Chancellorsville Battle Reports

Last updated June 19th, 2007 by Jenny

No. 359.--Report of Brig. Gen. J. J. Archer, C. S. Army, commanding brigade.

HEADQUARTERS ARCHER'S BRIGADE, June 2, 1863.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about 11 a.m., May 2, by order of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill, I withdrew my brigade from its advanced position on the Plank road, leaving my pickets out to wait until relieved, and proceeded to follow the other brigades of the division, which, with the exception of Thomas', had gone to the left by the Welford Furnace road. Thomas' brigade followed in my rear.

When I had advanced 2 miles beyond the furnace, a lieutenant-colonel of cavalry(+) rode up, and reported that a large body of the enemy had attacked the train in my rear, and driven off the troops which had been left to protect it. As the apparent exigency of the case allowed no time to communicate with the major-general, I immediately ordered back my own and Thomas' brigade, but when I arrived at the furnace found that the enemy had already been repulsed by Lieutenant-Colonel [J. T.] Brown, of the artillery, and some infantry, among which I learned that Capt. W. S. Moore, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, with his company, bore a conspicuous part. I inclose herewith Captain Moore's report. Owing to the delay thus occasioned, I did not rejoin the division until late at night. During the night I formed on the extreme right of the division, with General McGowan's brigade on my left.

The next morning, about sunrise, we moved forward to the attack, through dense pine timber, driving before us the enemy's skirmishers, and, at a distance of 400 yards, emerging into the open field in front of a battery, which was placed on an abrupt hill near a spring-house. We advanced at double quick, and captured 4 pieces of artillery and about 100 prisoners, driving the infantry supports in confusion before us.

From this position the enemy could be seen in heavy force in the woods, which commenced about 600 yards diagonally to the right and front, and in the high open ground to the front. No other troops of our army were at this time in sight of us. After a few minutes' halt to reform our line, which had become somewhat broken by its rapid advance through the woods, I proceeded to attack the wood, which I have mentioned as lying diagonally to the front and right. My brigade, which was at the beginning only 1,400 strong and entirely unsupported, attacked with great intrepidity; but the position was strongly intrenched and manned by vastly greater numbers, and we were forced to retire from within 70 yards of the intrenchments. We again formed and advanced to the attack, and were again forced to retire. I now moved my brigade to the point where we had captured the batteries, to await the arrival of re enforcements. Soon after, Major [W. J.] Pegram came up and occupied the position with artillery. Colonel [John T.] Mercer came up on the left with three regiments of Doles' brigade, and General Anderson came up from the rear on my right with his division. He soon after moved to the right, leaving me in support of the artillery, which had opened a heavy and effective fire upon the enemy, which was hotly returned, although with little effect. In a few minutes General [R. E.] Lee rode up, and soon directed me to move forward with my own brigade and the three regiments of Doles', which were under command of Colonel Mercer. After advancing 400 or 500 yards, Colonel Mercer requested a short halt until the ammunition, which had just arrived, could be distributed to his regiments. During this halt I received an order through one of General Stuart's staff not to advance farther until I received the order from him; but other troops coming up on Colonel Mercer's left and on my right, I moved slowly forward and soon came, on ascending the hill in front of Chancellorsville, in full view and range of the enemy's cannon, which opened a heavy fire upon us. About half of my brigade had by this time, in its advance, entered the wood, having swung around slightly to the right for this purpose; the left regiment of Doles brigade, which was to the left of the center of the enemy's artillery fire, and all that portion of the line on its left (I do not know what troops they were) moved over by flank to the left. As soon as I observed this movement, I rode across the field to bring them back, but when I reached the Plank road I found they had crossed it and entered the wood on its left. I then rode back across the field under the fire of their artillery to the point where my brigade had entered the wood. On account of the denseness of the tangled thicket, and the number of men of other brigades, I did not for some time find my own, and feared that it had fallen back, but was gratified to find that all its little regiments had moved promptly forward and driven the enemy from that part of their trenches farthest to the left and nearest to Chancellor's house. All firing ceased a short time after I entered the wood. I soon after formed the brigade in the open field, and joined the division on the Plank road. >ar39_926>

The next day the division fortified its position on the left of the Plank road, fronting the United States Ford. General Pender, in command of the division, being wounded in the evening, the command of the division devolved on me, and that of the brigade on Colonel [B. D.] Fry for a short time, during which nothing important occurred except some skirmishing in front.

