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Sharpsburg Battle Report: Maxcy Gregg's Brigade

No. 276.--Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel McGowan, C. S. Army, of operations of Gregg's brigade, September 3-December 3.

HDQRS. 2D BRIG., A. P. HILL'S LIGHT DIV., 2D A. C., Camp Gregg, Va., February 9, 1863.

MAJOR: In compliance with the request of Major-General Hill, to send in a report of all military operations in which this brigade was engaged from the time when General Lee took command at Gordonsville to the time when we left the valley, I have the honor to submit the following general statement, which has been delayed on account of the absence of two regiments on fatigue duty:

Not having been in command of the brigade, but only of one of its regiments (the Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers) during these operations, I have not been able to make such a detailed report of particular events as the subject deserved, but am obliged to content myself with a mere outline of operations the most important. Would that the lamented General Gregg, lately in command of' the brigade, was here to make out the report of achievements in which he performed so large a part himself and which he could have recorded better than any one else. I understand that the call does not include the Cedar Run (or Slaughter Mountain) campaign, which this brigade, as part of your division, made under Major-General (now Lieutenant-General) Jackson.(*)

CAPTURE OF HARPER'S FERRY.

The brigade left Ox Hill on September 3, and, marching through Dranesville and Leesburg, crossed the Potomac into Maryland at White's Ford on the 5th. They rested at Monocacy Junction, near Frederick City, until the 10th, when, in order to perform their part in the investment and capture of Harper's Ferry, they commenced a forced march, and making a large circuit by way of Boonsborough, Williamsport, and Martinsburg, reached the vicinity of Harper's Ferry from the Virginia side on the 13th.

Sunday, the 14th, the brigade moved down the Winchester Railroad, on the left bank of the Shenandoah, and were engaged during the night until 2 o'clock the next morning in getting into position on the plateau between the Shenandoah and Bolivar Heights, the latter place being held by a strong force of the enemy. Here morning dawned upon the command ready to storm the heights. The view was magnificent, presenting such a spectacle as is rarely seen. At early dawn the batteries of Mcintosh and Davidson opened upon the left of our position, and soon after other batteries commenced firing upon the enemy from the Loudoun Heights beyond the Shenandoah. When everything was ready for the assault, a white flag was seen displayed by the enemy as evidence of surrender, and at 7.30 o'clock on the morning of September 15 Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill entered the captured works. At 9 o'clock the brigade was marched up to the heights and employed in guarding prisoners, arms, &c. We sustained no loss in these brilliant operations.

SHARPSBURG.

At Harper's Ferry, during the 16th, heavy cannonading on the Maryland side was distinctly heard, and on Wednesday we made a forced >ar27_988> march up the river, crossed the river at Boteler's Ford, a short distance below Shepherdstown, and arrived on the field of Sharpsburg in the afternoon, about 2 miles from the Potomac, reaching the actual presence of the enemy at 3.40 p.m., which was not a moment too soon for the fortunes of the day. The general line of our army seemed to be in front of the town of Sharpsburg, facing east, with its right flank stretching toward the Potomac. The enemy were in front along the line of the Antietam River. We came upon the field on the extreme right of our line, perhaps 2 miles from the Potomac. It was seen at once that a large force of the enemy (said to be Burnside's division) were in the act of sweeping down the Antietam and around our right, with the object, manifestly, of cutting off our army from the Potomac. The Light Division came from the proper direction and at the right moment to meet this column and drive it back across the Antietam. Gregg's brigade was placed in position on the right. The Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers (Lieutenant-Colonel Simpson) being the leading regiment, was thrown out to hold a position on the extreme right, being the point of our line nearest the Potomac. The enemy, checked in his flank movement, never got so far to our right, and consequently that regiment was not actively engaged. The First (Colonel Hamilton), Twelfth (Colonel Barnes), and Thirteenth South Carolina Volunteers (Colonel Edwards) formed in line of battle, and were directed to enter the field to the left of the Fourteenth and drive back the enemy. This line advanced to the top of a hill in a corn-field, and there engaged the enemy, who appeared advancing in force upon the opposite hill, and held a fence in the ravine between the hills. They checked at once the advance of the enemy. Colonel Edwards, on the left, took up a strong position behind a stone fence and held it. Colonel Barnes advanced down the hill, and with a charge gallantly drove the enemy from the fence in front. He was, however, in a few moments flanked by a large body on the right, and had to retire his regiment a short distance up the hill, the enemy immediately reoccupying the fence. Colonel Barnes soon returned to the attack, and upon the same ground charged with his fine regiment three times, and the last time drove them from the fence and up the hill beyond, with great slaughter.

