Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[111] him, had retired. Captain D'Aquin's and Captain Garber's batteries were also detached to the right of the railroad, and placed under charge of General Stuart's chief of artillery, Major Pelham, and likewise did excellent service, as I am informed. Late in the evening, Captain Carrington, with his battery, relieved the two which had been sent to the left, under Captain Latimer, and next morning did good service.

On the next day, Captain Dement, with his battery, was placed in position on the hill on the right occupied by the batteries the day before, but did not become engaged.

About sundown on the thirteenth, I saw General D, H. Hill's division moving to the front, and was informed by one of his Brigadier-Generals that the whole line was ordered to advance, and that his division was ordered to follow. This was the first intimation I had of it, as no such order had been given me. In a few moments, however, Lieutenant Morrison, aid-de-camp, rode up and informed me that General Jackson's orders were that I should hold myself in readiness to advance; and immediately afterwards one of my own staff officers rode up, and stated that General Jackson wished me to take command of the whole troops on the right and advance, regulating the distance by the effect produced on the enemy by our artillery. This was rather embarrassing to me, as my brigade had become separated in the positions assumed by them after repulsing the enemy, and a part of the troops on the right consisted of parts of two brigades of Major-General A. P. Hill's division. I rode immediately to where Colonel Hoke was posted, and met General Jackson himself, from whom I received the order in person to advance, supporting the artillery which he was about sending forward. I gave the order to Colonel Hoke and General Hays accordingly, and some pieces of artillery having been advanced a short distance to the front, Colonel Hoke advanced with a part of his command to the railroad, a portion being already there. The enemy immediately opened a terrible artillery fire, and, it becoming quite dark, our own artillery was withdrawn and the movement countermanded. In a short time afterwards, I received notice from General Jackson, through one of my staff officers, that as soon as General A. P. Hill's troops took position in front, I would move my own back and make them comfortable, getting provisions for them. No troops, however, of General Hill, came to relieve me, and Walker, Hoke, and Hays, with their brigades, remained during the night in the same positions in which they were at the close of the fight. During the night, I received an order, through Lieutenant Smith, aid-de-camp, directing that General Taliaferro would relieve General A. P. Hill's division on the front line, beginning on the left and relieving to the extent of his troops, and that I would supply the deficiency. I was already occupying the front line with three brigades.

Early next morning, Walker was relieved by General Paxton's brigade, and I then placed Hays's brigade in the position which Paxton had left, and placed one regiment in front on the railroad, so as to make a continuous line on that road. Hoke was left in the same position; Lawton's brigade was placed on the right of Hoke, and Walker was moved to the right and placed in the rear of Hoke's and Lawton's brigades, so as to support either of them in case of need, or be thrown upon the right flank, as occasion might require.

On the morning of the fifteenth, the division was relieved by the division of General D. H. Hill and moved to the rear, in reserve, there having been no renewal of the enemy's attack on the fourteenth. Having received orders to occupy the second line on the sixteenth, as I was proceeding to do so, I was ordered to move to the vicinity of Port Royal, and moved accordingly.

I cannot too warmly express my admiration of the conduct of the troops of, this division on the thirteenth. The absence of straggling or skulking, to any considerable extent, was a gratifying fact. Officers and men generally behaved admirably. To Brigadier-General Hays and Colonels Walker, Atkinson, and Hoke credit is due for having promptly obeyed my orders and managed their respective commands with coolness, courage, and intelligence; and the same meed of praise is due Colonel Evans, who succeeded to the command of Lawton's brigade after Colonel Atkinson was wounded. Captain E. P. Lawton, assistant adjutant-general of Lawton's brigade, displayed great courage and energy, and I call especial attention to the remarks of Colonel Evans in regard to him. I regret very much that Captain Lawton was so seriously wounded in the advanced position to which his brigade went as not to be in a condition to be brought off when the brigade retired, and he consequently fell into the hands of the enemy, as did also Colonel Atkinson. It will be observed that Lawton's brigade was compelled to fall back; but in doing so it lost no credit, for it was impossible for this brigade to withstand the heavy column brought against it.

To Lieutenant-Colonel J. M. Jones, inspector-general, Major S. Hale, acting assistant adjutant-general, Major J. P. Wilson, and Mr. H. Heaton, volunteer aids, and Captain L. Marye, of the artillery, and Captain William F. Randolph, of Ewell's body-guard, all of whom accompanied me on the field, credit is due for the coolness, courage, and intelligence with which they lent me their aid and bore my orders. To Captain Latimer is due the credit of having performed all the duties of his position efficiently and intelligently, and of having displayed great gallantry under fire. This young officer is one of great promise, and deserves promotion. The failure to mention other officers is not intended to exclude them from the commendation bestowed on those mentioned; but it is impracticable to mention all that are deserving of praise. I feel it incumbent on me to state that to Brigadier-General Archer, of General A. P. Hill's division, is due the credit of having held the enemy in check with a small portion of his men, after his flank and rear had been