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

[425] Colonel N. N. Davis, commanding, and Lieutenant Colonel B. Sawyer, Twenty-fourth Alabama regiment, and Major Slaughter, commanding Thirty-fourth Alabama regiment, and to their individual exertions is to be attributed much of the success which attended our arms on that day. Untiring in their efforts, they set an example to their commands by their personal daring, the effect of which was visible in many instances.

To my staff I am indebted for the most valuable assistance. Captain C. J. Walker, Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant W. E. Huger, Aid-de-Camp, who fearlessly exposed their persons, carrying and executing orders under the most trying circumstances. Lieutenant Malone, Brigade Provost-Marshal, was active in the discharge of his duty, and rendered efficient service in the prevention of straggling, forcing many, who were unwilling to face the heavy fire to which they had been exposed, back into their proper positions.

I beg leave to call your attention to the report of the regimental commanders, who have more particularly specified the names, rank, &c., of parties conspicuous for their conduct in their respective regiments, on the occasion of the battle of Chickamauga.

I have the honor, Major, to be,

With great respect, your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the action of the nineteenth and twentieth September, 1863, on Chickamauga Creek:

Late in the afternoon of the seventeenth September, my brigade, with the division, left Lafayette and bivouacked for the night near Worthon's Gap. The next morning we moved forward and formed line of battle on the east side of Chickamauga Creek, opposite to Lee and Gordon's Mill, where we had skirmishing and artillery firing, off and on, during that and the next day, until the division was relieved by that of General Breckinridge, and ordered to cross the creek at Hunt's Ford, about one and a half miles below. Soon after crossing, we came under fire of the enemy's artillery, when I received orders to form on the right of Manigault's brigade, with General Anderson supporting, and move forward, which I did promptly, but before I reached the line of the enemy it was dark. All fighting having ceased, I fell back, under orders, a short distance, and bivouacked for the night.

At early daylight, I again moved forward to take my position in line, which was at the time occupied by a portion of a division under Brigadier-General Law, which was moving by the right flank to make room for me; but it was seven, or perhaps even as late as eight o'clock, before my entire brigade got into position, with Brigadier-General Manigault's on my left, and Brigadier-General Anderson's in support. Here I received instructions that the fighting would commence on the right and gradually extend towards the left, each brigade attacking as the one on its right became engaged.

A few minutes after ten o'clock A. M., heavy firing of infantry and artillery on the right announced that the fight had commenced in earnest. About twenty minutes after eleven the brigade on my right (Gregg's) moved forward and engaged the enemy. I immediately followed, and by the time I had advanced three hundred yards, saw the line of the enemy behind a breastwork of logs, at sight of which my men rushed forward with a yell, and, charging the defences, took them without faltering. As they climbed over, some six or seven hundred of the enemy threw down their arms and hurried through our lines to the rear. These works were at the foot of a gradually sloping hill of considerable height, just beyond the crest of which were posted about twelve pieces of artillery, and in front of them, a little lower down, was another work of the enemy, which was carried by my brave and gallant men without a moment's faltering. About twelve pieces of artillery were taken here.

By the time I gained the crest of the hill my brigade (which had for some distance been moving at a double-quick, passing in this manner over two works of the enemy) became some-what scattered, and were, in consequence, checked for the moment in their onward movement. It was at this period that Brigadier-General Anderson's gallant Mississippi brigade came to my assistance, and as my men saw them coming they moved forward again and, in conjunction with this brigade, captured several other pieces of artillery and scattered the enemy in our front so effectually that they never rallied or re-formed again during the day on this part of the field. During this charge, my brigade occupied the extreme left of the army, with the exception of Brigadier-General Anderson's, which, from being in support, had got on my left. I now halted and re-formed my brigade, to be used as emergencies might require; and, learning that Major-General Hindman was near by, reported, in person, and received orders to move to the rear and right, and assist the troops then engaged, which proved to be Brigadier-General Bushrod Johnson's division. I should here state that my men killed; early in the fight, and bore off the body of Brigadier-General Lytle, United States army.

In moving back to take a new position, Brigadier-General Anderson's brigade and mine came together, but soon separated again, he going to the right, and I to the left, to form on the left of Brigadier-General Bushrod Johnson; but on taking my position, under instructions