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Report of Brig. Gen. A. H. Colquitt, C. S. Army,
Commanding Brigade.
APRIL 27-MAY 6, 1863.--The Chancellorsville Campaign.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/1 [S# 39]
NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, May 15, 1863.
Captain [G.] PEYTON.
.... SIR: Herewith I submit a report of the part taken by
my brigade in the recent engagement at Chancellorsville and the affairs connected with it.
.... On the morning of April 29, intelligence being received
that a portion of the Federal Army had succeeded in crossing the river near Fredericksburg, my brigade was put under arms
and marched to Hamilton's Crossing. Under cover of a hill, protected from the enemy's artillery, we lay during the day, and
at 3 o'clock next morning took position upon a line of temporary intrenchments in front of the enemy. At intervals during
the day a fire of artillery was opened upon us, but without effect.
.... At dawn on the morning of May 1, we took up the line
of march, and, after proceeding 6 or 7 miles above Fredericksburg, came upon a portion of our forces who had been engaging
the enemy. Discharges of artillery and musketry were still heard. The division being formed in line of battle, my position
was upon the right. In this order we advanced a few hundred yards, when my command was thrown into some confusion by coming
in contact with the troops of General McLaws' command, formed perpendicular to my own line. The line being rectified, we began
again to advance, when instructions were received that we should halt and await future orders. The skirmishers, moving in
advance, picked up 15 or 20 prisoners. At sundown we were withdrawn to the Plank road, and continued the march for 2 or 3
miles, when we bivouacked for the night.
.... Early the next morning we were again put in motion, my
brigade in front, and, turning to the left from the Plank road leading from Fredericksburg to Orange Court-House, it was obvious
that we were aiming for the flank and rear of the enemy. On reaching the furnace, 1 mile distant from the point of divergence,
I detached, by order of General Jackson, a regiment (the Twenty-third Georgia, Colonel [E. F.] Best), with instructions to
guard the flank of the column in motion against a surprise, and to call, if necessary, upon any officer whose command was
passing for re-enforcements. For the subsequent action and fate of this regiment, I refer to the accompanying report of Colonel
Best.
.... After a circuitous march of 6 miles, we again reached
the Plank road, which we had left. My brigade was placed in ambush along the line of the road, with the expectation that some
demonstration would be made by the enemy's cavalry. In the meantime the division filed past, and I closed in upon the rear.
.... At 4 o'clock we reached the road running through Chancellorsville
to ------. Here we formed line of battle, my brigade upon the right, and uniting with Doles upon the left. In this order we
advanced for a few hundred yards, when intelligence was communicated to me by the skirmishers that a body of the enemy was
upon my right flank. I ordered a halt, and called back the Sixth Georgia, which had continued to advance. The regiment upon
the right (the Nineteenth Georgia) was quickly thrown into position to meet any demonstration upon the flank, and ordered
to advance about 100 yards to the summit of a hill. The enemy's force proved to be a small body of cavalry, which galloped
away as soon as the regiment advancing toward them was discovered, and a picket of infantry, which was captured by my skirmishers.
All apprehension in this quarter being allayed, we advanced again to the front, to renew connection with the line that had
preceded us. As we emerged from the woods into an open field, I discovered Doles' brigade hotly engaged with the enemy at
his first works. With a shout, and at a double-quick, we moved to his support, but before we reached musket range the enemy
broke in confusion and fled. I halted in the open field, and brought up two of my regiments which had been delayed in crossing
a creek and in climbing its steep banks. It was now nearly dark, and too late for further action.
.... At 10 o'clock I relieved the brigade of General McGowan,
watching a road leading to one of the enemy's main positions, and detailed the Sixth Georgia Regiment to support a battery
in front. During the night, the alarm being given, my whole command was moved to the support of the battery, and was subjected
at intervals to a fierce artillery fire from the enemy.
.... Early the ensuing morning, I took my position in line
of battle on the extreme right, and, in pursuance of orders, was advancing upon the enemy's position, when I received orders
to move to the support of General Archer, a guide being furnished to direct me to him. I had proceeded but a short distance
when I was ordered to repair in haste to the extreme left of our line, where the enemy threatened to turn our flank. I had
scarcely reached the new position when I was again ordered to the right, and thence again to the left.
