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

[653] in force, and to advance with our small force would only prove its total annihilation, we despatched Lieutenant McFarland to the rear for reinforcements, and to report to the commanding General that we not only could not advance, but we thought we could not hold our present position long without assistance.

During this time the enemy continued to pour a heavy fire into the battery and woods occupied by our line, in which we lost several men killed and wounded. The batteries being soon withdrawn, the enemy soon gave us their whole attention, but we still held our position until they reached our left flank and poured into us a most destructive fire. This threw our line into some confusion; but, rallying, we moved to the left, faced the enemy, and opened on them.

We had not fired more than two or three rounds before a perfect shower of balls was poured into our right flank from the direction of the corn-field which was at first our front. I am satisfied that this fire came from a line which had been previously formed in the field, and had been concealed by lying down in the grass and corn. We now saw that we must either fall back or be surrounded. The order was given, and the bridge being now swept by the enemy's fire, the men crossed at such points of the stream as they found to be most convenient. In crossing, many of them lost their guns. This manner of crossing caused the men to become much scattered, but as they were collected, they joined Cabell's and Phifer's brigades and continued the fight. Our loss at the bridge was considerable, making the entire loss of the brigade during the three days fight very heavy, as will be seen by the accompanying report. It is impossible at present to make an accurate report of the killed, wounded, and missing in battle, as the Thirty-fifth Mississippi dispersed after the fight at Davis' bridge, there being now present some forty men, and one line-officer, Lieutenant Henry. From the best information we can obtain we are assured that many of the officers and men have gone to their homes. This conduct on their part is astonishing and unaccountable, for the regiment acted nobly and did good service during the three days fighting. It is to be regretted that their commander, Colonel Barry, was not present, he having been sent to Corinth, under flag of truce to bury the dead. He is a gallant and efficient officer, of whom his State may well be proud.

Without a single exception, to our knowledge, the officers, one and all, did their duty nobly during the severe engagements. If I mention one in this connection, I must mention all or do injustice. Corporal J. A. Going, of the Forty-second Alabama, deserves particular notice. He was color-bearer, and though once shot down, he gallantly bore the flag through the fight on the fourth.

Private Morgan, of Company H, Boone's regiment, is reported as having acted with great gallantry. The flag of Lyle's regiment was torn into tatters by the enemy's shots, and when last seen, the Color-bearer, Herbert Sloane, of Company D, was going over the breastworks, waving a piece over his head and shouting for the Southern Confederacy.

I am, Captain, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor to make report of the operations of my brigade of cavalry (First Mississippi cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel F. A. Montgomery, and my own regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. G. Stocks), at the late battle of Corinth and retreat from that place.

During the battle my brigade was divided; squadrons attached to brigades of infantry and acting on the flanks. With eight companies I made a reconnoissance south of Corinth, engaged the enemy's cavalry and repulsed them in gallant style. Returning, I advanced the command to the fortifications on College Hill, where I engaged the enemy in force after the main body of our troops had withdrawn. I then withdrew my command without serious loss and brought up the rear of the army. I was then ordered to Rienzi, under General Armstrong; received orders countermanding that move on our arrival at Kossuth.

The firing having commenced at Davis' bridge, near Pocahontas, we proceeeded with both commands to the Ripley and Pocahontas road; advanced up that road to within one mile and a half of Pocahontas, threatening the enemy's rear, engaging them in a brilliant skirmish, which was a move very favorable towards saving the train of wagons. I held that position all night with my brigade, and fell back before the enemy next day. From that time the brigade was engaged in bringing up the rear of the army, skirmishing all the time with the enemy to Ripley.

Owing to unavoidable circumstances, the brigade was without rations for three days. The officers and men all behaved with coolness and gallantry, and suffered all the hardships incident to the march, with a spirit worthy of good soldiers. Where all behaved so well, it would be difficult to mention by name. I would especially notice, however, Lieutenant Henry W. Watkins, Company A, Jackson's regiment cavalry; also, Corporal Brochus and Privates Britton and Barton, Company C, same regiment; also, Captain Gadi Herron, Lieutenant Cravens, and Lieutenant Foote, First regiment Mississippi cavalry. The latter (Lieutenant Foote) engaged the enemy's advance and checked them