My loss in this action was 41 killed and 317 wounded. Among the former was Major [J. T.] Smith, Thirteenth Alabama Regiment, and Captain [S. D.] Stewart, commanding Filth Alabama Battalion, and among the latter Colonel [William] McComb, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, severely.

My assistant adjutant-general (Captain [Robert Harris] Archer) and aide-de-camp (Lieutenant [Oliver H Thomas) were present with the brigade throughout the action. I take this occasion to acknowledge the gallant and efficient service of Mr. G. A. Williams, of Maryland, a volunteer aide on my staff. The regiments were commanded as follows: First Tennessee [Provisional Army], Lieutenant Colonel [N. J.] George; Thirteenth Alabama, Colonel Fry; Fourteenth Tennessee, Colonel McComb, until wounded, and afterward by Captain [R. C.] Wilson; Seventh Tennessee, by Lieutenant-Colonel [John A.] Fite, aid Fifth Alabama Battalion by Captain Stewart.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. J. ARCHER,

Brigadier-General.

Capt. R. H. FINNEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Regimental Reports

No. 360.--Report of Col. B. D. Fry, Thirteenth Alabama Infantry.

CAMP GREGG, VA., May 7, 1863.

SIR: In compliance with orders from brigade headquarters, I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the action of the 3d instant near Chancellorsville:

When the brigade was formed in line of battle for the attack, my regiment occupied the left, and connected with McGowan's brigade, my trout being covered by Company B, (Capt. C. E. Chambers). deployed as skirmishers. Under orders from Brigadier-General Archer, I advanced my regiment with McGowan's brigade. The ground over which we had to pass being rough and thickly wooded, I was soon unable to see the regiments on my right and left. Word being passed along the line of officers that our brigade was gaining ground to the right, I moved my regiment by that flank for a short distance, and again to the front, which brought us in view of the first position of the enemy, which was carried in a few minutes, and a considerable number of prisoners taken.

The advance from this point upon the second position!icing made in open ground, and under the immediate supervision of Brigadier-General Archer, it will be unnecessary for me to describe. I will only remark that my regiment, though exposed to a heavy fire, pressed forward so rapidly as to compel the enemy to abandon the battery, which fell into our bands. The regiment manifested no disposition to give up the attempt upon the breastwork, and fell back under orders from the right. In this part of the action all my field and staff were killed or wounded.

In the advance upon the third position of the enemy, my regiment, when within 100 yards of their line, had to pass through a thicket, which concealed the enemy from our view and rendered it impossible for us to move in much order. A rapid discharge of their small arms disclosed to us their position. When we had arrived within 40 paces of their breastwork, I allowed my regiment to return the fire for about three minutes, which they did with great spirit, and then ordered a charge. The men dashed forward with a cheer, and the enemy fled in confusion. The other regiments of the brigade seem to have charged at the same time with equal success. We had been in the enemy's position but a few minutes when a battery on our left opened a severe fire of canister, which enfiladed the part of the work we occupied. An order having been passed from the right to move by the right flank, I did so, following the regiment on my right over a ridge, under cover of which I collected as many of my men as remained, and moved to the open ground, where the brigade was reformed.

I am gratified to be able to report that my commissioned officers, without exception, displayed zeal and courage; none more than the gallant Maj. John T. Smith, whose death is deeply lamented by the regiment.

A majority of the missing are supposed to have been wounded and gone to the rear.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. D. FRY,

Colonel Thirteenth Alabama Volunteers.

Capt. R. H. ARCHER,

Assistant Adjutant-General

No. 361.--Report of Capt. A. N. Porter, Fifth Alabama Infantry Battalion.

MAY 9, 1863.

SIR: In obedience to a circular issued from headquarters Archer's brigade, May 8, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifth Alabama Battalion in the late battle of Chancellorsville, on May 3:

On the morning of May 3, the brigade of which the battalion forms a part having taken its position to await the dawn of day, a detail was ordered from the battalion to proceed as skirmishers in front of the brigade, and report any information that might be beneficial to the service. This disposition having been made, the brigade moved forward in line of battle. We had proceeded but a few hundred yards before we met the enemy and drove him from his position. Not being in command then myself, I knew not what orders were received, but we charged the enemy, and he fell back to his fortifications, which proved too formidable for our force; we consequently bad to retire. While falling back, a shell burst so near my person that I fell senseless, and was carried off the field. What I have stated above is from personal observation; the remainder is gained from the testimony of some officers of the battalion.