.... While our forces were occupied in the assault on Chancellorsville,
the enemy sought to assail them in flank, and made desperate efforts to regain possession of the turnpike. It was to defeat
this object that my brigade was thrown to the left. Forming line of battle parallel to the road, I advanced in face of a severe
fire to a line of breastworks from which the enemy had been driven. Here I found the Third Alabama, of Rodes' brigade, and
some Louisiana and South Carolina regiments stubbornly resisting his advance. They had well-nigh exhausted their ammunition.
Upon my arrival they withdrew, producing some confusion in rushing through my ranks; it was momentary, however. Advancing
beyond the breastworks, we opened a furious and well-directed fire upon the enemy. The contest was sharp and fierce for a
few moments. I ordered a charge, which was responded to with a shout and at a double-quick. The enemy broke and fled in confusion,
throwing away arms, accouterments, and every incumbrance. We continued the pursuit for half a mile, killing and capturing
many, and driving the fugitives into their fortifications in rear of Chancellorsville. Coming to a halt, we lay under cover
of woods within 400 yards of their works for four or five hours. Some demonstrations being made upon my left, the brigade
of General Lane was sent to my support. Previously the Fiftieth Virginia [?], Captain Mathews, and a detachment of a South
Carolina [Alabama] regiment, under Major [A. M.] Gordon, had joined me as re-enforcements. The enemy did not show himself
again outside of his works.
.... At 4 p.m. I was relieved by the division of Maj. Gen.
A. P. Hill, under the command of General Pender. We took position soon after in the trenches about Chancellorsville, where
we lay until ordered back to our camp near Grace Church.
.... Colonels [Charles T.] Zachry, [John T.] Lofton, [Tully]
Graybill, and [A. J.] Hutchins led their regiments with spirit and energy.
.... Captain [G. G.] Grattan, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant [James] Randie,
aide-de-camp, were indefatigable in their efforts and conspicuously bold in the discharge of their duties.
.... Mr. H. H. Colquitt, acting upon my staff, bore himself
with spirit and coolness.
.... Especial credit is due Capt. William M. Arnold, Sixth
Georgia Regiment, who commanded the battalion of skirmishers. His energy, zeal, and gallantry won my admiration.
...A. H. COLQUITT,
...Brigadier-General.
[P. S.]
....... The names of the following officers and men are mentioned
by their regimental commanders as deserving especial notice for meritorious conduct: Corpls. R. W. Clarke and William Chappell,
and Private W. J. Howell, Company A, Sixth Georgia Regiment. Lieuts. George W. Lathem, commanding Company D, and W. P. Edwards,
commanding Company F, Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment. Sergt.W. A. Webb, Corpls. L. C. Fentrell and C. M. Newberry, Privates
H. Newberry, M. Merritt, J. Murchison, J. Hoskins, J. Worsham, W. G. Clary, and Simon Johnson, of Company C; Privates A. L.
Dodd, John J. Buffington, G. M. Dodd, James Laster, Thomas J. Horton, and A. J. Whitaker, of Company E; Privates J. T. Reeves
and J. C. Curtice, of Company G; Sergts. J. B. Bryans and T. J. Dukes, Corpl. B. P. Pryor, Privates B. F. Norris, G. W. Rape,
J. M. Lindsey, and John H. Lewis, of Company H; Sergt. James Shirah, of Company F; Private William Connel, of Company K, Twenty-seventh
Georgia Regiment.
.
.
ADDENDA.
Casualties in Colquitt's brigade.
COMMAND Killed Wounded Missing Total
6th Georgia 2 36 ---- 38
19th Georgia 3 40 ---- 43
23rd Georgia ---- ---- ---- 276
27th Georgia 3 28 ---- 31
28th Georgia 2 30 2 34
TOTAL 10 134 2 422
.
.
.
Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt
.
February 26, 1864
.
....…About 2 miles from Olustee Station I found the
enemy advancing rapidly and our cavalry retiring before them. I threw forward a party of skirmishers and hastily formed line
of battle under a brisk fire from the enemy’s advance. The Nineteenth Georgia was placed on the right and the Twenty-eight
Georgia on the left, with a section of Captain Gamble’s artillery in the center. The Sixty-fourth Georgia and the two
companies of the Thirty-second Georgia were formed on the left of the Twenty-eighth, and the Sixth Georgia Regiment was sent
still farther to the left to prevent a flank movement of the enemy in that direction. Instructions were sent to Colonel Smith,
commanding cavalry, to place his regiments on the extreme flanks and to guard against any movement of the enemy from either
side.
