found it necessary to march the greater portion of the brigade in 
 line across a corner of woods, through which the Culpeper road leads, 
 so as to get in reach of the cavalry. I sent forward the thirteenth 
 Virginia regiment, under Colonel James A. Walker, deployed as 
 skirmishers, a short distance into the woods, behind which I desired 
 to form line of battle, and as soon as the skirmishers had advanced 
 the required distance, the brigade was formed in a meadow, on the 
 north of a branch of Cedar" creek, in an oblique direction to the Cul- 
 peper road and to the left of it. While the Hue was forming, a few 
 shots were heard on the left of the skirmishers, which proved to have 
 been fired on a body of cavalry, which immediately gave way. As 
 soon as the line was formed, I directed the skirmishers to advance, 
 taking care to bear to the right, so as to cross the road and come into 
 the fields beyond, in order to form upon the brigade, and ordered the 
 brigade forward, sending the twelfth Georgia regiment, which was on 
 the right, by flank, to form behind a ridge, beyond which was the 
 enemy's cavalry. The brigade moved forward, through the woods, in 
 handsome style, until it came up with the twelfth Georgia, when the 
 whole advanced until it came in sight of the enemy's cavalry. About 
 this time Colonel Walker's skirmishers commenced firing, as did the 
 regiments on the right, and the cavalry scampered off. The brigade 
 continued to move forward, swinging around the corner of the woods, 
 and coming out into the open field in line of battle. It had by this 
 time got to the right of the Culpeper road, and moved in pursuit of 
 the enemy's cavalry through the fiilds, in a direction parallel to the 
 road, until it came to a farm road, running from Mrs Crittenden's 
 house, on the right, perpendicularly to the Culpeper road. Hero it 
 was halted for a few minutes behind a fence running along the farm 
 road, and the thirteenth regiment was drawn in and formed on the 
 left. The fence was then pulled down, and the brigade moved for- 
 ward in line to the crest of a hill, which commanded a view in front 
 of what afterwards proved to be the battle-field. As soon as the bri- 
 gade reached the crest of this hill three batleries opened on it, and a 
 large body of cavalry was discovered in a wheat-field in front, to the 
 left. I ordered the men to retire a few steps and lay down, so as to 
 avoid the effects of the enemy's artillery. 
 
 The seventh and eighth brigades were then some distance to the 
 right, on the side of the mountain, and General Winder's command 
 was about three-quarters of a mile to the rear. The hill sloped d^wn 
 
29 
 
 in front, and, farther on, was a corn-field, running back to the crest 
 of the next hill, along and behind which was posted the enemy's bat- 
 terie;^, and it was evident that there was a depression behind this hill, 
 in which large bodies of infantry might be concealed. There were 
 woods also on a hill in the rear of the wheat-field, in and behind 
 which infantry might be placed under cover, and to the left was 
 a wood through which my flank might be turned. 
 
 The opening of the batteries and the halting of the cavalry in 
 its flight convinced me that the enemy intended to make a stand here, 
 and that he was in force. The hill upon which I was, being a com- 
 manding one, from which the enemy's movements might be observed, 
 and though my left was exposed, being a strong position in itself, if 
 the woods on my left could be occupied, I determined to hold it, and 
 sent my aid. Lieutenant S. II. Early, back to General Winder for 
 reinforcements, with directions to come along the Culpeper road, as 
 that was clear. My left at this time rested on the Culpeper road, 
 where it runs between the field in which I was and the woods to the 
 left. General Winder was met with the head of his column just 
 crossing the branch of Cedar creek, half a mile in my rear. 
 
 A short time after Lieutenant Early was sent to General Winder, 
 I sent Major A. L. Pitzer, a volunteer aid, to ask that some pieces of 
 artillery should be sent up. Before this request could be complied 
 with by General Winder, Captain Brown, of the Chesapeake artillery, 
 with one piece, and Captain Dement, with three pieces, came up 
 through the fields in rear, in a gallop, and were posted, by my direc- 
 tion, a little in advance of my right, near a clump of cedars, where 
 they had good cover for their horses and caissons and occupied a 
 commanding position. They very soon opened on the enemy and 
 were followed in a short time by some pieces from General Winder's 
 command from the corner of the field where the road from Mrs. 
 Crittenden's crosses the Culpeper rond.' About this time, the pieces 
 with the seventh and eighth brigades opened fire from the mountain, 
 and a very brisk cannonade was kept up for some time, perhaps for two 
 hours or more. The shells from the enemy's pieces bursted over and 
 around my men constantly, doing some diimage occasionally, but not 
 a great deal. I observed that the fire from our own guns was having 
 considerable eff'ect, and I saw one of the enemy's batteries compelled 
 to change its position In the early part of the cannonading, I sent 
 an aid to tell General Winder that the enemy's batteries might be at- 
 tacked with advantage by the left; but, in a short time afterwards, 
 movements were observed in front that induced the belief that the 
 enemy were sending infantry to our left, and notice of this was sent 
 to General Winder, with the caution to be on the look out ; but just 
 before my aid reached the place where General Winder was, this gal- 
 lant oflBcer received a mortal wound from a shell, and the information 
 was communicated to General Jackson in person, he having arrived 
 on the ground. Not long afterwards a line of skirmishers from the 
 enemy was seen advancing across the corn-field in front, and several 
 regiments in rear supporting them. A body of infantry also com- 
 menced moving upi towards my right, which rested near the clump of 
 
30 
 
 cedars, where the gun8 of Brown and Dement were posted. The hill 
 there falls off rather abruptly to the right and as infantry could have 
 come up under cover of the hill very near to rae, I sent to General 
 Jackson for a brigade to support my right, which was promised. The 
 enemy's skirmishers had halted in the edge of the corn-field nearest 
 ug, as had the regiments which supported th^ra, and before the brig- 
 ade promised me came up, very unexpectly to me, several of our 
 pieces from the left dashed down the slope of the hill, in front of my 
 left, to within close range of tlie enemy's skirmishers, which they had 
 not seen. The enemy's skirmishers and the infantry in their rear 
 commenced moving and firing on them immediately, and seeing their 
 danger, I at onceordorel my brigade foi'ward at double-quick, which 
 order was complied with, the men rushing down with a shout, 
 *nd reaching the pieces just in time to save them. At the same time 
 a fire was opened from the woods to the left by some troops of Gene- 
 ral Winder's command, and the infantry fight then begun. The 
 enemy's front regiments soon began to give way and other n giments 
 were seen advancing through the wheat-field to the left and additional 
 regiments through the corn-field in my front. I rode to my right 
 and threw the twelfth Georgia regiment to the left, along the crest of 
 a ridge, which made a curve in front, affording it a very good natural 
 defence and enabling it to give the enemy a flank fire. Just as I com- 
 pleted this movement, I observed a brigade passing from, the rear to 
 my right, which proved to be one of Major General Hill's brigades, 
 commanded by Colonel Thomas. I immediately proceeded to post 
 this brigade to the right of the twelfth Georgia regiment and at right 
 angles with it, where it also had a strong position. After getting 
 this brigade in position, during which operation my whole left was 
 excluded from my view, I rode towards the left and found that the 
 pieces of bitillery that had been advanced had been retired, and that 
 the left regiments of my brigade and all the troops to their left, as 
 far as I could see, had fallen back, and the enemy were advancing up 
 the. slope of the hill. I saw at once the critical position in which we 
 were placed. The tweli'th Georgia regiment, the four companies of 
 the fifty-second Virginia regiment, with Lieutenant Colonel Skinner, 
 and a part of the fifty-eighth Virginia regiment, under Major Kasey, 
 of my own brigade, had not given way, and Colonel Thomas' 
 brigade was still left on my right. These troops were then isolated 
 and in an advanced position, and had they giv^jn way, the day, in all 
 probability, would have been lost. I could not. therefore, go to rally 
 those of my regiments, which were retiring, but despatched Major 
 Hale, my acting assistant adjutant general, to do so, and I imme- 
 diately rode to the right to urge the troops there to hold their posi- 
 tion. After doing this, I rode again towards the left and discovered 
 the enemy retiring before some of our troops, which were again 
 advancing. These I discovered to be a portion of my own brigade, 
 which had been rallied and -a portion of General Taliaferro's brig- 
 ade. I rode up to them and while I was here the enemy attempted to 
 retrieve the fortunes of the day by a cavalry ♦charge along the 
 Culpeper road, which was, however, succcessfully repulsed by a fire 
 
31 
 
 from the thirteenth Virginia fegiment, Colonel Taliaferro's regiment, 
 of General Taliaferro's brigade, and a number of parties from other 
 brigades. 
 
 This was after sunset, and the troops, which had rallied and driven 
 the enemy back, advanced into the corn-field. I rode off to the right 
 again, and found the troops there maintaining, their ground against 
 a body of infantry in front of Colonel Thomas' brigade, which kept 
 its position for some time. The ammunition of my own regiments 
 being nearly exhausted, as was that of Colonel 'J'homas' brigade, I di- 
 rected them to maintain their ground at all hazards, and use the bay- 
 onet if necessary, and they did not waver for a momerit. I did not 
 order an advance from this position, because it would have had to 
 have been made under great disadvantages, and with great danger of 
 being attacked on the right flank. The position of these troops was, 
 all the time, until the enemy had entirely givm way, in advance vi 
 the line, and I was satisfied that they could accomplish more by main- 
 taining their position than by advancing- A little before dusk, the 
 last of the enemy's regiments left the ground, on the advance of our 
 troops to the left, into the corn-field, and we were left masters 
 of the battle-field. In a short time, I was informed by Major Cxeneral 
 Hill, who came where I was, that General Jackson's order was to ad- 
 vance in pursuit of the enemy on the Culpeper road, and that his di- 
 vision was advancing, 1 informed him of the fact that the whole of 
 my ammunition was exhausted, and that my brigade was mui-h fa- 
 tigued, and in some confusion ; but as he expressed the opinion that I 
 ought to advance, I collected the brigade and did advance, until I 
 was met by General Ewell, who had come up from the right, and was 
 by him ordered to wait until the other two brigades of the division 
 came up on the road from the right and follow them, which 1 did, 
 and was shortly after halted and ordered to bivouac for the night. 
 
 Johnson's battery, attached to this brigade, had accompanied the 
 seventh and eighth baigades, and its movements were under the di- 
 rection of the Major General commanding the division. 
 
 I have since ascertained that the giving way of the regiments on 
 my left, which has been mentioned, was caused by the fact thnt the 
 brigade on their left gave way before the enemy's infantry, which ad- 
 vanced through the wheat field, and that the enemy got into the woods 
 on their left and fired into their rear. This disorder was confined to 
 the twenty fifth, thirty-first, and part of the fifty-eighth Virginia 
 regiments. Colonel Walker, who was on my extreme left, maintained 
 his position with his regiment, the thirteenth, and part of the thirty- 
 first Virginia regtment, until they were alone and the enemy were 
 tiring into their rear in the field. He then ordered them to retire, 
 but he again formed them and brought them forward, and contributed 
 very largely to the final repulse of the enemy, advancing as f.ir as 
 any of our troops were advanced, until after the conclusion of the 
 fight. I call especial attention to his report. He is a most efficient 
 And gallant officer, who is always ready to perform any duty assigned 
 him, and the men of his regiment are capital fighting men, there being 
 none better in the army. When Colonel Walker is in front, with his 
 
32 
 
 nren deployed as ekirmishers, I feel Bccare against an ambuscade. 
 I respectfully and earnestly recommend him for promotion to the po- 
 sition of Brigadier General. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Terrell, of the same regiment ; Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Skinner commanding the fifty-second Virginia regiment ; Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Jackson, commanding the thirty-first Virginia regi- 
 ment, (severely wounded ;) Miijer Kasey, commanding the fifty- 
 eighth Virginia regiment ; Major Iligginbotham, commanding the 
 twenty-fifth Virginia regiment, and Captain William F. Brown com- 
 manding the twelfth Georgia regiment, all acquitted themselves with 
 great gallantry. The brigade generally acquitted itself well. 
 
 The disorder in some of the regiments was, as before stated, after 
 the troops on their left had given way and the enemy had gotten on 
 their flink and rear, and it was after Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, of 
 the thirty-first and .NLijor Iligginbotham were both wounded and car- 
 ried to the rear, leaving their regiments, which chiefly participated 
 in the disorder, without commanders. 
 
 The conduct of the twelfth Georgia, with which I was more than 
 any other, elicited my especial approbation. It is a gallant fighting 
 regiment, and 1 have had occasion before to notice its good conduct. 
 Its commander in this action, Captain William F. Brown, who is over 
 sixty years of age, displayed great coolness, courage and energy. lie 
 is eminently deserving the command of a regiment, and I recommend 
 him for promotion to fill the first vacancy that may occur among the 
 field officers of the regiment. 
 
 Captain liilly, of the twenty-fifth Virginia regiment, with a small 
 body of his regiment, (twenty-fifth Virginia,) including the color- 
 bearer, attracted my attention by the gallantry displayed by them in 
 advancing among the foremost after the regiment had got into disor- 
 der. A body of men, from the twenty-first Virginia regiment, around 
 their colors, advancing in the same way, attracted my attention by 
 their g.ilhintry. I was particularly struck by the bravery exhibited 
 by the color-bearers of these two regiments, who, with these small 
 bodies of men, were waving their flags in the very front, as if to at- 
 tract a fire upon them, and advancing all the while. 
 
 Capt;iin Brown, of the Chesapeake Artillery, and Captain Demeat 
 displayed great courage and efficiency, themselves loading and Lring 
 their pieces, when their men were exhausted. 
 
 I was attracted by the conspicuous gallantry exhibited by Colonel 
 Taliaferro, of the twenty-third Virginia regiment, who I saw urging 
 his men on. 
 
 My stuff officere. Major P. Hall, A. A. General ; Lieutenant S. H. 
 Early, A. D. C, and Major A. L. Pitzer, volunteer A, D. C, dis- 
 played great courage and energy in carrying my orders under fire, 
 and in rallying and encouraging the troops. They were everywhere 
 on th^ field where there was danger, each having his horse struck 
 under him. 
 
 There were doubtless many cases of individual gallantry upon the 
 part of officers and men, to which I am not able to do justice, and I 
 do not wish it to be understood that they are intentionally overlooked. 
 
33 
 
 My effective strength in infantry, on the morning of the 9th, was 
 seventeen hundred, of which about three hundred and fifty were left 
 on picket. 
 
 Subjoined is a list of killed, wounded and roissing, showing sixteen 
 killed, one hundred and forty-five wounded, and two missing, total 
 one hundred and sixty-three. 
 
 I can also bear testimony to the gallantry and good conduct of Col- 
 onel Tomas, and the officers and men of his brigade, whose timely ar- 
 rival rendered my right secure, and whose deadly fire contributed 
 largely to the repulse of the enemy. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. A. EARLY, 
 Brigadier General commanding Brigade, 
 3 
 
R£rORT OF COLONEL RONALD OF FIRST BRIGADE. 
 
 Headq'rs First Brigade Virginia Volunteers, V. D,, ) 
 
 August 15, 1862. y 
 
 W. T. Tauaferro, a. a. A. General: 
 
 Sir : Before the brigade became engaged in the battle of Cedar 
 Run, on Saturday, the 9th, Brigadier General Charles S. Winder 
 >Ta9 mortally wounded, vfhereupon the command devolved on me. 
 In obedience to your order, therefore, I have the honor to submit the 
 following report of the part taken by the first brigade in the battle 
 of Cedar Run, Culpeper county, on the 0th instant: 
 
 The following regiments constitute the brigade: The fifth, sec- 
 ond, fourth, thirty-third and twenty-seventh A'irginia, commanded 
 on this occasion as follows : The fifth by Major Williams, the second 
 by Lieutenant Colonel Lawson Botts, the fourth by Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Robert D. Gardner, the thirty-third by Lieutenant Colonel Ed- 
 ward G. Lee, the twenty-seventh by Captain Charles L. Haynes. 
 Captains Carpenter's and Poague's batteries are attached. The brig- 
 ade bivouacked, on the night of the 8th, in Madison county, on the 
 road leading to Culpeper Court-IIouse, and about one mile from 
 Madison Mills, on the Rapidan river. On the morning of the 9th, 
 the brigade took up the line of march in the direction of Culpeper 
 Court-ilouso. The march was frequently interrupted from causes 
 unknown to me at the time, and, at fifteen minutes past three o'clock, 
 P. M., the brigade was halted in the woods a short distance to the 
 left of the road. At this time, some cannonading was going on in 
 front. Here several parrot guns from Captains Poague's and Car- 
 penter's batteries were ordered to the front. These were posted in 
 the road so as to enfilade the enemy's batteries, then engaging our 
 batteries on the right. General Winder was in the front, directing, 
 ■with great ability and judgment, the movements of the batteries. 
 These batteries, in a short time, succeeded in driving the enemy's 
 guns from their chosen position, after which Captains Poague and 
 Carpenter were directed to take position in a corn-field on the right 
 of the road, where they opened a rapid fire upon the enemy's guns, 
 and soon silenced several of them. Shortly after this, General Win- 
 der was mortally wounded and borne from the field, the brigade still 
 resting where it was halted at fifteen minutes past three o'clock. A 
 little after four o'clock, P. M., I was ordered to put the brigade, in 
 line of battle, perpendicular to the road, and move forward, the line* 
 having been arranged in the following order, viz: Twenty-seventh 
 on the right, the thirty-third on the left of the twenty-seventh, the 
 fifth left of the thirty-third, second left of the. fifth, and the fourth 
 left of the second. I moved forward through the woods, but in a few 
 minutes I was ordered to put the brigade in column of regiments, 
 which order was executed promptly ] but before advancing the col- 
 umn I was ordered to deploy the column and advance in line of bat- 
 
35 
 
 tie, letting the right rest about one hundred yards from the road. 
 The line of battle being thus re-established I moved forward through 
 the woods, under a heavy fire of spherical case and canister shot, 
 from the enemy's guns. Arriving at a fence that partly enclosed an 
 open fiehi, I halted the brigade and sent Captain John II. Fulton, 
 acting aid, to inform General Taliaferro of my position, and to re- 
 ceive his order. Captain Fulton returned, stating that the General 
 directed me to move on. I put the brigade in motion and rode aome 
 two hundred yards in advance, in order to gain the top of the hill, 
 from which I supposed I could have a good view. Arriving at the 
 top of the hill, I observed the enemy, about three hundred yards dis- 
 tant, advancing in line of battle, when I immediately rode back to- 
 the brigade, which, having advanced to within four hundred yards of 
 the enemy, and in view cf each other, this brigade then openeii fi^re- 
 upon the enemy, and having discharged several volleys, which seenaedi 
 to confuse him, I immediately ordered the brigade to charge, which: 
 order was promptly executed, and with fine effect, the enemy falling 
 back in great confusion, leaving many of his dead and wounded upoa 
 the field. Arriving at the woods in his retreat, the enemy attempted 
 to reform his line, which I determined to prevent, by following him 
 up ; but at this moment, I was informed that the enemy had turned 
 the left of the second brigade, (which I supposed, until that moment, 
 rested on the right of the first brigade:) whereupon, I immethatel^ 
 directed a change cf front, which was done as promptly as it could be 
 under the circumstances, which enabled me to engage this Hank 
 movement of the enemy. But General Branch's brigade coming up 
 at this moment, his line being perpendicular to the road, while the 
 line of the first brigade was parallel. General Branch opened a vig- 
 orous fire upon the enemy, which soon succeeded in driving him from, 
 his position. He was here compelled to pass through a large graia 
 field in his retreat, which exposed his broken columns to a deadly- 
 cross-fire from Branch's and this brigade. About sundown. General i 
 Pender's (I think it was) brigade appeared on the extreme left of ' 
 the open field I first entered. lie continued his march by the fl.i:nk.: 
 until his right reached the north-east corner of the field, when I sent 
 Captain Fulton to inform him that the enemy was in the woods to his^ 
 right. He then continued his march for some distance, and then p-ut 
 his brigade in line of battle, his right resting on the left of the fi/st 
 brigade, and then the whole line advanced in the direction of the maimi 
 road. Very shortly after this connection was formed, a short bat 
 very vigorous contest ensued, which succeeded in completely routing; 
 the enemy. [It is proper here to state that the enemy engaged in the 
 woods, at this point, is the same column whose reformation of line I 
 attempted to prevent when informed that the left flank of the second 
 brigade had been turned.] Here the enemy's loss was very heavy. 
 This brigade pursued the now retreating foe until after dark, when I. 
 was ordered to halt and rest for the night. 
 
 The conduct of the troops in this brigade was, indeed, splendid ;. 
 men never behaved better. Regimental commanders were conspicu- 
 ous for their gallantry, and company officers deserve great praise, 
 
96 
 
 not only for their gallantry, but for their successful efforts in keeping 
 their companies together. Indeed, when the brigade was halted for 
 the night, nearly all ■were present. 
 
 The brigade captured three stands of colors, one of which was im- 
 properly taken from a private of the regiment by a commis- 
 sioned officer of some other command. Two stands of colors were 
 taken by the fifth regiment. 
 
 For individual acts of gallantry, I refer you to the reports of regi- 
 mental and battery commanders, herewith presented. Upon assum- 
 ing command, Captain John II. Fulton, of the fourth regiment, and 
 Major Ilolliday, of the thirty-third regiment, kindly consented to act 
 as aids, in connection with Lieutenant Garnett, of General Winder's 
 Btafl, and to these gentlemen I am much indebted for their valuable 
 Bcrvices. 
 
 Captain Fulton was conspicuous in the fight, transmitting every 
 order with great promptness and despatch. 
 
 Mnjor Ilolliday, a gallant and brave man, while in the execution 
 of an order, was severely wounded in the right arm, rendering am- 
 putation necessary. He was wounded early in the engagement. 
 
 Lieutenant Garnett was active in the field, and his gallantry was 
 conspicuous. With the aid these gentlemen rendered me upon the 
 field, my new position, as brigade commander, was relieved of much 
 embarrassment. 
 
 Captains Carpenter and Poague are deserving of especial notice for 
 the great service they rendered with their batteries. Captain Car- 
 penter was wounded by a minie-ball in the head, though I think not 
 severely. 
 
 The casualties in the brigade was, ten killed and fifty-one wounded. 
 This includes General Winder, and in his death, the brigade was de- 
 prived of his great services, the army of an able and accomplished 
 ofl5cer, the country of a good citizen, and society of an ornameqt. 
 
 I attribute so few casualties to the fact that the brigade charged at 
 the proper time. 
 
 For a list of casualties, see reports of regimental and battery 
 commanderB. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 CHARLES A. RONALD, 
 Colonel ccmmanding 1st Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL GARNETT, OF 
 SECOND BRIGADE. 
 
 Camp near Liberty Mills, > 
 Headquarters Second Brigade, First Division, A. V. D. \ 
 
 Major W. T. Taliaferro, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, First Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 part taken by the second brigade, in the battle near Cedar creek, on 
 the 9th instant: 
 
 By order of General Winder, commanding first division, the second 
 brigade -was ordered, about half past three o'clock, P. M., to march 
 to the front — passing the first brigade — to rest its right near a school- 
 house in the vicinity of the battle-field. Remaining in this position 
 until General Early's brigade had driven in the cavalry pickets, I 
 received orders to move rapidly forward along the main road towards 
 the enemy's position. In executing this movement, the brigade was 
 fired upon by the enemy's batteries, killing five and wounding six 
 men of the forty-eighth Virginia regiment. To prevent any further 
 accident, the brigade was filed to the left in the woods, and proceeded 
 along the slope of a hill parallel to the road, until it had marched to 
 a point where the road emerged from the woods into .a field directly in 
 front of the enemy's batteries. Here General Winder ordered me to 
 file to the left along a by-road in the woods, and to follow it as far as 
 I could under cover of the woods. On reaching this last position, I 
 was to place the brigade in line of battle, and charge the nearest bat- 
 tery by a flank movement, while our artillery engaged it in front. On 
 reconnoitering the position of the battery, a heavy body of infantry 
 was discovered in its rear, and a long line of cavalry, behind a fence 
 covered with brush, on the left of the battery, commanding perfectly 
 the field the second brigade would necessarily cross in reaching its 
 destination. I reported these facts immediately to General Winder, 
 through Lieutenant White, acting aid-de-carap, and received orders 
 on his return to remain where I was for a few moments. This was 
 the last order I received from General Winder, whose untimely death 
 none more deplore than the second brigade. We were proud to be 
 under his command and mingle our sorrows with those of the nation 
 at his early fall. General Taliaferro now assuming command, ordered 
 such a disposition ot the second brigade as would afford some protec- 
 tion to the batteries on our right and some four hundred yards to the 
 rear. The twenty-first Virginia regiment formed the extreme right, 
 and the forty-eighth Virginia regiment was placed on the left of the 
 twenty -first, and were designed to repulse any charge of the enemy 
 on our batteries, as ordered by General Taliaferro, The forty-second 
 Virginia regiment and first Virginia battalion formed our left, and 
 commanded a field nearly at right angles with that in front of the 
 
38 
 
 forty-eighth and twenty-first. In this position skirmishers were 
 thrown forward, and, on the extreme left, a courier was lef( with 
 Major Seddon, with instructions to report any movements of the 
 enemy in a thick woodland on his extreme left, which was supposed 
 to be occupied. At this juncture General Jackson and staff arrived, 
 and I received orders from the General to look well to my left flank- 
 and to report at once to General Taliaferro for' reinforcements. 
 Accordingly, Captain Wilson, assistant adjutant general, second 
 brigade, and Lieutenant White, acting aid-de-carap, were sent in dif- 
 ferent parts of the field to ensure an early interview with the General, 
 and to secure, without delay, the support required. Before these 
 officers returned, the enemy had advanced rapidly, already engaging 
 our light, ^\'ith coolness and determination, the regiments on the 
 right delivered thnr fire, keeping a superior number of the enemy at 
 bay. Firing now commenced on the l<;ft, and hastening to the posi- 
 tion occupied by the first Virginia battalion, I discovered the enemy 
 in heavy force rapidly advancing, not more than fifty yards from our 
 front, bearing down upon us also from the left, delivering, as they 
 came, a most galling fire. Unable to withstand this fire from front 
 and flank, the first Virginia battalion gave way in confusion, and 
 rendered abortive any efforts of its corps of gallant ofliccrsto reform 
 it. Finding our left turned, I rode up to ]Major Layne, commanding 
 the forty-second, and ordered a change of front to meet the enemy in 
 this new direction ; but, before this could be executed, he fell mortally 
 wounded, and the movement could not be accomplished before the 
 enemy had commenced a fire in their rear, producing some confusion 
 and disorder. The other regiment, all the while engaged in front, were 
 also atticked in rear, now that the lett flank was turned, producing 
 much disorder in their ranks. In this double fire, front and rear, 
 fell the gallant ofiicers. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham, Major Layne, 
 and Captain Dyerle. Reinforcements coming up, portions of different 
 regiments were reformed and assisted in driving the enemy discom- 
 fitted from the field. The terrible loss in this brigade resulted from 
 its left flank being turned, thereby subjecting it to a double fire. 
 Had reinforcements, momentarily expected, arrived ten minutes 
 sooner, no disaster would have happened. The long list of killed and 
 woundc<l ofiicers, accompanying this report, is the best evidence of 
 their courage and fidelity in the discharge of duty. Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Cunningham, as all who knew him expected, behaved with dis- 
 tinguished bravery and coolness. His place is not easily filled. The 
 same may be said of Major Layne, Major Seddon and Captain Han- 
 num, commanding regiments, and of the officers attached to their 
 commands. It would be improper to close this report without calling 
 •;he attention of the General to the acts of savage brutality perpetra- 
 ted by the enemy upon our ofiicers and men who fell into their hands 
 temporarily as prisoners. Such fiendish barbarity is not to be found 
 in the history of warfare among civilized nations. 
 
 To the members of my staff all praise is due for their bravery and 
 efficiency in the discharge of every duty. They consisted of Captain 
 Wilson, assistant adjutant general, Lieutenant Dabney, aid-de-camp. 
 
S9 
 
 and Lieutenant White, first Virginia battalion, acting aid-de-camp. 
 For further particulars, the General is referred to reports from regi- 
 mental commanders herewith enclosed. 
 
 THOMAS S. GARNETT, 
 Lieut. Col. commanding 2nd Brigade. Isi, Div:sio7i, A. V, D. 
 V. Dabney, Aid-dc-Camp. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL TALUFERRO OF THIRD BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Third Brigade, A. V., 
 McGrudtr's Farm, Orange county, Va., August 14, 1862. 
 
 To Brigadier General W. B. Taliaferro, 
 
 Commanding First Division, A. V. : 
 
 General: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 part sustained by the third brigade of the first division. Army of the 
 Valley, in the battle of Cedar creek, on the 9th instant : 
 
 Q'hifl brigade was under your immediate command until about four 
 o'clock, 1*. M., when 1 was notified of the death of General Winder, 
 commanding the first division, and that you had assumed its command. 
 The command of this brigade thereupon devolved upon me, as the 
 senior officer, and my report is confined to the conduct of the brigade 
 Bubsequcnt to my assumption of its command. The brigade at that 
 time occupied a position on the left of General Early's brigade, and 
 on the right of the second brigade of this division, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Garnett, the first brigade, under Colonel Ronald, being in 
 rear, as a support to the third. The brigade was then exposed to a 
 heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, which it sustained with great 
 firmness, ofiicers and men alike displaying the coolness of veterans. 
 Soon after, the order to advance was given, which was obeyed with 
 alacrity, under a galling fire from the enemy's batteries, firing over 
 the heads of their infantry. As soon as this brigade arrived within 
 musket shot of the enemy it commenced firing, and continued a de- 
 structive fire until it was discovered that the enemy, in strong force, 
 had turned the left flank of the second brigade, exposing it to a fire 
 80 destructive that it was compelled to give vtay, in some disorder. 
 This left the regiments on the left of this brigade exposed to the fire 
 of the enemy in front, and also on its left tiank. Under this fire, 
 and the example of the second brigade, the forty-seventh and forty- 
 eighth Alabama regiments, commanded respectively by Colonel Jack- 
 son and Colonel Sheffield, (for the first time under fire,) gave way, 
 and fell back some distance, but were promptly rallied by their offi- 
 cers. A part of the thirty-seventh Virginia, commanded by Colonel 
 Williams, was also thrown into confusion, and the whole compelled to 
 fall back. The tenth, Major Stover, and the twenty-third Virginia, 
 Lieutenant Colonel Curtis, likewise fell back, under my ordera. The 
 whole brigade was speedily reformed and, supported cordially by the 
 first brigade, which promptly advanced on its left, again advanced 
 and charged the enemy. The enemy soon broke and fled in great 
 disorder. We pursued them until darkness interposed, and we were 
 ordered to a position in advance of the battle-field, where we slept on 
 our ajrms. In the pursuit, this brigade captured a number of pris- 
 oners, among them Brigadier General Prince, who was brought in by 
 private John Booker, company I, twenty-third Virginia regiment. 
 He brought him to me, but as General Taliaferro was near, who wa» 
 
41 
 
 of superior rank, I ordered him to be taken to him, and to him ho 
 promptly surrendered. Just at the time the enemy broke, their cav- 
 alry charged us, but were received by a galling fire from this brigade. 
 They broke, and were fired upon also by the first and second, and 
 General Branch's brigade, w^ich had come up on our left, and fled 
 with great precipitation and loss. 
 
 I have to regret the loss of many brave and good officers and men. 
 It will be hard to supply their places, but they fell on the field of 
 honor, in defence of their homes, their people, their liberty, and all 
 that makes life dear to man, and a grateful country and posterity will 
 award them their meed of praise. Lieutenant Colonel Curtis, com- 
 manding twenty-third regiment Virginia volunteers, fell, mortally 
 wounded, while gallantly leading his regiment into action. lie came 
 to the regiment in September, 1861, from Brooke county, Virginia, 
 a private, and a refugee from the tyrants of the Northwest, and, in 
 the reorganization he was called to the position he so gallantly filled, 
 a fit testimonial by the officers to his gallantry and good conduct. He 
 has fallen far from his home and friends, but will long be remembered 
 by all associated with him in the cause of liberty. Colonel Williams, 
 of the thirty- seventh Virginia regiment, was slightly, and Colonel 
 Sheffield, of the forty-eighth Alabama regiment, was painfully 
 wounded. Both these officers behaved with great gallantry. All the 
 officers and men of this brigade behaved well, and I beg leave to 
 thank them for their gallant and good conduct, manifested under the 
 most trying circumstances. For the details of the killed and 
 wounded, I beg leave to refer you to the reports of regimental com- 
 .manders, herewith returned, and which sum up as follows : 
 
 Tenth regiment Virginia volunteers, 
 Twenty-third regiment Virginia volunteers, - 
 Thirty- seventh regiment Virginia volunteers, 
 Forty-seventh regiment Alabama volunteers, - 
 Forty-eighth regiment Alabama volunteers, - 
 
 Total, 51 271 
 
 All of which is most respectfully submitted, 
 
 ALEXAISDER G. TALIAFERRO, 
 Colonel commanding Third Brigade, A. V. 
 
 illed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 6 
 
 37 
 
 5 
 
 27 
 
 13 
 
 04 
 
 12 
 
 85 
 
 15 
 
 68 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL STAFFORD. 
 
 Headquarters Second Louisiana Brigade, 
 
 'August 14, 1 86 2. 
 
 To Major General A. P. Hill : 
 
 I very rcppectfully Bubmit the following report of the action and 
 position of this brigade under raj command, at the battle of Cedar 
 creek, on tlic 9th instant : 
 
 With my command, J reached, by double-quicking, the battle-field 
 just in time to hear the last guns fired and to witness the stragglers 
 of the retreat. Immediately after forming line of battle, the brigade 
 was thrown forward as the advance guard, and for a quarter of a mile 
 through a dense woods, heavy skirmishing was kept up between the 
 Bkirmishcrs of the enemy and those of my own deployment. In an 
 oji?n field, after passing the skirt of woods, I found the enemy in 
 large force, much superior to my own, and in line of battle. By or- 
 ders of General Jackson, with ray brigade, I formed a line of battle 
 along a fence separating the field from the woods and at right angles 
 with the main road by which I was advancing. 1 was severely shelled 
 at various times during the night, while the firing of the skirmishers 
 was periodical from a little after dark until near eleven o'clock next 
 morning. The entire brigade remained inline of battle until ordered 
 back at or near ten o'clock, A. M., lOth instant. The following compa- 
 nies were deployed as skirmishers, and behaved with that gallantry and 
 coolness that entitles the officers and men to the highest praise, viz. : . 
 Company A, Captain Grigsby ; company B, Captain Cumming, and 
 company D, Captain Hodges, of the ninth Louisiana regiment. The 
 casualties of the brigade were twenty wounded and /our killed. Deeply 
 do I regret to state that the following named officers (and a few pri- 
 vates, who could not be detected,) absented themselves without leavo 
 during that period of the engagement in which ray command partici- 
 pated, viz. : First Lieutenant B. F. Jackson and Captain Singletary , 
 of the ninth Louisiana regiment. All of which is respectfully sub- 
 mitted. 
 
 L. A. STAFFORD, 
 Colonel ccmviandwg 2d La. Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CRUTCHFIELD. 
 
 Headquarters Artillery, Second Corps, 
 March 14, 1863. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to submit the folllowing report of tlo 
 part taken by the artillery of this army corps in the battle of Cedar 
 Run, of August 9th, 1SG;2 : 
 
 The read on which we advanced debouched from a piece of woods 
 upon the immediate battle-field, which was open and somewhat broken, 
 a brook running across it and the prolongation of the road and making 
 a small, angle with our general line of battle. The advance of our 
 troops was the division of Brigadier General C. S. Winder, and its 
 artillery became first engaged. The enemy's batteries occupied 
 rising ground to tlie right and beyond the mouth of the road, while 
 his infantry extended from these batteries towards our left. About 
 two, P. M., a gun placed at the mouth of the road by Major R. S, 
 Andrews, commanding the artillery of General Winder's division, 
 opened on the enemy. His cavalry skirmishers and out-posts had 
 been previously driven in by Brigadier General Early's brigade, which 
 was just to the right of this point. The reply was immediate and 
 from this time the enemy kept up a sharp fire at this point, as one 
 near which our troops and batteries must pass in taking position. I 
 found that to the right and front, some two hundred and fifty yards, 
 were rises in the ground favorable for positions for artillery. I there- 
 fore directed Major Andrews to move forward his rifle guns to these 
 points. He moved out four rifles and one twelve-pounder Napoleon, 
 The latter and two rifles were from Captain Poague's battery and the 
 others from those of Captains Caskie and Carpenter. Their fire was 
 directed against the enemy's batteries in order to protect the deploy- 
 ment of our infantry. They were excellently served, and so com- 
 pletely occupied the enemy's guns, about twelve in number, I think, 
 that Major Andrews proposed to move one or two smooth-bored bat- 
 teries further down the road and endeavor to enfilade the enemy's 
 position. In trying to do this he was wounded, and the complexion 
 of affairs just after prevented its subsequent execution. Meanwhile 
 the battery of Captain Latimer, which had moved with Major General 
 Ewell's division, had opened on the enemy from a position at the base 
 of Slaughter's Mountain, far to our right, while the batteries of Cap- 
 tains Brown and Dement, (the two comprising six guns,) had position 
 between the battery of Captain Latimer and those of Major Andrews. 
 These two batteries were capitally served and evidently damaged the 
 enemy severely. 
 
 Thus far the fight had been between the opposing artillery exclu- 
 sively. At this time the enemy's infantry advanced in line of battle, 
 that is, a regiment of them through a corn-field just beyond the 
 
44 
 
 brook and in front of Major Andrews' guns. Unable apparently to 
 cross in this formation, they formed column of companies for the pur- 
 pose. Just then Major Andrews turned his guns upon them, (for it 
 was before he had been wounded,) and opening with canis- 
 ter soon broke them. At this time Lieutenant Colonel R. 
 L. Walker coming up with the artillery of Major General A. 
 P. Hill's division, I directed him to place four rifle guns on the rising 
 ground to Major Andrews' right. He placed them by sections — two 
 from Captain Pegram's battery and two from Captain Fleet's, the 
 latter under command of Lieutenant Hardy. These guns now were 
 formed in echelon — Captain Pegram being in advance and to the right, 
 next to him Lieutenant Hardy, while the guns from General Winder's 
 divipion were further to the left and something in advance of Lieuten- 
 ant Hardy, giving an oblique fire across their front. At this moment 
 the enemy's infantry advanced again in general line across the corn- 
 field and Lieutenant Colonel Walker's guns were turned on them ex- 
 clusively. In a short time our infantry on the left of the road was 
 apparently thrown into confusion and gave way ; the enemy advanc- 
 ing, the rear of the guns of General Winder's division was exposed 
 and they were withdrawn by General Jackson's order. At the same 
 time the enemy made a feeble effort to advance through and from the 
 corn-field, but a well-directed fire of canister from the guns of Cap- 
 tain Pegram and Lieutenant Hardy, supported by, I believe, the 
 thirteenth Virginia regiment, Colonel J. A. Walker, checked them, 
 though their skirmishers got quite near under cover of the accidents 
 of the ground. The temporary confusion on the left was soon over- 
 come and in a short time the enemy gave way, and our whole line 
 advancing, the artillery moved along the road, unable to cross tho 
 brook in front through the field. The pursuit continued until having 
 crossed a second brook, we came upon a large body of woods. It be- 
 ing deemed advisable to shell these before advancing further, the bat- 
 teries of Captains Pegram, Fleet, Braxton, and Latham, were placed 
 in position under Lieutenmt Colonel W^alker, some eighty or one hun- 
 dred yards distant and a heavy fire opened in various directions. 
 After a short time, Captain Pegram's battery was ordered forward 
 with an infantry brigade, through these woods about a quarter of a 
 mile. It took position just beyond and opened upon what was thought 
 an<l proved to be the enemy's camp. A battery was soon opened in 
 reply, and a heavy cannonade was the consequence, for some time, 
 causing Captain Pegram severe loss. His battery, however, retnined 
 its position till next morning, when it was withdrawn. We lost no 
 pieces or caissons, but had two guns dismounted by the enemy's 
 fire. We captured one twelve-pounder Napoleon (spiked) and car- 
 riage and caisson, with two other caissons and a limber, all of which 
 were brought off. The gun and caisson were sent to Richmond, one 
 caisson exchanged into Captain Poagae's battery, and the other cais- 
 son and limber also sent to Richmond. 
 
 It is due that I should call especial attention to the gallantry dis- 
 played by Major R. L. Andrews in this action. He was severely 
 wounded, and, in our withdrawal, fell a prisoner into the hands of 
 
45 
 
 the enemy. Captain J. Carpenter, a moat excellent officer, received 
 a wound from which he has since died, while fearlessly exposing him- 
 self in looking out a position for his battery. 
 I have the honor to remain, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 S. CRUTCHFIELD, 
 Colonel and Chief Artillery 2d Corps. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN WITCIIER OF TWENTY-FIRST VIR- 
 GINIA REGIMENT. 
 
 Camp near Gordonsville, August 13, 1862. 
 
 Major John Seddon, 
 
 Commandi/ig Second Brigade : 
 
 Sir : In obedience to order, I offer the following report of the 
 twenty-first Virginia regiment in the battle of Slaughter's Mountain, 
 on the 9th instant, which, I fear, will be an imperfect one, as I only 
 took command after the fight had considerably advanced : 
 
 The regiment was posted in line of battle in the woods, about forty 
 paces back of the road, to the left of a battery in the field, and 
 facing to the road, a small party being sent to the road in front 
 of our extreme left to keep watch. In this position, the men were 
 ordered to lie down to protect them from the enemy's cannonading, 
 which was kept up with great vigor. A number of shells exploded in 
 cur vicinity, one of which struck and killed William II. Morgan, of 
 company F, a young officer of great merit. In about half an hour, 
 a volh-y of musketry was heard on our left, when the party on the 
 road inancdiately returned, and reported that a regiment was advanc- 
 ing along the road and fence. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham or- 
 dered our regiment forward to the edge of the road, which order was 
 promptly obeyed, all seeming eager for the engagement. Soon after 
 reaching the road and engaging the enemy, another regiment of them 
 emerged from a corn-field, and arrayed themselves in line of battle 
 to our left oblique. This seemed to heightefl the ardor of our men, 
 who fought with all the gallantry and energy that could have been 
 desired, and completely checking the enemy's advance. The fight 
 was raging fiercely, and our men in high spirits, when suddenly, and 
 without any warning whatever, a murderous fire was poured upon us 
 from the rear, at least a brigade of the enemy having passed through 
 the woods and reached within twenty or thirty paces of us. We had 
 supposed that our rear was protected ; why it was not, is not for me 
 to say. About this time, Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham appeared 
 at the left of the line and gave some command, which, amid the firing, 
 I could not understand. 1 ordered those near me, however, to about- 
 face ; some obeyed, but many others were so intent upon firing at the 
 enemy before them, and so little apprehensive of danger from the 
 rear, that they seemed not to understand the command. Colonel Cun- 
 ningham again gave some command, which, owing to the circum- 
 stances, I could not distinctly hear. He waived his hand towards the 
 fence rather to the right, and, after several times ordering it, I got 
 the men to start in that direction. In making the movement, they 
 became somewhat scattered and confused, some going fast, while others 
 would load, turn and fire as they went. To add to the confusion of 
 the moment, in addition to the many other brave men and officers who 
 fell at this point, our gallant and beloved leader. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Cunningham fell mortally wounded; the adjutant was taken by the 
 
47 
 
 enemy, though he. afterwards escaped ; the sergeant-major was sho* 
 down ; the flag-bearer was shot dead ; a corporal of the color-guard, 
 seizing the colors, shared the same fate, and a private who next raised 
 them fell, wounded in three places. Under these unfavorable circum- 
 stances, a portion of the regiment rallied and formed at the crest of 
 the hill, not more than one hundred and iSfty paces from the road. 
 Here, some troops, which had fallen back, rallied, and joined us, and 
 after a spirited contest of ten or fifteen minutes, drove the enemy, 
 who ha^ advanced into the road and field, back into the woods. We 
 then turned our fire upon the enemy's line of battle in the meadow, 
 which soon broke and began to retire. From this we pushed forward 
 wherever the fight seemed thickest, assisting in the repulse of the 
 cavalry charge, and mingling in the fire upon the retreating foe, till 
 he had entirely disappeared from the field. No troops, iu my opin- 
 ion, could have behaved with more daring and obstinacy than those of 
 the twenty-first. There were instances of individual heroism, which I 
 refrain from mentioning, lest injustice should be done to others. Be- 
 fore concluding this report, I deem it my duty to bring to your no- 
 tice a fact which shows the barbarous and brutal manner in which this 
 war is being conducted by our enemies. Second Lieutenant Thomas 
 M. Brown, of company K, was taken prisoner at the time our regi- 
 ment left the woods. He was afterwards found in the woods mor- 
 tally wounded, and, before dying, stated to Lieutenant Roach, of the 
 twenty-first, and Captain Turner of the L'ish battalion, that he was 
 taken unhurt, but when the enemy were forced to retreat, they knocked 
 him down with their guns, and bayonetted him in several places. He 
 was in his proper mind at the time of making this statement, and died 
 the same night. Accompanying this report I forward a list of casu- 
 alties. 
 
 Kespectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. A. WITCHEPx, 
 Captain f commaiiding %\st Virginia Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR SEDDON. 
 
 Headq'rs 1st Va. Bat., 2nd Brig., 1st Div., A. V. D., 
 
 August 14, 1862. 
 
 Lieut. Col. T. L. Garnett, 
 
 Commanding Second Brigade on the evening of the 9th inst. : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of the first Virginia battalion during the late engagement 
 irith the enemy near Cedar creek, on the evening of the 9th instant : 
 
 The first Virginia battalion, under my command, was marched, 
 with the rest of the second brigade, through a body of woods and 
 was drawn up in line of battle, with inverted front, on the extreme 
 left of the brigade in the wood, with a small wheat-field in our front. 
 The woods were so dense that no other portion of our brigade could 
 be seen from our position. We took up our position about a quarter 
 paet four o'clock, P. M. At about a quarter to six o'clock, a large 
 brigade of the enemy emerged from the woods beyond the wheat field, 
 and advanced against our line, in fine order, at a double-quick. A 
 corn-field on the right, and a brush-field on the left of the wheat-field, 
 prevented me from seeing either wing of the enemy, which seemed 
 to extend indefinitely in both directions. By order, the battalion 
 fired as the enemy came within one hundred and fifty yards of our 
 position, with very little effect. We fired two more scattering volleys, 
 all with little effect. By this time the enemy were close upon our 
 front, and had closed in upon our left flank. Seeing this, the battal- 
 ion gave way and retreated rapidly and in great confusion. Being 
 on the extreme left of the brigade, we were the first to see the flank 
 movement of the enemy, and^by the rapid retreat, were prevented 
 from being surrounded. 
 
 All the officers of the battalion strove most gallantly to hold the 
 men to their position, and made the most heroic endeavors to rally 
 them after they had broken. Failing in this, some, of the officers and 
 men joined in with the reserves and took part in their successful ad- 
 vance. Second Lieutenant Alexander, company A, was disabled by 
 a severe wound in the left thigh, about the time the battalion gave 
 way. It may be proper to add that Lieutenant White, acting aid-de- 
 camp to Colonel Garnett, informed me, just as the enemy advanced 
 from the woods, that the tenth Virginia regiment occupied our left. 
 
 Accompanying this you will please find a list of casualties. 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN SEDDON, 
 Major commanding 1st Va. Battalion, 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL JACKSON. 
 
 Camp near Libertv Mills, 
 August 13, 1862. 
 
 To Colonel Taliaferro, 
 
 Commanding Third Brigade, A. V. : 
 
 Colonel: On Saturday last, the 9tli instant, four o'clock, P. M., I 
 arrived with my regiment (the forty-seventh Alabama) within range 
 of the enemy's batteries that had opened on the advancing columni* 
 of our array. We were allowed to rest a few minutes, when we >?ere 
 again ordered to advance, and take our position under the range of 
 the enemy's guns. We advanced along the road for the distance of a- 
 mile, with the enemy's shells bursting over our heads; but, as we were 
 within the range given to their guns, no damage was done to my 
 regiment. When the position desired by our brigade commander waa 
 gained, we were ordered to form our line of battle and lie down. By 
 this time the cannonade was in quicker succession. The men undor 
 my command behaved themselves very well, though somewhat confused 
 at the bursting of shells over their heads; but after remaining a shor!; 
 time they became quiet. We remained about forty minutes in thiR 
 position, without sustaining any loss, when the order was given by 
 General Taliaferro to advance in line of battle. I reported this com- 
 mand to the regiment, when they advanced in tolerable order, the dis- 
 tance of fifty yards, when we approached a fence, which we crossed 
 and found ourselves in presence of the enemy's infantry, which had 
 opened on us with some effect. I formed my men in line of battle^ 
 about three hundred yards from the line of the enemy, and opened 
 fire on them. Although it was the first battle any of my men had 
 ever been in, yet they behaved themselves very well, and returned the 
 fire in quick succession, and with a good deal of deliberation. Affairg 
 remained in this position for about twenty minutes, when we found 
 ourselves attacked from a very unexpected quarter ; the enemy having 
 flanked us, had come round to our rear, and were pouring heavy vol- 
 leys on us, at the distance of forty paces. As soon as I discovered 
 this new enemy, I gave the command to face about. A few companies 
 of the right wing obeyed the command; but the left, not understand- 
 ing the order and being subjected to a severe cross-fire, gave way 
 •nd retreated across the field. As soon as the left gave way, the right 
 also got into confusion and followed the left. I made repeated effort* 
 1o rally the regiment, but, finding it impossible to do so under tho 
 cross-fire they were subjected to, I followed them across the field, and 
 on a hill that screened them from the balls of the enemy. As soon as 
 they found themselves out of range, they halted and began of them- 
 telves to rally to their standard. I encouraged them as much as my 
 exhausted state from fatigue and feeble health would permit, and soon 
 had the satisfaction of seeing most of them returning to duty. I or- 
 dered the colors to adrance, which they did, and the regiment fol- 
 4 
 
lowed, though without any line of battle. I remained behind, lending 
 up those that showed less inclination to advance I soon found it 
 would be impossible to get them in regular line, and, therefore, stayed 
 % few paces in the rear, encouraging those that stayed behind, and 
 preventing them from firing among those in advance. We continued 
 to advance in this open way, to within two hundred yards of the 
 r^nemy, drawn up in another field, on the opposite side of the field. 
 The advance of our line at this point made a halt, and very delibe- 
 rately returned the fire of the enemy. I encournged those in the 
 rear to advance as far as their friends had done, and soon had the satis- 
 faction of seeing them slowly make their way to the front. The front 
 line seeing the rear advance, also advanced, and the enemy in a few 
 minutes began to give ground. At this point we were charged by a 
 body of cavnlry, but, meeting with a rolling fire from our line, they 
 retreated with considerable loss. Our men now advanced in quick 
 time, and the enemy's retreat soon became a complete rout. We con- 
 tinued to pursue them from one field to another, until about seven 
 o'clock, when our men becoming exhausted, made a halt, and took no 
 further part in the action. 
 
 The number of killed in my regiment was eleven men and one 
 captain. Captain Blunsen, who fell at the time we were flanked by the 
 enemy. The captain conducted himself with great gallantry, and the 
 regiment has sustained a great loss in hia death. We had also ninety 
 men wounded, including those that were wounded slightly. I think 
 :Le wounded, with a few exceptions, will recover. 
 
 The above is an outline of the part played by the forty-seventh 
 Alabama regiment, in the late action between Generals Jackson's and 
 Pope's forces, near Culpeper Court-House. 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. W. JACKSON, 
 Lieutenant Colonel, commanding 411 ih Alabama Volunteers. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN DOBYNS OF FORTY-SECOND VIR- 
 GINIA REGIMENT. 
 
 Headquarters Forty-Second Regiment Virginia Vols., ) 
 Camp near Liberty Mills, August 13, 1862. \ 
 
 Colonel: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to submit the 
 following report of the operations of the forty-second regiment Vir- 
 ginia volunteers in the recent engagements at Cedar Run, Culpepper 
 county, Virginia, on the 9th August, 1862 : 
 . About three o'clock, P. M., the regiment, commanded by Major 
 Henry Layne, in conjunction with the rest of the brigade, was ordered 
 to the front, and accordingly marched along the Culpeper road until 
 it reached a body of woods about half a mile from the battle-field. It 
 was then halted and ordered to load. It was then filed off to the left 
 of the road and marched through the woods nearly parallel with the ■ 
 road, and during the march the woods were very heavily shelled by 
 the enemy ; but no casualties occurred in the regiment. The regiment, 
 was halted in the woods to the left of the road near a field, where one 
 or two pieces of cur artillcrj' was planted, and in action. It remained, 
 in this position near half an hour, and was then ordered to move for- 
 ward, and accordingly marched some four hundred yards until it reached 
 a iiarrow road leading to a wheat-field ; filing down the road to the 
 left, near one hundred yards, it then filed to the right through the 
 woods parallel with the fence until it reached its depth, it was then 
 halted and fronted in line of battle. The forty-eighth Virginia regi- 
 ment was on the right, and the first Virginia battalion on the left. 
 Our skirmishers, who had previously been thrown out, soon discovered 
 those of the enemy near at had, and in a few moments the main body 
 of the enemy advanced from the woods opposite the wheat-field to our 
 front, and having gotten mid-way the wheat-field the regiment was - 
 ordered to fire, which was done with a great deal of coolness and 
 rapidity, and kept up constantly for some half an hour or more ; the 
 regiment remaining in good order all the time. Early in the engage- - 
 ment Major Layne was mortally wounded, and a great many of the • 
 company officers and men were killed and wounded. 
 
 The enemy having flanked us right and left, were seen suddenly 
 advancing upon our rear in considerable disorder, about this juncture 
 we received orders to fall back, and soon came in contact with the en- 
 emy at the point of the bayonet. A good many of the ofllicers and 
 soldiers of the regiment were captured by the enemy, and again re- 
 captured, and many of them severely wounded while in the hands of 
 the enemy. Several officers and men of the regiment, whom wo had 
 recaptured from the enemy informed me that they were most brutally, 
 maltreated by the enemy, and saw many of our men brutally 
 murdered after being captured. During this portion of the engago^-- 
 ment the regiment was thrown in great confusion, and became inuiihi 
 scattered ; but a larger portion of those remaining were afterwards- 
 
5t 
 
 rallied and moved forward with General Branch's brigade, and charged 
 through the wheat-field to the woods and halted. The loss was very 
 light daring the charge. The regiment was then marched through 
 the wheat-field and across the road to the right into acorn-field, and 
 remained during the night. After this nothing worthy of note occurred. 
 The loss in the regiment, both in killed and wounded, was very heavy; 
 "nut not more than six or eight were missing. The regiment captured 
 ^ large number of the enemy, both officers and men, and sent them to 
 the rear. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 H. DOBYNS, 
 Captain, commanding Forty- Second Begiment Virginia Vols, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL W. B. JONES. 
 
 Headq'rs 7th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, 
 Orange C. E., August 14, 1862. 
 
 General B. H. Robertson, 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to report that, on the 9th instant, my reg- 
 iment was ordered on a reconnoissance near Madison Court-House. 
 The march of twenty-five miles was made by sundown, and without 
 incident or discovery worthy of record. On returning to camp, we 
 first learned that the battle of Cedar Run had been progressing the 
 greater part of the day, and moved on, without a moment's delay, to 
 the scene of action. Not being able to see you or General Jackson, 
 by the advice of General Hill, I passed between the brigades of Gen- 
 erals Field and Early about dark, for the purpose of pressing the en- 
 emy in retreat. AXter turning the woods on our right, I came on the 
 enemy, drawn up in such order and force as rendered a charge ex- 
 ceedingly dangerous. Holding our post for observation, couriers 
 were sent to inform a battery, sending out shells of inquiry, of the 
 position of the enemy. Before our artillery could be brought to 
 bear, a body of cavalry threatened us ; but a gallant charge on our 
 part soon caused them to take shelter under their infantry. We 
 killed one of their horses. Now our artillery commenced shelling 
 the position of the enemy, causing him to retire, and we followed as 
 soon as we could, safely, from our own shells. A negro servant of 
 an officer was captured near this point, from whom we gained the 
 first information of the arrival of General Sigel's force on the field. 
 This intelligence was at once sent to the rear. The fierce cannonade, 
 probably from the guns of this command, newly arrived, swept the 
 ground immediately in our rear, and compelled us to seek the shelter 
 of a friendly hill, until they had sufficiently amused themselves. The 
 result of our advance was eleven privates, three Lieutenants, and one 
 negro captured from the enemy. My thanks are due to Mr. Thomas 
 Richards, independent scout, and to Lieutenant McCarty, acting ad- 
 jutant of the regimemt, for their activity, zeal, and courage displayed 
 on this occasion. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. E. JONES, 
 Colonel seventh Virginia Cavalry. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR WOOD. 
 
 Camp near Gordonsville, Va., August 13, 18G2. 
 
 To Colonel A. G. Taliafkrro, 
 
 Commanding Third Brigade : 
 
 In making ray report of the part acted by the thirty-sevcnth regi- 
 ment in the action on Cedar creek, on the 9th instant, it is necessary 
 for me to state that-it was late in the engagement when the command 
 devolved on me, consetjuently I was not informed as to the position 
 we were to take until after we had gone on the field. Being marched 
 into the woods in rear of our batteries, we were ordered to lie down 
 there to support them. Ly^ng there for some time, very much ex- 
 posed to the enemy's shells, which were continually bursting over 
 end around us, we were then ordered to the field. Coming into the field, 
 taking position on the left of the twenty-third regiment, (which regiment 
 was on the extreme right of the brigade,) we were marchedforward, cross- 
 in<y a small hollow, to the brow of a low eminence, from which posi- 
 tion the enemy, in three columns, in battle order, opened fire on us, 
 which was gallantly returned by my men, which continued, the ac- 
 tion soon becoming general. In this position, the action continued 
 for some time. The first line of the enemy giving way, the second 
 were thrown into the utmost confusion, when the left of this regiment 
 (being left unprotected and unsupported by the forty-seventh and 
 forty-eighth Alabama regiments having given way, and being thus 
 exposed to a fire in front and rear, and on the left flank) was com- 
 pelled to give way, which was taken up by each company from the 
 left, not, however, until after we received orders to fall back, which 
 was done in tolerably good order by most of the companies, some, 
 however, becoming a little confused. I soon succeeded in rallying the 
 men, not until a great many of them were killed by being exposed to 
 fire from the front and left flank. As soon as they were rallied, they 
 advanced gallantly to the contest, driving the enemy from before 
 :hera in every direction. It is proper to state here, that this regi- 
 ment would have been able to maintain its position had the forty-sev- 
 enth and forty-eighth Alabama regiments been able to have main- 
 tained theirs. I must express my thanks to the officers and men of 
 this regiment for the gallant manner in which they conducted them- 
 .selves during the whole engagement; and, where all conducted them- 
 selves so gallantly, it is impossible to mention particular individuals, 
 although there were those whose gallant conduct render them worthy 
 'jf the proudest position. 
 
 H. C. WOOD, 
 Major commanding ^Hth Virginia Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL WALTON. 
 
 Camp Twenty-Third Virginia Regiment, ) 
 August 13, 1863. S 
 
 Colonel A. G. Taliaferro, 
 
 Commanding Third Brigade : 
 
 The twenty-third Virginia regiment left its camp at this place, with 
 the rest of the army, on the evening of the 7th August. It marched 
 about eight miles that night and bivouacked near Orange Court- 
 Ilouse. The march Avas resumed early next morning, but not con- 
 tinued for more than a few miles, when it again halted for the pur- 
 pose of cooking two days' rations, rest, &c. During the night, a por- 
 tion of the enemy's cavalry fired upon our pickets and attempted to 
 cut off our train of wagons. Our regiment was ordered to support 
 the pickets, which it did, lying on its arras nearly all night. Some 
 time after midnight our main guard was driven in, and the regiment 
 double-quicked half a mile to meet the enemy. There was a sharp 
 skirmish for a few minutes, and the enemy were routed. We took 
 one prisoner and captured two horses. 
 
 During this skirmish, Lieutenant Trice, of company G, was badly 
 wounded in the neck. Lieutenant Winston, of company A, was also 
 wounded. 
 
 The army, or at least one portion of it, had a long and distressing 
 march on the 9th, to the field where, on that evening, was fought the 
 battle of Cedar creek — distressing on account of the excessive heat, 
 and scarcity of good water. The brigade reached the battle-field 
 about four o'clock. This regiment, which had been on the left during 
 the day, was detached and sent to the right, where it was ordered to 
 lie down in the woods just in rear of Pegram's battery, for the pur- 
 pose of supporting it. Here it remained nearly an hour exposed to 
 the shells of the enemy, which were tearing the forest to atoms. The 
 enemy's artillery then ceased to fire, and the regiment was ordered to 
 advance, which it did, through the open field, in line of battle, with 
 the thirty-seventh Virginia on its left. When in four hundred yards 
 of the enemy's line, fire was opened on them and continued for some time, 
 when we were ordered to fiiU back a short distance (the thirty-seventh 
 having already done so) in order to be out of reach of a cross fire 
 upon our left flank, which was very close and very destructive. It 
 fell back in some confusion. It was during this retreat, and while 
 attempting to stop it, that the lamented Lieutenant Colonel Curtis 
 received his mortal wound. 
 
 The regiment again formed, advanced, and continued to advance, 
 Buccessfuliy repulsing a charge of the enemy's cavalry, taking pris- 
 oners of rank, until they were ordered, by General Jackson, to stop 
 the pursuit. 
 
 The regiment behaved well, and there were individual instances of 
 great gallantry ; but it might be invidious to mention them. 
 
56 
 
 Enclosed please find list of killed and wounded of the regiment in 
 ibe battle of Cedar creek. 
 
 Color-acrgeant, John P. Waddy, company G ; Sergeant William 
 A. Walton and Corporal John M. Booker, of company I, behaved 
 ^ith great gallantry, and deserve well of their country. Several 
 c'.hers did their duty as good soldiers. 
 
 Kespectfully submitted, 
 
 S. T. WALTON, 
 Lieutenant Cokml, commanding Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR WILLIAMS. 
 
 IIeadquarterters Fifth Virginia Infantry, ) 
 August 14, 1862. 5 
 
 Captain Fulton, A. A. A. G. : 
 
 I have the honor to report that, at dawn on the morning of the 9th 
 instant, we left camp, near the Rapidan river, marched a distance of 
 seven miles, and engaged the enemy about four o'clock in the after- 
 noon. The line of battle was formed in a wood, with the thirty-third 
 regiment resting on our right and the second on our left, the fifth 
 being the centre regiment of the brigade. We then advanced in line 
 of battle, through the woods, a distance of about four hundred yards, 
 to the edge of a field, where we were ordered to halt and throw down 
 a line of fencing immediately in our front. After removing the fence, 
 we were ordered to prepare to charge, which was done, and we moved 
 forward in line of battle to the top of a little hill or rise in the field, 
 when the order was given by our gallant commander, Colonel Ronald, 
 to the brigade, to charge, which was obeyed and the charge executed 
 in most elegant style, driving the enemy entirely from the field into 
 the woods, a distance of some three or four hundred yards. I then 
 received an order to close my regiment at right angles with and on 
 the left of the thirty-third, thus having passed the thirty- third and 
 twenty-seventh some two hundred yards. I succeeded in forming my 
 right wing perpendicular with the former line of battle and advanced 
 it about one hundred yards, thus giving me a good position to fire 
 upon the enemy, who were crossing a large wheat-field, upon tho 
 right of our former position. The regiment poured a constant and 
 destructive fire upon the enemy, thus causing a large number of them 
 to surrender. The regiment also captured three stand of the enemy's 
 colors. The left wing still held their former position at the edge of 
 the woods, thus protecting the left of my right wing from a severe 
 fire from the enemy in the woods. The conduct of all, officers and. 
 men, was such as would attract the admiration and win the praise of 
 the greatest of champion v, arriors, and particularly the conduct of 
 Color-Sergeant John M. Gabbert, who was in advance, with a sword 
 in one hand and the colors in the other, waving both the sword and 
 colors, and calling upon the men to come on, when ho received a 
 ■wound in the shoulder and leg, which disabled him so much that he 
 "was compelled to abandon the field. At a late hour we were rein- 
 forced by two other brigades. We then advanced — the left wing 
 being rallied by Adjutantgp. S. Arnall, whose conduct was highly 
 commendable in rallying tne men to the colors and pressing forward, 
 with the second and fourth regiments, in hot pursuit of the 
 enemy till after dark, when, reaching the top of a hill in a corn-field, 
 he was ordered to halt, and remained until morning. I joined in 
 "with Colonel Lee, of the thirty-third, and advanced, overtaking the 
 second and fourth, who had halted in a corn-field, on the right of the 
 
58 
 
 main road leading to Culpeper Court-IIouse, -where the brigade re- 
 icained over-night and until about nine o'clock on the morning of the 
 lOth. The enemy not having made any demonstration up to that 
 time, we were ordered back a distance of about three miles and 
 camped until the morning of the 1 2th, when we were ordered to take 
 up the lino of march to our old camp, near Liberty Mills, at which 
 place we arrived about six o'clock, P. M. I forward with this a list 
 of casualties. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 H. J. WILLIAMS, 
 Major commandiiig Fifth Virginia Infantry. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL HUGHES. 
 
 Headquarters Forty-eighth Regiment Alabama Volunteers, ) 
 
 August 13, 1862. S 
 
 Colonel A. G. Taluferro, 
 
 Com7nandi?)g Third Briz,ade^ Army of the Valley : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor of submitting the following report of the 
 movements of the fortj -eighth regiment Alabama volunteers during 
 the engagement on the 9th instant, at Cedar creek. This regiment, 
 being ordered to support General Evrell's division, was placed in po- 
 sition in the woods and in rear of that division. After remaining in 
 this position for some time, we were ordered to cross the big road, 
 into an open field, and form line of battle on the right of the twenty- 
 third Virginia regiment. A hill Ijing between us and the enemy, 
 we were ordered to advance to its brow, when, coming in full view 
 of the enemy, we opened fire upon them and continued without ces- 
 sation for some length of time. Finding the enemy had flanked our 
 position, we were obligeii to change, which was readily done. After 
 falling back for a short distance, we again advanced upon the enemy, 
 driving them before us at every point, and continuing to drive them 
 until dark, when we slept upon the battle-field. The oflficers and men 
 of my command behaved gallantly, it being the first time they had 
 been under fire. There are a few instances of valor which I mighi; 
 notice ; but, where all did so nobly and so Avell, I can but return my 
 sincere thanks to both officers and men. Enclosed please find a 
 re{»ort of the casualties in my command, and I remain, sir, 
 Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. A. HUGHES, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Forty-eighth Alabama Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR STOVER. 
 
 Camp Frescatti, August 13, 1962. 
 
 « 
 
 9 
 
 Captain Coleman", 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 In accordance with orders from headquarters of third brigade, I 
 liave the honor to submit the following report of the services rendered 
 by the tenth regiment Virginia volunteers, in the third brigade, (army 
 of the Vallev,) in the battle of Cedar Run, on the 9th of August, 
 1S62: 
 
 About five o'clock, P. M., Thursday, the 7th instant, this regiment, 
 with the balance of the brigade, and in rear of the brigade, marched 
 in the direction of Orange Court-House. After marching about seven 
 miles, the regiment, with the balance of the brigade, bivouacked near 
 Orange Court-House. On Friday morning, at early dawn, we took 
 up the line of march in the direction of Culpeper Court-IIouse, 
 marching in front of the twenty-third Virginia regiment, which was 
 then in the rear. After marching about five miles and about one mile 
 north of the Rapidan river, we were ordered to halt and cook two 
 days' rations, which consumed the balance of the day. The regiment 
 bivouacked at the same place for the night About two o'clock in the 
 night we were aroused, our pickets being attacked by the enemy's 
 cavalry, and marched promptly with the balance of the brigade to 
 resist the attack ; but the enemy retired before we arrived on the field. 
 We remained on the field until early dawn, when we were marched 
 back to camp. At eight o'clock, on Saturday morning, the 9th inst., 
 we took up the line of march, the thirty- seventh Virginia regiment 
 and forty-eighth Alabama regiment in front, and the twenty- third Vir- 
 ginia and forty-seventh Alabama regiments in the rear. The regiment 
 kept well closed up, and, after marching about seven miles under an 
 excessive hot sun, we arrived, about four o'clock, in sight of the enemy 
 drawn up in line of battle. The brigade was then drawn up in line 
 of battle under a galling fire of shot and shell from the enemy's guns, 
 by which we suffered considerably. This regiment being detached, (by 
 order of Brigadier General Taliaferro, through Major Taliaferro,) to 
 prolong the line of battle on the left, was promptly thrown on the 
 extreme left, on the left of the main road leading to Culpeper Court- 
 llouse, with the forty-seventh Alabama regiment, the thirty-seventh 
 and twenty-third Virginia and forty-eighth Alabama regiments being 
 on the right of the road near a wheat field, where we immediately engaged 
 the enemy under a heavy fire of infantry. After being engaged some 
 time, the regiment upon my right gave back, and I, seeing that we were 
 about to be flanked by the enemy on our right, was compelled to retire a 
 short distance. We again rallied, attacking the enemy the second 
 time, holding our position until the first brigade coming up on our 
 left, a charge wag made through the wheat field, driving the enemy 
 from the field, in which charge a number of prisoners were taken. 
 
61 
 
 The brigade was again formed in line of battle in the wheat field, and 
 marched in an easterly direction some distance, through a corn field, 
 in pursuit of the enemy. Night coming on, we were ordered to halt 
 and await further orders. Subsequently w« were ordered to retire to 
 3 ravine in the corn field, where we remained during the night, the 
 engagement being at an end. 
 
 For a list of casualties, I refer you to the accompanying report of 
 the surgeon. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 JOSHUA STOVER, 
 Major commanding Tenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers. 
 
 'W- 
 
RFPORT OF MAJOR COURTNAY. 
 
 Ueadquarters Third DrvisiON, ) 
 August 15, 1862. 5 
 
 Major General Ewell, 
 
 Sir : I beg leave roppoctrnlly to tnalce the following report of the 
 opeiations of the artillery in this division in the fight of the 9th 
 instant, at Mrs Crittenden's farm, near Slaughter's Mountain, Cul- 
 pcpcr county, Virginia. The battle ^Yas opened by the artillery of 
 titis division, which had been posted, as presently described, with or- 
 ders not to fire till the infantry, sent round to the left to fire upon the 
 enemy's cavalry skirmishers, had opened. Captain Dement's first 
 Maryland battery, Captain Brown's Chesapeake artillery, (also from 
 Maryland,) Captain D'Aquin's Louisiana battery, and the rifle gun 
 of Captain Latimer's hattery, were posted in a line from the main 
 road, on the left, to the mountain on the right, and as far forward as 
 Majors' house. Captain Latimer, with three guns, and Lieutenant 
 Terry, with Captain Jonhson's (Bedford) battery, were stationed, 
 by the Major General in person, on Slaughter's Mountain, near the 
 mountain house. From these positions, the several batteries named 
 opened upon a large body of cavalry in front as soon as the infantry 
 opened upon their advanced guard from the woods on the left. The 
 cavalry having at once fled, and the enemy opening with several bat- 
 teries in our front and beyond effective range of our guns, I ordered 
 the batteries in the plain to cease firing, and conducted* them forward 
 to the positions afterwards taken and held by them till dark. Captain 
 Latimer and Lieutenant Terry continuing their fire from the moun- 
 tain, I ordered Captain Latimer's rifle piece to join the battery on 
 theinountain, and having three of Captain Brown's guns, (two old 
 tj-pounders and a howitzer,) I carried the rest directly forward, and 
 posted Captain Dement, with two of his Napoleon guns, and Captain 
 Brown, with his three-inch rifle, on a little rise on the right of Gen- 
 eral Early's brigade, on which there is a little clump of cedars and 
 pine.s, about si.t hundred yards from the enemy's extreme right battery. 
 The other section of Captain Dement's battery, (two Napoleons,) and 
 Captain D'Aquin's battery, now having only three guns, (having 
 broken the axle of one in crossing the rough fields to get his posi- 
 tion,) I posted along a ridge behind Mrs. Crittenden's house, i. e., 
 between it and the enemy's battery and about eight hundred yards 
 from the battery on their extreme left. From these positions, the bat- 
 teries opened upon the batteries immediately in their front, as soon 
 as they took their position, and continued till dark, their ammuni- 
 tion, fortunately, lasting just till then. Captain Latimer and Lieu- 
 tenant Terry kept their position on the mountain during the fight, 
 and kept up a constant fire. Though the eff'ect of our artillery fire 
 upon their batteries was evidently terrible, the enemy obstinately 
 held their position, except to move their pieces a little to the right or 
 left occasionally, to escape the deadly shower, and moving the bat- 
 
63 
 
 tery on their right, back to a knoll three hundred yards in rear, soon 
 after they were opened on by the three guns of Captains Dement and 
 and Brown behind the clump of cedars. About sundown, the am- 
 munition being exhausted, the guns which had been in action on the 
 plain, and under my immediate command, were ordered to tha rear, 
 and Captain Brown's three guns, and Captain Revera, with two par- 
 rot guns, which had been kept out during the day on account of the 
 want of experience of the company, were sent forward to their place; 
 but these did not fire. Captain Latimer and Lieutenant Terry, about 
 the same time (the enemy being drawn back, both infantry and artil- 
 lery) were ordered forward by the Major General, 
 
 As to the conduct of officers and men of those batteries on the 
 plain, to which I confined my attention, I can but speak in the high- 
 est terms. The officers and men of Captain Dement's first Maryland 
 battery, the only one which had been in action before, showed more 
 coolness and deliberation ; but ail, without a single exception, so 
 far as my own knowledge goes or has been reported by company offi- 
 cers, were fired with the ardor of men determined to be free. Of 
 Captain Latimer and Lieutenant Terry and their respective com- 
 mands, I am not able to speak, but I am informed they were under 
 the eye of the Major General himself for most of the time, and it is 
 not necessary. Tiie Manchester artillery being very thinly manned, 
 was left in the rear. The whole number of guns of this division en- 
 gaged, was sixteen : of those, six Napoleons, three 6-pounders, three 
 12-pounder howitzers, and four 3-inch Burton rifles. 
 Very resi^ectfullT, your obedient servant, 
 
 A, R. COURTNAY, 
 Chief Artillery ord Division. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL GARDNER. 
 
 Headquarters Fourth Regijiknt Virginia Volunteers, 
 Cavxp Garnett, near Gordonsville, Aug. 14, 1862. 
 
 Captain John H. J'ulton, 
 
 Adiing Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I submit the following report of the part taken by this regi- 
 3ient in the battle of Cedar creek, on the 9th instant : 
 
 The regiment, being under my command by reason of Colonel 
 Ronald having been assigned command of the brigade, was formed in 
 line of biittle on the extreme left of the brigade, under a heavy fire 
 of the enemy's artillery, in the woods to the left of the old stage road 
 leading from Orange to Culpeper Court-House, at about three hundred 
 yards distant from an open field, where the enemy was first discovered. 
 This regiment advanced, with the balance of the brigade, on the line 
 of the fence of the field and halted, rectified the line, and rested a 
 few minutes, when the enemy made their appearance on the opposite 
 eide of the field, directly in front of all the other regiments, except 
 this, which rested on the left and in the woods. The order being 
 given, " Forward," moved in line of battle, with the rest of the brigade, 
 to a point beyond the field, where the enemy had been driven from. 
 I was then ordered to fall back, and take position in the field which 
 was done promptly and in good order, changing front at right-anglea 
 with the former front ; then marched upon the flank of the enemy, 
 driving them from their position. In doing so, this regiment had to 
 pass through a thick undergrowth and over a fence, and became some- 
 what scattered. I was then ordered to fall back and reform the regi- 
 ment, which was executed. The brigade remained in that position until a 
 part of Major General Hill's forces took position on the left of this regi- 
 ment. The whole line advanced, driving the enemy before them in 
 great confusion, beyond a point where their artillery had been in 
 position, when the line was halted and skirmishers thrown out in ad- 
 vance some two or three hundred yards ; remained there a short time 
 and fell back some two hundred yards, where we bivouacked for the 
 night. 
 
 While the skirmishers were out, they brought in a number of pris- 
 oners, and captured some horses, mules, &c. 
 
 I take pleasure in commending the good order and conduct of the 
 officers and men of this regiment, which was all that I could wish. 
 
 I am under obligations to Captain Gibson, of company D, for hie 
 iervices, acting as Major on the day of the enegagement, and rendered 
 me good service. 
 
 Lieutenant Kent Ewing, acting as adjutant of this regiment, ren- 
 dered efficient aid by hia brave conduct and promptness in carrying 
 out my orders. 
 
 The following is the list of casualties : 
 
 Company A.— Privates S. S. Rider and E. S. Crockett, killed. 
 
65 
 
 Company C. — Sergeant James P. Kelly, wounded — finger shot off; 
 private Wm. Boyd, wounded — end of thumb shot. 
 
 Company D. — Privates J. Farrow, wounded in side; D. S. Allison, 
 wounded in thigh. 
 
 Company E. — Private William Richardson, killed. 
 Company F -,— Private George A. Bourne, wounded. 
 Company G, — Private Lewis Weaver, wounded in ankle. 
 Lieutenant James P. Charlton, of company G, missing, supposed 
 to have been wounded and taken prisoner. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 R. D. GARDNER, 
 Lieut. Coiontly commanding Fvurth Regiment Virginia Vols. 
 5 
 
RErORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL BOTTS. . 
 
 Headquarters Second Virginia Regiment, ) 
 August 13, '1862. 5 
 
 Captain: In obedience to order, I have the honor to report that, 
 on Saturday, the 9th, about the hour of five, P. M., the first brigade, 
 of which this (the second regiment of Virginia infantry) is a part, 
 was marched through the Avoods, near Cedar Run, in Culpepcr, in 
 column of re;;iraents, within range of the enemy's artillery, a shell 
 occasionally tailing near the brigade. Shortly after, the column was 
 deployed in line of battle just at the ekirt of the wood facing a large 
 field and another piece of wood — the division fence being near the 
 centre of the second regiment. By order of Colonel Ronald, com- 
 manding, the brigade was moved to the front. Almost immediately 
 afterwards, a regiment of the enemy appeared on the other side of 
 the field. This regiment, though supported by others in the wood, 
 fled after a short resistance, and the second regiment, with the fourth 
 and fifth, drove the enemy through the wood they occupied. Finding 
 no enemy in the front, and that the right wing of the brigade was 
 pressed, the second regiment was ordered to its support. Captain 
 Moore, of company I, being left with a strong company to scout the 
 wood and prevent surprise. Joining the right wing, the enemy was 
 driven again from position, and followed till night rendered pursuit 
 dangerous. 
 
 I cannot too highly commend the conduct of the oScers and men 
 of my command, and though exposed for gome hours to the enemy's 
 fire, provinentially no one was killed, and but seven wounded. See 
 list below. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 LAWSON BOTTS, 
 Lieutenant Colonel, commanding. 
 
 List of Wvu7id€d. 
 
 D. Shepherd, company I; R. Nichol, company F; J. A. Risccher, 
 M. O'Conner, company E ; J. Myers, company A ; G. Ashby, com- 
 pany K ; P, Gulls, company C. All flesh wounds. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN IIORTON OF FORTY-EIGHTH VIR- 
 GINIA REGIMENT. 
 
 Ca>:p near Liberty Mills, Virginia, ) 
 August 13, 1862. 5 
 
 Tiios. R. Dunn, 
 
 Second Lieutenant and A. A. A. General : 
 
 Lieutenant: I herewith transmit a report of the part taken by the 
 forty-eighth regiment of the second brigade, commanded by Captain 
 Wm. V. C. Hannum, in the battle of the 9th instant : 
 
 My regiment, being the advance of the second brigade, left camp 
 near Rapidan river, about eight o'clock, A. M., and followed the first 
 brigade until about two o'clock, P. M , when it was ordered, with the 
 rest of the brigade, to the front, when we were halted to allow the Hamp- 
 den artillery, Captain Caskie's battery, to pass to the front, during 
 Avhich time a shell from the enemy's gun, bursting in our ranks, killed 
 five and wounded six men. The order was given to alvance, when, 
 leaving the road to the left, we proceeded about a quarter of a mile, 
 under cover of the woods, for the space of half an hour. At the ex- 
 piration of half an hour, we were again ordered to advance by the 
 flank, a distance of probably a quarter of a mile, where we were 
 thrown into line of battle upon the left of the twenty first Virginia 
 regiment, which constituted the right of our brigade, the forty-second 
 Virginia regiment upon our left. The regiment at this time, being 
 commanded by Captain Hannum; was, by order of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Garnett, so thrown into line as to cause the right and left flanks to 
 form risrht angles with each other. Skirmishers were sent to the 
 front with orders to fire as soon as the enemy came within range of 
 their guns. The firing soon began with the skirmishers, which, in a 
 few minutes became general, and lasted for about an hour. Finding that 
 the enemy had got in our rear, almost entirely surrounding us, we 
 ■were ordered to make our way out, but a portion of the regiment, not 
 understanding the order, remained at their post, continuing to fire at 
 the enemy in front. At this lime reinforcements came up, driving the 
 enemy from our rear. Our regiment was partially reformed, and then 
 participated in a charge made across the field, pursuing the enemy 
 until dark. 
 
 The casualties were as follows : Four missing, nineteen killed and 
 forty- three wounded. 
 
 J. H. IIORTON, 
 Captain, commanding 4Sth Regiment Virginia Volunteers, 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN IIAYNES OF TWENTY-SEVENTH 
 YlllGLNIA REGIMENT. 
 
 HEADQUAUTERa TwENTY-SeVENTH ViRGINIA ReGIMKKT, ) 
 
 Carnp near Gordonsville, Va., August 13, 1S62. ) 
 
 Captain J. II. Fulton, 
 
 ylcli7)g Assistant Adjutarit General .* 
 
 Sir : I respectfully submit the following as a report of the part 
 my regiment took in the battle of the 9th instant, near MitchelPs Sta- 
 tion, in Culpeper county, Virginia: 
 
 In placing the brigade in line of battle, my regiment occupied the 
 extreme right, connecting with the line of the second brigade, and 
 supported on the left by the thirty-third Virginia volunteers. After 
 having formed in line of battle, we remained for some time under a 
 heavy fire of shot and shell from the enemy's artillery. 1 then, under 
 orders, advanced my regiment, in line with the brigade, through a dense 
 forest, with heavy undergrowth of brush, and much fallen timber, to 
 the fence dividing the woodland from a cleared field. Owing to the 
 density of the forest, the enemy who were in line of battle directly 
 in front of us, was not discovered until he fired upon us. 1 then 
 ordered my regiment to advance to the fence and return the fire; 
 this was promptly done, and was kept up for some time with such 
 efiect that two regiments of the enemy, which immediately confronted 
 us, commenced falling back rapidly in much disorder. However, just 
 as we had succeeded in repelling the enemy in front of us, it was dis- 
 covered that the regiment which supported us on the right had been 
 driven back, and the enemy were rapidly advancing on our right, 
 croBS-firing us, and endeavoring to get tin our rear. Here the fire was 
 very heavy. I lost three men killed and one wounded, and nofc 
 having suificient force to drive back the enemy and hold ray position, 
 the r*giinent was compelled to fall back ; this, on account of thick 
 bruj-h and fallen timber that covered the ground, caused the regiment 
 to Ecatter considerably. After retreating about one hundred and fifty 
 yards we met a brigade (which I took to be Branch's) coming to our 
 support; I ftll immediately in rear of this brigade. I attempted to 
 rally my regiment ; in this I only partially succeeded. I then pro- 
 ceeded to tlie main road, leading to the battle-field. Arriving here, j usfc 
 as General Jackson was passing, the detached parts of companies, 
 which I had with me, gave a cheer, and, at the personal order of 
 General Jackson, followed him again to the battle-field. After this, 
 the regiment did not appear as a regiment, but acted in detachmenta, 
 some connecting themselves with other regiments, others going in 
 with stjuads from different regiments, and some detailed or ordered back 
 in charge of prisoners which they had assisted in capturing. While 
 every member of the regiment who went into the fight, both officers 
 and men, acted nobly and gallantly, still the conspicuous conduct of 
 Bome of tho ofliQers and men, after the regiment became broken, and 
 
 I 
 
69 
 
 was acting in independent squads, deserves to be particularly noticed. 
 Captain P. F, Frazier, of company E, individually took a Yankee 
 captain, a sergeant, and two privates, wiiilethey were retreating from 
 our forces, and delivered them in person, and without any other guard 
 than himself, to General Jackson. Lieutenant A. W. Edgar, of com- 
 pany E, Color-sergeant W. H. Powell, Sergeant C. S. Davis, Dr. 
 J. B. Patton, and Surgeon Stewarts, only two of the party having fire 
 arms, one having the colors, and the lieutenant his sword, at the in- 
 stance of Lieutenant Colonel Gardner went beyond our lines, after the 
 fight, and captured a Yankee picket, of one sergeant and twelve pri- 
 vates, all of whom were armed when they were captured ; they brought 
 them to the fourth Virginia volunteers, and delivered them to the 
 guard. My regiment went into the battle with less than one hundred 
 and thirty men, rank and file. 
 
 IlECAriTULATION OF LOSS OF ReGIMENT. 
 
 Company E, — Acting Orderly Sergeant John E. Church, killed. 
 Company C — Orderly Sergeant Wm, P. Icenhoner, killed. 
 Company D — Private Ben Wilson, killed; private Patrick Cava- 
 naugh, wounded slightly. 
 
 Three killed and one wounded. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 C. L. HAYNES, 
 Captain commanding 27lk Virginia liegimmt. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL LEE. 
 
 Headquarters Thirtv-third Reoiment Va. Infantry,/) 
 
 Camp Garndt, AMgnst 13, IS02. J 
 
 Caaptain J. II. Fi'ller, J. A. A. General : 
 
 Captain: In obedience to orders, just received, I have the honor 
 to submit tlio following report of the part taken by me in the actioa 
 of August Dth, at Cedar Kun : On the morning of that day, at sun- 
 rise, the brigade left the bivouac about a mile from the b^nk of the 
 Uapi<lan river, and marched, with many interruptions, some six or 
 .-even miles on the road to Culpeper Court-IIouse. About mid-day, 
 we were halted iu a wood on the lefc of the road, while a light can- 
 nonade was going on some distance in front. After remaining quiet 
 about an hour and a half, we were again moved forward, perhaps a 
 mile or two, and halted in another wood, from which we moved about 
 four, P. M.,, in the direction of the enemy, keeping the woods, by or- 
 der, to avoid raising the dust. The cannonade had become quite brisk, 
 and when the ground in which we subsequently fought was reached, 
 the brigade was halted, ordered to load, and form in line of battle, 
 my regiment being next to the twenty-seventh Virginia, which occu- 
 pied the right. In this order we were moved forward a short distance, 
 and then formed iu columns of regiments, right in front, still march- 
 ing. In a short time, this column was deployed upon the leading 
 regiment, and a halt ordered at a fence directly in front of us, which, 
 by orderder of the Colonel commanding, was leveled. Here we lay 
 for some twenty minutes, under a very sharp fire of shell and spheri- 
 cal case, which fortunately occasioned me no casualties. At the end 
 of this time, the brigade was again moved forward, in line of battle, 
 over a stubble-field, flanked on either side by woods ; the left wing of 
 my regiment was in the field, the right in the woods, and the twenty- 
 seventh entirely in the woods on my right. After having advanced 
 about a hundred and twenty-five yards, the command was given to 
 charge, when the whole line moved at a double-quick, the Colonel 
 commanding leading in person. Almost simultaneously with this 
 movement, a few shots from our left drew the fire from the line of the 
 enemy, who were well posted in a woods about two hundred and fifty 
 yards off, and who, being able to see only a part of our force on ac- 
 count of a slight hill over which the fifth, thirty-third and twenty- 
 seventh had to pass, had also commenced to advance. Here, for the 
 first time, I discovered the Federals in sight, and giving the command 
 to my men, they poured a steady fire from the left wing into the en- 
 emy's ranks. My horse becoming unmanageable, I dismounted, and, 
 in common with other regimental commanders, urged the men for- 
 ward. Our line steadily advanced, slowly driving our opponents, 
 until I reached the corner of the woods on my right, where the right 
 of my regiment, and the vshole of the twenty-seventh came into view 
 of the enemy. The firing was now general, but in front of me the 
 enemy for some time were quite steady, and commenced to flank my 
 
71 
 
 right, getting upon that flank in the woods, within forty steps of com- 
 pany A. I sent the adjutant to see if the twenty seventh was avfare 
 •of this movement, and to urge their active assistance. He reported 
 :hat the twenty-seventh was not there, and I then directed the fire of 
 the three right companies, A, F and D, against the flankers, whose 
 shots already enfiladed us. In a few moments the ground was dotted 
 with their blue uniforms, and tEe rest retreated more ropidly than 
 ihey advanced. I now observed the fine cfiect of the fire in front, and 
 pushed the men forward ; I had previously informed Colonel Ronald 
 of the attempted Hank movement, and almost immediately received a 
 message by his orderly, that a brigade of General A. P. Hill's divis- 
 ion would come up in a few moments, I had continued to press the 
 men on, driving the enemy, and as their retreat became a run, Gen- 
 eral Branch's brigade arrived upon the extension of my line. They 
 fired a few rounds, and then ceased for a time, and pushed on after 
 the now fiying enemy. My men being thoroughly exhausted, together 
 with myself, the firing having ceased entirely upon this part of tho 
 field, and no enemy being in sight, I withdrew, about one hundred 
 yards, and collected the men, who had become somewhat scattered in 
 the eagerness of the fight. There gathered with mo considerable 
 parts of the other regiments, and, having about half the brigade, and 
 being the senior officer present, I took command, and conducted them, 
 some half a mile further on, to the Colonel commanding, who had 
 halted on a hill in front, and upon the right of our position, with the 
 remainder. We were engaged from about five, P. }i. until dark, and 
 the men ccmsumed nearly every cartridge. Their aim was steady, and 
 their fire eilective, inflicting, under my own eye, severe loss ou tho 
 enemy. 
 
 My casualties, considering the continued and heavy fire to which 
 we were subjected, were almost miracalously few, being only fifteen 
 wounded. 
 
 The men captured a number of prisoners, and one of them, by my 
 directions, killed a color-bearer, whose colors were left on the field, 
 and picked up by one of General Branch's men subsequently. 
 
 My number engaged was one hundred and fifty. I left camp with 
 one hundred and sixty, the heat causing a few to fall out of the ranks. 
 I append a list of casualties. 
 
 It is with feelings of the highest pride that I commend the cour- 
 age of both officers and men ; all bore themselves nobly, and I can 
 scarcely express my gratification at their behavior throughout the 
 day. Nor canJL mention for special commendation the name of one, 
 cither ofliccr or private, without seeming to detract from the merits of 
 others; but I must avail myself of the opportunity to acknowledge 
 my indebtedness to P'irst Lieutenant D. 11. Walton, adjutant of tho 
 regiment, and to express my high appreciation j»f his conspicuously 
 gallant conduct. Having no field oflicer with me, (Major Holliday 
 having been detailed for staff duty by Colonel Ronald,) I felt the 
 need of efficient help, and the want was fully supplied by this gentle- 
 man. He executed my orders fearlessly and well ; aided me in di- 
 recting the fire and movements of the men, and, by personal example, 
 
72 
 
 cheered and encoured them . I gladly commend him to the notice of 
 the commanding General. 
 
 The noble courage of Major Holliday, who lost his right arm, will 
 more properly come under the report of the brigade commander. 
 Rcppectfully submitted, 
 
 EI/WIN G. LEE,' 
 Li(ut. Colond, commanding 33d Va. Infantry, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL J. A. WALKER. 
 
 Headquarters Thirteenth Virginia, ) 
 August 14, 1862. S 
 
 Major Hall, A. A. A. General, Fourth Brigade : 
 
 I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations 
 of my regiment at the battle near Mitchell's Station on the 9th instant. 
 
 After deploying regiment as skirmishers, as directed by the Gen- 
 eral commanding the brigade, wo advanced into the woods, between 
 us and the enemy, about two hundred yards, where the left wing, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Terrill, encountered the enemy's 
 cavalry, consisting of a small squadron of two or three companies, 
 that attempted to charge the line, but were driven back, with a known 
 loss of two men and one horse killed. Further on in the woods, the 
 right wing came in sight of their videttes, who retired, firing at a 
 safe distance, until they fell back to their main body, drawn up in 
 the field beyond. When we reached the edge of the wood, I halted 
 the line and opened fire upon the main body of their cavalry in the 
 field, and kept it up until the rest of the brigade came up, but the 
 distance was too great to do much execution. When the rest of the 
 brigade came up, I was ordered to close, my regiment and form on 
 its left, which I did and held that position, whilst It lay behind our 
 batteries, under fire of the enemy's artillery ; and advanced with it 
 and the third brigade, (immediately on my left,) when ordered for- 
 ward, to the crest of the hill, and opened fire upon the enemy's line, 
 advancing through the corn-field, beyond the branch. At this point 
 the fighting was obstinate for several minutes, the enemy advancing 
 slowly, but steadily, until the brigade upon my left gave way and ran 
 ofi" the field in disorder. The panic, thus begun, was communicated 
 to two or three regiments on my right, which also fell back, leaving 
 my regiment and a portion of the thirty-first Virginia, commanded 
 by Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, the only Confederate troops in that 
 part of the field in sight of our position. Finding that one piece of 
 artillery, which had been brought up on the right, and a little in ad- 
 vance of my regiment, was thus placed in great "jeopardy, I ordered 
 my own and Lieutenant Colonel Jackson's men forward to hold the 
 enemy in check until it could be carried off. The men obeyed with 
 alacrity, and, advancing about thirty yards, opened a well-directed 
 fire, which had the desired effect of checking the advance of that 
 portion of the enemy's line, directly in our front, till the piece was 
 removed. We continued to hold our position for a few moments, 
 holding the enemy in front in check, when, finding the enemy had 
 advanced, under cover of the woods on our left,, over the ground 
 abandoned by the third brigade, and had crossed the road into the 
 field considerably in rear of our position, and were pouring a very 
 annoying fire into my left flank, and seeing no reinforcements in 
 Bight, I ordered my regiment to fall back, and carried it off obliquely 
 
to the right and rear, in tolerable order. We had no sooner given up 
 our position than the enemy, following, planted a Federal and a Ma- 
 ryland Hag where ours stood a moment before, and opened fire upon 
 us at very" short range. We continued to fall back for about two 
 hundred yards, when fresh troops coming up on our left, and the 
 enemy beginning to give back on that flank, 1 immediately halted my 
 men and, reforming them upon the colors, advanced directly back to 
 our former position, driving the two stands of colors before us. 
 
 At this time the enemy brought up a fresh line through the corn- 
 field, and for ten minutes the firing was heavy and both sides stood 
 firm, when the enemy began to give way along the whole line, and 
 our troops, dashing forward with a shout, crossed the branch and 
 cleared the field of their infantry. The enemy's cavalry attempted 
 to retrieve the fortunes of the day by charging our advancing and 
 disordered lines, and dashed down the wheat-field, on the left of the 
 road, in gallant style. As their column was advancing on my left, 
 with the main road between us, I advanced my men to the ieft and 
 front, up to the fence along the road,, at double-quick, and gave them 
 a flank fire, which, together with the heavy fire from other regiments 
 immediately in their front, was very destructive and drove them from 
 the field in confusion and disorder. After this charge, the enemy 
 made no further stand, and we continued the pursuit, with the other 
 troops, until it was discontinued, when I left them in charge of Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Terrill and. reported to the General commanding 
 brigade. It would be impossible for troops to behave better than 
 mine did on this day. With a few exceptions, they fought bravely, 
 obeying all the commands of their ofiicera promptly and cheerfully, 
 displaying, throughout the whole day, an amount of bravery and dis- 
 ciplined valor, which I don't believe has been excelled during the 
 war. I herewith enclose a report of the casualties on that day. 
 I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 
 
 J, A. WALKER, 
 Colonel Thirteenth Virginia Infantry. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL R. L. Wx\LKER. 
 
 Headquarters Aktillkry Battalion, } 
 March, 18G3. J 
 
 Major : I have the honor to suhmit the following report of the 
 part taken by the artillery of the light division in the battle of Cedar 
 Run, August 9th, 1S62 : 
 
 At about three o'clock, P. M., all ray batteries being in park near 
 
 the house of , I received an order from Major General A. P. 
 
 Hill to carry forward all my long-range guns, which order I imme- 
 diately obeyed, but was unable to get more than two of my batteries 
 in position, as the road was so blocked up with Avagons and ambu- 
 lances as to prevent any more artillery from reaching the front. The 
 two batteries placed in position were those of Captains Pcgram and 
 Fleet. 1 posted them in position on the fi:^ld and near the centre, 
 passing through the gate at which I found Captain Caslde's battery, 
 which had converged the fire of the enemy to a point necessary to 
 be passed by all of our troops. Captain Pegrauvs battery, and Cap- 
 tain Fleet's battery, the latter commanded by Lieutenant B. W. 
 Hardy, were posted, as stated, about near the centre of the field and 
 within one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's skirmishers. Lieu- 
 tenant. Hardy being in front. 
 
 These batteries were supported by the brigade of Brigadier Gene- 
 ral Early, and held their position for at least half an hour, and after the 
 infantry, with the exception of the thirteenth Virginia regiment, had 
 fallen back from them. So soon as I saw the light division make 
 its appearance, I ordered the batteries to retire, the loss in both men 
 and horses being considerable. 
 
 Reports of these losses have already been made to the proper offi- 
 cers. 
 
 I moved forward as soon as possible, with all the artillery at my 
 command, and, by General Hill's order, brought the batteries of Cap- 
 tains Pogram. Braxton, Latham, and a part of Captain Fleet's battery, 
 to bear upon the point supposed to be occupied by the enemy's. 
 At ten o'clock that night, after firing about eight' rounds from each 
 gun. Captain Pegram was sent forward with Colonel Stafford's brig- 
 ade, and had, for an hour or more, a severe fight with the enemy, 
 losing several.men and horses and inflicting considerable loss upon 
 the enemy. Next morning at daylight, I was ordered by General 
 Hill to select a position much to our left and on the south side of the 
 creek, which I did, placing two batteries of mine, viz : Captains 
 Fleet's and Donelson's and one of General Early's. This position 
 commanded the enemy's camp somewhat to their rear. Captains Pe- 
 gram and Hardy inflicted great loss on the enemy on Saturday even- 
 ing, and their conduct, with that of the men under their command, 
 cannot be too highly commended. The batteries of my command 
 cannot be too highly commended. The batteries of my command were 
 
7b 
 
 all retired on SuniUy evening, Captain Braxton bringing up the rear 
 and retiring by half battery. ^ ^ 
 
 1 Lave the honor to remain, Major, your oVt serv t, 
 
 II. L. WALKER, 
 Lieut. Colonel commanding Artillery Division. - 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN POAGUE. * 
 
 Camp Near Gordonsville, Virginia, ) 
 August 14, 1862. \ 
 Captain J. II. Fulton, 
 
 A. A. A. General, First Brigade^ V. J). : 
 
 Captain: I have the honor to submit the folio-wing report of the 
 part taken by the battery under my command in the battle of the 9th 
 instant, at Cedar Run : 
 
 About five o'clock, P. M., by order of Major Andrews, two parrott 
 guns were taken to the front, along the road leading to Culpepci* 
 Court-llouse. These, along with Captain Carpenter's parrott piece, 
 were, by direction of Major Andrews, posted in the road so as to en- 
 filade the enemy's batteries then engaging our batteries on the right. 
 The caissons were left behind some distance, there not being room to 
 station them in rear of their pieces. After firing about half an 
 hour, one of my pieces becoming unserviceable from enlargement of 
 the vent, was sent to the rear. The other continued its fire until the 
 enemy's skirmishers approached within two hundred yards, and, hav- 
 ing exhausted the ammunition in the limber chest, it was ordered 
 back to its caisson and the chest refilled. By the direction of Gen- 
 eral Jackson, it was afterwards posted in the field on the right of the 
 road. My twelve-pounder was also brought forward. In conjunction 
 with Captain Carpenter's gun and one of Lieutenant Mark's, a rapid 
 fire was opened on the enemy's battery, by which several of their 
 guns were silenced and compelled to leave the field. The enemy's 
 infantry were now advancing through the corn-field in front, and I 
 felt confident we could be able to drive them back, having been rein- 
 forced by a battery of four guns. At this juncture our own in- 
 fantry advanced, surrounding the guns, and thus causing them to 
 cease firing. No position could bo gotten afterwards without danger 
 to our own infantry. 
 
 About nine o'clock, P. M., the battery joined tho brigade, and that 
 night slept on the battle-field. 
 
 In this engagement, I am happy to report no serious casualties — 
 only one man wounded — Robert Vanpelt, slightly in left arm. Sev- 
 eral others received very slight biuises from pieces of shell 
 
 It gives me pleasure to state that the conduct of all the men 
 and officers, without exception, was most admirable. At the most 
 trying moment, when our gallant and esteemed brigade commander, 
 and the chief of artillery were cut down in their midst, they retained 
 their accu:3tomed self-possession, and nobly stood by their pieces. 
 Even those two or three who, in a former engagement, behaved in 
 an unsoldierly manner, now acted well and bravely, as if deter- 
 mined to wipe out all traces of their previous conduct. 
 Very respectfully, jour obedient servant, 
 
 WM. T. POAGUE, 
 Captain Rockbridge Artillery. 
 
. RErORT OF CAPTAIN D'AQUIN. 
 
 Cavp Wheat, August 14, 1S62. 
 
 The following is a report of the behavior of the officers and mcD of 
 the Louisiana Guard artillery in the engagement of the 9th instant : 
 
 The behavior of both officers and men of this command in the 
 battle of the Hth, vms such as might be experted of men fighting for 
 their homes and liberties. It would be doing injustice to the others 
 to mention any one for better behavior. All seemed to have always 
 been under fire ; they behaved like veterans, although this was their 
 first engagement. Besides, there was no opportunity for individual 
 distinction. There vere none absent without leave, nor could I have 
 made them leave, even if I had ordered it. 
 
 L. E. D'AQUIN, Captain. 
 
PvEPORT OF CAPTAIN CARPENTER.. 
 
 Headquarters Carpenter's Batterv, ) 
 In. Camp near . Gordon sville, August 14, 1862.) 
 
 To Colonel Ronald, 
 
 Co77imanding First Brigade, V. D. : 
 
 Sir : In obedience to circular issued from headquarters Valley Dis- 
 trict, on the 13th instant, I have to make the following report of tho 
 part taken by this battery in the action of Cedar Run, on the 9th day 
 of August, ]SQi. I received orders early in the afternoon to take 
 my Parrotf piece to the front, which ^yas promptly executed, placing 
 it in position within seven hundred yards of five or si.x pieces of the 
 enemy. Major Andrews, thinking it would be rather an unequal 
 contest, ordered me not to commence firing until Captain Poague 
 could bring his in position, when we commenced firing, which was 
 soon returned most vigorously ; but a short time sufficed to force 
 them back some three hundred yards, when we advanced about half 
 that distance, where we kept up firing until their infantry, who at- 
 tempted to flank us, were within one hundred and fifty or two hundred 
 yards of us, and our infantry falling back past us. Moving to the 
 right some two hundred yards, came into position again. The in- 
 fantry still falling back, I again limbered up, and, from carelessness 
 of the drivers, broke the pole, when with difficulty got the piece off, 
 leaving the limber on the field, which I had repaired as soon as the 
 Yankees were driven back, being ready for service by nine o'clock. 
 The other three pieces were brought up u^der range of ^^he enemy's 
 guns, but not ordered into position. The detachment which was en- 
 gaged deserves particular notice as having done their duty. Some 
 two or three of them having exhausted themselves so, felt unable to 
 do anything. Sending word back to the Captain, he started to bring 
 me a new detachment, when he was wounded in the forehead. W. 
 M, McAllister, (private,) shot through the arm, the only man 
 wounded. I also have to report private William J. Winn as having 
 left the company that morning without leave, and not being seen till 
 tl^e next day, which he has been in the habit of doing. 
 
 J. C. CARPENTER, 
 Lieutenant commanding Battery. 
 
SUMMER CAMPAIGN OF 1862. 
 
 FROM TOR BATTLE OF CEDAR RUN" TO. AND IN- 
 CLUDING, THE BATTLE OF SHARFSBURG. 
 
 REPORT OF GENERAL LONG STREET. 
 
 Headquarters near Winchester, Va., 
 October 10, 1862. 
 
 Brigadier General R. II. Chilton, 
 
 Adjutant and Inspector General .* 
 
 General : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of my commancPin the late campaign : 
 
 In obedience to the orders of the commanding General, the com- 
 roand marched from Gordonsville on the 16th August, crossing the 
 Rapidan on the 20th, at Raccoon ford. 
 
 The next day, at Kelly's ford, I received orders to move up the 
 Rappahannock to Rappahannock Station. As we were withdrawing 
 from Kelly's ford, the enemy crossed the river and made an attack 
 upon the rear brigade, ( Featherston's,) under the command of Colo- 
 nel Fosey. After a sharp skirmish, Colonel Fosey drove him back 
 with considerable loss. 
 
 Arriving at Rappahannock Station, General Hood with his own and 
 Whiting's brigade was detached to relieve a portion of General Jack- 
 son's command at Freeman's ford. About the moment that General 
 Hood reached this ford, the enemy crossed in considerable force, and 
 made an attack upon the commands of Brigadier Generals Trimble 
 and Hood. They however drove him back across the river in much con- 
 fusion and with heavy loss. Meanwhile I had ordered Colonel Walton 
 to place his batteries in position at Rappahannock Station, and to 
 drive the enemy from his positions on both sides of the river. 
 
 The batteries were opened at sunrise on the 23rd, and a severe can- 
 nonade continued for several hours. In about two hours, however, 
 the enemy was driven across the river, abandoning his tete-de-pont. 
 The brigades of Brigadier Generals Evans and D. R. Jones, the latter 
 
81 
 
 lander Colonel G. T, Anderson, moved forward to occupy this positioa. 
 It was found untenable, however, being exposed to a cross fire of ar- 
 tillery from the other bank. The troops were therefore partially with- 
 drawn, and Colonel S, D Lee v/as ordered to select positions for hia 
 batteries, and joined in the combat. The enemy's position was soarj 
 rendered too warm for him, and he took advantage of a severe raia 
 fitorm to retreat in haste, after firing the bridge and the private dwel- 
 lings in its vicinity. Colonel Walton deserves much credit for skill 
 in the management of his batteries, and Colonel Lee got into position 
 in time for some good practice. 
 
 The next day, August 24th, the command, continuing the march up 
 the Rappahannock, crossed Hazel river and bivouacked at Jeffer- 
 Eonton. 
 
 On the 2.5th, we relieved a portion of General Bickson's command 
 at Waterloo bridge. There was more or less skirmishing at this point 
 until the afternoon of the 2r)th, when the march was resumed, crosg- 
 ing the Rappahannock at Hinson's Mill ford, six miles above Water 
 loo. A dash of several squadrons of Federal cavalry into Salem ia 
 front of us on the 27th, delayed our march about an hour. Not hav- 
 ing cavalry, I was unable to ascertain the meaning of this movement^ 
 hence the delay. This cavalry retired, and the march was resumed, 
 resting for the night at White Plains. The head of my column 
 reached Thoroughfare Gap about three o'clock, P. M. On the 2.St]i, 
 a small party of infantry was sent into the mountains to reconnoitro. 
 Passing through the Gap, Colonel Beck, of the ninth Georgia regi- 
 ment, met the enemy ; but was obliged to retire before a greatly supe- 
 rior force. The enemy held a strong position on the opposite gorge, 
 and succeeded in getting his sharpshooters in position on the moun- 
 tain. Brigadier General D. R. Jones advanced two -of his brigades 
 rapidly, and soon drove the enemy from his position on the mountaitt. 
 Brigadier General Hood, with his own and General Whiting's brigade, 
 was ordered, by a footpath over the mountain, to turn the eneray'g 
 right, and Brigadier General Wilcox with his own and Brigadier Gen- 
 erals Featherston's and Pryor's brigades, yvas ordered through Hope- 
 well G;ip, three miles to our left, to turn the right and attack the enerar 
 in rear. The enemy made his attack upon Jones, however, before these 
 troops could get into their position, and, after being repulsed with: 
 severe loss, commenced his retreat just before night. In this affair^ 
 the conduct of the first Georgia regulars, under Major Walker, waa 
 dashing and gallant. 
 
 Early on the 29th, the columns were united, and the advance, t9 
 join General Jackson, was resumed. The noise of battle was heard 
 before we reached Gainesville. The march was quickened to the ex- 
 tent of our rapacity. The excitement of battle seemed to give now 
 life and strength to our jaded men, and the head of my column soon 
 reached a position in rear of the enemy's left flank, and within easj 
 cannon shot. On approaching the field, some of Brigadier General 
 Hood's batteries were ordered into position, and his division was de- 
 ployed on the right and loft of the turnpike, at right-angles with it, 
 and supported by Brigadier General Evans' brigade. Before these 
 6 
 
as 
 
 b-^tteries could open, the enemy discovered our movements and with- 
 /liow his left. Another battery (Captain Stribling's) was placed upon 
 a commanding position to my right, which played upon the rear of the 
 enemy's left and drove him entirely from that part of tho field. Ho 
 Changed hia front rapidly eo as to meet the advance of Hood and 
 Evans. 
 
 Three brigades, under General Wilcox, were thrown forward to the 
 anpport of the left, and three others, under General Kemper, to the 
 support of the right of these commands. General D. R. Jones' 
 division was placed upon the Manassas Gap railroad, to tho right and 
 I- echelon with regard to the three last brigades. Colonel Walton 
 J 'iced his batteries in a commanding position between my line and 
 cl.at of General Jackson, and engaged the enemy for several hours, 
 111 a severe and 8i^:essful artillery duel. At a late hour in the day, 
 Riajor General Stuart reported the approach of the enemy in heavy 
 columns agajnst my extreme right, I withdrew General Wilcox, with 
 hn three brigades, from the left and placed his command in position 
 t:^ support Jones in case cf an attack against my right. After some 
 f :^ shots, the enemy withdrew his forces, moving them around towards 
 L.j front, and about four o'clock in the afternoon, began to press for- 
 yx^rd against General Jackson's position. Wilcox's brigades were 
 moved back to their former position, and Hood's two brigades, sup- 
 f^rted by Evans, were quickly pressed forward to the attack. At the 
 same time Wilcox's three brigades made a like advance, as also Hun- 
 tcn's brigade, of Kemper's command., 
 
 These movements were executed with commendable zeal and ability. 
 Eood, supported by Evans, made a gallant attack, driving the enemy 
 back till nine o'clock at night. One piece of artillery, several regi- 
 Eiontal standards, and a number of prisoners were taken. The ene- 
 ny's entire force was found to be massed directly in my front, and in, 
 80 strong a position that it was not deemed advisable to move on 
 a/^ainst his immediate front, so the troops were quietly withdrawn at 
 one o'clock the following morning. The wheels of the captured piece 
 were cut down and it was left on the ground. The enemy seized that 
 opportunity to claim a victory, and the Federal commander was so 
 impudent as to despatch his Government, by telegraph, tidings to that 
 effect. After withdrawing from the attack, my troops were placed in 
 the line first occupied and in the original order. 
 
 During the day, Colonel S. D. Lee, with his reserve artillery, 
 placed in the position occupied the day previous by Colonel Walton 
 and engaged the enemy in a very severe artillery combat. The result 
 was, as the day previous, a success. At half-past three o'clock in the 
 aiternoon, I rode to the front for the purpose of completing arrange- 
 tnonts for making a diversion in favor of a flank movement, then un- 
 der contemplation. Just after reaching my front line, I received a 
 message for reinforcements for Generl Jackson,, who was said to be 
 severely pressed. From an eminence near by, one portion of tho 
 enemy's masses attacking General Jackson were immediately within 
 my view and in easy range of batteries in that position. It gave mo 
 ftb advantage that I had not expected to have, and I made haste to 
 
83 
 
 tase it. Two batteries were ordered for the purpose and one placed in. 
 position immediately and opened. Just as this fire began, I received 
 a message from the commanding General, informing me of General 
 Jackson's condition and his wants. As it was evident that the 
 attack against General Jackson could not be continued ten minutes 
 under the fire of these batteries, I made no movement with my troops. 
 Before the second battery could be placed in position, the enemy be- 
 gan to retire, and in less than ten minutes the ranks were broken and 
 that portion of his army put to flight. A fair opportunity was offered: 
 me and the intended diversion was changed into aa attack. My whole 
 line was rushed forward at a charge. The troops sprang to their 
 work, and moved forward with all the steadiness and firmness that 
 characterise war-worn veterans. The batteries continuing their play 
 upon the confused masses, completed the work of this portion of the, 
 enemy's line, and my attack was, therefore, made against the forces- 
 in in y front. The order for the advance had scarcely been given,, 
 when I received a messngo from the commanding General, anticipa- 
 ting some such emergency, and ordering the move which was then: 
 going on, at the same time offering me Major General Anderson's di- 
 vision. The commanding General soon joined me and a few momenta 
 after, IMajor General Anderson arrived with his division. The ar-i 
 tack was led by Mood.".* brigade, closely supported by Evans. Thesft' 
 were rapidly reinforced by Anderson's division from the rear, Kemt 
 per's three brigades and D. R. Jones' division from the right, and 
 Wilcox's brigade from the left. The brigades of Brigadier Generals • 
 Featherston and Pryor became detached and operated with a portioa. 
 «f General Jackson's command. The attacking columns moved 
 steadily forward, driving the enemy from his different positions as 
 rapidly as he took them. My batteries were thrown forward from 
 point to point, following the movements of the general line. These, 
 however, were somewhat detained by an enfilade fire from a battery 
 on my left. This threw more than its proper share of fighting upon 
 the infantry, retarded our rapid progress, and enabled the enemy to 
 escape with many of his batteries, which should have fallen into oui 
 hands. The battle continued until ten o'clock at night, when utter 
 darkness put a stop to our progress.' The enemy made his escape 
 across Bull Run before daylight. Three batteries, a large number of; 
 prisoners, many stands of regimental colors, and twelve thousand ; 
 fiitands of arm, besides some wagons, ambulances, &c., were taken. 
 
 The next day, like the day after the first battle of Manassas plains, . 
 was stormy and excessively disagreeable. Orders were given early 
 in the day for caring for the wounded, burying the dead, and collect- 
 ing arms and other supplies. 
 
 About noon, General Pryor, with his brigade, was thrown across 
 Bull Run to occupy the heights between that and Cub Run, and at 
 two o'clock in the afternoon, the balance of the command marched to 
 cross Bull Run at Sudley ford. Crossing the run on the following 
 day, the command marched for Chantilly, via the Little River turn- 
 pike. The enemy was repoited in position in our front as we reached 
 Chantilly, and he made an attack upon General Jackson before mjr 
 
8'4 
 
 troops arrived. He -was repulsed, hcvrever,* before my reinforcements 
 got up and disappeared during the night. 
 
 On the second of September, the command marched via Drainsville, 
 Leesburg, and across the rotoraac. at White's ford, to Frederick City, 
 Maryland, arriving there on the 7th. I moved from Frederick for 
 Hagcrstown on the lOth and reached there, with part of my command 
 on the nth, sending six brigadcp. under Major General Anderson, 
 to CO- operate with Major General McLaws in the assault upon Mary- 
 land Heights and Harper's Ferry. During the operations against 
 this garrison the approach of a large army from AVashington city for 
 its relief was reported. "We were obliged to make a forced march in 
 order to rcuch lioonsboro' Pass to assist Major General D H. Hill's 
 division in holding this army in check, so as to give time for the re- 
 duction of Harper's Ferry. 1 reached Boonsboro about three o'clock in 
 the afternoon, and, upon ascending the mountain, found General Hill 
 heavily engaged. My troops were hurried to his assistance as rap- 
 idly as their exhausted condition would admit of. The brigades of 
 Brigadier Generals Evans, Pickett, (under Garnett,) Kemper, and 
 Jenkins, (under Colonel Walker,) were extended along the mountain 
 to our left. Brigadier General Hood, with his own and Whiting's 
 brigade, (under Colonel Law,) Drayton's and D. R. Jones', (under 
 Colonel G. T. Anderson.) were extended to the right. Major General 
 Hill had already placed such batteries in position as he could find 
 ground for, except one position on the extreme left. Ic was my inten- 
 tion to have placed a battery in this position, but I was so much oc- 
 cupied in front, that I could find no time to do so before nightfall. 
 
 We succeeded in repulsing the repeated and powerful attacks of the- 
 enemy, and in holding our position till night put an end to the 
 battle. It was short, but very fierce. Some of our most gallant 
 ofiBcers and men fell in this struggle, among them the brave Colonel 
 J. B. Strange, of the nineteenth Virginia regiment. 
 
 Had the command reached the mountain pass in time to have gotten 
 into position before the attack was made, I believe that the direct as- 
 saults of the enemy could have been repulsed with comparative ease. 
 Hurried into action, however, we arrived at our position more ex- 
 hausted than the enemy. It became manifest that our forces were not 
 Bufficicnt to resist the renewed attacks of the entire army of General 
 McClellan. He would require but little time to turn either flank and 
 our command must then be at his mercy. In view of this, the com- 
 manding General ordered the withdrawal of our troops to the village 
 of Sharpsburg. This position was regarded as a strong defensive one, 
 besides being orie from which we could threaten the enemy's flank or 
 rear, in case ue should attempt to relieve the garrison at Harper's Ferry. 
 
 Crossing the Antietam, on the morning of the loth, Major General 
 D. H. Hill's division and my own command, were placed in line of 
 battle between the stream and the village of Sharpsburg. Soon after 
 getting into position we heard of the surrender of Harper's Ferry. 
 This left the portions of the army enegaged in the reduction gf that 
 garrison free to join us. After much shelling at one point and another 
 of our line, which extended more than a mile on each side of Sharps- 
 
85 
 
 burg, the enemy finally attacked General Hood, on my extreme left, 
 late Tuesday evening, September 16th. Hood drove him. back, but 
 not without severe loss, including that of Colonel Liddell, of the 
 eleventh Mississippi, an officer of great merit, modesty and promise. 
 During the nght, the enemy threw his forces across the Antietam, in 
 front of Hood's position, and renewed his attack at daylight the next 
 morning. Hood was not strong enough to resist the masses thrown 
 against him. Several of Major General D. H. HilTs brigades rein- 
 forced the position, but even with these, our forces seemed but a 
 handful when compared with the hosts thrown against us. The com- 
 mands engaged the enemy, however, with great courage and determi- 
 nation, and, retiring very slowly, delayed him until the forces of Gen- 
 erals Jackson and Walker came to our relief. D. R. Jones" brigade, 
 under Colonel G. T. Anderson came up about the same moment, and 
 soon after this, the divisions of Major Generals McLaws and R. H. 
 Anderson. Colonel S. D. Lee's reserve artillery was with General 
 Hood, and took a distinguished part in the attack on the evening of 
 the IGth. and in delaying that of the 17th, General Jackson soon 
 moved oft" to our left, for the purpose of turning the enemy's right flank, 
 and the other divisions, except Walker's, were distributed at other 
 points of the line. As these movements were made, the enemy again 
 throw forward his masses against my left. This attack was met by 
 Walker's division, two pieces of Captain Miller's battery of the Wash- 
 ington artillery, and two pieces of Captain Bryce's battery, and 
 was driven back in some confusion. An effort was made to pursue; 
 but our line was too weak. Colonel Cooke, of the twenty-seventh 
 North Carolina, very gallantly charged with his own regiment; but, 
 his supply of ammunition being exhausted, and he being unsupported, 
 he was obliged to return to his original position in the line. 
 
 From this moment our centre was extremely weak, being defended 
 by but part of Walker's division, and four pieces of artillery, Cooke's 
 regiment of that division being without a cartridge. In this condi- 
 tion, again the enemy's masses moved forward against us. Cooke 
 stood with his empty guns, and waved his colors to show that his 
 troops were in position. The artillery played upon their ranks with 
 canister. Their lines began to hesitate, soon halted, and, after an 
 hour and a half, retired. 
 
 Another attack was quickly made, a little to the right of the last. 
 Captain Miller turning his pieces upon these lines, and playing upon 
 thfm with round shot, (over the heads of R. H. Anderson's men,) 
 checked the advance, and Anderson's division, with the artillery, held 
 the enemy in check until night. This attack was followed by the final 
 assault, about four o'clock, P. M., when the enemy crossed the bridge 
 in front of Sharpsburg, and made his desperate attack upon my right. 
 Brigadier General Toombs held the bridge, and defended it most gal- 
 lantly, driving back repeated attacks, and only yielded it after the 
 forces brought against him became overwhelming and threatened his 
 flank and rear. 
 
 The enemy was then met by Brigadier General D; R. Jones with 
 six brigades. He drove back our right several times, and was himr 
 
86 
 
 self made to retire several timep, badly crippled ; but his strong rern- 
 forcements finally enabled him to drive in my rif];ht, and occupy this 
 part of my ground. Thus advanced, the enemy's line was placed in 
 each a position as to enable General Toombs to move his brigade 
 directly against his flank. General Jones seized the opportunity, 
 and threw Toombs down against the enemy's flank, drove him back 
 and recovered our lost ground. 
 
 Two of the brigades of Major General A. P. Hill's division 
 advanced against the enemy's front as General Toombs made his flank 
 attack. 
 
 The display of this force was of great value, and it assisted us in 
 holding our position. 
 
 Theencmy took shelter behind a stone wall, and another line was 
 advanced to the crest of a hill, in support of his first line. 
 
 Captain Richardson's, ])rown'8 and ]\Ioody's batteries were placed 
 in position to play upon the second line, and both lines were even- 
 taally driven back by these batteries. Before it was entirely dark, 
 the hundred thousand men that had been threatening our destruction 
 for twelve hours, had melted away into a few stragglers. 
 
 The battle over, orders were sent around for ammunition chests and 
 cartridge boxes to be re-filled. Early on the morning of the ISth, a 
 few sharpshooters began to exchange shots. I observed that the ene- 
 my had massed his artillery on the opposite side of the Antietam, 
 with a view, apparently, to meet an attack from us. Our ranks were 
 too much thinned to warrant a renewal of the conflict, with the chances 
 of being drawn under the fire of this artillery. The eftort to make a 
 flank movement by our left, the day previous, developed the fact that 
 the enemy had extended his right, so as to rest it upon the Potomac, 
 and thus envelope our left flank. From our position, it was impossi- 
 ble to make any move, except a direct assault upon some portion of 
 the enemy's line, I, therefore, took the liberty to address a note to the 
 commanding General, about two o'clock in the afternoon, suggesting 
 a withdrawal to the south side of the Potomac. Before my note 
 reached him, however, he rode to my bivouac and expressed the same 
 views. Arrangements to move across the Potomac were completed 
 by dark. My command, moving first, crossed about two o'clock in 
 the morning, and part of it was placed in position, in case it should 
 be needed at the ford. The entire army crossed, however, without 
 molestation, and, as directed by the commanding General, I proceeded 
 to form his line. As this was completed, it became evident that the 
 enemy was not pursuing, except with some of his batteries and some 
 small force. The various commands were then marched oif to their 
 points of bivouac. 
 
 The name of every cflicer, non-commissioned officer and private, 
 ^ho has shared in the toils and privations of this campaign, should 
 be mentioned. 
 
 In one month, these troops had marched over two hundred miles, 
 ■upon little more than h;ilf rations, and fought nine battles and skir- 
 oiishes, killed, wounded and captured nearly as many men as we had 
 ;«n our ranks, besides taking arms and other munitions of war in larg 
 
ST 
 
 quantities. I would that I could do justice to all of these gallatt 
 oflScers and men in this report. As that is impossible, I shall only 
 mention those most prominently distinguished. These were Major 
 General R. H. Anderson, on the plains of Manassas, at Harper's 
 Ferry and at Sharpsburg, where he was wounded severely. Briga- 
 dier General D. R. Jones, at Thoroughfare Gap, Manassas plains, 
 Boonsboro' and Sharpsburg. Brigadier General R. Toombs, at 
 Manassas plains, in his gallant defence of the bridge at Antietara, 
 and in his vigorous charge against the enemy's flank. He was severely 
 wounded at the close of the engagement. Brigadier General Wilcox, 
 at Manassas plains, on the 29th and 30th of August, afterwards 
 abscn^sick. Brigadier General Garnett, at Boonsboro' and Sharps- 
 burg. Brigadier General Evans, on the plains at Manassas, both en 
 the 29th and 3l)th of August, and at Sharpsburg. Brigadier Gene- 
 ral Kemper, at Manassas plains, Boonsboro' and Sharpsburg. Brig- 
 adier General Hood and Colonels Law and Woftord, at Manassas 
 plains, and on the 20th and 30th of August, Boonsboro' and &t 
 Sharpsburg, on the IGth and 17th. Colonel G. T. Anderson, com- 
 manding D. R. Jones' brigade, at Thoroughfare Gap, Manassas plaine, 
 Boonsboro' and Sharpsburg. Brigadier General Mahone, at Manassas 
 plains, where he received a severe wound. Brigadier General R. A. 
 Pryor, at Sharpsburg. Brigadier General Jenkins, at Manassas 
 plains, on the 29th a.nd 3()th of August ; on the last day severely 
 wounded Colonels Hunton, Corse, Stuart, Stevens, Hately, (severely 
 wounded,) and Walker, (commanding Jenkins' brigade, after the latter 
 was wounded.) at Manassas plains, Boonsboro' and Sharpsburg, 
 Colonel Posey, at Manassas plains and Sharpsburg, where he com- 
 manded Featherston's brigade. Colonel Benning, at Manassas plains 
 and Sharpsburg. At Sharpsburg, Captain Miller, of the Washington 
 artillery, was particularly distinguished. Colonel Walton, of the 
 W^ashington artillery, at Rappahannock Station, Manassas plains 
 (August 29th) and Sharpsburg. And Major Garnett, at Rappahan- 
 nock Station. Lieutenant Colonels Skinner and Marye, at Manassas 
 plains, where they were both severely wounded. Major Walker, at 
 Thoroughfare Gap and Manassas plains. In the latter engagement, 
 this gallant officer was mortally wounded. 
 
 It is with no common feeling that I recount the loss, at Manassas 
 plains, of Colonels Gadberry, eighteenth South Carolina, Means, 
 seventeenth South Carolina, Moore, second South Carolina, Glover, 
 first South Carolina, Nelson, seventh Georgia, and Lieutenant Colo- 
 nel Upton, fifth Texas. At Boonsboro, Colonel J. B. Strange, nine- 
 teenth Virginia volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonel McLemore, fourth 
 Alabama, and, at Sharpsburg, Colonel Liddell, eleventh Mississippi. 
 Lieutenant Colonel Coppens and Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, second 
 Georgia volunteers. These valuable and gallant officers fell in the 
 unflinching performance of their duty, bravely and successfully head- 
 ing their commands in the thickest of the fight. 
 
 To my staff officers, Major G. M. Sorrell, Assistant Adjutant Gene- 
 ral, who was wounded at Sharpsburg, Lieutenant Colonel P. T. Man- 
 ning, Chief of Ordnance, Major J. W. Fairfax, Major Thomas Walton, 
 
89 
 
 vho was also wouni^ed at Sharpsburg. Captuin Thomas Goree and 
 Lieutenant K. W. Llackwell, I am under renewed and lasting obliga- 
 tions. These officers, full of courage, intelligence, patience and ex- 
 perience, were able to give directions to commands such as they 
 thought proper, which were at once approved, and commanded my 
 admiration. Lieutenant Colonel Blunt volunteered his services to me 
 et Eoonsboro'. and was, both there and at Sharpsburg, of material ser- 
 vice to me. The medical department, in charge of Surgeon Cullen, 
 ■were active and unremitting in the care of the wounded, and have my 
 thanks fDr tht-ir humane efforts. 
 
 My party of couriers were zealous, active and brave. They are 
 justly entitled to praise for the manly fortitude and courageous con- 
 duct shown by them in the trying scenes of the campaign. The cav- 
 alry escort, commanded by Captain Doby, have my thanks for meri- 
 torious conduct and valuable aid. Captain Doby, Lieutenants Bonny 
 end Matthieson, Sergeants Lee and Ilaile, and Corporals Whitaker 
 end Salmond, were distinguished in the active and fearless performance 
 cf their arduous duties. 
 
 I am indebted to Colonel R. II. Chilton, Colonel Long, Majors Tay- 
 I:>r, Marshall, Venable and Talcott, and Captains Mason and Johnson, 
 cf the staff of the comaiianding General, for great courtesy and kind- 
 ness in assisting me on the difl'erent battle fields. 
 
 I respectfully ask the attention of the commanding General to the 
 reports of division, brigade, and other commanders, and approve their 
 high encomiums of their officers and men. 
 
 Reports of killed, wounded and missing have already been for- 
 warded. 
 
 I remain, sir, with respect, vour obedient servant. 
 
 J. LONGSTREET, 
 Lie'utenant General commanding. 
 
89 
 
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 ^ 11 
 
RErORT OF GENERAL JACKSON OF OPERATIONS FROM 
 loTH AUGUST TO 5th SEPTEMBER, 1862. 
 
 Cottage House, N. C, May 22, 1863. 
 
 Colonel R. U. Chilton, 
 
 A. A. mid I. General, Department N. V. : 
 
 Colonel: On opening General Jackson's trunk in»Lexington, Vir- 
 ginia, we found in it the accompanying report of the operations of 
 his couiiuand, from the 15th of August to 5th of September, 1802. 
 Also an iinfinislud report embracing operations of his command from 5th 
 of September to the end of the Maryland campaign. The unfinished 
 repcrt I^icutenant Smith, A. D. C, has. He intends giving it to 
 Colonel Faulkner to finish; it will then be forwarded. 
 1 am. Colonel, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. MORIUSON, A. D. C. • 
 io Lieut. GcneralJackson. 
 
 Headquarters Second Coups, A. N. V., April 27, 1863. 
 
 Brigadier General R, H. Chilton, 
 
 A. A. A. General, Headquarters BepH A. N. V. : 
 
 General: I have the honor herewith to submit to you a report of 
 the operations of my command from the loth of August to the 5th 
 day of September. 1862, embracing the several engagements of Ma- 
 nassas Junction, Bristoe Station, Ox Hill, and so much of the battle 
 of Gioveton, on the 28th, 29th and 3()th of August as was fought by 
 the troops under my command: 
 
 On the 15th of August, in obediedience to instructions from the 
 commanding General, I left my encampment near Gordonsville, and, 
 passing Orange Court-House, encamped in the evening near Mount 
 Pisgah church, where 1 remained until the 20th, when, in accordance 
 with my instructions, whilst General Longstreet was crossing at Rac- 
 coon ford, I crossed the same river at Somerville ford. The com- 
 mand encamped for the night near Stevensburg, My command at 
 this time comprised Ewell's, A. P. Hill's and Jackson's divisions. 
 E well's was composed of the brigades of Generals Lawton, Early, 
 Hays, (Cfrlonel Forno commanding) and and Trimble, with the bat- 
 teries of Brown, Dement, Latimer, Balthis and D'Aquin. A. 
 P. Hill's division was composed of the brigades of Generals Branch, 
 Gre^g. Field, Pender, Archer and Colonel Thomas, with the batte- 
 ries ,of Braxton, Latham, Crenshaw, Mcintosh, Davidson and Pe- 
 gram. Jackson's division, commanded by Brigadier General William 
 B Taliaferro, was composed of Winder's brigade, (Colonel Baylor 
 commanding,) Colonel Campbell's brigade, (Major John Seddon com- 
 
91 
 
 manding,) Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro's brigade, (Colo- 
 nel A. G. Taliaferro commanding,) and Starke's brigade, with the 
 batteries of Brockenbrough, Wooding, Poague, Carpenter, Caskie 
 and Raines. Major General Stuart, with his cavalry, co-operated 
 during the expedition, and I shall more than once have to acknowl- 
 ed-'e mv oblisraticns for the valuable and efficient aid which he ren- 
 der(?d, 
 
 Ealy ©n the morning of the 21st, the command left its encampment 
 and moved in the direction of Beverly's ford, on the Rappahannock, 
 General Taliaferro's command in the lead. On approaching the ford, 
 the enemy was seen on the opposite bank Batteries of that division, 
 under the direction of Major Shumaker, chief of artillery, were placed 
 in position, which, after a short resistance, (as reported by General 
 Taliaferro,) silenced the enemy's guns, and dispersed his infantry. 
 Major General Stuart had crossed with a portion of his cavalry, sup- 
 ported by some pieces of artillery, and, after skirmishing with the en- 
 emy a few hours, taking some prisoners and arms, returned with the 
 information that the Federal forces were moving in strength upon his 
 position, and were close at hand. The enemy soon appeared on the 
 opposite bank, and an animated firing was opened, and, to a consid- 
 erable extent, kept up across the river for the rest of the day, be- 
 tween the Federal artillery and the batteries of Taliaferro's com- 
 mand. 
 
 On the following morning, (22d,) the three divisions continued their 
 march up the bank of the Rappahannock, General Evell in the ad- 
 vance, and crossed Hazel river, cne of its tributaries, at Wellford's 
 mill, near which General Trimble was left with his brigade to protect 
 the flank of our wagon train from the enemy, who was moving up the 
 north side of the Rappahannock, simultaneously with the advance of 
 our troops on the south side. 
 
 About twelve M., a small party surprised part of the train, and 
 captured some ambulances and mules, which were, however, soon re- 
 covered, and some prisoners taken, Avho gave information that a more 
 considerable Federal force had crossed the river, 
 
 Aboat four, P. M., General Trimble, supported by General Hood, 
 (who was the advance of Longstreet's command,) had a sharp engage- 
 ment with this force, in which, after gallantly charging and taking 
 a number of prisoners, they drove the residue, with severe loss, 
 across the river, under the protection of the guns of the main body 
 of the Federal army, on the opposite side. In the meantime the com- 
 mand passed Freeman's ford, which it found strongly guarded, and 
 moved on to a point opposite the Fauquier White Sulphur Springs, 
 where we found the bridge destroyed, and other evidence that the en- 
 emy was in close proximity. 
 
 In the afternoon of the 22d, the thirteenth Georgia, Colonel Doug- 
 las, Brown's and Dement's batteries of four guns each, and Early's 
 brigade, crossing over, took possession of the Springs and adjacent 
 heights, and taking some prisoners and incurring some risk from the 
 rain and sudden rise of the water, which for a few hours cut oiT com- 
 munication with the main body. Iix this critical situation, the skill 
 
92 
 
 and presence of mind of General Early, was favorably displayed. It 
 was decrued advisable not to attempt a passage at that point, but to 
 proceed higer up the river. 
 
 IJy dawn, on tbe morning of the 21th, General Early, by means of 
 a tetrporary bridge, which had been constructed for his relief, had his 
 troop? and artillery safely on the southern side. 
 
 On the 21 th, there was a fierce cannonade between General Hill's 
 artillery and that of the enemy across the river. In the meantime, 
 General Stuart, who had preceded me. crossed the Rappahannock, 
 striking the enemy in his rear, making his brilliant night attack upon 
 his camp at Catlett's Station, capturing many prisoners, personal 
 baggage of General Pope, and his despatch book, containing informa- 
 tion of value to us in this expedition. In the evening, we moved 
 near Jcffersonton. Pursuing the instructions of the commanding 
 General, I left Jeffersonton on the morning of the 25th, to throw my 
 command between Wa?hington city and the army of General Tope, 
 and to break up his raihoad communication with the Federal capital. 
 Taking the route by Amissville, crossing Hedgcmaii river, one of ■ the 
 tributaries of the Rappahannock, at Ilenson's mill, and moving via 
 Orlean, we reached the vicinity o/ Salem, after a severe days' march, 
 and K'ivouicked there for the night.' 
 
 On the next day, (26th,) the march was continued, diverging to the 
 right at Salem, crossing the Bull Run mountain through Thor- 
 oughfare Gap, and, passing Gainesville, we reached Bristoe Station 
 on the Orange and Alexandria railroad after sunset. 
 
 At Gainesville, I was joined by General Stuart, who, after leaving 
 the vicinity of Waterloo Bridge, about two o'clock, A. M., had, by a 
 rapid march, come up in time to render all useful assistance, lie 
 kept upon my right flank during the residue of the day. My com- 
 mand was now in rear of General Rope's army, separating it from the 
 Federal capital and its base of supply. As we approached Bristoe 
 Station, the sound of cars coming from the direction of Warrenton 
 Junction, was heard, and General Ewell divided his force 80 as to 
 take simultaneous possession of the two points of the railroad. Col- 
 onel Munford, with the second Virginia cavalry, co operated in this 
 movement. Two trains of cars and some prisoners were captured, 
 the largest portion of the small Federal force at that point making 
 its escape. Learning that the enemy had collected at Manassas 
 Junction, a station about seven miles distant, stores of great value, 
 I deemed it important that no time should be lost in securing them. 
 Kotwiihstanding the darkness of the night, and the fatiguing march 
 which would, since dawn, be over thirty miles, before reaching the 
 Junction, Brigadier General Trimble volunteered to proceed tliere 
 forthwith, with the twenty-first North Carolina, (Lieutenant Colonel 
 Fulton commanding,) and the twenty-first Georgia, (Major Glover com- 
 manding,) in all, about five hundred men, and capture the place. I 
 accepted the gallant offer, and gave him orders to move without de- 
 lay. In order to increase the prospect of success, Major General 
 Stuart, with a portion of his cavalry, was subsequently directed to 
 move forward, and, as the ranking officer, to take command of the 
 
93 
 
 expe(?ition. The duty was cheerfully undertalcen by all who were 
 assigned to it, and most promptly and successfully executed. Not- 
 withstanding the Federal fire of musketry and artillery, our infantry 
 dispersed the troops placed there for the defence of the place, and 
 captured eight guns, with seventy two horses, equipments and am- 
 munition complete, immense supplies of commissary and quartermas- 
 ter stores, upwards of two hundred new tents; and General Trimble 
 also reports the capture of over three hundred prisoners, and cno 
 hundred and seventy-five horses, exclusive of those belonging to the 
 artillery, besides recovering over two hundred negroes. The next 
 morning, the divisions under command of Generals Hill and Talia- 
 ferro, moved to Manassas Junction, the division of General Ewell 
 reniJiining at Bristoc Station. About a mile before reaching the 
 Junction, Colonel Baylor encountered and dispersed a regiment of 
 Federal cavalry. Soon after the advance of the troops from Bristoe 
 Station reached the Junction, they were fired upon by a distant bat- 
 tery of the enemy posted in the direction of the battlc-GoM of j\Ia- 
 nassas. This arlillevy was soon driven off, and retreated in the 
 direction of Centreville. Soon after, a consilerable body of Federal 
 infantry, under Brigadier General Taylor, of New Jersey, came in 
 sight, having, it is believed, that morning left Alexandria in the cars, 
 and boldly pushed forward to recover the position and stores which 
 had been lost the previous night. The advance was made with great; 
 spirit and determination, and under a leader worthy of a better cause. 
 Assailed by the batteries of Poague and Carpenter, and some of Gen- 
 eral Hill's division, and apparently seeing that there was danger of 
 its retreat being cut off by our other troops if it continued to move 
 furward, it soon commenced retreating, and, being subjected to a heavy 
 fire from our batteries, was soon routed, leaving its killed and 
 wounded upon the field. Several brigades of General HilTs division 
 pressed forward in pursuit. In this conflict, the Federal commander, 
 General Taylor, was mortally wounded. 
 
 Our loss was small. In the afternoon of the parae day, heavy col- 
 umns of the enemy were seen approaching Bristoe Station from the 
 direction of Warrenton Junction, and on the right of the railroad. 
 General Ewcll promptly made dispositions to meet them. So soon as 
 the enemy came within range, the batteries of his division opened 
 upon them from their several positions, as did also the sixth and 
 eighth Louisiana and sixtieth Georgia regiments. By this combined 
 fire, two columns of the enemy, of not less than a brigade each, were 
 driven back, Jjut fresh columns soon .supplied their places, and it 
 was obvious that the enemy was advancing in heavy force. General 
 Ewell's instructions were, if hard pressed, to fall back and join the 
 main command at Manassas Junction, and orders were accordingly 
 given for the withdrawal of his forces north of Broad Run. At th) 
 moment of issuing this order, a portion of the troops were actively 
 engaged, and the enemy advancing, and yet the withdrawal of the 
 infantry and artillery was conducted with perfect order, General 
 Early closing up the rear. The Federals halted near Bristoe Station, 
 and General Ewell moved without further molestatioD, Colonel 
 
94 
 
 Munford, of the secoml, and Colonel Rosser, of the fifch Virginia 
 cavalry, bringing up his rear to Manassas. The destruction of the 
 railroad bridge across Broad Run was entrusted to Lieutenant (now 
 Captain) Boswell, of the engineer corps, under whoso superinten- 
 dence the duty was promptly and efhcienily e>:ecuted. Orders were 
 given to supply the troops with rations and other articles which they 
 could properly make subtJcrvient to their use from the captured prop- 
 erty. It was vast in quantity and of great, value, comprising fifty 
 thousand pounds of bacon, one thousand barrels of corn-beef, two 
 thousand barrels of salt pork, two thousand barrels of flour, quarter- 
 masters', ordnance, and sutlers' stores, deposited in buildings and fill- 
 ing two trains of cars. Having appropriated all that we could use, 
 and unwilling that the residue should again fall into the hands of the 
 enemy, who took possession of the place the following day, orders 
 were given to destroy all that remained after supplying the immediate 
 wants of the army. This was done during the night. 
 
 General Taliaferro moved his division that night across to the 
 Warrcnton and Alexandria turnpike, pursuing the road to Sudloy 
 mill, and crossing the turnpike in the vicinity of («roveton, halted 
 near the battle-field on the 21st of July, 1861. Ewell's and Hill's 
 divisions joined Jackson's on the '28th. My command had hardly 
 concentrated north of the turnpike before the enemy's advance reached 
 the vicinity of Groveton from the direction of Warrcnton General 
 Stuart kept me advised of the general movements of the enemy, 
 whilst Colonel RoS'ser, of the cavalry, with his command, and Colo- 
 nel Bradley T. Johnson, commanding Campbell's brigade, remained 
 in front of the Federals and operated against their advance. Dis- 
 positions were promptly made to attack the enemy, based upon the 
 idea that he Avould continue to press forward upon the turnpike to- 
 wards Alexandria. But as he did not appear to advance in force, 
 and there was reason to believe his main body was leaving the road, 
 and inclining towards Manassas Junction, my command was advanced 
 through the woods, leaving Groveton on the left, until it reached a 
 commanding position near Brawner's house. By this time it was 
 near sunset, but his column appeared to be moving by with its flank 
 exposed. X determined to attack at once, which was vigorously done 
 by the divisions of Taliaferro and Ewell. The batteries of Wooding, 
 Poague and Carpenter were placed in position in front of Starke's 
 brigade, and above the village of Groveton, and firing over the heads 
 of our skirmishers, poured a heavy fire of shot and shell upon the 
 enemy. This was responded to by a very heavy fire from the enemy, 
 forcing our batteries to select another position. By this time, Talia- 
 ferro's command, with Lawton's and Trimble, s brigades on his left, 
 were advanced from the woods to the open field, and were now mov- 
 ing in gallant style until they reached an orchard on the light of our 
 line, and were less than a hundred yards from a large force cf the 
 enemy. The conflict here was fierce and sanguinary. Although 
 largely reinforced, the Federals did not attempt to advance, but 
 maintained their ground with obstinate determination. Both lines 
 stood exposed to the discharge of musfcetry and artillery, until about 
 
95 
 
 nine o'clock, -when the enemy slowly fell back, yielding the field to 
 our troops. The loss on both sides was heavy, and among our 
 wounded were Major General Ewell and Brigadier General Taliaferro, 
 the latter, after a few months, was able to assume his duties, the for- 
 mer, I regret to say, is still disabled by his wound, and the army 
 thi7s deprived of hia valuable services. 
 
 This obstinate resistance of the enemy appears to have been for the 
 purpose of protecting the flank of his column until it should pass 
 the position occupied by our troops. Owing to the diflSculty of get- 
 ting artillery through the woods, I did not have so much of that arm 
 as I desired at the opening of the engagement ; but this want was met 
 by Major Peiham, with the Suart horse artillery, who dashed forward 
 on my right and opened upon the enemy at a moment when his ser- 
 vices were much needed. Althouirh the enemy moved off undercover 
 of the night, and left us in quiet possession of the field, he did not 
 long permit us to remain inactive, or in doubt as to his intention to 
 renew the conflict. The next morning I found that he had abandoned 
 the ground occupied as the battle-field the evening before, and had 
 moved further to the east, and to my left, placing himself between 
 my command and the Federal capital. My troops on this day were 
 distributed along and in the vicinity of the cut of an unfinished rail- 
 road, (intended as a part of the track to connect the Manassas road 
 directly with Alexandria, (stretching from the Warrenton turnpike 
 in the direction of Sudley mill. It was mainly along the excava- 
 tion of this unfinished road that my line of battle was formed on the 
 29th, Jackson's division, under Brigadier General Starke, on the 
 right, Ewell'a division, under Brigadier General Lawton, in the cen- 
 tre, and Hill's division on the left. In the morning, about ten o'clock, 
 the Federal artiilerj opened with spirit and animation upon our right, 
 which was soon replied to by the batteries of Poague, Carpenter, De- 
 ment, Brockeubrough, and Latimer, under Major Shumaker. Tins 
 lasted for some time, when the enemy moved around more to our left 
 to another point of attack. His next effort was directed against our 
 left. This was vigorously repulsed by the batteries of Braxton, 
 Crenshaw, and Pegram. About two o'clock, P. M., the Federal in- 
 fantry, in large force, advanced to the attack of our left, occupied by 
 the division of General Hill. It pressed forward in defiance of 
 our fatal and destructive fire with great determination, a portion of 
 it crossing a deep cut in the railroad track, and penetrating in heavy 
 force an interval of near a hundred and seventy-five yards, v/hich 
 separated the right of Gregg's from the left of Thomas' brigade. For 
 a short time Gregg's brigade, on the extreme left, was isolated from 
 the main body of the command. But the fourteenth South Carolina 
 regiment, then in reserve, with the forty-ninth Georgia, left of Col. 
 Thomas', attacked the exultant enemy with vigor, and drove them back 
 across the railroad track with great slaughter. Gen. McGowan re- 
 ports that the opposing forces, at one time, delivered their volleys into 
 each other at the distance of ten paces. Assault after assault was 
 made on the left, exhibiting on the part of the enemy great pertina- 
 city and determination, but every advance was most successfully and 
 
9^ 
 
 gallantly driven back. "General Hill reports that six separate and 
 distinct assaults were thus met and repulsed by his division, assisted 
 by Hays' brigade, Colonel Forno commanding. By this time the 
 brigade of General Gregg, which, from its position on the extreme 
 left, wjis most exposed to the enemy's attack, had nearly expended its 
 ammunition. It had sufft^red severely in its men, and all its field offi- 
 cers, except two, were killed or wounded. About four o'clock it had 
 been assisted by Hay's brigade, (Colonel Forno.) It was now retired 
 to the rear to take some repose after seven hours of severe service 
 and General Early's brigade, of Ewcll's division, with the eighth Lou- 
 isiana regiment, took its place. On reaching his position, General 
 Early found that the enemy had obtained possession of the railroad and 
 a piece of wood in front, there being at this point a deep cut, which 
 furnished a strong defence. Moving through a field, he advanced 
 upon the enemy, (Irove them from the wood and railroad cut with 
 great slaughter, and followed in pursuit some two hundred yards. 
 The thirteenth Georgia at the same time advanced to the railroad and 
 crossed with Early's brigade. As it was not desirable to bring on a 
 general engagement that evening, General Early was recalled to the 
 railroad, where Thomas, Pender and Archer had firmly maintained 
 their positions during the day. Early kept his position there until 
 the following morning. Brigadier General Field and Colonel Forno 
 (commanding Hays' brigade) were severely wounded. Brigadier 
 General Trimble was also seriously wounded. Daring the day, 
 a force of the enemy penetrated the wood in my rear, endanger- 
 ing the safety of my ambulances and train. Upon being advised of 
 this, by General Stuart, I sent a body of infantry to drive tliem from 
 the wood. But in the meantime, the vigilant Pelham had unlim- 
 bcred his battery and dispersed that portion of them which had 
 reached the wood. At a later period. Major Patrick, of the cavalry, 
 who ^as by General Stuart entrusted with guarding the train, was 
 attacked, and although it was promptly and effectually repulsed, it 
 was not without the loss of that intrepid officer, who fell in the attack 
 whilst setting an example of gallantry to his men well worthy of imi- 
 tation. During the day, the commanding General arrived, and also 
 General Longstreet, with his command. On the following day, (30th) 
 my command occupied the ground, and the divisions the same relative 
 position to each other, and to the field, which they held the day be- 
 fore, forming the left wing of the army. General Longstreet's com- 
 mand formed the right wing. A large quantity of artillery was 
 posted upon a commanding eminence in the centre. 
 
 After some desultory skirmishing and heavy cannonading during 
 the day, the Federal infantry, about four o'clock in the evening, 
 moved from under cover of the wood and advanced in several lines, 
 first engaging the right, but soon extending its attack to the centre 
 and left. In a few moments our entire line was engaged in a fierce 
 and sanguinary struggle with the enemy. As one line was repulsed, 
 another took its place and pressed forward as if determined, by force 
 of numbers and fury of assault, to drive us from our positions. So 
 impetuous and well sustained were these onsets as to induce me to 
 
•9^ 
 
 fend to the commanding General for reinforcements, but the timely 
 and gallant advance of General Longstreet, on the right, relieved my 
 troops from the pressure of overwhelming numbers and gave to those 
 brave men the chances of a more equal conflict. As Longstreet 
 pressed upon the right, the Federal advance was checked, and soon a 
 general advance of my whole line was ordered. Eagerly ani fiercely 
 did each brigade press forward, exhibiting in parts of the field scenes 
 of close encounter and murderous strife not witnessed often in the 
 turmoil of battle. The Federals gave way before our troops, fell 
 back in disorder, and fled precipitately, leaving their dead and 
 wounded on the field. During their retreat the artillery opened with 
 destructive power upon the fugitive masses. The infantry followed 
 until darkness put an end to the pursuit. 
 
 Our loss was heavy ; that of the enemy, as shown by the battle- 
 field, of which we were in possession, much heavier. Among the 
 losses was Colonel Baylor, commanding Winder's brigade, who fell ia 
 front of his brigade, whilst nobly leading it on to the charge. We 
 captured eight pieces of artillery, with their caissons, and six thou- 
 sand five hundred and twenty small arms were collected from the 
 battle-field. 
 
 It being ascertained next morning that the Federal army had 
 retreated in the direction of Centreville, I was ordered by the com- 
 manding General to turn that position. Crossing Bull Run at 
 Sudley ford, thence pursuing a country road until we reached the 
 Little River turnpike, which we followed in the direction of Fairfax 
 Court- House until the troops halted for the night. Early next morn- 
 ing, September 1st, we moved forward, and late in the evening, after 
 reaching Ox Hill, came in contact with the enemy, who were in posi- 
 tion on our right and front, covering his line of retreat from Centre- 
 ville to Fairfax Court-House. Our line of battle was formed— 
 General Hill's division on the right ; Ewell's division, General 
 Lawton commanding, in the centre ; and Jackson's division, General 
 Starke commanding, on the left — all on the right of the turnpike 
 road. Artillery was posted on an eminence to the left of the road. 
 The brigades of Branch and Field, Colonel Brockenbrough command- 
 ing the latter, were sent forward to feel and engage the enemy. A 
 cold and drenching thunder shower swept over the field at this time, 
 striking directly into the faces of our troops. These two brigades 
 gallantly engaged the enemy, but so severe was the fire in front and 
 flank of Branch's brigade as to produce in it some disorder and fall- 
 ing back. The brigades of Gregg, Thomas and Pender were thea 
 thrown into the fight. Soon a portion of Ewell's division became 
 engaged. The conflict now raged with great fury, the enemy obsti- 
 Dately and desperately contesting the ground until their Generals 
 Kearney and Stephens fell in front of Thomas' brigade, after which 
 they retired from the field. 
 
 By the following morning the Federal army had entirely disappeared 
 from our view, and it soon appeared, by a report from General Stuart, 
 that it had passed Fairfax Court-House and had moved in the direc- 
 tion of Washington city. 
 7 
 
98 
 
 On the 3rd of September we left Ox Hill, taking the road by 
 Dranesville and Lcesburg, and on the 4th bivouacked neax the Big 
 Snnng, between Leesburg and the l^otomac. 
 
 The official reports of the casualties of my command, in its opera- 
 tjons from the Rappahannock to the Potomac, will show a loss of 
 seventy-five officers killed and two hundred and seventy-three 
 wounded, seven hundred and thirty non-commissioned officers and 
 officers and privates killed, three thousand two hundred and seventy 
 four wounded, and thirty-five missing, making a total loss of four 
 thousand three hundred and eighty-seven. 
 
 Colonel S. Crutchfield, chief of artillery, discharged his duties 
 well. The conduct of officers and men during the various engage- 
 ments described was such as to entitle them to great praise. The 
 wounded were skillfully cared for by my medical director, Dr. Hun- 
 ter RIcGuire. In the transmission of orders I was greatly assisted^ 
 dnring the expedition, by the following members of my staff; Colo- 
 n'.'] A. Smead, assistant inspector general ; Major E. F. I^axfon, 
 acting assistant adjutant general ; Captain R. E. Wilbourn, chief 
 fljgnal officer ; first Lieutenant H. R. Douglas, assistant inspector 
 goneral ; first Lieutenant J. G. Morrison, aid-de-camp, and Colonel 
 William L. Jackson, volunteer aid-de-camp. Captain Wilbourn was 
 so severely wounded at the battle of Groveton as to be unable to go 
 further with the army. The ordnance, quartermiaster and commis- 
 sary departments were well managed by their respective chiefs, 
 Majors G. H. Baer, J. A. Harman, and W. J. Hawks. 
 
 For further information, respecting the detailed movements of 
 troops and the conduct of individuals. I would respectfully refer you 
 to the accompanying reports. 
 
 For these great and signal victories our sincere and humble thanks 
 aro due unto Almighty God. We should in all things acknowledge 
 the hand of Him who reigns in Heaven and rules among the armies 
 of men. In view of the arduous labors and great privations the 
 troops were called to endure, and the isolated and perilous position 
 which the command occupied, while engaged with greatly superior 
 numbers of the enemy, we can but express the grateful conviction of 
 our mind, that God was with us and gave to us the victory, and unto 
 His holy name be the praise. 
 
 I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. J. JACKSON, 
 Lieiit£na7\t General, 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON OF OPE- 
 RATIONS FROM 5th TO 27th SEPTEMBER, 1862. 
 
 Headquarters Second Coups, A. N. V., ) 
 April 23, 1863. J 
 
 Brigadier General R. II. Cihltox, A. A. General: 
 
 General : I have the honor, herewith, to submit a report of the 
 operations of my command from the 5th to the 27th of September, 
 1862, embracing the capture of Harper's Ferry, the engagement at 
 Shepherdstown and so much of the battle of Sharpsburg as was fought 
 by the troops under my command : 
 
 My command ccmpriised A. P. Hill'8 division, consisting of the 
 brigades of Branch, Gregg, Field, ( Colonel Brockenbrough, com- 
 manding,) Pender, Archer and Colonel Thomas, with the batteries of 
 the division, under Lieutenant Colonel R. L. Walker; Ewell's divis- 
 ion, under Brigadier General Lawton, consisting of the brigades of 
 Early, Hays, (Colonel StroiTg,) Trimble, (Colonel Walker,) and La\>- 
 ton, (Colonel Douglas,) with the artillery, under Major Courtnay ; 
 and Jackson's division, under Brigadier General Starke, consisting of 
 the brigades of Winder, ( Colonel Grigsby, ) Jones, (Colonel B. T.. 
 Johnson,) Taliaferro, (Colonel Warren,) and Starke, (Colonel Staf- 
 ford,) with the artillery, under Major Shuraaker, chief of artillery. 
 
 On the 5th of September, my command crossed the Potomac at 
 White's ford, and bivouacked that night near the Three Springs, in 
 the State of Maryland. Not having any cavalry with me except the 
 Black Horse, under Captain Randolph, I directed him after crossing 
 the Potomac, to take part of his company and scout to the right, in 
 order to avoid a surprise of the column from that direction. For the 
 thorough and efficient manner in which this duty was discharged, and 
 for the valuable service rendered generally, whilst attached to my 
 headquarters, I desire to make special mention of this company and 
 its otiicers. Captain Randolph and Lieutenants Paine, Tyler and 
 Smith, who frequently transmitted orders in the absence of staff offi-- 
 cers. 
 
 The next day we arrived in the vicinity of Frederick city. Jack-- 
 son's division encamped near its suburbs, except the brigade of Gen- 
 eral Jones, (Colonel Bradley T. Johnson commanding, ) which was 
 posted in the city as a provost guard. EwelTs and Hill's divisions 
 occupied positions near the railroad bridge over the Monocacy, guard- 
 ing the approaches from Washington city. 
 
 In obedience to instructions from the commanding General, and tor 
 the purpose of capturing the Federal forces and stores then at Mar- 
 tinsburg and Harper's Ferry, my command left the vicinity of Fred- 
 erick city on the lOth, and passing rapidl3? through Middletown, 
 Boonsborough and Williamsport, recrossed the Potomac into Virginia 
 at Light's ford, on the 11th. General Hill moved with his division 
 
100 
 
 on the turnpike, direct from Williamsport to Martinsburg, The 
 divisions of Jackson and Ewcll proceeded towards the North moun- 
 tain depot, on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, about seven miles 
 northwest of Martinsburg. They bivouacked that night in the vicinity 
 of the depot in order to prevent the Federal forces, then at Martins- 
 burg, from escaping westward unobserved. Major Myers, command- 
 ing the cavalry, sent part of his troops as far south as the Berkeley 
 and Hampshire turnpike, l^rigadier General White, who was in com- 
 mand of the Federal forces at Martinsburg, becoming advised of our 
 approach, evacuated the place on the night of the 11th and retreated 
 to Harpers Ferry. 
 
 On the morning of the 12th, our cavalry entered the town, as, in 
 the course of the day, did the main body of my command. At this 
 point, abandoned quartermaster, commissary and ordnance stores fell 
 into our hands. Brocccding thence towards Harper's Ferry, about 
 eleven o'clock, A. M., on the following morning (13th,) the head of our 
 column came in view of the enemy, drawn up in force upon Bolivar 
 Heights. General IIill, who was in the advance, went into camp near 
 Hulhown, about two miles from the enemy's position. The two other 
 divisions encamped near by. 
 
 The commanding General having directed Major General McLawa 
 to move "with his own and General R. H. Anderson's divisions to take 
 possession of the Maryland Heights overlooking Harper's Ferry, and 
 Brigadier General J. G. "Walker, pursuing a different route, to cross 
 the Potomac and move up that river on the Virginia side and occupy 
 the Loudon Heights, both for the purpose of co-operating with me, it 
 became necessary before making the attack to ascertain whether they 
 were in position. Failing to learn the fact by signals, a courier was 
 dispatched to each of those points for the required information. Dur- 
 ing the night the courier to the Loudon Heights returned with a mes- 
 sage from General Walker that he was in positidn. In the meantime 
 General McLaws had attacked the Federal force posted to defend the 
 Maryland Heights, had routed it, and taken possession of that com- 
 manding position. The Potomac river flowed between the positions 
 respectively occupied by General McLaws andm^'sclf, and the Shenan- 
 doah seperated me from General Walker, and it became advisable, as 
 the speediest mode of communication, to resort to signals. Before 
 the necessary orders were thus transmitted, the day was far advanced. 
 
 The enemy had, by fortifications, strengthened the naturally strong 
 position he occupied along Bolivar Heights, extending from near the 
 Shenandoah to the Potomac. McLaws and Walker, being thus sepa- 
 rated from the enemy, by intervening rivers, would afford no assist- 
 ance beyond the fire of their artillery and guarding certain avenues 
 0^ escape to the enemy. And from the reports received from them, 
 by signals, in consequence of the distance and range of their guns, 
 not much could be expected from their artillery, so long as the enemy 
 retained his advanced position on Bolivar Heights. 
 
 In the afternoon, General Hill was ordered to move along the left 
 bank of the Shenandoah, turn the enemy's left, and enter Harper's 
 Ferry. General Lawton, commanding Ewell's division, was directed 
 
101 
 
 to move along the turnpike for the purpose of supporting General 
 Hill, and of otherwise operating against the enemy to his left. Gen- 
 eral J. R. Jones, commanding Jackson's division, was directed, with 
 one of his brigades and a battery of artillery, to make a demonstra- 
 tion against the enemy's right, whilst the remaining part of his com- 
 mand, as a reserve, moved along the turnpike. Major Massie, com- 
 manding the cavalry, was directed to keep upon our left flank for the 
 purpose of preventing the enemy from escaping. Brigadier General 
 Walker guarded against an escape across the Shenandoah river. 
 Fearing lest the enemy should attempt to escape across the Potomac, 
 h^ means of signals 1 called the atention of Major General McLaws, 
 commanding on the Maryland Heights, to the propriety of guarding 
 against such an attempt. The demonstration on the left against the 
 enemy's right was made by Winder's brigade, (Colonel Grigsby com- 
 manding ) It was ordered to secure a commanding hill to the left of 
 the heights, near the Potomac. Promptly dispersing some cavalry, 
 this eminence, from which the batteries of Poague and Carpenter sub- 
 sequently did such admirable execution, Avas secured without difli- 
 culty. In execution of the order given Major General Hill, he moved 
 obliquely to the right until he struck the Shenandoah river. Ob- 
 serving an eminence crowning the extreme left of the enemy's line, 
 occupied by infantry, but without artillery, and protected oniy by an 
 abattis of fallen timber, Pender, Archer and Brockeubrough were di- 
 rected to gain the crest of that hill, while Branch and Gregg were 
 directed to march along the river, and, during the night, to take ad- 
 vantage of the ravines, cutting the precipitous banks of the river, and 
 establish themselves on the plain to the left and rear of the enemy's 
 works. Thomas followed as a reserve. The execution of the first move- 
 ment, was entrusted to Brig. Gen. Pender, who accomplished it with 
 slight resistance; and during the night, Lieut. Colonel Walker, chief of 
 artillery of Hill's division, brought up the batteries of Captains Pe- 
 gram, Mcintosh, Davidson, Braxton and Crenshaw, and established 
 them upon the position thus gained. Branch and Gregg also gained 
 the positions indicated for them, and daybreak found them in rear of 
 the enemy's line of defence. 
 
 A? directed. Brigadier General Lawton, commanding Ewell's di- 
 vision, moved on the turnpike in three columns — one on the road, and 
 another on each side of it — Until he reached Hulltown, when he 
 formed line of batlle and advanced to the woods on School-House hill. 
 The division laid on their arms during the night, Lawton and Trimble 
 being in line on the right of the road, and Hays on the left, with 
 Early immediately in his rear. During the night. Colonel Crutch- 
 field, my chief of ariillery, crossed ten guns of Ewell's division over 
 the Shenandoah and established them on its right bank, so as to enfi- 
 lade the enemy's position on Boliver Heights, and take his nearest 
 and most formidable fortifications in reverse. The other batteries of 
 Ewell's division were placed in position on School-Uouse hill, on each 
 side of the road. 
 
 At (kwn, September 15th, General Lawton advanced his division 
 to the front of the woods, Lawton's brigade (Colonel Douglas com- 
 
102 
 
 mandinn;,) moved by flank, to the bottom between School-House hill 
 and Bolivar Heights, to support the advance of Major General Hill. 
 Lieutenant Colonel Walker opened a rapid enfilade fire from all his 
 batteries at about one thousand yards range. The batteries on School- 
 House hill, attacked the enemy's lines in front. In a short time the 
 guns of Captains Bro\vn, Garber, Latimer and Dement, under the di- 
 rection of Colonel Crutchfield, opened from the rear. The batteries 
 of Poague and Carpenter opened fire upon the enemy's right. The 
 artillery upon the Loudon Heights, of Brigadier General Walker's 
 command, under Captain French, Avhich had silenced the enemy's ar- 
 tillery near the superintendent's house on the preceding afternoon, 
 again opened upon Harper's Ferry, and also some guns of Major 
 General McLaAvs from the Maryland Heights. In an hour, the en- 
 emy's fire seemed to be silenced, and the batteries of General Hill 
 were ordered to cease their fire, which Avas the signal for storming the 
 ■works. General Pender had commenced his advance, when the en- 
 emy again opening, Pegram and Crenshaw moved forward their bat- 
 teries, and poured a rapid fire into the enemy. The white flag was 
 now displayed, and shortly afterwards Brigadier General White (the 
 commanding ofiicer, Colonel D. S. Miles, having having been mortally 
 wounded,) with a garrison of about eleven thousand men, surrendered 
 as prisoners of war. Under this capitulation, we took possession of 
 seventy-three pieces of artillery, some thirteen thousand small arms, 
 and other stores. Liberal terms were granted to General White, and 
 the officers under his command, in the surrender, Avhich, I regret to 
 say, do not seem, from subsequent events, to have been properly ap- 
 preciated by their Government. 
 
 Leaving General Hill to receive the surrender of the Federal troops, 
 and take the requisite steps for securing the captured stores, I moved, 
 in obedince to orders from the commanding General, to rejoin him in 
 Maryland, with the remaining divisions of my command. By a se- 
 vere night march, ^\e reached the vicinity of Sharpsburg on the morn- 
 ing of the IGth. 
 
 By direction of the commanding General, I advanced on the en- 
 emy, leaving Sharpsburg to the right, and took position to the left of 
 General Longstreet, near a Dunkard church, EavcH's division (Gene- 
 ral Lawton commanding) forming the right, and Jackson's division 
 (General J. R. Jones commanding) forming the left of my command. 
 Major General Stuart, with the cavalry, Avas on my left. Jackson's 
 division (General Jones commanding) Avas formed partly in an open 
 field, and partly in the Avoods, Avith its right resting upon the Sharps- 
 burg and HagerstoAvn turnpikes ; Winder's and Jones' brigades being 
 in front, and Taliaferro's and Starke's brigades a short distance in 
 their rear, and Poague's battery on a knoll in front. 
 
 Ewell's division followed that of Jackson to the woods on the left 
 of the road near the church. Early's brigade was then formed on 
 the left of the line of Jackson's division, to guard its flank, and 
 ilays' brigade was formed in its rear. Lawton's and Trimble's brig- 
 a^des remained, during the evening, with arms stacked, near the 
 church. 
 
103 
 
 A battery of the enemy, some five hundred yards to the front of 
 Jackson's division, opening fire upon a battery to the right, was si- 
 lenced in twenty minutes' by a rapid and well directed fire from 
 Poague's battery. Other batteries of the enemy opened soon after 
 upon our lines, and the firing continued until after dark. 
 
 About ten, P. M., Lawton's and Trimble's brigades advanced to 
 the front to relieve the command of Brigadier General Hood, (on the 
 left of Major General D. H. Hill,) which had been more or less en- 
 gaged during the evening. Trimble's brigade was posted on the 
 right, next to Ripley's, of D. H. Hill's division, and Lawton's on the left. 
 
 The troops slept that night upon their arms, disturbed by the oc- 
 casional fire of the pickets of the two armies, who were in close 
 proximity to each other. At the first dawn of day, skirmishing com- 
 menced in front, and in a short time the Federal batteries, so posted 
 on the opposite side of the Anteitam as to enfilade my line, opened 
 a severe and damaging fire. This was vigorously replied toby the 
 batteries of Poague, Carpenter, Brockenbough, Raines, Caskie and 
 Wooding. About sunrise, the Federal infantry advanced in heavy 
 force to the edge of the wood, on the eastern side of the turnpike, 
 driving in our skirmishers. Batteries were opened in front from the 
 wood with shell and canister, and our troops became exposed, for 
 near an hour, to a terrific storm of shell, canister and musketry. Gen- 
 eral Jones having been compelled to leave the field, the command of 
 Jackson's division devolved upon General Starke. With heroic 
 spirit, our lines advanced to the conflict, and maintained their posi- 
 tion in the face of superior numbers with stubborn resolution, some- 
 times driving the enemy before them, and sometimes compelled to fall 
 back before their well sustained and destructive fire. Fresh troops 
 from time to time relieved the enemy's ranks, and the carnage on 
 both sides was terrific. At this early hour. General Starke was 
 killed, Colonel Douglas, (commanding Lawton's brigade,) was also 
 killed. General Lawton, commanding division, and Colonel Walker, 
 commanding brigade, were severely wounded. More than half of the 
 brigades of Lawton and Hays were eitlier killed or wounded, and 
 more than a third of Trimble's, and all the regimental commanders 
 in those brigades, except two, were killed or wounded. Thinned in 
 their ranks, and exhausted of their ammunition, Jackson's division 
 and the brigades of Lawton, Hays and Trimble, retired to the rear, 
 and Hood, of Longstreet's command, aguin took the position from 
 which he had been before relieved. In the meantime. General Stuart 
 moved his artillery to a position nearer to the main command, and 
 more in our rear. Early being now directed, in consequence of the 
 disability of General Lawton, to take command of Ewell's division, 
 returned with his brigade (with the exception of the thirteenth Vir- 
 ginia regiment, which remained with General Stuart,) to the piece of 
 wood where he had left the other brigades of his division when he was 
 separated from them. Here he found that the enemy had advanced 
 his infantry near the wood, in which was the Dunkard church, and 
 had planted a battery across the turnpike, near the edge of the wood 
 and an open field, and that the brigades of Lawton, Hays and Trim- 
 
104 
 
 ble bad fallen back some distance to the rear. Finding here CoTonels- 
 Grigsby and Stafford, with a portion of Jackson's division, which 
 formed on his left, he determined to maintain his position there if re- 
 inforcements could be sent to his support, of which he was promptly 
 assured. Colonel Grigsby, with his small command, kept in check 
 the advance of the enemy on the left flank, while General Early at- 
 tacked, with great vigor and gallantry, the column on his right an(J 
 front. The force in front was giving way under this attack, whea 
 another heavy column of Federal troops were seen moving across the 
 plateau on his left flank. By this time the expected reinforcements, 
 consisting of Semmes' and iVndorson's brigades and a part of Barks- 
 dale's, of JMcLaw's division, arrived, and the whole, including Grigs- 
 bj's command, now united, charged upon the enemy, checking his 
 advance, then driving him back, with great slaughter, entirely from 
 and beyond this wood, and gaining possession of our original posi- 
 tion. No further advance, beyond demonstrations, was made by the 
 enemy on the left. In the afternoon, in obedience to instructions 
 from the conimaYiding General, I moved to the left with a view ta 
 turning the Federal right; but I found his numerous artillery so 
 judiciously eptablished in their front and extending so near to the Po- 
 tomac, wliich here makes a remarkable bend, as will be seen by refer- 
 ence to the map herewith annexed, as to render it inexpedient to 
 hazard the atten^pt. In this movement, Major General Stuart had 
 the advance, and acted his part well. This officer rendered valuable 
 service throughout the day. His bold use of artillery secured for us 
 an important position, v»'hich, had the enemy possessed, might have 
 commanded our left. At the close of the day, my troops held the 
 ground which they had occupied in the morning. The next day we 
 remained in position awaiting another attack. The enemy continued 
 in heavy force west of the Anteitam on our left, but made no further 
 movement to the attack. 
 
