[12] battle of Gettysburg. Report of Col. Edward Willis, Twelfth Georgia Infantry, Doles' brigade.
headquarters Twelfth Georgia regiment, near Darkesville, Va., July 19th, 1863.
Captain:
Upon Wednesday, July 1st, 1863, after an extremely fatiguing and rapid march, I formed my regiment in line of battle upon the extreme
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left of the brigade in a wheat field, on the right hand side of the Middletown road, and about 1 1/4 miles from Gettysburg, Penn. After shifting positions from time to time, a charge was ordered, and the troops moved up gallantly, driving the enemy from every position to and through the town.
During the advance a portion of the enemy's troops overlapped, and I thought hardly pressed the right of the brigade.
I moved my regiment by the right flank, and assisting the Forty-fourth and Twenty-first Georgia regiments, the enemy was soon dislodged with heavy slaughter.
The enemy, being now in full retreat, were followed closely through the town, many prisoners being captured.
Upon reaching the southern edge of the town a halt was ordered, and we remained in this position until about sunset upon the evening of the 2d.
We then moved to the night attack upon the enemy's works, which superior officers saw fit to abandon, and a retrograde movement was made to a hill on the southwest side of the town and about equally distant between the seminary and the cemetery.
A slight protection was constructed, and here the troops remained until the entire army fell back to the western and adjacent heights.
Whilst in this position my regiment was shelled by our own artillery, and the officer in command should be made to pay the penalty for his criminal conduct.
I do not know positively which batteries they were, so I mention no names, but I believe the general officers might ascertain.
The regiment acted throughout the entire engagement with its accustomed gallantry.
Both officers and men deserve great praise.
Major Hardeman was among the first to enter the town, as was Adjutant Thomas. Captain J. T. Carson and Lieutenants Crittenden and Waterman did their duty well and were of assistance to me. I append a list of casualties.
I am, Captain, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, Edward Willis, Colonel Twelfth Georgia Regiment. Captain F. T. Snead, A. A. General, Doles' Brigade.
