Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Arms were stacked, and the men allowed to take the rest of which they were much in need. At about half-past 5 o'clock, some time after the action commenced, I was ordered to report with the regiment to General Banks, near the centre of our line. This order was, however, changed, and I was directed to take the regiment to the right, to support the troops there engaged. I led the regiment through the wood. Company A, Captain Abbott, deployed as skirmishers, covering the advance.

On emerging from the wood, I found the enemy concealed in the woods and field opposite, and pouring in a heavy fire of musketry. The regiment was formed in line at the edge of the wood, but was soon moved further to the right. The fire of the regiment was mostly reserved until the advancing of the line of the enemy afforded a fair mark, when I ordered the fire by file, which was opened and continued with perfect coolness and great effect.

The conduct of both officers and men was, without any exception that came under my notice or that I have been able to learn, in the highest degree creditable. Both officers and men appeared cool and determined, waited for orders, and then delivered their fire coolly and with careful aim. The line of the enemy opposite appeared much shattered. The enemy having gained our right, their fire became so destructive that the right was obliged to fall back, my right company losing its captain and more than half its men.

The enemy still advancing, their fire becoming more and more destructive, and finding my men falling rapidly to no purpose, one flank having been turned, a retreat was ordered; and in compliance therewith, the regiment fell back to nearly its original position, thence, by order of the General commanding the brigade, I marched the regiment to a position near the centre of our line, where we passed the night.

Seven of the enemy's cavalry have been captured by the sentinels from this regiment, they having advanced under the impression that the sentinels belonged to their own army. I have to lament the loss of Captains Abbott, Cary, Goodwin, and Williams, and Second Lieutenant Perkins, all of whom fell on the field, having done all that officers could do to encourage and direct their men, and displaying perfect coolness and courage.

Saddening as is the loss of these brave, gallant officers, all of whom were men of education, ability, and high social position, who had devoted themselves to the service of their country in her hour of need, and proved themselves able and faithful in the discharge of duty, there remains the consolation that they died gloriously in the defence of as righteous a cause as a man could fight for.

I have also to report Major Savage, wounded twice and a prisoner; Captains Quincy and Russell, prisoners; Surgeon Leland, wounded slightly while attending wounded men on the field; First Lieutenant Robeson and Second Lieutenants Grafton, Oakey and Browning, wounded — the latter severely, and Second Lieutenant Miller, missing. Second Lieutenant Heirvack, of the Zouaves d'afrique, is also missing. The loss of the regiment so far as at present known amounts to five commissioned officers killed, six wounded, and three missing, out of twenty-two in action; twenty-five non-commissioned officers and privates killed, ninety-five wounded, and thirty-seven missing, out of four hundred and seventy-four in action.

The company of Zouaves d'afrique, attached to this regiment, honorably and creditably discharged their duty on the field. They lost one commissioned officer, missing; four non-commissioned officers and privates, killed, and seven missing. The list of killed and wounded will, I fear, be considerably increased as the reports from the companies are corrected. Several of the non-commissioned officers and privates were conspicuous for coolness and good conduct in action. Their names will be published as soon as a perfect list can be made.

Respectfully, your ob't servant,

field-officers.--Wounded, Major Savage; taken prisoner.

regimental Staff.--Surgeon Leland, wounded slightly in the head.

band.--Smeath and Rawson, missing.

killed and wounded.--Company A--Killed: Capt. Abbott, Sergt. E. B. Whitten, Corp. J. C. Bassett, privates H. C. Bright, J. Flemming, L. H. Dyer, M. S. Livingston. Wounded: Corp. F. H. Phelps, flesh-wound in right shoulder; Corp. G. W. Buxton, right ankle broken, flesh-wound in left ankle; Corp. C. F. Tilton, flesh-wound left wrist; privates, C. F. Buxton, flesh, left ankle; M. D. P. Foster, breast, not serious; C. H. Fuller, right ankle; L. Page, flesh, right shoulder; J. H. Shirley, flesh, left hip; 0. Spaulding, flesh, right leg, and right arm broken; P. G. Gilman, right arm broken; L. Lane, flesh, left leg; J. Upton, flesh, right arm; L. O. Ferrson, do.; T. D. McAlpine, shoulder, severe; M. T. McAlpine, flesh wounds in right arm and leg. Missing: privates J. Burns, H. F. Hazelton, G. Page.

Company B--Killed: Capt. Wm. B. Williams, Corporal James Oakes, private Albert Gibson. Wounded: Lieutenant D. A. Oakey, hip, slight; First Sergt. R. Hatch, chest, seriously; Corporal