.
The line of infantry was then ordered to advance, which was gallantly done, the enemy
contesting the ground and giving way slowly. Perceiving that the enemy were in strong force, I sent back for re-enforcements
and a fresh supply of ammunition. The Sixth Florida Battalion and Twenty-third Georgia Regiment soon arrived for my support.
The Sixth Florida Battalion was formed on the right of the Nineteenth Georgia and in such position as to come in on the left
flank of the enemy. The Twenty-third Georgia was put on the left of the Sixty-fourth Georgia. Colonel Harrison, coming up
with the Thirty-second and First Georgia Regulars, took position on the left, between the Twenty-third and Sixth Georgia Regiments,
and was instructed to assume the general direction of the left of the line.
.
The section of Gamble’s artillery in the center having been disabled by the loss
of horses and injury to limber, Captain Wheaton, who had early arrived upon the field with the Chatham Artillery and had taken
position on the right, was ordered to the center to relieve Captain Gamble. This battery moved forward and took position under
a heavy fire, and continued to advance with the line of infantry until the close of the action. Toward night, when Captain
Wheaton’s ammunition was almost expended, a section of Guerard’s battery, of Harrison’s brigade, under Lieutenant
Gignilliat, moved up and opened fire on the enemy, furnishing Captain Wheaton with part of his ammunition.
.
After our line had advanced about one-quarter of a mile the engagement became general
and the ground was stubbornly contested. With two batteries of artillery immediately in our front and a long line of infantry
strongly supported, the enemy stood their ground for some time, until the Sixth Florida Battalion, on the right flank, and
all the troops in front pressing steadily forward, compelled them to fall back and leave five pieces of artillery in our possession.
At this time, our ammunition beginning to fail, I ordered the commanding officers to halt their regiments and hold their respective
positions until a fresh supply could be brought up from the ordnance wagons , which, after much delay, had arrived upon the
field.
.
Major Bonaud’s battalion came upon the field, followed soon after by the Twenty-seventh
Georgia Regiment and the First Florida Battalion. These troops were put in position near the center of the line and a little
in advance, to hold the enemy in check until the other commands could be supplied with cartridges.
As soon as this was accomplished I ordered a general advance, at the same time sending
instructions to Colonel Harrison to move the Sixth and Thirty-second Georgia Regiments around on the right flank of the enemy.
The Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment, under Colonel Zachry, pushing forward with great vigor upon the center, and the whole
line moving as directed, the enemy gave way in confusion. We continued the pursuit for several miles, when night put an end
to the conflict. Instructions were given to the cavalry to follow close upon the enemy and seize every opportunity to strike
a favorable blow…
.
.
Capture of Harper's Ferry and Operations In Maryland
Report by R.E. LEE
.
....The enemy having retired to the protection of the fortifications
around Washington and Alexandria, the army marched on the 3d September towards Leesburg. The armies of Generals McClellan
and Pope had now been brought back to the point from which they set out on the campaigns of the spring and summer. The objects
of those campaigns had been frustrated and the designs of the enemy on the coast of North Carolina and in western Virginia
thwarted by the withdrawal of the main body of his forces from those regions.
....Northeastern Virginia was freed from the presence of Federal
soldiers up to the entrenchment's of Washington, and soon after the arrival of the army at Leesburg information was received
that the troops which had occupied Winchester had retired to Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg.
....The war was thus transferred from the interior to the
frontier and the supplies of rich and productive districts made accessible to our army. To prolong a state of affairs in every
way desirable, and not to permit the season for active operations to pass without endeavoring to inflict further injury upon
the enemy, the best course appeared to be the transfer of the army into Maryland.
....Although not properly equipped for invasion, lacking much
of the material of war, and feeble in transportation, the troops poorly provided with clothing, and thousands of them destitute
of shoes, it was yet believed to be strong enough to detain the enemy upon the northern frontier until the approach of winter
should render his advance into Virginia difficult, if not impracticable.
