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

[390] extended along the whole line as Deas, at the extreme left, commencing swinging. In a few minutes a terrific contest ensued, which continued at close quarters, without any intermission, over four hours. Our troops attacked again and again, with a courage worthy of their past achievements. The enemy fought with determined obstinacy, and repeatedly repulsed us, but only to be again assailed. As showing the fierceness of the fight, the fact is mentioned that, on our extreme left, the bayonet was used, and the men also killed and wounded with clubbed muskets. A little after four the enemy was reinforced and advanced, with loud shouts, upon our right, but was repulsed by Anderson and Kershaw. At this time it became necessary to retire Garrity's battery, of Anderson's brigade, which had been doing effective service. It was subsequently held in reserve. Dent's battery, of Deas' brigade, was engaged throughout the struggle. Notwithstanding the repulses of our infantry, the officers and men of this battery stood to their guns undaunted, and continued firing, inflicting severe loss on the enemy, and contributing largely to the success of my operations.

At twenty minutes after four Brigadier-General Preston, of Buckner's corps, in answer to my application for help, brought me the timely and valuable reinforcements of Kelly's brigade, and, within an hour afterwards, the remaining brigades of his division, Gracie's and Trigg's. These brave troops, as they arrived, were conducted by officers of my staff, to the right of my line, and promptly advanced, in conjunction with the rest, upon the enemy. From this time we gained ground, but, though commanding nine brigades, with Kershaw's co-operating, and all in action, I found the gain both slow and costly. I have never known Federal troops to fight so well. It is just to say, also, that I never saw Confederate soldiers fight better.

Between half-past 7 and eight P. M., the enemy was driven from his position, surrendering to the gallant Preston six or seven hundred prisoners, with five standards and many valuable arms. One piece of artillery, two or three wagons, and about fifty prisoners, fell into the hands of Deas' brigade. This was the victorious ending of the battle of Chickamauga.

At eleven P. M., suffering much pain from an injury received about mid-day, I relinquished to Brigadier-General Anderson the command of my division.

The usual commendatory expressions would almost seem to cheapen the services of the officers and men of my immediate command during the day, and those who fought with us in the afternoon. The relation of what they performed ought to immortalize them. For signal gallantry and efficiency the army and country are indebted to Brigadier-Generals Preston and Johnson, and their several brigade commanders; also to Brigadier-General Kershaw, and the three brigade commanders of my division, Anderson, Deas and Manigault. Without the decided success which they won on Dyer's Hill, Chickamauga would not have been a victory, unless after another day of fighting and slaughter.

On the same roll of honor should be inscribed the names of the chivalrous staff officers, the devoted officers of the regiments and companies, and the heroic rank and file. The reports of my subordinates mention many of each grade who distinguished themselves. Not a few of them fell gloriously, and now rest on the field; others bear honorable wounds, and others fortunately remain unhurt. I respectfully ask attention to the records of their conspicuous bravery, and that the appropriate rewards of valor be conferred on them.

The following staff officers were with me on the field:

Colonel C. W. Adams, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General and Chief of Staff.

Major J. P. Wilson, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Captain Walker Anderson, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

Lieutenant B. F. Williams, Aid-de-Camp.

Captain D. D. Waters, Acting Chief of Artillery.

Captain J. F. Walton, Provost Marshal.

Captain Lenoir, and Lieutenants Gordon and Lee, of my cavalry escort, also acted on my staff during the engagement.

The conduct of all these officers was in the highest degree soldierly, and their services most valuable. They have my thanks, and deserve the confidence of their superiors. Colonel Adams especially, by his greater experience, his cool courage, and his admirable promptness and precision, has placed me under lasting obligations, and amply shown his fitness for higher rank, which I earnestly hope will be given him.

Major E. B. D. Riley, Chief of Ordnance, was very efficient in his department, having his trains almost constantly at hand, and supplying every call for ammunition with the least possible delay.

Major J. C. Palmer, C. S., performed his duties in the most satisfactory manner, providing the command with cooked rations during the battle, and the movements preliminary to it, with almost as much regularity as if prepared by the men themselves in camp. In this he was efficiently aided by Captain S. M. Lanirr, Assistant-Quartermaster, an officer always ready and willing, and whose qualifications and services fairly entitle him to promotion.

Chief Surgeon C. Terry was prompt and efficient to the utmost extent of the means at his disposal.

Lieutenant L. P. Dodge, Aid-de-Camp, was disabled by being thrown from his horse before the battle commenced, and was not afterwards with me.

The strength of my division, on going into action, was five hundred and one officers, and five thousand six hundred and twenty-one enlisted men.

My loss in officers was sixteen killed, eighty-one