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

[718] of the part taken in the action of the fifth instant, by the Thirty-fifth regiment of Alabama volunteers, up to the moment I was relieved of the command of the regiment by assuming command of the brigade. Before leaving the Comite River, I deemed it advisable to consolidate certain companies in which there were but few men, and in two instances no commissioned officer, the regiment having been decimated by sickness, and accordingly divided the regiment, only one hundred and eighty-five strong, rank and file, into four companies, placing them in command of the following officers, from right to left, in the order named: Captain S. S. Ives, Lieutenant Thomas E. Ellett, Captain John S. Dickson, and Lieutenant S. D. Stewart. The regiment thus organized, occupied the left centre of the brigade, and kept this position during the action, passing immediately to the. front of the line first formed on the common, over and through many obstacles, to a position near the river, when the fight ended. The regiment never having been under fire, much anxiety was felt, by both myself and the brigade commander, as to the probable effect upon the men of a close fire of musketry. I am highly gratified to say that never once did the regiment, men or officers, falter; but when ordered to charge did, on three occasions, bear themselves most gallantly, and once obstinately held, for an hour, a position exposed to a fire from overwhelming numbers. On reaching the first encampment of the enemy, in the third charge made by the brigade, this regiment passed entirely through the camp, driving the enemy before them, when, on looking to the right and rear, I found my command was not supported, but the right wing was falling back to cover. Receiving no order, and fearing the enemy would attempt to flank the left wing, I immediately ordered the regiment to retire, being followed in the movement by the Fifth Kentucky on the left, and formed line of battle on the right of the cemetery in which the Sixth Kentucky was formed. The regiments were immediately moved forward, and checked the advancing enemy by heavy firing. Being called to command the brigade, I, at this time, turned over the regiment to Lieutenant-Colonel Goodwin, who reports its further action. I desire to say that I am greatly indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel E. Goodwin, my only associate field officer, for the coolness and gallantry displayed by him during the action. The officers commanding the companies were conspicuous for coolness and courage. Dr. J. F. Delany, a private of Company D, was detailed to act as Assistant Surgeon, during the action, and deserves particular mention, he being up with the regiment at all times, caring for the wounded and encouraging the men. I respectfully ask that Dr. Delany be discharged, that I may contract with him as Assistant Surgeon.

Respectfully submitted,

Captain: Colonel Robertson desires me to say that he wishes to amend his brigade report by stating that Major John Throckmorton, A. Q. M., rendered very efficient service in taking off the wounded from the field, showing great fearlessness of personal danger in the discharge of his duties.

Lieutenant: Colonel J. W. Robertson, who had so gallantly led on the Thirty-fifth Alabama in two separate charges, having been called to the command of the brigade, Colonel A. P. Thompson having been seriously wounded while cheering on his men, the command of the Thirty-fifth Alabama was handed over to me.

I held the position which we were ordered to maintain, by Colonel J. W. Robertson, in front of the enemy's encampments, for more than an hour, all the while under the most galling fire of the enemy. I learned that the enemy, both infantry and cavalry, were drawn up in line of battle on my left, as if preparing to charge over line on the right. I, therefore, directed my command to fire upon them, when, after three well-directed volleys, the enemy fled precipitately. A charge was immediately ordered by Major-General Breckinridge. We promptly replied to the command, driving the enemy from their encampments, under cover of their gunboats, when the order was given to fall back for ammunition.

I desire especially to call attention to the zeal and daring of the men, both officers and privates, under my command — the last charge having been made without around of cartridges on hand.

Very respectfully,

Lieutenant: In obedience to an order from your office, I return the following statement of the action of the Third Kentucky regiment in the battle of Baton Rouge, on the fifth:

The brigade was formed in an open field, the Third Kentucky regiment on the right flank, and ordered to march forward. The Third crossed a lawn into a field, received a fire from the enemy's