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Your obedient servant,

out endangering our own troops. This battery was subsequently engaged on this side of the Chickahominy, in the battle of Monday, thirtieth, near Enroughty's house. It fired but a few rounds. Still it was much exposed to the fire of artillery and infantry. The battery was not engaged on Tuesday, and has now rejoined its regiment. The only loss sustained was one man wounded on Monday, thirtieth, and two horses shot on Friday, twenty-seventh.

The conduct of the men in the entire series of fights commanded the approval of their Captain. I myself saw them acting well on the evening of Friday, June twenty-seventh.

The Richmond Fayette artillery and the Williamsburg artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Coleman, reported, by order of General Pendleton, to General Lee, at Mechanicsville, on the morning of Friday, June twenty-seventh. They followed the advancing army to the headquarters of Generals Lee and Longstreet, at Hogan's house, and were kept in reserve during the battle of Friday evening. On Saturday, Colonel Cole

J. THOMPSON BROWN, Colonel First Virginia Artillery. LEWIS M. COLEMAN, Lieutenant-Colonel First Virginia Artilery. My command, with the exception of the bat-man reported to General A. P. Hill, and, in the teries, of which a more detailed account will be absence of Major W. T. Walker, sick in Richsubsequently given, after having been in camp mond, acted as chief of artillery, until Wednesfor some days, was moved on Friday, June twen-day, July second, when he rejoined his regiment. ty-seventh, to a point near Mrs. Price's farm, in The two batteries under his command, from this order to be in readiness for action. On Satur- regiment, accompanied General Hill on his pasday, twenty-eighth, it was moved back to its sage to the south side of the Chickahominy, and present position. On Sunday, June twenty-ninth, to the vicinity of the battle-field of Monday. The it was moved to a point on the Darbytown road, Fayette artillery was attached to Branch's briabout one and a half miles above its junction gade, and the Williamsburg artillery held in rewith the New Market road, where it arrived serve. The Fayette artillery was placed in posiwithout being called for until Thursday, July tion both on Monday and Tuesday evening, and third, where, in obedience to orders from General was exposed to a sharp artillery fire on both ocPendleton, it returned to its old camp at Ran-casions, but was not allowed to fire. dolph's farm, where it now awaits orders.

The Williamsburg artillery returned to its regiment on Tuesday, June first. The men of the Fayette artillery, as well as the officers, exhibited sufficient coolness and alacrity under fire.

The Williamsburg artillery, being in reserve, had no opportnnity to do anything amid the great superabundance of artillery, and the scanty use that was made of it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THOMPSON BROWN,
Colonel First Virginia Artillery.

REPORTS OF COLONEL NANCE OF OPERA-
TIONS ON THE 29TH JUNE, 1862.

The batteries which, during this period, were separated from the command, are the following: Third howitzer, Captain B. H. Smith; Richmond Fayette artillery, Lieutenant Clopton commanding, and Williamsburg artillery, Captain Coke. The first of the Third howitzers, (Captain B. H. Smith,) having been advised to join Featherston's brigade, General Longstreet's division, reached Mechanicsville at ten P. M. on Thursday, June twenty-sixth. On Friday, twenty-seventh, it was engaged with good effect at Catlin's house, one section being in the orchard, and the other to the right of the house. They continued their fire until the enemy left the field. In the evening of HEADQUARTERS THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA REGIMENT, the same day it was again engaged at Gaines's CAMP JACKSON, July 11, 1862. farm; the three howitzers being stationed on the Captain C. R. Holmes, A. A. General: brow of the hill, near the barn, where they shelled SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedithe enemy's position in the woods. The Parrott ence to orders received from Brigadier-General J. piece on the right of the barn engaged one of the B. Kershaw, on the morning of the twenty-ninth enemy's batteries on the south side of the Chick-instant, I moved my command, about eight A. M., ahominy, thus drawing a raking fire away from out to the picket lines in front of my camps, on our infantry, while charging the enemy's position. the York River Railroad, about five miles from The Parrott gun continued to fire until the ene- Richmond. After arriving there, I received ormy's battery became silent; but I myself, being ders to move in front of the enemy's deserted accidentally present, withdrew the howitzers early works, and there take my position in the brigade in the evening. They were inefficient against the in line of battle, which I promptly did. There battery because of their short range, and they Brigadier-General Kershaw assumed immediate could no longer shell the enemy's infantry with- command, and began the pursuit of the enemy.