In the mean time Colonel Hamilton, feeling a heavy pressure upon his right, obliqued his regiment in that direction and gallantly drove them, clearing the front and at the same time covering the right of Colonel Barnes. A heavy body now appeared on the right of Colonel Hamilton, and Captain Perrin, commanding Orr's Rifles, was sent out to sweep the field in that direction. He led his regiment up a hill, discovered the enemy in the hollow beyond, dispersed them at once, and held the position, which was somewhat in advance of the general line. Thus, the columns which were enveloping the right of our army were driven back at all points, and, at the last moment, Sharpsburg made a victory for the Confederate arms.

The brigade held its position on the field all night, the next day, and until 3 o'clock in the morning of Friday, the 19th, when they joined the division and moved toward Boteler's Ford, on the Potomac, which was crossed without losing a man. In the critical operation of crossing the river in the face of so large a force, the Light Division (General A. P. Hill) was the rear guard, and Gregg's brigade was in rear of the division. Two companies of the Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers, under the command of Captain Brown, were thrown out by Lieutenant-Colonel [W. D] Simpson as skirmishers, in a corn-field about a mile from the river, thus covering the passage of the army. >ar27_989>

About 9 a.m., while the Light Division was crossing, Captain Brown's small detachment was attacked by cavalry, but, dispersing them by a single volley, they succeeded in reaching the river and crossing in safety.

The fighting at Sharpsburg was severe, and the loss considerable, being, in the aggregate, 165.

Among the killed were Col. Dixon Barnes, Capt. F. A. Erwin, and Lieutenant [J. B.] Blackman, of the Twelfth South Carolina Volunteers, and Lieut. G. A. Mcintyre,(*) of the First South Carolina Volunteers.

Among the wounded were Capt. M. P. Parker, of the First South Carolina Volunteers; Capts. J. L. Miller and It. C. Davis, Lieuts. R. M. Kerr, W. J. Stover, and S Y. Roseborough, of the Twelfth South Carolina Volunteers; Capt. J. M. Perrin, commanding Orr's Rifles, and Lieuts. J. M. Wheeler and W. L. Litzsey, of the Thirteenth.

Where all did so well it may not be unpardonable to declare that in this battle the palm was borne off by the intrepid Colonel Barnes, who nobly fell while leading the invincible Twelfth in their last victorious charge. Colonel Barnes was as amiable and generous in peace as he was gallant and irresistible in war. Having large wealth and high position at home, he left all to fall at the head of his beloved regiment, gallantly struggling for the independence of his country.

SHEPHERDSTOWN.

After crossing the river into Virginia and marching about 5 miles, the brigade spent the night, and was ordered back next morning, the 20th, to Boteler's Ford, near Shepherdstown, to drive back the enemy, who was reported to be crossing at that point. General Gregg formed line of battle (Orr's Rifles deployed as skirmishers in front) and advanced in splendid style. The batteries of the enemy on the Maryland side poured upon them a terrible fire of grape, round shot, and shell. Their practice was remarkably fine, bursting shells in the ranks at every dis charge. The Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers (Lieutenant-Colo-nel Simpson), from the nature of the ground over which it passed, was particularly exposed. When the artillery made gaps in their ranks, they closed up like veterans, and marched on without confusion or in the least losing distance. The Rifles went down near to the river and drove the enemy into the water, most of them being either killed or drowned. The brigade lay under a terrible fire of shells all day, and at dark returned to bivouac.