We again advanced against the enemy, but were ordered back to support Pegram's battery. After supporting this battery for about half an hour, we were ordered again to charge the fortifications, which we did successfully, compelling the enemy to retreat in haste.

It was here the lamented Capt. S. D. Stewart fell. He had commanded the battalion during the engagement, and, just as victory was about to perch upon its banner, he fell, a noble offering to his country's freedom.

With a few individual exceptions, the [Fifth] Alabama Battalion behaved heroically. I do not know that I can mention any one for any distinguished gallantry without disparagement to others who have done their duty and their whole duty. Lieutenant [William B.] Hutton, Company A, Fifth Alabama Battalion, behaved gallantly till he received a mortal wound, from which he died the evening of the same day. I have already forwarded a list of the casualties.(*)

Respectfully submitted.

A. N. PORTER,

Captain, Commanding Fifth Alabama Battalion.

Capt. R. H. ARCHER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

No. 362.--Report of Lieut. Col. N. J. George, First Tennessee Infantry, Provisional Army.

MAY 11, 1863.

SIR: In pursuance of orders from brigade headquarters, I make the following report of the part taken by the First Tennessee Regiment in the recent engagements with the enemy on the Rappahannock. In making this report, it will be my object to mention such facts and circumstances as may be of use to you in references:

Early on the morning of April 29, I received intelligence from you that the enemy were crossing the river at Fredericksburg, and was ordered to put the regiment in marching order at once, which I did, and soon afterward was notified to move off. We marched to the heights below, and in sight of the town (Fredericksburg), and were placed in an intrenchment to await the attack of the enemy, who appeared to be crossing rapidly.

On the morning of May 1, about daybreak, we commenced moving in the direction of Orange Court-House. After marching about 6 miles from Fredericksburg and 8 from the position we had left in the morning, we were formed in line of battle to the right of the Plank road. The Alabama battalion and First Tennessee were on the right of another public road, about 400 yards to the right of the Plank road. Remaining in this position about two hours, we were again ordered to move on the Plank road about 2 miles, where we formed on the right into line of battle. Here General Lee was present. We remained at this point but a short time, and were again ordered forward on the road. About 4 p.m., after marching 3 miles on this road, we left it, changing direction to the right, and in this new direction moved about a half mile, then to the left about a half mile, through a swamp covered with dense undergrowth. The left of our brigade rested on the Plank road, the left having been in front since we left our position across the two roads.

On the morning of the 2d, we relieved the brigade in our front, and Companies B and G of this regiment were advanced as skirmishers. Soon after, however, we were ordered off, and our skirmishers were to follow when relieved. Being put in march, we moved to the left of the Plank road, and in a southwestern direction. While on this circuitous movement, we passed an iron foundry, and had gotten about 3 miles from it, when General Archer was informed that the train in our rear was attacked by the enemy at the foundry, upon which he took the responsibility of moving his own and General Thomas' brigade back to resist this attack. In marching back, I met the two companies which had been detailed as skirmishers near the Plank road. They had taken no part in defense of the train, but were hastening to rejoin the regiment, according to orders. On getting near the foundry, we found that the enemy had been repulsed by a regiment of Georgians, assisted, perhaps, by four companies from the Seventh and Fourteenth Tennessee Regiments. Upon learning that no further demonstrations were apprehended on our rear, we were ordered to retrace our steps. At the distance of about 4 miles from the foundry, we again crossed the Plank road leading from Georgetown and intersecting the Fredericksburg and Orange [Court-House] Plank road. At this point we bivouacked. North of this Georgetown road were two others leading into it. These latter were to be defended that night (May 2) by the First Tennessee. We received instructions to be specially vigilant in guarding the one upon the left. The regiment remained in defense of the road until about 12 o'clock, at which time General Archer ordered me forward. The position of our regiment was in front of the brigade, and in this order we moved down the road about 3 miles to the point from which the enemy had been driven the evening previous. A log house stood on the right of the road. Intrenchments were dug on each side (the most formidable on the left) about 50 yards in length, seemingly established for the purpose of resisting further movements on their flank. Here the brigade was filed to the right, and moved perpendicularly to the road about 600 yards, where we found General McGowan's brigade in line of battle extending east and west. We passed along in front of his brigade, and formed to his right, our line running diagonally to the left about 30 degrees «59 R R--VOL XXV, PT I» >ar39_930> south of west, the right of our regiment resting about 800 yards from the road. We were, I think, at this time on the extreme right of our army. The line was formed a short time before day, and skirmishers were thrown out in front, extending about 250 yards to the right.

