The late skirmish on the Chickahominy.
In the Field near Richmond, 28th May, 1862.
To the Editors of the Dispatch:
Observing that you take a lively interest in the movements and actions of the army, and believing that you would not knowingly publish any statement that would do in justice to any corps or officer in the service, I avail myself of this opportunity of correcting the errors of fact in your article of the 28th instant, relative to the late skirmish on the line of the Chickahominy, in which the 5th regiment Louisiana volunteers was engaged.
The skirmish did not commence with ‘"a fusillade"’ in front of the river.
It commenced with an attack on the left flank of the skirmishers of the 5th posted on the line of the river.
There was a surprise, But it was not owing to any want of vigilance on the part of the 5th, nor of the commanding officer of the brigade The enemy crossed the river at a ford one mile and a quarter above the regiment It is understood that a brigade was posted there, or very near it. The crossing was not reported by it to General Semmes. General Semmes had a cavalry picket between that brigade and his. As soon as the picket saw the enemy on this side of the river, it reported the fact to the General.
But the enemy advanced rapidly at the same time, and the 5th regiment was attacked before the report could be communicated to it. Hence the surprise.
The 5th regiment was posted in a basin on the line of the river at the foot of the hills in its rear and on its left.
The fire of the enemy first announced his presence.
The skirmishers of the regiment, taken by surprise, were driven back, but being supported by several companies in reserve, they rallied and attacked the enemy.
The enemy then commenced the ‘"fusillade"’ in front on the regiment, making a cross fire upon it by the flank and front.
From this destructive fire the 6th retired 400 or 500 yards and rallied; when the order was given to it by the General to charge, accompanied with the declaration that the 10th Georgia regiment was held ready to support it. The charge was made.
It drove the enemy back from the flank and front, and forced him to cross the river.
There was, therefore, no need of support from the 10th Georgia.
After crossing the river the enemy occupied a sheltered position in the woods on the front of the river, and the 5th being greatly exposed without an opportunity of injuring them, was ordered to retire.
It accordingly retired about 500 yards and deployed in line.
The enemy then withdrew.
The contest thus ended.
The casualties of the 5th in killed, wounded and missing amounted to seventy-five (75).
It is due to Gen. Semmes to say, that he is a well-informed, prudent and faithful officer, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the officers under his command.
As to the 5th regiment, it will be found true to its duty, and will be always willing to be judged by its conduct.
Justice. 