The loss of the brigade was 63 killed and wounded, mostly in the Fourteenth, among the killed being the brave, generous, and efficient >ar27_990> Capt. James H. Dunlap, of Laurens, S.C., who was blown to pieces by a shell, and among the wounded was Lieut. D. H. Hamilton, jr., adjutant of the First South Carolina Volunteers.

SNICKER'S GAP.

On Sunday, November 2, occurred the affair at Castleman's Ford, near Snicker's Gap. Gregg's and Thomas' brigades, accompanied by a battery of artillery, were thrown forward as a sort of picket to secure that ford against any effort General McClellan (who was reported to be at Snickersville in force) might make to pass the mountains there. Gregg's brigade took position, and, under light fire of artillery, awaited the approach of the enemy, who never reached our side of the ford. In this affair the brigade lost 3 wounded, 1 mortally.

The brigade remained in bivouac at different places in the lower valley until Saturday, November 22, when they moved with the Light Division from Jordan's Spring, on the Opequon, near Winchester. Marching up the Winchester and Staunton turnpike, we turned to the left at New Market, passed the Blue Ridge at Milan's Gap, then covered with snow, and on the 27th left the beautiful valley of Virginia. Passing by Madison and Orange, we reached the Massaponax hills, near Fredericksburg, on Wednesday, December 3, having made a march of 175 miles in twelve days.

Again regretting much the many imperfections of this hasty sketch of operations, which must be historical, I have the honor to be, major,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. McGOWAN,

Brigadier General, Comdg. Second Brigade, Light Division.

Maj. R. C. MORGAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General

No. 277.--Report of Col. D. H. Hamilton, First South Carolina Infantry, of operations September 2-20.

SEPTEMBER 30, 1862.

CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from Brigadier-General Gregg, received this date, I herewith beg leave to hand in my report of the part taken by the Twelfth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battles of Manassas, August 29 and 30; battle of Ox Hill, September 1; the capture of Harper's Ferry; the battles of Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown, or Boteler's Ford.

I was not present with my regiment in the three first-named battles, being on sick leave, in consequence of a severe and protracted illness, contracted by exposure and fatigue in the battles of June 26, 27, and 30, and July 1, around Richmond; consequently my report of the battles of August 29 and 30 must be prepared from the reports of company officers, there being no field officer at present with the regiment who was on duty with the regiment at that time.(*)

* * * * * * * * * *

At Frederick City, Md., I rejoined my regiment and resumed command of it, and am now able to report from my own personal knowledge the part taken by the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battles of Harper's Ferry, September 15; Sharpsburg, September 17, and Shepherdstown (or Boteler's Ford), September 20.

In reference to that of Harper's Ferry, we were not at all engaged with the enemy, although brought into position to attack them, as they surrendered after a very feeble defense of their position. I would only remark that my little regiment had the honor of receiving the arms of a brigade of the enemy which surrendered to us.

At Sharpsburg, on September 17, I am happy to say that my regiment performed much more efficient service, adding largely to its well-earned reputation for gallantry. We had scarcely reached the field of battle on the right of our line, when a heavy force of the enemy appeared, with the design of outflanking the Confederate forces which had been >ar27_992> engaged previous to our arrival on the scene of action. Immediate and prompt measures were taken by Brigadier-General Gregg to engage the enemy, then so near us. I was thrown forward, and, pressing on over fences and every obstacle, reached a high ridge in a corn-field to find a large force (for my regiment to contend with) moving down upon me and endeavoring to seek such concealment in the corn-field as would enable them to surprise me, but my gallant regiment were too fully alive to the importance of the position which they held, and commenced a deadly fire upon the enemy in the corn-field and on the line of the fence beyond. We had scarcely been fairly engaged, when Major McCreary, who commanded the right wing, came down to inform me that a regiment of the enemy were passing round our flank. I ordered him to throw back the three right companies, in order that a front might be presented to the enemy, and immediately opened fire upon them, cutting them down as fast as they attempted to form on the edge of the corn-field, in the open ground. The fire from my regiment was rapid, and ammunition commenced to fail and the charges to clog in the rifles. In some instances the men were obliged to use stones to hammer the charges down. Just at this time, it was reported to me by one of my officers that another regiment had gained the hill in my rear. This sounded like danger. I looked, but instead of the enemy there floated our own bonny blue flag. The Rifles had come to our assistance, and not one moment too soon, for in a few moments my fire must have ceased for want of ammunition. The enemy soon retired, dark came on, and we slept upon the field of battle.