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Two of my companies-company A, Captain whom I inquired by what authority he spoke. Hance, and company E, Lieutenant Wright- He replied that it came from the right, and that were sent forward, according to directions, as skir- he understood we were firing on our friends. mishers, and remained detached from the regiment Remembering the caution that had been given during the rest of the day. Nothing of special early in the day, for all "line officers to repeat interest occurred in the advance, so far as my the commands," and knowing the impossibility command was concerned, until about four P. M., of otherwise hearing the commands, and recolwhen I was ordered to follow Colonel Kennedy, lecting that the Brigadier-General was on our Second South Carolina regiment, moving by the right as we entered the woods, and thinking a left flank, and, under cover, take position, on his body of troops, moving on our right, whose left, in a wood, obliquely to the left of some in-character I could not, with certainty, determine trenchments this side of Savage's farm, and, in on account of the approaching darkness and conjunction with Colonel Kennedy, to charge the smoke of battle, might be our people moving on enemy in his works, drive him out, and capture the enemy's flank, I ordered the regiment to his battery. The approach to this position was cease firing." We had scarcely ceased to fire difficult; and, although we arrived at it, and before the enemy, either reënforced or encouraged made our disposition for the charge as soon as by the example of some of their men, who fired possible, we had barely completed our arrange- upon us as they retreated, rallied on a hill oppoments when we received official notice from the site us, and renewed the attack with great vigor. front that the enemy had retired. We then re- Suspecting the command to cease firing was joined the brigade, and resumed the advance either a ruse or an error, I withdrew a short dismarch. We had not advanced much farther be-tance in the underbrush, and re-formed my line as fore we came up with the enemy, near Savage's best I could, under an extremely severe fire. By Station, and were halted. My regiment, when the time this was accomplished, the enemy had halted, held a position in a slight hollow in an almost traversed the field, and reached the edge open field, with its right flank resting on a wood of the undergrowth from which we had driven of thick underbrush and forest timber, and its them. As they advanced, they poured a deadly left resting on the right of Colonel Kennedy's and incessant fire into my line. I met them regiment, whose left rested on the York River again, pushing my line almost to the edge of the Railroad. The ground gradually ascended in our undergrowth, when, besides the fire in my front, front for about sixty yards, where began a wood, I was subjected to a threatening fire upon my whose line ran nearly parallel to our line of bat-right flank. In this emergency, without, so far tle. This woods had a depth of about four hun- as I could discover, supports, either on my right dred yards. The first part, though of heavy tim- or left flanks, I deemed it prudent to retire, which ber, was rather open, and not filled or obstructed I did. Moving by the right flank, I carried the by the thick underbrush, which alone was found in the last part of the wood. These bushes were of dense thickness, and continued to an open field four hundred yards in front of our line of battle. The ground of these woods was slightly undulating. In the position I held, my men were so well protected from the fire and shells of the enemy, that they effected no injury to my command before the advance was made. After some firing between the skirmishers and artillery of the contending parties, we received the command, Forward; and, immediately thereafter, the command to charge. The commands were obeyed with alacrity and great enthusiasm. My regiment dashed up the ascent in front, through the woods, yelling as they went, and into the thick undergrowth, in which it was impossible to discover either friend or foe over twenty yards. We were not aware of the exact position of the enemy until we received his galling fire, at a distance of The conduct of the whole regiment, privates twenty-five or thirty yards, after we had pro-and officers alike, was satisfactory and praiseceeded some distance in the thick undergrowth worthy. The heavy loss sustained in the fight — already described. The fire checked us for a of about two hours duration - sufficiently attests moment, but we pressed on slowly, returning the the gallantry and fortitude of the command in enemy's fire, and making him yield gradually, when withstanding such a severe fire. I ordered a charge, and pushed him out of the wood and some distance across the open field beyond. We had scarcely emerged from the woods before I heard, to my surprise, the command, Cease firing. I immediately went to the regiment where I heard an officer giving this command, of

men to the rear of our original position, collected the scattered, re-formed the line, and took position, by order of General Kershaw, on the edge of the woods in front of our first position, where, after throwing out pickets, we slept on our arms without fires until morning. Early in the morning, we recovered and buried the dead, and also brought in all the wounded.