 I refer you to the report of Major General A. P. Hill for the ope- 
 rations of his command in the battle of Sharpsburg. Arriving upon 
 the battle-field from Harper's Ferry at half-past two o'clock of the 
 17th, he reported to the commanding General, and was hy him 
 directed to take position on the right. I have not embraced tho 
 movements of his division, nor his killed and wounded of that action, 
 in my report. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 19th, we recrossed the Potomac river 
 into Virginia near Shepherdstown. The promptitude and success 
 vith which this movement was effected reflects the highest credit upon 
 the skill and energy of Major Harman, chief quartermaster. In the 
 evening, the command moved on the road leading to Martinsburg, 
 except Lawton's brigade, (Colonel Lamar, of the sixty-first Georgia, 
 commanding,) which was left on the Potomac heights. 
 
 On the same day the enemy appeared in considerable force on the 
 northern side of the Potomac, and commenced planting heavy batte- 
 ries on its heights. In the evening, the Federals commenced crossing 
 under the protection of their guns, driving off Lawton's brigade and 
 General Pendleton's artillery. By morning, a considerable force had 
 
105 
 
 crossed over. Orders were despatched to Generals Early and Hill, 
 who had advanced some four miles on the Martinsburg road, to return 
 and drive back the enemy. General Hill, who was in the advance, 
 as he approached the town, formed his line of battle in two lines, the 
 first composed of the brigades of Pender, Gregg and Thomas, under 
 the command of General Gregg, and the second of Lane's, Archer's 
 and Brockenbrough's brigades, under command of General Archer. 
 General Early, with the brigades of Early, Trimble and Hays, took 
 position in the wood on the light and left of the road leading to the 
 ford. . The Federal infantry lined the high banks of the Virginia 
 shore, while their artillery, formidable in numbers and weight of 
 metal, crowned the opposite heights of the Potomac. General Hill's 
 division advanced with great gallantry against the Federal infantry, 
 in the face of a continuous discharge of shot and shell from their 
 batteries. The Federals, massing in front of Pender, poured a heavy 
 fire into his ranks, and then extending with a view to turn his left. 
 Archer promptly formed on Pender's left, when a simultaneous charge 
 was made, which drove the enemy into the river, followed by an ap- 
 palling scene of the destruction of human life. Two hundred pris- 
 oners were taken. This position, on the bank of the river, we con- 
 ^ tinued to hold that day, although exposed to the enemy's guns and 
 within range of his sharpshooters, posted near the Chesapeake and 
 Ohio canal. Our infantry remained at the river until relieved by 
 cavalry, under General Fitzhugh Lee. 
 
 On the evening of the 20th, the command moved from Shepherds- 
 town and encamped near the Opequon, in the vicinity of Martinsburg. 
 We remained near Martinsburg until the 27th, when we moved to 
 Bunker Hill, in the county of Berkeley. 
 
 The official list of casualties of my command, during the period 
 embraced in this report, will show that we sustained a loss of thirty- 
 eight officers killed and one hundred and seventy-one wounded, of 
 three hundred and thirteen non-commissioned officers and privates 
 killed, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine wounded, and fifty- 
 seven missing ; making a total loss of two thousand four hundred and 
 thirty-eight killed, wounded and missing. 
 
 I am, General, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 
 
 T. J. JACKSON, Lieutenant General 
 Official : 
 
 Charles J. Faulkner, Lieut. Col. and A. A. G. 
 
 Headquarters of Lieutenant General Ewell, ) 
 
 July, 1663. ] 
 
 Major: I herewith forward to you the last of General Jackson's 
 official report. I found the two missing pages, and had the whole 
 re-copied. You will now oblige me bjPhaving ray resignation ap- 
 proved by General Lee and forwarded to the Secretary of War. 
 
 I am, truly yours, 
 
 CHARLES J. FAULKNER. 
 
106 
 
 I certify that the above is an authentic report by Lieutenant Gen- 
 eral Jackson of the operations of his command from the 5th to the 
 27th k^eptember, 1862; that, after undergoing his last revision, he 
 had directed it to be copied, with a view to its being signed and for- 
 warded by him, which purpose was interrupted by movements of 
 General Hooker, resulting in the battle of Chancellorsville. There 
 is an omission of that customary notice of his staff, which he was in 
 the habit of inserting in the final copy of his reports, previous to it3 
 being forwarded. 
 
 CHARLES J. FAULKNER, A. A. G: 
 
107 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES in the fights at Boomhoro\ Campton's Gap, 
 Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg, and Shepherdsioivn, in September, 1862 .* 
 
 Regiment. 
 
 1st Virginia 
 
 7th Viigiiiiit, 
 
 lUh Virginia 
 
 17th Virginia, 
 
 24lh Virginia, 
 
 8h Virginia, 
 
 I8th Virginia, ■ 
 
 19th Virgin's, 
 
 28th Virginiii, ' 
 
 56th Virginia, 
 
 24th North Carolina 
 
 25th North Oarolmn, 
 
 85th N orth Carolina, 
 
 49lh North Carolina, 
 
 Brunch's Battery, 
 
 3 ith Virginia, 
 
 46'h North Carolina, 
 
 48>.h North Carolina, 
 
 27ih North Carolina, 
 
 Sni Ark;inea8 
 
 Fri-n<-.lr8 Battery, 
 
 8th Gf orgia, 
 
 9lh G.'orgia, 
 
 7tli Georgia, 
 
 11th (Jeornia, 
 
 Iflt Georgia, 
 
 4tb Alabama, 
 
 6th North Ctirolina, 
 
 2 id MiAsiPBippi, 
 
 nth Missit^r-ippi, 
 
 18Lh Georgia, 
 
 lat 'IVx;is, 
 
 4thTfXis, 
 
 5th Ti'x:is 
 
 Hampton I^fsion, 
 
 Keilly's Rnttcry, 
 
 Garden's n;ittery, 
 
 li.ichnianV Battery, , 
 
 17th Goorifia, 
 
 2Jth Geortria, 
 
 2iid Georgia, 
 
 15ih G< oriria 
 
 6ih South Carolina, -..-., 
 
 PaliTH'tto Sharpshooters, 
 
 1st youth Carolina, 
 
 2:id South Carolina, 
 
 6lh South Carolina, 
 
 Ilolcoiiibe Legion, , 
 
 18Ui Souili (Carolina, 
 
 22iid South Carolina, 
 
 23rd South Carolina, 
 
 17th South Carolina, 
 
 Washiuaton Artillery, 
 
 13! h South Carolina 
 
 50th Georgia, 
 
 5l8t G oriria, 
 
 l^Hh Mississippi, 
 
 21-^t Miss 8Mip])i, 
 
 ISlh Atiesir'pippi. 
 
 17lh Mississippi. 
 
 and Sou'h Carolina, 
 
 3rd Soiitli (/arolina, 
 
 7th South Carolina 
 
 8h South ('aiolina, 
 
 Kead's Battery, 
 
 lOlh Georgia, 
 
 68rd Georgia, 
 
 S2nd Vruinia, 
 
 15lh Viruiuia, 
 
 Georu ia Loici on , ^. 
 
 24lh (Greori?ia, 
 
 16th Georgia, 
 
 35th North ('arolina, i. 
 
 48lh Georgia, 
 
 Brigade. 
 
 % 
 
 Kemper's, 
 
 u 
 
 Pickett's (old) 
 Ransom's, 
 WalUer'e, 
 
 A nderson'e, 
 
 Law's, 
 
 t( 
 
 It 
 
 Woflbrd's, 
 
 It 
 
 ToomhB', 
 
 (t 
 Jerkins', 
 
 t( 
 It 
 
 EvRns', 
 
 Drajt^n'e, 
 
 It 
 
 Barksdale's, 
 
 It 
 
 Kershaw's, 
 
 ti 
 Semraee', 
 
 Cobh'B, 
 
 It 
 
 tt 
 
 Wright's, 
 
 DiviBioD. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Pickett's, 
 
 Walker's, 
 
 Hood's, 
 
 McLaws', 
 
 Anderson's, 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 2 
 3 
 
 16 
 2 
 
 39 
 5 
 
 31 
 
 31 
 
 8 
 
 14 
 
 16 
 
 4 
 
 26 
 
 '29 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 17 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 18 
 
 13 
 
 23 
 
 16 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 38 
 
 30 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 S8 
 
 C7 
 
 54 
 
 19 
 
 44 
 
 13 
 
 2} 
 
 61 
 
 8 
 
 121 
 
 60 
 
 186 
 
 168 
 
 l.).-> 
 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 14 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 29 
 
 S7 
 
 117 
 
 12/ 
 
 90 
 
 72 
 
 141 
 
 97 
 
 77 
 
 47 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 44 
 
 37 
 
 30 
 
 51 
 
 55 
 
 37 
 
 14 
 
 20 
 
 18 
 
 39 
 
 64 
 
 6.i 
 
 49 
 
 o,j 
 
 84 
 97 
 7 
 55 
 56 
 73 
 82 
 77 
 73 
 
 117 
 17 
 10 
 69 
 63 
 57 
 63 
 68 
 
 145 
 83 
 
 143 
 46 
 
 Total. 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 41 
 
 36 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 43 
 
 44 
 
 62 
 
 20 
 
 64 
 
 15 
 
 26 
 
 77 
 
 5 
 
 160 
 
 65 
 
 817 
 
 1-19 
 
 1.S2 
 
 2 
 
 19 
 
 IS 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 30 
 
 44 
 
 r-'5 
 
 ]54 
 104 
 85 
 J 86 
 1'7 
 82 
 53 
 10 
 9 
 4 
 12 
 48 
 43 
 86 
 68 
 64 
 39 
 16 
 31 
 
 n 
 
 42 
 
 si) 
 
 67 
 
 80 
 
 no 
 
 126 
 
 8 
 
 63 
 
 62 
 
 83 
 
 93 
 
 94 
 
 8.) 
 
 140 
 
 19 
 
 14 
 
 84 
 
 74 
 
 72 
 
 74 
 
 86 
 
 158 
 
 100 
 
 159 
 
 47 
 
108 
 
 MARYLAND f'/G JITS'— Continued. 
 
 Regiment. 
 
 Brigado. Division. 
 
 Wriifhl's, 
 
 ArmiBtead'e. 
 
 Wilcox's, 
 
 Pry or" s, 
 
 'Fcfitberston't 
 
 Mahono'B, 
 
 Taliafcrvo"! 
 
 .andcvBon'F; 
 
 Killed. I Wounded. | Total. 
 
 Srd Geortr'.a 
 
 '2-2 iJ Geort \^, 
 
 44'.h Al»l)»in:i, 
 
 W-(\ Virginia, 
 
 fiTili Vii'tfiniii, 
 
 14th Vir«iiii«, 
 
 3S-ti VlrpiniB, 
 
 &,li AlHb.-»in:(, 
 
 9:li A1:-.l>mna, 
 
 lO-li Alabama, 
 
 ll-li AlHl'.ima 
 
 lUh Ai.'v'>aina, 
 
 ;il Virginia, 
 
 S'h Florida, 
 
 2d Florda, 
 
 2d Misi'iRBipp'' l>al'-»l'"" 
 
 12th Mit<'<i»>'''VP 
 
 lOih Mit^sisxii-ni, 
 
 lUih Miss'-siiipi, 
 
 12ih Virginia, 
 
 mtli \'iririn'i', 
 
 6h Virttinia, 
 
 1\«%y*''?"'''' i Winder's, i Jack-ou's, 
 
 4tL V^irjtinia, | „ ] n 
 
 Oth Virginia, 
 
 27lh Viririnia, 
 
 33d Virginia, 
 
 Battorie*, 
 
 2jd Virginia, 
 
 47lh Vii'uini:!, j ;, 
 
 4Sth Virginia, ^^ 
 
 37ih '■ irtjinia ,, 
 
 D.invillc artillery, ci.,,.kt.'fl 
 
 2d T/Oui-iana, ^taikefl, 
 
 9!h I..oui.Hiana, j ^^ 
 
 lOlh Loiiieiann, 
 
 lyih Loiiir^iaua, 
 
 I'll I.ouitiiana, 
 
 Batteries,... _ -.•••• t,.^^,„,^,, Eweli 
 
 l:i;h Georgia, 
 
 31«t Georgia, 
 
 f.Oth Georgia, 
 
 filst Gforcia, 
 
 IKih Virginia, 
 
 25th Virginia, 
 
 81 «t \ irginia, 
 
 52d Virgirtia, - 
 
 44. h Virginia. 
 
 4'Jth Virginia, • • 
 
 6th Loiiifiana, 
 
 Gth Louifiana, 
 
 7ih LouiHiana, 
 
 8ih Louisiana,.' 
 
 12th Georgia, 
 
 irjth Al.aliama, - ip, tt ^il^^^ 
 
 2(llh North Carolina, - ^- "' 
 
 8d North Carolin;!,.... 
 
 2d North Carolina, 
 
 Ixt North Carolina, 
 
 ■ 23d North Carolina, 
 
 4lh North Carolina,.... 
 3mh North Carolin.a,.. .. 
 13lh North Carolina,.... 
 
 4th Georgia, 
 
 6th Georgia, 
 
 44ih Georgia, 
 
 2l8tG-orgia, 
 
 JoncB' battery,.... 
 
 23d Georgia, 
 
 27tli Georgia, 
 
 28th Georgia, 
 
 19th Georgia, 
 
 La^ton's, 
 
 Early'fl, 
 
 n..ys' 
 
 TriiiiWe'6, 
 
 Bodol^'s, 
 
 Gp.n. Anderson and A. D. C.,..- 
 Gen. Garland, 
 Gen. Hlarkc, 
 
 A, r. Hill, 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 ."j 
 
 G 
 
 27 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 IS 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 13 
 
 9 
 U 
 4G 
 11 
 IS 
 18 
 
 6 
 10 
 41 
 
 10 
 
 17 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 70 
 
 113 
 
 57 
 19 
 
 e5 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 C3 
 42 
 5:^ 
 26 
 45 
 16 
 
 43 
 
 55 
 
 53 
 
 100 
 
 52 
 
 SG 
 
 5 
 
 It) 
 
 8 
 
 21 
 
 28 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 35 
 
 30 
 
 53 
 
 45 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 49 
 
 25 
 
 67 
 
 17 
 
 S4 
 
 4 
 
 15 
 
 14 
 
 4i) 
 
 169 
 
 SO 
 
 48 
 
 91 
 
 5 
 
 21 
 10 
 E5 
 22 
 73 
 40 
 29 
 63 
 84 
 4!1 
 75 
 30 
 207 
 Gl 
 142 
 35 
 52 
 63 
 149 
 119 
 13 
 Co 
 72 
 25 
 C4 
 89 
 62 
 76 
 409 
 818 
 2 
 
 66 
 21 
 
 60 
 
 11 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 75 
 54 
 63 
 29 
 45 
 19 
 69 
 49 
 60 
 .59 
 127 
 53 
 39 
 3 
 
 24 
 2S 
 8 
 10 
 9 
 43 
 36 
 S8 
 54 
 5 
 59 
 82 
 51 
 19 
 63 
 8 
 217 
 50 
 5;t 
 107 
 !S 
 23 
 12 
 89 
 22 
 78 
 50 
 47 
 l>9 
 91 
 (^2 
 84 
 41 
 258 
 72 
 ItU) 
 53 
 53 
 73 
 190 
 141 
 23 
 8-2 
 70 
 26 
 73 
 104 
 73 
 89 
 479 
 931 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 
109 
 
 ENGAGEMENT near Kearnysvilk, Virginia, October , 1862. 
 
 Regiment. 
 
 Brigade. 
 
 Division. 
 
 Kiilod. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Total. 
 
 
 Winder's, 
 
 Jaokson'n, 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 5 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 17 
 
 
 
 27th Virginia 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 21 
 
 »4 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL D. H. HILL. 
 
 Headquarters Division. 
 
 General R. H. Ciiiltov, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 General: I have the honor to report the operations of my com- 
 mand, from the battles around Richmond until after the battle of 
 SSharpsbuig . 
 
 On the 23d of Julv, I was detfichcd from my division, and placed in 
 charge of the department of the south side, extending from Drewry's 
 lilufi to the South Carolina line. As General McClellan -was then 
 at Wcstover, on the James, some thirty miles from Richmond, and it 
 vas thought he might attempt an advance by the south side, my first 
 attention was given to the defences in that direction. Heavy details 
 were made from the division and two brigades near the bluff, to«Bom- 
 plete a line of entrenchments around it, and controlling the Petcrs- 
 burf road. Not a spade full of earth had been thrown up about 
 Petersburg, and it Avas in a wholly defenceless condition. A sy-stera 
 of fortifications was begun, (which subseqently met the approval of 
 the chief engineer. Colonel J. F. Gilmer, C. S. A.,) and the brigades 
 of Ransom, Walker and Daniel, were put to work on it. About a 
 thousand negroes were procured (chiefly from North Carolina) and 
 employed in like manner. Pontoon briges were constructed at several 
 points to make the connection rapid and secure, between the two posi- 
 tions to be secured. The defences of the Appomattox were also 
 strengthened, and a moveable car planned and ordered to prevent a 
 landing at City Point. An effort was made to organize and make effi- 
 cient the numerous independent companies in the department, which 
 iiad been of little use and much expense to the country. A concen- 
 tration of these troops at Weldon and Goldsboro' was ordered to 
 prevent the cutting of our important lines southward. 
 
 In accordance with instructions from the General commanding Army 
 of Northern Virginia, I made a personal examination of the Yankee 
 shipping and encampment, on the 28th instant, and determined to 
 attack it from Coggins' Point and Meycock's, on the south siJe. 
 This expedition was entrusted to Brigadier General French, and was 
 u complete success. Forty-three pieces, under command of General 
 Pendleton and Colonel J. T. Brown, were placed in position on the 
 night of the 31st, on the banks of the river, within easy range of the • 
 objects to be reached. Much damage was done to the Yankee ship- 
 ping, some destruction of life caused in the camp, and the wildest 
 terror and consternation produced. The report of General French is 
 herewith submitted. This officer had charge of the expedition, agreea- 
 bly to the wishes of General Lee. Doubtless, the night attack had 
 much to do with the evacuation of Westover, as it made McClellan 
 feel that his shipping was insecure. Two days after, he took posses- 
 sion of Coggins' Point, and maintained a force on the south side till 
 
Ill 
 
 he left the river. His gun-boats were attacked at the mouth of the 
 Appomattox, and points were selected for the further harassing of his 
 shipping. An expedition was sent out, under Colonel J. R. Cham- 
 bliss, to within two miles of Suffolk. Arrangements were made for 
 the defence of the Blackwater, Chowan, and Tar rivers, and a point 
 selected for fortifications on the Roanoke to secure "Weldon. 
 
 On the 21st August, I left Petersburg to join the army in northern 
 Virginia, and was given command of McLaws' division and three bri- 
 gades of my own division, at Hanover Junction. The brigades of 
 Ripley and Colquitt, of my division, were in advance of us, at Orange 
 Court-House. On the 2Gth August, we left Hanover Junction, and 
 joined General Lee at Chantilly, on the 2d September, three days 
 after the Yankees had been finally and decisively beaten in the second 
 great battle of Manassaa. On the 4th, Anderjon's brigade was sent 
 to fire on the Yankee trairfs at Berlin, ami, with two brigades, we 
 drove away the Yankee forces near the mouth of the Monocacy, and 
 crossed the Potomac. That night and the next day were spent in 
 destroying the lock and canal banks. The aqueduct could not be 
 destroyed for want of powder and tools. The night of the 5th, my 
 division followed General Jackson to within a few miles of Frederick. 
 The General being disabled by the fall of his horse, the next morning 
 I was placed in charge of all the forces, and marched into Frederick..' 
 The telegraph wires were cut and the station seized. A few stores 
 and prisoners were taken in the city. 
 
 On the lOth, my division constituted the rear-guard, and had 
 charge of the immense wagon train moving in the direction of Hagers- 
 town. On the 13th, I was ordered by General Leo to dispose of my 
 troops so as to prevent the escape of the Y'ankees from Harper's 
 Ferry, then beseiged, and also to guard the pass in the Blue Ridge, 
 near Boonsboro'. Major General Stuart reported to me that two 
 brigades only of the Yankees were pursuing us, and that one brigade 
 would be sufficient to hold the pass. I, however, sent the brigades of 
 Garland and Colquitt, and ordered my other three brigades up to the 
 neighborhood of Boonsboro'. An examination of the pass, very early 
 in the morning of the 14th, satisfied me that it could only be held by 
 a large force, and was wholly indefensible by a small one. I accord- 
 ingly ordered up Anderson's brigade. A regiment of Ripley's bri- 
 gade was sent to hold another pass, some three miles distant, on our 
 left. I felt reluctant to order up Ripley a'nd llodes from the important 
 positions they were holding, until something definite was known of 
 the strength and designs of the Yankees. About seven o'clock, they 
 opened a fire upon our right, and pushed forward a large force through 
 the dense woods, to gain a practicable road to our rear. Garland's 
 brigade was sent in to meet this overwhelming force, and succeeded 
 in checking it, and securing the road from any further attack that 
 day. This brilliant service, however, cost us the life of that pare, 
 gallant and accomplished Christian soldier, General Garland, who had 
 no superiors, and few equals in the service. The Y'ankees, on their 
 side, lost General Reno, a renegade Virginian, who was killed by a 
 happy shot from the tweaty-third North Carolina. Garland's brigade 
 
113 
 
 was badly deraorallzetl by his fall, and the rough handling it had re- 
 ceived, and had the Yankees pressed vigorously forward, the road 
 might have been gained. Providentially, they were ignorant of their 
 success, or themselves too much damaged to advance. The twentieth 
 North Carolina, of this brigade, under Colonel Iverson, had attacked 
 a Yankee battery, killed all the horses, and driven off the cannoneers. 
 This battery was used no more that day by the Yankees. 
 
 Anderson's brigade arrived in time to take the place of the much 
 demorali7-ed troops of Garland. There were two mountain roads 
 practicable for artillery, on the right of the main turnpike. The de- 
 fence of the further one had cost Garland his life. It was now en- 
 trusted to Colonel Rosser, of the cavalry, who had reported to me, 
 and who had artillery and dismounted sharpshooters. General An- 
 derson was entrusted with the care of the nearest and best road. 
 Bondurant's battery was sent to aid him ift its defence. The brigade 
 of Colquitt was disposed on each side of the turnpike, and that, with 
 Lane's battery, was judged adequate to the task. There was, how- 
 ever, a solitary peak on the left, which, if gained by the Yan- 
 kees, would give them control of the ridge commanding the turnpike. 
 The possession of this peak was, therefore, every thing to the Yan- 
 kees, but they seemed slow to perceive it. I had a large number of 
 guns from Cutt's artillery placed upon the hill on the left of tho 
 turnpike to sweep the approaches to this peak. From the position 
 selected, there was a full view of the country for miles around. But 
 the mountain was so steep that ascending columns were but little ex- 
 posed to artillery fire. The artillerists of Cutt's battalion behaved 
 gallantly, but their firing was the worst I ever witnessed. 
 
 Rodcs and Ripley came up soon after Anderson. Rodes was sent 
 to the left to seize th'^ peak already mentioned, and Ripley was sent 
 to the right to support Anderson. Several attempts had been made 
 previous to this, by the Yankees, to force a passage through the 
 woods on the right of, and near the turnpike. But these were re- 
 pulsed by the sixth and twenty-seventh Georgia and the thirteenth 
 Alabama, of Colquitt's brigade. 
 
 It was now past noon, and the Yankees had been checked for more 
 than five hours. But it was evident that they were in large force on 
 both sides of the road, and the signal corps reported heavy masses at 
 the front of the mountain. In answer to a despatch from General 
 Longstreet, I urged him to hurry forward troops to my assistance. 
 General Drayton and Colonel G. T. Anderson came up, I think, 
 about three o'clock, with one thousand nine hundred men, and I felt 
 anxious to beat the force on my right before the Yankees made their 
 grand attack, which I feared would be on our left, Anderson, Rip- 
 ley and Drayton were called together, and I directed them to follow a 
 path until they came in contact with Rosser, when they should change 
 their flank, march in line of battle, and sweep the woods before them. 
 To facilitate their movements, I brought up a battery and made it 
 shell the woods in various directions. Anderson soon became par- 
 tially, and Drayton hotly engaged. But Ripley did not draw trig- 
 ger — why, I do not know. The fourth North Carolina (Anderson's 
 
113 
 
 brigade) attempted to carry a Yankee battery, but failed. Three 
 Yankee brigades moved up in beautiful order against Drayton, apd 
 his men were soon beaten and went streaming to the rear. Rosser, 
 Anderson and Ripley still held their ground, and the Yankees could 
 not gain our rear. 
 
 Affairs were now very serious on our left. A division of Yankees 
 was advancing in handsome style against Rodes. I had every possi- 
 ble gun turned upon the Yankee columns, but owing to the steepness 
 of the acclivity and the bad handling of the guns, but little harm was 
 done to the "restorers of the Union." Rodes handled his little brig- 
 ade in a most admirable and gallant manner, fighting, for hours, vastly 
 superior odds, and maintaining the key-points of the position till 
 darkness rendered a further advance of the Yankees impossible. Had 
 he fought with les^ ob^itinacy, a practicable artillery road to the rear 
 would have been gained on our left, and the line of retreat, cut off. 
 
 Colonel Gordon, the Christian hero, excelled his former deeds at 
 Seven Tines, and in the battles around Richmond. Our language is 
 not capable of expressing a higher compliment. 
 
 General Rodes sa)?s the men and officers generally behaved v/ell, 
 but Colonel Gordon, sixth Alabama, Major ilobson, fifth Alabama, 
 and. Colonel Battle, thiul Alabama, deserve especial mention for ad- 
 miraWe conduct during the whole fight. We did not drive the enemy 
 back, or whip him ; but, with one thousand two hundred men, we held 
 his whole division at bay for four hours and a half, without assistance 
 from any one, losing, in that time, not more than half a mile of 
 ground. 
 
 He estimates his loss at four hundred and twenty-two, out of one 
 thousand two hundred taken into action, but thinks that he inflicted 
 a three-fold heavier loss on the Yankees. Colonel Ga3?le, of tho 
 twelfth Alabama, was killed, and Colonel O'Neal, twenty-fourth Ala- 
 ban a, and Lieutenant Colonel Pickens, of the twelfth, severely 
 wounded. 
 
 Major General Longstreet came up about four o'clock, with tho 
 commands of Brigadi(!r Generals Evans and D. R.Jones. I had nov 
 become familiar with the ground and knew all the vital points, and 
 had these troops reported to me, the result might have been different. 
 As it was, they took wrong positions, and, in their exhausted condi- 
 tion after a long march, they were broken and scattered. Our whpl© 
 left was now faiily exposed, and the Yankees had but to push down 
 to seize the turnpike. 
 
 It was now dark, however, and they feared to advance. AH the 
 available troops were collected behind a stone wall, to resist an ap- 
 proach upon the turnpike from the left. Encou^'aged by their suc- 
 cesses in that direction the Yankees thought that it would be an easy 
 matter to move directly up the turnpike. But they were soon unde- 
 ceived. They were heroically met and bloodily repulsed by the twenty- 
 third and twenty-eighth Georgia'regimentsof Cohjuitt'e brigade. The 
 fight lasted for more than an hour after night, but gradually subsided 
 as the Yankees retired. General Hood (who had gone in on the right 
 with his two noble brigades) pushed forward his skirmishers ^nd 
 8 
 
114 
 
 drove back the Yankees. We retreated that night to Sharpshurg, 
 having accomplished all that was required — the delay of the Yankee 
 army until Ilarper'8 Ferry could not be relieved. Should the truth 
 ever be known, the battle of South Mountain, as far as my division 
 was concerned, will be regarded as one of the most remarkable and 
 creditable of the war. The division had marched all the way from 
 Kichmond, and the straggling bad been enormous, in consequence of 
 heavy marches, deficient commissariat, want of shoes, and inefBcieot 
 officers. Owing to these combined causes, the division numbered less 
 than five thousand men on the morning of the 14th September, and 
 had five roads to guard, extending over^a space of as mnny miles. 
 This small force successfully resisted, without support, for eight hours, 
 the ^^ho]e Yaiikee array, and when its supports were beaten, still held 
 the roads, so that our letreat was effected without the loss of a gun, 
 a wof^on, or an ambulance, Rodes' brigade had immojtalized itself; 
 C^olquitt's had fought well, and the two regiments most closely pressed, 
 (tv.-enty-third and twenty-eighth Georgia,) had repulsed the foe ; Gar- 
 land's brigade had behaved nobly until demoralized by the fall of its 
 gallant leader, and being outflanked by the Yankees ; Anderson's 
 hrigade had shown its wonted gallantry ; Ripley's brigade, for some 
 cause, had not been engaged, and was used with Hood's two brigades 
 to cover the retreat. 
 
 Had Longstreet's division been with mine at daylight in the morn- 
 ing, the Yankees would have been disastrously repulsed. But they 
 had gained important positions before the arrival of reinforcements. 
 These additional troops came up, after a long, hurried and exhausting 
 march, to defend localities of which they were ignoi-ant, and to fight 
 B. foe flushed with partial success, and already holding key points to 
 further advance. Had our forces never been separated, the battle of 
 Bharpsburg never would have been fought, and the Yankees would 
 ijot have even the shadow of consolation for the loss of Harper's 
 Ferry. 
 
 VVe reached Sharpsburg about daylight, on the morning of the I oth. 
 The Yankees made their appearance that day, and some skirmishing 
 and cannonading occurred. There was a great deal of artillery fir- 
 ing during the forenoon of the 16th ; and late that afternoon, the 
 Yankees crossed the Antietam, opposite the centre of my line, and 
 Bande for the Hagerstown turnpike. Had we been in a condition to 
 attack them, as they crossed, much damage might have been inflicted. 
 But as jc't there wore but two weak divisions On the gjouiid. Jjorig- 
 Btreet held the position south of the Boousboro' turnpike, and I, that 
 on the right, flood's conanand was placed on my left to guard the 
 Hagerstown pike. Just before sundown, I got up a battery (Lane's) 
 of Cult's battalion, to open upon the Yankee column advancing to- 
 ivards that pike, while Colonel Stephen Lee brought up another fur- 
 ther on the right. These checked the Yankee advance, and enabled 
 Jackson to take position on Hood's left, and covering any attempt to 
 turn us in that direction. My ranks had been diminished by some addi- 
 tional straggling, and the morning of the 17th I had but three thousand 
 , infantry. 1 had, however, twenty -six pieces of artillery of my own, 
 
115 • . 
 
 and near sixty pieces of Cutt's battalion, temporarily under my com- 
 mand. Positions were selected for as many of these guns as could 
 be used ; but all the ground in my front was completely commanded 
 by the long-range artillery of the Yankees on the other side of the 
 Antietam, which concentrated their fire upon every gun that opened, 
 and soon disabled or silenced it. 
 
 At daylight a brisk skirmish began along Hood's front, and Col- 
 quitt, Ripley and Mcllae (commanding Garland's brigade,) were 
 moved up to his support. Hood's men always fight well, and they 
 were handsomely supported by Colquitt and Jiipley. The first line 
 of the I'ankees were broken, and our men pushed vigorously for- 
 ward, but to meet another and yet another line. Colquitt had gone 
 in with ten field officers ; four were killed, five badly wounded, and 
 the tenth had been stunned by a shell. The men w«re beginning to 
 fall back, and eftorts were made to rally them in the bed of an old 
 road, nearlv at riirlit anjrles to the Ila^erstown pike, and which had 
 been their position previous to the advance. These efforts, however, 
 ■were only partially successful. Most of the brigade took no further 
 part in the action. Garland's brigade (Colonel McKae, command- 
 ing) had been much demoralized by the fight at South Mftun* 
 tain ; but the nien advanced with alacrity, secured a good position, 
 and were fighting bravely, when Captain Thompson, fifth North Car- 
 olina, cried out, "They are Hanking us !" This cry spread like an 
 electric shock along the ranks, bringing up vivid recollections of the 
 flank fire at South Mountain. In a moment they broke and fell to 
 the rear. Colonel Mcllae, though wounded, remained on the field all 
 day and succeeded in gathering up some stragglers, and personally ren- 
 dered much efficient service. The twenty-third North Carolina regiment, 
 of this brigade, was brought off by the gallant Lieutenant Colonel 
 Johnston, and posted, by my order, in the old road already described. 
 
 Ripley's brigade had united with AValker's and fallen back with it 
 behind the ridge to the left of this road and near to it. We had now 
 lost^all the grouiid wrested froui the enemy, and were occupying the 
 position held in the morning. But three of ray brigades had been 
 broken aud much demoralized, and all of the artillery had been with- 
 drawn from my front. Rodes and Anderson were in the old road,, 
 and sorae stragglers had been g ithereii up and placed upon their left.. 
 It was now apparent that the Yii.koes were massing in our front; and 
 that th.Ar grand attack wou!<i be made upon ray position, which was 
 the centre of our line. I sent several urgent messages to Gene.al 
 Lee i'vv reinforcemcn's, but before any arrived, a heavy force (since 
 ascertained to be Franklin's corps,) advanced in three parallel Jiueji 
 with all the precision of a parade day. upon my two brigades. Thij 
 met with a ^'ailing tire, however, recoiled and fell back, again ad-- 
 vanced and afi'ain fell back, and tinally lay down behind tiie crest of 
 the hill, and kept up an irregular fire. 1 got a battery in po-iuion* 
 which fiartiall^ enfiladed the Yankee line, and aided materially to- 
 check its advance. This bittery was brought up by my aid. Lieu- 
 tenant J. A. Reid, who received a painful wound in the discharge of 
 that duty. In the meantime, General R. II. Anderson reported to 
 
116 
 
 me with some three or four thousand men a 9 reinforcements to my com- 
 mand. I directed him to form immediately behind my men. That 
 gallant and accomplished officer was soon wounded, and the command 
 devolved upon General Pryor. The Yankee fire had now nearly 
 ceased, and but for an unfortunate blunder of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Lightfoot, eixth Alabama, no further advance would have been made 
 by them. General Rodeshad observed a regiment lying down in his 
 rear and not engaged. lie says as the fire was now desultory and 
 slack, 1 went to the troops referred to and found that they belonged 
 to General Pryor's brigade. Their officers stated that they had been 
 halted by some body — not General Pryor. Finding General P. in a 
 few minutes, and iijforroing him as to their conduct, he immediately 
 ordered them forward. Returning towards the brigade, I met Lieu- 
 tenant Colone! Lightfoot, sixth Alabama, looking for me. Upon his 
 telling me that the right wing of the regiment was exposed to a ter- 
 rible enfilade fire, which the enemy was enabled to deliver by their 
 gaining somewhat upon Anderson, (General G. B.) I oriiered him to 
 hasten back and to throw his right wing back and out of the old road 
 referred to. Instead of executing the order, he moved briskly to the 
 rear of the regiment, and gave the command, "Sixth Alabama — about, 
 face ; forward, march." JMajor Ilobson, of the fifth, seeing this, 
 asked him if the order was intended for the whole brigade; he said, 
 *'Ye8;" and thereupon the fifth and the other troops on their left, re- 
 treated. I did not see their retrograde movement until it was too late 
 for me to rally them; and for this reason : Just as I was moving on af- 
 ter Lightfoot, I heard a shot ."strike Lieutenant Beraey, (aid) who was 
 immediately behind me. Wheeling around, I found him falling, and 
 that he had been struck in the face. He found that he could walk 
 after I raised him. I followed him a few paces and watched him till 
 he reached a barn, a short distance in the rear, where he first met 
 Bome one to help him in case he needed it. As, I turned towards the 
 brigade, I was struck heavily by a piece of shell on ray thigh. At 
 first I thought that the wound was serious ; but finding, upon exami- 
 nation, that it was slight, I turned towards the brigade, when I dis- 
 covered it, without visible cause to me, retreating in confusion. I 
 hastened to intercept it at the Hagersto\jn road. I found though, 
 that with the exception of a few men from the twenty-sixth, twelfth 
 and third, and a few under Major Hobson, of the fifth, not more than 
 forty in all, the brigade had disappeared from this portion of the 
 field. This small number, together with some Mississippians and 
 North Carolinians, about one hundred and fifty in all, I rallied and 
 stationed behind a small ridge leading from the Ilagerstrwn road. 
 General G. B. Anderson still nobly held his ground; but the Yankees 
 began to pour through th<? gap made by the retreat of Rodes. An- 
 derson himself was mortally wounded, and his brigade was totally 
 routed. 
 
 Colonel Bennett, of the fourteenth, and Major Sillers, of the thir- 
 tieth North Carolina regiments, rallied a portion of their men. There 
 were no troops near to hold the centre, except a few hundred rallied 
 from various brigades. The Yankees crossed the old road, which we 
 
117 
 
 had occupied in the morning, and occupied a corn-field and orchard in 
 advance of it. They had now got within a few hundred yards of the 
 hill, which commanded Sharpsburg and our rear. Aflfairs looked very 
 critical, I found a battery concealed in a corn-field, and ordered it 
 to move out and open upon the Yankee columns. This proved to be 
 Bryce's South Carolina bittery. It moved out most gallantly, 
 although exposed to a terrible direct and reverse fire from the long- 
 range Yankee artillery across the Antietam. A caisson exploded, but 
 the battery was unlimbercd, and, with^rape and cannister, drove the 
 Yankees back. I was now satisfied that the Y''ankee3 were so demor- 
 alized that a single regiment of fresh men could drive the vn hole of them 
 in our front across the Antietam. I got up about two hundred men 
 who said that they were willing to advance to the attack, if I would 
 lead them. We met, however, with a warm reception, and the little 
 command was broken and dispersed. Major Hobson and Lieutenant 
 Gaff, of fifih Alabama, acquitted themselves handsomely in this 
 charge. Colonel Iverson, twentieth North Carolina, Colonel Christie, 
 twenty-third North Carolina, Captain Garrett, fifth North Carolina, 
 Adjutant Taylor and Lieutenant Pierce, of the same regiment, had 
 gathered up about two hundred men, and I sent them to the right to 
 attack the Yankees in iiank. They drove them back a short distance ; 
 but, in turn, were repulsed. These two attacks, however, had a most 
 happy effect. The Y'ankees were completely deceived by their bold- 
 ness, and induced to believe that there was a large force in our centre. 
 They made no farther attempt to piprce our centre, except, on a small 
 scale, hereafter to be mentioned. 
 
 It was now about four P. M., and Burnside's corps was massing to 
 attack on our right. A heavy column was advancing up the Boons- 
 boro' pike, and I ordered up some two or three hundred men, under 
 command of Colonel G. T. Anderson, to the hill already described, 
 commanding Sharpsburg. But they were exposed to an enfilade fire, 
 from a battery near the church, on the Hagerstown pike, and com- 
 pelled to retire to another hill. About thirty men, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Betts, twelftli Alabama, of my division, remained as supports 
 to my division batteries, under Jones, Ilardaway and Bondurant. 
 The Yankee columns were allowed to come within easy range, when a 
 sudden storm of grape and cannister drove them back in confusion. 
 Betts' men must have given them a very hot fire, as Burnside reported 
 that he had met three heavy columns on the hill. It is difficult to 
 imagine how thirty men could so multiply themselves, as to appear to 
 the frightened Yankees to be three heavy columns. On our extreme 
 right, however, the Yankees had been more successful. They had 
 crossed the Antietam, and were driving our men before them. Our 
 forces, (supposed to be A. P. Hill's or D. R. Jones'.) had fallen back 
 nearly to the road in rear of Sharpsburg, and the Yankees aiivanced 
 in fine style to the crests commanding it. A few hundred yards more, 
 and our only line of retreat would be cut off. I called Cixrter's atten- 
 tion to this imposing force of Yankees, and he opened upon them with 
 three guns, aided by two, I think, of the Donaldsonville artillery. 
 The firing was beautiful, and the Yankee columns (one thousand two 
 
118 
 
 hundred yards distant) were routed by this artillery firo alone, unaided 
 by musketry. This is the only instance, I have ever known, of in- 
 fantry being broken by artillery fire at long range. It speaks badly 
 for the courage of Burnside's rnen. 
 
 Captain Carter says : " The next reovement of the enemy was to 
 ndvance a heavy column on the extreme right, bearing down on what 
 1 supposed to have been the right wing of A. P. Hill's division. Our 
 troops gave way entirely before the column With three pieces of 
 my battery, aided by two of Lieutenant Elliott's, this column was 
 shattered and driven back, without the assistance (so far as I know) 
 of any infantry whatever. Gener.'ils D. II. Hill and llodes witnessed 
 the firing." Our troops advanced, now, on the extreme right, and 
 Burnside's whole corps was driven back. This virtually closed tho 
 operations of the day. But a movement of a rather farcical charac- 
 ter now took place. General Pryor had gathered quite a respectable 
 force behind a stone wall, on the Hagcrstown road, and Colonel G. T. 
 Anderson had about a regiment behind a hill, immediately to the right 
 of this road. A Maine regiment, the twenty-first (1 think) came 
 down to this hill, wholly unconscious that there were any Confederate 
 troops near it. A shout and a volley informed them of their danger- 
 ous neighborhood. The Yankee apprehension is acute, the idea was 
 soon taken in, and was followed by the most rapid running I ever saw. 
 The night closed in, with our troops in the.centre, about two hundred 
 yards in rear of the position held in the morning. We held, however, 
 two-thirds of the battle-field, including the ground gained by General 
 A. P. Hill on our right. The only ground lost was in the centre, 
 where the chief Yankee attack had been made, and where there had 
 been the severest fighting and the heaviest loss to both parties. The 
 skulkers and cowards had straggled off, and only the bravest and 
 truest men of my division had been left. It is true that hunger and 
 exhaustion had nearly unfitted these bravo men for battle. Our 
 wagons had been sent ofi" across the river on Sunday, and for three 
 days the men had been sustaining life on green corn and such cattle 
 as thej could kill in the fields. In charging through an apple orchard 
 at the Yankees, with the immediate prospect of death before them, I 
 noticed men eagerly devouring apples. The unparalelled loss of tho 
 division shows, that spite of hunger and fatigue, the ofiicers and men 
 fought most heroically in the two battles in Maryland. The division 
 lost three thousand out of less than nine thousand engacred at Seven 
 Pines. Four thousand out of ten thousand in the battles around 
 Richmond. But now, the loss was thirty-two hundred and forty-one 
 * (3,2-4 I) in two babies out of less than five thousand engaged ; that is, 
 the loss was nearly two-thirds of the entire force. Of these, nino 
 hundred and twenty-five (925) are reported missing. Doubtless a 
 large number of the missing fell into the hands of the Yankees when 
 ■wounded. But even supposing that none of the missing were killed 
 or wounded, still we have twenty-three hundred and sixteen (2,3 1 6) 
 reported killed and wounded, or nearly one-half of those taken into 
 action. Among these was, one brigadier general killed, one mortally 
 •wounded, and three brigade commanders wounded. Four colonels killed. 
 
119 
 
 eight colonels wcunJed. One lieutenant colonel killed, seven lieu- 
 tenant colonels wounded. Two majors killed and two majors woundeJ. 
 There were but thirty-four field officers present in the battles, and 
 only nine left when they ^ere over. The mortality was equally gre"t 
 among company commanders, and several regiments were left under 
 coa^mand of lieutenants. Still the stubborn spirit of the men was 
 not subdued. From fifteen to seventeen hundred were gathered 
 together on the morning of the 18th, and placed in a position more 
 sheltered than the one occupied the day before, and, I think, would 
 have fought with determination if not with enthusiasm, had the Yan- 
 kees raa'le an advance Our northern brethren were too much shat- 
 tered to renew the contest, and that night we recrossed the Potoraao. 
 The battle of Sharpsburg was a success, so far as the failure of the 
 Yankees to carry the position they assailed. It would, however, 
 have been a glorious victory for us, but for three causes. I. Tho 
 separation of our forces. Had McLaws and II, 11. Anderson been 
 there earlier in the morning the battle would not have lasted two 
 hours, and would have been signally disastrous to the Yankees. 2. 
 The bad handling of our artillery. This could not cope with the 
 superior weight, calibre, range, and number of the Yankee guns. 
 Hence it ought only to liave been used against masses of infantry. 
 On the contrar-y, our guns wore made to reply to the Yankee gund, 
 and were smashed up or withdrawn before they could be effectually 
 turned agninst massive columns of attack. An artillery duel between 
 tho Washington aitillcry and the Yankee batteries across the Aa- 
 tietam.-on the 1 6th, v,'as the most raelincholy farce iu the war. 3. 
 The enormous straggling. The battle was fought with less than thirty 
 thousand men. Had all our stragglers been up, McClellan's army 
 would 'have been completely crushed or annihilated. Doubtless, tho 
 want of shoes, want of food and phyj-ical exhaustion had kept many 
 brave men from being with tho army. But thousands of thieving 
 poltroons had kept away from sheer cowardice. The straggler is gen- 
 erally a thief and always a coward, lost to all sense of shame; ho 
 can only be kept in ranks by a strict and sanguinary disciplino. ' 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES. 
 
 K'tlhd. Wounded. Bliasing. 
 
 Rodes' brigafle, 
 
 . 
 
 Ill 
 
 28n 
 
 225 
 
 Kipley's 1 ligade, - 
 
 . 
 
 no 
 
 506 
 
 124 
 
 Garland's brigade, - 
 
 - 
 
 46 
 
 210 
 
 187 
 
 Anderson's brigade, 
 
 . 
 
 G4 
 
 299 
 
 2(12 
 
 Colquitt's brigade, - 
 
 . 
 
 129 
 
 518 
 
 184 
 
 Artillery, 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 Total, - - 464 1,852 925 
 
 In this sad list, we have especially to mourn many distinguished 
 officers. Brigadier General Garland was killed at South Mountain, 
 
120 
 
 the most fearless man I ever knew, a Christian hero, a ripe scholar 
 and most accomplished gentleman. Brigadier General G. B. Ander- 
 Fon was mortally wounded at Shnrpsburg, a high-toned, honorable, 
 conscientious, Christian soldier, highly gifted and lovely in all the 
 qualities that adorn a man. Colonel C C. Tew, second North Caro- 
 lina regiment was one of the most finished scholars on the continent, 
 and had no superior as a soldier in the field. Colonel B. B. Gayle, 
 twelfth Alabama, a most gallant and accomplished officer, was killed 
 Bt South Mountain. Colonel W. P. Barclay, twenty-third Georgia, 
 the hero of South Mountain, was killed at Sharpsburg. There, too, 
 fell those gallant Christian soldiers, Colonel Levi B. Smith, twenty- 
 seventh Gtorgia, and Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Newton, of the sixth 
 Georgia. The modest and heroic Major Tracy, of the sixth Georgia, 
 met there, too. a bloody grave. The lamented Captain l*lane, of that 
 regiment, deserves special mention; of him it could be truly said 
 that he shrank from no danger, iSD fatigue and no exposure. Major 
 Kobert S. Smith, fourth Georgia, fell, fighting most heroically, at 
 Sharpsburg. He had received a military education, and gave promise 
 of eminence in his profession. Captain James B. Atwell, twentieth 
 Ncrth Carolina, deserves to live in the memory of his countrymen 
 for almost unsurpassed gallantry. After having greatly di.'>tinguished 
 liimself in the capture of the Yankee battery at South Mountain, he 
 fell, heroically fighting, at Sharpsburg. Brigadier General Ripley 
 received a severe wound in the throat, from a minie ball, which would 
 have proven fatal, but for passing through his cravat. After his 
 v,ound was dressed, he heroically returned to the field, and remained 
 to the close of the day with his brigade. Brigadier General llodes 
 received a painful contusion from a shell, but remained -with his com- 
 maand. Celonel McRae, commanding brigade, was struck in the 
 forehead, but gallantly remained on the field. Colonel Bennett, four- 
 teenth North Carolina regiment, who had conducted himself most 
 nobly throughout, won my special admiration for the heroism he ex- 
 hibited, at the moment of receiving what he supposed to be a mortal 
 wound. Colonel Dellosset, third North Carolina, received a severe 
 wound at Sharpsburg, which, I fear, will forever deprive the South of 
 his most valuable services. Colonel F. M. Barker, thirtieth North 
 Carolina, a modest, brave and accomplished officer, was severely 
 r.ounded at Sharpsburg. Colonel J. B. Gordon, sixth Alabama, the 
 Chevalier Bayard of the army, received five wounds^ at Sharpsburg, 
 lefore he would quit the field. The heroic Colonel Fry, thirteenth 
 Alabama, and Colonel O'Neal, twenty-sixth Alabama, who h<ul both 
 licen wounded at Seven Pines, were once more wounded severely at 
 Sharpsburg, while nobly doing their duty. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Pickens, twelfth Alabama, and Major Redden, twenty-sixth Alabama, 
 v/ere both wounded at Souih Mountain, the former severely. They 
 greatly distinguished themselves in that battle. Lieutenant Colonel 
 J M. Lightfoot, sixth Alabama, and Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, 
 fourteenth North Carolina, were wounded at Sharpsburg, the latter 
 filightly. Major Thurston, third North Carolina, received a painful 
 contusion, but did not leave the field. Lieutenant Colonel Ruffin^ 
 
1^1 
 
 thirteenth North Carolina, remained with his regiment on South 
 Mountain, after receiving three painful wounds. Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Betts, thirteenth Alabama, Avas slightly wounded. Lieutenant 
 Colonel Zachry, twenty-seventh Georgia, had just recovered from a 
 severe wound received before Richmond, to receive a more serious 
 one at Sharpsburg. Lieutenant Colonel Best and Major Iluggins, 
 twenty-third Georgia, gallant and meritorious officers, were severely 
 wounded at Sharpsburg. 
 
 It becomes ray grateful task to speak in the highest terms of my 
 brigade commanders, two of whom sealed their devotion to their 
 country with their lives. Major Ratchford, Major Pierson, chief of 
 artillery, and Lieutenant J. A. Rcid, of ray staif, were conspicuous 
 for their gallantry. Captain Overton, serving temporarily Avith me, 
 was wounded at Sharpsburg, but remained under fire until I urged 
 him to leave the field. Captain West and Lieutenant T. J. Moore, 
 ordnance officers^ discharged faithfully their duty, and rendered im- 
 portant service on the field at South Mountain.' Major Archer An- 
 derson, adjutant, had been wounded in crcssing the Potomac, and I 
 lost his valuable services in Maryhind. Sergeant Hanneling and 
 privates Thomas Joifes and Minter, of the couriers, acquitted them- 
 selves handsomely. 
 
 Brigadier General Rodes reports, as specially deserving notice for 
 their gallantry. Colonel O'Neal and Major Redden, twenty-sixth Ala- 
 bama ; Colonel J. B Gordon, Lieutenant Colonel Lightfoot, Lieuten- 
 ant R. H. Larrey, Sergeant J. B. Hancock, sixth Alabama; Major 
 E. L. Hobson, Captain T.» M. Riley, Lieutenant J. M. Gaff, Sergeant 
 A. Swicegood, Color-Corporal Joshua Smith, fifth Alabama; Colonel 
 C. A. Battles, Captain E. S. Ready, (badly wounded,) Lieutenant J. 
 J. Lake, (killed,) Lieutenant E. L, Randle, (wounded.) Sergeant N. 
 M. Howard, Sergeant William Taylor, Corporal Josiah Ely, Sergeant 
 J. W. H;!uxthall, private Joseph Lee, 'Sergeant Jas. Stewart, Sergeant 
 Henry Donnalson, Sergeant George Ellison, and private Hollatiquist, 
 third Alabama. 
 
 Brigadier General Colquitt reports, in like manner, N. B. Neusan, 
 color-sergeant, J. J. Powell, ^^ W. Glover, H. M. James and N. B. 
 Lane, color-guard, sixth Georgia; Corporal John Cooper, Corporal 
 Joseph J. Wood, private J. W. Tompkins, privates B. C. La Prade, 
 L. B. Lamnah, A. D. Simmons, W. Smith, J. M. Feltman and J. C. 
 Penn. Captain Arnold, sixth Georgia regiment, who commanded a 
 battalion of skirmishers at South jMountain and Sharpsburg, is enti- 
 tled to the highest commendation for his skill and gallantry. Cap- 
 tain Garrison, commanding tAventy-eighth Georgia, was severely 
 wounded at the head of his regiment. Captain Banning, twenty- 
 eighth Georgia regiment, was distinguished for his intrepid coolness, 
 fighting in the ranks, jvith gun in hand, and stimulating his men 
 by his words and example. AV. R. Johnson and William Goff, twenty- 
 eighth Georgia, Sergeant J. L. Moore, privates W. A. Estes, J. S. 
 Wingate, W. S. Walker, Isaac Hundley, Thomas Sudler, J. J. Gor- 
 don, Sinison Williamson, Lieutenant B. A. Bowen, Lieutenant R. S. 
 Tomme, Lieutenant L. D. Ford, First Sergeant Herring, Sergeant T. 
 
122 
 
 P. W. Bullard, Sergeant J. J. Adams, privates Mosely, McCall, J. M. 
 Vau=e, J. llutchini^s, Thomas Argo, J. S. Denniss, W. C. Cla'ybanks, 
 Joseph llerron, W. D. Tingle atd Corporal J. A, Lee, thirteenth 
 Alabama. 
 
 Tlie officers commanding the twenty-eeventb and twenty-eighth Geor- 
 gia regiments report that it is impossible for them to make di^inctions 
 where so many acted with distinguished bravery. In the twenty- 
 seventh, every commissioned officer, except one, was killed or wounded 
 at SLarpsburg, and this sole survivor was unwilling to discriminate 
 among so nuiny brave men. Brigadier General Do^es (now command- 
 ing Ripley's brigade,) pays a tribute to the memory of Mojor Robert 
 S. Smith, fourth Georgia, and speaks in the most complimentary 
 terms of Colonel DeRosset, and Mi)jor Thurston, th-rd North Carolina, 
 (the former severely, and the latter slightly wounded,) and Captains 
 Meares, McNair and Williams, of the same regiment. Lieutenant Col- 
 onel H. A. Brown and Captain J. A. Hannell, acting Mnjor of the first 
 North Carolina regiment, are also highly commended. Lieutenant 
 Colonel Phil Cock, Captains Willis, De Graffenreid and Lieutenants 
 Ilawkens, Bisel, llulbert, Gay, (wounded,) Stephens, Exell, Sncad^ 
 Cobb, (killed,) Macon, (severely wounded,) ** all. commended them- 
 selves to my special notice by their gallmt and meritorious conduct," 
 Captain Rcy, commanding ferty-fourth Georgia, and Captain Reid, 
 Assistant Adjutant General, are equally eommended. Assistant 
 Surgeon William P. Young, remained on the field after he was 
 wounded, caring for the wounded, and fell into the .hands of the 
 cneusy. Privates Thomas S. Cartright, Joseph S. Kichardson_ and 
 Henry E. AVelch, fourth Georgia, are mentioned with distinction. 
 The first named fell with the colors of his regiment in his hand. 
 Richardson was wounded. Privates R Dudley Hill and Thomas J, 
 Dinglers, two lads in the forty-fourth Georgia, attracted, in an 
 especial manner, the attention of their commander, by their extraor- 
 dinary daring. Lieutenant Colonel Brown, of the first North Caro- 
 lina regiment, v,'ho commanded in both battles in Maryland, says 
 that all (lid their duty in his regiment, and he cannot discriminate. 
 
 The following officers and men, of Garland's brigade, are specially 
 commended for their good conduct: Colonels D. R, McRae, Iverson 
 and Christie ; Lieutenant Colonels Johnston and Ruflin, The latter 
 was woundtd three times at South Mountain, and exhibited the high- 
 est qualities of the officer and soldier. Captains Garret, Robinson, 
 Brookfield, Adjutant J, M. Taylor and Lieutenant Peirce, of tho 
 fifth ; Captain AtAvell (killed) and Lieutenant Caldwell, of tho 
 twentieth, conducted themselves with -soldier-like gallantry. Lieu- 
 tenants King, Ray, Malone, Duguid, Felton and Sutten, Sergeants 
 Ptuidick, Ingram, Pearce, Johnson and Dennis, privates. Hays, 
 KIlis, Campbell, Hillard and Rijtsart, of the same regiment, are 
 highly commended by their regimental commSnders, Sergeant A. 
 AV, FuUenwider, John W, Glenn, C. W, Bennet and privates E. F. 
 Howell and W. C, Watkins, of the twenty-third North Carolina, ex- 
 hibited extraordinary coolness and daring. Sergeant FuUenwider 
 has been six times wounded during the war, but still lives to perform 
 
123 
 
 more heroic deeds. . Private David Jones, twentieth North Carolina, 
 was specially distinguishad as a bold and intelligent scout at South 
 Mountain. 
 
 In Anderson's brigade, the field officers present in the battles. Colonel 
 Tew, second North Carolina, (killed,) Colonel Grimes, fourth North 
 Carolina, Colonel Bennett, (wounded.) and Lieutenant Colonel W. G. 
 Johnston, (slightly wounded,) both of the fourteenth North Carolina, 
 Colonel Parker, (severely wa^unded,) and Major Sellers, both of the 
 thirtieth North <."arolina, are all worthy of the gratitude of their 
 country, for gallant and meritorious eervices. Colonel Grimes was 
 disabled-by the hick of a horse, from being with his regiment (fourth 
 North Carolina) at Sharpsburg, and unfit for duty for months after- 
 wards. The fourth thus lost his valuable services. This gallant regi- 
 ment, which has never been surpassed by any troops in the world, for 
 gallantry, subordination and propriety, was commanded by the heroic 
 Captain Marsh, and, after his fall, by the equally heroic Captain 
 Latham, who shared the same fate. Jll the officers of this noble 
 regiment, present at Sharpsburg, were killed or wounded. Their 
 names deserve to be preserved. Captains Marsh, Latham and Osborne, 
 Lieutenants Stansill, Colton, Allen, Parker, Brown, \Yeaver, Craw- 
 ford and Bonner, Sergeants John Troutman and J. W. Shinn, Cor- 
 porals J. A, Cowan and H. H. Barnes, and private J. D. Barton, of 
 this regiment, were greatly distinguished for their courage. Private J. 
 B. Stinson, of same regiment, acting as courier to General Anderson, 
 was wounded in three place at Sharpsburg, and there, as on every other 
 batt'e-fteld, behaved most nobly. Colonel Bennet, of the fourteenth 
 Norih Carolina, commends Captains Jones, Preeman, Bell, Dcbun and 
 Weir, Lieutenants Liles, Mitchell, ILu-ney, Shankle, Bevers, Thread- 
 gill, Moachem, Sergeants Jenkins, McLester, Corporal Crump, pri- 
 vates McGregor, Beasley, Odell and Morgan, The second North 
 Carolina, after the death of the gallant and accomplished Tew, was 
 commanded by Captain Roberts, since resigned. The thirtieth North 
 Carolina, after the fall of its gallant colonel, was commanded by Ma- 
 jor Sillers, a brave and meritorious officer. 
 
 I much regret that the officers of these two regiments have declined 
 to present the names of those specially distinguished for cOolness and 
 courage. The thirteenth North Carolina, under Lieutenant Colonel 
 Ruffin, greatly distinguished it-3elf at South Mountain. I regret that 
 I have no report from that heroic officer, now absent sick. ILi often, 
 however, spoke of the great gallantry of Sergeant Walter S. William- 
 son. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 D. II HILL, 
 Major General. 
 
RErORT OF MAJOR GENERAL A. P. HILL. 
 
 I 
 
 Headquarters Light Division^ 
 
 Camp Gregg, February 25th, 1863. 
 
 Liieutenant Colonel C. J. Faulkner, A. A. G., 
 
 Sectnd Army Corps : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of my division, from the crossing of the Rapidan, August 
 2<>th, to the repulse of the enemy at ,Castleman's ferry, November 
 6th. inclusive : 
 
 Ti.e division was composed of the brigades of Generals Branch, 
 Gregg, Field, Pender, Archer and Colonel Thomas, with the batteries 
 of Pra.xton, Latham, Crenshaw, Mcintosh, Davidson and Pegram, 
 under Lieutenant Colonel L. Walker, chief of artillery. 
 
 The march was without incident of importance, until arriving at 
 the ford opposite Warrenton Springs. The morning after arriving, 
 (Sunday, the 2-Jth,) I was directed to occupy the hills crowning this 
 ford. My batteries were placed in eligible positions, the brigades 
 being sheltered in rear of them. The enemy planted a number of 
 batteries upon the hills across the river, and about ten, A. M., opened 
 a heavy fire upon my batteries, which was continued without inter- 
 mission until late in the afternoon. My batteries did not reply to 
 this fire, but v.hen their heavy columns of infantry advanced down 
 the road towards the Springs, simultaneously the batteries of 'Brax- 
 ton, Latham, Davidson, Mcintosh, and Pegram poured in such a 
 Btorm of shot that the enemy were scattered in the greatest confu- 
 sion. Twice was this repeated. My own loss was but eighteen, that 
 of the enemy must have been heavy in comparison. At nightfa-11, I 
 was relieved by 'Brigadier General Hood, and the next morning com- 
 menced the flank movement to Manassas. A march of thirty-four 
 miles was made in two days. 
 
 Wednesday morning, at Manassas Junction, Branch's brigade had 
 a'saarp encounter with a battery supported by the twelfth Pennsylva- 
 nia cavalry. They were soon dispersed. 
 
 Field, Pender, Archer and Thomas were directed to the right 
 and towards the railroad bridge, and soon encountered the New 
 Jersey brigade of General Taylor. They had just arrived from 
 Alexandria, disembarked from the cars, and were farming line vif bat- 
 tle when they were attacked, and routed completely. General Taylor 
 mortally wounded, and two hundred prisoners taken ; the train in 
 which th'"y came, and the railroad bridge were destroyed. That night, 
 about twelve o'clock, the depot buildings, with an immense amount of 
 commissary stores, and about two miles of'loc^ded freight cars were 
 burned, and, at one o'clock, I moved my division to Centreville. At 
 ten, A. M., moved upon the Warrenton pike, towards the stone bridge, 
 when 1 received an order from General Jackson, dated battle-field of 
 Manassas, eight, A. M., that ** the enemy were in full retreat, and to 
 move down to the fords and intercept him." But having just seen 
 
125 
 
 two intercepted despatches from Pope to McDowell, ordering the for- 
 mation of his line of battle for the next day, on Manassas plains, I 
 deemed it best to push on and join General Jackson. That evening, 
 (Thursday,) there was a little artillery practice by some of my bat- 
 teries on the enemy's infantry. 
 
 Battle of Manassas. 
 
 Friday morning, in accordance with orders from General Jackson, 
 I occupied the line of the unfinished railroad, my extreme left resting 
 near Dudley's ford, my right near the point where the road strikes 
 the open field, Gregg, Field and Thomas in the front line — Gregg on 
 the left and Field on the right — with Branch, Pender and Archer a8 
 supports. My batteries were in the open field in rear of the infantry, 
 the nrsture of my position being such as to preclude the effective use 
 of much artillery. The evident intention of the enemy this day was 
 to turn our left and overwhelm Jackson's corps before Longstrect 
 came up, and, to accomplish this, the most persistent an<H furious on- 
 sets were made, by column after column of infantry, accompanied by 
 numevLia.i batteries of artillery. Soon my reserves were all in, and 
 up to six o'clock, my divii^ion, assisted by the Louisiana brigade of 
 General Hays, commanded by Colonel Forno, with an heroic courage 
 and obstinacy almost beyond parallel, had met and repulsed six dis- 
 tinct and separate assaults, a portion of the time' the majority of the 
 men being without a cartridge. The reply of the gallant Gregg to a 
 message of mjne, is worthy of notice, " Tell Genernl Hill that my am- 
 munition is exhausted, but that I will hold my position with the bay- 
 net." The enemy prepared for a la&t and determined attempt. Their 
 sericd masses, overwhelming superiority of numbers, and bold bear- 
 ing, made the chance of victory to tremble in the balance ; my own 
 division, exhausted by seven hours' unremitted 'fighting, hardly one 
 round per man remaining, and weakened in all things, save its un- 
 conquerable spirit. Casting about for h'.'lp, fortunately it was here 
 reported to me that the brigades of Generals Lawton and Early were 
 near by, and, sending for then , they promptly moved to my front at 
 the most opportune moment, and this last charge met the same disas- 
 trous fate that had befallen those preceding. Having received an 
 order from General Jackson to endeavor to avoid a general engage- 
 ment, ray commanders of brigades contented themselves with repuls- 
 ing the ciicmy, and followin*; them up but a few hundred yards. 
 
 During the night of the 29th, my brigades were eng;iged in refill- 
 ing cartridge-boxes, and generally putting themselves in condition for 
 the morrow's fight. 
 
 Brigadier General Field was severely wounded, and I regret thait 
 his invaluable assistance was, in consequence, lost to me during the 
 balance of the campaign. His gallant bearing and soldierly qualities 
 gave him unbounded influence over his men, and they were ever ready 
 to follow where he led. The command of his brigade uevolved upon 
 Colonel Brockenbrough, of the fortieth Virginia. 
 
 The gallant Forno was also stricken down, with, as was supposed at 
 
126 
 
 tho time, a mortal -wound. Colonel Strong succeeded to his com- 
 mand. 
 
 General Pender was knocked down by a ebell, but, as once before, 
 refused to leave the fi Id. 
 
 Archer's horse was killed under him. Branch, Pender, Brocken- 
 brough and Stronoj were brought from tbe front apd placed in reserve. 
 
 On the 3')th, about two o'clock, the ciieuiy again made an attack 
 alonge out^wbolc line. The attack on my part of the line was gd- 
 lantly ret^isted by Archer and Thomas — Gregg still holding the 
 extreme left. This onset was so fierce, and in such force, that at first 
 some headway was made, but throwing in Pender and Brockenbrough, 
 their advance w^s again checked, and eventually repulsed with groat 
 loss. Later in the evening. 1 sent a message to General Jackson that 
 I had ordered my wliole line to advance, and it was approved, and he 
 directed me to advance in echelon of brigades. 'J'his order was 
 promptly carried out; Pender', Archer, 'J horaas and Branch steadily ad- 
 vancing. Bran(h on the extreme left, thrown considerably back, met 
 no resistartce,and Brockenbrough. en tbe extremeiight, being separated 
 from bis oAvn divison by one or two of Taliaferro's biigades. advanced 
 in conjur<'»ion with them. Gregg and Strong were held back to meet 
 a threatened movement on my left. The three brigades of Pender, 
 Archer and Thomas, however, held together, and drove everything 
 before them, capturing two batteries, many prisoners, and resting that 
 night on Bull Bun; and the ground thus Von, was occupied that 
 night. These brigades had penetrated so far Avithin the enemy's 
 lines, that Captain Ashe, A. A. G. to 'General Pander, was taken 
 prisoner that night, returning from my headquarters to his own brig- 
 ade. 
 
 The batteries of Braxton, Pegram, Mcintosh and Crenshaw were gal- 
 lantly served during this fight, arid did yeoman's service. The battle 
 being thus gloriously won, my men slept among the dead and dying 
 enemy. 
 
 My loss was one hundred and ninrty-nine killed, thirteen hundred 
 and eight wounded; total, fifteen hundied and seven, ot which Gregg's 
 brigade lost six hundred and nineteen. 
 
 The biave Colonels Marshall, of South Carolina, and Forbes of 
 Tennessee, were killed ; Lieutcnaiit Colonel Leudlietter, cf South 
 Carolina, also met a soldier's death. Colonels Barnes, Ed\Vdr<is and 
 Me<iow;in, Lieutenant Colonels McCorkb% {''arron and McCrea<,iy', and 
 Major Biockman, of Gregg's briga ie, were wounded. 
 
 Tlie siubl)orn tenacity with which Gregg's brigade held its position 
 this day, is worthy of iiighcst commendaiion. 
 
 Ox Hill. 
 
 Monday evening, September 1st, the divisions arrived near Ger- 
 mantown, on the Little river turnpike, and it was understood the en- 
 emy were in force, in a strong position, known as Ox Hill, and 
 prepared to dispute our further passage. By direction of Geneial 
 Jaekson, I sent forward the brigades of Branch and Brockenbrough 
 
127 
 
 to feel and engage the enemy. This battle commenced under the 
 most unfavorable circumstancea, a heavy, blinding rain-storm directly 
 in the faces of my men. These two brigades gallantly engaged the 
 enemy, Branch being exposed to a very heavy fire in front and in his 
 flank. Gregg, Pender, Thomas and Archer were successively thrown 
 in. The enemy obstinataly contested the ground, and it was not 
 until the Federal Generals Kearney and iStevens had fallen in front 
 of Thomas' brigade, ihat they were driven from the ground. They 
 did not, however, retire far, until later daring the night, when they 
 entirely disappeared. The brunt of this fight was borne by Branch, 
 Gregg and t'ender. Colonel Riddiek and Lieutenant Colonel IMiller, 
 of Fender's brigade, were mortally wounded, and Cnptain Stor.e, 
 commanding sixteenth North Carolina, and Major Rivers, of Thomas' 
 brifiade, severely so. 
 
 My loss was thirty. nine killed and two hundred and sixty-seven 
 wounded ; total, three hundred and six. 
 
 On the 5th September, the division crossed into Maryland, near 
 Leesbura^and, on the llth, recrossed into V'^irginia at Williamsport, 
 advanccc^pon INIartinsburg, skirmishing with the enemy's pickets, 
 entered the town on the I'ith, and cause<l General White with somo 
 three thousand men, to fall back upon Harper's Ferry. A large 
 quantity of commissary and quartermaster stores were taken at ]!ilar- 
 tinsburg. 
 
 Saturday, the 13th, arrived at Harper's Ferry, my division being 
 In advance. 
 
 On Sunday afternoon, the necessary signals from the Loudon and 
 Maryland Heights having notified us that all was ready, I was or- 
 dered by General Jackson *' to move along the left bank of the She- 
 nandoah, and thus turn the enemy's left flmk, an<l enter Harper's 
 Ferry." The enemy occupied a ridge of hills known as Bolivar 
 Heights, extending from the Potomac to the Shenandoah, naturally 
 strong, but rendered very formidable by extensive earthworks. Hav- 
 ing first shelled the woods- over which my route lay. I moved oMiqu ly 
 to my right until I struck the Shenandoah, Moving down the She- 
 nan<<oah, I discovered an eminence crowning the extreme left of the 
 enemy's line, bare of all earthworks, the only obstacles being .-.hattis 
 of fallen tiiuber. The enereiy occupied this hill with infanrry, but 
 no artillery. Branch and Gregg were ordereil to continue the raiirch 
 along the river, and during the night to take advant:;ge of the ravir.pg, 
 cutting 'i.e precipitous banks of tbe river, and establish thcm.-elves 
 on the pluiu to thp left and rear of the enemy's woiks. Pender. Archer 
 and Biockenbrough were directed to gain the crest of the hill before 
 mentioned ; Thomas followed as a reserve. The execution of this 
 movement was entrusted to General Pender, his own biigade being 
 commanded by Colonel Brewer. This was accom; lished with bu't 
 Blight resistance, and the fatt of Harper's Ferry was sealed. Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Walker was directed to bring up bis guns, and estab- 
 lish them in the position thus gained. This was done during tho 
 liight, by tho indomitalde resolution and energy of Colonel Walker 
 and his adjutant, Lieutenant Chamberlaine, ably seconded by the cap- 
 
128 
 
 tains of batteries. Generals Branch and Gregg, had also gained the 
 position desired, and daybreak found them in rear of the enemy's line 
 of defence. General Pender, with Thomas in support, moved his 
 brigades to within one hundred and fifty yards of the works, 
 and were pheliered as much as possible from the fire of the enemy. 
 At dawn, Lieutenant Colonel Walker opened a rapid enfilade fire from 
 all his batteries, at about one thousand yards' range. The enemy re- 
 plied vigorously. In an hour, the enemy's fire seeming to be pretty 
 well silenced, the batteries were ordered to cease, and this was the 
 signal for storming the works. General Pender had commenced his 
 advance, when the enemy again opening, Pegram and Crenshaw were 
 run forward to wiihin four hundred yards, and quickly coming into 
 battery, poured in a damaging fire. The enemy now displayed the 
 ^hite *ll;i;X, and Lieutenant ChamberUine was sent in to know if they 
 Burreu'lered. This was soon ascertained to be the fact, and the gar- 
 rison, kc. was surrendered by General White, Colonel D. 8. Miles, 
 the comniandflPng officer, having been mortally wounded. By direc- 
 tion of General Jackson, I granted General White th^most liberal 
 terms, and regret to report that this magnanimity was noPappreciated 
 by the enemy, as the wagons which were loaned to carry off the pri- 
 vate baggage of officers were not returned for nearly two 
 months, a ad not until repeated calls had been made for them. 
 When I entered the works of the enemy, which was only a few 
 moments after the white flag had been shown, there was apparently 
 no organization of any kind — that had ceased to exist. The fruits of 
 this vicTory were eleven thousand prisoners, about twelve thousand' 
 stand of arms, seventy pieces of artillery, harness and horses, a large 
 number of wagons, commissary, quartermaster and ordnance stores, 
 ^ly loss was three killed and sixty-six wounded. 
 
 Sharpsburg. 
 
 By direction of General Jackson, I remained at Harper's Ferry 
 until the morning of the 17th, when, at half past six, A. M., I re- 
 ceived an order from General Lee to move to Sharpsburg. Leaving 
 Thomas with his brigade to complete the removal of the captured 
 prop(^rty, my division was put in motion half past seven, A. M. The 
 head of my column arrived upon the battlefield of Sharpsburg, a dis- 
 tance of seventeen miles, at half-past two, and, reporting in porson 
 to General Lee, he directed me to take position on our right. Brig- 
 adier General D. R. Jones, commanding on our right, gave rae such 
 information as my ignorance of the ground made necessary. My 
 troops were rapidly thrown into position — Pender and Brockenhrough 
 on the extreme right, looking to a road which crossed the Anteitam, 
 near its mouth, and Branch, Gregg and Archer, extending to the left 
 and connecting with D. 11. Jones' division. Mcintosh's battery had 
 been went forward to strengthen Jones' right, weakened by troops 
 ■withdrawn to our left and centre. Braxton's battery, commanded by 
 Lieutetiant Marye, (Captain Braxton acting as chief of artillery) was 
 placed upon a commanding point on Gregg's right, and Crenshaw and 
 
129 
 
 Pegratn on a hill to my left, which gave them a wide field of fire. 
 My troops were not in a moment too soon. The enemy had already 
 advanced in three lines, had broken through Jones' division, cap- 
 tured Mcintosh's battery, and were in the full tide of success. With 
 a yell of defiance, Archer charged them, retook Mcintosh's guns, 
 and drove them back pell mell. Branch and Gregg, with their old 
 veterans, sternly held their ground, and pouring in destructive vol- 
 leys, the tide of the ememy surged back, and breaking in confusion, 
 passed out of sight. During this attack, Pender's brigade was moved 
 from my right to the centre, but the enemy were driven back without 
 actively engaging his brigade. The three brigades of my division 
 actively engaged did not number over two thou3;uid men, and these, 
 with the help of my splendid batteries, drove back Burnside's corps 
 of fifteen thousand men. 
 
 The Confederacy has to mourn the loss of a gallant soldier and ac- 
 complished gentleman, who fell in this battle, at the head of his brig- 
 ade, Brigadier General L. O'B. Branch, of !North Carolina. He was 
 my senior brigadier, and one to whom I could have entrusted the 
 command of the division with all confidence. 
 
 General Gregg, of South Carolina, was wounded, and the brave 
 Colonel Barnes mortally so. My gallant Captain Pregram, of the 
 artillery, was also wounded, for the first time. 
 
 My loss was sixty- three killed and two hundred and eighty-three 
 wounded. Total, three hundred and forty-six. 
 
 We lay upon the field of battle that night, and until the next night 
 at one o'clock, when my division was silently withdrawn, nn {, as di- 
 rected by General Lee, covered the retirement of our army. My di- 
 vision crossed the Potomac, into Virginia, about ten, A. M., the 
 next morning, every wagon an 1 piece cf artillery having been safely 
 put on the Virginia shore. I bivouacked that night, 19th, aboat five 
 miles from Shepherdstown. 
 
 Shepherdstown. 
 
 On the morning of the 20th, at half-past six, I was directed by 
 General Jackson to take tny division and drive across the rivor some 
 briffndos of the enemy, who had crossed during the nii^hr,. driven '^If 
 General Pendleton's artillery, capturing four pieces, and were making 
 preparations to hold their po.^ition. Arriving opposite Boteler's ford, 
 and about half mile therefrom, I formed my line of battle in two 
 lines — the firft, the brigades of Pender, Oegg and Thomas, under 
 command of General Gregg, and the second, Lane, (Branch's brig- 
 ade) Archer and Brockenbough, under the command of General 
 Archer. 
 
 The enemy had lined the opposite hills with some seventy pieces 
 of artillery, and the infantry, who had crossed, lined the crest of the 
 high bank- on the Virginia shore. My lines advanced simultaneously, 
 and soon encountered the enemy. This advance was made in the face 
 of the most tremendous fire of artillery I ever saw, and too much 
 praise cannot be awarded my legiment for their steady, unwavering 
 9 
 
ISO 
 
 step. It \ras as if each man felt that the fate of the army waa 
 centred in himself. The infantry opposition in front of Gregg's 
 centre and right was but trifling, and soon brushed away. The en- 
 emy, however, massed in front of Pender, and extending, endeav- 
 ored to turn his left. General Pender became hotly engaged, and 
 informing Archer of hia danger, he (Archer) moved by the left flank, 
 and forming on Pender's left, a simultaneous, daring charge was 
 m^de, and the enemy driven pell mell into the river. Then com- 
 menced the most terrible slaughter that this war has yet witnessed. 
 The broad surface of the Potomac was blue with the floating bodies 
 of our foe. l>ut few escaped to toil the tale. By their own account 
 they lost three thousand men killed and drowned from one brigade 
 alone. Some two hundred prisoners were taken. 
 
 My own loss was, thirty killed, and two hundred and thirty-on© 
 wounded. Total, two hundred and sixty-one. 
 
 This was a wholesome lesson to the enemy, and taught them to 
 know thiit it may be dangerous sometimes to press a retreating army. 
 
 In this battle I did not use a piece of artillery. My division per- 
 formed its share in the destruction of the Baltimore and Ohio rail- 
 road, and about the 1st November, took position at Castleman's 
 Ferry, near Snicker's Gap. November 5th, Archer's and Thomas' 
 brigades being on picket at the ferry with Pegram's and Latham's 
 batteries, the enemy made an attempt to cross the river, but were 
 handsomely repulsed by the nineteenth Georgia, and the batteries, 
 with a loss of two hundred men. 
 
 During' this campaign, the especial good conduct of Colonels 
 Brewer, Mallory, Folsom and Major C. 0. Colo, deserves mention. 
 Captain Wright, of Georgia, commanding my escort, was invaluable 
 to me, and proved himself a cool, clear-headed fighter. 
 
 My thanks are due my staff for their hearty co-operation and in- 
 telligent transmission of my orders under a fire frequently uncom- 
 fortably hot; Major R. C. Morgan, assistant adjutant general; 
 Major Wingate, Captain R. 11. Adams, signal officers; Lieutenant 
 Murray Taylor, aid-de-camp, and Lieutenant Camfield, of my escort. 
 
 My loss during this series of battles, was, three hundred and forty- 
 eight killed, two thousand two hundred and nine wounded. Total, 
 two thousand five hundred and fifty-seven. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. P. HILL, 
 Major General commanding Light Division. 
 
131 
 
 GENERAL SUMMARY OF KILLED AND WOUNDED in 
 
 the Division of Major General A. P. Hill. 
 
 
 KiLLJKD. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 flATB OF Ba.TTL»S. 
 
 in 
 
 O 
 
 V 
 
 a 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 m 
 
 o 
 
 c 
 "5 
 
 c 
 
 C! 
 
 c 
 3 
 
 00 
 
 o 
 
 03 
 
 0) 
 
 > 
 
 "t-c 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 cq 
 
 5 
 
 n 
 
 C 
 
 (3 
 
 
 c 
 
 0. 
 
 CO 
 
 C 
 
 s: 
 
 c 
 
 ;5 
 
 
 d 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 H 
 
 August 24th 
 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 1,062 
 
 228 
 
 47 
 
 11 
 
 226 
 
 17 
 
 194 
 
 1 
 
 IS 
 
 Autjust 27th 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 August 28th 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 August 29tl» & 30th 
 SeptemhfT 1st 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 14 
 
 25 
 
 15:5 
 32 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 43 
 
 1 
 27 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 ... 
 ... 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 .... 
 
 28 
 5 
 1 
 
 "s 
 
 "4 
 
 78 
 11 
 3 
 1 
 8 
 3 
 11 
 
 130 
 25 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 39 
 
 3 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 22G 
 
 1,507 
 306 
 
 Septemhc.r l-4lh 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 54 
 
 September l-^ih 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 Septembor I7th 
 
 Septenibor IStli 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 ; 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 346 
 26 
 
 September 20th 
 
 
 
 
 
 261 
 
 November 2nd 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 ''70 
 
 3 
 
 fi 
 
 ? 
 
 5 
 
 ^ 
 
 110 
 
 
 Total 
 
 821 
 
 1,805 
 
 2 558 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JIEPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL STUART OF OPERA, 
 TIONS FROM THE ADVANCE OF THE ARMY TILL IT 
 REACHED THE K AITAHANNOCK. 
 
 HEABQUARTtRS CaVALRY DiVISlON, ) 
 
 Army of Nurthrev Virginia, February 5, 1863. 5 
 
 brigadier General R H. Chilton, 
 
 Assiatant Adft and Inspector General, Arwy of Northern Va. : 
 
 Genkral : I have tlic honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of my ccnimaud during the period of the army's advance 
 to the Rappiihannock, in August last : 
 
 My command, at that time, consisted of Hampton's brigade, left on 
 • observation on the Charles City border, where the enemy's demonstra- 
 tions left us in some doubt about his intentions; Fitz Lee's brigade at 
 Hanover Court-House, (where also were my headquarters,) and a bat- 
 tery of horse artillery to each. On the IGth of August, 1862, in pur- 
 euance of the commanding General's (R. E. Lee) secret instructions, I 
 put this brigade on the march for the vicinity of Raccocn ford, near 
 which point the army under his command was rapidly concentrating. 
 'General Fitzhugh Lee Avas directed by me to proceed the next day 
 frcra near Davenport's bridge, opposite Beaver Dam, across to the 
 vicinity of Raccoon ford, where I promised to join him on tLat 
 evening, (17th.) I proceeded, on the cars, directly to the command- 
 ingGeneral, whom I found near Orange Court-House. My command 
 was noAv augmented by the addition of another brigade, Robei'tson's, 
 and it was intended to concentrate the bulk of this force near Eac- 
 coon ford, cross and attack the enemy's communications in rear of 
 Culpeper Court-House, simultaneout-ly with a blow by the main body 
 in front. I lodc down to Yerdiersville, a point on the plank road, 
 'Opposite Raccoon ford, where I expected confidently to^mect Lee's 
 brigade that evening. I fciund no one there, except the few inhabit- 
 ants, who had heard nothing of the brigade. It was night ; but as it 
 was highly important to communicate with Lee's brigade, with a view 
 to crosMiig the next day, I sent my Adjutant General, Major Fitz- 
 hugh, on the road on which General F. Leo was t..< have inaicbcd, i3 
 ■look for him, remaining, myself, at Yerdiersville. At early dawn, next 
 unorning, I was aroused from the porch where I lay, by the noise of 
 Ihorsemeu and wagons, and walking out bareheaded to the fence near 
 by, found that they were coming from the very direction indicated for 
 General F. Lee. I was not left long in this delusion, however, for 
 two officers. Captain Mosby and Lieutenant Gibson, whom I sent to 
 ascertain the truth, were fired upon and rapidly pursued. 1 had 
 ■barely time to leap upon my horse, just as I was, and, with Major 
 Von Borcke and Lieutenant Dabney, of my staff, escaped by leaping 
 a high fence. The major, who took the road, was fired at as long as 
 in sight, but none of us were hurt. There was no assistance for ten 
 miles. Having stopped at the nearest woods, I observed the party 
 
133 
 
 approach and leave in great haste, but not without my hat and the 
 cloak which had forrfled my bed. Major Fitzhugh, in his searches 
 for General Lee, was caught by this party, and borne off as a prisoner 
 cf war General Lee's brigade did not arrive till the night ot the 
 18th, a day behind time. Not appreciating the necessity of punc- 
 tuality in this instance, he changed his couise after leaving me, and 
 turned back by Louisa Court-Housc, following his wagons, ^^^ch -l 
 had directed him to send by that point for provisions, c^c. 13y this 
 failure to comply with instructions, not only the movement ot the 
 cavalry across the llapidan was postponed a day, but a fine opportu- 
 nity lost to overhaul a body of the enemy's cavalry on a predatory 
 excursion far beyond their lines. By the great detour made by this 
 brigade it was not in condition to move on the 19th upon a forced 
 march to the enemy's rear; but, in accordance with instructions trom 
 the commanding General, a copy of which, marked A, accompanies 
 this report, the 19th was devoted to rest and preparation, moving 
 down for bivouac near Mitchell's ford late in the evening. During 
 the day the order of battle, marked C, an.l subsequent instructions, 
 marked B, were received from the commanding General, from which, 
 it seemed, the enemy had escaped attack. At moonrise, on the tOth, 
 about four A. M., General Lee's-and Robertson's brigades were moved 
 across the Rapidan at two adjacent fords, and pushed rapidly forward- 
 Lee's directly by Madden, in pursuit of the enemy in the direction ot 
 Kelley's and Ely's fords, on the Rappahannock, and Robertson s, 
 which I ac(ompiQied, via Stevensburg, (a village four miles east ot 
 Oulpeper Court-House,) towards Brandy Station. Brigadier General 
 Fitzhugh Lee, whose written report has not been furnished, lound 
 the enemy's rear near Kelley's fori, and. by vigorous attack, secured 
 several prisoners and a cavalrv color. One of Robertson's regiments, 
 with the artillery of his brigade, had been, by ray direction, 1 -tt on 
 the upper Rapidan. Colonel T. T. Munford, who commanded that regi- 
 ment, was ordered to keep on the left of Jackson's wing and keep pace 
 with its movements. Robertson's brigade encountered the enemy 
 first, between Stevensburg and Brandy, the immense dust raised pre- 
 venting our movement being conducted with secrecy. Colonel VYm. 
 E Jones, (7th Virginia cavalry,) being in advance, captured a party 
 of the enemy's cavalry, but was kep^. at bay for some tune by tho 
 enemy occupying a wood near Brandy ; but having received a fresh, 
 supply of ammunition, pushed boldly forward this regiment by the 
 road. General Robertson, with his main body, sixth, twelfth and 
 seventeenth Virginia cavalry, keeping, by my direction, to the left, so 
 as to sweep across the open country towards Barbour's, and flank the 
 enemy's position. The enemy's force engaging us appeared to be 
 cavalry only, and gave way gradually along the road towards Rappa- 
 hannock Station ; but, about midway between Brandy and Rippahan- 
 nock, made a determined stand, in solid column of squadrons, on the 
 ridge with skirmishers, mounted, deployed to the front, with which 
 Jones soon became engaged with unequal force. I knew the country 
 to be too much intersected by ditches to render operations free, and*, 
 considered it necessary, therefore, to advance along the road. Rob- 
 
134 
 
 ertson, ^ho vfRs now sent for in haste to support his advance regi- 
 ment, Avas found to have mistaken the direction, and borne too much 
 to the left ; but, as the enemy did not profit by this mishap, nothing 
 was lost by the delay, and the remaining regiments were hurled in 
 rapid succession, in column of fours, upon the enemy's main body. 
 It was perfectly plain that the enemy's force was superior in numbers 
 to ours; but as I'ope had evidently, with his main body, reached the 
 other side of the Kappahannock, it was not probable, therefore, that 
 a fierce onset of such cavalry as ours — animated by such incentives 
 and aspirations — could he withstood, and sure enough, before the 
 clash of iheir sabres could make havoc in his ranks, he turned in 
 flight, and took refuge close to the river, under the protection of his 
 batteries planted beyond the river. Our squadrons rapidly reiormed 
 for a renewal of the fight; but having no artillery yet up, the ground 
 was such that cavalry alone could not have attacked the enemy under 
 such protection without sacrifice inadequate to the risk. General 
 Fitzhugh Lee's brigade was sent for to reinforce Robertson as soon 
 as the enemy was found in force here. It arrived just at this time 
 with Pelham's battery of horse artillery, but the enemy had safely 
 passed the ford before a battery could be placed to interfere with hie 
 progress, and, there being now no enemy south of the Rappahannock, 
 except those in our hands, the remainder of the day was devoted to 
 rest. The advance of Jackson reached the vicinity of Brandy that 
 night. I kept the commanding General notified of my whereabouts 
 and the enemy's movements during the day. In the meantime, Mun- 
 ford had advanced to Culpepcr, where he found a number of prisoners. 
 In the action at Brandy Station, our troops behaved in a manner highly 
 creditable, and Colonel Jones, whose regiment so long bore the brunt 
 of the fight, behaved with marked courage and determination. I 
 regret his report has not yet been furnished. The enemy, occupying 
 woods and hedge-roads, with dismounted men, armed with long-range 
 carbines, were repeatedly dislodged by his bold onslaughts, while 
 Flournoy and Harman nobly supported the seventh in the critical 
 moment, when confronted by two brigades of the enemy's cavalry. 
 General Robertson had cause to be proud of the command which his 
 superior discipline, organization and drill had brought to the stability 
 of veterans. Major lleros Von Borcke, my Adjutant General, wa's 
 conspicuous in the charge, and led an important flank attack at the 
 critical moment of the-engagement. While that brave soldier and ven- 
 erable patriot, animated with the fires of youth. Captain Redmond 
 Burke, while among the foremost in the fierce onset, received a severe 
 wound in the leg, disabling him for some time from active duty. 
 Brigadier General Robertson's report accompanies this, and will give 
 some interesting information, (marked D.) He reports a loss of three 
 billed and thirteen wounded, while the enemy left several more dead 
 on the field, and sixty-four were taken prisoners, wounded included, 
 and several commissioned oflBcers, together with their arms and equip- 
 ments, and a number of cavalry horses. Thus ended the operatione 
 of the i(Jth August, the enemy's operations having materially modified 
 the original plan. During the night, outposts were kept up by the 
 
135 
 
 cavalry along the entire front. It was ascertained, by my command 
 during the day, that Burnside had effected a junction with Pope 
 before the retreat, and that the enemy had crossed principally at Kelly's 
 ford and Rappahannock Station ford, (the main body of his cavalry 
 crossing at the latter place,) and that the retreat began the night pre- 
 vious, the wagon train* having been sent off early in the day, corrobo- 
 raticg the conclusion^ arrived at by the commanding General, on 
 Clark's mountain. Accompanying this report will also be found a 
 map of the country traversed in the operations described, drawn by 
 Captain Blackford, my topographical engineer. 
 
 Most respectfully, your obedient servant. 
 
 J, E, B. STUART, 
 Major Gmeral^ommanding Cavalry. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL STUART OF OPERATIONS 
 FROM AUGUST 2 1st, 1862, TO EXPEDITION TO CAT- 
 LETTS STATION. 
 
 Headquarters Cavalry Division A. N. V., ) 
 February 23, 1863. ^ 
 
 Brigadier General R. II. Chilton, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General A. N. V. : 
 
 General: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations tf nij comfnand with the Army of Northern Virginia, 
 continuing the series from the morning of the 2 1st AuL'ust, -vvheu the 
 amy was near Brandy Station, with my command in front along the 
 Rapj;ahannock, until its return to the south side of that river from a 
 succeesful expedition to the enemy's rear at Catlett's Station ; 
 
 In my kist report I comm,itted an error in saying that Lee's brigade 
 joined me at Brandy Station on 2Uth August, only two regiments of 
 that brigade, first and fifth Virginia c.ivalry, did so, under command 
 of Colonel T. L. l»os?er, fifth Virginia cavalry. Brigadier General 
 Lee with the remainder continued in observation of the enemy at 
 Kelly's and bolow. 
 
 In pursuance of the plan of the commanding General, I directed 
 Colonel Ilosser to move, at da^'light, with his command for Beverly or 
 Cunningham's ford, as advance guard to the aimy, to seize the oppo- 
 site bank by a sudden attack, and hold as much of the country beyond 
 as possible. This duty was nobly performed, and by the time I 
 reached the spot, Colonel Bosser had accomplished the object, cap- 
 turing a num'bir of prisoners, fifty excellent muskets, stacked, 
 (his sudden dash having frigliteued the enemy away from their 
 arms) and held enough of the bank beyond to make a crossing by our 
 infantry practicable. All this was promptly reported to General Jack- 
 son, who supplied me with two pieces of artillery, which were ad- 
 vantageously posted, under my immediate direction, beyond. 
 
 For some reason the army did not follow, and our small force of 
 cavalry and this section of artillery sustained an unequal contest for 
 a greater part of the day with artillery, infantry, and cavalry, during 
 which a brilliant charge, as foragers, was made by Colonel Rosser's 
 cavalry, dispersing, capturing and killing a number of the enemy, 
 but losing one captured, whose bravery and heroism led him too far, 
 I refer to Captain John Ells, fifth Virginia cavalry. The daring of 
 Colonel Rosser's command excited the unreserved praise of the enemy. 
 Late in the afternoon, as it appeared that a crossing of the main 
 body would not be attempted by us, I deemed a prolong^ion of this 
 
 r - , --^pf 
 
 the enemy moving with heavj force upon my position and close at 
 hand. I therefore withdre.w to the south bank. Brigadier General 
 
137 
 
 Robertson, also recrossing the Rappahannock proper above, and rest- 
 ing for the night in the fork of the two streams. That evening, too, 
 Brigadier General Lee, with the remaider of liis brigade, came up, 
 except the third Virginia cavalry, left below on Longstreet's flank 
 and rear. On the 22d of August, I moved early to Freeman's ford, 
 on the Rappahannock 'river, where I had a picket the night pre- 
 vious, to carry out instructions by effecting a crossing, if po^^ibIe. 
 The ford was commanded by the enemy's artillery and infantry, and 
 four pieces of the Stuart horse artillery, under Captain Pelham, tried 
 in vain to silence the enemy's guns. Having advantage in po^iition, 
 he handled the enemy severely, though suffering casualties in his own 
 battery. While this cannonading wus going on, General Jackson's 
 column passed just in my rear, going higher up, and I received anoto 
 from the commanding General, that my proposition to strike, with 
 cavalry, the enemy's rear, was approved, and at ten, A. M., I started 
 to the execution of the plan, with the main portion of Robertson's 
 brigade, except the seventh Virginia cavalry, (Jones'.) and Lee's 
 brigade, except the third Virginia cavalry — say about fifteen hundred 
 men, and two pieces of artillery. Procecling through the village of 
 Jefferson, part of the command crossed the Rappahannock at Water- 
 loo bridge, and the remainder at Hart's mill, a few miles below, and 
 took the direct road to Warrcnton. Reaching that place in the after- 
 noon, I halted to close up and obtain information. iNo force of the 
 enemy had been here for days. From this point I directed my march 
 to the rear of Cedar cieek. with the view to destroy the railroad 
 bridge over it, near Catlett's Station, and the telegraph line, and thus 
 cut the enemy's line of communication. I had not proceeded far be- 
 fore a terrific Ptorm set in, which was a serious obstacle to the 
 progress of artillery, and gave indications of continuing for a 
 sufficient time to render the streams on my return impassable. Lee's 
 brigade was in advance, and the artillery being entrusted to one of 
 Robertson's regimonta, (twelfth Virginia cavalry,) the head of the 
 column pushed on by the village of Auburn, reaching the immediate vi- 
 cinity of Catlett's after dark. Rosser, being again in front, by his good 
 address and consummate skill, captured the picket, and wo soon found 
 ourselves in the midst of the enemy's encampments; but the darkest 
 night I ever knew. Fortunately, wo captured, at this moment, so 
 critical, a negro who had knovn me in Berkeley, and who, recogniz- 
 ing mc, informed me of the location of General Pope's staff, baggage, 
 horses, kc, and offered to guide me to the spot. After a brief con- 
 sultation, it was determined to accept the negro's proposition, as 
 whatever was to be done had to be done quickly, and Brigadier Gen- 
 eral Fitz Leo selected Colonel W^. H. F. Lee's regiment for the work. 
 Thp latter led his command boldly to within a few feet of the tents 
 occupied by the convivial staff cf General Pope, and charged the 
 camp, capturing a largo number of prisoners, particularly officers, 
 securing public property to a fabulous amount. While this was go- 
 ing on, the first and fifth Virginia cavalry w?resent to attack another 
 camp beyond the railroad and obstruct the latter. This was gallantly 
 done under the dashing lead of Colonels Rosser and Brien, over 
 
1S8 
 
 gToand exceedingly difficult, crossing a heavy filling of the railroad, 
 vrith ditches each side, amid darkness and a perftct torrent of rain. 
 The lights here were extinguished at the first pistol shot, and the only 
 light left to guide was the flash of the enemy's guns from the wagons, 
 in which they took speedy refuge. It will readily be perceived that 
 under such circumstances successful attack by *a charge, mounted, was 
 impossible, and its further prosecution was deferred for the accom- 
 plishment of what was the great object of the expedition, the destruc- 
 tion of the Cellar Run railroad bridge. 
 
 Capt. Blackford, with a picket party, set about this arduous under- 
 taking, but owing to the fact that everything was saturated with water, 
 ignition was impossible. Axes were looked up in the darkness with 
 great difficulty, and the energetic and thorough-going Wickham was 
 Bent, with his regiment, (fourth Virginia cavalry,) to effect its de- 
 struction by cutting it doAvn, and finally Brigadier General Lee went 
 in person to superintend it, but the difficulties Avere insuperable, for 
 the enemy on the' other side of the stream, where a cliff afforded ex- 
 cellent protection, were already firing upon our men, who, in this rain 
 which had greatly swollen the stream, met difficulty at every step. It 
 was formed of double trestle work superposed, which rendered de- 
 struction difficult and repair easy. The commanding General will, I 
 .im sure, appreciate how hard it was to desist from the undertaking, 
 but to any one on the spot there could be but one opinion — its impos- 
 sibility — I gave it up. While these attempts were going on, other 
 portions of the command were securing horses and other valuable 
 property from the enemy's camp in our possession, and conducting 
 the large numbers of prisoners to the rear. The enemy collected, 
 after their first stampede, enough to fire a volley into the burning 
 camp, but without injury. Brigadier General Robertson's command 
 was held in reserve, of which the twelfth regiment had not yet ar- 
 rived, being detained by the artillery. The streams — Cedar Run and 
 Rappahannock — were in my rear, and the former was reported already 
 swimming, and the rain still continued. This cavalry had had a long 
 march without intermission, and being the greater part of the cavalry 
 of the army, its return without delay was necesary. These consid- 
 erations determined me to leave before daylight with what had been 
 accomplished. I accordingly retired by the same route. As day 
 dawned 1 found, among the great number of prisoners, Pope's field 
 quartermaster. Major Goulding, and ascertained that the chief quar- 
 tui master and Pope's aid-de-carap, (Colonel L. H. Marshall,) nar- 
 rowly escaped the same fate. The men of the command had secured 
 Pope's uniform, his horses and equipments, money chests, ondagreat 
 variety of uniforms and personal baggage, but what was of peculiar 
 value was the despatch book of General Pope, which contained infor- 
 mation of great importance to us, throwing light upon the strength, 
 movements and designs of the enemy, and disclosing General Pope's 
 own views against his ability to defend the line of the Rappahannock. 
 These and many others, to which it is needless now to refer, were 
 transmitted to the commanding General at the time, and no copies 
 were kept by me. 
 
139 
 
 The number of the enemy's killed we had no means of ascertaining. 
 Our own loss in killed, wounded and missing was slight — a circum- 
 stance affording peculiar reason for congratulation under the extra- 
 ordinary circumstances surrounding the enterprise. Over three 
 hundred prisoners, of whom a large number were officers, were 
 marched safely within our lines at Warrenton Springs, on the 23d 
 of August, where General Jackson was found constructing a bridge. 
 My command remained that night on the north bank in bivouac, and 
 the next day recrossed to the south bank, General Jackson's crossing 
 at that point having been abandoned. During the 23d, some severe 
 skirmishing with artillery took place, in which the second Virginia 
 cavalry, Colonel Munford, (Robertson's brigade,) suffered to some ex- 
 tent. The brigades, after recrossing the Rappahannock, took posi- 
 tion between Jefferson and Amissville, the main portion of the army 
 being now between the two rivers. 
 
 I feel bound to accord to the officers and men, collectively, engaged 
 in this expedition, unqualified praise for their good conduct, under 
 circumstances where their discipline, fortitude, endurance, and 
 bravery stood such an extraordinary test. The horseman, who, at his 
 officers' bidding, without questioning, leaps into unexplored darkness, 
 knowing nothing except that there is certain danger ahead, possesses 
 the highest attribute of the patriot-soldrier. It is a great source of 
 pride to me to command a division of such men. I append a map, 
 containing that portion of the country embraced in this report drawn 
 by Captain W. W. Blackford, corps of engineers. I am greatly in- 
 debted to my staff for valuable services rendered. They were, with- 
 out exception, prompt and indefatigable. Subsequent events have 
 shown what a demoralizing effect the success of this expedition had 
 upon the army of the enemy — shaking their confidence in a general 
 who had scorned the enterprise and ridiculed the courage of his ad- 
 versaries, and it compelled him to look to his communications and 
 make heavy detachments from his main body to protect them. It in- 
 flicted a motifying disaster upon the General himself in the loss of 
 bis personal baggage and part of his staff. 
 
 Appended will be found a list of casualties. 
 Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. B. STUART, 
 Major General commanding. 
 
MEMORANDA OF OPERATIONS OF MAJOR GENERAL J. 
 E. D. STUART, SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS, OR 
 GROVETON. 
 
 Tuesday, Augiiti 26, 1862 — General Stuart overtook General 
 Jackson at Gainesville, at four o'clock, P. M., and that night Bristoe 
 Station was attack-d, Genenil Stuart keeping on General Jackson's 
 right flank, Ictween him and Warrenton Junction. 
 
 Nigfit of Tuesday, Augxid 26, 1 862. — General Stuart took General 
 Trimble's brigade of infantry and a part of his cavalry, and went 
 from Bristoe to Manassas Depot. 
 
 Wednesday, August 27 — General Stuart made an attack on Manas- 
 sas Depot at dayliglit, and captured eight pieces of artillery, with 
 horses, harness, all complete, and immense stores of all kinds. Gen- 
 eral Jackson, and part of his command, came up at noon, (twelve, 
 M.,) of that day, and fought Taylor's (Federal) brigade coming from 
 the direction of Union ^jiIls, in which fight General Taylor (Fede- 
 ral) was mortally wounded. In the meantirao. General EwcU was at- 
 tacked at Bristoe Station, and towards night, retired upon Manassas, 
 Colonel Rosscr protecting Iris (EwelTs) right flank, and bringing up 
 his rear to M;inassas, with his cavalry regiment. The cavalry was 
 picketing and scouting in every direction that diy and night. Gen- 
 eral Fitzhugh Lee was sent that day with a portion of his command 
 on an expedition beyonil Fairfax Court-IIouse, in which he went to 
 Burke's Siation,and there captured prisoners, stores, &o. 
 
 Night of Wednesday, jlugust 27. — After destroying everyth'ng at 
 Manassas, (stores, &c,,) the army started for the Stone Bridge, a 
 portion going by the way of Centreville, the cavalry being so dis- 
 posed as to cover this movement, Colonel Rosser forming the rear 
 guard to General A. P. Hill's division. 
 
 Thursday, August 28. — On the morning of this day, (the army 
 facing towards Groveton, Colonel Rosscr's cavalry bein'g on our left 
 flank and front,) a portion of the cavalry stationed on our right flank 
 as videttes, kept watch of the enemy's movements, with orders to re- 
 port to G'?ncTal Jackson. General Stuart, with portions of Robert- 
 son's an<l F. Lee's brigides, (under General Robertson) marched 
 for Ilayniarket, keeping along the south side of Ball Run, (crossing 
 sometimes) by a by-way ; but before reaching there, General Stuart 
 found a force of the enemy, which he skirmished with for some time, 
 liis attack on them at Haymarket being intended as a diversion in 
 favor of General Longstreet, who was engaged with the enjuiy at 
 Thoroughfare Gap. General Stuart reached Haymarket at three, P. 
 M., and returned about dark, in time to take part in the battle, which 
 had been going on, joining in just after the infantry and artillery 
 ceased firing. General Stuart spent the night of Thursday, August 
 28ih, with General Jackson, near Sudley mills. 
 
 Friday, August 2i). — As General Scuart rode forward towards 
 Gro^ton, about ten, A. M., he found tbdt the enemy's sharpshooters 
 
141 
 
 had penetrated the woods going towards the ambulances and train, 
 threatening to cut them off. He at once directed Captain (now Ma- 
 jor) Pelham, of the Stuart horse artillery, who was near by, to shell 
 the woods and gather up all the stragglers around the train and drive 
 back the enemy, notifying General Jackson, in the meantime, of what 
 was transpiring. He also ordered the quartermaster to move the 
 train towards Aldie, and sent an order to Major Patrick to keep his 
 battalion of cavalry between the enemy and the baggage train, a duty 
 which he faithfully discharged, receiving a mortal wound just as he 
 gallantly and successfully repulsed a large force of the enemy that 
 was attempting to cross the run. General Stuart also sent to Colo- 
 nel Baylor, who was near the rnilroad em])ankment, in command of 
 the Stonewall brigade, asking him to come forward and drive back the 
 enemy, but he replied : "I was posted here for a purpose, and have 
 positive orders to stay here, which I must obey." Having ordered 
 Captain Pelham to report to General Jackson, General Stuart went 
 towards Haymarket to establish communication with Generals Lee 
 and Longstreet, accompanied by Brigadier General Robertson, with 
 a portion of his and a portion of General F. Lee's cavalry. Gen- 
 eral Stuart met Generals Lee and Longstreet on the road betv.een 
 Haymarket and Gainesville, and informed them of what had hap- 
 pened, and the situation of General Jackson's forces, and those of 
 the enemy. General Lee inquired for some way to the Sudley road. 
 General Stuart showed him that the best route for them was by the 
 turnpike, which they took, and General Stuart moved to General 
 Long8treet's right flank. 
 
 The detachment of cavalry under General F. Lee, that had 
 been to Burke's Station, returned in the afternoon cf this day, to the 
 vicinity of General Jackson, at Sudley. 
 
 The night of Friday, August 20, General Stuart was two miles east 
 of General Longstreet's command. 
 
 Snturdny, August 30. — General Stuart remained on Longstreet's 
 right, and moved down upon the enemy with crushing effect, driving 
 him across Bull Run, at Lewis' Ford, the artillery enfilading his 
 lines and firing into his rear, only ceasing to fire upon him at dark, 
 for fear of firing into our own men. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL STUART OF OPERATIONS 
 IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING, AND INCLUDING, THE 
 BATTLE OF GROVETON. 
 
 I 
 
 Headquarters Stuart's Cavalry Division, 
 Army of I^urthern Virginia, February 28, 1863. 
 
 Brigadier General R. H. Chilton, \^4. A. G. : 
 
 Genrral: I have the honor to furnish the following summary of 
 events in which my command participated immediately preceding and 
 dubseciuent to the second battle of Manassas, or, as it should be more 
 properly termed, the battle of Groveton Heights, August 3tUh, 1862. 
 My command had hardly recrossed the Rappahannock, as narrated in 
 my last, when that portion of it left on outpost duty on the river 
 became engaged with the enemy, who had advanced to the opposite 
 bank. It was soon apparent that the enemy meditated the destruction 
 of the Waterloo bridge, the only bridge over the stream then stand- 
 ing. Appreciating its importance to us, I directed the sharpshooters 
 of the two brigades to be sent to its defence, and the command of this 
 party, numbering about one hundred men, devolved,* by selection, upon 
 Colonel T. L. Rosser, fifth Virginia cavalry, whose judgment in post- 
 ing his command enabled him to prevent the destruction of the bridge 
 in spite of desperate attempts to reach it, and held possession all day 
 and night against infantry and artillery, until the next day, when he 
 turned over his position and the bridge, intact, to a regiment of in- 
 fantry sent to relieve him. During the day, I sent Captain J, Har- 
 deman Stuart, my signal officer, to capture the enemy's signal party 
 at View Tree, an eminence overlooking Warronton, and establish his 
 own flag instead — the sequel shows with what success. Colonel 
 Munford's regiment, second Virginia cavalry, was detached for tem- 
 porary service with General Jackson That night (25th) 1 repaired 
 to the headcjuarters of the commanding General, and received my 
 final instructions to accompany the movement of Major General Jack- 
 son, already begun. I was to start at two, A. M.,and, upon arriving 
 at the brigades that night, at one, A. M., I had reveille sounded and 
 preparations made for the march at two. In this way I got no sleep, 
 but continued in the saddle all night. I followed, by direction, the 
 route of General Jackson, through Amissville, across the Rappahan- 
 nock, at Hinson's Mill, four miles above Waterloo, proceeded through 
 Orlean, and thence on the road to Salem, till, getting near that place, 
 I found my way blocked by the baggage trains and artillery of Gen- 
 eral Jackson's command. Directing the artillery and ambulances to 
 follow the road, I left it, with the cavalry, and proceeded by farm 
 roads and by-paths, parallel to General Jackson's route, to reach^the 
 bead of his column, which left Salem and The Plains early m the 
 mcrning for the direction of Gainesville, The country was exceed- 
 ingly rough, but I succeeded, by the aid of skillful guides, in passing 
 Bull^un Mountain without passing Thoroughfare Gap, and, without 
 
143 
 
 incident worthy of record, passed through Haymarket and overtook 
 tfeneral Jackson near Gainesville and reported to him, Ewell's di- 
 vision was in advance, and to my command was entrusted guarding 
 the two flanks during the remainder of the pending , operations, 
 (26th.) As Lee's brigade passed Haymarket, he received informa- 
 tion of a train of forage wagons of the enemy, and sent out promptly 
 a regiment and captured it. Having made disposition above and 
 below Gainesville, on the Warrenton road, with cavalry and artillery, 
 I kept, with the main portion, on General Jackson's right, crossing 
 Broad Run a few miles above Bristoe and intersecting the railroad to 
 the right (south) of that point. The cavalry no^ fronted towards the 
 main body of the enemy, still in the direction of the Rappahannock, 
 and covered General J.ickson's operations on the railroad bridge, on 
 approaching which Colonel Munford's regiment, second Virginia 
 cavalry, as advance guard, wnade a bold dash into the place and se- 
 cured most of the occupants. About dusk, and simultaneously with, 
 the arrival of the conini:ind at the railroad, trains of cars came rap- 
 rapidly on from the direction of Warrenton Junction, and before ob- 
 struction could be made the first passed on, though fired into by the 
 infantry ; several subsequent ones followed, and were captured by the 
 infantry. Details of tlie.^e operations will, no doubt, be given by 
 General Jackson and the division commanders. 
 
 As soon as practicable, I reported to General Jackson, who desired 
 me to proceed to Manassas, and ordered General Trimble to follow 
 with his brigade, notifying me to take charge of the whole. The 
 fourth Virginia cavalry (Colonel Wickham) was sent around to gain 
 the rear of Manassas, and with a portion of Robertson's brigade, not 
 on outpost duty. I proce<'ded by the direct road to Manassas. I 
 marched until challenged by the enemy's interior sentinels, and re- 
 ceived a fire of canister. As the infantry wer3 near, coming on, I 
 awaited its arrival, as it was too dark to venture cavalry over 
 uncertain ground, against artillery. I directed General Trimble, 
 upon his arrival, to re.st his centre directly on the railroad and ad- 
 vance upon the place, wit!; skirmishers well to the front. He soon 
 gent me word it was so dark he preferred waiting till morning, which 
 I accordingly directed he should do. As soon as day broke, the 
 place was taken w'ithout much difficulty, and, with it, m^ny prisoners 
 and millions of stores of every kind, which his report will doubtless 
 show. Rosser (fifth Virginia cavalry) was left on outposc duty in 
 front of Ewcll at Bristoe, and Brien (first Virginia cavalry) above 
 Gainesville. During the ^27th, detachments of Robertson's and Lee'a 
 brigades had great sport chasing fugitive parties of tho enemy's cav- 
 alry. General Jackson, having arrived early in the day, took direc- 
 tion of affairs, and the day was occupied mainly in rationing the 
 command ; but several serious demonstrations were ma<le by the 
 enemy during the day, from the north side, and in this connection I 
 will mention the coolness and tact of Mr, Lewis F. Terrill, volunteer 
 aid to General Robertson, who extemporized lanyards and, with de- 
 tachments from the infantry as cannoneers, turned the captured guns 
 with marked effect tipon the enemy. Their general, G. W. 'Jta^lor, 
 
144 
 
 of New Jersey, was killed during the fire. Brigadier General Fitz- 
 hugh Lee, with the ninth, fourth and- third Virginia cavalry, was 
 detached and sent in rear of Fairfax Court House to damage the ene- 
 ray's communication as much as possible, and, if possible, cut off the 
 retreat of this party. Colonels Munford and Rosser brought up the 
 rear of General Ewell, and that night, v.'hen Manassas was destroyed 
 and evacuated, the cavalry brought up the rear, a portion remaining 
 in the place till davlight. Captain Pelham, arriving late, was inde- 
 fatigable in his efforts to get away the captured guns, which di^ty was 
 entrusted specially to him. A part of the command marching by 
 Centrcville, and a part directly to Stone Bridge, (over Bull Run,) de- 
 tachments of cavalry were so arranged as to guard both flanks. 
 
 The next morning, (28th,) the main body of Robertson's rendez- 
 voused r.ear Scdley Church. General Jackson's were massed between 
 the turnpike and Sudley ford, on Bull Ri>n, fronting towards Manas- 
 sas and Gainesville. Colonel Brien (first Virginia cavalry) had to 
 retire, being hard pressed by the enemy from the direction of War- 
 renton, and was on the turnpike covering Jackson's front towards 
 Gainesville, and Rosser towards Manassas, where tlie enemy had also 
 appeared in force, early. The remainder of Lee's brigade were still 
 detached on an expedition towards Alexandria. Early in the day a 
 despatch from the enemy had been intercepted, giving the order of 
 march from Warrenton towards Manassas, and directing cavalry to 
 report to General Bayard, at Ilaymarket. 1 proposed to General 
 Jackson to allow me to go up there and do what 1 could with the two 
 fragments of brigades 1 still had, I proceeded to that point, captur- 
 ing a d(3tachment of the enemy en route. Approaching the place by 
 a by-path, I saw indications of a large force there prepared for attack. 
 About this time, I could see the fight going|on at Thoroughfare Gap, 
 where Longstrect had his progress disputed by the enemy, and it was 
 to establish communication with him that I was anxious to make this 
 march. I sent a trusty man with the despatch to the right of Ilay- 
 market. I kept up a brisk skirmish with the enemy, without any result, 
 until in the afternoon, when. General Jackson having engaged the 
 enemy, I quietly withdrew and hastened to place my command on his 
 right flank. Not reaching General Jack-on's right till dark, the 
 fighting ceased, and the comtuand rendezvoused as before, but the 
 cavaii^, under Colonel Rosser, had played an important part in attack- 
 ing ti)c enemy's baggage train. Captain John Pelham's battery of 
 horse artillery acted a conspicuous part on the extreme right of the 
 battle-field, dashing forward to his position under heavy fire. 
 
 The next morning, (29th,) in pursuance of General Jackson's 
 wishes, I set out again to endeavor to establish communication with 
 Longstrect, from whom he had received a favorable report the night 
 before. Just after leaving the Sudley road, my party was fired on 
 from the wood bordering the road, which was in rear of Jackson's 
 lines, and which the enemy had penetrated with a small force, it was 
 afterwards ascertained, and captured some stragglers. They were 
 between General Jackson and his baggage at Sudley. I immediately 
 Bentftto Major Patrick, whose six companies of cavalry were near 
 
145 
 
 Sudlcy, to interpose is defence of the baggage, and use all the means 
 at hand for its protection, and order the baggage at once to start for 
 Aldie. General Jackson also being notified of this movement in his 
 rear, sent back infantry to close the woods. Captain Pelham, always 
 at the right place at the right time, unlimbered his battery and soon 
 dispersed that portion in the woods. Major Patrick was attacked later, 
 but he repulsed the enemy with considerable^loss, though not withonl 
 loss to us, for the gallant Major, himself setting the example to hia 
 men, was mortally wounded. He lived long enough to witness the 
 triumph of our arms, and expired thus in the arms of victory. The 
 sacrifice was noble, but the loss to us irreparable. I met with th3 
 head of General Longstreet's column between llaymarket and Gaines- 
 *ville, and there communicated to the commanding General, General! 
 Jackson's position and the enemy's. I then passed the cavalry 
 through the column so as to place it on Lougstreet'a right flank, and' 
 advanced directly towards Manassas, whilij the column kept directly 
 down the pike to join General Jackson's right. I selected a fine 
 position for a battery on the right, and one having been sept to me, I 
 fired a few shots at the enemy's supposed position, which induced; 
 him to shift his position. General Robertson, who, with his com- 
 mand, was sent to reconnoitre further down the road towards Manas- 
 sas, reported the enemy in his front. Upon repairing to that front, I; 
 found that Rosser's regiment was engaged with the enemy to the left 
 of the road, and Robertson's videttes had found the enemy approach- 
 ing from the direction of Bristoe Station towards Sudley. The pro- 
 longation of his line of march would have passed through my position, 
 which was a very fine one for artillery as well as observation, anfi 
 Struck Longstreet in flank. T waited his approach long enough to 
 ascertain that there was at least an army corps, at the same time 
 keeping detachments of cavalry dragging brush down the road fronf 
 the direction of Gainesville, so as to deceive the enemy, (a ruse which 
 Porter's report shows was successful,) and notified the commanding 
 General, then opposite me on the turnpike, that Longstreet's flank 
 and rear were seriously threatened, and of the importance to us of 
 the ridge I then held. Imnlediately upon the receipt of that intelli- 
 gence, Jenkins', Kemper's and and D. R. Jones' brigades, and seversd 
 pieces of artillery were ordered to me by General Longstreet, and, 
 being phiced in position fronting Bristoe, awaited the enemy's ad- 
 vance. After exchanging a few shots with rifle pieces, this corps 
 withdrew towards Manassas, leaving artillery and supports to hold the 
 position till night. Brigadier General Fitz Lee returned to the vicinity 
 of Sudley, after a very successful expedition, of which his officiaa 
 report has not been received, and was instructed to co-operate with 
 Jackson's left. Late in the afternoon the artillery on this command- 
 ing ridge was, to an important degree, auxilliary to the attack upoD 
 the enemy, and Jenkins' brigade repulsed the enemy in handsome 
 style, at one volley, as they advanced across the corn-field. Thus the 
 day ended, our lines having considerably advanced. Captain Pelham^s 
 battery was still with the left wing. [See his interesting report of it^ 
 action, on the 28th and 29th*, herewith.] Next morning, (30th,) h 
 10 4 
 
146 
 
 itccame evident that the enemy bad mateiially retired his left wing. 
 Wj cavalry reconnoitered to the front, gaining, at the next house, an 
 inj|.ortant point of obf«ervation. A large walnut tree being used as 
 an observatory, the enemy was discovered gradually massing his 
 troops in three lines ofposite Jackt-on, and his left wing seemed to 
 La\e entirely shifted. The commanding General was informed of 
 these changed. Captain 'ihrotkmorton, sixth Virginia cavalry, com- 
 manding sharpshooters, took position along a stone fence, and stoutly 
 defended cur observation against the attacks of the enemy's dismounted 
 cAvalry. 
 
 About three, P. M., the enemy having disclosed his movement on 
 Jaikson, our right wing advanced to the attack. 1 directed Robert- 
 «<>n's biigade and Rosser's regiment to push forward on the extreme 
 right, and, at the same time, all the batteries that I could get hold of 
 *ere advanced at a galUp, to take position to enfilade the enemy in 
 ficnt of our lines. Thib'vvas done with splendid eflect ; Colonel Ros- 
 ier, a fine artillerist, as well as bold cavalier, ha^ing the immediate 
 
 direction of the batteries. The enemy's lines were distinctly visible, 
 and every shot told upon them fearfully, Robertson's brigade was 
 late coming forward, and consequently our right flank wus at one 
 time Fomewhat threatened by the eneiuy'a cavalry; but the artillery of 
 Captain Rogers, with a few well-directed shots, relieved ua on that 
 ecore. AVhen our cavalry arrived on the field, no time was lost in 
 crowding the enemy, the artillery being kept always far in advance 
 of the infantry lines. The fight was of renaikably short duration. 
 The Lord of Hosts was plainly fighting on our side, and the solid 
 Wflls of Federal infantry melted away before the straggling, but nev- 
 ertheless di termined, ontets of our infantry columns. The head of 
 Robertson's cavalry was now on the ridge overlooking Bull Run, and 
 •Laving seen no enemy in that direction, I was returning to the posi- 
 tion of the artillery enfilading the Groveton road, when 1 received 
 intelligence from General Rolertson, at the point I had just left, that 
 the enemy was there in forte, and asking reinforcements. I isidered 
 the two reserve regiments, seventh and twelfth, rapidly forward, and 
 also a section of artillery; but before the latter could reach the point, 
 our ca\alry, by ret-olute biavery, had put the enemy, under Ruford, 
 to ignominious flight across Bull Run, and were in full pursuit, till 
 bur own artillery fiie at the fugitives rendered it dangerous to pro- 
 'ceed further. In this brilliant affair over three hundred of the en- 
 emy's cavalry were put /wrs de ccmbnt; they, together with horses and 
 equipments, falling into our hands. Colonel Broadhcad, first Michi- 
 gan, died fiom his wounds next day. lie was <ut down by Adju- 
 tant Haiman, twelfih Yiiginia cavalry. Msijor Atwood and a number 
 of captains and lieutei.ants were among the prii^oners. The further 
 details of this fight will be found in the accompanying reports of 
 Brigadier General Robertson and Colonel T. T. Munford. The latter, 
 08 veil as his 1 ieuteiiant Ct'lonel, J. W. Watts, Major Breckenridge, 
 aLd Lieutenants Kelso and Walton, were wounded in the action, con- 
 epicuously ditpl«ying great gallantry and heroism. Q'he second Vir- 
 ginia tavalry sufltitd most. Nothing could have equalled the splen- 
 
147 
 
 dor with which Robertson's regiments swept down upon a force greatly 
 outnumbering thera, thus saccessfuUy vindicating a claim for courage 
 and discipline equal to any cavalry in the world. Night soon ensued, 
 and, as the enemy's misses of infantry had not retreated across Bull 
 Run, 1 was auxioas to cut off their retreat. Upon the enemy's posi- 
 tion, after dark, however, infantry only could move, and I was anx- 
 ious for -Brigadier General Armistea<l to attack from a position he 
 took after dark, on the enemy's flank, and urged it. He, however, 
 doubted the policy of night attack, with his commrand, especially as 
 there was danger of collision with our own infantry, and I did not 
 feel authorised to order it, particularly as there was time to commu- 
 nicate with the commanding General, which was promptly done. The 
 attack was not male. 
 
 Before daylight, next morning, the cavalry was in the saddle and 
 after the enemy; but itiet with nothing but stragglers until we came 
 within range of the guns at Centreville, where his forces appeared to 
 be in position. Twenty or thirty ambulinces were captured and 
 sent back with orders to go to work removing our wounded from the 
 battle field. I have never heard of those ambulances, except thaS 
 they were seized as fresh captures by the Texas brigade. I think: 
 this not impiobahle, as a large number of prisoners I sent to the rear- 
 were fired upon by our infantry near the stone bridge. At this time,- 
 Colonel T L. Ro.sscr was sent, with one hundred men and a section 
 of artillery, back to recapture Manassas, in which he succeeded. His > 
 report of his operations those fcAV days will be found of interest. At 
 one time, on the 3iith, I noticed our front lines, near Chinn's house,., 
 giving way, and, looking back, I saw the reserve line stationary. I. 
 sent word to the General commanding (whose name I did not learn) 
 to move up, as he was' much neeled to support the attack. 
 That order was carried by Captain W. D Farley, volunteer aid, un- 
 der circumstances of great personal danger, in which his horse was 
 f<hot. Generals Jenkins and Kemper came under my observation as 
 exhibiting good conduct, bravery and coolness. Brigadier General ' 
 D. R. Jones was wirh me part of the time, on the extreme r»ght, dur- 
 ing the battle, in which several batteries of his divijiion took part, and 
 I think he left mo to bring his inlantry into action. My di- 
 vision surgeon, Talcott Eliason, besides being an adept in his 
 profession, exhiSitcd on this, as on former occasions, the attributes of 
 a cavalry commander. Firrtt Li -n tenant R Channing Price -.vas of 
 invaluable assi.^tance as aid-de-camp Major Von Borcke, A, A. G., , 
 and J. W. T. H. lliirston, 0. S, A and liieucenanc Chiswell Dab- 
 ney, A. D. C, rendered important service throughout the period em- 
 braced in this report. My divi.sion quartermaster, Maj )r Samuel 
 Hardin llairstan, in coming on to join me, was put in command of &. 
 detach. nerit of cavalry at Salem by . the commanding General, and' 
 sent on an important reconnoissance towards ^Varrenton, of which hi3> 
 report is appended. Captain W. W. Blackford, corps of engineers,. 
 - was quick and indefatigable in his efforts to detect the designs of the- 
 enemy,, and improve the positions within our reach. Priv^e String- 
 fellov? displayed gieat daring and enterprise as a scout, i append &< 
 
• 148 
 
 map of the country embraced in the foregoing operations, drawn by 
 Captain W. W. Blackford, corps of engineers. I have to mourn the 
 loss of Captain J. Hardeman Stuart, signal officer, the particulars of 
 whose death are given below. 
 
 I have the honor to be, most respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. B. STUART, 
 Major General commanding Cavalry. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 3 
 
 39 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 • CASUALTIES. 
 
 Number cf Men Killed and Wounded in the bat{le of Grovsf-yn Heights, 
 
 August 30, 1862: 
 
 Second Virginia cavalry. 
 
 Twelfth Virginia cavalry. 
 
 Captain Brown's Maryland cavalry. 
 
 Regiment unknown, 
 
 Capt. J. Hardeman Stuart, sig. officer, 
 
 6 48 
 
 Names of Officers Killed : 
 Captain J. Hardeman Stuart, signal corps, cavalry divi^tOQ. 
 
 List of Officers Severely Wounded : 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Watts, second Virginia cavalry. 
 Major Breckenridge, do do do 
 
 Lieutenant Kelso, do do do 
 
 Lieutenant Walton, do do do 
 
 List of the Killed^ Wounded and Missing of the Stuart Horse Artillery 
 in the engagements preceding the battle of Groveton Heights : 
 
 ■ Killed. Wounded. 
 
 28tli August, 1862, 4 
 
 29th August, 1862, 1 1 
 
 Total, 1 5 
 
 Seven horses killed. 
 
 The list of casualties in the division ia defective, in that n.o reports 
 have been received from the first, third, fourth and ninth regiments 
 Virginia cavalry, General Fitz. Lee's brigade. Captain J. Harde- 
 man Stuart, who was sent to capture the enemy's signal party, was 
 deterred by the number of the guard; but the man who had his horse 
 
149 
 
 left without him, and he marched afoot with Longstreet's column to 
 Groveton, in which memoVable battle he shouldered a musket and 
 fought as a private. He was killed at the storming of Groveton 
 Heights, among the foremost. No young man was so universally be- 
 loved, or will be more universally mourned. He was, moreover, a 
 voung man of fine attainments and bright promise. 
 
 J. E. B. STUART, 
 Major General commanding. 
 
REPLY OF MAJOR GENERAL STUART TO MAJOR GEN- 
 EBAL TRIMBLE'S STATEMENT OF THE CAPTURE OF 
 
 MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Cavalky Divisison, A. N. Va., ) 
 
 April 25, 1863. 5 
 
 General R. H. Chilton, A. A. G. : 
 
 , General: My attention has been recently called to Brigadier Gen- 
 eral J. R. Trimble's report of the capture of Manassas on the night 
 of the 2nth and 2Tth of August, 1863. 
 
 As affecting my own official report of the matter, it is proper; I 
 phould state the following as addindvm to my report and request that 
 it be so filed, together with the corroborating statements of Surgeon 
 Eliaeon, with me at the time, and Colonel "Uickham, "who show 
 wherein GenerE?) Trimble is in error in his report. 
 
 Human memory is frail, I know, and while, in what I have said or 
 may eay on this subject, my recollection is as vivid as upon any other 
 contemporaneous cvent^ about which tnere is no difference, I lay no 
 claim to infallibility, and I am very far from imputing to the veteran 
 General Tiimble any improper intention or motive in what he has 
 said. Wishing to be brief, I hope the accompanying papers, (A and 
 B,) referred to above, and also General Trimble's papers of the 6th 
 of January and KUh of April, and my own official report may be at- 
 tentively read; what follows will theii be better understood. 
 
 The idea which, strange to say, never entered General Trimble's 
 head, never for one moment left mine — that he was under my com- 
 mand on that occasion. It is hard to account for, and yet I remember 
 that he sent me no message upon the capture of Manassas, but sent it 
 direct to General Jackson ; and besides, he failed to submit to me his 
 official report, which he should have done. I attributed these omis- 
 Bions to a certain jealousy of authority which officers older in years 
 are apt to feel towards a young superior in rank, and never suspected 
 that the question of my being in command was involved in any kind 
 of doubt in his mind. I received instructions from General Jackson, 
 and was told by him that Trimble's brigade would be sent to me. I 
 pushed on with the cavalry to surprise, the place ; but the train which 
 ran the gauntlet at Bristoe, put the garrisou on the alert. I awaited 
 Trimble's arrival to make the attack, as well as to give Wickham 
 more time, with his regiment, to seize the avenues in rear of Ma- 
 nasfcas, which he did, in a very creditable, manner, as shown 
 in his report. Now, as to the interview when General Trim- 
 ble came up: He says: "It was arranged between General* 
 Stuart and myself that I should form line," &c. How arranged ? I 
 was a major general, he a brigadier; I assigned especially to this 
 duty, and notified that General Trimble would report'to me, It la 
 true that I am not in the habit of giving orders, particularly to my 
 seniors in years, in a dictatorial and authoritative manner, and my 
 
151 
 
 manner, very likely, on this occasion was more guggestive than im- 
 perious. Indeed, 1 miy have beoa conteat to satisfy myself that the 
 d-ispositiou which he himself propose^i accorded with my own ideas, 
 without any blustering show of "orders" to do this or do that. My 
 recollection is clear that I indicated that the centre should rest on 
 the railroad. Thtj cavalry under Wickhara had already heen sent long 
 . before Trimble's arrival to seize the avenues of escape and await 
 events. Wickham, Eliason and mycelf have corresponding impres- 
 sions, loithoat conference, as to the events of the night, Wicktiam says 
 he carried out his instructions to the letter, and reported to General 
 Trimble as soon as the place was taken. lie says the first fire oc- 
 curred about twelve, and that it was about two, A. INI., before any 
 further firing was heard, and then the place was taken. General 
 Trimble says the place vf^ taken at half past twelve, A. M. Eliason 
 thinks it was even later than two. So do I. All accounts agree, 
 Gen. Trimble's, too, thjitthe place was taken without difficulty. Oen. 
 Trimble remarks that he admits that it was taken without difficulty, so 
 far as my execution contributed to its capture. I certainly could not 
 have participated more than I did without officiously interposing to 
 assist Brigadier General Trimble to command two regiments of his 
 brigad«\ in an enterprise attended with so little difficulty. I com- 
 maniled in the capture of JNIanassas quite as much as either General 
 Jackson or General Lee would have done had either been present. 
 That Colonel Klourpoy did not enter the place till two or two and 
 a half hours after its capture; he may have been ordered .elsewhere 
 previously. In fact, other rciriraents did not get in till late the next 
 day. Does ,that signify that Wickham, with his regiment, was not in 
 the right place and performed the important part assigneil him-, as 
 stated so circumstantially by him. General Tiimble says I did not 
 reach the place till seven or eight o'clock. I was in plain view alj 
 the time, and rode through, around, and all about the place soon after 
 its capture. [See Dr. Eliason's statement.] General T. is mistaken. 
 I can account for it, however, by the fact that I did not find him til! 
 probably that hour, for I looked and inquired for him, but could not 
 find him. I took direction of alFairs. I gave orders I know they were 
 obeyed, by infantry as well as by cavalry, I ordered details to man 
 the enemy's guns; put Major Terrell, of General Robertson's stafT, 
 in charge of the guns ; ho ext^porised lanyards ; fired upon the 
 enemy in accordance with my orders, I led a regiment or battalion 
 myself, during the morning, top.n exposed redoubt on the right, which 
 the enemy was threatening to seize so as to fiink and enfilide the 
 place. 1 did innumerable acts, which,* if not in command, 1 never 
 would have drcame'l of doing, and as long as my authority was un> 
 questioned, I deemed it entirely unnecessary to notify General Trim- 
 ble and others, whom I supposed already cognizant of the fact, that I 
 was in command, and even if General Jackson had not specially en- 
 trusted me with this command, as a major general on <Ae spot, I was en- 
 titled to it, and would have assumed it as a matter of course, in ac> 
 cordance with the Articles of War, and never till a few days ago JiJ 
 I conceive that any one claimed to bo in command but myself. 
 
152 
 
 Geneial Trimble lays stress on my idea of the distance of the 
 enemy's works from where he overtook me. A dark night, what is 
 more natural than to mistake tlie degree of proximity of lights in tUe 
 distance. They were the lights of Manassas. According to Dr. 
 Eliason, the aitillery h;id r.euched us before General Trimble's arrival, 
 and the report, as well as other noises, gave strength to the convic- 
 tion that we were very near the place. We had captured a picket 
 much further out, and I desired to convey the idea that we were very 
 Lear the main body — whether it was posted as grand guard, reserved 
 or entrenched garrison, is not so materi-al in that statement. 
 
 Id the face of General Trimble's positive denial of sending me such 
 a message referred to, " that he would prefer waiting till daylight or 
 any thing like it,'''' while ray recollection is clear that I did receive such 
 a message, and received it as coming from General Trimble, yet as he 
 t^-as positive to not having sent it, or any thing like it, I feel bound to 
 believe that either the message was misrepresented or made up by the 
 messenger, or ihat it was a message received from General Robertson, 
 whose sharpshooters had been previously deployed. When matters 
 follow each other so closely it is difficult, in a report written some 
 cime after, to fix the order of time ; but General Trimble does the cav- 
 alry injustice in his report. There seems to be a growing tendency 
 ;o abuse and underrate the services of that arm of service by a few 
 officers of infantry, among whom I regret to find General Trimble. 
 Troops should be taught to take pride in other branches of service 
 than their own. Officers, particularly general officers, should be the 
 last, by word or example, to inculcate in the troops of their command 
 a spirt of jealousy an<i unjust detraction towards other arms of service, 
 where all are mutually dependent and mutually interested, Avith lunc- 
 ;:ons differing in character but not in importance. ■ So far as my own 
 xnd the conduct of my cavalry are concerned, I am content to rest 
 rheir vindication and their defence with the generals under whom it 
 has been my honor and pleasure to serve since the first gun of the 
 ■*ar. 
 
 Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. E. B. STUART, 
 
 Major General. 
 
 STATEMENT OF SURGEON ELIASON. 
 
 Ca'mp Pelham, April 17, 1863. 
 
 General: In compliance with your request, I give you an account 
 ot the events of the night of August 26, 1862, as I remember them. 
 After General Jackson had taken complete possession of Bristoe Sta- 
 tion, you started for Manassas. Moving slowly at the head of the 
 column in order that the infantry might have time to come up. When 
 the advanced guard got within a mile and a half of Manassas, they 
 captured a sentinel standing on the railroad track, and, directly after, 
 
153 
 
 encountered the picket of infantry and cavalry to which he belonged. 
 After a few shots they were driven in, and pursued until a shell, fired 
 by the enemy, struck just to our right. We then halted and waited to 
 ascertain the positio_n of our infantry. Just about day, we heard a 
 few shots, and, the command being mounted in haste, we rode into 
 Manassas, almost simultaneously with the infantry, who had not full 
 possession of the place, as the enemy were in full view of its eastern 
 side. This was just after full daylight. 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 T. ELIASON. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL TRIMBLE OB' THE CAP 
 TURE OF "MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Trimble's Division, ) 
 April 10, 1863. 5 
 
 Colonel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Colonel: I have received your communication, dated yesterday. 
 calling my attention to a seeming discrepancy between your (my) 
 report of the capture of Manassas Junction, on the night.of the 26th 
 August last, and that of Major General Stuart, together with an ex- 
 tract from his report. It is not difficult to account for partial or 
 serious discrepancy in repDrts of two officers, when one was present 
 on the spot, with all the circumstances passing under his immediate 
 notice, and the other was at the time a mile or two distant, and in the 
 night. I have carefully read over my original report, dated Char- 
 loUesville, January 6th, 1833, [the clerk, in copying it, must have 
 made an error in writing 1862, which please correct,] and have to- 
 day had a conference, through my staff, with numerous officers who 
 took part in the transaction, and have not a woi;d..to alter, that report 
 stating correctly the. main facts, but not all the circumstances, which 
 I shall now briefly relate: '">., 
 
 I was not aware, on marching on Manassas Jifcction, that General 
 Stuart had gone in ahead, as the staff officers did not notify me of 
 that fact, nor that I was to act under General Stuart. Hence, when 
 1 heard the discharge of musketry in our front, as stated in my re- 
 port, I was quite ignorant of the cause, and, but for the prudence of 
 my aid-de camp. Lieutenant McKira, might have fired into our own 
 cavalry. We were then marching by the flank. It was arranged be- 
 tween General Stuart and myself that I should form line of battle 
 and advance, and as soon as this was done, to inform him of the fact, 
 He informed me that we were but a short half mile from Manassas. 
 I estimated the distance afterwards at cne and a half to two miles, 
 being disappointed, as we advanced, by his estimate. The distance 
 can easily be known to any one by ftie fact that when I met General 
 Stuart, he was opposite the centre of woods on the north of the Al- 
 exindria and Orange railroad, where the extensive hospitals had been 
 erected. Therefore, the pickets which he refers to were not the en- 
 emy's interior, but their exterior pickets. The encounter with these 
 pickets was by musketry alone, and by a single discharge of artillery, 
 as our troops were not over four hundred yards from the spot, and 
 could easily distinguish the irregularity of the fire as that of the' 
 fikiimishers, to which General Stuart does not allude in his report, 
 rl received no orders from General Stuart as to the disposition of my 
 force in its advance, and it was not until we received the fire of the 
 enemy's batteries a half mile distant from Manassas, that I disposed 
 the regiments each on either sido of the railroad. General Stuart is 
 
155 
 
 entirely mistaken in tis statement that I soon sent him word it was? 
 so dark I preferred waiting till morning. I sent no such message, 
 nor anything like it, and General Jackson can himself judge of the 
 likelihood of my doing so by recalling to his mind the fact that 1 
 wrote him a note previous to our reaching Bristoe, suggesting n. night 
 attack with one brigade (not mine) as the only means of securing the 
 immense stores -VThich I had heard were there, and saving them 
 from conflagration. The only message I sent to General Stuart was 
 by my aid de-camp, Lieutenant McKim, tha't I was ready to advance, 
 should do so at once, and that he could assist with his cavalry in 
 any way he judged proper. 
 
 I saw no cavalry that night U7ii;l tioo or two and a half hours after 
 the capture had taken place, when a regiment arrived unmolested 
 from the north side of the railroad, commanded by Colonel Flournoy, 
 I think. The time of their arrival I can fix, with tolerable precision, 
 as my note to General Jackson was written at three A. M., [which 
 please correct] and I sought Colonel Flournoy, who had come in » 
 short time before to obtain a courier to bear the note. 
 
 As to the statement of General Stuart that "the place was taken 
 without difficulty," I am embarrassed by a difficulty in applying the 
 compliment to myself or to him ; but will generously give him the 
 benefit of the doubt and admit that it was taken without difficulty so 
 far as his executions contributed to its capture. 
 
 The statements of officers hereto appended, are sent, not to rectify 
 anything I h;ive stated in ray report, but only to throw light on the 
 position und opei^tiotre of the cavalry. It is worth notice that Cap- 
 tain Shepperd states he met the cavalry, on his return for ambulances, 
 almost one mile and a half in the rear of Manassas Station, (the rail- 
 road junction is three-fourths of a mile from Manassas Station,) com- 
 monl\ called the Junction, probably on the exact spot where we left 
 them, and that they asked him if we had captured Manassas. 
 
 I beg that you will report that the capture took place about half- 
 past twelve, A. M.,the night of the 26th and 27th August, and I 
 further request that the foregoing explanations maybe appended to 
 my report and accompany it as official. 
 
 Having had access to my notes, I subjoin a list of part of the 
 stores taken by the capture : 
 
 Schedule of paut of Public Property captured at Manassas 
 
 Junction. 
 
 Fifty thousand pounds bacon. 
 One thousand barrels corned beef. 
 Two thousand barrels salt pork. 
 Two thousand barrels flour. 
 
 Two trains loaded with piomiscuous stores, clothing, etc. 
 Large stores of oats, and corn, and whisky. 
 'Eight brass pieces light artillery, caissons and ammunition. 
 Seventy-two artillery horses and harness. 
 One hundred and seventy- five horses, (draft.) 
 
156 
 
 Forty-two wagons and ambulances. 
 
 Four sutlers' stores and contents. 
 
 Two hundred to three hundred new tents. 
 
 I have the honor to be reppectfuUv, vour obedient serv't, 
 
 J. R. TRIMBLE, 
 
 Major General. 
 
 Headquarters Trimble's Division, ) 
 April 11, 1863. J 
 
 Major General J. R. Trimble : 
 
 General : In compliance with your request, I make the following * 
 jta'ement : 
 
 On the night of the 26th August, 1862, as your command was 
 moving by the flank upon Manassas, it "was halted, when about a mile 
 and a half from ihe Junction, in consequence of the report of a few 
 musket shots in front, occasioned, as was soon ascertained, by the 
 fire of the enemy's pickets upon our cavalry, under the command of 
 Major General Stuart. After a short interview with General Stuart, 
 your command was formed in line of battle, and I was sent to notify 
 General Stuart of your readiness to advance, I found him asleep 
 under a tree; he was awakened by one of his staff, and I delivered 
 your message. The firing which occasioned our halt was from the 
 enemy's pickets alone. No gun was fired by the enemy until we 
 were within half a mile of Manassas. 1 saw nothing m<fre of the 
 cavalry after delivering to General Stuart your message, and it has 
 always been my impression that they did not participate in the attack 
 upon Manassas. 
 
 I remain, sir, very respectfully, yours, 
 
 W. DUNCAN McKIM. 
 
 Camp Twenty-First North Carolina, > 
 
 April 10, 1863. } • 
 
 Major General Trimble : 
 
 In answer to yoxxt note requesting us to state what we knew of the 
 capture of Manassas Junction by our forces last summer, and the 
 part our regiment enacted in that affair, we respectfully send the fol- 
 lowing statement : 
 
 Our regiment and the twenty-first Georgia, started from Bristoe 
 Station about nine, P. M., and marched toward the Junction, passing 
 by the cavalry about one mile from that place. Our regiment was 
 drawn up in line on the right of the railroad and the Georgia regi- 
 ment on the left. When we reached the first redoubt, which had been 
 thrown up by our forces whilst the place was in our possession last 
 year, I86l-"6i, we were fired upon by musketry and artillery with 
 canister. The order was immediately given to charge the place, 
 
157 
 
 which We did, receiving several volleys of canister before we reached 
 it. The enemy left their guns, which we took, and the regiment was 
 employed for several hours after in gathering up prisoners and 
 searching through the various buildings of the place. This was about 
 half-past one o'clock, A. M. The cavalry did not enter the place 
 until some two hours after, by which time we had secured a large 
 number of prisoners, besides many negroes. Our regiment was kept 
 in the place all night. Several- companies were detailed to guard the 
 prisoners and perform picket duty. The cavalry had nothing to do 
 at all with the capture of the place, and, if General Stuart's cavalry 
 were under fire, they must have taken the grape which passed over 
 us as intended for themselves. 
 
 W. S. RANKIN, 
 Major Ticcnty-Jirst North Carolina Regiment. 
 BYkD SNOW, 
 
 t Captain Company C. 
 JOHN W. MILLER, 
 First Lieutenant Company D, 
 
 W. K. MARTIN, 
 First Lieutenant Company H. 
 
 A. ALtPAUGH, 
 Third Lieutenant Company D. 
 
 J. P. OAKES, 
 Second Liruienant Company A. 
 
 TWIST SNOW, 
 Second Lieutenant Company C. 
 
 L. C. JAMES, 
 First Lieutenant Compiny L. 
 
 J. A. COBBS, 
 Third Lieutenant Company K. 
 A. M. JOHNSON, 
 Second Brevet Lieutenant Company H. 
 W. L. TFOHL, 
 
 Captain Company Lj. 
 J. MILLER, • 
 
 First Lieutenant Company A. 
 
 M. C. MOORE, 
 First Lieutenant Company I. 
 D. J. COCKESHAW, 
 Second Lieutenant Company H. 
 
 C. T. CLAYTON, 
 Second Lieutenant Compiny L. 
 J. L. PRATT, 
 First Lieutenant Company K. 
 
 CALVIN CREWS. 
 Third Lieutenant Company K. 
 
 J. S. DISK, 
 First Lieutenant Company L. 
 S. F. STQART, 
 Second Lieutenant Company M, 
 
153 
 
 Camp of Twenty-first Georgia Regiment, ) 
 April 10, 1863. } 
 
 The undersigned, officers of the twenty-first Georgia regiment, 
 were present and participated in the capture of Manassas Junction 
 on the night of the 26th August last. After a fatiguing march, ar- 
 rived at Bristoe Station about night, and then reconunenced the 
 inarch to Manassas Junction with the twenty-fir^t North Carolina 
 regimeiit, commanded by Brigadier General Trimble. We attacked 
 and captured Manassas Junction about twelve o'clock, this regiment 
 charging and capturing a battery of artillery, four pieces, and about 
 aeventy prisoners, including a lieutenant colonel and several com- 
 missioned officers. We were firecl into with shell, canister and mus- 
 ketry, which we returned, and then chiirged. We placed pickets out 
 and guarded the approaches of the Junction on the left side, which 
 were maintained until after day. About sunrise. Stuart's cavalry 
 arrived in the town. We had not previously seen them, nor any 
 other troops, except those of our brigade. 
 
 THOMAS G. GLOVER,. 
 Major ccmmandhg Tweniy-jirst Georgia on Av^vst 2Qth. 
 
 WESLEY KE^'NAN, 
 
 Captain ('ovipa?ty G. 
 A. C. WATKI]NS: 
 
 Captoiii Ccmpany A. 
 W\ J. WARREN, 
 First Li/utenant cowmandmg ConipG7)y I. 
 
 K. R. FOSTER, 
 First Lieutenant commanding Company H. 
 
 J. W. PATRICK, 
 Second Lievtenant commiinding Company K. 
 J. H. TUCKER, 
 First lAcutennti romn>andws: Com pan ij B. 
 E. M. IlEJSbERSuN. 
 • ' Company F, 
 
 General Trimble: As a question hap been raised :;s to whom is 
 due the honor of capturing Manassas. J do, with pb asurc, Uineial, 
 state that I was present with your brigj.de, in whicli n.y Kguimt, 
 the twenty first North Carolina, was. on the nigh't of ihc capiuie of 
 Manassas Junction, which took place, 1 think, on the 26th ol August 
 last. About ten or eleven o'clock, P. M.. 1 .went, wiih my rt^iait-nt, 
 bejond the railroad junction proper, till they reached the first itdoubt 
 on the railroad, which our forces had thrown up in I8GI, and there 
 remained. The regiments marched on, on either side of the railroad, 
 and had not proceeded more than a few hundred yards, when the ene- 
 my opened fire upon the brigade. Shortly after this, 1 started back 
 
159 
 
 io Bristoe Station to bring forward the ambulancea, which' had been 
 left behind. I had gone back fully half a mile this side, west of the 
 junction proper, and at least a mile and a quarter in rear of where I 
 .left your brigade, when I was halted by a cavalry picket, which was 
 composed of members of the sixth Virginia cavalry. In conversa- 
 tion with them, they asked me whether the Junction liad been cap- 
 cured, etc., and told me their regiment was stationed near there, 
 which I approached and saw. This was the nearest point to the 
 Junction at which I saw any gavalry. 
 
 Yours, very respectfully, 
 
 ' H. SHEPPERD, 
 Captain and A, A. G., Twenty first North Carolina Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF xMAJOR GENERAL McLAWS OF OPERATIONS 
 BELOW RICHMOND, SUBSEQUENT TO BATTLES OF 
 RICHMOND. 
 
 Headquarters Division, ) 
 August 9, 18G2. \ 
 
 Colonel R. H. Chilton, 
 
 Adjutant General to General Lee : 
 
 Sir : In compliance with orders from tiepartment headquarters, re- 
 ceived after six, A. M., on 6th instant, to march, with my command, 
 to the junction of the Charles City and Long Bridge roads, I moved 
 with the brigades of Colonel Barksdale and General Semmes, and 
 two regiments of the South Carolina brigades, (all with me.) Not 
 long after reaching the Charles City road the head of my column was 
 halted, by coming up with that of General Ripley, moving in the same 
 direction. I had not been informed of General Ripley's orders, nor, 
 indeed, that he would move in that direction. The day was excessively 
 ■warm, and the troops were marched slowly. Finding that General 
 Ripley's column had halted about nine miles from here, a very con- 
 siderable time, I rode forward and found General Ripley at Fisher's. 
 He informed that he was constructing V-xo rifle pits to strengthen his 
 posifion. Shortly after my arrival, one of General Ripley's brigades 
 was ordered forward to the junction, and the cavalry advanced. It 
 was the general impression that the enemy had a very considerable 
 force of cavalry on the left, and a large body of infantry in front. It 
 was not until late in the day, that I discovered there was a regiment 
 of two or three hundred or more of our own cavalry about the junc- 
 tion and Fisher's. The junction was occupied without opposition, 
 nothing of the enemy being seen beyond their mounted pickets, which 
 retired as our own advanced. The whole of Ripley's command was 
 advanced, forming line of battle across the road at the junction, and 
 having brigades supporting each other, at Fisher's house, where my 
 whole division was in reserve. As night came on the troops bivouacked 
 in the woods in advance of the junction, and in position elsewhere to 
 meet any emergency. On the 7th instant, there was some delay 
 owing to a portion of Ripley's troops not being suppRed with rations. 
 The advance was, however, commenced by ia brigade being thrown 
 forward and occupying the vicinity of the creek, between the parson- 
 age and Willis' church — videttes and skirmishers occupying the par- 
 sonage and overlooking the battle-ground of July 1st. The other 
 brigade of Ripley's and the whole command was ordered to marcli in 
 easy supporting distance. A brigade also occupied Gatewood's to 
 guard against any movement from the left. I then wrote to General 
 Longstreet, and informing him of my movements, suggested that 
 General Jones' command or a brigade be advanced from that side, 
 taking its artillery. I did this because the road at the crossing of the 
 creek, beyond Willis' church, had been blockaded by the enemy, 
 
161 
 
 making it impassable for artillery. Shortly afterwards, it was reported 
 that the enemy had abandoned Malvern Hill, and our cavalry occupied 
 it. General Longstreet coraping up, I rode forward with him to the 
 *• heights," and the brigades of Generals Rodes, Toombs and Jonea 
 coming forward, occupied them, at Dew's house and to the right and 
 left. During the 6th and 7th, between thirty and forty stragglers 
 were brought in from the enemy. All that were questioned spoke of 
 a very large force of infantry occupying Malvern heights and the ad- 
 jacent country, and of from three to six regiments of cavalry. Mora 
 confidence was given to the reports of prisoners than otherwise would 
 have been done, because it was believed they had purposely thrown 
 themselves in the way of our pickets, wishing to be captured. Many- 
 stated that General Heintzolman was in command on Malvern Hill, 
 etc., etc I saw nothing to indicate an intention of the enemy to oc- 
 cupy Malvern Hill permanently, or if such was their purpose, they 
 had neglected the usual precaution of fortifications. I returned to my 
 old camp on yesterday, I saw several men on the way prostrated 
 with s^in-stroke, and have understood that some of the cases proved 
 fatal. The march would have been made during the night previous, 
 but my commissary had estimated for subsistence stores, and they 
 had been sent down to Fisher's and unloaded in the field during his 
 absence, the wagons in which they came returning to town. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 L. McLAWS, 
 Major General. 
 
 11 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL McLAWS OF OPERATIONS 
 _ ABOUT HARPER'S FERRY. 
 
 Headquarters Division, October 18, 1862. 
 
 Colonel R. H. Chilton, 
 
 AdjutaiU General: 
 
 Sir: On the lOth ultiroo, in compliance with special order, No. 
 191, of Septtmber 9th, lfeC2, frcm jc«r headquarters, I proceeded 
 with my own and General Anderson's division, via Buckettsville, to 
 Pleasant Valley to take possession of Maryland Heights and endeavor 
 to capture the enemy at Harper's Ferry and vicinity. I reached the 
 ralley on the 1 1th. 
 
 Pleasant Valley runs north and south, and is bounded on the east by 
 tI e Blue Ridge, on the \vest by Elk Ridge, the southern portion of 
 viiich ridge being more specially designated as Maryland Heights.' 
 The distance across, in an air line, between the summits of the two 
 ridges, being about two and a half or three miles. The valley itself 
 ie lolling and irregular, having one main road along or near the foot 
 of the Blue Ridge, and there is another along the base of Elk Ridge; 
 but it is very much out of repair, and not much used. 
 
 The Potomac river runs along the south ends of both ridges, Har- 
 per's Ferry town being on the opposite side of the river, but entirely 
 commanded by Maryland Heights, frtm which a plunging fire, from 
 musketry even, can be made into the place. The Baltimore and 
 Ohio railroad, the turnpike to Frederick, Maryland, through Middle- 
 town, and the canal to Washington city, pass along the south end of 
 the Blue Ridge, there being just enough space for them between 
 the mountains and the river. They also pass under the south 
 €nd of Maryland Heights, v^here a crowded space has been 
 made by blasting the rocks for a very considerable distance. The 
 railroad bridge crosses the river just under the precipice of I\larjland 
 Heights, and about fifty yards above it the Yankees had a pontoon 
 bridge for wagons, etc. The railroad bridge was defended by cannon 
 placed on the further end; the narrow causeway along the river un- 
 der Elk Ridge, by cannon placed under the precipice and on the 
 road. The river there is near four hundred yards wide. On the west 
 elope of Elk Ridge, the enemy had their heavy guns placed so as to 
 command the approaches along the road and the town on the opposite 
 side, and I^believe the road coming from the west; and they also swept 
 Boliver Heights, which defended the approaches to the town from the 
 side between the Shenandoah and the Potomac west and south. 
 
 So long as Maryland Heights was occupied by the enemy. Harper's 
 Ferry could never be occupied by us. If we gained possession of the 
 beights, the town was»no longer tenable to them. 
 
 Pleasant Valley was approached from the east, first by the railroad, 
 turnpike and canal, at the south end of Blue Ridge. Second, By a 
 road over the ridge, passing Buckettsville, a small town, about a 
 mile or less from the foot of the Blue Ridge over Brownsville Gap, 
 
163 
 
 and by another through a gap to the north of the last named road, 
 known as Crampton's Gap. The two last were about one mile apart. 
 The second road was distant from the one along the south end of the 
 ridge four miles. Thus Crampton's Gap was five miles from the first 
 road along the Potomac, 
 
 Passing from the valley, going west, were two roads, one along the 
 south end of Maryland Heights, already mentioned, and another 
 through Solomon's Gap, a slight depression in Elk Ridge, about five 
 miles north of the first At the south end of Blue Ridge, and just 
 at the commencement of the pass, coming from the east, is the small 
 town of Wevcrton. About half-way between that place and Harper's 
 Ferry, along the turnpike, is another small place called S;indy Hook. 
 The road from Sandy Hook ran about the middle of the valley, and 
 joined the main road along the foot of the Blue Ridge, two miles from 
 the Potomac. Understanding that there was a road running from the 
 top of Solomon's Gap along the ridge, to the heights commanding 
 Harper's Ferry, I directed General Kershaw, with his brigide and 
 that of General Barksdale, to proceed along that road and carry the 
 heights, using infantry alone, as the character of the country forbade 
 the use of any other arm. On the 12th, he proceeded to carry out 
 the order. 1 then directed a brigade of General Anderson's divis- 
 ion — Gcmeral Wright's — to ascend the Blue Ridge with tvo pieces of 
 artillery, and, proceeding down to the point overlooking Weverton, to 
 command the approach to the pass there, along the turnpike, railroad 
 and canal. General Semmes was left opposite the gap ; the troopg 
 had passed over into the valley (the one next south of Crampton's 
 <Tap) with his own and General Mahone's brigade, commanded by 
 Colonel Parham, with orders to send a brigade to the top of Solomon's 
 Gap, to protect the rear of General Kershaw, and also to take pre- 
 cautions to guard the pass over the Blue Ridge. General Cobb's 
 brigade was directed to cross the valley, and, marching along its base, 
 to keep in communication with General Kershaw above and up to his 
 advance, so as to give support if possible, if it was needcil, and to 
 serve as a rallying force should any disaster render such necessary. 
 
 I then moved down the valley towards the river, with the rest of 
 the command, the inhabitants generally impressing it upon me that 
 Maryland Heights was lined with cannon for a mile and a half. The 
 main force was kept with the advance of General Kershaw, of which ; 
 I was constantly informed by signal parties, stationed on the heights, 
 moving with General K-rshaw, General Kershaw soon encountered 
 the skirmishers of the enemy, and drove them before him until dark- 
 ness put an end to the conflict. General Wright gained his position 
 without opposition, and at sundown General Anderson pushed forward 
 a brigade, (General Pryor's,) as I directed and, took possession of 
 Weverton, and disposed the troops to efi"ectually defend the pass. 
 
 The brigades of Generals Armistead and Cobb were moved up, 
 forming a line across the valley from the right, commanding the road 
 from Sandy Hook. 
 
 On the 13th, Gen. Kershaw, after a very sharp and spirited engage- 
 ment, through the dense woods, and over a very broken surface, (there 
 
164 
 
 being no road from the point where he had ceased operations the night 
 previous,) and across two abattis. (the last quite a formidable work, the 
 east and west side being precipices of thirty or forty feet, and across 
 the ridge vr^re breastworks of heavy logs and large rock.) succeeded 
 in carrying the main ridge, where the enemy had a telegraph station, 
 and by four and a half, I*. M., we had possession of the entire heights, 
 the enemy going down a road which they had constructed on the side 
 opposite the feny, invisible to our troops from the valley, and were 
 fired on by our skirmishers as they crossed the pontoon bridge to 
 Harper's Ferry town. The report concerning cannon along the 
 heights, proved to be false, as the enemy used but one battery on the 
 heights, and that was placed on the road towards Harper's Ferry, 
 and was withdrawn so soon as the main ridge was carried. The bat- 
 tery of heavy guns placed on the west slope of the mountains, which, 
 during the Hay fired frc(|uently on the storming party and dropped 
 ehells into Pleasant Valky, was spiked and abandoned at the same 
 time. 
 
 The troops in the valley were then advanced, and General Cobb's 
 brigade occupied Sandy Hook, with but little resistance, the enemy 
 having abandoned the place, with their main force of fifteen hundred 
 men, on the night previous, leaving several hundred new muskets and 
 other ptrjres. The road then from Harper's Ferry, which prevented 
 egress from the place coming east, was now completely commanded. 
 
 Up to this time, I had received no notice of the advance of either 
 General Jackson or General Walker, except that a courier from Gen- 
 eral Jackson brought a despatch from him to the effect that he hoped 
 his leading division would be near Harper's Ferry about two o'clock 
 on this day, and some firing in that direction led to the belief that 
 he was advancing. 
 
 During the day, heavy cannonading was heard to the east and 
 north east, and the cavalry scouts were constantly reporting the ad- 
 vance of the enemy from various directions ; but the truth of these, 
 reports was questionable, as the look-out from the mountains saw 
 nothing to confirm them. 
 
 The morning of the 14th was employed in cutting a road to the 
 top of Maryland Heights, practicable for artillery. Major McLaws, 
 of my staff, had examined the ground, and, reporting a road practi- 
 cable, was directed to make one, and by two o'clock, P. M., Captain 
 Read and Captain Carleton, under the direction of Major Hamilton, 
 chief of artillery, had two pieces from each of their batteries in po- 
 sition, overlooking Bolivar Heights and the town. Fire was opened 
 at once, driving the enemy from their works on the right of Bolivar 
 Heights, and throwing shells into the town. 
 
 In the meanwhile, General Walker, who had informed me of his 
 arrival, after dark, on the 13th instant, had opened fire from Loudon 
 Heights, and General Jackson's batteries were playing from several 
 points. 
 
 Hearing of an advance of the enemy towards the gap, over which 
 the command had passed into Pleasant Valley, I had, about twelve 
 o'clock, ordered General Cobb to return with his brigade to the 
 
165 
 
 camp, near the point where the road came into the valley, and di- 
 rected General Semmes to withdraw the brigade from Solomon's Gap, 
 leaving a mere guard, and to tell General Cobb, on his arrival in the 
 vicinity, to take command of Crarapton's Gap. The gap was over 
 five miles from the positions of my main force. I was on Maryland 
 Heights directing and observing the fire of our guns, when I heard 
 cannonading in the direction of Orampton's Gap; but I felt no partic- 
 ular concern about it, as there were three 'brigades of infantry in the 
 vicinity, besides the cavalry of Colonel Munford; and General Stuart, 
 who was with me on the heights, and had just come in from above, 
 told me he did not believe there was more than a brigade of the en- 
 emy. I however sent my adjutant general to General Cobb, as also 
 Major Goggin, of my stafi", with directions to hold the gap if he lost 
 his last man in doing it, and shortly afterwards went down the moun- 
 tain and started towards the gap. On my way, with General Stuart, 
 I met my adjutant general returning, who informed me that the en- 
 emy had forced the gap, and that reinforcements were needed by 
 General Cobb. I at once ordered up WUco.k's brigade, commanded 
 by Colonel Alfred Cumming, of the tenth Georgia regiment, who had 
 been detached from General Semmes' brigade ^r that purpose, and 
 rod« towards the gap. Fortunately, night came -on, and allowed a 
 new arrangement of the troops to be made to meet the changed aspect 
 of affairs. 
 
 The brigades of Generals Kershaw and Barksdale, excepting one 
 regiment of the latter and two pieces of artillery, were withdrawn 
 from the heights, leaving the regiment and two riile pieces on the 
 main heights overlooking the town, and formed line of battle across 
 the valley, about one and a half miles below Crampton's Gap, with 
 the remnant of the brigades of Generals Cobb, Semmes and Mahoae, 
 and that of Wilcox, Kershaw and Barksdale, which was placed spe- 
 cially under command of General Anderson. Generals Wright and 
 Pryor were kept in position guarding the Weverton Pass, and Gen- 
 erals Armistead and Featherston, that from Harper's Ferry. That 
 place was not yet taken, and I had but to wait and watch the move- 
 ments of the enemy. 
 
 It was necessary to guard their positions — ^first, to present a front 
 against the enemy advancing down the valley ; sp.cond, to prevent 
 them from escaping from Harper's Ferry, and acting in conjunction 
 with their troops in front ; tfiird, to prevent an entrance at Wever- 
 ton P.iss. 
 
 The force of the enemy engaged and in reserve at Crampton's 
 Gap was estimated to be from fifteen to twenty-five thousand and- 
 upwards. 
 
 The loss in those brigades engaged was, in killed, wounded an^- 
 missing, very large, and the renfnant collected to make front across, 
 the valley, was very small. 
 
 I had despatched Lieutenant Tucker, my aiil-de-camp, with a 
 courier and guide, to report to General Lee the condition of affiirs; 
 but, on getting beyond our forces, he rode suddienly on a strong picket 
 of the enemy, was halted and fired on by them ad he turned and. 
 
166 
 
 dashed back. The courier was killed; but Lieutenant Tucker and 
 the guide escaped. General Stuart had, however, started couriers 
 before that, and sent others from time to time during the night, and 
 I, therefore, -was satisfied that General Lee would be informed before 
 morning. The loth, the enemy did not advance, nor did they oflfer 
 any opposition to the troops taking position across the valley. The 
 line to oppose them from that direction was therefore formed, and the 
 artillery posted to the best advantage. Our artillery on Maryland 
 Heights fired on the enemy below so soon as light permitted. About 
 ten o'clock, A. i\I., it was telegraphed to me from Maryland Heights 
 that the enemy at Harper's Ferry had hoisted a white flag and had 
 ceased firing. I at once ordered the troops which were defending the 
 pass from Harper's Ferry to advance their skirmishers along the 
 road to the bridge, or until they were fired on, and directed all the' 
 trains to be sent towards the Ferry, still keeping the line of battle 
 opposed to that of the enemy above. They, in the meantime, were 
 planting batteries on the Blue Ridge to operate against the artillery 
 on the left of the valley, looking north, which had been advantage- 
 ously placed in position by my chief of artillery, Major Hamilton, 
 along the line formed ^across the valley. 
 
 My aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Tucker, had been sent to communicate 
 ■with General Jackson, in Harper's Ferry, and he^ returning, re- 
 ported that General Jackson wished to see me The enemy showing 
 no disposition to advance, I left the command to General Andersen^ 
 with directions to push the trains across the river as far as possible, 
 and follow with the infantry when the trains were well over. I then 
 rode over, and received orders to proceed to Sharpsburg, with all pos- 
 sible dispatch. I returned to Pleasant Valley, and, as the troops 
 had been gradually withdrawn. I formed a new line across at the foot 
 of the valley, still holding Maryland Heights and Weverton Pass, 
 and waited until near two o'clock, when the trains having passed 
 over the river, the troops were withdrawn to the right bank, and, 
 marching through Harper's Ferry, camped near Halltown, four miles 
 distant, about eight o'clock on the 16th instant. The troops that 
 were engaged in the attack and capture of Maryland Heights are en- 
 titled to especial commendation, as they were laboriously employed 
 for two days and one night along the summit of Elk Ridge, con- 
 stantly working their way under fire during the day, and at night 
 resting in position, all this time without water, as none could be ob- 
 tained but from the valley beneath, one mile down the mountain, 
 and at the close of the contest there was not a straggler from the 
 two brigades. 
 
 General Kershaw, who had special command of this force, acted in 
 this instance, as he Las in all others when under my command, with 
 great skill, coolness and daring, and is deserving of special praise. 
 I refer you to his report for other particulars of the engagement, and 
 for the operations of the brigade of General Barksdale, which accom- 
 panied him and materially assisted in the capture of the place. 
 
 Seeing that the canal was full of water about Weverton, I directed 
 General Pryor, if tools could be obtained, to cut the canal just above 
 
167 
 
 a culvert near the place, which he did, and thinks the canal was ma- 
 terially damaged. He also broke the canal lock. 
 
 The enemy having forced Crampton's Gap, thereby completely 
 cutting off iny route up the valley to join the forces with General 
 Lee — as Solomon's Gap, the only road over Elk Ridge, wa-i just in 
 front of the one over the Blue Ridge, occupied by the enemy, I had 
 nothing to do but to defend my position. I could not retire under 
 the bluffs along the river, with the enemy pressing my rear and the 
 forces at llarper's^i Ferry operating in conjunction, unless under a 
 combination of circumstances I could not rely on to happen at the 
 exact time needed. I could not pass over the mountain, except in h 
 scattered and disorganized condition. Nor could I have gone through 
 the Weverton Pass into the open country beyond, to cross a doubtfai 
 ford, when the enemy was in force on the other side of the Blue 
 Ridge and coming down in my rear. There was no outlet in any di- 
 rection for anything but the troops, and that very doubtful. In no 
 contingency could 1 have saved the trains and artillery. 1 therefore 
 determined' to defend myself in the valley, holding the two heights 
 and the two lower passes, in order to force a direct advance down the 
 valley, to prevent co-operation from Harper's Ferry, and at the same 
 time to carry out my orders in relation to the capture of that place. 
 I received several communications from your headquarters in rela- 
 tion to my position, which were obeyed, so far as circumstances 
 permitted, and I acted, in departing from them, as I believed the 
 commanding General would have ordered had he known the circum- 
 stances. The force in Harper's Ferry was nearly, if not quite equal 
 to my own, and that above was far superior. 
 
 No attempt was made to co-operate from Harper's Ferry with the 
 force above, and the force above did not press down upon me because, 
 I believe. General Lee offered battle at Sharpsburg. The early sur- 
 render of Harper's Ferry relieved me from the situation, and my 
 command joined the main army at Sharpsburg on the morning of the 
 17th September. 
 
 My special thanks are due to General Anderson, whose division 
 was under my command, for his advice and assistance, and the cor- 
 dial co-operation of all in generally performing their whole duties. 
 The operations at Crampton's Gap I give in a separate paper. 
 To the members of my staff. Major Mcintosh, A. A. G. ; Major 
 Goggin ; Major McLavys ; Major Edwards, A. C. S. ; chief surgeon 
 of division, Surgeon Gihuore ; Captain King, who accompanied Gen- 
 eral Kershnw during the whole of his operations on the heights ; 
 Capt. Costin ; Lieut. Tucker, A. D. C. ; Capt. Taliaferro and Lieut. 
 Edwards, ordnance officers, I am indebted for their aid and active 
 assistance. Captain Manning, who had charge of the signal corps, 
 being unable to attend to his duties, from a sudden attack of ery~ 
 sipelas'in the head. Captain Costin took charge of the party, and it 
 rendered very great service during the three days it was required. 
 Lieutenant Campbell, of the engineers, also distinguished himself for 
 his activity in reconnoitering the position of the enemy. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 L. McLAWS, Major General. 
 
168 
 
 Headquarters Division, October 21, 1862. 
 
 Colonel R. H. Chilton, A. A. G.: 
 
 I enclose herewith a report of the operations of my command in 
 Pleasant Valley, Maryland. There are particular reasons why I 
 should make a special report of the engagement at Crampton's Gap, 
 to do which, however, it is necessary to obtain reports from Colonel 
 Munford, who was first in command, and from Colonel Parham, 
 Mahone's brigade, who came next after and made the dispositions pre- 
 vious to the arrival of General Cobb. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 L. McLAWS, Major Gemral 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL McLAWS OF BATTLE OF. 
 
 SIIARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Division, October 20, 1662. 
 
 To the Adjutant General, 
 
 Headquarters of General Longstrect : 
 
 Sir: On the morning of the 16th of September, ultimo, my com- 
 mand, consisting of my own division and that of General Anderson, 
 marched through Harper's Ferry from Pleasant Valley, and halted 
 near Hailtown, a short distance from the road, which turned to the 
 right towards Shepherdstown, which was on the way to Sharp=!burg, 
 to which place I had been directed to march, by orders direct from 
 General Lee and afterwards from General Jackson. 
 
 The entire command was very much fatigued. The brigades of 
 Generals Kershaw and Barksdile had been engaged on Maryland 
 Heights on the 12th, 13th and 14th, and on the 15th had been 
 marched from the heights to the line of battle up the valley, formed 
 to oppose that of the enemy below Crampton's (rap. Those of Gen- 
 erals Cobb and Semmes and Mahone, (Colonel Parham,) had been en- 
 gaged and badly crippled at Crampton's Gap, and all the others had 
 been guarding important points under very trying circumstances. A 
 large number had no provisions, and a great portion had not had 
 time or opportunity to cook what they had. All the troops had been 
 without sleep during the night previous, except while waiting in line 
 for the wagon trains to pass over the pontoon bridge at Harper's 
 Ferry. 
 
 I had ridden on to Charlestown to look after the sick and wounded 
 from Pleasant Valley, when notice was sent me to hasten the troops 
 to Sharpsburg. I returned to camp and started the command at three, 
 P. M, ; halted after dark, (and the night was very dark,) within two 
 miles of Shepherdstown, where, receiving orders to hasten forward, 
 again commenced the march at twelve o'clock that night, many of the 
 regiments still without provisions. I may here state that the crossing 
 at Harper's Ferry was very much impeded by the paroled prisoners, 
 passing over the bridge, whenever there was an opportunity offered 
 by any accident to the bridire, caut'ing. temporary halt in the trains 
 or batteries, which was of frequent occurrence, and the streets of 
 Harper's Ferry town were crowded with prisoners and wagons, all of 
 which prevented me from halting even for a moment in the town to 
 obtain provisions there. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th, about sunrise, the head of my column 
 reached the vicinity of General Lee's headquarters, near Sharpsburg. 
 
 1 rode on to the town looking for General Lee, and on my return, 
 not finding him, met General Longstreet, who directed me to send 
 General Anderson's division direct down the road to the hill beyond 
 Sharpsburg, where he would receive orders. I learned from him where 
 General Lee's camp was and reported to General Lee for orders. He 
 
170 
 
 directed me ta halt my division near to his headquarters, which wa? 
 done, and I then rode back to hasten up General Anderson, whose di- 
 vision was in the rear. About an hour after this, my division was 
 ordered to the front by an aid-de-cainp of General Lee's — Major Tay- 
 lor. In about one mile, we came in rear of the position, which was 
 pointed out by Mi^jor Ratchford, of General D, H. Hill's staff, as the 
 one the division was to occupy. I was, of course, entirely ignorant 
 of the ground and of the location of the troops. General Hood, 
 however, who was present, pointed out the direction for the advance, 
 and my line of battle was rapidly formed — General Cobb's brigade on 
 the right, next General Kershaw's, General Barksdale and General 
 Semmes on the left. Just in front of the line was a large body of 
 woods, from which piirties of our troops, of whose command I do not 
 know, were seen retiring, and the enemy, I could see, were advancing 
 rapidly, occupying tlie place. My advance was ordered before the entire 
 line of (Jeneral Kershaw could be formed. As the enemy were fill- 
 ing the woods so rapidly, I wished my troops to cross the open space 
 between us and the woods before they were entirely occupied. It wa? 
 made steadily and in perfect order and the troops were immediately en- 
 gaged, driving the enemy before them in magnificent style, at all 
 points, sweeping the woods with perfect case, and inflicting great Iosp 
 on the enemy. They were driven not only through the woods, but 
 over a field in front of the woods, and over two high fences beyond 
 and into another body of woods over a half a mile distant from the 
 commencement of the fight. 
 
 The men were scattered by the engagement through the woods. 
 where the enemy made their only stand, and there being no immcijiate 
 support, the several brigades fell back into the woods, and the line, 
 to maintain the position, was formed by the brigades of General Ran- 
 som, Walker's division, and of General Armiatead, General Ander- 
 son's division, which had been sent i^ my support, of General Early. 
 which was already in position, and th)e brigades of Generals Barks- 
 dale and Kershaw. Captain Read's battery had been placed in posi- 
 tion on the right of the Avoods, which \^e had entered, and did most 
 excellent service; but it was exposed to such a severe fire, General 
 Kershaw ordered it back, after losing fourteen officers and men and 
 sixteen horses. Another battery, Capt. Carleton's, which I had ordered 
 into position in the woods, in front of General Ransom's brigade, was 
 80 severely cut up in a short time by the direct and cross fires of 
 numerous batteries, that I ordered it to retire. The enemy did not 
 make an attempt to retake the woods after they were driven from 
 them, as I have mentioned, but kept up a terrific fire of artillery. 
 There was an incessant storm of shot and shell, grape and canister ; 
 but the loss inflicted by the artillery was comparatively very small. 
 Fortunately, the woods were en the side of a hill, the main slope of 
 which was towards us, with numerous ledges of rock all along it. 
 Thus it was our men, although under this fire for hours, suffered 
 80 little from it. 
 
 I could do nothing but defend the position my division uccupied. 
 The line was too weak to attempt an advancs. There were not men 
 
171 
 
 enough to make a continuous single line. In some places, for a con- 
 siderable distance, there vrere no men at nil ; while just bejond us. 
 across an open field, about four or five hundred yards distant, were 
 the lines of the enemy, apparently double and treble, supporting nu- 
 merous batteries, which crossed fire over everyportion rf tlie ground. 
 Tiie artillery of the enemy was so far superior to ours in weight of 
 metal,* character of gun and numbers, and in quality of ammunition, 
 that there was but very little to be gained by opposing ours to it, 
 and I therefore did not renew the attempt after the first experiment. 
 
 The ground over which the Mississippi brigade. General Barksdale. 
 advanced, and to his right, was thickly strewn with the dead and 
 w^ounded of the enemy, far eceeding our own, and their dead wero 
 rlTfrch more numerous than their wounded. The close proximity of 
 the combatants to each other may account for the disproportion 
 
 General Cobb's brigade going in, extended itself further to th^ 
 right than I intended, but the Colonel commanding. Colonel Sanders, 
 twentj^-fourth Georgia, did not learn my orders to correct the error, 
 so it is reported, and the engagement commencing immediately, the 
 brigade went on to a position several hundred yards to the right of 
 the woods and defended it. 
 
 General Semmes was sent to the left, just after his brigade cnme on 
 the ground, by direction of General Jackson, to give support to Gen- 
 eral Stuart. His brigade drove the enemy through the woods and be- 
 yond them for a considerable distance. 
 
 General Kershaw's brigade was more exposed in its first advance 
 than any other, as it had to move over a large open space, before 
 reaching the woods, which there afforded less protection ; but the 
 command went in with enthusiasm, and drove the enemy up to their 
 batteries and reserves, and then retired to the woods from which they 
 had first driven the enemy, as did the other brigades of Cobb, Semmes 
 and Barksdale, because of the weakness of their own lines, the want of 
 immediate support, the want of ammunition, and the fatigue of the 
 men. I call attention to the fact that Colonel Nance, commanding 
 the third South Carolina regiment, of General Kershaw's brigade, 
 brought his regiment from the ground in perfect order, and formed it 
 in the rear, to be supplied with ammunition, with the precision of a 
 parade. This perfect control of his men is owing to the high state 
 of discipline and good drill for which his regiment is distinguished. 
 
 General Barksdale reformed on the ground he went over; General 
 Semmes was placed in reserve in his rear ; General Cobb's brigade on 
 the left of General Kershaw, who had previously moved to the left of 
 the line. 
 
 The enemy having abandoned their attempt to advance, I had an 
 opportunity to examine the relative positions of our troops and those 
 of the enemy, and soon became convinced that we had nothing to 
 gain by an advance of our troops. The strong position of the en- 
 euty was along the Antietam, the right bank of which (the side to- 
 wards our army) was swept by numerous batteries of artillery, posted 
 along the left banks, which commanded the right. Their position 
 along the left bank was a very strong one, having ^the Antietam in 
 
172 
 
 their front and Maryland Heights in their rear. For us to force them 
 back on the Antietam was to force them to concentration in their re- 
 serves, of which we had none, to weaken our lines and scatter our 
 troops, so that in the event of a reverse, no rally of any considerable 
 body could be made, and the final result would not probably have 
 been such as to have entitled us to claim as we now can, the battle of 
 Sharpsburg as one of the greatest successes, if not the greates't suc- 
 cess of the war, when the enormous disparity between our forces and 
 those of the Yankees are considered. 
 
 Brigadier Generals Kershaw, Semmes and Barksdale deserve high 
 praise for their heroic conduct in the fight, and for the skillful man- 
 ner their brigades were handled. 
 
 Colonel Sanders, of twenty-fourth Georgia, who commanded CoWs 
 brigade during the first part of the engagement, carried it forward in 
 good order, and the brigade maintained its position and drove the en- 
 emy for some distance, retiring, after losing forty-three per cent of 
 its strentb. Lieutenant Colonel McRao, of the fifteenth North Caro- 
 lioa regiment, commanded the brigade during the latter part of the 
 fight. 
 
 The losses in the different brigades, including the different batte- 
 ries, were as follows : 
 
 
 Carbied 
 
 into action. 
 
 KlLLKB AND 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 
 <V 
 
 o 
 
 
 COiMMANDS. 
 
 o 
 
 o . 
 
 ^ B 
 
 1 
 
 
 General 
 avkuage. 
 
 Bfit^adicT General Kershaw,,.. 
 Britjadier General Semmes, . . . 
 Brigiidior General Barksdale, 
 
 Brigadier General Cobb, < 
 
 112 
 
 63 
 89 
 not 
 known 
 
 824 
 646 
 802 
 
 357 
 
 44 
 
 27 
 32 
 
 11 
 
 305 
 281 
 258 
 
 135 
 
 6 
 6 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 88 
 44 
 33 
 
 43 
 
 C 39-5 
 
 Total 
 
 264 
 
 2,629 
 
 114 
 
 979 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 which, taken in concction with the small number of missing, shows 
 how dearly, yet how gloriously, this success was obtained. 
 
 It is with sincere regret, that I have to state my Adjutant General, 
 Major T. S. Mcintosh, was killed dead, shot through the heart, while 
 carrying out one of my orders. The country has lost in him as brave 
 and gallant an officer and gentleman as any that survives him. 
 
 My Inspector General, Major Goggin, was with me during the day, 
 carrying orders and superintending their execution, in the perform- 
 ance of which duties he exhibited great daring, and cool, sound judg- 
 ment. 
 
 To Captain King and Lieutenant Tucker, aids-de-camp and Captain 
 Costin, signal officer; Lieutenant Campbell, of the engineers, and 
 Lieutenant Edwards, ordnance officer, I am indebted for their Xeal 
 and activity. Their gallantry was conspicuous in the performance of 
 their duties. 
 
 Colonel Henry Coulter Cabell, chief of artillery, who had been ab- 
 
173 
 
 sent sick, joined me on the field, and remained during the rest of the 
 engagement. 
 
 I enclose reports of brigade commanders, and call attention to their 
 notices of individual merit. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 L. McLAWS, 
 
 Major General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL EARLY, COMMAND- 
 lN(i DIVISION, OF OPERATIONS FROM AUGUST IGth TO 
 SEPTEMBER 27th, 1862. 
 
 Headquarters Ewell's Division, 
 
 IS EwELL s Division, ) 
 January 12, \'^(ii. 5 
 
 Captain A. S. Pendleton, 
 
 A. A. Gincral, Stxond Corps: 
 
 Cai'Tain : In accordance with instructions from the headquarters 
 of the corps, I submit the following report of the operations of thig 
 division since the movement from the neighborhood of (lordonsville, 
 northward, in the month of August last, until it reached Bunker 
 Hill, in September: 
 
 This report, however, is necessarily defective in regard to all the 
 other brigades of the division except my own, as there Avere other 
 tlivision commanders until after the commencement of the battle of 
 Sharpsburg, on the 17th of September, Major General Ewell having 
 commanded until the night of the 28th of August, when he was 
 wounded in the action near Groveton, and Brigadier General Lawton 
 havin<r command from that time until he was wounded at the battle 
 of Sharpsburg. It is impossible to supply the necessary information 
 in regard to the particular parts taken by Lawton's and Trimble's 
 brigades in the several actions commencing with the aff'airs of Hazel 
 river, on the 22d, and Bri.stoe and Manassas Junction, on the 27th 
 of August, and ending with the battle of Sharpsburg, except as to 
 the part taken by Trimble's brigade at Sharpsburg, as General Law- 
 ton, who commanded his brigade until the 29th of August, is absent 
 in Georgia, wounded, and Colonel Douglas, who commanded the brig- 
 ade from the 2.Jth of August to the 17th of September, was killeil at 
 Sliarp^l)urg on that day, and General Trimble, who commanded his 
 brigade until the 2L)th August, is absent, wounded, and Oajitaia 
 Brown, of the twelfth Georgia regiment, who succeeded him in the 
 command, was killed at Ox Hill, near (^hantilly, on the 1st ot Sep- 
 tembei-. There is the same difficulty in regard to Hays' brigade as 
 to the part taken by it on the 30th cf August, at Mauassas, and at 
 Ox Ilill, on the 1st ot September, as Ooloiud Strong, who coiain...udcd 
 on these occasiont, was killed at Sharpsburg. 
 
 This report, therefore, will not contain particular di-taiU of the 
 operations of any brigade but my own, in most of the actions in 
 which the divi^^ion was engaged during the time covered by it. 
 
 March fisom vicinity of Gordonsville to the Rappahannock. 
 
 On the IGth of August, the division moved from Liberty Mills, in 
 Orange county, to Mountain Run, in the same county, nea larke's 
 Mountain, below llapidan Station, where it remained until th^ 2i)th, 
 when it crossed the llapidan at Cunningham's ford and bivouacked 
 
175 
 
 near Stevensburg, in Culpepe^ On the next day it moved past 
 Brandy Station and bivouacked near St. James' church, on tho road 
 towards a ford on the Rappahannock, above the railroad station and 
 below the mouth of Hazel river. 
 
 The next day it moved in the direction of that ford, and, on arriv- 
 ing there, the enemy being in position on the opposite bank to dis- 
 pute the passage, the division was moved to the left, Lawton'a brig- 
 gade leading, crossing Hazel river at a mill and then moving in the 
 direction of a ford on the Rappahannock, above the mouth of Hazel 
 river, where the enemy was also found in force, and the division was 
 then again moved to the left in the direction of the ford at Warren- 
 ton Springs, by a route through fields and woods, so as not to be ex- 
 posed to view. At the two fords above mentioned, and in moving 
 therefrom, the division was exposed to shells fired from the enemy's 
 batteries, and sustained slight loss. 
 
 In moving to the left across Hazel river. General Trimble, with his 
 brigade, was left behind to observe the enemy, and had a fight with a 
 body of the enemy which had crossed from the north bank of the Rap- 
 pahannock and was threatening the trains, and succeeded in driving 
 it back across the river ; but I am unable to give the particulars of 
 this affair. 
 
 Crossing of the Rappahannock and Affair at Warrenton Springs, 
 
 August 23d. 
 
 The remainder of the division proceeded to the vicinity of the War- 
 renton Springs, on the southern bank, and late in the afternoon, tho 
 thirteenth Georgia regiment, of Lawton's brigade, under Colonel 
 Douglas, was crossed at the Springs, capturing a few cavalrymen on 
 picket at that place. Brown's and Dement's batteries, of four guns 
 each, were also crossed over at this point. My own brigade, under 
 the superintondance of General Ewell, who was acting under General 
 Jackson's orders, was crossed over about a mile below the Springs, on 
 an old dilapidated dam, formerly built for purposes of navigation, 
 and Hays' brigade, under Colonel Forno, was ordered to follow ; but 
 as my origade did not succeed in crossing until it was nearl'j^ dark, 
 and the crossing was exceedinly difficult, Hays' brigade was left on 
 the Houth bank for the night. 
 
 Mv orders were to occupy a wood on the north bank of the river, 
 immediately in front of the place at which I crossed, and to estab- 
 lish couimunications with General Lawton, the whole of whose brig- 
 ade, I was informed, would cross over at the Springs. Before I was 
 ordered to cross over, there had been quite a heavy shower of rain, 
 which had somewhat swollen tho river, and it was raining when I 
 crossed. I moved the brigade into the woods indicated. General 
 Ewell having recrossed after seeing the whole of my brigade over. 
 In extending the left into the woods on a line parallel with the river, 
 a road was found running from the Springs through this body of 
 woods, towards the fords and Rappahannock Station below. My left 
 was posted near this road, the right extending to an old field just be- 
 
low where I had crossed. Pickets were put out in front and on the 
 flanks, and Major A. L. Pitzer, my volunteer aid, was despatched to 
 find his way to the Springs and communicate with General Lawton. 
 It had become exceedingly dark by this time, and Major Pitzer, in 
 endeavoring to get to the Springs, rode upon a party of six of the 
 enemy's cavalry, who had passed up the road a few moments before 
 we had reached it. 
 
 He was made a prisoner by this party, who were endeavoring to 
 make their way to the Springs, but, finding some difficulty in the 
 way, had halted. After he had been compelled to surrender his arms, 
 the party started with him back on the road they had come, and the 
 Major, with great presence of mind, informed them that they were 
 all his prisoners ; that if they attempted to pass out in any direction 
 they would be fired upon by some of our pickets, as they were com- 
 pletely surrounded ; but, if they submitted to his direction, he would 
 take them in safe, which they concluded to do, and the Major did 
 actually bring them in as prisoners after they had captured him. 
 After this attempt, I did not deem it prudent to make another effort 
 to establish communication with the Springs that night, as it was 
 very dark and threatening rain, and there was no one in the command 
 who had sufficient knowledge of the localities to find the way. 
 
 During the night there was a very heavy rain, and in the morning 
 I found that the river had become very much swollen and was so high 
 as to defy all attempts at crossing, and a messenger sent to the 
 Spri.igs returned with the information that only the thirteenth Georgia 
 regiment, of Lawton's brigade, had crossed over the night before. 
 As soon as I ascertained the condition of things, I despatched a note 
 for General Ewell or General Jackson, v/hichever should be first met 
 with, informing them of my condition and that, if the enemy should 
 come upon me with heavy force, my whole command must be cap- 
 tured, and suggesting the propriety of my attempting to extricate my 
 force, with that at the Springs, by moving up the river towards 
 Waterloo bridge ; this was sent by a messenger, with direction to 
 Bwim the river with it, if possible. Before this note could be deliv- 
 ered, I received a verbal message from General Jackson, which had 
 been delivered across the river at the Springs aud was brought to me 
 by a sergeant of one of the batteries at that place, diiecting me to 
 move up towards the Springs and take command of all the force there, 
 and post my command, with the left flank resting on the river and 
 the right on a creek, to the north of the Springs, which emptied into 
 the river below and was past fording also, there being no enemy in 
 the fork, and stating that he was having the bridge repaired across 
 the river, which would f-oon be in a condition for infantry to pass 
 over. ]n a short time afterwards, 1 received a note from General 
 Jackson, in response to mine, containing similar instructions and di- 
 recting me, in addition, to move up towards Waterloo bridge if the 
 enemy appeared in too heavy force, keeping close to the river,vaQd 
 infoiming me that he would follow along the opposite bank, with his 
 whole force, to cover my movement. 1 accordingly moved up towards 
 the Springs, posting Colonel Walker, with his regiments, the thir- 
 
177 
 
 teenth Virginia and the thirty-first Virc^inia, on the roaJ, so as to 
 protect my rear. On getting near the Springs, I found that Colonel 
 Douglas had moved his regiment and the artillery to a hill just below 
 the Springs, which runs across from the river to the creek mentioned, 
 and along this I posted the twelfth Georgia regiment, the twenty- 
 fifth, forty-fourth, forty hinth, fifty- second and fifty- eighth Virgin!* 
 regiments, with the thirteenth G>3orgia on the left, all being so dis- 
 posed as to present a front to the northwest, the rear being guarded 
 by Colonel Walker with the thirteenth and thirty-first Virginia regi- 
 ments, and the right flank, which was the only one exposed, being 
 secure for a short time on account of the condition of the creek, 
 which is called Great Run. Compmies were thrown out on this flink 
 to prevent any attempt to cross the creek, and a bridge, which was 
 partially flooded, was destroyed. A body of the enemy's cavalry was 
 discovered early in the morning by Colonel Douglas on th3 north of 
 the creek, and they were hovering around ray right flank on the op- 
 posite side of the creek all the morning Daring the morning 
 General Jackson !?ent over an officer to pilot, one of my staff oflicers 
 over the route to Waterloo bridge, which it might bo neoess:iry to 
 pass over in case of emergency, and ray adjutant general, Major 
 lliile, was sent with him to ascertain the route. 
 
 In the meantime, the creek begin to fall rapidly, and in the after- 
 noon it was in a condition to be crossed. 
 
 It also began to be evident that the enemy was moving up from 
 below in heavy force, and that my command was in a critical condi- 
 tion. It was entirely concealed from the enemy's view by being 
 posted in the Avoods, and this fact no doubt saved it, for it was evident 
 the enemy was aware of the f.ict that a force was across the river, 
 and, from the caution with which he moved, he thought it was much 
 larger than it really was. 
 
 jyiite in the afternoon a heavy column of infantry, with artillery, 
 made its appearance opposite to my right fl ink, and I then changed 
 my front so as to present it towards the enemy, without, however, 
 his being aware of it, as my whole movement was concealed from his 
 view by the woods. The artillery was also so posted as not to be 
 observed by him. About this time Colonel Robertson, with two or 
 three regiments of cavalry and tAvo pieces of artillery, came from the 
 direction of Warrenton, and, after consulting with me, posted two 
 pieces of artillery on the hill to the north of the Springs, which com- 
 manded a view of the enemy, and opened fire upon him. This waa 
 responded to by a tattery of the enemy's in a few moments, and I 
 sent two I'arrott guns from Brown's battery to the assistance of Ro- 
 bertson's pieces, which were of short range, and a brisk cannonading 
 was kept up until near sundown, with no damage, however, to '^y 
 infantry or artillery, the oiuy persons killed or k^'T"^ -'"vionging to 
 *i 1 u- I u 1. I . ..«fe 61 the am cry (1,-^ 
 
 the cavalry, which happenea.W«Hhe cessation of the artillcrv fira ' 
 and in rear of our^y^ was observed to advance, it bein.r then np',^ 
 
 column of. ■mist rcti.lering ol.jects quite in.ljst.nct fnf,n,r„ 
 ^osoon^ruovngoff to.helcf,,,.ud L a few mom'nls the'^u™^ 
 
178 
 
 delivered a volley into the -woods, where my infantry was posted, and 
 then gave three cheers, followed by a tiger,* in regular style. I had 
 two of Captain Dement's Napoleon guns run to the left of ray line, 
 and infantry, to a point from which they could fire upon the eneray, 
 and caused them to opca with canister. This fire was so well directed, 
 ilthough objects could not be distinguished, that the enemy was 
 thrown into confusion and driven back, as was manifest from the 
 cries and groans of his men, which were plainly heard by ours. 
 There was no further attack on me; but it was evident, from the 
 noises heard and the reports of one or two persons who had seen 
 columns of the enemy passing from below, that a heavy force was 
 near at hand, and that preparations were being made to surround my 
 force, and ] sent a messenger to General Jackson with information as 
 to the state of things, and by his directions the remainder of Gene- 
 ral Lawtoif's brigade was crossed over on the temporary bridge which 
 had been constructed — the sixtieth regiment, under Major Berry, 
 iaving been crossed over just before night. 
 
 General I awton got over about one o'clock and informed me that 
 he had seen written instructions to General Ewell, directing him to 
 cross over himself at daylight, and if it was evident the enemy was 
 in heavy force, to recross the troops, as it was not desired to have 
 A general engagement at that place. I immediately despatched a 
 messenger to Geneial Ewell to. inform him that there was no doubt of 
 the enemy's being in heavy force, and if I was to be recrossed it had 
 better be done at once without waiting for daylight, as the enemy, by 
 moving to the left, could place artillery so as to command the bridge 
 and ford at the Springs, and from the sounds of carriages moving in 
 that direction, I was satisfied such was his purpose and that it would 
 bo accomplished before I could recross, if it was postponed until day- 
 light. In response to this, General Ewell came over a little before 
 three o'clock, and, after consultation with me, gave the order for re- 
 crossing, which was accomplished, Lawton's brigade going first and 
 carrying over the artillery by hand, an<l then my brigade following, 
 the whole being completed very shortly after daylight. My command 
 was thus rescued from almost certain capture, as it has since appeared 
 from General Pope's report that he had brought up his whole force to 
 attack what he supposed to be General Jackson's whole force. 1 lost 
 EO men killed or wounded, though a severe punishment must have 
 been inflicted on the enemy by the canister from our artillery. 
 
 Our situation was felt by every officer and man to be of the moat 
 critical nature, and I cannot speak in too high terms of the dej.iort- 
 laent of the whole command. The men had had nothing to eat since 
 the day they had crossed over, and for two nights and a day they lay 
 -'con their arms, yet they did not murmur, but exhibited the utmost 
 resoluiiu*- -'\^uUe the enemy at all hazards should he come. When 
 the enemy hrca bis >'^'-^ • r , , , , j 
 
 they did not throw away ammun'i^foS',ood9 where the men were posted 
 Jntil the enemy should get to close quarters, liiv rcserve^^ tl)^e^ir fire 
 
 ^'This'coTmendation is equally due to Colonel Douglas anThit '. '^ 
 
179 
 
 cers and men, and tbe officers and mei^of tTie two batteries mentioned, 
 «s to my own brigade. After recrossing, my brigade, as well as that 
 of General Lawton, was moved back to the vicinity of JeEFersontoa 
 (o rest and cook rations. 
 
 MoVCr.'EXT UPON THE EnEMf's LiNE OF CoMMUXICATION TO THE REAR, 
 
 AND Affairs at Bristoe Station and Manassas Junction. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 25th, the division moved, under orders 
 from General Jackson, to Hinson's mill, above Waterloo bridge, 
 where it crossed the Rappahannock, and then proceeded by Orlean 
 and camped at night near Salem, in Fauquier county. Very early 
 next morning it marched by Salem and through Thoroughfare Gap, 
 in the direction of Gainesville, at which latter place it took the road 
 to Bristoe Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. The di- 
 vision which on this day, as well as on the day before, was in the 
 advance, moved as follows: First, Hays' brigade, under Colonel 
 Forno; second, Trimble's brigade ; third, Lawton's brigade; fourth,, 
 my own brigade. 
 
 Hays' brigade reached the station a short time before sunset, justaa 
 !=overal trains were approaching from the direction of Warrenton 
 Junction. There being no force at this place except a small detach- 
 ment of cavalry, which was soon dispersed. Colonel Forno succeeded 
 in arresting and capturing two trains of empty cars, the first which 
 approached making good its escape by forcing its way over the ob- 
 structions placed on the road towards Manassas Junction. General 
 Trimble, as soon as he arrived, was detached with two regiments of 
 his brigade to Manassas Junction, and the other brigades a* they ar- 
 rived, and Hays' brigade, were placed in position by Major General 
 Ewell, so as to prevent surprise and any approach on the railroad. As 
 soon as it was light next morning, the three brigades of the division 
 left at Bristoe were placed in po!«ition as follows : Lawton's brigade 
 was posted on the left of the railroad. Hays' brigade on the right of 
 it, and my own brigade to the right of Hays' in a pine wood, our 
 line of battle being fronted towards Warrenton Junction and occu- 
 pying a ridge a short distance from Bristoe in the direction of that 
 junction. Colonel Forno, with four regiments of Hiiys" brigade and 
 one oi Lawton's, and one piece of artillery froin. D'Aquiu's battery,, 
 was then ordered to the front to reconnoitre and destroy the bridge 
 over Kettle run and tear up the track of the railroad. He found the 
 enemy had brought up on a train of cars a body of infantry sufficient 
 to fill nine cars ; but, having doubtless discovered our force to be 
 l.'irger than was thought, was re-erabarking it. A few shots from the 
 piece of artillery were fired at the train and it made its wa}? back 
 again after receiving some damage. The sixth Louisiana, under Col. 
 Strong, was left on picket two miles in front on the railroiid, and 
 the eighth Louisiana was put to work /'^stroying the railroad bridge 
 and tearing up the track, and Colonel Forno returned with the rest 
 of the force. In the meantime, the fifteenth Alabama, of Trimble's 
 brigade/ and the twelfth Georgia regiment, cf my own brigade, were 
 
180 
 
 Bcnt to join General Trimble at Manassas Junction, an order Laving 
 been received lor the transfer of the latter regiment. Under orders 
 from General Ewell, later in the day, the forty-ninth Virginia, of my 
 brigade, was moved to the riglit, on a road leading to Greenwich 
 across a ridge that was to the right of our position. Brown's battery, 
 from the artillery battalion, was posted on a hill in rear of the posi- 
 tion of my brigade, and several pieces from two other batteries were 
 posted further to the rij>ht on a ridge over which the road from 
 Gainesville runs, supported by two regiments from Lawton's brig- 
 ade, the whole being so po?tcd as to command the open ground in 
 front of the right of our position. A regiment from Lawton's brig- 
 ade, (the sixtieth Georgia,) with one piece of artillery, was advanced 
 on the left of the railroad so as to f-upport Colonel Forno's two regi- 
 menis that were in front, and Johnson's battery, of my brigade, was 
 posted on the ridge between the position of llays' brigade and my 
 own and the rest of the batteries Avere posted on the left of the sta- 
 tion. In the afternoon, indications wfre seen of the approach of 
 heavy columns of the enemy from the direction of Warrenton Junc- 
 tion, and all the baggage wagons were ordered to move towar(]s Ma- 
 nassas Junction. In a phort time the enemy was seen approaching 
 on the right of the railroad and in front of Hays' brigade, the sixth 
 and eighth Louisiana regiments falling back and taking position in a 
 wood three hundred or four hundred yards in front ot tlie brigade. 
 The enemy's force consisted of heavy columns of infantry, with 
 artillery. 
 
 As 8t)on as the enemy came in range, our artillery, from its several 
 positions, opened on him, as did the sixth and eighth Louisiana and 
 sixtieth Georgia regiments. By this combined fire, t^vo cidumns of 
 the enemy, of not less than a brigade each, were driven back, and 
 the fifth Louisiana regiment was sent forward to reinforce the sixth 
 and <Mghth. Fresh columns of the enemy were, however, seen ad- 
 vancing, and it became apparent that his force was much larger than 
 ours, and the nature of tlie ground was such that by a raovetnent to 
 our right, which he was evidently making, he could obtain a position 
 which commanded the rear of our line and the crossing of Broad 
 Run. General Ewell then inform^'d me that he had received orders 
 from General Jackson to retire towards Manassas Junction if the en- 
 emy CHiue in large force ; and he gave the orders for the withdrawal 
 of our force across Broad Run, At this time the liOuisiana regi- 
 ments were actively engaged, and a largo body of the enemy was 
 moving up, and the experiment had to be tried whether our troops 
 could be withdrawn in good order. General Ewell directed me to 
 cover the retiring of the troops with ray brigade. 
 
 Lawton's brigade was first withdrawn across the ford at the rail- 
 road bridge, and then Hays' brigade followed, the regiments engaged 
 in front having fallen back in good order. My own brigatle was 
 ■withdrawn from the pine woods in which it was, and formed in suc- 
 cessive lines of battle so as to cover the ford at the bridge. All of 
 the artillery was successfully crossed over, a part having crossed at 
 
181 
 
 r 
 
 Millforil, several hundred yards above the bridge, at which also the 
 forty-ninth Virginia regiment crossed. 
 
 In the meantime, the enemy advanced in line of battle on both 
 sides of the railroad, preceded by skirmishers, and keeping up a con- 
 stant artillery fire. L^iwton's brigile was formed in line of battle on 
 the north bank of Broad Run, and some batteries were placed in po- 
 sition, and Hays' brigade was ordered to proceed to Manassas. After 
 all the other brigades and the artillery had crossed, my own brigade 
 was crossed over by regiments successively, the thirtucnth Virginia, 
 under Colonel Walker, being retained until the last, and skirmishers 
 pent out from it to keep the enemy's skirmishers in check. I then 
 crossed over the thirteenth regiment, and moved back about 
 three fourths of a mil? from the run, and formed my brigade in line 
 of battle on a high hill on the road towards Manassas, and in full 
 view of the enemy, who had halted on the ridges near Bristoe Sta- 
 tion. In a short time afterwards. General Ewell, with Lawton's brig- 
 ade, moved back through my line, which ran across the road, and 
 directed me to remain in my position until orders should be sent back 
 to me, directing me at the same time to move one or two regiments 
 by flauk, with colors elevated, so as to present the appearance of the 
 arrival of reinforcements. This was done, and the enemy did not 
 jidvance further. 
 
 Shortly after dusk, under orders from General Ewell, I moved to 
 Manassas J uncticn. 
 
 Our los'^ was comparatively slight in this affair, and the men be- 
 haved admirably, withdrawing from under fire and moving back in 
 excellent order. General Trimble having been detached from the divis- 
 ion the night previous, his movements were under the immediate 
 direction of General Jackson, and I am unable to furnish any account 
 of them. 
 
 The Three Days' Fighting near Manassas. 
 
 As soon as the troops of the division were supplied with provis- 
 ions at Manassas, of which they stood in great need, they wero 
 moved in the direction of Centreville,- towards Bull Run. and the 
 several brigades bivouacked separately between Manassas and Ball Run. 
 
 At dawn next morning, my brigade, by direction of General E^vell, 
 moved to the bridge at Blackburn's ford, where it crossed and nro- 
 ceedcd np to stone bridge th:ough the fields on the north side of Bull 
 Run, folh>wed by Trimble's brigade. Again crossing there, and pro- 
 ceeding along the Warrenton turnpike for a short distance, and then 
 turning to the right through the fields near the old drier house, 
 and Matthew's house, close to which the first battle of Mina-'sid be- 
 gan, my brigade was marched across the road running from tiie stono 
 house, on the turnpjke, to Sudley church, and formed in line in the 
 woods north of the road. The other brigades were halted in the 
 woods, north of that road, Lawton's and II tys' brigades having missed 
 their way and gone in the direction of Centreville, but having turaed. 
 back on the Warrenton turnpike and come up with the others. 
 
182 
 
 After remaining in this position for ?ome time, the division -vras or- 
 dered to move, under cover of the woods, in the direction of Gaines- 
 ville, follovring Jackson's division, commanded by Brigadier General 
 Taliaferro. Mj own brigade was the leading one of the division in 
 this movement, and followed Jackson's division, moving through the 
 woods until we reached the track graded for a railroad, and thence 
 along that to the point where it leaves the woods not far from Grove- 
 ton. We here turned to the right, and were formed in line on the 
 edge of a piece of woods, with the left resting on the railroad track, 
 and the right a short distance in rear of Starke's brigade, of Jack- 
 son's division. Hays' brigade was formed just behind my own, and 
 Lawton's and Trimble's brigades were moved further to the right by. 
 General Ewell, who accompanied them, and directed me to take com- 
 mand of my own and Hays' brigade. 
 
 I saw no more of General Ewell subsequent to this, until after 
 night, when I saw him wounded. I am unable to give the particu- 
 lars of the operation of Lawton's and Trimble's brigades; but I am 
 informed that they were placed in line by General Ewell, on the right 
 of Staike's brigade, and when the advance was made on the enemy as 
 he moved down the turnpike late in the afternoon, these two brigades 
 were ordered forward by General Ewell, and participated in the at- 
 tack on the enemy, constituting the left of our line of attack, and 
 crossing the railroad and advancing to close quarters with the enemy. 
 
 These two brigades suffered very severely, Lawton's loss being 
 quite heavy. General Ewell himself received a very serious wound 
 in the knee while leading one of the regiments, near the close of the 
 fight. Just before^dark, I received an order from General Jackson, 
 through one of his staff officers, to advance to the front and immedi- 
 ately put my brigade in motion, followed by Hay's brigade ; and 
 while advancing, I received another order -to send two regiments to 
 the right to General Jackson, and detached the forty-fourth Vir- 
 ginia, under Colonel Wm. Smith for that purpose. On arriving at 
 the railroad cut, I found it so deep that I could not pass over it, and 
 I moved by the right flank until 1 reached a ravine with high em- 
 banktof nts on both sides and an interval between, through which I 
 moved by flank, forming by file into line in front of it. 
 
 This movement brought me near the left of the position to which 
 Trimble's brigade had advanced, and during it the brigade was ex- 
 posed to a galling fire of shells and canister. By the time I had suc- 
 ceeded in forming my line in front of the railroad, the enemy was 
 retiring, and it having become dark and impossible to tell whether 1 
 Bhould encounter enemies or friends, I advanced no further, and 
 Hays' brigade was halted on the railroad. 
 
 In this position, the two brigades lay on their arms during the 
 night. A short distance in front of me General Ewell was lying 
 wounded, and I had him carried to the hospi.tal. Lawton's and 
 Trimble's brigades lay on their arms a short distance to my right, 
 near the points where they were at the close of the fight. 
 
 Early next morning the division, then under command of Briga- 
 dier General Lawton, was formed in line on a ridge perpendicularly to 
 
183 , • 
 
 tlie railroad track, with the right resting on the Warrenton turnpike 
 and facing towards Groveton. In a short timo thereaftor, I received 
 an order from General Jackson to move, with my own and Hays' bri- 
 gade, to a ridge west of the turnpike and the railroad track, so as to 
 prevent the enemy from flanking our forces on the right, a raoveraent 
 from the 'direction of Manassas indicating that purpose having been 
 observed. In making this movement, two of my regiments, the thir- 
 teenth and thirty-first A^irginia, were detached by General Jackson 
 and placed in a piece of woods on the east of the turnpike, to observe 
 the movements of a body of* the enemy that was moving towards our 
 right. I formed my own and Hays' brigade in line on the ridge indi- 
 cated, placing them under cover in the woods, and advanced skirm- 
 ishers to the railroad track, and posted a detachment on my right 
 flank, so as to prevent any surprise from that direction. Johnson's 
 battery was also placed in position so as to command my front. In 
 the meantime our whole line of battle had been so modified as to 
 place it along the railroad track, and Lawton's and Trimble's brigades 
 were moved so as to conform to this new disposition. My own and 
 Hays' brigades thus constituted the extreme right, being thrown back 
 a little in rear of the direction of the main line. The thirteenth 
 Virginia regiment, under Colonel Walker, and the thirty-first, under 
 Colonel Hoffman, by skirmishing, kept the body of the enemy's 
 infantry, which has been mentioned, in check until the head of Gen- 
 eral Loagstreet's corps made its appearance on tlie Warrenton turn- 
 turnpike, from the direction of Gainesville. When this corps had 
 advanced suihciently far to render it unnecessary for me to remain 
 longer in my position, or for the thirteenth and thirly-first regiments 
 to remain where they were, I recalled them and moved to the left for 
 the purpose of rejoining the rest of the division. I found General 
 Lav;ton, with his brigade, in the woods, not fxr from the position at 
 which I had been the evening before, but formed in line so as to ba 
 parallel to the railroad, Trimble's brigade being posted on the rail- 
 road cut, on the right of our line as thus contracted I was ordered, 
 by General Lawton to form my brigade in line in rear of his brigade, 
 and Colonel Forno was directed to form on ray right. 
 
 Shortly after this, the enemy began his attempts to drive our troops 
 from the line of the railroad, and about half-past three, P. M., Colo- 
 nel Forno was ordered to advance to the front by General Jackson to 
 the support of one of General A. P. Hill's brigades, and he advanced 
 to the railroad and drove the enemy from it, and took position on it 
 with his brigade. After this affair. Colonel Forno was wounded by 
 one of the enemy's sharpshooters so seriously as to require his 
 removal from the field. 
 
 Subsequent to this advance by Colonel Forno, a messenger came 
 to me from General A. P. Hill, stating that the enemy were pressing 
 one of his brigades on the railroad, whose ammunition was nearly 
 exhausted, and requesting m? to advance to its support, I imme- 
 diately did so, and, as I passed General Lawton's brigade, I found 
 him preparing to send forward the thirteenth Georgia regiment. I 
 continued to advance to the front, accompanied by the eighth Lou- 
 
184 
 
 isiana regiment, under Major Lewis, wliich had not been with its own 
 brigade, having been sent off to replenish its ainmunition the day 
 before, and having returned just in time to join my brigade. 
 
 On reaching the railroad, I found the enemy had possession of it 
 Hnd a piece of woods in front, there beir.g at this point a deep cut, 
 *hich furnished a strong defence. General Gregg's and Colonel 
 Thomas' brigades.of A. V. Hill's division, having nearly exhausted 
 their ammuniiioQ, had fallen back a short distance, but were still pre- 
 senting front to the enemy. My brigade and the eighth Louisiana 
 regiment advanced upon the enemy through a field and drove him 
 from the woods and out of the railroad cut, crossing the latter and 
 following in pursuit several hundred yards beyond. In this charge, 
 which was made with great gallantry, heavy loss was inflicted on the 
 enemy, with comparatively slight loss to my own brigade, though, 
 among others, two valuable officers. Colonel Smith and Msijor Higgin- 
 botham, of the twenty-fifth Virginia regiment, were severely 
 wounded. The thirteenth Georgia, regiment also advanced to tho 
 rr.ilroad and crossed it to my right The mepsenger from General 
 Hill had stated that it was not desirable that 1 should go beyon(i tho 
 railroad, and, as soon as I could arreot the advance of my brigade, I 
 moved it hack to the railroad and occupied it. This was the last 
 iitterapt made by the.enemy on the afternoon of Friday, the 29th, to 
 g^t possession of the line of the railroad. On the afternoon of this 
 day, General Trimble was wounded by a shot from one of the enemy's 
 sharpshooters, though I believe his brigade was not engiiged during 
 the day. 
 
 General Trimble's wound was a very oerious one, and the command 
 of the brigade devolved on Captain Brown, of the twelfth Georgia 
 regiment, as the ranking officer present. During the night of the 
 2yth, my brigade and the eighth Louisiana and thirteenth Georgia 
 regiments lay on their arms on the part of the line they were at. 
 Early next morning the enemy's sharpshooters commenced firing on 
 my left flank along the railroad, killing a very valuable young ofiicer 
 iu the thirteenth Virginia regiment, Lieutenant Wilroy, and 1 be- 
 came then aware, for the first time that my flank was expose<l, as I 
 liad been informed that one or more of General Hill's brigades were 
 to the left of me, but, for some purpose, wha lever force was there 
 had been withdrawfl^, and I thus found myself in this position. I 
 soon discovered that tho enemy's skirmii-hers were crossing the rail- 
 road to my left, and advancing through a corn-field, and I immedi- 
 ately sent word to General Hill of the state of things, and, after some 
 delay, some brigades were sent to occupy positions to my left. 
 
 During the course of the morning the skirmishers from my brigade, 
 which were under command of Captiin Lilly, of the tv/enty-fifth 
 Virginia regiment, repulsed a column of the enemy which commenced 
 to advance, and a short time afterwards an arrangement was made so 
 as to place General HilTs troops on the left, this division in the 
 centre, and Jackson's division on the right. In making this arrange- 
 ment there was room left in the front line for only three of the regi- 
 caents of my brigade, and 1 left the forty fourth, forty-ninth and 
 
185 
 
 fifty-second in position, under Colonel Smith, of the forty-ninth, and 
 withdrew the thirteenth, twenty-fifth, thirty-first and fifty-eighth Vir- 
 ginia regiments a short distance to the rear. 
 
 The position of the brigades ,of the division under this disposition 
 was as follows : On the right was Trimble's brigade, under Captain 
 Brown ; on the left of Trimble's was Lawton's brigade, under Colonel 
 Douglas, and, on his left, the three regiments of my brigade, under 
 Colonel Smith, the whole occupying the line of the railroad; Iliys' 
 brigade had gone to the rear to get aramanition and did not return. 
 In the afternoon, when the enemy made his determined attack on the 
 line of the railroad, beginning on the right, Trimble's brigade, by a 
 cross fire, aided in repulsing the column that advanced against Starke's 
 brigade. Another column advanced in front of the three regiments 
 of my brigade, and was repulsed by their fire and that from Lawton's 
 brigade. The attack seemed to be general along the whole line, and , 
 ihe fire ran from right to left. As the enemy retired, the three regi- 
 ments of my brigade dashed across the road in pursuit, very unex- 
 pectedly to mo, as 1 had given express orders f>r them not to 
 advance until ordered to do so, and I immediately moved up the regi- 
 ments that were in rear, to fill up the g«p that was thus left. 
 
 The oth( r regiments we»"e, however, soon brovght back by Col- 
 onel Smith. Late in the afternoon, after General Longstreet 
 had made his advance, and but a short time before night, General 
 Lawton received an order to advance to the front, and Trimble's, his 
 own and my brigades, were ordered forward, and commenced advanc- 
 ing. My own brigade advanced through the woods until it reached 
 a field in front nnd I halted here a moment for General Lawton and 
 the rest cf the division to come up, as I was a little in advance, but 
 General Jackson soon rode up and ordered me to move by the left 
 llauk, as it was reported that a body of the enemy was moving 
 to our left. I immediately did so, sending in front skirmishers, un- 
 der Colonel Terrell, of the thirteenth Virginia regiment, and contin- 
 ued to move on until I came to the railroad and then along that 
 until I came to a field. It was then getting dark, and as soon 
 as my skirmishers entered the field they wore fired upon from a 
 hill to my left. This was very unexpecte<l, and I immediately 
 sent back to General Jackson to let him know the fact, as it would 
 have been folly for rao to advance, if this fire was from the enemy, in 
 the direction 1 was going A message was soon received directing me 
 to send and ascertain from whom the fire came, and statin,;; that it was 
 probably from some of General Hill's troops. It was impos-ible to 
 distinguish uniforms or colors at a distance, when this firing took 
 place, and the only chance of ascertaining from whence it came, being 
 to 8i;nd a messenger, with the certainty of his being captured if it 
 was the enemy A young man, from the forty-fourth Virginia regi- 
 ment, who V'diinteered for the purpose, was sent, and he soon returned 
 with the information that the firing was from the skirmishers fiom 
 Branch's and Greggs's brigades, who mistook us for the enemy Fortu- 
 nately, however, no damage was done. 1 was then onlered toadvinc© 
 to the front, and in a few minutes afterwards, I was ordered to move 
 
186 
 
 back by the rif^ht flank, the reports of the movement of the enemy aroun 1 
 ©ur left Hank havincr provod unfounded. I found that the other brigades 
 had already bivouacked near where I had left them, and my own did the 
 same. Most of the batteries of the division were engaged at different 
 foints and times, during the fighting on these days, but as they were 
 separated from their brigades on account of the difficulty of follow- 
 ing them in the woods, I am unable to give a sufficiently accurate ac- 
 count of their operations, and shall therefore not attempt it. 
 
 Affair at Ox Hill nkar Chantfllv, and March into Maryland. 
 
 .On the afternoon of Sunday, the 31st, the division was ordered to 
 move, following Jackson's division, and it did so, crossing Bull Run at a 
 ford below Sudley, and then turning to the left and pursuing a coun- 
 try road until we reached the Little River turnpike, which was fol- 
 lowed in the direction of Germantown until we were ordered to biv- 
 ouar-k late at'night. 
 
 Early, next morning, (the Istof September,) we were again put in 
 motion, following Jackson's division, and moving in single column, 
 until we reached Chantilly, where the division was placed in two col- 
 umns, ono being on each side of the road, with the artillery in the 
 road. In this arrangement, Trimble's and Hays' were on the right, 
 and Lawton's and my own brigades on the left of the road, my own 
 following Lawton's brigade. 
 
 On reaching Ox Hill, in the afternoon, where the Ox road crosses 
 the turnpike, indications of the approach of i]^e enemy on the turn- 
 pike from Centreville having been observed, Trimble's and Hays' 
 brigades were moved to the right, and placed in line of battle on the 
 right of Jackson's division, and occupying positions on the edge of a 
 field beyond a piece of woods, through which the Ox road here runs. 
 Lawton's brig.ide and my own were moved across the turnpike and 
 placed in line in the woods in rear of Trimble's and Hays' brigades, 
 Lawton's being placed in rear of Trimble's brigade, and my o^vn in 
 rear of Hays' brigade. As we moved into position, the enemy opened 
 with artillery^ firing into the woods where we were posted, and, in a 
 short time afterwards, infantry firing commenced in front. After we 
 had been in position for some time. General Starke, who was 
 comman iing Jackson's division, came to me and represented that 
 the enemy were approaching on his left, in considerable force, and 
 that there was an interval on his left, between his left flank and the 
 turnpike, his line being in the form of an arc of a circle, and he re- 
 que.'ited me to move my brigade so as to occupy this interval, in the 
 direction of which, he represented the enemy to be moving. I had 
 some hesitation about moving my brigade ; but as I had received no 
 orders, and had merely followed the movement of the brigade pre- 
 ceding me, which brought me in the position I have indicated, and as 
 General Starke was very urgent, representing his condition to be 
 critical, which it in fact was, if the infurmation he received was true, 
 I determined to move my brigade to his left, which was but a short 
 distance, owing to the form of the line, and gave the order accord- 
 ingly to move by flank, putting myself upon the leading flank. Dur- 
 
187 
 
 ing tills movement I heard a very considerable rau-^ketry fire ; but as 
 the woods were very thick, and it was raining very hard i\t the time, 
 I could see a very short distance; and took it for granted that the fir- 
 ing proceeded from the troops in front of me. On reaching the posi- 
 tion General Starke wished me to occupy, I found that three of my 
 regiments, the thirteenth, twenty-fifth and thirty-first Virginia regi- 
 ments, had not follo-wed the rest of the brigade, and I immediately 
 sent ray aid, Lieutenant Early, to see what was the cause of it. He 
 found these regiments engaged with the enemy \y\ their front, Ilaya' 
 brigade, under Colonel Strong of the sixth Louisiana regiment, hav--* 
 ing fallen back in confusion, and passed through these regiments, fol- 
 lowed by the enemy, just as my orders were being earned out. This 
 affair could not be seen by me from the flank on which I was, and the 
 regiments engaged in it were very properly detained by the command- 
 ing officers. I immediately marched back the rest of the brigade and 
 found that the enemy had been successfully repulsed by my three 
 regiments. It is due to Hays' brigade to state that the confusion into 
 which it was thrown, was caused by an attempt of the officer in com- 
 mand. Colonel Strong, to change its position when the enemy were 
 advancing, and that his want of sufficient skill in the command of a 
 brigade, caused him to get it confused so that it couM present no 
 front, and it had, therefore tc fall back The eighth Louisiana regi- 
 ment, commanded by Miij. Lewis, fell back in better order than the rest 
 of the brigade and formed in Hue immediately in rear of my regiments. 
 The rest of the brigade was soon rallied and brought back, and hav- 
 ing been placed under my command by General Lawton, it was placed 
 in line on the left of my brigade. General Jackson's division, unjder 
 Gen. Starke, having been withdrawn a short time after the above named 
 affair, and moved to the rear. Hays' brigade and my own thus cov- 
 ered the same front that had been covered by Jackson's division and 
 that brigade, with, however, a contracted line. 
 
 About the time Hay's brigade fell back. Captain Brown, of the 
 twelfth Georgia, commanding Trimble's brigade, was killed and one 
 or two regiments of it were thrown into some confusion ; but the brig- 
 ade held its position. Lawton's brigade was not engaged, and I am 
 unable to give the particulars of the part taken by Trimble's brigade. 
 After the enemy had retired, Trimble's brigade having been withdrawn 
 back to the line occupied by the division, the whole lay on their arms 
 during the night in the wet woods without fires. The next day my 
 brigade was advanced to the front and formed in line a quarter of a 
 mile in front of its position of the day before — Hays being posted on 
 the left flank, at right angles to it. The rest of the division remained 
 in its former position, and Colonel Walker, of the thirteenth Virginia 
 regiment, was assigned to the command of Trimble's brigade. 
 
 On the morning of the 3rd, the division, with the rest of the troops, 
 •was moved to the left, crossing the Loudon and Hampshire railroad at 
 a station above Vienna, and then passing through Dranesville in the 
 direction of Leesburg, and encamped on a creek not far from Dranes- 
 ville. On the next day it passed through Leesburg and camped near 
 a large spring. ^ 
 
188 
 
 On the next day, (the 5th,^ it took up the lino of march to White's 
 ford on the rotomac, at which place it crossed into Maryland, camping 
 tjorae three or four miles from the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and 
 on the morning of the 6th, it marchc<l to the railroad hri ige over the 
 Monoccacy, nt the junction of the railroad to Frederick city with the 
 Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and took up a position so as to command 
 the approaches on and adjacent to the railroad, from the direction of 
 Washington city. In this position it remained until the morniug of 
 the lUth of Septenjber. 
 
 March fkom Fruderick City to Harper's Ferry and Capture of 
 
 that place. 
 
 On the morninfr of the lOtb, the division, with the rest of the troops, 
 moved from the vicinity of Frederick city westward, passing through 
 Middlctown, and bivouacked about ten miles from Frederick. On the 
 r^xt day we moved through Boonesborough and took the direction of 
 Williamsport, at which point we rccrosscd the Potomac and proceeded 
 to the North Mountain depot on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, near 
 which we bivouacked. On the next d:iy we proceeded to M:irMnsburg, 
 and passed through the town in the direction of Harper's Ferry, and 
 bivouacked on the banks of the Opequan. 
 
 On the following morning, (the 13th,) we marched towards Harper's 
 Ferry, and proceeded to the turnpike road one mile above llalltown, 
 where we encamped. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 14th, (Sunday,) we were ordered to ad- 
 vance tOAvards Harper's Ferry in three columns one along the road 
 and another on each side of it. 
 
 After passing Halltown, the division advanced to the woods on 
 School-House hill, in line in the following order : Lawton and Trim- 
 We's brigiides were formed in line of battle on the right of the turn- 
 pike. Hays' brigade on the left of it, and my own brigade in rear of 
 I^awton's, and in this manner the whole advanced to the woods without 
 opposition, thus getting possession of this hill, which, fronted Bolivar 
 Heights, and was in ea'^y .range for artillery. ]My brigade was then 
 moved across the road by flank and placed immediately in rear of 
 Hays' brigade, which General Liwton put under my cominind The 
 several brigades lay on their arms in this wood during the night, it 
 having become dark by the time they reached it. During the night, 
 Brown's and Dement's batteries, which had been attached to rri^; brig- 
 ade at Frederick in lieu of Johnson's, which wai' trai»s<ferr((l to Trim- 
 ble's, were carried across the Shenandoah, under direction of Colonel 
 Crutchficld, to some heights on the east side of the river, which com- 
 manded Harper's Ferry and Bolivar Heights, and placed in position. 
 
 The rest of the batteries belonging to the division were placed in 
 position on the crest of School- House hill, on each sitle of the road. 
 At dawn, the brigades were advanced to the front of the woods, and 
 the batteries, including Brown's and Dement's, opened fire which was 
 kept up until the enemy surrendered. Our artillery fire was but 
 feebly responded to., Lawton's brigade, under the command of Colo- 
 
189 
 
 nel Douglas, was moved by flank, under cover, to the bottom, on tbe 
 right of the turnpike between School-House hill and Bolivar Heights, 
 for the purpose of supporting General A. P. Hill's contemplated ad- 
 vance from the right; but the white flag was displayed in a short time, 
 and no further movement was made by this brigade or the rest of the 
 division. . ' 
 
 Battle of Siiarpsburg. 
 
 Late in, the afternoon of the 15th, (the day of the surrender,) Gen- 
 eral Lawton received an order to move the division on the road to 
 Boteler's foid be'ow Shepherdstown, and he immediately put his own 
 and Trimitle's lirigade in motion and gave me an order to follow with 
 Hays' and my own brigades as soon as they could be supplied with 
 rations, which had to be obtained fr jm Harper's Ferry, '^is detained 
 me until after night when I followed General Lawton, and found him 
 in camp about four miles from the ford. The division moved at dawn 
 next morning, crossing the Potomac at Boteler's ford and proceeding 
 on the road to Sharpsburg, and w.is halted and stacked rrms in a vv'ood 
 on the left of the road about a mile from Sharpsburg, It remaine*! 
 in thi* position for several hours, and late in the afternoon, (jlenoral 
 Lawton was oidcred to move the division to the right to cover a bridge 
 over the Antiotiirn, This movement was * commenced, but was soon 
 counterniandod and he was directed to follow Jackson's division to the 
 left. Following this division, we moved through fields to the left of 
 Sharpsburg until we reached the turnpike from Sharpsburg towards 
 Hagetstown and ihen turned to the left on that road until we reached 
 a wood in which there was a Dunkard church, 
 
 Jackson's division having been pliiced in position, General Jackson 
 in person, directed me to place my l)rigado on the left of his division 
 then oommanded by Brigadier Geneml Jones, so as to prevent its 
 being fl mkt <1, and to communicate with General Jones. It was then 
 getting dark, some of our troops were engaged in front, and the shells 
 from t«)e ei'Ciny's guns were flying t()leral)ly thick, and it was some- 
 time hefoie 1 could ascertain where General Jones was. I found him, 
 however, finally, not far from where 1 was, and having ascertained 
 that General Starke's brigade was on his left, I moved to the left of 
 that and placed my brigade in line along a road on which General 
 Starko's lel't rested. In a short time Brigadier General Hays, wjio 
 had joined his brigade the day before, reported to rae, ami his brigade 
 was foinied in rear of mine, it being too dark to understand enough 
 of thi'. pdsi'ion to make very good dispo^jitions. Lawton's and Trim- 
 ble's brigades were halted in the woods near the church, and between 
 ten and cdeven o'clock, at night, were ordered to relieve some brigades 
 of General Hood's division which had been engaged during tlie even- 
 ing. Those two brigades were posted in the positions occupied by 
 General Hood's brigHde, Trimble's brigade, under Colonel Walker, 
 being on the right, next to General 1>. H. Hill's division and Lawton's 
 brigade on (lie left of it. In this position they lay on their arms 
 during the night with occasional skiimishing in front between the 
 pickets. 
 
190 
 
 Shortly after dawn, next raorninf». ILiys' brigade was ordered, by 
 General Lawton, to more to the position at which his own and Trim- 
 ble's brigades were in line, and was posted in the open field in rear of 
 Lawton's biigade. At the same time Hays was ordered to make his 
 movement. General Jackson, in person, ordered me to move my brig- 
 ade to the left, along a route which he pointed out,' to support some 
 pieces of artillery which M \jor General Stuart had in position to the 
 left of our line. I immediately commenced this movement, and was 
 thus separated from the rest of the division, and cannot, therefore, 
 speak of it« subsequent operations from my own observation, but 
 gathf-r the following facts from the reports of brigade commanders: 
 
 At light, skirmiLhing commenced in front of Lawton's and Trim- 
 ble's brigades, in a piece of woods occupied by the enemy, and in a 
 very short tWne the enemy's batteries, which were posted on the op- 
 posite side of Antietam river, so as to enfilade the line of these two 
 brigaiies, opened a destructive fire. About sunrise, the enemy ad- 
 vanced in line, driving in our skirmishers, and advancing to the edge 
 of the woods. About this time, batteries opened in front from the 
 woods with shell and canister, and these brigades were thus exposed 
 ti a terrible carnage. After a short time, General Hays advanced, 
 with l:is brigade, to the support of Colonel Douglas, under a terrific 
 fire, and passed to the front. About this time, General Lawton, who 
 had been superintending the operation, received a very severe wound, 
 and was borne from the field. Colonel Walker, by moving two of his 
 regiments, the twenty-first Georgia and twenty-first North Carolina, 
 and concentrating their fire, and that of the twelfth Get^rgia, upon 
 a part of the enemy's line in front of the latter, succeeded in break- 
 ing it, and as a brigade of fresh troops came up to the support of 
 Lawton's and Hays' brigades just at this time, AValker ordered an ad- 
 v\;nce, but the brigade which came up having fallen back, he was 
 cotcpelled to halt, and finally to fall bark to his first position. His 
 brigade (Trimble's) had suffered terribly, his own horse was killed 
 under him, and he had himself been struck by a piece of shell. Col- 
 onel Douglas, whose brigade had been hotly engaged during the whole 
 time, was killed, and about half the men had been killed and wt.unded. 
 Hays' brigaile, which had advanced to Colonel Douglas' support, had 
 also suffered terribly, having more than half killed and wouiided, 
 (b»th 0^" oreucral Hays' staff" officers being disabled,) and, General Hood 
 having come up to their relief, these three brigades which were re- 
 duced to mere fragments, their ammunition being exhausted, retired 
 to the rsar. 
 
 The tert ible nature of the conflict in which these brigades had been 
 engaged, and the steadiness with which they maintained their posi- 
 tion, is shown by the losses they sustained. They did not retire 
 from the field until General Lawton had been wounded and borne 
 from the field ; C dcnel Douglas, commanding Lawton's brigade, 
 had been killed, and the brigade had sustained a loss of five 
 hundred and fifty-four killed and wounded out of eleven hun- 
 dred and filty, losing five regimental commanders, out of six. 
 Hays' brigade had sustained a loss ot three hundred and twenty-three 
 
191 
 
 out of five hundred and fifty, including every regimental commander 
 Hud all of his staff; and Colonel Walker and one of his staff had been 
 disabled, and the brigade he was commanding had sustained a loss of 
 two hundred and twenty-eight out of less than seven hundred pres- 
 ent, including three out of four regimental commanders. I am sorry 
 that I am not able to do justice to the individual cases of gallantry 
 displayed in this terrible conflict, and must content myself with call- 
 ing attention to the reports of General Hays and Colonel Walker, 
 brigade commanders, and of Major Lowe who succeeded to the com- 
 mand of Lawton's brigade after the death of Colonel Douglas, and 
 the disabling' of all the other ranking officers. In the death of Col- 
 onel Douglas, the country sustained a serious loss. He was talented, 
 courageous, and devoted to his duty. 
 
 After receiving the order from General Jackson to gb to the sup- 
 port of General Stuart, as before stated, I proceeded to do so, moving 
 my brigade through a piece of wood a little back from the left of our 
 line, and then through some fields ; but, as I was passing through 
 these fields I discovered some of the enemy's skirmishers moving 
 around our left, and I sent some from my own brigade to hold them ia 
 check until I had passed. I found General Stuart about a mile from 
 the position I had moved from, with several pieces of artillery in po- 
 sition on a hill, and engaged with some of the enemy's guns. At his 
 suggestion, 1 formed my line in rear of this hill and remained here 
 for about an hour, when General Stuart having discovered a body of 
 the enemy's troops making their way gradually between us and the 
 left of our main line, determined to shift his position to an eminence 
 nearer our line and a little to the rear. He gave the instructions ac- 
 cordingly, and I moved back, taking a route in rear of the one by 
 which 1 had moved out, and, by General Stuart's direction, my brig- 
 ade was moved into the skirt of woods through which I had marched 
 in going out. Just as I was getting into line Gen. Stuart informed 
 me that Gen. Lawton had been wounded, andthat Gen. Jackson had 
 sent for me to carry my brigade back and take command of the division. 
 
 Leaving the thirteenth Virginia regimant, numbering less than 
 one hundred men, with General Stuart, at his request, I then moved 
 to the rear of this wood around a corn-field, as^the enemy hail got 
 in^o the woods to my right, and as I came near the position at which 
 my brigade had been posted the night before, I found Colonel Grigsby 
 and Colonel Stafford, of Jackson's division, rallying some two or three 
 huhdre<l men of that division at the point at which Starke's brigida 
 had been in position the night bef -re. A body of the enemy, per- 
 haps only skirmishers, had got into the woods to the left, and was firing 
 upon our men, being held in check by a scattering fire. This was the 
 ?ame body of woods at which the Dunkard Church, before mentioned, 
 is located. This wood runs along the ILigerstown road for several 
 hundred yards entirely on the left hand side as you proceed from 
 Sharpsburg ; then there is a field, the edge of which runs at right an- 
 gles to the road for about two hundred yards, making thus an elbow 
 in the woods and then turns to the right and runs along the woods 
 parallel lo the Hagorstown road for a quarter of a mile, and the woods 
 
192 
 
 again turns pquare to the left and extends back about half a mild, 
 makinfr at this point acrain an elbow with the strip of woods running 
 along the road from the church. The church itself is at the end next 
 to Sharpsburg and near the rond. The wood is about four hundred 
 yards through where it runs along t}ie road, and back of it is a plan- 
 tation road running by a house and a barn and through the long ellio\T 
 in the woods on the left. The field between the woods and the Ila- 
 gerstown road forms a plateau ne;irly level and in higher ground than 
 the woods wliich slopes down abruptly from the edge of the plateau. 
 This wood is full of le Iges of limestone and small ridges affording 
 excellent cover for troops. A portion of the enemy, as before stated, 
 bad got into the further end of this wood, where the field is between 
 it and the road, and as I came up. Colonels Grigsby and Stafford cum- 
 menced to advance upon this body, and I immediately formed my brig- 
 ade in line and advanced along in their rear, the enemy givinj:; way 
 as the advance was made. I halted my brigade on a ridge in thia 
 wood and Colonels Grigsby and StaiToid, at my suggestion, fionied. 
 their men on my left. My line when thus formed was perpendicular 
 to tiie llogerstown road, and the right rested near the edge of the 
 plateau above-mentioned, but was concealed and protected by the rise 
 in the ground. A considerable body of the enemy's troops was been 
 in the fields in my front, as thus presented, which was evidently en- 
 deavoring to make a movement on our flank and rear. I directed 
 Colonel 8mith, of the forty-ninth Virginia regiment, to take con.niand 
 of the brigade and to resist the enemy at all hazards, and then rode 
 in the direction of the position at which the rest of the brigade had 
 been engaged for the purpose of taking command of them aud ascer- 
 taining their condition. I ascertained that these brigades had fallen 
 "back some distance to the rear for the purpose of reorganizing, and 
 that they were probably not in a condition to go into the fight again. 
 I despatched Major J. P. Wilson, a volunteer aid, who had been with 
 General Lawton, to find out where the brigades were and to order 
 them up. While looking for these brigades, 1 observed that our 
 troops who were engaged on this part of the line were giving way be- 
 fore the enemy, and as soon as 1 had despatched Major Wii.-on, I 
 rtde to find General Jackson and having done so, informed him of 
 the coridition of the division and also that our troops were giving 
 wa-\ and that the enemy was advancing on the flank on which 1 had 
 for'rotd my brigade, lie said that he would send for reinforcements 
 and directed me to keep the enemy in check until they arrived. I 
 then returned to my brigade and resumed ccmmand of it I soon 
 found that the enemy was moving up in consideral le force towards 
 the woods in which 1 was, and 1 sent Major Hale, my A. A. A Gt ne- 
 ral, to let General Jackson know that the danger \*as imminent i nd 
 he soon returned with the assurance that the reinforcements should 
 be sent immediately. Just as Major Hale returned, a battery opened 
 at the corner of the woods on the Hagerstown road, where the field 
 ppok^n of joins the woods. This was not more than two hundred 
 yards from my right flank and Avas somewhat in roar of it. When 
 this battery opened I took it for granted that it was one of ours, but 
 
193 
 
 Major Hale's "attention was called to it by a soldier who happened to 
 be standing upon the edge of the plateau and discovered that it wa* 
 one of the enemy's batteries. I was immediately informed of the 
 fact by Major Hale, but I doubted it until I rode to the edge of the 
 woods, and saw, beyond all dispute, that it was the enemy's battery 
 and was firing in the direction of the road towards Sharpsburg, and 
 that it was supported by a very heavy column of infantry, which waa 
 also within two hundred yards of my right flank. This made me awaro 
 of the fact that our troops, which 1 had seen giving way, had fallea 
 back, leaving the enemy entire possession of the field in front. It 
 must be borne in mind that the direction of my line was perpendicu- 
 lar to the Hagerstown road, so that had the enemy seen it his battery 
 could have raked my liank and rear. Fortunately, my troops were 
 concealed from his view. My condition, however, was exceedingly 
 critical, as another column was advancing in my front and had reached 
 the woods in which I was. I saw the vast importance of maintaining 
 my ground, for had the enemy got possession of this woods, the 
 heights immediately in rear, which commanded the rear of our 
 whole line, would have fallen into his hands. 1 determined 
 to wait for the reinforcements promised by General Jackson, hoping 
 that they would arrive in time to meet the column on my right. I, 
 however, threw my right flank back quietly under cover of the woods 
 BO as not to have ray rear exposed in the event of being discovered, 
 I kept an anxious eye on the column on my right, as well as on the 
 one moving up in my front, and very soon I saw the column on my 
 riirht move into the woods in the direction of the church. I looked 
 to the rear for the reinforcements and could not see them coming. I 
 was thus cut off" from the main body of our army on the right and a 
 column was moving against me from the left There was no time to 
 be lost and I immediately ordered my brigade to move by the ri^jhfc 
 flank parallel to the enemy and directed Colonel Grigsby, who com- 
 manded the body of troops he and Colonel Stafford had rallied, to 
 move his command back in line so as to present front to the eneny, 
 who were coming up on the flank 1 moved back along the rear of 
 the woods, until 1 caught np with the enemy who had the start of me. 
 1 was, however, concealed from his view and it was evident that my 
 presence where I was was not suspected. Passing from behind a ridgo 
 that concealed my brigade from the enemy, we came in full view of 
 his flankers, which, however, were made aware of my presence by a 
 fire which I directed the leading regiment to pour into them. They 
 immediately ran into the main body, which halted, and I continued to 
 move by the flank until my whole force was disclosed Just at this 
 time I observed the promised reinforcements coming up towards the 
 woods at the further end. I ordered the brigade to f ice to the front 
 and open fire, which was done in handsome sryle an,d responded toby 
 the enemy. I did not intend to advance to the front, as I observed 
 Bome of the troops which had come up to reinfi^rce me preparing to 
 advance into the woods from the direction of my right flank and was 
 afraid of exposing my brigade to their fire, and that the two move- 
 ments would throw us into confusion a3 they would have been at right 
 13 
 
194 
 
 angles ; moreover, the other column wfts a'lvancing on my flank, helJ 
 hi check, ho^vever, hy roloncls Grii:->Ky anil Stafford, with their men, 
 and hy the thirty-first Virginia regiment, which was on my left. The 
 enemy in front, however, Commenced giving way, and the brigade, 
 which I have always found dilhcult to restrain, commenced pursuing, 
 driving the enemy in front entirely out of the woods. Notwithstand- 
 ing my efforts to stop the men, they advanced until my left flank and 
 rear became exposed to a fire from the column on the left, which had 
 advanced past my former position, I also discovered another body of 
 the enemy moving across the plateau on my lefc flank in douMe-quick 
 time to the svme position, and I succeeded in arresting my command 
 and ordtred it to retire so that I might change front and advance 
 upon this force Just as I reformed my line, JSemmes', Anderson's, 
 and a ptrt of ]>atksd:ile'3 brigades, of McLaws' division, came np and 
 the whole, including Grigsby's command, advanced upon this body of 
 the enemy, driving it with great slaughter entirely from and beyond 
 the woods and leaving us in possession of my former position. Aa 
 soon as this was accomplished, I caused the regiments of the brigade 
 to be reformed and placed in position as before. I take great plea- 
 sure in bearing testimony to the gallant conduct of Semmes', Ander- 
 son's, and Barksdale's commands, whoso timely arrival was of so 
 much service to me. 
 
 1 can also bear testimony to the gallant deportment of Colonels 
 Grigsby and Stafford, and the men under their command. Major 
 General Stuart, with the pieces of artillery under his charge, con- 
 tributed largely to the repulse of the enemy, and pursued them for 
 some distance with his artillery and the thirteenth A'irginia regiment, 
 under the command of Captain Winston. The conduct of my own 
 brigade was all that I could have desired, and I feel that it wouM be 
 invidious to mention individual acts of courage where all behaved. so 
 well. My acting assistant adjutant general, Major Hale, and ray aid, 
 Lieutenant Early, were very active in bearing my orders under fire 
 and were of great service to me. The loss in my brigade, in this 
 affair and under the shelling to which it was exposed while supporting 
 Ceneral Stuart early in the morning, was eighteen killed and one 
 hundred and sixty-six wounded. Colonel William Smith, of the 
 forty-ninth Virginia, and Lieutenant Colonel Gibson, of the same 
 regiment, were both seriously wounded, the former receiving three 
 wounds, but remaining on the field in command of his regiment until 
 after the close of the fight 
 
 Shortly after the repulse of the enemy, Colonel Hodges, in com- 
 mand of Armistead's brigade, reported to me, and I placed it in line 
 in the position occupied by my brigade, and placed the latter in line 
 on the edge of the plateau which has been mentioned and parallel to 
 the Hagerstown rpad, but under cover. Immediately after his re- 
 pulse the enemy commenced shelling the woods where we were, and 
 kept it up for some time, doing however, no damage. Major General 
 McLaws brought up two brigades some time afterwards, placing one 
 (Kershaw's) on the left of Armistead's, on the same line, and the 
 other (Barksdale's) on my right, la this positioa we remained 
 
195 
 
 during the rest of the day, the ensuing night, and all day Thursday, 
 the 18th. The enemy made do further attack, but there were several 
 demonstrations, as if another advance was intended, and there were 
 at least three lines of battle formed on the opposite side of the 
 Hagerstown road, near the woods, with a heavy lino of skirmishers 
 extending nearly up to the road. I deem it proper to state that all 
 the killed and wounded of my own brigade were inside of my lines, 
 as I established them after the figbt, and that the killed and wounded 
 of the enemy on this part of the field were also within the same lines. 
 All my killed were buried, and all my wounded were carried to the 
 hospital in the rear, though, by some mismanagement on the part of 
 the surgeons or quartermasters, of which. I was not aware until too 
 late, some ten or fifteen of my wounded were left in a hospital on the 
 Maryland side of the river when we recrossed. Late in the afternoon 
 of the 17th, I went to the rear to look after the other brigades of the 
 division, and found Major Lowe, with about one hundred men of Law- 
 ton's brigade, which he had collected together, and which I had moved 
 up to where ray brigade was and posted on the right of it. Early 
 next morning General Hays, with about ninety men of his brigade, 
 reported to me and was placed on my left, in the same line ; and, 
 during the morning, ^Captain Feagins, with about two hundred 
 men of Trimble's brigade, reported to me, and was posted in my rear. 
 Only Johnson's and D'x\quin'8 batteries accompanied the division ■ 
 across the Potomac, the former being attached to Trimble's brigade 
 and the latter to Hays' brigade. They were both engaged on the 
 17th and suffered to some extent; but I am unable to give an account 
 of their operations, as Johnson's battery was soon after detached from 
 the division and has since been amalgamated with another battery ia 
 some other command, and Captain D'Aquin was killed at Fredericks- 
 burg. 
 
 The other batteries, which had been detained at Harper's Ferry, 
 were brought over the river on the 18th by my orders. 
 
 Recrossing the Potomac, Affairs at Boteler's Ford and Siiep- 
 
 HERDSTOWN, AND MaRCH TO BuNKER HiLL. 
 
 Having received the order from General Jackson after night on the 
 13th, to move back as soon as my picket'3 were relieved by General 
 Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry, which was between ten 'and eleven o'clock, I 
 moved the division b;ick, carrying along Armistead's brigade, and I 
 believe this was the last division to move It recrossed the Potomac 
 at Boteler's ford shortly after sunrise on the morning of the 19th, 
 and was formed in line of battle on the heights on the Virginia side, 
 under the direction of General Longstrcet. After remaining in posi- 
 tion for two or three hours, the enemy having in the meantime opened 
 an artillery fire from the opposite side of ti:e Potomac, I was ordered ■ 
 to move towards Martinsburg and to leave Lawton's b.rigade then in- 
 creased to about four hundred men and under command of C^olonel .' 
 Lamar, of the sixty-first Georgia regiment, in position on the height 
 just below Boteler's ford. I accordingly moved ia thedirecuon indi- 
 
196 
 
 cated, until 1 was ordered to encamp for the night, near a school 
 house, five or six miles from Shepherdstown. On the afternoon of the 
 19th the enemy commenced crossing a small force at Boteler's ford, 
 and Lawton's brigade gave way, abandoning its position. This bri- 
 gade was very much reduced, having suffered terribly on the 17th, 
 and a considerable number of the men, being just returned from the 
 hospitals, were without arms, and, without knowing the particulars of 
 the affair, I am satisfied its conduct on this occasion was o^ing to the 
 mismanagement of the oflBcer in command of it. 
 
 Next morning I was ordered to move back to the vicinity of Bote- 
 ler's ford, with the three brigades which were with me. On arriving 
 there, by orders from General Jackson, these brigades were placed in 
 line of battle in rear of General A. P. Hill's division, in the woods, 
 on the right and left of the road leading to the ford; my own an! 
 Hays' brigades being placed on the right and Trimble's brigade on 
 "the left. In this position they remained until late in the afternoon, 
 while General Hill's division was engaged in front, being in range of 
 the enemy's shells, by one of which Captain Feagin, in command of 
 the fifteenth Alabama regiment, was seriously wounded, he being the 
 only regimental commander of that brigade who had not been killed 
 or wounded at Sharpsburg. 
 
 Late in the afternoon, I was ordered to move back, and on the way 
 received orders to continue to move on, following Jackson's division, 
 which preceded me, and did so until I was halted, about twelve o'clock 
 at night, near the Opequon, We remained at this position until the 
 24th, and then moved across the Opequon and camped on the Wil- 
 liamsport turnpike, six or seven miles from Martinsburg. On the 
 next day my camp was moved to a place near the Tuscarora, about 
 three miles from Martinsburg, and on the 27th we moved to Bunker 
 Hill. 
 
 This embraces the whole of the operations of this division during 
 the period designated in the order of the Lieutenant General com- 
 manding this corps, as far as I am able to give them, and I am sorry 
 that I am not able to do more justice to Lawton's, Trimble's and Hays' 
 brigades in this report, but my difficulties in making it have already 
 been explained, and it is owing to them, and not to any design on my 
 part, that the report as to these brigades is not so complete as it is in 
 regard to my own. 
 
 I submit herewith lists ot killed, wounded and missing, from which 
 it will appear that, in the period embraced, this division has lost ia 
 killed, five hundred and sixty-five ; in wounded, two thousand two 
 hundred and eighty-four, and missing, seventy ; making an aggregate 
 of two thousand nine hundred and nineteen, showing the severity of 
 the conflicts in which it has been engaged. Its loss at Sharpsburg 
 alone was one hundred and ninety-nine killed, one thousand one hun- 
 cired and fifteen wounded, and thirty-eight missing, being an 
 aggregate loss of one thousand three hundred and fifty-two out of 
 less than three thousand five hundred, with which it went into that 
 action. 
 
 I hope I may be excused for referring to the record shown by my 
 
197 
 
 own brigade, which has never been broken or compelled to fall back, 
 or left one of its dead to be buried by the enemy, but has invariably 
 driven the enemy when opposed to him, and slept upon the ground on 
 which it has fought in every action, with the solitary exception of 
 the affair at Bristoe Station, when it retired under ordecs, covering 
 the withdrawal of the other troops. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. A. EARLY, 
 Brigadier General, commanding Division. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL W. B. TALIAFERRO, 
 COMMANDING DIVISION. 
 
 Richmond, September IG, 1862. 
 
 To Major E. F. Paxton, 
 
 A. A. A. General: 
 
 Major : For the information of the Major General commanding, I 
 have the honor to report the operations of the first division (Jackson's) 
 from the time the army moved from Crenshaw's farm, near Orange 
 Court-IIouse, to the 29th ultimo, when, by the advice of the surgeon, 
 I left the army for this place. 
 
 On the morning of the 20th, I left Crenshaw's farm following the 
 division of Major General Ewell, which marched in rear of that of 
 Mnjor General A. P. Hill, and, after crossing the Ilapidan river at 
 Somerville ford, bivouacked at Stevensburg, in Culpeper county, for 
 the night. 
 
 Next morning I was ordered to move the division to the front, and, 
 after passing the divisions of General Jackson's corps, near Brandy 
 Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, I was pushed forward 
 towards Cunningham's ford, on the Rappahannock. 
 
 Action at Cunningham's Ford, August 2I8t. 
 
 On approaching this ford, I discovered the enemy on the ppposito 
 bank, (in what force I could not tell,) their infantry holding the edge 
 of a corn field and a skirt of woods which approached the river bank, 
 and the brows of the hills overlooking the ford, I could not discover 
 their batteries ; but supposed they would soon be exhibited. I halted 
 the troops under cover of the woods, and ordered to the front, under 
 charge of Major L. Shumaker, my chief of artillery, the long-rango 
 guns of Brockenbrough's, Wooding's, Poague's and Carpenter's bat- 
 teries. 
 
 These pieces having been placed in position soon developed the 
 position of the enemy's batteries, and, after a short resistance, silenced 
 their guns, blowing up one of their caissons and dispersing, in confu- 
 sion, their infantry. 
 
 By direction of the Major General, the infantry was kept back, 
 while a cavalry force was pushed over the ford to reconnoitre. 
 
 This force, under Major General Stuart, (reinforced by a section of 
 Brockenbrough's and Wooding's batteries,) remained over the river 
 some two hours, capturing a number of prisoners and many arms, 
 which had been abandoned in their haste to escape the severity of our 
 shelling. 
 
 Sometime after, the enemy was discovered moving large masses up 
 the river from below us. Here, the cavalry having retired, his bat- 
 teries were again placed in position near the ford, and a large party 
 
]9!l 
 
 of skirmishers thrown out to the river hank ahove and below the ford. 
 I at once detaili"'d a sufficiont force of sharpshootefs from the third 
 brigade to hold the river bank, between whom and the enemy an ani- 
 mated skirmish was kept up during the rest of the day. 
 
 Towards night the enemy reinforced his skirmishers with a brigade 
 of infantry, when I directed Major Shumaker to open upon them with 
 his pieces, which, although it drciv upon our artillerists a heavy fire, 
 which was continued as long as it was light enough to distinguish ob- 
 jects, had the effect of driving them back in confusion. Our batteries 
 then replied to those of the enemy with deliberation and vi^or until 
 dark. On the following morning, I was directed to hold the ford un- 
 til the other division of General Jickson's corps had pissed to my left 
 in the direction of Farley ford, on the Hazel river, and then to follow 
 with my division. 
 
 I had again, on the morning of the 22nd, a warm artillery fight 
 with the enemy, resulting, as on the day previous, according 'to his 
 published reports, in very considerable slaughter to the enemy. Our 
 loss was twenty privates killed and wounded and no officers. 
 
 After the other divisions had made way for me, I moved to Farley 
 ford. On reaching which point, Iwas ordered by General Lee to re- 
 main until morning, for the purpose of uniting with General Hood in 
 repressing any demonstration of the enemy at Freeman's ford, on the 
 Rappahannock. 
 
 Generals Fiood and Trimble were engaged with the enemy, who had 
 crossed the Rappahannock, at the time that I approached the Hazel; but 
 had driven them back across the river before I came up with them. 
 We were only subjected to a few shells of the enemy, which did us no 
 harm. 
 
 On the 23rd, we marched to Scott's farm, near the White Sulphur 
 Springs, and on the 24th, within one mile of Jefferaonton ; each day 
 being subjected to some little shelling. 
 
 On the 25th, we marched this division in rear, from Jeffersonton 
 across the Rappahannock at the ford next above Waterloo, and bivou- 
 acked near Salem. On the 26th, marched within a mile of Bristoe 
 Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, passing through 
 Thoroughfare Gap, each of these days without meeting the enemy, 
 who was ignorant of our movements. 
 
 Skirmish near Manassas Junction. 
 
 On the morning of the 20th, I was ordered to send, before day- 
 break, a brigade across Muddy Run by the county road to Manassas 
 Junction. I accordingly sent forward on this service, the first brigade, 
 Colonel Baylor, and followed with the rest of the division, as soon as 
 General Hill's division permitted me to move. 
 
 Colonel Baylor encountered a force of the enemy's cavalry, about 
 a mile from the Junction, but soon dispersed them, Boague's battery 
 of this brigade, doing good practice. Baylor then pushed beyond the 
 Junction and aiiied in the rout of the enemy towards Centrevillo, and 
 afterwards returned to Manassas Junction. 
 
200 
 
 By tlie direction of the Major General commanding, I assumed 
 command at the Junction, threw out the necessary pickets, made 
 preparation^ for transporting such of the stores which had been cap- 
 tured by General Trimble on the precceding evening, as the captured 
 wagons and our limited -transportation would admit of, distributing 
 to our troops as much of the subsistence stores as they could eat and 
 transport in their haversacks, and made preparations for the firing of 
 the immense accumulation of commissary, quartermaster and ordnance 
 stores, which were contained in the buildings and cars, of which latter 
 there were over one hundred, all new and in the best order. 
 
 At night. Major General Ewell, who had been fighting during the 
 evening at Bristoe Station, having crossed Muddy run, by direction 
 of Major Geneial Jackson, I moved my division, wi.h the entire train, 
 across the Warrenton and Alexandria turnpike, pursuing the Old 
 Mili.ary road to Sudley mills, and at daylight halted on the battle 
 field of* the 2 1 St of J uly , 1861. 
 
 The second brigade, under the command of Colonel Bradley John- 
 eon, was thrown forward to Groveton ; the third brigade, Colonel Tal- 
 iaferro, to Sudley Mills, and the first and fourth hobi about half a mile 
 beyond the intersection of the turnpike with the Aldie road. 
 
 Battle of Manassas, August 2Stm. 
 
 On the morning of the 2Sth, the enemy made demonstrations upon 
 tiie road leading from Warrenton, which were checked by the second 
 brigade, and it was asceriaincd he was advancing his columns by the 
 railroad on one side, and the Warrenton turnpike on the other ; that 
 hid intention was to rest the right of his left advance on the turnpike, 
 and the right on the road to Sudley, and to attempt to cross Bull Run 
 at the stone bridge and Sudley ford. 
 
 I received orders about twelve o'clock M., from the Major General 
 commanding, to move forward through the woods to attack his left, 
 which was advancing from the direction of Gainesville towards Sudley. 
 I accordingly pushed the first, third, and fou-rth brigades in that direc- 
 tion, being followed by Mnjor General Ewell. 
 
 After marching seme two and a half miles in the direction of 
 Gainesville, and coming to the open field, to the right of Groveton,! 
 discovered that the enemy had abandoned his intention of attempting 
 to cross at Sudley, and was moving oft' to the right of the Warrenton 
 turnpike ; that the troops he had thrown forward had been recalled, 
 and that the whole force which had crossed the turnpike were falling 
 back and recrossing. At the same time, I received orders to halt my 
 command. The enemy, in great force, could now be discovered leav- 
 ing the turnpike to their left, and, apparently making for the rail- 
 road about Manassas Junction. Our troops were immediately thrown 
 forward in the direction of the turnpike, and lines of battle formed 
 parallel to the road. In a short time their skirmishers advanced, and 
 were almost immediately supported by an immense force which crossed 
 the turnpike and advanced upon our lines. 
 
 Tne first brigade was at this time on the right, the fourth next, the 
 
201 
 
 second some distance on the left, having been withrawn from Grove- 
 ton. As soon as the third brigade could get up, which was after the ac- 
 tion commenced, it was moved M-st to the support of the batteries on 
 the right, and then to the right of the first brigade. 
 
 The batteries of Captains Wooding, Poague and Carpenter were 
 placed in position in front of the first brigade, and just above the 
 village of Groveton, and firing over the heads of the skirmishers, 
 poured a most destructive fire of shot and shell upon the enemy. This 
 was responded to by a most severe fire, and a new position selected 
 to the light of the first brigade, which enfiladed the enemy's guns, 
 and ultimately drove them from the field. The troops moved forward 
 with splendid gallantry, and in most perfect order. 
 
 Twice our lines were advanced, until we had reached a farm-house 
 and orchard on the right of our line, and were within about eighty 
 yards of a greatly superior force of the enemy. Here, one of the 
 most terrific eonfiiets that can be conceived occurred Our troops held 
 the farm-house and one edge of the orchard, while the enemy held the 
 orchard and enclosure next to the turnpike. To our left there was no 
 cover, and our men stood in an open field, without shelter of any kind. 
 The enemy, although reinforced, never once attempted to advance upon 
 our position, but withstood, with great determination, the teriible fire 
 which our lines poured upon them.* For two hours and a half with- 
 out an instant's cessation of the most deadly discharges of musketry, 
 round shot and shell, both lines stood unmoved, neither advancing, and 
 neither broken or yielding, until at last about nine o'clock at night, 
 the enemy slowly and sullenly fell back and yielded the field to our 
 victorious troops. > 
 
 The loss on both sides was very heavy; but the proportion of killed 
 and wounded of our men was, as far as I could judge upon the field, 
 small, and the wounds generally slight. The commanding General 
 has been, I presume, furnished with an official report cf the killed 
 and wounded. 
 
 The gallantry and heroism displayed by our troops is beyond all 
 praise. The first brigade was more exposed than any other, and moro 
 than sustained the reputation, which, under the leadership of the 
 Major General commanding, on the same field over twelve months 
 ago, it achieved, and which has distinguished its veteran troops in 
 many of the hardest fought battles of the war. 
 
 Colonel Baylor, fifth Virginia, who commanded it, was worthy his 
 heroic command. No more exalted recognition of his worth and ser- 
 vices can be uttered, and no higher tribute can be paid him, than to 
 declare that he was worthy the command of the Stonewall brigade in 
 the action of the 28th ultimo. 
 
 Colonel Neff, thirty-third Virginia, while gallantly leading his 
 regiment into action, was killed. Colonel Grigsby, twenty-seventh, 
 wounded; Colonel Botts, second Virginia, mortally wounded; Major 
 Nadenbousch, second Virginia, Major Terry, fourth, wounded, and 
 others, whose names and whose gallantry have been, doubtless, re- 
 ported to the commanding General. 
 
 The second brigade, Colonel Bradley Johnston, which had been 
 
202 
 
 subjected to severe picket duty the niglit previous, and on the morning 
 of this day, and behaved with gnlhintry in the skirmishes of the 
 morning, was not brought into action. 
 
 The third brigade, commanded by Colonel A. G. Taliaferro, twenty- 
 third Virginia regiment, advanced splendidly under fire of the enemy, 
 occupied the farm-house and orchard, on the right of our lines, held 
 these against every effort of the enemy to dislodge them, and 
 ultimately drove the enemy from the orchard and the field beyond the 
 turnpike. It is unnecessary to report that the gallantry of Colonel 
 Taliaferro was conspicuous, and the conduct of his officers admirable. 
 Lieutenant Colonel Walker, Major Stover, tenth Virginia, and Major 
 Scott, twenty-third Virginia, were wounded whilst ably discharging 
 their duties. I have no official information of the other casualties. 
 
 The fourth bri'^ade operated on the extreme left of the division. It 
 was not in my power to be much with this brigade after the action 
 had progressed far, but its gallantry was conspicuous, and the ability 
 of its commander, Brigadier General W. E. Starke, was a guarantee 
 that it did all that the gallant Louisianians who composed it were re- 
 <|uired to perform, I was witness of their unflinching bravery and 
 heroic conduct under a heavy fire during the early part of the en- 
 gagement. I-am ignorant of the casualties of the brigade. 
 
 The reports of the brigade, r^imental and battery commanders 
 have, I suppose, been forwarded to you. After the action had been 
 terminated, I, because of the condition of my wounds, turned over 
 the command of the division to Brigadier General Starke. In con- 
 clusion, I beg to recognize the gallantry of my personal staff, and the 
 obligations 1 am under to them. 1 beg to mention Major W, A. Tal- 
 •iaferro, A. A. G.; Lieutenant R. K. Meade and Lieutenant P. A. Tal- 
 iaferro, aids-de-camp, and to testify my regard lor the gallantry and 
 good conduct of my orderly, private Depriest, who was severely 
 wounded, and of privates Dowman, Bowcn and Tyree, couriers. 
 I have the honor to be very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 WILLIAM B. TALIAFERRO, 
 Brigadier General, commanding Division, A. V, 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WALKER, COMMAND- 
 ING DIVISION, OF OPERATIONS AT HARPER'S FERRY. 
 
 Headquarters Walker's Divis-ion, ) 
 Camp near Winchester , Va., October 7, 1862. J 
 
 Major E. F. Paxton, 
 
 Assibtant Adjutant and Insp*r General, JackscTi's Corps, A. N. V. : 
 
 Sir : I have th* honor to make the following report of the opera- 
 tion's of this division under my command in the I'eduction of Harper's 
 Ferry : 
 
 On the 9th of September, I was instructed by General Lee to pro- 
 ceed from the Monocacy Junction near Frederick, Maryland, to the 
 mouth of the Monocacy, and destroy the acqucduct of the Chesapeake 
 and Ohio canal. We arrived at the aqueduct about eleven o'clock, 
 P. M., aijd found it occupied by the enemy's pickets, whose fire, as they 
 fled, severely wounded Captain Duffy, of the twenty-fourth North 
 Carolina trocps, tf Brigadier General Ransom's brigade. Working 
 parties were at once detailed and set to work to drill holes for blowing 
 up the arches ; but after several hours of labor, it was apparent that, 
 owing to the insufficiency of our tools an(t the extraordinary solidity 
 and massiveness of the masonry, the work we had undertaken wt.s one 
 of days instead of hours. The movement of our main army from 
 Frederick towards. Hagerstown, which I had been officially informed 
 would take place on the 10th, would leave my small division in the 
 immediate presence of a -very strong force of the enemy, and, while it 
 would be engaged in destroying the aqueduct, in a most exposed and 
 dangerous position. I therefore determined to rejoin General Lee by 
 way of Jefferson and Middletown as previously instructed by him. 
 
 Before marching, however, I received instructions to cross the 
 Potomac at Cheeks ford and proceed towards Harper's Ferry and co- 
 operate with Major Generals Jackson and McLaws in the capture of 
 the Federal force at that point. 
 
 Early on the morning of the lOth, the aqueduct over the Monocacy 
 "was occupied by a large force of the enemy, with their artillery com- 
 manding the aqueduct and its approaches, as well as Cheek's ford. I 
 then determined to cross at the Point of Rocks, which I effected during 
 the night of the lOth and by daylight on the 1 1th ; but with much 
 difficulty, owing to the destruction of the bridge over the canal and 
 the steepness of the banks of the Potomac. 
 
 My men being much worn down by two days and nights m«rching, 
 almost without sleep or rest, we remained in camp during the I Ith, 
 and proceeded the next day towaids Harper's Ferry, encamping at 
 HiUsboro'. On the morning of the 13th, we reached the foot of the 
 Blue Ridge, opposite the Loudon Heights, which I was instructed to 
 occupy. From such reconnoissance as could be made from below, it 
 seemed certain that Loudon Heights were unoccupied by the enemy. 
 
204 
 
 To ascertain if such was the case, I detached Colonel John R. Cooke 
 with his regiment, (the twenty-seventh North Carolina,) and the 
 thirtieth Virginia Volunteers, who took possession of the Heights 
 without opposition and held them during the night. 
 
 In the meantime, the enemj' was being attacked on the Maryland 
 Ili^ights by the forces under Major General McLaws, and in the 
 afternoon it became apparent that our forces had possession of 
 the summit, which commands Harper's Ferry as well as Loudon 
 Heights. 
 
 That night" and the next, the entire division, except that portion of 
 it occupying Loudon Heights, were placed in a strong position to 
 prevent the escape of the enemy down the right bank of the Potomac. 
 At daylight on the 14th, I sent Captain French, ■^ith two Parrott 
 guns and two rifle pieces of Branch's Battery, under Lieutenant 
 Martin, to Loudon Heights, where I immediately proceeded and placed 
 thorn in position. I informed Major General Jackson of this by sig- 
 nal, and awaited his instructions. In the meantime, we had attracted 
 the notice of the enemy, Avho opened their batteries upon us, and it 
 became necessary either to reply or withdraw our pieces. About one 
 o'clock, P. M., I therefore gave orders to open fire upon the enemy's 
 batteries and the troops upon Bolivar Heights, beyond Harper's Ferry,- 
 Our guns were served admirably and with great rapidity, and in two 
 hours we had silenced an eight-gun battery near the Barbour house, 
 except one gun, which was* so close under the mountain that wo could 
 not see it. What other effect our fire had we coulTl not tell ; but it 
 evidently produced great consternation and commotion amongst the 
 enemy's troops, especially the cavalry. 
 
 During the engagement, one of the enemy's caissons was blown up 
 by a well directed shot from French's battery. On our side we lost 
 Lieutenant Robertson, of French's battery, killed ; Major Wyatt, 
 forty-eighth North Carolina troops, and two privates of French's bat- 
 tery wounded. Our guns and horses sustained no injury. 
 
 Owing to a heavy mist, which concealed Harper's Ferry from view, 
 we did not open our fire until after eight o'clock, in the morning of 
 the 15th, the enemy replying very feebly at first, and finally about 
 nine o'clock, ceased firing altogether. About half past nine o'clock, 
 we observed a white flag displayed from a large brick building in the 
 upper town, when our batteries immediately ceased their fire, 
 although I was not satisfied that it indicated a capitulation. 
 
 It soon became apparent that such was the case, and after a phort 
 time we had the extreme satisfaction to see the head of Major Gene- 
 ral A. P. Hill's column approaching the town, along the Charlestown 
 turnpike. 
 
 My division, that evening, crossed the Blue Ridge and the Shenan- 
 doah river, and by daylight, on the 16th, reached Shepherdstown, and, 
 early in the day, crossed the Potomac and reported to General Lee, 
 near Sharpsburg, Maryland. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. G. WALKER, 
 Brigadier General commanding Division. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WALKER OF BATTLE 
 OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Walker's Division, ) 
 Camp near Winchester, Fa., October 14, 1862. ) 
 
 Major G. M. Sorrel, A. A. G , 
 
 Right Wingy Army Northern Virginia : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to make the following report of the part 
 borne by the division under my command in the battle of Sharpsburg, 
 Maryland, on the 17th- of September last: 
 
 The division, .composed of Ransom's and Walker's brigades, the 
 latter commanded by Colonel Van 11. Manning, to which was attached 
 French's and Branch's light batteries, after participating in the cap- 
 ture of the Federal forces at Harper's Ferry, crossed thf^ Blue Ridge, 
 the Shenandoah and the Potomac, the latter at ShepherdstOwn, and 
 reached the neighborhood of Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the 16th 
 ultimo, where 1 reported to General Lee, 
 
 In accordance with his instructions, at daylight the next morning 
 I placed the division on the extreme right of our position, and about 
 a mile and a half south of Sharpsburg, my line of battle extending 
 from a wood on the right to a group of barns, stables and out-houses 
 on the left, in such way as to cover the ford over the Antietam creek, 
 and to be within supporting distance of the command of Brigadier 
 General Tocmbs, which lay in front of the bridge across the same 
 Btream. My batteries were placed on commanding heights in such 
 way as to command the roads leading from the east, while a battalion 
 of sharpshooters was posted along the wooded banks of the Antietam 
 to hold the enemy in check, should he attempt to cross the stream at 
 that point. While we were in this position the enemy made no 
 attempt to cross the stream, atid the only evidence of his being in our 
 front was his artillery fire at long range and the reply of General 
 Toombs' batteries, about a half mile to my left. 
 
 Soon after nine o'clock, A. M., I received orders from General 
 Lee, through Colonel Long, of his staff, to hasten to the extreme left 
 to the support of Major General Jackson. Hastening forward as 
 rapidly as possible along the rear of our entire line of battle, we ar- 
 rived, soon after ten o'clock, near the woods which the commands of 
 Generals Hood and Early, were struggling heroically to hold, but 
 gradually and sullenly yielding to the irresistible weight of over- 
 whelming numbers. Here we at once formed line of battle, under a 
 sharp artillery fire, and, leaving the twenty-seventh North Carolina 
 and third Arkansas regiments to hold the open space between the 
 •woods and Longstreet's 1< ft, the division, with Ransom's brigade on 
 the loft, advanced in splendid style firing and cheering as they went, 
 and in a few minutes cleared the woods, strewing it with the enemy's 
 dead and wounded. 
 
 Colonel Manning, with the forty-sixth and forty-eighth North 
 
206 
 
 Carolina an'l thirtieth Virginia, not content with the possesiion of the 
 woods, dnshci forward in gallant style, crossel the open fluids beyond, 
 driving the enemy before him like sheep, until arriving at a long line 
 of strong post and rail fence, behind which heavy m.isses of the ene- 
 my's iiifuntry were lying, their advance was checked, and. it being 
 impossible to climb over these fences under such a fire, these regi- 
 ments, after suflTorin^ a heavj loss, were compelled to fill b;ick to the 
 woods, where the forty-sixth and forty- eighth North Carolina regi- 
 ments were quickly reformed ; but the thirtieth Virginia, owing to 
 some unaccountaMo misumlerstanding of orders, except C:»ptain 
 Iludgins' coinj)any, went entirely off the field, and, as a regiment, 
 was not again engaged during the day. Captain Smith, of my staff, 
 and myself succeeded in gathering up portions of it, which, acting 
 with the forty-sixth North Carolina, afterwards did good service. 
 
 Just before the falling back of these regiments, the gallant Colonel 
 Manning was severely wounded and was compelled to leave the fi dd, 
 relinquishing the command of the brigade to the next in rank, Colo- 
 nel E. 1) Hall, of the forty-sixth North Carolina regiment. The 
 forty-eighth North Carolina regiment, Colonel R. C, Hill command- 
 ing, after reforming, was sent by me, with French's and Branch's 
 light batteries, to reinforce (xeneral Stuart on the extreme left, who 
 was specially charged by General Jackson with the task of turning 
 the enemy's right. 
 
 The falling back of a portion of Manning's brigade, enabbd the 
 enemy to temporarily rc-occupy the point of woods near the position 
 assigned to Colonel Cooke, commanding the twenty-seventh North 
 Carolina and the third Arkansas regiments, upon whom the enemy 
 opened a galling fire of musketry, which was replied to with spirit ; 
 but the enemy having the cover of the woods, while Colonel Cooke's 
 command was on the open ground, this officer very properly drew 
 them hack to a corn-field and behind a rail fence, which gave them 
 partial protection. From this position they kept up an elfjctivo fire 
 upon the enemy, driving his artillerist! from a battery they were 
 attempting to get into position to bear upon C )loiiel (yooke's com- 
 mand. They afterwards succeeded in getting off with their guns, but 
 abandoned two caissons filled with rifie ammunition, fro u wruch Cap- 
 tain French that night replenished his exhiusted limber chests. 
 
 Eitrly in the afternoon. Major General Longstrcet directed CjIo.ioI 
 Cooke, with his own regiment (twenty-seventh North Carolina) and 
 the third Arkansas, to charge the enemy, who was threatening his 
 front as if to pass through the opening b.-tween the point of timi)er 
 held by Ransom's brigade and Longstrcet'a left. This order was 
 promptly obeyed, in the face of such a fire as troops have seldom en- 
 encountcrcd without running away, and with a steadiness and unfal- 
 tering gallantry seldom eijualled. Battery after battery, regiment 
 after regiment opened their fire upon them, hurling a torrent of mis- 
 siles through their ranks ; but nothing could arrest their progress, 
 and three times the enemy broke and fled before their impetuous 
 charge. Finally they reached the fatal picket fences, before alluded 
 to. To climb over them, in the face of such a force and under such 
 
207 
 
 a fire, would have been sheer madness to attempt, and their ammuni- 
 tion being now almost exhausted, Colonel Cooke very properly gave 
 the order to fiiU back, which was done in the most perfect order ; 
 after which, the. regiments took up their former position, which they 
 continued to hold until night. 
 
 In the meantime, Brigadier General Ransom, whose brigade wa8 
 further on the left, having driven the enemy through and from the 
 woods with heavy loss, continued with his own brigade and Colonel 
 Hall's, forty-sixth regiment North Carolina, to hold it for the greater 
 portion of the day, notwithstanding three determined infantry attacks, 
 which each time was repulsed with great loss to the enemy, and against 
 a most persistant and terrihc artillery fire, by which the enemy hoped, 
 doubtless, to drive us from our strong position, the very key of the 
 battle-field. His hopes, however, were not realized. True to their 
 duty, for eight hours our brave men lay upon the ground, taking 
 advantage of such undulations and shallow ravines as gave promise 
 of partial shelter, while the fearful storm raged a few feet above their 
 heads, tearing the trees asunder, lopping olT huge branches and filling 
 the air with shrieks and explosions — realizing to the fullest the fear- 
 ful sublimity of battle. 
 
 Turing this time, in the temporary absence of General Ransom 
 from his brigade to post the twenty-fourth North Carolina, which had 
 gone too much to the left and beyond Barksdale's brigade, the enemy 
 made a furious attack with heavy masses of infantry upon the posi- 
 tion occupied by General Ransom. Colonel Ransom, of the thirty- 
 fifth North Carolina, in temporary command of the brigade, not only 
 repulsed the enemy, but pursued him across the field as far as the 
 post and rail fence, inflicting upon him so severe a punishment that 
 no other attempt of infantry was made on the position during the day. 
 While I was with General Ransom's command, about half past four 
 o'clock in the afternoon, an order was brought from General Long- 
 street, directing General Ransom to advance and capture the enemy's 
 batteries in his front. Hjiving been previously instructed by General 
 Jackson to hold my position in the woods until General Stuart could 
 turn the enemy's right, and then to advance, 1 directed General Ran- 
 som to delay the execution of General Longstreet's order until I 
 couM see General Longstreet in person, and confer with him on the 
 subject; Upon my representation to him, he approved what I had 
 done, and, while we were in conversation on the subject. General 
 Jacki-on himself joined us and informed us that General Stuart had 
 made the attempt spoken of, but found it impracticable, as the enemy's 
 right was securely posted % the Potomac, and protected by heavy 
 batteries of his reserve artillery. It was then determined that the 
 attempt to force the enaBiy's right with pur fearfully thinned ranks, 
 and in the exhausted condition of our men, was an eflfort above our 
 strength. Towards five o'clock in the afternoon, I was directed by Gen- 
 eral Longstreet to move Ransom's brigade towards the right to reinforce 
 our centre, where the enemy were making demonstrations as if for an 
 advance upon our position. No attack was, however, made; but the 
 enemy's artillery continued to play upon the woods, upon our batte- 
 
208 
 
 ries, and upon every position along our line, which they supposed to 
 be occupied by our troops. Our owh batteries replying but slowly 
 for the want of ammunition. Gradually, as night approached, this 
 fire died away, and darkness finally put an end to this long and bloody 
 battle. My division rested until next morning where night overtook 
 them, and upon the line occupied by them during the day. 
 
 The conduct of the division was generally excellent, and, in somo 
 instances, was brilliant in the extreme I desire, particularly, to call 
 attention to the admirable»conduct of the twenty-seventh North Car- 
 olina, commanded by Colonel John R, Cooke, and the third Arkansas 
 volunteers, commanded by its senior captain, John W. Reedy. 
 
 The coolness and good conduct of Colonel Van H. Manning, com- 
 manding brigade, until wounded and carried from the field, is worthy 
 all praise. Colonel Hall, of the forty-sixth North Carolina troops, 
 "who, as next in rank, assumed command of the brigade, handled his 
 regiment and the other portions of the brigade falling under his com- 
 mand, with skill and judgment. 
 
 To Brigadier General Ransom's coolness, judgment and skill, we 
 are, in a great degree, indebted for the successful maintenance of our 
 position on the left, which, to have been permanently gained by the 
 enemy, would, in all probability, have been to us the loss of the 
 battle. 
 
 General Ransom speaks in high terms of the conduct of Colonel 
 Ransom, of the thirty-fifth North 'Carolina, of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Bryeon, of the twenty-fifth, and Adjutant Cooke, of the twenty- 
 fourth North Carolina regiments, as having particularly distinguished 
 themselves. 
 
 The light batteries of Captains French and Branch, the latter under 
 command of Lieutenant R. G. Fegram, at different times during the 
 day were engaged with the enemy, and did good service, especially 
 French's, posted on the extreme left, and under the immediate orders 
 of (leneral Stuart. 
 
 Captain Wm. A. Smith, my assistant adjutant general, and Lieu- 
 tenant J. A. Gait, aid-de-camp, were with me upon the field and ren- 
 dered me valuable assistance in transmitting orders. 
 
 The division suffered heavily, particularly Manning's command, 
 (Walker's brigade,) which, at one time, sustained almost the whole 
 firt' ( f the enemy's right wing. Going into the engagement, as it was 
 necessary for us to do, to support the sorely pressed divisions of Hood 
 and Early, it was, of course, impossible to make dispositions based 
 upon a careful reconnoisance of the localities. 
 
 The post and rail fences stretching acr(?^8 the fields lying between 
 us and the enemy's position, I regard as the fatal obstacle to our com- 
 plete success on the left, and success there||W9uld, doubtless, have 
 changed the fate of the day. Of the existence of these obstacles 
 none of my division had any previous knowledge, and we learned it 
 at the expense of many valuable lives. 
 
 I am. Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. G. WALKER, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HOOD, OF OPERA- 
 TIONS OF HIS DIVISION, FROM FREEMAN'S FORD TO 
 BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Division Headquarters, September 27, 1862. 
 Major G. M. Sorreix, A. A. G. : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- 
 ations of this division, composed of two brigades, fourth Alabama, 
 second and eleventh Mississippi, and sixth North Carolina, Colonel 
 E. M. Law commanding ; my own brigade, first, fourth and fifth 
 Texas, eighteenth Georgia and Hampton legion, and Riley's, Bach- 
 rpan's and Ga.rden'8 batteries, Mjijor B. W. Frobel commandini^, in 
 the engagements at PVeeman's ford, en the Rappahannock river, Au- 
 gust 22d ; plains of Manassas, August 29th and 3<lth; Boonsboro' 
 Gap, Maryland, September 14tb, aud Sharpsburg, Maryland, Septem- 
 ber 16th and 17th, 1862: 
 
 On the 22d August, agreeable to orders of the commanding Gene- 
 ral, I proceeded to ^Freeman's ford to relieve General Trimble's brig- 
 ade. On my arrival in the afternoon, 1 found the enemy had crossed 
 over the river, and were in the immediate front of General Trimble. 
 The Texas brigade being p]ac(d on the right, and Colonel Law's on 
 the left, the attack was at once made, General Trimble leading off in 
 the centre. 
 
 The enemy were driven precipitately over the Rappahannock with 
 considerable loss, not less, I think, than from two to three hundred. 
 During the engagement, Major Whaley, fifth Texas, fell, gallantly 
 discharging his duties. The next night, the command marched to 
 Waterloo ford, and relieved General'A.'P Hill's division. From this 
 point, having joined the main body of General Longstreet's forces, 
 the march was continued in the direction of Manassas. On ar- 
 riving at Thoroughfare Gap, the enemy were drawn up in line to dis- 
 pute our passage. After a epirited little engagement with them by 
 General D. R. Jones' troops, on the evening of the 28th instant, qur 
 forces were able to bivouac for the night, bejond the gap. The next 
 morning, at daylight, the march was again resutr.ed, with this divis- 
 ion in the advance; Lieutenant Colonel Upton, of the fifth Texas, in 
 command of a party of select Texan riflemen, constituting the ad- 
 vance guard. 
 
 Coming up with the rear guard of the enemy, before sunrise, this 
 gallant ayd distinguished officer drove them before him so rapidly that 
 halts would have to be made for the troops in rear to rest. Earlv in the 
 day, we came up with the main body of the enemy on the plains of Ma- 
 nassas, engaging Gen. Jackson's forces. Disposition of the troops being 
 made, the Texas brigade atlvanced in line of battle down, and on the 
 immediate right of, the pike leading to the stotte bridge, and Colonel 
 Law's brigade on the left. Arriving on a line with the line of bat- 
 tle established by General Jackson, the division was halted by order 
 of the General commanding. 
 14 
 
21(J 
 
 About four o'clock in the afternoon, tlie enemy made a fierce at- 
 tack upon General Jackson, his noble troops holding their ground 
 >vith their usual gallantry. x\t sunset, an order came to me from the 
 commanding General to move forward and attack the enemy. Before, 
 ho\Yever, this division could come to attention, they were attacked, 
 and I instantly ordered the two brigades to move forward and charge 
 the enemy, which they did most gallantly, driving them in confusion 
 in front of them. Colonel Law's brigade being engaged with a very 
 heavy force of the enemy, captured one piece of artillery, three stands 
 of colors and one hundred prisoners, and the Texas brigade, three 
 stands of colors. It soon became so rerydark that it was impossible 
 to pursue the enemy any further. 
 
 At twelve o'clock at night, orders came to retake our position on 
 the right of General Jackson, in which we remained until four o'clock, 
 next afternoon, (i\.ugust SOth,) when the battle of the plains of Ma- 
 nassas commenced, by a most vigorous attack by the enemy upon the 
 right of General Jackson. After a severe struggle, the enemy gave 
 way in great confusion on the left of the pike, and, by direction of 
 the General commanding, I moved forvrard this division, with the 
 Texas brigade on the right of the pike and Colonel Law's advancing 
 on the left, and passing over to the right. Within one hundred and 
 fifty yards after leaving their position, the Texas brigade became en- 
 gaged with a heavy .force of the enemy ; but, with their usual daring 
 and enthusiasm, they charged gallantly on, driving a largely superior 
 force a distance of one and a half miles, causing terrible slaughter ia 
 their ranks, capturing a battery of four guns crowning the heights 
 near the Chinn house — Colonel Law's brigade having moved for- 
 ward on the left, driving the enemy, and accomplishing most 
 noble work in their immediate front. The Texas brigade hav- 
 ing gained the heights, and being a long distance in advance 
 of the remainder of our troops, and very much exhausted, I 
 ordered them to halt and hold their ground. Soon after. General 
 Evans' brigade came up and became engaged. I passed on to the 
 heights, and assisted in placing other brigades in position as they ar- 
 rived on the field, and so soon as my own troops were sufficiently 
 rested, they were brought forward, and slept upon the field of battle 
 near the Sudley ford road. 
 
 The noble troops of this division captured four (4) pieces of artil- 
 lery and eight stands of colors, and, as to their gallantry and un- 
 flinching courage, they stand unsurpassed within the history of the 
 world. 
 
 Many gallant officers and men fell upon this memorable field, and 
 our country has cause to regret the loss of none of her sons more 
 than that of Lieutenant Colonel John C. Upton, fifth Texas ; Major 
 Townsend, of the fourth Texas; Lieutenant Colonel Euff and Major 
 Griffin, of the eighteenth Georgia, and Captain K, Bryan, acting 
 Major of the fifth Texas, fell, severely wounded, whilst nobly dis- 
 charging their duties. Of the different regimental commanders, too 
 much cannot be said ; Colonel J. B. Robertson, fifth Texas, was 
 wounded, whilst directing his regiment far in advance of the crest of 
 
2U 
 
 the hill, when the brigade was ordered to halt; Colonel W. T. Wof- 
 ford, of the eighteenth Georgia; Lieutenant Colonel B. F.Carter, 
 commanding fourth Texas ; Lieutenant Colonel P. A. Work, first 
 Texas ; Lieutenant Colonel Gary, commanding Hampton legion ; Col- 
 onel Stone, second Mississippi; Colonel P. F. Liddell, eleventh 
 Mississippi ; Lieutenant Colonel 0. K. McLemore, fourth Alabama, 
 and Major R. F, Webb, sixth North Carolina, although not wounded, 
 were conspicuous upon this hotly contested field, leading forwad the 
 many brave men of their commands. After all the field and acting 
 field officers of the fifth Texas regiment had fallen, Captain J. N. M. 
 Turner gallantly led that regiment through. 
 
 The next day, after burying the dead, the march was continued to 
 Sudley ford, and from thence to Hagcrstown, Maryland, via Freder- 
 ick City, crossing the Potomac at White's ford near Leesburg. 
 
 On the morning of tho 14th September, we marched back to Boona- 
 boro' Gap, a distance of some thirteen miles. This division, arriving 
 between three and four o'clock, P. M., found the troops of General 
 1)..H. Hill engaged with a large force of the enemy. By direction 
 of the commanding General, I took up my position on the left of tho 
 pike. Soon orders came to change over to the right, as our troops 
 on that side were giving way to superior numbers. On the march to 
 the right, I met General Drayton's brigade coming out, saying the 
 enemy had succeeded in passing to their rear. 1 at once inclined 
 more to the right, over a very rugged country, and succeeding in 
 getting in a position to receive the enemy. I at once ordered the 
 Texas brigade. Colonel W. T. Wbfford commanding, and the third 
 brigade, Colonel E. M. Law commanding, to move forward with bay- 
 ouets fixed, which they did with their usual gallantry, driving the en- 
 emy and regaining all of our lost ground, when night came on and 
 further pursuit ceased. On this field, fell mortally wounded, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel K. McLemore, of the fourth Alabama, a most efficient, 
 gallant and valuable officer. 
 
 Soon after night, orders were received to withdraw, and for this 
 division to constitute the rear guard of the army. The march was 
 accordingly taken up in the direction of Sharpsburg. Arriving on 
 the heights across the Antietam river, near the town, about twelve, 
 M., on the 15th instant, I was ordered to take position in line of 
 buttle on the right of the road leading to Boon3i>oro', but soon re- 
 roceived orders to move to the extreme left, near St. Murama church, 
 on the ILigerstown pike, remaining in this position, under fire of 
 the shells from the enemy, until nearly sunset on the evenino' of 
 the 16th. 
 
 The enemy, having crossed higher up the Antietam, made an 
 attack upon the left ilank of our line of battle, the troops of this 
 division being the only foroes on our side engaged. We succeeded 
 in checking and driving back the enemy a short distance, when night 
 came on and soon the firing ceased. During the engagement the 
 brave and efficient Colonel P. F. Liddell, eleventh Mississippi, fell, 
 mortally wounded. The officers and men of my command havint^ 
 been without food for three days, except a half- ration of beef for one 
 
212 
 
 day, and green corn, General Lawton,with two brigades, wag directed 
 to take my position, to enable my men to cook. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th instant, about three o'clock, the firing 
 commenced along the line occupied by General Lawton. At six 
 o'clock I received notice from him that he Vi'ould require all the aS' 
 eistance I could give him. A few minutes after, a member of his 
 Btaff reported to me that he was wounded and wished me to come for- 
 ward as soon as possible. Being in readiness, I at once marched 
 out on the field, in line of battle, and soon became engaged with an 
 immense force of the enemy, consisting of not less than two corps of 
 their army. It was here that I witnessed the most terrible clash of 
 arms, by far, that has occurred during the war. The two little giant 
 brigades of this division wrestled with this mighty force, losing hun- 
 dieds of their gallant officers and men, but driving the. enemy from 
 his position and forcing him to abandon his guns on our left. The 
 battle raged with the greatest lury until about nine o'clock, the ene- 
 my being driven from four to five hundred yards. 
 
 Fighting, as we were, at right angles with the general line of 
 battle, and General Ripley's brigade being the extreme left of Gene- 
 ral D. H. Hill's forces, and continuing to hold their ground, caused 
 the enemy to pour in a heavy fire upon the rear and right flank of 
 Colonel Law's brigade, rendering it necessary to move the division to 
 the lett and rear, into the woods near the St. Mumma church, which 
 we continued to hold until ten o'clock, A. M.,when General McLaws 
 arrived with his command, which was at once formed in line and 
 moved forward, engaging the enemy. My command was marched to 
 the rear, ammunition replenished, and returned at twelve, M., taking 
 pcsition, by direction of the General commanding, in rear of the 
 church, with orders to hold it. 
 
 About four o'clock, P. M., by order, the division moved to the 
 right, near the centre, and remained there until the night of the ISth 
 instant, when orders were received to recross the Potomac. 
 
 I would respectfully state that'iu the morning, about four o'clock, 
 A. M., I sentMiijor Planton, aidde camp, to Major General D. H. 
 Hill, to know if he could furnish any troops to assist in holding the 
 left of our position. He replied that he could not, and the Mtijor 
 General commanding is aware of the number of messages received 
 from me asking for reinforcements, which I felt were absolutely re- 
 quired after seeing the great strength of the enemy in my front, and 
 1 am thoroughly of the opinion had General McLaws arrived by half, 
 past eight o'clock, A. M., our victory on the left would have been as 
 thorough, quick and complete, as upon the plains of Manassas on the 
 SUth of August. 
 
 During the engagement, Major Dingle, of the Hampton legion, 
 gallantly bearing the colors of his regiment. Major Dale, first Texas, 
 and Major Evans, eleventh Mississippi, fell whilst leading their brave 
 comrades against ten times their numbers. Colonel Scone, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Humphreys and Major Blair, second Mississippi, Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Butler, eleventh Mississippi, Captain Scruggs, fourth 
 Alabama, and Major Webb, sixth North Carolina, also received severe 
 
213 
 
 wounds. Conspicuous were Colonels Law and Woftord, comm^ding 
 brigades. Lieutenant Colonel Gary, commanding, Hampton legion; 
 Lieutenant Colonel P. A. Work, commanding first Texas; Lieutenant 
 Colonel B. F, Carter, commanding fourth Texas ; Captain Turner, 
 commanding fifth Texas, although not wounded, deserve great credit 
 for their skillful management and coolness during the battle. It is 
 but justice to Colonel J. C. G. Key, fourth Texas, to state that he 
 was present at the battles of Boonsboro' Gap and Sharpsburg, although 
 unable to take command of his regiment, in consequence of a severe 
 wound received at the battle of Gaines' Farm, June 27th, 1862, 
 
 During this engagement and that of the battle of Manassas, lliley's, 
 Bachman's and Garden's batteries were admirably handled by the bat- 
 tery commanders; Major B. W. Frobel. commanding, acting with 
 great coolness and judgment upon the field. 
 
 Too much cannot be said o.f the members of my staff. The chief. 
 Major W. H. Sellers, had his horse shot whilst ably directing the 
 Texas brigade, at the battle of Manassas, during the time of my 
 being sent for by the General commanding to receive additional 
 orders. lie has proven himself competent to command a brigade 
 under all circumstances. This distinguished officer, together with 
 my two aids, Major B. II. Blanton and Lieutenant James Hamilton, 
 had their horses shot during the battle of Sharpsburg, whilst most 
 gallantly pushing forward the troops and transmitting orders. Major 
 Blantou, Lieutenant Hamilton, Lieutenant Joseph Phillips, C. S. A., 
 of General Magruder's staff, and Captain C. S. Mills, A. Q. M. first 
 Texas regiment, rendered most invaluable service during the battle of 
 Manassas in bringing forward and placing in position additional 
 brigades upon the long to be remembered heights around the Chinn 
 house. Lieutenant D. L. Sublett, acting division ordnance officer, 
 was prompt in bringing forward ammunition, and otherwise efficiently 
 performed the duties pertaining to his department. All praise is due 
 Dr. Darby, chief surgeon of the division, for his untiring efforts and 
 skillful manner in caring for the numerous wounded. Dr. Roach, 
 senior surgeon Texas brigade, and Dr. Hubbard, senior surgeon Law's 
 brigade, Dr. Breckinridge, and all other surgeons and assistant sur- 
 geons of this command, have my heartfelt thanks for their able 
 services. I would be wrong in not acknowledging the valuable ser- 
 vices rendered during the several engagements, in transmitting 
 orders, of the following couriers of this command : M. M. Temple- 
 man, T. W. C. Lake, J. P. Mahony, James Malone, W. E. Duncan, 
 J. A, Mann, W. J. Barbee, W. G. Jesse, J. J. Haggerty and J. H. 
 Drake. 
 
 For additional particulars reference is made to the reports of bri- 
 gade and regimental commanders, herewith respectfully submitted. 
 
 Below will bo found a report of casualties 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. B. HOOD, 
 Brigadier General, commayxding Division^ 
 
214 
 
 GENERAL SUMMARY OF KILLED AND WOUNDED in 
 
 the Dwision commanded by Brigadier General J. B. Hood. 
 
 
 Brigades. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Missing. 
 
 
 
 a> 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 'a 
 
 o 
 
 m 
 
 o 
 
 to 
 
 05 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 <a 
 
 O 
 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 
 Texas. 
 
 << 
 Law's. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 33 
 35 
 20 
 2 
 44 
 
 9 
 507 
 382 
 244 
 
 9 
 335 
 
 
 
 la 
 
 Manassas Plains 
 
 Sharpsbiirg. Maryl'nd 
 Manassas Plfiin? 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 70 
 59 
 53 
 3 
 44 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 12 
 01 
 
 628 
 548 
 320 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 Sharpsburg, Maryl'nd 
 
 6 
 
 
 25 
 
 454 
 
 
 
 
 Grand total 
 
 
 24 
 
 229 
 
 135 
 
 1,486 
 
 2 
 
 98 
 
 1.974 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL RODES. 
 
 Headquarters D. II. Hill's Division, ) 
 February 4, 1S63. ] 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 A. A. G., Headquarters Second Corps : 
 
 Colonel : In reply to your note of yesterday, I beg to say that I 
 am informed that General Hill has already forwarded to General Lee 
 a report of the operations of this division during the period indicated. 
 Under these circumstances, and being only temporarily in command of 
 the division, I would respectfully refer the Lieutenant General com- 
 manding to that document. 
 
 I have the honor to be. Colonel, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 R. E. RODES, 
 Brig. Gen. commanding Division. 
 
EEPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL D. R JONES OF SECOND 
 BATTLE OF MANASSAS, AND OPERATIONS IN MARY- 
 LAND. 
 
 RICHMO^D, Va., December S, 186*2. 
 
 Major G. M. SoTiRFL, 
 
 A. A. G., Longsfrett's Corps : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following reports of tho 
 movements of my division, and of the part it performed in the eu- 
 gHgement3 of the campaign in Northern Virginia and Maryland. 
 Serious illness and absence from the field has delayed its appcaranco 
 till now : 
 
 On the 15th August last, the division I commanded reached Gor- 
 donsvilie by rail, and camped near that place. Marching thence, and 
 crossing Rapidan r'ver on the 18th, on the 23d, under order from 
 General Long^treet, I advanced Drayton's brigade on the road lead- 
 ing to Beverly ford, on the Rapp^ihannock river, in support of the 
 "Washington artillery, sending iVnderson's brigade to the right, in 
 direction of railroad bridge, with orders to report to' General Evans, 
 supporting artillery in that direction. 
 
 Fire Afas to be opened on the enemy's batteries simultaneously. 
 Anderson's brigade, being under command of General Evans, will fig- 
 ure in his report. Drayton's brigade, supported by Toombs' brigade, 
 commanded by Colonel Benning, of seventeenth Georgia, took no part 
 in the action which ensued, the river not being fordable in their front* 
 and suffered but few casualties. 
 
 On the 25th, I took position in front of Waterloo bridge, sending 
 forward a regiment of sharpshooters from Drayton's brigade, which, 
 engaging the enemy across the river, suffered some slight loss. 
 Crossing the Rappahannock river, I reached Thoroughfare Gap on the 
 28th, and, under orders from General Longstreet, sent forward the 
 ninth Georgia regiment, Anderson's brigade, in the gip, following it 
 with my whole division, which I disposed of by placing Anderson's 
 brigade on the hill to the left, with Drayton's brigade and two regi- 
 ments of Toombs' brigade on the hill to the right, hohling the other two 
 regiments of Toombs' brigade in reserve. The ninth Georgia, drove 
 out some few of the enemy's skirmishers, who fell back on their main 
 body, then seen advancing from the woods, in front of the gap, and 
 taking position on the plateau, parallel with the mountain range, and 
 distant therefrom about half a mile. They appeared before my dis- 
 position of troops had been completed and opened a very heavy fire 
 of artillery on the road and on the mountain sides flanking it. Hav- 
 ing no artillery to reply with, there being no position in which it 
 could be placed, so far as I had been able to reconnoitre the ground, 
 the enemy advanced his guns to a point but little over three hundred 
 yards from the entrance to the gap, and made heavy demonstrations 
 on the right and left, bringing him in contact with Anderson's bri- 
 
217 • 
 
 gade on the left, which repulsed him in most gallant style and with 
 heavy loss. In this encounter, the first Georgia regulars greatly dis- 
 tinguished themselves. 
 
 On the right, the demonstration resulted only in skirmishing. 
 After the repulse of his efforts at flanking, the enemy withdrew his 
 artillery to the plateau on which he had at first appeared, and kept up 
 a very heavy fire till dark, vhen, appearances indicating his retreat, 
 I advanced my command and bivouacked beyond the gap unmolested 
 by the enemy. The intense darkness and ignorance of the fords over 
 the creek in my front prevented pursuit. 
 
 ]My eritire logs in this engagement was not more than twenty-five. 
 The number of the enemy engaged amounted to over eleven thousand, 
 under the command of General Ricketts, as appeared from northern 
 papers. 
 
 My division, of three brigades, was alone engaged on our side. 
 
 Eaily on the morning of the 29th, I took up the line of march in 
 the direction of the old battle ground of Manassas, whence heavy 
 firing was heard; aniving on the ground about noon, my command 
 was stationed on the extreme right of our whole line, and, during the 
 bahir.ce of the day, was suVtjcctod to shelling, resulting in but few 
 casualties. On the morning of the 3ilth, slight alterations were maile 
 in^he disposition of my command, throwing it more forward and to 
 the right. The battle, meanwhile, raging fiercely on the left, about 
 five o'clock in the afternoon, my command was ordered forward ; I 
 brought it up with the exception of Drayton's brigade, which was 
 detained by a report from Captain Rosser, of the cavalry, on the ex- 
 treme right, that the enemy were attempting to flank our line in that 
 'direction. I took position near the " Chinn house," with the brigades 
 of Toombs and Anderson, and anticipating what my orders would be,, 
 General Lohgstreet not being then near me, and seeing the great 
 results within reach, I pushed them forward upon the enemy, desii^n- 
 ing, with Drayton's brigade, to turn and completely sweep the right 
 of the field. The two brigades went in most gallantly, suffering 
 severe loss. Again and again did I send for Drayton, who, after 
 delaying till he heard the unfounded nature of the report on which he 
 acted, hurried up at speed and went in on the right, only a few 
 moments before firing ceased, at dusk, too late to accomplish the 
 results contemplated. General Toombs, released from the arrest under 
 which he had been since the Ibth instant, came upon the field shortly 
 after his brigade went under fire, and accompanied it in action, lie 
 brought me orders from General Longstrect, directing the movements 
 1 had anticipated and was then making. Night came on, and my 
 troops slept on the field. 
 
 Both Anderson's and Too.nbs' brigades suffered severely in the 
 action. In the former brigade of five regiments, but one field officer 
 was untouched. Colonel Wilson, of the seventh Georgia, the grey- 
 haired hero of many fights, feU, mortally wounded. Officers and men 
 never behaved better than did mine on that day. On the morning of 
 theSlst, 1 took up line of march in the direction of Sudley ford, cross- 
 ing at it, and marching to Chantilly the next day ; •whence, under 
 
218 
 
 ordere from General Longetreet, I sent Toombs' and Anderson's brig- 
 ades to the support of General Jackson, who was engaged with the 
 enemy at Ox Hill. These brigades, took up line of battle on the right 
 of the turnpike, and slowly advanced into the woods bordering it, 
 supposed to contain the enemy. Night coming on and no enemy be- 
 ing visible, my troops were withdrawn to the road for bivouac. Cap- 
 tain Thurston ordnance officer of my division, was here captured 
 while carrying my orders, riding into the enemy's lines by mistake. 
 
 Remaining in position at Ox Hill during the 2nd, I marched, on the 
 3rd, for Lecsburg by the Dranesville road, crossing Goose creek and 
 reaching that place on the evening of the 4th. On the morning of 
 ()th September, I crossed my division into Maryland, now increased 
 to fix brigades, by the addition of Kemper's brigade, Pickett's brig- 
 ade, commanded by Brigadier General Garnett, and Jenkins' brigade, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Walker, marched through Buckeys- 
 town, end camped on the banks of the Monoccacy, marching next day 
 to the Monoccacy Junction and going into camp near Federick City. 
 
 On the morning of the 10th, 1 marched through Boonsboro' Funks- 
 town and Hagerstown, camping near the latter place on the Williams- 
 port road, on the 12th. 
 
 On the 14th, I marched, on the Frederick road, in the direction of 
 that city, hearing heavy firing, leaving Toombs' brigade in command 
 of Hagerstown, and eleventh Georgia regiment, of Anderson's brig- 
 ade, in charge of wagon train. Halting just beyond Boonsboro', 
 Drayton's and Anderson's brigades were temporarily detached from 
 iny command and ordered to report to General D. H. Hill. With my 
 three other brigades present, I was ordered, by General Longstreet, 
 to march to a pass about a mile to the right of the main road, through 
 which the enemy was said to be flanking our array. 
 
 Reaching the pass and finding the report incorrect, I was directed 
 to bring my brigades as rapidly as possible back to the main road and 
 to the mountain top, and, under orders from General Longstreet, 
 placed Kemper and Garnett, supported by Jenkins' brigade, in position 
 on the ridge to the left of the road and above it. While taking posi- 
 tion, my troops were exposed to severe sh'jlling, and shortly after- 
 wards, to a heavy infantry attack in overwhelming numbers. Despite 
 the odds, they held their ground until dark, when the brigades on my 
 left giving way, they were withdrawn in comparatively good order to 
 the foot of the mountain. The enemy did not pursue his advantage, 
 and our troops were marched to Sharpsburg, which we reached on the 
 morning of the 15th. On this march Anderson's brigade was assigned 
 to General Hood, to act as a rear guard, and General Toombs, with 
 two regiments of his brigade, joined me, the balance of his brigade 
 having been sent to Williamsport with wagons. 
 
 My command took possession of the heights in front of and to the 
 right of the town, being the extreme right of our whole line. I ord- 
 ered General Toombs to defend the bpigde over the Antietam creek 
 in front of me, with the second and twentieth Georgia regiments, 
 reinforced by a half company from Jenkins' brigade and the fiftieth 
 Georgia regiment, of Drayton's brigade. These reinforcements took 
 
219 
 
 but small part in what ensued, from the nature of their position. The 
 enemy appeared on the opposite side of the creek, and heavy artillery 
 firing was kept up during the day, continuing also the iGth, with but 
 little damage to my command. 
 
 Daylight of the 17th of September, gave the signal for a terrlEc 
 cannonade. The battle raged with "intensity on the left ami centre ; 
 but the heavy masses in my front, repulsed again and again in their 
 attempts to force the passage of the bridge by the two regiments be- 
 fore named, comprising four hundred and three men, assisted by artil- 
 lery I had placed in position on the heights, were unable to effect a 
 crossing, and manccvrcd as if about to cross below, at some of the 
 numerous fords. My command had been further reduced on the right, 
 by detaching Garnett's brigade to the front of the town, leaving mo 
 for the defense of the right, with only Toombs' two regiments, and 
 Kemper's, Drayton's and Walker's brigades. 
 
 When it its known that on that morning, my entire command of six 
 brigades, comprised only two thousand four hundred and thirty men, 
 the enormous disparity of force with which I contended can be seen. 
 
 About this time the two regiments of Toombs' brigade, seventeenth 
 and fifteenth Georgia, which had been left behind, accompanied by 
 five companies of the eleventh Georgia regiment, Anderson's brigade, 
 came upon the field and Avere at once placed at General Toombs' dis- 
 posal to aid in the defence of the bridge. My force before having 
 been too weak to aid him with a single man. Before, however, they 
 could be made available for that purpose the gallant second and twen- 
 tieth, having repulsed five separate assaults and exhausted their last 
 round of ammunition, fell back, leaving the bridge to the enemy. 
 Meanwhile General A. P. Hill had come up on my right, and was 
 offecting a junction with my line, several of his batteries already in 
 position, assisting mine in firing on the enemy now swarming over 
 the bridge. Undeterred, except momentarily, by this fire, the enemy 
 advanced in enormous masses, to the assault of the heights. Sweep- 
 ing up to the crest, they were mowed down by Brown's battery, the 
 heroic commander of which had been wounded but a few moments 
 before. They overcame the tough resistance offered by the feeble 
 forces opposed to them, and gained the heights, capturing Mcintosh's 
 battery, of General Hill's command. Kemper and Drayton were 
 driven back through the town ; the fifteen South Carolina, Colonel De 
 Sausure, fell back very slowly and in order, forming the nucleus on 
 which the brigade rallied. Jenkin's brigade held its own, and from 
 its position in the orchard, poured a destructive fire on the enemy. 
 
 General Toombs, whom I had sent for, arriving from the right, with 
 a portion of his brigade and part of the eleventh Georgia regiment, 
 was ordered to charge the enemy. This he did most gallantly, sup- 
 ported by Archer's brigade, of Hill's command, delivering fire at less 
 than fifty yards, dashing at the enemy with the bayonet, forcing him 
 from the crest and following'" him down the hill, Mcintosh's battery 
 was retaken, and, assisted by other pieces which wereSiow brought up 
 to the edge of the crest, a terrific fire was opened on the lines of the 
 enemy between the slope and the creek, which finally breaking them,, 
 
220 
 
 caused a co^Tused retreat to the bridge. Night had now corae on, 
 putting an end to the conflict, and leaving mj command in possession 
 of the ground we had held in the morning, with the exception of the 
 bridge. In this day's battle fell Lieut. Colonel Holmes, second Georgia, 
 and Colonel Mulligan, fifteenth Georgia, dying as brave men should do. 
 
 In the morning of the 18th, much sharpshooting took place, con- 
 tinuing all day. At nine o'clock, P. M , I took up line of march for 
 the Potomac, which river I crossed, taking with me all my artillery, 
 wagons and material, without any loss whatever, camping near Shep- 
 herdstown, Virginia, on the morning of the 19th. 
 
 I have the greatest reason to be satisfied with the officers and men 
 of my command. 
 
 To my staff, I am pai'ticularly indebted. Major Conard, my A. A. 
 General, displayed on all occasions that cool courage and discrimina- 
 tion which predict fur him a brilliant military career. I am much 
 gratified at his well merited promotion. 
 
 Captain Osman Latrobe, my inspector general, on all occasions, and 
 particularly at Sharpsburg, conducted himself with distinguished 
 gallantry. Wherever the battle raged hottest, there was he directing 
 and encouraging the troops. I earnestly recorameud his promotion 
 to the rank of m ijor. Surgeon Barksdale, of my staff, did more than 
 his duty, exposing himself on the field, and rendering me valuable 
 assistance. 
 
 Captain Philip B. Jones, Jr., volunteer aid on my staff, displayed 
 great gallantry, carrying my orders through the heat of battle. Cap- 
 tain E. N. Thurston, my oidnance ofl^icer, previous to his capture at Ox 
 Iliil, carried my orders with great promptness, displaying perfect cool- 
 ness on all occasions when in the face of the enemy. 
 
 My regular aid-de-camp, First Lieutenant J. W. Ford, during the 
 recent campaign was acting as assistant quartermaster of my division, 
 and discharged the duties of his office to my entire satisfaction. It 
 affords me pleasure to mention in the highest terms the efficiency of 
 Major Moses, my division commissary. 
 
 Mr. Charles W. Williams, volunteer aid on my staff, was of much 
 service to me. He was with me throughout the campaign, and never 
 for one mo;nent did he falter in his zeal for the service, or his con- 
 spicuous coolness. I heartily recommend him for a commission in the 
 Confederate service. Captain H. E. Young, A. A. (jeneral, and Mr. 
 Hugh Rose, volunteer aids for the occasion, served most faithfully, 
 obeying with cool courage and much gallantry, all orders given them. 
 
 D. R. JONES, Major General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL J. R. JONES OF OPE- 
 llATIONS FROM SEPTEMBER 7th, TO DECEMBER 12th, 
 1863. 
 
 Headquarters Jones' Brigade, ) 
 January 21, 1863. S 
 
 Major Pendleton, 
 
 A. A. G., Headquarters Second Corps: 
 
 Major • In obedience to orders, received from corps headquartera, 
 I respectfully submit the following report of the operations ot J:»ck- 
 Bon's division, during the period which I had the honor to command 
 it beiu'r from September 7th, to December 12th, 1862 : _^ 
 
 The division reached Frederick City, Maryland, on the *tb feep- 
 tomber and was encamped one mile from the city, with the exception 
 of Jones- brigade, which was placed in the city as provost guard, i 
 found the division, at this time, very much reduced in numbers by the 
 recent severe battles and the long wearisome marches. Orders were 
 received on Tuesday night, lOth September, to march at three o clock 
 the following morning. The march was continued across the Potomac, 
 at Williamsport, through Martinsburg to the vicmity of Harper 3 
 
 Ferrv 
 
 It'is impossible, at this point, to pay the well-merited tribute to 
 the condrct of the soldiers of this division during their inarch 
 through Maryland. Never had the army been so dirty, ragged and 
 ill-provided for as on this march, and yet there was no marauding, 
 no plundering. The right of person and property were strictly re- 
 srected eliciting the following comparison from the New York 
 World of December 15th: - The ragged, half-starved rebels passed 
 through Maryland without disorder or marauding, without injury to 
 the country,'showing their excellent discipline. The well-fed,^ well- 
 clothed Union soldiers laid waste everything before them, plunaering 
 houses, hen-roosts and pig-pens, showing an utter want of disci- 
 pline." /■ 
 
 Capture of Harper's Ferry. 
 
 Encamped four miles from Harper's Ferry. On the Mth, orders 
 were received te move the division near the Potomac and above Boh- 
 var Hei-hts, on which the enemy was strongly posted. Commanding 
 positions were secured for the batteries and a heavy fire opened upoo 
 the works of the enemy and their line of battle, v.bile good work was 
 done by our batteries. The enemy replied without effect, not a 
 single casualty occurring in the division. Towards night I ordered 
 the division to move near the river, directing Starke's brigade to rest 
 on the river road to prevent the enemy from making his escape, if he 
 should attempt to do so. At dawn, on the 15th, the attack was re- 
 newed and at nine o'clock, A. M., the garrison surrendered, much to 
 
222 
 
 tlie joy of the toil-worn soldiers, who were ready again to encounter 
 the enemy, if necessary. At three o'clock, P. M., orders were re- 
 ceived to march back to camp, and cook two days' rations, and be 
 ready to march. The cooking was done about twelve o'clock at night, 
 and at one the march was commenced, reaching the Potomac at 
 sunrise. The division was hurried across, and on to Sharpsburg. 
 
 Battle of Sharpsburg. 
 
 Resting for two hours in a grove a mile from Sharpsburg, the divis- 
 ion was again put in motion, and took up its position on the extreme 
 left, its right resting on the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown turnpike. 
 A double line was formed — the front, composed of Jones' and Win- 
 der's brigades, placed in an open field, under the immediate command 
 of Colonel Grigsby ; Taliaferro's and Stuart's brigades forming the 
 reserves, placed at the edge of a wood, under the immediate command 
 of. Brigadier General Starke; the whole under the command of Briga- 
 dier General J. R. Jones. 
 
 This disposition was made about two hours before night, on the 
 16th of September, 1862. Two companies were at once thrown forward 
 as skirmishers, and Poague's battery was placed in the road on the 
 right. A battery of the enemy, about five hundred yards in front and to 
 the right, was playing upon the troops of Hood's division, which was 
 en my right. Poague's battery opened briskly upon it and silenced 
 it in twenty minutes. The skirmishers were warmly engaged until 
 night. The troops lay on their arms all night, the silence of which 
 was broken by occasional firing from the skirmishers. At the 
 dawn of day, on the 17th, the battle opened fiercely. A storm of 
 shell and grape fell upon the division from several batteries in front, 
 and at very short range, and from batteries of heavy guns, on the 
 extreme right, which enfiladed the position of the division and 
 took it in reverse. These batteries were gallantly replied to by the 
 batteries of the division, Poague's Carpenter's Brockenbrough's, 
 Raines', Caskie's and Wooding's. It was during this almost unpre- 
 cedented iron storm that a shell exploded a little above my head, and 
 so stunned and injured me, that I was rendered unfit for duty, and 
 retired from the field, turning over the command to Brigadier General 
 {Starke, who, in half an hour afterwards, advanced his lines to meet 
 the infantry of the enemy which was approaching. The infantry bo- 
 came at once engaged, and the gallant and generous Starke fell, 
 pierced by three balls, and survived but a few moments. His fall cast 
 a gloom upon the troops : they never, for a moment faltered, but 
 rushed upon the enemy and drove him back. 
 
 The struggle continued for several hours, the enemy all the time 
 receiving reinforcements and the division, not numbering over one 
 thousand six hundred men at the beginning of the fight, having, no 
 support, was finally compelled to fall back to its original line. Early's 
 brigade coming up at this opportune moment, (Colonel Grigsby com- 
 manding,) the division rallied its scattered columns and joined General 
 Early, and drove the enemy half a mile from the field, capturing many 
 
22S 
 
 prisoners, and covering the field with the dead wounded of the 
 enemy. 
 
 After this repulse, the division was ordered back to a grove to rest 
 and get ammunition, when, in the evening, it again advanced to the 
 support of the battery; but did not. become engaged with the enemy. In 
 this bloody conflict, the old stonewall division lost nothing of its fair 
 nnme and fame. . Having won a world-wide fame by its valor and en- 
 durance in the splendid campaign in the valley, it entered upon 
 another series of fights, commencing at Richmond and going through 
 Cedar Run, Manassas, Harper's Ferry and Sharpsburg, entering the 
 last weary and worn, and reduced to the numbers of a small brigade, 
 with its oiiicers stricken down in the many fierce engagements, closing 
 with a colonel commanding the division, captains commanding brig- 
 ades, lieutenants commanding regiments. In this fight every man 
 was a bero, and it would be invidious to mention particular names. 
 
 "Winder's brigade was commanded successively by Colonel Grigsby 
 and Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Williams, fifth Virginia regi- 
 ment ; Jones' brigade by Captains Penn, Page and Wither.^, the two 
 first losing a leg; Taliaferro's brigade, by Colonel G. W. Jackson, and 
 Colonel Sheffield ; Starke's brigade, by General Starke, Colonel A. L. 
 Stafford, ninth Louisiana regiment, and Colonel Edward Pendleton, 
 fifteenth Louisiana. 
 
 IgL Enclosed are reports of the various brigade commanders, which 
 give more particularly the parts taken by their brigades. 
 
 The list of casualties has already been furnished, amounting to 
 about seven hundred killed and wounded. 
 
 This brief report is respectfully submitted, 
 
 J. R. JONES, 
 Brigadier General (ommanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WILCOX OF BATTLE 
 OF KELLEY'S FORD. 
 
 Headquarters Anderson's Division, ) 
 October 11, 1862. 5 
 
 Major G. -M. Sorrel, Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I beg to submit the following report of an affair with 
 the enemy near Kelly's Ford, on tiie Rappahannock, on the SIst of 
 August last. This skirmiah occurred between a portion of General 
 Feathcrston's brigade and the enemy, and afterwards between our 
 artillery and the enemy : 
 
 The division crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon ford on the 2nth of 
 August, and, continuing its march, bivouacked for the night about 
 five miles from Kelly's ford, on the Rappahannock Early next 
 morning the march was resumed, the three brigades under my com- 
 mand leading the advance. The march was continued on the road to 
 Stephensburg, till we came to a road that bore off to the right, to 
 Kelly's ford. My command was directed to take this road. Ad- 
 vancing about one and a half miles, we crossed a small stream, 
 Mountain Run, (ray brigade did not cross this run,) this run being 
 about two miles from the ford. We had not advanced far beyond 
 Mountain Run when cavalry pickets, that had been posted on this 
 road near the ford, returned, reporting that a large cavalry force had 
 crossed the Rappahannock and were advancing on the road, I im- 
 mediately ordered two regiments from Feathcrston's brigade to be 
 formed in line of battle, one on each side of the road, and each of 
 tht3se regiments to be preceded by a line of skirmishers ; the 
 remainder of Feathcrston's brigade close in rear, and Pryor in rear 
 of Featherston. 
 
 I now ordered the lines to advance. This had not continued long 
 when a shot was heard on the right, and it soon became quite brisk, 
 ami extended to the left. Our lines continued to advance until the 
 ekirjnishers reached a fence. This was about one thousand yards 
 from the Rappahannock — a field extending down to the river, the 
 ground falling gradually. Some four hundred yards in this field, a 
 few of the enemy's skirmishers wore seen On the far sile of tho 
 Rappahannock the enemy's camp was visible, being on high ground, 
 much higher than where we were. The camp covered considerable 
 space. The skirmishers continued to fire at each other. Two of mj 
 men were wounded here. 
 
 The Major General commanding now directed me to withdraw my 
 force back across Mountain Run, leaving a picket force on the far 
 side. I directed two companies to be posted at the junction of two 
 roads, both of which led to the ford (Kelly's) and two regiments ia 
 rear of these companies some three or four hundred yards. Tho 
 two companies left at the forks of the road were Captains Feltua 
 and Hardy's, sixteenth Mississippi regiment; the two regiments ia 
 
225 
 
 the rear v^em the remainder of the eixteenth Missieeippi and the 
 twelfth Mississippi. The enemy, seeing that our forces had with- 
 drawn, made a spirited dash with his cavalry at these two compani3s, 
 and, being much superior in numbers, surrounded them, and de- 
 manded a surrender. Captain Feltus immediately gave the command 
 to ** fire," which was done with effect, killing nine horses and empty- 
 ing several saddles. The heavy firing caifted Colonel Posey to send 
 a third company to the assistance of these two, but they had already 
 driven the enemy off, and now fell back to their supports, the two 
 regiments. Colonel Posey now posted the twelfth Mississippi in a 
 corn-field on his left, which fronted upon an open field, no danger 
 being apprehended on his right, as there was a dense forest on that 
 flank. Scarcely had the twelfth Mississippi taken its position when 
 a very large cavalry force made its appearance in the open field, at 
 eomc distance off, but showing an evident design to attack. Colonel 
 Posey moved, unobserved by the enemy, at double-quick time, with 
 the sixteenth Mississippi, to the support of the twelfth Mississippi., 
 He had barely reached his position, when the enemy's cavalry came 
 down in line at full speed. When at good range the command to 
 ** fire " was given, and one volley from the two regiments scattered 
 the cavalry, with the utmost confusion. Some thirty saddles were 
 emptied, and the cavalry were scattered over the field for more than 
 a mile. At length they reformed, far off from the infantry that had 
 just punished them so severely. But they were in full view of where 
 my own and General Pryor's brigades were resting, on high ground, 
 in an open field, on the far side of the Mountain Run. I directed 
 Captain Anderson, Thomas artillery, to come into battery on high 
 ground, under cover of some pine, with his Parrott gun, and to fire 
 upon them. It has never been my pleasure to witness such beautiful 
 shots, as the first half-dozen shell that were thrown at them. Each 
 shell burst at the right place and time, and seemed to create more 
 confusion and inflict greater loss upon them than the infantry fire. 
 This artillery fire drove them entirely out of view, and nothing 
 more was seen of them until about five o'clock, P. M., when the 
 cavalry re-appeared. Three rifled pieces were now placed in position, 
 and, after a few rounds, the cavalry fled again in confusion. 
 
 My command was now, near sundown, put in march in rear of the 
 column for Stephensburg. Just at this time the enemy re-appeared 
 on the ground where his cavalry had been twice repulsed by our 
 artillery. This time he came with four pieces of rifled artillery, and 
 began to fire upon us as we were moving off. It was now quite late, 
 and as we were soon out of sight and danger, I did not conceive it 
 necessary to return this fire, as my orders were to follow the re- 
 mainder of the division, which was now in motion. 
 
 Much feredit is due to Colonel Posey, sixteenth Mississippi, and 
 Captain Feltus for the handsome manner in which they repelled the 
 attack of the Federal cavalry, which was much superior in numbers. 
 Captain Anderson, of the Thomas artillery, also displayed much skill 
 in the handling of his battery, and in the accuracy of his shots and 
 the bursting of his shells. 
 15 
 
3!2« 
 
 In this affair our loss was two (2) killed and twelve (12) wounded 
 Pursuing our march, we bivouacked at Stephensburg at one o'clock 
 at night. 
 
 Very respoctfullj, &c., &c., • 
 
 C. M. WILCOX, 
 Brigadier General commanding, Sfc.^ Sfc. 
 
REPOET OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WILCQX OF SECOND 
 BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Anderson's DivrsioN, i 
 October II, 1862. J 
 
 Major G. M. Sorrel, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
 borne by ray command at the battle of Manassas, on the 3l)th of 
 August last ; 
 
 The command of General Longstreet bivouacked on the night of 
 the 27th of August at W^hite Plains. On the following day the march 
 was resumed, following the road leading through Thoroughfare Gap. 
 Arriving near this gap, it was found to be occupied by the enemy,, 
 supposed to be in strong force. The three brigades under my com- 
 maud — my own, Generals Featherston's and Pryor's — were, together 
 with two batteries of artillery, mostly riJBed pieces, detached from 
 the main command and moved off to the left over a rough and hilly 
 road, in the direction of Hopewell Gap, with orders to force our way 
 through it should the enemy be found to hold it. 
 
 After a tedious, fatiguing, and rather difficult march, the gap was 
 reached at ten o'clock, P. M. Halting the column, a regiment was 
 detached, preceded by a company, both under the direction of Briga- 
 dier General Pryor, with instructions to approach the pass cautiously 
 with the view of ascertaining if it was held by the enemy, and if so,, 
 as to his probable strength. In a half or three-quarters of an hour, 
 General Pryor reported that he had threaded his way through th^ pass 
 as far as Antioch Church, near one mile beyond. The troops were 
 then moved forward through the pass, and, after posting pickets oB| 
 the various roads and mountain paths that diverged from the gap, the 
 command at twelve o'clock bivouacked for the night. 
 
 Hopewell Gap is about three miles from Thoroughfare Gap, being 
 connected with the latter on the east side by two roads, one of which 
 is impracticable for wagons. The enemy had been at this pass during, 
 the day, but retired before night, thus giving us a free passage. 
 Early the following morning our march was resumed, and the com- 
 mand rejoined at half-past nine, A. M., the remainder of the division, 
 at the intersection of the two roads leading from the gaps above- 
 mentioned. 
 
 Pursuing our line of march, together with the division, we passed 
 by Gainesville, and, advancing some three miles beyond, my ihre& 
 brigades were formed in line of battle on the left and at right angles 
 to the turnpike. Having advanced near three-quarters of a mile, we 
 were then halted. The enemy was in our front and not far distant. 
 Several of our batteries were placed in position on a commanding^ 
 eminence to the left of the turnpike. A cannonading ensued and 
 continued for an hour or two, to which the enemy's artillery replied. 
 
228 
 
 At half-past four or five, P. M., the three brigades were moved across 
 to the right of the turnpike, a mile or more, to the Manassas Gap 
 railroad. While here musketry was heard to our left on the turnpike. 
 This firing continued with more or less vivacity until sundown. 
 Now the command was orderd back to the turnpike, and forward on 
 this to the support of Gen. Hood, who had become engaged with the 
 enemy and had driven him back some distance, inflicting severe loss 
 upon him, being checked in his successes by the darkness of tho 
 night. 
 
 After reaching General Hood's position, but little musketry was 
 heard. All soon became quiet. Our pickets were thrown out to the 
 front. The enemy's camp-fires soon became visible, extending far oif 
 to our left, front and right. Remaining in this position until twelve 
 o'clock at night, the troops were withdrawn three-quarters of a mile to 
 the rear, and bivouacked, pickets being left to guard our front. Before 
 Bunrise the next morning, August 30th, the pickets began to fire. At 
 times it became quite rapid. The enemy could be seen relieving their 
 ekirmishers. The firing between the skirmishers continued with but 
 little intermiB8ion throughout the day. Batteries were placed in po- 
 sition on the left of the turnpike on commanding heights where tbey 
 had been the day before. They soon attracted the fire of the enemy's 
 artillery. 
 
 Before seven, A. M., Pryor's brigade was placed in position in line 
 at right angles to the turnpike, in rear of a fence, in woods — an open 
 field extending to the front more than a mile, the surface of which 
 was varied with a succession of valleys and hills — Featherston's brig- 
 ade in line on his left, and extending so far to the left as to be in 
 contact with the extreme right of General Jackson's command. My 
 brigade \Nas in the woods to the rear of the centre of the line occu- 
 pied by the other two brigades. In front of General Pryor, in the 
 open field, was Col. Law's brigade (Hood's division ;) on the right of the 
 ■pad was Gen. Hood's brigade, in the woods; extending far to the right 
 of Hood were other brigades of the division. The infantry and ar- 
 tillery fire continued during most of the day. At times the enemy's 
 infantry and artillery were plainly visible, moving in different direc. 
 tions, both to the right and left of the road. Wagons could be seen 
 moving oif in the direction of Bull Run, and clouds of dust further 
 oflf in that direction. About half-past three, P. M., the enemy's in- 
 fantry were seen emerging from a wood upon an open field, in line of 
 battle, the woods and field being in front of Jackson's extreme right 
 and to the left and near Featherston's brigade This field was about five 
 hundred yards wide and terminated about one hundred and fifty yards 
 from Jackson's line — the ground here rising rather steeply for a short 
 distance, and then level to the railroad, behind the embankment of 
 which, at this point, were Jackson's men. Seeing this advance of 
 the enemy, I repaired at once to the interval between Pryor's and 
 Featherston's brigades. From this point there was an excellent view 
 of the field, and not more than four hundred yards distant. The first 
 line of the enemy advanced in fine style across the open field. There 
 was but little to oppose them. They were fired upon by our pickets and 
 
229 
 
 sklimlshers ; but they continued to advance, and. ascending the rise 
 above referred to, came within full view of Jackson's Ime, and were 
 here received with a terrific fire of musketry, at short range ihey 
 hesitated for an instant, recoiling slightly, and then advanced to near 
 the embankment. Twice did I see this line advance and retire, ex- 
 posed to a close and deadly fire of masketry. Seeing a second line is- 
 suing from the woods upon the field, I was in the act of orJering a 
 battery to be placed in a position to fire upon them, when a battery 
 was directed bv the Major General commanding to fire upon them ; 
 this battery being near the turnpike, in an excellent and comraanrlmg 
 position The fire of this battery w^s most opportunely delivered 
 upon this advancing line of the enemy. They were caught in the 
 open field. The effect of every shot could be seenf A rapid hre ot 
 shot shell, and spherical case, delivered with admirable precision, 
 checked their advance. As the shells and spherical case would burse 
 over, in front, and near them, their ranks would break, hesitate and 
 scatter. This artillery fire alone broke regiment after regiment, and 
 drove them back into the wood.^. Seeing these successive lines and 
 regiments of the enemy checked and finally driven back, and yet their 
 front line quite close upon Jackson's line, thus leaving an interval of 
 more than six hundred yards between them and the broken, retreating 
 lines, I ordered Gen. Feathcrston to move his brigade by the flank, rap- 
 idly down the slope in his front, and thus take in rear, or intercept 
 the retreat of the enemy that were so closely engaged with Jackson. 
 This order was repeated three times, and in the most positive and per- 
 emptory manner; but it was not obeyed. At length the front lin2 
 of the enemy, sadly thinned by the close fire of Jackson's men behind 
 the railway bank, broke and fell back with great precipitancy and dis- 
 order, followed by a portion of Jackson's troops. Featherston now 
 descended the slope in his front, and joined in the pursuit across the 
 open field. Pryor's brigade was al..o ordered to iollow rapidly. 
 
 The fleeing enemy, under cover of the woods, endeavored tore-' 
 form, and to%ontest the field witj^ us; but our men, inspirated by their 
 success, eagerly rush forward, scarcely halting to deliver their fire. 
 The Federals are forced to continue their hurried retreat. The wood 
 through which the enemy fled, some six or seven hundred yards wide, 
 are at length crossed, and a second field of three-quarters of a mile 
 wide is in our front. The surface of this field, beginning near the 
 woods, ascends slightly, and, then descending somewhat further, 
 rises again higher than it is near the woods. In the edge of this field, 
 1 direc'ted ray°command to halt for a few minutes to reform line, they 
 havin<' become broken and somewhat scattered, from their rapid pur- 
 suit of the enemy, and traversing the thick woods. While ray men 
 were reforming, I rode to the crest of the ridge in front of me, and 
 saw two entire regiments descending rapidly into the valley. The 
 time lost in reforming my men enabled these retreating regiments to 
 gain shelter in the woods on the far side of the field. It is proper 
 that I should state that the field in which my command was now be- 
 ing formed, was swept by a brisk artillery fire, about twelve hundred 
 yards distant, the men being but indifferently protected by the ridge 
 
230 
 
 in front. This fire was borne by the, men with great coolness, ricrdla-i 
 order or embarrassment being perceptible. 
 
 Being now occupied ia forming the command for an advance across 
 the field into the woods, where the enemy had retreated, and for the 
 attack upon the batteries to our right and front, that were delivering a 
 most annoying fire upon us, I was ordered by the Major General com- 
 manding, to move with my brigade to the right of the turnpike to the 
 support of General Hood. I now directed General Pryor, who was 
 near me, to confer with General Featherston, and to indicate to him 
 my plans for the further pursuit of the enemy. For information as 
 to the services of these two brigades in the subsequent part of the 
 action, I beg to refer you to the report of their respective command- 
 ers herewith enclosed. In obedience to the orders above mentioned, 
 I marched my brigade to the right of the turnpike, and advanced on 
 that side. 
 
 In all of this change of position, (in all more than two miles,) the 
 brigade was exposed to a heavy fire of the enemy's artillery, and at 
 two different parts of the field, I had to bear oft" to the rear so as not 
 to obstruct the fire of our own artillery. This caused some little de- 
 lay in my advance. On the right of the turnpike, the enemy seemed 
 to have been driven back even faster and further than on the left. 
 Seeing no person to tell me where General Hood was engaged, I con- 
 tinued to advance as rapidly as possible, frequently at double-quick 
 time, and in the direction of the most advanced and heaviest firing. 
 At length having crossed a deep ravine, and risen to the summit of 
 the ascent on the far side, the portion of the field where the mus- 
 ketry fight was then going on, was in close proximity, it being in a 
 skirt of woods bordering a small stream, not three hundred yards dis- 
 tant. To reach tbis, there was an open level fieli, and then a short 
 and abrupt descent to the stream. While crossing this field, we were 
 exposed to a close artillery fire of the enemy from a battery in front 
 of where our men were then engaged. In addition to this, two brig- 
 ades of the enemy's infantry, who were approaching obliquely the 
 field where the musketry fire was then raging, reaching the crest of a 
 hill, and seeing my brigade moving to the same point, halted and 
 fired a volley deliberately at my men, but at near five hundred yards 
 distant. They fired one after the other ; the leading brigades moved 
 to the rear after firing through the intervals of the second. The balls 
 in each came near, but inflicted a trifling loss, only two or three men 
 Tvounded slightly. It was now late, sundown. My men crossed the 
 little stream near which the fight was then still raging, passed through 
 vthe woods skirting ib, and then changed direction to the left, so 
 as to occupy the same line that our troops were then occupying. They 
 •were then thrown into the woods, and cautioned to be careful not to 
 fire upon our own men, who were then engaged. My men entered 
 where Wright's brigade had been engaged,, and near where General 
 Toombs had been engaged. This was the first time that my men had. 
 been engaged in close musketry fight on the right of the turnpike. r 
 The fighting here was soon over, but the musketry fire was of the 
 Jkeaviesf kind while it lasted. The firing continued till after dark for 
 
231 
 
 more than a half hour, and then gradually ceased. The artillery con- 
 tinued to fire after the musketry had ceased, but by half-past eight 
 o'clock it had all ceased. My brigade bivouacked at this point of 
 the field, which was the most advanced point reached by our infantry, 
 and near the hill where Bee and Bartow fell, on the 21st July, 1861, 
 the first battle of Manassas. 
 
 The list of casualties of the three brigades having been previously 
 forwarded, it will sufiice to state that the entire loss of killed, wounded 
 and missing was three hundred and thirty, (four missing.) 
 
 In closing this report, 1 beg to assure the Major General command- 
 ing, that both men and officers of- my brigade behaved in a manner 
 highly creditable to them. I will only bring to his favorable notice 
 in this report the four regimental commanders of the brigade, viz : 
 Major Williams, commanding ninth Alabama ; Major Herbert, eighth; 
 Captain Saunders, eleventh, and Major Caldwell, tenth Alabama. It 
 will be seen that there was no field officer of higher rank than Major, 
 and of those but three. 
 
 To my personal staff, Captain Walter E. Winn, A. A. General, and 
 Lieutenant M. M. Lindsey, nineteenth Mississippi, my thanks are es- 
 pecially due for their willingness and promptness in rendering their 
 services at all times during the engagement. 
 
 I would also bring to your favorable notice private J. C. Causey, of 
 the third Virginia cavalry, my courier, who received, late in the ac- 
 tion, (after dark,) a painful wound on the head, from a piece of shell, 
 while carying an order to one of my regiments. 
 ' The enclosed reports of Generals Featherston and Pryor, will bring 
 to your notice such instances of men and officers in their brigades aa 
 are deserving of commendation. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 C. M. WILCOX, 
 Brigadier General commanding ^ d'C, &"c. 
 
BRIGADIER GENERAL FRENCIFS REPORT OF HIS 
 NIGHT ATTACK ON THE SHIPPING AND CAMP OF 
 GENERAL McCLELLAN. 
 
 Headquarters, Petersburg, Ya., August 31, 186i. 
 
 General D, H. Hill, 
 
 Commanding Diparimevt of North CaroTlna : 
 
 General: Numerous causes have prevented my sending you a 
 report, ere this, of an attack on the shipping and camp of General 
 McClellan, by the expedition under my command, on the night of the 
 31st of July last. 
 
 On the morning of July 29th, you directed me to have thebrigads 
 commanded by Colonels Manning and Daniel ready to move the fol- 
 lowing night. But when I had an interview, that evening at ten, P. 
 M., you directed me to have them move at seven o'clock the next 
 morning, together with six batteries of field artillery. All started at 
 the hour named, and, according to instructions, halted at a saw mili^ 
 some seven miles distant, on the road to Coggin's Point. I left Pe- 
 tersburg at ten, A. M., and, on arriving at the mill, found you, in 
 company with General W. N. Pendleton, of the artillery, who had 
 marched there, under your ^ardors, in command of thirty-two field 
 guns and four siege pieces. 
 
