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

[307] grape, and musketry, to the branch on the left of the road, and about one hundred and fifty yards from the earthworks on Chancellor's hill. Seeing strong batteries on the hill, supported by heavy columns of infantry, I halted, and, sheltering the men as much as possible, ordered them to fire on the men in the works on the hill, particularly at the cannoneers. So heavy was our fire that it was with difficulty that their gunners could be kept at their pieces, and his fire soon sensibly slackened; this fire was kept up fifteen or twenty minutes. During this time, Captain Whiting, A. A. general, went back to bring forward the balance of the brigade, from which, it was here discovered, we were separated. Very soon after halting a battery opened on my left, completely enfilading my entire line, but owing to our position most of the shot passed. harmlessly over head. I again sent back the order to bring up the remainder of the brigade, which was not found. The battery on my left continuing its enfilading fire, and heavy volleys of musketry showing the enemy to be there in strong force, I sent notice to the division commander, that unless they were pressed on my left my flank would be turned, and I could not hold my position. Just after sending this message I discovered that the enemy in the works on the hill were in some confusion, when I ordered a charge, which was promptly obeyed by part of my command. The works were soon in my possession, together with a battery of five pieces, the enemy having fled with the rest of his guns. The colors of the Fifth and Twenty-sixth Alabama were planted in a short distance of each other on the works. The works were carried about nine o'clock A. M. by these two regiments, and a small part of the Sixth, which had become separated from their regiment. Noticing at this time that all the men had not moved forward at the order to charge, I returned to the branch, and again ordered them forward, which command was promptly obeyed. While hurrying them forward, I noticed a body of men on my left running. I called to an officer then passing, asking him what that meant, and who those men were. He stated that they belonged to a brigade which I knew to be on my left, and that “the d — d scoundrels would not fight.” I pointed to the works, telling him that my men held them, and called on him to assist me in rallying his men for the purpose of resisting the enemy, then advancing on my left and rear. The men could not be rallied. The enemy continued to advance, unopposed, and, gaining my rear, compelled me to evacuate the works which I had just captured. This was done, with a heavy loss of killed, wounded, and prisoners. Most of the command who escaped rallied and returned with other troops, who afterwards captured the same works, and these troops were driven from the works by a column flanking them on the left and rear, as I had been driven some time before. After this I was ordered to rally my command, and move to the left of the road to support troops then engaging the enemy. Afterwards the brigade was formed in line of battle at Chancellorsville, where it remained until the enemy recrossed the river, when we returned to our old encampment, on the night of the sixth instant; having been absent marching and fighting for eight days.

In this report, I have only mentioned the Fifth, Twenty-sixth, and part of the Sixth Alabama regiments, because these were the only troops of the brigade under my immediate command during the battle. For the part taken by the other regiments of the brigade in this ever memorable engagement, you are respectfully referred to the report of Colonel Pickens, of the Twelfth Alabama, under whose gallant leadership they so heroically fought.

Justice demands that I should mention Lieutenant-Colonel Garvin, commanding the Twenty-sixth, and Captain Renfro, commanding the Fifth Alabama, who were both severely, if not mortally wounded, while gallantly leading their regiments, and giving the highest evidence of their coolness and skill, which should ever characterize the true soldier.

To the cool and undaunted courage of Major H. A. Whiting, A. A. G., I feel greatly indebted for the success attending my attack on the works on Chancellor's hill. If skill as an officer and gallantry in action entitle any man to promotion, Major Whiting truly deserves it.

For individual acts of courage, and the casualties of the battle, you are respectfully referred to the reports of regimental commanders.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Captain: In consequence of the wounding of Brigadier-General McGowan and Colonel O. E. Edwards, Thirteenth regiment South Carolina volunteers, early in the day, on the third instant, I found myself in command of this brigade. It will be unnecessary for me to recapitulate the movements of the brigade on the march, as I have already, in giving a report as regimental commander, detailed those of First regiment South Carolina volunteers, which will cover those of the brigade previous to our reaching the enemy, in rear of their line of works beyond Chancellorsville. At sunset, second instant, we reached that part of the field which had been cleared by Brigadier-General Rodes, scattering the enemy in every direction; passing beyond, we were drawn up in line, by order of Brigadier-General McGowan, on the plank road, the Fourteenth regiment South Carolina volunteers being deployed and covering our front as skirmishers. Here we were subjected to a heavy fire of shells, which was annoying, but did not do us a great deal of damage. After remaining here until about eleven o'clock, orders were given for an advance of the brigade, Thirteenth South Carolina volunteers on. the right, First South Carolina volunteers next to the rifle