[517]
My loss (exclusive of Colonel Lane's command) was sixty-six killed and one hundred and seventy-seven wounded.
An entire division was engaged against me, and, as you are aware, a large part of General McClellan's army were in supporting distance.
The officers and men of my command conducted themselves in a very handsome manner, both in the engagement and in the march.
The enemy may have captured stragglers enough to offset the prisoners we took from them in the open field, but they took no body of my troops.
Twice during the day the enemy were driven back, the last time taking shelter behind a ditch bank at the edge of the woods.
From this position I did not succeed in driving them.
I have the honor to be yours, very respectfully,
L. O'B. Branch, Brigadier-General Commanding.