 Although you had on the day previous shown me General Lee's 
 letter suggesting that I would have charge of the expedition, it was 
 there for the first time made known to me that you designed the 
 attack to be made at night, and showed me some sketches of Coggin's 
 Point, a sort of peninsula, round which the James river sweeps, 
 diminishing its width to about a thousand yards, and directly oppo- 
 site to which is Harrison's landing. Beyond this landing were large 
 encampments of the enemy, his shipping extending above and below 
 for a distance of two miles. No time could be lost ; so, in company 
 with General Pendleton and some of his field officers, I proceeded to 
 examine the ground and select positions for the guns, and observe 
 the enemy. This reconnoissance occupied us until about nine o'clock 
 and caused a delay in the advance of the artillery. On our return 
 we met the advance guns arid ordered them to be halted, and, at the 
 suggestion of General Pendleton, I determined to report to you that 
 an attack could not be made that night, chiefly because the night was 
 far advanced, the darkness intense, and that many of the officers who 
 would command batteries had not examined the ground, the roads, 
 nor the shipping they designed to fire on, and many pieces of artil- 
 lery were far in the rear. 1 found you at the Merchant's Hope church, 
 where you had posted the two brigades of infantry. In company 
 with General Pendleton, I explained to you the necessity of delaying, 
 the attack. You expressed apprehensions of a failure if not made at 
 once, believing our position and force would be discovered by the 
 enemy on the morrow, and then, announcing that the ezpeditioa waa 
 
233 
 
 under my command, informed me you ^voald return to Petersburg. 
 The balance of the night was mostly pissed in placing the different 
 batteries in the shelter of the woods, to prevent them being seen by 
 reconnoissances from the balloons of the enemy ; thus it was four, 
 A. M., before the men or horses got any rest. The better to secure 
 success, I found it necessary to order the particular part that each 
 command was to perform ; and directed that the officers of artillery, 
 who were to command guns, should be sent to pass over the intricate 
 roads, the difficult grounds, and examine the sites selected for the 
 batteries and erect stakes to direct the fire of their guns at night, 
 according to the position of the enemy. The ground not admitting 
 the advantageous use of all the guns, some seventy in number, it was 
 deemed best to leave the lighter ones behind. All being in readiness, 
 and finding the enemy had not discovered us from recounoissancei in 
 t'leir balloon, at four, P. M., Colonel Brown proceeded to Maycok's 
 farm, opposite Westover, with twelve guns ; Colonel Coleman followed 
 to Coggin's Point, with eight twelve-pounder howitzers ; Major Nel- 
 son, with eight guns, to a position on his left, higher up the bank of 
 the river; Colonel Cutts, with eleven long-range guns, still above 
 Major Nelson; and Captains Dabney and Milledge were, each with 
 two siege guns, to take position a fourth of a mile below the dwelling 
 of Mr. Kuffin, making forty-three guns in all. As night approached, 
 thousands of lights from the shipping and their tents, disclosed the 
 objects for attack. The guns were silently conducted over the diffi- 
 cult ground and winding roads, and before twelve all the guns were in 
 position, (except two siege guns under charge of Captain Milledge,) 
 awaiting action. Silence as profound as the darkness of the night 
 reigned in the enemy's camp. At a signal, the thunder of over forty 
 guns startled them from their midnight slumbers. From the screams, 
 scenes of wild confusion must have followed, aa sailors rushed on 
 the decks of their vessels and soldiers fled from their tents in mid- 
 night darkness, amidst bursting shells, filling fast around them. The 
 gunboats soon returned the fire, and in about fifteen or twenty 
 minutes a rapid fire was opened on us from their land batteries, but 
 without any^araage, many of the shots parsing over the whole length 
 of the point or peninsula. The red glare of the fire of so many guns 
 and exploding shells, on such a night, is seldom witnessed. Gradu- 
 ally the firing on our part ceased, and the guns were withdrawn, 
 under a heavy fire. The rain, the difficulty of seeing the roads at 
 all, and the exposed position of the peninsula, induced us to leave 
 the caissons behind, with the baggage wagons, and thus the number 
 of rounds to be fired was limited; over a thousand were fired on our 
 part. What damage we inflicted on their vessels and their camps 
 probably will never be made known, but considering that many of the 
 gufts were within from a thousand j^ards to a mile of the transports, 
 and that behind them was one vast^ encampment, it could not have 
 been otherwise than destructive. Subsequent information from de- 
 serters, and prisoners, and friends, place the men killed at over forty, 
 and of their horses a greater number. Many transport steamers ap- 
 peared in Norfolk greatly damaged shortly after the attack. Our loss 
 
234i 
 
 from the enemj was one man killed and two wounded. Three men 
 were wounded by the careless and premature discharge of one of our 
 guns, and two men slightly injured by the overturning of a gun iti 
 the road. I am indebted to General Pendleton and the officers undei* 
 him for the careful and successful execution of the parts assigned 
 them. Colonels Manning and Daniel's brigades, and Major Ross, of 
 the second Georgia battalion, at Ruffin's house, protected the whole 
 of the attack. General Ransom's brigade guarded the City Point 
 road seven miles from Petersburg. Major A. Anderson, Lieutenant 
 C. D. Myers, Captain J. A. Baker, Lieutenant Shingleur, Captain 
 Overton and Lieutenant Storrs, members of my staif, rendered valua- 
 ble services. Of the command, exposed to fire, all behaved well, 
 except some privates belonging to the siege pieces. I enclose th6 
 report of General Pendleton. 
 , I have the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 S. G. FRENCH, 
 Brigadier General. 
 
BRIGADIER GENERAL PEIsDLETOiS-S REPORT OF IlltS 
 NIGHT ATTACK ON ENEMY'S SIIlPriNG. 
 
 Keadquabtebs Artillery Corps, ) 
 Near fdtri>liurg, August 9, 1862. i 
 
 Brigadier General S. G. French, 
 
 Commanding Expedition : 
 
 Genkral: The report of our operations in attacking the enemy's 
 shipping near Coggin's Point, on the night of the 3 1st July, vrhich I 
 now have the honor to submit, has been delayed by the absence, on 
 other duty, of one of the officers from whom it was necessary to obtain 
 some important facts. 
 
 General Lee, having intimated to me, on Mofiday 28th July, his 
 wish to effect something against the enemy's boats by artillery on this 
 side of James river, and my services having been tendered and ac- 
 cepted for conducting the expedition, I detailed from the reserve artil- 
 lery under my command, near Richmond, a force deemed sufficient 
 for the service, and placed it en route for Petersburg early on Teus- 
 day, 29th. 
 
 This force consisted of certain batteries and sections of batteries 
 from Colonel Brown's artillery regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Cutt's 
 and Major Nelson's j^rtillery battalions, in all thirty-two field pieces 
 and two heavy rifles or seige carriages, manned by Captain Dabney, 
 with the men and horses of Captain Milledge's artillery company, 
 from Major Richardson's battalion, to operate two other large rifles 
 transported by railroad. ^ 
 
 The command reached Petersburg by sunset, July 29th. General 
 D. H Ilill commanding, having been reported to early in the day, by 
 telegram, and later by a member of my stafi" sent forward for the 
 purpose, we encamped that evening a short distance beyond the 
 city on the Suffolk road. About midnight a dispatch from General 
 Hill was brought me, indicating Coggin's Point as our destination, 
 and directing me to have my command ready to march early the next 
 morning. Meantime, Major Allen, of Claremont, arrived at Mr. 
 Ware's, where 1 was lodging, and gave me information, deemed valua- 
 ble, respecting the river and the shipping. This we proceeded, very 
 early on the 3l)th, to submit to General Hill. We had, however, set 
 out and preferred not. halting for a conversation, and as Major Allen's 
 duty lay in a dififercnt direction we could make but slight use of his 
 knowledge. 
 
 The infantry force and several batteries brought by General 
 Hill, and the artillery under my command, reached Perkinson's saw- 
 mill, some seven miles below, by ten o'clock, and there halted. With- 
 in an hour or two you arrived, and we were informed that the fleet, 
 &c., was to be attacked the approaching night, and that you were to 
 superintend the expedition. 
 
236 
 
 After some consultation it was determined to move the whole force 
 forward about two miles, and there leave wagons and caissons. Colonel 
 Brown and Lieutenant Colonel Coleman were detailed with certain 
 batteries, to proceed to Wood's Point or to Claremont, if necessary 
 and practicable. The other guns were to be taken by their proper 
 commanders, when notified, to positions which adequate reconnois- 
 sance might indicate as best. Lieutenant Colonel Cutt's, Major Nel- 
 son and Captain Dabney were summoned to accompany yourself and 
 myself, attended by one or two members of each staff, on this recon- 
 noissance. 
 
 The tour proved laborious and perplexing. The enemy's shipping 
 lay crowded before us ; but positions were difficult of access, and a 
 night approach required great care. In consequence, several hours 
 of the night had passed before notice to advance could be given the 
 batteries. Jn the haste and dark, a mistake occurred also respecting 
 the force for Colonel Brown. This led to additional delay, and I be- 
 came satisfied the iifovement was too much hurried and confused for 
 success that niglit. 
 
 This judgement was concurred in by all my field officers, and I was 
 happy to find it sanctioned by yourself, so soon as communicated. 
 We therefore resolved to waive further proceeding, and report to Gen- 
 eral Hill, who kindly acquiesed, though much disappointed, and au- 
 ticipatiag failure the next night from the probable disclosure of our 
 movement to, and preparation for ii by, the enemy the ensuing day. 
 
 By the time our force was replaced in position not to be seen from 
 the enemy's balloon, when it should go up in the morning, day had 
 dawned, and no rest or refreshment had yet been taken by men or 
 horses. 
 
 In the early forenoon of the 31st, G-eneral ''Hill, having returned 
 to his more comprehensive duties in Petersburg, and committed the 
 expedition to us, you issued instructions for a systematic co-operation 
 on the part of infantry and all, towards success that night, and I 
 sketched and submitted to the artillery officers an exact programme 
 for their proceeding. 
 
 Colonel Brown was to take to Major Cock's twelve guns, viz : four 
 ten-pounder Parrott rifles, two Napoleons, four twelve-pounder how- 
 itzers and two six-pounders, under Captains Watson and Macon, and 
 Lieutenants Thurmond and Pegram. He Avas to move by four, P. M., 
 so as to approach his position about dusk. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Coleman was to take to Coggin's Point, on its 
 right, eight twelve-pounder howitzers, under Captains Dance and 
 Joseph Graham, and Lieutenant Griffin. 
 
 Major Nelson also to take to Coggin's Point, on its left, eight guns, 
 viz : two ten-pounder Parrctt rifles, two three-inch rifles, two twelve- 
 pounder 'howitzers and two six-pounders, under Captains Huckstep 
 and R. C. M. Page, and Lieutenant Woodruff. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Cutts, to a point considerably further on the 
 left, eleven long-range guns, viz : eight Parrott rifles, two three-inch 
 rifles and one Napoleon, under Captains Lane and Ross, and Lieu-, 
 tenant Robertson. 
 
/ 
 237 
 
 Captain Dabney (Major Lewis not having then arrived to command 
 the heavy battery) to a position Btill further back on the left, near 
 Mr Ruffin's residence, the four large rifles, to be operated by Captain 
 Milledge and himself. 
 
 The field and company officers assigned each position, were directed 
 to make, as carefully as possible, special examinations of their re- 
 spective localities, and to adjust guide-posts for pointing their guns. 
 
 By six, r. M., the column was in motion, utmost silence being en- 
 joined upon all. Dark came early and was very intense, by reason 
 of general cloud and rain, yet throwgh this and along the difficult 
 route, the whole moved successfully, under the skillful guidance of 
 patriotic citizens familiar with the region. 
 
 At midnight the signal gun was to fire. It was, however, half-past 
 twelve before all was ready at Coggin's Point, where m.y own posi- 
 tion had been chosen. Then, just after the cry from the enemy's 
 sentries, " All's well ! " the fire was ordered, and the whole line in- 
 stantly pealed forth, in all the terriblcness of midnight surprise. 
 Lights were glimmering on ship-board along the entire shore oppo- 
 site ; yet in the river and the camp beyond, the stillness of sleep pre- 
 vailed. To be compelled, resisting outrage, to meet our fellow men in 
 deadlj shock, cannot but be, under any circumstances, painful to a 
 Christian mind. Especially is the trial glorious when we must be 
 elain by, or slay, those who were so lately our countrymen, but who 
 having trampled upon our rights, now seek to desolate our homes, ap- 
 propriate our soil, kill off our young men, degrade our women, and 
 subdue us into abject submission to their will, because we claim, un- 
 der our own government, exemption from their insult)# and their 
 control And still more distressing to find it requisite towards con- 
 tributing to avert the ruii threatened by malignant millions, thus to 
 send the sleeping, however unprepared, to their great account. But 
 painful as it is, just as it is, to snatch life from an assassin, whose arm 
 is uplifted against our best beloved, most sacred is the duty ; as such 
 was this attack made, the issue being committed to unerring wisdom. 
 
 Such considerations imparted a mournful solemnity to the scene, 
 where so many sudden flashes, through thick darkness, and multiplied 
 reverberations startling profound stillness, constituted elements of 
 grandeur rarely combined. ISot to give the enemy time to bring to 
 bear against us, in so exposed a position, many of his powerful guns 
 from his boats or his land batteries, I had limited the nearest pieces 
 to twenty rounds each, and those more remote on the right and left 
 to thirty rounds. These were generally fired, making, probably, one 
 thousand shots in all, and the pieces limbered and quietly taken to 
 the rear. 
 
 When we had been firing about fifteen minutes, large shells began 
 to be returned from the other side, some apparently from gunboats 
 and some from the land ; but with scarcely any damage to us. Tho 
 two guns of Captain Dance, most of all exposed, having been taken 
 down a ravine to the river's edge, within six or eight hundred yards 
 of a number of vessels, were, under admirable management, with- 
 drawn, without a Bcratcb, after firing their allotted rounds. Nor was 
 
238 
 
 injury received from the enemy at a single one of our ^eld guns. A 
 good many shells flew over us, and seemed well aimed along the gen- 
 eral coarse we had to take. But they passed beyond, or fell short, 
 or when the ground turned us to the right or left, they deviated the 
 other way. These occurrences and the remarkable fact, that just 
 when nearing the enemy, our batteries had to pass a rocky hill, likely 
 to occasion great noiae, the heaviest rain fell and drowned the rattling 
 of wheels, &c., made upon many the salutary impression that a kind 
 Providence favored our enterprise. 
 
 Fortv-one, out of the forty-three guns enumerated, were brought 
 into action. It being deemed imprudent to crowd more in the space, 
 and the two heaviest, intended to act with Captain Dabney's long 
 rifles, Captain Milledge having found it impracticable to get suffici- 
 ently early into position. 
 
 The casualties we suffered were as follows : At one of Captain Dab- 
 ney's large guns, by an exploding shell of the enemy, one man killed 
 and two wounded, and three horses slightly injured. In Captain R. 
 C. M. Page's battery, by their own carelessness, from their own fire, 
 three men were wounded ; and at one of Lieutenant Thurmond's guns, 
 by its overturning in the road, two men wounded. In all, one killed 
 and seven wounded. 
 
 The amount of injury inflicted upon the enemy we could not accu- 
 rately estimate. _ Though from the known range of our guns, the 
 oare "taken in adjusting them, and the great number of objects at 
 which to direct fire, less than serious damage could scarcely have re- 
 sulted. Statements apparently reliable, have also reached us, derived 
 from the admissions of the enemy, that more than twenty of their 
 vessels were considerably injured, and thirty or forty men and fifty 
 horses killed. How near this is to the truth I cannot judge. 
 
 Every officer behaved well, and nearly every man, and the entire 
 enterprise was really a signal success. 
 
 Rarely has difficulty been overcome on so large a scale under so 
 much risk, with so little to re^^ret. This, while to be gratefully at- 
 tribute! to the favor of Divine Providence, should also be credited to 
 the exemplary conduct of the officers and men engaged. Colonel 
 Brnvn, Lieutenant Colonels Cutts and Celeman, and Major Nelson, 
 who directed the operations of their respective commands, the com- 
 pany officers who skillfully seconded their efforts, the medical and 
 other members of my staff, and the men who, with persistent care and 
 courage, did the work, are well entitled to praise for what was 
 scbioved. 
 
 By dawn, August Ist, my whole command was far enough back to 
 take a few hoUrs' rest, well earned and much needed. When thus 
 sufficiently refreshed to march again, we moved, in compliance with 
 orders from yourself, to the neighborhood of Petersburg, where, 
 awaiting another opportunity, we have since remained. 
 I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. N. PENDLETON, 
 Brig. General and Chief of Artillery. 
 
KEPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HAMPTON OF OPE- 
 RATIONS IN THE RECENT ADVANCE OF ENEMY. 
 
 IlKADQUiRTERS F(RST BrigaDE CaVALRY, ) 
 
 August 10, 1862. ] 
 
 Major FiTznuGH, A. A. G. : 
 
 Majoi^ : I have the honor to submit, for the information of the 
 Major General commanding, the following report of the operations of 
 my brigade, on the recent advance of the enemy, together with the 
 reports of the Colonels under my command : 
 
 At half-past twelve, A. M., August 5th, Colonel Young notified 
 me that he had received information of the presence of the enemy in 
 front of Colonel Baker, and that they were apparently advancing. I 
 sent this courier immediately to General Toombs and despatched ano-. 
 ther to endeavor to procure accurate information as to the move- 
 ments of the enemy. This latter returned before daylight, confirming 
 fully the report of the first and bringing the additional informa- 
 tion from Colonel Baker that the enemy were in strong force of alL 
 arms. This courier was sent forthwith to give his report to General 
 Toombs also, and I then ordered out the reserves of Cobb's legion to 
 proceed with them to the support of Colonel Baker ; but as I was 
 abotlt to leave my quarters, having previously despatched a courier to 
 Major General Longstreet, conveying all the information in my pos- 
 session, I heard the enemy open fire on the artillery and infantry 
 stationed at Malvern Hill. I rode at once to the quarters of 
 General Toombs and communicated the intelligence to him, suggest- 
 ing to him the propriety of reinforcing his troops on the hill. I told 
 him that if he would take reinforcements to the hill, and would let me 
 have some artillery, I would attack the enemy in the rear near Crew's 
 house. This was agreed on, and proceeding with the Cobb legion and 
 Moody's artillery, I gained the position from which General Magru- 
 der had attacked the enemy on the 1st July ultimo. On reaching 
 this point, I found the enemy on the same ground occupied by him 
 in the battle of the Ist of last month, whilst the troops which had 
 been stationed on Malvern Hill were retreating. Fearing for my 
 rear guard and having only three pieces of artillery, with two small 
 squadrons of cavalry, I withdrew to our main lines. During that day 
 1 held the enemy in strict observance, but had no opportunity to 
 strike at him. Our picket lines were established, and well maintained. 
 On the 7th, I was ordered by General Lee to reconnoitre on the right 
 flank of the enemy with my command. This was done as the infan- 
 try advanced in front. I proceeded through Gatewood farm to Car- 
 ters mill. The enemy had retreated and a few stragglers were fallen 
 in with. My personal observation was confined to the right and cen- 
 tre of my line, as I was unable to leave these positions during the 
 two days' 'operations. I must, therefore, ref^r you to the report of 
 Colonel McGruder for information aa to the occurrences on the left, 
 
240 
 
 vrhere he was stationed. I can confirm the reports of Colonels Baker 
 and Young from my own personal knowledge of all the facts stated.- 
 I neglected to Ptate that -whilst consulting with General Toombs in 
 the morning, a courier brought to me news of the attack on the hill 
 and a request to the General from one of his officers there for rein- 
 forcemcnts. 1 beg to call your attention to the very efficient manner 
 in which Colonel Baker maintained his picket line, and to the timely 
 information he furnished us as to the movements of the enemy. This 
 information was always promptly communicated by Lieutenant Early 
 and these officers both proved themselves watchful and energetic. 
 The report of Liiuttnont Colonel McGruder has not yet been sent in, 
 though it has been called for. It sliall be forwarded you as soon as it 
 reaches me. Since the infantry have been withdrawn from the picket 
 line the enemy have maile constant demonstration against me. These 
 have always been promptly met and our lines have been maintained. 
 Of couree the position cannot be held by cavalry alone against a pe-" 
 rious attack, but orders have been given to hold it as long as possible. 
 I incline to the belief that the enemy are withdrawing and I 
 strongly recommend a forced reconnoissance with infantry, artillery, 
 and cavalry. This is entirely practicable. Referring you for details 
 to the accompanying reports, 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, . 
 Your obedient servant, 
 WADE HAMPTON, 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HAMPTON OF OPE- 
 RATIONS AFTER RECROSSING THE POTOMAC. 
 
 Hbadquarters Hampton's Brigade, Oct. 21, 1862. 
 To Major General Stuart : 
 
 General: The enclosed report of General R. E. Lae, in reference 
 to the late advance of the en'emy on Martinaburg, has just met my 
 eye, and I beg most respectfully to call your attention, and, through 
 you, that of the General commanding, to the injustice which, uniii- 
 tentionally no doubt, has been done to the brigade I have the honor t9 
 command. The report says : *' General Hampton's brigade had retired 
 through Martinsburg on the Tuscarora roa^l, when General Stuart 
 arrived and made disposition to attack." This phraseology implies 
 that the enemy had advanced on Martinsburg through my lines, and 
 bad driven in my brigade. The following statement will show that 
 Buch was not the case. As you are aware, my line extended on the 
 Potomac, from Black creek to the mouth of the Opequon. When 
 General Lee joined me, upon consultation with Colonel Lee (who was 
 in command of the brigade the day before the advance of the enemy) 
 he said that if his pickets were d»ven in, he would make a stand at 
 William ston's cross roads, and, if forced to retire, would fall back to 
 the stone bridge, which he would hold to the last extremity. On the 
 morning of the 1st October, a courier from Colonel Lee informed mo 
 that the enemy were advancing on him, and, soon jfter, another courier 
 notified me that Colonel Lee had fallen back to the cross roads. Ex- 
 pecting an attack upon my own picket line, I ordered my brigade to 
 be ready to move, and I sent a few men from the provost guard toward 
 the stone bridge to procure information of the movements of the 
 enemy. In a short time they returned, and, to my great surprise, 
 informed me that the enemy had crossed the bridge, and, in a fe\T 
 moments they appeared between me and the town, not more than six 
 hundred yards from the latter. This forced me to recall my squadron, 
 and to send the gun into town, the only position in which it was avail- 
 able. Placing my guns in position here, I ordered my wagons to go 
 by the Romney road (as I had agreed with Colonel Lee to do) to 
 Darksville. The first North Carolina, with t*vo guns, was sent as an 
 escort for the wagons and to hold the Winchester real, where the 
 cross road intersected it, in case I should have to fall back. After 
 my wagons had all got off, and messages had been sent to bring in my 
 pickets, (all of whom had to retire by Hedgesville, as the enemy had 
 got completely in their rear,) I withdrew my two remaining guns from 
 the town, as I was very unwilling to draw the fire of the enemy upoa 
 the village, and placed them in position on a hill commanding both 
 the Winchester and Tuscarora and Romney roads, and between the 
 two. All of the brigade, except the first North Carolina regiment and 
 the squadrons on picket, was drawn up as a support to their guns on 
 the Tuscarora road, in advance of the camp of the North Carolina 
 1^ 
 
24? 
 
 ■nd South Carolina regimenta. From this position, I wrote to Colonel 
 Leo telling him that we could retake the town, and the letter was given 
 to one of his pickets, "who failed to send it to the Colonel. As soon 
 aa I found the enemy retiring, I ordered up raj command before 
 receiving any order from yourself. My brigade went with Lee's to 
 Flag's mill, and were then sent to re-establish their picket line, 
 wbile a section of my artillery proceeded to within two miles of 
 Shepherdstown, the last position from which Lee's artillery fired that 
 right. This is a full statement of this affair as far as my brigade was 
 ccccernod, and 1 beg to refer you to Colonel Lee, who will, I am sure, 
 corroborate the facts as far as they relate to his brigade. I do not 
 attach any blame to him that the positions he had designated to hold 
 were net held, nor that his pickets did not give me any notice of the 
 8j)proach of the enemy. I simply state the facts that none of my 
 picbeto were driven in. That the enemy did not advance on any road 
 under my supervision ; and that they were within six hundred "yards 
 of tJ.e edge of the town, on the Shepherdstown road, before I was 
 avare of their proximity. I then took position in frcnt of my camp, 
 erd told it till my pickets were withdrawn. In justice to my bri- 
 gade, I beg that you will transmit this statement to the General com- 
 oanding. I did not make a report to you because, though I had been 
 placed in a most critical position by the failure of Colonel Lee's 
 |)ic!ret'8 to communicate with me, still I met with no loss, and I 3id 
 net desire to appear to attach any blame to Colonel Lee. This was 
 eppecially the case after he had so frankly, in your presence, apolo- 
 gized to me for the failure of the plan of operations we had agreed 
 on. I; or do I wish to detract from any commendation you have 
 teotowed on Lee's br^ade. My only object is to vindicate my own. 
 lloping that you will excuse the minuteness of my statement. 
 I am, tJeneral, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 ^ ^ WADE HAMPTON, 
 
 Brigadier Gemral. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL B. T. JOHNSON OF SECOND VIR- 
 GINIA BRIGADE. 
 
 Captain Taliaferro, A. A. G., 
 
 Taliaferro's Division, Anny of the Valley : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to report that on We Inesljiy, August 
 !27th, 1862, my command, the seconi brigade of this division, con- 
 sisting of the twenty first, forty-secon 1 and forty-eighth Virginia and 
 first Virginia battalion, with two batteries, marched from Manassas 
 Junction about dark. The forty-eighth and forty-second Virginia 
 bad been, during the day. on picket oa ttie Blackburn's Ford and 
 Union Mill road. Marching by the Sudley road and passing the 
 Ohinn house, I reached the Warrenton road after midnight. I was 
 then ordered by Brigadier General Ti^iaferro, commanding division, 
 to proceed with my command down the Warrenton road, towards 
 (Jainesville, and picket and hold it and a road cutting it at Groveton 
 r.t fiijht ang-les, and which led from the Junction also to Sudley ford.. 
 , i did so, holding Groveton as my reserve, throwing out pickets, 
 towards Manassas apd down tho turnpike, and pushing Captain George 
 R. Gaither's troop, first Virginia cavalry, which I found on pickeb- 
 before I reached the position, some half a mile in front of me, with 
 videttes stiil further before him. Shortly after daylight, he reported 
 to me a cavalry force advancing from Gainesville, and soon after 
 himself brought in a courier, captured by him, bearing a despatch) 
 from M(jor General McDowell to Major General Sigel. I immedi- 
 ately sent the courier and despatch to Brigadier General Taliaferro 
 and Major General Jackson, and a short time after ordered Captain 
 (xaithcr to report to Major General Jackson in person the contents 
 of the despatch. Executing this order in the direction of Manassas, 
 he was taken prisoner, and I lost his services, which were valuable. 
 The intercepted despatch was an order from Major General McDowell. 
 to Major General Sigel and Brigadier General Reynolds, conveying 
 the order of attack on Manassas Junction. Sigcl was ordered to 
 march on that point from Gainesville, with his right resting on the 
 Manassas Gap railroad ; Reynolds, moving also from Gainesville, to- 
 keep his left on the Warrenton road ; and another division was or- 
 dered to move in support of the two, in rear, en echelon to each.. 
 Finding, then, I should have a superior force on me in a short time^. 
 I ordered Major John Seddon, first Virginia battalion, with his com-, 
 mand and the forty eighth Virginia, to take position on the road from 
 (Jroveton toward Manassas, to guard against any flank movement oa 
 ine from thence. The forty-second Virginia, Captain Penn, I threw 
 forward as skirmishers, and held the twenty-first, Captain Witcher, 
 to support the only two pieces of rifled artillery I had, which had 
 been placed under my command by Colonel Brien, first Virginia, 
 cavalry. My own being smooth bore, I held it in reserve and ia 
 rear. Rit^ing forward, I got oa a high hill, to the right of the road^. 
 
214 
 
 and discovered the enemy in force, their skirmishers pushing rapidly 
 on me. I instantly brought up the liflod pieces and forty-eighth, 
 and, after a race, heat tlie enemy to the hill and opened on them, driv- 
 ing 'in their cavulry and Ekirmishers ; but finding them place several 
 guns in position, which they served with rapidity and accuracy, and 
 pressing their infantry on me, I called in JNIiijor Seddon, and, with 
 his reinforcement, determined to hold the hill, which was the key of 
 the surrounding country. This I did, and drove off the advance 
 down the Warrenton road ; but, after soire time, discovered them on 
 my extreme left towards Manassas. Thus obliged to retire, I did so, 
 towards Groveton, where I received an order from Brigadier General 
 Taliaferro to report to him. Before I could do so, Wajor General 
 Stuart ordered me to take position in a skirt of woods near by, and to 
 the west. In the afternoon, I discovered the enemy's train passing 
 to the left, towards Manassas, and opened upon it with two pieces 
 verv briskly. Further progress was stopped for them over that road. 
 Being ordered, then, by Major ^General Jackson to report to my 
 command, I started in that direction, but being pushed by the ene- 
 my's cavalry and skirmishers, I ordered the forty-eighth Virginia, 
 Lieutenant V. Dubney, to drive them back, which was done quickly 
 and gallantly. 
 
 That night, by General Jackson's order, I held the crossing of the 
 Sudley road over the old railroad, and at daylight, being so ordered, 
 rejoined the division, then commanded by Brigadier General Starke, 
 Brigadier General Taliaferro having been wounded the previous 
 evening. By him I was ordered to clear the woods we had ju.'^t left, 
 but into which the enemy's skirmishers had lodged. I directed Lieu- 
 tenant Dabney, with the forty-eighth to do so, and then sent Captain 
 "Witcher, with the twenty-first to support him. They did their work 
 at once and well. Our line of battle was then formed, facing the 
 east, parallel to the "Warrenton road, fronting it, and to the left of it ; 
 Ewell's division being on my left and Starke's brigade on my right. 
 This place was not attacked until the afternoon. Our line was on the 
 crest of a ridge covered with timber, and in front of the wood, in tha 
 open ground, was the embankment in one place and the cut in an- 
 other, according as the ground lay, of an unfinished railroad. In the 
 afternoon, the enemy carried the embankment to my left, and while I 
 was trying to rally some men, not of my command, came close on 
 me and between my command and the railroad cut. The men were 
 lying down at the time in ranks, concealed ; and, unexpected, I or- 
 dered a charge, and, with a yell, the second brigade went through 
 them, shattering, breaking and routing them. The struggle was 
 brief, but not a man faltered, and, with closed ranks, their rush was 
 irresistible. They drove the enemy into the railroad cut and out of 
 it. Just then Brigadier General Starke came gallantly heading the 
 fourth biigade, and tegether we went after the flying foe. In a skirt 
 of woods in front a battery was attempting to cover their rally, but 
 Major Seddon and the Irish battalion wrested a three-inch rifle gun 
 from them and bore it off. The fourth brigade secured another. The 
 forty-second is entitled to the credit of capturing the colors of the 
 
245 
 
 attaclcing brigade, which was " Sickles' Excelsior," having run over 
 them after the enemy. The flag was taken up by the fourth brigade, 
 and I do not claim it fcr the forty-second. Returniag to the first po- 
 Bition, we held it that night. j .i. 
 
 The next day, Saturday, the 30th, the division was formed on the 
 same ground, but in order— third, first, second, fourth, placing ray 
 briL^ade on precisely the san^e ground it held on Friday. Daring the 
 morning, the enemy sullenly felt nlong our line at long range, with 
 bis artillery, occasionally taking feints with infantry, which did not 
 seem to bo pres.ned with vigor, and it was difficult to understand 
 whether he was whipped or not. He however took possession of ^rove- 
 ton from which Hood had driven him, and the skirt of woods which 
 we had carrie.1, where Major Seddon captured the gun the preceding 
 evening. I could see that some movements were being made in that 
 skirt of woods as early as eight o'clock, A. M., and during the day 
 had frequent reports made to me to that effect. I therefore placed 
 the forty-second, Captain Penn, in the railroad cut ; and having as- 
 signed Captain Goldsborough, of the late .GrstTklaryland, my old com- 
 mand, who was serving with me as a volunteer, to the forty-eighth, 
 as adjutimt, put it in a copse which ran at right angles from the rail- 
 road, and the right of the forty-second, and fronted the woods in 
 which the enemy were obviously niaking some movement. These po- 
 sitions overlooked the enemy everywhere, and, being very strong, were 
 the ones I had determined to take and hold, if attacked. The twenty- 
 first and Irish battalion I held in reserve, concealed in the woods on 
 the hill, carefully instructing the officers, at the order, to charge with- 
 out firing a shot. 
 
 About four, r. ^I., the movements of the enemy were suddenly de- 
 veloped in a decided manner. They stormed my position, deploying 
 in the woods in brigade front, and then charging in a run, line after 
 line, brigade after brigade, up the hill, on the thicket held by the 
 forty-eighth, and the railroad cut cccupied by the forty-second. But 
 •as they'uncovered from the wood in which they had been massing dur- 
 ing the whole day, I ordered the twenty-first and Irish battalion to 
 charge, which they did with empty guns. I h;ilted them under the shelter 
 of the cut, where, with the forty-second, they held back the enormous 
 force pressing up the hill on them. Liautenant Dabney had unfortu- 
 nately been wounded early in the day, and Captain Goldsborough, 
 whom I had ordered to take command,' had fallen by my side in the 
 charge, leaving the forty-eighth without a superior officer with them^ 
 and they were, consequently, soon driven out by the treraendo;isodd3 
 against them. But for a shcrt time the three regiments above named, 
 viz : the forty-second, twenty-first and Irish battalion by them 
 selves, breasted the storm, driving back certainly twenty (20) times^ 
 their number. As soon as their position was known, the rest of the 
 division came to their support, except the third brigide, which, under 
 Colonel Taliaferro, was employed in whipping a division by itself. 
 Before the railroad cut the fight was most obstinate. I saw a Fede- 
 ral flag hold its position for half an hour, within ten yards of a flag 
 of one of the regiments in the cut, and go down six or eight times ; 
 
m 246 
 
 and after tbe fight, a hundred dead were lying twenty yards from th© 
 cut, pome of thtm within twenty feet of it. The men fought until 
 their iimmunition was exiiausted, and then threw stones. Lieutenant 
 Lewif- Randolph, of tlie hattalion, killed one with a stone, and I saw 
 hiui afterwards with his f-kull fractured. Dr. Richard P. Johnson, on 
 my volunteer staff, having no arms of any kind, was obliged to have 
 recourse to this means of cffence from the beginning. As line after 
 line surge*! up the hill time after time, led up by their officers, they 
 were dashed bsick on one another, until the whole field was covered 
 with a confused mass of straggling, running, routed Yankees. They 
 failed to take the cut. Tlie battle of the left wing of the army was 
 over, and the v^hole of Jackson's corps advanced about a mile, its 
 right on the "VVarrenton road, toward the stone bridge, facing Bull 
 Run. I was not further engaged that day. 
 
 On Sunday,.we crossed Sudley ford, and that night bivouacked on the 
 Aldie road, and on Monday, September 1st, was ordered by Brigadier 
 General Staike to hold the road leading from Chantilly to Centreville. 
 Taking a position alAut two miles and a half from Centrevilk, 
 I threw out the twenty-first Virginia, Captain Witcher, holding half 
 of it in reserve, and advancing the residue as skirmishers. They 
 exchanged shots all day. with the enemy's cavalry, who dismounted 
 and engaged them. Having only orders to observe the large force 
 which was apparent at Centreville, and hold it from attacking our 
 flank, which was moving up towards Germantown, Captain Witcher 
 was contented to drive back the dismounted cavalry. After sundown. 
 Brigadier General Drayton relieved me, and I rejoined the division. 
 
 Tuesday morning. September 2d, the column marched beyond 
 Dranesville, and bivouacked. Wednesday and Thursday, it passed 
 through Leesburg. Friday, it crossed the Potomac at White's ford, 
 Montgomery county, Maryland, and thence iorded the Monocacy at 
 the fdd glaFS works, and camped by the Three Springs, near Buck- 
 eye's town. On Saturday, it entered Frederick, and encamped on 
 Norman's, to the north. Being ordered by General Starke to take 
 command of the city with the brigade, I put it in camp in the bar- 
 rack's enclosure, and ordered Lieutenant Lewis Randolph, of the bat- 
 talion, on duty, as provost marshal. Directly after 1 was relieved 
 from the brigade. Brigadier General J. 11, Jones, its commander, hav- 
 ing reported for duty. My brief connection with the brigade pre- 
 vents me doing justice, individually, to the officers and men, a few of 
 whom 1 was acquainted with personally. Major Seddon, first Vir- 
 ginia battalion, distinguished himself by his gallantry. On Saturday, 
 having been quite ill, I advised him to go to the rear, and he declin- 
 ing. I ordered him to do so. On his way back, he fell in with Gene- 
 ral Pender's brigade, and headed it with General Pender during the 
 fight. Captain Henderson, who succeeded him in command of the 
 Tjattalion ; Captain Witcher, of the twenty first; Captain Penn, of 
 the forty-second; Lieut. V, Dabney, of the forty-eighth, all behaved 
 as became good soldiers and gallant gentlemen. Lieutenant Dunn, 
 A. A. General, was conspicuous in the performance of duty on the 
 laaarch and in battle. Captain Goldsborough and Lieutenant Booth, 
 
247 
 
 my volurfteer aids, were both woun led, and Dr R. J, Johnson, alao vol- 
 unteer aid, had his horse twice shot on two different days. As I can- 
 not name all who merit notice, not knowing their names, I can only 
 Bay, that every officer and man in the brigade may well be proud of 
 the manner in which each and every one conducted himself in the 
 second battle of Manassas. I cannot forbear giving but scant justice 
 to a gallant soldier, now no more. It was my fortune during the ?wo 
 days of the battle, during which he coramandcfl the division, to be 
 thrown constantly in contact with Brigadier General Starke. The 
 buoyant dash with which he led his brigade into a most withering fire 
 on Friday, though then in command of the division, the force he 
 showed in the handling of this command, the coolness and judgment 
 which distinguished him in action, made him, to me, a marked mau, 
 and I regretted his early death as a great loss to the army and the 
 cause. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 BRADLEY T. JOHNSON, 
 > Colonel commanding 2d Virginia Brigade. 
 
EErORT BRIGALIER TRIMBLE OF BATTLE OF HAZEL 
 
 RIVER. 
 
 Morse's Neck, Army of Northern Virginia, 
 January 30, 1863. 
 
 Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson, 
 
 Commanding Second Army Corps on RappahoJinock : 
 
 General: In compli'ance with your order of this date, I furnish 
 » report of the operations of ray (seventh) brigade on the 22d August, 
 l;-362, in the battle of Hazel River. About ten o'clock, A. M., that 
 day, I was left with orders from General R. S. Ewell, to station my 
 brigade about a mile distant from the ford on Hazel River, near Well- 
 ford's mill, where the army crossed. The object of my force was to pro- 
 tect the flank of out wagon train from the enemy, who had moved up the 
 north side of the Rappahannock almost flimultaneou;ily with our forces. 
 About twelve, M., I received informjition that the enemy (Sigel's divis- 
 ion) had thrown a force across the river to our side, and soon after 
 learned that they had surprised our wagon train and captured some am- 
 bulances and mules. I immediately sent the twenty-first Georgia regi- 
 ment. Captain Glover, to recover the property and drive off tho 
 enemy. In this he was successful, and besides captured some pri- 
 soners, from whom I received some important information, viz : that 
 the enemy had thrown one, if not two, brigades across the river, to 
 ennoy us on the mar«h. As General Ewell's division was five or six 
 miles in advance and General Longstreet's division the same distance 
 ia the rear, I deemed it prudent to hold my brigade on the defensive, , 
 fttid endeavor to protect the trains. I accordingly disposed the three 
 regiments (my only force) so as best to effect this object. The enemy 
 made no further attempts to molest us. During the afternoon, by 
 reconnoisance and verbal information, I ascertained the position of 
 the forces thrown across the river, and decided to attack them as soon 
 ee the advance of General Longstreet (Hood's brigade) shouM reach 
 ray position to support me, if necessary. At four, P. M,, General 
 Hood arrived, when I directed him, as the troops came up, to occupy 
 my position, and hold them in readiness to support me should I send 
 for aid. I at once advanced towards the enemy's position, skirmishers 
 well in front, who soon met those of the enemy and drove them back 
 on their main force, which I noticed was placed in such a position aa 
 permitted them to be flanked on the right and left by a surprise. The 
 fifteenth Alabama, Major Louther, and twenty-first Georgia, Captain 
 Glover, were ordered on the enemy's flank,J)y a slight detour, unob- 
 eerved, while the twenty-first North Carolina, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Fulton, advanced under my immediate command in the centre. After 
 a eharp conflict with the twenty-first North Carolina, the enemy were 
 driven back to the hills on the river, where* they made another stand. 
 At this point, supported by their artillery on the north side of the 
 rtver, they made an effort, by blowing of trumpets, beating of 
 
249 
 
 drums and clieera, to encourage their men to charge. The command 
 •was given, " Drive them at the point of the bayonet." Our men boMly 
 advanced, with enthusiastic cheers, and drove the opposing forcca into 
 the river and across it, in great disorder to seek protection in 
 General Sigel's camp and under his guns, which opened a furious 
 discharge against us without serious injury. Our men pursued them 
 closely and slaughtered great numbers as they waded the river or 
 climbed up the opposite bank. The water was literally covered with 
 the dead and wounded. Over one hundred prisoners were captured, 
 and among the dead wiS found one colonel. Deeming it useless, in 
 the absence of my artillery, to continue the contest longer, after half 
 an hour's occupation of the battle-ground, I retired, unmolested, and 
 encamped a mile and a half distant, leaving General Hood, who had 
 taken .no part in the contest, to look after the enemy. The battle 
 lasted two hours, daring which time we drove the enemy one mile. I 
 can speak with pride and admiration of the admirable spirit di.^playcd 
 by the brigade, which went into action with that determination and 
 valor which had often before aided to secure victory. It is specially 
 due to Lieutenant Colonel Fulton, of the twenty-first North Carolina, 
 that I should mention the conspicuous gallantry with which he took 
 the olors and led his regmeut to the charge; and to the important 
 services rendered by Captain W. C Hall, A. A. G., and Lieutenant 
 W. D. McKim, aid, in assisting me to dispose the regiments for tho 
 attack. I think proper, also, to name Frank Champion, my mounted 
 orderly, for the display of intelligence and activity in the fit^ld in 
 carrying order§ and obtaining information. In tliis sharp encounter 
 -the enemy certainly outnumbered our forces two or three to one, and 
 certainly lost ten to one in their killed and wounded and prisoners. 
 Our loss in killed and woundod was forty-seven, among them no field 
 officers or captains. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. R. THIMBLE, 
 Brigadier Liencral. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL TRIMBLE OF CAF- 
 TURE OF MANASSAS JUNCTION. 
 
 Charlottesville, January 6, 1863. 
 
 Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson : 
 
 General : In compliance with your request, I report the operations 
 of njy brigade in the execution of your order to me on the evening 
 of the 26th of August last to capture Manassas Junction : 
 
 Your order was received about nine o'clock, that night, after a long 
 and fatiguing march of the armv from Salem to Bristoe Station. I 
 immediately put two regiments in motion, the twenty-first North 
 Carolina, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Fulton, and the twenty- 
 first Georgia, commanded by Major Glover, in all about five hundred 
 men, (my third regiment was left at Bristoe,) and proceeded with them 
 to within one mile and a half of Manassas, where we halted in con- 
 sequence of the brisk discharge of fire-arms in our front, caused by 
 an encounter of a part of General Stuart's cavalry with a party of the 
 enemy's pickets, 1 informed General Stuart of my intention to attack 
 Manassas Junction, and requested his aid with the cavalry which he 
 had then with him. Throwing forward skirmishers in advance of the 
 regiments, I proceeded cautiously in order of battle, the night being 
 very dark. We met with no opposition until within half a mile of 
 the cluster of houses at the Junction, when discharges of artillery 
 rapidly repeated, were delivered from the enemy's batteries, in the 
 direction of our force. From a want of knowledge of our position, 
 this file did us but little injury. I then disposed of one regiment on 
 the north side of the railroad and the other on the south side ; ray aid. 
 Lieutenant McKim, being posted on 'the track with directions to regu- 
 late the advance of the Georgia regiment by that of the North Caro- 
 lina, which latter advanced under my immediate orders. These dis- 
 positions being made, I gave orders to advance rapidly, skirmishers 
 being well in front, until we had approached within one hundred yards 
 of the batteries, which continued their tire, one on the north and the 
 other on the south of the railroad. Here I halted and issued watch- 
 words and responses, that our men might recognize each other in case 
 of a mingled encounter with the enemy. The position of the batteries 
 on either side of the railroad having been ascertained pretty acurately, 
 the word was given, "Charge !" when both regiments advanced rapidly 
 and firmly, and in five minutes both batteries were carried at the point 
 of the bayonet. Sending an officer to the north side of the railroad to 
 ascertain the success of the Georgia regiment, he could not immedi- 
 ately find them and cried out, "Halloa, Georgia, where are you ?" The 
 reply was "Here ! all right ! we have taken a battery." "So have we," 
 "Was the response, whereupon cheers rent the air. 
 
 As soon as an examination could be made, it was ascertained that 
 each of the two batteries contained four field pieces, horses, equip- 
 ments and ammunition complete. Over three hundred prisoners were 
 
251 
 
 taken, an immense quantity of commissary and quartermaster's stores, 
 and a birge train loaded with promiscuous army supplies, just arrived 
 from Alexandria, and about two hundred horses, independent of those 
 belonging to the artillery. Over two hundred negroes were also re- 
 captiired. In this successful issue of the night's work I had no as- 
 sistance from artillery or from any part of General Stuart's cavalry, 
 a regiment of which arrived some time after the attack was made, and 
 commenced an indiscriminate plunder of horses. General Stuart 
 himself did not arrive until seven or eight o'clock m the morning. 
 
 As I had ascertained that a large force of the enemy was at Cen- 
 treville and anoiher force hourly expected by railroad from Alexan- 
 dria, and as at any moment an attempt might be made to retake the 
 place, I kept the two rejjimentB under arms all night. IJeportirg our 
 success at General Jackson's headquarters at Bristoe, I asked that 
 reinforcements should be sent to me without delay ; these arrived soon 
 after daybreak, and were disposed so as to repel any attack of the 
 enemy. Guards were placed over the buildings and cars containing 
 public stores, and no depredations whatever were' committed by the 
 men of ray regiments, who were continued under arms the Avhole of 
 the night and all the next day without relief. It was with extreme 
 mortifieation that, in reporting to General A. P. Hill for orders, about 
 ten o'clock, I witnessed an indiscriminate plunder of the public stores, 
 cars and sutler's houses by the army which had just arrived, in which 
 General Hill's division was conspicuous, setting at defiance the guards 
 I had placed over the stores. 
 
 Before conclmling this report I must, in justice to the officers and 
 men of the two regiments, express the high admiration I entertain 
 for the good conduct and gallantry which they displayed throughout 
 the whole aifair. When, under the exhaustion of a long march, they 
 were told that Manassas was to be captured that night, every man set 
 out with cheerful alacrity to perform the service, and when ordered 
 to charge the batteries, that act was done with a coolness and intre- 
 pidity seldom surpassed ; especially as they could not know what 
 numbers were opposed to them, and, in the night, from what direction 
 the danger would come. The force of my two regiments was less than 
 five hundred men, the number of the enemy captured was about three 
 hundred ; but their whole force could not be ascertained. 
 
 Our loss was killed, none ; wounded, fifteen men. The loss of the 
 enemy unknown. 
 
 As I have had frequent occasion before to speak in high commenda- 
 tion of the gallantry of Lieutenant AV. D. McKim, my aid-de-camp, 
 80 on this occasion, as the only member of my stafl" present, T tako 
 pleasure in acknowledging the value of his services and his judgment 
 and coolness in so trying an emergency. 
 
 I have the honor to be very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 J. 11. TRIMBLE, Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL FORNO OF HAYS' BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Fifth Louisian-a VoLufiTEF.Ra, 
 Camp near Port Royuly Fa., January 2, 18G3 
 
 J 
 
 General: Hays' brigade, under 1113' command, arrived at Bristoe 
 Station, on the Oran^^c and Alexandria railroad, at six o'clock, P. M., 
 August '2G, 1862, and waa ordered to attack and destroy the railroad 
 trains tlien approaching the station, they being supposed to contain 
 troops. The duty was promptly performed, and the brigade laid on 
 their arms until daylight on the 27th, at which time I made a recon- 
 noisance to the front in force, when, finding the enemy embarking 
 their troops, attacked them with artillery After doing some damage, 
 the enemy succeeded in getting their train ott". I then returned, 
 leaving the sixth Louisiana regiment. Colonel Strong, on picket two 
 miles in advance; the eighth Loui!?iana regiment. Major Lewis, one 
 mile nearer the main line, with orders to Colonel Strong, should the 
 enemy advance, to skirmish to the rear with the eighth, who were 
 directed to destroy the railroad bridge and as much of the track as pos- 
 sible, and to retire, in good order, under cover of our artillery. This 
 duty was performed to my entire satisfaction, these two regiments suc- 
 cessfully repulsing two brigades of the enemy until their ammunition 
 was expended, Avhen I ordered up the fifth regiment, Major B, 
 Menger commanding, to support them ; when, after "a few discharges 
 from the latter regiment, the wLole retired in good order, as if on 
 parade. 
 
 One regiment from General Lawton's brigade, with one piece of 
 artillery, supported the left of my line, and did good service in repel- 
 ling an attempt of the enemy to flank us. As soon as our artillery 
 got into position, the brigade was ordered to fall back to Manassas, 
 
 Our loss in killed/ and wounded was small, that of the enemy heavy. 
 Fifth, sixth and eighth Louisiana, and Lawton's brigade, nineteen killed 
 and thirty-one wounded. Enemy's loss, eighty killed and two hun- 
 dred wounded, many of whom were officers of rank, colonels and other 
 officers. The information as to the loss on both sides I obtained from 
 Assistant Surgeon Strickler, of the fifth Louisiana regiment, he being 
 left in charge of our wounded. The surgeon also informed me that, 
 in consequence of the total destruction of the long bridge, the enemy 
 were compelled to burn a large amount of stores, railroad cars, &c., 
 &c. After tweive o'clock at night of the 27th, the brigade was put in 
 motion, with orders to follow General Early; but, owing to the dark- 
 ness, I was unable to find him. At daylight, on the morning pf the 
 28th, I crossed Bull Run bridge and joined the division. After- 
 wards was ordered to report to General Early, and, with his brigade, 
 support General Taliaferro, but did not engage. On the morning of 
 the 29th, still under command of General Early, occupied the right 
 of our line until the arrival of General Longstreet, when we rejoined 
 our division in the centre. At half past three, P. M., 29th, Tfas 
 
253 
 
 ordered to advance my brigade by General Jackson, and soon after 
 engaged the enemy, and, after driving tbem with great slaughter 
 retained the ground previously occupied by them. At about six 
 clock, P. M., I was wounded and taken from the field, and turned 
 over the command to Colonel Strong, sixth Louisiana. 
 Oar loss was .twenty -four killed and forty- one wounded. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 H. FORNO, 
 Colonel Fifth Loxa'siona Regiment. 
 
IlEPORT OF BRIGAI lER GENERAL ROBERTSON OF SEC- 
 OND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Ik Camp, near Garyseurg, N. C, ) 
 October 12, I8G2. J 
 
 As-istant A jut ant General, 
 
 Headquarters Cavalry Division, A. iV. F. : 
 
 Sir : In obedience to orders from your headquarterg, earl/ on the 
 morning of the 2!lth of August, 1802, I crossed the Rapidan river at 
 Tobacco creek ford with a portion of my brigade, consisting of the 
 i«ixth, seventh iind twelfth regiments of Virgir.ia cavalry. Encounter- 
 ing the enoniy'rt pickets between Stevensburg, in the county of Cul- 
 peper, and Brandy Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, 
 jn force, a spirited attack by Colonel W. E. Jones, commanding 
 first A'irginia cavalry, was immediately made, driving in their out- 
 post to their reserve. Heavy skirmishing on both sides then ensued, 
 which lasted several hours, during which some of our men were 
 wounded and a few of the enemy's horses killed. The enemy finally 
 retired and was followed beyond Brandy Station, at which point a 
 brigade of cavalry, under the command of the Federal General Bay- 
 ard, was discovered drawn up in line of battle on a commanding hill, 
 evidently determined to dispute our progress, and firing upon my ad- 
 vance column with long-range guns, (Burnside rifles.) As soon as 
 practicable 1 ordered a charge and led the twelfth Virginia regiment, 
 Colonel Ilarman, directly against the centre of their line, while the 
 sixth and seventh were directed against their flank. The men charged 
 gallantly, and after a brief hand to hand contest the enemy was routed, 
 with the loss of several killed and a number wounded, capturing sixty- 
 four prisoners, including several commissioned ofllicers. Our losswas 
 three killed and thirteen wounded. Colonel. A. W. Ilarman and Cap- 
 tain L. F. Terrill were especially conspicuous during the engairement, 
 as was also Major Von Borcke, aid-de-camp to Major General Stuart. 
 Captain Redtnan Burke, attached to division headquarters, was 
 wounded in the leg while charging gallantly with the twelfth Virginia 
 regiment. My thanks are specially due to Colonel Jones for the ad- 
 mirrtMe disposi'^ion made of his skirmishers and regiment during the 
 engagement with the first main cavaliy on picket duty. 
 Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 B. li. ROBERTSON, 
 Brigadier General commanding Cavalry. 
 
UEPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERTSON" OF 
 EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO SECOND BATTLE OF MA- 
 NASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Cavalr* Brigade, Garysduro, N. C, 
 
 Oduher 15, 1862. 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, 
 
 Headquarters Cavalry Division, A. N. V. ) 
 
 Sir : On the afternoon of Saturday, August 3(lth, when the rout 
 of the enemy had become {general, I moved my entire brigade rapidly 
 forward in order to press his left flank, ?nd, if possible, to intercept 
 his retreat in the direction of Centreville by way of the Stone bridge, 
 fjefore reaching the Lewis ford, I observed a body of the enemy's 
 cavalry approaching that point from the direction of Manassas. A3 
 there did not seem to be more than a small squadron, I ordered two 
 companies of the second Virginia cavalry, Colonel Munford, to move 
 forward and attack them. The order was promptly obeyed, when it 
 was ascertained that an additional body of the enemy's cavalry, wliose 
 e.xact strength, owing to their position, I could not makd out, were 
 concealed under the crest of a hill, in their immediate front. I then 
 ordered the entire second regiment to the support of the squadron 
 already engaged, which had been driven back by largely superior num- 
 bers. B' fore this regiment had arrived in supporting disUince of the 
 squadron already mentioned, a full brigade of Federal cavalry, under 
 the command of General Buford, had advanced t'o the top ot the hill, 
 where it 'was drawn up in line of battle. 1 moved forward imme- 
 diately with the seventh and twelfth regiments of Virginia cavalry to 
 reinforce Colonel Munford, leaving the sixth, Colonel Flournoy, in 
 reserve. Without waiting. Colonel Munford made a brilliant and 
 dashing charge with his regiment in line, engaging the enemy it» a 
 hand to hand contest, which lasted until the twelfth regiment had 
 almost reached the scene of action, when the enemy commenced a 
 general and precipitate retreat, being closely pursued by the second, 
 twelfth, jind a portion of the seventh regiment of Virginia cavnlry. 
 C>ur men followed be\ ond Lewis ford as far as the Centreville and 
 Warrenton turnpike, >n hen darkness put an end to the pursiiir. A 
 number of the enemy's dead were left upon the field. Colonel Broad- 
 head, of the first Michigan, was mortally wounded in a hand to hand 
 encounter with Lieutenant Ilarman, adjutant of the twelfth Virginia 
 cavalry. 
 
 We captured over three hundred prisoners. Our loss, five killed 
 and forty wounded. 
 
 The conduct of the field officers, as well as that of the men, of the 
 second Virginia cavalry, eurpassed all praise. Sergeant Leopold, 
 of the twelfth Virginia cavalry, waB in the thickest of the fight and 
 
256 
 
 acted moBt gallantly during its dontinuance. He vras wounded in 
 three places. 
 
 I am, very re?pectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 E. H. ROBERTSON, 
 JSrigadier Central commanding Cavalry, 
 
RErORT OF COLONEL THOMAS, COMxMANDING SECOND 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Third Brig.'.ue, Light Division, ) 
 
 October 26, 1862. J 
 
 M ajor R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Light Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that this brigade, on August 
 Pth, 18G3, was, by order of General Ilill, turnf<l from its line of 
 xnaich to the right of the road, and ordered to report to GeneralJack- 
 eon ; by the latter was placed in line, at rest, in the border of a wood ; 
 occupied this position a short tiiii 5 ; then, by order of General Jack- 
 Bon, reported to General Hill. By him the brigide was placed in a 
 wood, with orders to support General Earlj^, who orccupied, at that 
 time, the right of our kne. After a short time, by General Jackson, 
 it was ordered to take position to the front and right. While this 
 order was being executed, a brigade in front of the third was being 
 forced back ; one regiment the fourteenth Georgia, was ordered to 
 support it; the thirty-fifth, forty-fifth and forty-ninth Georgia regi- 
 ments occupied the extreme right of our line, with orders to hold that 
 position. The advance of the enemy was checked, and this position 
 was held until nearly dark, when an advance was ordered. WemDvod 
 pome distance through the field, and bivouacked that night upon the 
 ground previously occupied by the enemy. 
 
 On Thursday, August 28th, near Sudley ford, this brigade was held 
 in reserve by order of General Hill; was under fire, but took no active 
 part, and, after the enemy gave way, moved forward and bivouacked 
 for the night on the field. Early on ti'nday, August 29th, the march 
 was resumed, with directions to be prepared f ;r an attack near the 
 railroa.d. General Gregg's brigade meeting the enemy there, this bri- 
 gade advance"! to his right, the regiments being thrown in succe3:?ively 
 until all became engaged. The enemy were in strong position on the • 
 railroad. ^S'^e at once advanced and drove them from it. This posi- 
 tion wo were ordered to hold, and, if possible, to avoid bringing on a 
 general engagement, and held it against several attacks of the enemy 
 in strong force during the day. In the afternoon, an overwhelming 
 force attacked us, now almost without ammunition, in front and on 
 the loft flanks, and forced us back a short distance, when General 
 I*ender's brigade advanced promptly, and in fine order, to the assistance 
 of the third, most of which joined General Pender, and, together, 
 they drove back the enemy some distance beyond our previous posi- 
 tion, which was held until night, the brigade bivouacking on the field. 
 'On Saturday, August 3(lth, we were ordered to take position near 
 the left of the line, which position was held during the day against 
 repeated attacks of the enemy in strong force. Late in the afternoon, 
 the third brigade, with General Pender's and General Archer's, was 
 ordered to move forward in echelon ; the enemy were driven back a 
 17 
 
258 
 
 distance of a mile and-a-haif, and the brigade bivouacked that nigbt 
 Bome distance to the rear of the enemy's poaiti^ during the day. 
 
 On Monday, September 1 at, near Gormantown, the third was ordered 
 to the support of General Gregg'a brigade. After a sharp conflict 
 vith a body of the enemy, they were driven back, and the field held 
 by our troopa that night. 
 
 On September Nth and 15th, this brigade was ordered to support 
 General Pender, then advancing upon Harper's Ferry. We were 
 exposed to a heavy artillery fire, which caused some loss, but took no 
 active part, and had moved within a short distance of the enemy's 
 works -when they surrendered. 
 
 At Shcphcrdstown, on September 20th, we were placed in position 
 on the extreme right of the line, and ordered to advance towards the 
 Potomac river. Moving forward, we took position commanding tho 
 ford, remained under a heavy artillery fire until night, and were then 
 ordered back to camp. 
 
 Colonel R. W. Folsom, fourteenth Georgia regiment, Lieutenant 
 Colonel J. 11. Manning, forty-ninth Georgia r-egiment, and Major AV. 
 L. Grice, forty-fifth Georgia regiment, led their commands with a 
 .skill and gallantry highly honorablo to them. Major Lewis Ginter, 
 Lieutenant Wm. Norwood, of the staff, and Lieutenant John Tyler, 
 acting aid-de-camp, performed their duties with gallantry on the field, 
 and I take this occasion to acknowledge their valuable services to me„ 
 
 With few exceptions, the officers and men of this command con- 
 ducted themselves on the field in a manner highly honorable to them. 
 Their courage, their cheerful obedience to orders, and their patient 
 endurance of hardships, cannot be commended too highly, 
 
 I have the honor to be, Major, with highest respect, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 EDWARD L. THOMAS, 
 Colonel commanding brigade. 
 
EEPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ARCHER, 
 
 Headquarters Archer's Brigade, ) 
 Camp Gregg, near Fredericksburg, Va., March 1, 1863. \ 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 A. A. General, A. P. EtWs Light Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to present the following report of the 
 operations of my brigade, in the series of battles from Warrentoa 
 Springs ford to JShepherddtown, inclusive: 
 
 Warrenton Springs Ford, 24th August, 1862. 
 
 My brigade remained in bivouac in reserve, in the edge of a wood, 
 until the division was relieved by Hood's division about sunset, and 
 although exposed to heavy shelling from the enemy's batteries, sus- 
 tained no loss. 
 
 Manassas Junction, 26th August. 
 
 The morning of the 26th August, we arrived at Manassas Junction,, 
 when the division was halted in column of brigades to the left of tho 
 depot. My brigade was soon after ordered to advance in the direc- 
 tion of a retreating piece of artillery, and on proceeding about a half 
 mile, came in sight of the enemy's infantry, which advanced a short 
 distance in line, and then filed diagonally to the left, to a position 
 near the hospital ; General Jackson riding up at that time, with a 
 battery, ordered me to support the battery. The enemy was sbon 
 broken and retreated towards the railroad bridge of Bull Run, closely 
 followed by a battery and my brigade, as far as the nature of tha- 
 ground would permit the artillery to follow. I then, by order of Gen- 
 eral Jackson, sent the nineteenth Georgia regiment in direct pursuit^, 
 while, with the other regiments, I proceeded dow-n the railroad track, 
 and soon became engaged with the enemy, who made a stand on the- 
 opposite side of Bull Run, at and near the railroad bridge. After 
 about a half hour's firing, I crossed the Run and advanced about a 
 half mile, when I was recalled from further pursuit. I then recrossed 
 the Run and took a position on the hill commanding the bridge whero 
 I remained until about ten o'clock, P. M., when ordered to return to 
 th3 Junction. My loss in this action was four killed and seventeen 
 wounded. The regiments of my brigade were commanded as follows ; 
 First Tennessee, Colonel Turney; seventh Tennessee, Major Shep- 
 pard ; fourteenth Tennessee, Colonel Forbes ; nineteenth Georgiaj 
 Captain L. Johnson, and fifth Alabama battalion, Captain Bush, 
 
 Manassas JPlains, 28th, 29th and 30th August. 
 
 The 28th August, after marching through Centreville, up the War- 
 renton turnpike, and across Bull Run, my brigade was formed in line 
 
260 
 
 on the right of and fronting a by-road, the direction of which was 
 nearly parallel with the railroad cut. Branch's brigade was formed 
 to my rear, and Field's on my right, and two batteries in the open 
 field about three hundred yards in front. 
 
 About five o'clock, P. M , when the engogeracnt commenced, I 
 moved forward to support the batteries and remained under a heavy 
 fire of shell and round ehot from batteries to the front and left, but 
 without sustaining any loss, until twilight, when the artillery fire 
 ceased, and the whole division moved by the right fiank into the rail- 
 road cut in tbe woods. The next morning, my brigade, with Brax- 
 ton's battery, was posted on a hill on the extreme left of the division, 
 with skirmishers thrown out to the front, and on the left flank. In 
 this position it was not actively engaged, although it was somewhat 
 annoyed by shell from battel ies in front, but not ii^ sight. 
 
 About three o'clock, P. M., I moved, by order of General Hill to 
 tbe right, until my right rested on a road, which crosses tlie railroad 
 at right angles, 'and remained there within supporting distance of 
 other brigades of the division, which had been engaged during the 
 day. 
 
 About four o'clock, P. M., during an interval of the assaults of the 
 enemy General Pender sent his aid-de-camp requesting me to relieve 
 him, and with the consent of General Hill, who was near me at the 
 time, I immediately marched down and filed to the right into the rail- 
 road cut. As my leading files entered the railroad cut, I perceived 
 the enemy advancing up it from the left, into the wood. Unwilling 
 to commence the fight until my troops were in position, I did not call 
 their attention to the enemy until half of my last regiment (Colonel 
 Turncy's first Tennessee) had entered the cut, I then pointed out 
 tbe enemy on tbe left, and ordered that regiment to fire, which it did 
 with great efi'ect. The first fire of this regiment was instantly an- 
 swered by a furious assault upon my whple front. At tliis time my 
 own brigade was the Only one in sight along the wLole line, but for 
 twenty minutes or more, it firmly and gallantly resisted the attack, 
 and maintained its position until the troops came up on my right and 
 left, in time to save me from being flanked. Soon after the arrival of 
 these fresh troops, we charged and drove the enemy back several hun- 
 dred yards, and then quietly returned to our position. In a few min- 
 utes fresh forces of the enemy arrived, and attacked us as vigorously 
 as the first ; they were as firmly resisted, and as gallantly repelled 
 by another charge. At this second charge, many of my men were 
 out of ammunition and charged with empty rifles. I did not average 
 over two cartridges to the man. A third assault was met and re- 
 pulsed in the same manner, my brigade charging upon the enemy 
 with loud cheers, and driving them back with their empty rifles. It 
 was after sunset when we resumed our position, and we lay upon our 
 arms that night, with a strong picket in front to prevent surprise, re- 
 plenished our ammunition during the night, and next morning changed 
 places with Early's brigade, which had come in on our left the even- 
 ing before, and in front of which a heavy skirmishing fire had been 
 kept up all the morning. I .relieved General Early's pickets with 
 
one hundred and thirty men, under the brave Lieutenant Colonel 
 George, of the first Tennessee rrgiment, who is always ready and 
 anxious for the most daring service. The firing between my pickets 
 and the enemy's skirmishers in the wood in front, became so rapid and 
 continuous that fearing my men were wasting their ammunition, I sent 
 my aid-de-camp, Lieut. 0. IL Thomas, to ascertain what it meant, and 
 to stop unnecessary firing. He traversed the whole line pf pickets, 
 exposed to the aim of the enemy's sharpshooters, and returned to me, 
 reporting the constant fire of my men as necessary to maintain their 
 
 ground. About o'clock, the troops on our extreme right having 
 
 become hotly engaged, I received orders from General Hill to draw 
 out my brigade, if not already engaged myself, and go to the support 
 of ^ the right. But while I was receiving the order, the enemy drove 
 in my pickets and attacked my brigade. After returning his fire 
 for ten or fifteen minutes, I charged across the railroad cut and drove 
 him back into the woods. No one joined me in this advanceexcept Col- 
 onel Smith's regiment of Early's brigade. General Early ordered 
 him back, and my right regiment (Colonel Turney's) returned with 
 him. My regiments obtained a fresh supply of ammunition from the 
 cartridge-boxes of the dead liankees, and resumed their position in 
 the lino. Al^out five o'clock in the afternoon, an order came through 
 General Pender, for a general advance. I advanced in line with Gen 
 eral Pender's brigade, which formed on my right, through the wood 
 into the open field beyond, where the enemy's battalions were posted. 
 One battery, of six guns, was posted about three hundred yards dis- 
 tant from the point where we entered the open field, and a little to the 
 left of the direction of my advance. I moved on in the same direc- 
 tion until about half that distance was passed, then swung round to 
 the left, and marched in double-quick directly on the battery. My 
 troops never for a moment faltered in their gallant charge, although ex- 
 posed to the fire of two other batteries, besides the constant fire of 
 the one we were charging, and of its infantry supports. The enemy 
 etood to his guns, and continued to fire upon us until we were within 
 seventy-five yards, when he abandoned three of his pieces, which fell 
 into tRe hands of my brigade on the same spot where they had been 
 served so bravely. General Pender overtook and captured the other 
 three pieces. I left the pieces I had captured to bo taken care of by 
 whomsoever might come after me, and pushed on without halt against 
 the infantry, who still made a feeble resistance in the edge of the 
 wood. They did not await our coming, but had retreated out of sight 
 by the time I had entered the wood. 
 
 Here I halted and reformed my brigade, and on moving forward 
 again came up with General Pender's, which had entered the same 
 wood to the right of my brigade and had halted for the same pur- 
 pose. During the movement through the Mood our brigades had 
 crossed each other's directions, and 1 found myself on his richt in- 
 stead of on his left, as at the beginning. From this point our 
 brigades moved on together to the Lewis hquse, where, a little after 
 dark, wo encountered, in the field to the left of the house, a body of 
 the enemy's infantry, whose numbers we could not ascertain for the 
 
262 
 
 darkness of the ni^ht, and with whom, after they had to our chal- 
 lenge answered " for the Union," we exchanged a single volley and 
 then drove them from the field. Here we found a large hospital, 
 filled with wounded, and during the night and next morning, cap- 
 tured about prisoners and collected a large number of arms. 
 
 In this engagement my less was seventeen killed and one hlindred 
 and ninety- six wounded. Amongst the former, Captain Bush, com- 
 manding the fifth Alabama battalion, killed 29th August; and, among 
 the latter, Colonel W. A. Forbes, fourteenth Tennessee, mortally, on 
 the 3l)th August, near the enemy's battery. Colonel Forbes died of 
 his wounds a few days after. 
 
 The regiments of my brigade were commanded as follows, viz : 
 First Tennessee, Colonel Turney ; seventh Tennessee, Major Shep- 
 pard ; fourteenth Tennessee, Colonel Forbes, until wounded, and 
 then by Major Lockhart ; nineteenth Georgia, Captain F. Johnson; 
 and the fifth Alabama battalion on the 29th August by Captain Bush, 
 and on the 3(^th August by Lieutenant Hooper. 
 
 Among the officers whose gallantry I especially noticed in this 
 action were Lieutenant Colonel N. J. George, first Tennessee, and 
 Lieutenant Charles Hooper, fifth Alabama ; and, among the privates, 
 
 Dr. J. H. G. Quarkett, of Captain 's company, Hampton 
 
 legion, detailed as courier at my headquarters, who, after his horse 
 was killed under him on F'riday, fought with -conspicuous valor, and 
 private F. M. Barnes, of company A, fourteenth Tennessee regiment, 
 who seized the colors from the hands of the wounded color-bearer and 
 bore them bravely through the fight. My thanks arc especitilly due 
 to Aid-de-camp 0. H. Thomas, the only officer of my staff present, 
 my assistant adjutant gcheral being absent sick since a fevv days after 
 the battle of Cedar Run, for most gallant, intelligent and efficient 
 eervice throughout the action. 
 
 Ox Hill, September 1st. 
 
 At the battle ot Ox Hill my brigade was held in reserve,, within 
 supporting distance of Gregg's and Thomas' brigades. Night came 
 on and the battle ceased before its support was needed. 
 
 Harper's Ferrt, September 14th and 15th. 
 
 The evening of the 14th of September, my brigade, Field's and 
 Pender's moved from a point on the railroad, by a by-road, toward 
 the southern defences of Bolivar Heights. My skirmishers, on the 
 right of the road, soon became engaged with those of the enemy. I 
 immediately formed line .of battle, my left resting on the road, and 
 advanced steadily, driving the enemy's pickets before us, until I 
 approached the crest of the hill, in full view and range of their bat- 
 teries, when I filed out of the field into the woods on my right, in 
 order to fiank the enemas guns, and continued to advance as rapidly 
 as the rough ground and abattis would permit until it became dark, 
 and I had become entangled in the almost impenetrable abatfis, when 
 
263 
 
 •I halted, and we lay on our arms, within* four hundred yards of the 
 enemy's batteries, during the night. 
 
 The next morning, our artillery, which had been placed in position 
 during the night, opened a destructive fire, and while I was strug- 
 gling through the abattis, endeavoring to execute an order from 
 General Hill to get in rear of the guns, the place sarrendered. My 
 loss in this action was one killed and twenty-two wounded. 
 
 The regiments of my brigade were commanded as follows, viz : 
 First Tennessee, Colonel Turney; seventh Tennessee, Major Shep- 
 pard ; fourteenth Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart; nineteenth 
 Georgia, Major Neal ; and fifth Alabama battalion. Captain Hooper. 
 
 SnARPsnuRG, 17th Septembcr. 
 
 The next morning, after the captare of Harper's Ferry; being too 
 unwell for duty, I turned over the command of the brigade to Colo- 
 nel Turney, first Tennessee, under whom, with the exception of the 
 fifth Alabama, it marched to the battle-field of Sharpsburg, while 1 
 followed in an ambulance. This was a long and fatiguing march. 
 Many of the men fell exhausted from the march by the way, so that 
 when the four regiments of my brigade reached the battle-field, there 
 were only three hundred and fifty men. 
 
 I resumed command just as the brigade was forming into line on 
 the ground assigned to it by General llill, on the extreme left of his 
 division, but not in sight of any of its other brigades. Marching by 
 flank, right in front, along the Sharpsburg road, the brigade was halted 
 and faced to the right, forming line of battle faced by the rear rank. 
 General Toombs was in line on the same road, about three hundred 
 yards to my left, with open ground in front. In front of my posi- 
 tion was a narrow corn-field, about one hundred yards wide, then a 
 ploughed field about three hundred yards wide, on the opposite side 
 of which was a stone fence. I moved forward under a scattering 
 musket fire, through the tall corn, to the edge of the ploughed field, 
 when 1 found only the right regiment (the fourteenth Tennessee) 
 with me, the others having fallen back to the road. Some one had 
 called out ** fall back," which was mistaken for an order from me. I 
 reformed the line as rapidly as possible, and again moved forward 
 against the enemy, posted in force behind the stone fence. In pass- 
 ing over the short distance of two hundred and fifty yards from the 
 corn-field, I lost nearly one-third of my already greatly reduced com- 
 mand, but it jushed forward alone, at double-quick, giving the enemy 
 but little time to estimate its small numbers, and drove him from his 
 Btrong position. By this time it was nearly sunset. General 
 Branch's brigade came down about thirty minutes after I reached the 
 wall and formed some thirty paces to my rear, where General Branch 
 was killed, and Colonel Lane, assuming command of his brigade, 
 moved it down to my left. 
 
 The next morning, about nine o'clock, tho little strength with 
 which I entered the tight being completely exhausted, I turned over 
 
2G4 
 
 the command to Coloriel Tirt-nev, reportpd to the Major General com- 
 manding:, and left the fi»*l I. 
 
 My brigade remained all that day in the same position whero I haii 
 left it, and on the morn mi; of the *19th of t^eptember, to^^ether with 
 Gregg's and Branch's brigades, formed the rear guard of the army oa 
 its return to the Vir<:iiiia shore. 
 
 My loss in this action wac fifteen killed and ninety -wounded; 
 amonp; the latter. Col<mel McCowel, fourteenth Tennessee, severely, 
 and Captain Flint, nin»^teenth Georgia, dangerously. The gallant 
 conduct of both those officers attracted ray attention, though v.'hen 
 all who were engaged behaved so gallantly, it is difficult to select 
 examples of particular meiit, . 
 
 Captain K. II. Archer, my assistant adjutant general, though not 
 vet recovered from a severe illness, Lieutenant Thomas, aid, and 
 Lieutenant Lemtiion, ordnance officer, rendered brave and efficient 
 ashistance; and charged with the troops upon the enemy. 
 
 The regiments of tlie brigade were commanded as follows : First 
 Tennessee, Colonel Turney ; seventh Tennessee, Lieutenant Howard, 
 adjutant; fourteentb Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Lookhart, and 
 nineteenth Georgia by Major Neal. 
 
 Shepiierdstown, 2.2nd Sk.ptkmber. 
 
 I resumed command of my brigade the evening of the 19th of Sep- 
 tember. On the morning of the 20th the division moved down to 
 repel the enemy, who were crossing the i^otomac at the Shepherds- 
 town ferry. Line of battle was formed in a corn-field, about three- 
 fourths of a mile back from the ferry. Pender's brigade moved 
 forward in the direction of the ferry, and General Gregg's and Colo- 
 nel Thomas' toward a point somewhere to the right. When, General 
 Pender had gotten about half-way to the ferry. General Hill directed 
 me to take commarid of the three remaining brigades, (Field's, com- 
 manded by Colonel BrcR'konbrough, on the right ; Lane's in the 
 centre ; and my own, under the senior Colonel Turney, on the left,) 
 and advance to the support of Pender. I moved straight forward 
 until within a ft'W hundred yards of General Pender's brigade, when, 
 on his sending me back information that the enemy was attempting 
 to flank him on the left, I moved by flank to the left, and the left regi- 
 ment of my brigade, as soon as it was unmasked by Pender's, and 
 each other regiment as soon as unmasked by the preceding one, went 
 in at dcuble-quick. Culonel Lane's next, and then Field's, were in 
 like manner, and with equal spirit, thrown forw^arrl on the enemy, 
 killing many and driving the rest down the precipitous banks into 
 the river. 
 
 The advance of my command was made under the heaviest artil- 
 lery fire I have eVer witnessed. Too much praise cannot be awarded 
 to oflicers and men for their conduct. The little corps, in this, as in 
 all the battles, has displayed as much valor as any troops in the field. 
 Lieutenant Shelley, commanding that corps, displayed his usual gal- 
 
265 
 
 lantvy, remaining under fire in the discharge of his duty, after » 
 severe wound, until ordered off the field. 
 
 Captain Archer and Lieutenants Thomas and Lemmon, of ray staff, 
 rendered valuable and efiicient assistance. 
 
 We held our position until daiTj, -when we returned to carap and 
 took up our line of march the same night toward Martinsburg. 
 
 The regiments were commanded as follows: First Tennessee, Col- 
 onel Turney ; fourteenth Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart; 
 seventh Tennc^^see, Ijieutenant Howard, adjutant ; nineteenth Geor- 
 gia, Captain F. Johnson. 
 
 The loss of the brigade was six killed and forty^nine wounded. 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 * * J. L. ARCHER, 
 
 Brigadier General ccmmandivg. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PENDER. 
 
 Camp near Bunkersville, Va., ) 
 October 1 4, 1^62. i 
 
 Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson : 
 
 Genfrai, : I have the honor to raake the following report of the 
 part taken by ray brigade in the battle of Manassas Junction, the two 
 days fighting at ^lanassas, the battles of Ox Hill, Harper's Ferry, 
 Sharpsburg and Shcpherdstown : 
 
 At Manassas Junction, while lying under cover from the occasional 
 shots from the enemy's artillery, a .brigade of their infantry was seen 
 approaching, upon which our battery opened and ihey soon broke. 
 My brigade being in rear and a little to the right of Generals Branch 
 and Archer, I advanced so as to form an extension of their line of 
 battle ; but as they advanced upon the enemy, my brigade continued 
 to move forward passing by the hospital near our advance redoubts 
 and from thence, bearing a little to the right, in the direction where 
 the railroad cros&es Bull Run, going east ; but when getting a little 
 lower down than the railroad bridge, I changed direction so as to get 
 possession of it. My skirmishers met the enemy at the river, and soon 
 my whole brigade was engaged with the enemy across the river. I 
 held this position for a while, and then threw two regiments across, 
 preparatory to advancing further ; but at the instigation of Genera! 
 Hill, withdrew, going lower down and crossing in order' to cut the 
 enemy off; but they had left before I could form on the east side of 
 the river. Thus ended the fighting that day as far as I was concerned. 
 My loss here was very slight. 
 
 On Friday morning, August 29th, my brigade was placed in sup- 
 porting distance of Colonel Thomas, with orders to support him, Avhere 
 it remained until the afternoon. Finally it seeming to me to be the 
 time to go to his assistance, I ordered my brigade forward, moving 
 just to the right of Colonel Thomas. My men moved forward very 
 gallantly, driving the enemy back across the railroad cut, through the 
 woods on the opposite side and beyond their batteries in the adjoining 
 field. A battery of the enemy, which was on the right of this wood, 
 as we advanced, was flanked by my command and the cannoneers de- 
 eerted their pieces. My line was halted on the edge of the field in 
 front of the enemy, where I remained some little while, when being 
 promised support from one of the staff in some of General Jackson's 
 brigades, I crossed the field to attack the batteries. My men advanced 
 well, receiving grape from their batteries; but support being waited 
 for in vain, and seeing columns on my left and right manoeuvring to 
 flank me, I withdrew and marched back to the railroad cut, a little to 
 the right of the position previously held by General Gregg. General 
 Archer very kindly came forward and relieved me until I cquld march 
 to the rear and rest my men. I was ordered to my extreme left i» 
 
2t)7 
 
 reserve, and remained there until the next afternoon, when I was or- 
 dered to the right to support some one of General Jackson's brigades, 
 I marched across the railroad embankment, moving obliquely to the 
 left, until I had reached the large field again, in which the enemy, 
 wore formed. Finding nothing special to do here, unless it was to 
 attack an overwhelming force of the enemy supported very strongly 
 by artillery, I withdrew, after receiving a heavy fire of grap3 and 
 shell, getting back to the railroad cut about the point I had reached 
 the evening before. I received orders from you to march in conjunc- 
 tion with other troops, particularly with those of General Archer, 
 Colonels Thomas and Taliaferro. We all advanced together, taking 
 the enemy, as it were, in echelon. We advanced steadily driving the 
 enemy from the field, through the woods, taking a part of his battery 
 in the field and the other part in the woods. While advancing through 
 this field, we were exposed to a very heavy enfilade fire from the righ*. 
 We continued our advance until after dark, when we came in contact 
 with a body of the enemy, each man fired a volley ; exchanging a few 
 shots with the enemy, they ran and we rested for the night. Thus 
 ended the Manassas fight with me. 
 
 My brigade, with the exception of a few skulkers, behaved with 
 gjeat gallantry on both of these days ; they could not have behaved 
 better. I cannot particularize at this distant day, but I well recol- 
 lect that Mojor Cole, commanding twenty-second, behaved as he had al- 
 ways done, with great coolness and bravery. Also, Captain Stone, 
 commanding sixteenth Ncrth Carolina, and Captain Ashford, com- 
 manding thirty-eighth North Carolina, the latter 1 had the misfortune 
 to lose, iu consequence of having received a wound in the leg. 
 
 In the afternoon, at Ox Hill, the head of the column coming in con- 
 tact with the enemy, my brigade was for a few moments ordered un- 
 der cover to be in support. Very soon I received orders from 
 General Jackson, to go to the support of Colonel Brockenbrough, 
 who reported he was hard pressed. I moved forward several hundred 
 yards, when I came in rear of Colonel Brockenbrough's brigade, 
 which caused mine to be thrown slightly out of order ; two regiments 
 bearing to the right, and thus getting separated from the others be- 
 fore I saw the trouble. The woods were quite thick ; 1 however 
 moved them on, bringing two to the support of Colonel Thomas, 
 and the others to the assistance of General Branch, who was some 
 distance to the right. My brigade was thus placed between the 
 two above named brigades, with a short interval in my centre. 
 Only the sixteenth and thirty- fourth North Carolina, on the right, 
 were actively engaged. After reaching the next field in which the 
 enemy were posted, no atte'mpt was made to advance. My two regi- 
 ments suiTered very severely from direct and flank fire. This con- 
 tinued till about dark, I having previously caused my firr> to cease. 
 Colonel Uiddick and Lieutenant Colonel Miller, thiriy-fouth, both re- 
 ceived wounds of which they died. Captain Stone, commanding 
 sixteenth North Carolina, was also wounded. 
 
 At Harper's Ferry, my brigade was on the left of the division advanc- 
 ing from the point where the railroad and river meet. My brigade ad- 
 
ranced within about sixty yards of the breaetwork on the ■west front 
 of 13olivar Heights, having that night exchanged shots with the eneray 
 several times ou their way there. Colonel Brewer,, next in command 
 of the brigade, at this time, did himself great credit in the manner in 
 which he handled it. Being absent when my brigade had reached 
 this advanced position, on my return I orderetl it to fall back a short 
 distance, knowing no troops were in a supporting distance. The next 
 morning, according to your order, ] moved nearer, under cover, while 
 our artillery played upon the enemy. The artillery ceasing, I, in 
 obedience to previous orders, commenced the advance, but halted on 
 the fire of our artillery opening again. I remained in this position, 
 about one hundred and fifty yards distant from the above named 
 breastwork, until after the surrender. Here, again, my officers and 
 men behaved finely. At Sharpsburg, on Wednesday, September 16th, 
 my brigade was on the right of the division, but not actually engaged, 
 being under fire at long range of musketry. 1'he next morning 1 was 
 ordered to take position between Colonel Brockenbrough. on the left, 
 and Colonel Lane, on my right. Here we were exposed all day to 
 the enemy's sharpshooters, about six hundred yards distant. We 
 remained in this position until late at night. At Shepherdstown, 
 September 18, 1862, my brigade formed the left of our division. Ad- 
 vancing to vithin about three hundred yards, we were opened upon 
 by the artillery from the opposite side of the river, which lasted all 
 day at a most terrible rate, we came upon the infantry which had 
 crossed, I had gone to the left to oppose this force, which was far 
 superior to my own. Finding an effort made to flank me, I placed 
 two regiments under cover from artillery, facing the river, and threw 
 the others on my left flank so as to check this disposition of the ene- 
 my. Holding this position a short time, General Archer came up 
 with three brigades to the support of the advanced line, and, upon 
 seeing the flanking movement of the enemy, moved quickly to the 
 left, when we advanced, driving them headlong into the river. After 
 driving them from the plain, 1 sent the twenty-second North Caro- 
 lina, under the gallant INLijor Cole, to the river bank to take them as 
 thej crossed, and this it did nobly. Others of my brigade had gone to 
 the river ; but finding them too much expoi^ed, 1 called them back under 
 a hill just overhanging the river. I called out those I had first left 
 in this exposed position, leaving Major Cole with twenty men, who 
 remained all day, the enemy being in heavy force in the canal on the 
 opposite side, We were exposed all day to a tremendous fire of artil- 
 lery, and also to the fire of their sharpshooters. 
 
 In conclusion, I would beg leave to bring to the notice of the Major 
 General, the distinguished gallantry and efficiency of First Lieu- 
 tenant R. A. Brewer, volunteer aid on my staff, whom I recommend 
 for promotion. I would also beg leave to mention the names of a few 
 whose actions entitle them to notice in the twenty -second. The list 
 will be rather long, as it is upon it and its commanders that I usually 
 call when any special and dangerous services are to be performed. 
 Major C. C. Cole, commanding twenty-second, always acts with cool- 
 UQ68f courage and skill ^ Captain Odell, acting field officer, has inva- 
 
269 
 
 ' riably behaved in a highly commendable mfinner ; Captain George 
 Graves, twenty- second, is mentioned for great gallantry, and for 
 having remained with his company even Avhile very sick ; Second 
 Lieutenant David Edwardrt, of the same regiment, at Manassas, with 
 the help of two men, rushed ahead of the regiment and captured a 
 piece of artillery, when it was on the eve of escaping, having a hand 
 to hand engagement with the enemy. At Harper's Ferry he also 
 acted in such a manner as to be particularly noticed. Sergeant Oxford, 
 of company IT, twenty-second, is mentioned for .great daring and 
 coolness at Shepherdstown ; Sergeant Jesse H. Pinkerton is men- 
 tioned as alwajs going ahead with the colors, and by his undaunted 
 courage encouraging others. He is a young man and mentioned for 
 promotion. Captain Storae commanded sixteenth North Carolina 
 itt Manassas Junction, the two days' fighting at Manassas, and at Ox 
 Hill, until wounded ; he behaved with great credit to himself. Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Stome, commanding sixteenth North Carolina, at 
 Shepherdstown, Harper's Ferry and Sharpaburg, behaved with great 
 gallantry. Second Lieutenant John Ford, of the same regiment, at- 
 tracted my attention for his good demeanor in all the battles. Cap- 
 tain Ashford, commanding thirty-eighth North Caralina, at Manassas 
 .function and at Manassas, where he was wounded, has entitled him- 
 self to notice, as well as promotion, by his uniform bravery and good 
 conduct. Lieutenants Brown and Robinson, also of the same regi- 
 ment, have attracted my attention more than once, as also Adjutant 
 McTntyre. There are others, too numerous to mention, who have 
 escaped my memory at this late hour. 
 The list of casualties is as follows : 
 
 Near Warrenton Springs, August 20, 
 
 Manassas Junction, August 27, 
 
 Manassas, August 29 and 30, 
 
 Ox Hill, September I, 
 
 Harper's Ferry, September \i and 15, 
 
 Sharpsburg, September 17 and 13, 
 
 Shepherdstown, September 20, 
 
 Killed. 
 
 'Wounded. 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 145 
 
 12 
 
 4G 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 2 
 
 28 
 
 8 
 
 55 
 
 Respectfully, &c., 
 
 38 300 
 
 W. D. PENDER, 
 Brigadier Genet al. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL LANE. 
 
 Headquarters Fourth Brigade, 
 November 14, 1862. 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan : 
 
 I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken, 
 by this briijatle in the various engagements from Cedar Run to Shep- 
 herdstown, inclusive. The report must necessarily be imperfect, as 
 I was not in command of the brigade until after (general Rranch's 
 fall, while most of the officers who commanded the different regiments 
 are now absent and did not leave with the assistant adjutant general 
 any account of the part taken in the various battles by their respec- 
 tive commanda. 
 
 Cedar RuxN, August Oin. 
 
 After a long, rapid and weary march, we reached the battle-field at 
 Cedar Run on the afternoon of the 9th August and took the position 
 assigned us in line of battle by General Branch, in the woods, to the 
 left of the road leading to the run, the right of the thirty-seventh 
 restinfT on the road, the twenty-eighth, thirty-third, eighteenth and 
 seventh being on its left. The twenty-eighth, thirty-third, eighteenth, 
 and thirty-seventh moved cheerfully and irresistibly forward, and in 
 perfect order, through the woods, upon the enemy, w^io had succeeded 
 in flanking the first (Stonewall) brigade of General Jackson's division, 
 . which was rapidly giving way. The enemy's infantry were^ soon 
 driven from the woods into the field beyond, and both infantry and 
 cavalry were finally driven in great disorder from the scene of action. 
 Many prisoners were taken, and many others deserte(rn;heir colors 
 'and voluntarily surrendered themselves. After advancing in line 
 beyond Cedar Run, we were half-wheeled to the right and marched 
 across the road, through a field of corn and over an open field, until 
 we reached the left of the forces under Brigadier General W. B. 
 Taliaferro, where we were halted It was then dark, and the infantry 
 firing had ceased in all directions. During the entire'eiigagement, 
 the officers and men behaved as well as could be desired, notwith- 
 standing the disorderly manner in which some of the troops we were 
 ordered to support fell back. 
 
 Lieutenants Dunn and Coltraine, of tlio first Virginia (Irish) bat- 
 talion, tendered me their services on the field, as they had been left 
 with(5Vit a command. I put them in charge of two companies of the 
 twenty-eighth regiment, previously comtnanded by sergeants, and 
 both discharged the duties assigned them only as brave men can do. 
 
 Our loss was twelve killed and eighty-eight wounded. I did not 
 see the seventh regiment after we were ordered forward, and, as Col- 
 onel Haywood is absent, I will submit so much of Captain Turner's 
 report as- relates to the part taken by his regiment in this engagement. 
 When the brigade moyed forward, this regiment, for causes unknown 
 
271 
 
 to the writer, did not move for several minutes, and consequently was 
 considerably behind the brigade. We were finally ordered forward, 
 but had not proceeded more than one hundred yards, when we were 
 halted and the line dressed. By this time the brigade was entirely 
 out of sight. We marched forward, and were again halted and the 
 line dressed. We next wheeled to the right and marched into a road 
 running nearly perpendicular to our original line of battle. Colonel 
 Haywood, at this point, left the regiment to look for General Branch. 
 The command then devolved upon Captain R. B. McRae, who, hear- 
 ing heavy firing in our front, was just on the eve of ordering the 
 regiment in that direction, when Colonel Haywood returned with 
 orders from General Jackson, We then marched by the right flank 
 to a wheat- field on the left of the Culpeper road, and formed on a hill 
 in rear of and nearly perpendicular to the brigade, which was then at 
 the bottom of the hill and in the s/irae field. We marched forward at 
 a double-quick to the support of General Taliaferro's division, which 
 we found engaging a force of the enemy concealed in a corn-field. 
 ^Ve fired several rounds, when the enemy broke and fled. We 
 j)ursued them about three-quarters of a mile, taking about thirty 
 prisoners, including two commissioned officers, when we were halted 
 by command of General Taliaferro and marched to a point on the 
 Culpeper road, where we joined the brigade and bivouacked for the 
 night. The regiment sustained a loss of one man killed and one 
 wounded in this action. 
 
 Shelling Across the IIappahannock, August 24th. 
 
 On Sunday, August 24th, the eighteenth regiment was ordered to 
 the support of Mcintosh's battery. It lay during the whole of the 
 day under a very heavy fire of the enemy's artillery, but sustained 
 no loss. The twenty-eighth and thirty-third regiments were sent, 
 under my command, to support Braxton's and Davidson's batteries, 
 and to prevent, if possible, the destruction of the bridge across the 
 IIappahannock near the Warrenton White Sulphur Springs. I threw 
 a portion of the twenty-eighth far in advance into an open field, as 
 far as practicable, to act as sharpshooters, and kept the rest of my 
 command sheltered behind a hill. We had only three wounded, 
 although we were under a very heavy shelling all that day. The re- 
 maining regiments were also under fire a part of the time. 
 
 Manassas Junction, August 26th. 
 
 We ff^ached Manassas Junction the morning of the third day after 
 the above shelling. The eighteenth regiment was detached to guard 
 the captured stores, and the rest of the brigade was halted not far 
 from the depot, near an earthwork to the left. While resting and 
 awaiting an issue of Yankee rations, the enemy were seen advancing 
 upon our position ia line of battle. General Branch immediately put 
 his command in motion, and moved by the flank to the left of a bat- 
 tery planted near the earthwork. Our artillery opened upon them. 
 
273 
 
 foon put them to flight, and we pursued them rapidly, in a diagonal 
 direction, across the heUl in rear of the hospital, and some dis- 
 tance be3'ond IJull Run, but never overtook the main body, as the 
 Crenshaw battery advanced more rapidly thirn we did, and poured 
 charge after charge of canister into their disordered ranks. We suc- 
 ceeded, however, in capturing a large number of prisoners. 
 
 Manassas Plains, August 23th, 29th and 30th. 
 
 Next day, after marching through Centreville and across Bull 
 Run, on the stone bridge road, we were ordered fro'u the road, to the 
 right, into a piece of woods, fronting a large open field, in which one 
 of our batteries was planted. As soon as the engagement was opened 
 on our right, General Archer's, brigade, which was in front of us, 
 moved from the woods into the field, up to and to the right of the 
 battery, wTiere it was halted. Our brigade also moved a short dis- 
 tance into the field in the same direction, when the enemy opened 
 a left enfilade artillery fire upon us. General Branch then ordered 
 the twenty-eighth regiment to continue its march, and directed me to 
 halt it in rear of General Archer, while he moved the rest of his com- 
 mand some distance to the left. The whole brigade, with no protec- 
 tion whatever, stood this artillery fire for several hours in the open 
 field. The eighteenth at one time was ordered to the support^ of 
 General Ewell, and was marched down, but, as the enemy had been 
 driven from the field, it was not put in. None of us were actively 
 engaged that day, and about nightfall the whole command was moved 
 into the woods, into the railroad cut, where we slept upon our arms. 
 Next day we were marched a circuitous route and brought back into 
 an open field, near the spot where we had spent the night. Capt. 
 Crenshaw," who was in command of his battery, in front of us, 
 notified General Branch of the presence of the enemy in our front. 
 Captain Turner, of the seventh, was immediately sent to the left 
 of the battery, with his company, to act as skirmishers. Soon after, 
 General Branch ordered me to take command of the twenty-eighth 
 and thirty-third regiments and dislodge the enemy, who were in 
 the wood beyond the field of corn. 
 
 On passing beyond the small cluster of woods, to the right of the 
 Crenshaw battery, we saw the enemy retreating in confusion before 
 Captain Turner's skirmishers. We continued to advance until we 
 eaw General Gregg's brigade in ,the woods to our right. It was here 
 that I learned the enemy was in force in the woods, and that General 
 Gregg had been ordered not to press them. I deemed it advisable to 
 inforai General Branch of these facts, and was ordered by him to re- 
 main where I was. I had three companies at the time deployed as 
 ekirmishers along the fence in front of us, and connecting with those 
 first sent out under Captain Turner. The enemy advanced upon 
 General Gregg in strong force soon after we halted, and General 
 Branch, with the lest of his command, advanced to his support. The 
 thirty-seventh first became actively engaged. The enemy opened a 
 deadly fire upon this regiment. The eighteenth, under Lieutenant 
 
273 
 
 Colonel Purdie, and the seventh, under Cjjptain McRae, went to lU 
 assistance, and the enemy were driven in disorder beyond the railroad 
 cut. The enemy were repulsed in two subsequent attempts to drive 
 these regimf-nts from their positions. The thirty-third, under Colonel 
 Hok), also fought well in the woods to the left of these re^iraent«i, 
 and once gjtllantly advanced into the open field in front and drove the 
 «neuiy back in disorder. Up to this time the twenty eighth had not been 
 engaged, and ns the other regiments were nej^rly out of ammunition, 
 General Branch ordered it to join him, intending to make it cover his 
 front The ordt r ^'ns not delivered pFoperly, and the regiment went 
 into acticm to the loft of General Field's brigade It advanced 
 boldly into the woods, driving the enemy before it, although expose<^ 
 to a left enfilade and direct five, butifell back when it tound itself 
 alone in the woods and unsupported. The men, however, rallied and 
 reformed in the centre of the open 6eld and advanced a second 
 time, when the enemy was not only driven beyond the cut, but entirely 
 out of the wootls. ^ever have I witnessed greater bravery and det*- 
 peration than was that day displayed by this brigade. We 
 were not actively engaged the next duy, but held our position, under 
 « heavy artillery fire and very heavy skirmishing, until late in the 
 afternoon. We then followed up the enemy until about ten o'clock^ 
 P. M., advancing in line through a body of woods nearly to a large 
 hospital, in which the enemy had left many of his woundec^. Our 
 loss in this three days' battle was thirty killed, one hundred and eighty 
 five wounded and some missing. 
 
 Ox TIiLL, Skptfmber Iht. 
 
 The pursuit wtis continued the whole of Sunday, and on Monday after- 
 noon, about four o'clock, we came up with the enemy again at Ox HilJ^ 
 near Fairfax Court-IIou«e, en the Alexandria and Winchester turn- 
 pike, when the engagement was immediately opened. This brigade 
 pressed eagerly forward, through an open field and apieee of woods to 
 the edge of another field, where we were for a short time exposed to 
 the enemy's infantry fire, without being able to return it. An attempt 
 was made to flank us on the right, and the eighteenth regiment was 
 immediatly detached from the centre of the brigade and ordered to 
 the right to prevent the movement, which it diil, sustaining a deadly . 
 fire, unsupported. The enemy's direct advance was through a field 
 of corn, in which he sustained great loss, notwithstanding most of 
 our guns fired badly, on account of the heavy rain which fell during 
 the engagement. On learning that our ammunition was nearly out, 
 General Branch made known the fact, and was ordered to hold his po- 
 sition at the point of the bayonet. We remained where we were 
 until dark, when the whole command fell back to the field in rear of 
 the woods. The twenty-eighth, cold, wet, and hungry, was then or- 
 dered back to Ihe field of battle to do picket duty for the night, \<^ith- 
 out tires. This engagement is regarded by this brigade as one of 
 our severest. The enemy's infantry used a ^reat many explosiyo 
 Valla. 
 
 18 
 
274 
 
 Our loss was fourteen. killed, ninetj-two wounded, and two miafl- 
 itg. 
 
 Harper'8 Ferrt. 
 
 The second day after the engagement at Ox Hill we marched 
 through Leesburg, crossed the I'otomac into Maryland on the 5th and 
 Koved in the direction of Frederick, where we remained several days. 
 Then recrossed the Potomac at Williamsport and marched on Harper's 
 Ferry, througli Martinsburg. The evening of the |4th, we advanced 
 down the Winchester and Harper's Ferry railroad. The seventh regi- 
 ment was in advance, and its skirmishers, commanded by Captain 
 Knox, succeeded in driving tlje enemy's sharpshooters from a high 
 position overlooking the railroad. The remainder of the brigade 
 reached this position after midnight and there slept upon their arma 
 until day, when every one was in readiness and awaited the order to 
 advance. After a short, but rapid and well-directed, artillery fire 
 from our batteries, the enemy displayed several white flags, and we 
 Ciarched into the place without further resistance. 
 
 We captured several prisoners the evening of the 1 4th. Our loss 
 fas four wounded. 
 
 Sharpsburg, September 1st. 
 
 We left Harper's Ferry on the 17th of September, and after a very 
 rapid and fatiguing march, recrossed the Potomac and reached Sharps- 
 burg in time to participate in the fight. The entire brigade was or- 
 dered to the right, and on reaching the field, the twenty-eighth was 
 detached by General A. P. Hill in person and" sent on the road to 
 the left, leading to Sharpsburg, to repel the enemy's skirmishers, who 
 If ere advancing through a field of corn. The rest of the brigade 
 pioved nearly at right angles to our line and on the enemy's flank. 
 The thirty-third, seventh, and thirty-seventh were the regiments 
 principally engaged. They fought well and assisted in driving back 
 tliree separate and distinct columns of the enemy. The eighteenth 
 was not actively engaged. I was ordered, about sunset, to rejoin the 
 brigade, and on doing so, ascertained that General Branch had been 
 killed. It was after sunset when I assumed command of the brigade. 
 I found the seventh, thirty-seventh, and thirty-third posted behind a 
 atone fence, and the eighteenth sheltered in a hollow in rear. I or- 
 dered the twenty-eighth to the left of the line, but the order was de- 
 livered to the eighteenth, which was posted to the left behind a rail 
 fence, a portion of it being broken hack to guard against a flank 
 aovement. The twenty-eighth was posted to the left of the seventh 
 ip. the opening caused by the withdrawal of a few Georgia troops. 
 Although annoyed by the enemy's sharpshooters, we held our position 
 »ntil ordered to fall back on the night of the 18th. We did not cross 
 ■Ihe river until late next day. General Gregg's, General Archer's, 
 ^^d this brigade formed the rear guard of the army, and were kept in 
 
275 
 
 line, facing the enemy, until infantry, artillery, cavalry, wagons, and 
 ambulances had all safely crossed. 
 
 Our loss in this engagement was one brigadier general (L. O'B. 
 Branch) killed, twenty others killed, seventy-nine wounded, and four 
 missing. 
 
 Shepiierdstown, September 20th. 
 
 On the morning of the 20th of September, we were moved, with the 
 balance of the division, back to the ferry near Shepherdstown. Soon 
 after we had taken our position in line, in the field of corn in rear of 
 the wheat stacks, we were ordered to advance in the face of a storm 
 of round shot, shell and grape. We moved forward in line until we 
 reached General Pender's brigade, sheltered behind the hill in front 
 of the residence near the ferry. Finding that he was out-flanked on 
 the left, we then moved by the left until we unmasked his brigade. 
 The men, on reaching the top of the hill, raised' a yell and poured 
 a deadly fire into the enemy, who fled precipitately and in great con- 
 fusion to the river. Advancing at a double-quick, we soon gained 
 the bank of the river and continued our destructive fire upon those 
 who were attempting to regain the Maryland shore at the old dam just 
 above the ferry. We held our position all that day immediately 
 upon the bank of the other river, though exposed to the heaviest can- 
 nonading of the war and in range of the enemy's sharpshooters, who 
 were posted in strong force on the Chesnpeake and Ohio canal. 
 
 Our loss three killed and seventy-one wounded. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Purdie, who bravely commanded the eighteenth 
 in most of these engagements, desires that special mention should be 
 made of Captain John D, Barry, of company I, for his coolness and 
 gallantry and devotion to duty. Captains Turner and Knox, of the 
 seventh, have on all occasions, but especially as commanders of skir- 
 mishers, won the admiration of the entire brigade by their daring 
 and etiiciency. Lieutenants Clominger and McCauley, of the twenty- 
 eighth, are also deserving special notice for their great bravery and 
 faithfulness in the discharge of their duties. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JAMES H. LANE, 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL McGOWAN. 
 
 Headquarters Second Brigade, ^ 
 
 A. P. IliWs Light Division, Sfcond Army Corps ^ \ 
 
 Camp Gregg, Va., Feb. 9, iS'CS. ) 
 
 Major R. V. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major : In compliance with the request of Major General Hill to 
 send in a report of all military operations in which this brigade was 
 engaged, " from the time when General Lee took command at Gor- 
 donsville, to the time when we left the Valley," I have the.honor to 
 Bubmit the following general statement, which has been delayed on 
 account of the absence of two regiments on fatigue duty. Not 
 having been in command of the brigade, but only of one of its regi- 
 ments, (the fourteenth South Carolina volunteers,) during these 
 operations, I have not been able to make such a detailed report of 
 particular events as the subject deserved, but am obliged to content 
 myself with a mere outline of operations — the most important. 
 Would that the lamented General Grego-, lately in command of the 
 brigade, was here to make out the report of achievements in which he 
 performed so large a part himself, and which he could have recorded 
 better than any one else. I understand that the call does not include 
 the Cedar Run or Slaughter Mountain campaign, which this brigade, 
 as part of your division, made under Major Genei-al (now Lieutenant 
 General) Jackson. 
 
 Crossing the Rappahannock. 
 
 On Saturday, the 16th of August, 18G2, the second brigade, 
 (Gregg's, now under my command.) A. P. Ilill's light division, moved 
 from its bivouac, 1 etween Gordonsville and Orange Court-IIouse, to 
 Crenshaw's farm, near the Rapidan river, where it remained until the 
 2Uth of August, when, crossing the river at Summersville ford, we 
 advanced, under the orders of General Lee, against the forces of 
 General Pope, which were ocGup) ing the whole country north of that 
 river. The enemy fell back before us through Culpeper county; and 
 we reached the north branch of the Rappahannock at the bridge where 
 the Orange and Alexandria railroad crosses it, on Thursday, the 2l8t 
 of August. The artillery of the enemy here opened on us across the 
 stream, indicating that he bad halted in his retreat and intended to 
 make a stand there. The brigade slept on their arms under the guns 
 of the enemy ; and the next morning we turned to the left and pro- 
 ceeded up the river, crossing Hazel river at Wellford, and that night 
 reached a point about opposite to the Fauquier White Sulphur Springs. 
 Here we also found the enemy, who, having burnt the bridge, waa 
 again opposing our passage. • 
 
 On Sunday, the 24th, the brigade was moved into position on the 
 
277 
 
 Rappahannock hills, near the house of Dr. Scolt, to support our 
 artillery, which was engaged with that of the enemy across the stream. 
 There the men were subjected to a severe cannonadinor for four 
 hours, and suffered a small loss of five wounded. At the dawn of 
 day Monday morning, the 26th, the regiments were turned out as 
 ordered, with the utmost promptitude, without knapsacks, and again 
 wheeling to the left, we marched rapidly several miles up the river, 
 crossed the Rapahannock (Hedgeraan's river) without opposition, at 
 Ilinson's mill, and made a forced march of twenty-four miles that day, 
 up the Salem A^allc^y to Cobbler's mountain. 
 
 On the 27th, wc continued the march, without wagons, or haggage 
 of any kind, turning to the right at Salem, through Thoroughfare 
 Gap, in the Bui! Run mountain, and slept at night in rear of our 
 artillery, in the road near Bristoe's Station, on the Orange and Alex- 
 andria railroad. The next morning we reached Manassas Junction, 
 where the enemt, attempting to recapture it, (said to be General 
 Taylor's New Jersey brigade, from Alexandria,) were scattered, with 
 considerable loss, and driven by our forces across Bull Run, towards 
 Centreville. In the afternoon of that day, the brigade returned from 
 pursuit to the junction, where three days' rations were issued from 
 the vast supply of captured stores, and the men, for a few hours, 
 rested and regaled themselves upon delicacies unknown to our com- 
 missariat, v/h:ch they were in good condition to enjoy, having eaten 
 nothing for several days except roasting ears, taken, by order, from 
 the corn-fiolds near the road, and what was given by the generous 
 citizens of the Salem Valley to the soldiers as they hurried along in 
 their rapid march. 
 
 I have thus thought proper to state, somewhat- in detail, the inci- 
 dents of this bold ilank movement by which we crossed the Rappa- 
 hannock, turned the right of the enemy, got entirely into his rear, 
 and cut off all his communications, seemingly without his knowled<re, 
 and certainly without serious opposition from him. 
 
 Wounded ir^ the Affair at Rappahannock : 
 
 Thirteenth regiment South Carolina volunteers, - - - 2 
 Fourteenth <» <* a n _ . _ "i 
 
 Total, 
 
 The Seco.vd Battle of Manassas. 
 
 At dark, on the evening of Wednesday, the 27th of August, the 
 brigade, in conjunction with that of Colonel (now General) Thomas, 
 was thrown out on the south side of the Manassas Junction as the 
 rear guard, and formed in line of battle, facing the enemy, who had, 
 during the evening, been fighting General Ewell near Bristoe's Sta- 
 tion. Standing under arms here, we had a fine view of the maf^nifi- 
 cent conilagration caused by the burning of sutler's and commissary 
 stores, together with about a hundred cars on the railroad, freighted 
 
878 
 
 with every article necessary for the outfit of a great army, all of 
 which was set on fire about midnight and consumed. 
 
 About two o'clock in the morning of Thursday, the 2Sth, we si- 
 lently retired from our picket lines in front of the enemy, and, by the 
 light of the smouldering ruins, followed the division across Bull Run, at 
 Blackburn's ford, to ("entreville. Here we rested a short time, and 
 thence turned bock towards Bull Run, and, moving by theWarrenton 
 turnpike, erossed the run agnin near the stone bridge. At this critical 
 moment, the enemy falling back from the Rappahannock, (caused 
 doubtless by our flank movement,) were coming down the turnpike 
 from Warrenton, meeting us. Soon after crossing the run, we turned 
 to the right, leaving the turnpike, and after going up the river a short 
 distance, changed front and were drawn up in battle array, along the 
 line of the unfinished independent railroad track, facing the turnpike, 
 along which the enemy was moving. Brisk firing was heard upon 
 our right, and about dark, the brigade was hurried to the scene of ac- 
 tion, and ordered to report to General Ewell, who was directing the 
 engagement. Arrived on the field after dark, finding General Ewell 
 badly wounded. Soon after the firing ceased. We slept upon our 
 arms near Ewell's battle-field, and the next morning, at early dawn, 
 returned near the position first taken up by us the evening before, and 
 were placed in line of battle on the extreme left of the whole com- 
 mand, near Catharpin Run. We occupied a small, rocky, wooded 
 knoll, having a railroad excavation bending around the east and north 
 fronts, and a cleared field on the northwest. This position was 
 slightly in advance of the general line, and besides, being on the ex- 
 treme left, was considered important, because of the Sudley ford road, 
 which it commanded. Our line made an obtuse angle, pointing to- 
 wards the enemy, one side of which ran nearly parallel with the 
 railroad cut, and the other along the fence bordering the cleared field 
 before spoken of. Within these contracted limits was the little tongue 
 of woodland which we occupied, and which we were directed to bold 
 at all hazards. On this spot, barely large enough to hold the brig- 
 ade, we stood and fought, with intervals of cessation, from eight 
 o'clock in the morning until dark. We repulsed many successive 
 charges, I believe seven, the enemy constantly throwing fresh columns 
 upon us, and persisting in his effort to carry the point with the ut- 
 most obstinacy. During the diiferent struggles of the day, the regi- 
 ments were relieved and shifted as occasion required. The space 
 covered by the brigade was so small, and the distance between the 
 regiments so inconsiderable, that I would not be able, if it were ne- ^ 
 cessary, to state all the movements which were made. I can only advert 
 to the positions of the respective reginients at one or two important 
 junctures during the day. In the morning the regiments of the brig- 
 ade were posted as follows : The thirteenth South Carolina voiunteera 
 (Colonel Edwards) on the right; to his left, the first South Carolina ^ 
 volunteers, (Lieutenant Colonel McCready ;) to his loft, the twelfth 
 South Carolina volunteers, (Colonel Barnes;) to his left, the four- 
 teenth South Carolina volunteers, (Colonel McGowan,) the latter regi- 
 ment being thrown back along the fence bordering the field above 
 
279 
 
 referred to, and Orr's regiment of rifles (Colonel Marshall) behind 
 the centre, in reserve. General Gregg and his staff, and all the field 
 officers, were on foot. The fight was commenced by us. From the 
 noise which came from the woods, across the railroad, and the con- 
 fitaut firing of the skirmishers, we jinewthat we were in the presence 
 ef the enemy, and General Gregg sent out Lieutenant Colonel Me- 
 Cready, with his regiment, to ascertain his location and number. He 
 had gone but a short distance into the woods beyond the railroad 
 cut, when he fell upon a large column of the enemy and returnoJ. 
 General Gregg, having thus discovered them, directed the first and 
 twelfth regiments to advance and " drive back the enemy." These 
 regiments commenced the advance together, but as the enemy threat- 
 ened to flank the line on both the right and left, they soon separated. 
 The first, in order to protect its threatened right, inclined to the right, 
 and handsomely drove the enemy up the railroad. Colonel Edwards 
 (the thirteenth) supported Lieutenant Colonel McCready in the move- . 
 ment, and galhintly held his exposed position on the right near the 
 railroad, for the greater part of the day. The twelfth being pressed' 
 by a heavy column on its left flank. Colonel Barnes changed front to 
 the left, and charging in the most spirited manner, drove the enemy 
 down the railroad, breaking and routing them as often as they at- 
 tempted to make a stand. When he had driven off the enemy and 
 was returning, Col. Barnes was joined by Col. Marshal), who had been 
 sent to his assistance, and the two regiments again r-harged and drove* 
 heavy body, massing near the railroad. All the regiments at thid 
 time were recalled by an order not to atlvance, and in so doing bring 
 on a general engagement, but to hold the position and act on the de- 
 fensive. These dashing charges in advance were entirely successful, 
 and at twelve, M., our front was cleared of the enemy, but they soo:i 
 began to close around us again. It happened that there was an in- 
 terval of about a hundred and seventy-five yards between our right and 
 the left of General Thomas' brigade. Opposite to this interval the 
 railroad cut was very deep, and the enemy getting into the cut at 
 eome point beyond, crawled, unobserved, down the excavation to a point 
 opposite this interval, and, in very heavy force, made a sudden rush to 
 enter this gap. The attack from that quarter was unexpected, and 
 for a short lime seemed likely to succeed. The assailants succeeded 
 in getting nearly across the point of woods to the field on the north- 
 west, thus for a moment cutting off and isolating our brigade, but it 
 was only for a moment. The fourteenth regiment South Carolina 
 volunteers, which at the time was in reserve, was promptly wheeled 
 into the gap, and assisted by the left regiment of General Thomas* 
 brigade, (believed to be the forty-ninth Georgia,) and such parts of 
 our brigade as were near the point, drove them back across the rail- 
 road cut, with great slaughter. The opposing forces at one time de- 
 livered their volleys into each other at the distance of ten paces. 
 
 About three o'clock, P. M., another most vigorous effort for the posi- 
 tion was made from all the points held by the enemy, whose fire now 
 formed a semi circle of flame and smoke, extending at least half round 
 the devoted hill. For the first time they now came through the corner 
 
280 
 
 of the opten field which has been so aften referred to, and pressed 
 heavily ou Orr"s rifles, which at thia nioment occupied the fence. 
 Colonel J. Foster Marsh-.Ul and Lieutenant Colonel D. A. Ledbetter, 
 together with jinmy other <.'allant officers and soldicr.5 of thi» 
 regiment fell here, but the obstinate enemy was again repulsed at all 
 poinid and driven beyond the railroad. From the long-ccntinued 
 struggle, the aiLmunition of the men was all expended, but the reso- 
 lution of General Gregg to hold the position was unchanged. When 
 Major General Hill, ccnimandiug, sent to enquire whether he could 
 hold out, he replied, modestly, he thought he could, adding, as if cas- 
 ually, that '' his ammunition was about expended, hut he siiU bad the. 
 bayonet." It was now^ four o'clock, P. M., and there was no abate- 
 aaent ia the fury of the assaults, when the brigades of Generals 
 Branch and Early, having been sent to our as^i.^tance, came in most 
 opportunely and gallantly. After those reinforcements had arrived 
 ,and passed to the front, General Gregg collected the remnant of his 
 regiments and, placing them in line behind the troops now ejigaged, 
 gave thera instructions to lie down, and, if our friends were overpow- 
 ered and had to fall back over them, to wait until tlie enemy was 
 very near, then rise and drive them back at the point of the bayonet. 
 The men all lay down as instructed, resolved, as the last resort to try 
 the virtue of the cold steel ; but, happily, the necessity did not arise. 
 The enemy were finally driven back at all points, and night closed 
 upon us, occupying the identical spot which we were ordered to hold 
 in the morning. Wq slept on the field of battle, and remained in po- 
 .<?ition all the next day whilst the great battle of the second Manas- 
 gas was progressing on our right. The enemy m-ade several attempts 
 to advance, but the admirable practice of Captain Mcintosh's battery 
 kept them beyond musket range, scattering them with shot and shell 
 every time they moved forward. Some few men were wounded by 
 pheli, but we were not very actively engaged on that day. 
 
 Friday, the 29th, was the glorious but bloody day for the biigade. 
 It may be allowed for us to claim that, by holding the left steady on 
 Friday, we contributed something to the success of the great battle 
 on Saturday. The distinguished Brigadier General who commanded^ 
 and who was present everywhere during the da.y, and exerting him- 
 pelf to the utmost, was himself spared, only to fall upon another vic- 
 torious field, (Fredericksburg,) but many of our noblest and best offi- 
 cers and men fell there. The aggregate of the killed and wounded of 
 the brigade in this battle "was six hundred and thirteen, (613.) 
 
 All the field officers were either killed or wounded, except two. 
 Among those who gloriously yielded up their lives on the battle-field 
 are the following officers: Colonel J. Foster Marshall and Lieutenant 
 Colonel D. A. Ledbetter, Captain M. M. Norton and Lieutenant W. 
 C. Davis, of Orr's rifles ; Captain C. D. Barksdale and Lieutenant 
 John M. Munro, of the first Soutb Carolina volunteers ; Lieutenants 
 J. A. May and Hunnicutt of the twelfth ; Captain A. K. Smith and 
 Adjutant W. D. Goggins, of the the thirteenth South Carolina volun- 
 teers. 
 
 Among the wounded were the following officers : Lieutenant Cotli- 
 
281 
 
 ran, of Orr's rifles ; Lieutenant Colonel McOready, of the fifst So-utTi 
 Carolina volunteers ; Lieutenant Colonel McCorkle. CaptaTii Bookter, 
 Captain ^jiist, and Lieutenants Danlop, Sharpe, Lingham, Dornin, 
 Gwinn, White, Thode, Hankie and Rollins, of the twelfth South 
 Carolina, volunteers ; Colonel Edwards, Lieutenant Colonel Farron, 
 Major Brockman. Captain R. L Boudon, Captain P. A. PJichelber- 
 ger, Captain J. VV Meetze. and Lieutenants Copcland, Crooker, 
 (jrrice, Thorn and Felloes, of the thirteenth South Carolina volunteers ; 
 Col. McGowan, Captain Stuckoy, Captain Brown, and Licnts. Rob- 
 ertson, Carter and Allen, of the fourteenth Souih Oiirolina volun- 
 teers. 
 
 Stattmfnt of Killed and IVouniUd : 
 
 Orr'a rifle? , 
 
 First S. Carolina Volunteers, 
 Twelfth S. Carolina Vols., 
 Thirteenth S. Carolina A^^h^., 
 Fourteenth S. Carolina Vols , 
 
 Killed. 
 
 W 
 
 oundtd. 
 
 Ai:gve*rato 
 
 19 
 
 
 97 
 
 IKi 
 
 , 24 
 
 
 119. 
 
 143 
 
 24 
 
 
 121 
 
 14r) 
 
 , ^S 
 
 
 118 
 
 144 
 
 , 8 
 
 
 57 
 
 05 
 
 1(11 512 6l.'5 
 
 Field Oficers Killed : 
 
 Colonel J. Foster Marshall, Orr's Rifles. 
 Lieutenant Colonel D. A. Ledbet!er, Orrs Rifles. 
 
 Field Officers Wounded : 
 
 Colonel Dixon, twelfth South Carolina Volunteere. 
 Jiieutenant Colonel McCorkle, twelfth v'outh Carolina Volunteers. 
 Colonel O. E. Edwards, thirteenth South Carolina Voluuteeis. 
 Lieutenant Colonel T. S. Farron, thirteenth South Carolina Vol- 
 unters. 
 
 Major B. T. Erockrcan, thirteenth South Carolina Volunteers. 
 Colonel S. McGowan, fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers. 
 Lieutenant Colonel E. McCready, first South Carolina Volunteers. 
 
 Ox Kill. 
 
 Being wounded at Manassas, I was not with the brigade in the 
 campaign into Maryland which followed, and therefore this report 
 must be short .and unsatisfactory. The brigade remained upon the , 
 battle-field of INIanassas until Sunday, the 3 1st of August, when they 
 moved in pursuit of the enemy. Crossing Bull Run at Sudley ford 
 and reaching Pleasant Valley that night, the next day, September 
 Ist, they moved toward,** Fairfax Court House, and late in the even- 
 ing, near Ox Hill, suddenly came in contact with the enemy, who- 
 was already in position on the right an<i front, covering his line of 
 retreat from Centreville to Fairfax Court-House. Whilst on tho. 
 march, the skirmishers suddenly commenced firing, and tho brigade 
 quickly fqrraed in line of battle, under a heavy fire. The thirteenth 
 
288 
 
 and fonrteentb, South Carolinsu volunteers were posted in front, the 
 twelfth Sooth Carolina volunteers supporting the fourteenth, and 
 Orrs rifles supporting the thirteenth, and the first South Carolina 
 volunteers in reserve. In this order, with loaded muskets and fixed 
 hayourtd, they were immediately pushed upon the enemy south of the 
 turnpike. Tbey advanced lapidly to a fence. The twelfth was thrown 
 out on the left of the fourteenth to lengthen the line, and the rifles 
 were also thrown forward. After a short, but very brisk and severe 
 contest, they drove the enemy back. A cold and drenching thunder 
 shower swept, over the field during the engagement, and rendered 
 many of the guns unfit for use. The enemy withdrew and we slept 
 upon the field. The brigade went into action unexpectedly, but be- 
 haved extremely well. For the time they were engaged, and the 
 small numbers present, their loss was heavy, being in the aggregate 
 one hundred and four killed and wounded, including some valuable 
 officers. Among the killed were Lieutenant W. C. Leppard, of the 
 thirteenth, and Adjutant W. C. Buckanuon, of the twelfth ; and 
 among the wounded were Captain A, P. West and Lieutenant E. T. 
 Youngblood, of the fourteenth, and Robert Junkins, of Orr's rifles. 
 No field officers killed or wounded. 
 
 Statement of Killed and Wounded : 
 
 Killed. 
 First South Carolina volunteers, 1 - 
 
 Orr's rifles, 5 
 
 Twelfth South Carolina volunteers, I 
 
 Thirteenth South Carolina volunteers, 5 
 Fourteenth South Carolina volunteers, 3 
 
 CAPTURE OF Harper's Ferrv. 
 
 The brigade left Ox Hill on the 3rd of September, and, marching 
 through Dranesville and Leesburg, crossed the Potomac into Mary- 
 land at White's ford on the 5th. They rested at Monocacy Junction, 
 near Frederick City, until the IDth, when, in order to perform their 
 part in the investment and capture of Harper's Ferry, they com- 
 menced a forced march, and, making a large circuit by wayof Boons- 
 boro', AVilliarasport and Martinsburg, reached the vicinity of Harper's 
 Ferry, from the Virginia side, on the 13th. Sunday, the 14th, the 
 brigade moved down the Winchester railroad, on the left bank of the 
 Shenandoah, and were engaged during the night, until two o'clock 
 the next morning, in getting into position on the plateau between 
 the Shenandoah and Bolivar Heights, the latter place being held by a 
 strong force of the enemy. Here morning dawned upon the com- 
 mand, ready to storm the heights. The view was magnificent, 
 presenting such a spectacle as is rarely seen. At early dawn tho 
 batteries of Mcintosh and Davidson opened upon the left of our posi- 
 tion, and soon after other batteries commenced firing upon the enemy 
 from the Loudoua Heights, beyond the Shenandoah. When every- 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Aggregate. 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 25 
 
 SO • 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 24 
 
 29 
 
 23 
 
 26—104 
 
283 
 
 ihing was ready for the assault, a white flag was scan displayed by the 
 enemy as evidence of surrender, and. at half-past se^4n o'clock on 
 the morning of the loth September, Major General A. P. Ilill en- 
 tered the captured works, At nine o'clock the brigade was marched 
 up to the heights and employed in guarding prisotiers, arms, &c. We 
 sustained no loss in these brilliant operations. 
 
 Sharpsburg. 
 
 At Harper's Ferry, during the 16th, heavy cannonading on the 
 Maryland side was distinctly heard, and on Wednesday we made a 
 forced march up the river, crossed the river at Boteler's ford, a short 
 distance below Shephcrdptown, and arrived on the field of Sharpsburg 
 in the afternoon, about two miles from the Potomac, reaching the 
 actual presence of the enemy at forty minutes past three o'clock, P. 
 M., which was not a moment too soon for the fortunes of the day. 
 The general line of our army seemed to be in front of the town of 
 Sharpsburg, facing the east, with its right flank stretching towards 
 the Potomac. The enemy were in front, along the line of the An- 
 tietam river. We came upon the field on the extreme right of our 
 line, perhaps two miles from the Potomac. It was seen at once that 
 a large force of the enemy (said to be Burnside's division) were in 
 the act of sweeping down the Antietam and around our right, with 
 the object manifestly of cutting off" our army from the Potomac. 
 The light division came from the proper direction, and at the right 
 moment, to meet this column and drive it back across the Antietam. 
 Gregg's brigade was placed in position on the right. The fourteenth 
 South Carolina volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Simpson, being the 
 leading regiment, was thrown out to hold a position on the extreme 
 right, being the point of our line nearest the Potomac. The enemj', 
 checked iu his flank movement, never got so far to our right, and 
 consequently that regiment was not actively engaged. The first 
 South Carolina volunteers. Colonel Hamilton, the twelfth. Colonel 
 Barnes, and thirteenth, Colonel Edwards, formed in line of battle, 
 were directed to enter the field to the left of the fourteenth and drive 
 back the enemy. This line advanced to the top of a hill, in a corn- 
 field, and there engaged the enemy, who appeared advancing in force 
 upon the opposite hill, and held a fence in the ravine between the 
 hills. They checked at once the advance of the enemy. Colonel 
 Edwards, on the left, took up a strong position behind a stone fence 
 and held it. Colonel Barnes advanced down the hill and, with a 
 charge, gallantly drove the enemy from the fence in front. He was, 
 however, in a few moments, flanked by a large body on the right, and 
 bad to retire his regiment a short distance up the hill, the enemy im- 
 mediately re-occupying the fence. Colonel Barnes soon returned to 
 the attack and, upon the sam6 ground, charged with his fine regiment 
 three times, and the last time drove them from the fence and up the 
 hill beyond, with great slaughter. 
 
 In the meantime. Colonel Hamilton, feeling a heavy pressure upon 
 his right, obliqued his regiment in that direction and gallantly drove 
 
284 
 
 them, clearinjjihe iront, and at the same time covering the right of 
 Oolone! Barnes, A heavy boily now appeared on the right of Colonel 
 Hamilton, and Captain Terrin, cominuiding Orr's rifles, was sent out 
 to sweep the field it; that direction. He led his regiment up a hill, 
 discovered the enemy in the hollow beyond, dispersed them at once, 
 and held the position, which wi^s pomewhat in advance of the general 
 line. Thus the columns' which wcie enveloping the rightof our army 
 were driven back at all p.ints, and, at the last moment, Sharpsburg 
 made a victory for the Confederate arms. 
 
 The bii^'ade held its position on the field all night, the next day, 
 and until three o'clock in the morning of Friday, the 19th, when they 
 joined the division and moved towards Boteler's ford on the Potomac, 
 which was crossed without losing a man. In the critical operation of 
 crossing the river in the face of so large a force, the light division, 
 Uencral A. 1'. Hill, was the rear guard, and Gregg's brigade was in 
 rear of the division. Two companies of the fourteenth South Caro- 
 lina volunteers, under the command of Captain Brown, were thrown 
 out by Lieutenant Colonel Simpson as skirmishers, ^n a corn-field, 
 about a mile from the river, thus covering the passage of the army. 
 About nine o'clock, A. M., whilst the light division was crossing, 
 Captain Brown's small detachment was att.'tcked by cavalry, but, dis- 
 persing them by a single volley, they succeeded in reaching the river 
 a*id crossing in safety. 
 
 The fighting at Sharpsburg wns severe, and the loss considerable, 
 being in the aggregate one hundred and sixty-five. Among the killed 
 were Colonel Dixon Barnes, Cajftain F. A. Erwin and Lieutenant 
 I'lackman, of the twelfth South Carolina volunteers, and Lieutenant 
 J. A. Mclntyre, of the first South Carolina volunteers. Among the 
 wounded were Captain M. P. Parker, of the first South Carolina vol- 
 t.ntecrs ; Captain J. L. Miller, Captain H. C. Davis, Lieutenant R. 
 M. Kerr, and Captain J. M. Perrin, commanding Orr'a rifles ; W. J. 
 Stone and S. 0. Roseborough, of the twelfth South Carolina volun- 
 teers, and Lieutenants J. M. Wheeler "and W. L. Leitzer, of the 
 thirteenth. Where all did their duty well, it may not be unpardon- 
 able to declare that, in this battle, the palm was borne oft' by the 
 intrepid Colonel Barnes, who nobly fell whilst leading the invincible 
 twelfth in their. last victorious charge. Colonel . Barnes was as 
 amiable and generous in peace as he was gallant and irresistible in 
 war. Having large wealth and high position at home, he left all to 
 fall at the head of his beloved regiment, gallantly struggling for the 
 independence of his country. 
 
 Statement of Killed and Wounded. 
 
 First South Carolina volunteers, 
 Orr's rifles, 
 
 Twelfth South Carolina volunteers, 
 Thirteenth South Carolina volunteers, 1 
 *Two missing. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Aggregate. 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 34 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 U 
 
 20 
 
 82* 
 
 104 
 
 3, 1 
 
 14 
 
 15 165 
 
285 
 
 Field Officer K.lhd : 
 Colonel Dixon Barnes, twelftli S>uth Carolina volunteers. 
 
 SHEPHERPSTOWV. 
 
 After crossing the river into Virginia and marching about five 
 miles, the brigade spent the night, and was ordered back next morn- 
 ing, the 2nth, to Botelcr's ford, near Shepherdstown, to drive back 
 the enemy, who was reported to be crossing at that point. General 
 Gregg formed line of battle, Orr's rifles deployed as skirmishers in 
 front, and advanced in splendid style. The batteries of the enemy, 
 on the Maryland side, poured upon them a terrible fire of grape, 
 round shot and shell. Their practice was remarkably fine, bursting 
 shells in the ranks at every discharge. The fourteenth South Caro- 
 lina volunteers. Lieutenant Colonel Simpson, from the nature of the 
 grouhd over which it passed, was particuhirly exposed. When the 
 artillery made gaps in thtir ranks, they closed up like veterans, and 
 marched on without confusion or in the least losing distance. The 
 rifles went down near to the river and drove the enemy into the 
 water, most of them being either killed or drowned. The brigade lay 
 under a terrible fire of shells all day, and at daik returned to 
 bivouac. The loss of the brigade was b^ixty-thrce killed and 
 wounded, mostly in the fourteenth. Among the killed, being the 
 brave, generous, and efficient Ciiptain Jimes H. Uunlnp, of Laurens, 
 South Carolina, who was blown to pieces by a shell ; and among the 
 wounded was Lieutenant 1). IL llamiliun, Jr., adjutaut of the first 
 South Carolina volunteers. 
 
 On Sunday, the 2nd November, occurred the affair at Castlomaii'a 
 ford, near Snicker's Gap. Gregg's and Thomas' bjigades, accompa- 
 nied by a battery of artillery, were thrown forward as a sort of 
 picket, to secure that ford against any effort General McClcllan (who 
 was reported to be at Snickeisville in force) might make to pass the 
 mountain there. Gregg's brigade took position and, under light firo 
 oC artillery, awaited the approach of the enemy, who never reached 
 our side of the ford. 4n tins affair the brigade lost three wounded, 
 one mortally. 
 
 Tbe brigade remained in bivouac, at different places in the lower 
 Valley, until Saturd;iy, the 22nd I'vovember, when ihey moved, with 
 the light division, from Jordan's spring, on the Oprquon, near Win- 
 chester. Marching up the W'inchester and Staunton turnpike, wo 
 turned to the left at xJtw Market, passed the Blue llidge at Milam's 
 Gap, then covered with snow, and on tbe 27th left the beautiful \^illey 
 of Virginia. Passing by Madison and Orange, we reached the ."^his- 
 eap^fniix Hill, near Fredericksbuig, on Wednesday, the 3rd of 
 December, having made a march of one hundred and seventy-five 
 miles in twelve days. Again regretting much the many imperfections 
 of this hasty sketch of operations which must be historical, 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 S. McGOWAN, 
 Brigadier General commanding Secmxd Brigade^ L. D, 
 
286 
 
 STATEMENT OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 
 
 Killed. Wounded. Aggregate, 
 
 Orr's rifles, — 
 
 First South Caroliiyi volunteers, — 
 
 Twelfth South Carolina volunteers, — 
 Thirteenth South Carolina volunteers, — 
 Fourteenth South Carolina volunteers, 10 
 
 Snicker's Gap. 
 
 Killed, 
 firr's rifles, I 
 
 Twelfth South Carolina volunteers, — 
 
 1 
 4 
 1 
 2 
 45 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 1 
 4 
 1 
 
 2 
 55—63 
 
 Aggregate. 
 I 
 
 2—3 
 
 RECAPITULATION— KILLED AND WOUNDED. 
 
 
 
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 £ 
 
 
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 C4 
 
 O 
 
 
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 hS 
 
 p; 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 y. 
 
 2 
 
 
 S 
 
 a 
 
 
 M 
 
 QQ 
 
 O 
 
 03 
 
 02 
 
 m 
 
 <J 
 
 Orr's Rifles, S Carolina Vols 
 
 
 116 
 
 143 
 
 30 
 8 
 
 12 
 34 
 
 1 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 160 
 
 
 
 189 
 
 Vlih. Rei^imentS. Carolina Vol.«... 
 
 
 145 
 
 11 
 
 104 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 263 
 
 Ivlh Regiments. Carolina Vols... 
 t4th Regiments. Carolina Vols... 
 
 2 
 
 144 
 
 29 
 
 15 
 
 '^ 
 
 
 192 
 
 3 
 
 65 
 
 26 
 
 
 55 
 
 
 149 
 
 Total 
 
 5 
 
 613 
 
 104 
 
 165 
 
 63 
 
 3 
 
 953 
 
 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL EVANS. 
 
 Headquarters Evans' Brigade, } 
 Near Winchester, Fa.j October 13, 1863. i 
 
 Major G. M, Sorrel, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Right Wing : 
 
 Major : In pursuance to the written instructions of the Major 
 General commanding, I beg leave to report the action of my command 
 in the recent engagements in Virginia and Maryland. On the 6th of 
 August last, I was ordered to repair, with my brigade, to Malvern 
 Hill, and to drive the enemy from the wood to the north of the hill. 
 I deployed my troops in line of battle, and, after marching about a- 
 mile through the woodland and open field, encountered the cavalry 
 pickets of the enemy, which were soon driven in by the fire of two 
 regiments, killing several of the enemy, who soon retired, evacuating 
 his position — four prisoners taken. 
 
 On the morning of the 24th August, I was ordered to support, 
 with my brigade, the batteries under the command of Major Garnett, 
 who was attacking the enemy at Rappahannock Station, with further 
 instructions to attack the enemy should he appear on the south side 
 of the river. Receiving a message fro<u Captain Squiers, command- 
 ing the battery, that the enemy were in a small redoubt, which they 
 had thrown up the night previous, I immediately ordered an advance 
 to drive him from his position; but, on the approach of my troops, he 
 soon retreated across the railroad bridge, before we were in musket 
 range. I here ordered the Macbeth artillery, Captain Boyce, to ad- 
 vance, occupy the work, and to open fire on the enemy across tho 
 river. This point, however. Captain Boyce found antenablc, as the 
 enemy's batteries swept the entire hill and work. He was compelled 
 to retire with the loss of four wounded. Tho entire loss of my brig- 
 ade in this engagement was twenty-one killed, (enlisted men) ; seven 
 commissioned officers, and seventy-five enlisted men, wounded. The 
 coolness of tho men and of the ofiicers of the brigade excited my 
 highest admiration. Many of them never having been under firo 
 before, sustained a severe fire of grape and shell for more than three 
 hours without breaking line of battle. 
 
 On the evening of the 29th of August, the brigade engaged the 
 skirmishers of the enemy, in considerable force, on the south side of the 
 road near Groveton, and rendered efficient co-operation to the com- 
 mands of General Wilcox, on the left, and General Hood, on the 
 right, in driving the enemy from his position. The enemy falling back, 
 and the darkness of the night concealing his movements, I formed my 
 brigade in the camp of the enemy, until ordered to fall back by the 
 Major General commanding. Leaving a strong picket in my front, I 
 withdrew about a mile to the rear. 
 
 On the morning of the 3()th August, the enemy presenting himself 
 in large force aear Groveton, I was ordered to take command of the 
 
283 
 
 troops formed immet^intely on the riglit of the rojid, embracing 
 Whitirg"s division, Brigjidier General J. B. Hood, commanding, 
 I'ickett's brigiidc. Col.inel Eppa. Hiinton commanding, and. my own 
 brigade. I would state that, just before the action commenced, Pickett's 
 brigade •was ordered to the support of General Kemper. My com- 
 mand now consisted of three bi igjides, which were disposed as follows : 
 Evans' brigade, with the left resting on the turnpike, under the im- 
 mediate command of Colonel P. F. Stevens; Hood, with hia command, 
 on Steven.^' light. In this positron my command rested until about 
 four o'clock, P. M., when General Hood was ordered to advance, 
 Colonel Stevens suppT)rting his left. The command soon became 
 warmly engaged with the enemy, who seemed to concentrate a heavy 
 force on tlie right of the road, and opened a heavy artillery 
 fire on my whole line from right to left. After advancing more 
 than a mile, the command of Generj;! Hood, after charging the bat- 
 teries in the centre, was compelled to fall back, which was done in 
 good order. Stevens' command coming up immediately afterwards, 
 held the enem^' until relieved, timely, by Major General R fl An- 
 derson's division. In this engag<-ment the loss of Evans' brigade 
 was very severe — the loss being fourteen officers and ninety-eight en- 
 listed men kilj^d, forty-eight officers and four hundred and sixty- three 
 enlisted men wounded, and eight enlisted men missing. Among the 
 kilb d were the galiaut Colonel J. H. Means, of the seventeenth regi- 
 ment South Carolina volunteers, and Colonel J. M. Gadberry, of the 
 eighteentli regiment. These brave men were shot down while nobly 
 leading their regiments into action. Colonel Gadbeny was killed 
 instantly ; Colonel Means, mortally wounded, survived two days. It 
 is but justice to the memory of these noble and gallant officers to 
 mention my appreciation of their valuable services. Colonel Means, 
 though much advanced in years, ever exhibited the energy of youth 
 in battling our ruthless foe, and devoting his whole ability to our 
 sacred cause. His death fully exemplifies his devotion to his country. 
 Colonel (Jadbeny was conspicuous during the battle for his dauntless 
 conduct and unflinching^ firmness. Among the wounded were the 
 brave ant'l energetic Major F. G. Palmei-, of the liolcomb legion, and 
 the gallant Colonel II. L. Betbow, of the twenty-first regiment. The 
 list of the other gallant dead and wounded officers is herewith en- 
 closed, and I would respectfully refer the Major General commanding 
 to ihe reports of their immediate commands for the history of their 
 actions. To Colonel P. F. Stevens, of the Holcorab legion, command- 
 ing the brigade, I am much indebted for his untiring zeal and daunt- 
 less courage, cheering his men, under heavy fire, during the entire 
 engagement. My comn^and succeeded in driving the enemy from 
 their batteries with great slaughter, and turning his own batteries 
 against his retreating forces. A large number of small arras and 
 accoutrements, and three stand of colors were captured. For the ac- 
 tion of the Texas and third Georgia brigades, I respectfully refer to 
 the reports of General Ilood and the Colonels commanding. 
 
 On the 14th of August, my division was ordered to support the 
 command of Brigadier General Rodes, on the left of the road, near 
 
289 
 
 South Mountain. . On marching mj brigade ,up the mountain, on our 
 extreme left, I was informed that the two brigades, under tlie imwe- 
 diate command of Brigadier general Hood, had been detached, by 
 order of the Major General commanding, to support our right, and I 
 was further ordered to hold m^ position on the left, and that reinforce- 
 ments would be sent. On my arrival at the summit of the mountain 
 the skirmishers of the enemy were met, supported by several of his 
 batteries, which commanded my position. I ordered Colonel Stevens, 
 commanding- brigade, to push over the summit and engage the enemy 
 then firing on General Rodes' troops, retiring. Colonel Stevens 
 soon becfuno engaged with a much superior force, two columns of the 
 enemy advancing rapidlj'^ upon his small command. This force, how- 
 ever, was bravely met, and the position held until the troops on my 
 right had retired, leaving ray brigade nearly surrounded by the enemy. 
 I then .directed my troops to reiiie, firing, to the east side of the 
 mountain, which was ilone in good order. During the night, I received 
 an order to march in the direction of Sharpsburg, and my division 
 ordered to act as rear-guard, which duty was performed until our ar- 
 rival at the Antietam'river, on the evening of the 15th September. 
 
 On the morning of the IGth, General Mood, with his two brigades, 
 were detached and sent to the support of Major General D. II. Hill, 
 leaving me but two brigades, Colonels Anderson's and Evans' brig- 
 ades. During the day my command was held as support to Colonel 
 Walton's artillery, also with orders to defend the bridge over the An- 
 tietara, and my skirmishers were engaged throughout the day with 
 the sharpshooters 6f the enemy. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th, the enemy attacked our left in force, 
 and about noon Colonel Anderson's brigade was detached to support 
 General Hood, then supporting Major General D, H. Hill, on our left. 
 About two o'clock, P. M., I was ordered to rally the troops then flock- 
 ing to the town from our left, and to bring them into action. After 
 considerable exertion, with the assistance of my entire staff, I suc- 
 ceeded in collecting about two hundred and fifty men and ofEcers, 
 whom I formed into two commands, and placed them respectively 
 under the command of Colonels Colquitt and Iverson, of Major Gene- 
 ral D. H. Hill's division. At three o'clock, observing the enemy ap- 
 proaching my position, (directly on the left o#theroad,) also attempt- 
 ing to cross the bridge on my right, I ordered an advance. Colonels 
 Colquitt and Iverson on the left, with Boyce's battery, and Colonel 
 Stevens on the right, supported by two batteries of Colonel S. D. Lee's 
 battalion, who came timely, at my request, to my assistance, and ren- 
 dered material aid in driving the enemy back across the river, with 
 Colonel Stevens' command as i-kirmishcrs on the right, while I attacked 
 the enemy with Colquitt'? and Iverson's commands on the left. 
 
 This little command gallantly drove the enemy from his cover in 
 the corn-field, and caused him to retreat in confusion, leaving a num- 
 ber of their dead and two stand of colors, the latter having been shot 
 down by a well directed fire of Captain Boyce's battery. I also re- 
 quested Colonel Walton, of the artillery, to open fire on the enemy's 
 batteries that had crossed the bridge, which, being promptly "done, had 
 19 
 
29(( 
 
 the desired effect of driving them back. My brigade then resumed 
 its original position, and bivouacked for the night/sleeping on their 
 aras. For individual instances of gallantry and distinction, I beg 
 leave to refer to the reports of the immediate coramanders. 
 
 To my general and personal staff I am much indebted, for their 
 bravery and fidelity in carrying ray orders. Captain T. D. Eason, 
 ordnance officer ; Captain A. L. Evans, assistant a(>jutant general; 
 First Lieutenant Samuel J. Corrie, aid-de camp, were often under 
 heavy fire, and executed their several duties with intrepidity. My 
 faithful courier, Mr. Farquhar Trazevant, was shot down near me by 
 a shell, inflicting a wound from which he haa since died. Ilis loss 
 was seveio to me, both personally and in his official capacity. I am 
 also pained to announce the fall of Captain Samuel Jordan, assistant 
 adjutant "■eneral ot Colonel -Colquitt's brigade, who was shot down 
 while crallantly transmitting my orders. Enclosed herewith, please find 
 the reports of regimental and battery commanders. 
 
 ■ The total loss of Evans' brigade in the above mentioned engage- 
 ments is one thousand and twenty-four aggregate, from an aggregate 
 of one thousand eight hundred and thirty on the 30th July, 
 1862. It is proper to state that the aggregate for duty was afterwards 
 increased to twenty-two hundred by the addition of the twenty-third 
 regiment South Cai"olina volunteers. 
 
 In conclusion, I would call the attention of the Major General com- 
 mandinc^ to the gallant conduct of the officers of this brigade. 
 
 In each engagement some field officer was cither wounded or killed, 
 I had neglected to mention above the loss of the gallant Lieutenant 
 Colonel T. C. Watkins, of the twenty-third regiment South Carolina 
 volunteers, and Major R. S. Means, of the seventeenth regiment, both 
 of whom were shot down while cheering their regiments. Colonel 
 Watkins was killed instantly, and Major Means, severely wounded in 
 both legs, was left in the hands of the enemy. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 ^ :^. G. EVANS, 
 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
 P. S. — The report of the eighteenth regiment South Carolina vol- 
 uateers will be forwarded to-morrow. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL RANSOM OF BATTLE 
 OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Ransom's Brigade, ) 
 Camp mar Marlinaburg, Va., September 22, 1862. ) 
 
 Captain William A. feMiTii, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of the part 
 performed by niy brigade in the battle near Sharpsburg, Maryland, 
 on the 1 7th instant : 
 
 The regiments present were the twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, thirty- 
 fifth andiorty-ninth North Carolina troops, commanded respectively 
 by Lieutenant Colonel Harris, Colonel Rutledge, Colonel Ransom ^ 
 and Lieutenant Colonel McAfee. The strength present was about 
 sixtecn iiundred aggregate. 
 
 About three o'clock, in the morning of the 17th instant, the brigade,, 
 followed by the others of the division, was moved to the extreme right 
 of the position occupied by our troops, and posted upon some hilla 
 which commanded an open country. Here it remained in line until 
 about nine o'clock, when an oider from General Lee directed the di- 
 vision to the left, •where the enemy was pushing back our fof'ces. 
 
 From the first position the brigade moved Icfi in front until we 
 had passed the town of Sharpsburg some half mile to the north, when 
 it was formed into line by inversion, bringing the forty-ninth over the 
 right. The line was formed under a severe fire, and in the presence 
 of some of our troops, who had been driven back. As soon as formed, 
 the whole brigade was pushed rapi.lly forward, and, after passing some 
 two hundred yards, I received orders to form to the right and resist 
 the enemy, who were in possession of a piece of woods. The change 
 of posititm was effected with three of the regiments, the forty- ninth, 
 twenty-fifth and thirty fifth ; but the twenty-fourth, on the extreme 
 left, had come upon the enemy and opened fire, and continued in the 
 first position, upon the left of General Barksdale's brigade. 
 
 Upon reaching the livoods, we mta parts of Hood's and Early's com- 
 mands, and, leaving them, immediately encountered the enemy in 
 strong force, flu?hed with a temporary success. A tremendous fire 
 was poured into them and, without a halt, the woods was cleared, and 
 the crest next the enemy occupied. 
 
 At this time, 1 determined to charge across a field in our front, and 
 to a woods beyond, which was held by the enemy; but h • again ap- 
 proached in force to within a hundred yards, where he was met by 
 the same crushing fire which hadflriven him first from the position. 
 I now went to recall the twenty-fourth, which had passed on — whichi 
 had been directed, as I afterwards heard, by General Stewart, to oc- 
 cupy a position near the extreme left — but finding it was so far away,,. 
 
292 
 
 returned. Daring my absence, the enemy again attempted to force 
 the position, after subjecting us to a fearful storm of iron missiles for 
 thirty minutes. Colonel Ransom, commanding during my absence, 
 repulsed him signslly and put an end to any further attempt by in- 
 fantry to dislodge us. Immediately after this, fire from two large bat- 
 teries was opened upon us, and continued with occasional intermissions • 
 until nightfall. 
 
 About noon, General Longstreet sent me word to take the battery 
 in our front, and the order to advance was given, when General Mc- 
 Laws arrived, and ordered me to desist from the attempt. Again, 
 about two or three o'clock, I received instructions to advance and take 
 the battery. Just at this time the enemy was observed to have massed 
 a strong force about the batteries, and General Wa;]ker, having arrived, 
 forbade the movement until he could communicate with General Long- 
 Btreet in person. Shortly afterwards, orders came to defer any at- 
 tempt upon the enemy's position until General Jackson should have 
 attacked him upon his right flank. This was not accomplished by 
 General Jackson, and the effort to capture the two large batteries, 
 which had almost incessantly played upon us for eight hours, was not 
 made. 
 
 I cannot too highly compliment the men and officers for their gal- 
 lant behavior during the entire day. They formed under a galling 
 fire, and, in presence of our retiring troops, pressed forward and drove 
 back a far superior force, and three times afterwards repulsed deter- 
 mined attacks of the enemy, and in largely superior numbers to our 
 own. But the highest credit is due for the perfect coolness exhibited 
 during an eight hours exposure to an unparalleled cannonade, and 
 within canister range. 
 
 I will not close my report without bringing to the notice of the 
 commanding General the conspicuous conduct of Colonel Ear,som, 
 of which the General can learn more by inquiry of Colonels Hall and 
 Jenkins, forty-sixth North Carolina ; Major Flemming, too, of the 
 forty-ninth, evinced a cool daring and soldierly presence of mind 
 eminently praiseworthy. 
 
 Lieutenant and Adjutant Cooke, of the twenty-fourth, was foremost 
 in leading his regiment while under my eye, and I have had frequent 
 occasions to observe qualities which make him second to none in cour- 
 age and capacity. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Bryson, of the twenty-fifth, was cool and gal- 
 lant. I cannot further particularize. 
 
 To the members of my staff I owe much for their prompt and un- 
 tiring assistance. Captain Rowland, A. A. G. ; Lieutenant Brod- 
 nax, A. D. C. ; Mr. Mason, volunteer aid, and Lieutenants Ashe and 
 Thomas, the last my ordnance officer, who was ever in the right place. 
 My orderlies, privates Pierson and 'De Vom, of the twenty-fourth, 
 acted with unwonted intelligence and gallantry throughout the day, 
 in bearing messages, under the hottest fire. The latter had his horse 
 shot. 
 
 Though not a part of my brigade, I cannot properly close my report 
 without mentioning the f<xrty- sixth North Carolina volunteer?, 'Oolo- 
 
293 
 
 nel Kail commanding. About mid-day lie reported to me, with his 
 regiment, and was at" once ordered into position on my right, which 
 was unfiinchingly maintained throughout. The conduct of the regi- 
 ment was all it should have been, and the bravery of Colonel Hall 
 and Lieutenant ColonelJenkins reflects the highest credit upon them- 
 selves and the service. A list of casualties is hereunto appended. 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 R. RANSOM, Jr., 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PRYOR OF SECOND 
 BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Hf.adquvrters Prvor's Brigade, 
 Ntar Winchester, Oct. 5, 1862. 
 
 Captain: A very brief narrative will suffice to exhibit the opera- 
 tions of this brigade in the battle of Manassas. 
 
 "When the enemy's attack on the left of our lice was repuhed, I 
 was directed by Brigadier General Wilcox to throw my brigade on 
 his broken columns. Disposing my troops in two lines, with the 
 first, consisting of the third Virginia, the fourteenth Alabama, and 
 the eit^hth Florida regiments, I pushed across the field, to the end of 
 intercepting the enemy in his retreat. Perceiving my design, the 
 flying Federals turned to the left, sought the shelter of a neighboring 
 wood, and attempted to arrest our advance. But neither a terrific ' 
 artillery fire on their flank, nor an unexpected fusilade iil front, could 
 check the impetuous onset of my brave men. Into the woods they 
 dashed and, with little delay, dislodged the enemy from his cover. 
 This accomplished, I changed front to the right, with the view of 
 charging the batteries, from whose fire my troops suffered so seriously. 
 
 In pursuance of a suggestion from General Wilcox, I concerted 
 with Brigadier General Featherston a plan of attack on these bat- 
 teries. It was agreed that, while Qeneral Featherston turned the 
 enemy's flank, I should assail him in front. In the execution of this 
 scheme very little diiiic'ulty was encountered, the enemy, on our ap- 
 proach, invariably abandoning his position, almost without a struggle. 
 Several of his detached pieces and caissons we captured, but gen- 
 erally he succeeded, by a timely flight, in escaping with his batteries. 
 Indeed, with his expulsion from the wood where he first sought shel- 
 ter the fighting with us ceased. Afterwards it was a mere chase, in 
 which the enemy exhibited such fleetness that we could inflict upon 
 him onlj' a trifling Iocs. The pursuit was vigorously pressed, never- 
 theless, until darkness arrested our further progress. The brigade 
 bivouacked on the advanced position won by our arms. 
 
 In the progress of the action, 1 had the misfortune to be separated 
 from my command by a circumstance to which I allude only in expla- 
 nation of my absence. Returning from a search after two of my 
 regiments, which, in the confusion of the fight, had become detached 
 from the brigade, I advanced unconsciously beyond the enemy's line, 
 «nd was awhile detained in my embarrassing position. Eventu- 
 ally, however, I was so fortunate as to effect my escape and rejoin my 
 •command. 
 
 Of the conduct of ofiScers and men in this fight, I have to speak in 
 the most complimentary terms. The fifth and eighth Florida regi- 
 ments, though never under fire before, exhibited the cool and collected 
 •courage of veterans. Special mention of peculiar merit in individuals 
 I reserve for another communication. 
 
 The loss of the brigade, as shown by the list of casualties, was 
 
S95 ^ 
 
 coraparatively inconsiderable, not exceeding one hundred and fifty in 
 killed, wounded and missing. Among the killed, however, was ray 
 assistant adjutant general, Captain Walter Wrenn, a young gentle- 
 man of the purest and most amiable character, of a genius developed 
 and adorned by rare attainments in every department of polite learn-^ 
 ing, and of a courage which had serenely confronted death on more 
 than one battle-field. lie fell in the moment of victory, and in the 
 act of cjieering on a charge. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ROGER. A PRYOR, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL FEATHERSTON OF 
 SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 RicHs:oND, Va., September 25, 18G2. 
 
 Major Sorrel, A. A. G., 
 
 Major General LcngstreeV s Division : 
 
 Sir : I submit the following report, showing the action of my brig- 
 ade at the battle of Manassas Plains, fought on the 30th day of Au- 
 gust last : 
 
 At an early hour on the morning of the 30th, my brigade was posted 
 near a fence, about half a mile west of the main road running to the 
 village of Groveton, uniting with General Jackson's command on my 
 loft at the railroad embankment. General Pryor's brigade was placed 
 on the right of mine, and General Wilcox's a short distance in the 
 rear to support the other two. The other brigades of General 'Long- 
 street's division continued our line of battle to the light, and extend- 
 ing a considerable distance beyond the turnpike running through 
 Groveton. Immediately in our front, and extending a considerable 
 distance to our right, was an old field, from a half a mile to a mile 
 wide. The troops remained in position here from an eaily hour in 
 the morning until about three o'clock in the afternoon. While in this 
 position, my brigade was subjected to a very heavy fire from- the 
 enemy's artillery, which was placed in the woods on the opposite side 
 of the field lying in our front. Two of our batteries, placed on a 
 hill about the centre of my brigade, and just in the rear, returned 
 the enemy's fire during most of the time. 
 
 The enemy were observed during the forenoon passing down the 
 turnpike from the direction of the stone house, and filing to the right 
 and left of our lines. About three o'clock, P. M., one brigade was seen 
 emerging from the woods on the opposite side of the field, advancing 
 in the direction of General Jackson's right and ray left. The advance 
 was steady and unchecked under a very heavy fire of the batteries 
 supported by my brigade, as well as from others placed on the left and 
 right of the turnpike road. This brigade of the enemy was followed 
 by two others, (under the same heavy fire of our batteries,) which 
 advanced to within forty or fifty yards of our lines. Here they came 
 to a halt, and returned the fire of our infantry for about thirty min- 
 utes, when they commenced the retreat across the field. in great con- 
 fusion. The fire of our artillery upon the retreating foe was rapid 
 and destructive. As soon as the retreat commenced, our troops were 
 ordered to advance. One of General Jackson's brigades advanced on 
 our left, and my brigade, General Pryor's and General Wilcox's moved 
 forward in line of battle on its right. We reached the woods in front, 
 and passed through the sk^rt of woods, over six hundred yards wide, 
 when we came to another old field some half a mile, or three-quarters, 
 in width. Here we found, on the opposite side of the field, the enemy 
 drawn up in line of battle, with several pieces of artillery turned 
 
297 
 
 upon our troops, and directing a rapid, heavy and destructive fire 
 both upon the right and left of our lines. At this time, General 
 Wilcox, who had, as senior brigadier, been directing the movements -of 
 his brigade, General Pryor's, and mine, was ordered by General Long- 
 street to move rapidly with his brigade to the right, to the 
 support of General Hood. This left me the senior brigadier on the 
 left of our lines. .Very soon after General Wilcox leftAvith his brig- 
 ade, Major Walton, of General Longstrect's staff, announced tome 
 that Colonel Thomas, commanding a brigade of General Jackson's 
 division, had been sent to reinforce me, and that other troops were 
 coming up for the same purpose. Generals Pender and Archer very 
 soon arrived with their brigades, and I immediately directed my brig- 
 ade to be moved to the left, so as to extend beyond the enemy's right, 
 'and Generals Pender and Archer to form ou the right of my brigade. 
 This was promptly done. Colonel Thomas' biigade was held in re- 
 serve, with one regiment of General Pryor's. As soon as our line 
 \f&8 formed, an advance Avas ordered. The whole line movad forivard 
 jn rapid and gallant style. The enemy fled, after the first well- 
 directed fire, through the woods, in the direction of the stone house. 
 All the pieces of their artillery were left upon the field and captured. 
 These brigades continued the march in pursuit of the enemy. Pass- 
 ing through a skirt of woods, they reached another field,- some three- 
 quarters of a mile wide, on the further side of which the enemy were 
 discovered again in line of battle, with one or two pieces of arlil||ry 
 placed upon a commanding eminence, which were turned upon our 
 troops as soon as thoy made their appearance. These brigades were 
 again put in line of battle in the edge of the woods, and Colonel 
 Thomas was directed to move with his brigade to the left of our line, 
 to prevent a flank movement by the enemy and their reinforcements 
 from coming up a road running on our left and extendipg in front 
 to the turnpike near the stone house. These dispositions having 
 been made, our lines advanced. Tho enemy fled precipitately, doing , 
 us no injury except with their artillery, scarcely returning the fire 
 of our infantry. Having driven them from this position, any fur- 
 ther movement was prevented by the darkness of the night. It was 
 now fully dark, and our troops bivouacked upon the ground until 
 morning. 
 
 The enemy's artillery was served with great skill and effect upon 
 our troops during the entire engagement, to which our greatest I6s3 
 on the left must be attributed. Our troops, whose conduct ^came un- 
 der my observation, behaved with great coolness and courage during 
 the whole engagement, which lasted about four hours. The Dixie 
 battery, under command of Captain Chaplain, attached to my brigade, 
 was placed on the left of the turnpike, near the village of Groveton, 
 where it performed good service during the day. 
 
 When General Wilcox left the field, and the command of the 
 troop's on the left devolved oq me, I placed the command of my im- 
 mediate brigade under Colonel Posey, who was the seniijr colonel 
 present. 
 
 To the members of my staff, who were with me on the fieli, Cap-. 
 
293 
 
 tain Barksdale, Lieutenant Parker, and Captain C. N. Featherston, 
 I feel indebted for their efficiency and promptness in executing my 
 orders. 
 
 The list of the oapualties in my hri^^ado is herewith transmitted, 
 as well as lists of those who particularly distinguished themsdves 
 durincj the engagement. 
 
 All of which Is respectfully submitted, 
 
 W. S. FEATHERSTON, 
 Brigadi':r General ccmmanding. 
 
RErORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL BENNING OF ACTION 
 AT THOROUGHFARE GAP. 
 
 Headquarters Toombs' Bhigade, ) 
 Camp near Winches'er, October 5', 1S62. ^ 
 
 Major A. Coward, A. A. G. ; 
 
 Major: I respectfully sulimit to you the following report of the 
 part taken in the action at Thoroughfare Gap, on the 28th of August 
 last, by the brigade, which, in the necessary absence of General Toombs, 
 I commanded, as the officer next to him in rank : 
 
 The brigade marched into the gap from Salem by the left flank. 
 This threw the twentieth Georgia in front, the second Georgia next, 
 the fifteenth Georgia next, and the seventeenth Georgia in the rear. 
 When it entered the gap, the enemy were pouring into the gap shot 
 I and shell on the south side from two or three batteries, so situated as 
 to sweep much of the railroad and more of the turnpike on that side. 
 Soon after the twentieth came under this fire, I was oiviercd, by Gen- 
 eral I). R. Jones, to take two of the regiments and to seize and hold 
 the point of the mountain on the right of the gap. This mountain 
 terminated quite abruptly at the gap, and was high enough to com- 
 mand its ■«\hGle outlet, as well as most of the approaches on the sWe 
 of the enemy. Un both sides the mountain was very steep, and itsvas 
 covered with a dense undergrowth of stift" bushe?, mostly ivy. 
 
 As soon as I received the order, 1 sent forward the twentieth, under 
 Major Waddell, to the point indicated, and went back for the next 
 regiment, the second, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, and 
 ordered him to follow the twentieth as quickly as possible. The second 
 was then on the railroad, and separated some little distance from the 
 twentieth, and the descent down the embankment of the railroad was. 
 difficult. The consequence was that the regiment did not reach the 
 point from which the twentieth had started until the latter was out of 
 sight. Colonel llolmes, consequently, halted there for directions.^ 
 ^leantime I had, as soon as I gave him the order, galloped forward to 
 the twentieth, which I overtook double quicking towards the mountain 
 through a field, exposed to. a hot fire from the enemy's batteries. A8 
 soon as it reached the foot of the mountain, it was formed in line of 
 battle, and preceded at a short distance by a company of skirmishers, 
 under Lieutenant Thomas, it commenced the ascent. This, 'hough 
 the ground in some places was almost precipitous and ever^^where was 
 covered with stiff bushes, it accomplished at a rapid gait. And i«". was 
 well that it did so, for, when the skirmishers reached the summit, the 
 enemy's skirmishers, supported by a line of infantry, were in sight, 
 coming up on the other side. Fire was immediately opened on him 
 by our skirmishers, and by the time the regiment itself arrived at the 
 summit, short as th<it was, the enemy's skirmishers had commenced 
 falling back, and diiectly their supporting line also withdrew and left 
 us in possession of the mountaia. If the enemy had succeeded in 
 
300 
 
 seizing this mountain, he would "have had complete (fjmmand of the 
 gap. Verj soon afterwards his batteries commenced plajing on the 
 mountain. This they continued to do, short intervals excepted, until 
 the close of the action. 
 
 The company of skirmishers was then posted as pickets down the 
 side of the mountain. In a short time, they observed t^^e enemy en- 
 deavoring to place a battery on the right of the outlet of the gap, at 
 a point from which it could have commanded the south side of the 
 gap as entirely as the batteries already established commanded the 
 north side. This movement of the enemy was reported to me by 
 Major "Waddell, who, at the same time, suggested the propriety of send- 
 ing forward the men of the regiment who were armed with long-range 
 guns to fire on the enemy's party engaged in planting this battery. 
 At once I adopted the suggestion. These men, numbering, I think, 
 not more than thirty, immediately took such positions in front as they 
 could find, from which the enemy's party -was visible, and, at about 
 four or five hundred yards, opened fire on it Just at this time Col- 
 onel Holmes, with the second, came up, he having received the direc- 
 tions he halted for from General Jones, and I ordered those of his 
 men who were armed with longe-range guns, about ten or twelve, to 
 join the others so armed^ The enemy withstood the fire from these 
 guns with muck obstinacy, the position being evidently one of the 
 very highest value j,o him. Finally, however, he gave up the attempt 
 to establish the battery and carried off his guns. But in a short time 
 the attempt was renewed. This time it was soon abandoned, under 
 our stinging fire. 
 
 I beg leave to say that, if this battery hod been once established, 
 the effect would have been to give the enemy complete command of 
 both si'les of the gap and a great distance into it, and also of the part 
 of the mountain on which our two regiments were posted. It is ob- 
 vious that from positions such as these he could not have been driven, 
 except at a great cost of one of two things — time or blood — neither 
 of which did the state of affairs then existing admit of paying. 
 
 The second Georgia was ordered by me to take post on the right of 
 the twentieth and throw out pickets as far to the front as possible. 
 This order was admirably executed by Lieutenant Colonel Ilolmes, 
 who posted each picket himself, in person, and far down the mountain 
 side. The two regiments were small, the second very small, and, when 
 stretched to the utmost, they were far from being long enough to oc- 
 cupy the line required by the ground, and therefore the right flank 
 was still without protection. 1 directed Colonel Holmes to recon- 
 noitre the ground in his front as far forward as he could, and, if he 
 found the way clear, to advance his pickets as skirmishers out of the 
 wood into an open ravine behind the house at the foot of the moun- 
 tain, the ravine being perpendicular to the mountain and running far 
 enough into the field for its mouth to be nearly or quite opposite the 
 left flank of the enemy's battery. In about a half an hour, he had 
 made the reconnoissance and had got his skirmishers into the ravine. 
 
 I then directed him to place his regiment where the skirmishers 
 Trere, and to send these beyond the house to the crest of the ravine 
 
301 
 
 rulge. from which crest the enemy w^ro visible, and then to post his 
 regiment in line behind them and near them. All these orders were 
 executed by him with great promptness and judgment. After giving 
 hira these orders, I put the twentieth in motion to connect with him 
 on his left. This movement was completed at about sunset. Thus 
 the two regiments had swung around so that their right was now on 
 the flank of the enemy. Soon after the new line of pickets showed 
 their heads on the crest of the Sinking ridge in the field, the enemy 
 ceased firing and moved to his rear wath his whole force. The two 
 regiments remained in their last position, without any change, until 
 after night, as I had received an order, while they were taking up that 
 position, from General Jones to support General Drayton in an at- 
 tack which he was about to make on the enemy from the front. The 
 retreat of the enemy prevented that attack from being made. 
 
 The conduct of both officers and men was everything that could be 
 desired, and to particularize any of either would, 1 aim )st fear, be 
 doing injustice to the rest. I will, however, venture to say that the 
 conduct (f Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, Major Waddeil, Captain 
 Seago, second in command of the twentieth, and Lieutenant Thomas, 
 commanding its skirmishers, especially of Colonel Holmes, repeatedly 
 attracted my admiration. 
 
 The two other regiments, the fifteenth and seventeenth, ceased to 
 be uncjer rry immediate command after I was ordered to seize and hoi i 
 the mountain. 1 am certain, however, from trustworthy information, 
 that th 'y well performed the part assigned them, which was to remain 
 passive in their place, in the gorge, whilst the action was going on in 
 front. They did so. This place was much exposed to the sheila of 
 the enemy, from w'bich they suffered considerably. 
 
 I am, Major, your obedient servant, 
 
 HENRY L. BENNING, 
 Colonel Seventeenth Geor2.ia, commmuling Toombs' Brigade. 
 
 N. B. — Thoroughfare and Manassas arc put in a single report for 
 the twentieth Georgia by Major Waddeil, who commanded the regi- 
 ment. That report accompanies my Manassas report. 
 
