Your favor of July 14th, covering enclosures from Southern Historical Society, duly received and contents noted.
Of course, I cannot now recall all the details in the matter of
General Armistead's condition and words at the time of his capture, July 3, 1863; but my report, made to you immediately following the battle, is correct in every particular.
Armistead, after I informed him that I was an officer upon your staff, and would deliver any personal effects that he might desire forwarded to his family, made use of the words, as I now recall them, “Say to
General Hancock for me, that I have done him, and you all, a grievous (or serious) injury, which I shall always regret.”
His condition at the time, was that of a man seriously wounded, completely exhausted, and seemingly broken-spirited.
I had him carried immediately to the hospital.
The physician in charge, or who attended his wounds, could more specifically give testimony as to his mental condition.
I return to you the letter of
J. Wm. Jones,
Secretary of the Southern Historical Society.
Very truly yours,