No. 64.-report of Col. Aug. Reichard, Twentieth Louisiana Infantry, of engagement at Farmington, Miss., May 9.
headquarters Twentieth Louisiana Volunteers, Camp near Corinth, Miss., May 16, 1862.
Captain: I beg leave to submit the following report respecting the participation of my regiment, composed of 2 field officers, 4 staff officers, 15 company officers, and 268 rank and file, in the battle of Farmington:
At about 9 a. m. my regiment found itself in line of battle near the bridge on the first important creek intersecting the Farmington road, supporting two pieces of Washington Artillery.
I next moved to the
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vicinity of Farmington, always preceded by two to three companies deployed as skirmishers, who were frequently on the heels of the enemy's cavalry, fully within range of musket-shot, but did not fire, the order of (general Ruggles being to draw first the enemy's fire, for fear of shooting our own men.
Soon after the artillery had commenced the action in earnest my skirmishers briskly engaged those of the enemy.
The latter falling back on the main body, my regiment moved on to the attack with the rest of the brigade, and kept up with it until the enemy was completely routed.
While in pursuit of him my regiment, with several others of our own brigade and other commands, became entangled in an almost bottomless swamp.
After long-continued, great, but vain, exertions to get through, all the regiments in this swamp were compelled to retrace their steps, and on reaching the open field from which we had started we found the order for the return of the troops issued, and consequently took up likewise the match back to Corinth.
No opportunity has offered itself to my regiment to call forth acts of conspicuous gallantry, and I have therefore merely to mention that all the officers and men did their duty faithfully and bravely, with the exception of three privates, whom I shall bring to punishment.
Company K, while engaged as skirmishers, met a company of the enemy's cavalry in an inclosed farm-yard; in their haste to escape they left their standard, which was picked up by the men and afterward delivered up to the acting assistant adjutant-general of the brigade.
The accompanying statement1 will show the number of wounded.
I remain, captain, your obedient servant,
Aug. Reichard, Colonel, Comdg. Twentieth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers. Capt. J. C. Alexander, Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade, Ruggles' Division.