 HBimY L. BENNING, 
 Colonel commanding Brigade, 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL BENNING OF SECOND 
 BATTLE OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Toombs' Brigade, > 
 Camp near Winchester, October 8, 1862, ) 
 
 Major Coward, A. A. G.: 
 
 Major : Of the part borne in the second battle of ^Lanassas, on the 
 30th of August last, by this brigade, which, in the compulsory absence 
 of General Toombs until late in the battle, I carried into action, I 
 reBpectfuIly submit to you the followinrr report: ' 
 
 At ;ili()ut four o'clock, V. M., of the .HOlh of August, in obedience to 
 the order of General D. E. Jones, I put the brigade in line of battle, 
 vith its right resting on the road from Gainesville to Manass^is, and 
 its left towards the right of General Kemper's command. Shortly 
 afterwards I was ordered by General Jones to advance in line of 
 battle, keeping my distance from General Kemper. 1 ordered the 
 brig:tde accordingly te advance, which it did for a mile and a half or 
 two miles, Avhen it encountered the enemy's infantry. This advance 
 was through fields, and for a great part of the way under the shell of 
 tOT enemy's artillery. "When the line reached the China house, its 
 position was such that the twentieth Georgia regiment had to go to 
 the left of that house, and the other regimenis, the second Geoigia, 
 the fifteenth Georgia and the geventeeTith Georgia, to its right. This . 
 caused a wide separation of the twentieth from them. As the twen- 
 tieth was passing the house, some officers of other commands met 
 them, crying '* come this way ; your aid is needed ; the enemy are close 
 by." This drew me to the twentieth, and, when the regiment passed 
 the house, I discovered the enemy a few hundred yaids distant, 
 almost in our front, but a little to our left, in a pine thicket. To 
 that thi( ket 1 carried the regiment, and, on reaching it, ordered them 
 to charge it. The lynes were found to be very dense, and some of 
 them of large size fofc^twj^'cond growth. The regiment obeyed the 
 order wirh alacrity, anCKaWnnced with as much al icrity as the thicket 
 would admit of, receivim a heavy fire from the enemy, and rer.urning 
 it '.vi'hout halting. Tl^Lhickot proved to be oneof conaidoiuble 
 Itngt'i, with its If ft n-i^ng on the dry bed of a small sTrcara or 
 branch. The enemy fell back as we advan'-ed, until we reached its 
 lower end. There we obtained a good view of them, and saw them 
 running in complete rout, a huddled mass. From their appearance, 
 there must have been several regijnents of them. They soon got out 
 of bight by the epeed they made under tjie fire in their rear. But on 
 emerging into the open ground, we also d.scovered a battery on the 
 opposite side of the dry branch to which I have referred, and not 
 more than four hundred yards off,- which, the thicket Uv)g then 
 clear of its own troops, oj;encd its whole fire on us. reflected a 
 moment on what was best to be done. It appeared to ra« that to stay 
 where we were was certain destruction ; to retreat would be exposing 
 
4 • 303 
 
 ourselves for a long distance to the enemj's shells, and might have 
 other worse effects. I thought that upon the whole it was better to 
 try to take the battery, especially as 1 could not see any infantry 
 support near it, I determined to make the attempt, and accordingly 
 gave the ord^r to chalrge the battery. This order was obeyed with 
 a shout, and on the regiment went, at a run. At about fifty or sixty 
 yards from the front of the Ibattery the level branch bottom termi- 
 nated, and the ascent of the hill on which the battery was placed 
 commenced. The ascent, for a short distance, was rather steep, and 
 then was considerablj'- less so up to the guns, so that men lying down 
 at the foot of the hill would be protected, by the intervening little 
 crest, from the battery's fire. When the regiment reached the foot of 
 the hill I ordered them to halt and lie down, to recover their breath a 
 little. This they did. In about five minutes, during which a terrific 
 storm of missiles was passing just over their heads, I ordered them to 
 rise arid take the battery. They rose at the word, and quickly ad- 
 vanced up the hill and beyond the crest, and some of them almost up 
 to the guns. Whilst, however, we had been resting at the foot of tho 
 hill the enemy had not been idle. They had got several pieces into 
 position on our right flank, at a short distance from us, ^d with 
 these they also opened upon us, thus subjecting us to a fire both in 
 front and flank. This was not all. Heavy infantry supports, though 
 not to be seen when the charfje was ordered at the thicket, had^ow 
 become visible, in close proximity to the battery in our front. No 
 supports to us were anywhere in sight. Under these circumstaaces, I 
 thought it would be madness to let the regiment go on ; that if they 
 took the battery they would not be able to hold it, and therefore 
 would, after taking it, either have to retreat or all be captured or 
 exterminated. I preferred to fall back at once, although some of the 
 men were almost up to the guns, I accordingly gave the order to 
 fall back. And then the regiment, in tolerable order, fell back about 
 two hundred yards, under a terrific fire from both of the batteries and 
 from the infantry supports. When it came to the dry bed of the 
 branch already mentioned, then I halted it, ajfid ordered the men to 
 lie down in the bed of the branch, and ^^^fat as much protection 
 from the enemy's fire as possible,. and at fl^^Kiie time be in a posiiioa 
 from which they could return that fire wiJ^Bome efl"ect. This they 
 did. 
 
 Whilst the regiment was charging thiplga the piue thickot, and 
 when it had gotten about half way through it, I discovered, close to 
 our left, near the edge of the thicket, by the branch, two or three 
 of the enemy's pieces of artillery, completely abandoned. When or 
 why these were abandoned I do not know. But it is certain that, 
 abandoned at whatever time and for whatever cause they might be, 
 they wej^ not captured guns as long as the large pine thicket close 
 by thenAfts full of the enemy's infantry to guard and protect them. 
 These ^]^H, therefore, I respectfully submit, the twentieth Georgia is 
 entitled^Bthe credit of taking. After disposing of the regiment as 
 aforesaid^^ the bed of the branch, I thought it was time for me to 
 
304 • 
 
 Jcave it and seek tlic other regiments of the brigade and give them 
 my service*. 
 
 I accordin;Tly left the t\rentielh, and was with it no more during 
 the battle. It will Ic seen, however, from the report of Major Wad- 
 dcU, who commanded the regiment, that it continued to fight to the 
 last, and not without effect. ^ 
 
 I cannot cIofc this notice of the part taken by the twentieth in the 
 battle without as-king leave to bestow the tribute of my warmest admi- 
 ration upon the conduct of both officers and men. It was really 
 brilliant; and the name of every officer and of every man deserves to 
 be known, but I have room only for the officers. They are : Major 
 J. 1). Waddoll, ccmmandin;: regiment; Captain E. M. Seago, second 
 in commaml ; Lieutenant W. N. Iluchins, acting adjutant; company 
 A, Captain A. n. Ross and Lieutenant W. W. Bra zeal ; company B, 
 Captain Mitchell; Lieutenant J. M. Granbcrry, wounded ; company 
 C, Captain W. Y. Doarry, wounded, Lieutenant Robert Jonlan and 
 Lieutenant J. II. Spier, killed; company D, Captain S. W. Bl nee, 
 I>,ieutenant J. L. Carter and Lieutenant J. S. Hammock, wounded 4 
 company K, Lieutenant George F. Adams and Lieutenant L. W. 
 Davis; Company E, Captain R. D. Little and Lieutenant J. A. Mad- 
 don ; company L, Lieutenants G. S. Thomas, W. L. Abbott and J. 
 R. lvichnrd.<?; company G, Lieutenant T. S. Fontaine, wounded; 
 cofnpany II, Lieutenant T. C. Iluebreath, killed ; company I, Cap- 
 tain C. B. Mines; Lieutenant J. T. Scott, wounded. 
 
 The loss of the regiment was heavy. The killed were twenty-two, 
 the wounded one hundred and seven, and the missing six, exclusive 
 of officers. The number carried into action was, exclusive of officers, 
 only three hundred and thiity-five; and of these, nearly one-third 
 were bare-footed, without a piece of leather to their feet. After leav- 
 ing the twentieth, I went to seek ^the other three regiments." On 
 passing from the pine thicket into the large field in which they com- 
 menced the fight, no troops, except a few small parties, were visible. 
 After some enquiry, I was told by a man, who seemed well infoniied, 
 that the regiments h^^gone down on the right, to support Stuart's 
 cavalry in pursuit of^k|^nemy.'. I galloped in that direction for 
 about a mile and a haJ^Ks I thought, when I came in sight of the 
 cavalry, and saw that i^^fantry was near it. I then returned; and 
 soon after reaching the^^^ field, I observed a brigade approaching, 
 led by a generqil. To hii^I advanced, and found him to be General 
 . D. 11. Jones, accompanic'l by General Drayton. They wore biiDging 
 General Drayton's brigade into action. General Jones informed me 
 that the three regiments were then under the immediate command of 
 General Toombs, who had shortly before that time reached the field. 
 I also learned that they were not then engaged in the action, and 
 would not bo again ; that after a long and hot fight, with heavy loss 
 to the seventeenth, they had been ordered back a little, to baUreplaced 
 by fresh troops. I concluded, then, that instead of going tofl^ seven- 
 teenth, which alone was, by the recent arrival of General^oombs, 
 left me to command, 1 would report to General Kemper, and ask him 
 to let me serve him as an ^id. I did so, and he kindly accepted my 
 
305 
 
 offer, and 1 remained with him until the battle was over and he left the 
 field. 
 
 It will have been perceived that it was impossible for me to have 
 any personal knowledge of the part taken by these three regiments 
 in the action, as I was not with them. I learned, however, from the 
 best sources, that their conduct was excellent — in a high degree pro- 
 motive of the general happy result on the right, and in the highest 
 degree creditable to themselves. The loss of the seventeenth vi'as 
 very heavy, it being one hundred and one, out of not more than two 
 hundred carried into action. Major Pickett, who commanded the 
 regiment, fell late in the fight, desperately wounded by a ball through 
 the breast. Hardly had Captain Jones^ the next in rank, assumed 
 the command before he was killed by a ball through the temple. The 
 second regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, and 
 • the fifteenth by Colonel Willican. Both of these gallant oflicers have 
 since been killed in battle. They fell at Sharpsburg. Major Pick- 
 ett's wound has kept him from every kind of duty. The consequence 
 i6 that we have now, for reports of the conduct of these three regi- 
 ments, to depend on ofiicers, none of whom, except Captain French, 
 was in command during the action, and he but for a short time, near its 
 close. It is to be expected, therefore, that the regimental reports 
 must be less full and perfect than they would have been but for those 
 casualties. I beg, however, to invite your particular attention to 
 them, as they fill a vacuum in my own report. They are the reports 
 of Captain Lewis, for the second Georgia ; that of Major Shannon, for 
 the fifteenth Georgia, and that of Captain French, for the seventeenth 
 Georgia. It only remains for me to bring to your notice the conduct 
 of the second company of Washington Artillery, commanded by that 
 ever-ready and excellent young officer. Captain Richardson. And in 
 respect to its conduct I must refer you wholly to the report of Cap- 
 tain Richardson himself, for I was, during the whole battle, so other- 
 wise engaged that I could not witness its acting. That action was, 
 however, from all that I hear, admirable. 
 
 I am, Mnjor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 HENRY L. BENNING, 
 Colonel commanding Toombs' brigade. 
 
 20 
 
 • 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL E. M. L.VW OF SECOND BATTLE 
 
 OF MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Third Brigade, September 10, 1862. 
 
 Oaptaia W. H. Sellers, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General: 
 
 Sir: I hnve the honor to make the following report of the partici- 
 pation of the brigade under my command in the action of Friday and 
 Saturday, 29th and 3l)th August: 
 
 Leaving Thoroughfare Gap at sunrise, on the 29th, the brigade 
 inarched in the direction of Manassas Junction. At Gainesville, on 
 the Warrenton turnpike, the line of march changed abruptly to the 
 left, along the turnpike, in the direction of Centrcville. On arriving 
 about midway between Gainesville and the stone house, which is sit- 
 uated at the junction of the turnpike and the Sudley ford road, I was 
 ordered by Brigadier General Hood, commanding the division, to form 
 the brigade in line of battle to the left of the turnpike and almost at 
 right angles with it, the right resting on the road and the left con- 
 necting with General Jackson's line. The Texas brigade had been 
 previously formed on the right of the road, its left joining my right. 
 With a strong line of riflemen in front, which drove the enemy's 
 pkirraishers as it advanced, the brigade moved forward, accompanied 
 by Generals Longstreet and Hood, until it reached a commanding 
 position in front of the enemy, about three-fourths of a mile 
 from Dogan's house, which seemed to be the centre of his position. 
 At this point, a severe artillery fire was opened by the enemy's bat- 
 teiies. A halt was ordered, and the troops remained Sn position until 
 our artillery could be brought forward. Our batteries took position 
 on a ridge to my left and rear, and opened fire with marked effect upon 
 the enemy. 
 
 The fire of the artillery and skirmishers continued, almost without 
 intermission, until near four o'clock, P. M., when heavv musketry 
 on ray left announced an attack of the enemy on general Jackson's 
 position Soon after this attack commenced, a brigade of General 
 Jackson's command moved out of the wqod on my left, drove the 
 enemy from his position on- the bridge, to the left of the hamlet of 
 Groveton, and captured a piece of artillery" posted there. I imme- 
 diately moved my line forward as far as Groveton, whereit was halted 
 on a line with the troops to ray left. 
 
 At about six o'clock, a Federal battery, supported by a large body 
 of infantry and some cavalry, was advanced along the turnpike to 
 ■within four hundred yards of our position. The guns had scarcely 
 unlimbercd, when I v, as ordered by General Hood to charge. Moving 
 rapidly forward, the brigade came first under fire of the battery, thea 
 in range of the enemy's infantry. Delivering volley after volley, my 
 men continued a rapid and uninterrupted advance upon the battery 
 and its supports. As they approached the guns, three of them were 
 
3U7 
 
 • 
 
 limbered up and carried off at a run, along the turnpike. One 
 remained, and continued to fire until my men were so near it as to 
 have their faces burnt by its discharges. Without faltering, they 
 pressed forward and the piece was taken. At this point, a flanking fire 
 was opened upon my right by a body of the enemy, which was 
 advancing on the opposite side of the road and passing to my right 
 and rear. I at once formed a portion of the second Mississippi regi- 
 ment along the road and at right angles to the line of advance, and 
 returned the fire with effect, the enemy breaking and retiring. 
 The second Mississippi now pressed forward beyond the road, and, 
 together with the Texas brigade on the right, cleared the field of the 
 enemy. Meantime, on the left, my other regiments, fourth Alabama, 
 eleventh Mississippi and sixth North Carolina, reinforced by the 
 twentj-third South Carolina, Avere advancing and driving the enemy 
 before them. The advance was continued until darkness prevented 
 further operations. 1 ordered a halt, and established my lino across 
 the turnpike, half a mile from the position whence the advance began. 
 A charge of cavalry on the road and an infantry attack on the 
 extreme left were made after dark. Both were easily repulsed. 
 
 The opposing force of the enemy, as I learned fr#n captured offi- 
 cers, consisted of General King's division, of four brigades, and a- 
 battery of howitzers. One piece was captured and about one hundred* 
 prisoners. Among the prisoners were Captain Judson, assistant ad- 
 jutant general to General Hatch, and C;iptain Garish, of the battery. 
 
 During the night of the 2itth, under orders from General Hood, T 
 resumed the position to the roar of Groveton, which I had occupied? 
 in the morning. At daylight on the 3iith, the enemy advanced a 
 lieavy line of skirmishers towards this' point. These were met by my. 
 riflemen and those from the Texas brigade, and sharp skirmishing 
 continued until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when the main 
 attack of the enemy began. This attack, which was made by General. 
 MorrelTs Federal division on General Jackson's right, in full view of 
 roy position, was no sooner repulsed than the whole line was ordered- 
 forward, and my brigade advanced to Groveton, in support of a bat- 
 tery which was placed at that point. Here it remained for hnif ani 
 hour or more, under a terrific fire of artillery, when I received orders, 
 from General Hood to move acrosa the turnpike to the left of the 
 Texas brigade. On reaching an eminence a few hundred yards to. 
 the right of the road, which commanded a view of the field, I per- 
 ceived large numbers of our troops pressing in to the right, towards 
 the Blackburn ford road. Unable to distinguish the locality of the 
 Texas brigade, and seeing that the enemy was pushing a heavy forca- 
 ir»to the ravine and pine thickets directly in front of me and just 
 below Dogan's house, apparently for the purpose of securing their 
 formidable battery posted there, 1 carried forward three regiments to« 
 that point. Placing the sixth North Carolina and fourth Alabama in 
 the pines, and the second Mississippi on their left and at^the foot of' 
 the hill on which the house is situated, I waited a short time for the- 
 eleventh Mississippi, which had been directed to move upon the bat- 
 tery from the left of the turnpike, intending to attack at the same 
 
308 
 
 time, from the tiglit, -with the second Mississippi. While in thi? 
 position, the enemy advauced on the right of the house, but was 
 repulsed by a vrnll directed and destructive fire from the sixth North 
 Carolina aud fourth Alabama The eleventh Mississippi not coming 
 up, I united the sixth North Carolina and fourth Alabama with the 
 second Mississippi, and moved upon the battery, which, taking time 
 by the forelock, escaped when the infantry was beaten. The enemy's 
 wounded and a few prisoners were left in our hands. I continued 
 the advance bejond Dogim's house, driving the enemy backward until 
 after dark, when, by General Longstreet's order, I halted for the night. 
 At daylight on the S!st nothing was to be seen of the enemy, except 
 evidences of a precipitate retreat, 
 
 A mistake in the delivery of my order to the eleventli Mississippi 
 regiment, to advance on the left of the Warrenton turnpike, caused 
 it to move to the right, near Chinn's house, and, by this means, it was 
 detached from the rest of my command. It advanced with the troops 
 in that part of the field, fighting gallantly and incurring heavy loss, 
 and at night rested on our most advanced line. Captain lieilly's 
 battery was detached from the brigade, and, together with the other 
 batteries of the€[ivision, was placed under command of Major Frobel, 
 chief of artillery of the division. Following closely after the infantry, 
 the batteries contributed their full share to the success of the day. 
 
 In both actions the conduct of the troops was admirable. On the 
 30th their manoeuvres, under severe fire, were ch:iracterized by the 
 promptness and precision of veterans — no disorganization or confusioa 
 occurring while in action. This was due, in a great measure, to the 
 efficiency of my field and staff officers. Colonel Liddell, of the 
 eleventh, and Colonel Stone, of the second Mississippi, Lieutenant 
 Colonel McLemore, fourth Alabama, and Major Webb, sixth North 
 Carolina, commanding regiments, handled their men with consuraraate 
 ability. The officers of my personal staff. Lieutenants Terrell and 
 Cussons, rendered the most valuable service, discharging every duty 
 faithfully and gallantly. Lieutenant Cussons was captured by the 
 enemy while on a reconnoissance in front of the lines. Privates 
 Smith, fourth Alabama, and Sharpe, Hampton legion, acting as offi- 
 cers, also contributed valuable assistance. 
 
 The following is a recapitulation of the loss in the several regiments 
 composing the brigade, as shown by the accompanying lists of casual- 
 ties: 
 
 Fourth Alabama, 
 Eleventh Mississippi, 
 Sixth North Carolina, 
 Second Mississippi, 
 
 56 264 
 
 • 
 
 I am. Captain, yery respectfully, 
 
 E. M. LAW, 
 Colonel commanding Third JBrigade. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded, 
 
 19 
 
 44 
 
 9 
 
 69 
 
 6 
 
 64 
 
 U 
 
 87 
 
'--Mf 
 
 REPORT OF COLONEL E. M. LAW OF BATTLE OF SIIARPS- 
 
 BURG. 
 
 Headquarters Third Brigade, ) 
 October 2, 1862. \ 
 
 Captain W. II. Sellers, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in 
 the engagements at Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the 16th and 17th of 
 September : 
 
 When the army arrived at the heights, on the south side of An- 
 tietam river, on the morning of the 15th, I was ordered to take position 
 about one mile from Sharpsburg, on the Ilagerstown turnpike. The 
 right of my brigade rested at St. Mumma's church, and the line ex- 
 tended along the turnpike, in the edge of a wood wKich bordered it 
 on the south-west. Across the road (on the northeast) was an open 
 field, a quarter of a mile in width, extending along the whole front of 
 the line and beyond it about six hundred yards. This open space 
 was bounded on the northeast (to my front) and northwest (to my 
 left) by -woods, an opening being at the north corner. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 16th, the enemy's skirmishers advanced 
 into the wood in front of my position. They were held in check by 
 ray riflemen and the Texas skirmishers. In the meantime, I was or- 
 dered by General Ilood, commanding the division, to move forward 
 and occupy the edge of the wood in which the skirmishing was going 
 on. This was quickly accomplished, and the enemy was driven at 
 dark to the further side of the .wood towards the Antietam. My 
 brigade was relieved during the night and moved, with the rest of 
 General Hood's command, to tht wood in rear of St. Mumma's 
 church. 
 
 Soon after daylight, on the 17th, the attack of the enemy com- 
 menced. The battle had lasted about an hour and a half, when I was 
 ordered to move forward into the open field across the turnpike. Oa 
 reaching the road, I found but few of our troops on the field and these 
 seemed to be in much confusion, but still opposing the advance of the 
 enemy's dense masses with determination. Throwing the brigade at 
 once into line of battle, facing northward, I gave the order to ad- 
 vance. The Texas brigade. Colonel Woiford, had, in the meantime, 
 come into line on my left, and the two brigades now moved forward 
 together. The enemy, who had by this time advanced halfway across 
 the field and had planted a heavy battery at the north end of it, be- 
 gan to give way before us, though in vastly superior force. The fifth 
 Texas regiment, which had been sent over to my right, and the fourth 
 Alabama, pushed into the wood in which the skirmishing had ta'ken 
 place the evening previous, and drove the enemy through and beyond 
 it. The other regiments of my command continued steadily to ad- 
 vance in the open ground, driving the enemy, in confusion, from and 
 
310 
 
 beyond his guns. So far we had been entirely successful, and every- 
 thing promised a decisive victory. It is true that strong support was 
 needed to follow up our success, but this I expected every moment. 
 At this stage of the battle, a powerful Federal force (ten times our 
 number) of fresh troops was thrown in our front. Our losses up to 
 this time had been very heavy; the troops now confronting the 
 enemy were insufficient to cover properly one-fourth of the line of 
 battle; our ammunition was expended; the men had been fighting* 
 long and desperately, and were exhausted from want of food and rest. 
 Still they held their ground, many of them using such ammunition as 
 they Oould obtain from the b)dies of our own and the enemy's dead 
 and wounded. It was evident that this state of aftairs could not long 
 continue. No support was at hand. To remain stationary, or advance 
 without it, would have caused a useless butchery, and I adopted the 
 only alternative, that of falling back to the wood from which I had first 
 advanced. The enensy followed very slowly and cautiously. Under 
 direction of General Hood, I reformed my brigade in the rear of St. 
 Mumma's church, and together with the Texas brigade, which had 
 also retired, again confronted the enemy, who seemed to hesitate to 
 enter the wood. During this delay, reinforcements arrived and the 
 brigade was relieved for the purpose of obtaining ammunition. At 
 one o'clock, P. M., having been supplied with ammunition, I was 
 again ordered to the field, and took position in the wood near the 
 church. Here the brigade remained, under an incessant cannonade, 
 until near night-fall, when it was moved half a mile nearer the town^ 
 of Sharpsburg, where it lay during the night and the following day. 
 
 The good conduct of my brigade in this battle has not been sur- 
 passed by it in any previous engagement. Weak and exhausted us 
 they were, and fighting against fearful odds, the troops accomplished 
 and endured all that w^s within the limits of human capacity. Our 
 loss, in proportion to the numbers engaged, was extremely heavy. 
 The officers suffered severely. Colonel Liddell, the gallant and be- 
 loved commander of the fourth Mississippi regiment, fell mortally 
 wounded; Lieutenant Colonel Butler, of the same regiment, received 
 a painful wound, and Major Evans was killed. Colonel Stone, Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Humphries and Major Blair, of the second Mississippi, 
 were all wounded, while leading that distinguished regiment in the 
 charge. Major Webb, commanding sixth North Carolina, Captain 
 Tate, an acting field officer of the same, and Captain Scruggs, com- 
 manding fourth Alabama, received wounds while gallantly discharging 
 their duty. The members of my staff, Lieutenant Terrell, A. A. G., 
 Captain Kirkman, Lieutenant Law, of the Citadel Academy, and 
 private Smith, fourth Alabama, as usual, performed every duty bravely 
 and efficiently. - 
 
 I enclose list of casualties. 
 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, 
 
 E. M. LAW, 
 Colonel commanding brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL J. WALKER, COMMANDING JEN- 
 KINS' BRIGADE, OF BATTLE OF BOONSBORO'. 
 
 Headquarters Jenkins' Brigade, 
 Camp near Winchester, Oct. 21, 1862. 
 
 Colonel Robert Johnson : 
 
 Sm : The division of General D. R. Jones having, by a forced march 
 from Hagerstown, reached Boonaboro', Maryland, near South Moun- 
 tain, about four o'clock on Sunday evening, September 14th, was im- 
 mediately thrown forward to the support of the troopa engaged with 
 the enemy on the mountain. Passing through Boonsboro' and cross- 
 ing a branch, this brigade, in conjunction with General Garnett's, 
 marched by the right flank to a church, some mile and a half to the 
 right and south of the turnpike, and then filed off to the left, about 
 one mile, to the foot of the mountain. About the time we reached 
 that position, the firing having pretty well ceased, the two brigades 
 about-faced, marched back within half a mile of the turnpike and 
 filed off to the right, and formed in* line of battle midway up the 
 mountain, with General Garnett's brigade on my left. Having 
 thrown out skirmishers preparatory to an advance, I was ordered by 
 General Jones to move the brigade along the mountain to the White 
 House hotel, on the turnpike, at the summit of the pas3. Upon reach- 
 ing the hotel, I posted the brigade a little in advance of it and to the 
 left of the turnpike. Some ten minutes afterwards, by order of Gen- 
 eral Jones, I moved the brigade further up the mountain and obiquely 
 to the right, in the direction of Middleburg, and formed it into line 
 of battle at the foot of the hill, where a fierce fight was raging. The 
 first regiment South Carolina volunteers. Lieutenant Colonel D. Liv- 
 ingston ; the sixth regiment South Carolina volunteers, Lieutenant 
 Colonel J. M. Steadman, and the fifth regiment South Carolina vol- 
 unteers, Captain T. C. Beckham commanding, were advanced some 
 two hundred yards to the front, behind a stone fence, where they en- 
 gaged in a desultory fire with the enemy until dark, when the brig- 
 ade was withdrawn to the hotel. Ordered by General Jones to cover 
 the withdrawal o^the troops from this portion of the field, I advanced 
 the second rifle regiment South Carolina volunteers some distance 
 down the turnpike, towards Middleburg, and threw out a heavy force 
 of skirmishers. This position was held by the brigade until about 
 four o'clock, A. M., loth September, when it was relieved by thecav- 
 alry brigade of General Fitzhugh Lee, and rejoined the command of 
 General Jones at Sharpsburg. 
 
 Although but partially engaged, I commend the conduct of the offi- 
 cers and privates of the brigade, with but one exception, which is as 
 mortifying to the feelings of a Carolinian, as it is unworthy of 
 the fl«g they bear and the cause which they represent. Lieu> 
 tenant Colonel Livingston, of the first regiment South^Carolina vol- 
 unteers, reports that company A did not enter the fight, shamefully 
 
312 
 
 deserting the regiment while marching through the gap. Why 
 charges have not been preferred against oflBcers and privates for cow- 
 ardice, has not been explained. 
 In this action the los3 of the brigade was as follows : 
 
 Regiments. 
 Palmetto Sharpshooters, 
 First regiment S. Carolina volunteers, 
 Second regiment rifles S. Carolina vols, 
 Fourth battalion, 
 
 Fifth regiment S. Carolina volunteers, 
 Sixth " " '* 
 
 Total, 3 29 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOSEPH WALKER, 
 Colonel commanding Jenkins' Brigade. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 , 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL WALKER, COMMANDING JENKINS' 
 BRIGADE, OF BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Jenkins' Brigade, ) 
 Camp near Winchester^ Virginia, October 24, 1862. ) 
 
 Colonel Robert Johnson : 
 
 Sir : By a rapid march from Boonsboro', this brigade reached 
 vSharpsburg, Maryland, about eleven o'clock, A. M,, on the 15th of 
 September, and took position, in line of battle, on an eminence in 
 front of the town and to the right of the turnpike. Bj order cf 
 General Jones, it moved, late in the evening, across a ravine, to the 
 right, with Kemper's Garnett's and Drayton's brigades, where it re- 
 mained, under a heavy fire of shot and shell, until three o'clock in 
 the evening of the 17th, when it moved back, by order of General 
 Jones, and occupied its first position, in support of Captain Moody's 
 battery and a company of the Washington artillery. Captain Squiers, 
 both from Louisiana. Here the brigade endured a terrific fire of shot 
 and shell for some half hour, when, the ammunition of the artillery 
 having been exhausted, it advanced some four hundred yards to an 
 apple orchard, under a heavy fire of artillery and small arms. Per- 
 ceiving the enemy in force in several positions, from any of which 
 we wore assailable, I threw out the first, fifth and sixth regiments of 
 South Carolina volunteers to oppose him on the lef-t, and the Pal- 
 metto sharpshooters and the second regiment rifles, South Carolina 
 volunteers, to meet him in th.e centre and on the right. From this 
 position we continued to pour a destructive fire into the ranks of the 
 enemy, at short range, until he recoiled and retreated out of sight 
 among the timber on Antietara creek. 
 
 At this juncture, perceiving that the enemy had advanced three 
 iieavy columns some four hundred yards in rear of the brigade and 
 to the right, across a ravine leading up from the creek, and was 
 steadily driving back the brigades of Generals Kemper and Drayton, 
 I moved this brigade into line parallel with the turnpike and ravine, 
 and near to the latter, .and opened a destructive enfilade fire upon the 
 enemy, which assisted materially in driving back his columns. 
 
 Changing the front of the brigade again towards Antietam creek, 
 and at right angles to the turnpike and ravine, I threw forward a line 
 of skirmishers to a fence, near to the timber on the creek, and 
 bivouacked for the night. This position the brigade, alone and un- 
 supported, hold during the 18th, burying the dead and caring for the 
 wounded — the skirmishers, in the meanwhile, keeping up a brisk fire 
 upon the enemy. Just after dark on the 18th, I received orders from 
 General D. R. Jones to cover the retreat of his division. Strength- 
 ening my lino of pickets and extending it further to the right and 
 left, 1 held the position until nearly daylight on the morning of the 
 19th of September, when 1 was relieved by the cavalry brigade of 
 General Fitzhugh Lee, and withdrew the brigade across the Potomac, 
 
illed. 
 
 Wounded 
 
 ^8 
 
 57 
 
 4 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 
 17 
 
 6 
 
 27 
 
 4 
 
 47 
 
 di4 
 
 efTecting the passage a little after sunrise, in perfect safety. The loss 
 of the brigade in killed and wounded was hcavj^ in view of the num- 
 ber carried into action, and was as follows : 
 
 Palmetto Sharpphooters, - - - 
 
 First regiment South Carolina volunteers. 
 
 Second regiment rifles, S. Carolina vols., 
 
 Fifth regiment South Carolina volunteers, 
 
 Sixth regiment South Carolina volunteers, 
 
 Fourth bdttalion South Carolina volunteers, - . . 
 
 Total, 2G 18i 
 
 In this action Captains Lee and Harbin, of the Palmetto Sharp- 
 shooters, were killed. • They were brave and promising officers. 
 Lieutenant Colonel Livingston, of the first regiment; Captain Can- 
 try, commanding sixth regiment ; Lieutenant McFadden, of the 
 sixth; and Lieutenant W. N. Majors and Lieutenant IL H, Thomson, 
 of the Palmetto Sharpshooters, were seriously wounded. I commend 
 to your favorable notice Captains Squiers and Moody, who handled 
 their guns with a skill, daring and endurance seldom equalled and 
 never surpassed. The officers and men of the several regiments are 
 vorthy of the highest praise for their coolness and daring in battle, 
 and their patient endurance of hunger and fatigue. I regret, how- 
 ever, to be called again to refer to the conduct of a large portion of 
 the officers and privates of the first regiment South Carolina volun- 
 teers, in this battle, in terms of censure. The commanding officer 
 reports that the regiment entered the fight with one hundred and six 
 men, rank and file, lost forty men killed and wounded, and at the 
 close of the day but fifteen enlisted men and one commissioned officer 
 answered to their names. Such officers are a disgrace to the service 
 and unworthy to wear a sword, for I must believe that their desertion 
 of their companies alone induced such conduct upon the part of thei'r 
 privates. If such conduct is not checked by exemplary punishment, 
 the efficiency of the regiment will be destroyed. 
 
 I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOSEPH WALKER, 
 Colonel commanding Jenkins^ Brigade.. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL G. T. ANDERSON, COMMANDING 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Headq'rs Anderson's Brigade, D. R. Jones' Division, ) 
 
 September SOth, 1862. \ 
 
 Major A. Coward, A. A. General : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to forward a report of the actions of my 
 brigade in the afl'aira at Rappahannock, 23d August, Thoroughfare 
 Gap, August 23th; Manassas, August 3;)th ; Turner's Gap, Maryland, 
 September Nth, and Sharpsburg, September 17th, 1862, with the list 
 of casualties in each engagement : 
 
 On the morning of August 23d, I was ordered to support Brigadier 
 General Evans, on the right of our line, our batteries at that time en- 
 gaging the enemy, who had planted a battery on the hill, near the 
 railroad bridge across the Rappahannock river. I moved ray 
 command forward promptly, and reported to General Evans. He first 
 ordered me to advance one regiment, in conjunction with one of his, 
 to storm the hill occupied by the enemy's battery. Before the order 
 was executed, he ordered me to advance my whole brigade in line of 
 battle to the west of a Avooded slope, in front and to the right of 
 this hill. On reaching this position, he ordered me to continue to 
 advance, through the open field, towards the hill referred to. The 
 enemy, in the meantime, had withdrawn their battery and crossed the 
 river. On reaching the open field, I saw, in rear of this hill, about 
 one hundred of the enemy, moving by their left flank, and supposed 
 I would have the pleasure of an open field fight, but this small party 
 was all of the enemy I saw on our side of the river, and, long before 
 we were in range of them, they disappeared, and in a few momenta 
 me railroad bridge was blown up and set on fire. Continuing to ad- 
 vance across the open field for nearly half a mile under the fire of 
 four batteries, I 'placed my brigade in line on the field, my left regi- 
 ment (the eighth Georgia, Lieutenant Colonel Towers, commanding) 
 and the Ilolcombe legion, of Evans' brigade, occupying the hill where 
 the battery of the enemy had been posted. Wo remained in this po- 
 sition, my right extending across the open field, for at least five hours, 
 under heavy fire of shell, grape and canister ; the officers and men 
 behaving in the most gallant manner. My own horse was killed near 
 to the position the enemy had occupied on the hill. Continuing our 
 inarch, we reached Thoroughfare Gap August 2Sth. My brigade was 
 in front. I ordered Colonel Beck, with his regiment, (ninth Georgia.) 
 in advance, and to send forward two companies as skirmishers. Mov- 
 ing in this order, the brigade was halted, by order of General Long- 
 street, some half mile from the gap, and Colonel Beck ordered to pro- 
 ceed through fte gap on a reconnoissance. Proceeding cautiously, 
 he drove a mounted picket before him, killing three of them, and 
 cleared the pass, moving some quarter of a mile beyond, and held his 
 position until attacked and driven back by a whole brigade and a bat- 
 
316 
 
 tery. The brigade was ordered forward, and, moving rapidly to the 
 front, I found Colonel Beck falling back very slowly before the large 
 force of the enemy, and caused hira to form his regiment on the right 
 of the railroad, and formed the other regiments on the left as fast as 
 they came up, in the- following order: The first Georgia regulars, 
 Major Walker commanding ; eighth Georgia, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Towers ; seventh Georgia, Colonel Wilson, and eleventh Georgia, 
 Lieut. Colonel Luffraan. Having thus formed my line and advanced 
 my skirmishers to the front, I ordered the line to advance, which 
 was done in the most gallant manner, the men climbing the rough 
 mountain sides on their hands and knees, to reach the enemy occu- 
 pying the crest of the hill, and delivering a murderous fire in their 
 faces as they made the perilous ascent. From the nature of the 
 ground, and the impenetrable thickets of laurel and brush, none of 
 the regiments except the first Georgia, obtained a favorable position ; 
 but the regulars succeeded in getting a good position, and inflicted a 
 very severe chastisement on the superior force of the enemy. Cap- 
 tain Patten brought down five with his pistol, killing three of them. 
 The regulars, in this affair, officers and men, behaved with distin- 
 guished gallantry, as they have on every occasion in which they have 
 met the enemy, and I only regret that our army is not composed of 
 just such men. 
 
 On the 29th of August, w0 bivouacked in the vicinity of the Ma- 
 nassas battle-ground, but were not engaged during that day. 
 
 On the 3()th, I was ordered to advance in line of battle, near the Chinn 
 house, and moving in this direction. Lieutenant C. C. Ilardwick, A. 
 A. A. General, a noble and gallant officer, was severely wounded in the 
 thigh, and compelled to leave the field. In a few moments my horse 
 was shot under me, leaving me on foot and without an aid. Arriving 
 in front of the Chinn house and perpendicular to it, I found that I 
 must change my front, which I did, making the left the pivot, and then 
 continued my advance, by order of Brigadier General Jones, com- 
 manding division. I soon marched to the position to which I was or- 
 dered, to the right of Colonel Benning, commanding Toombs' brig- 
 ade. The men were now in front of the enemy and under a heavy 
 fire of artillery ; but with all the coolness of veterans they went to 
 work, and soon drove the biigade in front of them, from the field. A 
 fresh brigade was soon brought up, and the fight resumed with all its 
 intensity; but the men and officers stood to their posts under the most 
 murderous fire I ever witnessed, with the resolve to fall rather than 
 yield. My right flank being exposed, the enemy succeeded so far in 
 turning it, as to enfilade that portion of my line, when I drew back my 
 right, so that I could keep my front to the enemy. Fresh troops com- 
 ing up, soon after the enemy were again and finally driven from the 
 field, when, with the remnant of my brigade, I moved back a short 
 distance to the rear to rest the men, and finally bivouacked for the 
 night in front of Chinn's. For the desperation of theiights and the 
 fierce tenacity with which my men held the ground, let the list of 
 casualties testify, I can bear testimony to the good conduct and gal- 
 lantry of the whole brigade, without exception. Seven out of eight 
 
Bit 
 
 of the field officers, and over fifty company officers being killed an«l 
 wounded. Among the mortally wounded wag Colonel W. T. Wilson, 
 seventh Georgia, who so gallantly led the charge at dam No. 1, near 
 Yorktown, the ICth of April last. Always at the post of duty and 
 danger, he fell with his face to the foe, gallantly cheering his men to 
 the onset. liieuttnant Hardwick, A. A. A. General, had only joined 
 the command the day before, from sick leave, and was wounded before 
 the command was engaged. 
 
 In the engagement at Turner's Gap, near Boonsboro', Maryland, 
 my brigade, in conjunction with- General Drayton's, was ordered for- 
 ward to report to Major General D. H. Hill. I, found General Hill 
 at the Mountain Huuse, and he conducted us, in person, to the right 
 of our line, and, after giving the necessary orders, left for other parts 
 of the field. Brigadier General Ripley, the next senior officer, was 
 then left in command of the four brigades, viz: Brigadier General 
 G. B. Anderson's, his own, my brigade, and General Dra}' ton's, in 
 line from right to left, as enumerated. Before Drayton had formed 
 his line, General Ripley, ordered the whole Ijne to move by the right 
 flank, and about this time, the enemy opened a heavy fire on Drayton. 
 I had, by moving to the right, under General Ripley's order, become 
 separated at least three hundred yards from General Drayton's right, 
 when General R. came by and ordered me to move by the left flank 
 into the wood, which I did, my skirmishers, (the right wing of the 
 Georgia regulars. Captain Wayne commanding,) not having the com- 
 mand to change direction, had continued moving by the flank and un- 
 covered my front. Having moved some distance over the mountain's- 
 slde, I halted and sent forward to find Captain Wayne, but could not, 
 for the reasons above given, and finding that the fire of the enemy 
 was more to ray left than front, T changed front, forward on the left, 
 and had the left wing of the Georgia regulars, under direction of 
 Colonel Mngill, deployed as skirmishers, and as I was in the act of 
 advancing to find the enemy. Lieutenant Shellman, a<ljataiit eighth 
 Georgia regiment, reported the enemy as having turned Drayton's 
 right flank, and, being on our left and rear, a few of them were taken 
 prisoners and several of Drayton's men, who had been captured, re- 
 leased. 
 
 To prevent the enemy from cutting ofl" my small brigade, being at 
 the time alone, (General Ripley's brigade, on my right, being several 
 hundred yards away, as I found by sending Captaii\ Montgomery, 
 first Georgia regulars, to report for orders, who reported him at least 
 one-fourth of a mile from my right, after a long search,) I ordered 
 my brigade to move by the left flank and recross the road in our 
 original rear, and there reformed my line of battle and was advancing 
 to find the right of Drayton's brigade, when Captain Twiggs and 
 Lieutenant Lamar, first Georgia regulars, in charge of skirmishers, 
 called my attention to the fact that the enemy were crossing the road 
 in considerable force on my left flank. Seeing this myself, and to 
 prevent my left from being turned,. 1 moved by the left, diagonally to 
 the rear, to intercept them, and at this time found General Hood's 
 two brigades coming up to support that part of the line. He engaged 
 
318 
 
 the enemy and drove him back. Not knowing where to find General 
 Kipley or General Drayton, I reported to General Hood for instruc- 
 tions, and was requested by him to hold my position, to protect his 
 left flank, and remained there until drawn off the field after night. 
 In consequence of being separated from Drayton's right, by the order 
 of General Ripley, and having^to recross the road to avoid being sur- 
 rounded, my men were not engaged in the fight, except the first line 
 of skirmishers, under Captain Wayne. For casualties see accompa- 
 nying lists. Falling back from this place, I was ordered to report to 
 Brigadier General Hood, commanding the rear guard, and remained 
 with him until our ^rival at Sharpsburg. I was ordered into position 
 in rear of the Washington artillery, and remained there, except about 
 three hours, being moved to the opposite side of the road for that 
 length of time, until the morning of the 17th. About half-past seven 
 o'clock, A. M., on the 17th, I was ordered to the left to support Gen- 
 eral Hood, without a guide or direction how to find him. I moved off 
 und directed my course by the sound of the musketry, and succeeded 
 in finding General Hood who pointed out the position he wished me 
 to occupy. I remained in this position but a few moments; other 
 troops he moved in front of me, and I moved by the left flank, some 
 two hundred yards, and engaged the enemy, and drove them for about 
 half a mile, my men and officers behaving in the most gallant man- 
 ner. By this time the enemy had disappeared from before us, and, 
 while I was at a different part of the line, some mounted officer, un- 
 known, reported the enemy turning our right flank and ordered the 
 men to fall back, and some confusion was created, but I soon reformed 
 the line and moved to the right, near the first position I had held. 
 F-rom this point I was ordered to the Hagerstown road hy a staff offi- 
 cer of General Longstreet, and moved to that place, taking position 
 behind the stone fence, a large number of the enemy being in front 
 of us in a corn-field. In a short time the enemy opened an enfilade 
 tire on my position with long-range artillery, and I was forced to 
 change, moving down the road tawards Sharpsburg, ujider the crest 
 of the hill. At this point I founnd a six-pounder gun, and, getting 
 ft few men to assist in placing ic in position, a lieutenant of infantry, 
 whose name or regiment I do not know, served it most beautifully, 
 until the ammunition was exhausted. Parts of several brigades by 
 this time had been collected at this point, and, by direction of General 
 D. H. Hill, wg-e formed in line peipendicularly to and on the ri^ht 
 of the road, near the position occupied by IJodes' brigade early in 
 the morning. This was about two or three o'clock, P. M. Placing 
 me in command, General Hill ordered me to occupy the crest of the 
 hill to my right and rear. I moved to the position and sent forward 
 skirmishers, but failed to find the enemy. The enemy opening a 
 cross fire of artillery from the left on us, 1 moved back to the other 
 position, which was approved by General Hill, who, riding forward 
 to the crest of the hill in our front, called my attention to a line of 
 the enemy advancing, apparently, to attack us. Suffering them to 
 come near us, I ordered my command to charge them, which they did 
 in splendid style and good order, killing and wouading many of the 
 
819 
 
 <»nemy, taking several prisoners, and routing the remainder. Wo 
 could not pursue them as far as I wished, because of the severe fire 
 of artillery directed against us from long-range guns, which we could 
 not reach. In this charge parts of Wilcox's, Featherston's and 
 l*ryor's brigades participated with mine, and, I am proud to say all, 
 officers and men, behaved admirably. 
 
 The eleventh Georgia regiment, Major Little commanding, had 
 been detached at Hagerstown, on the 1 4th, by order of Brigadier 
 General D. R. Jones, commanding division, and did not join me until 
 the 18th. Major Little, with five companies, reached Sharpsburg on 
 the morning of the 17th, and participated in the fight on our right, 
 under command of Brigadier General Toombs. General D. R. 
 Jones speaks in high terms of their good conduct, I forward Major 
 Little's report, leaving it to the officers under whose command he 
 fought to do him and his men justice. 
 
 The battery attached to my brii»ade, the Wise artillery, Captain J. 
 S. Brown commanding, was not with me, nor have I received any re- 
 port from it. Captain Brown was severely wounded by a musket ball 
 passing entirely through 4iis foot. 
 
 1 can but say that, in each of these engagements, all the officers 
 and men of the brigade, with a few exceptions, have behaved in the 
 most gallant manner, nearly the whole of each action being con- 
 ducted under my own eye. I know of no particular case of indi- 
 vidual bravery, and can make no discrimination where* all have done 
 so well, it appearing to be the determination of every one to do hia 
 whole duty, aa the list of casualties accompanying this report will 
 testify, showing a los^ of eight hundred and ninety-four killed, 
 wounded and missing, out of about two thousand two hundred, with 
 which I reached Gordonsville. 
 
 1 must express ray many obligations to Lieutenant H. L. D. 
 McDaniel, eleventh Georgia regiment, acting assistant adjutant gen- 
 eral during the Fickness of Lieutenant Hardwick, for his universal 
 good conduct and gallantry. IIo was relieved by Lieutenant Hard- 
 wick on the 28th of August, Lieutenant McDaniel having been 
 appointed assistant quartermaster to his regiment. 
 
 Lieutenant Hardwirk being wounded on the 3l)th August, at Chinn's 
 bouse, Lieutenant BLickwell, eighth Georgia regiment, has filled the 
 position of acting assistant adjutant general very much to my satis- 
 faction, and I have found him at all times prompt and faithful in the 
 discharge of his duties. 
 
 I am also under many obligations to Captain Thomas G. Jackson, 
 volunteer aid and acting ordnance officer of the brigade, for his good 
 conduct and ability in the discharge of his duties ; and also to Cap- 
 tain Frederick West, volunteer aid, who has been with me since 
 the affair at Thorougufare Gap, and has nobly and faithfully dono 
 hia duty. 
 
 Many thanks are due to Captain Holliday, assistant quartermaster 
 of the seventh Georgia regiment, for invaluable services, ren- 
 dered on the banks of the Bappahannock, in the capacity of 
 Tolaoteer aid. 
 
320 
 
 I must also express my obligations to Lieutenant Tennible, ninth 
 Georgia regiment, who aided me, and bore himself gallantly under 
 the murderous fire at Manassas, after Lieutenant Hardwick, acting 
 assistant adjutant general, was wounded. 
 
 I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 GEORGE T. ANDERSON, 
 Colonel Eliventk Georgia Volunteers, commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL TOOMBS. 
 
 Washington, Georgia, October 25, 1862. 
 
 Brigadier General D. R. Jones : 
 
 General : The day that the army, commanded by General Lee, left 
 Leesburg and marched towards Maryland, you notified me that I was 
 assigned to the command of a division composed of my own brigade, 
 General Drayton's and Colonel G. T. Anderson's brigades. Whea 
 Mil jor General Longstreet's command arrived within four or five milea 
 of Hagerstown, I was ordered to send forward one of my brigades to 
 that point, take possession of Hagerstown and to hold it until further 
 orders. I asked permission to accompany this brigade, which wa9 
 granted by Major General Longstreet. I took with me, for the exe- 
 cution of this order, my own brigade, then under the command^! 
 Colonel Benning, of the seventeenth Georgia volunteers, leaving 
 Brigadier General Drayton's and Colonel Anderson's brigades with 
 the main body of the army. 
 
 On Saturday night, the 13th September, while in command si 
 Hagerstown, 1 received orders to hold my command in readiness to 
 march at daylight next morning. I received no further orders until 
 about ten o'clock, on Sunday night, the 14th September; I then re- 
 ceived orders to march immediately to Sharpsburg, which I did, audi 
 reached there before daylight Monday morning. On that day, I re-> 
 ceived orders from you to detail two regiments from ray own brigade, 
 the only one then with me, and to order them to Williamsport, for thd 
 protection of the waggon train, which left me with but two regiments 
 only, and one of those (the second Georgia) was very small, having 
 less than one hundred and twenty muskets present for duty. With 
 these two regiments I was ordered by you to occupy the most eligible 
 position I could find on the Antietam river, near the bridge on the 
 road to Harper's Ferry, in order to prevent the enemy from crossing 
 the river. From this position I was ordered to fall back when it should 
 become necessary, by my right flank, and to hold a hill about four 
 hundred yards belcw the bridge and immediately on the river, as long 
 as it might be practicable, and then to fall back and take position om 
 your right in line of battle, with four other brigades of your com- 
 mand, about six or eight hundred yards in rear of the bridge. With 
 these orders, I took possession of the ground indicated in your orders, 
 on Monday, the 15th of September, with the twentieth Georgia vol- 
 unteers, commanded by Colonel John B. Cumming, and the second 
 Georgia volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, 
 (about four hundred muskets strong,) and both under the immediate 
 command of Colonel Henry L. Benning, commanding the brigade — at 
 this time no notice having been given me of what disposition was in- 
 tended to be made of the rest of the division, which had been assigned , 
 to me. I subsequently underatood from you that Anderson's brigade 
 21 
 
322 
 
 bad been attached to Brigadier General Hood's command, and Briga- 
 dier General Drayton's brigade was retained by you in your line of 
 battle on the heights in niy rear, except one regiment ( the fiftieth 
 Georgia volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Kearse,) hereafter referred to. 
 The Autietam river rune comparatively straight from a point about 
 one hundred paces above the bridge to a point about three hundred 
 paces below the bridge, and then curves suddenly around a hill to a 
 fcrd on a neighborhood road, about six hundred yards to my right and 
 rear. The road from Sharpsburg to Harper's Ferry from the foot of 
 the bridge over the Antiotam turns suddenly down the river and runs 
 nearly upon its margin for about three hundred paces, then leaves the 
 river nearly at right angles. Upon examining the positiDn, I found 
 a narrow wood upon the margin of the river, just above the bridge, 
 (an important and comroanding position,) occupied by a company of 
 Texans, from Brigadier General Hood's command. I then ordered the 
 tTrentieth to take position, with its left near the foot of the bridge on 
 the Sharpsburg side, extending down the river near its margin, and 
 the second Georgia, on its right, prolonging the line down to the point 
 lylllire the road on the other side from the mountain approached the 
 river. This required a more open order than was de-sirable on account 
 of the smallness of the regiments, both together numbering but a little 
 over four hundred muskets. 
 
 On Tuesday, you placed under my command the fiftieth Georgia^ 
 (Lieutenant Colonel Kearse,) numbering, I should suppose, scarcely . 
 one hundred muskets. 1 ordered this regiment on the right of the 
 Becond Georgia, extending it in open order, so as to guard a blind plan- 
 tation road leading to a ford between the lower ford before referred to 
 »nd the right of the second Georgia volunteers. 
 
 On Tuesday evening I received notice of the withdrawal of the 
 company belonging to Brigadier General Hood's brigade from the 
 rcsition on Colonel Cummings' left, above the bridge, and was com- 
 pelled to detail a company from the twentieth to take its place. 
 
 On Wednesday morning I ordered a company from General Jenkins' 
 brigade, whom you had placed under my command, to relieve this 
 company from the twentieth, and occupy its position, that it might 
 resume its position below the bridge. This order was not obeyed, 
 sad subsequently I placed the captain and one half of this company 
 bstween the second Georgia and fiftieth Georgia, and the other half 
 isnder a lieutenant near the lower ford, to prevent or retard the passage 
 of the enemy at this point. This command held its position with 
 fidelity and firmness until withdraAvn by my order. This position was 
 iaaportant and had been guarded by a cavalry regiment with an in- 
 fantry brigade in its rear, up to Tuesday evening, when both were 
 removed to another position on the field of battle and left the crossing 
 unprotected except by the small force I was thus enabled to place 
 tliere. Finding that the battery belonging to my brigade (Captain 
 Eichardson) was placed too far in my rear to render me efficient ser- 
 vice in defending the passage at the bridge, I applied to General 
 Longatreet for another battery. He ordered Captain Eubank's to re- 
 )p^rt to me, who was placed ia my rear about half way between the 
 
323 
 
 river and Captain Richardson's battery, and rendered cflBci.ent service 
 a.3 long as he remained in th;it position. 
 
 The enemy opened on my position with his artillery, on Tuesday 
 evening, and continued it until dark. The damage was but slight. 
 My own skirmishers and the company from General Hood's brigade 
 crossed the river, and were actively engaged with the enemy's skirm- 
 ishers the most of this day. 
 
 On Tuesday night the enemy advanced his artillery and infantry 
 much nearer my position, and on Wednesday morning threw forward 
 hid skirmishers and light infantry, in greatly increased numbers, and 
 bef)re eight o'clock, drove in my pickets and advanced with heavy 
 columns to the attack,of my position on the bridge. This position 
 was not strong, the ground descended gently to the margin of the 
 river covered with a narrow strip of woods, affording slight protection 
 to the troops ; its chief strength lay in the fact that, from the nature 
 of the ground on the other side, the enemy were compelled to approach 
 mainly by the road which led up the river for near three hundred 
 paces, parallel with my line of battle, and di.stant therefrom from-fifty 
 to one hundred and fifty feet, thus exposing his iiank to a destructive 
 tire the most of that distance. At between nine and ten o'clock tho 
 enemy made his first attempt to carry the bridge by a rapid assault^ 
 and was repulsed with great slaughter, and, at irregular iatervah, up 
 to about one o'clock, made four other attempts of the sair,e kind, all 
 of which were gallantly met and successfully repulsed by the twentieth 
 and second Georgia. 
 
 The fiftieth Georgia and the half company from General Jenkins- 
 brigade, before referred to, were on the right of the second'Georgia^ 
 lather below the main point of attack, and rendered little or no ser- 
 vice in this fierce and bloody struggle. After these repeated and 
 disastrous repulsce, the enemy.despair.irgof wresting the bridge from. 
 the grasp of its heroic defenders, and .thus forcing his passage across 
 the river at this point, turned his attention to the fords before referred 
 to, and commenced moving fresh troops in that direction by his left 
 flank. The old road, by the upper (jf the two fords referred to, led 
 over a hill on my right and^in my rear, which completely commanded 
 ray position, and all iogress and egress to and from it, below the 
 bridge. My communications with the rear, above the bridge, were 
 beset with other, but scarcely less difficulties. This approach could 
 have been very successfully defended by a comparatively small force, 
 and it was for this purpose ttiat I so often and urgently asked the aid 
 of a regiment on the day of the battle, not having another man availa- 
 ble for that purpose. Wot being able to get any reinforcements for 
 the defense of these two fords, and seeing that the enemy was moving 
 upon thetn to cross, thus enabling him to attack my small force ia 
 front, right flank and rear, and m^' two regiments having been con- 
 stantly engaged, from early iu the morning up to one o'clock, with & 
 vastly superior force of the enemy, aided by three heavy batteries^ 
 the commaading oificer, Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, ot the second,, 
 having been killed in the action, and the only remaining field o i cefp 
 Major Harris, being painfully wounded, and fully one half of thiv 
 
S24 
 
 regiment being killed or wounded, and the twentieth having also suf- 
 fered severely in killed and wounded, and the ammunition of both 
 regiments being nearly exhausted, and Eubank's battery having been 
 withdrawn to the rear nearly two hours before, I deemed it my duty, 
 in pursuance of your original order, to withdraw my command and 
 place it in the position designated by you, opposite the two lower 
 fords, somt! half mile to the right and front of your line of battle. 
 In pursuance of this order, Colonel Benning, who had commanded the 
 remnant of the brigade during the action with distinguished gallantry 
 and skill, withdrew these gallant regiments to their new position, ready 
 again to confront and battle with the enemy. The fiftieth Georgia and 
 the company from General Jenkins' brigade were at the same time 
 ordered to the same position, and were led back by their respective officers. 
 This change of position was made to my entire satisfaction, and with 
 but small loss in the face of greatly superior numbers. Before these 
 troops had reached their new position, the fifteenth Georgia volunteers, 
 under the command of Colonel Milligan, the seventeenth, under the 
 command of Captain McGregor, of my brigade. Major Little, with 
 five companies of the eleventh Georgia, (Colonel Anderson's brigade,) 
 all of whom had leen detached several days before to guard ammuni- 
 tion and other trains, arrived on the field, and were also placed in the 
 new position before designated. The twentieth and second were then 
 ordered to the ammunition train to replenish their cartridge-boxes. 
 Though the bridge and upper ford were thus left open to the enemy, 
 he moved with such extreme caution and slowness that he lc»8t nearly 
 two hours in crossing and getting into action on our side of the river; 
 about which time General A. P. Hill's division arrived from Harper's 
 Ferry. I then received your order that as soon as General Gregg, 
 (of General A. P. Hill's division,) arrived and relieved me, to move 
 my command and take position immediately on your right on th"& 
 heights then occupied by the rest of your command. Before I was 
 relieved by General Gregg, I received from you another order to 
 move up my command immediately to meet the enemy, who had 
 already commenced his attack upon your position. I immediately 
 put my command in motion, then consisting of the fifteenth and sev- 
 enteenth Georgia, (lessened by one company from each sent out as 
 Bkirmishers,) Major Little's battalion of the eleventh, a small number 
 of Kearse's regiment, and on the way I found Colonel Cumming and 
 a part of the twentieth, who had returned from supplying themselves 
 with ammunition, and joined me, and hastened, with all speed, to your 
 position. On my arrival, I found the enemy in possession of the 
 ground I was ordered by you to occupy on your right. He had 
 driven off our troops, captured Mcintosh's battery (attached to Gen- 
 eral Drayton's brigade) and held possession of all the ground from 
 the corn-field on your right, down to the Antietam bridge road, in- 
 cluding the eastern suburbs of the town of Sharpsburg. All the 
 troops defending it having been driven back, and retired to the rear or 
 through the town. Under this state of facts, I had instantly to deter- 
 mine either to retreat or fight. A retreat would have left the town of 
 Sharpsburg and General Longstreet'a rear open to the enemy, and 
 
• 325 ' 
 
 •was inadmissible. I, therefore, with less than one fifth of the enemy's 
 numbers, determined to give him battle, and immediately and rapidly 
 formed my line of battle in the road, within one hundred paces of the 
 enemy's lines. While forming in the road, Captain Troupe, my aid, 
 on my extreme left, rallied a portion of General Kemper's brigade 
 ■who were retiring from the field, attached it to my line of battle, and 
 led them into action with conspicuous gallantry and skill. 
 
 As soon as possible, I opened fire upon the enemy's columns, who 
 immediately advanced in good order upon me, until he approached 
 within sixty or eighty paces, when the effectiveness of the fire threw 
 his columns in cousiderable disorder, upon perceiving which I im- 
 mediately ordered a charge, which being brilliantly and energetically 
 executed by ray whole line, the enemy broke in confusion and fled. 
 Mcintosh's battery was recaptured, and our position retaken, within 
 less than thirty minutes after the commencement of this attack upon 
 him. The enemy fled in confusion towards the river and bridge, 
 making two or three efforts to rally, which were soon defeated by the 
 vigorous chargesof our troops, aided by Captain Richardson's battery, 
 which I ordered up immediately upon the recovery of the heights, and 
 which, with its accustomed promptness and courage, was rapidly 
 placed in position and action. The enemy, to cover his retreating 
 columns, brought over the bridge a battery, and placed it in position. 
 I ordered Richardson's battery to open upon it, and at the same time 
 ordered the fifteenth and twentieth Georgia forward, who pursued the 
 enemy bo close to his guns as to bring them within range of musketry, 
 which compelled his battery, after a few shots, to join his flying 
 infantry, and retreat across the bridge. I desired to pursue the 
 enemy across the river, but being deficient in artillery to meet his 
 heavy batteries on the other side, I sent my aid, Captain Troup, to 
 General Lee, for the purpose of supplying myself, who ordered Cap- 
 tain Squiers to report to me immediately, which he was unable to do, 
 (from not receiving the order in time,) until nearly night, when it 
 was too late to risk the movement. Therefore, I ordered him to hold 
 himself in readiness for the movement in the morning, if the action 
 should be renewed. I then determined to move my troops upon and 
 occupy the position held by me on the river at the beginning of the 
 action ; but before the execution of this purpose, I received your order 
 to change my position, and to occupy the heights on the opposite side 
 of the road leading to the bridge from Sharpsburg, on the left of your 
 command, whirh order Avas immediately executed, and the troops 
 bivoumked for the night, 
 
 I am happy to report that our loss in this last attack was unex- 
 pectedly small. Such was the heroic vigor and rapidity of the assault 
 upon the enemy he was panic stricken, and his fire was will and 
 comparatively harmless. Having been compelled to leave ray com- 
 mand before official returns could bo brought in, I am unable to state 
 it accurately. Colonel Benning has doubtless, before this time, 
 furnished you with them. Among the casualties of the day I had ta 
 deplore tlie loss of two commanders of regiments. Colonel Milligan, 
 of the fifteenth Georgia, who greatly distinguished himself both at 
 
' 326- 
 
 Manassas and in this action for personal gallantry and efficiency as a 
 soldier and field officer, fell while gallantly leading his regiment in 
 the final charge, (and nearly its close,) which swept the enemy from 
 this part of the field of battle. Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, who com- 
 manded the second Georgia volunteers, fell near the close of his 
 heroic defence of the pasisage of the Antietam ; and it is due to him 
 to say that, in my judgment, he has not left in the armies of the Re- 
 public a truer or braver soldier, and I have never known a cooler, 
 more efficient, or more skillful field officer. The conduct of the 
 officers and men generally, under my command in the battle of 
 Sharpsburg, was so strongly marked with the noble virtues of the 
 patriot soldier, that a narration of this day's deeds performed by them, 
 however simple and unadorned, if truthful, would seem like the*lau- 
 guage of extravagant and unmerited eulogy. The reports of the 
 regimental commanders will bring to your attention the meritorious 
 conduct of officers and men, which it might not have been my good for- 
 tune to witness ; and as I have not the benefit of their reports before me, 
 I shall have to content myself with bringing to your attention the most 
 conspicuous cases of individual merit which fell under my personal 
 observation. Every opportunity for conspicuous gallantry and valua- 
 ble services which presented itself seemed to be eagerly embraced by 
 those whose good fortune it was to fall in with it. Cok^nel Bcnning 
 stood by his brigade on the Antietam, guiding, directing and anima- 
 ting his officers and men, with distinguished coolness, courage and 
 skill; withdrew them from that perilous condition ; again led them, 
 "with equal skill and courage, in the final conflict with the enemy. 
 He deserves the special consideration of the Government. Colonel 
 Cumming, with marked gallantr}"- and skill, led his regiment through- 
 out the day, and after the long and bloody conflict at the bridge, 
 brought up one of its fra-gments to the last charge, and was among 
 the foremost in it. Major Harris, of the second, after the fall of 
 Colonel Holmes, though sufi'ering from a painful wound, stood firmly 
 and gallantly by his cummand during the whole day. Colonel Ben- 
 ning being in • command of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel 
 Hodges and Major Pickett both being absent from severe wounds 
 ♦received by them in former battles, Captain McGregor led the seven- 
 teenth regiment with ability, courage and skill. Major Little led his 
 battalion cf the eleventh Georgia with a dashing courage and success 
 "which won the admiration of his comrades. The offif^ers and men of 
 his battalion deserve especial mention for their gallantry and good 
 conduct. Captain Richardeon and his officers and men, of the com- 
 pany of the Washington Artillery attached to my own brigade, wera 
 •conspicuous throughout the day for courage and good conduct. 
 Captain Richardson clung to the infantry amid every danger, and, 
 'being nobly seconded on every occasion by his officers and men, 
 largely contributed to every success. During the whole connectiom 
 of ih]A battery with my command, its officers and men have so con- 
 ducted themselves everywhere — on the march, in the camp and on tho 
 battle-field — as to meet and receive my special approbation. The 
 duties of my staff, from the nature and extent of the operations of my 
 
327 
 
 command, and its distance from the main body, were peculiarly ardo-^ 
 €us and dangerous; and I am much indebted to them for their extra- 
 ordinary efforts on that occasion. Every difficulty was met by 
 increased energy and exertion, and every increased danger with a 
 higher courage and devotion to duty. During the combat on the 
 river, they were all constantly engaged in arduous and dangerous 
 duties. In the final conflict, Captain Troup was on the left of my 
 line, Captain DuBose on my right. Cadet Lamar accompanied me 
 personally, and Captain Hill, of the first Georgia regulars, (assigned 
 to me for special duty.) and Lieutenant Grant, were actively executing 
 my orders in carr^-ing orders and bringing up troops. It happened 
 to my aid, Captain J, il. Troup, on three occasions during the day, 
 while in the performance of his ordinary duties, to pass troops which 
 had broken and left their positions, on all of which occasions he ral- 
 lied them with great skill and energy, succeeded on one occasion in 
 leading them back into position, and on another inspired them with 
 his own courage and enthusiasm, and lec^ them successfully in the 
 charge on the enemy's columns. Captain Troup's conduct through- 
 out the day was conspicuous for ability and courage, and is entitled 
 to marked and special approbation. Tb'3 conduct of one of my 
 couriers, Mr. Thomas Paschal, of Cobb's legion, deserves special 
 mention for his courage and fidelity to dufy, under circumstances ct* 
 peculiar difficulties and danger. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 
 
 R. TOOMBS. 
 
KEPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL GARNETT OF BAT- 
 TLE OF BOONSBORO'. 
 
 Camp near Culpeper Court-House, 
 November 6th, 1862. 
 
 Major A. Coward, 
 
 A. A. G. to Brigadier General D. R. Jones : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of tho 
 •part taken by Pickett's brigade, of General D. R. Jones' division, which 
 I commanded, in the battle of Boonsboro : 
 
 This command, consisting of the eighth, eighteenth, nineteenth, 
 twenty-eighth and fifty-sixth regiments of Virginia volunteers, com- 
 nanned respectively by Colonel Ilunton, Major Cabell, Col. Strange, 
 Captain Wingfield and Colonel Stuart, left the neighborhood of Ha- 
 gerstown, Maryland, on the morning of the 1 4th September last, and 
 reached, Boonsboro', on the Hagerstown and Frederick turnpike, in 
 the afternoon, after a hot, dusty and fatiguing march of some eighteen 
 Eniles. 
 
 A short distance beyond the village, Kemper's, Pickett's and Jen- 
 kins' brigades (the latter commanded by Colonel^ Walker,) in the or- 
 der named, were moved in a southerly direction, on a road running 
 perpendicular to the pike. Having proceeded over a mile, these 
 troops were directed on another route, parallel to the turnpike leading 
 towards a gap in the South Mountain, further south than that through 
 which the Hagerstown and Frederick road run. After marching 
 Kcarly half a mile, Kemper filed to tho left and again moved in the 
 direction of the pike. At this time I received an order, by Major 
 Mayo, of General Jones' staff, to bring my troops to an about-face, 
 and to return the way I came, until I reached a path which I must 
 take. He was unable to give mo any information respecting the path 
 in question, but said he would go forward and try to obtain some. I 
 did not, however, see him again. I followed Jenkins' brigade, which 
 was now in front, some distance, but hearing musketry open on the 
 csountain, I took what I supposed to be a near cut in the direction 
 where I presumed I was wanted. This took me over rough and 
 ploughed ground up the mountain side ; I at length found an old and 
 broken road along which General Kemper must have moved. Here 
 E met Captain Hugh Rose, of General Jones' staif, who had orders 
 for me to return to the turnpike. When I got back to this road, my 
 troops were almost exhausted ; I consequently lost the services of a 
 Dumber of men by straggling. After a short rest I proceeded up the 
 mountain, and having gained the summit on the main road, I was sent 
 * by a narrow lane, bearing to the left, to a higher position. A portion 
 of this route was commanded by several pieces of the enemy's artil- 
 lery, which opened upon my column, marching by the flank, as soon 
 as it came in sight, which they were enabled to do with considerable 
 accuracy, as they had previously been practising on other troops 
 which had preceded mine. Several casualties occurred from this 
 
329 
 
 cause whilst I was approaching and forming my line of battl<», which 
 I did by filing my command to the right through an open field. My 
 right rested in a thick woods, which descended quite abruptly in front, 
 and my left in a field of standing corn. As soon as my troops were 
 formed, I sent forward a line of skirmishers to ascertain the position- 
 of the enemy. When these dispositions had been completed, which 
 W3S only a short time before sunset, I received an order from Gene- 
 ral Jones to detach my left regiment to Kemper's right, (he being on 
 my left,) and to withdraw the rest of the brigade to a wooded ridge a 
 little to the left and rear. The first part of this order had scarcely 
 been executed, when the Federal skirmishers made their appearance, 
 immediately followed by their main body, so that the action at onco 
 became general. The brigade sustained, for some time, a fierce at- 
 tack of, doubtless, many times their numbers. It has been i?ubse- 
 quently ascertained that General McClcllan's army, consisting of at 
 least eighty thousand men, assailed ouh position, only defended by 
 General D. H. Hill's division, and a part of General Longstreet's 
 corps. The left was the first to fiall back,. and finally the right was 
 forced to retreat, being without support. Many renewed the contest 
 •ji little further to the rear, and stoutly disputed the approach of the 
 enemy ; but it had now become so dark it was impossible to distin- 
 guish objectii, except at a short distance'. About this time, two regi- 
 ments of Jenkins' brigade came up, and the probable position of tho 
 enemy being pointed out, they advanced to the attack with great gal- 
 bntry. Just as these troops moved forward, I Avas ordered to bring 
 oft" my brigade, which I did. It is due to the brigade to say, that it 
 went into the battle of Boonsboro' under many serious disadvantages. 
 It had marched (a portion of the time rapidly) between twenty-two 
 3iud twenty-three miles, before it went into action ; much oppressed 
 by heat and dust, reached its position a short time before sunset, un- 
 der a disheartening fire of artillery, and was attacked by a much su- 
 perior force as soon as it was formed in line of battle. That it bravely 
 discharged its duty, is fully attested by the number of casualties 
 which occurred during the engagement. I had been placed in com- 
 mand of the brigade only a few days before the battle of Boonsboro', 
 and therefore was personally acquainted with only a few of the ofii- 
 cers, save the regimental commanders, I cannot, therefore; mention 
 names, but can only say, I saw several ip connection with them, both 
 by word and example, encouraging and cheering on their men 
 in the hottest of the fight. For further information on this sub- 
 ject you are referred to the sub-reports herewith enclosed. 
 
 Colonel Stuart, as I formerly mentioned, was detached, with his 
 regiment, (the fifty-sixth Virginia,) before the action commenced ; 
 his accompanying official report will show the part taken by his com- 
 mand. Lieutenant Mclntyre, eighth Virginia volunteers, A. A. A. 
 G. ; Lieutenant Elliott Johnston and Lieutenant A. C. Sorrell, first 
 Georgia regulars, acting A. D. C, composed my staff. It ia with 
 much pleasure that I acknowledge the zeal, intelligence and bravery 
 with which they discharged their duties pending the battle. 
 
 We have to mouru, in this action, many of our companions as 
 
sso 
 
 killed an<l wounded, who go to swell the list of noble martyrs, v?ho 
 have suffered in our just cause. It was my lot to be acquainted ■with 
 but one of the officers who fell on this occasion, Colonel John Y*. 
 Strange, nineteenth Virginia volunteers. His tried valor on other 
 .fields, n'.id heroic conduct in animating his men to advance upon the 
 enemy v. ith his latest breath, and after he had fallen, mortally wounded, 
 will secure imperishable honor for his name and memory. 
 
 I herewith furnish a list of the killed and wounded, and have the 
 honor to state that, the delay and imperfection of my report with re- 
 gard to details have been occasioned by my being relieved from the 
 commands of Pickett's brigade before the reports of regimental com- 
 manders could be made out, and, although I applied for them some weeks 
 since, 1 received eeyeral of them only yesterday. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 R. B. GARNETT, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL GARI^ETT OF BAT- 
 
 Camp near Cui.peper Court IIoUi^E, Va., ) 
 Noveniber 7, 1862. S 
 
 Major A. Coward, ^ , ^ t> t . 
 
 A. A. G. to Brigadier General D. R. Jones. 
 
 Major- I have the honor to forward the following report of the 
 battle of Sharpsburg as far as participated in by my command, lick - 
 
 ^"Earh^tn die forenoon of the 17th September, 1S62, these troop., 
 composed of the eighth, eighteenth, nineteenth tw^^ty-cighth anu 
 fifty-sixth Virginia volunteers, commanded by Colonel Hanton Major 
 Cabell, Lieutenant Wm. N. Wood, Captain Wingfield and Captain 
 McPhail, were ordered to the southeastern side of the village to sup- 
 port several batteries of the Washington artillery, coiumanding the 
 easterly and southerly approaches to the town. As far as practicable, 
 the command was sheltered in a hollow in the rear ot the artiiiery. 
 For some four or five hours it was subjected to an almost uninter- 
 rupted fire of solid shot, shell and spherical case, by which a number 
 of men were kitled and wounded, which casualties were borne by the 
 troops with remarkable firmness and steadiness. I was subsequently 
 ordered forward, on the brow of the hill, to dislodge the enemy s 
 skirmishers, who befran to annoy our artillery to the eastwaVd. Here 
 we were more exposed to the Federal artillery than in our former 
 position, and suffered considerably. At length, tor some cause 
 unknown to me, a large portion of the pieces were withdrawn and i 
 moved my command further back to a more secure place. saving 
 been here a short time, I was informed that a portion of Colonel 
 Stephen D. Lee's battalion had taken the place of the Washing on 
 artillery, and wished some skirmishers to protect his pieces trom tlie 
 sharpshooters of the enemy. 1 sent forward the fifty-sixth regiment, 
 under the command of Captain McPhail, for this purpose. I^ot Ion- 
 after I learned that the enemy had crossed the Antietam a stream 
 in our front, in very large force, and was moving tovvard the point 
 occupied by the artillery. 1 again moved forward my force and took 
 up a position in front of two pieces of Colonel Lee's battalion in a 
 corn-field, with space enough between the wings for them to be used 
 with effect. The fifty-sixth regiment, which was in front was recalled 
 and rejoined the left wing of the main body. Soon a large number 
 of the enemy's skirmishers were seen to our left, as it to tiank us , 
 there were none of our forces in sight in that direction. A brisk fare 
 from the left checked and finally caused them to retire, ^ow a large 
 force made its appearance, marching to the front having debouched 
 from the wooods on the banks of the Antietam, which had partially 
 concealed them, at the same time heavy bodies were observed moving 
 to attack our troops on the right, composed of Drayton a and a por- 
 
332 
 
 tion of Kemper's brigade ; I moved ray command some distance to the 
 front in the standing corn, (as many ot" my guns were short range,) 
 m order that they could produce more effect, and opened fire. At 
 this time I do not think my effective force could have exceeded two 
 hundred men, yet these, with two rilled pieces, most gallantly and 
 skillfully served, under the command of Captain Moody, and superin- 
 tended by Colonel Lee, checked and held at bay a force of the enemy 
 many times our number. When this unequal contest had lasted over 
 an hour, I discovered tliat the Federals had turned our extreme right, 
 which be^ran to give way; and a number of the Yankee fliigs appeared 
 on the hill in rear of the town and not far from .our only avenue of 
 escape. I ordered the brigade to fall back, deeming it in imminent 
 danger of being surrounded and captured, as it would have been im- 
 possible for it to have held its position without the support of the 
 troops on the right. There being some delay in withdrawing Moody's 
 section of artillery, I take pleasure in saying I saw Major Cabell halt 
 and face bis men about to await its removal, as mentioned in his offi- 
 cial report. The main street of the town was commanded by the 
 Federal artillery, my troops passed, therefore, for the most part, to 
 the north of the town, along ths cross streets. la this direction I 
 found troops scattered in squads from various parts of the army, so 
 that it was impossible to distinguish men of the different commands. 
 Having reached the rear of the town, and learning that General Toombs 
 ha?l reinforced our right just after it was driven back, and restored 
 the fortunes of the day in that quarter, I gathered as many men as I 
 could get to follow me from among the dispersed forces, (which did 
 not amount to a large number, as many said they were looking for 
 proper commands,) and, accompanied by Captain William Berkley, of 
 the eighth Virginia regiment, and Lieutenants Mclntire and Sorrel, 
 of my staff, I joined General Drayton's command south of the vil- 
 lage. I found, on my arrival, that the enemy had been successfully 
 repulsed, only a few skirmishers remaining in sight, which were being 
 driven back by our troops of the same description. 
 
 The conduct of the brigade during this most trying day, under 
 destructive fires from artillei'y and musketry, is deserving of the 
 highest commendation, officers and men generally acting with the 
 utmost bravery ond coolness. The names of those pariicularly men- 
 tioned by regimental commanders will be found in their reports, here- 
 with furnished. 
 
 My staff, Lieutenants Mclctyre, Johnston (who Avas wounded in 
 the foot, shortly after the infantry engagement commenced, and, in 
 consequence of which, he lost his leg) and Sorrel, are entitled to 
 my thanks for meritorious and gallant services during the day. 
 
 I feel it a duty, and grateful to my feelings, again to recur to the 
 part taken by Captain Moody's section of artillery. It is partly due 
 to the brave and energetic manner with which it was handled that 
 the infantry were enabled to hold their position, and it is, therefore, 
 entitled to a full share of the credit for whatever success attended our 
 efforts on that part of the field. Colonel Lee, at times during the 
 action, personally assisted at his pieces. His bravery and intrepidity 
 
333 
 
 at the battle of Sharpsburg should add fresh foime to the high reputa- 
 tion he has already won. 
 
 In this battle, as in former ones, we are called on to deplore the 
 loss of many brave spirits, who have sealed their devotion to the 
 Southern cause with their life's blood. 
 
 May their memories ever be enshrined in the hearts of their coun- 
 trymen ! 
 
 This report has been delayed for the reasons assigned in my report 
 of the battle of Boonsboro'. A list of killed, wounded, &c., is here- 
 with furnished as far as could be obtained. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ' 
 
 R. B. GARNETT, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL RIPLEY. 
 
 ITcAPQUARTrRS Ripley's Beigadf.. ) 
 Camp on Opquon Creilc, September 21, 1362. j 
 
 Miijor Arhcer Anoerson, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General: 
 
 Major : On the evening oi' September 13th, I received orders from 
 Major General I). II. Hill to march with my brigade and take a posi- 
 tion, with it arid a battery of artillery, on the eminence immediately 
 en the northeast of Boonsboro', and to send a regiment, at daylight 
 on the following morning, to occupy the il.'.mburg pass. This was 
 accomplished, and on the following morning, at an early hour, Colonel 
 Dole s, with the fourth Georgia regiment, was in position at the pass. 
 vVt abyut nine o'clock, I received orders to send forward my artillery, 
 nnd, soon after, to move with the whole force to the main pass east of 
 Hoonshoro'. Upon arriving, I was ordered to follow the rorid leading 
 to Braddock's G;ip and place myself in ccramunication with Brigadier 
 Ireneral Anderson, who had preceded roe in that direction. Upon 
 foming up and communicating with that officer, it was arranged that 
 he should extend along the Braddock road and make room lor the 
 troops of my command, and that an attack should be made upon the 
 i:'Tiemy, then occupying the heights to the south. While taking posi- 
 '.icn Generiil Hill arrived, and, with him. Brigadier General Dray- 
 u.n's command. General Hill directed General Anderson's an<l ray 
 command to extend still further on this road, making room for General 
 Drayton's tro< ps, and that the attack should be made as soon as all 
 were in position. j 
 
 Gent');il Anderson's and ray own brigade got into position on the 
 road, and General Drayton's command was rapidly forming, when the 
 uctiori commenced by the enemy attacking him in force. This ho aus- 
 'iiined for (^ome time, General Anderson's and my own brigades pusii- 
 ;ngforwa)d through dense thickets and up very steep acclivities to 
 outflank the enemy and come in to General Drayton's support The 
 ivatur:il difficulties of the ground and the condition of the troops pre- 
 vented these movements from being made with the rapidity v;hi/n v/as 
 tlesinible, ar.d the enemy forced his way to the Braddock road between 
 Geneial Drayton's force 'and my own, and sent a column of troops 
 down the road ar? if to cut oif the troops forming our riglit. ]n this 
 cbject he was thwarted by two pieces of artillery belonging to (.olonel 
 H-oeser's cavalry, which was speedily placed in position a shoit dis- 
 tance in our rt-ar, on the Braddock road* A few well directed shot 
 and shell drove the enemy up the hill, leaving the road in our pos- 
 session. Meantime, General Anderson had extended to the right and 
 came up with the enemy, with whom he had a short engagement. My 
 own brigade had pressed up to within a short distance of the crest of 
 the heights and held its position, under a noi^y but comparatively 
 harmless fire ; but, Anderson's brigade having extended far to the 
 
535 
 
 right, it was, for the time, unsupported by any other troop?. Soon 
 after, Brigadier General Hood's command came from the main pns3 and, 
 forming upon my left, the troops pressed up the road, driving the ene- 
 my before them, until they occupied their first position, and darkness 
 put an end to the operations. I found, soon afterwards, that General 
 Andersoh's command had been withdrawn, at night-fall, from the 
 heights to the Braddock road. Orders were received from Major Gene- 
 ral Longstrcet to renew the attack as early as practicable, and arrange- 
 ments were in progress when further orders were received to move back 
 to the main road and follow the army. The movement was made with- 
 out confusion, and, upon coming on the road near Boonshoro', the 
 route was taken following the main army to Sharpsburg. 
 
 Upon arriving on the west bank of the Antietam rivtr, on thj 15th, 
 tinder orders from Major General Longstrcet, during the temporary 
 absence of the division commander, I posted my own, Anderpon's and 
 McRcie's brigades on the heights overlooking the river, with the right 
 resting on the road from Boonshoro' to Sharpsburg, facing the river. 
 The troops bivouacked during the remainder of the 1 5th and the 16th 
 in this position. 
 
 On the morning of the lOth, the enemy made his appearance in 
 force in our front, and, from about nine o'clock until nigh'fi!', wo 
 were subjected to annoying artillery fire. During the evening I re- 
 ceived orders to move my brigade to the left of our division, and tako 
 up a position to cover a road leading from our left to the turnpike 
 leading from Sharpsburg to Hagerstown, and in support of certain 
 batteries of artillery in our vicinity. The troops rested on thc-ir arras 
 during the night of the 16th. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 17th, the skirmisheis of Colonel 
 Walker's brigade, of Jackson's corps, immediately on my left, became 
 engaged, and the enemy, from his batteries on the eastern bank of 
 the Antietam, opened a severe enfilading fire on the troops of my 
 command, the position which we had been ordered to occupy being in 
 full view of nearly all of hi.^ batteries. This fire inflicted sevt-re loss 
 before the troops were called into positive action, the men laying under 
 it without flinching for over an hour, while the enemy plied his guns 
 unceasingly. During this while a set of farm buildings in our front 
 were set on fire to prevent their being made use of by the eu'^rny. At 
 about eight o'clock, I received orders to ckse in to my left and ad- 
 vance. The troops sprung to their arras with alacrity and moved 
 forward tlirough the burning buildings in our front, reformed on the 
 further side, and opened a rapid fire upon the enemy. While engaged 
 in reforming the brigade I leceived a shot in the neck, which disiblod 
 me, and the troops moved forward under command of Colonel Doles, 
 of the fourth Georgia regiment. After an absence of an hour and a 
 lialf, I returned to the field, with such force as I could collect from 
 detachments, and found my brigade relieved and in position to the 
 west of Sharpsburg. I remained with it until the afternoon, when, 
 finding myself faint and exhausted, I relinquished the command to 
 Colonel Doles, to whose report I must refer for the operations of the 
 brigade while uader his commaad. 
 
336 
 
 I noticed the gallant and efficient conduct of officers and men, 
 ■which, in many instances, was admirable, especially in consideration, 
 of the hardships to which they had been subjected, many having been 
 ■without food for twenty-four and some for forty-eight hours. 
 
 The commanding officers of regiments. Colonel Doles, of the fourta 
 Georgia; Colonel DeRosset, of the third North K^arolina, (severely 
 wounded ;) Lieutenant Colonel Brown, of the first North Carolina, 
 and Captain Key, of the forty-fourth Georgia, all led their troops 
 gallantly. They were ably seconded by their respective field officers, 
 and I concur in the remarks of the legimental commanders concern- 
 ing their various officers. 
 
 Captain B. II. Read and Lieutenant H. IL Rogers, acting on cay 
 Btaft', rendered, throughout the operations, valuable and efficient ser- 
 vice. Captain Read remained on the field after I had been disabled. 
 Lieutenant Rogers was severely wounded while in the discharge of 
 his duties. 
 
 The return of killed, wounded and miesing'will be forwarded with 
 the report of Colonel Doles, upon whom the command of the brigade 
 will devolve during my absence, 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Yery respectfully, your obd't serv't, 
 
 R, S. RIPLEY, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL COLQUITT, COISnrANDING BRI- 
 GADE, OF BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 
 
 Bkig^de IIeadquartkrs, > 
 Near Bunker Hill, Va., Octuhtr 13, 1862.} 
 Major J. W. Ratciiford,^ A. A. G. : 
 
 Sir : Herewith, I submit a report of the action of my brigade in 
 the battle of South Mountain, September 1 -Ith, Oa the night of Sep- 
 tember i2th 1 left the camp of the division, ^yi!:h the brignde and 
 Captain l^ane's b;ittery, with instructions to occupy the coinin;iuding 
 poiritr^ at Boonville. four raih^s to the rear. ^The march, a.nd the una- 
 voidable delay in selecting positions in the dark, co.isuined most of 
 the night. Early the next morning General Hill arrived. While 
 engaged in making a reconnoissance, he received information that 
 General Stuart, commanding the cavalry in rear, stood in need of 
 support. 1 was ordered to move at once, with my brigade and the 
 battery of artillery. Proceeding along the turnpike two and-a-half 
 or three miles, I reached the summit of South Mountain, and dis- 
 covered the enemy's cavalry advancing and ours gradually giving 
 back. I reported ray arrival to General Stuart, and consulted with 
 him as to the best disposition of the forces. Two pieces of artillery 
 were ordered to the front, to a position commanding the turnpike 
 leading down the valley. The continued advance of the enemy ren- 
 dered the execution of the order impracticable. They were thrown 
 rapidly into position at the most available points, and the infantry 
 disposicd upon the right and left of the road. The enemy made no 
 furttier efforts to advance, and, at dark, withdrew from my immediate 
 front. To the right and left of the turnpike, a mile distant on either 
 side, were practicable roads leading over the mountain, and connect- 
 ing a cross-road along the ridge with the turnpike. Upon each of 
 thiHC roads 1 threw out strong infantry pickets, the cavalry being 
 withdrawn, and my main body was retired to the rear of the cross- 
 road, leaving a line of skirmishers in front. Early next morning my 
 pickets were called in, being relieved by other forces which had 
 arrived during the night, and my brigade advanced to the position it 
 occupied the day previous. Upon the right of the road across the 
 valley, and upon the hillside, three regiments were placed, with in- 
 structions to connect with (General Garland's line on the right. The 
 force was insufficient to reach that distance, and there was a gap left 
 of three or four hundred yards between the two brigades. The re- 
 maining regiments of my brigade, to-wit : the twenty-third and 
 twenty-eighth Georgia, were put in position on the left of the turn- 
 pike, under cover of a stone fence and a channel worn by water down 
 the mountain side. The first attack of the enemy was made upon the 
 extreme right of my line, as with the view to pass in the opening 
 betwi'cu Garland's and my command. This was met and repulsed by 
 a small botly of skirmishers and a few companies of the sixth Georgia. 
 At four o'clock, in the afternoon, a large force had been concentrated 
 22 
 
333 
 
 in my front and was moving up the vallc}', along each side of the 
 turnpike. I informed General IliH of the movement, and asked for 
 supports. Being pressed at other points, he had none to give me. 
 The enemy advanced slowly, but steadily, preceded by skirmishers. 
 Upjon the right of the road, four hundred yards in advance of my 
 line, there was a thick growth of woods, with fields opening in front 
 and around them. In these I had concealed four companies of skir- 
 mishers, under the command of Captain- Arnold, As the enemy 
 advanced, the 5-kirmishers poured upon his flank a sudden and unex- 
 pected lire, which caused the troops on this part of his line to give 
 back in confusion. They were subsequently rallied and thrown to 
 the right, strengthening the attack to be made upon my lefc. Two 
 regiments here were to meet at least five, perhaps ten times, their 
 numbers. Kobly did they do it. Confident in their superior num- 
 bers, the enemy's forces advanced to a short distance of our lines, 
 when, raising a shout, they came to a charge. As they came full into 
 view upon the rising ground, forty paces distant, they were met by a 
 terrific volley of musketry from the stone fence and hillside. This 
 gave a sudden check to their advance. They rallied under cover of 
 the uneven ground, and the fight opened in earnest. They made still 
 another efibrt to advance, but were kept back by the steady fire of 
 our men. The fight continued, with fury, until after dark. Not an 
 inch of ground was yielded; the ammunition of many of the men 
 was exhausted, but they stood with bayonets fixed. 
 
 I am proud of the officers and men of my command, for their noble 
 conduct on this day. Especial credit is due to Colonel Barclay, of 
 the twenty-third Georgia, and Major Graybili, twenty-eighth Georgia, 
 who, with their regiments, met and defeated the fiercest assaults of 
 the enemy. My thanks are due Lieutenants Jordan and G rattan, of 
 my staff, for their assistance this day. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 - " ^A. n. COLQUITT, 
 
 Colonel commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL COLQUITT, COMMANDING BRI- 
 GADE, OF BATTLE OF SIIARPSBURG. 
 
 Brigade Headquarters, ) 
 Near Bunker Hill, Va., October 13, 1SG2. \ 
 
 Major Eatchford, A. A. G. : 
 
 Sir I I give you below an account of the part taken by this brigade 
 ill the buttle of September 17th : 
 
 About seven o'clock, in the morning, ray brigade entered the fight. 
 It was moved to the front and formed on the right of General Ripley's 
 brigade, which was then engaged. After a few rounds had been dis- 
 charjied, I ordered an advance, and at the same time sent word to the 
 regimentB.on my left to advance simultaneously. The order w'as re- 
 sponded to with spirit by my men. and, with a shout, they moved 
 through the corn-field in front, two hundred yards wide, and formed 
 on ihe line of fence. The enemy was near and in full view. In a 
 moment cr two his ranks began to break before our fire, and the line 
 soon disappeared under the crest of the hill upon which it had been 
 ostablished,. It was soon replaced by another, and the fire opened 
 with renovred vigor. In the meantime, Garland's brigade, which had. 
 been ordered to my right, had given way and the enemy were ad- 
 vancing, unchecked. The regiments upon in} left having also failed 
 to advance,, we were exposed to a fire from all sides and nearly sur- 
 rounded,. I sent in haste to the rear for reinforcements, and comma- 
 nicated to General Hill the exposed condition of my men. With 
 steady supports upon the right, we could yet maintain our position. 
 The supports were not at hand, and could not reach us in time. The 
 enem}' closed in upon the right so near that -our ranks were scarcely 
 (listinguishabie. At the same time, his line in front advanced. My 
 men stood, firm until every field ofiicer but one had fillen, and thea 
 made the best of their way out. ' In this sharp and unequal conflict, 
 1 lost maay of my best officers and one-half of the men in the ranks. 
 If the brigades upon the right and Icit had advanced, we should have- 
 tlriven the enemy from the field. He had at one time broken in our 
 front, but we had not strength to push the advantage. Colonel Smith, 
 of the tvyenty-seventh Georgia, Colonel Barclay, of the tAventy-third 
 Georgia, and Lieutenant Colonel Newton, commanding the sixth 
 Georgia, fell at the head of their regiments Their loss is irrepara- 
 ble. UpoQ every battle-field they had distinguished themselves for 
 I'oolness and gallantry. Colonel Fry, of the thirteenth Alabama, 
 and Captaia Garrison, commanding twenty-eighth Georgia, were se- 
 verely wounded. Subsequent to the action of the forenoon, portions* 
 of my brigade encountered the enemy .in two desultory engagements,, 
 in "whicbi they stood before superior numbers and gave a check to their 
 advance. In one of these, a small party were placed under the 
 •'ommaad of Lieutenant Colonel Betts and directed to deploy as skir- 
 
340 
 
 9 
 
 mishers along the crest of a* hill upon which the enemy was advan- 
 cing. They did so, with good effect, keepiug back a large force by 
 their annoying fire and the apprehension, excited by their boldness, 
 that they were supported by a line in rear. During the engagement 
 of this day, I had the misfortune to lose ray acting assistant adjutant 
 general, Lieutenant R. P. Jordan. He fell while gallantly dashing 
 towards the enemy's line. I have not known a more active, efficient 
 and fearless officer. Lieutenant Grattan, ray aid-de-cainp, was con- 
 spicuously bold in the midst of danger and untiring in the discharge 
 of his duties. 1 regret that I cannot here mention the names of all, 
 dead and living, who are entitled to a tribute at my hands. 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. II. COLQUITT, 
 Colonel commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL E. E. RODES. 
 
 Headquarters Rodes' Brigade, 
 
 .1 
 
 Wrights Farm, Va., October 13, 1882 
 
 Major J. W. Ratchford, 
 
 A. A. G. to Major General D. H. Hill's Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor, herewith, to report the operations of this 
 brigade during the actions of the 14th and 17th Septeinber, in Mary- 
 land. 
 
 On the morning of tjie 14th, my brigade relieved Anderson's about 
 a half mile west cf Boonsboro', Towards noon it was ordered to follow 
 Ripley's brigade to the top of the South Mountain. Overtaking Rip- 
 ley's brigade on the mountain it was halted, and I immediately re- 
 ported to Major General llill. After looking over the field of battle, 
 I was ordered by Majur General Hill to take position on the ridge 
 immediately to the left of the gap through which the main road runs. 
 Remaining there for three-fourths of an hour, part of the time under 
 artillery lire, and throwing out scouts and skirmishers to the left and 
 front, 1 was then ordered to occupy another bare hill about three- 
 quarters of a mile still further to the left. The whole brigade was 
 moved to that hill, crossing, in doing so, a deep gorge which separated 
 the hills. This movement left a Vide interval between the right of 
 my brigade, which, in its last position, rested in the gorge, and the 
 balance of the division, which being reported to General Ilill, together 
 with the fact that no troops supported the battery on the first men- 
 tioned ridge, by -his order, I sent back one of my fegiments (the 
 twelfth Alabama) to support the battery. 
 
 By thi's time the enemy's line of battle was pretty well developed, 
 and in full view. It became evident that he intended to attack with a 
 line covering both ridges and the gorge before mentioned, and extend- 
 ing some half a mile to my left. 1 had, immediately after my arrival 
 on the extreme left, discovered that the hill there was accessible to 
 artillery, and that a good road passing by the left of said hill from the 
 enemy's line continued immediately in my rear, and entered the main 
 road about a half mile west of the gap. Under these circumstances, 
 I sent for artillery and determined upon the only plan by which the 
 enemy could beprevented from immediately obtaining possession of 
 said road, and thus marching entirely in our rear without difficulty, 
 and that was to extend my line as far as I could to the left, to let the 
 right rest in the gorge still, and to send to my superiors for reinforce- 
 ments to continue the line from my right to the gap on the main road, 
 an interval of three quarters of a mile at least. Having thrown out 
 skirmishers along.-the whole front and to the left, they very soon be- 
 came engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. This was about three, 
 P. M., and it was perfectly evident then that my force of about twevle 
 hundred muskets was opposed to one which outflanked mine on either 
 
342 
 
 side, by at least half a mile* I thought the enemy's force opposed to 
 my brigade was at least a division. In a short time the firing became 
 steady along the whole line, the enemy advancing very slowly, the 
 danger of his possessing the top of the left hill and thus being in my 
 rear, becaiLe so imminent, that I had to cause ray left regiment (tho 
 sixth Alabama, under Colonel Gordon.) to move along the brow of the 
 hill under fire, still further to the left. He did so in good style, and 
 having a fair opportunity to do so with advantage, charged and drove 
 the enemy back a short distance. By this time the enemy, though 
 met gallantly by all of the regiments with me, had penetrated bet^veen 
 them and had begun to swing their extreme right around towards my 
 rear, making for the head of the gorge, up the bottom and sides of 
 which the whole of my force, except the sixth Alabama, had to retreat, 
 if at all. I renewed again and yet again my application for reinforce- 
 ment?; but none came. Some artillery, under Captain Carter, who 
 was moving up without orders, and some of Colonel Cutis', under a 
 gallant lieutenant, whose name I do not now recollect, was reported 
 by the last named officer to be on its way to my relief; but at this 
 time the enemy had obtained possession of the summit of the left hill 
 before spoken of, and had command of the road in rear of the main 
 mountain, the artillery could onl}'^ have been used by being hauled up 
 on the high peaks, which arose upon the summit of the ridge just at 
 the head of the gorge before mentioned. This they had not time to 
 do, and hence I ordered it back. Just before this, I heard that some 
 Confederate troops had joined my right very nearly. 
 
 Finding that the enemy were forcing my right back, and that the 
 only chance to continue the fight was to change my front so as to 
 face to the left, I ordered all the regiments to fall back up the gorge 
 and sides of the mountain, fighting, the whole concentrating around 
 the high peak llefore mentioned. This enabled me to face the enemy's 
 right again, and to make another short stand with Gordon's excellent 
 regiment, which he had kept constantly in hand, and had handled in 
 a manner I have never seen or heard equalled during this war, and 
 with the remainders of the fifth,'third and twelfth Alabama regiments, 
 I found the twelfth had been relieved by other troops and closed in 
 towards my right ; but had passed in rear of the original line so far 
 that, upon re-establishing the line on the main peak, I found that 
 the third Alabama came up on its right. The twenty-sixth Ala- 
 bama, which had been placed on my right, was by this time 
 completely demoralized ; its colonel (O'Neal) was wounded, and 
 the men mingled in utter confusion with some South Carolina strag- 
 glers, on the summit of the hill, who stated that their brigade had been 
 compelled to give way, and had retired. Notwithstanding this, if 
 true, left my rear entirely exposed again, I had no time or means to 
 examine the worth of their statement. I determined in accordance 
 •with the orders I received about this time, in reply to my last request 
 for reinforcements, to fight on on the new front. 
 
 My loss up to this time had been heavy in all the regiments except 
 the twelfth Alabama. The fifth Alabama, which had occupied the left 
 centre, got separated into two parts in endeavoring to follow up the 
 
343 
 
 flank movement of Gordon's regiment, both parts became engaged 
 again before they could rejoin, and the right battalion was finally cut 
 off entirely, the left and smaller battalion, under !\Iajor Ilobson's 
 gallant management, though flanked, wheeled against the flanking 
 party and, by desperate fighting, silenced the enemy so far as to enable 
 his little command to make its way to the peak before mentioned. In 
 the first attack of the eneiry up the bottom of the gorge, they pushed 
 on so vigorously as to catch Captain Ready and a portion of his party 
 of skirmishers, and separate the third from the fifth Alabama regiment. 
 The third made a most gallant resistance at this point, and had ray line 
 been a continuous one, it could never have been forced. 
 
 Having re-established my line, though still with wide intervals, 
 necessarily, on the high peak, (this was done under constant fire and 
 in full view of the enemy, now in full possession of the extreme left 
 hill and of the gorge.) the fight at close quarters was resumed, and 
 again accompanied by the enemy's throwing their, by this time ap- 
 parently interminable right, around towards my rear. In this posi- 
 tion the sixth Alabama and the twelfth suffered pretty severely ; the 
 latter, together with the remainder of the third Alabama, Avhich had 
 been well handled by Colonel Battle, was forced to retire, and in eo 
 doing lost heavily ; its colonel (Gavle) was seen to fall and its lieu- 
 tenant colonel (rickens) was ^hot throgh tlie lungs. The former was 
 left on the field, supposed to be dead; Pickens was brought off. Gor- 
 don's regiment retired slowly, now being under an enfilading as well 
 as direct fire, and in danger of being surrounded ; but was still,'fortu- 
 nately for the whole command, held together by its able commander. 
 
 After this I could meet the enemy with no organized force, except 
 Gordon's regiment; one more desperate stand was made by it from an 
 advantageous position. The enemy by this time were nearly on top 
 of the highest peak, and were pushing on when Gordon's regiment, 
 unexpectedly to them, opened fire on their front and checked them. 
 This last stand was so disastrous to the enemy that it attracted the 
 attention of the stragglers even, many of whom Colonel Battle and I 
 had been endeavoring to organize, and who were just then on the 
 flank of that portion of the enemy engaged with Gordon, and for a 
 few minutes, they kept up a brisk enfilading fire upon the enemy; but 
 finding his fire turning from Gordon's upon them, and that another 
 body of Federal troops were advancing upon them, they speedily fell 
 back. 
 
 It was now so dark that it was diSicult to distinguish objects at 
 sl*ort musket range, and both parties ceased firing. Directing Colonel 
 Gordon to move his regiment to his right and to the rear so as to cover 
 the gap, I endeavored to gather up stragglers from the other regiments. 
 Colonel Battle still held together a handful of his men. These, to- 
 geiher with the remnant of the twelfth, fifth and twenty-sixth Ala- 
 bama regiments, were assembled at the gap, and were spee<lily placed 
 alon<T side of Gordon's regiment, wh'ch by this time had arrived in the 
 road ascending the mountain from the gap, forming a line on the edge 
 of the woods parallel to, and about two hundred yards from, the main 
 road. The enemy did not advance beyond the top of the mountain ; 
 
344 
 
 but to be prppnre'l for them, skirmishers were thrown out in front of 
 the line. This position we held uutil about eleven o'clock at night, 
 when we were ord'Ted to take the Sharps'ourg road, and. to stop at 
 Keedaraville, which we did. We had rested about an hour, when I 
 was ordered to proceed to Sharpsburg with all the force under my com- 
 mand, Colquitt's brigade and nniie, to drive out a Federal cavalry 
 force reported to be there. On the way Colonel Chilton, chief of 
 General Lee'e staff, met me with contrary orders, which required me 
 to send only a part of my force. The fifth and sixth Alabama were 
 sent. In a few minutes, hov/ever, we received orders form General 
 Longstrect to go ahead, and did ao. .Found no cavalry. 
 
 In this eiigagement ray loss v.a3 as follows : killed, sixty-one ; 
 wounded, one haiulred and fifty-seven ; missing, two hundred and 
 four; total, four hundred and twenty-two. 
 
 The men and officers generally behaved well ; hut Colonel Gordon, 
 sixth Alabama, M'.ijor lIobKon, fifih Alabama, and Colonel Battle, 
 third Alaboma, deserve especial mention for admirable conduct dur- 
 ing the \^hole fight. We did not drive the enemy back, or whip him, 
 but with twelve hundred men we held his whole division at bay, with- 
 out assistance, during four hours and a half steady fighting, losing 
 in that time not over a half a mile of ground, I was most ably and 
 bravcl}" served during the v*hoIe day by Captains Whiting and Pey- 
 ton, and Lient'jnant John Berney, who composed my statT. 
 
 On the loth, after resting on the heights south of Sharpsburg long 
 enough to get a scanty meal and to gather straggler,-.-;, we moved back 
 through that ].>lace to the advanced po>ii-tiou in the centre of the line of 
 battle before the town. Here, subsisting on green corn, mainly, and 
 under an occasional artillery fire, we lay until the morning of the 
 17th September, when began the engagement of that day. 
 
 The fight opened early on the left, but my brigade was not eniTaged 
 until late in the forenoon. About nine o'clock, I was ordered to 
 move to the left at.d front, to assist Ripley, Colquitt and McRae, who 
 had already engaged the enemy, and 1 had hardly begun the move- 
 ment before it was evident that the two latter had met with a reverse, 
 and that the best service I could render them and the field generally, 
 would be to for:n a line in rear of them, and endeavor to rally thorn 
 before attacking or being attacked. Mojor General Hill held the same 
 view, for at this moment I received an order from him to halt and to 
 form line of battle in the hollow of an old and narrow road, just be- 
 yond the orchard, and with my left about one hundred and fifty yards 
 from and east of the Hagerstown road. In a short time a stnali po* 
 tion of Colquitt's brig^ide formed on my left, and I assumed the com- 
 mand of it. This brought ray left to the Hagerstown road. General 
 Anderson's brigade, occupying the same road, had closed up on my 
 right. A short time after my brigaile assumed its new position, and 
 whilst the men were busy improving their position by piling rails 
 along their front, the enemy deployed in our front in three beautiful 
 lines, all vastly outstretching ours, and commenced to advance stead- 
 ily. Unfortunately, no artillery opposed them in their advan'se. 
 Carter's battez'y had been sent to take position in rear by me whoa I 
 
S-io 
 
 fibancloncd my first position, because lie was left without support, and 
 because my own position had not then been fiillj determined. Three 
 j'icces, which occupied a fine position immediately on my front, aban- 
 doned it immediately after the enemy's skirmishers opened on them. 
 The enemy came to the crest of the hill overlooking my p'lsition, and 
 for five minutes br%vely stooil a galling fire at about eighty yards, 
 %vhich my whole brigade delivered ; they then fell back a short die>- 
 '.iince, rallied, were driven back again and again, and finally lay down 
 just back of the crest, keeping up a steady fire, however. In this 
 position, receiving an order from Greneral Longstreet to do so, I en- 
 deavored to charge them with ray brigade, and that portion of Col- 
 quitt's which was on luy immediate left ; the charge failed, mainly 
 because the sixth Alabama regiment, not hearing the commaml, did 
 not move forward with the others, and because Colquitt's men <lid not 
 advance far enough ; that part of the brigade wliich moved forward 
 found themselves in an exposed position, and, being outnumbered and 
 unsustained, fell back before 1 could, by personal effort, which was 
 duly made, get the sixth Alabama to move; hastening back to the 
 left, I arrived just in time to prevent the men from failing liack to 
 the rear of the road we had just occupied. It became evident to me, 
 then, that an attack by us must, to be successful, be made by the whole 
 of Andeiieon's brigade, mine, Colquitt's and any troops that had anived 
 on Anderson's right. My whole force at this moment did not amount to 
 over seven hundredracn, most probably not to that number. About this 
 time, I notice*! troops going in to tiie support of Anderson, or to his 
 right, and that one regiment and a portion of another, instead of pass- 
 ing on to the front, stopped in the hollow immediately in my rear and 
 near the orchard. As the fire on both sides was, at ray position at 
 least, now desultory and slack, 1 went to the troops referred to and 
 i'ound that they belonged to General Pryor's brigade ; their ofiicers 
 stated that they had been ordered to halt there by somebody, not 
 General Pryor. Finding General P. in a few moments, and inform- 
 ing him as to their conduct, he immediately ordered them forward, 
 P.eturning towards the brigade, I met Lieutenant Colonel Lightfoot, 
 of the sixth Alabama, looking for me. Upon his telling me that the 
 right wing of his regiment was being subjected to a terrible enfilading 
 fire, which the enemy were enabled to deliver by reason of their gain- 
 ing somewhat on Anderson, and that he had but few men left in that 
 wing, I ordered him to hasten back, and to throw his right wing back 
 out of the old road referred to. Instead of executing the order, he 
 moved briskly to the rear of the regiment, and gave the command — 
 " Sixth Alabama, about-face — forward, march." JMajor Ilobson, of 
 the fifth, seeing this, asked him if the order was intended for the 
 whole brigade. lie rc[ lied, " Yes," and, thereupon, the fifth, and 
 immediately the other troops on their left, retreated. 1 did not see 
 their retrograde movement until it was too late for me to rally them ; 
 for this reason, just as I was moving on after Lightfoot, 1 heard a 
 shot strike Lieutenant Berney, who was immediately behind me. 
 AVheeling, I found him falling, and that he had been struck in 
 the face. He found that he could walk, after I raised him, though he 
 
846 
 
 thought a shot or piece of shell had penetrated hia head just under 
 the eye. I followed him a few paces and watched him until he had 
 reached a barn, a short distance to the rear, where he first encoun- 
 tered some one to help hira, in case ho needed it. As I turned to- 
 wards the bri<radc, I was struck hc.ivily by a piece of shell on my 
 thigh. At first I thought the wound was serious, but finding, upon 
 examination, that it wa^ slight, I again turned towards the brigade, 
 when 1 discovered it, without visible cause to me, retreating in con- 
 fusion. I hastened to intercept it at the Hagerstown road. I found, 
 though, that with the exception of a few men from the twenty-sixth, 
 twelfth and third, and a few under Major llobson, not more than forty 
 in all, the brigade had completely disappeared from this portion of the 
 field. This small number, together with some Mississippians (under 
 Colonel ) and North Carolinians, making in all about one hun- 
 dred and fifty (150) men, 1 rallied and stationed behind a small ridge 
 leading from the Hagerstown road eastward, towards the orchard be- 
 fore spoken of, and about one hundred and fifty (loU) yards in rear of 
 
 my last position, leaving them under the charge of Colonel . 
 
 [It is proper for me to mention here that this force, with some slight 
 additions, was afterwards led through the orchard against the enemy 
 by General D. II. Hill, and did good service, the General liiraself 
 handling a musket in the fight. Major Hobson and Lieutenant Gofi, 
 of the fifth Alabama, the latter with a musket, bore distinguished 
 parts in this fight.] After this, my time was spent mainly in direct- 
 ing the fire of some artillery and getting up stragglers. 
 
 In this engagement, the brigade behaved very handsomely and sat- 
 isfactorily, and, with the exception of the right wing of the sixth Ala- 
 bama, (where Colonel Gordon, whilst acting with his customary 
 gallantry, was wounded desperately, receiving five wounds,) had sus- 
 tained almost no loss, until the retrograde movement began. It had, 
 together with Anderson's troops, stopped and foiled the attack of a 
 whole corps of the enemy for more than an hour, and finally fell back 
 only when, as the men and officers supposed, they had been ordered 
 to do so. We might have been compelled to have fallen back after- 
 wards, (for the troops on my right had already given away when we 
 began to retreat;) but, without the least hesitation, I say that but for 
 the unaccountable mistake of Lieutenant Colonel Lighlfoot, the re- 
 treat would not have commenced at this time, if at all. He was 
 wounded severely in the retreat. 
 
 I saw but little of the operations of Carter's battery during the bat- 
 tle. I only know that it was actively engaged the whole day, and with 
 some loss. The gallant captain received a slight wound in the foot, 
 and one of his Lieutenants, Dabney, received one, from which he has 
 since died. I beg leave to refer to his report, which is submitted 
 herewith. 
 
 My force at the beginning of the fight was less than eight hundred 
 (800) effective men. The loss was as follows : Killed, fifty ; wounded, 
 one hundred and thirty-two ; missing, twenty-one ; total, three hun- 
 dred and three. 
 
 The aggregate loss in the two engagements is as follows : Killed, 
 
347 
 
 one hundred and eleven ; wounded, two hundred and eighty-nine ; 
 missing, two hundred and thirty-one; total six hundred and twenty- 
 five. The missing are cither prisoners or killed; most of them were 
 captured on the mountain on the 14th. Captain Whiting and Lieu- 
 tenant Jolm Berney, C. S. A., of my staif, were both wounded. 
 They, with Captain Green Peyton, A. A. General, discharged their 
 respective duties with ability and gallantry. 
 
 The subjoined tabular statements will exhibit the loss in the respec- 
 tive regiments of the brigade in both engagements. The enemy's 
 loss in both engagements was far heavier than mine ; I believe they 
 lost three to my one at Sharpsburg, and at least two to one on the 
 mountain. 
 
 Ecspectfully submitted, 
 
 * R. E. RODES, Brigadier Genera!. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL SEMMES OF BATTLE 
 OF SHARPS BURG. 
 
 Headquarters Sf.mmes' Brigade, McLaws' Division, ) 
 Camp near Martinahiirg, Va., September 24, 1802. S 
 
 Major J. M. Goggin, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant. General : 
 
 Major : I have tlic lienor to report briefly the part enacted by luy 
 brigade, composed of the fifteenth and thirty-second Virginia and 
 the tenth and fifty-third Georgia volunteers and Manly's battery, in 
 the battle of Sharpsburg, on the 17th of September instant; 
 
 Moving forward by the flank in the direction of the enemy, before 
 coming in view, two brigades were met retiring from the front, appa- 
 rently badly cut up. An incessant current of wounded flowed to the 
 rear, showing that the conflict had been Revere and well contested. 
 Coming in full view of the enemy's lines. Major General McLaws, in 
 person, ordered me to move forward in lii^e to the support of Major 
 General Stuart, on cur extreme left. Lnmediately the order was 
 given, " By company into line," followed by " Forward into line," 
 both of which mGvem'.^its were executed in the presence of the enemy, 
 under a fire occasioning severe loss in killed and wounded. The bri- 
 gade advanced steadily for two hundred yards under fire before the 
 order was given to commence firing. This order was then given, .at 
 long range for most of our arras, for the purpose of encouraging our 
 troops and disconcerting the enemy. The troops, it h true, needed 
 little encouragement. Their officers had already inspired them with 
 enthusiasm, and they continued to advance with vivacity. The effect 
 on the enemy's fire, of the order to the r^jgiments of the brigade that 
 had formed in line, to commence firing, was distinctly visible in the 
 diminished numbers of killed and wounded. The enemy at first met 
 cur advance by a corresponding one. Our troops continued to press 
 steadily forward, pouring a deadly fire into his ranks, and ho, after 
 advancing an hundred yards, gave way, and we continued to drive 
 him from position to position, through wood and field, for a mile, ex- 
 pending not less than forty rounds of ammunition. My brigade was 
 thrown farther to the front than the troops on my right by about three 
 hundred yards, and, for a time, was exposed to a terrible front and 
 enfilading fire, inflicting great loss. 
 
 It gives me satisfiiction to be enabled to state thatr my brigade 
 fought under an inspiration of enthusiasm which impelled the men 
 forward with the confidence of victory. Had it been possible to have 
 strengthened it by a supporting force of two or three thousand men, 
 there was not then, nor is there now, a doubt in my mind but that the 
 enemy's right, though in vastly superior numbers, would have been 
 driven upon his centre, and both in confusion on his left, utterly 
 routing him. The victory, though decisive, would thus have been 
 rendered signal, and the enemy's lines broken and dispersed. 
 
349 
 
 The loss in W\h(\ and wounlofl wns, of tlio fifcy-third Groorgia vol- 
 imteers, thirty per cent., thirty -se3 »a I Virginii, forty fiv3 p^v cerit., 
 tenth Georgia, fifcy-seven per cent., fifteenth Virgini;i, fifty-oi^Kt per 
 cent., detailed statements of which are herewith submitted. Tiu disi- 
 parity in the loss of some of the compinies of tho same re^iin3nt 13 
 very marked. Three of the four regimental coTiminder-i were 
 wounded Lieutenaot Colonel Slom commanding fifcy-third Gr jorgia. 
 fell, it was then supposed, mortilly wounded, wailo giUautly lr!iUa^ 
 his regiment forward into line on the extreme left of the brig \de. 
 The regimental commanders di-^pl-yed conspicuous giUantry, :in l,by 
 their example, inspired their coin amis with the confidence of posi- 
 tive success. Troops never f(.)U.;iit more persistently, intelligently, 
 and with more valor. 
 
 My staff". Lieutenant Briggs, ai 1-de-camp, and Lieutenants Redd 
 and Cody, volunteer aids, were pr-Ment during the entire action, and 
 were more exposed, if possiblf. than any of the troops — heiug ofcen 
 employL'd in bearing orders to dilT'rent parts of my line, and to com- 
 manders of other troops in the vicinity, displaying coolness and gal- 
 lantry of the highest order — and .-.i: escaping untouched except Lieu- 
 tenant R(m1(1, who received a sligUt wound on the body fr lui a spent 
 bullet, ('ailing for a staff offi '''r to bear an order to tae reg ment, oA 
 the left, none being at hand, C ipM'n Henley, A. C. S.,thircy second 
 Virginia, who had been shot thr.nigb the arm, but refused to quit the 
 field, ofifered himself to becom>' th> bearer, which was declined on 
 account, of his wound Whereupon, stating that his wound was -light 
 and that he was not disabled h' wis allowed to proceed. While 
 doing so, he ft-ll, severely wounded, pierced with two bullet < Tiiis is 
 only a prominent example of nnny acts of signal daring and vilor 
 displayed on that bloody jjnd uieiuurable field by ofii^ers and men of 
 all the regiments. 
 
 Alter the enemy was thus drivf-n back and the fire of his small 
 arms had for some time entirely eetsed. the troops, having b. en finder 
 an incessant musketry and aitilleryfire for two houis an<i twenty 
 minutes, were so thoroughly exh lu-itt'd and their ammuiiif ion so nearly 
 expended as to render necessary the order to retire for the pn pose of 
 reforming and obtaining a fresh supply of ammunition. Ileni'ining 
 myself an hour longer in front. v/iMi Liinitenant Davis an 1 six nwn of 
 the tenth (Jeorgia volunteers, I thtwi withdrew and repor ed to Major 
 General McLaws, who ordered m \ brigade to be reassembled in 
 reserve Thirty-six prisoners im-lmling a lieutenant c lonel an 1 first 
 lieutenant, were captured at a far 1 .M)use, the mostadv ;n<'«i| position 
 held by my brigade, which was som<' hundreds of yards in advance of 
 the other portions of our line of I aiile. 
 
 The repoits of regimental cninif.anders are herewith sfbinirtcil, to 
 which leferenoe is respectfully aske I for further details. 
 
 Manly's battery was detach d from my command duri l i,c btttle. 
 Ilis repoit is herewith submitted 
 
 1 am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient sei\ f. 
 
 . PAUL J. sRSi ^:s, 
 
 Brigadiei ' nncral. 
 
330 
 
 Ueadqiajitkrs Skmmcs' Brigade, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Major J. M. GoGGiN, 
 
 Aisistant Adjutant Gtncral : 
 
 Major: In answer to the inquiry by Mojor General Longstreet, as 
 to the number of colors lost by our troops in the battles in Maryland, 
 r have the honor to state tir.it no colors were lost by the regiments of 
 this brigule. 
 
 In tiie battle of Sharpsburg the color of the fifty-third Georgia 
 received two shots; that of the fifteenth Virginia ten, and the pike 
 was once cut in two, two color-bearers were wounded and one ^f thr; 
 color-guard was killed and one wounded; the color of the thirty- 
 second Virginia received seventeen shots, and the pike was once cut 
 in two, and one of the color-guard killed ; the color of the tentli 
 Georgia received forty-si>; shot;!, and the pike was once hit and twice 
 cut in two, one color-bearer and one of the color-guard were killed, 
 and one color-bearer and one of the color-guard wounded. 
 
 These facts were not incorporated in the report of the operations 
 nf this brigade in the bactle of Sharpsburg. It is, therefor'% respect- 
 fully submitted that this communication be regarded as a supplement 
 to that report. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 
 
 PAUL J. SEMMES, 
 
 Brigadu'r General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL BARKSDALE OF BAT- 
 TLE OF SIIARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Barksdai.e's Bf!iG\DE, A. N V., ) 
 Camp Lee, October 12, lb62. 5 
 
 Major J. M. GoGGiN : 
 
 A. A. General, McLaws* Division : 
 
 Major: On the morninir of the 1 3th of September I marched, at 
 daylight, to Brownsville, where it was supposed the enemy designed 
 niuking an attack upon our troops After I reached that place, it 
 was discovered that the enemy had disappeared, and the whole com- 
 mand was ordered to rejoin the main army. We reached its vicinity, 
 in the neighborhood of Sharpsburg, about nine o'clock on the morning 
 of the 17th. The battle was then, and had been raging for several 
 hours. It is proper for me to say that a portion of my men had fallen 
 by the wayside from loss of sleep and excessive fatigue, having been 
 constantly on duty for five or six days, and on the march for almost 
 the whole of the two proceeding nights, and that I went into the fight 
 with less than eight hundred men About tsn o'clock I formed a line of 
 battle in an open field, which was at that time being rakeil by a terri- 
 ble fire of grape and canister from the enemy's artillery. Kershaw 
 was on my right and Semmes on my left. 1 at once, in accordance 
 with your orders, advanced upon the enemy, who occupied the woods 
 immediately in front, and from which they had just driven a portion 
 of our forces. In a few moments I engaged them, and, after firing 
 several volleys into th#r ranks, drove them through the woods and 
 into an open field beyond, and compelled them to abandon their artil- 
 lery on the hill. At this point I discovered that a very !ar<re force of 
 the enemy were attempting to flank me on the left. I therefore 
 ordered the eighteenth and thirteenth to wheel in that direction, and 
 not only succrcded in cheCKing the movement they were making, but 
 put them to flight, and pursued them for a considerable distance. As 
 we advanced, the ground was covered with the dead and wounded of the 
 enemy. I di 1 not deem it prudent, however, without more support, 
 (0 advance further, and I therefore ordered these regiments lo fall 
 back to the woods in front of my first position. The seventeenth and 
 twenty-first pusued the enemy across the open field, wheu, perceiving 
 A very strong force moving to the right and attempting to flunk them, 
 and all of our forces having retire<l from that part of the field, they 
 fell back, under protection <tf a stone fence, in good order. About 
 two o'clock I advanced with the entire brigade and occupied the 
 battle-ground over which we had passed in the morning, General 
 Ransom being on my right and General Early on my left, and con- 
 tinued to hold it until the night of the 18th, when, by your orders, I 
 joined the column of the main army, when it retired across the 
 J'otomac. 
 
 To both officers and men much credit is due for the courage and 
 
352 
 
 daring they exhibited throughout the engagement. Major Campbell, 
 cotninarnling the eighteenth regiment, was seriously wounded, and 
 taken from the fiekl. while iiobly blading his regiment in the fight. 
 Lieutenant Colonel McElroy, of the thirteenth regiment, although 
 wounded, remained in command of his regiment until the battle 
 ceased. Lieutenant Colonel Fisher, of the seventeenth, and Captain 
 Sims, of the twenty-first, were conppicuous for the coolness and gal- 
 lantry with which they handled their respective commands. To 
 Colonel Humphries, of the twenty-first, and Lieutenant Colonel Lusc, 
 of the eighteenth, who reached the field just as the battle was closing, 
 J am under peculiar obligations. Their timely presence not only 
 cheered and animated their own regiment, but the entire brigadr:. 
 Lieutenant J. A. Barksdale, of my staff, ^w as prompt and fearless in 
 the execution of all orders. Surgeons Austin, of the thirteenth. 
 Green, of the seventeenth, Gritlin, of the eighteenth, and Ilill, of the 
 twenty-first, were faithful and energetic in their attention to the 
 wounded. 
 
 I close this report with the remark, that my command did its duty 
 upion the ensanguined field of Sharpsburg. 
 
 1 am, ytTj respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 WM. BARKSDALE, 
 Brigadier General, rommnnding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL KERSHAW OF BATTLE 
 OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws' Division. ? 
 Near Winchester^ Fa., October 9, 1862. \ 
 
 To Major James M. Goggin, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major : In obe'lience to orders from division headquarters, 1 have 
 the honor to transmit a report of the operations of my command at 
 the battle of Sharpsburg. Owing to the exigencies of the service, 
 luy command were without their usual supply cf subsistence froioi 
 Monday morning, the 13th September, until the night of the !7th. 
 They were also under arras or marching nearly the whole of tlio 
 nights of Monday and Tuesihiy. arriving at Sharpsburg at daylight 
 ou We<lnesday morning, the 17th of September, As a consequence, 
 many had become exhausted and fallen out on the wayside, and ail 
 were worn and jaded. About nine o'clock, we were ordered forward! 
 to the relief of General Jackson's forces, then engaged on the left, 
 in the wood in rear of the church. The (jieorgia and Mississippi 
 brigades were formed in a ploughed field to the right and rear of the 
 wood, my brigade in their rear in the same field. The enemy was 
 discovered in the wood advancing towards its right face, where soma 
 of our guns had been abandoned before our arrival. Perceiving thiai^ 
 Major General McLaws directed me to occupy that part of the wood! 
 in advance of them, while our lines were being formed. For this 
 purpose I ordered forward, at doable quick. Colonel Kennedy's second 
 {South Carolina regiment, to march by a flank to the extreme point of" 
 the wood, then, by the front, to enter it. Before the head of the ro- 
 giment had reached the point, and when entangled in a rail fence, 
 the enemy opened fire upon them from a point net more than sixty 
 yards distant. They promptly faced to the front and returned the 
 fire 5:0 ripidly as to drive the enemy almost immediately. At the 
 eaxe time the brigades of Cobb and Baiksdale (now on their left) ad- 
 vanced to their support. I then hurried up my three remaining regi- 
 ments, (t];c eighth. Lieutenant Colonel lloole ; sevcnih, Colonel 
 Aiken, and third, Colontd Nance,) and conducted them to the right of 
 Colonel Kennedy, who, by this time, had advanced beyond the wood 
 and to the left of the church, driving the enemy, I then ordered 
 Read's battery to a position on the hill to the right of the wood, and 
 Bent in Colonel Manning, who reported to me on the field with Walk- 
 er's brigade, to the right of my brigade. Our troops made const-.infc 
 progress, for some time, along the whole line, driving in column after 
 column of the enemy. Colonel Aiken's regiment approached withia 
 thirty yar^s of one of the batteries, driving the men from the g»n(», 
 »nd only g;lve way when enfiladed by a new battery, placed in pcsi- 
 tion near them, leaving Major White dead, and one-half their m.^,Q 
 killed or wounded upon the field. Abut this time the enemy \v»9 
 23 
 
354 
 
 heavily reinforced and our line fell back to the wood, which was never 
 afterwards taken from us. Read's battery, having suffered greatly in 
 the loss of men and horses, was withdrawn, by my order, when the 
 infantry fell back. The lines were reorganized behind the fences, 
 near where they entered the fight, and their exhausted cartridge 
 boxes replenished. J^ater in the day we moved to the left of General 
 Early's command, which occupied the wood to the left of the church, 
 where we remained until ordered to move across the river, on Thurs- 
 day ni'^ht, the ISth of September. I deem it proper to state that I 
 left two companies on picket, in front of our lines, when we marched, 
 under command of Captain Nance, of the third regiment, with in- 
 ■jtructions to remain until relieved by the cavalry. After daylight, 
 next morning, Captain Nance, not having been relieved, perceived 
 the enemy advancing in line of battle, and brought off his men in 
 safety and good order, passing the cavalry pickets some distance in 
 Lis rear. 
 
 I cannot too highly commend to your notice the gallant conduct of 
 the troops of my command. The eighth regiment carried in but forty- 
 live men, rank and file, and lost twenty-three officers and men. The 
 second regiment were the first to attack and drive the enemy. Col- 
 onel Kennedy was painfully wounded in the first charge and was sent, 
 by myself, from the field. After our lines were first driven back, 
 under command of Major Gaillard, they rallied and broke a fresh line, 
 of battle that attempted to follow them. Tha third regiment, led by 
 its efficient commander, twice changed front on the field, in magnifi- 
 cent order, and, after twice driving the enemy, retired with the pre- 
 cicion of troops on review. The seventh, led by Colonel Aiken, 
 trailed their progress to the cannon's mouth with the blood of their 
 bravest, and, when borne back by resistless force, rallied the remnant 
 left under command of Captain John S. Hard, the senior surviving 
 officer. Colonel Aiken was most dangerously wounded. Every officer 
 and man in the color company was either killed or wounded, and their 
 total loss one hundred and forty, out of two hundred and sixty-eight 
 men carried in. The colors of this regiment, shot from the staff, 
 formed the winding-sheet of the last man of the color company, at 
 the extreme point reached by our troops that day. Major White, 
 v?ho8e death we lament, was a most gallant and accomplished officer, 
 of elevated character and noble principles. No braver or better sol- 
 dier survives him. Ptcad's battery performed the most important ser- 
 vice in a position of great danger. Second Lieutenant J. D. Parkman 
 •was killed on the field, gallantly discharging his duty. One gun was 
 disabled and abandoned, and so many horses as to render it necessary 
 to bring off their pieces severally. The acts of individual heroism 
 performed on this memorable day are so numerous that regimental 
 commanders have not attempted to particularize them, I am, as 
 nsual, greatly indebted to Captain Holmes, A. A. G., and Lieutenant 
 Doby, A. D. C, of my staff, for intelligent and efficient assistance in 
 carrying orders to all parts of the field. They were everywhere, ex- 
 posed, with characteristic courage. Privates Baroa and Deas, order- 
 lies, were also with me in the field, bearing thsmselvea with courage 
 
ioo 
 
 and mtelligence. The latter had his horse shot in three places. 
 hare already transmitted a statement of our losses. 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. B. KERSHAW, 
 ♦ Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL WOFFORD, COMMANDING TEXAS 
 BRIGADE, OF BATTLE OF SliARPSBUUG. 
 
 Headquarters Texas Brigade, September 29, 1S62. » 
 
 Captain W. II. Sellers, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to report the part performed by this ccm- 
 irarid in the engagrments on the evening of the i6th and throughout 
 the d:iy of the 17th instant, at Sharpsburg, Maryhuid. Without 
 referring to the various positions which we occupied after halting on 
 the fit'l(i, on the morning of the 15th instant, our division being in 
 rear of the army from Boonsboro* mountain, this brigade was moved 
 from in front of Sharpsburg, on the evening of the loth, to the right 
 and in front of Mumma church ; this being the left of our line, and 
 •where the main and most of the fighting had talcen place on the 1 7th 
 instant. While we were moving to this position, the enemy opened 
 a heavy fire iM^n us from their long-range guns, which was continued 
 after we wer^wn position, and resulted in the wounding ol one lieu- 
 tenant and one soldier in the fourth Texas regiment. Vv'^e remained 
 in this position the balance of the day and night of the 15th, and 
 until late in the evening of the 16th, when we were ordered by Gen- 
 eral Hood to move by the left flank, through the open field in front of 
 the church, and to its left, about seven hundred yards, to meet the 
 enemy, who, it was then ascertained, had commenced to cross An- 
 tietam creek to our left. AVe there formed line of battle, ard moved 
 up to a corn-field in our front, and awaited the advance of the enemy, 
 who had by this time opened uj^on us a, brisk fire of shot and shell 
 from some pieces of artillery which they had placed in position imme- 
 diiitel}- in our front, and to the left of our lines, wounding one officer 
 and some dozen m.eUi I feel it due to truth to state that the enemy 
 were informed of oui position hy the firing of a half a dozen .^liota 
 from a little battery of outs on the left of the brigade, wliich hastily 
 beat a retreat as so( n as their guns opened upon us. While our line 
 of ba'tle rested upon the corn-field, Captain 1'urner, comtn.indiDg the 
 fifth Texas, which was on our right, had been mbvert forward into 
 seme vro'ids, where he met a part of ovv skirmishers, driven in by the 
 enemy, whom he engaged, and filially drove l)ack, with the loss of one 
 man Our skirmishtrs. consisting of one bundled men, under the 
 ^command of Captain Martin, of the fourth Texas, who had been 
 moved into the woods in front and to the left of the fifth Texas, were 
 iiotly engaged with the enemy, but held their ground until they had 
 expended all their cartrid^-es, and then fell into our lit>e of battle 
 «bout nine o'clock at night; about which time we were relieved by 
 General Lawton's brigade and were withdrawn from ihe field to the 
 woods in rear of Mumma church, for the purpose of cooking rations, 
 our men not having recfived any regular allowance in three days. It 
 was now evident that the enemy hud effected a crossing entirely to 
 
857 
 
 our left, antl that he would make the attack on that wing early in the 
 morning, moving his forces over and placing them in position during 
 the night. 
 
 At three o'clock, on the morning of the 17th, the picket firing was 
 very heavy, and at daylight the battle was opened. Our brigide wa3 
 moved forward at sunrise to the support of General Lawton, whi) had 
 relieved us the night before. Moving forward in line of battle in the 
 regular order of rcgiincnts, the brigade proceeded through the woods 
 into the open field towai-ds the corn-field, where the left encountered 
 the first line of the enemy. Seeing the Hampton legion an 1 eigh- 
 teenth Georgia moving slowly forward, but rapidly firing, I rode 
 hastily to them, urging thorn forward, when I saw two full regiments, 
 one in their front and the other partly to their left. Perceiving at 
 once that they were in danger of being cut off, I ordered the first 
 Texas to move by the left flank to their relief, which they did in a 
 rapid and gallant manner. By this time, the enemy on our left hav- 
 ing ccmuienced falling back, the first Texas pressed them rapi^lly to 
 their guns, wbioh now poured into them a fire on their right flink, 
 centre and left flank, from three diilorent batteries, before which their 
 well formed line was cut down and scattered, being two hundred yards 
 in front of our line, their situation was most critical. Riding back 
 to the left of our line, I found the fragment of the eighteenth Georgia 
 regiment in front of the extreme right battery of the enemy, locited 
 on the pike running by the church, which now opened upon our 
 thinnel ranks a most destructive fire; the men and officers were giU 
 lantly shooting down the gunners, and for a moment silenced them. 
 At this time the enemy's fire was most terrific, their first line of in- 
 fantry having been driven back to their guns, which now opened a 
 furious fire, together with their second line of infantry, uptm our 
 thinned and almost annihilated ranks. By this time, our brigade 
 having suffered so greatly that I was satisfied they could neither ad- 
 vance or hold their position much longer without reinforcements, 
 riding back, to make known to General Hood our condition, I met 
 with you, to whom I imparted this information. By this time our 
 lino commenced giving way, when 1 ordered them back, under cover 
 of the woods, to the left of the church, where we halted and waited for 
 support. None arriving, after some time, the enemy commenced 
 advancing in full force. Seeing the hopelessness and folly of making 
 a stand with our shattered brigade, and a remnant from other com- 
 mands, the men being greatly exhausted, and many of them out of 
 ammunition, I determined to fall back to a fence in our rear, where 
 we met the long-looked for reinforcements, and at the same time 
 received an order from General Hood to fall back further to the rear, 
 to rest and collect our men. After resting a short time, we were 
 moved back to the woods in rear of the church, from where we ad- 
 vanced to the fight In the morning, which position we held until late 
 in the evening, when we were moved, by the right flank, in the direc- 
 tion of Sharpsburg, to a place near the centre of our line, where we 
 remained during that night and next day, and until the recrossing of 
 the Potomac by our army was ordered. During the engagement of 
 
558 
 
 ihe brigade, on the 17th instant, I was drawn to the left of our line, 
 as it first engaged the enemy, who had succeeded in flanking us on the 
 left, and, to escape from being surrounded, changed the direction to 
 left oblique, thus causing large intervals between the regiments on 
 the left and right of the line. The fifth Texas, under the command 
 of Captain Turner, moved with spirit across the field, and occu- 
 pied the woods on our right, where it met the enemy and drove them 
 and held them back until their ammunition was exhausted, and then 
 fell back to the woods', with the balance of the brigade. The fourth 
 Texas regiment, which in our line of battle was between the fifth and 
 first Texas, was moved by General Hood to the extreme left of our 
 line on the pike road, covering our flank by holding the enemy in 
 check. This brigade went into the action numbering eight hundred 
 and fifty-four, and lost, in killed, wounded and missing, five hundred 
 and sixty — over one-half. 
 
 We have to mourn the loss of Majors Dale, of the first Texas, and 
 Dingle, of Hampton's legion, two gallant officers, who fell in the 
 thickest of the fight. Also Captains Tompkins and Smith, and 
 Lieutenant Exum, of Hampton's legion ; Lieutenants Underwood and 
 Cleaveland, of the eighteenth Georgia; Lieutenants Huffrr an, Rus- 
 sell, Waterhouse, Patton and Thompson, of the first Texas. These 
 brave officers all fell while gallantly leading their small bands on an 
 enemy five times their number. They deserved a better fiite than to 
 have been, as they were, sacrificed for the want of proper support. 
 The enemy, besides being permitted to cross the creek wit^ scarcely 
 any resistance to our left, were allowed to place their artillery in po- 
 sition during the night, not only without annoyance, but without our 
 knowledge.- 
 
 "Without specially naming the officers and men, who stood firmly at 
 their post during the whole of this terrible conflict, I feel pleased to 
 bear testimony, with few exceptions, to the gallantry of the whole 
 brigade. They fought desperately ; their conduct was never sur- 
 passed. Fragments of regiments as they were, they moved boldly 
 tipon and drove before them the crowded lines of the enemy up to 
 their cannon's mouth, and, with a heroism unsurpassed, fired upon 
 their gunners, desperately struggling before yielding, which they 
 had never been forced to do before. 
 
 I herewith transmit the reports of Captain Turner, commanding the 
 fifth Texas regiment; Lieutenant Colonel Carter, commanding the 
 fourth Texas; Lieutenant Colonel Work, commanding the first Texas; 
 Lieutenant Colonel Rufi", commanding the eighteenth Georgia, and 
 Lieutenant Colonel Gary, commanding Hampton's legion. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 W. S. WOFFORD, 
 Colonel commanding Brigade. 
 
REPOUT OF COLONEL STAFFORD, COMMANDING SECOND 
 LOUISIANA BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Ninth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, ) 
 Camp near Fort lioijal, Va., January 21, 1863. > 
 
 Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro, 
 
 Commanding Jackson''s Division : 
 
 General : I have the honor, herewith, to submit the following 
 report. The brigade, consisting of the first, second, ninth, tenth, 
 fifteenth, and Coppena' battalion Louisiana volunteers, reported near 
 Gordonsville, on or about the 12th August, 1S62, and was assigned 
 to duty in the division of Major General T. J. Jackson. Being the 
 senior colonel in the brigade, the command devolved upon me. I had 
 command but one week, when Brigadier General W. E. Starke re- 
 ported for duty and took command. Shortly after Brigadier General 
 Starke's arrival, we took up the line of march and continued it untTl 
 we reached the ford on the Rappahannock, near Brandy Station, on 
 ■or about the 2 1st August, at which period we found the enemy 
 strongly posted on the opposite bank. On the morning of the 22nd 
 we resumed the march, and crossed the Rappahannock at Major's 
 mill, on Hazel fork, on the 25th ; passed through Thoroughfare Gap 
 on the morning of the 27th, and reached Manassas the same day. 
 That night we fell back, and took position near the little farm called 
 Groveton. On the afternoon of the 28th, the enemy appearing in 
 sight, we formed our line of battle on the crest of the hill overlooking 
 Groveton, and awaited his attack. The battle commenced at five 
 o'clock, P. M., and lasted until nine o'clock, P. M., resulting in the 
 repulse of the enemy, we holding the battle-ground. In this engage- 
 ment, the Brigadier General commanding the division receiving a 
 severe wound, the command of the division devolved upon Brigadier 
 General W. E. Starke, and the command of the brigade fell upon me. 
 On the morning of the 2yth, being in reserve, we were not thrown 
 forward until about twelve o'clock, at which time we received an order 
 to charge. Driving the enemy befOre us, Ave .again fell back to our 
 position, remaining in it during the night. On the morning of the 
 3Uth, Brigadier General W. E. Starke ordered me to send half of one 
 of my regiments forward and occupy the railroad cut as a point of 
 observation, to be held at all hazards. About eight o'clock, in the 
 morning, the enemy commenced throwing forward large bodies ot 
 skirmishers into the woods on our left, who quickly formed themselves 
 into regiments and moved forward by brigade to the attack, and mass- 
 ing a large body of troops at this point, with the evident design of 
 forcing us from our position. They made repeated charges on U3 
 while in this position, but were compelled to retire in confusion, sus- 
 taining heavy loss and gaining nothing. It was at this point that the 
 ammunition of the brigade gave out; the men procured some from, 
 the dead bodies of their comrades, but the supply was not sufficient, 
 
360 
 
 snfl. in the absence of ammunition, the men fought with rocks and 
 
 fc;-ld their position. The enemy retreated, and we pressed forward to 
 the turnpike road, there halt:d and camped for the ni^ht On the 
 Sl6t we took up the line of march, and, on the 1st of St'ptemher, at 
 Chantillj, we again met the enemy and repulsed them. We resumed 
 our line of march ; passed through Dranesville and Lees^urg; 
 crossed the Fotomac on the 5th September, passed through Frcdt-rick 
 City, Maryland, and camped two miles beyond. Recrossod the Poto- 
 mac on the I 1th of September at Williamsport, passed through Mar- 
 tins^»urg, thence to Harper's Ferry, and took part in the reduction of 
 thit place. Crossed the Potomac at Shcpherdstown on the IGth of 
 September, and the same evening formed line of battle, slept on our 
 ar'">-.=s and in positi/m, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Early on the 
 Euorning of the 17th the engagement became general, continuing 
 throughout the day, the brigade sustaining its part. It was in this 
 battle that Brigadier General W. E Starke fell, while gallantly lead- 
 ing his command. Remained in line of battle all night of the ITth ; 
 remained in position on the day of the 18th; recrossed the Potomac, 
 cear Shcpherdstown, on the morning of the I9th; held in reserve on 
 flie 20th ; went in^o camp, near Martinsbuig, on the 2lHt; rem^uned 
 ill camp until the 28th, and moved to Bunker Hill on or about the 
 6th of October. My command, the ninth regiment Louisiana volun- 
 teers, was transferred from Starke's brigade to that commanded by 
 Biigadier General Harry T. Hn^'S. No report of casualtios has been 
 received from Coppen's battalion, Captain Raine's and Captain 
 Brookenbrough's batteries. Enclosetl find list of casualties of tho 
 first, Eecond, ninth, tenth and fifteenth regiments Louisiana voluu- 
 tei-TS. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 L. A. STAFFORD, 
 Colonel commanding B/igcde. 
 
IIEPORT OF COLONEL MoRAE, COMMANDING GAR- 
 LAND'S BRIGADE, OF BATTLE OF SlIARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Garland's Briga^je, Oct. 20, 1SG2. 
 
 Major: I submit the following report of the action of the brigade 
 in the battle of 17th September, near Sharpsburg : 
 
 The brigade was moved from its position on the Ilagerstowu road 
 10 the support of Colquitt's,^ which was then about engaging the 
 ■enemy on c ur left and front. This was about ten o'clock. We moved 
 hy the left flank until we reached a point near the woods ; where line 
 of battle was formed and ihetadvance begun. Somo.confusion ensued 
 from conflicting orders. When the biigade crossed the fence it was 
 halted and formed and again advanced. Coming in sight of the enemy, 
 the firing was commenced steadily, with good will and from an excel- 
 lent position. But, unaccountably to me, an order was given lo cease 
 Sring, that General Ripley's brigade was in front. This produced 
 great confusion, and, in the midst of it, a force of the enemy app'ear- 
 ing on the right, it commenced to broak and a general panic ensued. 
 Is was in vain that the field and most of th<? compan}- officers exerted 
 themselves to allay it. The troops left the field in confusion, the 
 field oflicers, company officers and my-'clf bringing up therciir. Sub- 
 sequently several port'ions of the brigade,, under Colonel Iverson, 
 Captain Garnett and others, were rallied md brought into action, 
 rendering useful service. I refer to their general reports for this 
 conduct. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 
 
 D. F. McRAE, 
 Col&iiel commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL PENDLETON. COMMANDIN<; 
 STARKE'S BRIGADE, OF OPERATIONS IN MARli:- 
 LAND. 
 
 Headquarters Starke's Brigade, } 
 Camp near Mcrtinshurg, October 20, 1862. i 
 
 Lieutenant Mann Page, 
 
 A. A. A. General First Division, Jackson's Corps : 
 
 ■ Lieutenant: In obedience to the order of Lieutenant General 
 Jackson, requiring of brigade commanders reports of the participa- 
 tion of tfieir commands in the late engagements with the enemy, I 
 have the honor to submit the following statement of the part tak(?u 
 by this brigade in the capture of Harper's Ferry and the immediate 
 following battle of Sharpsburg, Maryland: 
 
 Having marched from^Martinsburg about dawn on the morning of 
 the 13th September, we reached the vicinity of Bolivar Heights, 
 where the enemy was strongly entrenched, shortly after noon on the 
 same day and bivouacked ou the Charlestown road, just beyond the 
 range of his guns, until two o'clock the next day. At that hour we 
 were ordered to move by an unfrequentented road, to our left and 
 almost at right angles Avith the Charlestown road, to a position nearer 
 the Potomac, supporting the Baltimore battery of light artillery, com- 
 manded by Captain Brockenbrough and attached to this brigade, 
 which opened upon the enemy and continued its fire until dark, the 
 enemy responding, but without damage to us. At 8 o'clock, P. M., 
 ■when darkness entirely concealed the movement, we were ordered -to 
 move forward in close proximity to the Potomac and within close 
 range of the enemy's artillery; in obedience to which order, we 
 silently occupied a wooded ridge overlooking the river and along the 
 crest of which a road leads directly to the enemy's fortified position. 
 The brigade being formed in line across and at right angles with the 
 course of the ridge, we lay upon our arms till nearly daylight — the 
 quietude of the night being unbroken save by a sharp musketry tire of a 
 few minutos duration in front of our right and a few hundred yards dis- 
 tant, which proved to have occurrc<l between two regiments of the 
 enemy on picket duty, who had mutually mistaken each other for foes. 
 Shortly before dawn we resumed our position of the evening before, 
 again supporting the Baltimore battery, which reopened its fire and 
 delivered a few telling shots, some of them, I regret to say, after the 
 besieged hoisted the Avhite ilag. It is but justice, however, to add 
 that from the position we occupied the flag was imperceptible, nor 
 ■were we aware of the surrender until a message was received from 
 the Major General commanding directing a cessation of the fire. 
 
 It gives me pleasure to be able to say that not a single casualty of 
 any kind is to be reported in this brigade on that occasion, although 
 the result was so glorious to our arms. 
 
363 
 Battle of Sharpsburg. 
 
 Having previously cooked two days' rations, we left our bivouac, 
 near Bol;var Heights, on Tuesday, the 16th September, at two and-a- 
 half o'clock, A. M., and took up the line of march by way of Shep- 
 herdslown, again crossed the Potomac, and baited about noon in the 
 vicinity and to the southwest of the town of Sharpsburg, Md., where 
 we rested in line of battle till near sunset, at which time we resumed 
 our line of march, and moved forward about a mile to take the position 
 assigned to us on the extreme left, preparatory to the anticipated 
 combat of the next morning. In doing so we encountered the shells 
 from three of the enemy's batteries, and had the misfortune, about 
 dark, to lose several of our number, amongst whom was the gallant 
 young Gordon, lieutenant in the ninth Louisiana regiment, and acting 
 as?sistant adjutant general of the brigade, who was killed by a shell, 
 which cut off both his legs at the thigh. 
 
 Under command of Brigadier General Starke, who remained with 
 us constantly, we lay upon our arms all night, throwing out a line of 
 skirmishers in front and to the left. During the early part of the 
 night we were much disturbed by several of the enemy's batteries, 
 which, crossing their fire, cut the tree tops over our heads, and our 
 rest was broken at intervals during the whole night by occasional and 
 spirited firing between the skirmishers. Atthebreakof day on the 17th, 
 the artillery reopened, and the rapidly increasing rattle of musketry 
 notified us of the commencement of the general engagement with a foe 
 vastly superior to us in numbers and confident of an easy victory. 
 Our men, although much worn down with long and rapid marches and 
 but recently from the bloody field of Manassas, were again ready to 
 meet our boastful enemy with undaunted front, and when, at seven 
 o'clock, A. M., the order "forward" was given, it was heard with 
 enthusiasm and obeyed with alacrity from one end of the brigade to 
 the other. We had scarcely emerged from the woods in which we 
 had rested during the night, when we found ourselves face to face 
 with the enemy, heavily massed and within close musket range. Still, 
 we charged forward in the face of a murderous fire, which thinned 
 our ranks at every step, until our p.rogress was arrested by a lane, on 
 Cither side of which was a high staked fence, stretching along our ' 
 whole front, to pass Avhich, ur.der the circumstances, was an impossi- 
 bility. The men, being formed along this fence, kept up an accurate 
 and well sustained fire, which visibly told upon the enemy's ranks, 
 and although we suffered greatly as well from musketry in front as 
 from a battery on our left, which enfiladed us with grape and canister, 
 still not a man was seen to flinch from the conflict. By some mistake 
 or misapprehension, the troops which were intended, as I have since 
 been informed, to support us on the left, failed to get in position as early 
 as was expected, and, our left being unprotected, we were about to be 
 outflanked, when the order to retire was given and obeyed — the men 
 withdrawing in tolerable order and fighting as they fell back. It was 
 in this early part of the engagement that our brave and chivalric 
 leader, Brigadier General William E. Starke, loved and honored by 
 
364 
 
 every man under his command, fell, pierced by three minio balls, 
 and was carried from the field in a dying condition, survi\ing his 
 •rounds but an hour. 
 
 The enemy, flushed with their supposed success in the first onset, 
 rent the air with shouts and pressed upon us with redoubled energy. 
 Their exultation, however, was but short-lived. The comuiand of the 
 brigade having devolved upon Colonel L. A. Stafford, of (he ninth 
 Louisiana, he lost no time in reforming our somewhat disordered line, 
 "^hen, other troops coming to our support, we gathered our strength 
 for a fret-h charge upon the rapidly advancing and exulting foe, and, 
 with a determination to win or die, hurled ourselves against his lines 
 with an impetus which first staggered, then drove him (Iving from the 
 field, and leaving behind him hundreds of his dead and wounded. 
 The enemy being thus completely repulsed on his right, difl not again 
 oSsT to renew the combat on thai, portion of his lines during the day. 
 Later in the day the brigade was again called out to support a bat- 
 tery, when, in consequence of a severe contusion of the foot received 
 l>y Colonel .Stafford early in the action, which prevented his taking the 
 field, the command devolved upon the undersigned. Those who had 
 oassed unharmed through the severe conflict of the morning evinced 
 •jkgain their readiness to meet the foe by promptly taking the field, 
 though they were not again called upon to fire a gun. 
 
 I beg leave to speak in the highest terras of the gali.vntry and fear- 
 lessness displayed by Colonel L. A. Stafford, of the ninth Louisiana 
 regiment, who commanded the brigade in the morning. Colonel J. 
 M. Williams, commanding the second Louisiana regiment, was severely 
 ^.Tounded by a minie ball, which passed through his chest, whilst gal- 
 i.antly leading his regiment in the first charge. Lieutenant Colonel 
 M. ]S[olan, of the first Louisiana, painfully wounded in the leg, 
 remained at his post during the fight, commanding his regiment with 
 coolness and bravery. The tenth Louisiana was commanded in the 
 ■^engagement by Captain Henry D. Morrill, who faithfully discharged 
 r.he duty devolved upon him. It is a noteworthy fact that not a single 
 deld officer in the brigade, who v.'as on duty on that day, escaped 
 lantouehed. I was so fortunate as to escape with only a slight contusion 
 <>f the ankle from a spherical case shot which passed between my feet. 
 When all did Lheir duty so heroically, it would seem almost invidious to 
 rjQention particular names ; but, on some other occasion which shall seem 
 opportune, it will give rae pleasure to mention the names of those 
 oUicers who merit special notice. A list of the casualties in the dif- 
 ferent regiments composing this brigade has been heretofore fur- 
 nished. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 EDMOND PENDLETON, 
 Colonel Fifteenth Louisiana Regiment, commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL WALTON OF BATTLE OF RAPPA- 
 HANNOCK STATION. 
 
 IIf.adquakters Artillery Corps. Right Wing, ) 
 Department Northern Virginia, August 25, 186^. ] 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that, in obedience to an order 
 received from I^Lijor General Longstreet, on .the evening of the 22nd 
 instant, accompaiiiod by jNIajor J. J. Garnett, chief of artillery on the 
 staff of Brigidier (xeneral D. R. JonCvS, and Captain C. W. Squiers^ 
 comnanding the first company of Washington artillery, I made a 
 reconnoissaiice of the position of the enemy in the vicinity of 
 Beverly's ford and Rappahannock Station, on the Happahannocl: 
 river, with the vii^w, as instructed, to place the long-range guna 
 under my command in position to open upon the enemy's batteries 
 early on the following morning. 
 
 Having, daring the night, made all necessary preparation, at day- 
 break, on the morning of the 2.'ird, I placed in position on the left, at, 
 lieverly's ford. Captain Miller's battery, Washington ariillery, four 
 light twelve-pounder Napoleon guns ; a section of two ten-pounder 
 Parrott guns, under Captain Rogers, and one ten-pounder Parrott 
 gun, under Captain Anderson; and en the bill in front of Genera! 
 D. R. Jones' headquarters, on the right, Captain S(|uier!?' battery 
 Washington artillery, four three-inch ritles ; Captain Stribling's bat- 
 tery, one three-inch rifle and three lighc twelve pounder Napoleon 
 guns; a section of Captain Chapman's battery, one three-inch riflo 
 and one light twelve-pounder Napoleon gun, under Lieutenant 
 Chapman; and two Blakely guns of Captain Maurin's battery, under 
 Lieutenant Landry. The heavy fog prevailing ob.^cured ih« opposite 
 bank of the river and the enemy's positions entirely from view until 
 about six o'clock, A. M., at which hour, the sun having partially 
 dispelled the fog, I opene(f fire from Captain Millers battery upon a 
 battery of long-rr.nge guns of the enemy, directly in front, at a 
 range of about one thousand yards By previous arrang.-ment. the 
 batteries on tho rigat and left of Captain Miller's positi^ n immedi- 
 ately opened, and ttie fire became general along the lin">. We nad 
 not long to wait for the response of the enemy, he immediately open- 
 ing upon all our positions a rapid and vigorous fire from all his bat- 
 teries, some in positions until then undiscovered by us. ^riie battery 
 eng.iged by Captain Miller Avas silenced in about forty minutes, not- 
 with.standmg the long range guns under Captains Rogers ant2 
 Anderson, on the left, had, shortly after the commencetLent of the 
 engagement, been withdrawn from action and placed under shelter of 
 the hill on which they had been posted, thus leaving the battery of 
 the enemy, which it was intended these guns should engage, free to 
 direct against M.llor. and the batteries on the hill on the right, a 
 most destructive enfilading fire. At this time Captain Millar changed 
 position an I directed his fire against this battery, when a bittery, od 
 
3G6 
 
 the right of that which had been silenced, opened upon hira, sub- 
 jecting him to a cross fire and causing him to lose heavily in men and 
 horses. The fire was continued by Miller's battery alone on the left 
 until seven o'clock, when, after consultation with General Jones, and 
 the firing of the enemy having greatly slackened, I ordered hira to 
 retire by half battery, which was handsomely done, in good order. 
 At this time Lieutenant Brewer fell, mortally wounded. The combat 
 on the right was gallantly fought by the batteries there placed in po- 
 sition. Captain Squiers assumed command of that part of the field, 
 and won for himself renewed honors by the handsome manner in 
 which he handled his batteries, and for the good judgment and cool- 
 ness he displayed under the heavy fire of the enemy, to which he was 
 subjected during four hours, without intermission. I enclose here- 
 with Captain Miller's report [A] and that of Captain Squiers [BJ (of 
 the operations on the right) for reference and for particulars, to which 
 I respectfully ask the attention of the General commanding. The 
 object sought to be obtained by this engagement, I am happy to say, 
 was fully accomplished by driving the enemy from all his positions 
 before nightfall, and causing him to withdraw from our front entirely 
 during the night. I have to lament the loss, in this engagement, of 
 a zealous, brave and most efficient officer in Lieutenant Isaac W. 
 Brewer, third company Washington artillery, who fell at the head of 
 his section at the moment it was being withdrawn from the field, and 
 of many non-commissioned officers and privates. The officers and 
 men, in all the batteries engaged, are deserving the highest praise for 
 their gallantry upon the field. The attention of the General com- 
 manding is respectfully directed to those named particularly in the 
 reports of Captains Miller and Squiers. Too much praise cannot be 
 awarded to Captain Miller and his brave company for the stubborn 
 and unflinching manner in which they fought the enemy's batteries, 
 in such superior force and position, on the left, and to Captains 
 Squiers and Stribling, and Lieutenants Landry and Chapman, on the 
 right. I am indebted to Captain Middleton, of Brigadier General 
 Drayton's staff, to Lieutenant Williams, of General D. R. Jones' staff, 
 and to Lieutenant William M. Owen, adjutant Washington artillery, 
 all of whom were constantly with me under fire during the engage- 
 mentf, for their valuable assistance and zealous, fearless conduct on 
 the field. There are none more brave or more deserving considera- 
 tion than these gentlemen. I annex a list of casualties, [C,] and 
 have the honor to be, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 •J. B. WALTON, 
 Colonel and Chief of Artillery, Right Wing, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL WALTON OF SECOND BATTLE OF 
 
 MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Battalion Washington Artillerv, > 
 November 30th, 1862. \ 
 
 To Major G. M, Sorrell, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Ri^^ht Wing, A. N. V. : 
 
 Major: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the 
 operations of the battalion of Washington Artillery, of New Orleans, 
 under my command, on the 29th, 3()th and 31st August last, at and 
 after the second battle of Manassas : 
 
 On the 29th August, 1862, the four batteries composing the bat- 
 talion were assigned and served as follows : The fourth company, con- 
 sisting of two six-pound bronze guns, and two twelve -pound howit- 
 '/ers, under Captain D. F. Eshleman, Lieutenants Norcom, Battles and 
 Apps, with Pickett's brigade ; the second company, with two six- 
 pound bronze guns, and two twelve-pound howitzers, under Captain 
 Richardson, Lieutenants ILawes, De Russey and Britton, with Toombs' 
 brigade; the first company, with three three-inch rifle guns, under Capt. 
 C. W. Squiers, Lieutenants E. Owens, Galbraith and Brown, and the 
 third company, with four light twelve-pound guns, (Napoleon,) under 
 Captain M. B. Miller, Lieutenants McElroy and Hero, in reserve. 
 
 About noon, on the 29th, the two batteries in reserve having halted 
 near the village of Gainesville, on the AVarrenton and Ccntrcville 
 turnpike, vrere ordered forward by General Longstreet, to engage the 
 enemy then in our front, and near the village of Groveton. Captains 
 Miller and Squiers at once proceeded to the position indicated by the 
 General and opened fire upon the enemy's batteries. Immediately 
 in Captain Miller's front, he discovered a battery of the enemy, dis- 
 tant about twelve hundred yards. Beyond this battery, and on a more 
 elevated position, were posted the enemy's rifle batteries. lie opened 
 upon the battery nearest him, and, after a spirited engagement of 
 three-quarters of an hour, completely silenced it and compelled it to 
 leave the field. He then turned his attention to the enemy's rifle 
 batteries, and engaged them until, having exhausted his ammunition, 
 he retired from the field. 
 
 Captain Squiers, on reaching his position on the left of Captain 
 Miller's battery, at once opened with his usual accuracy upon the en- 
 enty's batteries. Unfortunately, after the first fire, orie cf his guns, 
 having b.ecome disabled by the blowing out of the bushing of the vent, 
 was sent from the field. Captain Squiers then placed the remaining 
 pection of his battery under command of Lieutenant Owen, and rode 
 to the left to place additional guns (that had been sent forward to his 
 a95i8tance) in position. At this time the enemy's infantry were en- 
 gaged by the forces on the left of the position occupied by our batte- 
 ries, and, while the enemy retreated in confusion before the charge of 
 oar veterans, the section under Lieutenant Owen poured a destructive 
 
3C8 
 
 fire into their aflfrightod ranks. Scores were seen to fall, until finally 
 the once beautiful line melted confusedly into the woods. The en- 
 emy's Hrtillerj having withdrawn beyond our range, the section was 
 ordered from the field. Both batteries, the first and third, in this ac- 
 tion, fully maintained their well-earned reputation for skillful prac- 
 tice and gallant behavior. AVith this duel ended the operations on the 
 left of our line for the day. 
 
 The next morning, 3(lth August, the second company, Captain J. 
 B. llichards<;n, was ordered forward from its position on the Manasy^ 
 6as Gap railroad to join its brigade, (Toombs',) then moving forward 
 towards the enemy. Captain Richardson pushetl forward until, arriv- 
 ing near llie Cliinn house, he was informed that our infantry had ^ 
 charged ami taken a, battery near that position, but, owing to heavy 
 reinforcetfients thrown forward by the enemy, were unal)le to hold h 
 without the assistance of artillerj. lie immediately took position on 
 the left of the Chinn house and opened on the enemy, who were ad- 
 vancincr, lapidly, in large numbers. After firing a short time, he 
 roovdl his biittery forward about four hundred yards, and succeedevi 
 in holding the Ciiptured battery of four Napoleons, forcing the enemy 
 back an(l compelling a battery immediattdy in his front, and which 
 was anno. ing greatly our infantry, to retire. He then turned the 
 captured tiuns upon their late owners, and at night brought them 
 from the field, with their horses and harness. 
 
 Captain Richardson, in his report, makes special mention for gal- 
 lantry of privates J. B. Cleveland and W. W. Davis, who were th« 
 first to reach the captured battery, and, with the assistance of some 
 infantry, fired nearly twenty-five rounds before being relieved by their" 
 comrades. Lieutenant Ilawes had his horse shot under him during 
 this battle! 
 
 While Richardson, with the second, was doing such gallant service 
 near the Chinn house, Eshleman. with the fourth, with his short-range 
 guns, was doing good work in the game neighborhood. Following 
 his brigade, (Pickett's,) he shelled (he woods in their front, while they 
 advanced in line of battle against the enemy, wliose skiruiisl ers were 
 seen on the ed^^e of the wood. Finding it w uld be impracticable to 
 follow the brigade, owing to the broken nature of the ground, he passed 
 rapidly to the right and front, going intobt:ttery and firing from every 
 elevated position from which he could enfilade the enemy, until he ha i! 
 passed entirely to the right of General Jones' position. lie now held 
 a most desirable position, (overlooking nearly the whole space in front 
 of the Chinn house,) from which his shells fell into the ranks of the 
 enemy with great execution. A persistent attack on the front and 
 flank drovt^ the enemy back into the woods, and now the immense clouds 
 of dust rising from the Centreville road indicated that he was in full 
 retreat. He was directed by General D. R. Jones to move forward 
 and shell the wood and road, which he continued to do until directcl 
 by General J. E B. Stuart to send a section of his battery to the hills 
 in front of the' Conrad house, to fire into a column of cavalry advanc- 
 ing in his rear. The section under Lieutenant Norcom was detached, 
 took position on the left of the Conrad house, and fired into the 
 
369 
 
 enemy until directed to cease by General Stuart, his object having 
 been accomplished. 
 
 The remaining section of the battery, under Lieut. Battles, was 
 then ordered by Captain Eshleman across the Sudley road, firing as 
 it advanced, into the retreating enemy. At this time, Captain Esbtle- 
 man's only support was one company of sixty men of General Jen- 
 kins' sharpshooters, under Captain Lee. After a short interval, the 
 «nen)y again appeared in force near the edge of the wood. Captain 
 E. iiiiraediately changed his front to the left and ponrcd into the en- 
 emy's ranks two rounds of canister, with deadly effect. Those not 
 killed or wounded ran in disorder. After throwing a few shells into 
 the woods. Captain E. retired about two hundred yards to the re;)r, 
 being unwilling to risk his section with such a meagre sujiport. 
 • In a few minutes an order was brought from General Stuart di- 
 recting the section to be brought again to the vicinity of the Conrad 
 house. It was now dark, and Captain E. kept up, from this last po- 
 sition, a moderate fire until nine o'clock, in the direotioo of the 
 Centreville road, when he was directed to retire, with Lieutenant 
 » Norcom's section, that had joined him on the field, and rest h'is men. 
 
 Captain Eshleman, in his report, applauds highly the conduct of his 
 officers, non-coramissiopied oflicers and men, to whose coolness and 
 judgment he was indebted for the rapid evolutions of his battery and 
 precision of his fire. 
 
 The next da}', August 31, 18G'3, Lieutenant Owen, with two guns of 
 the first company, accompanied General Stuart, commanding cavalry, 
 in pursuit of the enemy fo and beyond Germ an town. They came up 
 with the enemy at several points, driving him ahead of them and cap- 
 turing five hundred prisoners. 
 
 Captain Squiers, on the same day, with one gun, accompanied Col-. 
 . onel Kosser to Manassas, going in rear of the enemy, capturing a 
 large amount of stores, (quartermasters' and surgical,) ambulances, 
 hordes, &c 
 
 My casualties in tliis battle were one killed, private II. N. White, 
 of second company, -and nine wounded. 
 
 Thus ended the operations of this battalion in this great second bat- 
 tle of Manassas, fought almost on the same ground and in sight of 
 the field where our guns first pealed forth a little more than a year 
 before. 
 
 I have the satisfaction, in conclusion, to say, that all the officers 
 and men gave, in this important battle, renewed evidence of their de- 
 votion, juugment, and cool bravery, in most trying positions. iNo 
 eulogy of mine can add to the reputation they so worthily enjoy, 
 earned upon bloody fields. 
 
 I am under obligations to Lieutenant Y{. M. Owen, my always de- 
 voted and brave adjutant, for distinguished services under fire,and to 
 Col> r-Sergeant Montgomery, whom I detailed to assist me on the sev- 
 eral days, for cool bravery and gallant deportment in carrying order.-} 
 iu face of the enemy, during the first and second days. 
 I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. B. WALTON, Colonel commanding. 
 Z4 
 
KEPORT OF COLONEL WALTON OF BATTLE OF SHARPS- 
 
 BURG. 
 
 HcADQUARTEhs^ EaTTALIOiN WA9niNGT0N ARi;iLX.ER7, f 
 
 December 4, lb62. i 
 
 To Major G. M, Sorrel, 
 
 ^i. A Gemral Right Wivgy Army Northern Virginia : 
 
 Major : 1 have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
 f.aken by th^ several batteries composing the battalion cf Washington 
 artillery, under my command, in the engagements before Sharpsbnrg,* 
 Maryland, on the 16th and 17th September last: 
 
 On the 15th Septombcr, 1862, the battalion, attached to the right 
 wing of the Array of Northern Virginia, reached Sharpsburg, Mary- 
 land. Here a line of battle -was formed, v?ith the Antsetam in our 
 front, where the forces under Generals Lee and Longstreet awaited 
 the approach of McClellan's army. 
 
 The four companies of this battalion vfero. posted on the line as 
 follows; the first company, Captain C. Yv. Squiers, Lieutenants E. 
 Owen, Galbraith and Brown, with two three-inch rifios and two ten- 
 pounder Parrott guna, on the right of the turnpike, running through 
 the centre and to the front of the town ; the third company, Cap- 
 i;ain M. B Miller, Lieutenants McElroy and Hero, with four twelve- 
 pounder Napoleons, to the right of Captain iSquiers ; to the right of 
 liJaptain Miller, across a ravine and in an orchard in front of Geneial 
 Y). R. Jones' position, were placed the second company, Captain J, 
 B. Richardson, Lieutenants Hawes, Britton and De Russcy, with two 
 Napoleons and two twelve pounder howitzers; and the fourth company. 
 Captain B. F. Eshleraan, Lieutenants Norconi, Battles and Apps, with 
 i;wo six-pounder bronze guns and two twelve-pounder howitzers. 
 
 During the afternoon, the enemy made his appearance across the 
 Ajitietam, and opened upon our lines with his Kng- range batteries. 
 We did not reply, our guns not being able to reach his position. 
 
 The next morning, (I6ih,) the enemy having phunted some batteries 
 /.nearer our position and becoming annoying, 1 orderctl the batteries 
 to open all along our line, and engnged him in an artillery duel. This 
 Gommenci-d at eleven o'clock, A. M., aud ended at twenty minutes to 
 twelve, a period of forty minutes ; some of his batteries were silenced, 
 others v/e could not reach, and having no ammunition to spare, we 
 ceased firing, by order of General Longstreet, and drew the guns un- 
 der cover of the \n\\. 
 
 Captain Squiers' battery of rifles was the only'one of the battalioa 
 engaged in ibis conflict. Shortly after this, firing ceased. Captain 
 Fvichardson, having been placed in a position to watch the bridge oa 
 tiue Antietam, in front of General Toombs' brigade, with his two 
 Kapoleons, opened fire with one gun upon a column of the enemy, to 
 
371 
 
 the left of the bridge. After firing five roands, they retired out (rf Lis 
 range. 
 
 On the morrang of the 17th September, our batteries still remain- 
 ing in the positions of the day before, the enemy crossed large bodies 
 •»>f infantry in front of Captain Squiers' position. They also opened 
 their batteries opon him. Paying little attention to the artillery 
 practice of the enemy, he quietly awaited the advance of his infantry 
 and concentrate 1 his fire upon them, and succeeded in driving them 
 fronn view ; he then withdrew his guns and allowed the batteries of 
 the enemy to ejr.pend much ammunition. Shortly afterwards, the ene- 
 my advanced one. regiment ot infantry. Captain Squiers then turned 
 ^\l his guns and those of Garden's battery upon him, which drove him 
 back ; he rallied a second time, but again he was driven behind his hill; 
 iicre he was reinforced and advanced again ; he was again broken, but 
 rallied within four hundred yards of the batteries, from which position 
 he deployed skirmishers and annoyed our men with the bullets of his 
 sharpshooters. He again sounded the charce, and advanced within 
 canister range ; we opened a heavy fire upon him, he broke and our 
 supports, under General Garnett, charged him. Being nearly out of 
 {i-ramuniiion, Captain Squiers withdrew his battery to refill his chests. 
 
 One ten-pounoer- Parrott gun, under Lieutenant Galbraith, after- 
 's.'irds engaged the enemy on our right until dark ; the other ten- 
 pounder Tarrott was disabled during the action and sent from the tis-ld. 
 .During the action Captain Squiers was deprived of the valuable- 
 services of Lieutenant E Owen, who was wounded in the thigh by a 
 piece of shell, while acting with his usual gallantry with his guns. 
 Captain Squiers, in his report, compliments highly his Lieutenants 
 <>wen, Galbraith and Brown, who were in the hottest of the action, 
 and proved themselves brave and efficient officers, worthy leaders of 
 brave men. 
 
