Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Chapter XXII: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Ed.

Sir: I beg leave to transmit herewith reports concerning a skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge on the night of the 28th ultimo, between 24 men [654] of the Tenth Wisconsin Regiment and about 250 rebels, in which the enemy is reported to have lost 6 killed and several wounded. Our men had 6 wounded. This affair is one of the most brilliant of the campaign as regards personal bravery, and I trust will meet a proper reward. The conduct of Sergeants Makimson and Nelson, especially that of the former, merits the highest approbation. To their firmness and resolution we are indebted for still having the railroad in our possession to Bellefonte.

Very respectfully, yours,

Sir: In compliance with your request I forward you Sergt. William Nelson's report of the skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge. By order I detached Sergeant Nelson and 15 men to guard this bridge. Lieutenant Harkness, posted at Woodville, with 20 men, learned through negro information that the bridge was threatened, and sent Sergt. Augustus H. Makimson and 10 men to re-enforce the guard at the bridge. After the fight my men found 1 of the enemy killed and 1 severely wounded. The wounded man reports that the enemy's forces consisted of 250 cavalry, who dismounted to attack the bridge. He also stated that they had 6 men killed before he was wounded. All of my men agree in giving much credit to Sergeant Makimson for his coolness. When ordered to surrender he replied that he would not do it as long as he had a man alive. Although Sergeant Nelson had the command, from what I can learn I think the most credit is due to Sergeant Makimson.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Sir: It seems that you did not get my report of the affair with the enemy at this bridge on the night of April 28, 1862. I therefore send you an outline, knowing that you are cognizant of the general outline of the skirmish through hearsay.

On the night of April 28, 1862, the enemy's cavalry, 250 strong, assisted by a number of citizens, made an attack on the guard at this [655] bridge, for the purpose of driving them out and burning the structure. Their attack was continued for more than two hours, when they withdrew, having entirely failed in their attempts.

General orders, no. 101.

The general commanding has received with high gratification the official report of the commanding officer of the Ninth Brigade of the defense of Paint Rock Bridge on the night of April 28, made by Sergts. W. Nelson, Company I, and A. H. Makimson, Company H, Tenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, and the men under their command. The coolness, determination, and bravery displayed by the non-commissioned officers and soldiers on this occasion are worthy of the highest commendation. Attacked in the night-time by an overwhelming force, ten times their number, this handful of brave and determined men sternly refused the summons to surrender, sustained the enemy's attack for more than two hours, and finally drove him from the field with a severe loss of killed and wounded.

Sergeants Nelson and Makimson are recommended to the regimental and brigade commanders and to the Governor of their State for promotion, and the soldiers who fought under them so heroically will not be forgotten.

By order of Maj. Gen. O. M. Mitchel: