Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 9.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[564] rear, soon after they were opened on by the three guns of Captains Dement and Brown, behind the clump of cedars. About sundown, the ammunition being exhausted, the guns which had been in action on the plain, and under my immediate command, were ordered to the rear, and Captain Brown's three guns, and Captain Revera, with two Parrott 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 artillery,) 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 highest 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 all, without a single exception, so far as my own knowledge goes, or has been reported by company officers, were fired with the ardor of men determined to be free. Of Captain Latimer and Lieutenant Terry, and their respective commands, 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. The Manchester artillery, being very thinly manned, was left in the rear. The whole number of guns of this division engaged, was sixteen: of those, six Napoleons, three six-pounders, three twelve-pounder howitzers, and four three-inch Burton rifles.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

sir: I submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle of Cedar Creek, on the ninth instant:

The regiment, being under my command, by reason of Colonel Ronald having been assigned command of the brigade, was formed in line of battle 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. The 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 side 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 angles 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 somewhat scattered. I was then ordered to fall back and re-form the regiment, 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 regiment. 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 advance 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 prisoners, 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 his services, acting as Major on the day of the engagement, and rendered me good service.

Lieutenant Kent Ewing, acting as Adjutant of this regiment, rendered efficient aid by his 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.

Company C. Sergeant James P. Kelly, wounded-finger shot off; private William 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.

Captain: In obedience to order, I have the honor to report that, on Saturday, the ninth, 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 woods, near Cedar Run, in Culpeper, in column of regiments, within range of the enemy's artillery, a shell occasionally falling near the brigade. Shortly