[377] house, sustaining him afterwards by Trigg's brigade. Under the able direction of Brigdier-General Preston, the first two brigades passed Kershaw's and Anderson's brigades, which had suffered severely in the action, and, with great impetuosity, assailed the enemy in his almost impregnable position. Trigg on coming up was directed to the left of Kelly, and, joining in a simultaneous movement of Brigadier-General B. R. Johnson's division still further to the left, pierced and turned the enemy's line, and, in conjunction with Kelly, Gracie and Robertson, drove him from his strong position into the ravines beyond, where a large number of prisoners were captured. For the details of this brilliant action I refer you to the graphic report of Brigadier-General Preston. While this action was progressing, the Lieutenant-General commanding directed Stewart's division to advance and to aid the combined attack. I ordered, by his authority, Williams' battalion of reserve artillery to be placed in position in front of Poe's house. This was done under the immediate direction of Major Porter, my chief of artillery. About this time the enemy were moving reinforcements to sustain his right, which was staggering under the terrific assault of Preston. Williams, with eleven pieces of artillery, opened upon this reinforcing column with destructive effect, dispersing it in every direction and silencing his artillery. At the same time, Stewart assaulted the enemy's works and captured a number of prisoners, who dared not cross the stream of fire which Williams poured across their path. Stewart, in advancing, also threw forward one of his batteries, which joined in the fire. As he advanced, I conducted Darden's battery, of Williams' artillery, to Kelly's field, but this battery, as well as Stewart's division, it now being nightfall, was withdrawn into the edge of the wood, as we encountered in our advance the right wing of our army, which joined in the assault of the enemy's works, and was moving in a direction perpendicular to our line of march. The continued cheers of the army announced, at dark, that every point of the field had been gained. Stewart bivouacked within the intrenchments he had assaulted; Preston, upon the heights he had so gallantly won. For the details of the action of which this report is only a brief synopsis, and a notice of individual conduct, I respectfully refer you to the reports of the division, brigade, and regimental commanders, and of the chief and battalion commanders of the artillery, which are herewith transmitted. To the gentlemen of my staff I am indebted for their prompt and gallant discharge of duty on every occasion. No commendation from me can add to the well-earned reputation of Major-General Stewart and his able Brigadiers — Johnson, who was detached and in command of an improvised division — Brown, Bate, and Clayton. They were worthy leaders of the brave troops, nearly all of them veterans, whom they so gallantly led. Upon Brigadier-General Preston and his brigade commanders, Brigadier-General Gracie and Colonels Twigg and Kelly, I cannot bestow higher praise than to say, that their conduct and example were such as to convert a body of troops, but few of whom had before been under fire, into a division of veterans in their first battle. Stewart's veterans maintained the reputation they had won on many fields. Preston's troops emulated their example and equalled them in merit. The recapitulation of the heavy losses sustained in both divisions is a sad testimony of the soldierly qualities of the survivors. Few troops, who have suffered so heavily, have been victorious on the field of their losses. But the result is only another evidence of the invincible spirit of our people, which, under the guidance of Providence, must finally win us our independence as a nation. I am, Colonel, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
Report of Major Frank Porter.
headquarters Buckner's division, near Chattanooga, Nov. 10, 1863.
To Major William F. Martin, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Major: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the artillery of General Buckner's corps, at the battle of Chickamauga.
It consisted of Williams' battalion of four batteries; Leyden's battalion of three batteries, and three batteries of Major-General Stewart's division, acting with their brigades.
Leyden's battalion was attached to Brigadier-General Preston's division, and by his order one battery was attached to each of his brigades.
As most of the ground over which the battle was fought was very thickly wooded, we could not see more than three hundred yards to the front, consequently could very seldom use artillery.
For this reason the batteries of Major-General Stewart's division fired but a few shots, though they were left in exposed positions and lost between twenty and thirty horses.
Two of the batteries of Leyden's battalion were engaged Saturday and Sunday, but, owing to the thickness of the timber and undergrowth, continued but a short time.
They were unable to ascertain the damage they inflicted.
They suffered but a slight loss themselves.
One of his batteries (Jeffries') was held on the extreme left of the original line until the battle ceased.
Williams' battalion was kept as reserve, and on Saturday morning was placed in position on the ridge which Preston's division occupied.
When Stewart's division was carried to the right of the line, Brigadier-General Mackall, General Bragg's chief of staff, ordered that all the artillery that could be spared from the corps should be placed in the position just vacated by General Stewart.
In obedience to this order, Major Williams was directed to post two of his batteries there, and To Major William F. Martin, Assistant Adjutant-General:
