My Dear Sir — It is but an act of justice that I should state that the communication of
Captain Graham Daves in the March number of the
Society Papers, meets my cordial approval, and that as far as I can I adopt it as a true and proper addendum to my report of the conflict at Averasboroa.
The efficiency and bravery of the North Carolina battalion in that action has been repeatedly mentioned by me since the war, and I have often regretted that I could not recall the name of its commander, whose gallantry was conspicuous and the subject of commendation by myself and others.
I cannot remember now what reports were sent in to me by subordinate commanders — if in fact any were made — and thus, as I state in the report, the names of many deserving special notice were unhappily omitted.
I do remember well, however, that I spoke to
General Hardee of the gallant service of
Captain (supposed to be
Major)
DeRosset, the officer in command of the North Carolina battalion, and that I designed to mention him particularly; and I think it not unlikely that I hastily wrote
Georgia battalion for North Carolina battalion, and meant to fill the blank with the name of the
North Carolina commander, supposed to be a Major, when I could have it reported to me. No troops are mentioned in the report by States or regiments, and therefore no special reference could be made to those from
North Carolina.
I will add to this that the name of the
Sergeant of artillery mentioned is
Guibert, and the battery was that of
Captain Le Gardeur, from New Orleans.
Respectfully and truly yours,