 Sergeant-major C. L. C. Dnpuy went into action with this battery 
 and did good service. At quarter past nine o'clock, A. M.. Captain 
 Miller's batterj'' of four Napoleons was ordered from its original posi- 
 tion to a point to the left of the main road and near our centre. Here 
 Captain Miller was so fortunate as to meet with General Long-»treeti» 
 who assigned him a position He i umediately opened upon the enemy'g 
 iiifan'.ry, who. were advancing upon our left and front. Here he sulTered 
 considerably from the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, losing two- 
 of his gunners and several of his cannoneers wounded, when, ascer- 
 t-'iining that the enemy was beyond effective range, he was ordered by 
 General Longsireet to cease firing and go under cover. Here he re- 
 mained twenty minutes, when, the enemy again advancing, he ordered 
 his battery again into position. Lieutenant Hero having been 
 mounded, »nd Lieutenant McElioy having been left to watch the 
 rifovements of the enemy on the right, Captain Miller found hiraseli" 
 'he only officer with bis company, and, having barely men enough left to 
 >vork a section effectively, he opened upon the enemy with two piece&» 
 with splcndiil efTect. After an action of half an hour, he removed 
 his section to a more advantageous position, an hundred yards to the 
 irout and right, f lacing the remaining section under Sergeant Ellis, 
 
873 
 
 direoting.hira to take it completely under cover. He then continued 
 the action until ammunition was nearly exhausted, "when Sergeant 
 Ellis brought up one of the remaining caissons. 
 
 The enemy had madg two determined attempts to force our line, and 
 had been twice signally repulsed ; they were now advancing the third 
 time and were within canister range, when Sergeant Ellis, who had 
 eucceeded in rallying some infantry to his assistance, brought one of tha 
 guns of his section into action on Miller's left and gave them canis- 
 ter, with terrible effect. The three guns succeeded in checking the 
 enemy's advance and remained in action until the ammunition was 
 exhausted, when they were retired to be refilled. 
 
 After procuring the required ammunition, Captain Miller ^'as re- 
 turning to his former position, when he was directed by General Lee 
 to an elevated and commanding position on the right and rear of the 
 town, where General A. P. Hill had but just begun his attack. Here I 
 placed him in charge of the guns that had been ordered to this posi- 
 tion, leaving Lieutenant McElroy to command his section, and he 
 continued the fight'until its close at nightfall. Too much praise cannot 
 he bestowed on Captain Miller for his stubborn defence of the centre 
 for several hours ; to Lieutenants Hero and McElroy, Sergeants 
 Ellis, Bier (chief artificer) and Dempsey, (artificer,) for their gallantry. 
 This part of the action was under the immediate eye of General 
 Lcngstreet, commanding, and his staff, who, when Captain Miller's 
 cannoneers were exhausted, dismounted and assisted the working of 
 the guns. Captain Miller was compelled, owing to his loss in horses, 
 {0 leave one caisson on the field ; he endeavored to bring it off the 
 next day, but it was deemed unadvisable, it being in range of the 
 enemy's sharpshooters, and it was abandoned and subscqueaily de- 
 Btrojed. Captain Richardson engaged the enemy, in his front, with 
 ihe two Napoleons of the second company, until one o'clock, P. M., 
 when one of the guns was disabled by a shot from one of the three 
 batteries that had been playing upon him, and he withdrew through 
 the town of Sharpsburg and joined his section of howitzers on the 
 right and roar. Procuring ammunition and replacing his disabled 
 guns, he reported, with his full battery, to General Toombs, took 
 positi'^n on the right and began fiing at the enemy's infantry, who, 
 at thito time, had crossed the bridge and were advancing. in large forco 
 np the hili to his left and finally getting out of his rang.>, when he 
 retire li to a new position. I afterwards ordered Captain Richardson 
 forward, with his section of Napoleons and the ten-pounder Parrot* 
 gun of the first company, under Lieutenant Galbraith, to the position 
 on the right near the guns under Miller, when he opened fire and 
 continued in action until the close of the engagement at nightfall. 
 
 The section of twelve-pounder howitzers, under Lieutenants Hawes 
 and D» Russey, were brought forward at the same time and assigned a 
 position by General Toombi^f near his brigade. Here they opened 
 on the enemy, at a distance of five hundred yards, and contiinued 
 firing until the enemy was driven out of range. Lieutenant J. D. 
 Britton was wounded in the arm, late in the evening, after making 
 himself conspicuous during the action for his coolness and soldierlj' 
 
• 373 
 
 bearing. Captain Richardson, in his report, expresses himself en- 
 tirely satisfied with the conduct of his officers, non-commissioned 
 oflScers and men ; they behaved in such a manner as to reflect credit 
 upon the " second," and the corps of which they are a part. The 
 *' fourth," under Eshleman, was not idle during this eventful day, 
 when the battalion was so actively and effectively employed About 
 noon on the 17th, he was directed by General Jones, in front of whose 
 position he was placed, to remove his battery to a position to guard 
 the ford below the brid|;e held by General Toombs. The battery waa 
 placed in position between the Blackford house and the ford, and 
 opened fire upon the enemy, who were crossing in force. A long- 
 range battery of the en-emy, on the opposite bank of the stream^ 
 opened upon and enfiladed his guns, and he was compelled to re- 
 tire ; not, however, before he had driven the enemy back from the 
 ford. He then received orders from General D. R. Jones to hold the 
 enemy in check, if possible, until the arrival of General A, P. Hill, 
 whose division V7as near at hand. The enemy soon made another at- 
 tempt to cross Avith infantry and cavalry. Captain Eshleman took a 
 position nearer the ford and, under cover of a hill, which protected him 
 from the enemy's battery, opened fire upon him with case and shell. At 
 this juncture General Pender arrived, with a portion of General Hill's 
 command, and came to Eshleman's support. After driving the enemy 
 back a second time, he kept up a moderate shelling of the woods near 
 the ford till night, when he was ordered to retire and bivouac. Cap- 
 tain Eshleman pays his Lieutenants, Norcom, Battles and Apps, a 
 just compliment for their gallant conduct throughout the day, and 
 oFpeciali}- during the steady and unflinching defence of the ford. 
 His non-commissioned officers and men vied with their comrades of tho 
 " first," " second" and " third" companies, and added fresh laurels to 
 the high standing of the corps. Captain Squiers, in the latter part 
 of the day, succeeded in refilling the chests of the remaining section 
 of his battery and reported to General Toombs with his two three- 
 inch rifles and a section each of the Maryland light artillery and 
 Riley's battery, but his services were not then required. The enemy 
 had been driven back at all points. The casualties in this engagement 
 were four killed, twenty-eight wounded ^nd two missing. This closes 
 the imperfect records of the action of the several companies of the 
 battalion of Washington Artillery in the eventfVil battle before Sharps- 
 burg, Maryland. 
 
 It is to be hoped the General commanding, under whose immediate 
 eye we fought on both days, will find in it enough to satisfy him that, 
 without the incentive of revenge for wrongs, the soldiers of Louis- 
 iana are ever among the foremost in the performance of patriotic 
 duty to their country. 
 
 Always ready and ever watchful and zealous, Adjutant N. M. 
 ()wen has again placed me under obligation for services on the field. 
 Frequently, in my capacity of chief of artillery, during tho two days, 
 had 1 occasion to send him to distant parts of the field, under the 
 heaviest fire. Gallantly and unhesitatingly he executed every order„ 
 Color-Sergeant Montgomery, as at the battle of Manassas, served me 
 
374 
 
 as aiJ, and was generally under fire during the engagements of tb'- 
 two days. He is a deserving and brave gentleman. Ordnance Ser- 
 geant Brazleman deserves special mention, for his aesiduity and un- 
 flagging devotion in supplying ammunition and in the performance of 
 all his duties. He, on this occasion, added to his we^l established 
 reputation of an intelligent, brave and meritorious soldier. 
 I am, Major, very respoctfully, 
 
 J. B. WALTON, 
 • Colonel commandin'^. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CRUTCIIFiELD OF SECOND BAT- 
 TLE OF MANA^SSAS. 
 
 HeaiJquarters Artillkry Second Corps, } 
 March 14, IS63. I 
 
 Colonel Charles J. Faulknkr, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to submit the follcwing report of th^ 
 part taken by the artillery of this army corps ia the engagement!* 
 known as the second battle of Manassas : 
 
 On the afternoon of Thursday our forces were so disposed that, 
 Sudley Mills being to their left, and front, the arc thoy formed prc- 
 Bented a convex front towards the pike from Groveton to Centreville, 
 along which the enemy advanced from Warrenton. About half- past 
 four, r. M., I think, I received orders from General .T;ickson to move 
 up the whole artillery force, which was then lying around Sudley 
 Mills. This I proceeded to do, leaving five pieces of Captains 
 Caskie's and Cutshaw's batteries on the opposite side of the Cathar- 
 pin run, in position to command the ford there, for the security of the 
 wagon train. The batteries of Captains Wooding and G«rber (each 
 of four guns) got up first, and went into action, firing upon the 
 columns of the enemy advancing along the Warrenton and Centre- 
 ville road. The head of this column had alroad3^ reached, if not 
 passed, Groveton, and, wheeling ofl' there to its left, formed line of 
 battle perpendicular to the pike and facing to the rear of their still 
 marching column. This line then moving down, these two batteries 
 were withdrawn, one by order of General Jackson, and the other by 
 order of Brigadier General Taliaferro. The other batteries did not 
 get up in time to participate in the action before it became an en- 
 gagement of infantry, just near the edge of the woods, under whicla 
 circumstances it was not possible to get the guns in position before 
 dark. 
 
 Early on Friday, the 29th, the enemy renewed the attack over 
 nearly the same ground, while our troops occupied pretty generally 
 the same position. His infantry being repulsed by ours, artillery 
 was thrown out in front of our right to complete it. The batteries 
 of Captains Poague, Carpenter, Demfent, Brockenbrough and Lati- 
 mer, under Major Shumaker, were so engaged, facing obliquely 
 towards Groveton, while the battery of Captain Braxton was placed 
 %further to our right, bearing on the road from Groveton to Warren- 
 ton. in case the enemy should advance from that direction, rath?r in 
 rear of the other batteries. This did not, however, happen, and so 
 Captain Braxton's battery was not engaged then. The other batte- 
 ries did not all come into action at once. 
 
 The enemy endeavored to cover his repulse by batteries thrown 
 into position to play oa the first of ours that opened on his retiring 
 
376 
 
 infantry. Tliese Tverc answered by fresh batteries of ours, and thus 
 began a very fierce artillery duel, which lasted till about ten o'clock, 
 A. M., our batteries being gradually withdrawn, and the enemy moving 
 around more to our left, to select another point of attack. 
 
 His next effort, later in the day, was directed against Brigadier 
 General Gregg's brigade, ■which, forming the right of Major General 
 A. P. ITilTs division, joined the second Virginia brigade, Avhich 
 formed the left of Jackson's division. This being in the woods, no- 
 artillery was placed there, but, as the cneray was repulsed, a sec- 
 tion of Captain Pegram's battery was brought up and fired a few shotS; 
 
 The enemy's next attack was still further to the left. At this time 
 General A. P. Hill's brigades were posted from right to left, in this 
 order: Gregg's, Field's, Thomas', Pranch's, Pender's and Archer's. 
 On the left (of the line) was Captain Braxton's battery of six guns; 
 to the right of General Archer's brigade was Captain Grenshaw'3 
 battery of four guns ; and to its right, to the left and rear of Gene- 
 ral Branch's brigade, was Csptain Latham's battery of four guns, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Potts. About two o'clock, P. M., the 
 enemy made nn assault upon the front of Generals Thomas, Branch 
 and Field, which, of course, (as was the case with his former and 
 subsequent attacks.) was' preceded and accompanied by a heavy shell- 
 ing of the adjacent woods. lie also brought up two rifle guns on his 
 2 ight, which opened on the position occupied by General Branch's 
 brigade, in a clump of woods, while his infantry attempted to charge 
 across the field in front. Their guns Averc speedily driven off by 
 Captain Braxton's battery, wiiich was moved still further to our left 
 for the purpose, and their infantry was easily repelled. In a short 
 time the attack was renewed, over the same gtound and in the saino 
 way. By this time, the batteries of Captains Crenshaw and Latham 
 had been moved out so as to get an oblique fire on their infantry, and 
 also to bear on the battery on their right. The latter was quickly 
 forced to retire by the fire of the batteries of Captains Braxton and 
 Crenshaw, while the latter, with that of Captain Latham, poured a 
 heavy fire on their infantry at about four hundred and fifty yards 
 distance. The attack was of short duration, and they were again 
 repulsed, and this time followed up by General Branch's brigade. In 
 a short time, after entering the woods, the latter was driven out and 
 followed by the enemy, who were checked at the edge of the woods by 
 the fire of these batteries, and again quickly repulsed by fresh in- 
 fantry, (General Lawton's division, I believe,) and General Branch's 
 brigade was reformed. The fight then shifted more to the right, as 
 General Hill ordered an advance of his line, (the enemy having fallen 
 back obliquely towards our right.) As Brigadier General Pender's 
 brigade advanced directly to the front. Captain Crenshaw's battery 
 w^as mcved forward and shelled the woods in front, while Captaiti 
 Braxton's battery was moved around to the right of General Hill's 
 line and opened fire on the retiring enemy there, until General Hood's 
 brigade drove the enemy from their position on the heights opposite 
 Groveton. 
 
 On Saturday, the 30th instant, this army corps occupied still the 
 
377 
 
 same position. About three, P. M., tlio enemy attacked along our 
 front, havin^c: advanced from the direction of Centreville. In this 
 attack his line exposed its left flank to batteries on the rising ground 
 from our right across to the Groveton and Warrenton pike. Accord- 
 ingly, the batteries of Captains Johnson, D'Aquin, Rice, Wooding, 
 Poague, Carpenter, Brockenbrough and Latimer were so placed, in all 
 eighteen guns, their right joining the left of General Longstreet's 
 batteries. Their fire wa"S directed upon the last line of the enemy's 
 forces, which was broken under i^,, just as it nearly reached the edge 
 of the woods, and never reformed within their range. As soon as it 
 was observed to be giving away, I moved forward Captain Garber's 
 battery of four guns at a gallop, to move down into the plain below, 
 so as to get an enfilading position on their' other lines when they 
 should be repulsed from the woods in which they were engaged with 
 our infantry, and so endeavor to convert the repulse into a rout. 
 Just as the battery was getting into position and the enemy began to 
 fall back from the woods, Brigadier General Early's brigade charged 
 from the woods and, effecting a change of front perpendicularly for- 
 ^v^ard to the left, formed a line between the battery and the enemy, so 
 that the former could not fire. *The same movement checked also the 
 fire of all the short-ranged guns from the hill, and so they were with- 
 drawn, and the others, viz: those of Captains Brockenbrough, Lati- 
 mer and D'Aquin, vrere at once moved round to the range of hills to 
 the right of the Groveton and Centreville road, uhcre the enemy 
 were concentrating a very heavy fire of artillery on General Long- 
 stieet's line Hero they engiiged the enemy's batteries for the 
 remainder of the fight. Captain Wooding's battery and Carpenter's 
 were retained in their first position, engaging the ^emy's batteries 
 so soon as his infantry fell back, while that of Captain Poague was 
 moved down the road along our former front, so soon as we advanced, 
 and opened on the opposing troops of the enemy as the movement con- 
 tinued. The five guns at Sudley's ford, under Lieutenant David 
 Barton of Cutshaw's battery, were also engaged in repelling an attack 
 of ihe enemy at that point, which they did, supported by a body of 
 cavalry under Major Patrick. In this battle we lost no guns. Cap- 
 tain Brockenbrough had two disabled, one having burst, while the 
 vent-piece of the other wag burnt out. One caisson was also ex- 
 ploded. It is impossible to state how many guns were captured ; I 
 could never find out; three we got, I know ; I saw four or five others 
 on the field, but I do not know whether they belonged to the eneniv, 
 or whether they were guns that had been exchanired for them. 
 
 On Monday, 1st of September, in the battle ot Ox Hill we had no 
 .irtillcry engaged. The character of the ground was such that it 
 could not be brought into action. Several batteries were posted so 
 as to check any success of the enemy, but none became engaged. 
 The enemy had engaged only four guns, two Napoleons and two 
 howitzers. 
 
 On the same day, two guns of Rice's battery took position between 
 Chantilly and Centreville, with the second Virginia brigade, under 
 Colonel Bradley T. Johnson. They had a slight engagement with 
 
378 
 
 the enemy, I know ; but I was not there, and do not know the pa: 
 ticulars. I presume Colonel Johnson's report "will show. 
 I am, Colonel, very respectfully. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 S. CRUTCHFIELD, 
 CqIotmI ard Ckkf of Artillery of Second Cor-ps. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CRUTCFIFEILD OF CAPTURE OF 
 HARPERS FERRY AND BATTLE OF SHARPSBURG. 
 
 Headquarters Artillery Second Corps, ) 
 A})ril 16, 1863. 5 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Colonel: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of the artillery of this army corps in the capture of Har- 
 per's Ferry and battle of Sharpsbur^, in September, 1862 : 
 
 On Saturday, September 13, 1862, the command ot Lieutenant 
 General Jackson appeared before Harper's Ferry, on the southern 
 side, having approached it from Martinsburg. That day was spent 
 in reconnoissance. On Suiiday a cannonade was opened on the 
 enemy from the batteries of Brigadier General John G Walker from 
 Loudoun Heights, and from those of Major General McLaws from 
 Maryland Heights. The enemy were strongly entrenched on Bolivar 
 Heights and just around the house of the former superintoudent of 
 the armory. At the latter place, his fire was pretty well silenced late 
 in the day. Towards the close of the afternoon a general advance 
 was made on the place. JNIajor General A. P. Hill's division moved 
 along the west bank of the Shenandoah, that of Major General Ewell, 
 commanded by Brigadier General Lawton, was on the left of General 
 Hill's, while Jackscu's division, commanded by Colonel Grigsby, ap- 
 proached on the road from Harper's Ferry to Shepherdstown. The 
 early approach of night prevented any serious engagement. During 
 the night ten guns, fiom the batteries of Captains Dement, Brown, 
 Garber and Latimer, were moved up the Shenandoah, and, crossing 
 at Kclley's ford, moved down on the other side until opposite the left 
 of the enemy's line of entrenchments. This position, although com> 
 manded perfectly by Bolivar Heights, yet secured a fire into the rear 
 of the enemy's works on his left, where he had a work with an em- 
 brasure battery of four guns, but open in the rear, and the first point 
 of his works to be encountered by Major General A. P. 11 lU This 
 work gained, his other works were untenable. A road having to bo 
 cut for these ten guns prevented their opening at daybreak, as Gen- 
 eral Jackson had ordered. The attack was begun by a battery of 
 eight guns in front, and rather to the ripht, of this work, from the 
 batteries of Cayitains Pegram, Mcintosh, Davidson and Braxton, of 
 Major General A. P. HilTs division. In a short time the guns of 
 Captains Brown, Garber, Latimer and Dement, being in position, 
 their fire wj'S directed against this work from the rear. Its battery 
 was quickly silenced, the men running from their guns, but returning 
 to them in a short time after the guns directed on the work were 
 brought to bear on the enemy's inlantry in his entrenchments. These 
 pieces were therefore again directed on the work, and, in something 
 less than an hour, its fire was completely silenced. Our guns being 
 
380 
 
 again turned on tlie enemy's -infantry, they soon began to fall back 
 from their entrenchments in great confusion, and the white flag was 
 raised over their works. 
 
 The captured guns being turned over to the quartermaster for re- 
 moval, I can make no exact return of the number. We had none 
 disabled, and of course lost none. 
 
 Ua reaching Shephcrdstown, lote next evening, I met Brigadier 
 General W. N. Pendleton, who desired me to return to Harper's 
 Ferry and endeavor to get together batteries of the captured guns 
 and such ammunition as 1 could, and send it to Shephcrdstown or to 
 the battle-field of Sharpsburg, as our ordnance supplies were getting 
 short and our batteries in an inefficient condition, from bard march- 
 ing and previous fighting. I therefore returned to Harper's Ferry. 
 After much difficulty I found the quartermaster in charge of the cap- 
 tured guns, and fnind that be had been busy in removing them, and 
 in so doing had rais-raatched the caissons, limbers and guns, to sucb 
 an extent that, after vainly spending half the day at it, I gave up the 
 task of getting together any batteries from among them. The bat- 
 teries of Captains Brown, Dement and Latimer had been left at 
 Harper's Ferry as disabled, on account of the condition of tbeir 
 horses. I therefore had horses turned over to them, filled them 
 np with ammunition, exchanged two of Captain Latimer's ten-pnunder 
 Parrott's, whose vent pieces had burned out in the action of the day 
 before, for two three-inch rifles of the caf)tured guns, and started 
 them for the battle-field, going on ahead myself. I got there too late 
 in the evening to be able to give any report of the battle. In it, 
 however, wo lost no guns. Captain Thompson's (then Captain 
 D'Aquin's) battery captured one ten-pounder Parrott, which they 
 brought off. In recrossing the Potomac, a forge belonging to Captain 
 Crenshaw's battery aod a caisson belonging to Captain Brocken- 
 brough's were lost on this side of the river from the sheer exhaustion 
 of the horses, both rolling down a cliff on the side of the road. 
 I have the honor to remain. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 S. CRUTCHFIELD, 
 Colonel and Cfiirf of Artillery Second Corps. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL S. D. LEE OF SECOND BATTLE OF 
 
 MANASSAS. 
 
 Headquarters Battalion Light Artillert, ) 
 Camp near Winchester ^ October 2, ib(i2. \ 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel R. H. Chilton, 
 
 Adjutant General, Army Northern Virginia : 
 
 CofiONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part 
 taken by the battalion of artillery under my command in the battle 
 of Manassas Plains, August aoth"^ 18G2: 
 
 The battalion received orders on the evening of the 29th, near 
 Thoroughfare dap, to march to the front during the night, and, after 
 a tedious march, encnmpcd, about dawn on the morning of the 3l)th, 
 on the pike leading from Gainesville to stone bridge, and about two 
 miles from Gainesville. Soon after daylight, I found that our bivouac 
 was on the battle-field of the previous evening and near our advanced 
 division on picket. The enemy showing every disposition to attack 
 us, upon consultation with Brigadier General J. B. Ilood, and at his 
 . suggestion, I placed my batteries (four) on a commanding ridge imme- 
 diately to his left and rear. Li the general line of battle this ridgo 
 was about the centre, Jackson's corps being immediately on my left 
 and Longstreet'son my right. It was an admirable ridge of over a quar- 
 ter of a mile, generally overlooking the ground in front of it for some 
 two thousand yards. This ground was occupied by several farms, 
 with, corn-fields, orchards, fences, &c., making it much desired by the 
 enemy for their skirmishers, the ground being quite umiulating. 
 Opposite the Itfc of the ridge, and distant about one thousand three 
 bundled yards, was a strip of timber with quite a full of ground 
 behind it. Between this strip and General Jackson's right (along an 
 old railroad excavation) was an open field. 
 
 About seven, A. M., a regiment of the enemy's infantry made its 
 appearance some two thousand yards distant, when a few shots were 
 fired from my long range-guns in position, causing tiiem tv move. 
 This five was responded to by three long-range batteries oi the oucmy. 
 During the morning, whenever the infantry of the enemy siiowed 
 itself it was fired on by our guns, which fire always elicited a reply 
 from the artillery opposed to us, doing us but little d image, and 
 resulting in driving the enemy back. About twelve, M., the enemy 
 attempted an advance, driving in our skirmishers in a spirited man- 
 ner, and occupying the orchard in my front. They soon came within 
 reach of our howitzers, when a few discharges of spherical case drove 
 them back, and our skirmishers resumed their original position. 
 
 During the morning the enemy had massed his infantry behind the 
 
 timber before mentioned, with a view to turn our left, and, about four 
 
 P. M., moved from out these woods in heavy lines of attack on Gen- 
 
 • eral Jackson's position. The left of the ridge was held by Eubank'a 
 
 battery of four smooth bores, who opened on the enemy as soon as he 
 
S82 
 
 olscovereil their advance. At the same time I shifted to his assistance 
 with two howitzorh of Parker'd battcrj, two of Uholt's bat'ory, and 
 MiC of Jordan's battery. At the same time, 1 directed nine other 
 pieccfl, mostly riJlcs. on the right of the riilge, under Captains Jordin 
 and Taylor, to change their position so as to fire on the cnomy in 
 tlank and on the woodii containing their reserves. With these 
 1 ighteea guns, a continuous fire was kept up on the enemy during hi« 
 jituck, viich lasted about half an h' ur. 
 
 His reserve.^ raovetl twice out of the woods to the support of the 
 attacking columns, and twice were they repulsed by the artillery and 
 drivin back to tho woods. After the reserves failed to reach thfl front 
 or attacking column?, they were repulsed and endeavored to rally in 
 tne open Held, but the range of every part of the fi*.d I wis obtained 
 Mild a few discharges broke them in confui^ion and sent them back to 
 the wouiis. 
 
 Finding that my batteries wore troubling them, they attemptc<l to 
 charge them, three regiments starting for them They were rt;pulsed, 
 8ouie of their dead being within two liundred yards of thi- guii.s. 
 
 Wi^ile firing on the infantry, two batteries of the enemy were firing 
 'it, us, but generally overshot ua. 
 
 Our position was an admirable one, and the guns were well s-^rved. 
 Two of m}' batteries wore firing for the fir.st time, but did romarkably 
 •v-ell. I cannot speak in too high terms of the conduct of otfieers and 
 men under my command — ail behaved well, exhibiting coolness and 
 courage. 
 
 I Would mention tho following officers as having especially attracted 
 :iiy attention by their gooJ conduct, viz : Major iJel. Kemper, who 
 had his right arm shattered by a minie hall, Lieutenant and Adju- 
 tant W. ll. Kemper, (Captains J. 8. Taylor, Jordan, I'arker mid 
 li^ubank, Lieuttnant Elliot, commanding lihett's batteiy, l.iouten;ints 
 Taylor, (iiiboit, Brown, Ficklin and Oakum, tho latter of Gnmet>' 
 baitery, with two I'arrott'a attache-l. 
 
 The casual lies are ua follows : 
 
 M.'jor Del. Kemper, woundod in ligtii arm, severely. 
 
 Parker's battery — Wounded: Sergeant James Jones, inarm and 
 bide, flight; I'livate David E. l^iehanUon, in thigh, blight. 
 
 lihctts buttery — Wounded: i'livate.-* M. P. (Jo.stcllo, in leg. slight, 
 and 0. T. Jones, in leg, slight; t^eigeant Marshall, in leg, slighc. 
 
 Total wounded, bix. 
 
 Respectfully eubmitted, 
 
 S. D. LEE, 
 Col. Jrtilltry, C. S. A., commanding Battalion Light Art aery. 
 
MEPORT OF COLONEL S. D. LEE OB' BATTLE OF SIIARS^ 
 
 BURG. 
 
 I 
 
 HiunQUARTrRS Battalion Repekve Artiixfrv, 
 Camp vear Winchester, Oct. II, 18G2. 
 
 Mujor G. M. Sop.RKX., *" 
 
 Assisfunt Adjutant General Right Wing : 
 
 Major : I have tbo honor to render the following report of the part 
 taken by the battalion of artillerj uudor ray orders in the battle cf 
 Sharpsburg : 
 
 The battalion crossed the Antietam about eight, A. M., September 
 loth, and, in obedience to orders from General Longstroet, with the 
 exception of Eubauk's b;ittcry, took position on tho bluft'rf to the left 
 of the pike, facing the Antietam. Eubai.k's battery, in corDpliunce 
 ■with a written order of General Longstrect, held by the adjutant 
 general of Toombs' brigade, was sent to report to General Toombs at 
 the lower bridge, and remained with his brigade until the army re- 
 crossed the Potomac. J>othing of interest occurred during the morn- 
 ing. About one, P. M., the infantry of the enemy made its appearance 
 :vcrces the creek, and was fired on by my long-range guna, causing 
 them to move back. The enemy soon brought up several long-range 
 batteries, with which they opened upon our guns whenever they fiied 
 r>n their infantry. Nothing resulted from this firing except to make 
 iheir infantry change position. The guns engaged were two rifle 
 pieces of Parker's battery, two of Rhctt's battery, under Lieutenant 
 i-.Uiot, and one of Jordaa'a battery, under Lieutenant Bower. They 
 v^ere exposed to a hot firo. Several men were slightly wounded atid 
 several horses disabled. During the night, tho battalion, excepting 
 Moody's battery, shifted further to the left of our line, taking a shel- 
 tered position on the Sharpsburg and liagerstown pike in front of a 
 church, and remained during the day, the enemy making no olfcnsive 
 demonstration until near sundown. Since early in the morning, 
 they appeared engaged in massing their troops opposite our left, and, 
 towards evening, endeavored to get into position to turn our left, 
 bringing on quite a severe skirmish. Two howitzers of Rhctt's bat- 
 tery took part in the skirmiah; but it soon became too dark to con- 
 tinue the firing. 
 
 It was now evident that the enemy would attack us in force on our 
 left at daylight, compelling us to change our line, and give him an 
 opportunity to use his long- range batteries across the Antietam, 
 enfilading our new position. The action co'nmenced about three, A. 
 M., on the morning of the 17th, between tho skirmishers. Wool- 
 folk's, Parker's and Rhett's batteries were placed in position in front 
 oi the church on the right of tho Sharpsburg and liagerstown pike, 
 and opened on tho enemy at daylight These batteries were com- 
 pelled to fire over our infantry, but Gred with effect. A oon- 
 tinuoua fire was kept up until about quarter past eight, A. M., whon 
 
38 1 
 
 the enemy gave way, and our firing ceased as our infantry followed 
 in pursuit. 
 
 The batteries above mentioned, while engaged, were exposed to an 
 enfilade lire of nl>out twenty rifle guns I'rt in across the Antietam, two 
 batteries in their frunt, and the tire of the infantry of the enemy, 
 most of the time about five hundred yards distant. They suffered 
 very heavily, and had exhaugtetl most of their ammunition. I should 
 have mentioned that two guns of .Tordun'a battery, under Lieutenant 
 Bower, v.ore sent to an advanced position under Captain John S. 
 Taylor, but had to retire, owing to their exposed position ;;nd the fire 
 of several batteries jigainst them. About this timo I ordered llhett's 
 battery to the rear for ammunition, and Parker's and Woolfolk's bat- 
 teries to move .^lightly to the rear to refit — many horses and men 
 being killed They could only move tie pieces ofl" by leaving portions 
 of the caissons, so many of the horses had been disabled. About thib 
 time, (nine. A. M.,) Moodj's battery, which had been engiged near 
 the centre of our line, arrived and reported, and I placed it in position 
 on the ground previously occupied by Parker's battery. 
 
 Gemral Hood's division, which followed the enemy when he gave 
 way, not Icing supported, was compelled to fall back before their 
 overwhelming numbers — the enemy having gained his rear aod occu- 
 pying a position almost between his retiring troops and Moody's bat- 
 tery. His troops fell back so suddenly, and were so near to .the 
 enemy, that it was impossible to use the battery. This being the 
 ease, I advanced tv.o guns of Moody's battery some three hundred 
 yanls ir.to a ploughed held, where I could use them. They remained 
 in this position, and did good service for about fifteen minutes, under 
 Captain Moody and Lieutenant Gary. This section was e.xposed to a 
 most galling infantry fire, and retained its position till the infantry 
 on its right and left retired, when I ordered it to the rear. The gal- 
 lant Ijientcnant Gary was killed, being shot in the head by a unnio 
 ball as he was slighting his piece for its hist discharge. The section 
 with >vhich he was serving was not his own, but, seeing it going to an 
 exposed po.-ition, asked permission to accompany it. A more gallant 
 officer was not in our service. 
 
 Our troops hiiviiig to fall back rapidly, ray guns were, by direction 
 of Gci.eial D. li Hill, retired to the ridge of hills across the Sharps- 
 Lnrg and Ilagcrstitwn turnpike, and between the church and Sh:ir|^- 
 burg, and tired for a short time. General xMcLaws' division arriving 
 at this time and going into action, 1 moved. the battalion about a milo 
 from the field to refit. It was now about ten, A. M. About three, 
 1*. M., the batteries having refitted and replenished with ammunition, 
 I again moved to the front with twelve guns — all that could be 
 manned — and received orders from one of General Longstreet's aids 
 to take position in front of the village of 8harpsburg, to the right and 
 left of the turnpike, relieving Colonel Walton, of the Washington 
 Artillery of New Orleans. Four of Moody's guns were placed on tho 
 right of the village ; two of Parker's and two of Jordan's were placed 
 on the left ; Rhett's two pieces were placed on a ridge to the left of 
 the village, on the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown pike. These gun?, 
 
385 
 
 in their respective positions, did good service. Those in front of the 
 village were exposed to a heavy fire of artillery and infantry — the 
 eharpshooters of the enemy being within two hundred yards of them 
 during the entire evening. The guns of Moody's battery, in conneo- 
 tion with Squiers' battery of the Washington Artillery of New Or- 
 leans, repelled some six or eight attempts of the infantry of tha 
 enemy to take our position. At one time their infantry was within 
 one hundred and fifty yards of our batteries, when, by a charge of 
 our supporting infantry, they were driven back. Two guns of 
 Moody's battery, with Garnett's brigade, drove the enemy from tho 
 ridge To the left of the village, after they had taken the ridge from 
 our troops. The guns retained their position in front of the viiiags 
 till our troops were driven into the village on the right, when, by 
 direction of General Garnett, they withdrew. The enemy were after- 
 wards repulsed from the village, and the hill, for a short time, wan 
 reoccupied by Captain Thomas Carter's battery. It was now near 
 dark, and the hill was held but by a few infantry. 
 
 Captain Eubank's battery not being with me, I am not prepared to 
 epeak, from personal observation, of his action, but General Toombs 
 informed me that he and his company did good and gallant service, 
 
 The officers and men of my battalion behaved with the utmost gal- 
 lantry. During the entire time engaged they were exposed to a 
 heavy fire from the enemy, as is shown by the list of casualties oa • 
 closed. Out of about three hundred men who went into action, 
 eighty- six casualties occurred, and sixty horses were disabled. 
 
 In the morning the battalion was engaged during the severe fight, 
 before our reinforcements came up on the left, and was the only 
 artillery engaged with General Hood's division. In the evening it 
 was engaged in front of the village, and on the right when the fight 
 was the heaviest. 
 
 I regret to state that Captain Woolfolk's battery lost a gun on the 
 field. It was on the left in the morning when our lines gave way bo- 
 fore the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. The four horses, two 
 drivers and four cannoneers at the piece were disabled, and it was 
 with difficulty that the battery could be moved. I do not attach any 
 blame to the captain. The piece could not be recovered, owing to 
 the proximity of the enemy, though several attempts were made. 
 
 Captain John S. Taylor, C. S. Artillery, temporarily attached to 
 my staff, was killed in the morning while gallantly discharging hiM 
 duties. He was entirely fearless, and always sought the post of d.iQ- 
 ger; and his exampled did much towards inspiring his daring in all 
 around him. Though generally all behaved well, 1 will particularly 
 mention the following as having attracted my attention by distin- 
 guished gallantry : Captains J. V. Moody, Parker and Woolfolk ; 
 Lieutenant Elliot, commanding Rhett's battery ; Lieutenants Gilbert 
 and Fickling, Rhett's battery ; Lieutenant Parkenson, Parker's bat- 
 tery, severely wounded in the leg ; Lieutenant Sillers, Moody's bat- 
 tery ; Sergeants Conroy and I'rice, and Corporals Gaulin and 
 Donoho, Moody's battery. I would also mention Lieutenant Mad- 
 dox, of Colonel Cutte' battalion of artillery, who had two guns under 
 
386 
 
 Ky command, and behaved with great gallantry. My adjutant, Lieu- 
 tenant W. II, Kemper, Alexandria Artillery, was of great assistance 
 U» roe, and exhibited gallantry and coolness in an eminent degree. 
 Enclosed is a list of casualties. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 STEPHEN D. LEE, 
 Colonel of Artillery C. S, A., commanding Battalion. 
 
. SIGNAL REPORTS— REPORT OF J. L. BARTLETT. 
 
 [Harper's Ferry, No. 1;] 
 
 Sunday, September 14, 1862. 
 
 My signal flag was up at daylight, and my glass bearing on Lou- 
 doun Heights. 
 
 After sunrise, Major Paxton sent the following : 
 
 " Artillery coming up road to be repaired," Before delivering this 
 message I asked, " what artillery and what road ?" Major Paxton 
 answered, *' Walker's, and up mountains." About ten, A. M., comes 
 another despatch from Loudoun Heights. '* Walker has his six rifle 
 pieces in position; shall he wait for McLaws ?" General Jackson an- 
 swers, " Wait." General Jackson and Colonel Snead then come to- 
 signal station, and the General dictates the following : 
 
 [Harper's Ferry, No. 2.] 
 
 w 
 
 Sunday, September 14, 1862. 
 
 To Generals McLaws and Walker : 
 
 If you can, establish batteries to drive the enemy from the hill west 
 of Bolivar, and on which Barbour's house is, and any other positioa 
 where he may be damaged by your artillery, and let me know when 
 you are ready to open your batteries, and give me any suggestions by 
 which you can operate against the enemy; cut the telegraph line down 
 the Potomac, if it is not already done; keep a good lookout against a Fed- 
 eral advance from below ; similar instructions will be sent to General 
 Walker. I do not deaire any of the batteries to open until all are 
 ready on both sides of the nver, except you should find it necessary, 
 of which you must judge for yourself. I will let you know when to 
 open all the batteries. 
 
 T. J. Jackson, 
 Major General commanding. 
 
 Addendum. — If you have not rations, take steps at once to supply 
 yourself; have beef driven to your command so, that you may have 
 enough. General Jackson. 
 
 [Harper's Ferry, No. 3.] 
 
 General Jackson and staff then go to the left. I receive, soon after^ 
 the following : '* General McLaws informs me that the enemy are in 
 
888 
 
 his rear, and that he can do but little more than he has done. I am 
 now ready to open. 
 
 (Signed,) ** General Walk£r." 
 
 There being no courier at the post, I carried this message to the 
 General, and find him in front on the left. He gives me an answer, 
 and sends Lieutenant Douglas back to signal station with me. 
 
 "To General Walker : 
 
 ** Do not open until General McLaws notifies me what he can 
 probably efiect. Let me known what you can efiect with your com- 
 mand upon the enemy. 
 
 (Signed,) *' General Jackson." 
 
 *• To General McLaws : 
 
 ** Let me know what you can probably effect with your artillery, 
 and also with your entire command. Notify General D. H. Hill, at 
 Middleburg, of the enemy's position, and request him to protect your 
 rear. Send the same message to General Lee, near Hagerstown. 
 (Signed,) " General Jackson." 
 
 • The message next in order comes from Loudoun Heights to General 
 Jackson. ** Walker can't get position to bear on island." 
 No signature, (probably from Major Paxton.) 
 
 [Harper's Ferry, No. 4.] 
 
 From General Walker to General Jackson: 
 
 *' I am informed that the enemy are advancing by Perceyville, and 
 have possession of the passes from the Valley. 
 
 (Signed,) *' General Walker." 
 
 " To Generals Walker and McLaws : 
 
 " Fire at such positions of the enemy as will be most effective. 
 (Signed,) *' General Jackson." 
 
 Our artillery opens from this side, (in front of Bolivar.) Walker 
 opens from Loudoun Heights. Yankees are seen coming down on west 
 side of Bolivar to escape Walker's fire, but meet an equal one from 
 <!>ur artillery on the left of our line. 
 
 Special Order, > 
 >. — 5 
 
 [Harper's Ferrv, No. 5.] 
 Headq'rs Valley District, Sept. 14, 1862. 
 
 No. 
 I. To-day Major General McLaws will attack so as to sweep with 
 
389 
 
 his artillery the ground occupied by the enemy, take his batteries in 
 reverse and otherwise operate against him as circumstances may 
 justify. 
 
 II. Brigadier General Walker will take in reverse the battery on 
 the turnpike, and also sweep with his artillery the ground occupied 
 by the enemy, and silence the battery on the island in the Shenandoah, 
 should he find a battery there. 
 
 III. Major General A. P. Hill will move along the left bank of the 
 Shenandoah, and thus turn the enemy's left flank, and enter Harper's 
 Ferry. 
 
 IV. Brigadier General Lawton will move along the turnpike for the 
 purpose of supporting General Hill, and otherwise operating against 
 the enemy on the left of General Hill. 
 
 V. Brigadier General Jones will, with one of his brigades and a 
 battery of artillery, make a demonstration against the enemy's right; 
 the remaining part of his division will constitute the reserve, and 
 move along the turnpike. 
 
 By order of Major General Jackson. 
 
 William L. Jackson, 
 A. A. A. General. 
 
 [No. 6.] 
 
 If any other dispatches of orders were sent at Harper's Ferry, it was 
 done at other posts than mine. Messages were doubtless sent from 
 Loudoun Heights to Maryland Heights, between Generals McLaws and 
 Walker. 
 
 Captain Adams, who was the only commissioned signal officer there, 
 has doubtless full reports of those and all the messages and orders; it 
 being his duty to k'eep them. I suggest that he be applied to fof them. 
 ^ ^ ^ ^° J L BARTLETT. 
 
 After the surrender of Harper's Ferry, I was ordered by Major 
 Paxton to remove my station to Barbour's house. I did so, after noti- 
 fying Captain Adams' post on Loudoun Heights of the move, telling 
 them to look out for my flag at that point. After locating my station 
 at that place, however, and waving my flag for several hours, I could 
 not get " attention " from Loudoun Heights to send a message, sent 
 to me by Major Paxton, for General Walker to prepare rations and be 
 ready to march. I afterwards learned that the post had been evacu- 
 ated at that time. Thus ended the signal service at Harper's Ferry. 
 
 J. L. B. 
 
 [No. 7.] 
 
 Manassas Battle Ground, ) 
 Saturday, August 30, 1862. J 
 
 P. M. I signal from General Lee's headquarters, on the Warren- 
 
390 
 
 ton pike, to General Jackson's position, across the pike, near sotnt? 
 •wheat- stacks, bearing nearly north, distant about two miles, as follows: 
 
 *' To General Jackson : 
 
 *' What is result of movement on your left. 
 
 (Signed,) ' *' General Lee." 
 
 [Answer.] 
 
 ** To General Lee : 
 
 " So far enemy appear to be trying to get possession of a piece of 
 woods to withdraw out of our sight. 
 
 (Signed,) " General Jackson." 
 
 ' Terrific fighting now commences on the left, and General Jackson 
 sends for a division of Longstreet's command. 
 
 " To General Jackson : ♦ 
 
 *' Do you still want reinforcments. 
 
 (Signed,) *' General Lee." 
 
 Some half hour elapses, and General Jackson replies : 
 ** No, the enemy are giving way. 
 
 (Signed,) ♦ '" General Jackson." 
 
 General Lee now prepares to move, and sends the following to Gen- 
 eral Jackson : *' General Longstreet is advancing; look out for and 
 protect his left flank. 
 
 (Signed,) •• '* General Lee." 
 
 General Lee having moved his headc^uarters, I also removed the 
 signal station. 
 
 J. L. BARTLETT. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN J. K. BOSWELL. 
 
 Headquarters Second Army Corps, February 12, 1863. 
 
 Colonel C. J. Faulkner, 
 
 Cki<>f of Staff to Lieut. General Jackson : 
 
 Colonel : I have the honor to report, that on the evening of the ' 
 13th August, 1862, having just returned from Clarke's Mountain, » 
 very elevated point, three miles east of Rapidan Station, I reported to 
 Major General Jackson the following as being the position of the ea- 
 emy's forces on the opposite side of the Rapidan. The main body 
 encamped around the slopes of Oarnett's and Slaughter's Mountains ; 
 one division one mile north of Culpeper Court-llouse, on the Brandy 
 Station road, and a. small force between Mitchell's Station and Limo 
 church. General Jackson then directed me to examine and, on ttie 
 following day, to report to him the most desirable route for passing 
 around the enemy's flank and reaching Warrenton, Fauquier, I a(i" 
 vised that the corps should march from its encampment just went c$ 
 Toddsburg, through Orange Court-Houae, thence down the Freder- 
 icksburg plank road to Dr. Terrill's, then turn to the left, pass Pisgah 
 church, and cross the Rapidan at Summerville's ford, thence by Lime 
 church, Stephensburg, Brandy Station and Beverley's ford, to Warren- 
 ton. This route being approved, the march was commenced on the 
 evening of the loth, and on the 16th the three divisions of Talia- 
 ferro, Ewell and A. P. Hill encamped near Pisgah church, whera 
 they remained for three days, awaiting the arrival of a portion ol 
 General Longstreet's command, till the morning of the 2(Jth. 
 
 On the morning of the 18th, a body of the enemy drove our pickets 
 from Clarke's Mountain and found out the position of our troops , 
 and, on the 1 9th, they commenced their retreat towards the Rappa- 
 hannock, I was on Clarke's Mountain at the time that the retrea* 
 commenced, and immediately gave the information to General Jack- 
 son. 
 
 At dawn on the following morning, (20th,) the corps moved forward 
 in the following order, Generals A. P. Hill, Ewell and Taliaferro. I 
 was ordered by General Jackson to remain at .Summerville's ford, 
 where the corps crossed the Rapidan, till all the divisions had crossed, to 
 gee that there was no delay in fording the stream. This being accom- 
 plished, I rejoined General Jackson about two miles beyond Stephen^-. 
 burg, on the Brandy Station road, where the corps bivouacked for the 
 night. I here found that General Stuart, with Robertson's brigade of 
 cavalry, had engaged the cavalry of the retreating enemy near St^ 
 phensburg and driven them across the Rappahannock at the railroad 
 bridge. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 21st, the command resumed its march 
 in the following order : Taliaferro, A. P, Hill and Ewell. Passing 
 Brandy Station, the front of Taliaferro's division emerged from the 
 wood a quarter of a mile south of Beverley's ford about ten, A. hi. 
 Finding the ford guarded by a body of the enemy's cavalry, General 
 
392 
 
 Taliaferro brought up two pieces of Poague'fl battery and drove them 
 off; General Stuart then crossed the run with the first Virginia cav- 
 alry and two pieces of Poague's battery, but the enemy advanced a 
 heavy force and compelled them to retire. A desultory artillery fight 
 ■was kept up during the entire day between the batteries of General 
 Taliaferro and those of the enemy on the opposite side of the river. 
 I was ordered by General Jackson to take a position on the right, 
 from which I could see Rappahannock Station, and to report to him 
 «.ny mw^ement on the part of the enemy, I stationed .myself on a 
 high point a little to the right of the railroad, and about three-quar- 
 ters of a mile from the river. From this point I could see that 
 the enemy were in heavy force around Rappahannock Station, and 
 that a small body of infantry occupied two very high bluffs on the 
 south side of the river, and a few hundred yards above the railroad 
 bridge. I communicated these facts to General Jackson, and sug- 
 gested that the enemy might be driven from those bluffs, though they 
 were somewhat higher than any point on either side of the river, by 
 placing a large amount of artillery on the ridge east of Glassell's 
 house and on the hill which I then occupied. Colonel Crutchfield 
 TR'RS sent by General Jackson to examine the position with me, but wo 
 did not meet until it was so late that nothing could be done. 
 
 On the following morning, (22d,) the three divisions, in order, 
 Ewell, Hill and Taliaferro, left their encampment near Beverley's 
 ford, marching by farm roads and across fields to Welford's mill, 
 where they crossed Eastham river, thence to Freeman's ford, but find- 
 jing this ford strongly guarded by the enemy. General Trimble's bri- 
 gade was left to prevent a crossing, and the remainder of the troops 
 KQOved across the country, keeping as much as possible under cover, 
 to Dr. M. P. Scott's farm, just opposite Lee's Springs. General Ear- 
 iy'a brigade and a portion of Lawton's brigade were advanced across 
 the Rappahannock, and took position respectively on the Foxville and 
 Warrenton roads. Heavy musketry, during the evening, announced 
 that the enemy had crossed the river and attacked General Trimble, 
 but later it was found that he had driven them back. A very heavy 
 fall of rain during the night raised the Rappahannock so much as to 
 render it entirely impassable, the bridge having been destroyed hj the 
 enemy in their retreat. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 23d, Lieutenants C. R. Howard and 
 H. T. Rogers, engineers on General Hill's staff, commenced to build a 
 temporary bridge for the passage of General Early's troops. About 
 eleven, A. M,, General Jackson, fearing lest the enemy might advance 
 ft heavy force against General Early before the bridge could be fin- 
 ished, ordered me to point out to General Early's assistant adjutant 
 general. Major Hall, a road by which the brigade might be moved to 
 Waterloo in case it should be forced back. This was done, and on my 
 return to the Springs, a little before sunset, I found the bridge com- 
 pleted and General Early engaged in an artillery fight with the en- 
 emy, advancing on the Foxville road ; they were driven back, and dur- 
 ing the night General Early recrossed into Culpeper. A fierce 
 cannonade was kept up during the entire day of the 24th between our 
 
393 
 
 batteries, on the hills near Dr. Scott'a, and those of the enemy, on the 
 opposite side of the river. About three, P. M., I received an order 
 from General Jackson to report immediately to him at Jeffersonton, 
 ■which being done, he directed me to select the most direct and cov- 
 ered route to Manassas, I recommended that by Amissville, Ilin- 
 son's mill, Orlean, Salem, Thoroughfare and Gainesville, -which he 
 approved, and directed me to select guides, which 1 did from Captain 
 Adams' company, sixth Virginia cavalry, and to direct the front divis- 
 ion, in person, at dawn on the following morning. Finding General 
 Ewell's division the most advanced, I conducted it through Amiss- 
 ville and crossed the Rappahannock at Ilinson's mill. Soon after 
 crossing the river, I was ordered by General Jackson to take a por- 
 tion of the Black Horse cavalry. Captain Randolph, and Captain 
 Tebbs' company second Virginia cavalry, and advance to Salem, :vhich 
 place I reached, via Orleans and Hume Run church, about four, P. M., 
 without encountering any portion of the enemy's forces. Later in 
 the evening, Colonel Munford came up, with the second Virginia cav- 
 alry, and we spent the night in the town, the advance of the infantry 
 encamping a mile south of the town. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 26th, General Ewell moved forward, fol- 
 lowed by A. P. Hill and Taliaferro, passing through The Plains and 
 Thoroughfare Gap, to Gainesville. Here, leaving the Manassas road 
 and moving to the right, the advance came in signt of Bristoc Sta- 
 tion, Orange and Alexandria railroad, about sunset, just after one of 
 the enemy's trains of cars passed the station. Advancing suddenly, the 
 Louisiana brigade captured a number of prisoners, acting as depot 
 and bridge guard. In a few minutes another train came in sight, 
 moving in the direction of Alexandria. It was fired upon by the 
 Louisiana brigade, and an attempt made to stop it, but without eftect. 
 A third train soon came in sight and was fired upon ; the track, a 
 short distance beyond the depot had been previously removed, and the 
 train, consisting of an engine with about twenty empty cars, was 
 thrown down a high embankment and very much broken. A fifth 
 train shared the same fate. Still another came in sight, but returned 
 in the direction of Warrenton, General Jackson directed me to move 
 the engines and cars across Broad Run bridge, in the direction of Ma- 
 nassas Junction, but I reported, after examination, that the engine and 
 cars were so broken that it would be impossble to move them ; he 
 then ordered me to destroy the bridge over Broad Run, and, at day- 
 break on the following morning, to fire the cars and engines, which was 
 done. During the night. General Stuart, with a portion of his cav- 
 alry and General Trimble's brigade of Ewell's division, took posses- 
 sion of Manassas Junction, and early on the following morning, 27th, 
 General Taliaferro and General A. P. Hill's divisions joined them at 
 that point. General Ewell, with Taylor's, Lawton's and Early's bri- 
 gades, remained at Bristoe, After completing the destruction of the 
 trains and bridge, in which I was assisted by Captain C. R. Howard 
 and Lieutenant H. T. Rogers, of General A. P. Hill's staff, I joined 
 General Jackson just in time to see the rear of the enemy's retreat- 
 ing column. During the evening, General Ewell had a brisk en- 
 
394 
 
 gageinent with the advance of Pope's army, moving from Warrenton 
 in the direction of Alexandria ; he fell back to Manassas Junction at 
 Eunset. 
 
 During the night the entire command marched in the direction of 
 Sudley Mills, and bivouacked between Cartharpin creek and Sud- 
 ley Mills, one mile north of Groveton. On the following day, I 
 "was taken sick and sent to the rear, and did not rejoin the command 
 till the 19th September. 
 
 Enclosed you will find a map of- the region from Orange Court- 
 House to Sudley Mills, with the route of the corps designated by a 
 heavy black line. 
 
 I am, Colonel, most respectfully, 
 
 J. K. BOSWELL, 
 Captain and Chief Engineer 2d Army Corps. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN BROWN OF BATTLE OF SLAUGH- 
 TER'S GAP. 
 
 Headquarters Nineteenth Virginia Regiment, ) 
 
 October lo, 1862. S 
 
 On Sunday, the 14th of September, the nineteenth Virgjnia regi- 
 ment, numbering one hundred and fifty men, after marching from 
 Ilagerstown, Maryland, to Boonsboro', was ordered to load and pre- 
 pare for action. The sun was nearly setking behind the western 
 hills when the regiment was formed in line of battle, on the top of a 
 hill, with an open space in front, where the enemy lay, concealei 
 behind a stone fence, at the distance of fifteen paces. A murderous 
 fire was at once opened upon the regiment by the concealed foe, which 
 was manfully replied to by the nineteenth for more than an hour, 
 when the ranks were thinned to such an extent as to prove a with- 
 drawal absolutely necessary. One-third of the men were rendered 
 unable to fight, and a precipitous retreat from the hill was ordered. 
 In this engageu^nt Colonel J. B. Strange fell, seriously wounded, 
 and, in the retreat, was left behind. His voice was heard after he 
 had received his wound urging his men to stand firmly, and he com- 
 manded with that coolness and daring that is found only in the truly 
 brave. In addition to this severe loss, the regiment mourns the 
 death of Lieutenant M. A. Shepherd, of company B, than whom a 
 truer patriot, a firmer officer, or a nobler youth, is not to be found iu 
 our country's service. The list of casualties shows the number of the 
 brave ever to be lamented by the friends of the nineteenth. The 
 command fell upon Captain John L. Cochran, after the fall of Colo- 
 nel Strange. Total loss, sixty-three. Names have been heretofore 
 furnished. 
 
 B. BROWN, 
 Captain commanding Regiment. 
 
 I 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR FROBEL OF SECOND BATTLE OF 
 
 MANASSAS. 
 
 Camp near Frederick, Maryland, ) 
 September 9, 1862. j 
 
 Captain "VV. 11. Sellers, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General: 
 
 Captain : I have the Jionor to submit the following report of the 
 participation of the batteries under my command in the battles of 
 Friday and Saturday, August 28th and 3()th : 
 
 At eleven, A. M., on Friday, I was ordered by General Hood to 
 proceed to the right of the turnpike road and report to General 
 Stuart. This I did, with Captain Bachman's battery, Reilly being 
 already in position on the left, and Garden having no long-range 
 pieces. General Stuart had selected a position near the Alexandria 
 and Orange railroad. The battery was brought up, and immediately 
 opened with marked effect on a column of the enemy moving to the 
 right, which at once changed direction, moving rapicSy to the left. 
 Fifteen rounds were fired, when, the distance being greatly increased, 
 I ordered Captain Bachman to cease firing. At one, P. M., Captain 
 Reilly was ordered to the left of the turnpike, and to take position 
 ■with other batteries on a hill commanding the hills near Grovetoa 
 house, where the enemy had several batteries strongly posted. Im- 
 mediately afterwards, I proceeded with Captain Bachman's battery to 
 the same position, (Captain Garden's being considered of too short 
 range to be effective there.) The position assigned us was on the 
 extreme left, both batteries passing through a heavy fire in reaching 
 it. After being hotly engaged for two hours and-a-half, and firing 
 about one hundred rounds, the enemy ceased firing and withdrew his 
 guns. We were then ordered to return to the road, for the purpose 
 of replenishing our ammunition. At three, P. M., on Saturday, I 
 was ordered by General Longstreetto proceed down the turnpike with 
 all the batteries and take position on the left of the road, opening fire 
 on the enemy's batteries posted in an orchard near Dogan's house. ' 
 Immediately after, I was ordered to change position to the right of 
 the road and advance, which was done. Captain Reilly taking posi- 
 tion on the hill in front of Groveton house, engaging the batteries 
 immediately in front, under a terrific fire, while Bachman's battery 
 advanced still further, passing through the woods to the right, and 
 assisted by the howitzer section of Reilly's battery, under command 
 of Lieutenant Myers, opened on the flank. In changing position. 
 Captain Bachman had one of his rifle guns disabled. Both battferiea 
 were handled with great skill and effect, and the fire of the enemy 
 Boon silenced. It being near dark, and the ammunition exhausted, 
 Reilly and Bachman were ordered to withdraw. In the meantime, I 
 ■was ordered by General Longstreet to advance Captain Garden's bat- 
 tery in the field on the left of the road. This was done, and a flank- 
 
397 
 
 ing fire opened on the batteries near Dogan'a house. We were soon, 
 however, ordered to cease, as Colonel Law's brigade was advancing in 
 the opposite direction on the same point ; the Federals, at the same 
 time, manifesting great energy in the rapidity of their movement 
 down the turnpike and Sudley ford road. Captain Garden, with two 
 other batteries, continued to pursue until the Sudley road was reached, 
 when, not being able to distinguish friend from foe in the darkness, 
 the battery was finally withdrawn. 
 
 Of the conduct of officers and men in both engagements I cannot 
 speak in terms too high. 'Captains Bachman and Garden handled 
 their batteries with great skill, while Reilly sustained his old and well 
 merited reputation. . Lieutenant Sirgling, a gallant young officer, 
 attached to Bachman's battery, fell, seriously (supposed to be mortally) 
 wounded, at his guns, setting an example of cool bravery not often 
 equalled. Enclosed you will find a list of the killed and wounded. 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 B. W. FROBEL, 
 Major and Chief of Artilkry^ commanding. 
 
^M 
 
 KEPOET OF MAJOR FROBEL OF BATTLE OF SHARPS- 
 BURG. 
 
 October 1, 1862. 
 Captain W. II. Sellers, A. A. G. : 
 
 Captain: In compliance with orders to report the participation of 
 the batteries under ray command in the recent engagements before 
 Sharpsburg, I would respectfully submit the fbllowing : 
 
 After bringing up the rear on the march i"rom Boonsboro', Cap- 
 tains Rcilly and Bachman's batteries were placed in position by 
 Oolcnel Walton about noon on Monday, the loth September, on a 
 hill to the right of the turnpike road and a short distance in front of 
 iSharpsburg ; Garden's battery being held in reserve, in case the 
 enemy should attempt an advance by a bridge over the Antietam, 
 3till further to the right. We held these positions on Monday night. 
 
 On Tuesday, a fierce cannonade was kept up between our batteries 
 and those of the enemy, in which Captain Reilly was ordered by 
 Colonel Walton to participate until his rifle ammunition was ex- 
 hausted, but without any perceptible result. Bachman's battery 
 was, at the same time, exposed to a heavy fire, but had orders not to 
 reply. Tuesday night we occupied the same- positions. 
 
 On Wednesday morning the battle was again renewed. Captain 
 ileilly was sent to the rear to replenish, if possible, his exhausted 
 ammunition. At eight o'clock, A. M., Captain Bachman, with a sec- 
 tion of Napoleon guns, was ordered to proceed to the extreme left of 
 our line and report to General Longatreet. Shortly after, he was 
 placed in position in a corn-field, and opened on tho enemy at a dis- 
 tance of one hundred and fifty yards. TbCe position was exposed to 
 the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, who occupied a wood not more 
 than fifty yards oif. In a few minutes, the section lost three men 
 wounded, two mortally, and six horses killed. Finding that to con- 
 tinue longer would involve the loss of his guns. Captain Bachman 
 withdrew to a hill near by and reported the section disabled, on 
 account of the loss of men and horses. I ordered him to retire, for 
 the purpose of repairing damages. In the meantime, his rifle section 
 was hotly engaged near the turnpike. This section was in charge 
 of Sergeant fcichlemmermeyer, who fought his guns most gallantly, 
 and remained in position until all his ammunition was expended. 
 
 At two o'clock, P. M., I received orders from Major General Jones 
 to prepare to hold the road leading from the bridge over the Antie- 
 tam, on our extreme right. A few minutes after, the enemy were 
 reported advancing, the infantry near the bridge at the same time 
 giving way. I immediately placed Garden's battery in position on 
 the left of the road. The enemy had crossed the bridge and were 
 iidvancing rapidly, under cover of a furious fire from all their batte- 
 ries, concentrated upon us, when Garden's battery opened a most 
 destructive fire upon them and, assisted by a rifle section under Cap- 
 
399 
 
 tain Squiers, soon drove tliem back. Fearing tliey might yet turn 
 us by passing still further to the right, I directed Captain Garden to 
 iook well to the road and woods in front of hira, while I proceeded 
 to the right in search of General Jones. On arriving at the top of 
 the hill to the right of the road, the enemy were seen advancing, in 
 strong force, in that direction. By permission of General Jones, I 
 placed Captain Brown's battery in position at this point. The ene- 
 my were distant about four hundred yards, when ho opened a hot and 
 well directed fire upon them, breaking their ranka and driving them 
 back to the cover of a hill from which they had,ju8t advanced. 
 
 At this time, large bodies of the enemy .(infantry and artillery) 
 were moving on the opposite side of the river. When near the 
 bridge, they halted some ten or fifteen minutes. I immediately sent 
 to Captain Reilly to come up, as the guns then in position were all 
 .^hort-range and could not reach them on the bridge.. Being without 
 ammunition, only his howitzer section was available. I at once 
 placed it in position. The enemy had, in the meantime, advanced 
 some eight or ten guns across the river and placed them in front of 
 us. Under fire of these, assisted by all their long-range batteries on 
 the opposite bank, their line advanced. Their sharpshooters at the 
 game time opened a hot fire on us from a corn-field on our right, a 
 stone fence in front, and a wood and orchard near by. Our batteries 
 immediately replied, and continued their fire until the line was broken 
 and the enemy recoiled. 
 
 At this time the enemy were distant less than one hundred yards. 
 Oar ammunition was exhausted. One of Captain Garden's guns was 
 dismounted, the carriage being entirely destroyed ; another rendered 
 titterly useless by the bursting of a shell, while from one of Captain 
 Keilly's pieces all the horses had been killed. But three guns re- 
 mained fit for service, and they were without ammunition. Having 
 run the pieces to the rear by hand and secured our disabled guns, the 
 enemy all the time advancing and firing upon us, I ordered the bat- 
 teries to retire. 
 
 In passing to the turnpike, Lieutenant Ramsay, in command of 
 the rifle section of Captain Reilly's battery, came up to our support. 
 At that time the enemy occupied the position we had just left, and 
 lyere advancing in line. 1 ordered Lieutenant Ramsay to take posi- 
 tion in the field to the right of the road and open, which he did, soon 
 breaking their line and throwing them into great confusion. At 
 this time General A. P. Hill came up, and, charging, drove them 
 from the field. 
 
 I regret to report that first Lieutenant Pringle, of Garden's bat- 
 tery, after fighting his guns most gallantly, fell, late in the day, 
 mortally wounded, and has since died. 
 
 I cannot too highly applaud the conduct of both officers and men. 
 Captains Bachman and Reilly fought their batteries with their usual 
 determination and devotion to the cause. Captain Garden, Lieu- 
 tenants Simmons, Myers, Ramsay, and Sergeant Schlemmermeyer 
 Reserve particular notice for their gallant conduct during the battle, 
 and also Assistant Surgeon Buist for his attention to the sick. Act- 
 
400 
 
 ing.Adjutant W L. Scott rendered me great assistance, and is entitled 
 to mj warmest thanks. 
 
 Enclosed you will find a list of killed and wounded. 
 
 I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient pervaat, 
 
 B. W. FROBEL, 
 Major and Chief of AriUkri/, CGmmanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL BAKER. 
 
 Headquarters First North Carolina Cavalry, ) 
 
 Augicst 9, 1862. J 
 
 Captain Barker, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General First Brigade : 
 
 Captain: I have the honor to report that the enemy advan<;ed to 
 the Gatewood field about nine o'clock, P. M., on the 4tL instant, and 
 there halted during the night. A courier was despatched to Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Young and to me, at that time, saying that the enemy 
 was coming up in large force — artillery, infantry and cavalry. I 
 immediately marched down with my regiment and soon satisfied myself 
 that the report forwarded to me was correct. Another courier was 
 immediately forwarded by me, about half past ten o'clock, to Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Young to make the same report as at first, and to 
 state that I thought they would go by the Quaker road to Malvern 
 Hill in the morning, and that he must be on the alert and forward the 
 report to General Hampton. I also despatched an officer to General 
 Ripley, informing him, as he had directed me to call on him for as- 
 sistance whenever necessary. The officer says he reached the General's 
 headquarters at a quarter to four, A. M. The General wrote to me 
 immediately, authorizing mo to order up a section of artillery and two 
 infantry regiments on picket duty about four or five miles in my 
 rear, and, if this was not enough, to send for the brigade that was 
 out working. I sent an order, at six, A. M., for the two regiments of 
 infantry and section of artillery to come up, but no answer was sent, 
 and they did not come up. I was constantly expecting them until 
 the arrival of General Ripley, about eleven o'clock, A. M. No 
 explanation has been given for the failure of the artillery and 
 infantry to come to my assistance when ordered to do so. At 
 daylight, the enemy advanced by the Nelson house and down the 
 Quaker I'oad to Malvern Hill. I sent another officer, at once, to 
 General Ripley to announce that intelligence. General Hampton 
 came over to my assistance between seven and eight o'clock, A. 
 • M., with the intention of following them, until I reported their force, 
 and also that they were in force in front and already at Malvern Hill. 
 Captain Cheek made admirable disposition of his squadron on picket 
 to get information, and the men performed the duty with judgment 
 and bravery, keeping their position as videttes as long as it was 
 possible, so as to estimate their force. Lieutenant Iredell, after re- 
 maining, with a few men as videttes until the enemy was in a few 
 yards of him, fired and fell slowly back, killing, as I have since 
 learned, two men and wounding several. The enemy endeavored to 
 advance hS pickets to cover his march, but I dismounted Captain 
 Siler's company as skirmishers, and, after a few moments of spirited 
 firing, the enemy fell back, and I obtained position to ascertain his 
 force again. Captain Siler's officers and men behaved very gallantly. 
 26 
 
402 
 
 On the 5tli and 6th, thirty-three prisoners were captured by Captains 
 Barringer's and Houston's squadrons, I lost seven men (four of 
 Captain Cheek's and three of Captain Wood's companies) — a post 
 near Malvern Hill, who had orders to report any advance of the ene- 
 my to Lieutenant Colonel Young's pickets. They remained too long 
 and were unable to make their way to him. One of my men came up to 
 me late in the day stating this fact. I also lost, on the 6th, one man 
 prisoner from Captain Ruffin's company, and had one badly wounded 
 from Captain Houston's company. 
 s I am, sir, with much respect, 
 
 L. S. BAKER, 
 Colonel First North Carolina Cavalry. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL YOUNG. 
 
 New Market Church, August 8, 1862. 
 
 Lieutenant Hamilton, 
 
 A. and A. A. A. General : 
 
 Lieutenant: I have the honor to report that the first courier re- 
 ported to me at a quarter past twelve o'clock, A. M., August 5th. 
 He was sent by Lieutenant Early, who commanded my squadron on 
 picket at Malvern Hill. This courier reported that the enemy were 
 advancing, with a large force of cavalry and some artillery, upon the 
 left flank of the North Carolina cavalry pickets. 1 immediately directed 
 my adjutant to write a note to General Hampton and inform him of the 
 state of affairs, which he did. ^ I ordered the courier to return, and. 
 directed Lieutenant Early to send out a scouting party. Lieutenant 
 Early obeyed the order. The scouting party discovered nothing in 
 their front, and no demonstration was made at this time or afterwards 
 in our front, as the enemy advanced from the direction of the North) 
 Carolina pickets. The second courier reported to me between the- 
 hours of two and three o'clock. This courier reported from Lieu- 
 tenant Early that he had been informed, by a courier from the North, 
 Carolina pickets, that the enemy were still advancing, in strong force,, 
 upon the North Carolina pickets; that they could distinctly hear the 
 sound of the bugles and moving of artillery. This courier was sent 
 to General Hampton to report the intelligence to him. About break 
 of day a courier from the North Carolina pickets reported to me 
 that the enemy were still advancing, but that his (the North Carolina} 
 pickets had not been driven from their posts. He reported that Colonel 
 JJaker's or my position would be attacked by morning. This courier- 
 was also sent to General Hampton, At half past five o'clock, A, M.,, 
 another courier reported to me from Lieut. Early. This man reported 
 that a battery of artillery had opened upon our reserve picket and 
 our battery of artillery, (which was at Malvern house,) entirely from 
 iheir rear. The enemy's battery was playing from a hill near Crew's 
 house — the battery was supported by about four hundred cavalry.. 
 The courier reported that he had come for support, and that unless^ 
 our people on the hill should very soon get help they must certainly 
 be lost. This courier was sent to General ILimpton. In a t'evr 
 moments after this time, I received an order from General Hampton, 
 directing rae to leave one squadron at my'camp and form the other 
 two squadrons in the field, which was prepartory to moving to the 
 support of Colonel Baker. 1 received no information after this from 
 Malvern Hill. It is duo to Lieutenant Early to say that he kept up. 
 his picket linos during the heavy artillery fire from his rear, nor didi 
 lie abandon them until ordered by Major Pickett, of the seventeenthi 
 Georgia, to do so. During this movement upon Malvern Hill, not & 
 .mngle man of the enemy appeared in front of my pickets. The ene- 
 my, to their surprise, were firing from their rear before they were 
 
404 
 
 aware of their proximity, and I must say that, in my opinion, the 
 officers of the infantry, artillery and cavalry dcBcrve praise for the 
 manner in which they withdrew their troops from the field when they 
 believed it vain to hope longer for support. I have to report my 
 loss as follows : Two men captured from Lieutenant Early's squadron, 
 and two supposed to be killed. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 P. M. B. YOUNG, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Georgia Legion Cavalry. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MAGRUDER. 
 
 Brigadier General Wade Hampton : 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to submit for your consideration the follow- 
 ' ing report as to the operations of the enemy in front of our lines on 
 Tuesday last, 5th instant : 
 
 At one o'clock, A. M., I received a verbal message from Colonel 
 Baker, through his courier, to this effect : that the enemy had driven 
 in his pickets the evening before to Riddell's shop, and that there 
 were no pickets left between Riddell's shop and my reserve ; he further 
 stated the enemy was in large force, composed of artillery, cavalry 
 and infantry. From the withdrawal of Colonel Baker's pickets on my 
 right, thereby preventing any communication, on the Charles City 
 road, between Colonel Baker's and mine, besides exposing my right 
 entirely to approach of the enemy in case Colonel B. should fall back, 
 of which I could have had no information in time. I immediately, 
 upon reception of the above information, ordered Captain W. B. 
 Clement, commanding the picket post, to draw in his pickets on the 
 left to the junction of the Long Bridge with the Charles City (some- 
 times called Quaker) road, also to picket what is called the Turner 
 road, a cross road leading from Long Bridge road to White Oak 
 Swamp bridge, and to extend his line on Charles City further to my 
 right, to guard against surprise in that direction, to be so picketed as 
 regularly to communicate one with another, thus, in the speediest 
 possible time, giving information to the reserve, which was at the 
 bridge, a short distance this side, so as to beunder cover of the woods, 
 it not being practicable on the opposite side. Between nine and ten, 
 upon my return from visiting a portion of my picket lines, I sug- 
 gested to Captain Clement the propriety of loosening a few of the 
 poles on the bridge, so that in case of an advance of cavalry, at 
 shortest possible notice, to tear up a portion of the bridge, so as to 
 check and throw in confusion the advance column, whilst the men in 
 ambush would open upon them. All of the orders, according to 
 Captain Clement's report, seem to have been obeyed, as the following 
 report, furnished by Captain C, will show. The orderly sergeant, 
 with nine men, superintended by Captain C, dismounted to loosen 
 the logs of the bridge ; they had barely commenced before pickets 
 reported the enemy advancing upon Turner and Dr. Perman's road. 
 Captain C. ordered courier to return and watch movements, and stated 
 he would be with him in a moment. Before getting on his horse, 
 (some fifty yards distant, when receiving the above information,) 
 Captain C. heard firing, accompanied with a yell, and saw the pickets 
 flying from the hill, 'closely pursued by the enemy's cavalry. This 
 body of cavalry approached under cover of the woods, leaving the 
 road and hugging closely to the swamp until within a short distance 
 of ^ae bridge. The pickets were watching the advance of another 
 body of the enemy, and came very near being cut off from the bridge^ 
 before seeing the approach of the second body. Captain Clement 
 
406 
 
 attempted to check the column by ordering his men forward and 
 meeting them, but soon saw the impracticability of this move, as the 
 enemy was nearer the bridge than he ; the men were drawn up by the 
 side of the road and ordered to reserve their fire until f.hc head of the 
 column approached very near, hoping thereby to check the column 
 and give time to the men on foot to mount. The men stood firm 
 amidst the fire of the enemy, and did not fire until ordered, which was 
 not given until they were in fifteen yards of the picket. Unfortu- 
 nately most of our guns failed fire, from having been exposed twenty- 
 four hours on picket duty, as well as capa being indifferent. Captain 
 C, ordered his men to fall back through the swamp, it being the only 
 mode of escape. Captain C.'sand Caskie's companies were on picket. 
 In the skirmish Captain Clement lost six men and eight horses, sup- 
 posed to have been captured. Lieutenant Doyle, of Captain Caskie's 
 company, having absented himself from camp since the skirmish, I 
 cannot be positive as to the exact number missing in his company. 
 They report four missing, making ten in all. Three of the ten are 
 reported wounded. How many of the enemy were killed we cannot 
 tell; several saddles were emptied and five horses killed. One hundred 
 men were dismounted and in ambush this side of the swamp, the rest 
 of the regiment was drawn up in protecting distance, with seven 
 pieces of artillery. Not less than fifteen hundred cavalry could be 
 seen on the opposite hill, in addition to which I have since learned 
 there was a large body of infantry also. 1 held my position on this 
 side the bridge all day ; the enemy, maintaining his on opposite hill, 
 about twelve hundred yards distant, moved off in the night, leaving a few 
 pickets only, which could be seen next morning. 
 
 On the 6th, I scouted on opposite side of >the swamp seme four or 
 five miles, captuiing eight piisoners. 
 
 I have made diligent search as to negligence on part of picket, but 
 have found nothing indicating negligence, unless it be some of the 
 men did not believe, after being told by picket, that the enemy were 
 approaching, and Lieutenant Doyle, thoughtlessly, was dismounted, 
 and had sent his horse some distance to water. My pickets were so 
 placed, it seems to me, without carelessness, could not have been 
 captured. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient fservant, 
 
 Z. T. MAGRUDER, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Tenth Cavairy. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL T. T. MUNFORD. 
 
 Headquarters Robertson's Brigade, 1862. • 
 
 Major J. T. W. Hairston, 
 
 Assristant Adjutant General: 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that on the 25th August, my regi- 
 ment, stationed near Waterloo bridge, was ordered to report to Major 
 General Jackson for active service. One squadron sharpshooters, un- 
 der Captain Ridgeley Brown, was left at the bridge, at Hinson's mill 
 I was ordered in advance with instructions to picket every road lead- 
 ing towards the enemy, which roads were to be held until the whole 
 army passed. The first night we halted at Salem, and occupied 
 Thoroughfare Gap as soon after dawn as the advance could get there. 
 
 On the evening of the 26th, the advance guard captured some twelve 
 or fifteen Yankees at Hajmarkct and Gainesville. They seemed en- 
 tirely ignorant of any movement of our army, and we passed on to- 
 wards Bristoe Station. Ascertaining that the depot was guarded by 
 a company of cavalry and one of infantry, I was ordered to capture 
 them (the pickets detailed en route had reduced my regiment to about 
 one hundred men) and surprise their whole command ; but most of 
 their cavalry scampered away with their horses, and many of the infantry 
 fled to the hotel and other houses, and opened fire upon us. Just at 
 this crisis a train of cars approached, which Ave attempted to throw 
 from the track by placing sills on it; but in this did not succeed, as 
 the time and materials at hand were not sufficient. In this skirmish 
 we killed two of the enemy, wounded seven and captured forty-three, 
 including the lieutenant colonel of the fourth New York regiment, a 
 major, three captains and four lieutenants. We also captured four- 
 teen cavalry horses with some few sabres, carbines and pistols. Lieu- 
 tenant Wilson and privates Saunders and Everett, of company A, 
 were badly wounded by guns fired from the windows of the houses. 
 ^ The Louisiana brigade came up to our support, and succeeded in 
 capturing several trains of cars. The next day I was engaged in 
 protecting the flank of General Ewell's division, and followed in his 
 rear from Manassas, picking up stragglers and destroying stores aban- 
 doned the day previous by the enemy. At Groveton I was ordered 
 to join the brigade under General Robertson. About four o'clock, 
 P. M,, on the cJUth, my regiment was ordered to the front, when we 
 arrived nearly upon the spot where my command had stood for hours 
 during the battle of July 2l8t, 1861. We found a company of the 
 enemy's cavalry, and Lieutenant Colonel Watts was ordered to charge 
 them with one squadron, which he did with his usual good spirit, and 
 put them to flight ; but soon discovered that they were the advance 
 guards of Gen. Buford's cavalry brigade, stationed under the hill, near 
 Lewis' ford, which caused him to halt, when the rest of my regiment 
 •was ordered up to his support. A«» soon as I had formed my command, 
 I determined to move to tho rear for a better position; but as soon as 
 
408 
 
 I commenced this move, the enemy advanced upon me. We were then 
 near enough to hear each other's commands. Hearing the command, 
 *' Forward, trot," I wheeled my command to the right-about by fours, 
 and went at them with drawn sabres. The enemy were in columns 
 by regiments, composed of the first Michigan, fourth New York and 
 first Virginia. My regiment, in line of battle, going at a gallop, went 
 through the advanced line of the enemy, engaged this and the second 
 line in a hand-to-hand fight. We were soon overpowered by numbers, 
 and a running fight ensued, the two commands being thoroughly in- 
 termingled. As soon as the seventh and twelfth reinforced me, the 
 whole of the enemy's command commenced a retreat. Had my regi- 
 ment been promptly reinforced my comn;and would not have suffered 
 80 severely. My regiment behaved as gallantly as any body of men 
 could do. Lieutenant Colonel Watts, Major Breckinridge, Lieutenant 
 Kelso, of company A, and Lieutenant Walton, of company C, were 
 severely wounded. Privates William Watson, Caleb Dooley, of com- 
 pany A ; B. Peck, S. W. McCluer, C. Frazier, J. M. Denton and W. 
 Bishop, of company C ; S. Martin, company D ; J. Shelton, G. T. 
 Rucker, company E; F. P. Harris, 0. M. Garrett, G. Leftwitch, L. 
 Roberts, company F ; Jenkins, company G ; R. A. Cheatham and 
 James Walker, company H ; Joseph Perkins and Moss, company K, 
 and John Lonely and R. W. Nelson, of Captain Brown's Maryland 
 company, were severely wounded and disabled. Some twelve others 
 were slightly wounded, but continued with the command. Privates 
 F. Noel and B. Watson, of Company A, and Mann, company H, were 
 killed. It is proper to state that my own horse was killed, and that I 
 was dismounted by a blow. I did not pursue the enemy further than 
 Bull Run. General Robertson came up and assumed command. 
 
 The seventh and twelfth were much complimented by those who 
 witnessed their pursuit of the enemy. I herewith, enclose reports of 
 the commanding officers. The brigade captured about three hundred 
 prisoners with a large number of horses, arms and accoutrements. 
 I am. Major, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 THOS. T. MUNFORD, 
 
 Colonel commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL T. L. ROSSEE. 
 
 Headquarters Fifth Virginia Cavalry, 
 January 10, 1863. 
 
 General J. E. B. Stuart, commanding : 
 
 I arrived at Groveton, where I learned that the enemy was movin^^ 
 his wagons on a private road to Manassas Junction. I procured a 
 section of artillery from Colonel Bradley Johnson and attacked them, 
 dispersing their train and turning them back. This I reported to 
 General Jackson, who proceeded to the point where I had attacked 
 the enemy to examine the ground and the nature of the movement, 
 ordering me at the same time to picket well to the front on the turnpike. 
 I soon found that the enemy, being interrupted on this private road. 
 Lad changed the direction of his march and came immediately down 
 the pike. General Jackson then attacked him on his left flank, and 
 I, holding my regiment on the right, occupied myself in guarding 
 the right, and capturing many prisoners of cavalry and infantry. I 
 camped on the field. 
 
 Next morning I moved around to Gainesville, where, after cap- 
 turing about forty cavalry, I was driven back by the enemy's infantry. 
 Soon after this, I received orders from General Stuart to join tbo 
 
 column advancing from Haymarket. 
 
 * ******* * 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 T. L. ROSSER, 
 Colonel Fifth Virgiiiia Cavalry. 
 Official : 
 
 R. Channing Price, 
 
 First Lieutenant and A. A. A. General. 
 
 Headquarters Fifth Viroima Cavalry, 
 October 5, 1863. 
 
 To Major General J. E. B. Stuart, 
 
 Commanding Cavalry Division : 
 
 General : On the morning of August 30th, my regiment having 
 been considerably reduced by details of one kind or other, the re- 
 mainder was, in obedience to your order, placed on picket on the 
 extreme right, in the direction of Bristoe, under command of Major 
 Douglas. 
 
 Having been placed in command of all the artillery under your 
 command the day previous, I still exercised control of it, and near 
 
 house, occupied by you as your headquarters, with Strib- 
 
 ling's and Rodgers' batteries, I had been firing an occasional shot 
 
410 
 
 at the enemy, who threatened the position occupied by General 
 Hood. When the order for the lines to advance was given, the ene- 
 my's position on the right being very strong, (occupying high wooded 
 ground,) I threw Captains Eshleman, (Washington artillery,) Strib- 
 ling and Rodgers on the extreme right of our lines, sending 
 Richardson (Washington artillery) more to the left, to take position 
 near the Chinn house, Stribling sufficiently to the right and front, 
 and opened on a portion of the enemy's lines and artillery, which fire 
 very soon caused them to change their position ; then advancing by 
 battery steadily on, when I arrived near the Wheeler house, where 
 I found myself at least a half of a mile in advance of our lines on 
 my left, thus driving the enemy, by this terrible fire of artillery, 
 back on Bull Run. 
 
 Receiving information that the enemy was pressing the cavalry, 
 which was my support on the right, 1 sent two guns cf Captain 
 Eshleman's battery, under command of Lieutenant Joseph Norcom, 
 to its support. Seeing that 1 had an enfilading and reversed fire, I 
 posted my guns to the best advantage and opened a most terrific fire 
 upon him, which caused him to attempt to carry, by a desperate 
 charge, my advance battery, which was gallantly met and repulsed by 
 Rodger's canister ; but the cavalry being all the time my only sup- 
 port, and my position at this time being very close to the enemy, I 
 drew my batteries up en echelon, and by keeping up a continued fire I 
 soon caused the enemy to seek shelter under cover of the hill, which 
 change in his position very much relieved our infantry. 
 
 Darkness had come on. The enemy's sharpshooters were lying 
 just over the hill, in a thick undergrowth of pines. To advance my 
 batteries to a thick undergrowth occupied entirely by infantry being 
 •perfectly absurd, and being unable to dislodge them, even vnth can- 
 ister, I was unable to advance further. After making repeated, but 
 fruitless, endeavors to get infantry (which, by the way, was at this 
 time near at hand — Armistead's brigade) to drive them away, the 
 firing all along the lines having ceased, I ordered the batteries also 
 to cease firing and move. 
 
 I am proud to speak of the gallant conduct of Captain Rodgors 
 and his command, who, by coolness and determination, received the 
 charge of a brigade with a fearful volley of canister, Avaiting first 
 until the enemy reached the deadly ground of fifty paces. Indeed, 
 the conduct of both officers and men in this desperate struggle entitle 
 them to their country's gratitude. 
 
 Early on the following morning, resuming command of my regi- 
 ment, I withdrew my pickets and went in pursuit of the enemy, and, 
 being very soon joined by you, the results you doubtless remember, 
 as you were present and witnessed the conduct of the regiment on 
 overtaking the enemy. Later in the day, Robertson's brigade having 
 come up, in pursuance witb your orders I proceeded, with a command 
 composed of my regiment, a detail of fifty men of Robertson's com- 
 mand, and one piece of the WashingtoH artillery, to Manassas, which 
 I found abandoned, save but by over four hundred stragglers, whom 
 I captured, with a large lot of small arms. Five elegant ambulances, 
 
411 
 
 with horses and harness complete, and a quantity of medical stores, 
 all of which were duly turned over to the proper authorities. After 
 getting all information I could obtain from citizens, and from strag- 
 glers of Banks' division, (\Yho, by the way, had retreated by way of 
 Bristoe and Brentsville, after destroying a large lot of ammunition 
 and stores at the former place,) I returned and rejoined my brigade 
 next day. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Most respectfully, General, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. L. ROSSER. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN SQUIER3 OF THE WASHINGTON 
 
 ARTILLERY. 
 
 
 
 Bivouac Near Martinsburg, Va., ) 
 
 September 22, 1862. ] 
 
 Colonel J. B. Walton, 
 
 Chief of Artillery Right Wing, A. N. V. : 
 
 . Colonel : Early on the morning of the 23d of August, the artillery, 
 composed of the first company of Washington Artillery, (four three- 
 inch rifles,) and Captain Stribbling's battery, (three Napoleon guns and 
 one three-inch rifle,) marched in the direction of the hill opposite to 
 Rappahannock Station, which you had previously ordered should be 
 occupied by these batteries. While en route, Major J. J, Garnett 
 informed me that the infantry which was to support the artillery was 
 late in forming, and ordered me to place the guns under cover until 
 the support should arrive. Shortly after the brigade of General 
 Evans came up and took position. In the meantime Lieutenant 
 Chapman reported with a section of the Dixie Artillery, composed of 
 one Napoleon gun and one three-inch rifle. Major Garnett ordered 
 me to place the batteries in line in rear of the hill which, in your 
 reconnoissance, you had determined should be occupied by the artil- 
 lery, which was to form the right of the line of fire. The batteries 
 were formed in line from right to left in the following order : First 
 company Washington Artillery, four three-inch rifle guns ; Dixie 
 Artillery, one Napoleon gun and one three- inch rifle ; Stribbling's 
 battery, three Napoleon guns and one three-inch rifle. This had 
 scarcely been accomplished when the signal was given from your 
 position to ** commence firing," which was quickly responded to by 
 the enemy. The combat was briskly carried on by the artillery 
 directly in our front for half an hour, when the enemy placed a bat- 
 tery on the extreme left, and had partly succeeded in enfilading our 
 batteries, vehen I withdrew the section of Lieutenant Galbraith, and 
 directed him to engage the enemy on the left, in order to keep him 
 from enfilading our position, which object Lieutenant G. accomplished 
 under a heavy fire, and was partly forced from his first position, when 
 Lieutenant Sandry, with a section of Captain Maurin's battery, re- 
 ported, and was sent to assist Lieutenant G. — the four guns being 
 placed under Lieutenant G., who managed to keep a heavy enfilading 
 fire from the main batteries by the coolness and bravery with which 
 he manoeuvred this battery. The fire on both sides now became 
 general and rapid. The enemy placed more artillery in position, and 
 for some time I thought I should have to retire, but the enemy soon 
 slackened hi^re, and it was evident he was worsted by the projectilea 
 with which our artillerists assailed him. An officer now came from 
 the right and informed me that the infantry were preparing to charge, 
 
413 
 
 and to cease firing as soon as they appeared. I kept up the fire, 
 returning shot for shot with the enemy, who appeared to be willing to 
 give up the combat. Seeing this, and being informed that General 
 Evans (commanding the infantry) was advancing to attack the enemy, 
 I ordered the four (reserve) guns of Lieutenant Galbraith in position, 
 to encrage the enemy's artillery and draw his attention while our 
 troop8°were advancing. Our artillery now consisted of eight guns, 
 viz- One section of the Washington Artillery and one section ot 
 Maurin's battery, Lieutenant E. Owen, of the Washington Artillery, 
 commanding ; one section of the Washington Artillery and one sec- 
 tion of the Dixie Artillery, Lieutenant Galbraith commanding. Cap- 
 tain Stribbling had expended all his ammunition, and I ordered him 
 from the field to replenish. The firing was now briskly renewed on 
 both sides, which lasted for twenty minutes. The enemy finally gave 
 up his position, retired across the Rappahannock, and only replied 
 occasionally to our fire, and in an hour after ceased firing altogether 
 It is with pleasure I am enabled to speak of the gallantry with 
 which Captain Stribbling, officers and men, behaved on this occasion 
 Lieutenant Chapman, with his section of the Dixie Artillery, behaved 
 with great coolness, and handled his guns with effect. To Lieuten- 
 ants E. Owen, J. M. Galbraith, and those under their command, 1 
 would especially call your attention. Both officers commanded full 
 batteries, and handled them with the coolness, bravery and good 
 iudgment which has so often on previous occasions won the confidence 
 of their men. Sergeants T. T. Aby, C. L. C. Duprey and L. M. 
 Montgomery rendered me efficient service. The latter, on previous 
 occasions, has placed me under many obligations for his voluntary 
 services. 
 
 Casualties : 
 
 ^^ 
 
 First Company Battalion Washington Artilkry .—K\\\ed. : Privates W. 
 Chambers, R.T. Marshall, J. Reddingtonand IL Koss— 4. Wounded: 
 Corporal W. H. West, privates John R. Fell, T. T. Turner, M. 
 Mount and W. R. Falconer.— 5. 
 
 Dixie Artillery.— Wounded : Privates JohnEddins, Westley Fence, 
 John Knight and Daniel Martin — 4. 
 
 Stribbling's Battery.— Wonnded : Lieutenant Archer and one pri- 
 
 yate — 2. 
 
 Total, 4 killed and 8 wounded. 
 
 Horses Killed. Wounded. 
 
 First company Bat. Washington Art'y, 1 1 
 
 Stribbling's battery, - - - 4 
 
 Dixie battery, 
 
 Total, ... - 6 1 
 
 One three-inch rifle gun exploded during action. The batteries 
 
414 
 
 T^ere engaged from about seven o'olock, A. M., to eleven o'clock, A. 
 M., and expended the following ammunition : 
 
 First company Washington Artillery, . - - - 400 
 
 Section of Dixie Artillery, - - - - - - 299 
 
 Section of Maurin's Artillery, - - - - - - 119 
 
 IStribbling's Artillery, ------- 354 
 
 Leake's Artillery, (one gun,) - - - - - - 10 
 
 Total number of rounds, ------ 1,182 
 
 Captain Leake reported after the enemy had retired with one rifle 
 and three Emooth-bore guns. lie sustained no loss. About two 
 o'clock, P. M., Major Garnett rode up and requested me to send four 
 rifle guns to Colonel S. D. Lee, who was on the right, near the Cen- 
 tral railroad. For this purpose I detached Lieutenant Owen with one 
 section of the Washington Artillery and one section of Maurin's bat- 
 tery. In obedience to jour orders, at half-past five o'clock, P. M., I 
 ordered all the guns back to their respective commands. 
 
 Very respectfully, Colonel, your obedient servant, 
 
 C. W. SQUIERS, 
 Captain commanding First CuTiipayiy Bat. Washington Artilkry. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN MILLER, WASHINGTON ARTIL- 
 
 LERY. 
 
 Bivouac near Martinsburg, September 23d, 1862. 
 
 To Colonel J. B. Walton,. 
 
 Colonel and Chief of Artillery Division : 
 
 Colonf.l: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 
 23d August, ultimo, pursuant to your orders, I proceeded with my 
 battery of four smooth-bore Napoleon twelve-pounders, to a point on 
 the right of and near the road to Beverley ford, on the Rappahan- 
 nock river, and distant about a thousand yards from the river. My 
 position, on a hill sloping towards the river, was not such a one as I 
 would have desired, though doubtless the best the locality afforded. 
 At sunrise, I discovered a battery of the enemy in position immedi- 
 ately in our front on a hill on the north side of the river, and I opened 
 on it with spherical case. The enemy replied briskly, and for half an 
 hour the firing was very spirited. During this time, I w^ considera- 
 bly annoyed by an enfilading fire of a long-range battery, posted to 
 our right, and entirely beyond our range. After nearly an hour's 
 engagement, I was gratified to notice that the fire of the battery 
 in our front had perceptibly slackened, indeed, almost entirely ceased. 
 Up to this time but one of my men had been wounded, and two horses 
 killed. The batteries supporting me on my left at this juncture re- 
 'tired from the field, subjecting me to a galling cross fire from the en- 
 emy's rifle battery in th^ir front. I immediately changed front on 
 the left and replied. The enemy having our exact range, fired with 
 terrible precision and effect. For some time we maintained this 
 unequal conflict, when, having nearly exhausted my ammunition, 
 and, agreeably to your orders, I retired by half battery from the 
 field. 
 
 I have to mourn the loss of a gallant officer in the person of First 
 Lieutenant Isaac W. Brewer, who was killed just as he was taking 
 his section from the field. Throughout the fight he managed his sec- 
 tion with consummate ability, and fell while cheering his men. The 
 service has lost no braver officer. 
 
 My casualties were : 
 
 Killed, First Lieut. I. W. Brewer ; privates, Thompson, McDon- 
 ald and Dolan — four. 
 
 W«)unded, Corporal P. W. Pettiss ; privates James Tully, Levy, 
 Bours^hee, Alaxwell, Crilly, Kerwin, Lynch and Joubert — nine. 
 
 Twt-nty-one horses killed. Three hundred aud fifty-six rounds am- 
 munition expended. 
 
 I would be pleased to pay a tribute to the coolness and intrepidity 
 of my command; but, where all acted so well, it would be invidious to 
 particularize. I should be wanting in my duty, however, were I not 
 to mention Lieutenants Hero and McElroy, and my non-commissioned 
 
416 
 
 oflBcers, Sergeants McNeil, Handy, Colifns, Ellis and Stocker, and 
 Corporals Coylc, Kremnelberg, Pettiss and De Blanc, who, by their 
 coolness and close attention to duty, contributed not a little to the 
 tflEciency of^ my battery. 
 
 Repectfully, 
 
 M. B. MILLER, 
 Captain commanding Zd company B. W. A.- 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL R. L. WALKER. 
 
 IIeadquarteus Artillery Battalion, March 1, 18G3. 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Light Division : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
 taken by the artillery of the light division in the series of battles, 
 commencing with "Warrenton Springs, August 24, 1862: 
 
 We arrived, as you know, near Warrenton Springs;, on Fri'tav 
 evening the 22d of August. My command was all encamped that 
 nigbt near Scott's house. At early d:iwn on Saturday morning, I 
 had all my batteries, with the exception of Captain Crenshaw's (his 
 being short-range guns) battery, posted on the heights. Captain 
 ^Mcintosh's occupying the right. Captain Latham next, Captain Fleet and 
 Lieutenant Hardy next. On west side of the road leading from Jef- 
 fersonton to Warrenton Springs, Captains Braxton and Davidson were 
 in position. All was quiet on Saturday, until late in the evening, when 
 the enemy advanced several of their batteries and attacked the artil- 
 lery and infantry of General Early's brigade, which had been thrown 
 across the river. In this we took no part. On Sunday morning, the 
 24th August, the enemy commenced taking position opposite our 
 batteries. General Early having been withdrawn, at ten o'clock they 
 opened a terrific fire upon our position, to which we replied for a few 
 minutes, but received an order to withhold our fire until the infantry 
 Ehould make its appearance. At about twelve, the enemy's infantry 
 advanced, apparently with the intention of taking possession of the 
 bridge which we, the day before, constructed. In accordance with 
 orders, we opened upon them with all the ' guns. They were soon 
 driven back, occasionally showing themselves afterwards; but with 
 the same result. Their loss was great, and, though we were under a 
 terrific fire from not less than seven butteries from ten o'clock till six, 
 P. M., our loss was very small. The officers and men distinguished 
 themselves on this occasion. We were relieved, at six o'clock, P. M., 
 by the artillery of General Hood's division, and retired to camp near 
 Jeffersontwi. My batteries were unparked a\ early dawn on Monday 
 morning, August 2oth, and, after a most fiiti<^uing march, arrived at 
 Bristoe Station about nine o'clock Tuesday night, where we camped 
 for the night. Wednesday morning, I was ordered to follow ray 
 division to Manassas. As we approached the junction we were fired 
 upon by two of the enemy's rifled guns. Captain Pegram being in 
 front, his battery was carried forward and placed in position in an old 
 redoubt. Captain Braxton's battery was posted on the east side of 
 the railroad, and the batteries of Captains Mcintosh and Crenshaw 
 occupied the intermediate ground. The enemy's battery was soon 
 silenced, and a New Jersey brigade was, after some very pretty prac- 
 tice on the part of Captaina Pegram, Crenshaw, Mcintosh and Brax- 
 ton, broken and put to flight. We moved on with the intention of 
 27 
 
413 
 
 following them up, but the character of the country \t33 such as to 
 ren<3er succcBsful pursuit impossible, and the idea was abandoned. 
 There was no loss on our side ; but it is believed that the loss of tho 
 enemy was considerable. Wednesday night, at twelve o'clock, we 
 took up line of march for Centreville, and from thence we marched 
 to the battle-field of Manassas, where we arrived Thursday evening, 
 the 2Sth of August. The artillery took no part in tho engagement 
 of that afternoon. On Friday, the 29th August, the batteries wero 
 placed in position on the ridge in rear and to the left of General A. 
 P. Hill's division. Captain Braxton's battery was engaged early in 
 the forenoon on the extreme left, with the loss of some of his horses. 
 Upon the cessation of the enemy's fire, ours ceased also. In the 
 afternoon, a section of Captain Pegram's battery hotly engaged the 
 enemy on the right. His position was in rear of General Fields' and 
 Gregg's brigades. The loss of this section was very heavy, and, the 
 fire continuing with unremitted severity, it was withdrawn. Captain 
 Braxton was then ordered to the position, and, with five guns, held it, 
 with loss, under a terrific fire, until night closed in upon the field. 
 Captain Crenshaw's battery was also engaged during the day from a 
 point in rear of General Pender's brigade. On Saturday, August 
 50th, the batteries of Captains Braxton, Pegram, Latham, Davidson, 
 Mcintosh and Crenshaw, were all engaged at intervals on the left and 
 rear of the infantry. The enemy made several demonstrations with 
 both infantry and artillery on the left, all of which were promptly 
 repelled by those batteries. 
 
 In the tattle of Ox Hill, Monday, September Ist, my command did 
 not participate, though near the spot and under fire. Two of the bat- 
 teries, viz : Captain Mcintosh's and Braxton's, being in position. 
 
 At Leesburg, the batteries of Captains Latham and Fleet, and a 
 section of Captain Pegram's, were, by order, left in camp to recruit. 
 Nothing worthy of mention in this report transpired in our march 
 through Maryland, nor until our arrival at Harper's Ferry on the 
 13th of September. 
 
 In the afternoon of Sunday, the 14th, my artillery, by order of 
 Major General Hill, went into battery on a height some two miles 
 southwest of Bolivar Heights, from which point we shelled the woods 
 on Bolivar Heights, south of the enemy's earthworks. About sunset 
 of the same evening, the rifle section of Captain Mclntosh'f command 
 vrent into battery on Bolivar Heights at a point about eight hundred 
 yards distant from the eneniy's earthworks. General Hill's divisioa 
 being in advance of him. 
 
 Before dawn next morning, Monday 18th, a section from tho bat- 
 teries of Captains Braxton, Pegram and Davidson, and the full bat- 
 tery of Captain Crenshaw, were carried, though with much difficulty, 
 to the point occupied by Captain Mcintosh, (Captain Crenshaw's bat- 
 tery was held in reserve, there being no position for his guns.) At 
 daylight, the batteries opened with rapid and effective fire upon the 
 enemy's works, and were responded to by two batteries, firing quickly 
 and without good direction. 
 
 By General Hill's order, our fire ceased as soon as that of the 
 
419 
 
 enemy was discontinued, which occurred in an hour. At the latter 
 part of the engagement, Captain Crenshaw relieved Captain Braxton, 
 whose ammunition was exhausted. 
 
 After a short interval, the enemy's guns again opened, but slowly 
 and without eflfect. The guns of Captains Pcgrara and Crenshaw 
 were advanced about four hundred yards nearer their earthworks, and 
 opened furiously upon it. In five minutes a white flag floated upon 
 the works, and the battle ceased. In this battle our casualties were 
 slight, as heretofore reported, 
 
 I carried four of my batteries into the fight at Sharpsburg, viz : 
 Braxton's, Pegram's, Mcintosh's and Crenthaw's ; Captain Davidson's 
 was left at Harper's Ferry with General Thomas' brigade. My com- 
 mand arrived upon the field at about three, P. M., and went imme- 
 di.'vtely into action. Captain Mcintosh took position to the right and 
 in rear of General Toombs' brigade — in rear of the position after- 
 wards taken by General Archer's brigade. Here he was hotly 
 encounteued by several batteries of the enemy, to whom he responded 
 vigorously until his attention was attracted by the steady and formi- 
 dable advance of the enemy's infantiy upon his position. The infan- 
 try on the left not supporting him, the enemy continued to advance 
 in defiance of his rapid and effective fire, until within sixty yards of 
 his guns, when Captain Mcintosh was forced to withdraw his men, 
 horses and limbers. By this time. General Archer's brigade had 
 formed in line of battle to the rear of the battery, and, before the 
 enemy reached the guns, charged and drove them back in great con- 
 fusion. Captain Pegram's battery wai posted on the right of Captaia , 
 Mcintosh's, and directed to fire chiefly upon the enemy's infantry. 
 One gun of this battery (the ammunition of the balance having givea 
 out) together with Captain Braxton's rifle, which had been engaging 
 the enemy from a point to the right and rear of Captain Pegram's, 
 were, at four and-a-half, P. M., placed in battery on a height forming 
 the extreme right of the light division and giving an enfilading fire. 
 From this point, they were worked with beautiful precision and great 
 effect upon the infantry of the enemy till nightfall closed the engage- 
 ment. Captain Pegram's gun was withdrawn aftcr^a few rounds, the 
 men being exhausted by their march from Harper's Ferry and the 
 labor of the guns. "Captain Crenshaw's battery was the last to reach 
 the field and take position on a hill in front of Captain Mcintosh's, 
 from which, disregarding the enemy's artillery, he directed his fire- 
 entirely at their infantry. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 R. L. WALKER, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Battalion, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL A. W. IIARMAN. ' 
 
 Headquarters Twelfth Virginia Cavalrv, } 
 
 October 6, 1862. ji 
 
 To Colonel T. T. Munforp, 
 
 Coynmanding Jlabcrf son's Brigade : 
 
 Colonel: At Manassas, on tbc 30tb of August, about four o'clock, 
 P. M., I Avas ordcrerl, Avitb six companies of my regiment, (A, B, C, 
 P, E, F and II,) to support the second Virginia cavalry, I found 
 the enemy occupying the bill to the right of the Lewis house with the 
 first Virginia cavalry, supported by a New York and the first Michi- 
 gan cavalry, drawn up about two hundred yards in their rear. I 
 charged the regiment on the hill and drove them back on their sup- 
 ports, which were, in quick succession, broken and driven back in 
 complete disorder. I pursued them over the run and as far as the 
 pike, near the stone bridge, capturing many prisoners, among them 
 Colonel Broadhead and Major Atwood, of the first Michigan cavalry, 
 the former severely wounded. My loss was six men wounded. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. HARMAN, 
 Colonel Ttvz'ftk Virginia Cavalry. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR PELHAM OF ACTION AT GROVETON 
 
 HEIGHTS. 
 
 Near Fredericksburg, January 10, 1863. 
 General J. E. B. Stuart : 
 
 General : In compliance with your wishes, I submit the following 
 memoranda of the part taken by my battery in the battle of Grove- 
 ton Heights : 
 
 By your orders, I left Centreville on Thursday, the 28th of 
 August, 1862, in rear of General Jackson's corps. I marched with- 
 out interruption till I had crossed Bull Run, at Lewis' ford, when a 
 small party of the enemy's cavalry appeared in my rear, I detached 
 Lieutenant Breathed with one piece as a rear-guard, and moved on 
 with the rest of my battery. A few well-directed shots from 
 Breathed's gun drove the enemy off. I moved up the Warrenton 
 pike, and, when near the " Jira Ptobinson house," I overtook the rear 
 of General A, P. HilFs division, which had just left the turnpike and 
 was moving along a by-road to the right. I moved to the right of 
 this division and passed it. I moved on and parked my battery in a 
 field, where General Jackson had ordered all his artillery to await 
 orders. 
 
 Just before night, orders came for twenty pieces to move rapidly 
 to the front. 1 took three pieces, at a gallop, through a thick wood 
 in front of this general park, bearing to the right of the troops in 
 position, (Ewell's division,) crossed the old railroad about one mile 
 from Groveton, and took position between it and the turnpike. I 
 ^neglected to state that one of my guns was unable to keep up and 
 was lost from the battery, it being dark and the road narrow and 
 winding. I reported to General Jackson, and he told me that his 
 chief of artillery. Major Shumaker, would show mo a position. He 
 conducted me across the railroad, as above stated. I moved on at a 
 gallop until a heavy volley of musketry apprised me of the enemy'a 
 presence. I immediately put my guns in position, and engaged 
 them at about fifty or sixty yards. We continued the fight for an 
 hour or more, yrhen, our reinforcements coming up, we drove the 
 enemy back. 
 
 During the latter part of this fight I had but one gun, the other 
 having been taken off by the order of some mounted officer. It was 
 dark, and no one could tell who he was, while my attention was 
 wholly directed to the right piece. 
 
 After the fight was over, I collected the other pieces of my battery 
 and report'jd to General Stuart the next morning. [See his memoranda 
 up to this time.] I was, by him, ordered to report to General Jack- 
 son, which I did ; and he ordered me to ride over the field with him, 
 and, after pointing out the different roads, he gave me discretionary 
 orders to engage my battery wherever a fitting opportunity should, 
 
422 
 
 occur. General A. P. Hill sent for some artillery to be thrown rap- 
 idly forward, as the enemy were giving way. I placed my battery 
 in position, near the railroad, and opened on some batteries and a 
 column of infantry posted on the hills around Groveton. 
 
 JOHN TELHAM, 
 , Major ^ Horse Artillery. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR HAIRSTON. 
 
 Gainesville, August 29, 1862—8, P. M. 
 
 To Colonel Chilton, A. A. G. : 
 
 In obedience to General Lee's order, I started this morning, at 
 eight o'clock, vrith one hundred and fifty cavalry, to goto Warrenton, 
 ** to find out if any of the enemy's forces were still in the vicinity of 
 that place." I went from Thoroughfare to tho right on a by-road, 
 "which took me into the Winchester road two miles below Warrenton, 
 and came up to the rear of the town. I enquired of the citizens and 
 persons I met on the way, but could not hear that any of their forces 
 were in the vicinity of that place. They informed mo that the last 
 left yesterday morning in the direction of Gainesville and Warrenton 
 Junction, We picked up on tho way forty-six prisoners, thirty mus- 
 kets and rifles, one deserter from the Stuart horse artillery, and one 
 Kutler, with his wagon and driver. I also paroled two lieutenants in 
 Warrenton. who were too sick to travel. What shall I do with the 
 prisoners I 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 SAMUEL II. HAIRSTON, 
 Major commanding, by order of General Lee. 
 
 Note. — This was made of men from every regiment in your com- 
 mand, with one entire company, headed by the captain, that General 
 Lee had handled at Thoroughfare and turned over to me when he 
 ordered me to go on the expedition. 
 
 S. II. H. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN MYERS OF SEVENTH VIRGINIA 
 
 CAVALRY. 
 
 October :2o, 1 
 
 VALRV^ ) 
 
 S\j2. \ 
 
 Colonel MuxFORD, 
 
 Commanding Jlobertsori's Brigade : 
 
 The seventh regiment, under my charge on the 30th August last, 
 formed the third regiment in column (the twelfth preceding it and the 
 second being in advance) "vvhen the order was given for us to advance 
 towards Centreville from our position on the extreme right of the in- 
 fantry that day. Y/e moved about two miles in that direction, when 
 the command was halted a little to the right of the road we started 
 on, and the second ordered over the hill on the right .of the column. 
 The second being soon engaged with the enemy, we were ordered to 
 support it, the twelfth preceding the seventh regiment. AVhen the 
 head of our right came to the top of the hiii, on the right, the enemy 
 were drawn up in line of battle on an opposite- hill, about four hun- 
 dred yards distant, their line extending a considerable distance on the 
 left. When the second and twelfth engaged the enemy, I ordered the 
 regiment to charge, with drawn sabres, on their right flank, which the 
 whole command obeyed with the greatest ahicrity, charging upon 
 tliem with shouts that made the very welkin ring and routing the en- 
 tire line on our left, and by dashing on after the retreating foe, and 
 charging atiother force of them that had formed on our right, in a 
 woods, about eight hundred yards from the first line, we cut off a 
 large number of them on our right, a portion of whom the seventh 
 captured, and the others by the second and twelfth. After breaking, 
 the enemy formed in the woods, we pursued them about three-quarters 
 qf a mile beyond Bull Run, when we were ordered back. On the op- 
 posite bluff of Bull Run, a portion of them, with a small piece of 
 artillery, had formed again. They fired one round of grape, after 
 which they all broke again and made no other stand. We captured 
 some forty prisoners below Bull Run. The whole command did their 
 duty nobly. 
 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient fervant, 
 
 SAMUEL B. MYERS, 
 
 Captain cotnmanding. 
 
MAJOR HAWKS' REPORT OF CAPTURED STORES. 
 
 Subsistence Department Second Armv Corps, } 
 Guineas Station, Feb. G, 18G2. ^ 
 
 Lieutenant General Jackson, 
 
 Commanding Second Army Corps : 
 
 General : The following statement of property captured by your 
 command is aa nearly complete as I can make it : 
 
 At Front Jloyal — Eighty-five barrels of flour. 
 
 Winchester and iMartinsbug — One hundred and three cattle, 92,7i)0 
 pounds gross, 14,637 pounds bacon, 6,000 pounds hard bread, 2,400 
 pounds sugar, 350 bushels salt. 
 
 Harper's Ferry — One thousand three hurfdred and fifteen pounds 
 salt pork, 1,54.5 pounds salt beef, 19,267 pounds bacon, 155,954 
 pounds hard bread, 628 pounds rice, 4,930 pounds co9"ee, 209 pounds 
 sugar, 67 pounds candles, 230 pounds soap, 9 bushels beans, 154 
 bushels salt, ISO gallons vinegar, 80 gallons molasses. 
 
 At McDowell nothing was captured except hard bread, which was 
 issued to troops passing through — an extra ration. 
 
 At W^incliester, Martin sburg and Harper's Ferry large amounts of 
 supplies were carried oif by division wagons, of which no report was 
 made to me. Full rations issued to thirteen thousand of the enemy 
 for two days at Harper's Ferry. The issue was made before an in- 
 ventory was taken. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 W. J. HAWKS, 
 Mcjor and Commissary nf Sub., Second Army Corps, A. N. V. 
 
MAJOR HARMAN'S REPORT OF CAPTURED STORES. 
 
 Lieutenant General Jack^^on, 
 
 Commanding Second Corps A. N. V, : 
 
 List of property captured and turned into the Chief Quartermaster 
 Valley District, during the second and third quarters, 18G2 : 
 
 Ninety-four quires letter paper, 64 1-2 quires cap paper, 10 quires 
 KOte paper, 3,425 envelopes, 172 st,eel pens, 95 bottles ink, 1 bottle 
 red ink, 1 bottle mucilage, 65 camp stoves, 2 cooking stoves, 292 
 Tin plates, 52 spoons, 20 tin cups, 80 table knives, 31 taCle forks, 12 
 acksp cards. 3 anvils, 1 set blacksmith's tools, 33 crow-bars, 7 viles, 
 575 rasps, 12 files, 31 hatchets, 15 cross-cut saws, 1 auger, 10 ham- 
 mers, 3 sets carpenter's tools, 5 chests, I iron maul, I peg cutter, 233 
 horses, 21 mules, 19 wagons, 9 sets lead harness, 2 sets wheel har- 
 ness, 87 pair traces, 13 pair artillery traces, 47 halter chains, 10 tar 
 luckets, 61 collars, 12 saddles, 21 bridles, 27 artillery saddles, 6 
 jTtillery valises, 2 leg guards, 19 pair artillery harness, 5 breast straps, 
 5 breeching, 16 feed pockets, 25 wagon bolts, 35'J wagon hammers, 
 8 wheelbarrows, 13 axes, 127 helves, 277 picks, 212 shovels, 82 
 epades, 50 mess pans, 71 camp kettles, I skillet lid, 305 pairs shoes, 
 2 pairs ladies' shoes, 2 pairs misses shoes, 3 pairs children's shoes, 30 
 cil-cloth blankets, 14 blankets, 2 hats, 2 3-4 dozen neck ties, 7 pairs 
 suspenders, 6 handkerchiefs, 28 picked pins, I pulley block, 1 jack 
 fcrew, IflO insulators, 134 tents, 144 buckles, 545 yards cotton cloth, 
 3,816 horse shoes, 14,061 pounds do., 840 pounds horse shoe nails, 
 50 pounds nails, 20 pounds spikes, 303 pounds rope, 200 feet picked 
 rope, 275 pounds iron, 4 kegs grease, 1 barrel tar, 5,300 pounds 
 leather, 1 case of oil, 29 bundles telegraph wire, 3 platform scales, 1 
 keg white lead. 
 
 In addition to the above, which is a list of the captured -property 
 that came into ray possession, a considerable amount came into the 
 hands of the various quartermasters of the command, which it is 
 Eupposed they have reported to Richmond. A large amount of the 
 property captured, however, was not turned into the quartermaster's 
 department at all — the order to turn over such property not having 
 been fully carried out, especially by the cavalr3^ 
 
 A very large amount of medical and ordnance stores were captured 
 and sent off" by rae, for the character and amounts of which I refer 
 you to the heads of those departments. Throughout the corps, many 
 worn-out wagons were exchanged for good Yankee ones — the useless 
 cnes beirg left behind. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN A. HARMAN, 
 Major and Chief Quartermaster, Second Corps. 
 
BATTLE OF FKEDERICKSBDRG. 
 
 RErORT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL LONGSTREET. 
 
 IlEAnquARTERS FiRST Army Corps, A. N. v., 
 Near Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 20, 18G2. 
 
 Brigadier General R. IT. Chilton, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant aiid Inspector General: 
 
 General: Upon my arrival at Fredericksburg, on the 19th of 
 November, the troops of this command were assigned to positions as 
 follows, viz; IMcLaws division upon the heights immediately behind 
 the city and south of the Telegraph road; Anderson's division on 
 McLaws' left and occupying the heights as far as Taylor's hill on the 
 Rappahannock ; Pickett's division on McLaws' right and extending 
 to the rear along the margin of the wood which skirts Deep Run val- 
 ley ; Hood's division near Hamilton's Crossing of the railroad ; Ran- 
 som's division in reserve, near my headquarters. Our batteries were 
 assigned positions along the heights by General Pendleton, Colonel 
 Cabell, Colonel Alexander and Captain Johnson, (Colonel Walton be- 
 ing absent sick.) Pits were made for the protection of these batteries 
 under the supervision of those officers. A portion of General Pen- 
 dleton's reserve artillery was assigned-to the heights with Major Gen- 
 eral McLaws' division. Colonel Walton's (Washington Artillery) 
 ocupied the hights at Marye's Ilill, and a portion of Colonel Alexan- 
 der's reserve occupied the other portion of Anderson's front, extend- 
 ing to the Taylor house, on our left. The brigade batteries that were 
 not assigned to positions on the heights were held in readiness to co- 
 operate with their commands, or for any other service that might be 
 required of them. Our picket line was established along the river 
 bank extending from Bank's ford to Talcott battery, the most impor- 
 tant portion of it under the immediate orders of Major General Mc- 
 Laws. Upon the approach of GeneralJackson's army, Hood's division 
 ■was closed in upon the right of Pickett, and put in position upon the 
 heights on the opposite side of Deep Run valley. In addition to the 
 
428 
 
 natural strength of the position, ditches, stone-fences and road-cuts, 
 were found along different portions of the line, and parts of General 
 McLaws' line were further strengthened by rifle-trenches and abattis. 
 
 The enemy held quiet possession of the Staftord Heights until three 
 o'clock on the morning of the 1 1th, when our signal guns gave notice 
 of his approach. The troops, being at their different camp grounds, 
 were formed imniediately and marched to their.positions along the line. 
 Ransom's divi^on was ordered to take a sheltered position in easy 
 supporting distance of the batteries on the Marye Ilill. Before the 
 troops got to their positions, McLaws' pickets (Barksdale's brigade) 
 engaged the enemy at the river, and from time to time, drove back 
 different working parties engaged in laying the bridges. The enemy 
 was compelled, eventually, to abandon his plan of laying the bridges, 
 and began to throw* his troops across the river in boats, undercover of 
 the fire of his sharpshooters, and an hundred and fifty odd pieces of 
 artillery. 
 
 At many points along the river bank our troops could get no pro- 
 tection from the artillery fire. This was particularly the case at the 
 mouth of Deep Run, where the enemy succeeded in completing his 
 bridge early in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon he succeeded in 
 throwing large bodies of troops across, at the city, by using his boats. 
 Barksdale, however, engaged them fiercely at every point, and with 
 remarkable success. Soon after dark, General jNIcLaws ordered Barks- 
 dale's brigade to retire. The General was so confident of his position 
 that a second order was sent him before he would yield the field. His 
 brigade was then relieved by that of Brigadier General T. II. II. Cobb, 
 which was placed by General McLaws along the Telegraph road, in 
 front of Marye's house, (a stone fence and cut along this road gave 
 good protection against infantry.) When Cobb's brigade got into 
 position. Ransom's division was withdrawn and placed in reserve. 
 During the night the enemy finished his bridges and began to throw 
 his troops across. 
 
 His movements, early on the 12th, seemed to be directly against 
 our right ; but when the fog lifted, columns were seen opposite Freder- 
 icksburg,. the head of them then crossing at the bridges opposite the 
 city. Ransom's division was moved back to the Marye Hill, h'eather- 
 ston's brigade of Anderson's division, (previously occupying this hill) 
 was closed in upon the other brigades of Anderson. The entire day 
 was occupied by the enemy in throwing his forces across the river, 
 and deploying his columns. Our batteries were opened upon the 
 masses of infantry whenever they Avere in certain range. Our fire 
 invariably drew that of the enemy's on the opposite heights, and they 
 generally kept up the fire long after our batteries had ceased. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 13th, I rode to the right of my posi- 
 tion. Hood's division. The dense fog in the early twilight concealed 
 the enemy from view ; but his commands, '* Forward, guide centre, 
 march !" were distinctly heard at diftercnt points near my right. From 
 the direction of the sound, and the position of his troops the day be- 
 fore, I concluded that his attack would be upon General Jackson, at 
 some point beyond my right. I therefore rode back to a point near 
 
429 
 
 the centre of my forces, giving notice to General Hood that the ene- 
 my would attack General Jackson beyond his right, that he should 
 watch carefully the movements, and when an opportunity offered, he 
 should move forward and attack the enemy's flank. Similar instruc- 
 tions were given to General Pickett, with orders to co-operate with 
 General Ilood. The attack was made as had been anticipated. It did 
 not appear to have all the force of a real attack, hov;ever, and Gene- 
 ral Hood did not feel authorized to make more than a partial advance. 
 Where he did move out, he drove the enemy back in handsome style. 
 
 About eleven o'clock, A. M., I sent orders for the batteries to play 
 upon the streets and bridges beyond the city, by way of diverson in 
 favor of our right. The batteries had hardly opened, when the en- 
 emy's infantry began to move out to^^ds my line. Our pickets in 
 front of the Marye house were soon driven in, and the enemy beiraa 
 to deploy his forces in front of that point. Our artilley being in po- 
 sition, opened fire as soon as the masses became dense enough to Avar- 
 rant it. This fire was very destructive and demoralizing in its effects, 
 and frequently made gaps in the enemy's ranks that could be seen at 
 the distance of a mile. The enemy continued his advance and mado 
 his attack at the Marye Hill in handsome style. He did not meet the 
 fire of ourinfantry with any heart, however, and was therefore readily 
 repulsed. Another effort was speedily made ; but with little more suc- 
 cess. The attack was again renewed, and again repulsed. Other forces 
 were seen preparing for another attack, when I suggested to General 
 McLaws the propriety of reinforcing his advanced line with a brigade. 
 He had previously reinforced with part of Kershaw's brigade, and or- 
 dered forward the balance. About this time, Brigadier General T. 
 R. R. Cobb fell, mortally wounded, and almost simultaneously Briga- 
 dier General J, R, Cooke was severely wounded. 
 
 General Kershaw dashed to the front to take the command. Gen- 
 eral Ransom, on the Marye Hill, was charged with the immediate care 
 of the point attacked, with orders to send forward additional reinforce- 
 ments, if it should become necessary, and to use Featherston's bri- 
 gade (Anderson's division) if he should require it. 
 
 The attack upon our right seemed to subside about two o'clock, 
 when I directed Major General Pickett to send me two of his brigades. 
 One (Kemper's) was sent to General Ransom, to be placed in some 
 secure position to be ready in case it should be wanted. The other 
 (Jenkins') was ordered to General McLaws, to replace that of Ker- 
 shaw in his line. ' 
 
 The eiKemy soon completed his arrangements for a reneweti attack, 
 and moved forward with much determination. He met with mi better 
 success than he had on the previous occasions. These efforts were 
 repeated and continued from ti^ne to time till after night, when he 
 left the field literally strewn with his dead and wounded. 
 
 Colonel Walton's ammunition was exhausted about sunset, and his 
 batteries were relieved by Colonel Alexander's. Orders were given for 
 fresh supplies of ammunition, and for everything to be prepared for 
 a renewal of the battle at daylight. 
 
 On the 14th there was little firing between the sharpshooters. The 
 
430 
 
 enemy screening his forces under a sliglit descent in the ground, held 
 a position about four hundred yards iu front of us. In the afternoon, 
 I sent Capt. Latrobe, of my staiT, to the left to place artillery in position 
 to play along the enemy's line, -svith instructions to Colonel Alexander 
 to use such artillery there a's he might think proper. The point was 
 selected and the pits made by light the following morning. General 
 Ransom was also ordered to strengthen his position on the Marye 
 Hill by rifle trenches. Similar instructions were sent along the en- 
 tire line. These prcpartions were made to meet the grand attack of the 
 enemy, confidently expected on Monday morning. As the attack was not 
 made, the artillery and General Ransom's sharpshooters opened upon 
 the enemy and drove him back to cover in the city. 
 
 During the night, the enemy recrosscd the river. His retreat was 
 not discovered till he had crossed the river and cut his bridges at this 
 end. Our sharpshooters were moved forward, and our old positions 
 resumed. 
 
 Four hundred prisoners, fifty-five hundred stands of small arms, 
 and two hundred and fifty thousand rounds of small arm ammunition 
 were captured. 
 
 Our loss, for the number engaged, was quite heavy. Brigadier 
 General T. R. R. Cobb fell, mortally wounded, in the heat of the bat- 
 tle of the 13th. He defended his position with great gallantry and 
 ability. In him w^e have lost one of our most promising oflicers and 
 statesmen. A tabular statement and lists of the killed, wounded and 
 missing accompany this report. 
 
 Much credit is due Major General McLaws for his untiring xeal and 
 ability in preparing his troops and bis position, for a successful ro- 
 sistance, and the ability with which he handled his troops after the 
 attack. I would also mention, as particularly distinguished in the en- 
 gagement of the 13th, Brigadier Generals Ransom, Kershaw and 
 Cooke, (severely wounded,) and Colonel McMillan, who succeeded to 
 the command of Cobb's brigade, and Colonel Walton, (Washington 
 Artillery,) and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, (reserve artillery.) 
 
 Brigadier General Barksdale, with his brigade, held the enemy's 
 entire army at the river bank for sixteen hours, giving us abundance 
 of time to complete our arrangements for battle. A more gallant and 
 worthy service is rarely accomplished by so small a force. 
 
 I refer you the reports of these officers for more detailed accounts 
 of the engagements. I desire to call the attention of the Govern- 
 ment to the gallant officers and men mentioned in their reports. 
 
 Major^Generals Anderson, Pickett and Hood, with theii* gallant 
 divisions, were deprived of their opportunity by the unexpected and 
 hasty retreat of the enemy. A portion of General Anderson's com- 
 mand was engaged in defending the passage of the river ; a portion 
 of General Hood's in driving back the attack against our right, and a 
 portion of Pickett's did important service near the Marye Hill. I 
 refer you to their reports for particular accounts. 
 
 Major Gaanett held three batteries in reserve, in the valley between 
 the positions of Generals Pickett and Hood, and was much disap- 
 pointed not to have the opportunity to use them. 
 
431 
 
 My staff officers. Major Sorrell, Lieutenant Colonel Manning, Maj 
 Fairfax, Captain Latrobe, Captain Goree, and Lieutenant BlackwelL 
 gave me their usual intelligent, willing aid. Major Haskell, Captaia 
 Young and Captain Rodgers, volunteered their assistance and ren- 
 dered important services. 
 
 My thanks are also due to Surgeon Cullen, chief surgeon ; Major 
 Mitchell, chief quartermaster; Major Moses, chief of the subsist- 
 ence departrae^nt, and Captain Manning, signal officer, for valuable 
 services in their respective departments. 
 I have the honor to be, General, 
 
 Most respectfully your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMES LONGSTREET, 
 
 Lieutenant General commanding. 
 
432 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES in the First Army Corps, A-vvj Northern 
 Virginia, in the Battles bffore Fredericksburg, December, 1862. 
 
 Diviuiou. 
 
 1 Brigade. 
 
 Befiiment. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 I Wounded. 
 
 Total. 
 
 
 'Tt-rry's 
 
 IPi-rry-p 
 
 j^'TrVs 
 
 K»;ithoK-LOii's 
 
 'KcnthcTfton'B... 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 ".5 
 • 6 
 
 ' 5 
 
 
 1 
 
 j\ndcrHonV 
 
 Aiidereoii'H 
 
 AnderHoii'fi 
 
 AndorsonV 
 
 Sh Florid:! 
 
 DonaldsoT.villc- nrtilleiy 
 
 59ih Wispitfippi 
 
 leii Mississijip: 
 
 •2ii Mi«p'efippi battalioa 
 
 12th Mississippi 
 
 'I'lirce tTittL'rits 
 
 'Si OeuTsia 
 
 1 
 
 i" 
 
 1 i 
 
 4t 
 6 
 6 
 
 13 
 4 
 
 
 Keutlierston's 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 SV'r'L'lit's 
 
 UVri^'ht's 
 
 IWillcox'* 
 
 1 
 
 Aniereon'ii 
 
 2d Giorifia battalion.... 
 nili Aliibama 
 
 1 1 
 
 1 
 8 
 
 
 iMnhniii'f 
 
 mh Virt'iiiia 
 
 1 
 
 
 41-: Viruini;! .. 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 6lHt VirL'inia 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 j 
 
 
 "■^ 
 
 1-7 
 
 lOo 
 
 Prckotl'p 
 
 Kemper's 
 
 K( mprr's 
 
 Kemper's 
 
 Iki V'ririiiia 
 
 (1 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 4 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 103 
 L'i 
 SS 
 
 :ei 
 
 24 
 
 7;i 
 
 'ill 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 mil Virtrhiia 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 p g fi 
 
 
 4 
 
 Fickftl'i' 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 Pickett's 
 
 •I en kins' 
 
 2d South Carolina 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4G 
 
 
 Cook's 
 
 103 
 
 Ranpom'B 
 
 Kansoin's 
 
 i7ih Nj^th Canilina. . . 
 4fith Kwrtn Carolina 
 
 - 
 
 15 
 58 
 
 Cook's 
 
 
 48;h Xoilh Carolina 
 
 24th North Carolina.... 
 2.')th JS'crth Carolina 
 
 17 
 4 
 
 13 
 9 
 
 ITS 
 
 Ransom's 
 
 
 '^a 
 
 Ransom's 
 
 Rrvnsom'a 
 
 68 
 
 
 •J!) 
 
 Rarjsom's •... 
 
 
 49lh North Carolina 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 45 
 
 
 
 
 4GG 
 
 508 
 
 Hood's.... 
 
 
 6il-. North Caroliiia 
 
 44tl. Alabama 
 
 
 
 •Jj 
 
 1 
 
 jO 
 
 40 
 
 IW 
 
 25 
 
 Hood's 
 
 Law's 
 
 1 
 
 Hood's... 
 
 19 
 
 Hood's 
 
 
 54th North Carolina 
 
 iJTlli North Caroliua... . 
 
 4C 
 
 Hood's 
 
 Law's 
 
 Toom bs' 
 
 ToomhH' 
 
 224 
 
 
 
 Hood's. . . . 
 
 luth (leoriria 
 
 1 
 
 ....... 
 
 7 
 
 HooJ'r? 
 
 Toombh' 
 
 2()th (rforsia 
 
 
 Hood's.. . 
 
 4ih Te.ws. : 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 5!h Tcxae 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 Hood's 
 
 Aiidersoii's 
 
 Andert-on's 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 Hood's '. 
 
 vth (JeoriT-.a 
 
 9lh Georgia 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 H ood's . 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' _ 
 
 49 
 
 •-■&4 
 
 343 
 
 McLuw'h 
 
 Cobh'p 
 
 Cobb's. .. ." 
 
 Cobb's 
 
 Phillip's Lej,'ioii 
 
 lOth Georgia 
 
 13 
 
 r.6 
 til 
 ;;o 
 
 iM 
 n 
 
 '7 
 
 40 
 
 U'J 
 35 
 47 
 
 1 
 
 69 
 
 McLawh' 
 
 65 
 SO 
 
 
 Cobb's 
 
 T?Mrks(bde's 
 
 BarksMuleV 
 
 15arkB(l;il('B 
 
 1? \rkHdn)fi'8 
 
 BlHtr .' 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 McLawtj', 
 
 ISth MiHsisstppi 
 
 
 18 
 
 n 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 8ili 8onth Carolina 
 
 
 7 
 
 McL:iWH' 
 
 
 2d Bouth Carolina 
 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 
 
 119 
 
 McL.'i-ttV 
 
 KerbliMM's •.. 
 
 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 47 
 
 
 
 tlames' battery 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 IT 
 
 4C4 
 
 491 
 
 Btuart's 
 
 Stuart 'rt 
 
 W. H. F. Lee's 
 
 W. H. F. Lee's 
 
 W. U.F. Lee's 
 
 Waehinston Artillery.. 
 I.'ith Virjrinia cavalry., 
 nh Virginia cavalry... 
 
 '-' 
 
 *6 
 
 1 
 
 
 25 
 6 
 1 
 
 Siuan'i 
 
 6 
 
 
 1 
 
 ns 
 
433 
 
 
 •SITO 
 
 3:i0OV osvjf) 
 
 o « T(i -c .n o — 
 
 .o .rj .ij .re ^3 CJ ri 
 
 r-<CO (NO 
 
 
 H 
 
 ■J3(ll3*!R ■o'co'^— « • 
 
 ri3 
 
 r..>I.ur.OAV jl§°i£|""'° 
 
 .-1 CTl « •* - M ^ 
 
 S 
 
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 o 
 
 ft 
 
 •aiKga.isav ^ '■ '• '■ '• 
 
 tc 
 
 c 
 
 •iwK 1 :::::;: 
 p.nsnuji 1 :::::;: 
 
 --: 
 
 •BJ301CO 1 ::::::: 
 
 
 ■"•»w 1 : : : :'° : ; 
 psjsiiiia 1 • : : : : : 
 
 o 
 
 9J«omo i « : • • — 
 
 
 
 "■'IV 1 :-:;::: 
 P-nsipia 1 ■ : ■ : •: : 
 
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 •8j.».'U}o I ::::::: 
 
 
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 M 
 
 Cl 
 
 oh;3o.j3Sv 
 
 W — -^ O "I <M • 
 
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 po'.9!i"a 
 
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 pi)9!ina 1 ::::::: 
 
 
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 p.>js!ina : : 
 
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REPORT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON. ' 
 
 Headquarteks Seco.nd Corps, Army Northern Virginia, ) 
 
 January 31, 1SG3. ] 
 
 Brigadier General R. H. Chilton, 
 
 Assistant Aiijutnnt and Inspector General, A. N. V.: 
 
 Central : I have the honor herewith to submit to you a report of th© 
 operations of my corps in the battle of Fredericksburg, on Saturday, 
 the I3ih of D'eeeUiber last: • 
 
 In pursuance of orders, Major General A. P. Hill moved Lig 
 division at dawn on the morning of the 12th, from hia enoarapmeut 
 near Yerby's, and relieved Major General Hood, then posted near 
 IIamilton"8 Crossing. At the same time Brigaditr General Talia- 
 ferro, then in rommand of Jackson's division, moved from his encamp- 
 iKent above Guineas Depot and took position in rear of Major Geu- 
 eral A. P. Hill. • 
 
 Early on the morning of the 13th, Ewell's division, under Briga- 
 dier General J. A. Early, and Major General D* II. Hill, with hig 
 division, arrived, after a severe night's march from their respective 
 encampments, in the vicinity of Buckncr s Neck and Port Ro3ral — 
 ihe troops of Mojor General D. II. Hill being from fifteen to eighteen 
 miles distant from the point to which they were ordered. Oq tho 
 morning of that day the troops were arranged as follows : Major 
 General A.. P. Hill occupied the front line, formed of two regiments 
 of Field's brigade, commanded by Colonel Brockenbrough, and tho 
 brigades of Archer, Lane and Pender, (posted from right to left io 
 ihe order named,) his right resting on the road leading from Harail-. 
 ton's Crossing to the Port Royal road, and his left extending to 
 vitliin a short distance of Deep Run. These troops were partially 
 concealed by tho wood, near the edge of which they were posted. 
 The remainder of Biockenbrough's command, consisting cf the 
 fortieth and fifty-fifth Virginia, was immediately in rear of Walker's 
 batteries, and acting as a support to them. Of the other two brigades, 
 Gregg's and Thomas's, of the same division, the first was in rear of 
 the interval between Archer and Lfine, and the second in rear of the* 
 interval between Lane and Pender. The divisions under Generals 
 Early and Taliaferro formed the second line — Early being ou tho 
 right. The division of Major General D. II. Hill, which was still 
 further in rear, constituting the reserve. Upon tho eminence imme- 
 diately to the right. Lieutenant Colonel Walker (Major General A. 
 P. Hill's chief of artillery) had in position fourteen guns, composed 
 of the batteries of Pegram and Mcintosh, with sections' from the bat- 
 teries of Crenshaw, Latham and Johnson, commanded respectively 
 by Lieutenants Ellett, Potts and Clutter. On the left of the line and 
 near the Bernard cabins, were posted twenty-one guns of the batte- 
 ries of Captains Davidson, Raine, Caskic and Braxton, all under the 
 immediate direction of Captain Davidson. To the right and Pome two 
 
435 • 
 
 handred yards in front of theae, and beyond the railroad, were posted 
 twelve guns, from the batteries of Ciptains Carpenter, Woodini^ and 
 liraxton, under the direction of Captain BrockenbiK)ugh, General 
 Taliaferro's chief of artillery ; Carpenter's battery, cotnmanded by 
 Jjieutenant McKendree, and Braxton's, by Lieutenant Mirye. On 
 lay left was Major General Hood, of Lon^street's corps, and on ray 
 right and front, the cavalry, under comm;ind of Major General Stuart,, 
 with a battery, near the Port Royal roid, under the direction of Mijor 
 Pelhain, of the Stuart horse artillery, aided, in the course of the day, 
 by sections, from the batteries^ <>f Captain Poague, (Lieutenant Gra- 
 ham commanding.) Captains Wilsoi, Smith, Garber, Dince, and the 
 ijOuisiana Guards, of my corps, thrown into position so as to cross 
 ^heir liro with the guns of Lieutenant Colonel Walker, and designed 
 to check the advance of the enemy in tl^at direction. About ten 
 o'clock, as the fog disappeared, the lines of the enemy, arranged in 
 order of battle, were distinctly visible in the plain between us and 
 the river, covering my f;ont and extending far to the left tow irds 
 Fredeiicksbuig. The ftjrce in front of me I supposed to number 
 hbout fifty-five thousar.il. Pelham, with part of the Stuart horse 
 
 ^srtillory, was soon engaged with the artillery of the enemy, and a 
 brisk and an animated cojitest was kept up for about an hour. Sooa 
 after Pelham. in obedience to orders, had withdrawn from his position, 
 on the Port Royal road, the enemy directed his artillery on the heights 
 held by Lieutenant Colonel Walker, and upon the woods generally, 
 occupied by our troops, evidently with a view of causing us to disclose 
 whatever tioops or artillery were there. Not eliciting any response,, 
 the enemy was seemingly satisfied that he would experience but little 
 resistance to an effort Ht obtain possession of this hill. Accordingly, 
 about eleven o'clock, he advanced by the flank, parallel to the Port 
 Royal road, nearly to the road running from therice to Iliimilton's- 
 Crossing, now unimpeded in his march, as Pelham was withlrawn. 
 Facing to the front, he advanced in line of battle across the plain 
 
 .straight upon the position occupied by Walker. His batteries reserved' 
 thoir fire until the enemy's lines came within less than t-ight hundred 
 yards, wlien the fourteen guns opened, pouring sut;h a storm of shot 
 ind shell into his ranks as to cause him first to halt, then to waver, 
 lUid, at last, seek shelter by fiight. About one o'clock, the main- 
 attack was made by heavy anl rapid discharges of artillery. Under the' 
 protpclicn of this warm and well-directed fire, his infantry, in heavy 
 force, advanced, seeking th-e partial protection of a piece of wood 
 .ixteiiding beyond the railroad. The batteries on the right played oq 
 ".heir ranks with destructive effect. The advancing force was visibly 
 staggered by our rapid and well-directed artillery; but, soon recov- 
 ering from the shock, the Federal troops, consisting of the main body 
 of l?'^lnklin'8 grand division, supported by a portion of Hooker's- 
 ^rand division, continued to press forward. Advancing within point 
 blank range of our infantry, and thus exposed to thd murderous fir^- 
 ^f musketry and artillery, the struggle became fierce and sanguinary.. 
 They continued, however, jftill to press forward, an<l, before General 
 A. P. Hill closed the iaterval which he bad left between Archer andi 
 
« 436 
 
 Lane, it was penetrated, and, the enemy pressing; forward m'over- 
 •whelming numbers through th^t- interval, turned Lane's right an« 
 Archer's left. .Thus attacked in front and rear, the fourteenth Ten- 
 nessee and nineteenth Georgia, of Archer's brigade, and the entire 
 brigade of Lane, fell back ; but not until after a brave and obstinate 
 resistance. Notwithstanding the perilous situation in which Archer's 
 brigade was placed, his right, changing front, coiitiuued to Btrngglo 
 with undaunted firmness, materially checking the advance of the 
 enemy until reinforcements came to its support. The brigade of 
 General Thomas, posted as before ptated, moved gallantly forward, and. 
 joined by the seventh and part of the eighteenth North Carolina, of 
 Lane's biigade, gallantly drove back a Federal column which had 
 broken thiough Lane's lire. In the meantime, a large force of the 
 enemy penetrated the wood in rear of the position occupied by the 
 brigades of Lane and Archer, and came in contact with Gregg's bri- 
 gade. Taken by surprise, Orr's rifles were thrown into confusion. 
 It was in the act of rallying this regiment that Brigadier General 
 Maxey Gregg fell, in front of the rifles, mortally wounded. General 
 Gregg was a brave and accomplished oflicer, full of heroic sentiment 
 and chivalrous honor. He had rendered valuable service in this great 
 struggle for our freedom, and the country has much reason to deplore 
 the loss sustained by his premature death. Colonel ITa'-nilton, upon 
 ■whom the command of that brigade now devolved, hastened to meet 
 the emergencies of his position, and, with the. four remaining regi- 
 ments and one company of the Orr rifles, (Lieutenant-Charles,) gave 
 the enemy a warm reception. 
 
 The enemy was not long permitted to hold the advantage which he 
 had thus gained. The second line came promptly to the support. of 
 the first. Lawton's brigade, commanded by Colonel Atkinson, sub- 
 sequently by Colonel Evans, Trimble's brigade, commanded by Col- 
 onel R. F. Hoke, and Farley's brigade, commanded by Colonel 
 Walker, (all under the conimand of Brigadier General Early,) and 
 the forty seventh and twentj-second Virginia regiments of Colonel 
 Brockenbruugh's command, were already rushing with impetuous valor 
 to the support of the first line. In Taliaferro's eomiiiand, hia right 
 regitnent, the second Virginia, of Paxt n's brigade, became engaged 
 with part of the eneiry, which, after a slight re8ist;i.nce, retreated. 
 The combat in the wood was brief ^nd decisive The further advance 
 of the enemy was checked. He was driven with great f^laughter fiom 
 the wood to the railroad; the two regiments of Brockenbrougb's com- 
 mand, Archer, with the first Tennessee and fifth Alabama battalion, 
 and the three brigades commanded by Colonels Hoke, Walker and 
 Atkinson, pursuing the retreating Federals to the railroad, where 
 they made a biief ptand, when Hoke and Atkinson charged upon them 
 with impetuosity, destroying many in the charge, and taking a large- 
 number of prisoners. Nor did they stop there ; but. impelled by an 
 •ardor which reflects the highest credit on their courage and patriot- 
 ism, this comparatively small force pressed the discomtitted foe in hot 
 pursuit, until they appeared so far within'range of his artillery and 
 the fire of a large force of his infantry, as to make further parsuit an 
 
437 
 
 act of rashness. In this gallant charge. Colonel Atkinson wag se- 
 verely wounde'l and foil into the hands of the enemy. Captain E. 
 P. Lawton, assistant adjutant general of the brigade, thoucrh injured 
 during the advance, by the fall of his horse, continued to press for- 
 ward on foot, heroically encouraging the brigade, until he fell mor- 
 tally wo.unded. 
 
 During the day, some of the guns under Colonel Walker becoming 
 short of men and ammunition, and otherwise disabled from further 
 service, were relieved by Captain Poague's battery with two twenty- 
 pound Parrotts. These two pieces actively engaged the enemy's ar- 
 tillery, and afterwards opened on the infantry. The exact range of 
 the hill having been accurately obtained by much previous firing, the 
 loss at this point was heavy. It is due to Captain Poague here to 
 state that when, late on the evening previous, he received orders to 
 move his battery, he was distant some sixteen miles from the battle- 
 field, and the promptitude with which he responded to the order, bj 
 a fatiguing night's march, is worthy of notice. Some guns of Major 
 General D. 11. HilTs division were put in at this time on our right, un- 
 der the direction of his chief of artillery. Major T. H. Garter, which 
 were all well served. Later in the evening. Lieutenant Colonel Cole- 
 man brought up two howitzers, from Captain Dance's battery, and 
 placed them on the left of Captain Poague's guns. About this time 
 Lieutenant Colonel Coleman was severely wounded. (% the extreme 
 light, beyond the Masaaponax, was a Whitworth gun, under the com- 
 mand of Captain Ilardaway,T>f Major General D, H. Hill's division, 
 which was well served. 
 
 On the extreme left, the day did not pass without some incidents 
 wdrthy of notice. Early in the day, the enemy opened n^n the left 
 with sixteen guns, afterwards increased to twenty-four.- The officers 
 in command obeyed their orders, and, reserving their fire, the enemy 
 advanced his skirmishers in heavy line upon the points occupied by 
 the commands of Captains Davidson and Brockenbrough. They were 
 soon driven off by canister; but the position of these batteries being 
 thus disclosed to the enemy, a heavy artillery fire was directed upon 
 them, which was replied to •'^th animation and spirit. The ammuni- 
 tion of C^iptain Raine's battery proving defective, it was withdrawn, 
 r.nd Captain Latimer (acting chief of artillery of EwelKs division) 
 was orderedto take a position still further to the front and left. These 
 last pieces were admirably served, and though suffering severely from 
 skirmishers and sharpshooters, drove them back, and, by the accuracy 
 and rapidity of their fire, .inflicted a severe loss upon the enemy. As 
 the Federal infantry pressed forward upon our front, it was deemed 
 advisable to withdraw the batteries of Captain Brockenbrough, placed 
 in advance of the railroad, before the enemy should seize the point of 
 woods to their right and rear, which they a short time afterwards pen- 
 etrated — the withdrawal of the batteries being covered by Lieutenant 
 Colonel Hill, of the seventh North Carolina. The brigade of Gene- 
 ral Pender was immediately in rear of tho batteries of Captains Da- 
 vidson and Latimer, and was without any protection from the enemy's 
 artillery ; and thus, notwithatandiog the efficacy of the batteries act- 
 
438 
 
 JDg in conjunction with Major Cole, of the twenty-seconl North Car- 
 olina, in disficrsing the clouil of skirmishers and sharpshooters that 
 hung all day upon that part of the line, that brigade received much 
 of the Cre that was directed at these guns, and sufftered severely. 
 General Fender was himself wounded. The sixteenth North Cirolina 
 Colonel McElroy, which had been- thrown out as a support to Lati- 
 mer's battery, became warmly engaged with a brigade of the enemy, 
 which had advanced up Deep Run, under cover, and, ac'ing .vith two 
 ether North Carolina regiments, (the fifty-fourth and fifty-sCventh,) 
 of Laws' b)igade, Hood's division, drove them back. Kepulscd on tho 
 right, left and centre, the enemy soon after reformed his lines, and> 
 gave some indications of a purpose to renew the attack. I waited 
 some time to receive it, but he making no forward movement, I deter- 
 mined, if prudent, to do so myself. The artillery of the enemy was 
 so judiciously posted as to make an advance of our troops across the 
 plain very hazardous ; yet it was so promising of good results, if suc- 
 cessfully executed, as to induce me to make preparations for the at- 
 tempt. In order to guafd agninst .disaster, the infantry was to bo 
 preceded by artillery, and the movement postponed until lato in tho 
 evening, so that if compelled to retire, it would be under the cover of 
 night. Owing to unexpected delay, tbe movement could not be gottea 
 ready until latfi in the evening. The first gun had hardly moved for- 
 ward from th *wood a hundred yards, when the enemy's artillery re- 
 opened, and so completely swept our front, as to satisfy me that the 
 proposed movement should be abandoneid. 
 
 The next day, (14th,) the divisions under the command of Brij^a- 
 dier Generals Early and Taliaferro formed the first lino ; that of Ma- 
 jor General D. 11. Hill the second, and the division of Major Genera! 
 A. P. Hill the reserve, -^rhc enemy continued in our front all day, 
 apparently awaiting an attack from us. During tho night, our lines 
 were again changed so as to place the division of Major General D. H. 
 Hill in the front line. Major General A. P Hill in the second, and 
 the divisions commanded by Brigadier Generals Early and Taliaferro 
 the reserve. 
 
 On the 15th, the enemy still re'maineiUn our front, and, in the eve- 
 ning of that day, sent in a flag of triree requesting a cessation of 
 hostilities between his left and our right wing, for the purpose of re- 
 moving his wounded from the field, which, under previous'instructiona 
 from the* commanding General, was granted. Our troops putiently 
 remained in position on that, as they had done the previous day, 
 -eagerly awaiting another attack from the enemy, and such was. tho 
 desire to occupy the front line, when such an attack should be made, 
 4hat the division of Major General D. H Hill sent in a written re- 
 quest to be permitted to remain in the front line until next day. But 
 • our brave troops were disappointed in the expectation of another at- 
 tack. For whilst they patiently waited during the night of tho 
 '15th, in the hope of another encounter on the following day, and of 
 ■visiting upon the invaders of their sacred homes and firesides a just 
 jetiibution for the outrages of this most unprovoked and unchristian . 
 
439 
 
 war, the enemy hurriedly and silently, during that night, made good 
 his retreat by recrossing the river. 
 
 For further details of tlie operations of my corps in the baMlc, I 
 respectfully refer you. to the reports of the division, brigade and regi- 
 mental commanders, who participated in the engagement, also to the 
 reports of Colonel Crutchfield, ray chief of artillery, Lieutenant^, 
 Colonel "\ralker, Colonel Brown, of the reserve artillery, and Cap- 
 tain Latimer, detailing the operations of the artillery, I refer you 
 also to the same source of information for the nsimes cf ra-iny officers 
 who distinguished themselves in this battle, and, by their good conduct, 
 fpccially merit the approbation of the Government and of the coun- 
 try. 
 
 I herewith forward to yoa a list of the casualties of this corps on 
 the loth December, from which it will appear that twenty-six oilicers 
 were killed, and one hundred and ninety-five wounded. Three hun- 
 dred and eighteen enlisted men killed, and two thousand three hun- 
 dred and Sfty wounded ; eighteen officers and five hundred and eight 
 enlisted men misfciug, making a total loss in this corps of thr(^ thou- 
 sand four huTidred and fifteen. Nearly all who are reported as miss- 
 ing were taken prisoners in the fight. By the oj^cial report of Major 
 Bridgford, provost martihal of the corps, herewith submitted, it ap- 
 pears that w'o captured five hundred and twenty-one prisoners, of 
 whom eleven were ofiicers. The report of Major Bridgford exhibits 
 a gratifying statement of the small number who straggled "from the 
 ranks daring the last action, and alfords farther evidence of the im- 
 proving discipline and tsflnt Qf the army. 
 
 The report of Major Bier, ray chief of ordnance, shows that wo 
 captured lour thousand four hundred and forty-six email arms. 
 
 My medical director. Dr. Hunter McGuife, gave special and skill- 
 ful attention to the wounded. 
 
 M?jjor J. A. Harman, chief quartermaster; Major W, J. Hawks, 
 chief commi-ssary, and'MiJJor Q. H. Bier, chief of ordnance, dis- 
 charged their respective duties well. 
 
 During the action, I received valuable assistance in transmitting- 
 orders, and discharging other duties, from the following members of 
 my staff: 
 
 Colonel S Crutchfield, chief of artillery. 
 
 Colonel A- Smeade, inspector general. 
 
 Captain A S. Pendleton, assistant a Ijutant general. 
 
 C;ii>tairi J K BoHwell, chief of engineers. 
 
 First Lieutenant J. G. ^lorriaon, aiti-de-camp. 
 
 First Lieutenant J. P. Smith, aid-de-camp. 
 
 Second jjieutenant W. Williamson, engineer department. 
 
 I trust that tlie victory of Frclericksburg, with which God has 
 blessed our cause, will continue to be gratefully remembered. 
 I am, General, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. J. JACKSON, 
 
 LieuUnant General, 
 
440 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES in Semvd Army Corpa, Army Northern 
 Virginia, in the Battles brforc Fredericksburg, Dcambcr, 18ti2 : 
 
 DIV13I05. 
 
 Brioidk. 
 
 ilSOIMSNT. 
 
 KiLLKD 
 
 WOBSDBD. 
 
 88 
 25 
 10 
 68 
 T 
 f2 
 2S 
 149 
 110 
 82 
 43 
 53 
 (.1 
 49 
 7fi 
 77 
 82 
 33 
 52 
 55 
 89 
 18 
 48 
 17 
 30 . 
 44 
 14 
 88 
 
 Total. 
 
 A p niu's 
 
 Field'* 
 
 I"th Vi'-ginia 
 
 i'i Virginia battalioi).. . 
 
 lOlh Virainia 
 
 Isi 8 >uth Carolina 
 
 12lh Sou'hCaroliiia 
 
 iJth South Caro iiia 
 
 14th rfouth Caroliiui.. . . 
 
 7 
 
 i 
 
 15 
 I 
 S 
 
 45 
 
 ■1 
 
 II 
 
 27 
 11 
 78 
 
 •I 
 II 
 •1 
 
 CI 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 55 
 28 
 
 II 
 
 Orr's Kifto* 
 
 21 
 
 "f 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 16 
 17 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 • 5 
 
 4 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 ""ii" 
 
 211 
 
 170 
 
 
 14lli G('orj.'ia .. . 
 
 ■'.51 h Georgia 
 
 l!12 
 
 II 
 
 11 
 
 89 
 
 II 
 
 4;pfb Georgia 
 
 48 
 
 II 
 
 4'J:Ii Gnoruia 
 
 7tli North Caiolina 
 
 2Stli North Caroina... 
 ;;7tli T orth Caroiua... 
 
 IS b North Cnroiina 
 
 :..W North Carolina 
 
 7lh Teniiesece.. 
 
 Itii Tonnepseo 
 
 61 
 
 86 
 
 tfr 
 II 
 II 
 i( 
 
 II 
 
 (1 
 II 
 
 Archev's 
 
 Peifter'a 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 Artillery 
 
 93 
 90 
 41 
 
 38 
 
 ^7 
 
 14th Tennessee 
 
 59 
 
 CI 
 
 19th Georgia 
 
 &t 
 
 l( 
 
 (1 
 
 II 
 II 
 
 iVh Aiabona battalion. 
 
 ICth North Carolina 
 
 ;i4lli North Carolint... 
 13. h North Carolina... 
 
 ■J2it North Carolina 
 
 S8th Norl.h (Carolina .. . 
 Seven Butteries 
 
 21 
 54 
 19 
 87 
 45 
 14 
 99 
 
 • ■^■' - ■■- ■■ 
 
 
 1,403 
 
 1,619 
 
 D. n. Hiil's 
 
 
 6'ii Alabama 
 
 
 1 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 i 
 
 5 
 3 
 fi 
 15 
 3 
 1 
 3 
 
 2 
 S 
 17 
 21 
 9 
 4 
 
 3 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 1 
 
 
 II 
 
 » 
 IversoD's 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 Rlpley'8 
 
 Ci'.h Alabama 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 • It 
 
 20th Ala1)aDia 
 
 4 
 
 
 '.i<\ Aiabntna 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 8 ' 
 
 
 2>i North Carolina.... 
 
 I2ih Norih Carolina 
 
 5ib North Curolinu 
 
 4ih Gcoiffia 
 
 Is! North Carolina 
 
 l" 
 1 
 
 1 
 5 
 4 
 7 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 8il North C'lirolina 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 X II 
 
 t)lh Georgia 
 
 8 
 
 
 ^1. 
 
 II 
 II 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 27 h Qtiorifia 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2Sth Gi'orairt 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 'Jl Nonh Ciirolina 
 
 4th North Carolina.. .. 
 3'Uh Nonh Carolina . . 
 I4ih North Carolina 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 «1 
 
 
 II 
 II 
 Artillery 
 
 II 
 Colonel Brown'? 
 
 25 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 
 .li ir L):.vi8 Artillery .. 
 
 I*:iii'i''i> Battery 
 
 Kry'8 Battery 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 5 
 3 
 
 
 Artilli-iy r< ginient 
 
 SO 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 20 
 
 146 
 
 172 
 
 Kwell'f 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 24 
 
 84 
 
 16 
 
 19 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 
 13 
 
 46 
 
 12 
 
 CI 
 
 i: 
 
 11 
 
 Trimble's 
 
 II 
 
 Early's 
 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 II 
 II 
 
 7th I.oiiiniana 
 
 (itli Louiniani 
 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 S 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 Louisiana Gu'ird Arl'y. 
 Carrinifton'B Htittcrv .". . 
 21st North Carolina 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 2* 
 
 CI 
 
 II 
 
 •21 "t Georgia 
 
 15th Alabama 
 
 121 h Georgia 
 
 3 
 1 
 4 
 3 
 • 1 
 2 
 2 
 6 
 
 27 
 
 85 
 20 
 
 II 
 
 
 22 
 
 li 
 
 
 25th Virginia 
 
 14 
 
 II 
 
 Sl-ii Virginia 
 
 18 
 
 11 
 
 
 15 
 
 If 
 
 4yib Virginia 
 
 •2 
 
 Carried forward 
 
 
 
 28 
 
 245 
 
 273 
 
441 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES in Second Corjs^— Continued. 
 
 Division. 
 
 Brought forwani . 
 EwellV 
 
 Taliaferro's. 
 
 Cricadk. 
 
 Paste 
 
 .]cnci 
 
 Sd, Col. WaiTL^n. 
 
 4tli,Co!. Pcnilc'.on. 
 
 Kkgimest. 
 
 ri2d VirL'iiiia. . 
 5Sth Viririjiia.. 
 :-ilst ucoraiii... 
 filet Gtioreiii .. 
 f'Olh Gi'ovxia.. 
 1.3th Ofcngin.. 
 '26 h (iporgio.. 
 3Sth Georgia . . 
 
 KlI.LEI^ WOUNDID 
 
 2'1 Vjrginir. 
 
 Dili v'irsj nia 
 
 4'li Viru:inla 
 
 1 'arponter'* Battery. 
 21ft Virginia 
 
 48-h Vii-ifinia 
 
 H:ti cf.' nattory 
 
 Oiiakic's Buttery 
 
 -t-^'h Alabama 
 
 2Sil Vireinia 
 
 37tli Viiiiinia 
 
 Woodiiig's Battery.. 
 
 I^t I.ouioiniia 
 
 2(1 T-ouisinn" 
 
 lOlh Louisiana. , 
 
 14lh Louifli.iiia 
 
 15ili Lonirtiana 
 
 LM6l;'8 Batt.ry 
 
 21.5 
 13 
 6 
 63 
 83 
 72 
 Vi 
 4.S 
 91 
 
 Total. 
 
 2T3 
 13 
 9 
 
 78 
 
 100 
 
 78 
 
 14 
 
 101 
 
 719 
 
 21 
 IX 
 
 T2 
 
 2'J 
 4 
 
 26 
 T 
 1 
 3 
 5 
 1 
 3 
 
 13 
 8 
 7 
 7 
 6 
 
 172 
 
REPORT. OF MAJOR GENERAL R. H. ANDERSON. 
 
 IlKAnQUAnTERS Anderson's Division', ) 
 Near Fredericksburg, Va., Junuary 3, 1863, i 
 
 To Mi)jor G. MoxLEY Sorrel, 
 
 A. A. General, Headquarters First Army Corps : 
 
 IMajor : I have the honor to euhmit the following report of th? part 
 taken by my division, in the battle of Fredericksburg: 
 
 Upon the signal being given, on. the morning of the ! Uh of Decem- 
 ber, the troops were placed rapidly in position, in rear of the line of 
 field works and batti lies, extending from Hazel Run, on the right, to 
 tlie Waterworks dam on the left, in the following order : Feathersfcon's, 
 Perry's, Mahone's?, Wright's and Wilcox's brigades. 
 
 in the afternoon of the 1 1th, R;insom's division having been placed 
 between Hazel Run and the plank road, Featherston's brigade wa< 
 moved- to the left of that road. About dark General Ransom recrosscd 
 Jlazel Run. and Featherston was replaced in his former position. 
 
 Detachments of one regiment from each brigade were thrown in 
 front of the batteries, and strong pickets were pushed forward towards 
 the town and along the canal. 
 
 Earl}- on the 12th, General Ransom resumed his former place be- 
 hind Hizel Run and the plank road, and Feiitlierston's brigade was 
 again drawn to the left of the road. Thi? position of the brigades, in 
 the order* above mentioned, was maintained until Thursday the ITtii 
 of December, when the division was withdrawn, and the troops re- 
 turned to their camps. Previous to the commencetoent of the en- 
 gagement there were two recitnents, the third Georgia, and eighth 
 Florida, of Wright's and Perry's jjrigades, on duty in and near Fred- 
 ericksburg. These regiments had been placed under the orders of 
 Brigadier General Barksdale, commanding in the town, and were en- 
 gaged with the eneujy when he was laying his bridges, and preparing 
 to cross the river. The third Georgia met with but very slight loss*. 
 The eighth Florida suffered a loss of eighty- seven killed, wounded 
 and missing. The missing (43) were undoubtedly captured. The de- 
 tachments and pickets which were advanced the first night in front of" 
 the batteries and along the canal, continued to occupy their post?, 
 and they suffered some loss. 
 
 ^'he whole loss of the division was one hundred and fifty-eight 
 JcWed, wounded and missing. The commanders cf batteries, Captaiu:? 
 Marion, Huger and Lewis, and Lieutenant Peet, commanding Gran- 
 de's battery, merit especial notice for their skill, courage and good 
 management throughout the five days. Their batteries were subjected 
 to a very heavy fiie from those of the enemy. None of their shot,, 
 however, were spent in an artillery duel; but were reserved for those 
 opportunities which the advancing and retiring columns of the enemy 
 gave them. 
 
 It gives me pleasure to say that the inosfc commendable spirit was 
 
443 
 
 exhibite<l by tbo officers and solrliers of the whole division. Their 
 patient endurance of the exposure to which they were suhjected, gave 
 assurance of good conduct and gallant deeds, had an opportunity been 
 presented. Featherston's and Perr^^'s brigades lay four days and nights 
 in an open field without sheUev and ^\ithout fire. It is due to Briga- 
 dier General Mahone to say that he discovered and pointed out the 
 important posicion for a battery, which enfiladed the slope upon which 
 the enemy formed his battalions before and after his attacks upon 
 Marye's Hill, and that he rendered very efficient service, assisting in 
 the construction of the battery which drove them from that place oj' 
 ehclter. I beg leave to mention also Brigadier General Cadmus M. 
 Wilcox, and to ask attention to his long-continued and uniformiy 
 meritorious conduct in his present grade. I have witnessed his cour- 
 age, zeal and ability, an 1 have received most efficient co-operation from 
 him, in the battles of Wiliiarasbar^. Seven Pines, Gaines' Mill, Fra- 
 zier's Farm, Second Manassas and Fredericksburg. I earnestly recom- 
 mend his promotion. Mr, Jctt, an engineer attached to my division, 
 rendered good service in the erection of field works, making and repair- 
 ing roads, digging rifle pits and trenches, and such like work. The re- 
 ports of the commanders of brigades are herewith submitted. 
 I am, very. respectfully, jour most obedient servant, 
 
 11. II. ANDEllSON, 
 Major General commanding Division. 
 
RErORT MAJOR GENERAL McLAWS. 
 
 # 
 
 IIeadquartrr's Division, ) 
 
 Camp near Frederkksburg, December 30^ 1862. J 
 
 Major Sorrel, 
 
 Aujutant General : 
 
 • Major: My division occupied the front line of defence from Hazel 
 river along the ridge of liills to the right and through the point of 
 woods extending into Mr, Alfred Bernard's field, one brifiade being 
 in reserve. The brigades on the right had an extended rifle-pit at the 
 foot of the main ridge from the left of the telegraph road to a private 
 road near Mr. Ilowison'a barn. The next brigide had rifle-pits 
 along the foot of the hills in front of its position and others on the 
 crest of 'the hills. The right brigade constructed rifle-pits and breast- 
 works of logs, through the woods, with abattis in front of them. 
 The crests of the hills were occupied by the batteries of Captain 
 Read, one ten-pounder Parrott, one twelve-pounder howitzer, one 
 three-inch rifle; Captain Manly's batterj'-, one three-inch rifle, two 
 twelve-pounder howitzers; Captain Ells, one thirty-pounder Parrott; 
 Captain Macon, two ten-pounder Parrott's and two six pounders ; 
 Cooper's, three ten- pounder Parrott's; Carlton's, two ten pounder 
 Parrott's; Eubank's, one three-inch rifle; McCarthy':^, two three-incli 
 rifles; Dearing, one ten-pounder Parrott; Rcss, three ten-pounder 
 Parrott's, and, in addition, there were a number of smooth bore pieces 
 placed along the hills, to be used should the enemy advance near 
 enough for their effectual range. One brigade was contantly on duty 
 in the city to guard the town and defend the river crosyings as far 
 down as one-fourth of a mile below Deep Run creek. Two regiments 
 from Gen^^ral Anderson's division picketed the river bank above the 
 town, reporting to the Brigadier General in charge of the brigade on 
 duty in the city. The orders were that two guns should be fired from 
 one of my batteries in a central position, which would be the signal 
 that the enemy was attempting to cross. These were the posinons of 
 my*comiuand arid the orders governing them -up to the 10th iastant. 
 On that day, the brigade of General Barksdale, composed of Missis- 
 sippi troops, was on duty in the city. About iwo o'clock, A. M., 
 on the 1 lih. General Barksdale sent mo word that the j:novement8 of 
 the enemy indicated they were preparing to lay down their pontoon 
 bridges, and his men were getting into position to defend the crossing. 
 About half past lour he notified me that the bridges were being 
 placed, and he would open fire so soon as the working parties came in 
 good range of his rifles. I gave the order, and the signal guns were 
 fired about five o'clock, A. M. I had been notified from your head- 
 quarters the evening previous (the lUth' instant) to have all the bat- 
 teries harnessed up at daylight, on the 1 1th instant, and 1 had given 
 orders that my whole command should be under arms at the same 
 time. General Barksdale kept his men quiet and concealed until the 
 
445 
 
 bridges were so arlvanced that the \vorlcing parties were in easy range, 
 when he opened fire with such effect that the bridges were abandoned 
 at once. Nine separate and desperate attempts were made to complete the 
 bridges, under fi;e of their sharpshooters and guns on the opposite bank?; 
 but every attempt being attended with such severe loss, from our men 
 posted in rifle-pita, in the cellars of houses along the banks, and from 
 behind whatever offered concealment, that the enemy abandoned his 
 attempts for the time and opened a terrific fire from their numerous 
 batteries constructed along the hills just above the river. The fire 
 was so severe that the men could not use their rifles,- and the different 
 places occupied by them becoming untenable, the troops were with- 
 drawn from the,river bank back to Caroline street, at half past four 
 o'clock, P. M. The enemy then crossed in boats, and, completing 
 their bridges, nat-sed over in force and advanced into the town. The 
 seventeenth Mississippi (Colonel Fizer) and ton sharpshooters from 
 Colonel Carter's regiment (the thirteenth) and three companies of the 
 eighteenth Mississippi regiment, (Lieutenant Colonel Luse,) under 
 Lieutenant Radlif, were all the troops that were actually engaged in 
 defending the crossings in front of the city. More#roops were offered; 
 but the positions were such that but the number already there could 
 be employed. As the enemy advanced into the town our troops fell back 
 to Princess Ann street, and, as the enemy came up, they Svere driven 
 back with loss. This street fighting continued until seven» P. M., 
 when I ordered General Earksdale to fall lark and take position along 
 and behind the stone wall below Marye's Hill, where it was relieved 
 l»||the brigade of Brigadier General Thomas R. R. Cobb, and retired 
 to their position on the right of my line of defence in -the woods of 
 Mr. Bernard. Lieutenant Colonel Luse, with bis reigiment, (the 
 eighteenth Mississippi.) who occupied the river bank below the town, 
 drove b;<ck the enemy in their first attempt to cross th6 river, and 
 kept them in check until about half past three o'clock, P. M., when 
 two regiments, the sixteenth Georgia (Colonel Bryan) and fifteenth 
 South Carolina Colonel DeSaussnre) were sent to his support ; it was 
 then deemed advisable and the whole force was withdrawn to tbe river 
 road, where they remained until daylight the next diiy, when they re- 
 joined their brigades, excepting the sixteenth G> orgia, which reto^Jr 
 its position in the general line of defence. TheiVe regiments performed 
 their duties under a severe and destructive fiie from the enemy's guns, 
 posted along the hills jut-t above the river on the opposite s-ide. 
 Early on the morning of the 1 Ith, a battalion of the eighth Florida 
 regiment, numbering about 'One hundred and fifty mtn was put in 
 position to the left of Colonel Fizer, and in easy r:.nge of the enemy 
 hbove the u.pper bridge, then being rapidly constructed by them. This 
 battalion was coroman^lod by Captain Long, and, whde under his direc- 
 tion, it acted gillantly and did good service — Captain Long proving 
 himself a gallant and efficient officer; but he was severcdy wounded 
 about eleven o'clock, A. AL, and the battalion then rendered but little 
 assistance I call your attention to the special report of Lieutenant; 
 Colonel Fizer on the subject, and to Captain (Jovan, in relation 
 to the conduct of three companies of the same regiment, which were 
 
4:1S I 
 
 on fluty with tho right of Colonel" Fixer's regiment, and also to the 
 endorsement of Colonel Humphries, on the special report of Captain 
 Govan. The brigade oi Ceneral Barksdale, . I consider, did their 
 whole duty, and in a manner highly creditable to every oflicer and 
 roan engnged in the fight. An examination of the positions they 
 held shows that no* troops couhi have behaved more gallantly. 
 