....The condition of Maryland encouraged the belief that the
presence of our army, however inferior to that of the enemy, would induce the Washington Government to retain all its available
force to provide against contingencies which its course towards the people of that State gave it reason to apprehend. At the
same time it was hoped that military success might afford us an opportunity to aid the citizens of Maryland in any efforts
they might be disposed to make to recover their liberties.
....The difficulties that surrounded them were fully appreciated,
and we expected to derive more assistance in the attainment of our object from the just fears of the Washington Government,
than from any active demonstration on the part of the people, unless success should en able us to give them assurance of continued
protection. Influenced by these considerations, the army was put in motion, D. H. Hill's division which had joined us on the
2nd being in advance, and between the 4th and 7th of September crossed the Potomac at the fords near Leesburg, and encamped
in the vicinity of Fredericktown.
....It was decided to cross the Potomac east of the Blue Ridge,
in order, by threatening Washington and Baltimore, to cause the enemy to withdraw from the south bank, where his presence
endangered our communications and the safety of those engaged in the removal of our wounded and the captured property from
the late battlefields. Having accomplished this result, it was proposed to move the army into western Maryland, establish
our communications with Richmond through the Valley of the Shenandoah, and by threatening Pennsylvania, induce the enemy to
follow, and thus draw him from his base of supplies.
....It had been supposed that the advance upon Fredericktown
would lead to the evacuation of Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry, thus opening the line of communication through the Valley.
This not having occurred, it became necessary to dislodge the enemy from those positions before concentrating the army west
of the mountains.
....To accomplish this with the least delay, General Jackson
was directed to proceed with his command to Martinsburg, and after driving the enemy from that place, to move down the south
side of the Potomac upon Harper's Ferry. General McLaws with his own and R. H. Ander son's division was ordered to seize Maryland
Heights on the north side of the Potomac opposite Harper's Ferry, and Brigadier General Walker, to take possession of Loudoun
Heights, on the east side of the Shenandoah where it unites with the Potomac. These several commands were directed, after
reducing Harper's Ferry and clearing the Valley of the enemy, to join the rest of the army at Boonsboro or Hagerstown.
....The march of these troops began on the 10th, and at the
same time the remainder of Longstreet's command and the division of D. H. Hill crossed the South Mountain and moved towards
Boonsboro. General Stuart with the cavalry remained east of the mountains, to observe the enemy and retard his advance.
....A report having been received that a Federal force was
approaching Hagerstown from the direction of Chambersburg, Longstreet continued his march to the former place, in order to
secure the road leading thence to Williamsport, and also to prevent the removal of stores which were said to be in Hagerstown.
He arrived at that place on the 11th, General Hill halting near Boonsboro to prevent the enemy at Harper's Ferry from escaping
through Pleasant Valley, and at the same time to support the cavalry.
....The advance of the Federal Army was so slow at the time
we left Fredericktown as to justify the belief that the reduction of Harper's Ferry would be accomplished and our troops concentrated
before they would be called upon to meet it. In that event it had not been intended to oppose its passage through the South
Alountains, as it was desired to engage it as far as possible from its base. General Jackson marched very rapidly, and crossing
the Potomac near Williamsport on the 11th, sent A. P. Hill's division directly to Martinsburg, and disposed the rest of his
command to cut off the retreat of the enemy westward. On his approach the Federal troops evacuated Martinsburg, retiring to
Harper's Ferry on the night of the 11th, and Jackson entered the former place on the 12th capturing some prisoners and abandoned
stores. In the forenoon of the following day his leading division under General A. P. Hill came in sight of the enemy strongly
entrenched on Bolivar Heights in rear of Harper's Ferry. Before beginning the attack, General Jackson proceeded to put himself
in communication with the cooperating forces under Generals McLaws and Walker, from the former of whom he was separated by
the Potomac, and from the latter by the Shenandoah. General Walker took possession of Loudoun Heights on the 13th and the
next day was in readiness to open upon Harper's Ferry. General McLaws encountered more opposition. He entered Pleasant Valley
on the 11th. On the 12th he directed General Kershaw with his own and [William] Barksdale's brigade to ascend the ridge whose
southern extremity is known as Maryland Heights, and attack the enemy who occupied that position with infantry and artillery
protected by entrenchments. He disposed the rest of his command to hold the roads leading from Harper's Ferry eastward through
Weverton, and northward from Sandy Hook, guarding the pass in his rear through which he had entered Pleasant Valley, with
the brigades of [Paul W.] Semmes and Mahone.