To say that my regiment (officers and men) behaved well would scarcely be doing them justice. They did all that soldiers may do actuated by courage and steady, good conduct, contending in a noble cause. I cannot particularize officers or men; it would be invidious, and in attempting to praise some I am sure that I should be doing injustice to others.

Our position was maintained until the 18th, when we commenced our march to recross the Potomac, which was effected without molestation from the enemy.

On the 20th the enemy had pushed his skirmishers across the river at Boteler's Ford, near Shepherdstown, W. Va., and at an early hour we were called upon to advance, which was done under a heavy fire of shot and shell from the batteries of the enemy on the other side. My regiment moved steadily forward, regardless of this fire, never for one moment wavering or breaking its line. Our position was attained without casualty, reaching an indentation behind the crest of a hill. We lay for hours subjected to the most deadly fire of artillery, but, beyond a few slight wounds, we escaped without serious injury. I may mention among those wounded was Capt. [Lieut.] D. H. Hamilton, jr., acting adjutant First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

I have the honor to submit report(*) of casualties in the different battles in which the regiment has been engaged since the 29th ultimo, respectively marked A, B, C, D, E, and F.

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

D. H. HAMILTON,

Colonel First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

Capt. A. C. HASKELL.

No. 278.--Reports of Lieut. Col. James M. Perrin, First South Carolina Rifles, of operations September 15-20.

GREGG'S BRIGADE, LIGHT DIVISION,

September 30, 1862.

COLONEL; In obedience to orders, I submit the following report of the part taken by the First South Carolina Rifles, under my command, at the battle of Harper's Ferry:

This engagement with the enemy was conducted mostly by artillery. The First South Carolina Rifles only held position with the brigade, and was not actually engaged.

On Sunday evening the brigade, with other troops of the division, advanced down the Harper's Ferry and Winchester Railroad. The regiment, with the brigade, by daylight on Monday morning, had ascended Bolivar Heights and taken position between the enemy and the Shenandoah River. Shortly after we had taken this position, our various batteries opened fire, and in a short time the enemy surrendered.

We had no one killed or wounded in this action. I herewith submit detailed reports of the number of men taken into action, with a list(*) of those who absented themselves without leave.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. M. PERRIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel First South Carolina Rifles.

[Inclosure.]

GREGG'S BRIGADE, LIGHT DIVISION,

September 30, 1862.

COLONEL: I herewith submit the following report of the action of the First South Carolina Rifles, under my command, in the battle of Sharpsburg:

The brigade reached the battle-field about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and immediately afterward our line was formed. I was ordered to advance my regiment across the corn-field in front on the right of Colonel Hamilton, First South Carolina Volunteers, who had preceded me by a few minutes. The regiment advanced across the field in good order, moving rapidly, as Colonel Hamilton, on our left, had already engaged the enemy. So soon as we ascended to the crest of the hill in our front, we discovered a regiment of the enemy who had succeeded in turning Colonel Hamilton's right, and were delivering a destructive fire on his flank. Our advance was such as to completely turn the left flank of this regiment. We delivered a destructive volley into it before our presence seemed to be realized. The first volley was followed by a sharp fire from our side, which the enemy at first attempted to return; but so great was the confusion caused by our fire, this large, well-equipped regiment failed to rally, broke and fled from the field in the utmost confusion, leaving their guns, knapsacks, and dead and wounded in large numbers on the field. We succeeded in capturing 11 prisoners, among them Captain Bowen, of Rhode Island, who had been slightly wounded in the action.