About sunrise we moved forward through a dense pine thicket and tangled undergrowth, crossing a ravine, exposed all the time to the fire from the skirmishers and artillery. After advancing about 300 yards, we came upon an open field, the skirmishers of the enemy rapidly retiring. Here their artillery opened upon us with more spirit, but with little effect. We wheeled to the left, continuing the march; attacked and drove in confusion a body of Yankee troops who had supported the battery. This battery fell into our hands, together with a number of prisoners. We were now in much confusion, from the charge through the woods and over the rough ground. Halting a few minutes to form the regiments, we attempted to rectify the confusion before mentioned, but ere this was done were ordered forward. The object was to move against the main line of battle in their fortified intrenchments, distant about 400 yards from where we attempted to form. We started from the spring, moved to the top of the hill, from which we could plainly see the strong lines and batteries of the enemy beyond the open field through which we must pass to gain the position desired, under the fire of both infantry and artillery. Upon these works we charged with our ranks thinned, regiments ill-formed, and with no support on the right or left. We moved within 100 yards of this stronghold; halted, and engaged the enemy in a terrible fire of some minutes, when we were forced to retire. Again we partially formed, and made a second charge against the same position with less effect than at first, we being evidently too weak numerically to carry such a line; and even had we been a strong brigade, could not, I think, have carried the position, acting, as we did, independent of all others. Our regiment was now placed in support of Major [W. J.] Pegram's battery, which was upon the hill in front of us, commanding the enemy's works. It opened a most destructive fire upon them, causing the Yankees to retreat from their position on the left.

In the meantime General Stuart ordered General Anderson against the enemy's flank, which position he carried (this being the same position which we had attacked). I claim that in general this regiment behaved well, and here we lost several good men. The brigade was again formed, and moved forward; attacking the enemy about three-fourths of a mile to our left and near the Plank road, drove him from his intrenchments, and reoccupied them. The enemy rallied on the Plank road, and attempted to drive us from and recover their position. A terrible enfilading fire now commenced, and a portion of the brigade gave way (the extreme left). The position was held, however, and the Yankees were compelled to retire. When we had ceased to fire, General [A. R.] Wright came up with his brigade and proposed to move forward, and for this purpose prepared the way by sending one regiment in advance as skirmishers, whose presence brought up a white flag, with the surrender of about 500 prisoners. I now looked about for General Archer, who was trying to rally the brigade which he carried in with his own, but, failing, returned to his own and reformed it. Rations were issued, and we again formed in line of battle north of the road and near the enemy. This line, I think, was at an angle of 45 degrees with the Plank road, faced to the northeast.

Early on the next morning we began to intrench to the rear of our position. After throwing up some strong works, we moved again to the left, and prepared intrenchments about one-half mile from and on a line >ar39_931> with the first. This was on Monday, May 4. Skirmishing was continued throughout the day, and strong lines were thrown out. In the evening, Colonel [B. D.] Fry was put in command of the brigade, upon assuming which he sent the First Tennessee out as skirmishers. Covering the front of the brigade as nearly as I could judge (it being dark), we took position about midway between our line and that of the enemy, being about 400 yards from each.

About 12 o'clock a firing was commenced on the right of our right, and continued down the line toward the left. I am not able to say whether the firing was commenced by the enemy or our own troops; but several rounds were fired by both sides, resulting in no loss to our regiment. A few men were panic-stricken and retired to the trenches; most of these were from one company. I will here state that I have been engaged with several bodies of skirmishers; that they in general consider the individual responsibility too great; generally very cautious, and apt to start on trivial accounts--especially is this the case at night--but I must say, in justice to the regiment, that, with the exception above mentioned, no regiment could have behaved better. In passing up and down the line after the firing, every man was at his post save these few, while I was informed that the regiments on our right and left had retired precipitately.

