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

[119] We lost but one man during that day, but it is reported that we inflicted a loss upon the enemy (Sykes's division) of one hundred and fifty. Monday morning discovered the pickets of the enemy behind rifle-pits, constructed, during the night, along the edge of the ravine. From this position they were nearly all driven by our batteries, and nothing of interest occurred during the day. General Semmes relieved General Cobb's brigade Monday night. Tuesday morning, as soon as the haze lifted, the enemy's pickets being no longer visible, I sent out scouts from my own brigade to the left; and from General Semmes's to the right. The former soon returned, reporting the evacuation of the town, which the latter soon confirmed, with the additional information that the bridge had been removed. I sent forward two companies, one from each brigade, and afterwards two regiments, in obedience to the order of the Major-General commanding, to occupy the town. A number of prisoners and a quantity of arms, ammunition, etc., were taken, the particulars of which have already been imparted. During these operations I was ably and gallantly assisted by Captain Holmes, A. A. G., and Lieutenant Doby, A. D. C., who were present on the field, in the active discharge of their duties. Lieutenant J. A. Myers, ordnance officer, was at his post promptly replenishing our exhausted ammunition. Lieutenant W. M. Dwight, A. I. G., was disabled, from the injuries received at Maryland Heights, but was on the field, and received a contusion on the head from a shell. Colonel McMillan, commanding Cobb's brigade, rendered valuable assistance, and when offered the alternative of being relieved Saturday night, gallantly claimed the honor of remaining. All the regimental field officers and company commanders are entitled to commendation for coolness and courage, and their successful efforts to produce a deliberate and effective fire, under the most trying circumstances. Besides the field officers already mentioned as wounded, Major F. Gaillard, Second regiment South Carolina volunteers, was struck in the face before he got into position, and was subsequently severely wounded while conveying directions, at my request, to the regiments in the rear. For particular mention of others who distinguished themselves in the engagement, I beg leave respectfully to refer to the reports of the commanders themselves, herewith submitted. Captain G. B. Cuthbert's company, Second regiment South Carolina volunteers, was thrown out by me on the edge of Hazel Run, on the thirteenth, in an exposed position, but one from which they could harass the enemy on their left flank. They held the position the whole day, exhausting their ammunition and effectively annoying the enemy. His loss was considerable, including two officers severely wounded. Captain Read's battery was posted on the hill, on the right of my first position, and did great damage to the advancing column of the enemy. They fired thirteen rounds of ammunition, affording excellent practice in the field. I will here remark that, during the engagement on Saturday, my command fired about fifty-five rounds per man. A large red and white battle flag, with the figure “1” in the centre, and an embroidered guide flag of the Sixty-ninth New York regiment, are the trophies taken in battle by my command, and have already been forwarded .to division headquarters. I append herewith a recapitulation of the losses sustained by my brigade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Major: In compliance with circular issued from division headquarters on December twentieth, I herewith transmit a report of the part taken by my brigade in the action at Fredericksburg. At early dawn on the morning of the eleventh instant, my brigade was put under arms and marched to a position in the rear of our redoubts on the left of the plank road, and there formed in line of battle, my right resting on General