In the engagement I am happy to report the uniform good conduct of both officers and men. Early in the action the color-bearer (Malone, of Company B) was shot down. The standard was caught up by Private Clinkscales, of Company D, and borne through the fight. I also received a slight wound in the throat, which, fortunately, did not disable me from continuing in command.

During the latter part of the engagement the regiment was much annoyed by the enemy's sharpshooters on the hill to our right. In order to save the command from the fire, I ordered Captain Robertson, of Company B, who occupied the right of the regiment, to detach his company and take such position as would enable him to dislodge them and silence their fire. This order was promptly and effectively obeyed, and we were thus for a time saved from this annoyance.

The battle closed a little before sundown. The regiment held the bat-tle-field, and, with the killed and wounded of the enemy around us, we awaited orders. About this time General Gregg, in person, rode in front of our line and ordered me to hold the position which I had gained. We slept on the field, having secured our lines by a strong picket guard, under the immediate command of Captain Miller, of Company G.

In this engagement we had only 1 man killed with -- wounded, most of them slightly. This inconsiderable loss, in my judgment, is attributable to the prompt and effective fire of the regiment.

During the day (Thursday) we held our position of the night previous. In the morning I found the enemy had placed his sharpshooters under cover of a fence on our right and in front. We were annoyed by this fire during the day. As I had received orders early in the morning to do nothing to bring on a general engagement, I refrained from any attempt to dislodge them. During this day I had 1 man killed.

At 11 o'clock Thursday night I was ordered to call in my pickets and silently retire from the field, which I successfully did, after having held it for near thirty-six hours.

In this engagement I acknowledge my indebtedness to the officers of the regiment for the vigor and promptness with which they carried out my orders, and to the men for the spirit with which they executed them.

I herewith inclose reports of the strength of the regiment as it went into action, with a list of the killed and wounded. It is also my unpleasant duty to inclose a list as disgraceful and infamous as the other is honorable and glorious. There are those who bear the name of soldier who have deserted their colors and their comrades in the hour of danger, who have cowardly failed to participate in the glorious achievements which will make a name for the regiment and adorn the State from which we came. I herewith inclose a list(*) of those who were absent from this battle without the proper leave.

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

JAS. M. PERRIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel First South Carolina Rifles.

Colonel LIVINGSTON,

First South Carolina Rifles.

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GREGG'S BRIGADE, LIGHT DIVISION,

September 30, 1862.

COLONEL: In obedience to your orders, I herewith submit the following report of the part taken by the First South Carolina Rifles, under my command, in the battle of Shepherdstown, on September 20:

In the line of battle, the First South Carolina Rifles formed on the fight of the brigade. Before advancing, by order of General Gregg, I detached four companies from the regiment to cover the front of the brigade, as skirmishers. This force I placed under the immediate command of Captain [W. M.] Hadden, of Company A. He deployed his line and advanced, soon engaging and driving in the enemy's line of pickets, after a sharp encounter. The firing along our line of skirmishers becoming continuous, I was ordered to advance the remaining six companies of my command to a position from which I could support my skirmishers, should they need aid. I advanced my line down the road leading to the ford, moving by the left flank, under a very heavy fire from the enemy's batteries on the opposite side of the river. This fire became so severe, as a matter of safety I found it necessary to deploy the regiment at short intervals to the fight and left of the road, advancing in this order until I could communicate with Captain Hadden, who was keeping up a continuous fire in my front. This advance was made in fine style and good order, under the most trying fire of shell and shot I have ever experienced. I found that Captain Hadden had secured a most eligible position, commanding the field over which the enemy were attempting to cross to the Maryland side, having been routed by our forces on our left. The fire of our skirmishers must have been very destructive, as they were within easy range, and fired at a confused mass hurrying across the river to a place of safety. Some of the men in this engagement fired as many as 25 rounds. The enemy, by his artillery and sharpshooters, attempted to drive in our skirmishers and control the ford. The effort, however, proved ineffectual.

