Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

[527] communicated to you. At fifteen minutes to 4 was directed to accompany Colonel Jordan to the left front, and at 4 1/2 o'clock found the enemy in full retreat. On my return (to Headquarters No. 4) was directed to establish a police guard to protect the property, aided by Captain Cummings, as well as to prevent stragglers, whom we arrested. Although aided by the assiduous efforts of Captain Cummings to accomplish this, I am afraid that not much was effected.

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I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General,—In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report of the orders conveyed by me, and of the operations of our troops on the 6th instant, as far as my observation enables me.

At 4 h. 55 m. A. M., firing along our front commenced.

At 6 h. A. M., conveyed order to General Polk to advance the centre of his leading brigade to intersection of Hamburg and Pittsburg roads.

At 6 h. 40 m., General Johnston and staff advanced from Headquarters No. 1 to the front.

At 7 h. 4 m., Polk's advance brigade passed Headquarters No. 1. At 7 h. 9 m., first cannon fired on our left.

At 7 h. 33 m., General Cheatham's advance brigade passed Headquarters No. 1.

At 7 h. 35 m., ordered General Breckinridge to deploy, in column of brigades, centre of leading brigade near cross-roads.

At 7 h. 52 m., ordered General Polk to advance his 3d and 4th brigades to left and front, to strengthen Bragg's left.

At 9.10, ordered General Polk to send one brigade by flank to support our extreme right; accompanied the brigade detailed, that of General Bushrod Johnson, part of the way, and returned to Headquarters No. 1 at 9 h. 30 A. M.

At 9 h. 35 m., left Headquarters No. 1 with yourself and staff for more advanced position. Between time of arrival at Headquarters No. 2 and 11 h. A. M., carried orders to infantry on our left and front, to advance two regiments to front and right as a support to our batteries there massed. Order to Captain Hodgson, of Washington Artillery, to make a reconnoissance to front and left, where a four-gun battery of the enemy was reported in position; and, if the ground admitted it, to advance his battery in that direction and silence them. Visited one of the captured camps and then reported to you the straggling there going on for the purpose of plunder. You then ordered Captain Dreux, of your escort, with part of his company, to clear the camps. Was employed collecting stragglers, and men leaving field with wounded, and sending them back to the front.

At 11 h. 10 m., by your order, took command of the 27th Tennessee regiment,