A list of casualties is herewith submitted. It will be perceived that my loss was heavy, both in officers and privates. Among the mortally wounded were Lieutenant Ray and Captain S. M. Lanford, both of whom, especially the latter, were officers of promise.

Among the killed was Lieutenant-Colonel B. C. Garlington, who fell while urging the men to the charge. He was an officer of fine judgment, cool courage, and commendable energy. We deplore his loss both as a gentleman and soldier.

Conspicuous for gallantry was Captain D. M. H. Langston, who, though severely wounded, continued with the regiment throughout the fight. It is proper to state that Major W. D. Rutherford, who had been assigned, early in the day, to the command of a portion of the skirmishers,

rejoined the regiment late in the engagement, and bore himself (as did all the officers, both line, staff, and field, who came under my observation) worthily and honorably.

Before concluding this report, it is proper to say that I have inquired into the origin of the unfortunate command "cease firing," by which the repulse of the enemy was prevented from being most complete, and I find, much to my gratification, that it did not originate in my regiment. I considered the promulgation of such an unauthorized-command, so far as I could learn, by an officer, conduct so culpable as to call for a courtmartial. Happily, I am relieved, by my inquiries, from the unpleasant duty of preferring charges against a brother officer.

I am yours, very respectfully,

JAMES D. NANCE, Colonel Third South Carolina Regiment.

List of the Casualties of the Third South Carolina Regiment in the Action of the 29th of June, 1862.

Field and Staff Killed: Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin C. Garlington. Wounded: SergeantMajor Ossian F. Simpson.

Company A, Captain W. W. Hance. Killed: None. Wounded: Corporal P. C. Jones.

Company G, Captain R. P. Todd. Killed: Sergeant D. D. Brownlee, privates D. F. Stoddard, R. J. Higgins, L. L. Edwards, Waddy Thompson. Wounded: Lieutenant A. W. Burnsides, Sergeant H. L. Farley, Sergeant J. A. Fairbourn, Corporal E. R. Thackston, privates J. L. Stoddard, S. R. Thackston, Allen Barksdale, J. R. Dorroh, J. C. Stewart, J. F. Henry, Joshua Martin, J. F. Hellams, R. P. Gamble, J. P. Templeton, J. C. Owings.

Company H, Captain John C. Summer. Killed: Private L. F. Russell. Wounded: Lieutenant D. A. Drickert, privates M. Adams, W. F. Green, J. T. Hattawanger, J. M. Stuck, J. A. Smith, J. C. Nunnamaker.

Company I, Captain D. M. H. Langston. Killed: Private J. B. F. Hollingsworth. Wounded: Captain D. M. H. Langston, Sergeant E. Williams, (since died,) Corporal J. G. A. Holland, (since died,) privates M. Blakely, J. E. Bell, E. M. Compton, G. McDunnon, C. C. Ferguson, William Holland, J. T. Langston, M. M. McQuown, William Ray, Sergeant W. B. Byrd.

Company K, Captain S. M. Lanford. Killed: Corporal W. A. Smith, private J. L. Gentry. Wounded: Captain S. M. Lanford, (since died,) Lieutenant W. H. Young, Corporal C. P. Verner, privates J. P. Havener, Levi Hill, G. T. Hyatt, W. J. Mayes, J. S. Rountree, R. A. Shands, E. E. Smith, James Story, A. C. Stripling, W. T. Wofford.