....Owing to the rugged nature of the ground on which Kershaw
had to operate and the want of roads, he was compelled to use infantry alone. Driving in the advance parties of the enemy
on the summit of the ridge on the 12th he assailed the works the next day. After a spirited contest they were carried, the
troops engaged in their defence spiking their heavy guns and retreating to Harper's Ferry. By 4 PM Kershaw was in possession
of Maryland Heights. On the 14th a road for artillery was cut along the ridge, and at 2 PM four guns opened upon the enemy
on the opposite side of the river, and the investment of Harper's Ferry was complete. In the meantime events transpired in
another quarter which threatened to interfere with the reduction of the place.
....A copy of the order directing the movement of the army
from Fredericktown had fallen into the hands of General McClellan, and disclosed to him the disposition of our forces. He
immediately began to push forward rapidly, and on the afternoon of the 13th was reported approaching the pass in South Mountain
on the Boonsboro and Frederick-town road. The cavalry under General Stuart fell back before him, materially impeding his progress
by its gallant resistance, and gaining time for preparations to oppose his advance.
....By penetrating the mountains at this point he would reach
the rear of McLaws and be enabled to relieve the garrison at Harper's Ferry. To prevent this, General D. H. Hill was directed
to guard the Boonsboro Gap, and Longstreet ordered to march from Hagerstown to his support. On the 13th General Hill sent
back the brigades of Garland and [Alfred H.] Colquitt to hold the pass, but subsequently ascertaining that the enemy was near
in heavy force, he ordered up the rest of his division. Early on the 14th a large body of the enemy attempted to force its
way to the rear of the position held by Hill, by a road south of the Boonsboro and Fredericktown turnpike. The attack was
repulsed by Garland's brigade after a severe conflict, in which that brave and accomplished young officer was killed. The
remainder of the division arriving shortly
....The attack on the garrison began at dawn. A rapid and
vigorous fire was opened from the batteries of General Jackson and those on Maryland and Loudoun Heights. In about two hours
the garrison consisting of more than eleven thousand men, surrendered. Seventy-three pieces of artillery, about thirteen thousand
small arms, and a large quantity of military stores fell into our hands. Leaving General A. P. Hill to receive the surrender
of the Federal troops and secure the captured property, General Jackson with his two other divisions, set out at once for
Sharpsburg, ordering Generals Mc-Laws and Walker to follow without delay. Official information of the fall of Harper's Ferry
and the approach of General Jackson was received soon after the commands of Longstreet and D. H. Hill reached Sharpsburg on
the morning of the 15th, and reanimated the courage of the troops. General Jackson arrived early on the 16th, and General
Walker came up in the afternoon.
....The presence of the enemy at Crampton's Gap embarrassed
the movements of General McLaws. He retained the position taken during the night of the 14th to oppose an advance towards
Harper's Ferry, until the capitulation of that place, when finding the enemy indisposed to at tack, he gradually withdrew
his command towards the Potomac Deeming the roads to Sharpsburg on the north side of the river impracticable, he resolved
to cross at Harper's Ferry and march by way of Shepherds town. Owing to the condition of his troops and other circumstances,
his progress was slow, and he did not reach the battlefield at Sharpsburg until some time after the engagement of the 17th
began.
....The commands of Longstreet and D. H Hill on their arrival
at Sharpsburg were placed in position along the range of hills between the town and the Antietam, nearly parallel to the course
of that stream, Longstreet on the right of the road to Boonsboro and Hill on the left. The advance of the enemy was delayed
by the brave opposition he encountered from Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry, and he did not appear on the opposite side of the Antietam
until about 2 PM. During the afternoon the batteries on each side were slightly engaged. On the 16th the artillery fire became
warmer, and continued throughout the day. The enemy crossed the Antietam beyond the reach of our batteries and menaced our
left. In anticipation of this movement, Hood's two brigades had been transferred from the right and posted between D. H. Hill
and the Hagerstown road. General Jackson was now directed to take position on Hood's left, and formed his line with his right
resting upon the Hagerstown road and his left extending towards the Potomac, protected by General Stuart with the cavalry
and horse artillery. General Walker with his two brigades was stationed on Longstreet's right.
