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

[638] 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, supported 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 were now 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, caused a confused retreat to the bridge. Night had now come on, putting an end to the conflict, and leaving my command in possession of the ground we had held in the morning, with the exception of the bridge. In this day's battle fell Lieutenant-Colonel Holmes, Second Georgia, and Colonel Mulligan, Fifteenth Georgia, dying as brave men should do.

In the morning of the eighteenth, much sharpshooting took place, continuing 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 Shepherdstown, Virginia, on the morning of the nineteenth.

I have the greatest reason to be satisfied with the officers and men of my command.

To my staff I am particularly indebted. Major Conard, my A. A. General, displayed on all occasions that cool courage and discrimination which predict for 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 recommend his promotion to the rank of Major. 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. Captain E. N. Thurston, my ordnance officer, previous to his capture at Ox Hill, carried my orders with great promptness, displaying perfect coolness 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 moment did he falter in his zeal for the service, or his conspicuous coolness. I heartily recommend him for a commission in the Confederate service. Captain H. E. Young, A. A. General, and Mr. Hugh Rose, volunteer Aids for the occasion, served most faithfully, obeying with cool courage and much gallantry all orders given them.

Major: In obedience to orders received from corps headquarters, I respectfully submit the following report of the operations of Jackson's division, during the period which I had the honor to command it, being from September seventh, to December twelfth, 1862:

The division reached Frederick City, Maryland, on the seventh September, and was encamped one mile from the city, with the exception of Jones's 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, tenth September, to march at three o'clock the following morning. The march was continued across the Potomac, at Williamsport, through Martinsburg, to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry.

It is impossible, at this point, to pay the well-merited tribute to the conduct of the soldiers of this division during their march 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 respected, eliciting the following comparison from the New York World, of December fifteenth: “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, plundering houses, hen-roosts, and pig-pens, showing an utter want of discipline.”

capture of Harper's Ferry.

Encamped four miles from Harper's Ferry. On the fourteenth, orders were received to move the division near the Potomac, and above Bolivar Heights, on which the enemy was strongly posted. Commanding positions were secured for the batteries, and a heavy fire opened upon the works of the enemy and their line of battle, while good work was done by our batteries. The enemy replied without effect, not a single casualty occurring in the division. Toward 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 fifteenth, the attack was renewed, and at nine