 On the night of the ek'venth instant, the eighteenth and twenty- 
 fourth Georgia regiments and Philips' Georgia legion, of Cobb'a 
 brif^ade, relieved Genernl Carksdale's command behind the atone wall 
 at the foot of Mnrye's Hill. Philips' legion on the left, the twenty- 
 fouTth Georgia in the centre, and eighteenth Georgia regiment on the 
 right, occupying the entire front under the hill. Diuing that night, 
 the scouts took (iftecn prisoners. On the Pith inst., close and heavy 
 skirmishing was kept up, but no real attack was m-ide. On the 13th, 
 skirnishmg commenced at e:»rly dawn, the enemy shelling in that 
 direction until about eleven o'clock, when the advance of the enemy 
 drove in our pickets, and his column approached the left of the line 
 by the telegraph road and deployed to our right, planting three stands 
 of colors along ourifront; before their deployment was completed, our 
 lire ha<l so thinned their ranks that the survivors retreated, leaving 
 t.lieir colors planted in the first position. tSoon another column, 
 heavier than the first, advanced to the colors ; but were driven back 
 with great slaughter. They were met, on retiring, by reinforcements, 
 and advanced ygain ; but wore agaifi repul.-ed with increased loss. 
 
 About one o'clock, P. M., General Kerwhaw was directed to send 
 two regiments from his brigade to the support of General Cobb, who 
 reported that he was getting short of an^munition. The sixteenth 
 Georgia regiment was sent forward at the same time. Is'ot long after 
 ••his. General Ker&haw was directed to take his whole brigade Just a3 
 Ivis command was moving, he wasordcred to hast^-n forward in person, 
 and assume command of the position und(r Marye's Hid, as General 
 (vobb had been wounded and disabled. The South Carolina regiments 
 ^vere p(»sted, the second and eighth (Colonel Kennedy and Captain 
 Stockbuin commanding) in the road, doubling on Philips'legion, (Col-' 
 onel Cook,) and t!ie twenty-fourth Georgia, (Colonel McMillan,) the 
 third and seventh South Carolina (Colonel Nance and Li-..-uteiiant 
 Colonel Bland) on the hill to the loft of Marye's house; the seventh 
 was afterwards moved (on a call from the fifteenth North Carolin*' 
 regiment for reinforcement) to the right and front of Marye's house, 
 Jhe three left companies being on the left of the hou e, the fifteenth 
 South Carolina (Colonel De ^aus8ure) in "reserve at the cemetary ; the 
 third battalion (Lieutenant Colonel Rice) was posted at Howison's 
 mill to resist any a^.tack that might have been made up Hazel Run. 
 The eighth and seventh regiments arrived in time to assist in repelling 
 a heavy assault made on the lefc at quaiter to three, P M, The 
 third and seventh regiments suffered severely while getting into posi- 
 tion, et^pecially the former Colonel Nance, Lieutenant Colonel 
 K.utherford, Major Mofiit, Captains Todd, Summers and Nance, were 
 :^hot down in succession. Captain Summers killed, the othera more 
 or less dangorously wounded, leaving the regiujenc under the com- 
 
447 
 
 xnanil of Captain John K. G. Nance, assiaterl by Lieutenant T)oT)y, 
 idd-de-carap of General Kersfiavr, ^ Colonel Nance, althouojh badly 
 wounded, declined being removed at tha time, and continued to 
 encourage and direct his men, an 1, after he was removeil back to 
 Marye's house, ordered that his regiment take a new position, wh'ere 
 the men would be less exposed, and sent directions to have them 
 r-,3supplled with araraunition. In the meantime, the enemy deployed 
 ia a ravine, which was between us and the city, and distant about 
 three or four hundred yards from the stone wall, and advanced with 
 fresh columns to the attack, at intervals of not more than fifteen 
 ininuti^a ;[ but they were repuhed with ease, and driven back with 
 much loss, on every occasion. This continued until about half 
 past four, P. M , when the enemy ceased in their assaults for a time, 
 and posting some aitillery in front of the town on the left of the tele- 
 graph rc^id. opened on our position, doins^: but little damage Tho 
 batteries of Colonel ^v"alton. on Marye's IIiU, were at this time silent, 
 having exhauj'ted their ammunition, and they were being r«liev(^il by 
 others from Colonel Alexander's battalion Taking advantage of tho 
 hill, the fifteenth S<mth Carolina (Colonel De Saussure) was brought 
 forward from the cemefary, and posted behind tho stone wail, sup« 
 porting the second ^outh Carolina regiment. The enemy, in tho 
 meanwhile, formed a stiong column ot attack, and advanced under 
 cover of their own artillery, and, no longer impeded by ours, camo 
 forward along our whole front, in tho nust determined manner; but 
 they were repulsed at all points. The firing ceased as night came on, 
 si.nd about seven o'clock our pickets and those of tho enemy were 
 posted within a short distance of each other 
 
 About six, P. M., the tbiid South .Cnrolina regiment was brought 
 from the hili, ai.d posted on the left of Philips' (ieorgia legion, where 
 it was relieved by General Kemper, with a portion of his brigade, 
 about seven, P. M., and was then .ordered in reserve bv General 
 Ker>haw, bt'cause of it^ previous heavy loss. 
 
 The body of one man, believtd to be an ofiicer, was found within abi.ut 
 thirty yi. rdsof the stone wall, and other f ingle bodies were scattered 
 at increased distances, until the main mass of the dead lay thickly 
 Rtrewn over the giound at something over one hundred yards olT, and 
 extending to the ravine, conimcneing at the point %^u:re our men 
 would allow the enemy's column to approach before opening fire, and 
 bc^'oiid which no organized body of men was able to pass. 
 
 On tho 1 4th, the enemy were in position behind the declivities ia 
 front, hut the operations ou both sides were confined' to skirmishing 
 of sh irjishooters. 
 
 On the 15th it was disco^red that the enemy had constructed rifle- 
 pits en the edgo of the ravine ; but ncthing of interest occurred 
 during the day. Cobb's brigade was relieved by that of General 
 Semmea on tht^ night of that day, against the wishes, however, of 
 Colonel McMillan, commanding Cobb's biigade, who objected to relin- 
 quishing such an honorable po8ition. On the ICth, Tuesday morning, 
 as the tog lifted, it was discovered that tho enemy's pickets were 
 withdrawn, and scouts, being sent out, reported that the cneDpy had 
 
4f48 
 
 retired across the river* r8ihovin<r their brilgee.- .The town wag re- 
 occupied by two regiments from K^rtbaw's brigade, and a number cf 
 prisoners, arms, &c., were taken, , 
 
 Captain Outhbcrt, of the second South Carolina regiment, with his 
 company of eharp«;hooter8, was thrown out on the edge of Hazel 
 Run, and did good servicia in annoying tho fiank of the enemy as 
 their columns advanced to the attack. His loss was considerfibie. 
 
 When General Kcrshnw's brigade was sent to the front, its place 
 along the main lino of defence was occupied by the brigade of Brig- 
 adier General Jcnkinp, a regiment from which occupied the righf flrink 
 of the troops at the foot of Marye's Hill, along Hazel Run, and was 
 of esspntial service. 
 
 The Lieutenant General was, however, overlooking the movements 
 of all, and'every order was issued under his supervision The pre-, 
 gence of himself and the General-in-Chief inspired the troops and 
 rendered them invinciblje. The very groat enthusiasm and ardent 
 desire fur the enemy to advance which 'xisted and was evident among 
 'all, officers and men, could not be surpassed. And, when it was 
 discovered, on the 16th, that the enemy had retired, there was an 
 universal expression of disappointment. 
 
 The artillery along the heights, under the supervision of Colonel 
 n. C. Cnbell, chief of artillery, and his subordinate, Major Hamilton, 
 •opened fire on the enemy's left flank whenever the column advanced, 
 with such effect as to always force them to retire in disorder, or to 
 incline to their right under shelter of ravines and rising ground ; 
 forced one of the enemy's batteries to retire which had come forward 
 'on the light, and was of material assistance in checking the advance 
 of their troops, which were threatening the centre I refer you to 
 the special report of Colonel Cabell in reterence to the operations of 
 the artillery. , 
 
 The country and the array have to mourn the loss of Brigadier 
 General Thomas R. R. Cobb, who fell while in position with his brig- 
 ade, and was borne from the field while his men were repClsing the 
 first assaults of tKe' enemy. He had but lately been promoted to a 
 brigai^ie. and his devotion to his duties, his aptitude for the profession 
 of arms, and his contiol over his men, I have never seen surpassed. 
 Our country ^s lost a pure- and able defender of her rights, both in 
 the council arm the field. 
 
 My aid-de-camp. Captain H. L King, was killed on Marye's Hill, 
 pierced with five balls, while conveying an order to Brigadier General 
 Co1)b. He was a brave and 'accomplished officer and gentleman, and 
 had already distinguished himself during the operations in Iront of 
 Frederickbburg, as he had done in all th| other engagements when 
 on duty. ' 
 
 Lieutenant T. S. B, Tucker, ray other aid-de-camp, was badly 
 wounded, while bearing one of my ordt^rs. He has always been noted 
 for his daring and gallantry. 
 
 The services of my adjutant general. Major James M. Goggin, were 
 importantLand distinguished, as tliey have been always. 
 
 My thanks are due to tho other members of my staff', Mojor McLaws 
 
449 
 
 and M.'ijor Edwards, for their assistance ; to Lieutenant EdwarJa* 
 ordnance ofiicer, ivho was active and cfBcient in supplying ammunx- 
 tion to the troops ; and to. Lieutenant Garepbell. of the engineers, 
 who h:id been engaged day "and night, f'roqnently all night, in 
 8treni:thening the different positions, and on all o'ocasions "vvas very 
 devoteil and }.rorapt in the discharge of his duties. 
 
 Colonel McWillan, of the twenty-fourth Georgia, who succeeded to 
 the coniraimd of the brigade when General Cobb w?^ disabled, during 
 the first, assaults of the enemy on Marye's Hill, behaved vf'iih. distijx- 
 guisht'd gallantry and coolncBS. 
 
 General Barksdale cominandcd his fine brigade as it shouhl have 
 been coiQm?nd(d, and added' new laurels to those gained on every' 
 other previous battle-field, • 
 
 I call attention to the conduct of General Kershaw, who, after the 
 fall, of General Cobb, commanded the troops about Marye's Hill, com- 
 posed of his own lirigade and that of General Cobb. He poseesscB 
 military talents of a high order, and unites with them that sclf-po.i(- 
 ise^sion an(i daring gallantry which endears him to his cvminaad, and 
 inspires a confidence which but increases as the danger grows more 
 imniini-nt. 
 
 My inspector general, M;)jor Costin, was particularly active nnd 
 distinguished in leading troops into position and carrying orders, 
 frcquLiiily under the hottest fire, and for his close attention to all 
 his duties. 
 
 The brigade of General Seraraes was not actually engaged ; but, 
 under his supervision, the position he commatuled was strongly for- 
 tified, and his men Vtcre well prepared and eager for the fight under 
 his leadership. 
 
 Surgeon Gilmon, chief surgeon of the division, had his field hoi»- 
 pital in r^diness, and his arrangements were so complete that there 
 Vas no detention or unnecessary suffering of the wounded, and thosa 
 who cuuhi not remain in camp were ^ent at once to the hospitals ia 
 Richmond. 
 
 The loss of killed, wounded and missing, in vm command, was as 
 follows : 
 
 Command. 
 
 1-1 
 
 P 
 
 O 
 
 6 
 
 1-5 
 
 o 
 
 ■ 
 
 Kbhaeks. 
 
 • 
 
 Kersliaw"s brigade 
 
 Bark^ditlc's b igRdc... 
 
 39 
 
 HO 
 •62 
 
 333 
 
 198 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 62 
 4 
 
 373 
 
 i:;)4 
 4 
 
 Ono missina;, supposed to have 
 been killed wbilc the regiuionk 
 was on j>i'.>.ket. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grniid totnl '. 
 
 100 
 
 f.?6 
 
 fi7 
 
 8r»3 
 
 
 
 
 I enclose reports of tho several brigade comraanderfl, with tho33 ol 
 29 
 
450 
 
 their respective regimental and battalion commanders, excepting Gen- 
 eral Barksdale, who, receiving a leave of absence, went away withouf: 
 rendering Lis report ; those of his regimental commanders are, how- 
 ever, enclosed. 
 
 ^ Very reepectfullv, 
 
 L. McLAWS, Major Geveral. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL RANSOM. 
 
 Headquarters Djvipion, 
 * Camp near Fredericksburg, Va,, Dec. 20, 186 
 
 Major G. M. Sorrel, 
 
 As.isant Adjutant General, First Corps, A. N. V. : 
 
 U 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of my division 
 <iuring the several days' operations before Fredericksburg, commenc- 
 cing on the llth instant: 
 
 On the morning of that day the division took position about bij; 
 hundred yards in rear of our batteries, which were upon Marye's and 
 Willis' Hills, and at the time occupied by the Washington artillery, 
 About noon, it was withdrawn to the Telegraph road, a little in rear, 
 of where General Longstreet had his headquarters during the day 
 At nine o'clock, P. M., it retook the position of the morning, Cooke's 
 brigade being advanced to within two hundred yards of our batteries, 
 and the twenty-fourth North Carolina, of my brigade, was placed in » 
 ditch on the left, and in the- prolongation of Cobb's brigade, which 
 o-ccupied the Telegraph road in front of Marye's and Willis' hills. 
 The left of the twenty-fourth rested ou the plank road. My batteries 
 remained iu rear of the division. 
 
 On the 12ch there was no change, except the placing of three long 
 rafige guns from Cooper's battery near Howison's house on the right 
 of the Telegraph road. During these two days occasional shells from 
 the enemy's guns burst among and near the troops, but there were 
 few or no injuries. 
 
 About half past eleven o'clock, A. M., on the 13th, large numbers 
 »of skirmishers were thrown out from the town by the enemy, and it 
 goon became evident that an eft'ort would be made to take our batteries, 
 Avhich I was supporting, Cooke's brigade was ordered to occupy the 
 crest of Marye's and Willis' hills, which was done in fine style. By 
 this time the enemy backed his skirmishers with a compact line, and 
 Advanced towards the hills; but the Washington artillery and a well 
 directed lire from Cobbs' and Cooke's brigades drove them quickly 
 back to their shelter in the town. But a few minutes elapsed before 
 another line was formed by the enemy, he all the while keeping up a 
 brisk tire with sharpshooters. This line advanced with the utmost 
 determination, and some few of them got within fifty yards of our line, 
 but the whole were forced to retire in wild confusion before the tellinc 
 tire of our small arms at such short range. 
 
 During this attack, two of Cooke's regiments, being badly exposed, 
 (for there were then no rifle-pits on the hills,) were thrown into the 
 road with Cobb's brigade. For some few minutes there was a cessa- 
 tion of fire; but we were not kept long in expectancy. The enemy 
 now seemed determined to reach our position, and formed, apparently, 
 
452 
 
 a triple line. Observing this. movement on his part, I brought up the 
 three regimetits of my brigade to within one hundred yards of the 
 crest of the hills, and pushed forward the twenty-fifth North Carolina, 
 volunteers to the crest. The enemy, almost massed, moved to the 
 charge heroically, and met the withering fire of our artillery and 
 small arms with wonde)ful staunchness. On they came to within less 
 than one hundred and fifty paces of our line ; but nothing could live 
 before the sheet of lead that was hurled at them from this distance. 
 They momentarily wavered, broke and rushed headlong from the field. 
 A few, however, more resolute than the rest, lingered under cover of 
 some fences and houses, and annoyed us with a scattering, but well 
 directed fire. The twenty-fifth North Carolina vcluuteers reached the 
 crest of the hill just in time to pour into the enemy a, few volleys at 
 most deadly range, and then took position shoulder to eh )ulder with 
 Cobb's and Cooke's men in the road. 
 
 Duiing this attack, the gallant Brigadier General Cobb was mortally 
 woun(ied, and almost at the same instant Brijradier General Cooke was 
 wounded and taken from the field. Colonel H'-.ill. forty-f-ixth North 
 Carolina volunteers, succeeded to the command of his brigade. Nothing 
 daunted by the fearful punishment he had received, tlie enemy hruugh; 
 out fresh and increased numbers of troops. Fearing lest he might, by 
 .mere force of numbers, pass over our line, I determined to meet him 
 with every man at my disposal, and started in person to place the re- 
 maining tvo regiments of my brigade. Just at this infjtant, Briga- 
 dier General Kershaw dasheil, on horseback, at the head of one of his 
 regiments up the new road leading from the Telegraph road, and near 
 the mill, and led it into the fight imnediately at Marye's house. A 
 second regiment from his brigade folloAved and took position in r«ar 
 of and near the grave-yard on Willis' hill, and remained there. I now 
 advanced my regiments and pJjiced one a few yards in rear of Marye's 
 house, and the other on its right and a little more retired. With his 
 increased numbers the enemy moved forward. Our men held their 
 fire until it would be fatally effective ; meantime, our artillery was, 
 spreading fearful havoc among the enemy's ranks. Still he advanced 
 and received the destructive tire of our line ; even more re>olute than 
 before, he seemed determined, nndly, to press on ; but his effVrts could 
 avail nothing. At length, broken and seemingly dismayed, tue whole 
 mass turned and fled to the very centre of the town. At this time, 
 I sent my adjutant general to the road to ascertain the condition of 
 ' the troops and tlie amount of ammunition on hand. His leport was 
 truly gratifying, representing the men in highest spirits, an(l abun- 
 dance of ammunition. 1 had ordered Cobb's brigade to be supplied 
 from my wagons. 
 
 The afternoon was now nearly spent, and it appeared that the ene- 
 my would not again renew his attempts to carry our position. Again, 
 however, an effort, more feeble than those which had preceded, was 
 made to push his troops over the bodies of the now nuBiierous slain. 
 The sun was down, and darkness was fast hiding the enemy froru view, 
 and It was resonable to suppose there would be no further movement^ 
 at least, towards the point we held ; but the frequent and determined 
 
453 
 
 assaults he had made would not permit me to despise either his courage 
 or his hardihood, and thinking that, as a last alternative, he might 
 resort to the bayonet under cover of darkness, I massed my little 
 command so as to meet such an attack with all the power we were 
 capahle of exerting. Instead, however, of a charge with tUe bayonet, 
 just after dark he opened a tremendous fire of small arras, and at short 
 range, mpon my w-holo line. This la;it desperate and maddened attack 
 met the same fate which had befallen those which preceded, and his 
 hosts were sent, actually howling, back to their beaten comrades in the 
 town. A short time before the last attack. Brigadier General Kemper 
 had reported to me with his brigade. With two of his regiments I 
 relieved the twenty-fourth North Carolina volunteers, which had been 
 in the ditch two days, and placed the others in close supporting dis- 
 tance at the crest of the hill. 
 
 During the whole time the enemy's artillery had not ceased to play 
 upon us, but our batteries took no notice of it, reserving their fire 
 and using it against the enemy's infantry, as it would form and ad- 
 vance, with extraordinary^elfect. Thus ended the fighting in front of 
 Fredericksburg. » 
 
 By ten o'clock, P. M., General Kershaw had put the whole of his 
 brigade in the road, and sent me word he could hold it. I was satis- 
 fied no furthsr attempt would be made by the enemy before daylight^ 
 and withdrew ray division two hundred yards, and permitted it to 
 rest. At this time of night, I received orders to send a battery of 
 long-range guns to Major Garnett. The three guns of Cooper's, at 
 Howison's house, were sent, and they replaced by a like number from 
 Branch's battery. 
 
 Until about four, P. M , on the 13th, the Washington artillery had 
 served in the batteries, when it was relieved by Colonel Alexander's 
 battalion, and, during the night, I replaced five of his guns with 
 twelve- pounder howitzers from my batteries. Daring the day, only 
 three of my guns were in action, and those were at the Howison 
 house. I am informed by the report of the captain that they did good 
 service, both in the direction of Fredericksburg and more to the right. 
 
 On the 14th, little of moment occurred. The enemy annoyed us 
 by an unceasing fire from sharpshooters, but did little injury. Early 
 itn that night, I was directed to return Kemper's brigade to General 
 Pickett. It was replaced by my own. Before daylight, orders came 
 to relieve Jenkins' brigade, on the right of the telegraph road, which 
 I had now with my own, and the latter was replaced by Cooke's and 
 one regiment from Featherston's, which was immediately on my left. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 15th, large numbers of infantry were 
 H;een collecting in the town, and the sharpshooters again began to be 
 troublesome. Colononel Alexander and Lieutenant Branch, the latter 
 having charge of a twelve-pounder howitzer and a Napoleon which 
 Colonel A. had sent me, by a few well directed shells dispersed the 
 infantry in the town and dislodged the sharpshooters. • 
 
 About daylight on the morning of the Kith, liri^adier General 
 Jer.kir.s, with his briii^ade, reported tome, and relieved Cooke's. 
 
 Too high commendation cannot be bestowed upon the troops under 
 
454 
 
 any command, and those of other corps, who came under my observa- 
 tion, and I trust it will not be out of place to mention some, at least, 
 of the latter. The unwavering firmness evinced throughout, by all, 
 raises them to the highest pitch of admiration. 
 
 The fiel^, on the ISth, presented the unprecedented spectacle of a 
 fierce battle raging and not a straggler from the ranks. 
 
 Brigadier General Cooke was wounded early in the action, but 
 bandied his trwops well. 
 
 Brigadier General Kemper came upon the field late, but in the 
 handoomest style, under a galling fire, moved his command into posi- 
 tion with the greatest alacrity and steadiness, and, during this time, 
 lost a few killed and quite a number wounded. 
 
 While I do not disparage any, I cannot fiiil to mention the splendid 
 and dashing action of the twenty-fifth North Carolina volunteers, 
 Lieutj|pant Colonel Brj'-son commanding, in going into battle. 
 
 Though ao part of my command, I will not pass over the already 
 famous Washington artillery. Its gallantry and eificicncy arc above 
 praise. 
 
 Colonel Alexander, of the aiitillery, brought in his battalion admi- 
 rably, and relieved the Washington artillery under a hot fire. 
 
 I regret that I could not witness the part taken by the long-range 
 guns of oay batteries, but, from the commanders' reports, they did good 
 service^ both in the direction of Fredericksburg and more to the right 
 of our lines. Lieutenant Branch, in charge of the two pieces above 
 mentiaaed, handled them beautifully. 
 
 Lieutenant and Adjutant Cooke, twenty-fourth North Carolina vol- 
 unteers, was Boverely wounded. I have before witnessed his conduct, 
 ;izi-d no one more highly merits promotion. 
 
 The valuable assistance and daring gallantry of my assistant adju- 
 tant general. Captain Thomas Rowland, and volunteer aid, Dr. H. L 
 Davis, deserve my warmest commendation. They, three times each 
 -during the day, traversed the entire front of my line, descending and 
 returning from the road, thus sis times running the gauntlet of a 
 onost fearful fire. 
 
 I am much indebted to Lieutenant E. A. Thorn, ordnance officer 
 ioK division, fur his devotion and energy. Whatever might have been 
 the duration of the battle, so long as ammunition could have been 
 had, 1 felt sure that my troops would be supplied. After the battle, 
 he collected about two thousand small arms. 
 
 Lieutenant and Aid-de-Camp Brodnax rendered valuable aid. 
 
 I should fail in my duty if 1 did not notice the splendid dash of 
 Greneral Kershaw and his staiT. 
 
 Lieutenant Landry, of Captain Maurin's battery, I believe, called 
 the Donelson artillery, by direction of Captain Latrobe, assistant ad- 
 jutant and inspector general, took hia piece from behind the epaul- 
 ment in order to dislodge a body of the enemy upon whom the bat- 
 tery couhi not play. Most effectually he performed this service, but, 
 in doing so, lost several of his men and had his piece disabled. His 
 conduct was admirable, for, during the time, he was exposed to a 
 direct fire of six and an enfilade fire of four guns. 
 
455 
 
 •With sadness, ^ve mourn the loss of many gallant men ; but I will 
 pay a special tribute to the intrepid Genei'al Cobb, who fell, mortally 
 ■wounded, in the midst of his men, while nobly defending our righteoufi 
 cause. His brigade, throughout the day, remained at the post of 
 honor, in the front line. 
 
 Among those who fell, and those of hia comrades who lament bis 
 loss, there was not one more meritorious than the modest, but brave 
 and manly, Mvijor Kelly, of the thirty-fifth North Carolina volunteers. 
 
 To two of my couriers, private Devam, twenty-fourth, and private 
 Hood, thirty-sixth North Carolina volunteers, I am truly indebted fcr 
 their devotion, gallantry anddntcUigence, during the several days. 
 
 I herewith enclose a complete list of the casualties in my division ; 
 m the aggregate five hundred and thirty. The wounded bear a large 
 proportion to the killed. Before the town there were not engaged, all 
 told, on our part, more than five thousand. It is impossible to esti- 
 mate exactly the number of the en^my who were opposed to us 
 From prisoners taken, it is certain that all of Sumner's grand division 
 and part of Hooker's were brought against the position. Among 
 these can be named, specially, Hancock's and Whipple's division, the 
 Irish brigade, and the whole of the regular infantry of the old United 
 States ai'm3% the latter under Sykes. 
 
 The enemy's loss in killed mu>t have bc<^ very large. Each of the 
 nights of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the enemy bore oif large 
 Biumbers. On Tuesday I walked over the field, and the slain lay la 
 ratiny places piled up on each other. As I understand an accurate 
 count of those buried has been madv?, I v^ftU not hazard an opinion aa 
 to the real number killed. The havoc was appalling. 
 
 I am, sir, \ery respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 R. RANSOM, Jr., 
 Brigadier General commandiiyg Division. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL HOOD. 
 
 Division IIeadquartf.ks, near Fredericksburg, Va. 
 
 Sir; I have the honor to submit the following report of the par- 
 ticipation of my command, composed of the Texas brigade, Brigadier 
 General J. B. Robertson, commanding; Law's brigade. Brigadier 
 General E. M. L-^w, commanding; Anderson's brigade, Brigadier 
 General G. T. Anderson, commanding; Toombs' brigade, Colonel II, 
 L. Benning commanding, and Reilly's, Bachman's and Gardner's bat- 
 teries, in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th, 1862, and 
 operations in connection therewith : 
 
 In obedience to instructions from the Lieutenant General com- 
 inanJing,on hearing the signal ^uns, about two o'clock, on the morn- 
 ing of the 11th December, I immediately formed my command and 
 moved into position along the crest of the hills stretching from Dr. 
 Reynolds' house to- near the railroad crossing, and occupied the Bow- 
 ling Green road with a heavy line of skirmishers. Soon afterwards, 
 I pushed forward about one hundred riflemen to harass the enemy in 
 his efforts to throw a bridge across the Rappahannock river, at the 
 mouth of Deep Run, This party was unable, however, to effect the 
 desired object, m consequence of the ground not affording shelter to 
 the men within riSe-range of the river. My scouts having reported, 
 cear dark, that the enemy hjd completed a bridge across the river im- 
 cicdiately below the mouth of Deep Run, and in my front, I increased 
 iny force in the Bowling Green road and threw a line of skirmishers 
 to the front, with orders to the commanding ofScer to hold the road. 
 The enemy commenced crossing infantry and artillery at dark, and 
 continued doing so throughout the night, at the same time deploying 
 to their left, to and below Mr, Arthur Bernard's house, thereby indi- 
 cating Lis intention to attack our right, 
 
 Turing the ni^ht, I withdrew the force from the Bowling Green 
 road, and the line of skirmishers back- to the road. At about ten 
 o*c)ock, on the morning of the 12th, I -was relieved by General A. 
 P. liiU's division, and, in obedience to orders from the Lieutenant 
 General commanding, relieved General Pickett on my left. Discov- 
 ering a body of the enemy's cavalry deployed along the railroad, I 
 detached two companies from Toombs' and one company from Laws' 
 brigade, and, without loss on our side, drove them off, killing two or 
 tbree men and five horses. About dark, General Pickett reoccupied 
 fcia original position ; and, in compliance with instructions from the 
 Lieutenant General commanding, I moved my command back to my 
 original position, with orders to co-operate with A. P. Ilill'o or any 
 other troops of General T, J, Jackson's corps. 
 
 On the 13th, during the engagement on the right of our line, a con- 
 fiiderable force of the enemy defiled from the right bank of Deep Run, 
 and, forming line of battle, advanced, driving aur skirmishers froja 
 »nd occupying the railroad. Two of Brigadier General Law's regi- 
 
457 
 
 luentg, iho fifty-seventli North Carolina, Colonel A. C. Godwin com- 
 liiaiiding,, and fifty-fourth North Carolina, Colonel J. C. McDowell 
 commanding, were thrown forward, the fifty-seventh leading, and in 
 i'alhint style drove the enemy from the position he hid gained, tol- 
 owirtg him up to within three hundred yards of the Bowlir.g <ireen 
 road and punishing him severely. These regimfuta, with the fourth 
 Alabama, Law's brigade, support, held the railroad until dark, whoa 
 ihey were relieved by other troops from ray command, who retained 
 possession of it until the enemy vecrosacd the river, on the night of 
 the I5ih. 
 
 As usual, Brigadier General Law was conspicuous upon the field, 
 ^-voting with great gallantry, and had his horse killed under him whilst 
 personally directing the movements of his brigade. 
 
 It is with much pleasure that I call your attention to the gallant 
 bearing of both the officers and men of the fifty-seventh North Caro- 
 ina regiment. Colonel A. C. Godwin commanding, in their charge on 
 ■I superior force of the enemy, posted in the strong position he had 
 gained. Equal praise is due the fifty-fourth North Carolina regiment', 
 Colonel J. C. McDowell commanding, for their able support of the 
 fifty-seventh, and especially for their display of discipline in chang- 
 ing front under fire, to cover the left flank of the fifty-seventh froin 
 um fire of a force of the enemy occupying Deep Run, below the rail*- 
 road, to which they became exposed in consaqueiico of their pursuit 
 uf l\% force they had dislodged. Indeed, I cannot in justice omit to 
 mention the bearing and morale of my entire command during the 
 time the cnemj^ was in our front, as evidenced by their earnest desire 
 to be led to battle and their presence at all times, as, to the best of 
 3iy knowledge, not a single officer or man left ranks without proper 
 authority. 
 
 The members of my stafi'were, as usual, at their posts, and zeat- 
 cns in the discharge of every duty devolving upon them. Below will 
 will be found a summary of the casualties of my command. 
 
 For further particulars, attention is called to accompanying reports 
 of brigade commanders. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. B. HOOD, 
 Major General commanding. '" 
 
 
 ' Killed. 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 1 
 Missisa. 
 
 H 
 
 Bbigades. 
 
 o 
 
 CJ 
 
 O 
 
 a. <y 
 
 V: q 
 
 w 
 
 to 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 
 o 
 
 m 
 
 o 
 
 w 
 
 O 
 
 w 
 
 O 1 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 45 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 4 
 
 156 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 
 (i 
 
 4 
 
 218 
 
 Anderson's brifade 
 
 
 14 
 
 Toonibs' briijado 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 49 , 
 
 7 
 
 178 
 
 
 12 
 
 251 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RErORT OF MAJOR GENERAL D. H. HILL. 
 
 Headquarters Division, December 24, 1862. 
 
 Captain A. S. Pendleton, A. A. G. : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to report the operations of my command 
 around Fredericksburg, On the 3rd December my division was eent 
 to Port Royal, to prevent the crossing of the Yankees at or near that 
 point. Four Yankee gunboats were then lying opposite the town. 
 Rifle-pits were constructed above the town on the night of the 4th, to 
 prevent the pirates from ascending;- and Hardaway's Whitworth gun 
 was placed on Jack's Hill, some throe miles below the town, and his 
 remaining two guns, with Carter's Parrott's, were placed cm. the hill 
 due west of the town. Hardaway opened upon the gunboats about 
 three o'clock, on the 5th instant. Finding the fire too hot for them, 
 they fled back to town, where they were sheltered from Carter's fire. 
 Hare away continued to pelt them; and, to stop his fire, (as is sup- 
 posed,) the ruffians commenced shelling the town, full of women and 
 children. The town Mas partially destroyed, but 'a merciful God 
 kindly protected the inoffensive inhabitants. A dog was killed and a 
 negro wounded ; no other living being was injured. Finding that 
 Hardaway's lire did not slacken, the pirates fled down the river. But 
 now a worse fate awaited them than a distant cannonade. The gal- 
 lant ]\lajor Pelham, of General Stuart's horse artillery, had a section 
 of artillery immediately on the bank of the river and gave them a 
 parting salute. He was greeted with grape and canister, and had 
 one man killed. There were no casualties at ray batteries. From' 
 Yankee sources, we learned that the pirates lost six killed and twenty 
 wounded. Whether they over-estimated or under-estimated their 
 loss, I do not know. They sometimes lie on one side, and sometimes 
 on another. In a few days, the pirates returned as high as Port To- 
 bago, with five more of their thievish consorts. Eleven rifle guns of 
 Colonel Browne's reserve artillery and all my division batteries were 
 brought down to the river, under cover of a dense fog, and, when it 
 lifted, were opened upon them. The firing was bad, except from the 
 Whitworth, and it soon drove them under cover of a thick growth of 
 woods, where they lay concealed. We have learned, from the same 
 respectable lankee source, that three of the pirates "were struck, one 
 three times, and that a captain was killed and four or five other 
 thievey knocked on the head. We had no casualties. Just before 
 fiundown, on the 12rh instant, I received an order to march that 
 night to Fredericksburg, as the Yankees were expected to attack Gen- 
 eral Lee the next day. A portion of my command was iwenty-two 
 miles from that city, and the most of them from eighteen to twenty. 
 We began our march immediately and* proceeded until we were 
 stopped by encountering General Early's . column, some three miles 
 from Hamilton's crossing. We waited until daylight, and then fol- 
 lowed General Early. His division was placed in the second line. 
 
459 
 
 ])ehind General A. P. Hill, and my division in the third lino, behind 
 General Early. We remained in that position until noon, when the 
 division was ordered on the extreme right to meet a flank movemmt 
 of the Yankees, under General Doubleday. We were, however, soon 
 ordered back, as Doubleday did not advance, and our front line, under 
 General A. P. Hill, had been broken. General Early pushed forward 
 and'recovered the lost ground, and my division took Early's position. 
 My division artillery and the reserve artillery, under Colonel Brown, 
 (temporarily under ray command,) were sent forward in the afternooa 
 to relieve the batteries which had been engaged in the morning. 
 The. relieving batteries have been highly commended for gallant and 
 eftective service. Captains Carter, Hardaway, Bondurant, Fry and 
 Page were conspicuous here, as everywhere, for gallantry and alacrity 
 in the discharge of duty. Towards sundown, on the I3th, a general 
 advance-of our lines was ordered, preceded by artillery. Artillery 
 officers were called for to volunteer for this hazardous duty. Captain 
 Bondurant and Lieutenants Pendleton and Carter, of my division, 
 Tolunteored and brought out their batteries. The answering reply of 
 the Yankee artillery to ours was so rapid and constant that the ad- 
 vance was halted before our columns emerged from the woods to vi;'w. 
 On the Mth instant, General Early and Taliaferro occupied the 
 »front line, my division the second line, and General A. P. Hill the 
 third. The Yankees, having been terribly thrashed the day before, 
 were quiescent on the 14th. They had ostablished themselves in a 
 hedge-row, and hid it lined with artillery. Hardaway got a position, 
 with his Whitworth gun, from which he could enfilade the line. He 
 drove out all tlieir batteries and made them leave at a gallop. I 
 think that his gun killed the Yankee General Bayard, as no other of 
 our guns could carry so far as to the point where he was struck. At 
 Upperville, on November 2nd, this gun put to flight two Yankee bat-^ 
 teries, and cavalry and artillery, at the distance of three miles and a 
 half. Grimes' brigade occupied tIio extreme right of our front line 
 on the night of the 13th, and held the same position for the next two 
 days. This brigade also furnished a hundred sharpshooters to support 
 Stuart, and these were constantly skirmit^hing with the Y^ankces 
 during the Uth and 15th. Colonel Estes, "<^ith his regiment, forty- 
 fourth Georgia, Doles' brigade, was also sent to support Stuart on 
 the night of the I3th, and remained with him until the 15th. These 
 advance troops, together with the skirmishers thrown out from each 
 brigade when on the advance line, were the only portions of my di- 
 vision actively engaged with the Yankees. My division relieved 
 Generals Early and Taliaferro before day on the 1 5th, and remained 
 all day in the advance. Miijor Jones' battalion, of my division artil- 
 lery, was placed on our left flank. The Y'^ankeca were unusualiy 
 placid on the 15th. The only firing worthy of notice was from some 
 dozen or twenty pieces on the other side of the river, attempting to 
 dislodge Hardaway from his enfilading position. He, however, lay 
 quietly on his straw-rick, looking at them with his glass, and only 
 firing when he could make his shot tell. As the day of the 1 5th wore 
 away without a fight, the division, with' the exception of the advance 
 
460 
 
 <?etachmpntg, not having drawn trigger, applied to Lieutpnant General 
 Jackson to remuin one day longer on the front line." This request 
 was granted. At daylight, our pickets were thrown forward and the 
 enemy fcimd to be gone. Burnsido had changed his base. We cap- 
 tured two hundred and ninety-two of the Yankee pickets and strag- 
 2!ors, and f^ut'iorcd up between three and four thousand excellent 
 rifles and muskets. I regret to add that, although none of iny troops 
 drew trigger, with the exceptions above made, we had oue hundred 
 and seventv-three casuaUics in the division, nearly all from the artil- 
 lery fire of tiie Yankees. 
 
 My thanks are due to all my staff for faithful and efficient services. 
 Major J. W. Ratchford and Major Archer Anderson, a'ljutant gen- 
 eral's staff; Major Jones, commandin'jf battalion of artillery ; Captain 
 Carter, chief of attillery; Captain M. L. Randolph, signal officer; 
 Lieutenant R. H. Morrison, aid-de-carap ; Lieutenant E. F. Brevard, 
 volunteer aid; Lieutenants Harris and Estelle, ordnance officers; 
 Mr. Arthur Chichester, engineer officer ; Sergeant Harraeling, com- 
 manding the couriers, ail rendered valuable aad importaat service. 
 
 I cannot speak too highly of the steadiness of my men under fire, 
 their confidence of victory and eagernevSS to lend their efforts to 
 achieve it. their patient endurance of a fatiguing march the night 
 before the battle, and their general subordination and good conduct. 41 
 Under tried veterans as brigade cororaanders — Rodes,. Colquitt. Pier- 
 aon, Doles and Grimes — I feel confident that they will do v/ell when- 
 ever called upon to meet the infernal Yankees. In no battle of the 
 war has the signal interposition of God in our favor been more won- 
 derfully displayed than at Fredericksburg, and it is to be earnestly 
 lioped that our gratitude will correspond in some degree with His favor. 
 Re.'^pectfully submitted. 
 
 D. H. HILL, 3Iojor General. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR GENERAL A, P. HILL. 
 
 IIeadq'rs a. p. Hill's Light Division, Jackson's Conpa, ) 
 Ckmp near Fredericksburg, January 1, 1863. S 
 
 Captai/i A, S. Prndleton, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General Jmkson^s Corps: 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of ths 
 part taken by the light division in the battle of Fredericksburg: 
 
 It having been definitely ascertained that the enemy had crossed tbo 
 Bappahannook in large force, on the evening of the llth December^ 
 I was directed by General R. E. Lee, subsequently by^the Lieutenant 
 General, also, to move my division at dawn, on the l2th, and relieve- 
 Major Gener;\l Hood. In obedience to this order, I put my troops in 
 position, ray front line consisting of two regiments of Brcckenbrough's 
 brigade, the brigades of Generals Archer, Ti»ne and Pender, my ex- 
 treme right resting upon the rond leading from Hamilton's Crossing 
 to the Port Royal road, and my left to within a short distance of Deep 
 Creek. Upon the hill crowning the right of uiy line. Lieutenant Col- 
 ontl Lindsay Walker, iny chief of artillery, had in position, under 
 his own immediate direction, fourteen rilie and Napoleon guns, com- 
 posed of the batteries of Pegram and Mcintosh, with sections from the 
 batteries of Crenshaw, Ijathara and Johnson, commanded respectively 
 by Lieutenants Ellett, Potts and Chitter. The batteries of Captains 
 l^avideon and Braxton (the latter commanded by Lieutenant Marye) 
 were placed to cover my left, about two hundred yards in front of 
 Pender's brig.ide. 
 
 My line of battle, as thus forriied, was fully one mile and a half in 
 extent, the division of Major General Hood being on my left. Lane's 
 brigade was some one hundred and fifty yards in advance of my gene- 
 ral line, the timber, in the skirt of which wa* posted his brigade, 
 jutting out into the low grounds some distance from the main body. 
 Along the military road — a new road running in rear of my front line 
 from ny|i)i, lo left, cut by Major General Hood — were posted my re- 
 serves, consisting of the remainder of Brockenbrough's brigade, 
 fortieth and tllty-fifth Virginia, as a support to Walker's batteries, 
 Greggs brigade crossing the interval between Archer and Lane, and 
 Thoma.-i brigade the interval between Lane and Pender. The division 
 remaiiie'i a-> thus posted during Friday and Friday night undisturbed, 
 except by the thelling from the aneray's guns. 
 
 On Saturday' morning. Lieutenant General Jackson directed that 
 Braxton's liatitry and two batteries from Brigadier General Taliaferro's 
 division be placed in advance of the railroad, and General Lane waa 
 directed to nijiport them. Braxton's batt-ery was relieved by Latimer, 
 a young vcteian. About ten o'clock, Saturday morning, the litting 
 of the i\'g discovered to us the lines of the enemy, drawn out in battle 
 
462 
 » 
 array on the low grounds between us and the river, covering tho 
 -whole of my front, and extending far to the left, towards Fredericks- 
 burg. They were deployed in three lines, with he.avy reserves behind 
 the Port Royal road. Soon their lines, accompanied by ten batteries, 
 six on their left and four on the right, moved forward to the attack. 
 They had advanced but a short distance, when Stuart's horse artillery 
 opening on them from the Port Royal road and enfilading their liites, 
 the advance was halted and four of the batteries gave their attention 
 for an hour or more to Major Pelham. As soon as Pelham ceased hia 
 fire, all their batteries, right and left, opened a teriific fire upon the 
 positions occupied by my batteries, and shelled the woods promiscu- 
 ously. There being no reply from any of our batteries, and being 
 unable to elicit any discoveries from this sharp practice, continued for 
 an hour or more, the advance was again sounded, and, preceded by 
 clouds of skirmishers, the right gallantly essayed another attempt. 
 To cover this advance, their batteries were now served with redoubled 
 activity, and now, the masses of infantry being within point blank 
 range, the roar was deepened and made deadly to the enemy as shell 
 and canister from our long silent, but now madly aroused, batteries 
 ploughed through their ranks. The enemy, however, continued to 
 advance, and the three batteries already mentioned as having been 
 posted in advance of the ^-ailroad were compelled to retire, their with- 
 drawal being covered by Lieutenant Colonel Hill, with the seventh 
 North Carolina. Lane's brigade was the first to encounter the masses 
 of the enemy, who, recoiling somewhat from his direct front, shifted 
 their main attack to his right, endeavoring to penetrate through the 
 interval between Archer and himself. The attack directly in front of 
 Archer and of Walker's guns had been gallantly repulsed, the. enemy 
 finding what shelter they could along the railroad. Concentrating 
 their columns of attack, the enemy now made a bold effort, and, push- 
 ing onward, turned Lane's right, although obstinately resisted by tho 
 twenty-eighth and thirty-seventh North Carolina regiments. Colonel 
 Barber, of the thirty-seventh, finding his right turned, changed front 
 with his three right companies, and poured in a destructive fire. These 
 two regiments continued to fight until their ammunition was exhausted, 
 and were then quickly and steadily retired from the field, refilling 
 their boxes and rejoining their brigade. The three remaining regi- 
 ments of Lane's brigade (seventh, eighteenth and thirty-thir(i North 
 Carolina) steadily continued to battle against overwhelming numbers, 
 and the attack was checked by well directed volleys from the thirty- 
 third regiment. Colonel Avery. General Thomas, responding to the 
 call of General Lane, rapidly threw forward his brigade of Georgians, 
 by the flank, and deploying by successive formations, squarely mat 
 the enemy, charged them, and, joined by the seventh and part of the 
 eighteenth North Carolina, drove them back, with tremendous loss, to 
 their original position. In the meantime, the main column of attack 
 had wedged in to the right and rear of Lane, encountered Archer's 
 left, and, attacked in flank and rear, the fourteenth Tennessee and 
 nineteenth Georgia were compelled to give back. General Archer, ob- 
 serving the threatening condi^on of affairs on his left, very promptly 
 
462 
 
 detached the fifth Alabama battalion, holding his line with the brare 
 first Tennessee, under the gallant Turrlej, and this movement, rapidly 
 executed, and assisted by two regiments of Brockenbrough, (forty- 
 seventh Virginia and twenty-second Virginia battalion,) was attended 
 with signal success. The advancing columns of the enemy had also 
 encountered an obstacle in the military road which they little ex- 
 pected — Gregg's brigade of South Carolinians stood in the way. 
 Taken somewhat by surprise, Orr's rifles were thrown into confusion, 
 mistaking the advancing enemy for our own troops falling back. It 
 was at this moment that Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg — himself 
 fearful of harming our friends — fell, in front of the rifles, mortally 
 wounded. A more chivalrous gentleman anii gallant soldier never 
 adorned the service which he so loved. One company of the rifles, 
 Lieutenant Charles, and the four remaining regiments, the first, 
 twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth, stood firm as on parade. Colonel 
 Hamilton, now in command of the brigade, threw back the right wing 
 of his regiment and opened a destructive fire, the twelfth faced about, 
 and the thirteenth and fourteenth,, under the direction of Colonel 
 McGowan, faced by the rear rank, changed front forward, and stood 
 prepared to resist any attempt to sweep down my rear. The combat 
 was short, sharp and decisive. The rattling mu:iketry and charging 
 yell of the fifth Alabama battalion, the forty-seventh Virginia regi- 
 ment and twenty-second Virginia battalion, and the withering fire from 
 Hamilton's regiment, right in their faces, was more than Yankee 
 firmness could stand. In addition to this, that gallant old warrior. 
 General Early, to whom I had sent, requesting that he would raovo 
 down to my support, came crashing through the woods at the double- 
 quick. 
 
 The enemy, completely broken, fled in confusion. The two regi- 
 ments of Brockenbrough's brigade, Archer, with the first Tennessee 
 and fifth Alabama battalion, and Early's troops, chased them across 
 the railroad and back to their reserves. In this backward movement 
 cf theirs, my artillery again inflicted heavy loss upon them. "On the 
 extreme left of my line, held by the North Carolina brigade of General 
 Pender, (thirteenth, sixteenth, twenty-second, thirty-fourth and thir- 
 ty-eighth,) the enemy made several threatening attempts to advance, 
 but were invariably repulsed by the well-directed fire from Davidson's 
 and Latimer's guns. From the nature of the ground occupied by 
 Pender's brigade, and the entire absence of all protection against 
 artillery, his brigade received the greater part of the terrible tire 
 directed at Davidson and Latimer, and suffered severely. General 
 Pender was himself wounded, and his aid, Lieutenant Sheppard, 
 killed, whilst gallantly rallying a portion of the eighteenth regiment 
 of Lane's brigade. During the temporary absence of General Pen- 
 der, the command of t'ae brigade devolved upon Colonel Scales, of the 
 thirteenth. The two batteries suffered much by the fire of a heavy 
 line of skirmishers. Colonel Scales directed Major Cole, of the' 
 twenty-second North Carolina, to dislodge them, which was hand- 
 somely done. The sixteenth, Colonel McElroy, which had been 
 thrown out as a support to Latimer's battery, became pretty hotly 
 
464 
 
 cufirngefl with a brigade of the enemy wbioh had advanced up Deep 
 Run under cover, and, assisted by two North Carolina regiments o: 
 Law's brigade, Hood's division, drove them back. The enemy hav- 
 ing thus been repulaed at all points, ray brigades remained in their 
 original positions, save General TliomaS', (fourteenth, thirty-Sfth, 
 forty- fifth and forty-ninth Georgia,) which was not recalled from th^ 
 position it had so gallantly won in the front line, and General Archer, 
 who, being out of ammunition, was relieved by Colonel Hoke, or" 
 Early's division. About dusk I received nn order from the Lieuten- 
 ant General to advance ray whole line and drive "the enemy. This 
 order was, however, countermanded while preparations were being 
 made to carry it out. During the night my division was rel-ieve*^ 
 from the front by the divisions of Generals Early and Taliaferro. 
 When the fight was hottest, General Taliaferro very promptly- re- 
 sponded to uiy call, and moved down his division to within easy sup- 
 porting distance of ray left. I cannot close this report withou; 
 calling the attention of the Lieutenant General to the admirable 
 manner in which the troops of this division behaved under that most 
 trying of all things to the soldier, viz : inaction under a heavy fire 
 of artillery. The absence of all straggling was remarkable, and i<. 
 entitled to high commendation. The conscripts showed themselves 
 desirous of being thoutiht worthy comrades of our veteran soldiers. 
 In this, as in ah previous battles, my thanks are eminently due* to 
 the brigade commanders' for their hearty co-operation, the coolnes? 
 and skill with v/hich th«y have handled their troops. General Pen- 
 der, though wounded, resumed the command of his brigade as soon aa 
 his wound was dressed. 
 
 Amongst the field officers wounded are Colonels Turney, Barber, 
 Purdir^ ; Lieutenant Colonel George, first Tennessee; Majors Vande- 
 graif, Konon, Lee, Neill and Buchanan. The three field officers and 
 senior captain (Turney) of the first Tennessee were struck down. 
 General Pender mentions especially First Lieutenant S. S. Kirklahd 
 and Mi». John Young, volunteer aid de-camp. General Ascher was 
 efficiently served by Lieutenants Lcmmon and Thomas. Genera': 
 Lane speaks cf the good conduct of Captain Hawks and Lieutenan:; 
 Lane, A. D. C. And General Thomas, that when all did so well he 
 cannot say more. Captain Alexander Haskell, assistant adjutant 
 general to theJarnenied Gregg, was severely wounded, but refused to 
 leave the field, until, fainting from oxhau8ti;;n and loSs of blootl, he was 
 carried off. Captain Alston, of the first South Carolina volunteers, 
 also deserves special mention; he, having been severely wounded, 
 after being dressed at the hospital, returned to the field in spite of 
 the remonstrance of the surgeon. Lieutenant Colonel Walker, as- 
 sisted by Lieutenant Chamberiaine, directed the fire from his guns 
 with admirable coolness and precision. Pegram, as usual, with 
 Mcintosh to help him, managed to find the hottest place, though 
 'perhaps Davidson might have been willing to exchange positions with 
 them. 
 
 I had forgotten to mention that at half-past three o'clock my batte- 
 
465 
 
 ries on ths right, except one section of Pegram's, ^Yere relieved by 
 tho corps of Colonel Brown. 
 
 The chief surgeon of the division, Dr. Powell, by hia system an-l 
 order and untiring personal attention, secured more comfort to rbo. 
 wounded than has been usual. Bj ten o'clock the next day his hospital 
 had been cleared of all those who could be moved, and, with their wounds 
 dressed, were on their way to llichraond. He acknowledges valuable 
 assistance from the Richmond committee. 
 
 The merabors of my staff. Major Morgan, assistant adjurant gen- 
 eral ; Captain Wihg.ill, assistant adjutant and inspector general; 
 Captain Hill, aid-de camp ; Major Palmer, first Virginia regiment, 
 Captain Adams, signal oliieer, and Captsiin Gordon, volunteer aid-de- 
 camp. (whose horse was killed,) were active and zealous in the discharge 
 of their duties. Captain Howard, my engineer officer, was particu- 
 larly efficient in strengthening ray lines. Captain Stauard, ordnance 
 officer, made efficient arrangements for tho supply of ammunition, and 
 fought with his guns. Captain Braxton, though sick, appeared oa 
 the field. Sergeant Tucker, chief of couriers, was, as usual, al'>?ay3 
 by my side, active and fearless. 
 
 The loss in the light division is: 
 
 Officers — Killed, 16; wounded 119. Enlisted men — Killed, 215; 
 wounded, 1,355. Missing — OlBcers, U; enlisted men, 406. To- 
 tal, 2,085. 
 
 I respectfully refer you to the accompanying reports of command- 
 ing ollicers of brigades. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. P. HILL, 
 Major General commanding Light Division. 
 
 30 
 
KBPORT OF BRIGADIER. GENERAL TALIAFERRO, COM- 
 MANDING JACKSON'S DIVISION. 
 
 IIkadquakters Jackson's Division, 
 
 Ukadquakters Jackson s Uivision, > 
 Camp nt'<r Moas Neck, Dccembei- 24^ 18C2. > 
 
 Captain A. S. Pcnuletox, 
 
 Assistant Adjutard General : ' , 
 
 CikpTAiN : In coriformity -with the order of the Lieutenant General 
 coDjmanding, I have the honor to report the operations of this 
 division, on the iSthand 14th instants, before Fredericksburg: 
 
 On the morning of the 12th, I marched from Guineas Station to 
 Hamilton's Crobsing, at vfhieh place I found the division of Miijor 
 General A. P. IIill posted in order of battle from the crossing, on the 
 right, to Bernard's quarters, on the left. I took position on the rail- 
 road, to his right ; but was subsequently ordered to move my com- 
 i!;and to the rear of the left of bis line. I posted Paxton's and 
 Starke's brigades fh rear of Gregg's and Thomas', of Hill's division, 
 und held Taliaferro's and Jones' biigades in reserve. In the evening 
 i ordered Colonel Warren, commanding Taliaferro's brigade, to the 
 rear of Hamilton's house, to support the artillery posted on the hill 
 in front. Upon the arrival pf Early's division next morning, this 
 brigade was withdrawn and le-occupied its old position. General 
 Early's line connected with mine on 'the right. My artillery was 
 l^eld at the crossing on the Mine road, to the left of the division. I 
 reported to General A. P. lIiU my dispositions in his rear, and 
 informed him that 1 had ordered the brigade and battery commanders 
 to recognize any demands for support, if pressing, without the inter- 
 vention of immediate superiors. 
 
 Early on the morning of tho 13th, the lotteries of Captains Wood- 
 ing and Carpenter, the latter comm.inded by Lieutenant McKendrec, 
 were posted in the field, across the railroad, to tho right of Bernard's 
 .;uartt-rs, and the Lee battery, Lieutenaut Statham, and two pieces of 
 Lufck's battery on the hill to the left. The other pieces of these bat- 
 teries operated on the extreme right. 
 
 The enemy advanced about nine o'clock, when our batteries opened 
 a destructive fire upon them, causing them to waver and break ; but 
 ihey again advanced, concentrating 80 heavy a fire of artillery upon 
 tthe position that it became necessary to retire the batteries behind 
 the railroad, in rear of the quarters, after two hours action. The 
 infantry of the division, during this time, were subjected to the shells 
 tf the enemy, but advanced to the military road, to be in easy sup- 
 port of General Hill's line, with perfect steadiness and enthusiasm. 
 General Paxton, finding that our trotps were giving back to the right 
 of Gregg's brigade, and the enemy advancing beyond the front line, 
 through a gap, wliich fronted a boggy wood, supposed to be inacces- 
 aibie to the enemy, moved his brigade to the right, and engaged, with 
 
467 
 
 two of his regiments, the enemy, y/ho had penetrated to the military 
 road, but who wire retiring by the time he reached that point. He 
 then pushed forward to the front, and occupied, for the rest of the 
 ilay, the front line at that pbice. The other brigades were heM in 
 position in rear of the military road until the morning of the 14th, 
 v-hen I. relieved General A. P. Hill's troops in the front; Starke's 
 brigade relieving General Pender's on the left; Jones', Taliaferro's 
 and Paxton's occupying the railroad, and connecting with General 
 Early's troops on the right. At daybreak the enemy made a slight 
 demonstration on usy i itt, their skirmishers advancing nearly to the 
 railroad cut, but they were instantly driven back, I thought, it advi- 
 sable to cjiangc tlie position of iStarke's brigade, which had relieved 
 Pender's, and extend my left on the railroad. This was ordered and 
 accompli -shed, but I subsequently with irew part of that bri,'3;ado and 
 }i(dd it in position to command the rising ground near Bernard's 
 tjuarters The skirmishing, in the early part of the day, was quite 
 brisk and. animated along the whole line, but ceased about midday. I 
 had given positive orders to waste no ammunition, and to fire only; 
 when the annoyance of the enemy's skirmishers rendered it necessary. . 
 1 am satisfied the men fired with deliberation and considerable cifect. . 
 1 bad a battery masked behind ilernard's house, and some of my pieces \ 
 tn the left co-operated with those of General Hood. 
 
 At five o'clock, A. M., of the 15th, I was relieved by General D, . 
 II. Hill, and moveil my command hack to the Mine road 
 
 I take pleasure in stating that otficersand men behaved admirably,. 
 displaying coolness and courage under fire, and changing positions 
 with )Ut any disorder or confusion. 
 
 I would particularly mention Brigadier Generals Jonesand Paxton, . 
 Colonel W^rron, (tenth Virginia,) commanding Taliaferro's'brig-de, . 
 and Colonel Pendleton, (fifteenth Louifiiana,) commanding Staike's bri- 
 gade, whose reports are herewith forwarded, and wiio make especial 
 ^mention ot solne of their otficers, amo;ig them most particularly is 
 Lieutenant Colonel Gardner, fourth Virginia iniantry, who was se- 
 verely wounded. 
 
 I cannot too highly mention the gallantry of Capt dn Brockenbrough, . 
 chief of artillery, and cf Captain Wooding and Lieutecanfc Jones, 
 Wooding's battery, and Lieutenant Liuibie, Carpente-r's battery, all ; 
 of whora were severely wounded ; and of Captain Caskie, Lieuteaanta 
 McKendreo, Hunton, Statham, Early and Donald 
 
 It is witii great pain I have to add that the division has to deplore 
 the loss of one of its most gallant oificers of artillery, Lieatcr.aat 
 Parton, and two galhint officers of thv twenty-first Virginia regi,vj:eat,. 
 Captain Ames and Lieutenant JSweop, who fell ,n,obly discharging iheicv 
 duty. 
 
 1 take occasion, in conclusion, to acknowledge my obligatiotis ta^'he-- 
 ofTjcers oT my staff, Captain W. T. Taliaferro, assistant afljutant 'fone- 
 ral. Captain jMoore, inspector general, and Mnjor T. S Taliaferro, 
 volunteer aid-de-camp, and to call atrcntiun to the excellent ar.?.inge- 
 nieuts made for the comfort of the wounded by Surg-2ou Ci J:em.>i3, 
 medical director of division. 
 
468 
 
 I encloFe a list of .killed and wounded, amounting to ono hundred 
 »cd ninety. 
 
 I haye the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 W. B. TALIAKERRO, 
 Brigadier General, cornmandirfg Jackf!(m's Division. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL EARLY, COMMAND: 
 
 3NG DIVISION. 
 
 RcADQUARTERS EwELl's DlVrSlON^ 
 
 December 27, 1862, 
 
 Captain A. S. PeNni.KTOiv, 
 
 A. A. (several Second Corps, A. N. V. : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of this division in the action of the 13th instant, near 
 i'^rcJcricksburg : 
 
 In obedionco to orders from the Lieutenant Gejieral command- 
 iiig the second corps, I marched the division, on the night of the 
 )3ih instant, to the vicinity of Hamilton's Crossing, on the Richmond, 
 Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad, and bivouacked for the night. 
 Early next morning, in accordance with like orders, I moved to the 
 crossing and posted the division, nearly at right angles with the rail- 
 road, along the direct road, which here crosses the railroad, with my 
 right resting on the latter, so as to support the right of Major Gene- 
 ral A. P. IlilTs division, which occupied the front lincj. Hays* 
 brigade was placed on the right, with Trimble's brigade, under com- 
 mand of Colonel R. F. Iloke, of the twenty-first North Carolina re- 
 giment, immediately in rear of it. To the loft of Il'^ys' was Lawton's 
 brigade, under comiiiand of Col. E. N. Atkinson, of the twenty-sixth 
 Georgia regiment; and to the left of the latter was my own brigade, 
 under commund of Colonel J. A. Walker, of the thir^penth Virginia 
 regiment. The batteries of the division, under charge of Captain J. 
 W. Latimer, who was detailed to act as chief of artillery for the occa- 
 sion, in consequence of Captain William D. Brown (who was pre- 
 viously ;ictiiig in that capacity) having been disabled by an accident, 
 ■were directed to be parked, under cover, in the rear, until wanted. 
 As the divi^>ion moved into position, the artillery fire commenced from 
 the encYny's batteries, though not at first directed towards the place 
 occupied by the division. After a short interval, however, shells be- 
 gan to full in the vicinity, and i'or two or three hours the division was 
 cxposeil to quite a severe cannonade, and suffered, to some extent, 
 from the shells and other missiles which passed through the woods in 
 front. 
 
 About or a little after noon, the infantry fire having commenced in 
 front and becoming quite animrjted, a messenger from Brigadier Gen- 
 eral Archer, of General A. P. Hill's division, came to the rear, stating 
 that General Archer was pressed and wished reinforcements. Just at 
 this moment I received an order fjom the Lieutenant General com- 
 manding the corps, through one of his staff officers, to hold my divis- 
 ion in readiness to move to the right of the railroad as the enemy was 
 making a demonstration in that direction. This caused me to hesitate 
 a niomi-nt about sending a brigade forward, but I directed Colonel 
 AtkiuEon to get ready to advance with his brigade, and the order had 
 
4T0 
 
 hardly been given before an officer of artillery came galloping to tlie 
 rear witli the information that an interval (an a>Yful gulf, as he desig- 
 nated it) had been left in our front line on the left of General 
 Archer's brigade, through vhich the enemy were penetrating with a 
 havy column, thus endangering Archer's brigade and all our batteries 
 on the right. I immediately ordered Colonel Atkinson to move 
 forward with his brigade, (Lawton's,) as I was informed the interval 
 was in front of it. This order was promptly complied with, and the 
 brigade, with the exception of one regiment, (the thirteenth Georgia,) 
 moved forward in fine style, and, in a few minutes, encountered the 
 enemy in the woods on the hill immediately in rear of a point .nt 
 which the railroad passes through a small neck of swampy woods, 
 which position he had reached almost without opposition, thus greatly 
 endangering our right, as, in a few minutes, Archers and Field's 
 brigaacs, with our batteries on the right, would have been surrQunded 
 and the enemy have obtained a lodgment from which it would have 
 been difficult to drive him. Lawton's brigade, without hesitating, at 
 once dashed upon the enemy with the cheering peculiar to the Con- 
 federate soldier, and which is never mistaken for the studied hurrahs of 
 the Yankees, and drove the column opposed to it down the hill, across 
 the railroad and out into the open plain, advancing so far and with 
 such ardor as to cause one of the enemy's batteries to be abcuidoncd. 
 This brigade was, however, compelled to fall back from this point by 
 the approach of a large colum.n on its right flank, which proved to be 
 Birney's division of iStoneman's corps and Hooker's grand division. 
 In a very few moments after ordering the advance of Lawton's brig- 
 ade, I also ordered Colonel Vv' alker forward with roy own brigade, as 
 I was informed Lawton's brigade would not cover the interval in the 
 line. This order was executed in double-quick time, and Walker en- 
 countered the enemy in the woods to the left of the place at which 
 Lawton's brigade encountered one coloumn, another having turned 
 General Lane's right flank and his biigade having given way in con- 
 sequence. This column was quickly driven out of the woods by 
 Walker, across the railroad and into the plain beyond, but, perceiving 
 still another column crossing the railroad to his left and entering the 
 woods, he withdrew the brigade back to the railroad and took position 
 on it, detaching, at the same time, the thirteenth Georgia regiment, 
 under Lieutenant Colonel Terrill, to attack the last-named column of 
 the enemy on the flank. About the same time General Thomas, of 
 General A. P. Hill's division, with his brigade, attacked this column 
 in front, and, under the two fires, it was driv<?n back, with considera- 
 ble slaughter. As soon as Lawton's and my own brigades were or- 
 dered forward, I directed Colonel Hoke to move with his brigade 
 i^Trimble's) to the left of Hays, on the same line, but he had hardly 
 got into position before I received information that Archer's brigade 
 ■jvas giving way, and I ordered Hoke to advance to his support, 
 obliquing to the right. This was done in gallant style, and Hoke 
 found the enemy in possession of the trench which had been occupied 
 by General Archer's brigade, on the crest of the hill, and in the woods 
 in rear of it. Hoke attacked the enemy vigorously and drove hicu 
 
471 
 
 from tlie woods and trench to the railroad in front, in which there 
 were reserveg. lie followed up his attack and drove tl^ enemy from 
 .the railroad, ^vhicl> was a strong position, some distance in front, 
 capturing a considerable number of prisoners and afterwards securing 
 several hundred stands of arms. He advanced his brigade to a fence 
 Bome distance in front of the railroul, but perceiving his danger of 
 being flanked by the enemy, who had brought up large fresh columns, 
 I sent an order to him to fail back to the original line, which order, 
 however, he anticipated by retiring in good order, leaving two regi- 
 ments and a battalion on the railroad, and occupying the trench on 
 the crest of the hill with the two other regiments and the thirteenth 
 Georgia regiment, which latter having faileil to accompany its 
 brigade on account of a misapprehension of its Colonel, had been 
 ordered forwaid with Hoke's brigade, and got up in time to occupy 
 the trench, bat not to participate in tiie cliarge. 
 
 Just as I had ordered Colonel Hoke forward, I received a message 
 from Lieutenant General Jackson to advance to the front with the 
 whole division, and I thereupon ordered General Hays to advance 
 in rear of Ccdonel Hoke with hiB brigade, Avhich movement wag 
 promptly executed; the enemy, v;ho had discontinued hi3 artillery fire 
 while his infantry was advancing on the hill, having reopened his 
 batteries, so that this brigade was exposed to a galling 5re while ad- 
 vancing. 
 
 This brigade did not engage in the infantry fight because, by the 
 time it reached the front lino, the enemy had been eflVotually repulsed. 
 The movements of the three brig ides which were engaged are neces- 
 sarily described separately, because they engaged three separate bodies 
 of the enemy. They were, howev(;r, mo^ied forward in rapid succes- 
 sion in the order stated, and vvere in fact ail engaged at the same time, 
 though commencing their several engagements at different times in 
 the same order in which they advanced. The railroad makes a circle 
 jn passing from the right of our position around to the left, so that 
 Lawton's brigade in passing to the front, with Walker's and Iloke'a 
 respectively on the left and right of it, was thrown into the apex of 
 ?n angle, nnd having the stait»of them both, it was necessarily thrown 
 farther forward than cither of the others when it crossfd the railroad 
 and advanced into the plain. This exposed its fianks, and hence it 
 was that this brigade was compelled to fall back as before stated, 
 which, however, it did not do until its commander, Colonel Atkinson, 
 and Capt E. P Lawton, the assistant adjutant general, were both disa- 
 bled by wounds, and its ammunitionwas almost entirely exhausted. See- 
 ing this brigade falliug back, 1 halted it on the hill in the woodti immedi- 
 ately in rear of the place at which it had first met the enemy, and 
 cau8e<Kit to be reformed under the command of Colonel C. A. Evans, 
 of the thirty-firrtt (Georgia regiment, and, fearing that the enemy might 
 follow thtough the same interval with a fre^*h column, 1 sent to Gen- 
 eral D. H. Hill for reinforcements, and he sent two brigades forward, 
 Before, however, they arrived, Brigadier General Taxton, of General 
 Taliaferro's division, had filled the interval left open by the falling 
 back of this brigade, by promptly moving his own brigade into it. I 
 
472 
 
 then sent Lawton's brigade to the rear to replenish its ammunition. 
 Being posted at first in the second line, I did not have any immediate 
 ase for tlie huttori £ of the division, and therefore, after placing them 
 under the charge of Captain Latimer, as stated, 1 requested Colonel' 
 Crutchfield, chief of artillery for the corps, to make such use of 
 theio as the emergencies of the day might require. In a short time 
 he detached two batteries to a pusitioTi on the left of Gen A. P. lliirs 
 line: these ^vere Captain Latimer's own battery and Capt. Brown's bat- 
 tery, both being under charge of Captain Latimer, who accompanied 
 them. These batteries did not operate in my view, but I am informed 
 that they did excellent service, Captain Latimer having repulsed the 
 enemy with canister after a regiment of infantry sent to support him 
 ryid retired. Cnptain D'Aq>\in's and Captain (jarber's batteries were 
 also detached to ihe right of the railroad and placed under charge of 
 General Stuart's chief of artillery, Major Pelham, and likev^ise did 
 exceiknt service, as I am informed. I-ate in the evening, Captain 
 Carringtcn, with his battorj'-, relieved the two which had been sent to 
 trie left, under Captain Latiiner, and next morning did good STjrvice. 
 
 On the next day, Captain Doiticnt, with hit? battery, was placed in 
 position on the hil! on she right occupied by the batteries the day be- 
 fore, but did not become engaged. 
 
 About sundown, on the 13th, I saw General D, H. Hill's division 
 moving to the front, and was informed by on.; of his B.-igadier Gen- 
 erals that the wh^lc line was ord-^red to advance, and that his divid- 
 ion was ordered to f<diow.- This was the first intinuiMon I hud of it, 
 as no such order had been given me. Irs a few moments, however. 
 Lieutenant Morrison, aid-de-carop, rode up and informed n^ethatGen- 
 ■j.'ral Jackson's orders were'that 1 should hold uiyseit in readiness to 
 advance ; and immediately afterwauls one of my own ataif ofBcora 
 rode up and stated that General Jackson witched me to take command 
 ^f the whole troops on the right and advance, regula.ing the distance 
 by the effect produced on the enemy by our artillery. This was ra- 
 ther emb;:rrassirg to me, as my brigade had become separated in tho 
 positions assumed by them« after repulsing the enemy, and a part of 
 the troops on the right consisted of parts of two Itiigades of Maj. Gen. 
 A. P. Hill's divii-ion. I rode immediately to where Colonel Hoke 
 was posted antl met General Jackson himself, from whom I received 
 the order in person to advance, supporting the artillery which he waJ 
 about sending forward. I gave the order to Colonel ILjke and Gen- 
 eral Hays accordingh% and some pieces of artillery having been ad- 
 vanced a short distance to the front, Colonel Hoke advanced with a 
 ipJirt of his command to the railroad, a portion being already there. 
 The enemy immediately opened a terrible artillery fire, and, it becora- 
 iir.g quite dark, our own artillery was withdrawn and the movement 
 countermanded. In a short time afterwanhs, 1 received notice from 
 General Jackson, through one of my staff ofli -ers, that as soon aa 
 Gen. A. P. Hill's troops took position in front, I would move my own 
 back and make them comfortable.getting provisions for them. No troops, 
 however, of Gen. Hill, came to relieve me, and Walker, Hukeand H lys, 
 with their brigades, remained during the night in the same positions 
 
473 
 
 ;u v.hich tLey ■were at the close of the fight. Durinj: the night, I re- 
 :«ived an order, through Lieutenant 8mith, aid-de Cfutip, directing 
 •.■:iat General Taliaferro Avould relieve General A. P. Hill's division 
 >tj the front line, beginning on the left and relieving to the extent of 
 his troops, and that I would supply the deficiency. I was already 
 '.••cupping the front line with three brigades. 
 
 Earlj next morning, Walker was relieved by General Paxton's bri- 
 i^ade, and I then placed Hays' brigade in the position which Paxton 
 had left, and placed one regiment in front on the railro.id, so as to 
 uiske a continuous line on that road. Hoke- was lei'c in the same po- 
 sition; Lawton's brigade was placed on the right of Hoke, and 
 •Valker was moved to the right and placed in the rear of Hoke's and 
 i.awton's biigades, so. as to support either of them in case of need, 
 or be thrown upon the right flank, as occasion might require. 
 
 On the morning <sf the loth, the division was relieved b} the tlivis- 
 i.jn of General D. H. Jlill and niove«i to the rear, ir, re>:erve, there 
 having been no renewal of the enemy's attack on the l-Uh. Having 
 received orders to occupy the second line on the 16th, as I was pro- 
 oecding to do so, I was ordered to move to the vicinity of Port Royal, % 
 ' ;;d moved accordingly. 
 
 I cannot too warmly express my admiration of the conduct of the 
 troops of this division on the loth. The absence of straggling or 
 'kulking, to any considerable extent, was a gratifying fact. OfHoers 
 ud'men, g(norally, b'havcd admirably,. To Brigadier General Hays 
 ".^nd Colonels Walker, Aikinson and Hoke credit is due for having 
 jvroraptly obeyed my orders and managed their respective commands 
 witli coolness, courage and intelligence, and the same meed of praise 
 i> due Colonel Evans, who succeeded to the command of Lawton'8 
 brigade after Colonel Atkinson was wounded. Captain E. P. Law- 
 ii>^, assistant adjutant general of Lawton's brigade, display ed great 
 courage and energy, and 1 call especial attention to the remarks of 
 I'oloncl Evans in repard to him. I reget very much ih<it Captain 
 Lawton was S() seriously wounded in the advanced position to which 
 liis brigade went as not to bo In a condition to be brought off when 
 the brigade retired, and he consequently fell into the hands of tho 
 enemy, as ^\d also Colonel Atkinson, it will be observfd that Law- 
 ton's brigade was compelled to fall back, but in dcing so it lost no 
 credit, for it was impossible for this biigade to withstand the heavy 
 column brought against it. 
 
 To Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Jones, inspector general ; Major S, 
 Hale, acting assistant adjutant general; Major J. P. Wilbon, and 
 "dr. H, Heaton, volunteer aids, ai;d Cssptain L Marye, of the artil- 
 ■ ry, and Captain William F. Uandolph, of Ewell's body-guard, 'all of 
 whom accompanied me on the field, credit is due for the coolness, 
 ^ouiage and intelligence with which they lent me their aid and bore 
 jy orders. To Captain Latimer is due the credit of having performed 
 All the duties of his pot*ition efficiently and intelligently, and of hav- 
 ing displayed great gallantr}' under fire. This young officer is one of 
 great promise and deserves promotion. Tho i'ailure to mention other 
 officers is not intended to exoluda them from the coLimendatiou be- 
 
474 
 
 etowed on those mentioned, but it is impracticable to mention all 
 that are deserving of praise. 1 feel it incumbent on me to state 
 that to Tlrigadier General Archer, of General A. P. llilTs division. 
 is due the credit of having held the enemy in check with a small por- 
 tion of his men, after his flank and rear had been gained, until rein- 
 forcements arrived, and that, with what of his brigade wa3 left, he ac- 
 companied Colonel Hoke in his charge across the railroad. Bat for 
 the giillant stand made by General Archer, the enemy would have 
 gained an advantage which it would have required a greater sacri6*^e 
 of life to wrest from him than was made. The reports of brigade 
 commanders, and also of Captain Latitfier, acting chief of artillery, 
 are herewith submitted. A. list of killed, wounded and missing ha>5 
 been heretofore forwarded, from which it will be seen that the total 
 kjlled was one hundred and two; total wounded, seven hundr^ and 
 twenty six ; total missing, one hundred and five. Most of the 
 •wounded are but slightly injured, and about fiftj'- of the missing, being 
 entirely from Lawtou's brigade, fell into the hands of the enemy, th« 
 greater part being in all probability wounded. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. A. EARLY, 
 
 ** Bris.adt('.r. Guneral commanding Division. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PENDLETON. 
 
 IlEADQUAnTERS ArTILT.ERY CoRPS, A. N. V., \ 
 
 Carnv Near Chesterfidd Station, R. J: F. R. R., Caroline C'"., Pcj., \ 
 
 March 12, 18G3. ) 
 
 General R. E. Lee, commanding : 
 
 General: Constant pressure of duty since the battle of Frefler- 
 icksburg has prevented an earlier report of the part which then 
 devolved upon the reserve artillery, and upon the unilersigncd as its 
 commander and as supervisor of the artillery service in this army. 
 Such report the undersigned has no'.v the honor to submit, as proper 
 in itself, and as part of the history of important transactions. Whila 
 the army remained in the Valley of the Shenandoah, after returning 
 from Maryland, the undersigned was diligently engaged in reorganiz- 
 ing the artillery and in directing adequate forage arrangements. On 
 November 1st, v, ith tho reserve artillery and ordnance trains, he 
 took up the line of raarch for Culpeper Court-IIouso, and on tho 
 evening of the 4th encamped near that place*. On the 14th, at the 
 request of the commanding General, he sent Lane's battery to co- 
 operate with General Stuart in an attack upon a body of the enemy 
 near Warrenton Springs. And on the 17th, the satne battery of 
 superior guns was despatched, as requested, towards Frederick:*burg, 
 to co-operate under direction of General MoLa-.vs. On the li)th, 
 orders to that effect having been received, the undersigned marched, 
 with the reserve artillery and ordnance train, towards Fredci'icksburg, 
 taking a circuitous route, (southeasterly.) for the sake of fornge. On 
 Sunday, the 23d, he arrived with the trains, reported at general 
 headquarters, and located camps as directed. The next morning, as 
 requested by the commanding General, he proceeded to the front Tor 
 the purpose of observing the dispositions of the enemy and examining 
 the ground, with a view to the best positions for works and batteries. 
 The enom^ v.-as conspicuously in force, and often within easy^^rangc 
 from a.bove Falmouth to a point a mile or more below Fredericksburg. 
 They had batteries in position, and were, in a few places, beginning 
 earthwoikL^ On our own line a few hurried works were in progress. 
 Lane's battery was alread}' well posted on the heights overhanging 
 the river-bend above Falmouth, and forming our* extreme left. 
 Epaulments had been thrown up, but they needed much additional 
 work. Lcwin'and Orandy's batteries, recently called from Richmond 
 tb aid in icpelling the enemy, were also in position on the lowei" 
 p'ateau, about half a mile to the right of Lane, and nearer the town. 
 Those needed for their protection nauch addttional hibor. These ob- 
 servations, and a cursory survey of the general line between the 
 river above F.almouth and the telegraph road — in company with Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Brown, then on duty with the undersigned ; with 
 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, whose encampment was visited, and 
 with Captain Johnston, engineer, met with on the held — occupied. the 
 
476 
 
 entire day, the distance being considerable, and the points of im- 
 portance numerous. The next day, November 25th, after detailing 
 Captain Ross to proceed with his battery to a point on the river three 
 or four miles below, to be indicated by a member of the commanding 
 General's staff, where gunboats might be effectually repelled, the un- 
 d reigned agrln visiud the front, to study the ground with reference 
 alike to its own featuies and to the apparent designs of the enemy. 
 In the evening, he also visited the admirable position on the.river 
 bank selected for Ross' battery. Major Nelson and the captains of 
 the reserve batteries were next requested to accompany the under- 
 signed alor.g the line, that they also might become familiar with 
 routes and positions. On the 2St.h, the commanding General having 
 requested that another rifle battery should be placed eight or ten 
 miles lower down the river, towards repelling gunboats, the under- 
 signed took Captain Milledge's battery of light riiies to a commanding 
 bluff just below Skiaker's mill. Here the battery was left, with one 
 of General Stuart's, under charge of Major Pelham, with whom, mov- 
 ing f.'ora point to point as gunboats threatened, it remained more than 
 ten dajs. On the 29th, Lieutenant Anderson, of Ells' battery, near 
 Richmond, reported the arrival of men and horses with two thirty- 
 pounder Parrott guns^vhieh, on recoaimendation of the undersigned, 
 the commanding General had ordered up to the lines. Measures 
 were promptly taken to have them tested, and to fit them in all re- 
 spect^ for service. December Ist, the undersigned was diligently 
 angogod in examii.ing agrsin the whole line with reference to the best 
 positions for these two large guns, facility of ingress and egress 
 being important for them, as well as extensive command of the field. 
 The points selected were reported to the comma^nding General, with 
 reasons for the choice, and, on his approval, the sites were next day 
 pointed out, working parties engaged, clearings commenced, &c. The 
 woikon the rigiit and back of Mr. Howison's house was directed, 
 with his accustomed intelligence and energy, by the since lamented 
 General Thomas R. R. Cobb — that on the eminence further to the 
 left, and near the telegraph road, was staked off and directed by the 
 undersigned. This point, densely wooded when first chosen, became 
 the most important, perhaps, in the entire scene, as the position 
 affording the best view of all the field, and therefore principally occu- 
 pied by the commanding General and other chief oilicers during the 
 battle, In such duties, and in designating with Lieutenant Colonel 
 Alexander, acting chief of artillery first corps, the various batteries 
 to occupy assigned positions, the undersigned was engaged till the 
 evening of December llth. This evening Major Nelson, who had 
 closely reconnoitred during the day, reported to him indications of an 
 approaching movement on the part of the etiemy. lie also received 
 a reliable intimation of-nititellicrence said to have been sent to General 
 Stuart by a friend across the riv^r, that the enemy had orders to pre- 
 pare rations and move at dawn next morning. On the 13tli, there- 
 fore, signal guns just before dawn were only what the undersigned 
 .inticipited. A few minutes after them he sent one aid to the front 
 for intormation, and another to the commanding General to ask if the 
 
477 
 
 large Parrotts should not at once be taken into position — the possi- 
 bility of their being needed elsewhere having caused this to be dc- 
 lajed. It being now approved, they were, as early in the day as 
 practicable, taken to the workv" prepared for them, A dense fog more 
 than half the day concealed the enemy, and rendered active operations 
 nearly impossible. The morning was therefore employed by us in 
 preparation, adjusting batteries in position. &c. Later in the day, as 
 the atmosphere cleared up, it vras known that the enemy had con- 
 pleted a bridge across the river near the mouth of Deep Run. Near that 
 run, in the river road — suggested a judicious staff officer, who had some 
 days before ridden over the ground — good positions might be chosen, 
 which ought now to be occupied by sevefal batteries. . To tedt this 
 the undersigned proceeded to ihc place, accompanied by Majors Nel- 
 son and Gainett. ^J'he locality was within ea?y range of the bridge, 
 and was of course more or less under fire from the enemy's lines 
 across the- river. Examination soon satisfied the undersigned that the 
 position was utisuitable, because effectually commanded by the ene- 
 my's heavy guns, and because much too far in advance of the sup- 
 porting infantry lino. In this view the two attending officers fully 
 concurred; and when the case was fubraitted to the commanding 
 General, his judgment sanctioned the conclusion reached. While on 
 this tour the undersigned, satisfied that under existing circumstances 
 it ought to be done, sent an aid to recall Captain Ross with his bat- 
 tery f i( m tie post rn the river, which' he had so long and laboriously 
 held, and had the satisfaction of finding that this only anticipated a 
 direction to the precise effect from the commanding General. The 
 four loi g-iange guns of this battery were assigned position, under 
 Major Garnett, on the heights near the right of McLaws' division, 
 Saturday, loth, heavy firing began early ; and Patterson's six -pounder 
 battery, with Ross' short-range section, having been assigned, under 
 Major T Jcfterson Page, to General Hood's front, the undersigned 
 hastentd with Kiikpatrick's and Massie's batteries, under Major 
 Nelson, to the height.^ near the telegraph road, commanding Marye's 
 Hill, with the view to sweeping that plateau in case it should be ulti- 
 mately gained by the enemy. The two large guns were then visited 
 by him. that on the right having been committed to the direction of 
 Captain Barnwell, that on the hft to the command of Captain G. W. 
 Nelsua. Diiections being left for the management of these, he pro- 
 ceeded to the other batteries along the heights, and attended to the 
 beet adjustment of all tlie guns. 
 
 Thete duties having been discharged, and the furious fire of the 
 enemy observed for some time, as well as the fog would permit, from 
 the Bite of the left;-hand large gun, the undersigned rode to the left 
 of the line, for the purpose ot determining whether Lane's heavy 
 guns wore likely to be of more service there or elsewhere. Under 
 cover of the fog, he was enabled to pass near the works on Marye'e 
 Hill, occupied by the Louisiana Washington artillery, and those 
 farther to the left, occupied by Maurin'a and other batteries, so as to 
 observe that all were ready. Captain Rhett's battery of heavy guna 
 was visited, posted on the heights back of Marye's llill, and near the 
 
478 
 
 jilank road, for the purpose, also, of sweeping that pUteaa, if possibly 
 ^:ained by the enemy. Thenre passing on towards the left, the un- 
 dersigned observed the several batteries of Alexander's battalion i\nd 
 . j*omc of those with Anderson's division, a portion in position behind 
 tpaulments, othors in reserve under cover of the hills. By the time 
 ■vve reached Lane's battery, en the left, distant objects could be dis- 
 tinguished. And from the concentration of fire there, as well as 
 from the character of the ground and the apparent disposition'' of the 
 enemy, it seemed clear to Colonel Alexander, who rode thither with 
 the undcrt-igned, and to himself, that those guns ought not then to be 
 removed from a point of such importance. Contingent proVisioa 
 was, however, made for supplying, by pieces of less power, the places 
 ('f the Whitworth and larger rifles, in case greater need for these 
 elsewhere should occur. The fog .was now disappearing, and the 
 firing becoming severe all along the line, so that ehells wore passing 
 and exploding in considerable numbers about the undersigned and 
 certain members of his staff on the route returning to the central 
 j^oint of obsei ration. Here he remained until some titne after dark, 
 watching the struggle near and remote, occasionally directing the fire 
 uf the large gun, and from time to time receiving instructions from 
 the commanding General concerning movements of batteries and other 
 arrangements. This large Parrott having been used some hours with 
 terrible effect upon the enemy, especially when, driven 'back by an 
 intolerable fire from Marye's Hill, they crowded into the cleep railroad 
 cut, which it enfiladed, burst about the thirty-ninth (Jiscliarge. 
 Although many persons were standing near, among them the com- 
 manding General and Lieutenant General Longstrcet, and, perhaps 
 within ten feet, the undersigned, by a remarkable providence, the ex- 
 plosion was entirely harmless. Not a single individual received from 
 it 80 much as a scratch. A small Parrott was imniediately substi- 
 tuted, and orders were sent by an aid for Lane's Wliitworih to be 
 removed to this point as speedily as possible. But before it arrived 
 darkness had closed upon the scene ; the enemy's last feehle attempt, 
 made after dark, had failed, a'ud the tumult of battle settled into the 
 f'tillness of death. 
 
 Although the enemy had been tlius far successfully repelled, alike 
 (»n the right and left, it was confidently expected that a more serious 
 attack would be made next morning; accordingly, measures were 
 taken to meet it effectually. On request from General Jackson for 
 additional guns to strengthen his extreme ri^ht, Milledge's b.ittery 
 of light rifles, which had that evening arrived from below, was or- 
 dered to report at dawn next morning to Major Pelham, who had 
 charge of one or two batteries on the right. And at the request of 
 General McLaws, who wished to detect and frustrate any effort of 
 working parties of the enemy near our lines next the town, the un- 
 dersigned caused to be prepared at the ordnance workshop, and con- 
 <lucted to the batteries on Marye's Hill, some incendiary sliells, to bo 
 used, if found necessary, in firing certain buildings suitably situated 
 so as to illuminate the scene and reveal any works in course of con- 
 struction. This proved suporiluous. Nothing being attempted by 
 
479 
 
 the enemy, the shells were not used. These duties necessarily occu- 
 pied the undersigned till late, and required the active services of 
 members of his staff during most of the ni;^ht. 
 
 Sunday morning, the 1 1th, the decisive battfe was expected. 
 Accordingly, at an early hour the front was Bought by the under- 
 signed, as by others. The same dense fog prevailed as on previous 
 mornings. The enemy having been ao destructively repellcd^tVonx 
 Marye's Hill on the day before, would not again essay that point, it 
 Avas supposed, but concentrate upon the centre and right. And more 
 eScctually to frustrate anjthiiig like an attempt by surprise, un.ier 
 (•' ver of the fog, to carry the heights occupied by th;3 ^Vhil^vorth and 
 the remaining large Parrott, the short-range guns of M :jor Nelson's 
 battalion were adjusted to sweep the approaches to those heights, and 
 I'Hjcers and men were kept on the alert at all the batteries. Mothing, 
 however, occurred, except desultory firing. As the fog cleared up, 
 the enemy appeared in full array along and near the river road, but 
 comparatively inactive, as if, in ?omc sort, respecting the (/hriitian 
 Sabbath. To watch their movements and counieract them by occa- 
 f-ional shots. &c., was the course adopted on our part As the day 
 i>rogressed circumstances seemed to indicate a purpose by the enemy 
 to throw a heavy force against and beyond our right flauk, and the, 
 more adequately to meet the request of General Jackson the day 
 before for stronger artillery there, the undersigned obtained the com- 
 uianding General's sanction to the transfer of Lane's battery, save 
 the Whitworth, from the extreme left to the extreme right. It v;a8 
 accordingly sent for, and marched several miles of the distance that 
 night. On Monday, the 1.5th, the undersigned, supposing th? still ex- 
 pected attack would be mainly directed against our right, pr " eeded 
 thither for the purpose of posting Lane's battery and rendering other 
 HtTvice. Having traversed the entire front between the left and riijht 
 of General Jackson's corps, without meeting that commander, Avho 
 had ridden, he was, told, with the commanding General, the under- 
 figutd consulted other Generals there in command respecting posi- 
 tions to be occupied — especially General Stuart, whom he lUiH at the 
 defences on the hill near where the railroad emerges from the wood 
 about IL^milton's Crossing. Having thus harned the localiiics in 
 that quarter, he rode with Major Pelham and 'v.!aptain Lane to select 
 the best positions for Lane's guns. 
 
 Thus the morning passed, and the expected advance of the enemy 
 vf raained unattempted. There was no serious movement, nor any- 
 thing except distant and desultory firing. Nothing being likely to 
 transpire, and all arrangements being made, the undersigned returned 
 to the centre and learned that the other la'ge Parrott had burst 
 at about the fifty-fourth discharge, providentially, again, doing no 
 damage. 
 
 On Tuesday, the IGth, calling early at general headquarters, the 
 v.ndersigned learned that information had been hrought of sjiue mys- 
 terious movement of the enemy, and, hastening to the fronr. he saw, 
 with astonishment, their immense trains and va-it uiasses collee'ed ou 
 the opposite side of the river. Under cover of night, tho monctroas 
 
480 
 
 assailing host had stolen awny to escape destruction. Nothing re- 
 mained but to watch the discomfited multitude, and disturb their 
 movements by aruoccasional shot from a long-range gun, A few of 
 their most power! ul pieces responded from time to time with shelir 
 well directed towards our post of observation, bat doing no hara. 
 whatever. 
 
 Tl% contest was c^er, and the campaign virtually closed. In the 
 eventful conflict thus terminated all the batteries of the general re- 
 serve, as v.ell as those cf the two army corps, were posted on thi 
 lines, and though not called, by the enemy's mode of attack, to bear thc^ 
 brunt of close aud concentrated action, thoy were all more or leas. 
 and some quite severely, xmder fire. Lane's and Ross', as of the bes; 
 guns, were most in requisition and rendered most service. jMllledge'y 
 were useful on the river, and Avith Major Felham iu hi* successfu' 
 dash upon the enemy when menacing our right Hank. Patterson's, 
 with a section of Robs', under Major T. Jeft'erson Page,. shared the 
 defence of General Hood's front. And Kirkpatrick's and Mvssie'e. 
 under Major NelsoD,, rendered more secure the defences of Marye's 
 Hill and the heights occupied by the la^gc guns, and received a full 
 share of the missiiee hurled at the latter, No serious casualty wai^ 
 expeiienced among them. 
 
 Officers and men all behaved well, and were ready, promptly and 
 patiently, to discharge whatever duty might be presented. Captain* 
 Nelson and Barnwell, and, under- them, the two lieutenants and thte^ 
 men of Ell's battery, at the large Parrotts, well performed their part. 
 And the several members of my staff are entitled to honorable men- 
 tion for the zeal, energy and fortitude with which they passed through 
 much danger, .and performed, by night and by day, much labor. 
 
 In conclusion, the undersigned would record, as right and proper. 
 an expression of . gratitude for the divine guidance and guardianshij: 
 under which these duties were discharged, and especially that so 
 inuch was achieved by the army and its leaders, with so little tc 
 regret, and a loss so much less than usual to lament. He has the 
 honor to' be, with great respect, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 W. N. PENDLETON, 
 Brigadier General and Chiff of Artillery. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WILCOX. 
 
 Headquarters Wilcox's Bkigade, ) 
 December 24, 1«G2. } 
 
 Major Thomas S. Mflls, ,,. 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I beg to submit herewith a brief report of the part borne bj 
 Eiy brigade in the battle at Fredericksburg, on the 13th instant : 
 
 Since the arrival of the division in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, 
 on the 23d ultimo, the brigade has been on the left of the division, 
 and the extreme left of the army. And from that time till within 
 a few days of the battle nothing of interest" occurred, my command 
 being occupied only in constructing, in part, one or two batteries ou 
 our front and picketing on the canal in front of the house of Dr. 
 Taylor, and thence on the Rappahannock above, some three-fourths of 
 a mile. The enemy's camps were visible on the far side of the Rappa- 
 hannock upon our arrival, and increased perceptibly for several days 
 afterwards. 
 
 It was not long before the* enemy were seen t^o be engaged in con- 
 structing batteries at various points on the heights beyond the river, 
 and immediately on its banks; new batteries: daily appeared, till at 
 length extending from a point a mile above Falmouth, at convenient 
 intervals, they reached Fredericksburg, and thence even dov-'n the 
 river some three or four miles. On a great part of this line there 
 were two tiers of batteries, one on the first bank of the river, and the 
 other on heights commanding a level plateau in rear of this bank. 
 Most of the guns of these various batteries could be made to bear 
 both upon the city of Fredericksburg and on our batteries that crowned 
 the heights on this side of the Rappahannock. The lines of the 
 enemy's batteries, following the inflections of the river, enabled thom 
 to dispose of their pieces so as to enfilade most of the streets of the 
 town ; even those at right angles were alike exposed. 
 
 The two armies continued thus confronting each other on the oppo- 
 site banks of the river, each constructing batteries, and the hostile 
 pickets in full view and in close proximity ; the batteries scarcely 
 nred a guw, and the pickets, by mutual and tacit understanding, re- 
 frained entirely from the use of their rifles. This condition of affairs 
 continued from day to day, till at length each party, perhaps, became 
 . impatient from delay and eager for the fray. 
 
 On the morning of the lUth, nothing unusual appeared upon my 
 part of the line ; the enemy's batteries and our own were as inactive 
 as before; the pickets were neither stronger nor weaker ; the day 
 passed off quietly, and at dark there was nothing to indicate, to the 
 closest observer on my front, that the enemy was preparing for or 
 meditating an attack. Nothing occurred in the early part of the 
 night to give warning of the intended attack ; but, about half past 
 four, A. M., our signal guns were fired, upon hearing which, all 
 31 
 
488 
 
 were aroused and the commnnd placed underarms. Little before the 
 da-nn of day musketry was heard in the direction of and in Freder- 
 icksburg, and, after that, the fire of the enemy's batteries began, 
 rppairing to the front of my line of pickets before it was clear day, 
 I hained that there was none of the enemy's infantry any where 
 vJsi' le. 
 
 The enemy's batteries continued to fire with much spirit, and, as 
 far as 1 could see, entirely concentrated upon the town of Fredericks- 
 tu7g. Many wi men and children, in great; fright, with husbands and 
 eervvint", were fleeing from their homes at this qarly hour to escape 
 the eijemy's terrible t^lielis and cannon balls. Soon after it was clear 
 daylight, 1 mov(d m^ Irigadc up to the front and formed it in line of 
 'battle, under cover of the forest, and near the edge of an open field, 
 fid frg the river and the town, my left resting upon the river, one 
 br nHied and filty yards to the left of Dr. Taylor's house, and then 
 Cxiending to the right across ihe road, on the right of Dr. Taylor's* 
 Ir.iriing into town, and thence along the base of the hill upon which 
 Lant's battery, to the rear, was placed, crossed a deep ravine, and 
 thtn bearing f^lightly to the rear cf the Whitworth gun of Lane's bat- 
 tery, and then ciO!-?ing another ravine, reached to Huger's battery, the 
 right of my line. Four regiuents occupied this lino, and the fifth 
 ivi P held in rear of the centre of this line. 
 
 General "Wright's biigadewas on my right flank, the battery of 
 C.'}>'ain Lewis, attached to the brigade, was in position on a hill oppo- 
 6i»e to the ford between Falmouth and Fredericksburg. 
 
 The brigade remained all day quiet spectators of the enemy's 
 fii iKiish and furious bombardment of Fredericksburg; many shots 
 fti d shells were thu wn into the woods occupied by my men, inflicting 
 but a trifling Iofs, killing one and wounding two men of the eleventh 
 Alwlania regiment. 
 
 ]n the afteinocn it was known that the enemy had succeeded in his 
 cfi« lis to throw pontoon bridges over the river, and that, both in the 
 tcvn and below, f^veial bridges were being used by them for crossing 
 O^er the troops. Late in the evening, Captain Lewis, seeing a column 
 of the enemy's infantry advancing to cross the upper pontoon bridge, 
 gav» the order to his battery to fiie upon them, this was instantly 
 dene, and with such effect as to drive over half of it back undercover 
 of some houses. Later in the evening, the battery again fired upon 
 artillery and cavalry that were in sight, and soon drove them o^ and 
 cut of view. This battery had ordei 8 to waste no ammunition, and 
 to fire only when damage could be inflicted upon the enemy. The 
 ' brigade slept under aims in line of battle, strong pickets being thrown 
 to 'he front. The aitillciymen remained with their guns, 
 
 liuring Friday, the 12th, the brigade remained under arms and in 
 position; shot and shell from the enemy's.batteries fell at times near 
 tb»m, but without inflicting any loss. Lewis' battery, at various 
 times during the day, fired at the enemy's batteries while crossing the 
 river. About three, P. M , a column of infantry (one brigade) came 
 in Fight ; shot and shell were thrown upon the head of this column, 
 caufcing much confusion in their ranks, and forcing them to change 
 
483 
 
 their course, and fcake shelter behind houses. Later in the day, the 
 battery fired upon cavalry crossing the ford; in each case damage wa3 
 done the onemy, as his ambulances were seen to leave the field with 
 wounded. 
 
 Again all slept under arms, (the night of the 12th,) with strong 
 pickets ia our front. ■^ 
 
 The early morn of the 13th was dark, and much obscured by a 
 dense fogi at length, the rising sun dissipating the mist, about eight, 
 A. M., masketry was heard on our right; this fire quickened, and. 
 ■Artillery was also heard in the same direction. The rapidity and quan- 
 tity of the musketry fire indicated that a general action had begun. 
 The 6ring, at length, began to approach nearer us, the right of our 
 left wing had becotne engaged, and the firing st?ill continued, excend- 
 it)g towards our lefn, reaching as far a* it;? centre, and here it remained 
 for a long time, approaching no nearer our position. The firing had 
 now bdkomo general ; musketry, artillery, and the bursting of shells 
 are heard, rarying at times in quantity anil rapidity, but without any 
 entire ceasatLon till dark ; at times ic '.\rould appear to be more intense 
 far to our right, and, then again, the centre and the left centre 
 would seem to bo the point where the enemy were concentrating their 
 h'aviest forces and making the most vigorous efforts to force cm- 
 line. More artillery appeared to be used on this day than I had ever 
 known before ; frequently, during the ontinuance of this battle, I 
 counted as many as fifty shots per minute 
 
 During this long and intensely exciting day my brigade remained 
 in lino of battle, ready to meet any advance of the enemy or to hasten ; 
 to any point of the lino that might need support. 
 
 The buttery of Captain Lewis lost no opportunity of firing wpoi}.' 
 the cncray'B infantry and cavalry when in easy range ; in all, it firpd 
 four hundred rounds. 
 
 The brigade lost, to-day, one killed and eight wounded. Lewis' 
 battery, one killed and two wounded. 
 
 Although the brigade lost bat few men by the enemy's artillery and 
 none by tee musket, it would seem to he almost incredible that the 
 loss should have been so inconsiderable^ for, from a point near a mile 
 above Falmouth on a commanding height, there was a six gun battery 
 of rifle pieces that enfiladed my line lower ; down and nearer, on thd 
 slope of this hill, was a second battery that had the same fire upon 
 them; and yet nearer and immediately on the bunks of the river, and 
 to the right of the two batteries above referred to, was another ; and 
 then ag:iin;, on a v^ry commanding hill, in rear of b^almouth, noar th^ 
 house of Misd Scott, was a battery of more than twenty pieces that 
 bore upon ua. and these of the heaviest rifli? pieces ; and down the 
 river were one or two other batteries that could throw shot and shell 
 far beyond our line ; in these batteries, there could not have been less 
 than fifty pieces that bore upon us. 
 
 The night of the I3ih we were under arms, like the two previous 
 nights, strong pickets being in our front. During the night, our 
 pickets wer© heard to fire frequently in the direction of Fredericks- 
 burg. 
 
484 
 
 The morning of the 14th was foggy, and, when it had been scat- 
 tered by the rising sun, nothing was seen of the enemy in our front, 
 save his distant line of cavalry videttcs, as usual. The 14th passed 
 off quietly, some few artillery shots during the day, and at intervals 
 a little firing between the pickets. The night of the 1 4th and the 
 day of the loth passed off with little or no firing. The night of the 
 1 5th was dark, windy and rainy, and the morning of the 16th foggy , 
 when the fog disappeared it revealed the fact that the enemy had 
 recrossed the river, nothing remaining on this side but a few of the 
 wounded, the unburied dead, and a few of the infantry pickets, whom 
 they had failed to relieve ; these delivered themselves up to my com- 
 mand as prisoners. 
 
 My command now returned to their cnmp, having been under arms 
 since the morning of the 11th. The lists of casualties having been 
 previously forwarded, it will suffice in this report to state that the loss 
 in my command was fifteen killed and wounded ; of this numoer three 
 •were killed. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, yo«r obedient servant, 
 
 m C. M. WILCOX, 
 Brigadier General commanding^ §'c. 
 
SEPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL FEATHERSTON. 
 
 Headqarters Featherston's Brigade, Dec. 22, 1862. 
 
 Tho3ias S. Mills, 
 
 Major and A. A. General : 
 
 Major : In obedience to orders, I submit the following report of 
 the part taken by my brigade in the battle before Fredericksburg : 
 
 About five o'clock, A. M., on Thursday the llth instant, at the firing 
 of the signal guns, my brigade was formed and marched rapidly from 
 its encampment to the line of battle previously designated for Major 
 General Anderson's division, in front and to the left of Fredericks- 
 burg. My brigade formed the right of Anderson's division, and was 
 posted on Thursday morning between the plank road and Hazel Run, 
 in front of the town and some distance in rear of the Washington 
 artillery. Here we remained during that day and night, protected 
 from the artillery fire of the enemy by a continuous range of hills in 
 our front. 
 
 On Friday morning, my brigade was moved to the left of the plank 
 road, and our first position, between the plank road and Hazel Run, 
 occupied by General Ransom's division. 
 
 During Friday and Friday night, we remained in position on the 
 left of the plank road, about the same distance in rear of our batte- 
 ries, where we were protected by the same continuous range of hills, 
 from the enemy's artillery fire. About ten o'clock, A. M., on Satur- 
 day, we were ordered to advance in line of battle f\irther to the front, 
 and halted about one hundred yards in rear of our batteries, on the left 
 of the plank road, extending our line of battle up the river, in tho di- 
 rection of the Taylor house. Here we remained during the day, sub- 
 jected to a very heavy converging fire from the enemy's artillery 
 immediately in our front, and extending up the river to our left. My 
 men were kept lying down during the day in an old road, protecting 
 them as much as possible. The enemy's batteries immediately in front 
 were numerous and skillfull}' served. Their batteries on our left com- 
 pletely enfiladed our position, which they did not fail to see, and of 
 which they took every advantage to avail themselves. The fire of the 
 enemy's artillery could not have been more rapid or galling on any 
 part of the line than that which was brought to bear on our position 
 on Saturday. The right of my brigade was also within range of the 
 fire of the enemy's small arms. My orders were to hold this position in 
 support of the batteries immediately in my front, and to advance to 
 the batteries when the enemy advanced with small arms immediately 
 in my front. There was no considerable advance of the enemy's small 
 arms in our immediate front during the entire engagement. We re- 
 mained in this position Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday nighty 
 Monday, and Monday night. At a late hour on Sunday night, I was. 
 advised by General Ransom that one of his brigade, would be with- 
 drawn and sent across Hazel Run, down the river, by order of Lieu- 
 tenant General Longstreet. I then threw forward to the rock fenc^ 
 
k 486 
 
 on the right of the plank road,* the sixteenth MissiG&ijpJ regiroent, 
 and five ccmpanies of the fcrtj-sixth Mie&issippi regiment, (.foimerly 
 the fecond battalion,) to fill the place vacated by seme of the troops 
 "wiihdrawn, and to form a continuous line of battle. 'These troops, to 
 ■wit: the sixteenth Mississippi and five companies of the foit^-sixth 
 MiFsissippi, Sunday night, Monday, and Monday night, remained in 
 that position, declining on Monday night to be relieved by other regi- 
 ments of my brigade. 
 
 On Tuesday morning, after the fact wqs ascertained that the enemy 
 had recroseed the river, the troops were vrithdraven, except the twelfth 
 Mississippi regiment, which was left on picket in front. During the 
 engagement of Saturday, the casualties in my brigade were forty two 
 killed and wounded, and one on Monday. Amocg the number, I re- 
 gret to enumerate the loss of two valuable officers, Major Lee^ of the 
 forty-sixth, and Captain Fulkinson, of the sixteenth regiment, both 
 seriously, but, it is believed, not dangerously wounded. The small 
 list of casualties, under so heavy a converging fire from the enemy's 
 numerous batteries, can only be accounted for, under Providence, by 
 the fact that the men were kept lying down closely on the ground, 
 taking advantage of every hill and crest as a protection. i\|full return 
 of the killed and wounded has already been transmitted to your head- 
 quarters. During the entire engagement of five days and nights, 
 both officers and men manifested gieat patience and eBdurance, under 
 the hardships and privations, and were eager to the last for a contin- 
 uance of the fight. 
 
 The officers of the medical, corcmissary and quarteriaaeter's de- 
 partments were prompt and efficient in dischargiig the duties cf their 
 several departments. In the absence of my regular staff officers, Cap- 
 tain W. R. Barksdale, assistant adjutant general, and Lieutenant A, 
 N. Parker, aid-de-camp, (both absent on sick leave,) 1 feel greatly 
 indebted to my volunteer aids, Captain C. H. Featherston and Mr. C. 
 W. Graves, who attended me during the entire engagement, and who 
 were ever ready, prompt and efficient in the execution of all orders, 
 upon every part of the field. 
 
 I have the honor to bo, Major, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 W. J. FEATHERSTON, 
 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
' REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL KERSHAW. 
 
 Headquarters Kershaw's Brigade, 
 Camp near Fredericksburg, December 26, 1862. 
 
 To Major J. M. Goggin, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit a report of the operations cf 
 my command during the recent engagement: 
 
 On the morninji of the 11th instant, by daylight, the brigade wag 
 formed in line of battle in the position assigned me, the right resting 
 at the left of Ilowison's Hill, and the left near llowison's Hill, ca 
 Haz' 1 Rim. Ordered, during the day, to reinforce the picket of Gen- 
 eral Barksdale at Deep Run, the fifteenth regiment South Carolina 
 volunteers (Colonel DeSaussure) vms sent, but found the bridge at tbnt 
 point al'.-eady completed and perfectly comuicinded by all the batteries 
 on the X)ther side. Thij regiment lemaincd on picket until withdrr.wa 
 to its former position, by order of the Major General commanding, en 
 Friday morning, after a night of such intense cold as to cause the death cf 
 one man and disable, temporarily, others. With this exception, i\b 
 troops were kept in position, atrengthening our drfonces nightly, 
 without any incident requiring notice, until Saturday, the 13th. 
 About one o'clock of that day, I was directed to send two regimenta 
 into the city to the support of General Cobb, then engaged with part 
 of his brigade at the foot of Marye's Hill, and, having called for re- 
 inforcements, I sent forward, at once, Col. John D. Kennedy, with 
 his own (second regiment) and the eighth regiment South Caroliija 
 volunteers, Colonel E. T. Stackhouso commanditig. Within a' few 
 minutea after, I was directed to take my entire comroand to the satce 
 point and assume command there. I had just moved when I was in- 
 formed that General Cobb was wounded, and was directed by Major 
 General McLaws to hasten forward in person i::3mediately and take com- 
 mand. Leaving my staff to conduct the troops, I proceeded, as rapidly 
 as possible, to the scene of action, reaching the position at Stevens* 
 house at the moment that Colonel Kennedy arrived with the secondl 
 and eighth regiments, just in time to meet a fresh assault ot" the 
 enemy. The position was excellent. Mirye's Hill, covered with our 
 batteries, then occupied by the Washington artillery. Colonel Walton 
 commanding, falls off abruptly towards Fredericksburg to a stono 
 ■wall, which forms a terrace on the side of the hill, and the outer mar- 
 gin of the telegraph road, which winds along >he foot of tie hill. 
 The road is about so^ue twenty-five feet wi le and is faced by a stone 
 wall, about four feet high, on the city side. The road having been cut 
 out of the side of the hill, (in mvny places,) this la-»t wall i.-* n >t visi- 
 ble above the surface of the groaad. The ground fills of! rap dly to 
 almost a level surface, which extendi abou*; a hundred and fifty yards; 
 then, with another abrupt fall of a few feet, to another plaiu, which 
 extends sotne two hundred yards, and thea falls off abruptly mto a 
 
488 
 
 wide ravine, ^hich extends along the Avhole front of the city and 
 discharges into Hazel Run. 1 found, on my arrival, that Cobb's 
 brigade, Colonel McMillan commanding, occupied our entire front, 
 and my troops could only get into position by doubling on them. 
 This vras accordingly done, and the formation along most of the line, 
 during the engagement, was consequently four deep. As an evidence 
 of the coolness of the command, I may mention here, that, notwith- 
 standing that their fire was the most rapid and and continuous I have 
 ever witnessed, not a man was injured by the fire of his comrades. 
 The first attack being repelled at a quarter to three o'clock, P. M., 
 the third regiment. Colonel J. D. Nance, and seventh, Lieutenant 
 Colonel Bland, came into position on the hill at Marye's house, 
 with Colonel DeSaussure's fifteenth regiment South Carolina vohin- 
 teers in reserve and under cover of the cemetery. James' third 
 South Ca^olina battalion, (Lieutenant Colonel Rice commanding,) I 
 left in position at Howison's Mill, to protect our right from any ad- 
 vance of the enemy up Hazel Run. While the third and seventh re- 
 giments were getting into position another fierce attack was sustained, 
 and those regiments, especially the former, suffered severely. Colonel 
 J. D. Nance, that gallant and efficient officer, fell at the head of his 
 regiment, severely wounded in three places. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Rutherford, upon whom the command devolved, was almost imme- 
 diately shot down, dangerously wounded, as also was Major Moffiit, 
 the next in command. Captain Todd, the senior captain, upon as- 
 suming command, was dangerously, if not mortally, wounded, and his 
 successor, Captain Summer, killed. Notwithstanding these unprece- 
 dented casualties, the regiment, without hesitation or confusion, gal- 
 lantly held their position, under command of Capt. John H. G. Nance, 
 assisted by my aid-de-camp. Lieutenant A. E. Doby, and in every at- 
 tack repulsed the enemy on that flank, assisted as gallantly by the 
 seventh regiment, immediately on their right. In the meantime, line 
 after line of the enemy deployed in the ravine and advanced to the 
 attack, at intervals of not more than fifteen minutes, until half past 
 four o'clock, when there was a lull of about a half hour, during 
 which a mass of artillery was placed in position in front of the town 
 and opened upon our position. At this time I brought up Colonel De- 
 Saussure's regiment. Our batteries .on the hill were silent, having 
 exhausted their ammunition, and the Washington artillery we're re- 
 lieved by a part of Colonel Alexander's battalion. Under cover of 
 this artillery fire, the most formidable column of attack was formed, 
 which, about five o'clock, emerged from the ravine, and, no longer 
 iiapedcd by our artillery, impetuously assailed our whole front. From 
 tcis time, until after six o'clock, the attack was continuous, and the 
 fire on 'both sides terrific. Some few, chiefly, officers, got within 
 ^^gl^ty yards of our lines, but, in every instance, their lines were 
 shattered by the time they got within one hundred paces. The firing 
 gradually ceased, and, by seven o'clock, our pickets were established 
 within eighty yards of those of the enemy. Our chief loss, after 
 getting into position in the r^ad, was from the fire of sharpshooters, 
 "who occupied some buildings^on mj left flank in the early part of the 
 
489 
 
 engagement, and was only silenced by Captain "Wallace, of the second 
 regiment, directing a continuou3 fire of one company upon the build- 
 ings. General Cobb, I learn, was killed by a shot from that quarter. 
 The regiments on the hill suucred most, as they were less perfectly 
 covered. During the engagement. Colonel MciMillan was reinforced 
 by the arrival of the sixteenth Georgia regiment, and a brigade of 
 General Ransom's command v/as also engaged ; but as they did not 
 report to me; I am unable to give any 'particulars in regard to them. 
 That night we materially strengthened our position, and I more per- 
 fectly organized and arranged my command, fully expecting the at- 
 tack to be renewed the next day. I sent the third regiment in reserve, 
 in consideration of their heavy loss. At daylight in the morning, the 
 en^my was in position, lying behind the first declivity in front, but 
 the operations on both side were confined to skirmishing of sharp- 
 shooters. We lost but one man during that day, but it is reported 
 that we inflicted a loss upon the enemy (Syke's division) of one hun- 
 dred and fifty. Monday morning discovered the pickets of the enemy 
 behind rifle-pits, constructed during the night, along the edge of the 
 ravine. From this position they were nearly all driven by our bat- 
 teries, and nothing of interest occurred during the day. General 
 Semmes relieved General Cobb's brigade Monday night. Tuesday 
 morning, as soon as the haze lifted, the enemy's pickets being no 
 longer visible, I sent out scouts from my own brigade to the left, and 
 from General Semmes' to the right. The former soon returned, re- 
 porting the evacuation of the town, which the latter soon confirmed, 
 with the additional information that theghridge had been removed. I 
 ?ent forward two companies, one from^ch brigade, and afterwards 
 two regiments, in obedience to the order of the Major General com- 
 manding, to occupy the town. A number of prisoners and a quantity 
 of arms, ammunition, etc., were taken, the particulars of which have 
 already been imparted. During these operations I was ably and gal- 
 lantly assisted by Captain Ilolines, A. A. G., and Lieutenant Doby, 
 A. D. C, who were present on the field, in the active discharge of their 
 duties. Lieut. J. A. Myers, ordnance officer, was at his post promptly 
 replenishing our exhausted ammunition. Lieutenant W. M. Dwight, 
 A. L G., was disabled, from the injuries received at Maryland 
 heights, but was on the field and received a contusion on the head 
 from a shell. Colonel McMillan, commanding Cobb's brigade, ren- 
 dered valuable assistance, and when offered the alternative of being 
 relieved Saturday night, gallantly claimed the honor of remaining. 
 All the regimental field officers and company commanders are entitled 
 to commendation for coolness and courage, and their successful efforts 
 to produce a deliberate and efl'ective fire, under the most trying cir- 
 cumstances. Beside the field ofiicers already mentioned as wounded, 
 Major F. Gaillard, second •regiment South Carolina volunteers, was 
 struck in the face before he got into position, and was subsequently 
 severely wounded while conveying directions, at my request, to the 
 regiments in the rear. For particular mention of others who distin- 
 guished themselves in the engagement, I beg leave respectfally to 
 refer to the reports of the commanders themselves, herewith submit- 
 
400 
 
 ted. Captain G. B. Cathbert'e company, second regiment South 
 Carolina volunteers, was thrown out by me on the edge of Hazol 
 Fiun, on the 13th, in an exposed pogition, but one from which thcv 
 coulvl harass the enemy on their left flanks l^bey held the position 
 the whole day, exhausting ihcir ammunition and effectively annoy iiit: 
 the enemy. His loss was considerable, including two officers severely 
 ■wounded. Captain Head's battery was potted on the hill, on tcio 
 right of rny first position, and did great damage to the advancir.!' 
 column of the enemy. They fired thirteen rounds of ammunition, 
 affording; excellent practice in the field. I will here remark that, 
 during the engagement on Saturday, my command fired about fifty- 
 five rounds per man. A large red and white battle flag, with the 
 figure '* I " in the centre, and an embroidered guide flag of the sixty- 
 ninth Incw York regiment are the trophies taken in battle by loy 
 command, and have already been forwarded to division headquarters. 
 I append herewith a recapitulation of the losses sustained by my 
 brigade-. 
 
 Very reepsctfully, your obedient servant,. 
 
 J. B. KERSHAW, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES IN KERSHAW'S BRIG ABE. 
 
 
 KlLl^KD. 
 
 Wov 
 
 r?LEX). 
 
 Total. 
 
 H 
 
 ■< 
 C 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 << 
 
 Remaekji. 
 
 
 Brigad'es. 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 CO <U 
 
 ■-5 9 
 
 £ 
 o 
 
 'a 
 
 S - 
 o 
 
 .it S 
 
 'c 
 
 •A 
 
 
 2d S. C. lU'r\.. 
 
 3d 
 
 Tth " 
 
 "*'*5*'" 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 14 
 6 
 4 
 2 
 
 53 
 
 124 
 51 
 25 
 
 50 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 ■ G 
 
 59 
 
 144 
 
 55 
 
 27 
 
 52 
 
 2 
 
 62 
 163 
 Gl 
 31 
 64 
 2 
 
 One misRinij; 
 supposed to \v,i 
 been killed wh 
 on picket. 
 
 
 8lh " • 
 
 
 v^ 
 
 15th 
 
 
 
 .),> 
 
 James' Bailn.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 34 
 
 29 
 
 304 
 
 34 
 
 339 
 
 373 
 
 
 
% 
 
 REPORT OF BRIGADIER GE.NERAL WRIGHT. 
 
 Headquarters Wright''s Brigade, Anderson's Div[?;on. ) 
 Camp near Fiederkkshurg, December 24, 1862. \ 
 
 Major Thomas S. Mills, A, A. G. Division : 
 
 Major : In compliance -vsitli circular issuecl from diviaion head- 
 quarters on December 20th,' I herewith transmit a report of the part 
 taken by my brigade in the action at P'redericksburg. At early dawn 
 on the morning of the 1 Ith instant, my brigade was put under armB 
 and raarf bed to a position in the rear of our redoubts on the left of 
 -the plank road, and there formed in line of battle, ray right resting 
 on (.General Mahone's left, and my left upon General Wilcox's right. 
 In this position we remained until the morning of the I6th, when, 
 the enemy having retired acros3 the river, I fell back to my former 
 and present camp. 
 
 On the morning of the 11th, when the enemy opened his batteries 
 upon the town, preparatory to crossing the river, the third Georgia 
 regiment wns on picket duty on the river, at the upper edge of the 
 town. This regic~ent retained its position during the whole day, 
 subjected to a most galling fire from the enemy's batteries. At five 
 o'clock, in the evening of that day, I received a communication from 
 Cf.lonel E J Walker, commanding the regiment, informing me thar, 
 the enemy had effected the building of one or more bridges and had 
 crossed a considerable force into the town on his right, compelling 
 the ei^ihth Florida regiment, which was on picket duty immediately 
 on his right, to fall back, and that, from the sound of musketry, he 
 was led to believe !hat General Barksdale's brigade, also on picket 
 duty in the town, had retired to our line of battle, and enquiring 
 what be (Colonel Walker) should do. I iaimediatdy sent him orders 
 to hold his position at all hazards until morning, and if then ho should 
 become satisfied that General Barksdale's brigade had retired, and the 
 enemy should show an imposing force on this side of the river, to 
 fall back in order to ray line, destroying the bridges over the canal. 
 At eight o'clock next morning Colonel Walker fell back to my line, 
 having accomplished the complete destruction of the canal bridges — 
 General Barksdalc having, as he supposed the night before, previ- 
 ously fallen back to our line of batteries. Colonel Walker's loss, 
 during the day's bombardment, was one man killed and one slightly 
 wounded. On Friday evening, the 12th instant, the second Georgia 
 battalion, of my brigade, under the command of Captain C. J. Moffat, 
 was ordered on picket duty in front of the Stansbury house, v.here it 
 remained until Saturday evening, when it was relieved by the forty- 
 eighth Georgia rc-giment, Captain Ilall commanding. During the 
 fight of Saturday, Captain Moffat loat one man killed and one wounded. 
 No other casualties occurred in my command during the action. 
 
 While the officers and men of my brigade had no opportunity to 
 display the courage and gallantry which has heretofore marked their 
 
492 
 
 conduct in all the battles in which they have been engaged, their 
 patient and protracted ''lying in wait'' during the six days they 
 were under arms, exposed to the rigors of the severe cold weather 
 and the fire of the enemy's batteries, has given me increased confi- 
 dence in their character as veteran soldiers, who are alike equal to 
 the trials of actual battle and of waiting under the enemy's guns for 
 any emergency which might require their services. 
 I have the honor to be, 
 
 Verv respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ^ ^ A. R. WRIGHT, 
 
 Brigadier General commandhtg Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL MAIIONE. 
 
 Headquarters Mahone's Brigade, Anderson's Division, > 
 
 December 21, 18G2. I 
 
 To Major T. S. Mills, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Andersoiis Division : 
 
 Major : In response to the call from division headquarters, I beg 
 to present the following statement of the operations of this brigade 
 in the late bombardment and battle of Fredericksburg : 
 
 Promptly after the signal of alarm, Thursday, the 11 th instant, 
 the brigade was placed in the position assigned it by the division com- 
 mander, immediately in rear of the line of battle selected in the 
 event of any attack upon our own front. 
 
 For the most part, the brigade continued under arms in this posi- 
 tion during the period of the fight, and, in fact, until Tuesday, the 
 16th instant, when the enemy evacuated Fredericksburg and re- 
 crossed the Rappahannock, In the meantime, however, it always had 
 a regiment, and sometimes two, in advance of the batteries on 
 the front, which were exposed to the enemy's artillery fire, and which, 
 though active, and especially on Saturday and Sunday, occasioned but 
 eight casualties inr the brigade.- It may not be amiss to add, that 
 much work, in the erection of batteries^and rifle-pits, was performed 
 by the troops of the brigade, during the four days of the battle ; 
 among these works may be mentioned the one, as of special advantage, 
 in dislodging the enemy from behind the hills on the right of the 
 plank road. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfully your obedent servant, 
 
 WILLIAM MAHONE, 
 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL MILLER OF COBB'S BRIGADE. 
 
 Brigade Headquarters, Fredericksburg, Va., ) 
 December 20, 1862. S 
 
 Major James M. Goggin, 
 
 Assistant Axijutant General : 
 
 1 have the honor to report to you the part taken by this brigade 
 II the bivttle of Fre.leric-keburg : 
 
 On the morning of the llth ins^iant, at five o'clock, the brigade 
 was put under arms and in position, and 80 remained until seven 
 o'clock, P. M., when the eighteenth and twenty-fourth Ge irgia regi- 
 ments and Phillips' legion were marched into Fredericksburg by Gen- 
 eral Cobb, to relieve General Barksdale, and took posTtion in our line 
 of battle in the road along the foot of Marye's Ilill, crossing the tel- 
 egraph road, by wUch the enemy advanced; the legion on the left, 
 twenty-fourth Georgia ia the centre, and eighteenth on the right. 
 The men lay on their arms during the night. Our pickets and scouts 
 took fifteen prisoners. Close and heavy skirmishing was kept up du- 
 ring Friday, the 12th, and on that night we again rested on our aims. 
 
 At daybreak on the 13th, skirmishing again commenced, accompa- 
 nied by the enemy's shells This was kept up continually until about 
 eleven o'clock, A. M , when the advance of the enemy drove 
 in our pickets, and his column approached the left of our liae by the 
 telegraph road and deployed towards our right. IK^ had succeeded 
 in planting three stands of colors along our front, and wiSn h;s col-"" 
 umn had been deployed about two-thirds of the distance on his line, 
 our well-directed fire had so thinned his ranks tha,t the survivors re- 
 treated. General Cobb, whose fall we so much deplore, lived to see 
 this firnt signal repulse and the bravery of the troops be -o well com- 
 manded About twelve or fifteen minutes thereafter (^reueral Cobb 
 fell, mortally wounded, and I too!i: command of the brigade. Soon 
 another column, heavier than the first, advanced in our front, and 
 moved- steadily forward to their colors, near our centre. As the col- 
 uix-n approached, I directed the small arms to cease until the enemy 
 should get nearer. So soon as he got within certain range, our firo 
 mowed down his ranks, until they faltered and the survivors retreated. 
 They were met by a ftrong reinforcement and again advanced upon 
 us in heavier force, and this time the slaughter in their ranks was 
 terrific, and we again drove them back. Column after column was 
 brought up during the afternoon, and the battle continued until after 
 dark. In every attack the enemy was repulsed with immense slaughter. 
 During the afternoon a courier informed me that you had sent the six- 
 teenth Georgia regiment to the mill, to await orders. I sent for that 
 regiment and placed it on our right, to strengthen and protf.-ct that 
 point, which it held during the remainder of the engagement. We rested 
 on our ai ms that night and throughout the next day. Sunday, tho 1 4th, 
 a close, heavy and continuous skirmish fire was kept up. Ou Sunday 
 night we were relieved by General Semraes. 
 
495 
 
 I cannot speak in too high terms of the cool bravery of both officers 
 K "^^"'j*^^ the promptuess and chcerfulaesa with which they 
 
 tTkoTt:nT'' f /:>'"" '''^ '^*?^ '' «^-" - -^ ^'-t toil 
 
 lest now well they acted their part. 
 
 Annexed is a list of killed and woandcd. 
 
 Very respectfully, &c.., cVa , 
 
 ROBERT M. MILLER, 
 
 Colond coinrixondmg bi igad<. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PERRY. 
 
 Headquarters Perry's Brigade, December 18, 1862. 
 
 Major Thomas S. Mills, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General: 
 
 Major : I have the honor to enclose to you the reports of com- 
 laanders of the Donaldsonville artillery battery and the eighth Florida 
 regiment, the only portions of my brigade engaged in the recent bat- 
 tle on the Rappahannock river: 
 
 The eighth Florida regiment having been detailed for picket duty 
 and placed temporarily under command of Brigadier General Barks- 
 dale, commanding the picket forces at Fredericksburg, I am unable 
 to give additional information to that contained in Captain' Lang's 
 report, to Mhich I call your attention, I addressed a note to Briga- 
 dier General Barksdale, relative to three companies of this regiment, 
 which were detailed from the regiment by General Barksdale and 
 assigned to a position apart from the regiment. General Barksdale 
 replied that they were probably taken prisoners by the enemy. 1 
 have been able to obtain no further information upon the subject. I 
 respectfully call to the attention of the General the gallant conduct of 
 the Donaldsonville battery throughout the entire engagement. Both 
 officers and men stood bravely and faithfully at their posts, and, 
 while exposed to an unusuall^'^ heavy £re, the guns were handled with 
 masterly skill and with great eftect. 
 
 The loss in the brigade is ninety-four killed, wounded and missing. 
 Of this number, eight were killed, forty-three wounded and forty-three 
 missing. Of these, the eighth Florida regiment lost seven killed, 
 thirty-seven wounded and forty-three missing. The fifth Florida regi- 
 ment had one wounded. The battery had one killed and five wounded. 
 I have the honor, Major, to be very respectfully, kc, 
 
 E. A. PERRY, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL- HALL, COMMANDING COOK'S 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Cooke's Brigade, Ikcernber 17, 1862. 
 
 Captain: Early on the mornjng of the 11th instant, the brigade, 
 under the command of General Cooke, was ordered to the front, oppo- 
 site Fredericksburg, where we remained in position until about twelve 
 o'clock, Saturday the 1 3th, at which time the engagement Wiis going 
 on in our front. 
 
 The brigade was formed in line of battle as follows: The twenty- 
 Feventh on the right, forty-eighth next, fifteenth on the left. Ys^e 
 moved into action by regiments. After advancing about two hundred 
 yards, under a heavy fire of shell and musketry, we arrived at the 
 crest of Willis' Hill, which overlooks the battle-field, on which hill 
 eeveral batteries Avere placed. 
 
 With the exception of the twenty-seventh, the brigade was halted 
 en the crest of the hill, and delivered its fire on the advancing column 
 of the enemy, who was then engaged in making a furious assault on 
 cur front line, which was covered by a long stone wall at the foot of 
 ihe hill; which assault, on the arrival of the brigade, was repulsed, 
 with great loss to the enemy. The enemy, that time, succeeded in 
 getting up to within forty yards of the wall. 
 
 After the repulse of the enemy, the forty-sixth was moved down 
 the hill behind the fence, supporting Cobb's brigade. The twenty- 
 geventh and forty -sixth remained behind the fence, and the forty- 
 eighth and fifteenth on the top of the hill, all day. 
 
 Six different times during the day did the enemy advance his 
 Leavily reinforced columns, and each time was driven back, with im- 
 mense loss. The action ceased at night, when the brigade was 
 withdrawn and resumed the position they occupied previous to the 
 «ction. 
 
 I regret to have to state that our brave commander was severely 
 wounded early in the action. 
 
 It gives me great pleasure to state that, without exception, the 
 coiiduct of the different regiments composing this brigade was de- 
 serving of the most unqualified approbation. 
 
 No engagement having taken place the next day, the commanders 
 :f the different regiments were ordered to entrench themselves that 
 Ziight, and before day each had opened ditches sufficient to cover 
 their whole commands ; and, the night after, two additional works 
 were completed, sufficient for two more regiments. 
 
 On Sunday morning the brigade was relieved by General Jenkins, 
 and ordered back to camp. 
 
 I regret to say the loss of the brigade was heavy. A correct list of 
 casualties will be handed in. 
 
 I have the honor to bo, 
 
 E. D. HALL, 
 CUond (oinmandiiig Cook's Brigade. 
 32 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL LAW. 
 
 Brigade Headquarters, December 17, 1862. 
 Major W. 11. SuLLv, A. A. G. : 
 
 I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in tho 
 •engagement near Fredericksburg, on Saturday, December 13, 1862: 
 
 On the morning of the 13th, my brigade formed a portion of the 
 second or reserve line, extending along the range of hills from the 
 vicinity of Hamilton's Crossing to Dr. Reynolds' house. On the 
 plateau, directly in front of the position occupied by my brigade, and 
 about five hundred yards distant, the skirt of timber bordering on 
 Deep Run, from its confluence with the Rappahannock, abruptly ter- 
 minates. From this point to the river the channel of the run becomes 
 ajradually wider and deeper, its general direction being almost perpen- 
 dicular to our own line and that of the enemy, on the Bowling Green 
 road. I received orders, during the morning, from Major General 
 Hood, commanding the division, to render assistance to Major Gen- 
 eral A. P. Hill's troops, in the event it should be required ; and waa 
 ordered by General Hill to support Brigadier General Pender, who 
 held the left of the first line, to my front and right. At three o'clock 
 m the afternoon a force of the enemy defiled from the wood on Deep 
 Run and, forming into line of battle, advanced upon Latimer's bat- 
 r>ery, which was posted on the plateau on General Pender's left and 
 supported by one of his regiments. Perceiving this attack, I moved 
 my brigade forward to the edge of the timber, in rear of the battery. 
 Detaching the fifty-seventh and fifty-fourth North Carolina regiments, 
 I advanced with them to attack the enemy, who had now gained the 
 line of the railroad, which crosses the plateau directly in front of the 
 bjitery and about two hundred yards from it. The enemy wa"^ 
 promptly driven from the railroad by the fifty -seventh North Caro- 
 lina, which w'as in advance, and the regiment continued to move 
 steadily forward to within three hundred y^rds of the Bowling Green 
 road, driving his infantry before it. During the action a body of 
 the enemy opened fire from the wood bordering the run, upon the. left 
 of the advancing line. This was promptl3^ checked by a fire from the 
 left of the fifty-seventh and from the fifty-foUrth, which changed 
 front obliquely to the left in order to face the wood. In the mean- 
 time, the fourth Alabama had been brought forward in front of the 
 battery as a support. Having accomplished my purpose of driving 
 the enemy from the vicinity of the battery, I ordered the twjj regi- 
 ments in advance to retire and take position on the railroad, which 
 they held until after dark, when they were relieved by the sixth 
 North Carolina. The conduct of the fifty-seventh and fifty-fourth 
 North Carolina regiments was admirable. I cannot speak too highly 
 )f their steady courage in advancing, and the coolness with which 
 they retired to the line of railroad- when ordered. Colonel Godwin, 
 commanding the fifty-seventh, and Colonel McDowell, commanding 
 
499 
 
 the fifty-fourth, ably assisted by Lieutenant Colonels Jones and Mur- 
 chison, handled their commands with great skill and coolness. The 
 oflBcers of my staff, Captain Terrell, assistant adjutant general, and 
 Lieutenant Capons, aid-de-camp, were, as usual, conspicuous for gal- 
 lantry and usefulness, contributing materially by their exertions to 
 the good conduct of the troops. It is with deep sorrow that I report 
 the death of private V. S. Smith, of the fourth Alabama regiment, 
 an acting officer on my staff. Alabama never bore a braver son, and 
 our country's cause has never received the sacrifice of a manlier 
 spirit. He fell, where the hour of danger always found him, at his 
 post. The following is a recapitulation of the loss of the brigade : 
 
 , Rbgiment. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 32 
 9 
 6 
 4 
 
 Wounded. 
 
 Missing. 
 
 Fifty-«evciith North Cftroiina 
 
 90 
 35 
 19 
 18 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 Fifty-fourth North Carolina 
 
 3 
 
 Sixth North Cfirolina, 
 
 
 Fourth Alabama 
 
 
 Forty- fourth Alivbfinia 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 60 
 
 1G4 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 am, Major, very respectfully, 
 
 E. M. LAW, Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL SEMMES. 
 
 IIbadquarters Semmes' Brigade, ) 
 Camp near Fredericksburg, Dece7nber 22, 1862. I 
 
 Major J. M. Goggin, A. A. G.: 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report herewith a list of the casualties 
 in my brigade in the battle of Fredericksburg, froto the 11th to the 
 loth, inclusive. Except -when posted in the road, at the foot of 
 Marye's Hill, on the 1 4th and 15th, my brigade was not under fire 
 from small arms. It was only exposed to the fire of the enemy's 
 artillery, from which it suftered but little. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 PAUL J. SEMMES, 
 Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PAXTON. 
 
 Headquarters Paxton's Brigade, Jackson's Division, 
 Camp near CorbiTi's Farm, December 24, 1862. 
 
 Captain W. T. Taliaferro, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Captain : In pursuance of the order from the division commander 
 to report the participation of my brigade in the battle near Freder- 
 icksburg, I have the honor to state that my brigade, consisting of the 
 second, fourth, fifth, t\yenty-Beventh and thirty-third Virginia regi- 
 ments and Carpenter's battery, numbering in all about one hundred 
 and twenty-three officers and eleven hundred men, marched from its 
 encampment near Guineas Depot, on Friday morning, the 12th in- 
 stant, at daybreak. After reaching the battle-field, and frequent 
 changes of positions, when the engagement commenced, my brigade ' 
 occupied a position near the crest of the hill, some four hundred 
 yards in the rear of General Gregg's brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, 
 my right resting on the left of Ewell's division. My orders were to 
 support General Gregg, and be governed in my action by his move- 
 ments. Upon a report from my orderly, Mr. F, C. Cox, whom I hail 
 sent forward to give me information, that Gregg's brigade was mov- 
 ing, I ordered my brigade to the front in lino of battle. About tha 
 time of reaching General Gregg's position, the second Virginia regi- 
 ment, occupying theright of my line, came in view of the enemy, and. 
 under the order of Captain J. Q. A. Nadenbousch, commanding the 
 regiment, filed obliquely to the right and rear, but scarcely effected 
 its change of position when it was fired upon by the enemy. Expect- 
 ing, from the indications, .that my troops would be engaged in this 
 position, I proceeded to bring forward the fifth and fourth regiments 
 at double-quick, and post them upon the right of the second regiment, 
 and to put the twenty-seventh and thirty-third regiments in 
 position upon its left. These dispositions, however, were not ac- 
 complished until fhe firing ceased, the enemy having been gallantly 
 repulsed by the second regirlint. Soon after I changed my position, 
 and occupied the military road. Whilst there, I found that troops 
 were falling back in disorder past the right of my line, when I deemed 
 it prudent to move some three hundred yards to the right, upon the 
 road, to guard against an advance of the enemy in that direction. 
 Again 1 changed position, and occupied the line of the fence in front 
 That night my brigade slept on their arms on the military road, and 
 the next morning before daylight, in pursuance of an order from the 
 division commander, took a position on the railroad, my right resting 
 opposite the position which my left had occupied on the military road. 
 Here the day passed off quietly, with the exception of occasional firing 
 batween the pickets. Carpenter's battery was detached from my 
 brigade on the 12th, and was not under my orders during the engage 
 
502 
 
 ment. A report of its participation in the engagement by Lieutenant 
 McKendree, commanding, is transmitted herewith. 
 
 I am much indebted to my regimental officers, Captains Naden- 
 bousch and Colston, acting field oiEcers of the second Virginia regi- 
 ment ; Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner and Major Terry, fourth Virginia 
 regiment ; Lieutenant Colonel Williams and Captain Newton, fifth 
 Virginia regiment; Lieutenant Colonel Edmondson and Major Shri-*- 
 ver, forty-serenth Virginia regiment, and Colonel Lee, thirty-third 
 Virginia regiment, for the exhibition of great gallantry, skill and 
 coolness in the discharge of their duties. Lieutenant Colonel Gardi- 
 ner, after having passed unhurt, and distinguished for his gallantry 
 through all the Ijattles of the campaign, (Port Republic, Richmond, 
 Cedar Mountain, Manassas and Sharpsburg,) fell, at the head of his 
 regiment, severely, if not fatally, wounded. To Adjutant C. S. Ar- 
 nall, fifth Virginia regiment, acting as my assistant adjutant general, 
 the highest praise is due for hi^ gallant and energetic discharge of the 
 duties incident to the position. To the rank and file of my command 
 I am especially grateful, for the courage, fidelity and promptness 
 exhibited in obeying my orders. My brigade sustained a loss of four 
 killed, sixty. nine wounded, one missing; total, seventy- four. The 
 reports of regimental and battery commanders, with lists of casualties, 
 are transmitted herewith. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 E. F. PAXTON; 
 Brigadier General, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL IIOKE, COMMANDING BRIGADE. 
 
 IlEADQUARTEug Trimble's Brigade, Dcc. 19, 1SG2. 
 
 Major S. Hale, # 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant General, EiceWs Division : 
 
 Major : I respectfully report that on Saturday, 13th of this month. 
 I received orders from General Eirly, to form ray brigaae imtaedi- 
 atcly behind General Havs' brigade, with my right resting upon the 
 Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, at Hamilton's Crossing, about 
 four miles ftom Fredericksburg. I remained in this position for about 
 two hours, 'under a very heavy cannonading, and lost a number of 
 men in this place. Tbe infantry firing at the front became quite 
 heavy, and General Early ordered me to move my brigade by the left 
 flank, and let my right rest upon the left of General Hays. I had 
 scarcely gotten in this position before he ordered mo to the front to 
 the support of General Archer. I moved promptly and steadily to 
 the front, and found General Archer had been driven bick, and the en- 
 emy had occupied the woods upon the top of the hill. I soon drove 
 them from this position, and found, upon getting to the entrenchments 
 at the edge of the wood?, that they had retreated to the railroad, in 
 which place they had held reserves. I saw that it would not do to 
 allow them to remain in the railroad, as that point commanded a large 
 portion of our entrenchments at the edge of the woods, and that I 
 would lose from their sharpshooters, so I immediately ordered a 
 charge, and drove them from their place, killing about two hundred, 
 and wounding a large number, one hundred of whom fell into my hands, 
 I must have wounded quite a number of the enemy at this point who 
 were able to make their escape, as I was immediately upon them. I also 
 captured about three hundred prisoners. I had brought from this 
 point about four hundred stand of arms, and left a number across the 
 railroad. After driving them from the railroad, I followed them to 
 the fence beyond the road, and at this point halted to see if I couM go 
 farther. While I was in this position, the main line of the enemy 
 gave back about fifty yards, -and my opinion is, that if a brigade had 
 been upon my right we could have driven the whole line. I remained in 
 this position for some time, to see if any other forces were coming 
 forward, and in the meantime the enemy threw a brigade down the 
 river road, preparatory to making an attack upon my right flank, and 
 seeing my position would soon become a critical one, I ordered the 
 twenty-first North Carolina and twenty-first Georgia regiments and 
 first North Carolina battalion back to the railroad, under Lieutenant 
 Colonel Harper, with orders to hold it to the last, and ordered the 
 fifteenth Alabama and twelfth Georgia regiments back to the en- ' 
 trenchments at the edge of the woods, all of which was done effectu- 
 ally ami promptly, and with a very slight loss. My loss in this charge 
 and fulling back, was only two men killed and about thirty wounded, 
 most of which w^re very slight. Lieutenant Colonel Scott was killed 
 
504 
 
 while falling back to the woods. He acted most galhmtly, ami di-i 
 his duty nobly. I held my position iu the railroad, and at the edge 
 of the woods, until Monday morning, 15th, at which time I was re- 
 lieved by Gen. D. II. Iliirs troops. 1 cannot say too much in praise of 
 the officers and men under my command ; all did their duty nobly, and 
 went into the fight with a spirit of dclermination, and it would be do- 
 ing injustice to note any one particurarly. Captain A. Hoffman, act- 
 ting ordnance officer, was of great service to me upon the field, "My 
 tabular repojt of killed and wounded has been sent in. The report of 
 the action of the battery attached to this brigade will be made by 
 Captain Latimer, who was acting chief of artillery on that day. 
 Vary respectfully, 
 
 R. F. HOKE, 
 Colonel commandlvg Brigade, • 
 Official copy : 
 
 S. Hale, Acting Assistavt Aojxdant General. 
 
 i 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL YvALKER, COMMANDING BRI- 
 GADE. 
 
 Headquarters Early's Brigade, > 
 December !>6th, 1863. J 
 
 Major S, Hale, . 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 I have the honor to report the Operations of Earlj's brigade in the 
 battle near Fredericksburg, on the I3th instant: 
 
 We were placed in position bv General Early, commanding divis- 
 ion, in the second line of battle, supporting A. P. Ilill's division. 
 The action had not continued over half an hour, before I received an 
 order from General Early (through Major Wilson, volunteer aid,) to 
 advance at double-quick, as the enemy had cut their way through the 
 first line, and were advancing. I put the brigade in motion, and met 
 the enemy about the middle of the woods, but they fell back as we 
 came up, and we continued to press them closely, driving thorn across 
 the railroad, and following them some distance beyond into the open 
 field. When we reached the railroad there was no support on our left, 
 and a large column of Federal infantry were moving across the rail- 
 road, about four hundred yards to our left, and entering the woods. 
 Fearing to advance further to "bur front, I drew my command back 
 to the railroad and held that position, after detailing Lieutenant Col- 
 onel Terrill, with the thirteenth Virginia, to deploy his regiment on 
 , our left flank, and directing him to advance under cover of the tim- 
 ber to engage the enemy's column on our left upon the flank. This 
 was done promptly, and Thomas' brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, en- 
 gaging them, in front about the same time, they fell back in good or- 
 der, but scarcely firing a gun in their retreat. The two fires told 
 severely upon them, as the large number of dead and wounded left on 
 that part of the field clearly sho.ved. After this column of the en- 
 emy fell back, there was for some time no body of their troops in 
 sight, but not deeming it prudent to give up the advantage of our 
 position by advancing in pursuit over the open plain, I continued to 
 hold the railroad for the remainder of the evening without any mo- 
 lestation from the tncmy, further than by forming a fresh lino of 
 troops in sight, but out of our range, and throwing out skirmishers, 
 who kept up a straggling fire until night. After dark, I left picket* 
 on the railroad, and withdrew my command back into the woods about 
 one hundred and fifty yards, and bivouacked for the night. 
 
 Early the next morning, we were relieved by Paxton's brigade and' 
 joined the division. 
 
 Our loss was one hundred and fifty-seven in killed and wounded. 
 I cannot close without expressing my admiration for the manner ia 
 .which this brigade performed its duty, and the gallantry and bravery 
 
506 
 
 exhibited by both officers and men. I had no trouble in getting tliem 
 to fight, but a good deal to get thtm to stop, when in my opinion it 
 was imprudent to go further. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 J. A. WA-LKER, 
 • Colonel commanding Brigade. 
 
 Official copy : 
 
 S. Hal£, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. • 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HAYS. 
 
 Headquarters F[rst Louisiana Brigade, > 
 •December 19, 1862. ) 
 
 To Major Hale, 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major : On arriving at Hamilton's Crossing, on#tlie Richmond anl 
 Fredericksburg railroad, Saturday, the 13th instant, about ten. 
 o'clock, I proceeded to place my brigade, according to orders, in 
 line of battle, with my right resting on the railroad and the line ex- 
 tended on the road leading to Spotsylvania Court-House. Here I 
 was directed to remain, and to take advantage of the shelter aflorded 
 by the hills on the north. 
 
 A short while before noon an order was conveyed to me to advance 
 in line, through the woods,* towards the front. I accordingly put my 
 line in motion. While advancing, I was informed of the existence of 
 a ditch on the crest of the hill overlooking the river bottom, and 
 directed to occupy it as a rifle-pit. But, on reaching the place, I 
 discovered other troops in possession of the ditch, and accordingly 
 halted my line a few yards in their rear, in readiness to advance in 
 support. In this position I continued the remainder of the day and 
 the night following. 
 
 The next morning, the 14th instant, at dawn, my brigade was 
 moved several hundnjd yards to the left, on a line with the ditch 
 above referred to, in rear of and supporting General Paxton's brig- 
 ade, tlTfen occupying the railroad. While in this position, I was 
 directed to send a regiment to fill up a gap in the line along the rail- 
 road, between the brigades of General Paxton and General Trimble, 
 then commanded by Cclonel Hoke. The seventh Louisiana regiment 
 was sent to c.omplet4'this line. The remainder of the brigade con- 
 tinued to occupy the line indicated during Sunday, the 14th instant, 
 and the night succeeding. 
 
 In the morning following, the 15th instant, I resumed my original 
 place, near Hamilton's Crossing, and there remained until the^. l€th 
 instant, when I was ordered to occupy a line in rear of the batteries 
 posted on the hill, with ray right resting on the railroad. I had 
 barely reached my position, when, the retreat of the enemy being 
 discovered, I was ordered back to the crossing, and, in a short 
 time thereafter, took up the line of march in the direction of Port 
 Royal. 
 
 My loss, amounting to nine killed, forty -four wounded, and one 
 missing, was inflicted by the enemy's batteries, while advancing in 
 line, on the 13th instant, to the brow of the hill in front. 
 
 I have to commend the zealous promptness of officers and men in 
 obeying my orders, and the earnest desire they evinced to meat the 
 enemy. And, I am happy to add, there was less straggling during 
 
508 
 
 the Beveral days of the recent engagements, than I have ever known. 
 To Captain New and Lieutenant Macon, of my staff, I am indebted 
 for the cheerful discharge of their respective duties. 
 
 HARRY T. HAYS, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLOKEL KENNEDY COMMANDING 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Second South Carolina Regiment, ) 
 
 December 20, 1863. J 
 
 Captain C. H. Holmes, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Kershaw'' s Brigade : 
 
 Captain : Between twelve and one o'clock on Saturday, the 13th 
 ultimo, Lieutenant Dwight, of General Kershaw's staff, ordered mo to 
 take my regiment, the second, and the eighth. Captain Stackhouse, 
 to the support of General Cobb, on thetelegraph#bad. I moved out, 
 left in front, the eighth following. In rear of the extreme right bat- 
 tery of Colonel Walton's artillery (on Fuller's Hill) I halted the 
 gecondj-egiment until Captain Stackhouse closed up. I then moved the 
 two regiments into the field to the leftof the wood, (in which I had halted,) 
 fronted, and advanced in line of battle, making the eighth the battal- 
 ion of direction, and obliquing to the right, so as throw the two com- 
 mands between the two right batteries of the Washington artillery 
 (Colonel Walton's) on the hill and the Marye house. The fire of shell 
 and small arms was terrific, raking the whole field. The men moved 
 forward in fine style, obeying promptly every command issued. When 
 I arrived at the crest of the hill I gave the command ** doable-quick," 
 and moved the two regiments to the stone fence on the telegraph road 
 where General Cobb was posted. One volley was fired befbre reach- 
 ng it, and that by the eighth regiment. The eighth regiment, sup- 
 ported a portion of General Cobb's brigade, to the right, and the 
 secQcd was disposed as follows : three companies on the left of the 
 eighth, one company and the half of another at the small house near 
 the centre of General Cobb's line, (where General Kershaw made his 
 headquarters,) three companies and a half to the left of this house, 
 behind a stone walT, in rear of the twenty-fourth Georgia regiment. 
 Captain Pulliam, with his company, came up shortly after this dispo- 
 sition of my command, and was sent to a stone fence, where the Philips' 
 legion (of General Cobb's brigade) was posted, to the left of the 
 twenty-fourth Georgia, and, although later in the action than the rest 
 of my regiment, (having failed to hear the order to move out' of the 
 trenches,) did fine execution. The action continuing until after dark, 
 advance after advance cf the foe was repelled. The whole regiment 
 acted with cool daring and high courage ; men never did their duty 
 more thoroughly. My position being in the centre, I appointed Cap- 
 tain Wallace to superintend the operation of the left wing, and Captain 
 Leitner the three companies on the right. I gave my attention to 
 the operations of both, and of the centre. These officers deserve 
 notice for their deliberative, prompt execution of every order. Major 
 GailTard was slightly wounded in advancing across the field, com- 
 manding the second South C;irolina regiment, (I, acting as commander 
 of both battalions, the second and eighth ) Shortly after reaching 
 
510 
 
 the stone wall, General Kershaw detailed him to convey some order, 
 arid, in executing the commission, he was wounded in the foot and 
 coicpelled to leave the field, Thus I was deprived of his valuable 
 assistance, and the regiment of that pliant bearing which he has ex- 
 hibited on so many fields. Of the conduct of Captain Wallace, acting 
 :ts field officer, I cannot speak too highly ; he elicited the highest 
 admiration, and is deserving of special mention. No braver man 
 ever trod the field of battle. Captain Cuthbert's company had been de- 
 ployed to the right of the creek early in the morning, and remaining 
 until after dark, doing execution in the i'anks of the enemy. The 
 exalted courage, enthusiasm and chivalric daring of its commanding 
 officer are always guarantees of its good success. Lieutenants Elliott 
 and Fishburn, of this company, were wounded, gallantly discharging 
 their duty. Capt^ns Pulliam, Moore, Cunningham, Graham, and 
 Lieutenants Maxwell, Brown, Perry and Wallace, commanding com- 
 panies, and their lieutenants, all acted with conspicuous bravery, and 
 deserve my t^ianks for their hearty co-operation. It is useless to 
 mention individual instances of courage, they are too numerous ; 
 'suffice it to eay, the regiment never acted with more coolness. Adju- 
 tant Sill was of every assistance to me, and exhibited great gallantry. 
 Mr. B. Moses, of company D, acting as orderly to me, bore himself 
 well, but was disabled before reaching the wall and compelled to retire. 
 IS. F. Boozer, of company F, acting as same, coolly conveyed several 
 orders to different parts of the regiment, and was wounded by my 
 side. His demeanor was inspiriting. Captain Stackhouse, while 
 under my command, (which was until General Kershaw reached the 
 stone wall and assumed command,) acted deliberately and commanded 
 his rnen with success and bravery. Number of officers and men car- 
 ried into action, three hundred and fifty. Officers killed, none ; men 
 killed, six. Officers wounded, seven ; men wounded, fifty-five. Total 
 killed and wounded, sixty-two. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted, 
 
 JOHN D. KENNEDY, 
 Colonel comviandTng second S. C. V. 
 
KEPORT OF COLONEL EVANS, COMMANDING BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Lawton's Brigade, 
 Near Fori Boijal, Va., Dec. 19, 1862 
 
 .1 
 
 Major S. Hale, 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major: On the 13th instant, about nine o'clock, A. M., Lawton's 
 brigade, Colonel E. N. Atkinson commanding, was formed in lin'e of 
 battle in a wood about three-fourths of a mile west of the railroad, 
 nearly opposite Hamilton's Crossing, below Fredericksburg, Virginia, 
 the right resting on the left of another brigade of Ewell's division, 
 the thirteenth Georgia, Colonel J. M. Smith commanding, being the 
 extreme right, and successively towards the left the sixtieth Georgia, 
 (Colonel W. H. Stiles,) sixty-first Georgia, (Colonel J. H. Lamar,) 
 thirty-eighth Georgia, (Captain William McLeod,) thirty-firat 
 Georgia, (Colonel C. A. Evans,) and the twenty-sixth Georgia, (Cap- 
 tain Grace,) being six regiments, numbering about two thousand rank 
 and file. While thus resting in line the shells of the enemy fell upon 
 the regiments on the right, wounding several, but was borne without 
 flinching by men who, in many engagements, have proven themselves 
 not deficient in courage or patriotism. About half-past one o'clock 
 the brigade was ordered forward, and all the regiments advanced at 
 once, in line, except the thirteenth Georgia. The failure of this 
 regiment to move at the proper time is subject to the following ex- 
 planation : While in line this regiment rested upon the slope of a 
 hill intervening between it and the other regiments, which prevented 
 Colonel Smith from observing, at the time, the forward movement of 
 the brigade, and receiving no order to advance, our line passed out 
 of sii'ht before he was aware that he had been left behind. Receiving 
 i rders, communicated by yourself soon afterwards, he advanced to 
 rejoin the brigade, but was too late to participate in the action. Sub- 
 f^equcntly, being ordered to join Colonel Hoke, commanding Trimble's 
 brigade, he placed his regiment in a trench near the edge of the field, 
 on Colonel Hoke's left, where he remained until Monday morning. 
 In the meantime, the brigade moving forward about two hundred and 
 fifty yards, Captain Grace, commanding the twenty-sixth Georgia, on 
 the left, encountered the enemy, being apprised of their proximity to 
 him by a volley poured into his ranks, which for a moment checked 
 his advance. But quickly recovering, the regiment delivered its fire, 
 reloaded, and, advancing, drove the enemy before them through the 
 wGcds. Having encountered the enemy so soon they became for the 
 time separated from the brigade, and on reaching the ditch which 
 pkirted the edge of th«. woods, they observed the remaining regiments 
 far cut on the plain. Here Captain Grace was directed to halt his 
 command, and not advance into the open field. The remaining four 
 regiments, consisting of the sixtieth Georgia, (Colonel Stiles,) sixty- 
 firso Georgia, (Colonel Lamar,) thirty-eighth Georgia, (Captain 
 
512 
 
 MoLeod,) and thirty-first Georgia, (Colonel Evans,) pushing aheat', 
 came upon the enemy in a minute of time after they were first en- 
 couniered by Captain Grace, receiving their fire without producing 
 scarcely a perceptible check, fired in return, and, withr loud cheers, 
 dashed forward. From this time the contest consisted of but a series 
 of temporary haUs made by the enemy, only to be driven away from 
 their positions. At the railroad the enemy made their most deter- 
 mined resistance, and for a few minutes poured a heavy fire into our line. 
 Seeing that a charge was the most effectual plan to dislodge them, the 
 order was given, and so rapidly accomplished that many of the enemy 
 ■weTe captured, and a few, in their attempts to get away, received the 
 application of the bayonet. As an incident of the battle, I desire to 
 state that one of the enemy, after surrendering, leveled his gun to fire at 
 our passing line, but a baj onet thrust from the hands of Captain W. D. 
 Wood, of the thirty^-first Georgia, prevented the intended barbarism. At 
 this part of the railroad a short neck of woods juts out into the plain : 
 80 that on our right and left were the open field, while before the line 
 lay this neck of thickly matted woods. Under its shelter the enemy 
 fled, pursued by these four regiments with so much precipitation that 
 both parties entered the ditches beyond almost together. At the 
 railroad and in these ditches a large number of prisoners were cap- 
 tured and sent to the rear, among whom was one colonel and several 
 officers of minor grade. A battery posted to the left, on a hill about; 
 two hundred yards distant from the last ditches referred to, tempted 
 the troops still further into the field, firing as they advanced toward 
 it upon men and horses wit^j^ such eifect as to cause a portion of the 
 battery to be withdrawn and the remainder to be abandoned. The 
 prize was virtually in the hands of these gallant men, being abandoned 
 and within seventy-five yards of the place wher^ they stood, but at 
 this moment a heavy line of the enemy advanced on our right flank, 
 (learned sinpe to have been General Birney's division,) and seeing 
 that all had beea accomplished which was in the power of these men 
 to do, I communicated to them the order to retire to the protection of 
 the woods. In the heat of the contest these four regiments may have 
 " gone too far," but brave men in that important struggle feel that 
 they scarcely went far enough. Colonel Atkinson, in command of 
 the brigade, participating fully in the enthusiasm of the charge, was 
 ■wounded in the arm, above the elbow, soon after entering the field, 
 and fell into the hands of the enemy. Colonel Lamar, wounded by 
 having a part of one of his fingers shot off, retired from the ground ; 
 and Major McCarthy succeeded to the command, leading the regiment 
 into the open plain, assisted by Captain Peter Brennam. Colonel W. 
 II. Stiles, commanding his regiment through the entire fight, I have 
 the pleasure to state, did his dul^r, and did it well. I cannot forbear 
 to mention, in terms of unqualified praise, the heroism of Captain E. 
 P. Lawton, assistant adjutant general of the Jjrigade, from the begin- 
 ning of the advance until near the close of the figUt, when he received 
 a dangerous wound, and was unavoidably left in the open plain, where 
 he fell. Cheering on the men, leading this regiment, or restoring tho 
 line of another, encouraging officers, he was everywhere aloag the 
 
513 
 
 whole line, the br<avest among the brave. Just us the four regiraeats 
 emerged from the neck of ^voods referred to, his horee ^yas shot frori. 
 ander him, and, in f\\.lling, so far disabled him that thousands less ardeut , 
 or determined would have felt justified in leaving the field; but limp- 
 ing on, he rejoined the line again in their advance towards the batterj^ 
 tut soon received the wound with which lie fell. It is gratifying t<> 
 me to be able to record that officers and men generally behaved witii 
 ihe courage characteristic of the southern soldier, continuing for the 
 brigade a well deserved reputation. The report of casualties will 
 testify how severe the fire was through which these brave men passed 
 m driving the enemy before them. The Staunton artillery, com- 
 rnanded by Lieutenant .\. W. Garber, (attached to this brigade,) at 
 iialf-past four o'clock, was ordered to the extrcTue right of our lines, 
 and was actively engaged on the plain about two hours, when thf 
 batteries of the eneiny ceased firing. The officers and men behaved 
 with coolness and gallantry. Lieutenant Garber had his horse shot 
 from under him during the engagement, but suffered no loss of b.js 
 men. I am extremelj' gratified to mention that by the activity of 8ut- 
 geon George F. Cooper, senior surgeon of the brigade, although witii 
 j;mited transportation, our numerous 'wounded received prompt At- 
 tention. 
 
 I have the lionor to be, Major, your obedient servant, 
 
 0. A. EVANS/ 
 Colonel commanding Brigaii'. 
 Official copy : 
 
 tS. 11 MS., A. A. A. General. 
 
 33 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL PENDER. 
 
 Headquarters Pender's Brigade, Dec, 20, 1362. 
 
 Major General A. P. Hill, 
 
 Commending Light Division : 
 
 General: I have the honor to make the following report of the 
 part taken bj my brigade in the fight of December 13th, before 
 Fredericksburg : 
 
 I vrae placed in position Friday morning, early, on the extreme left 
 of the division, in a skirt of wood, where we had no protection, nor 
 could have, from the enemy's artillery. Two batteries were placed in 
 cy front ; the right one commanded by Captaio Davidson, who, I 
 will here state, acted throughout with the greatest judgment, coolness 
 3od bravery. Friday was taken up by slight skirmish liring, and 
 LOW and then a slight artillery duel. Saturday morning we were 
 engaged in the same manner. In the afternoon, however, when the 
 enemy advanced on the right, they opened a most tremendous fire of 
 artillery upon the batteries in my front, playing upon them from the 
 front and right, from at least four batteries. This fire was most de- 
 structive to my men. At about this time a heavy line of skirmishers 
 advanced within range of Captain Davidson's battery and kept up a 
 hot fire upon him. One of their balls, at this time, killed my aid, 
 Lieutenant Sheppard, while he was very gallantly and coolly trying 
 to rally some men who had broken on our right and were making to 
 the rear. These skirmishers became so annoying that additional 
 companies had to be thrown out, under the efficient Major Cole, to 
 drive them back, which he did, and held them in check long after his 
 ammunition had given out. Colonel McElroy, with his regiment, the 
 Gistetnih North Carolina, had been placed, early in the morning, 
 tear the railroad cut and in front of the left battery, which this day 
 consisted of some rifle pieces, under Captain "Latimer — as brave a 
 soldier as I ever saw — to support it. He was here much exposed, 
 being far in advance of the general line, with his left totally unpro- 
 tected, but with the ravine of Deep Run to cover the movement of 
 the enemy on his left. After the heat of the action on the right, the 
 enemy advanced a brigade up Deep Run, throwing one regiment 
 somewhat in advance, which so sheltered itself behind the trees as to 
 get near enough to take an officer and fifteen men of the sixteenth 
 prisoners, who were protecting the left flank of their regiment. This 
 left the regiment to be rak-ed by a fire down the railroad track. The 
 Colonel drew his regiment back to the ditch and held his ground, until 
 General Law sent forward two regiments to its assistance ; these three 
 then charged the enemy, dftving them from the railroad cut and 
 across the fields, to within a short distance of their batteries. Owing 
 ?to a great many of Colonel McElroy's men not having cartridge-boxes, 
 they got out of ammunition ; but, getting into the ditch and dividing 
 them, they maintained their ground. The officers and men of my 
 brigade behaved throughout as well as I could have desired them. 
 
515 
 
 la conclusion I beg leave to commend the efficiency of first Lieu- 
 tenant T. T Kirkland ordnance officer and acting assistant adjutant 
 g-eneral, and Mr. John Young, volunteer aid-de-camp. These gen- 
 tleiaen were greatly exposed during the two days we were in advance 
 bu« were always at their post. In the death of Lieutenant Sheppard 
 1 have to lament the loss of a brave and promising young officer. 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, 
 
 W. D. PENDER, 
 Brigadier General, 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES IN PENDER^S BRIGADE. 
 
 Rbqimemt. 
 
 Killed. 
 
 WOUNDBD. 
 
 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Men. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 Men. 
 
 m 
 
 H 
 
 O 
 H 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 < 
 
 J^Uff 
 
 1* 
 
 
 
 
 1 . 
 
 llnrteenth North Carolina 
 
 7 
 4 
 1 
 2 
 
 4 
 8 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 26 
 40 
 42 
 15 
 13 
 
 8i\teenth North Carolina 
 
 o 
 
 37 
 
 Twenty-second NorthCarolina 
 
 64 
 45 
 19 
 14 
 
 Thirtj»fourth North CaroliTia 
 
 
 Thirty-eighth North Carolina 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Grand total 
 
 3 
 
 14 17 
 
 18f; 170 
 
 ^Lieutenant Sheppard, aid-de-c 
 
 ^mp, kill 
 
 3d. 
 
 
 
 
 .»«^v< 
 
* REPORT OF COLONEL HAMILTON, COiri>L\NDIN(} 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Bivouac on Rappahannock River, "i 
 Headquarters Second Brigade, A. P. HiWs Light Division, \ 
 
 December 22, 1862. ) 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, A. A. G. : 
 
 Major : In obedience to orders from division headquarters, I have 
 the honor to forward the enclosed reports of the regimental com- 
 manders of this brigade. After the unfortunate fall of Brigadier 
 General Maxcy Gregg, I assumed command of the second brigade. 
 I have but little to add to njy report as regimental commander of th? 
 first regiment South Carolina volunteers, beyond mentioning thit, 
 so soon as I was informed that I was in command of General Gregg's 
 brigade, I mounted a horse standing near and rode down the lines, 
 informing the commanders of regiments that I was in command of 
 the brigade, and cautioning the soldiers of the brigade to remain qui$t 
 and steady under the severe fire of shells, which were falling rlon;^ 
 the line which we occupied, and I am pleased to say that their cour- 
 age and steadiness were of the highest character, The-brigade, except 
 my own regiment, first South Carolina volunteers, and Orr's rifle 
 regiment, was not engaged with the enemy, as they retired under \\xi 
 fire from my own regiment, no doubt accelerated by their finding 
 themselves at the mercy of*the second brigade, which had faced about, 
 and, in an advance a few yards beyond, their entire flank would hav-i 
 been exposed to a severe and raliing fire. Brigadier General Pax- 
 ton's brigade came up after I bad driven the enemy off, but I am not 
 aware that they were engaged at all with them at or near my position. 
 I understand that General Early's brigade, under command of Colo- 
 nel Walker, passed the left of the second brigade and marched to the 
 front; but, as I was on the right of the brigade at this time, and ia 
 thick woods, I did not see it myself. Shortly after this, by order 
 from General A. P. Hill, I moved the brigade forward as a support 
 .to Colonel Walker's brigade, and found him occupying the line of the 
 railroad. The enemy were drawn out in line of battle some six 
 hundred yards distant from the railroad, but, beyond advancing their 
 skirmishers, made no forward movement. At dark an order came 
 from Lieutenant General Jackson, ordering an advance of the whole 
 line. I accordingly advanced to the railroad, which I still founi 
 held by Colonel Walker's brigade, who had received no such order, as 
 Colonel Walker informed me. • Shortly after my reaching the rail- 
 road, a message was sent to me, through Colonel McGowan, four- 
 teenth South Carolina regiment, from one of Lieutenant General 
 Jackson's staflf, countermanding the order for a general advance of 
 the line. 1 accordingly marched the brigade back to the positioa 
 ■which it had held during tho day, where we bivoua»ked for the night. 
 
 I desire to mention the good conduct of Sergeant Pratt, company 
 
517 
 
 « 
 
 B, Orr's regiment rifles, who had rallied a squad of his company after 
 his regiment had been broken and driven off by the enemy, and came 
 to me and asked me to assign him a position, which I did, on the 
 right of ray own regiment. Nothing of moment occurred after this 
 day's (13th) engagement. The brigade suffered severely, consider- 
 ing that only two regiments were actually engaged with the enemy. 
 Lists of killed and wounded, amounting to three hundred and sixty- 
 three, have been already forwarded to you. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 D. II. HAMILTON, 
 Colonel commanding Second Brigade, Ligkt Division. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ARCHER. 
 
 IIeadquarters Archf.r's Brigade, j 
 ^ A. P. HiWs Light Divisicn, } 
 
 December 20, 1862. ) 
 
 To Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Light Division : 
 
 ■» 
 Major : I have the honor to submit tho following report of the ope- 
 rations of my brigade in the battle of Fredericksburg : 
 
 On arriving from sick leave Saturday morning, I found my brigade 
 posted in the edge of a wood before Bernard's house, overlooking the 
 plain through which the railroad and Bowling Green turnpike pass, 
 the former at a distance from my front of about two hundred and 
 fifty yards, the latter of about three-quarters of a mile, my left 
 resting where the wood extends forward to the front to a point beyond 
 the railroad. General Lane's brigade was on my left, with an inter- 
 val of about six hundred yards between us, while (as I was informed) 
 General Gregg's brigade was immediately behind the interval, close 
 enough to prevent my being flanked. On my right I found Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Walker, with fifteen pieces of light artillery, supported 
 by Colonel Brockenbrough's brigade. As the fog cleared away, the 
 enemy was seen advancing from the Bowling Green road, and a little 
 after nine o'clock, A. M., several batteries were brought forward ami 
 placed in position about one thousand yards from us, which were fired 
 on by some of our batteries, far off to the right, and with which they 
 carried on a brisk exchange of shots for about an hour, occasionally 
 throwing shell into the wood where I was posted.. About half-papt 
 ten o'clock, A. M., they turned all their guns on our position, and, 
 after thirty or forty minutes' severe shelling, their lines of infantiy 
 formed and advanced rapidly to tho attack. When they had arrived 
 near enough, I perceived them massing in front of, and entering the 
 point of wood which I have before mentioned as projecting on my left, 
 beyond the railroad, and immediately sent my ordnance officer, Lieu- 
 tenant Lemmon, to warn General Gregg that it was time for him to 
 move forward into the interval between Lane's and my brigade, to 
 prevent my being flanked. Shortly after, fearing that General Gregg 
 might be too late, I drew out the right battalion (fifth Alabama) and 
 ordered it to the left. When the enemy in my front arrived near the 
 railroad, my brigade opened a rapid and destructive fire upon them, \ 
 which soon checked their career, and forced them to retire and take 
 shelter in the railroad track, from which they kept up a desultory fire 
 lapon cur line. In the meantime, the column vrhich had entered the 
 point of wood on my left succeeded in passing round my left flaak 
 vand attacked the nineteenth Georgia and fourteenth Tennessee in rear 
 and flank. These regiments were compelled to retire, leaving aboat 
 
51^ 
 
 one hundred and sixty prisoners in the enemy's hands. The greater 
 part of the seventh Tennessee also, seeing the regiments on their left 
 give way and hearing the cry that the enemy was in thair rear, left 
 the trenches in disorder. The first Tennessee, together with Lieu- 
 tenants Timbeilake, Foster, Wilmouthand Baird, of the seventh Ten- 
 nessee, and a portion of the latter regiment, hehl its ground gallantly, 
 and, after its amrauuilion was exhausted, charged, under, Lieutenant 
 Col. George, (Col. Turney having heen severely woundq^l early in the 
 action,) across the railroad track, with Colonel Hoke's brigade, of Ear- 
 ly's division, and returned to its original position when the chaige 
 was over. 
 