....As evening approached, the enemy opened more vigorously
with his artillery, and bore down heavily with his infantry upon Hood, but the attack was gallantly repulsed. At 10 p.m. Hood's
troops were relieved by the brigades of Lawton and Trimble, of Ewell's division, commanded by General Lawton. Jackson's own
division under General J. R. Jones was 011 Lawton's left, supported by the remaining brigades of Ewell's.
....At early dawn on the 17th the enemy's artillery opened
vigorously from both sides of the Antietam, the heaviest fire being directed against our left. Under cover of this fire a
large force of infantry attacked General Jackson. They were met by his troops with the utmost resolution, and for several
hours the conflict raged with great fury and alternate success. General J. R. Jones was compelled to leave the field and the
command of Jackson's division devolved on General [William E.] Starke. The troops advanced with great spirit and the enemy's
lines were repeatedly broken and forced to retire. Fresh troops however soon replaced those that were beaten, and Jackson's
men were in turn compelled to fall back. The brave General Starke was killed, General Lawton was wounded, and nearly all the
field officers with a large proportion of the men, killed or disabled. Our troops slowly yielded to overwhelming numbers and
fell back, obstinately disputing the progress of the enemy. Hood returned to the field, and relieved the brigades of Trimble,
Lawton, and Hays, which had suffered severely. General Early who succeeded General Lawton in the command of Ewell's division,
was ordered by General Jackson to move with his brigade to take the place of Jackson's division, most of which was with drawn,
its ammunition being nearly exhausted and its numbers much reduced. A small part of the division under Colonels Grigsby and
[Leroy A.] Stafford, united with Early's brigade, as did portions of the brigades of Trimble, Lawton, and Hays. The battle
now raged with great violence, the small commands under Hood and Early holding their ground against many times their own numbers
of the enemy, and under a tremendous fire of artillery. Hood was reinforced by the brigades of Ripley, Colquitt, and Garland
(under Colonel [Duncan K.] McRae), of D. H. Hill's division and afterward by D. R. Jones' brigade, under Colonel G. T. Anderson.
The enemy's lines were broken and forced back, but fresh numbers advanced to their support and they began to gain ground The
desperate resistance they encountered however delayed their progress until the troops of General McLaws arrived and those
of General Walker could be brought from the right. Hood's brigade, greatly diminished in numbers, withdrew to replenish their
ammunition, their supply being entirely exhausted. They were relieved by Walker's command who immediately attacked the enemy
vigorously, driving him back with great slaughter. Colonel [Van H.] Manning commanding Walker's brigade pursued until he was
stopped by a strong fence, behind which was posted a large force of infantry with several batteries.
....The gallant colonel was severely wounded, and his brigade
retired to the line on which the rest of Walker's command had halted. Upon the arrival of the reinforcements under General
McLaws, General Early attacked with great resolution the large force opposed to him. McLaws advanced at the same time and
the enemy were driven back in confusion, closely followed by our troops beyond the position occupied at the beginning of the
engagement.
....The enemy renewed the assault on our left several times,
but was repulsed with loss. He finally ceased to advance his infantry and for several hours kept up a furious fire from his
numerous batteries, under which our troops held their position with great coolness and courage. The attack on our left was
speedily followed by one in heavy force on the center. This was met by part of Walker's division and the brigades of G. B.
Anderson and Rodes of D. H. Hill's command assisted by a few pieces of artillery. The enemy was repulsed and retired behind
the crest of a hill from which they kept up a desultory fire. General R. H. Anderson's division came to Hill's support and
formed in rear of his line. At this time by a mistake of orders, General Rodes' brigade was withdrawn from its position during
the temporary absence of that officer at another part of the field. The enemy immediately pressed through the gap thus created
and G. B. Anderson's brigade was broken and retired, General Anderson himself being mortally wounded. Major General R. H.
Anderson and Brigadier General [Ambrose R. 1 Wright were also wounded and borne from the field.
