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

Having remained in support of this artillery until half-past 2 o'clock P. M., I was ordered by General Buckner to move back on the Chattanooga road, with two of my regiments and one piece of artillery, and select a favorable position to resist the enemy's cavalry, which, it was understood, had passed to our rear, and was moving on that road. Whilst engaged in the discharge of this duty, with the First Florida (dismounted) cavalry and Seventh regiment Florida volunteers (Colonel Bullock) and one piece of artillery, an order from General Buckner directed me to withdraw one regiment and rejoin the division. I withdrew the Seventh Florida, but had hardly put it in motion when I received from General Preston a pressing order to move rapidly to the support of the other brigades of his division (Gracie's and Kelly's).

The cavalry whose movements I had been sent to opppose having proved to be our own, I took the responsibility of ordering the other regiment and the piece of artillery to follow, and communicated the facts to General Buckner as I passed along. The Sixth Florida and Fifty-fourth Virginia regiments had been already put in motion by Colonel Findley, senior Colonel. The battle was raging furiously when I arrived with the Seventh Florida regiment, which I formed on the left of the Fifty-fourth Virginia, which, with the Sixth Florida regiment, was already formed on the left of Kelly's brigade. [The First Florida (dismounted) regiment, on the way to join the brigade, was detached by order of General Preston and sent to the support of General Gracie's brigade]. Without wavering or faltering, these two brigades — marching over some of our own troops, who were lying down — drove the enemy steadily before them, until his right was forced from its strong position, on rough, broken ground, heavily timbered. Driven from this position, he fell back upon a second line of ridges, running perpendicular to the Chattanooga road, which was already held by a strong force and protected by breastworks. When near the base of this ridge, I learned from Colonel Kelly the precise locality of the enemy, and immediately determined, with him, to attempt the capture of that part of his force in my front, my position being particularly favorable for the attainment of this end. I immediately wheeled my brigade to the right, which brought me in rear of the enemy, and moved rapidly up the hill to within twenty paces of his lines. This movement surprised him and resulted in the capture of the Twenty-second Michigan, the Eighty-ninth Ohio, and part of the Twenty-first Ohio regiments, five stands of colors, and over one thousand five hundred small arms, of the latest and most approved pattern.

Darkness having fallen, and the enemy having withdrawn from his position on my left, no further movement was attempted.

Before beginning the movement last alluded to, I requested two brigades, which were in my rear, to form on my left and co-operate with me. They declined, for the want of ammunition. It is greatly to be regretted that they were not in a condition to give me assistance. Had they formed on my left, our line would have extended nearly, if not quite, to the Chattanooga road, and being in rear of the enemy, all his forces occupying the ridge would have been completely cut off.

Where every officer and man did his whole duty, special mention cannot be made.

The fortune of war threw the Sixth Florida regiment into the post of danger, and upon them fell the heaviest loss, and proved them “veterans in their first fight.” Their commanding officer is proud to render to them this just tribute of praise, and he is also proud to express his conviction that each other regiment of his brigade is worthy of, and, had circumstances allowed, would have won equal commendation. It is simple justice to my command to say that it beat the enemy everywhere it found him, and carried every position which it assaulted.

I take pleasure in mentioning the following named soldiers, who have distinguished themselves by the capture, each, of a stand of the enemy's colors:

Sergeant L. E. Timmons, Company I, Seventh regiment Florida volunteers, captured the regimental flag of the Twenty-first Ohio regiment.

Private Oscar F. Honaker, Company F, Fifty-fourth Virginia regiment, captured the regimental flag of the Twenty-second Michigan regiment.

Private W. F. Harris, Company F, Fifty-fourth Virginia regiment, captured the State flag of the Twenty-second Michigan regiment.

Private Henderson Hylton, Company A, Fifty-fourth Virginia regiment, captured the regimental flag of the Eighty-ninth Ohio regiment.

Private Franklin Carter, Company K, Fifty-fourth Virginia regiment, captured the State flag of the Twenty-first Ohio regiment.

In this connection, I deem it proper to state that private J. H. M. Moseley, Captain Hays' company, Sixth regiment Florida volunteers, captured a stand of colors, and, while guarding prisoners to the rear, he passed a small party of men, who claimed them. Being unable to distinguish these men in the dark, and supposing them to be a squad detailed by me to receive the captured colors, he gave them up. These colors have not been heard of since. I have no doubt of the truth of private Moseley's statement. It is corroborated by other evidence. These colors were doubtless turned over to men of another command, and sent in to headquarters as captured by them.

Appended is a statement of the killed, wounded and missing of my brigade.

I am, Captain, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,