No. 53.-report of Col. S. W. Fiske, Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, of engagement at Farmington, Miss., May 9.
Hdqrs. Twenty-Fifth Regiment Louisiana Vols., May 10, 1862.
Captain: In obedience to orders, during yesterday's conflict near Farmington I placed my regiment in line on the right of the First Brigade, Ruggles' division, commanded by General Anderson, and afterward advanced.
The enemy was speedily dislodged from the wood and valley in front.
On arriving at the plain beyond the wood I found the enemy had retired beyond it to the second woods, in their flight leaving knapsacks and guns in considerable numbers, and also some of their wounded, and being now nearly a mile from the position of my regiment when its charge commenced.
Having been in advance during the charge, I now reformed line and waited for orders and for the other regiments to overtake us and get into position.
I was soon after ordered to report to Colonel Fagan, and nothing of any great importance subsequently occurred, as we [were] within an hour ordered to retire.
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[ have to report 2 killed and 27 wounded; among the latter Lieutenant Smith, of Company A, and Lieutenants McGowan and Caldwell, Company D.
I desire to call particular attention to the intrepid and noble conduct of the color-sergeant, Samuel A. Burns, of Company C.
It would have a good effect upon the morale of the army if such young men as this, who for the first time under fire not only sustained themselves but encouraged others, should be promoted and distinguished by the Government.
I am happy to say that officers and men of the regiment did their duty during the engagement.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. W. Fisk, Colonel Twenty-fifth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers. Capt. W. G. Barth, Assistant Adjutant-General.