 The fifth Alabama battalion, which 1 had sent from the right to aid 
 in opporiing the eneiViy on the left, discharged their duiy faithfully, 
 first under Major Vandegraff, and, after he was wounded, under Cap- 
 tain Stewart. 
 
 After sending. Lieutenant Leramon, I also sent ray aid de-camp. 
 Lieutenant Thomas, to explain the urgency of the ca^e to General 
 Gregg, and to bring down another brigade in support of my front, 
 which, althouglf not then pressed in front, had nearly exhausted its 
 ammunition. 
 
 General Gregg's and Lawton's brigades ^nd the fifth Ala- 
 bama battalion drove back the enemy, who had passed my flank, 
 and Colonel Ploke, in command of Trimble's brigade, came down to 
 the edge of the wood, my original position, which I still maintained 
 with the right of my brigade, but with empty riiles and cartridge- 
 boxes. The whole line then charged over the field beyond the rail- 
 road. When it returned to the edge of the wood i drew back my 
 troops about thifty yards, reformed my brigade and remained in sup- 
 port of the front line, (Hoke's brigade, which had relieved me in the 
 trenches.) 
 
 I take pleasure in reporting that the attack along my whole front 
 was gallantly and successfully repelled by my brigade. No enemy 
 ever arrived within fifty yards of my front, and even after my len; 
 was broken by the attack in rear and flank, the enemy in front hai 
 been so sharply repulsed that he did not venture to come again. Offi- 
 cers and men generally acted with gallantry. 
 
 Lieutenant Z. C. Gunn, fourteenth Tennessee, fell in the most gal- 
 lant discharge of his duty. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Hutchins, of the nineteenth Georgia, mentions 
 particularl}' the good conduct of Captain Mabry, Lieutenants W. II. 
 Johnson and M. Edwards, Sergeant Shell and Corporal Rogan. 
 
 Lieutenants 0. H. Thomas and George Lemmon, of my stafl", ren- 
 dered me gallant and efiicient service throughout the action. 
 
 My loss in the action was forty killed, two hundred and eleven 
 wounded, and one hundred and sixty- six missing, supposed to have been 
 captured. 
 
 Among the wounded were Colonel Turney, Lieutenant Colonel 
 George and Major Buchanan, of the first Tennessee ; Captain Tur- 
 ney, the senior captain of the first Tennessee ; Major Neil, of the 
 nineteenth Georgia; Major VandegrafiF, of the fifth Alabama bat- 
 
520 
 
 taiion, and Mr. Frank Wotten, volunteer aid on my staff the latter 
 supposed to be mortally wounded. 
 
 FvespectfuJly jour obedient servant, 
 
 J. L.' ARCHER, 
 Brigadier General evmmandmg Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF BRI^tADIER GENERAL LANE. 
 
 Headquartkp.s Lane's Brigade, > 
 December 23, 1803. ] 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assisto-nt Adjutar\t General : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of my brigade in the lute engagement before Fredericks- 
 burg : 
 
 At half past six o'clock, on the m( rning of the 12th, we left our 
 bivouac and took the position assigned us on the railroad, ray right 
 being about two hundred and fifty yards to the left of the small piece 
 of woods bevoud the track, and my left; resting on a dirt road, which 
 crosses the railroad near the point where it maket a bend. Several 
 batteries were to my left and rear, and General Pender some distance 
 farther back, my left nearly covering his right. When I had made 
 this disposition of my command I rode to the right of General Ar- 
 cher's, brigade, which was posted in the woods some four hundred 
 yards from the railroad, and informed Colonel Turne}', sfho was at 
 that time commanding, that there was an open space between us of about 
 six hundred yards. 1 also informed General Gregg of this opening ; 
 his command, which was to have been my support, being on the mili- 
 tary road opposite this opening, and some five or six hundred yards 
 from the railroad. I subsequently met General A. P. Hill, and spoke 
 to him of our relative positions. • 
 
 Nothing of interest occurred on Friday and Friday night. Saturday 
 morning, I ordered the seventh and eighteenth regiments beyond the 
 railroad to support three batteries, which hail been placed on a hill 
 immediately'in their front. Lieutenant Colonel Hill at once approached 
 the captain of one of these batteries, told him he would insure its 
 safety against any attempt on the part of the enemy to capture it, and 
 that he must let hira know when he wished hira to move to the front. 
 As soon as the fog lifted, heavy skirmishing commenced along my 
 whole line, and the enemy were seen advancing. Our skirmishers, 
 with the exception of Captain Turner's company, on the left, fell 
 back. The batteries, just alluded to, then opened, with telling effect, 
 and checked their advance. During this firing Captain Turner with- 
 drew his company, as his men were suffering, and rejoined his regi- 
 ment. Several pieces of the artillery, after firing a few rounds, 
 hurried from the field, saying they were "choked." On intimation, 
 from one of the captains of the batteries, Lieutenant Colonel Hill 
 promptly moved his regiment to the crest of the hill in front of the 
 enemy and delivered a volley at the sharpshooters, who were in range ; 
 the artillery all limbering up and driving to the rear. The seventh 
 and eighteenth both suffered from the enemy's artillery fire, and, at 
 times, from their sharpshooters. About two hours later the enemy 
 advanced in strong force across the open field to the right of my 
 
522_ 
 
 front. Colonel Barber, his regiment being on the right, informoil 
 me, through Adjutant Gates, of the advance, and wished to know 
 ■what he must do should he be flanked. On being ordered to hold his 
 position as long as possible, he deflected his three right c 5m panies, 
 and formed them to the rear at right angles to the track. I at once 
 Bent my courier, Mr. Shcpperd, to inform General A. P. Hill that the 
 enemy .were advancing in force upon the opening, Captain Hawka 
 hjh'ing been previously sent to apprize him that their skirraishsrs 
 were in front of the same. Eight regiments were seen to pass to my 
 right, and another to move ** by the right flank by file left" between 
 the some body of woods and the fence beyond the track. This last 
 regiment then faced by the rear rank and opened fire upon my right. 
 The three right companies of the thirty-seventh became hotly engaged, 
 and General Gregg's command was soon after encountered on the 
 military road. Although our right was turned by such a large force, 
 our position was deemed too important to be given up without a blow, 
 and nobly did both ofiicers and men await the approach of another 
 large force along our entire front. As this force was concealed from 
 the thirty-third, eighteenth and seventh regiments by the hill, about 
 forty yaxds beyond the track, they were cautioned to reserve their fire. 
 The twenty-eighth and thirty-seventh, however, had open, level 
 ground in their front, and, when the enemy had gotten within one 
 hundred and fifty yards of cur line, they cpened a terific and deadly 
 fire upon them, repulsing their first and second lines, and checking 
 the third. These two regiments were subjected not only to a direct, 
 but to right and left obli(|ue fires, that portion of the enemy's force 
 behind the hill, nearest the twenty-eighth, firing upon them. A.s 
 soon as the right of* my command became engaged with such an over- 
 whelming force, I despatched Captain Hawks to General Gregg for 
 reinforcements, with instructions, if he was unable to send them, to 
 apply to General Thomas, or anybody else whom he might see in 
 command of troops, for assistance. My whole command held their 
 ground until the twenty-eighth and thirty- seventh had fired away not 
 only their own cramunition, but that of their dead and wounded, 
 which, in some cases, was handed to them by their officers. When 
 these two regiments had ceased firing, the enemy, in column, doubled 
 on the centre, bore down in mass from behind the hill upon the left of 
 the twenty-eighth and right of the thirty-third, and the "power of 
 numbers farced them entirely across the railroad." The twenty- 
 eighth and thirty-seventh, being flanked right and left, fell back m 
 an orderly manner, and were resupplied with ammunition. A well 
 directed volley from the thirty-third checked the enemy for a time, and 
 Colonel Avery ordered a charge, but, being unsupported on his right, 
 he countermanded the order and withdrew his regiment into the woods, 
 about .-seventy-five yards from the railroad. The eighteenth regiment 
 then fell back about one hundred yards, the right companies tiring 
 into the foe until he reached the woods in the pursuit. The seventh, 
 being on the left, fell back about fifty yards, in perfect order. During 
 the greater part of the engagement the enemy's artillery played upon 
 the woods in our rear. While awaiting reinforcements, I sent my 
 
523 
 
 aid, Lieutenant Lane, to the left, to tell Lieutenant Colonel Hill, li 
 he could possibly be spared, to come to the assistance of nw right, a.g 
 it was heavily pressed. The right, however, was forced to fall back 
 before the order could be delivered. General Thomas came to my as- 
 sistance, but too late to save my line. He encountered the enemy iv. 
 the edge of the woods, drove them back, and. with the eighteenth and 
 seventh regiments of my brigade on his left, chased tiiem to their 
 first poeitian. Tho thirty-third, in accordance with orders, held the 
 position in the woods to which it had fallen back, until I could move 
 up the twenty-eighth and thirty-seventh, when all again resumed 
 their positions oil the railroad. That night the whole brigade was 
 aligned on the track, tind skirmishers thrown forward, preparatory to 
 a general advance. After this order was countermanded, my com- 
 mand rested on their arms until morning, when, having already beec 
 on duty upwards of forty-eight hours, there was heavy skirmishing 
 along my whole front— ^a number of men being killed and wounded. 
 We formed a portion of the second line on Monday, and, as we occu- 
 pied an exposed position, the men soon constructed a very gocd tem- 
 porary breastworks of logs, brush and dirt, behind winch they rested 
 until Tuesday morning, when it was ascertained that the enemy had 
 all recrossed the Rappahannock. 
 
 I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallantry of Colonels Avery, 
 Barber, Lowe and Purdie,^and Lieuteuiint Colonel Hill. They all com- 
 manded their regiments with bravery, and to my entire satisfaction. 
 Colonel Purdie was slightly wounded. Colonel Barber received a 
 painful wound in the neck, which, for a time, paralyzed his right 
 arm, but he reported for duty again on .Tuesday. 
 
 The other officers, both field and company, genevally discharged 
 their duties well. 
 
 Colonel Avery alludes in high terms to the efficiency of Lieutenant 
 Colonel Cow.an. Colonel Purdie, in his report, makes an unenviable 
 allusion to one of his officers, name not given. 
 
 The Yankee wretches dragged Lieutenant J. W. Peters, company 
 C, thirty-seventh regiment, some distance by the legs, after he ha'i 
 been wounded in the head and leg. 
 
 The men of the twenty-eighth and thirty-seventh fought like brave 
 men, long and well, while those of the other regiments calmly heifil 
 their positions <inder a heavy artillery fire, one of the most trying 
 positions in which soldiers can be placed. 
 
 I cannot refrain making special allusion to our conscripts, many 
 of whom were under fire for the first time. They proved themselves 
 worthy accessions to a brigade which has borne itself well in all the 
 battles of the last eight months. 
 
 Captain F. T. Hawks, the assistant adjutant general. Lieutenant 
 Oscar Lane, ray aid, and private James W. Shepperd, my courier, 
 were of great assistance to me throughout the fight, often carrying 
 orders and messages for me under the hottest fire. 
 
 Our ambulance corps was very efficient and removed our wounded 
 rapidly. Lieutenant James A. Bryan, ordnance officer, was untiring 
 in his exertions to keep the command supplied with ammunition. 
 
524 
 
 Our loss in officers was two killed, twenty-five wounded and five 
 prisoners; enlisted men, sixty killed, two hundred and 'thirty-two 
 wounded, one hundred and eighty-three prisoners and twenty-eight 
 missing— an aggregate of six hundred and twenty-five. 
 Ilespectfullv, 
 
 JAMES H. LANE, 
 Brigadier General. 
 
31EP0RT OF COLONEL BROCKENBROUGH, COMMANDING 
 
 BRIGADE. 
 
 Headquarters Feeld's Brigade, > 
 Ikcember 21, 1862. { 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 action of this brigade in the late battle near Fredericksburg: 
 
 Stationed upon the extreme right of our division, we remained in 
 this position until the concentrated forces of the enemy passed through 
 a gap in. and reached the rear of, our lines. There being no enemy 
 ,n our immediate front, and reinforcements being called for, I with- 
 drew my command from its first position and hurried as rapidly as 
 possible to the point indicated. We moved up by the left flank, and 
 fo urgent and repeated were the calls for reinforcements that mj' 
 two leading regiments, viz : forty-seventh Virginia, Colonel Mayo, 
 and the twenty- second battalion, Colonel Tayloe, the only regirctents 
 actively engaged, advanced in a run, separated themselves from the 
 brigade, passed well to the left and encountered the enemy in rear of 
 cur front lines, about midway between Generals Archer and Lane. 
 Firing one volley into their left flank and charging thcra with a yell, 
 they fled precipitately to the shelter of the railroad cut. Here they 
 rallied and made a short stand, but, being joined by a Georgia bri- 
 gade, (Lawton's, I believe,) we made a second charge,- which drove them 
 from the railroad. Here the men were ordered to halt, but such was 
 their impetuosity that much the larger portion of these two regiments 
 advanced to the position which had been occupied by two of the ene- 
 my's batteries, which they found deserted. Being unsupported, they 
 were, of course, compelled to retreat, which was done under the most 
 galling fire of grape, canister and minie balls. 
 
 The fact that only two regiments were actively engaged was acci- 
 dental and unavoidable. The woods through wbich we passed being 
 dense and filled with troops, the rapid run of the leading regiments 
 Boon separated them from the brigade, and, while they passed well 
 around to the left, the remainder of the brigade only marched by direct 
 line to General Archer's left, who was said to have been flanked. 
 Driving the enemy from the woods was a task of short duration, and 
 the troops engaged were completely successful in driving back the 
 enemy before the remaining regiments, a few minutes behind them, 
 rould come to their assistance. 
 
 During the fight several of the enemy's mounted officers were shot 
 down, and the colors of one regiment were seen to fall four times. 
 
 It affords me much pleasure to mention the good conduct of Colo- 
 nels Mayo and Tayloe and the officers and men under their com- 
 mand. 
 
 The valor and daring of the men wa.s unprecedented. Many of 
 them were fighting in sight of their homes and ecemed determined to 
 drive back the enemy at ull hazards. 
 
526 
 
 Our loss vras considerable, being about twenty per cent, of the 
 wTCops actively engaged. 
 
 Very respectfully, voar obedient obedienl servant, 
 
 J. M. BROCKENBROUGE, 
 Colonel commanding Brigade. 
 
 m 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS. 
 
 B^KADQUARTERS ThOMAS' BrIGADE. Ge.V. A. P. II[Ll's DiV., 
 
 Becemher 20, 186 
 
 r I 
 
 Major R. C. Morgan, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Major: On Friday, December 13, 18G2, accordio^ to orders from 
 Major General Hill, this brigade left its camp near Mr. John Alsop's 
 boose, moved in the direction of Fredericksburg, and was directed to 
 tike position in line of battle on the military road, with orders to 
 support General l*ender, who occupied the front and left of the di- 
 vision. The remainder of the da}'^ and the succeeding night passed 
 without any change in position. 
 
 About midday, of December 13th, orders were received from Major 
 General Hill to render assistance and support to any part of the front 
 line requiring it. Soon after which, an ctfioer of General Lane's staff 
 brought information that His brigade was hard pressed by overwhelm- 
 ing numbers. I immediately advanced my brigac^ down the road, 
 be.ing unable on account of the density of the undergrowth to advance 
 iu line, the brigade moved bj' the tiank until near the scene ot action, 
 when the regiments were thrown into line of battle and advanced 
 towards the enemy, who, at this time, had advanced into the woods. 
 Their advance was checked there, and, after a stubborn resistance, 
 this brigade charged them, driving them through the field and com- 
 pletely routing thera. SYa pursued for some distance across the rail- 
 road, when, seeing no support either on the right or left, and my am- 
 munition being reported to be well nigh exhausted, I concluded to fall 
 back to the railroad. Forming, at this place, the front line, I deter- 
 mined to hois the position ; at the same time, sending word to Colonel 
 Pendleton, commanding brigade, that I was deficient in ammunition, 
 and requesting him to be in supporting distance. The brigade 
 bivouacked that night in the edge of the woods, throwing out pickets 
 on the railroad, and were relieved early the next morning by Colonel 
 Warren's brigade and was placed in reserve. 
 
 The officers and men of ^ly command behaved with a gallantry 
 highly commendable. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Major, your obedient servant, 
 
 EDWARD L. THOMAS, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL J. R. JO^'ES. 
 
 Hlaiq'rs Jones' Brigade, Dec. 20, 1S62. 
 
 To Captain Taliaferro, 
 
 Assistant Adjuicnt General : 
 
 Captain : In obedience to orders from division headquarters, I re- 
 spectfully submit the following report of the part taken bj my brig- 
 ade in the recent battle at Fredericksburg : 
 
 I reached the ground on Friday evening, and was placed in position 
 in the reserved line. On Saturday morning, 13th instant, I was 
 directed to change my position to the left and farther to the front ,-bu:; 
 still occupying a portion in the reserve. My position subjected me 
 to some annoyance from the shells cf the enemy, one of which severely 
 wounded the adjutant of the forty-second Virginia regiment. About 
 the middle of the day the musketry opened, when I was still further 
 advanced to within musketry range of the. enemy. The front line not 
 requirirjg support, 1 remained in this position the remainder of the 
 d.'iy. In obediAice to orders, I advanced at dawn next morning to the 
 front, relieving Brigadier General Lane. My command moved to this 
 position under a hewvy musketry £re from the enemy's sharpshooters, 
 in wiiich I had one man killed and several wounded. The complete- 
 ness of the victory of Saturday not being known, officers and men 
 expected soon to be engaged with the enemy in force, and it ofi'ords 
 me pleasure to report that all were anxious for the encounter, and 
 manifested a feeling of disappointment as the day passed on and no 
 signs of an advance were given by the enemy, A brisk skirmish was 
 kept up during the day, in which I sustained a loss of thirty- seven 
 officers and men killed and wounded. Among the form.er was Captain 
 Ames, company -C, twenty-first Virginia regiment, and Lieutenant 
 Swoops, company E, twenty- first Virginia regiment, both in the faith- 
 ful dischago of their duty. The fighting was necessary to keep the 
 sharpshooters from occupying the crest which commanded our line. 
 
 Where all behaved coolly, gallantly and equally well, I can speak 
 of none in particular. I can only saylhatthe gallant little brigade 
 which ho.3 fought so gallantly and lost so heavily in the great battles 
 of the past summer and fall, w?*8 ready to do its duty and bear its par" 
 in making the shortest and mcpt direct route to Richmond a hard road 
 to travel. 
 
 Very reerectfaily, 
 
 J. R. JONES, 
 Brigadier General commanding. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL PENDLETON, COMMANDING 
 
 BlUUADE. 
 
 HeAOQUAHTERS StaRKk's BRIGAnK, ) 
 
 <h}np near Fredericksburg, Dec. 10, !8G2, J 
 
 Captain W. T. Tauaferro,' 
 
 A. A General Jackson's Division ; 
 
 Captain: In obedience to tae circular order of the Bri*;aflier Gen- 
 eral comreaEding. of this date, requiring reports from coinraanders of 
 brigades of the participation of iheir respective comraands in the late 
 operations around PVc<lf;ricksburg, I beg leave to submit the following 
 report of the part taken therein by the brigade un<ler my command: 
 
 Having previously cooked three days' rations, on the morning of 
 the 13th instant, at early dawn, we marched from our camp, near 
 •Guineas depot, for the scene of the late engagement. The brigade 
 under my command, soon after its arrival on the ground, about two, 
 P, M., took its position in line of battle on the extreme left of the 
 right wing, in rear of and supporting Thomas' brigade in General A. 
 P. HilTs division. In this position we remained until Saturday morn- 
 ing, the 1 3th, when we were ordered to take a different position, to our 
 left and rear. Here we remained inactive, av;aiting the progress of 
 events, until half past one. P. M., when a rapid and continued fire of 
 musketry in our front indicated that the enemy had advanced to attack 
 our front line, and we moved forward in close supporting distance of 
 General Thomas, to whos^e relief I was ordered to go in case he de- 
 sired my assistance. It was not until about four, P. M , that I re- 
 ceived a message from CJeneral Thomas informing me that he had 
 driven the enem^^ back, but had only three rounds of ammunition, and 
 wished me to move op close enough to charge the enemy in conjunc- 
 tion with him so soon as he should be again engaged. In accordance 
 with this request, I again moved my command forward to within eighty 
 paces of the line held by General Thomas, with unfiincliing determi- 
 nation, and, having ordered my men to lie down to avoid the desultory 
 fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, awaited the signal for the onset. 
 But the enemy having failed to renew the attack, as was anticipated, 
 I was not called on. Just when it began to grow dark, I received 
 the order of Lieutenant General Jackson for a general advance be- 
 tween sunset and dark, and commenced the execution of it bj moving 
 forward ; but finding that the troops in front of me were not in motion, 
 I ordered a halt. iShortly afterwards the order was countermanded, 
 And I bivouacked for the night. 
 
 At half past three o'clock, on the morning of the Hth, I was 
 ordered to relieve tieneral Pender on our advance line, and immedi- 
 ately did so. 
 
 I'he battery of Captain Carrington, stationed in front of my left, 
 reported to me for orders, and was directed not to open unless the 
 «nemv threatened U8 with an attack, as he would thereby attract upon 
 ' 34 
 
530 
 
 us the crossfire of three of the enemy's battpriea, from which the ground 
 aftbrdeJ us no protection whatever. Such, I was inforined by Gene- 
 ral Pender, had been the case the day previous. From misapprehen- 
 sion or some other cause unknown to me, so soon as the forces of the 
 enemy were seen to be in motion at the distance of apparently a mile^ 
 Captain Carrington opened upon his column with rifle pieces, and tho 
 consequence which 1 had foreseen immediately ensued, resulting in 
 the loss of ten or twelve wounded, with little advantage to our side. 
 
 About ten, A. M., I was ordered to throw my command forward in 
 the field about three hundred yards and occupy the line of the rail- 
 road, beyond which I had already posted my line of skirmishers before 
 daylight. Moving in a circuitous route by tho right flank, so as to 
 screen the movement as much as possible from the observation and 
 fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, I at once proceeded to occupy the 
 new po&ition assigned to me, though I found it impossible of accom- 
 plishment without the loss of several men wounded, one or more fatally. 
 In moving four of the regiments of my brigade from the railroad, under 
 an order subsequently received to throw them back in a line nearly 
 at right angles with the railroad, I again sustained a slight loss from 
 the same cause. The skirmishers thrown out along my front kept up 
 a brisk and well directed fire during the whole day, (twice exhausting 
 their ammunition,) and, as was ascertained by actual observation 
 during the presence of the flag of truce in the afternoon, with fatal 
 effect on the enemy. The enemy, contrary to all expectation, having 
 failed to advance or renew his attack during the day, we quietly bivou- 
 acked in our position for the night, and being relieved at four, A. M., 
 on the 15th, by the division of Major General D. 11. Hill, retired to 
 the line of the reserve, which we occupied until it was ascertained 
 that the enemy had entirely abandoned the field and recrossed the 
 Rappahjannock. 
 
 Although my command was not at any time closely engaged, it was 
 three times subjected to a sharp fire, and was, throughout the days of 
 the 13th and 14th, in constant expectation of being brought into ac- 
 tion. Under these circumstances every man remained firm at his post, 
 not a straggler was to be seen leaving the ranks, and all evinced a 
 commendable eagerness to engage the enemy, which needed only op- 
 portunity to ripen into the gallantry heretofore so conspicuous in the 
 troops from Louisiana. Lieutenant Colonel Nolan, commanding the 
 first Louisiana regiment ; Lieutenant Colonel Goodwin, commanding 
 the fifteenth ; Major Grogan, commanding the second; Major Leggett, 
 commanding the tenth, and Captain Verlander, commanding the four- 
 teenth, are deserving of my especial commendation for the coolness 
 and skill with which they commanded their respective regiments, and 
 the promptness and energy with which they executed every order. 
 I should entirely fail in my duty if I did not advert also to the valu- 
 able assistance rendered to me by First Lieutenant Thomas L. Mills^ 
 of the tenth Louisiana, who tendered me his services as aid-de-camp 
 for the occasion. His promptness and untiring activity in conveying 
 my orders, although frequently exposed, are deserving of the highest 
 praise, and I beg leave to mention him as eminently deserving of 
 
531 
 
 promofcioBo The casualties of my brigade hare been heretofore re- 
 ported at two killed and thirty-five wounded. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 EDMOND PENDLETON, 
 Gaiefitl Fifteenth l^ouisiana Regiment, commanding Brigade. ] 
 
EEPORT OF COLONEL WALTON. 
 
 Headquarters Battalion Washington Artillery, ) 
 Near Fredericksburg y December 21), 1863. ) 
 
 To Major G. M. Sorrel, 
 
 A. A. General First Corps, A. N. V. : 
 
 Major: In conformity to circular order of 18th instant, I have 
 the honor to submit the following report of the part taken bj the 
 battalion Washington artillery, of New Orleans, under my command, 
 in the battles of the 12th and 13th instanta, near Fredericksburg, 
 Virginia. The signal guns, fired at four o'clock, A. M., on the morn- 
 ing of the 1 1th inatant, aroused my camp, and gave notice that the 
 enemy was in motion. Immediately the batteries of the first, third 
 and fourth companies (consisting of two three-inch rifles and one 
 ten-pounder Parrott gun, under Captain Squiers, Lieutenants Gal- 
 braith and Erown, first company ; two twelve-pounder light Napoleon 
 guns, under Captain Miller and Lieutenant McElroy, third company ; 
 and two twelve-pounder howitzers and two twelve-pounder light Na- 
 poleon guns, under Captain Eshleman, Lieutenants Norcom, Battles 
 ftnd Apps, fourth company) were placed in position in the redoubts 
 (^ the hill back of the town, known as " Marye's Hill," extending 
 from the telegraph road to the plank road. Notwithstanding tho 
 dense fog, which enveloped the country around and completely hid 
 from view the town and river banks, the enemy, at about sever, 
 o'clock, A. M., opened upon the town a tremendous fire from his nu- 
 merous batteries, which lined the Stafford shore, to cover his crossing. 
 This cannonading he continued during the day, with but little inter- 
 mission, and without any response from ray batteries. Thecoramund 
 bivouacked for the night in the works, beside their guns. The next 
 morning. 12ih instant, the fog was again exceedingly heavy. At two 
 o'clock, P. M., it ha<l raised suflficiontly for us to discern the hills op- 
 posite *ho city, densely coveied viih the enemy's infantry and artil- 
 lery. At twenty minute-^ to four aclock, P M.,ahiavy column was 
 ob?/---* •"' y'r^v the gat- woiks, below the town, upon which m\ bubterits 
 immediately opened a w6ll directed and destructive fire, causing the 
 enem}* to break an<l run for cover. During this firing, the entiny's 
 heavy batteries (across the river) opened upon us with shell and shot, 
 disregarding vvhich, my men steadily worked their guns without re- 
 plying. After about ten minutes, having dispersed the column, my 
 batteries ceased firing and continued to receive in silence the con- 
 tinued fire of the enemy. Another night, passed by the officers and 
 tnen beside their guns, brings us to tho memorable I3(h December. 
 At half past twelve o'clock, P. M., the enemy was observed, in force, 
 moving down upon our position through the streets of the town. 
 Everything being in readiness, fire was immediately opened from all 
 my batteries, at once halting and breaking his first advance. Again 
 they emerged in greater force, and, apparently, with much steadiness. 
 
533 
 
 Gaining the crest of an elevated piece of ground in our front, he 
 opened upon our position a galling fire of musketry, and- of artillery 
 from the hills beyond. The brigade of General Cobb, in front of my 
 batteries, then opened fire, and the battle became general all along 
 our lino. Again and again did their heavy masses come forth from 
 the town, only to be mowed down and scattered in confusion, as each 
 time they formed and advanced. Three times their colors were 
 leveled by the unerring aim of the gunners. At two o'clock, P. M., 
 a portion of General Ransom's division (supporting column) moved 
 steadily across the plateau in my rear ; halting but an instant on the 
 crest of the hill, they delivered a volley, then plunged with a cheer 
 into the road below and in front of us, already occupied by Cobb's 
 troops. The sharpshooters of the enemy, under cover of a crest in 
 front and the slope of the hill, kept up a galling fire upon our works, 
 causing many of my gallant men to fall, killed and wounded, at their 
 posts ; among whom was Lieutenant H. A. Battles, fourth company, 
 severely wounded in the arm by a minio ball. Five several times did 
 heavy' masses of the enemy's infantry, supported by light batteries 
 •which had been placed in position on the field, advance from the coyer 
 of the town and the scattered houses, only to meet the fate of those 
 who preceded them. They fell by thousands under the judicious, 
 steady and unerring fire of my guns, encouraged and aided by the 
 gallant conduct of the brave troops in the road in front of us. At 
 five o'clock, P. M., after having been engaged four hours and a half, 
 against overwhelming odds of the enemy, 1 was compelled to relin- 
 quish the post of honor to Woolfolk's and Moody's batteries, Alex- 
 ander's battalion, having one gun disabled, and having exhausted all 
 the canister, shell and fcaso shot, and nearly every round of solid shot 
 in the chests ; more could not be supplied, in position, in time, the 
 train being several miles distant. On the 14th my guns were held 
 in reserve. On the loth I took position in the works on the extreme 
 ^eft of our line, the position before occupied by Lane's battery, which 
 I occupied until the 18th instant. On the 18th all my batteries were 
 again concentrated in camp. The second company. Captain Rich- 
 ardson, was, during the engagements, attached to Pickett's division, 
 in reserve, and was not engaged. 
 
 It is my duty, as it is my pleasure, to say in behalf of my officers, 
 cannoneers and drivers, that upon no field during this war have men 
 behaved more gallantly. To Captains Eshleman, Miller and Squiers,* 
 and the brave officers and men under them, is the service indebted for 
 the gallant defence of Marye's Hill against the stubborn and over- 
 whelming assaults of an army of over fifty thousand men. To Lieu- 
 tenant William M. Owen, my adjutant and only aid, I am, as usual, 
 indebted for zealous and fearless conduct on the field, in the perform- 
 ance of all his duti.es. Befoi'e closing thia^eport, I may be permitted, 
 •without being invidious, to direct the attention of the General com- 
 manding to the gallant conduct of Captain Eshleman, in directing, 
 and Lieutenant Norcom, fourth company, in executing the order, ia 
 taking one of the Napoleon guns from the work, where it was out of 
 range, and placing it Detwebn two of the redoubts, on the open field,,. 
 
534 
 
 there continuing it in action, entirely exposed to the enemy's infantry 
 and sharpshooters, during the greater part of the engagement. Mj 
 loss in this engagement is three killed and twenty-four wounded. 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 J. B. WALTON, 
 Colonel of Artillery, co'mmcndivg. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CRUTCHFIELD. " 
 
 Headquarters Artillery Command, Second Armt Corps, ^ 
 
 January 8, 1863. 5 
 
 Lieutenant General T. J. Jackson, 
 
 Commanding Second Army Corps, A. N. F.: 
 
 General: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of the artillery of this corps in the engagement near Fred- 
 ericksburg, December 13, 1862: 
 
 The heights on the right of our line were held by fourteen guns of 
 the batteries of Major General A, P. Hill's division, under Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel R. L. Walker, and consisting of the batteries of Captains 
 Pegram and M<^Irito8h, (four guns each,) and sections of the batteries 
 of Captains Latham, Johnson and Crenshaw, commanded respectively 
 by Lieutenants Potts, Clutter and James Ellett. This position was 
 a commanding one, and afforded admirable advantage against a direct 
 aseault from infantry ; but, what was more important, so controlled 
 the ground in front as to force the enemy to open a heavy cannonade 
 upon it, in the hope of silencing these batteries, before they could 
 move any considerable mass of their infantry down the plain, as would 
 be necessary should they endeavor to turn our right. On the other 
 hand, it was liable to the disadvantages always attaching to a fixed 
 position, that it must receive a concentrated fire from many points, 
 added to which the formation of the ground at the top of the hill was 
 such as not to afford much protection to men and hardly any to the 
 horses. It was of course a position of groat importance, and it being 
 specially necessary that its batteries should be able to open an effective 
 fire upon the enemy's infanfry in the plain below, should they en- 
 deavor to move down the river to threaten or turn our right, I directed 
 Lieutenant Colonel Walker to keep his guns concealed as well as he 
 could, and not to allow himself to be drawn into an artillery duel, but, 
 disregarding the fire of the enemy's batteries, to reserve his own for 
 their infantry when it should come within effective range. On the 
 left of our line were posted twenty-one guns, as follows : Just at 
 Bernard's cabins and to their left, nine guns, consisting of six rifles, 
 two Napoleons and one six-pounder, of the battorios of Captains Da- 
 vidson, Raine, Caskie and Braxton, all under the immediate direc- 
 tion of Captain Davidson. Some two hundred yards in front of these, 
 to their right and beyond the railroad, were placed twelve guns, con- 
 sisting of six rifles, three Napoleons and three six-pounders, from the 
 batteries of Captains Carpenter, Wooding and Braxton, all under the 
 immediate command of Captain J. B. Brockenbrough. Captain Car- 
 penter's battery was commanded by Lieutenant McKendree. From 
 the first it was evident that the enemy's attack might be expected 
 upon our centre, where the heights on our right descended to a level 
 with the plain, and a point of woods running out into the field offered 
 them early and good shelter, or that they would endeavor to turn our 
 
536 
 
 rig^t. A ccnslderable artillftrj force waa lield ready to rceet this 
 latter contingency by moving cat and taking position in the fields to 
 our right, so as to cross its fire with the batteries of Lieutenant Colo- 
 nel Walker. The centre of the line was our -weakest point, sine© 
 Lieutenant Colonel Walker's guns could not obliqiie their fire to the 
 left sufficiently to hope to prevent the enemy's seizing the point of 
 woods referrc'l to, »t the distsnce at which it was. The batteries near 
 Bernard's cabins more directly controlled this point, but only by a 
 quite oblique iire to the right. So that there was some eight hun- 
 dred or a thousand yards of our front, near the centre, undefended by 
 a direct artillery fire to the front. I examined the ground carefully 
 in the woods behind this point, in hopes of being able to establish bat- 
 teries of howitzers, which, by a canister fire, uiight soon check tho 
 eneiuy's infantry in their advance through the woods. But I found 
 the ground unfavorable, being intersected by a deep ravine, and the 
 undergrowth so thick as to require more time to clear it away than 
 we had before the action began. Tiie instructions given to Captains 
 Brockenbrough and Davidson were to reserve their fire for the ene- 
 my's infantry at close range, and not to engage his batteries unless 
 he advanced them to the support of his infantry, and then they were 
 to conceutrare their fire on .the advancing battery, and not to fall 
 back from their position eo long as our infantry supported them. 
 The 4newj opened the attack by the fire of some twenty-five or thirty 
 guns directed upon Lieutenant Colonel Walker's position, and from 
 about sixteen guns (afterwards increased to twenty-four) upon our 
 batteries at and near Bernard's cabins. The officers in charge of 
 these batteries obeyed their orders, and, the enemy's fire not being 
 replied to, he advanced his skirmishers in very heavy line upon the 
 points occupied by the commands of Captains Biockenbrough and 
 Davidson. These were soon driven off by canister, and tho exact 
 poKitiong of our batteries being thus disclosed to the enemy, h© 
 directed a heavy artillery fire upon them, and advanced one of his 
 batteries near a chimney in the centre of the plain. This fire was 
 replied to by our batteries, and soon two of the enemy's batteries 
 were withdrawn, and their places supplied by others of longer range. 
 About this time two of our riiie guns, belonging to Captains Wooding'a 
 and Caskio's batteries, were disabled, by their axles breaking from 
 the recoil of the gun, and had to be withdrawn. All this time the 
 enemy's sharpshooters annoyed us greatly, working around to tho 
 right of Captain Brockenbrough's position whenever driven from his 
 front, and pertinaciously readvancing whenever they could, under tho 
 shelter of their artillery fir*. Though they were once or twice re- 
 pelled by canister, when advancing imprudently, they were so well 
 protected by the accidents of the ground, and so feebly opposed by 
 our own sharp-shooters, that they could not be entirely dislodged, 
 and caused heavy loss in our batteries, both among men and horses. 
 Captain Brockenbrough was wounded while gallantly discharging his 
 duty, and Captain Wooding badly shot while acting as gunner to on© 
 of his pieces. Being badly supported by the infantry in their rear, 
 after severe losses in officers, men and horses, the batteries of Captaia 
 
537 ■ 
 
 Brcckenbrough'8 command were witlidrawn, as they would have been 
 lost 60 soon as the enemy seized the point of woods to their right and' 
 rear, as they did. The ammunition in Captain Raine's battery (com- 
 raanded by Lieutenant Stathara) vras so defective (from the bad fuzes, I 
 think) that, none of its shell bursting, it was withdrawn, and its 
 place supplied by the Chesapeake artillery, of three guns, Lieutfjuant 
 Plater commanding, while a section of Captain Latimer's battery, un- 
 der his own charge, was sent still further to the front and left. These 
 ! itter pieces were excellently managed, and, though losing heavily 
 from the enemy's sharpshooters, drove back their lines with canister, 
 and caused them great loss by an uncommonly accurate and rapid 
 shell fire, as they were driven back by General Law's brigade, in their 
 attempted advance. Lieutenant MoKendree, of Carpenter's battery, 
 exhibited noticeable resolution and composure in managing his bat- 
 tery. On the right the enemy, after furiously cannonading Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Walker's position till they imagined his batteries crip- 
 pled, advanced their infantry. O'ae body moved towards the point of 
 woods in our centre, and the other with its front parallel to the road 
 from Hamilton's Crossing to the river road. When distant about 
 eight hundred yards. Lieutenant Colonel Walker's batteries opened 
 upon them with great efFect, and, at the same time, fifteen guns, com- 
 posed of sections from the batteries of Captain Poaguo, (Lieutenant 
 A, Graham, commanding,) Captain Watson, Captain Smith, Captain 
 Garber, one gun of Captain Dance's battery, and the Louisiana 
 Guard battery, three guns, were thrown into position in the plain to 
 our right, so as to cross their fire with that of the guns of Lieutenant 
 Colonel Walker, being specially designed to check the advance of the 
 enemy towards the road from flamilton's Crossing to the river road. 
 These pieces were under the iinmediate command of Major Pelhara, 
 and were admirably managed and bravely fought, and perfectly 
 Accomplished their object. All these batteries did not go in at once, 
 but were added as the weight of the enemy's fire seemed to require it. 
 Towards the close of the day, as the enemy's infantry — driven from 
 the woods by our own — fell back in confusion across the plain under 
 the severe and accurate fire of the guns of Lieutenant Colonel AValker 
 and Major Pelham, some of the batteries of Lieutenant Colonel Walker's 
 command, being short of ammunition, and the men exhausted from 
 working with diminished numbers, weie relieved by a section of Lusk's 
 battery, Lieut. Dowell commanding, and a portion of the carps reserve, 
 under "Colonel J. Thompson Brown. I shall have to refer you to this 
 officer's report as to what batteries they were, as I knew but one cf 
 them — Captain Poague's. They went in under a heavy fire, and, 
 though suffering much, were bravely fought. Some guns of Major 
 General D. H. Hill's division artillery were put in at this time on our 
 right, by his chief of artillery, Major Thomas H. Carter. As these 
 batteries were unknown to me through their oflicers, I shall have to 
 refer you to that officer's report as to which they were. They moved 
 up with the rest, under heavy fire, and were well served. 
 
 Jt would perhaps be invidious to attempt to discriminate among 
 officers and men, where thera jrere so many fiao examples of courage 
 
538 
 
 »na devotion ; and I fear 1 may have already done injustice in men- 
 tioning some to the exclusion of others, but I trust the reports of 
 other officers will set it all right. I beg, however, to call your special 
 attention to the valuable and gallant services of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Walker and Major Pelham. The position in which Colonel Walker 
 was placed was peculiarly trying, from his being re(juired to endure,, 
 for a long time, a veryhcavy fire without replying to it. Colonel J. 
 Thompson Brown, commanding the corps reserve, also displayed no- 
 ticeable coolness and judgment in taking his guns in to relieve Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Walker under a severe fire. 
 
 We lost no pieces ; nor did we capture any. Lieutenant Plater 
 bad a gun disabled and a limber exploded. Lieutenant Colonel 
 Walker had a gun disabled and a caisson and limber exploded, and 
 (yolonel Brown a gun disabled, as also did the Louisiana Guard bat- 
 tery. No carriages or parts of carriages were lost by us. The dis- 
 abled guns were of course brought oS". The loss in horses, and the 
 nature of the ground, together with the position of the enemy's batteries 
 and their numbers, effectively prevented any advance of our batteries 
 as their infantry fell back, and before fresh batteries could got in their 
 line was reformed near the river road, and it was nearly night. 
 
 I cannot close this report without calling your attention to the 
 great defect in the ammunition we used, by which few of our shells 
 burst. My own observation entirely confirmed the numerous com- 
 plaints made to rae from the batteries. Much, if not most, of this 
 difficulty is, I am satisfied, justly attributable to tho fuzes. 
 I have the honor to remain. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 S. CRUTCHFIELD, 
 Colonel and Chief of Art iUenj Sexond Corps. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER. 
 
 Headquarters Artillery Reserve Battalion, 
 
 December 2U; 18G2. 
 
 To Major G. M. Sorrell, 
 
 Adjutant General First Corps : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of the artillery battalion under my command during the 
 recent hostilities: 
 
 At dawn, on the 11th instant, on the firing of the signal guns, I 
 moved from camp and posted Captain Rhett's heavy battery in pits 
 which he had prepared on the hill south of the plank road, overlook- 
 ing the entire country in front and the opposite bank of the river, at 
 a distance of one mile and a-half. Captain Parker's two rifles were 
 placed in pits which he had built near Stansbury's house, command- 
 ing the entire flats in front and the opposite bank of the river. His 
 howitzers were concealed behind Stansbury's house, in most -admirable 
 positions for opposing any advance of the enemy on the north of the 
 town. The batteries maintained these positions during the whole 
 occupation of the city by the enemy. The batteries of Captains 
 Jordan, Moody and Woolfolk were held concealed in rear of the 
 plateau, back of Stansbury's house, ready to m^ve out upon it, at the 
 appearance of the enemy's infantry, or to any other point of our line 
 needing reinforcements. The cannoneers of Captain Jordan's and 
 Woolfolk's batteries were meanwhile employed, concealed by the mist, 
 in making small pits on the most favorable points of the plateau, and 
 eventually finished eight, in addition to those already there, which 
 would have cost the enemy severely, had he attempted any advance, 
 north of the town. This disposition of my batteries remained 
 unchanged during the 11th and 12th. On the 12th, our infantry 
 having evacuated the town, Captain Rhett's and Captain Parker's bat- 
 teries opened 'their rifles occasionally at the position of the principal 
 pontoon bridges of the enemy. Captain Rhett also enfilading two of 
 the principal streets. These fires invariably elicited prompt and 
 heavy responses from the enemy, from which, however, our pits saved 
 us nearly all damage. On the morning of the 13th, this firing was 
 continued, aided by three twelve-pounder guns of Captain Moody's 
 battery, in a new position north of the plank road, opposite Captain 
 Rhett, whence the street leading to the pontoon bridge could be enfi- 
 laded. This latter fire at once attracted a reply from every battery 
 of the enemy's in reach, and caused us slight loss. Captain Moody, 
 however, still held the position, sheltering his men when not firing. 
 The enemy shelled this position not only all day, but every day of 
 their occupation of the city afterwards, whence I infer that our fire must 
 have caused them much annoyance. 1 afterwards made pits in this posi- 
 tion for guns, with Captains Moody's and Rhett's cannoneers, but they 
 vrere only completed on the naming of the enemy's evacuation. At 
 
540 
 
 twenty ininutes to four, P. M., of the 13th, I received an order to 
 relieve the Washington artillery on Marye's Hill, their ammunition 
 being nearly exhausted. I at once hastened there, with Captain 
 Woolfolk's battery, Captain Moody's twelvc-poun3er guns, and two 
 guns of Captain Jordan's battery, and occupied the pits under a heavy 
 fire, which caused three-fourths of my entire loss, while galloping up. 
 The enemy were already within three hundred yards, and seeing the 
 Washington artillery leave, after' so protracted and gallant a defence, 
 cheered and pressed on heavil}^, aided by three batteries, which opened 
 from the edge of the town, and their line of heavy guns on the oppo- 
 fiito bank. Disregarding the latter, we poured a rapid and murderous 
 fire on the former and their advancing infantry, under which, and the 
 accurate aim of our veteran infantry beneath us, they were soon 
 driven to shelter behind the houses of the town. About dark the 
 remaining section of Captain Jordan's battery was brought up, one 
 gun replacing a damaged gun of Captain Maurin's in a pit left of the 
 plank road, and the other remaining near, under the control of Gene- 
 ral Ransom, for any emergency. About seven, P. M., the enemy, 
 said to have been Sykes'f division of regulars, again advanced, under 
 cover of darkness, until opened on by our infantry below. My guns 
 opened with canister and case shot at the flashes of their muskets, 
 and this, their last repulse, was said to have been the bloodiest. At 
 dawn on the 14th my only remaining guns in reserve, Moody's two 
 twenty-four-pounder howitzers and one rifle of Captain Jordan's, 
 relieved the remainder^of Captain Maurin's battcrj in the pits left of 
 the plank road ; and two twelve-pounder guns of Moody's and two six- 
 pounder guns of Captain Woolfolk's were relieved by brigade batte- 
 ries, being out of ammunition. On the 14th we fired but few shot, 
 and only at bodies of the enemy's infantry, being compelled to econo- 
 mise ammunition. On the night of the 14th Captain Parker discov- 
 ered a positi )n enfilading -the canal valley, in front of the" town, and 
 two pits were constructed at it, which I occupied before day with 
 Moody's twelve-pounder guns. When the fog lifted, the reserves of 
 the enemy's pickets could be seen lying flat on their faces in the val- 
 ley ; in the language of General Burnside, *' holding the first ridge." 
 A few well directed shots by Captain Moody soon, however, broke this 
 hold, and all who could not find fresh shelter fled in confusion to the 
 city, under the fire of our sharpshooters and several guns im'mediately 
 in their rear. This, with a single shot in the brick tannery, broke up 
 entirely the annoying fire of sharpshooters, under which we suOfered 
 considerably the day before ; and for the rost of the day we worked 
 openly in our pits, and fifed at all bodies of infantry appearing la 
 town, unannoyed. That night the town was evacuated. My especial 
 thanks are due to Major J. R. C. Lewis, for his cool and efficient 
 co-operation in the execution of all orders. The left of our line of 
 batteries was under his special supervision for the last . two days. I 
 desire also to express here my high appreciation of the gallantry and 
 efiiciency of Captains Jordan, Rhett, Moody, Woolfolk and Parker, 
 before attested on many a hard fought field and fully corroborated on 
 this. Captain Eubank, with the r^aining battery of my bat- 
 
t 541 
 
 talion, is absent on detached service. Dr. Gray, surgeon, Captaiu 
 Franklin, quartermaster, and Lieutenant Vaughan, commissary, man- 
 aged their respective departments to my entire satisfaction My ad- 
 jutant, Lieutenant T. Henderson Smith, carried and executed my 
 orders, under all circumstances, with coolness and judgment. My 
 especial thanks are also due to C S. Cadet Joseph C. Haskell, of South 
 Carolina, who volunteered me his services, and rendered me indispen- 
 sable assistance in the supervision of so extensive a command, I beg 
 leave to recommend him to the War Department for promotion. 
 Lieutenants Gillen, Wilson, Burroughs, Terrill and Woolfolk are 
 mentioned in high terms by their captains, as are aL«o Sergeant Cisco, 
 of Moody's, and Private England, of Woolfolk's battery. The latter, 
 unfortunately, was killed. I was personally impressed with the bear- 
 ing of Lieutenant J. Donnell Smith, of Jordan's battery, commanding 
 a section in the attack on the evening of the 13th. Corporal Lock- 
 wood, of his company, a most gallant soldier, whom I also noticed 
 particularly, was wounded, 1 fear mortally, in the night attack. Our 
 entire loss was one killed, ten wounded, and fifteen horses. One 
 thousand and eighty rounds of ammunition were expended. 
 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ' 
 
 . E. P. ALEXANDER, 
 Licuknant Colonel commanding Bcltalion. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL HUMPHRIES. 
 
 Headquarters Twentt-First Messissippi Regiment, 
 
 December 17, 1862. 
 
 To William Barksdale, 
 
 Brigadier General commanding Third Brigade : 
 
 General : As soon as the signal guns, on the morning of the 
 11th instant, announced the advance of the enemy, I moved the 
 twenty-first regiment from camp, and arrived at the markec-house in 
 Fredericksburg at day-dawn, when, in obedience to your orders, I 
 detached the right wing, under Major Moody, to go to the support of 
 Captain Govan, of the seventeenth regiment, who was guarding the 
 wharf on the Rappahannock, and then engaged with the enemy. I 
 saw no more of that portion of the regiment during the day, and re- 
 spectfully refer you to Major Moody's report of his operations. The 
 left wing I held in reserve at the market-house, with instructions to 
 support Lieut. Col, Fizer, of the seventeenth regiment, at the upper 
 pon-toon, constructed by tho enemy, or Captain Govan, if needeii. 
 
 About one o'clock, I was ordered to go to the relief of Colonel Fi- 
 '/,er, but, owing to a mistake of my guide as to the position of Colonel 
 Pizer I was conducted several hundred yards above to a very exposed 
 position, from which tke enemy forced me to retire, by a heavy fire 
 from their artillery. I returned to the market-house, and received or- 
 ders to advance to the river and resist any advance of the enemy, 
 who had then succeeded in forcing a passage of the river, and were 
 engaged with Lieutenant Colonel Fizer and Colonel Carter, of the 
 nineteenth regiment. I detached Captain Renfoe, with his company, 
 to the foot of William street, and Captain Green, with his coiupaoy, 
 to the foot of the street leading from the Episcopal church, and placed 
 , Captains Stamps, Sims and Gibson, with their companies, on Main 
 street. By this time it was dark. Captain Green discovered the en- 
 emy advancing slowly down the river bank and immediately opened 
 fire upon him, and stubbornly resisted until, stricken down by a minie 
 ball, his company fell back, bearing his body with them. The enemy 
 pursuing, charged up the street. Captains Stamps, Sims and Gibson 
 opened a galling fire upon him and drove him off" the streets, up to- 
 wards the pontoon bridge, and held him in check until about seven 
 o'clock, when I was ordered to withdraw my troops from the city, and 
 form a line of battle at the foot of the hill, on the telegraph road, 
 where I remained until I was relieved by the gallant and lamented . 
 General Cobb, when I moved back to ca^tnp. 
 
 During the whole day we were exposed to a heavy fire from the en- 
 emy's batteries, posted on the opposite heights, sheltering ouifcelves 
 as we could behind houses, fences, etc. 
 
 The officers and men obeyed every order with promptness and alac- 
 rity, and maintained every position with a promptness and constancy 
 worthy of all praise. 
 
543 
 
 The twcnt^firgt regiment lost, during the day, eight killed, twenty^ 
 ti^e wounded and thirteen missing. ^ 
 
 Verj respectfully, your oBedlent servant 
 
 BENJAMIN G. H¥MPHRIES, 
 tolond ccmmandirig 2ht R€gi7n€ni Mississippi Volunteers 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CABELL. 
 
 Camp near Fredericksburg, Virgim\, ) 
 December 25, 1862. S 
 
 Major James M. Goggin, A. A. G. : 
 
 Major : In conformity Avith instructions, I have the honor to sub- 
 mit the following report of the conduct and services of the ardllerj, 
 placed under ray command, duiing the recent engagement : 
 
 The division of Major General McLaws arriving here at the head 
 of the column on Thursday, the 20th, by a rapid movement, to inter- 
 cept the threatened advance of the enemy at Fredericksburg, it 
 devolved upon me, under the direction of Major General McLiws, to 
 place the artillery in position and prepare for their attack. It had 
 been represented ths^the hills of the Stafford side of the Rappahan- 
 nock completely commanded the heights on this side. This was 
 apparently the case on the first view of the position, the upper range 
 of hills being then covered with forest. Anticipating that the enemy, 
 who were in large force on the opposite side of the river, would im- 
 mediately attempt to force the passage of the river, preparaiions were 
 at once made for resistance. However, the enemy not attempting a 
 passage then, in a very short time the whole scheme of defence wag: 
 arranged. About a mile above Fredericksburg, at Dr. John R. Tay- 
 lor's residence, the land rises abruptly from the river to great eleva.- 
 tion to the upper heights. These upper heights, however, rapidly 
 recede from the river bank and then take a course nearly p irallel 
 with, but at considerable distance from the river. These hills, shortly 
 below the right of the position of this division, rapidly diminish 
 until near Hamilton's Crossing, where they have very inconsiderable 
 elevation. The hills on the other side are much nearer the river. 
 This gave. the enemy great advantage in an attempt to cross the river, 
 and in shellin- his tioops after they passed over. On our right, and 
 short ly below Fredericksburg, their whole array could, and a large 
 •portion of it did, deploy on this side of the river in almost perfect 
 fc-ecuiity from our artillery. At the same time, being under the cover 
 of their artillery on the Stafford side of the river, they were nearly 
 as secure ftom an attack by our infantry. A knowledge of this fact 
 probahly induced General Burnside to cross the river, and his boast 
 that, after 'he fight of Saturday, he remained two days in the plain, 
 ■waiting and inviting an attack from us, is simply ridiculous. But 
 near Dr 1'aylor's house, where the upper heights commence to recede 
 fronj the river, a lower range of hills commences, which, though also 
 receding from, keeps muph nearer the river. G'his lower range of 
 hills terminates abruptly with Marye's Hill, immediately in rear of 
 the town of Fredericksburg — the hill then having almost the appear- 
 ance of a promontory, the low grounds extending about eight hundred 
 ;)ards batdi to the base of the upper heights. This lower range ol 
 hills is much lower tWin the hills on the Stafford side of the rivor, 
 
64h 
 
 and is commanded by the enemy's ai'tillery. The position of our ar- 
 tillery and infantry, made by Major General McLawa, was certainly 
 most happy to countervail the disadvantages of our position. While 
 the whole line was under ray direction, I had recommended that 
 short-range guns should be placed on the declivity on each side of 
 Marye's house, between the house and the stone wall, where our in- 
 fantry were drawn up daring the battle. I had recommended this, in 
 addition to the guns on the crest of the hill, in order to sweep the 
 plain in front. The impossibility of giving guns on the crest of an 
 abrupt hill sufficient depression gives great advantages to a columa 
 of infantry, who, by making a rapid charge, soon find themselves 
 completely protected from the artillery on the hills. I had also ro- 
 commendei that guns should bo placed on the northern side of the 
 plank road, on the hills that sweep towards the upper part of Frede- 
 ricksburg, as if for its protection. These positions would have given 
 a complete enfilading fire upon the enemy advancing upon Marye's 
 Hill, and also upon their forces massed in fronjt of, but protected by 
 the conformation of the ground from the fire or even sight of the 
 gunners on the crest of the hill. These dispositions, for some reasons, 
 were not made. Had they been rande, the repulse would have been 
 even more signal and the victory even more complete than we ob- 
 tained. It is but an act of simple justice to Major General McLawa 
 to say that the disposition of the artillery, in other respects, was 
 such as he had chosen. During the whole of Thursdav, the 11th of 
 December, not a gun was fired by our battories, and our cannoneers 
 stood quiet spectators of the enemy's attempt to cross the river. The 
 enemy's cannon was firing almost incessantly, and their shell fre- 
 quently fell near our batteries. The next day, Friday, upon the 
 uplifting of the fog. disclosed to our view the larger portion of the 
 whole force of the enemy upon this side of the river. Ou the right 
 of my position a battery of light artillery was discovered, in position, 
 A few well directed shots from our batteries caused this battery 
 quickly to retire to a position still further to the right. The first 
 position of this battery, if retained, would have been very annoying 
 to our troops, who were drawn up under the cover of the woods and 
 in convenient range of its guns. This battery then took position OEi 
 the other side of Deep creek,' alongside of several other batteries, 
 but its efi'ectiveness was nearly destroyed by its compelled removal of 
 position. 
 
 Every battery officer received the instruction that he was to fire 
 with great deliberation, and to fire only upon large bodies of troops. 
 Of course, some discretion was allowed to every officer, and I »m 
 happy to be able to state that that discretion was generally well ex- 
 ercised. And one of the best proofs of the effectiveness of our fire 
 was afforded by their turning- their guns upon us. 
 
 In from of my position the low grounds extended in an apparent 
 plain from the base of the hill to the river bank. Through thece low 
 grounds the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad and the river 
 road pass. Though apparently a plain, there are many inequalitaea 
 of the ground, which, with these roads, enabled the enemy to mask 
 35 
 
546 
 
 hia approach. All but five of our batteries were so placed £(s to com- 
 mand not only the approach of the enemy on our right, but also the 
 telegrapli road and the abandoned railroad, called the Fredericksburg 
 and Gordonsville railroad. The guns back of llowison's house, be- 
 eides this, commanded the left of the telegraph road, and enabled ua 
 to give an oblique and almost enfilading fire upon the enemy advanc- 
 ing from the various streets in Fredericksburg, and who were drawn 
 up under the protection of the inequalities of the ground in front of 
 Marve's Hill. The main battle on the left was fought to obtain this 
 hill.' Between this hill and the town of Fredericksburg, it is said, 
 the Rappahannock formerly flowed. The conformation of the ground, 
 therefore, enabled the enemy to mask their troops so as to be out of 
 view of our infantry, in position at the foot of Marye's Hill, and even 
 from our artillery on the hill itself. My position enabled me to ob- 
 serve the enemy's left flank, upon which our guns opened a most de- 
 structive fire. It was easy to perceive, from previous knowledge pf 
 the around and the location of their left flank, where their troops 
 were massed, and our batteries, having an almost enfilading fire, opened 
 upon them. Through the valley in front of Marye's Hill a sluice for 
 the waste waters of the canal passes. There is no passage for the en- 
 emy's troops between the road immediately in front of Marye's house 
 and the road leading directly from the telegraph road to the depot of 
 the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad. The approach by this 
 latter road was completely commanded by our guns. Several times 
 their advance was repulsed by the well-directed fire of our batteries. 
 Over a whole brigade was displaced and scattered in confusion to 
 the rear. Once they made for the railroad cut, and several shell from 
 our batteries exploded amongst them before they could escape from 
 it. Once they charged by attempting to cross the cut, running down 
 cue side and up the other ; and again they attempted to escape in the 
 Bame manner. But on each occasion a murderous fire from our, bat- 
 teries caused them to retire precipitately. 
 
 I am confident that not only upon the approach and the successive 
 repulses of the enemy v, as the fire of our batteries most efficacious, 
 but that also it did great execution upon the masses of the enemy in 
 front of Marye's Hill. 
 
 It may be proper, also, to state another fact in connection with the 
 topography of the battle-field. The right of Marye's Hill terminates 
 almost precipitously. The telegraph road passes on the right 
 of the hill and then turns almost directly at right angles at the 
 foot and in front of the hill. The railroad cut and embankment 
 would have enabled the enemy to come in almost perfect security 
 within a short distance of th^ right flank of our troops, drawn up be- 
 hind the stone wall on the telegraph road, and, by a rapid charge, to 
 have our troops at the most serious disadvantage. Their advance 
 could not have been effectively checked by the artillery on Marye's 
 Hill, owing to the conformation of the ground. 
 
 It is due to the brave and skillful officers and cannoneers to say, 
 that their cool, well-directed and most efficient fire not only aided ma- 
 terially in repulsing the direct attack on Marye's Hill, but in pre- 
 
547 
 
 venting the right flank of this position being turned by the enemy. 
 While saying this, however, I wish to give all due praise to the gal- 
 lant artillery corps who occupied so successfully the crest of Marye's 
 Hill. I have been thus diffuse in describing the topography of the bat- 
 tle field, as I think it due to our troops, both infantry and artillery, that 
 the fact should be known, that not to the natural strength of our po- 
 sition, but to the skill and generalship of our leaders, and the gal- 
 lantry, courage, and well-directed aim of our cannoneers and infantry, 
 are we indebted for our most brilliant victory. 
 
 Forty- eight guns were placed under my charge during the engage- 
 ment: Captain Reid's battery, three guns occupied, the position im- 
 mediately to the right of the telegraph road. Next to this battery, 
 one of the thirty-pounder Parrott guns (Richmond manufactory) was 
 placed. It was replaced by a Whitworth gun of Captain Love's bat- 
 tery. Next on the right, and on the hill back of Howison's house, 
 jind in the following order were placed two' six-pounder smooth-bore 
 guns and two ten-pounder Parrotts, under the command of Captain 
 Macon, of the Richmond Fayette artillery. The smoth-bore guns 
 fired only round shot. Next, three pieces, Parrotts, of Captain R. 
 L. Cooper's battery. This battery was withdrawn to another position 
 and replaced by three pieces, one Parrott and two three-inch rifles, of 
 Oapt. Branch's battery. Next, two Parrotts of Capt. Coalter's battery, 
 and one thirty-pounder Parrott, (Richmond manufactory.) This gun 
 was commanded by Lieutenant Anderson, of Captain Ell's battery. 
 Both of the Richmond guns did good service, but exploded during the 
 (-ngagement. Next, one three-inch rifle, commanded by Lieutenant 
 Taylor, of Captain Eubank's battery. Next, one ten-pounder Par- 
 rott, commanded by Lieutenant Blunt of Captain Dearing's battery. 
 Next, five pieces, under the command of Major S. P. Hamilton, con- 
 sisting of two ten-pounder Parrotts, of first company Richmond how- 
 itzers. Captain McCarthy, and three rifled guns of Captain Ross' 
 battery. Captain Mosely's battery, six pieces, had been placed in. 
 the rear of Marye's Hill, with a view to fire upon the enemy, in case 
 they succeeded in taking that position. This battery occupied a po- 
 sition of danger and responsibility, and their courage and firmness, 
 under fire, were well exhibited. Of this battery, two men were wounded, 
 one horse killed, five public horses and Captain Mosely's horse 
 wounded. 
 
 Besides these, there were twelve short-range pieces, under com- 
 mand of Major Nelson; two pieces of Captain McCarthy's battery, 
 and three pieces of Captain Coalter's battery. These guns did not 
 fire during the engagement. 
 
 In the Yankee accounts of the battle, it is stated that about one- 
 fifth of the killed and wounded were from the artillery. When it is 
 'recollected that this account takes in the losses on their left, where 
 we used but little artillery, it would seem probable that their propor- 
 tion of losses from the artillery in the battle in front of Marye's Hill 
 was much greater. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Major, very respectfully, 
 
 H. C. CABELL, 
 Colonel and Chief of Artillery y Major Gen. McLaws^ Dtv. 
 
%'» 
 
 REPORT OF CAPTAIN D. LANG, OF EIGHTH FLORIDA 
 
 PtEGlMENT. 
 
 Headquarters Eighth Florida Regiment, ) 
 December IG, 1862. J 
 
 Major J, H. Whitnkr, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General of Ferry* s Brigade : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to report that, in conformity with orders, 
 I moved iny command on the night of the Sth instant, above Freder- 
 icksburg, near the canal, and relieved the twelfth Mieaisaippi regiment, 
 then on duty as a reserve force for the support of our pickets. 
 
 On the morning of the 1 It^ instant, at about five o'clock, I received 
 orders to report with my command at once, at the market house j to 
 Brigadier General Barksdale. Before reaching the above place, I wa5 
 intercepted by General Barksdale and ordered to a point on the river 
 forming the site of the old ferry, and instructed to confer with Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Fizer, commanding seventeenth Mississippi regiment, 
 as to the best manner of disposing of my force to prevent the enemy 
 from eflfecting a crossing. I was informed by General Barksdale that 
 the enemy were attempting another crossing below the city, and, as 
 the ford at that point was weak, I was to send three companies of my 
 command to strengthen the same. I immediately placed companies A, 
 F, and D, under command of Captain Boyd, with instructions in con- 
 formity with the above. I then formed the remaining companies in 
 line of battle, in such manner as would best command the crossing 
 and afibrd a cover for my men. The enemy were seen on the opposite 
 bank, drawn ^p in two lines of battle, and his pontooniers were busily 
 engaged in constructing a bridge. It was understood between Colonel 
 Fizer and myself — my command being in position — that he would open 
 fire and I would continue the same. At about half past five, A. M., 
 the pontooniers having advanced the bridge about two-thiids across th« 
 river, the seventeenth Mississippi opened fire, and my command at 
 once did the same, with good effect, the enemy being compelled to 
 abandon his work and flee to points of security. The force of the 
 enemy supporting the pontooniers immediately opened a heavy fire 
 with artillery and musketry, which was kept up almost continuously 
 the whole day. Each attempt of the pontooniers to continue their 
 work was met by a well directed fire from my command. Four officers 
 of my command and about twenty enlisted men were wounded, and 
 seven killed, when I was borne from the field, having received a severe 
 wound in the head. The command then devolved upon Captain Love, 
 who maintained the position, though exposed to a galling fire of shell, 
 shot, canister and musketry, until about four o'clock, P. M., when, i'n 
 accordance with orders, he withdrew his force. I regret that the absence 
 of Capt. Boyd, who, together with the three companies composing his 
 command, are missing, renders it impossible to give a report of the ser- 
 vice performed by him. It is proper to remark that Captain Boyd 
 
549 
 
 regarded the position entrusted to him as so exposed and admitting 
 *>f 80 little means of escape, that he objected to occupying the same 
 until the order was repeated. I am pleased to say that my command 
 behaved in a manner creditable to their State and the noble cause in 
 ■which they were engaged. Below I furnish you with a list of the 
 casualties of the eighth Florida regiment. 
 
 Captain I). Lang, commanding regiment, seriously wounded in the 
 head ; Assistant Surgeon D. Hooper lost a leg. 
 
 Company B. — Privates T. M. Gray and J. N. Marshall, killed. 
 First Lieutenant Hector Bruce, wounded in neck, slight; corporal 
 Charles McCall, head, severe ; corporal T. Harper, hand, slight ; pri- 
 vates J. P. Braoewell, abdomen, serious ; George S. Lambert, J. F. 
 <''0X, J. R. Prevalt, slight; J. R. Green missing. 
 
 Company A. — Sergeants J. N. Fielding, wounded, slightly; N. H. 
 Allman, missing. Privates J. Bootright, F. Briant, G. W. Crawley, 
 J. Driggers, D. Howlk, B. J. Redding, G. B. Ross and A. Williams, 
 missing. 
 
 Company C. — Privates T. Saunders and E. Curl, wounded, severe ; 
 H. Daughtry, slight. 
 
 Respectfullv, 
 
 D. LANG, 
 Captain commanding Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN MAURIN. 
 
 • Camp near Dimman's Farm, ) 
 
 December 18, 1862. J 
 
 To General Perry : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
 taken by my battery in the engagements before Fredericksburg : 
 
 The signal gun fired Thursday morning, the 11th instant, found 
 every man at his post. I had two sections of my battery on the 
 field, the first commanded by Lieutenant Prosper Landry, and the 
 other by Lieutenant Camille MoIIere. The four first bastions, imme- 
 diately on the left of the plank road, were the positions assigned and 
 occupied. 
 
 As soon as the fog, which covered us until about nine o'clock, A. 
 M., had disappeared, the enemy opened fire on me from his enormous 
 field batteries and heavy guns on the opposite bank of the river, his 
 shots falliDg around, some striking the works, but none doing any 
 injury. This he repeated at intervals, each succeeding day, but with 
 no better result for him, or none worse for me. According to orders, 
 I withheld my fire until late in the evening, when the enemy came 
 down to cross, but the increasing darkness preventing me from seeing 
 the effects of my shots, I ceased firing. 
 
 Friday morning a company of sharpshooters advanced on my left, 
 but a few well directed shots from Mollere's section drove them back 
 into the town. The enemy was now seen coming down in force from 
 the opposite hills, in order to cross. The distance was raiher too 
 great for much accuracy, yet a shell from my ten-pound Parrott 
 proved effective, bursting in the midst of an advancing column, caus- 
 ing it to stagger, making some run, and sending the mounted oflficer? 
 to arrest the flight of the fugitives. That this shot effected more 
 than a mere panic was attested a short time after by the arrival on 
 that spot of four ambulances, which returned with their load of killed 
 and wounded. 
 
 Saturday morning, a column of the enemy being seen crossing 
 the street of which the plank road is a prolongation, a few shots from 
 the first piece forced it to take another line of march, behind the 
 brow of the hills. But when his heavy columns debouched from the 
 town and were marching across the valley, in line of battle, to attack 
 our lines, the second and third pieces were the only guns that could 
 be brought to bear on them, and so effectually did they do this that 
 the enemy brought forward immediately, in front of the edge of the 
 town, eight pieces, which opened on me so furiously that they suc- 
 ceeded in diverting my fire, but not before I had fired more than two 
 hundred rounds. Their shots were so well directed that I could only 
 occasionally give a round to the infantry, whenever the opportunity 
 occurred. What harm I did them their smoke, as well as mine, pre- 
 vented me from seeing, yet I saw one shell burst fairly among one of 
 
551 
 
 his detachments. A regiment now came forward to support them, 
 which was driven back by Lieutenant Mollere'a section. It was then 
 that Captain Latrobe, of General Longstreet's staff, came and sug- 
 gested the propriety of dislodging two or three regiments standing 
 behind a steep hill, which not only protected, but also concealed them 
 from our men, on whom they were evidently preparing to make a 
 charge. But my ten- pound Parrott could not bo brought to bear on 
 them without taking it out of the bastion, and to do this were to meet 
 almost certain death from the guns in front, which had by this time ob- 
 tained a perfect range. However, the suggestion was no sooner made 
 than Lieutenant Landry ordered it out, and, together with Captain 
 Latrobe, helped the men to pull and put it in position. It was scarcely 
 out and not yet in position, when cannoneer Linopier fell dead, 
 pierced to the heart by a piece of shell. The fate of their comrade 
 seemed to inspire my men with renewed determination, and, un- 
 daunted by the shots of the guns and bullets of the sharpshooters, 
 which were flying thick and fast around them, they behaved with the 
 calm courage which deserves the highest praise. The piece was 
 loaded and fired with such precision that not one shot was lost, but 
 every one telling with frightful effect. It was loaded for the fourth 
 time and was ready to fire, when it was disabled by a shell, which 
 broke a wheel and at the same time wounded three men, (Corporal 
 Thomas Morelli. whose skill as gunner" cannot be too highly prized; 
 and cannoneer Dernot Leblanc, whose foot has since been amputated, 
 and P. Percy, severely wounded in three different places ) But the 
 object was accomplished ; some fled, some were killed, and the re- 
 mainder dared not leave their cover. At night the broken wheel was 
 replaced and the piece relieved. Of the first piece, cannoneers 
 Adolphe Grilhe and F. Babin were wounded, the former severely and 
 the latter slightly. Three horses were killed and two wounded. 
 
 Nothing worth mentioning was done on Sunday. At night I was 
 relieved by Captain Jordan, after having been in position since Sun- 
 day night, the 1st instant. My third section, of six-pounder guns, 
 was not engaged, but on Sunday night, the 14th instant, it was or- 
 dered in front, where it is at present, occupying works on the left. 
 
 Before closing this report, I can but render praise to I^ieutenants 
 Landry and Mollere, for their gallant conduct, and to my cannoneers 
 and drivers. Casualties : one killed and five wounded ; three horses 
 killed and two wounded. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 V. MAURIN, 
 Captain commanding Donaldsonville Artillery. 
 
REPORT OF CArXAlN E. TALIAFERRO. 
 
 Headquarters McLaws' Division, Dec. 29, 1862. 
 
 Major J. M. Goggin, A. A. G. : 
 
 Major : I herewith transmit to you a report of the ordnance Btores- 
 captured by this command in the recent battles around Fredericksburg :_ 
 1,500 small arms ; 200,000 rounds of small arm ammunition ; 400 
 setts of accoutrements; 300 hundred knapsacks; \45 cartridge 
 boxes, extra ; 695 rounds twelve-pounder shell and spherical case ; 
 120 twelve-pounder shot; 240 rounds of Parrott shells, different 
 calibres ; 200 three-inch shell, of various kinds. 
 
 A considerable proportion of the shells, which Avere collected in the 
 etreets and houses, are somewhat damaged, but capable of being again 
 rendered serviceable. The arms and accoutrements are, for the most 
 part, in good condition, and the small arm ammunition uninjured. 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 E. TALIAFERRO, 
 Captain and Ordnance Officer of Division. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN LEWIS. 
 
 Headquarters Lewis' Batterf. Decahh'er 18, 1863, 
 
 Brigadier General Wilcox, 
 
 Commandir,g Brigade : 
 
 General : I beg to submit the following report of the part taken 
 uy my battery in the battle fought before Fredericksburg : 
 
 I was placed in position on the hill immediately opposite the ford 
 between Falmouth and Fredericksburg, on the' night of tbe 23d of 
 November, and commenced throwing up earthworks to protect the 
 guns and cannoneers, which were completed before the enemy at- 
 tempted to cross the river. 
 
 On Thursday morning, the 1 1 th of Decem,ber, after the signal guns 
 were fired, vv'e were at our guns, ready for action, and there remained, 
 without firing a gun, until late in the evening, when I saw a column 
 of infiintry (about two regiments) advancing to cross the upper pon- 
 toon bridge, when I gave the command to commence firing. We 
 fired rapidly for a short time, driving the second regiment back be- 
 hind Lacy's house. 
 
 A little later in the day "we fired at some, cavalry and artillery, 
 which soon withdrew from sight. I could have fired much more, but 
 my orders were very strict about wasting ammunition; and only fired 
 when certain of doing them damage. We slept at our guns that night. 
 
 On Friday, the 12th instant, we engaged at various times in firing 
 at batteries crossing the river. About three o'clock, P. M., a column 
 of infantry (about a brigade) came in sight, I opened on them im- 
 mediately, throwing shell in the head of their column, scattering 
 them and doing them much damage, causing them to change their 
 course, and move back around Lacy's house. When we ceased firing, 
 their ambulances came after the wounded. I could, with a glass, see 
 many dead lying on the field after the ambulances had carried off the 
 wounded. Later in the day I fired at some cavalry crossing the river 
 at the ford. Again their ambulances were called into use. 
 
 On Saturday, I fired on infantry, cavalry and artillery, whenever 
 they came within easy range, with what effect I could not tell. 
 
 On Sunday, I only fired a few shots at cavalry. Up to Sunday 
 night, we fired about four hundred rounds, at which time I was re- 
 lieved by a battery of smooth-bore guns, and moved back to the posi- 
 tion formerly occupied by Captain Woolfolk's battery, since which 
 time we have remained quiet. 
 
 I am happy to state that, although subjected to an enfilading fire 
 of more than twenty guns, (and some of them their heaviest,) our 
 works, though frequently struck, were so strong that none passed 
 through, but several passed over the top and through the embrasure 
 into the pits. I lost none killed, and only two wounded — privates 
 Hughes, in leg slightly, and liailey, in head, from conoussion. One 
 
N 554 
 
 horse was slightly -woundecl. I think we could have done them much 
 more damage but for defectiveness of ammunition, causing us to lay 
 aside our former experience of artillerists. 
 I have, General, the honor to be, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. W. LEWIS, 
 Captain commanding Liwis* Light Ariilkry. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN GO VAN. 
 
 Headquarters Company B, Seventeenth Mississippi Reg't, > 
 
 December 31, 1862. 5 
 
 Colonel FizER, 
 
 Seventeenth Mississippi Regiment : 
 
 Sir : The Florida companies that reported to me on the 11th in- 
 stant were ordered into position on my right. The entire command, 
 in my opinion, did not constitute forty men. They "vvere ordered to 
 conform to the movement of the coirmand. The officers in command 
 of said companies failed repeatedly to obey my commands, when ordered 
 to fire on the bridge-builders ; and so silent was his command that 1 
 hardly knew he was in position. His excuse for not firing was that 
 his position was too much exposed, and firing would draw the fire of 
 artillery. I was informed that the officer was withdrawing his com- 
 mand by two o'clock. I passed the order down the line to fall back, 
 which was promptly obeyed. I am confident that if any were cap- 
 tured it was from inefficiency, and from fear of being killed in the 
 retreat. The position was held until sunset. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 * A. R. GOVAN, Vaptain Cowjyany B. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL FIZER. 
 
 Headquarters Sevf.nteknth Mi^^sissippi Regiment, ) 
 Near Frtdiricksburg, December 31, 1862. \ 
 I 
 Lieutenant John A. Barksdale, 
 
 A. A. A. General Third Brigade: 
 
 Lieutenant : It becoming luy duty to report to you the action of 
 the eighth Florida regiment, commanded by Captain Lang, during the 
 engagement at Fredericksburg, December 11, 1861% I submit the 
 following : 
 
 About five o'clock, A. M., of the morning of the 11th, General 
 Barksdale came to me, at the ferry near Commerce street, accompa- 
 nied by a portion of the eighth Florida regiment, numbering about 
 one hundred and fifty men, I suppose. He said to me, " assist Cap- 
 tain Lang, commanding, in putting his battalion in position," -vvhich .1 
 proceeded to do immediately, suggesting to Captain L. to place his 
 battalion on my left, which could be in point-blank range of the 
 enemy, above the bridge then being rapidly constructed by them — my 
 regiment bearing on the front and from a point below. Such dispo- 
 sition being made, we easily swept the enemy from their bridge, from 
 above, below and in fi'ont. The battalion did good service and acted 
 gallantly while commanded by Captain L. He obeyed my sugges- 
 tions with alacrity, and proved himself a worthy, gallant and efficient 
 .officer, but fell, severely wounded, about eleven o'clock, A. M., after 
 which time I received but little aid from the regiment, as it seemed 
 troubled and in want of a commander. I am compelled to state that 
 a certain lieutenant (his name I do not recollect) so far forgot himself 
 as to draw his pistol and threaten to kill some of my sharpshooters if 
 they fired again, as it would draw the enemy's firo on the position. 
 As to the conduct of the portion of the regiment sent to reinforce 
 Captain Govan, I refer you to his enclosed report. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JOHN C. FIZER, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Seventeenth Mississippi RegH. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL FIZER. 
 
 Headquarters Seventeenth Mississippi Regiment, ) 
 Near Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 19, 1862, ) 
 
 To John R. Barksdale, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : I have the honor of submitting the following report of the action 
 of the seventeenth regiment Mississippi voluateers, while defending 
 the passage of the Rappahannock, opposite the city of Fredericksburg, 
 on the morning of the 1 Ith December, 1863 : 
 
 Being ordered to the city on picket duty on the 9th instant, I was 
 ordered to dispose of my regiment so as to guard the river from the 
 ferry to a point about three-quarters of a mile below. I promptly 
 made such disposition as I thought would check the enemy, if he at- 
 tempted to force a passage at or between either point indicated. The 
 line of pickets consisted of two wings, the right commanded by Cap- 
 tain A. G. Govan, andt"he left by Captain A. J. Pulliam. The reserve 
 I stationed at or near the market-house. About eleven o'clock, P. M., 
 of the 10th instant, you ordered me to double ray pickets, which was 
 promptly done, by sending to the right wing companies I and K, and 
 to the left companies H and C; and, about four o'clock, A M., of the 
 11th instant, you, in person, ordered me with my reserve, consisting 
 of companies D, E, G, and part of F, to repair at once to the upper 
 ford, as the enemy were rapidly putting in their pontoons, preparatory 
 to crossing. I reached the point as soon as possible, and, on getting 
 there, found the enemy busily working on the bridge, having extend- 
 e'd it about; thirty feet on the water. On reaching this point, I relieved 
 Captain Pulliam and assumed command in person. You having left it 
 discretionary with me when to begin the attack, I immediately mad« 
 sflch disposition of the seven companies as I thought would be most 
 effective. Knowing there were many families occupying rhe houses 
 on the margin of the river, I deemed it proper to notify all the women 
 and children of their danger, and give them time to get from under 
 range of the enemy's guns. This being accomplished about five, A. 
 M., 1 ordered my men to fire on the bridge builders, \>hich they 
 obeyed promptly and deliberately, and I think with stunning effect, 
 the command being echoed by Captain Govan on the right, in the same 
 manner and with equal effect, causing the enemy to throw down their 
 implements and quit their work in great confusion. After which 
 they immediately opened a heavy, galling and concentrated fire of 
 musketry and artillery upon both wings for an hour, and, supposing 
 they had driven us from our position, they again began their work on 
 the bridges. B)jt as soon as we discovered them at work we renewed 
 the attack and drove them pell mell from the bridges. They made nine 
 desperate attempts to finish their bridges, but were severely punished 
 and promptly repulsed at every attempt. They used their artillery 
 incessantly, with a heavy detachment of sharpshooters, for twelve hourp. 
 
558 
 
 ve holdinc; our position firmly the vrhole time until about half past 
 four, P. M., when thev increased their artillery and infantry, and 
 their batteries becoming so numerous and concentrated, we could not 
 use our rifles. Being deprived of all protection, we were compelled 
 to fall back to Caroline street, and, from there, were ordered from 
 town. Having to abandon my position (on the left) believing Captain 
 
 ' Govan still holding the lower bridge, and knowing the enemy to have 
 crossed, I immediately despatched a courier to notify him to fall back, 
 fearing he would be taken. He rendered me very valuable assistance, 
 and held his position firmly and with great gallantry and unusual 
 firmness, supported by a part of the gallant eighteenth Mississippi 
 
 'regiment, 'composed of companies A, I and K. Lieutenant Radoliff 
 deserves special notice for his able assistance to Captain Govan. I 
 call your attention especially to the gallant conduct of Lieutenant 
 Ourster, commanding company F. Much credit is due to Lieutenant 
 G. E. Thurmond, company B, acting adjutant, for his promptness, 
 coolness and efficiency in face of danger. Lieutenant Sweeney, of 
 company D, deserves much credit for promptness and efiiciency. 
 Captain G. 11. Cherry, with his gallant company, stood the shot and 
 shell like veterans, as did the commands of Captains Pulliam and 
 Middleton and Lieutenants Fatten and Lindly. I cannot close without 
 according to Wm. C. Nelson, private of company G, the highest praise 
 for his services as courier, bearing dispatches when shot and shell fell 
 thickest and fastest. Much credit is also due to private C. H. John- 
 son, company F, for his valuable services as. courier. First Lieu- 
 tenant Jonas B. Clayton, company G, quit his post, severely wounded, 
 .about three o'clock, P. M., after having done valuable service with his 
 gallant company. Colonel Carter, of the thirteenth Mississippi regi- 
 ment, furnished me with ten valuable sharpshooters, which rendered 
 valuable service. • 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JOHN C. FIZER, 
 Lieut. Col. commanding 11 th regiment Mis$issij.'>pi vols. 
 
 P. S. — The casualties in the regiment during the engagement were 
 one hundred and sixteen killed, wounded and missing. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL RICE. 
 
 Headquarters Third Battalion S. C. Infantry, ; 
 December 22, 1862. i 
 
 Captain: On Saturday morning, ISth instant, the third battalion, 
 Kershaw's brigade, McLaws' division, South Carolina infantry, was 
 ordered by Brigadier General Kershaw to change position, from that 
 first assigned to it, to the mill on the crest south of Fredericksburg, there 
 to guard a gap in the railroad embankment and prevent its passage by 
 enemy. The order was immediately executed, but the enemy failing 
 to make his appearance at or near the gap, the battalion was not ac- 
 tively engaged in the battle of the 13th instant. This position was 
 held by the battalion until the night of the 16th instant, when it was 
 ordered on picket guard. On Saturday morning, while marching to 
 the mill, private A. W. Anderson, company A, was severely wounded 
 in the head by a shell from the enemy's guns. On Tuesday, the 16th 
 instant, private Wesley Bryant, company E, was killed by a frag- 
 ment of shell. 
 
 The above report of the whereabouts of the third battalion South 
 Carolina infantry, during the battle of the 1 3th instant, is respect- 
 fully submitted. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 W, G, RICE, 
 Lieutenant Colonel Third Battalion South Carolina Infantry. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL BLAND. 
 
 HEAriQUARTERS Seventh South Carolina Regiment, ) 
 Camp near Frtdcricksburg, Va., Dec. 19, 1862. ) 
 
 Captain R. C. Holmes, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to report that, upon hearing the signal 
 guns, on Ihe murning of the 11th instant, I formed my regiment, 
 about four o'clock, and marched to the position assigned me in 
 line, on the hill to the right of the telegraph road and left of Captain 
 Read's battery. 1 deployed forward the iiank companies, one hundred 
 and fifty yards, to a ditch in rear of a field upon the edge of the open 
 plain. This position we occupied during the bombardment of the 
 city and crossing the river by the enemy. At seven o'clock, P. M., 
 on the 1 2th, I received orders to occupy, with the regiment, the 
 ground held by our line of skirmishers and open rifle-pits during the 
 night, advancing my skirmishers in the open field in front. The 
 rifle-pits were finished and occapied by eight o'clock, A. M,, of the 
 13ch, (Saturday.) About ten o'clock. A, M., the enemy advanced and 
 attacked the position held by General Cobb's brigade, of which en- 
 gagement we were c ct spectators, until one o'clock, P. M., when 1 
 received orders, witli ne other regiments of the brigade, to reinforce 
 General Cobb. I mo d by the left fiank, in rear of the third South 
 Carolina regiment,^ dj n the telegraph road for one hundred and fifty 
 yards, then filed to the left, across Hazel Run. up the bluff in rear of 
 Colonel Walton's battery, to the hill in rear of Marye house, where 
 I met Lieutenant Doby, of General Kerthaw's staff, who ordered me 
 to form the regiment in rear of Colonel Nance's third South Carolina, 
 •which was on the left and upon a line with the Marye's house. Im- 
 mediately after I formed line, with the fifteenth South Carolina filed in 
 my rear. At this time 1 lost several of my officers and men wounded 
 by fragments of shell ; among them Captains Roper and Hudgens 
 and Lieutenant Lovelace. In about three-quarters of an hour, I was 
 called upon by the commanding officer of the fifteenth North Carolina 
 regimenc to reim'urce him. 1 at once jnoved by the right flank into 
 his position, which was to the right and front of the Marye house, 
 my three left companies being in front of the house. The position was 
 a good one, with the crest of the hill just in our front, at which point 
 it descended rapidly towards the enemy. About seventy yards below, 
 and in front of us, was the telegraph road, with a stone wall or fence 
 on the enemy's side, behind which rested three regiments of Cobb's 
 brigade, and the second and eighth South Carolina regiments, the two 
 latter having just reinforced them. The knoll in my front rendered 
 it impossible for us to injure our friends, but placed us in fine range 
 of our enemies. We would load and advance to fire, and then fall 
 back to reload. My right flank was exposed, by a slight depression 
 in the hill, to an oblique fire from the enemy, which was taken ad- 
 
561 
 
 vantage of. Hence the greater loss in the right wing. We continued 
 in the engagement until night, ■\vhen the final charge was made and 
 the enemy repulsed. My officers and men behaved as become South 
 Carolinians and soldiers of Kershaw's brigade. I received valuable 
 assistance from Major J. S. Hard and Adjutant Carwill, of this regi- 
 ment, and Lieutenant Doby, of General Kershaw's staff, whose gallant 
 conduct cannot be too highly^poken of. After night, I relieved, by 
 order, Phillip's legion, of General Cobb's brigade, which was behind 
 the stone fence before mentioned, in my late front. \Vc held this 
 position, Avith the wings doubled, occasionally exchanging shots with 
 the enemy, until Tuesday morning, 10th instant, when I was ordered 
 into the city on picket duty. We were relieved by one of General 
 Barksdale's regiments, at seven o'clock, P. M., and marched backed 
 to camp, having been absent six days and five nights. Drs. Shine 
 and Carlisle displayed their usual skill and energy in caring for the 
 Aounded. My loss was four killed and fifty-seven wounded. Most of 
 the wounds are slight. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ELBERT BLAND, 
 Lieutenant Colonel commanding Seventh South Carolina RegiTnent, 
 
 36 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR MOODY. 
 
 P. G. Humphreys, 
 
 Colonel commanding Twenty-First B^iment Mississippi Vols. : 
 
 Sir: In compliance with your order, on t^e morning of the llth 
 December, I took command of the right wing of the fourth regiment, 
 composed of the following companies : company A, Lieutenant Wall- 
 cott ; company C, Lieutenant Longsfield ; company H, Lieutenant 
 Erien ; Company F, Captain Fitzgerald; company G, Captain Dud- 
 ley, and moved to the support of Captain Govan, of the seventeenth 
 Mississippi regiment, who was holding the enemy in check at the 
 bridge, at the lower portion of the town. Immediately upon arriving 
 I ordered company G to his support, but found that he had all the 
 icen he could use to advantage. 
 
 This wing remained in line in the road, about one hundred yards in 
 the rear of Captain Govan's position, unprotected from A. M. to P. 
 M. The dense fog, which had before concealed us from the enemy, 
 t<ien cleared, and they concentrated their fire upon this wing. I im- 
 mediately ordered the command to retire about three hundred yards, 
 cut of range of the enemy's fire. About four, P. M., Captain Govaa 
 gent to me for assistance, I ordered forward companies and F, which 
 order was obeyed with promptness. In the meantime. Captain Govan 
 received orders from General Barksdale to retire. I then took posi- 
 tion on the railroad, a short distance in the rear, leaving two compa- 
 Eies at the deep cut on the road, and the other three 1 stationed near 
 the telegraph road, within supporting distance, and remained in this 
 position until ordered by you, about ten, P. M., to return to camp. 
 You, sir, have every reason to be proud of this wing. From six, A. 
 IL, to one, P. M., they were exposed to the hottest fire I ever wit- 
 EGfesed, and I saw no disposition on the part of officers or men to move 
 from their position until ordered. Captain Govan and the brave men 
 of his command are deserving of the highest praise. Up to the time 
 hxi was ordered to leave his position, the enemy had not succeeded in 
 living a plank. Braver officers and men than Captain Govan and hi3 
 command connot be found. The following is a correct list of the killed 
 aad wounded of the right wing : company A, one killed, two. wounded'; 
 company C, four wounded ; company H, six killed, three wounded ; 
 company F, four wounded; company G, two killed, five wounded. 
 Total, nine killed, eighteen wounded and three missing, 
 I remain your obedient servant, 
 
 D. W. MOODY, 
 Major Tenty-First Regiment Mississippi VoluTiieers. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN NANCE, COMMANDING REGIMENT. 
 
 Headquarters Third S. C. Regiment, ) 
 December 20, 1862. \ 
 Captain C, R. Holmes, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : As senior officer in command of the tliird South Carolina re- 
 giment, the duty devolves upon me to detail the operations of the^ 
 same in the recent engagement at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Th«r 
 regiment was aroused about five o'clock, A. M., on Thursday, th& 
 11th instant, by the firing of the signal guns, and soon afterwards a 
 courier from Brigadier General Kershaw notified the Colonel com- 
 manding that the enemy were attempting to cross the Rappahannock 
 river, opposite Fredericksburg, and ordered me to occupy its pkce in. 
 the line of battle, previously designated. Accordingly, the regimens 
 was put in motion, and, about^six o'clock, A. M., was put in position 
 on the hill on the right of the telegraph road, and on the left of Gap- 
 tain Reid's battery, with the seventh South Carolina volunteers, com«. 
 manded by Lieutenant Colonel Bland, on our right, and the second 
 South Carolina volunteer regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Johii 
 D. Kennedy, on our left. Two companies of skirmishers (Captain 
 Ilance's company A, of rifles,) and Captain Nance's company E, rifles, 
 were deployed so as to cover the front of our regiment, and placed ia 
 the ditch at the foot of the hill, occupied by the regiments. The or- 
 ders given these company commanders were to hold their positions aa- 
 long as possible, and, when compelled, to fall back upon tho regiments 
 
 Thursday and Friday witnessed no advance by the enemy upon our 
 immediate lines. On Friday night, the line of battle was changed 
 from the top of the hill to its base, the regiments occupying the 
 position previously held by tho two companies of skirmishers. This 
 position was strengthened, during the night, by digging pits and 
 throwing up earthen breastworks. 
 
 On Saturday morning, the 13th instant, the enemy opened fire 
 upon the right and left of our lines, at about nine o'clock. About 
 ten minutes before one o'clock, P. M,, Colonel Nance received an or-, 
 der from Brigadier General Kershaw to extend his lines so as to oc-- 
 cupy the works of tho second South Carolina regiment on our left. 
 This order was subsequently revoked upon the information that Col- 
 onel Kennedy had left a company to do this. About fifteen minutes 
 after two o'clock, P. M., a verbal order was extended by Brigadier 
 General Kershaw, ordering Colonel Nance to move his command, by 
 the way he would designate, to the support of Brigadier General T. 
 R. R. Cobb's command. The regiment was accordingly moved down 
 the earthworks into the telegraph road, then down the telegraph road 
 
 near the mill on creek, and then up the newly made road, to the 
 
 top of the hill just in rear of the cemetery, and from that point across 
 the field in the rear of Marye's house, where Brigadier General Ker- 
 ?baw ordered, through Major Gaillard, of the second South Carolins 
 
564 
 
 regiment, that tlie regiment should form inline of battle and advance 
 on a line wuh the second South Carolina regiment. An order was 
 received through Lieutenant A. E. Doby, aid-de-camp, to the effect 
 that our right should rest upon Marye's house. Soon after, Lieuten- 
 ant A. E. Doby, aid-de-carop, insisted that the enemy should not bo 
 allovred to gain possession of Marye's house, and although only 8i:s 
 companies on the line, Colonel Nance promptly brought the line for- 
 ward. As the regiment reached the position, on a line >vith the front 
 of Marye's house, it was expoi^ed to a most murderous fire from the 
 enemy, plainly visible from that point. The line was ordered to move 
 across the chain fence. The remaining four companies had previ- 
 ouslv joined the advancing line, and the ranks made complete. When 
 the line reached the top of the hill, the order to fire was given, and the 
 effects must have been terrrible, as Cne shots were delivered coolly and 
 with an evident intention to kill. About this time. Colonel James 
 D. Nance fell, wounded in the thigh. Not long afterwards, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel William D. Rutherford fell, shot through the right side, 
 and not long afterwards. Major Robert C. Maffct was disabled by -a 
 ball through his arm. Here, too, CapTain Rutherford P. Todd, who 
 was acting as a field officer, was disabled by a ball in an artery of the 
 right arm. Colonel James D. Nance, while lying down wounded, 
 suggested to Captain William W. Ilance, then commanding, that it 
 would be better to move the regiment back a few paces into a road, 
 parallel to the line of battle, leading from the Marye house to a street 
 on our left, perpendicular to our line of battle. Whilst occupying 
 this position, a vigorous and well-directed fire was kept up on the vu- 
 rious lincF, whenever the^? attempted to advance or exposed themselves. 
 Sharpshooters, posted about the Marye house, dealt constant and well- 
 directed fire upon the enemy. Captains W^illiam E. Hance and John 
 C. Summer both fell, while in command of the regiment, the for- 
 mer having his leg badly shattered ; the latter killed by a grape-shot 
 through the head. The command then devolved upon myself, being the 
 senior ofiicer present. About six o'clock, P. M , Lieutenant A. E. Doby, 
 aid-de-cam.p, delivered an order to move the regiment about a hun- 
 dred vards beyond our position at the Marye house, and behind a 
 stone' fence, connecting with the left of the position of Phillips' le- 
 gion. Soon afterwards an order came, through Capt. C. R. Holmes, 
 assistant adjutant general, to throw forward skirmishers, covering the 
 line of the regiment. . Accordingly, First Lieutenant R. H. Wright, 
 commanding company E, was sent forward, and, as his command drew 
 near some dwelling-houses, just in front of the regiment, he was fired 
 upon by the enemy's sharpshooters, posted in the houses. Under 
 these circumstances, and the further fact that night was upon us, the 
 line of skirmish'ers were drawn back some considerable distance. 
 About seven o'clock. Brigadier General Kemper, with two hundred 
 and ninety men from his command, by tlie order of Major General 
 Ransom, relieved this command of its position in the immediate front, 
 and by the order of Brigadier General Kershaw, conveyed through 
 Adjutant G. J. Pope, the regiment was moved back over the hill oc- 
 cupied by our batteries, near the mill oa the creek, where the 
 
565 
 
 third South Carolina battalion, commanded hy Lieutenant Colonel 
 Rice, was posted, and there remained until the night of the 15th in- 
 stant, when, under orders received from Brigadier General Kershaw, 
 the regiment was marched back into its former camp. 
 
 I cannot refrain from complimenting the command at the daunt- 
 It'ss spirit and bravery displayed thoiighout by the officers and men. 
 All seemed to realize the call made upon them, and none failed to re- 
 spond. 
 
 The fire the regiment was called upon to sustain was certainly not 
 surpassed by that at Savage Station, Maryland Heights and Sharps- 
 burg. The command suffered severely in killed and wounded, as the 
 accompanying list will show. There wore twenty-five killed and one 
 hundred and forty-two wounded; total loss, one hundred and sixty- 
 seven. 
 
 Strength — Thirty-six commissioned officers, throe hundred and 
 sixty-four enlisted men; total, four hundred. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 J. K. NANCE, 
 Captain commanding Thiid South Carolina Regimtnt. 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL LUSE. 
 
 Camp Barksdale's Brigade, ) 
 Near Fredericksburg, Va., December 19, 1862. 3 
 
 General Bark sd ale : 
 
 Sir : It becomes my duty to report to you the action of the eigh- 
 teenth Mississippi regiment in the late battle of Fredericksburg : 
 
 The night of the 10th instant the regiment picketed the river for 
 about half a mile above, and a quarter of a mile below, the mouth of 
 Deep Run ; that portion of the regiment not on post being encamped 
 at Mrs. Ferneyhough's house, on the river road. About midnight I 
 received orders from you to double my pickets, which was immedi- 
 ately done. Between this time and daylight I received information 
 from my pickets that the enemy were preparing to throw a pontoon 
 bridge across the river, opposite the lower post, above the mouth of 
 Deep Run. You, being present at the time, ordered me to send three 
 companies to support Captain Govan, of the seventeenth Mississippi 
 regiment, above, and to take the rest of ray command to the river, to 
 2;uard the point at which it was reported the enemy were construct- 
 ing the bridge, opposite my line. This was done at once. I went 
 myself to examine the movements of the enemy, and heard them 
 throw in the first boat, about half an hour before day. Judging them 
 to be within easy range of the mouth of Deep Run, I lined the banks 
 with sharpshooters, in addition to the pickets. Their boats were 
 thrown in with great rapidity from this time until daylight, when I 
 discovered that the boats had been floated down the river several 
 hundred yards, making the place of crossing below and out of range 
 from Deep Run. 1 immediately ordered my two companies of sharp- 
 shooters down to the crossing, to open fire on the enemy simultane- 
 ously with the pickets in their front, and moved up with the rest of 
 the regiment, getting in position and removing a paling fence just as 
 die fire was opened in front. The enemy were driven from the 
 bridge, and their supports on the opposite side of the river broke 
 ranks and were with difficulty rallied. Having accomplished this, 
 pickets were posted near enough to watch the further movement of 
 the enemy, with two companies concealed very near the crossing to 
 resist any further work on the bridge or attempt to cross it, one com- 
 pany remain'mg on the upper side of Deep Run by your order. The 
 remaining four companies of the regiment I placed in the ravine in 
 front of the crossing, posting one where the river road crosses Deep 
 Eun, to guard the point against any sudden move of the enemy. The 
 (sompanies, thus stationed, remained in the position above described 
 until about noon, when two regiments came to reinforce me, one 
 forming on my right, the other on my left. The ground which three 
 of my companies occupied being embraced in the positions of the 
 above mentioned regiments, I brought them in, and remained in posi- 
 "iion to resist the crossiog or advaace of the enemy until half-paat 
 
S67 
 
 three, P, M., vrben Colonel DeSaussare, commanding the reinforce- 
 ments sent me, communicated to me an order from General Kershaw, 
 to fall back to the river road, about one hundred and fifty yards to our 
 rear, leaving one company, (C,) Captain CasselPs, in the ravine, with 
 instructions to fire on the enemy as he advanced. This order was exe- 
 cuted. The enemy cx-ossed in our front between sundown and dark, 
 •and, advancing his skirmishers, encountered Captain Cassell's com- 
 pany, who fired on them and retired, in obedience to their instructions. 
 
 It is but just to state that all the above movements, after daylight, 
 were performed under a destructive fire of the numerous guns of the 
 enemy posted on the opposite side of the river, and that all the dan- 
 gerous duties assigned them were performed, by ofiicers and men, 
 with the steadiness of veterans. 
 
 I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. LUSE, 
 
 Litutcnant Colonel commanding Eighteenth Missis&ippi Regiment. 
 
REPORT OF CArTAIN STACKTIOUSE, COMMA^'DING 
 
 REGIMENT. 
 
 Regimental Quarters, Eighth South Carolina Regiment, 
 
 December 19, 1862. 
 
 Brigadier General Kershaw : 
 
 General : In obedience to orders contained in circular of this 
 date, requiring the commanders of regiments, battalions and batte- 
 ries to make reports of the engagements of their commands in 
 the late action in front of Fredericksburg, I submit the following 
 report : 
 
 On the morning of the 11th December instant, on hearinff the sijr- 
 nal guns, I formed my regiment, and, in obedience to your orders, 
 formed my command on your left, occupying a good position on the 
 telegraph road, at the point where the open sands connect with the 
 woods. 
 
 I kept this position, with but little change, till one o'clock, P. M., 
 on the 13th, when, in obedience to your order, I moved my command, 
 left in front, following Colonel Kennedy's (second) regiment, by a 
 tortuous and diiScult way, to the open sand on Marye's Hill. As 
 eoon as we reached the open space on the hill, by order of Colonel 
 Kennedy, I formed my command on his right. The two commands 
 were then, by order of Cob nei Kennedy, moved rapidly to tho front. 
 On reaching the crest of the hill in front, (my right resting on a line 
 with the cemetery,) we came to troops lying on the ground and firing 
 to the front. Believing this to be a portion of General Cobb's brig- 
 ade who had been driven from their position, I halted my command 
 and went myself to the front, to get a view of the road in front of 
 Marye's Hill. Finding General Cobb's brigade in position in the 
 road, I caused my command to cease firing (they had, Avithout orders, 
 opened fire on the advancing Yankee lines) and moved it rapidly to 
 the road. I formed it on the twenty-fourth Georgia regiment, thea 
 in position behind the stone fence. Without much change, we kept 
 this position till the evening of the 16th. By your order, I was 
 permitted to form my command in four ranks on Colonel DeSaussure's 
 (fifteenth) regiment, my right resting on the twenty-fourth Georgia 
 regiment till the evening of the 14th, when that regiment was re- 
 lieved by the tenth Georgia regiment of General Semmes' brigade. 
 
 On the evening of the 13th, the enemy attempted several times to 
 advance on our position, but succeeded only in reaching a defile, two 
 hundred yards in front, which concealed them from view from our po- 
 sition. Notwithstanding the long range, I believe we did the enemy 
 much injury on his march to the defile above alluded to. 
 
 On the 14th, we confined our fire to select parties of the enemy. 
 
 On the 15th and 16th, I have little of interest to record in con- 
 nection with my command. 
 
 I was much pleased with the conduct of my command. For casu- 
 
569 
 
 alties, I beg leave to refer you to report made yeaterdav Of tT,A 
 th.rty.nc kmed and disabled, we lost'twent^-eighrirt'chiafot 
 
 I am, General, verj'respectfullj, your obedient servant, 
 
 r , . , JE. T. STACKIIOUSE, 
 
 tapfam cy>nmanding Eighth South Carolina Rgimlnt. 
 
REPORT OF COLO^JEL DeSAUSSURE. 
 
 Headquarters Fifteenth Regiment South Carolina Vols., ) 
 
 December SO, 1862. \ 
 
 Captain C. R. Holme?', 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir : In compliance with instructions from headquarters, I have the 
 "nonor to report that, on Saturday morning, the llth instant, the 
 iftcenth regiment South Carolina volunteers moved down the Bowling 
 Green road to the support of the picket at the Ferneyhough farm, com- 
 ^aanded by Lieutenant Colonel Luse, eighteenth Mississippi, and was 
 formed on the right, upon the edge of Deep Run, in front of the road, 
 with the sixteenth Georgia, Colonel Bryan, on the left of Lieutenant 
 Colonel Luse. The command remained in that position, with three 
 companies thrown forward towards the river as skirmishers, until 
 ordered to retire to the Bowling Green road by General Kershaw, 
 late in the day. The regiment remained on picket all night, until 
 live o'clock, A. M., Friday morning, when, by order of Major General 
 McLaws, it resumed its proper position in line. 
 
 On Saturday, the 13th instant, the regiment marched off by the 
 left flank, with the rest of the brigade, to the support of General 
 Cobb's brigade, under Marye's Hill. Passing to the rear of the bat- 
 teries, the regiment halted and lay down in line of battle, in rear of 
 the Marye house, until, by an order extended through Assistant Ad- 
 jutant General Plolmes, it vras marched across the hill, under a heavy 
 fire, to the rear of the cemetery, as a support to Colonel Walton's 
 batteries. Later in the evening the regiment was marched down to 
 the stone wall, on the road below Marye's Hill, to the support of the 
 eecond South Carolina regiment, and there remained until the evacu- 
 ation of the city of Fredericksburg by the enemy, the night of the 
 15th instant. 
 
 The conduct of the officers and privates of the regiment throughout 
 the entire five days, from the llth to the 16th December, was such 
 as to meet with my unqualified approbation, 
 
 I would respectfully bring to the notice of the Brigadier General 
 the services of the staff officers actually engaged : Adjutant James 
 M. Davis, for the gallant and prompt execution of all orders extended 
 by him ; Surgeon James and Assistant Surgeon Wallace, also the 
 Rev. H. B. McCallum, chaplain of the regiment, for their skillful 
 and assiduous attention to the wounded; and Ordnance Sergeant 
 R. W. Boyd, for his prompt attention to the duties of his depart- 
 ment. 
 
 The regiment went into action with twenty-seven, commissioned 
 officers and three hundred and seventy-seven enlisted men ; and 
 had two commissioned officers (Lieutenants Barron and Derrick) 
 
571 
 
 wounded, one sergeant and one private killed, and fifty-two en- 
 listed men wounded, of yhich a tabular statement has been here- 
 tofore furnished. 
 
 Eespectfully submitted, 
 
 W. D. DeSAUSSURE, 
 Colonel Fifteenth Bcgiment South Carolina Vdunteers. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL NANCE. 
 
 Richmond, December 24, 1862. 
 
 Captain C. R. Holmes, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Sir: Early in the morning of the 13th instant, I took my position 
 in line of battle just to the right of the telegraph road, as you ap- 
 proach Fredericksburg, and immediately at the foot of the first range 
 of hills from the river. Excepc some slight shelling, which annoyed us 
 and wounded one or more of my men, nothing of special interest occurred 
 to us until about two, P. M., Avhen, by command of Brigadier General 
 Kershaw, I moved by the left, out of some breastworks which 1 had 
 thrown up the night before, down the telegraph road five or six hun- 
 dred j^ard's, filed to the left, and, crossing the branch running by its 
 side, took the road leading over the high h'll on the left of the telegraph 
 road, and into the open field behind Marye's house. When within 
 five or six hundred yards of this house. Lieutenant Doby, A.,D. C, 
 delivered to me an order to form my regiment and move forward and 
 occupy the crest of the hill at Marye's house, with my right resting 
 at the house. I immediately began to close up my regiment to exe- 
 cute the order, when Major Gaillard rode up, and, speaking for Briga- 
 dier General Kershaw, extended substantially the same order ; and, 
 at my request, gave me the direction of the crest which I was to oc- 
 cupy, so that 1 could form parallel to it before advancing. The regi- 
 ment was considerably strung out in the flank movement made in 
 coming to this point, and while waiting for it to close up. Lieutenant 
 Doby, A. D. C, came to me, telling me to hurry up, and represented to 
 me that Marye's house was in danger of being possessed by the enemy. 
 Seeing the importance of the point, and thus having my fears for it3 
 safety excited, I advanced at once with that portion of my regiment 
 which was formed, and lefc my adjutant, Lieutenant G. J. Pope, to 
 bring the other companies forward, as soon as they formed. • When 
 we reached the neighborhood of Marye's house a severe fire was 
 opened upon us ; but we steadily advanced to the crest of the hill, 
 when ray men laid down and opened fire on the enemy, who were in 
 the flat in our front. By this time their fire "was strongly directed 
 against us. The other companies of my regiment came up imme- 
 diately after we became engaged. I went to the right to see that 
 they were put in proper position, and was shot down, a minio ball 
 entering my left thigh just to the right and above my knee, while dis- 
 charging this duty. At that time I declined to be moved, but con- 
 tinued to direct and encourage the men, who were already doing 
 manfully. I soon saw, however, that we were too much exposed, and 
 that we were contending at disadvantage, owing to the fact that we 
 •were engaged at a greart; distance and the enemy's guns were of su- 
 perior range. Having been moved back to Marye's house, I senb 
 word to the officer in command to withdravf far enough to get shelter 
 
573 
 
 behind the crest of the hill, -vrithout retiring too far to deliver an 
 effective fire. Accordingly Major Maffett, then commanding, with 
 drew to the road running beside the river fence, in Marye's yard, wher- 
 I believe the regiment held its position and continued its fire until the 
 close of the battle. Afterwards, I sent directions to the officer com- 
 manding to send a detail after ammunition. He did so, and this was 
 my last official communication with the regiment for the day. An 
 account of what subsequently occurred and a list of the casualties in 
 the regiment will, I presume, be furnished by some other officer. It 
 is my duty and pleasure to testify to the courage and fortitude with 
 which these dangers were mot and these fiery trials were endured by my 
 brave comrad'^s, so long as they were under my observation. Several 
 valuable officers were wounded — one, Captain W. W. Ilance, who has 
 suffered amputation of his leg, is lost to the service, if he shall not 
 unfortunately be lost to his friends. He was a superior and gallant 
 officer, and his loss is a great one to the regiment. Captain John C. 
 Summer, a most successful officer; Captain Perrin Foster, an efficient, 
 zealous and conscientious officer, and Lieutenants Hollingsworth and 
 Hill, both young lieutenants of promise, were killed. The three field 
 officers. Captain Todd, senior captain, and Captain Hance, third senior 
 captain present, were wounded, and Captain Summer, second senior 
 captain present, was killed; thus putting the six ranking officers of 
 the regiment hors de combat. Ours is a bloody record ; but we trust it 
 is a highly honorable one. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JAMES D. NANCE, 
 Coloml commanding Third South Carolina lltgiment^ 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL CARTER. 
 
 Headquarters Thirteenth Mrssissippi Regiment, } 
 [Near Fredericksburg, Fa., December 28, 1862. <[ 
 
 General: In accc-ilance with your order, I marched my regiment, 
 at about five o'clock on the morning of the 11th instant, to the 
 market-house in Fredericksburg, when I was ordered by you to take 
 *' position on Caroline street, await Lieutenant Colonel Fixer's orders, 
 send him reinforcements whenever he called on me to do so, and 
 should he be enabled to hold his position, then in that event to with- 
 draw my regiment to the raavket-house." I accordingly tookpositioa 
 on Caroline street, immediately in rear of the position occupied by 
 Lieutenant Colonel Fizer, and opened communication with him, where 
 I remained until about four o'clock, P. M., under a, very heavy and 
 destructive fire from the batteries of the enemy on the opposite side 
 of the river. 
 
 About two o'clock, P. M., Lieutenant Colonel Fizer asked me for 
 ten men to act as sharpshooters, which I promptly sent him. About 
 four o'clock, P. M., Lieutenant Colonel Fizer sent to me for two com- 
 panies, which [ was proceeding with, when I met him retiring with 
 bis command to the market-house, being unable to hold his position 
 longer. 
 
 1 immediately formed ray regiment and withdrew it to the market- 
 h^ise, when I was ordered by you to form in the next street (towards 
 the river) and engage the enemy, but, before I could do so, I ascer- 
 tained that the enemy occupied the street on which I was ordered to 
 form and was advancing. I immediately disposed of my regiment on 
 the street which I then occupied, (Princess Anne,) so as to command 
 as many streets running at right angles with the river as I possibly 
 could, and engaged the enemy at once, driving him towards the river, 
 after a spirited engagement of two hours. 
 
 Having fired the last gun at the retreating enemy, I was then or- 
 dered to withdraw my regiment from the town, which order I 
 promptly obeyed. 
 
 The enemy's loes after crossing the river, in the engagement with 
 my regiment, is estimated to be over two hundred killed and wounded. 
 I refer you to the report already furnished you of the loss which we 
 sustained. 
 
 Captain J. L. Clark was killed, by a gx)lid shot, early in ih<i morn- 
 ing. He was a promising young officer. Captain T. W. Thurraan 
 was dangerously wounded later in the day, fell in the hands of the 
 enemy, and, in all probability, is dead. Lieutenant J, M. Stovay is 
 missing, and is supposed to be killed. 
 
 I wish to call your attention to the gallant and meritorious conduct 
 of Captain G. L. Donald, who had immediate command of se^veral 
 companies, which did fine execution, without sustaining any serious 
 loss. 
 
mand. 
 
 o^u- i •« ' r "icunon or tne coolnoss, braver 
 
 soldiedj-!.ke conduct of both officers and enlisted m;n of mV cox- 
 
 ri ? .. ^,. ^- '^^'- CARTER, 
 
 tolonsl c^mmandw.y Thirteenth Mississippi Begimeni. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL J. THOMPSON BROWN. 
 
 Headquarters First Virginia Artitxery, 
 December 19, 186i. 
 
 Captain A. S. Pendleton, 
 
 Assistinit Adjutant General : 
 
 Captain : In obedience to orders, I beg leave to submit the following 
 report of the operations of my command in the late engagement before 
 Fredericksburg : 
 
 About ten o'clock, Saturday morning, my batteries were ordered to 
 a position in rear of Hamilton's house, ready to be called on as occa- 
 sion might require. About t>velve o'clock, by order of Col. Crutch- 
 field, I sent two Parrott rifles from Captain Poague's battery, under 
 command of Lieutenant Graham, and two similar pieces from the 
 third Howitzers, under Lieutenant Utz, to report to Major Pelham, 
 on the right of the railroad. Shortly afterwards, I was ordered to 
 send to the same point four other rifle guns, viz : two ten-pounder 
 Parrotts and one brass rifle from second Howitzers, and one three- 
 inch rifle from Captain Dance's battery, all under the command of 
 Captain Watson, (second Howitzers.) These eight guns were actively 
 engaged, and suffered severely from the enemy's artillery and sharp- 
 shooters. I have to lament the loss on this part of the field of a 
 gallant and most excellent officer, Lieutenant Utz, commanding 
 third Howitzers. The ammunition of most of the pieces was ex- 
 hausted before dark, and the pieces themselves withdrawn. Having 
 obtained ammunition for the two rifles of the third Howitzers, I sent 
 them back to the field, where they remained, in company with the 
 three pieces of Captain Watson's battery, until about nine o'clock. 
 About two o'clock, by order of Colonel Crutchfield, I placed in posi- 
 tion, on the hill to the extreme right of our infantry line, the two 
 twenty-pounder Parrotts of Captain Poague's battery. These two 
 pieces, unaided, engaged the enemy's artillery, and afterwards opened 
 upon the infantry. The exact range of the hill having been obtained 
 by much previous firing, our loss at this point was heavy. Among 
 the killed was Lieutenant McCorkle, a brave soldier and estimable 
 gentleman. Later in the evening, Lieutenant Colonel Coleman brought 
 up two howitzers from Captain Dance's battery, and placed them on 
 the left of Captain Poague's pieces. Lieutenant Colonel Coleman 
 was severely wounded at this point, but remained on the field until 
 after dark. I fear I shall lose the assistance of this valuable officer 
 for several months. Late in the evening, two pieces of Captain Hupp's 
 battery, under Lieutenant Griffin, were ordered to the right of the 
 railroad, and were successfully engaged with the enemy's sharpshoot- 
 ers. Captain Brooke's battery, although not actively engaged, was 
 exposed to the enemy's fire on Saturday and Sunday. I cannot re- 
 frain from expressing my high admiration for the conduct of the offi- 
 cers and men of my command in the action before Fredericksburg. 
 After marching ail of the previous night, they came upon a field 
 
577 
 
 vtrewn with the wrecks of other batteries, and behaved in a manner 
 which elicited the praise of all who saw them. I append a list of cas- 
 ualties : 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Coleman, wounded in log. Foague's battery, 
 fix killed and ten wounded. Watson's second Ilowity.ers, one killed 
 and seven wounded. Smith's third Howitzers, three killed and three 
 wounded. Dance's battery, none killed, two wounded. Hiipp's bat- 
 tery, none killed, one wounded. Brooke's battery, none killed, two 
 wounded. "Total killed, ten. Total wounded, twenty-six. 
 
 I beg leave to call attention to the fact that but few of the shell 
 for Parrott rifles exploded, ovnng to imperfect fuzes. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 J. THOMPSON BROWN, 
 37 Oolonel First Virginia Artillery. 
 
REPORT OF iMAJOR RHIDGFORa 
 
 Hkadquartkrs Provost Mar.'^mal Secpnd Cotpb, / 
 
 January 9, 18G3. J 
 
 Jil; jor A. S. Pendleton, 
 
 Assistnnt ACjutant Gemrsl : 
 
 Major : In obedience to an onler from the Ij>cutenant General com- 
 manding, I herewith transmit the opevations of the provost giiai-d, 
 consisting of the battalion and Captain Upshur's squadron of cavalry ; 
 
 On the 1 Ith December I received an order to move towards Frede- 
 ricksburg, with two days' rations cooked and placed in haversacks. 
 
 L^ecemher 12th, I moved at datsn on the Fredericksburg road to 
 Hamilton's crossing, T^here I placed a guard for the purpose of ar- 
 restirg all stragglers ; also placed a guard, consisting of cavalry and 
 infantry, along the whole line of the corps, in rear of the line of bat- 
 tle about half a mile, with instructions to arrest all men without pro- 
 per passes, on authorized business for t!\eir commands, to be brought 
 to the guard placed on the railroad. There my brigade surgeon was 
 stationed to examine all men claiming to be sick, without proper passes 
 from their brigade or regimental surgeons. Numbers, however, were 
 really sick and totally unfit for duty. They were without passes. 
 ^Vhen a sufficient number were collected together, 1 sent them, under 
 charge of cavalry, to be delivered to the first major general whose 
 command was going into the fight, to place them in front and most 
 exposed position of his command. I am happj to state the number 
 arrested and sent forward were comparatively few, in consideratioa 
 of the size of the army. 
 
 During the 13th and 14th, the "number sent in under guard were 
 only five hundred and twenty-six. Numbers \f ere turned back, owing 
 to tlieir not having proper passes to return to the rear to cook, &c. 
 
 1 am most happy to state 1 had no occasion to carry into eftect the 
 order to shoot all stragglers who refused to go forward, or if caught 
 a second time, upon the evidence of two witnesses, to shoot them. 
 Had I occasion to carry it into eiTeet^ it sertainly should have been 
 executed to the very letter. 
 
 During the 13th and Nth I received and placed under guard three 
 hundred and twenty-four prisoners of war, v/hich I sent to Richmond 
 by order of General Lee; eleven of them were conjinissioned officers 
 and paroled by me; the balance I took names, regiments, brigades and 
 corps, as far as possible, in obedience to your order. 
 
 December 16th, I received one hundred and nine -prisoners of war 
 which I paroled and sent to Guineas Depot, under command of Cap- 
 tain Upshur, with instructions to have them forwarded by railroad to 
 Richmond, if possible, which orders were carried into effect. During 
 the same day 1 went through Dr. Black's and Whitehead's hospital, 
 where I paroled twenty-three Federal prisoners. 
 
579 
 
 A considerable number of wounded prisoners were sent to Rich- 
 mond, They do not appear in this statement, nor could I by any 
 means ascertain the number. 
 
 On the 17th, I received an order to move with my entire guard in 
 rear of General D. H. Hill's division, on the Port Royal road. Cap- 
 tain Upshur, with his squadron, being absent, I ordered Captain 
 Tucker to assist in bringing up the rear. 
 
 On the 18th, I camped on Mr. Brooke's farm, near where General 
 D. 11. Hill's division halted. I am happy to inform you that there 
 was little or no straggling ; the number did not exceed thirty, not- 
 withstanding I used the cavalry in scouring the entire country around. 
 It is my belief, so far as I was able to judge, that there was less dis- 
 position on the part of the men to shirk from duty, but on the con- 
 trary everything went to prove their willhigness to do their utmost. 
 The great mass seemed eager to confront the foe. The present sys- 
 tem of provost guard, if carried into effect, will prevent all future 
 straggling, 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 D. B. BRIDGFORD, 
 Major and Chief Frowst Marshal Second Corps.. 
 
 P. S, — During the 13th there were three hundred and twenty sent" 
 tack, and on the 14th two hundred and six, making the number, as- 
 above stated, five hundred and twenty-six. 
 
 LIST OF PRISONERS CAPTURED AT FREDERICKSBURG 
 BY LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON'S CORPS: 
 
 Commissioned officers paroled, 11 
 
 Enlisted men, 445 
 
 Enlisted men paroled, 133 
 
 389 
 Less 68 taken and sent by Gen. Lonstreet's corps, QS 
 
 521 
 
 This Is the manner they were received here ; five hundred an^ 
 twenty-one is the amount taken. 
 
580 
 
 RETURN OF SMALL ARMS, AMMUNITION, ^c, Collected on 
 the Battle-Field before Fredericksburg, in the Engagements of the 1 2th 
 and ISth of December, 1§62 : 
 
 Emall Arms. 
 
 
 
 Amjicxitiov, fco 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 « 
 
 . 
 
 
 » 
 
 
 Bi- 
 
 i •- 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 •c5 
 
 
 «. 
 a 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 3 
 
 S » ' <^P •?''i i::;-'^ 
 5=ie^ o = =^ = 
 
 
 3 
 
 § 
 
 X 
 
 *.** 
 
 T3 „ 
 
 2-0 g 
 
 
 
 
 %^ 
 
 la 
 
 « 
 
 5S 
 
 
 •ir> 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■0 «if 
 
 !^ 
 
 a 
 
 C 
 
 P. 
 
 9 
 
 B 
 
 e<. 
 
 ■5 « c -a 
 
 <a 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 .0 
 
 3 
 
 S**! 
 
 >» 
 
 es 
 
 CD 
 
 a 
 
 < 
 
 < 
 
 & 
 
 c< 5 r l^ 
 
 cc a 5^ I-? 
 
 W 
 
 a 
 
 <9 
 
 
 .a 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 & 
 
 •.'M 
 
 3148 
 
 1136 
 
 772 
 
 7g 
 
 42': 478 I3I 26 59ll40f. 
 
 80,000 
 
 JM.OOO 
 
 31,000 
 
 60,000 
 
 1,800 
 
 313 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 Total on hand at the reserve trninB 7,720 
 
 " retained by the first army corps 2,166 
 
 " " " Becond army corps 513 
 
 forwarded to Richmond 692 
 
 11,091 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 Qrand total rounds of ammunition 956,000 
 
 RECAPITULATION . 
 
 Total Bets of aocoutrements 1,600 
 
 RECAPITULATION IN FULL. 
 
 Grand total of arms collected 11,091 
 
 Probable loss of our troops 2,000 
 
 Grnnd total of arms captured 9.091 
 
 " " rounds of arorauDition 25ft,000 
 
 " " sets of accoutrements l.&.'O 
 
 Respectfully submitted 
 
 BRISCOE O. BALDWIN. 
 Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Ordnance, .9. A". K. 
 Hbadquartbrb a. N. V., } 
 Ordnance OJ^e, January 20, 1868. S 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR WHITE. 
 
 Headquarters White's Cavalry, December 24, 1862. 
 
 Brigadier General W. E. Jones, 
 
 Commanding Valley District : 
 
 General: I have the honor to 8end you a detailed acconnt of mv 
 scout since I left camp on the morning of the 10th instant. I camped 
 thlt night near Hillsborough. 
 
 On the 13th I captured twelve infantrymen in the neighbor- 
 hood of Hillsborough, whom I sent back to Snickersville. I learned 
 from them that the enemy had gone in the direction of Leesburg and 
 had about three hours start. I immediately ordered an advanced guard 
 to push them as rapidly as possible and learn the force of their rear- 
 guard. My advance captured six infantrymen on the way, who were also 
 sent to Snickersville. I reached Leesburg about three, P. M. The 
 enemy's cavalry left the town as we came in sight. My advance 
 pushed on and encountered them about three miles below Leesburg, 
 on the Gentreville road, and, after a brisk skirmish, drove them into 
 the rear-guard of their infantry and cavalry, capturing two and 
 wounding three. Nobody hurt on our side. I did not deem it pru- 
 dent to attack their infantry and cavalry combined with ray force, and 
 returned to the neighborhood of W'iterford and camped for the night. 
 
 On the morning of the 14th 1 started for Waterford, where I en- 
 countered Sara Means' force, some sixty men ; we charged them and 
 drove them through the town, killing one of their lieutenants and cap- 
 turing their orderly sergeant and one private; both of whora, together 
 with those already sent to Snickersville, making twenty-two in all, 
 were sent to your headquarters for disposal. We pursued them about 
 five miles in the direction of Point of Rocks. Learfling that there 
 was a force of about sixty cavalry in Poolesville, I determined to push 
 forward to that place ; sent my worst horses back ; sent a squad of 
 men to watch the enemy at Harper's Ferry ; they charged the pickets, 
 capturing twenty- six, which were paroled. I crossed the Potomac at 
 Conrad's ferry with ninety-three men about one hour by sun ; arrived 
 at Poolesville about eight, P. M. Before entering the town I learned 
 that about one-half of their force had gone on a scout ; and that the 
 remainder were quartered in the town hall. Divided my force and 
 charged it in two directions. Upon surrounding the hall and demand- 
 ing its surrender, was answered with a volley from door and windows ; 
 we returned the fire with good effect, killing a lieutenant and the 
 orderly sergeant, and wounding eight, including the lieutenant com- 
 manding. The hall was then surrendered ; we captured twenty-one 
 prisoners, all of whom wo paroled. Our loss was one min killed. 
 
 Some of the enemy were scattered around the town and, when they 
 heard the firing, made good their escape. We also captured forty-three 
 horses and destroyed all the stores, consisting of clothing of various 
 kinds, blankets, Eafiold rlQes and muskets, also a largo lot of comr 
 
582 
 
 missary store's, together ■vyith wagons, &c. Remained in the town for 
 several hours and recrossed the rotomac at White's ford. Whilst 
 camped at the Trap, I sent a scout to Leesburg on the 2i)th ; they cap- 
 tured eight prisoners and paroled them. 
 
 I send you a list of names of all prisoners captured and paroled 
 during my scout. 
 
 ELIJAH V. WHITE, 
 Major commanding Battalion. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN LATIMER. * 
 
 Camp near Tout Roval, December 25, 1862. 
 
 Major S. Hale, 
 
 yl. A. A. General EmWs Division. : 
 
 Major : In obciiienee to orJors, I would most rcepectfuUy beg 
 leave to submit the following report of the operations of the batterits 
 of Ewell's division in the engngcments with the enemy near Frede- 
 ricksburg, on the 13th and I4tii of the present month: 
 
 Early on tho morning of the 13th, I was ordered by General Early 
 to take command of the batteries of the division as acting chief of 
 artillery, and I immediately reported to Colonel Cratchfield, chief of 
 artillery second corps, for instructions. He ordered me to park the 
 batteries in a sheltered spot, behind a range of hills, about half a mile 
 behind our line of battle, and' there await orders. He shortly after 
 returned and directed mo to take my own battery, under command of 
 Lieutenant Tanner, and Captain Brown's, under command of Lieu- 
 tenant Plater, to the relief of some batteries occupying a position 
 near the extreme left of the lino formed by the second corps, and to 
 report to Brigadier General Pender, whose brigade then occupied this 
 position. Only five guns were required, and, by direction of General 
 Pender, I relieved five of the guns at that point by the two rifles be- 
 longing to my battery and the three rifles composing Captain Brown s. 
 The position on which these guns were posted was not a very advan- 
 tageous one, but tho best that could be selected. It was a small 
 rising in an open field, with a wood to the right, in which a portion 
 of General A. P. IlilTs division was posted, and on the loft was a 
 ditch and bank running parallel with the railroad, behind which a 
 portion of General Hood's division was posted. In front, at the dis- 
 tance of about a mile, were four of the enemy's batteries, with lines 
 of skirmishers considerably advanced in front of said batteries. We 
 were exposed to quite a heavy fire from these batteries, but gained 
 the position without loss. My orders were to fire <'only at infantry 
 unless the batteries advanced, which orders I obeyed, firing only once 
 at them, and then only to cover the advance of General Law's brig- 
 ade, which w^8 made late in tho day. I was kept constantly engaged 
 at this point from eleven, A. M., when I gained it, until night, re- 
 pelling repeated advances of the enemy by the use of canister. I 
 relieved these batteries that night by Captain Carrington's battery, 
 which engaged the enemy next morning, upon the advance of their 
 skiTmishers, successfully driving them back. Shortly after moving 
 to the left with the batteries spoken of above, Captain D'Aquin's and 
 the Staunton artillery, Lieutenant Garber, were ordered by Colonel 
 Cr.utchfield to the right of our lines, to report to Major Pelham, where 
 they were engaged most of the day. Not having peisonally super- 
 intended their movements during the day, I am unable to describe 
 them minutely. Captain Dement'g battery was ordered to the front 
 
534 
 
 on the 14th, where it reraxineJ in battery until we marched to thir^ 
 point, without, however, becoming engaged at any time. Wo hav* 
 to himent the loss of Captain L. E. D'Aquin, of the Louisiana Guard 
 artillery. A more gallant officer or more worthy man never fell upoa 
 the field of battle. Aleo, Lieutenant Grayson, Captain Erown'8 bat- 
 tery. He fell, nobly, at hia post. The losses in the different batte- 
 ries are as follows : 
 
 Loui;<ianA Guard artillery, Captain D'Aquin — Captain D'Aquin, 
 killed;, one private ■wounded; two horses disabled; one gun disabled. 
 
 Captain Brown's battery, Lieutenant Plater — Lieutenant Grayson 
 and one private killed ; nine wounded ; sixteen horses disabled ; also, 
 one gun and one cais.=on. 
 
 St-!»unton artiJlsry, Lieutenant Garber — None killed or wounded , 
 cne horse dis-abled and one gun carriage, afterwards repaired. 
 
 Courtney artillery. Lieutenant Tanner — One private killed ; Lieu- 
 tenant Tanner and six privates wounded ; eight horses disabled. 
 
 Captain Carrington's battery — Four men wounded ; seven horses 
 di3ahled. • 
 
 Captain Dement's battery — None killed or wounded ; four horse.* 
 disabled. 
 
 I am pleased to be able to say tJiat all the officers and men under 
 my command acted in a highly creditable manner, promptly and 
 cheerfully obeying all orders and standing to their posts. 
 1 have the honor to be. 
 
 Very respectfully, vour most obedient servant, 
 
 J. W. LATIMER, 
 Captain and Acting Chief of Artilhry of JUvjell's Division. 
 
ItEF.ORT OF COLONEL R'. L. WALESR. 
 
 Headquarters Artillery Corps, December 21, 1362. 
 
 Major R. C. MoRG \x, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant Genera! : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to make the following report of the opera- 
 tions of the artillery corps of the light division in the engagement oi 
 Saturday, the 13th instant : 
 
 The batteries of Captains Mcintosh and Pogram, with a section of 
 the hatterics of Captains Latham, Johns<^n and Crenshavr, commanded 
 respectively by Lieutenonts Potts, Clutter and James EMctt, number- 
 ing altogether fourteen giins, had position on the heights near thi) 
 railroad, supported by the brigades of Bl-igadier General Field (Colo- 
 nel Brockenbrough commanding) and Brigadier General Archer. 
 Ciiptains Braxton (Lieutenant IMarye commanding Braxton's battery) 
 and Davidson, -witli five and four guns respectively, took position on 
 the left wing of the light division, in the plain just to the right of 
 Deep Run creek, and were supported by the brigades of Brigadier 
 Generals- Pender and Lane. About ten, A. M\, the enemy began a 
 desultory fire from several batteries, as if feeling our position. Their 
 fire, about eleven, A. M., became hot and well directed, causing us 
 some loss in men and horses. Captain Mcintosh, commanding his 
 own guns, Snd the sections of Captains Latham and Johnson, and 
 Captain Pegram, commanding his own guns and the section of Cren- 
 shaw, Avere directed to withhold their fire till there should be an in- 
 fantry demonstration. The enemy, weary of suspense, about twelve, 
 M., formed a front to attack the heights. Their advance, made by a 
 division apparently, was speedily broken and driven back by Cap- 
 tains Mcintosh and Pegram's murderous fire — the enemy opening 
 vipon them meanwhile very destructively with at least twenty- five 
 guns. This attempt having failed, the enemy, concentrated in mass 
 and in enormous force, moved forward rapidly, protected by a fearful 
 fire from all their guns, toward the point of woods in the plain, in 
 defiance of our guns, which were served rapidly and with great havoc 
 npon their dense ranks. In advancing to, and being routed by, the 
 infantry from the woods, they suffered very heavy loss from the fire 
 of our guns. While the attention of our guns was devoted to their 
 infantry, their artillery caused us heavy loss; but as soon as engaged 
 by our guns their shot flew wide, though in weight of metal they 
 much exceeded us. At half-past ^hree, P. M., Captains Mcintosh 
 and Pegram becoming short of men and ammunition, and having one 
 gun disabled and a caisson wid limber exploded, they were relieved by 
 the corps of Colonel Brown, except one section of Captain Pegram'3 
 battery, which remained till nightfall. liero we lost Lieutenants 
 James Ellett and Z. C. McGruder, whoso memory we should not 
 willingly let die. Lieutenant Clutter was wounded also, andi many 
 brave men of the rank and file, gallantly doing their duty,, werd 
 
586 
 
 wounded and killed. On the left of the light division, Lieutenint 
 Marye and Captain Davidson, with their commands, fully sustained 
 their high reputation. Three charges were made upon their position, 
 and gallantly repulsed with canister. Outnumbered in weight of 
 metal, and often closely approached by the enemy's infantry, they as 
 often sent them back with canister and shrapnel, and held their posi- 
 tion until it was deemed expedient to abandon it. Captain Braxton 
 was withdrawn about three, P. M., and Captain Davidson at nightfall. 
 Lieutenant Brander, of the latter battery, was slightly wounded. 
 
 The guns' upon both flanks were served with the coolness of a parade, 
 though exposed to a five which seemed to fill the air with destruction. 
 
 Where all did their duty as well as, I am proud to say, the artillery 
 of the light division did theirs in this engagement, comparison would be 
 invidious. Men and officers vied with each other in their devotion to 
 duty and regardlessness of self. I cannot, however, neglect this op- 
 portunity to call your especial attention to Lieutenant J. li. Cham- 
 berlayneas particularly deserving notice for his gallant conduct. His 
 ecrvices are almost indispensable. 
 
 I have the honor to remain. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 R. L. WALKER, 
 Lieutenant Colonel cojnmandiv.g Artillery Light Division. 
 
REPORT OF CAPTAIN NADENBOUSCH, COxMMANDING 
 
 REGIMENT. 
 
 Headquarters Second Regiment Virginia Infantry, j> 
 Camp near Moss Neck, December 23, 1862. ji 
 
 Lieutenant: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to sub- 
 mit the following report of the operations of the second Virginia 
 regiment in the battle of Fredericksburg, fought December 1.3, 
 18G2: 
 
 The regiment left camp near Guineas Depot at six o'clock, A. M., on 
 the 12th instant, marched to Hamilton's Crossing, on the Richmond and 
 Fredericksburg railroad, thence in a westwardly direction to a large 
 "wood covering the crest of hills overlooking the battle-field. After a 
 number of changes of position, bivouacked for th« night in the wood 
 above referred to, in rear of General Gregg's brigade, of A. P. Hill's 
 division, which held the military road. 
 
 About nine o'clock, A. M., December 13th, the heavy cannonading 
 on the right and left, and the sharp skirmishing in front, announced' 
 the great battle was near at hand. As the day advanced the musketry 
 became more distinct and continuous, and soon the line in front of us 
 became hotly engaged. At this time an order to advance was given, 
 which was done with order and alacrity, marching in a northeasterly 
 direction. The second regiment was on the right of the brigade, and, 
 in consequence of this position, was the on4y one of the brigade, so 
 f\ir as I know, engaged in the musketry fight. Marching forward in 
 line, vrith the other regiments of the brigade, I observed that there 
 was no support on our right, and kept a sharp lookout for the safety 
 of that flank. I apprehended that if the enemy was near at hand they 
 ■would take advantage of this gap, and fall upon our flank at this un- 
 guarded point; and so it turned out. How, and in what way, the 
 enemy gained this advanced position, and what disposition had been 
 made of our front line, it is impossible for me to say. The gap was 
 there, and they pushed forward with a large infantry force and a bat- 
 tery of artillery, as was ascertained from prisoners captured and 
 ■wounded men upon the field. Observing them through the dense 
 foliage at a distance, and the brigadier being at a different p)int on 
 the line, I took the responsibility of filing my regiment to the right, 
 presenting my front to the enemy. No sooner had I gotten into posi- 
 tion than they opened a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, to which 
 the regiment replied rapidly and eflfectively, men and officers standing 
 to their posts and doing their duty as only veterans know how. I 
 rejoice to be able to say that there were but few men in the regiment 
 ■who disgraced the name of soldier. It was during this brief but brisk 
 fight that the regiment sustained a loss of three killed and seventeen 
 ■wounded. Among the latter were Lieutenant William 1>. Colston, 
 commanding company E, and Lieutenant J. J. Haines, xjompany E. 
 
588 
 
 The enemy soon fled. We then advanced to within a short distancj 
 of the railroad, (the front line of the army,) and remained in thi? 
 position until about seven o'clock^, P. JSI,, sending forward company 
 C (Captain Randolph) as skirmishers to the railroad. About this 
 time the brigade was withdrawn to the military road, where we slept 
 upon our ariJfis until half-past three o'clock, A. M., 14th instant, when 
 we were ordered to take position in advance, along the line of rail- 
 road. There was quite lively skirmishing during the entire day — had 
 one man wounded. 
 
 About five o'clock, A. M., on> the 15th instant, the brigade wa3 
 relieved by Rodes' brigade, of Di H. Hill's division, and returned to 
 the rear in third line — reserve. 
 
 During the entire four days of exposure, suspense and danger, both 
 oflicers and men evinced the true spirit of patriots and soldiers. I 
 cannot but feel })roud of the honor of having commanded such men. 
 Ciptaia R. T. Colston, second in command, and Adjutant R. W. 
 Hunter, deserve honorable mention at my hands for gallantry and 
 good conduct durfng the engagement, and their material aid in th*> 
 command of the regiment. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 J. Q. A. NADENBOUSCH, 
 Captain commanding Second Regiment Virginia Infantry. 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIS in the Second Virginia Infantry, December 
 
 13,1862: 
 
 Company A. — Private Thomas Barr, severely wounded by gunshot, 
 not serious. 
 
 Company E. — First Lieutenant W. B. Colston, severely pounded by 
 shell, very serious ; Second Lieutenant J. J. Haines, severely 
 wounded by musket ball, not serious ; private Samuel Stuckey, se- 
 verely wounded by gunshot, not serious ; private Harvey Kite, severely 
 wounded by gunshot, not serious ; private N, D. Rittenhour, severely 
 wounded by gunshot, not serious ; private Alexander Porterfield, 
 slightly wounded by shell ; private John Kiser, mortally wounded 
 and since died. 
 
 Company F. — Private J. M. Fleming, killed by shell ; private Ford 
 Friar, mortally wounded by gunshot. 
 
 Company G. — Sergeant Charles M. Asquith, slightly wounded by 
 shell; private Fayette Rawlins, severely wounded by shell, serious, 
 private William Kerl, slightly bruised by shell ; private Daniel Mo- 
 ler, slightly bruised by shell ; private Samuel Fay, slight ; private 
 Charles G. Tabb, slight. 
 
 Company H. — Private J. A. Luck, severely wounded by gunshot, 
 not serious ; private James Hicks, slightly ; private \¥illiam Reed, 
 severely woundedi hj gunshot, not serious. 
 
589 
 
 CW;>ani'7._Private J. T. Bar'r, severely wounded by -unshot not 
 ^^ CW.;>cny iT.-First Lieutenant B. W. Moore, slightly bruieed by 
 Total, twenty-one. 
 
 J. Q. A. NADENBOUSCH, 
 Colonel commanding Second Virginia Infantry. 
 
REPORT OF lieutenant: COLONEL EDMONDSON. 
 
 Headquarters Twentv-Seventh Virginia Volunteers, ) 
 Camp Paxton's Brigade, December 23, 1862. ) 
 
 Lieutenant Arnall, 
 
 A. A. A. General First Brigade : 
 
 Sir : In obedience to order, I respectfully submit the following re- 
 port of the participation of my regiment in the late battle of the !3th 
 instant, before Fredericksburg, viz : 
 
 General Paxton's brigade, of which my regiment forms a part, 
 t»coupied. on the morning of the 13th, the rear position, or the third 
 parallel line, in supporting distance of General Gregg's brigade, which 
 Dccupied a position on the second parallel line. About nine o'clock, 
 A. M., a heavy cannonading commenced, and was kept up till about 
 noon, to which my regiment, and the brigade generally, was severely 
 j^ubjected^ but unflinchingly ^withstood. About noon the intu.ntry 
 became engaged, and the battle, for hours, raged furiously. Our line 
 ill front finally seeming to give way, my regiment, together with the 
 retnainder of the brigade, eager for the fray, moved up rapidly and in 
 iTOod order (passing over troops which, to all appearance, seerajd co be 
 doubting as to their duty) to the support of their comrades in front. 
 The enemy, however, had been whipped back in the meantime, and 
 our brigade became not engaged. The remainder of the day w^s en- 
 5^'aged in changing position, but the enemy did not advance, 
 
 I sustained no loss in either killed, wounded or missing. I would, 
 however, here remark that I have never seen the ofScers and men of my 
 regiment behave with more gallantry and with cooler courage, seem- 
 in ;zly having determined to conquer ar die. 
 Respectfully, 
 
 JAMES R. EDMONDSON, 
 
 lAeulcnant Colonel commandifig Ttcentij-Sevinth Beg't Virginia Vols. 
 
REPORT OF MAJOR TERRY. 
 
 Headquarters Fourth Regiment Virginia Yoixnteers, } 
 
 December 23, 1862. ) 
 
 Captain Charles S. Arnold, 
 
 A. A. A. General Paxtoii's Brigade : 
 
 Sir : On the I'Sth instant the fourth regiment Virginia volunteers 
 loft camp, five miles northwest of Guineas Station, and moved in the 
 direction of Fredericksburg, arriving at Hamilton's Crossing before 
 noon, remaining near there some hours. Early in the afternoon the 
 regiment, with the brigade, moved forward, and was put in position 
 in rear of a portion of A. I*. Hill's division, in the woods west of the 
 railroad, and to the right of the road loading from Hamilton's Cross- 
 ing in the direction of the telegraph road. The regiment several 
 times changed position during the afternoon, and rested for 
 the night by their guns, a little in rear of the summit in these 
 woods — the fourth regiment during the day occupying the left of 
 the brigade. 
 
 Early next morning, the 1 3th instant, the evidence of the approaching 
 conflict was heard in brisk skirmishing and cannonading, the enemy's 
 shot and shell passing and frequently bursting near the fourth regi- 
 ment, but doing no damage. Towards noon the regiment v/as retired 
 a few hundrei yards and formed in line of battle, from which position 
 we soon moved forward by the front. Early in this movement Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Gardner was severely wounded in the face hv a fra"'- 
 ment of shell, whilst gallantly leading his regiment, and carried from 
 the fieldi» As the next in rank, I assumed command. The regiment 
 continued to move forward in direction of the heavy infantry filing in 
 front, until we passed the crest of the hill, when we moved by the 
 right flank along, and crossing, the military road. Here the fourth 
 regiment was ordered to take position on the extreme right of the 
 brigade, which wa,f promptly done, and again formed in line of battle. 
 During this time we were exposed to a galling fire of shot and shell, 
 ■which wounded several of my men. 
 
 The engagement still progressing, we were again ordered forward 
 along the military road, and took a position then unoccupied by any 
 troops, some one hundred yards to the west of, and parallel to, tha 
 railroad. I threw out skirmishers in front of the regiment, who kept 
 up a brisk fire with the enemy's skirmishers until dark, killing and 
 woilnding several of them. We remained here until after night, when 
 I was ordered to follow the twenty-seventh regiment. We moved a 
 short distance to the rear along the military road, by which wo had 
 advanced, laying dcvrn for the night by the road side. 
 
 At three, A. M., l4th instant, we were aroused, moved a few hun- 
 dred yards through the woods, in the direction of Fredericksburg, and 
 were placed iu position behind the embankment of the railroad — the 
 
592 
 
 eecond Virginia regiment resting npon a skirt of woods which crossed 
 the railroad, and the fourth regiment on the left of the second. We 
 remained in this position during Siwiday, the 14th instant, hourly 
 expecting a general advance of the enemy, but the day passed without 
 any incident worthy of notice, beyond the skirmishing between the 
 sharpshooters on both sides. I, however, restrained the fourth regi- 
 ment, and permitted no firing, and thus protected my men from any 
 ioss. 
 
 At dawn on Monday morning, the 15th instant, ray regiment was 
 relieved from duty on the advance post, and retired, with the brigade, 
 about one mile to the rear, in the woods, where we remained till Tues-« 
 day morning, from which place we marched to our present encamp- 
 3ent in Caroline county. 
 
 Of the conduct of officers and men, from Lieutenant Colonel Gard- 
 ner down, it affords me great pleasure to speak in the highest terms of 
 commendation. For coolness and -eteadiness under a trying fire of 
 fkrtiille'ry, I never saw their conduct surpassed. And while they were 
 icot called on to participate in an infantry fight they showed they were 
 ready to meet ita danger and to do their duty. And I avail myself 
 cf this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the officers and ■ 
 men for their cheerful, prompt and ready obedience to orders under 
 every circumstance ; and, when all have behaved so well, I should do 
 injustice did I attempt to bestow marked distinction upon any. I 
 must also express my regret at the loss the service has sustained in 
 the wounding of Lieutenant Colonel Gardner, whose whole conduct 
 during this war, on many hard-fought battle-fields, has marked him 
 fcs a most trustworthy and efficient officer. 
 
 I give below a list of the casualties. 
 
 Very respectfully, ko., 
 
 WILLIAM TERRY, 
 Major commanding Fourth Kcgiment Virginia Voluj^teers. 
 
 LIST OF CASUALTIES in the Fourth Regiment Virginia Vol- 
 
 unteers : 
 
 Field and Staff. — Lieutenant Colonel Gardner severely wounded in 
 the face. 
 
 Company A. — Corporal Thomas Chatwell, shot in foot. 
 
 Company C. — Wounded : Private S. S. Coddall, in right foot ; pri- 
 vate William Boyd, in left leg ; private George Pratt, in left leg ; 
 private C. L. Terry, in the back. 
 
 Company D. — Wounded : Private G. H. Hudge, in right leg ; pri- 
 vate A. J. Wolfe, in right hip. 
 
 Company F. — Wounded : Sergeant T. R. Stamper, in foot ; private 
 W. S. Shupe, in right hip ; private S. 0. Canico, in left side. 
 
 Company G. — Wounded: Sergeant J, H. Sublett, left hip ; Corpo- 
 ral G. A. Willis, left arm ; private P. Hall, in left hip and breast. 
 
 Company L. — Wounded : Private J. C. Snider, in left arm. 
 
593 
 
 The ■wounds in most of the foregoing cases are sliglit — fri>ra frag- 
 ment« of shell. Many have alreaiij returned to duty. 
 
 WILLIAM TERRY, 
 Major commanding Fo-urth Begiment Virginia Vohmturs, 
 
 33 ^ 
 
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT McKENDREE. 
 
 Headquarters C irpenter's Batterv^, > 
 Camp Faxtori's Brigade, December 23, 1862. \ 
 
 General E, F. Paxton, 
 
 Commanding First Brigade : 
 
 General : In obedience to orders, I submit the following report of 
 the part taken by this company in the action of Saturday, the 13th 
 instant : 
 
 On the morning of the day above mentioned, about six o'clock, we 
 were conducted by Captain Brockenbrough, then acting chief of artil- 
 lery, to a position in front of General Branch's brigade, being sup- 
 ported by the seventh North Carolina regiment, which was posted 
 stiongside of the railroad, about one hundred yards to our rear. We 
 •^^ere instructed to hold our position until our support had passed to 
 the front, then, \i necessary , to move to another point some three hun- 
 dred yards to the rear. As soon as we arrived on the ground the 
 battery was prepared for action, but remained silent, according to 
 ordei'3, until about nine o'clock, A. M., when we observed the enemy 
 advancing'on our right in considerable force, (infantry,) when we, in 
 connection with Captains Braxton's and Wooding's batteries, imme- 
 diately on our right, opened a brisk iSre on the advancing column, 
 vrhich caused them to waver and break for a time, but soon reappeared, 
 at the same time advanced several batteries on our left and front to 
 wiihin short range, and opened a destructive fire of artillery on our 
 batteries. When I observed them advancing with artillery on our 
 left, attempting to enfilade our position, (which they had partially 
 succeeded in doing,) I at once despatched a messenger to the com- 
 znanding officers of two batteries to our left and rear, requesting them 
 to begin firing at once, and, if possible, dislodge the pieces thus 
 advanced. Soon after one or both the batteries began a very slow 
 fire, but without either driving the enemy from his position or attract- 
 ing the firing in that direction. The fire was so destructive that wo 
 were soon compelled to continue the action with three pieces instead 
 of four; and still later withdrew another piece and placed all the 
 available men I then had to the two remaining guns, and thus continued 
 the action until our skirmishers were driven to the rear, and the 
 infantry of the enemy rapidly advancing, which being observed by 
 Captain Brockenbrough, he called on our support to come to our 
 rescue, which they promptly did, passing some twenty yards to our 
 front, and held the enemy in check until we could limber up our two 
 ismaining guns, which being done, we retired in good order some 
 aninutes after the other batteries had left the field — this being about 
 eleven o'clock, A. M. We left one caisson on the field for want of 
 iiorses to haul it ofi*. I then took a commanding position some three 
 hundred yards to the rear of my first, and sent the orderly sergeant 
 ^h^ving no commissioned officer to assist me) to halt the two pieces 
 
595 
 
 first sent from the field, and wliich were then moving off Avith Captain 
 Wooding's battery. He soon returned, informing me that Captain 
 Brockenbrough was riding at the head of the retiring column. Sup- 
 posing that he intended me to follov/-, I then moved on. When I ca^.-ae 
 up ■with him found that he had been severe! j wounded, in conscquenoe 
 of which he was retiring. lie then ordered me to take command of 
 Wooding's battery, in connection with my own, which I did, and reported 
 to General A. P. Hill for orders, who directed mo to go to the nearest 
 open field in rear, get as many pieces ready for action as practicable 
 and await further orders. Late in the afternoon I received an order 
 from General Taliaferro directing me to return to a point on the left, 
 near the one occupied in the morning, and open fire on the enemy a« 
 once. Arriving near the point designated, met that officer, who in- 
 formed me that we were too late, directing that we go back and go 
 into camp for the night. 
 
 CASUALTIES: 
 
 Second Lieutenant D. R. Barton, killed ; Second Lieutenant Wil- 
 liam T. Larabie, wounded, severely ; private Thomas Hastings, killed ; 
 Sergeant F. Karnes, wounded, slight; Corporal P. O'Conner, slight; 
 Corporal J. F. Fudge, severe ; privates A. Staff, severe ; A. J. Bar- 
 row,- severe; George Myers, severe ; William Baggage, severe ; Joha 
 Miller, slight; E. Piper, severe ; John Sawyers, slight ; James Gla- 
 yer, slight ; Isaac Swindle, slight ; R. Martin, slight ; William New- 
 comer, slight; M. Clemm, slight ; H. Loch, severe; A. McCarfcy, 
 slight; J. Hawkins, severe; John O'Niel, slight; W^ Allemong, 
 eevere ; John McCarty, slight; Joseph Grim, slight; John CadvraU- 
 der, slight ; Joseph Anderson, missing. Ten horses killed and four 
 disabled. 
 
 GEORGE McKENDREE, 
 Lieutenant commanding Battery, 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL WARREN. 
 
 ]Ieadq,uarters Taliaferro's Brigade, Decemhr 19, 1862. 
 
 Mjijor Taliaferro, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General Jacksofis Division : 
 
 Major : In obedienee to orders, I have the honor to submit the fol- 
 lo-R'ing report of the part taken by this brigade in the recent action 
 licar Fredericksburg : 
 
 The brigade left its encampment Friday morning about sunrise, 
 and, on arriving at Hamilton's Crossing, was put in position in rear 
 of the Hamilton house, in support of the batteries stationed on the 
 hill. This position it occupied the remainder of the day and that 
 night, but saw nothing of the enemy. 
 
 Early Saturday morning I was ordered to the left, and took posi- 
 tion in rear and supporting distance of Brigadier General Paxton's 
 brigade, in the following order: Thirty-seventh Virginia regiment, 
 commanded by Colonel T. V. Williams ; tenth Virginia regiment, 
 commanded by Captain W. B. Yancey ; twenty-third Virginia regi- 
 ment, commanded by Captain A. S. Richardson ; forty-seventh Ala- 
 bama regiment, commanded by Captain I. M. Campbell ; forty-eighth 
 Alabama regiment, commanded by Captain C. B St. John. During the 
 day I was advanced to the front, until 1 came up to the second line, 
 zi Vrhich point I received orders to fall back to ihe military road and 
 occupy it. 
 
 Kext morning, in accordance with orders, I occupied the froiit line 
 on General Paxton's left. Early in the morning my skirmishers 
 engaged those of the enemy for a short time, but during the day and 
 night following this part of the line was remarkably quiet. 
 
 Monday morning, being relieved, we retired to the third line. 
 Captain Wooding's battery was detached from the brigade Friday 
 Morning, and its action did not come under my observation. It was, 
 however, early in the action, and sustained its reputation for gal- 
 lantry and efficiency, but, I regret to say, suffered severely — Captain 
 Wooding and Lieutenant Jones both being severely wounded. The 
 loss sustained by the brigade, not including loss in battery, was 
 fclight, being two officers and fourteen privates wounded. I refer to 
 th^ report already furnished for names, &c. 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 E. T. H. WARREN, 
 Ook^nd Tenth Virginia Regiment commanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL H. J. WILLIAMS. 
 
 Headquarters Fifth VrRciNrA Volunteers, } 
 Dcceinber 24, 1862. i 
 Lieutenant C. S. Arnall, 
 
 Acting Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Lieutenant: In pursuance of orders from brigade headquarters. I 
 herewith transmit report of this regiment during the engagement near 
 Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. 
 
 On the morning of 12th December, the-regimcntVith the brigade 
 left camp with two hundred and fortj-six men, non-commissioned, 
 Lc, with seventeen commissioned officers, taking the road leadins; to 
 Fredericksburg. Having marched a distance of about six railc8,%e 
 were halted along the railroad and ordered to load; which being 
 accompliahed, we marched and countermarched along the railroad" 
 Taking an oblique course across the field to the left of the road, we 
 proceeded along and upon the top of the hills overlooking the valicy 
 about and around Fredericksburg, where wo remained during the 
 remainder of the day and night, without any thing of importance 
 occurring worthy of note. In^the morning at nine o'clock cannon- 
 ading became very heavy on our right, which continued until the lire 
 was extended along our whole line. During this artillery duel seve- 
 ral of the naen upon the left of the regiment were wounded, one 
 ecriously, in company F. About one o'clock we were again ordered 
 back and formed line of battle four hundred yards in rear of our 
 former position. After remaining in this position a short time the 
 roar of musketry plainly indicated that the battle had commenced. 
 ^ e then moved forward to what is called '' the military road" under 
 heavy fire of shell, tc. We were there halted a few moments, then 
 ordered by the right flank, moving forward perhaps half a mile when 
 halted again for a few momets, throwing out skirmishers at the same 
 time, moving forward in line of battle for a few hundred yards to a 
 fence a short distance from the railroad, then we were halted and 
 remained until the firing ceased, which was a little after dark, then 
 we moved back to the military road and remained until near dayli<rht, 
 when we were moved forward and took a position in front alont^'^the 
 railroad. In this position we remained during the day and nif»ht 
 with no other casualties, save one man wounded in company E. The 
 firing continued during the along the whole line of skir- 
 
 mishers ; remaining in this position during the day and night, we were 
 relieved near daylight by General Rodes' brigade, when we' took up 
 the line of march, moving back perhaps one mile and a half, where 
 we remained until next morning about nine o'clock, at this period we 
 were ordered to move, taking the direction of Port Royal, we marched 
 antil a late hour, where we encamped upon the farm of 
 m Caroline county, Virginia, where we now are. I must say, in con- 
 clusion, with the exceptions already mentioned in a former report, that 
 
598 
 
 men and officers never behaved so gallantly, and, in justice to all, I 
 can give no one more praise than another. Sufficient to say that all 
 vrere at their posts and did their duty. Annexed jou will find list of 
 casualties. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 II. J. WILLIAMS, 
 Lmdaiant Cclojiel commanding Regiment. 
 
 List of CasuaUies in Fifth Virginia Volunteers. 
 
 • 
 
 Company D. — Wounded * Cyrus Lotts, accidentally in finger. 
 Company E. — Wounded : John Harris, seriously in abdomen. 
 Company F. — Wounded : Lieutenant John M. Brown, slightly in 
 leg; Private Alfred Shcflet, leg amputated; Sergeant J. Dunlop, 
 slightly in shoulder; Wra. H, Rodgers, seriously in leg; John Jor- 
 den, slightly in arm; Wm. T. Bixily, slightly in shoulder; James 
 Trimble, slightly in knee. 
 
 Company L — Wounded: Corporal Gerard Kin, slightly in leg ; F. 
 M. V/ood. accidental in finger. 
 Total number wounded, eleven. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 C. II. CALHOUN, 
 
 Acting Adjutant. 
 
601 
 
 INDEX TO VOLUME II. 
 
 PAGE. J 
 
 Battle of Cedar Run. ; 
 
 Report of L.cutenant General T. J. ) 
 
 Jackson 3 / 
 
 Report of Major General R. S. Ewcll. 9 ' 
 
 Report of M ijor General A. P. Hill.. 11 ; 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. B. J 
 
 Taliaferro 15 ) 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Charles { 
 
 L. Field 19 < 
 
 Report of Colonel IT. Forno 20 ') 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. L. '. 
 
 Archer 21 ': 
 
 Report of Brigadier General I. R. ; 
 
 Trimble 23 \ 
 
 R('p(?rt of Brigadier General L. O'B. 
 
 Branch 25 
 
 Report of BrigaHer General W. D. 
 
 Fender 26 'i 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. A. / 
 
 Early ." 27 ) 
 
 Report of C. lonel C. A. Ronald 34 < 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel T. S. < 
 
 Ganiett 37 ) 
 
 Report of Colonel A. G. Taliaferro... 40 '^ 
 
 Report of Colonel L. A. Stafford 42 ;; 
 
 Report of Colonel Stapletou Crutch- < 
 
 field 43 > 
 
 Report of Captain W. A. Witcher 46 { 
 
 Reportof Major John Scddon 48 / 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel J. W. { 
 
 Jackson 49 't 
 
 Report of Captain K. Dobyns 51 / 
 
 Report of Colonel W. E. Jones 63 t 
 
 Report of ."Major H. C. Wood, 54 i 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel S. T. I 
 
 Walton 55 ) 
 
 Rep rt of Major II. J. Williams 67 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel A. A. 
 
 Hughes 59 
 
 Report of Major Joshua Stover, 60 
 
 Report of Major A. R. Courtney 62 
 
 Report of Lioutcuaut Colonel R. D. 
 
 Gardner 64 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel Lawson 
 
 Botts 66 
 
 Reportof Captain J. H. Horton 67 
 
 Report of Captain C. L. Haynes 68 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel Edwin 
 
 G. Lee 70 
 
 Report of Colonel J. A. Walker 73 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel R. D. 
 
 Walker 75 
 
 Report of Captain Wm. T. Poague... 77 
 
 Report of Captain L. E. D'Aquin 78 
 
 Report flf Captain J. C Carpenter... 79 
 
 SnncBR Campaign of 1862, from the Bat- 
 tle OF Cedar Ruh to and including 
 THE Battle of Sharpsburg. 
 
 Report of Lieutenant General James 
 
 Longstreet 80 
 
 Reportof Casualties 89 
 
 Report of Lieutenant General T. J. 
 
 Jackson 90 
 
 Reportof Casualties 107 
 
 Report of Major General D. H. Hill. 110 'i 
 Reportof Casualties 119 < 
 
 39 
 
 page. 
 Report of Major General A. P. Hill.. 124 
 
 Reportof Casualties 131 
 
 Reports of Major General J. E. B. 
 
 Stuart 132 
 
 Reply to General Trimble from Gen- 
 eral SUiart 150 
 
 Report of Major General I. R. Trim- 
 
 lH ble 154 
 
 Report of Major General L. McLawp, 160 
 Report of Brigadier General J. A. 
 
 Early 174 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. B. 
 
 Taliaferro 198 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. G. 
 
 Walker 203 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. B. 
 
 Hood , 209 
 
 Reportof Casualties 214 
 
 Report of Brigadier General R. E. 
 
 Rodes 215 
 
 Reportof Major General D. R. Jones, 216 
 Report of Brigadier General J. R. 
 
 Jones 221 
 
 Report of Brigadier General C. M. 
 
 Wilcox 224 
 
 Report of Brigadier General S. G. 
 
 French 232 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. N. 
 
 Pendleton 235 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Wade 
 
 JHampton 239 
 
 Tflport of Colonel B. T. Johnson 243 
 
 Report of Brigadier General I. R. 
 
 Trimble 248 
 
 Report of Colonel H. Forno 252 
 
 Report of Brigadier General B. H. 
 
 Robertson 254 
 
 Report of Colonel E. L. Thomas 257 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. L. 
 
 Archer 269 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. D. 
 
 Pender 266 
 
 Report of Brigadier General James 
 
 11. Lane 27tt 
 
 Report of Brigadier General S. Mc- 
 
 Gowan 276 
 
 Report of Casualties 264 
 
 Report of Brigadier General N. G. 
 
 Evans 28T 
 
 Report of Brigadier General R. Ran- 
 som, Jr 291 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Roger 
 
 A. Pryor 294 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. S. 
 
 Featherston 296 
 
 Report of Brigadier General H. L. 
 
 Benning 299 
 
 Report of Colonel E. M. Law 306 
 
 Report of Colonel Joseph Walker 311 
 
 Reportof Colonel G. T.Anderson 315 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Robert 
 
 Toombs 321 
 
 Report of Brigadier General R. B. 
 
 Garnett 328 
 
 Report of Brigadier General R. S. 
 
 Ripley 334 
 
 Report of Colonel A. H. Colquitt 337 
 
602 
 
 PAGE. ; 
 
 Report of Brigadier General R. E. 
 
 Rodes 341 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Paul J. 
 
 Seinines 318 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Wm. 
 
 B;irk.sdale 351 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. B. 
 
 Kershaw 353 
 
 Report of Colonel AV. S. Wofford 350 
 
 Report of Colonel L. A. Siafford 3y'.> 
 
 Report of Colonel D. F. McRae 361 
 
 Report of Colonel E. Pendleton 3fi2 
 
 Report of Colonel J. B. ■Waliou 305 
 
 Report of Colonel S. Cnitfhfield \\'A 
 
 Report of Colonel S. B. Lee 3^ 
 
 Report of Signal OiScer 387 
 
 Report of Captain J. K. Bosweil 391 
 
 Report of Captain B. Brown 396 
 
 Report of Major B. ^Y. Fr..bel..'. 39B 
 
 Report of Coluncl L. S. ;.aker 401 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel P. M. 
 
 B. Young 403 
 
 Report of Lieuteniint Colonel T. T. 
 
 Magrudi'r 405 
 
 Report of Colonel T. T. Munford 407 
 
 Rtport of Colonel T. L. Rosser 409 
 
 Report of Captain C. W. Squiers..... 412 
 
 Report of M. B. Miller 415 
 
 Rerort of Lieuteniint Colonel R. L. 
 
 Walker...... , 417 
 
 Report of Colonel A. W. Ilr.rnian 420 
 
 Report of Major .John Pclbam 421 
 
 Report of Major Sam'l H. Iiairston.. 423 
 
 Report of Captain S. B. Myers 424 
 
 Report of Major W. J. Hawks, 425 
 
 Report of Major John A. ilaruian... 426 
 
 Battle of Fkedericksiurg. M 
 
 Report of Lienteoant General James 
 
 Longstreer : 427 
 
 Report of Casualties 432 
 
 Report of I ieutenaut General T. J. 
 
 Jackson 434 
 
 Report of Casaulties 440 
 
 Report of Major General R. H. An- 
 derson 442 
 
 Report of Major General L. JleLaws 444 
 
 Report of Casuilties 449 
 
 Reportof Major General R. Ransom, 
 
 Jr 451 
 
 Report of M jor General J. B. Hood 456 
 
 Reportof Casualties 457 
 
 Report of .Major General i>. H. Qill. 458 
 Report of Major General A. P. Hill.. 461 
 Report of Brigadier General AV. B. 
 
 Taliaferro 466 
 
 Report of Biij;adier General J. A. 
 
 Early 469 ^ 
 
 Repor- of Brigadier General AV. N. ^' 
 
 Pendleton 475 ' 
 
 Report of Br-gadier General C. M. 
 
 Wilcox 481 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. S. 
 
 Featberston 485 
 
 Report of Brigadier General J. B. 
 
 Kershaw 487 \ 
 
 Reportof Casiialtie? 490 5 
 
 Report of Brigadier General A. R. 
 
 Wright 491 : 
 
 Report of Brigadier General Wm. ; 
 
 Mahono 493 '. 
 
 Report of Colonel R. M. Miller 494 ' 
 
 TAGK. 
 
 Report of Brigadier General E. A. 
 
 Perry 496 
 
 Reportof Colonel E. D. Hall 49T 
 
 Report of Brigadier (Jcneral E. M. 
 
 Law " 498 
 
 Report of Brigadier (ienerai P. J. 
 
 Semmes 500 
 
 Report of Brigadier General E. F. 
 
 Paxton '. 501 
 
 Report of Cidonel H. F. linke 503 
 
 Report of Colonel J. A. AValker 505 
 
 Report of Brigadier General H. T. 
 
 Hays 507 
 
 Report of Colonel Joliu 1). Kennedy 509 
 
 Report of Co'onel C. A. Kvans 511 
 
 Report of Brigadier General W. D. 
 
 Pender '. 514 
 
 Reportof C.isualtii's 615 
 
 Report of Colonel D. H. Hamilton... 516 
 Report of Brigadier General J. L. 
 
 Areher , „ 516 
 
 Report of Brigadier (Jeneral- James 
 
 H. Lane 521 
 
 Report of Colonel. J. M. Brocken- 
 
 brough 525 
 
 Report of Brigadier Genciral E. L. 
 
 Thou. as 52T 
 
 Repcrt of Brigadiov General J. R. 
 
 Jones ...'.'. 528 
 
 Report of Uoiontl E. Penaictou 529 
 
 Report of 0. louel J. B. AValior. 532 
 
 Reportof Colonel S. Crntebiie'il 533 
 
 Report of Lieutenaut Coknol E. P. 
 
 Ale\ai;der 539 
 
 Report of Colonel B. (i. liumpbiiLS. 642 
 
 Report of Colonel H. 0. Cabell 544 
 
 Report of C:iptain !> Lang i>43 
 
 Report of Captain V. Mauriu 550 
 
 Bepoitof Cap:aiu E. Taliaferro 552 
 
 Report of Captxin J. AV. Lewi- 553 
 
 Report of Captain A. R. Govan 565 
 
 Rejiorf of Lieutenant Colonel John 
 
 C. Fizer 556 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel W. G. 
 
 Riee 559 
 
 Report of Lieutenant Colonel Elbert 
 
 Bland 660 
 
 Report of Major i>. W. Moody 562 
 
 Report of Captain J. K. Nance 56S 
 
 Pieport of Lieutenant Colonel W. H. 
 
 Luse 566 
 
 Reportof Captain E T. Stackhouse. 668 
 Beport of Colonel AV. T>- BeSaussure 570 
 Report of Colonel James 1). Nance... 572 
 
 Report of Co'Oi.cl J. W. Carter 574 
 
 Reportof J T.Brown 576 
 
 Report ol Major D. B. Bridgford 578 
 
 Report of small arm-!, &e., captured. 580 
 
 Report 01 Major E. Y. AVhite 661 
 
 Report of Captain J. AV. Latimer 58S 
 
 Report of Colonel R. L. AValkfr 585 
 
 Report of Captain J. Q. A. •.'aden- 
 
 bousch 587 
 
 Reportof Casualties 588 
 
 Report o" Colonel J. R. Edmundson 590 
 
 Report of Major AVm. Terry 591 
 
 Reportof Casualties 592 
 
 Report of Captain G. McKcndree 693 
 
 Report of Colonel E. T. H. AVarren.. 695 
 
 Report of Colonel H. J. Willianjs 597 
 
 Reportof Casualties 698 
 

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