....The heavy masses of the enemy again moved forward, being
op posed only by four pieces of artillery, supported by a few hundreds of men belonging to different brigades, rallied by
General D. H. Hill and other officers, and parts of Walker's and R. H. Anderson's commands, Colonel [John R.] Cooke, with
the 27th North Carolina Regiment of Walker's brigade, standing boldly in line without a cartridge. The firm front presented
by this small force and the well directed fire of the artillery under Captain [Merit B.] Miller of the Washington Artillery,
and Captain [Robert] Boyce's South Carolina battery, checked the prog ress of the enemy, and in about an hour and a half he
retired. Another attack was made soon afterwards a little farther to the right, but was repulsed by Miller's guns, which continued
to hold the ground until the close of the engagement, supported by a part of R. H. Anderson's troops.
....While the attack on the center and left was in progress,
the enemy made repeated efforts to force the passage of the bridge over the Antietam, opposite the right wing of General Longstreet,
commanded by Brigadier General D. R. Jones. This bridge was defended by General [Robert] Toombs with two regiments of his
brigade, the 2nd and 20th Georgia, and the batteries of General Jones. General Toombs' small command repulsed five different
assaults made by a greatly superior force and maintained its position with distinguished gallantry.
....Len the afternoon the enemy began to extend his line as
if to cross the Antietam below the bridge, and at 4 p.m. Toombs' regiments retired from the position they had so bravely held.
The enemy immediately crossed the bridge in large numbers and advanced against General Jones, who held the crest with less
than two thousand men. After a determined and brave resistance, he was forced to give way, and the enemy gained the summit.
....General A. P. Hill had arrived from Harper's Ferry, having
left that place at 7 V2 a.m. He was now ordered to reinforce General Jones, and moved to his support with the brigades of
Archer, Branch, Gregg and Pender, the last of whom was placed on the right of the line, and the other three advanced and attacked
the enemy now flushed with success. Hill's batteries were thrown forward and united their fire with those of General Jones,
and one of General D. H. Hill's also opened with good effect from the left of the Boonsboro road. The progress of the enemy
was immediately arrested and his lines began to waver. At this moment General Jones ordered Toombs' to charge the flank, while
Archer supported by Branch and Gregg, moved upon the front of the Federal line. The enemy made a brief resistance, then broke
and retreated in confu sion towards the Antietam, pursued by the troops of Hill and Jones, until he reached the protection
of his batteries on the opposite side of the river.
....In this attack the brave and lamented Brigadier General
L. O'B. Branch was killed, gallantly leading his brigade. It was now nearly dark and the enemy had massed a number of batteries
to sweep the approaches to the Antietam, on the opposite side of which the corps of General [Fitz John] Porter, which had
not been engaged, now appeared to dispute our advance.
....Our troops were much exhausted and greatly reduced in
numbers by fatigue and the casualties of battle. Under these circumstances it was deemed injudicious to push our advantage
further in the face of fresh troops of the enemy, much exceeding the number of our own. They were accordingly recalled and
formed on the line originally held by General Jones.
....While the attack on our center was progressing, General
Jackson had been directed to endeavor to turn the enemy's right, but found it extending nearly to the Potomac, and so strongly
defended with artillery that the attempt had to be abandoned. The repulse on the nght ended the engagement, and after a protracted
and sanguinary conflict, every effort of the enemy to dislodge us from our position had been defeated with severe loss.
....The arduous service in which our troops had been engaged,
their great privations of rest and food, and the long marches without shoes over mountain roads, had greatly reduced our ranks
before the action began. These causes had compelled thousands of brave men to absent themselves, and many more had done so
from unworthy motives. This great battle was fought by less than forty thousand men on our side, all of whom had undergone
the greatest labors and hardships in the field and on the march. Nothing could surpass the determined valor with which they
met the large army of the enemy, fully supplied and equipped, and the result reflects the highest credit on the officers and
men engaged. Our artillery, though much inferior to that of the enemy in the number of guns and weight of metal, rendered
most efficient and gallant service throughout the day, and contributed greatly to the repulse of the attacks on every part
of the line. General Stuart, with the cavalry and horse artillery, performed the duty entrusted to him of guarding our left
wing with great energy and courage, and rendered valuable assistance in defeating the attack on that part of our line.
....On the '8th we occupied the position of the preceding
day, except in the center, where our line was drawn in about two hundred yards. Our ranks were increased by the arrival of
a number of troops who had not been engaged the day before, and though still too weak to assume the offensive, we awaited
without apprehension the renewal of the attack.