Next morning (May 5) we were relieved by the Fourteenth Tennessee, and retired to our position in the trenches. Remaining here until the evening of the 6th, we were put in march for our old camp.

The prisoners in the regiment were liberated to go into the fight, and fought well. I here give you a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of the regiment.(*)

We carried into action 249 guns. After the last charge, and when the brigade had formed, our roll was called, and we numbered 249 less 100, of whom the greater number had been killed and wounded.

We have to deplore the loss in killed from this regiment of brave soldiers and good men.

This report is longer than I desired, but as this, perhaps, is its least fault, you will, I hope, excuse it, though I might be more lengthy and speak of many events which I have not mentioned. I might speak of the drenching rains upon us while in the marshy bog behind those breastworks; of the many horrible sights (I mean horrible to citizens); of the roaring of mighty-cannons belching forth their deadly shot and shell so thick and fast as to cause the very earth to shake and tremble round about; of the countless dead, and the torn, scraped, scarred, and mashed-up timber, so as to make the escape of a single individual impossible. But as these descriptions suit not my taste, and would be of no use to you, I leave them out of view.

If in this report I have caused you to remember anything of advantage, then I have accomplished (for the most part) my object. Some mistakes may be made in speaking of roads, as it was night while we were traveling on some of them, and I made no notes during the fight.

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

N.J. GEORGE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. J. J. ARCHER,

Commanding Fifth Brigade.

No. 363.--Report of Lieut. Col. John A. Fite, Seventh Tennessee Infantry.

AT THE FRONT, May 5, 1863.

Under instructions from brigade headquarters, I submit the following report of the action of the Seventh Tennessee Regiment in the engagement at [Chancellorsville]:

On Sunday, May 3, the regiment moved from bivouac at 1 a.m., and was placed in position on the left of the center of the brigade, which was on the extreme right of our line and to the right of the Plank road. On account of the dense wood and underbrush, it did not get into position until about daylight. The men were very much fatigued, having marched nearly all of that night and the day previous. As soon as the line was established, skirmishers were thrown forward, and ordered to advance 300 or 400 yards, and ascertain the position of the enemy. Immediately thereafter, an advance was ordered along the whole line, and it was ascertained that the enemy were in position about 400 yards in our front, occupying a strong position and supported by artillery. They were partially fortified upon the crest of a hill, which was carried, with a shout. The enemy retired in great confusion to their second line of defenses, leaving many killed and wounded on the field and three pieces of artillery and a considerable number of prisoners. The pursuit was continued to within about 75 yards of their fortifications. When it was ascertained that, in consequence of the rapid movement of the line and the dense timber and rough ground, the connection of the brigade with the general line of battle on the left was broken, we were ordered to fall back to the enemy's first position, from which we advanced again in a very short time under a very heavy fire, but, being unsupported, we were ordered to retire a second time, and remained at the crest of the hill which was carried in the morning, in support of the Purcell Battery, for about an hour, during which time a column advanced and attacked the enemy on his left flank, and, with the aid of the battery, he was driven from his fortified position immediately in our front, and retired to his third line of defense. We then moved again to the front, about 200 yards beyond the enemy's second line of defense, when the column was wheeled to the right, fronting the enemy's third position. We then moved forward through a dense wood, and charged the enemy, driving him from his breastworks.

His third line was in the form of two sides of a triangle. Soon after, he advanced in strong force upon our left flank, enfilading the left of our line to about the center of my regiment, when the command was passed down the line to move by the right flank, when all of those who were under the enemy's enfilading fire retired by the right flank behind the crest of the hill, leaving a part of my regiment and those on its right still in the trenches. After a brisk fire of about ten minutes, the enemy retired again behind the hill. Soon after, Brigadier-General [A. R.] Wright came to our position, and asked what was the position of the enemy, and it being pointed out to him, he replied that they were retreating, and that he would press them, and desired that we should support him. He immediately moved a part of his command forward, and while they were getting into position it was announced that the enemy had displayed a white flag. General Wright thereupon rode down toward their position, and soon after a large number of prisoners marched from that direction past us to the rear. The firing on that line having ceased, we retired by the right flank to the base of the hill.

Respectfully,

JOHN A. FITE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. R. H. ARCHER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

No. 364.--Report of Capt. R. C. Wilson, Fourteenth Tennessee Infantry.

