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

I regret to have to state that our brave commander was severely wounded early in the action.

It gives me great pleasure to state that, without exception, the conduct of the different regiments composing this brigade was deserving of the most unqualified approbation.

No engagement having taken place the next day, the commanders of the different regiments were ordered to intrench themselves that night, and before day each had opened ditches sufficient to cover their whole commands; and, the night after, two additional works were completed, sufficient for two more regiments.

On Sunday morning the brigade was relieved by General Jenkins, and ordered back to camp.

I regret to say the loss of the brigade was heavy. A correct list of casualties will be handed in.

I have the honor to be,

On the morning of the thirteenth, my brigade formed a portion of the second or reserve line, extending along the range of hills from the vicinity of Hamilton's Crossing to Dr. Reynolds's house. On the plateau, directly in front of the position occupied by my brigade, and about five hundred yards distant, the skirt of timber bordering on Deep Run, from its confluence with the Rappahannock, abruptly terminates. From this point to the river the channel of the run becomes gradually wider and deeper, its general direction being almost perpendicular to our own line and that of the enemy, on the Bowling Green road. I received orders, during the morning, from Major-General Hood, commanding the division, to render assistance to Major-General A. P. Hill's troops, in the event it should be required; and was ordered by General Hill to support Brigadier-General Pender, who held the left of the first line, to my front and right. At three o'clock in the afternoon a force of the enemy defiled from the wood on Deep Run, and, forming into line of battle, advanced upon Latimer's battery, which was posted on the plateau on General Pender's eft, and supported by one of his regiments. Perceiving this attack, I moved my brigade forward to the edge of the timber in rear of the battery. Detaching the Fifty-seventh and Fifty-fourth North Carolina regiments, I advanced with them to attack the enemy, who had now gained the line of the railroad, which crosses the plateau directly in front of the battery, and about two hundred yards from it. The enemy was promptly driven from the railroad by the Fifty-seventh North Carolina, which was in advance, and the regiment continued to move steadily forward to within three hundred yards of the Bowling Green road, driving his infantry before it. During the action a body of the enemy opened fire from the wood bordering the run, upon the left of the advancing line. This was promptly checked by a fire from the left of the Fifty-seventh and from the Fifty-fourth, which changed front obliquely to the left in order to face the wood. In the mean time, the Fourth Alabama had been brought forward in front of the battery as a support. Having accomplished my purpose of driving the enemy from the vicinity of the battery, I ordered the two regiments in advance to retire and take position on the railroad, which they held until after dark, when they were relieved by the Sixth North Carolina. The conduct of the Fifty-seventh and Fifty-fourth North Carolina regiments was admirable. I cannot speak too highly of their steady courage in advancing, and the coolness with which they retired to the line of railroad when ordered. Colonel Godwin, commanding the Fifty-seventh, and Colonel McDowell, commanding the Fifty-fourth, ably assisted by Lieutenant-Colonels Jones and Murchison, handled their commands with great skill and coolness. The officers of my staff, Captain Terrell, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Capons, aid-de-camp, were, as usual, conspicuous for gallantry and usefulness, contributing materially by their exertions to the good conduct of the troops. It is with deep sorrow that I report the death of private V. S. Smith, of the Fourth Alabama regiment, an acting officer on my staff. Alabama never bore a braver son, and our country's cause has never received the sacrifice of a manlier spirit. He fell, where the hour of danger always found him, at his post. The following is a recapitulation of the loss of the brigade:

I am, Major, very respectfully,