....The day passed without any demonstration on the part of
the enemy, who from the reports received, was expecting the arrival of reinforcements. As we could not look for a material
increase in strength, and the enemy's force could be largely and rapidly augmented, it was not thought prudent to wait until
he should be ready again to offer battle.
....During the night of the 18th the army was accordingly
withdrawn to the south side of the Potomac crossing near Shepherdstown, without loss or molestation. The enemy advanced the
next morning, but was held in check by General Fitzhugh Lee with his cavalry, who covered our movement with boldness and success.
General Stuart with the main body, crossed the Potomac above Shepherdstown and moved up the river. The next day he recrossed
at Williamsport and took position to operate upon the right and rear of the enemy should he attempt to follow us.
....After the army had safely reached the Virginia shore with
such of the wounded as could be removed, and all its trains, General Porter's corps with a number of batteries and some cavalry
appeared on the opposite side. General Pendleton was left to guard the ford with the reserve artillery and about six hundred
infantry. That night the enemy crossed the river above General Pendleton's position, and his infantry support giving way,
four of his guns were taken. A considerable force took position on the right bank under cover of their artillery on the commanding
hills on the opposite side. The next morning General A. P. Hill was ordered to return with his division and dislodge them.
Advancing under a heavy fire of artillery, the three brigades of Gregg, Pender, and Archer at tacked the enemy vigorously,
and drove him over the river with heavy loss.
....The condition of our troops now demanded repose, and the
army marched to the Opequon near Martinsburg, where it remained several days, and then moved to the vicinity of Bunker Hill
and Winchester.
....The enemy seemed to be concentrating in and near Harper's
Ferry, but made no forward movement. During this time the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was destroyed for several miles, and
that from Winchester to Harper's Ferry broken up to within a short distance of the latter place, in order to render the occupation
of the Valley by the enemy after our withdrawal more difficult.
....On the 8th October General Stuart was ordered to cross
the Potomac above Williamsport with twelve or fifteen hundred cavalry, and endeavor to ascertain the position and designs
of the enemy. He was directed if practicable, to enter Pennsylvania, and do all in his power to impede and embarrass the military
operations of the enemy. This order was executed with skill, address, and courage. General Stuart passed through Maryland,
occupied Chambersburg, and destroyed a large amount of public property. Making the entire circuit of General McClellan's army,
he recrossed the Potomac below Harper's Ferry without loss.
....The enemy soon afterward crossed the Potomac east of the
Blue Ridge, and advanced southward, seizing the passes of the mountains as he progressed. General Jackson's corps was ordered
to take position on the road between Berryville and Charlestown, to be prepared to oppose an advance from Harper's Ferry,
or a movement into the Shenandoah Valley from the east side of the mountains, while at the same time he would threaten the
flank of the enemy should he continue his march along the eastern base of the Blue Ridge. One division of Longstreet's corps
was sent to the vicinity of Upperville to observe the enemy's movements in front.
....About the last of October the Federal Army began to incline
eastwardly from the mountains, moving in the direction of Warrenton. As soon as this intention developed itself, Longstreet's
corps was moved across the Blue Ridge and about the 3rd November took position at Culpeper Court House, while Jackson advanced
one of his divisions to the east side of the Blue Ridge. The enemy gradually concentrated about Warrenton, his cavalry being
thrown forward beyond the Rappahannock in the direction of Culpeper Court House and occasionally skirmishing with our own,
which was closely observing his movements.
....This situation of affairs continued without material change
until about the middle of November, when the movements began which resulted in the winter campaign on the lower Rappahannock.
....The accompanying return of the Medical Director will show
the extent of our losses in the engagements mentioned. The reports of the different commanding officers must of necessity
be referred to for the details of these operations.
....I desire to call the attention of the Department to the
names of those brave officers and men who are particularly mentioned for courage and good conduct by their commanders. The
limits of this report will not permit me to do more than renew the expression of my admiration for the valor that shrunk from
no peril and the fortitude that endured every privation without a murmur. I must also refer to the report of General Stuart
for the particulars of the services rendered by the cavalry, besides those to which I have alluded.
....Its vigilance, activity and courage were conspicuous,
and to its assistance is due, in a great measure the success of some of the most important and delicate operations of the
campaign.
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