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

The batteries of Captains McIntosh and Pegram, with a section of the batteries of Captains Latham, Johnson, and Crenshaw, commanded respectively by Lieutenants Potts, Clutter, and James Ellett, numbering altogether fourteen guns, had position on the heights near the railroad, supported by the brigades of Brigadier-General Field (Colonel Brockenbrough commanding) and Brigadier-General Archer. Captains Braxton (Lieutenant Marye commanding Braxton's battery) and Davidson, with five and four guns respectively, took position on the left wing of the light division, in the plain just to the right of Deep Run Creek, and were supported by the brigades of Brigadier Generals Pender and Lane. About ten A. M., the enemy began a desultory fire from several batteries, as if feeling our position. Their fire, about eleven A. M., became hot and well directed, causing us some loss in men and horses. Captain McIntosh, commanding his own guns, and the sections of Captains Latham and Johnson, and Captain Pegram, commanding his own guns and the section of Crenshaw, were directed to withhold their fire till there should be an infantry demonstration. The enemy, weary of suspense, about twelve M., formed a front to attack the heights. Their advance, made by a division apparently, was speedily broken and driven back by Captains McIntosh and Pegram's murderous fire — the enemy opening upon them meanwhile very destructively, with at least twenty-five guns. This attempt having failed, the enemy, concentrated in mass and in enormous force, moved forward rapidly, protected by a fearful fire from all their guns, toward the point of woods in the plain, in defiance of our guns, which were served rapidly and with great havoc upon their dense ranks. In advancing to, and being routed by, the infantry from the woods, they suffered very heavy loss from the fire of our guns. While the attention of our guns was devoted to their infantry, their artillery caused us heavy loss; but as soon as engaged by our guns their shot flew wide, though in weight of metal they much exceeded us. At half-past 3 P. M., Captains McIntosh and Pegram becoming short of men and ammunition, and having one gun disabled and a caisson and limber exploded, they were relieved by the corps of Colonel Brown, except one section of Captain Pegram's battery, which remained till nightfall. Here we lost Lieutenants James Ellett and Z. C. McGruder, whose memory we should not willingly let die. Lieutenant Clutter was wounded also, and many brave men of the rank and file, gallantly doing their duty, were wounded and killed. On the left of the light division, Lieutenant Marye and Captain Davidson, with their commands, fully sustained their high reputation. Three charges were made upon their position, and gallantly repulsed with canister. Outnumbered in weight of metal, and often closely approached by the enemy's infantry, they as often sent them back with canister and shrapnel, and held their position until it was deemed expedient to abandon it. Captain Braxton was withdrawn about three P. M., and Captain Davidson at nightfall. Lieutenant Brander, of the latter battery, was slightly wounded.

The guns upon both flanks were served with the coolness of a parade, though exposed to a fire which seemed to fill the air with destruction.

Where all did their duty as well as, I am proud to say, the artillery of the light division did theirs in this engagement, comparison would be invidious. Men and officers vied with each other in their devotion to duty and regardlessness of self. I cannot, however, neglect this opportunity to call your especial attention to Lieutenant J. H. Chamberlayne as particularly deserving notice for his gallant conduct. His services are almost indispensable.

I have the honor to remain,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

The regiment left camp near Guineas Depot at six o'clock A. M., on the twelfth instant, marched to Hamilton's Crossing, on the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, thence in a westwardly direction to a large wood covering the crest of hills overlooking the battle-field. After a number of changes of position, bivouacked for the night in the wood above referred to, in rear of General Gregg's brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, which held the military road.

About nine o'clock A. M., December thirteenth, the heavy cannonading on the right and left, and the sharp skirmishing in front, announced the great battle was near at hand. As the day advanced the musketry became more distinct and continuous, and soon the line in front of us became hotly engaged. At this time an order to advance was given, which was done with order and alacrity, marching in a north-easterly direction. The Second regiment was on the right of the brigade, and in consequence of this position, was the only one of the brigade, so far as I know, engaged in the musketry fight. Marching forward in line, with the other regiments of the brigade, I observed that there was no support on our right,