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enemy's line in my front, and to open the fight.
My purpose was to cause them to ‘change front’ toward Maxey, and while they were executing this movement, to attack their flank with the main line.
Wood's battalion was dismounted by my order and posted on my extreme right; both flanks were guarded by cavalry.
Maxey's troops attacked and drew the enemy's attention and front towards him. Cabell's and Crawford's brigades, under General Cabell, advanced cheering and were driving the enemy when Greene's brigade rushed to the charge, and the enemy was soon broken and their retreat shortly became a rout.
After driving then two miles I ordered Wood's battalion to mount and move rapidly to the front in pursuit of the enemy.
General Maxey, who from this time assumed command, countermanded this order and put Wood to work at the train to assist in getting off the wagons.
At this juncture I received an order from General Maxey to withdraw the whole force from the pursuit.
Federal loss in this engagement from 400 to 600 left dead on the field, about 100 wounded, and 120 prisoners. Four pieces of artillery, 195 wagons—six mules each—and many hundred small arms were brought off, and thirty wagons were burned.
I cannot but think that at least 1,000 prisoners would have been added to the list had the pursuit been continued.
Cabell, inimitable almost in personal gallantry, led his command and first broke the enemy's columns, and assisted by Greene, who brought up his line under a heavy fire as steadily as on parade, crushed the enemy, who turned and fled in total confusion.
On the evening of the 18th we were again in camp.
Cabell's and Crawford's brigades reported back to General Fagan, and with Greene's brigade I marched on the 19th, to the Wire Road, twelve miles from Camden.
At the same time General Shelby's brigade was detached temporarily from my command and ordered to General Fagan for duty.
From the 20th to the 26th inclusive, my command was encamped, picketing to the front, and had various small but successful encounters with the enemy.
On the 26th I was ordered to report direct to General Smith.
On the 27th, the evacuation of Camden by General Steele having been discovered, my command marched to Whitehall on the Ouachita river, where Wood's battalion was ordered to report to me, swam the river, came up with the retreating enemy, and fought him until General Smith arrived with the infantry, and the battle of Jenkins's Ferry was fought, in which engagement the brigade was commanded by Colonel Greene.
During this long and arduous campaign, fought as most of it was under my own eye, I take pleasure in speaking of the officer-like conduct
