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the railroad.
For about half a mile, or perhaps less, we advanced in line of battle, and were ordered to retire.
Another flank movement was resorted to, and again line of battle formed, when we advanced until the skirmishers announced the enemy in line of battle.
The line of the enemy being dispersed by a battery of artillery, we were again ordered forward, and about half past 4 or five P. M., were halted in a valley in the woods beyond Savage's farm.
In my rear a battery was again drawn up, and firing directly over the right of my regiment subjected us to a very severe cannonading, from which there was no escape.
This duel resulted in my losing one man killed, and having two slightly wounded.
At about half past 5 P. M., I was ordered, by some one I did not see, to move my regiment forward, after a couple of volleys of musketry had been heard on my left.
I moved forward, and immediately upon emerging from the oak grove and entering the pine thicket, I encountered the enemy.
Cautioning the men to reserve their fires, I ordered a charge.
The charge was made, some few firing, and the enemy gave back; another forward was given, and onward we went, firing generally as we advanced.
I next ordered, “Load advancing, and fire at will.”
This command, heard by a few, was instinctively obeyed by all. After the enemy had been pressed back about one hundred and fifty yards, a heavy firing began on my right, and considerably in the rear.
Fearing this might be from our friends, I sent the Sergeant-Major to inquire of the Lieutenant-Colonel how the right was progressing, for it was impossible in the thicket to see half the length of the regiment.
He returned almost immediately with the word that the Lieutenant-Colonel was taken from the field wounded, two companies on my right were cut off, and the enemy were in our rear.
I forthwith issued the order to retire in line, which was heard by but two companies; I withdrew these to an old cross-road, and in a few minutes collected the others.
Cautioning this portion of the regiment to lie down and be on the watch, I started to look for the two right companies, which soon reported and were attached to the regiment.
I then formed line of battle; but the firing on my left having ceased, I faced by the rear rank, and retired about fifty yards into the oak grove, halting and fronting again.
No enemy advancing, I faced about again, and marched out of the woods, where I found the two regiments, and formed upon them.
The battle over, we were permitted to lie in line of battle in the valley where we first started, and there we remained until Monday, seven A. M.
The casualties of my command were, two Sergeants, two Corporals, and nine privates killed; Lieutenant-Colonel, four Lieutenants, nine Sergeants, eight Corporals, and forty-six privates wounded.
Two of the number of wounded privates have since died.
Total killed, thirteen; wounded, sixty-eight.
Respectfully submitted.
D. Wyatt Aiken, Colonel Seventh South Carolina Regiment.
Battle of July 1, 1862.
headquarters Seventh regiment, S. C. V., July 10, 1862.
General: I beg leave to submit the following report of the participation of the Seventh South Carolina regiment in the battle of the first instant:
After a fatiguing march on Monday, thirtieth ultimo, the regiment, with the brigade, was halted on the New Market road (?) at nine P. M., and aroused again at midnight, and marched to the edge of the battle-field of the thirtieth.
Here we remained in line of battle until an hour of sun, when we advanced, in line of battle, for a mile or two, until we met General Jackson's army, when we were returned to the New Market road, resting here in line in the sunshine, and occasional shade, until orders came to approach the field where the contest was soon to rage.
We were marched to an old field on the Fazier estate (?), and halted there, in line of battle, within range of the enemy's guns, which threatened us fearfully.
After an hour's halt, orders came to “go into the fight.”
We moved by a flank movement until covered by the woods, and then marched, in line of battle, through an open field and thick undergrowth, to within close musket range of the enemy.
In this march we passed through or over two lines of troops, lying in the woods, and encountered a third, where we halted.
Not being told whether our troops (a fourth line) were engaging the enemy, we had but to halt, and he subjected to a terrific fire from the enemy, which was rendered more fearful by a fire opened upon us by our friends from the rear.
At this juncture we were ordered to withdraw, each man and officer running the gantlet for himself.
This was done with such confusion, that it was impossible to rally the regiment, especially as everything was shrouded in darkness.
After two hours work, however, about one half the regiment was collected, and bivouacked for the night.
In advancing through this wood, subject the entire route to a severe fire, the Seventh South Carolina regiment lost, in killed, two Sergeants, one Corporal, and three privates; wounded, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, three Corporals, and sixteen privates.
Total wounded, twenty-three; total killed, six.
In the report of the engagement of the twenty-ninth ultimo, I have said nothing of the behavior of my command, nor can I say more than that they behaved to my perfect satisfaction.
Officers and men were cool, determined, and obedient.
My Captains especially elicited my admiration for the calmness with which they urged their men on to the contest.
I cannot, however, be accused of infringing upon the justice allowed every one by especially mentioning Adjutant Childs and Sergeant-Major Stallworth, as having aided me materially and promptly in the fight of Sunday, twenty-ninth ultimo.
Of the conduct of the entire regiment on Tuesday, first instant, I need not speak, as you yourself, General, can bear testimony to the regular and unflinching tramp with which they marched 