MAY 10, 1863.

SIR: The Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment was led into the battle of Chancellorsville by Col. William McComb, who was wounded Sunday morning, after which I took command. So far as I know, the men and officers behaved very well.

On Tuesday, after I had taken command, we were ordered out on picket to relieve the First Tennessee, which we did about sunrise, and remained on the same ground until ordered to move forward, which we did. We moved forward 75 to 100 yards, connecting the right wing of the regiment with the pickets on our right, and disconnecting with the pickets on our left; but, finding the enemy's pickets on our left in too strong a force, our left was forced to fall back, so as to be on a line with the pickets on our left. The prisoners who were under arrest in the regiment took guns, and two of them went into the fight; the other one was lost sight of at the time and place we were under the artillery fire of the enemy on Friday evening. Whether he was killed or wounded, or has deserted, I am not able to say.

Respectfully,

R. C. WILSON,

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

General J. J. ARCHER.

No. 365.--Report of Capt. W. S. Moore, Fourteenth Tennessee Infantry.

CAMP GREGG, VA.,

May 9, 1863.

SIR: Under instructions from Captain [G. A.] Williams this morning, I respectfully report for the information of the general the part my company and Company L, of the Fourteenth Tennessee], bore in the attempt made by the enemy to cut off our division train on Saturday afternoon, 2d instant.

I had been out on the front lines in command of these two companies as the skirmishing detail from the Fourteenth [Tennessee], and, when relieved by skirmishers from Anderson's division (I think it was), was much surprised to find our division had moved, I knew not where. We, however, started down the Plank road, and were met by one of the general's couriers, who directed us which way to go. We had marched, perhaps, 1½ miles when we heard firing behind us, and noticed a considerable confusion among the portion of the train behind. The company was then halted to rest and get water. Several officers rode rapidly up from the direction of the firing, and asked to know what regiment. I told them it was no regiment, but only two companies of the Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment (General Archer's brigade) that had been on picket, but had been relieved and ordered to rejoin their command. They reported to me that the train had been attacked and was in great danger of being cut off. I hesitated a moment whether to go back or go on, for three reasons: 1st, I did not know but that it might be a false alarm and stampede, occasioned probably by the pickets fighting at the point we had come from; 2d, I supposed we certainly must have a part of our army back in that direction; 3d, I did not wish to disobey orders, for the reason that if I went back under orders from unknown and irresponsible sources, I might lay myself liable for not rejoining the regiment without delay. I was, however, relieved from this dilemma by the timely arrival of Captain [George] Lemmon, to whom I stated my position. He told me he thought I would not do wrong in going back, and that he would be responsible for the step. I immediately countermarched the company and started back at a double-quick, with orders to report to Colonel [J. T.] Brown, of the artillery. I met a good many men with guns in their hands; these I ordered to fall in. At the top of the hill, just this side of the furnace, I met the Twenty-third Georgia Regiment falling back in much confusion. We rallied them, and commenced forming a line of battle. The enemy had gained possession of the furnace works, and was pouring bullets into us. The last of the train was now passing as rapidly as possible the ground we held. Colonel Brown had ordered me, if I could not hold my ground here, to fall back slowly to a point a quarter of a mile ahead, where he had planted two pieces of artillery, and support it while he held the enemy in check, which we did. Formed again in a railroad cut just in front of his artillery, and put out skirmishers. We lay for twenty minutes exposed to the fire of the two batteries. We remained here long enough to give the train an hour and a half the start.

I received an order from Colonel Brown about an hour by sun to fall back as quickly and quietly as possible. The enemy's skirmishers and ours were then within 50 yards of each other. As we retreated over the hill, they poured a heavy fire into us. Fortunately, but one man was hurt. A portion of the Twenty-third Georgia Regiment came out with us; a portion remained and continued fighting. I do not know why they did not come out, as the order to fall back was carried to them by Lieutenant [A. P.] Collins, of Company L.

I am happy to state that, with the exception of one caisson broken down, the entire train got by safely. The enemy fired into the train, and killed 1 and wounded 1 horse. We rejoined the regiment just before it halted for the night.

Respectfully, &c.,

W. S. MOORE,

Captain Company H, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment.

Capt. R. H. ARCHER,

.Assistant Adjutant-General.