Company B, Lieutenant F. Conner. Killed: Private W. F. Sprewel. Wounded: Lieutenant F. Conner, Sergeant B. Lawrence, Corporal L. Number of officers carried into action, 37; enM. Speers, privates I. S. Sprewel, James Pitts, listed men, 431; total, 468. Number of killed, W. Pitts, G. P. Sterling, A. J. Livingston, W. 23; wounded, 110; missing, 3; total, 136. Willingham, P. J. Stevens, W. H. King, David The death of Captain Lanford increases the Senn, G. W. Thrift, R. Workman, John Gallo-killed to 24. way, R. S. Satterwhite, E. W. Davenport, G. W. Saddler, B. W. Gibson. Missing: Private D. F. Craddock.

Company C, Captain R. C. Maffett. Killed: Corporal J. M. Kelly and private L. C. Kinnard. Wounded: Captain R. C. Maffett, Lieutenant J. C. Williams, Corporal G. F. Long, privates T. R. Wilson, H. W. Reagan, G. W. Griffith, J. E. Signern, J. Albritton.

Company D, Lieutenant J. T. Ray. Killed: Lieutenant J. T. Ray, Corporal J. D. C. Abernathy, privates Stephen Nix and Samuel McCrarey. Wounded: Sergeant J. G. Allen, Corporal M. M. Davis, privates W. T. Todd, J. W. Ferguson, J. F. Graham, R. E. Murphy, J. W. Gentry, H. H. Ray, G. M. Stevens, Anthony Shands, A. R. Tinsley, J. L. Tinsley, C. M. Williams, R. C. Wilburn, W. B. Taylor.

Company E, Lieutenant Robert H. Wright. Killed Sergeant B. S. Buzhardt. Wounded: Corporal H. B. Reid, privates W. C. Sligh, F. M. Summer, D. B. Wheeler, M. Foot.

Company F, Captain Homer L. M. Gowan. Killed: Corporal B. Hitt, privates W. D. Austin, J. D. Garlington, J. M. McGee, and A. C. Watson. Wounded: privates L. H. Benjamin, J. W. Bryson, W. R. Darnall, E. S. Hitt, R. M. Nichols, W. A. Vance, B. W. Wells, J. W. Winn. Missing: Sergeant J. C. Hill, and private H. A. Andrews.

OPERATIONS ON THE 18T OF JULY, 1862.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA REGIMENT, CAMP JACKSON, July 13, 1862. Captain C. R. Holmes, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: On Tuesday, the first instant, early in the afternoon, according to orders from Brigadier-General Kershaw, I formed my regiment and took position in the brigade, in line of battle, on the Long Bridge road, where we remained about an hour or two, when we were moved forward by the left flank, and formed a new line of battle to the left of a deserted dwelling situated in an open field fronting the road just mentioned, my left resting on the fence running along a thicket of small pines to the east of the house. We were subjected to an annoying artillery fire in this position for some time, but, fortunately, without damage, before an order for an advance was given. At length it came, and my regiment, with the others of the brigade under General Kershaw, moved forward, in line of battle, through the woods to our left, and under a very severe fire of grape, shell, and musketry, toward a battery of the enemy, strongly supported by infantry, and favorably posted on an elevated and commanding plateau, immediately beyond the Quaker and Willis Church road. Although the fire under

A list of casualties is herewith submitted. They are slight, considering the severe fire which incessantly prevailed during our operations.

The spirit of the men was all that could have been desired; and had opportunity offered, they would have achieved honor for themselves and rendered efficient service to their country.

