Report of Lieutenant-Colonel H. P. Jones.
head quarters Artillery battalion, August 4, 1863.
Lieutenant Southall,--On the morning of the 1st July, while marching in rear of Early's division, I received an order from General Early to bring the batteries at once to the front for the purpose of engaging the enemy.
This I did, and found on arriving at the front that the enemy were posted in front of Gettysburg, and engaging hotly what I afterwards learned was General Rodes's division.
I immediately brought twelve guns into position and opened a brisk fire upon the enemy's artillery and infantry, taking them in flank as they were being massed upon Rodes's left and General Early's right.
The batteries were very soon driven from the position and forced to retire, leaving one carriage disabled, which, however, they afterwards succeeded in getting off. Our fire was very effective upon their infantry, presenting as they did large bodies in easy range of us. In this engagement I had three guns temporarily disabled and one permanently so. One man was killed of the “Louisiana guard Artillery,” and one wounded of the “Staunton Artillery.”
For your better information I have the honor herewith to enclose the reports of Captains Tanner and Green of the operations of their batteries at Wrightsville, Hunterstown, South Mountain and Williamsport.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Signed,] H. P. Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Artillery Battalion. Official: S. V. Southall, Adjutant Artillery Second Corps.