In the afternoon, General Gregg, in person and alone, made a reconnaissance of the enemy's position, passing down the road very near to the ford. Having discovered the enemy still escaping in squads across the river, he directed Captain Hadden to take position, with a part of his force, still nearer the ford, and, in obedience to his order, I directed Captain Miller to advance four companies further down the road to the right, in order to protect him. Both of these orders were executed promptly and with spirit. The positions had only been taken when we were relieved by a company of cavalry acting as infantry, and our forces ordered to return. I led the regiment out in safety, it having, through the whole day, most wonderfully escaped from the many shells that exploded all around us. >ar27_996> In this action I am happy to report that we lost no one killed and only 2 men slightly wounded.

In this, as in the battle of Sharpsburg, I can but express my entire satisfaction with the spirit and bravery manifested by officers and men. To Captain Hadden I am indebted for the skill and courage which he displayed in the management of his skirmishers. To my adjutant (Lieutenant Higgins, of Company G) I am also greatly indebted for the alacrity and coolness with which he extended my orders and bore my messages to the general under the heavy fire to which we were exposed.

I herewith submit statements of the strength of the regiment in action, with the names of the wounded. I also submit a list(*) of those who were absent from their commands without leave.

JAS. M. PERRIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel First South Carolina Rifles.

-----

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

JAS. M. PERRIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel First South Carolina Rifles.

Col. J. W. LIVINGSTON,

First South Carolina Rifles.

No. 279.--Report of Maj. W. H. McCorkle, Twelfth South Carolina Infantry, of the battle of Sharpsburg and action near Shepherdstown.

OCTOBER 1, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit reports of the part taken by the Twelfth Regiment in the battles of Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown, on September 17 and 20, respectively:

About 3 p.m. we arrived, with the Second Brigade, on the field of battle. Immediately, by order of Brigadier-General Gregg, skirmishers, under the command of Capt. John L. Miller, were thrown out. The position of the enemy being soon ascertained, they were called in, and a line of battle formed of three regiments, to wit, the Thirteenth, Twelfth, and First, the Twelfth being the center and the regiment of direction. In obedience to orders, we advanced to the top of the hill, in the cornfield, and there halted a few moments, when the firing commenced. The enemy now appearing in force on the opposite hill, and at the fence in the intervening ravine, the Twelfth, at once and alone, advanced down the hill and to the fence in front. In this charge we were subjected to a terrible cross-fire in front and from both flanks. After reaching the fence we were compelled to fall back to prevent being flanked on the right, the enemy on the left having been driven back. The enemy, being soon re-enforced, advanced toward us as far as the fence. Now we again charged on them and drove them back a short distance, but were not able to reach the fence, as in the first charge. There being a very heavy flank movement on the right, we again fell back near the top of the hill. Now the enemy advanced over the fence, when the Twelfth, again and for the third time, charged upon them and drove them beyond the fence, with great slaughter, putting them completely to rout as they ran through the plowed ground and up the opposite hill.

In these charges the regiment suffered severely. In the last the loss was very heavy. Here fell Col. Dixon Barnes, at the head of his regiment, gallantly cheering his men on to victory, and here, also, fell Capt. F. A. Erwin and Lieutenant Stover, mortally wounded, both in the midst of their commands. For particulars I refer to list of killed and wounded, marked D.(*)

Colonel Barnes having fallen, I immediately assumed command. I remained at the fence with the regiment until near sundown, when, there being no appearance of the enemy, I fell back to the top of the hill, when I was ordered to the rear of the fence occupied by Colonel Edwards' regiment. Here we remained during the night and until ordered to march on the night of the 18th.

SHEPHERDSTOWN.

On arriving on the battle-field on the morning of the 20th, the Twelfth Regiment was formed into line of battle with the brigade. We were not engaged in the fight, but were under a heavy shelling during the entire day, and particularly while marching to our position. Here, being well protected by a hill, this regiment suffered no loss but in 1 man slightly wounded.

