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[715] foe, which was manfully replied to by the Nineteenth for more than an hour, when the ranks were thinned to such an extent as to prove a withdrawal absolutely necessary. One third of the men were rendered unable to fight, and a precipitous retreat from the hill was ordered. In this engagement Colonel J. B. Strange fell, seriously wounded, and, in the retreat, was left behind. His voice was heard, after he had received his wound, urging his men to stand firmly; and he commanded with that coolness and daring that is found only in the truly brave. In addition to this severe loss, the regiment mourns the death of Lieutenant M. A. Shepherd, of company B, than whom a truer patriot, a firmer officer, or a nobler youth, is not to be found in our country's service. The list of casualties shows the number of the brave ever to be lamented by the friends of the Nineteenth. The command fell upon Captain John L. Cochran, after the fall of Colonel Strange. Total loss, sixty-three. Names have been heretofore furnished.

B. Brown, Captain, commanding Regiment.


Report of Major Frobel of Second battle of Manassas.

camp near Frederick, Maryland, September 9, 1862.
Captain W. H. Sellers, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the participation of the batteries under my command in the battles of Friday and Saturday, August twenty-ninth and thirtieth:

At eleven A. M., on Friday, I was ordered by General Hood to proceed to the right of the turnpike road and report to General Stuart. This I did, with Captain Bachman's battery, Reilly being already in position on the left, and Garden having no long-range pieces. General Stuart had selected a position near the Alexandria and Orange Railroad. The battery was brought up, and immediately opened with marked effect on a column of the enemy moving to the right, which at once changed direction, moving rapidly to the left. Fifteen rounds were fired, when, the distance being greatly increased, I ordered Captain Bachman to cease firing. At one P. M., Captain Reilly was ordered to the left of the turnpike, and to take position with other batteries on a hill commanding the hills near Groveton house, where the enemy had several batteries strongly posted. Immediately afterward, I proceeded with Captain Bachman's battery to the same position, (Captain Garden's being considered of too short range to be effective there.) The position assigned us was on the extreme left, both batteries passing through a heavy fire in reaching it. After being hotly engaged for two hours and a half, and firing about one hundred rounds, the enemy ceased firing and withdrew his guns. We were then ordered to return to the road, for the purpose of replenishing our ammunition. At three P. M., on Saturday, I was ordered by General Longstreet to proceed down the turnpike with all the batteries and take position on the left of the road, opening fire on the enemy's batteries posted in an orchard near Dogan's house. Immediately after, I was ordered to change position to the right of the road and advance, which was done. Captain Reilly taking position on the hill in front of Groveton house, engaging the batteries immediately in front, under a terrific fire, while Bachman's battery advanced still farther, passing through the woods to the right, and assisted by the howitzer section of Reilly's battery, under command of Lieutenant Myers, opened on the flank. In changing position, Captain Bachman had one of his rifle guns disabled. Both batteries were handled with great skill and effect, and the fire of the enemy soon silenced. It being near dark, and the ammunition exhausted, Reilly and Bachman were ordered to withdraw. In the mean time, I was ordered by General Longstreet to advance Captain Garden's battery in the field on the left of the road. This was done, and a flanking fire opened on the batteries near Dogan's house. We were soon, however, ordered to cease, as Colonel Law's brigade was advancing, in the opposite direction on the same point; the Federals, at the same time, manifesting great energy in the rapidity of their movement down the turnpike and Sudley Ford road. Captain Garden, with two other batteries, continued to pursue until the Sudley road was reached, when, not being able to distinguish friend from foe in the darkness, the battery was finally withdrawn.

Of the conduct of officers and men in both engagements I cannot speak in terms too high. Captains Bachman and Garden handled their batteries with great skill, while Reilly sustained his old and well-merited reputation. Lieutenant Sirgling, a gallant young officer, attached to Bachman's battery, fell, seriously (supposed to be mortally) wounded, at his guns, setting an example of cool bravery not often equalled. Enclosed you will find a list of the killed and wounded.

I am, Captain, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

B. W. Frobel, Major and Chief of Artillery, commanding.


Report of Major Frobel of battle of Sharpsburg.

October 1, 1862.
Captain W. H. Sellers, A. A. G.:
Captain: In compliance with orders to report the participation of the batteries under my command in the recent engagements before Sharpsburg, I would respectfully submit the following:

After bringing up the rear on the march from Boonsboroa, Captains Reilly and Bachman's batteries were placed in position by Colonel Walton about noon on Monday, the fifteenth September, on a hill to the right of the turnpike road, and a short distance in front of Sharpsburg; Garden's battery being held in reserve, in case the enemy should attempt an advance by a bridge over the Antietam, still farther to the right. We held these positions on Monday night.


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