In both the engagements I have great pleasure in testifying to the good conduct of the officers and men of this regiment. They all fought with remarkable gallantry, always ready to advance, and never faltering in any instance, whether under shell or before musketry.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. H. McCORKLE,

Major, Comdg. Twelfth Regiment South Carolina Vols.

Lieut. Col. C. JONES.

No. 280.--Reports of Col. O. E. Edwards, Thirteenth South Carolina Infantry, of operations September 15-19.

CAMP NEAR BUNKER HILL, VA.,

October 2, 1862.

[I make the following] report of the part taken by the Thirteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battle of Sharpsburg, Md., on September 17:

At 6.15 a.m., September 17, my regiment, in its brigade and division, took up line of march from Harper's Ferry toward Boteler's Ford, across the Potomac, near Shepherdstown, W. Va. Crossed the ford at 2 p.m., and at quick step reached the presence of the enemy at 3.40 [o'clock], about 2 miles beyond the river. Here we reached the range of the enemy's shell, and, turning to our left, took position along a line of fence in line of battle, from which point we advanced to drive the enemy from the corn-fields in front, my regiment having the left of the brigade. The enemy falling back before us, we took position on the summit of an elevation along the fence line on the edge of the corn, and there received the enemy upon our left, drove him back across the field, and held the ground until the action closed, about 8 p.m.

Our position in this action was the extreme right of the Confederate line of battle, and we successfully met and repulsed a dangerous flank movement of the enemy, conducted, as prisoners state, by General Burnside with his forces. My regiment remained upon the field until the morning of September 19.

The bearing and spirit of my command in this engagement were admirable, equal to the exactions of the highest expectation, and their fire was delivered with telling effect.(*)

Respectfully submitted.

O. E. EDWARDS,

Colonel Thirteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

No. 281.--Reports of Capt. Joseph N. Brown, 14th South Carolina Infantry, of operations September 15-20.

SEPTEMBER 29, 1862.

Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 71, relative to the part taken by Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers at Harper's Ferry, September 15, I have the honor to submit the following report:

The regiment was put in position and remained most of the previous night on the high hill on the west bank of the Shenandoah, with the two right companies (B and H) during the entire period in front, as skirmishers. Before dawn the regiment was moved down to the railroad, and remainded until half an hour by sun, when it again moved up on the hill lower down, in front of our artillery, which was shelling the enemy from the eastern side of the river, which position it kept until the surrender. Lieut. Col. W. D. Simpson was in command of the regiment. The regiment sustained no loss either in killed, wounded, or missing.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH N. BROWN,

Captain, Comdg. Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Vols.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Second Brigade, Light Division.

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SEPTEMBER 29, 1862.

Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 71, relative to the part taken by Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battle of Sharpsburg, September 17, I have the honor to submit the following report:

The regiment occupied a position on the right of the brigade, and so far on the right of the line of battle that it was not actively engaged, as was the balance of the brigade. One company (E)was detached on picket, and sent half a mile on the extreme right from the regiment, where it remained until the next morning. Lieut. Col. W. D. Simpson was in command of the regiment. There was no loss sustained either in killed, wounded, or missing.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH N. BROWN,

Captain, Comdg. Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Vols.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Second Brigade, Light Division.

-----

SEPTEMBER 29, 1862.

Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 71, relative to the part taken by Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers in the battle of Shepherdstown, or Boteler's Ford, on September 20, I have the honor to submit the following report:

The regiment, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Simpson, was on the left of the brigade, and moved in line of battle nearly a mile, and was halted near the summit of a hill overlooking the Potomac, where it was exposed to a terrific shelling from a battery of the enemy on the Maryland side of the river. After suffering considerable loss, the regiment was moved down the hollow, in front of the First Regiment, where the loss was comparatively trifling.

Schedule D(*) contains a list of the killed, wounded, and missing, as required in the order.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH N. BROWN,

Captain, Comdg. Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Vols.

Brigadier-General GREGG,

Commanding Second Brigade, Light Division.