which we passed was exceedingly severe, my those of my regiment, and intending to hold the command moved into position in the Quaker road enemy in check as best I could, should he adwith a steadiness and order which would have vance at this point. After making these disposi been worthy of older troops. Here we were tions, I despatched my Adjutant, Captain T. J. halted and directed to lie down, for protection, Pope, to the rear, to report to any general officer behind the fence and hedge-row on the side of he might find, in case he did not meet with either the road, and in rear of a line of troops who had General Kershaw or General McLaws, the condipreceded us, and who were likewise seeking shel- tion of things in front, and the position I had ter from the terrific artillery and musketry fire taken, and to request orders. He reported to of the enemy. While in this position, a North General Pender, who ordered me to hold my poCarolina regiment came up, and part of it lapping sition. Shortly afterward, General Kershaw came over the left of my regiment. Shortly after its back to the same point with a portion of the Secarrival, one of its officers rose, and in a loud ond South Carolina regiment. By his order, I voice, proposed the hazardous and rash experi- still held my position, collecting and giving direcment of a charge, to which proposition I gave tions to many scattered soldiers, and, later, with no heed, if for no other reason, because my su- other portions of the brigade, I marched out, perior and immediate commander was on the under the General's command, to the Long Bridge ground. Not long afterward this regiment re- road, where I found many of my command, who tired. About the same time, a fire was opened had entered the road above us, collected, and unupon our right rear, by our friends, which pro-der the command of Major Rutherford. Arrivduced some confusion in the ranks. At this junc-ing at this point, by order, we bivouacked for the ture, Major Rutherford proposed to go to the rear, night on the farther side of the road. and inform the officer in command of our position. I approved the proposition, and suggested that he take with him a stand of colors, that he might the more promptly and safely check the fire, which he did. The fire still continued, and at this moment, if I am not mistaken, the regiment on my left (the Second South Carolina) retired. Major Rutherford did not return; and feeling some apprehension for the safe delivery of my message, I called for a volunteer to bear the same message to the officer commanding the troops who were firing into our rear, that had been intrusted to Major Rutherford. Corporal T. Whitner Blakely, company I, promptly responded, and taking the same route, soon came up with Major Rutherford, by whom he was directed to bear the message giving notice of our position. This he gallantly did. He reported afterward that the regiment was the twenty-sixth Georgia, whose commanding officer promptly changed the direction of his fire when he received my message. By this time, (my left having been exposed by the retirement of the Second South Carolina regiment,) the enemy was pressing on the left toward the road, and, when I discovered that they were coming into the road on this flank, that part of our line on the extreme right was retiring, and being thus situated, without hearing any orders, I deemed it prudent to retire myself. I was pleased to learn, afterward, from General Kershaw, that he had given the same command just about the same time, and was gratified thus to have my judgment sustained by his. We retired under as severe a fire as that under which we advanced, but not in such good order, not seeing anything like a brigade organization. I carried as many of my men as I could keep together while passing through the thicket and the ravines, halting and re-forming my line at different points, as I retired, to the point where our second line of battle was formed early in the afternoon. Here I deployed the remnant of my command as skirmishers, for the purpose of stopping the scattered of the brigade, expressly

I desire to direct attention to the conduct of Lieutenant H. C. Johnston, of the Third Alabama regiment, who reported to me while we were advancing to the Quaker road; he was separated from his regiment, and requested to serve with me through the fight. I gladly consented, and do now take pleasure in testifying to his gallantry and efficiency in the field. He remained with me throughout the fight. The gallant conduct of Corporal Blakely, already mentioned, is deserving of special praise and consideration.

I desire, in conclusion, to explain the falling off in the number of men carried into action on Tuesday from the number had on Sunday, by mentioning the fact that, besides the fatigue of Sunday's operations, we had a very exhausting march on Monday, which broke down many of my command, and reduced the number of effective men very considerably, as the accompanying report will show.

I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES D. NANCE,
Colonel Third South Carolina Regiment.

CAPTURE OF ARMS AT SHIRLEY.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA
REGIMENT, CAMP JACKSON, July 12, 1862.

Captain C. R. Holmes, Assistant Adjutant-Gen-
eral:

SIR: On Thursday, the third instant, late in the afternoon, I was directed by Brigadier-General Kershaw to move with my regiment, two companies from the Second South Carolina regiment, and two from the Seventh South Carolina regiment, by way of the camp of Colonel Cobb, from whom I would get definite information as to the

locality of certain arms left by the enemy at Shir- enth South Carolina regiment lay in bivouac at ley, and supposed to be under guard, and where Camp Reserve, four miles east of Richmond. At I would meet a detail of one hundred men from sunset of that day I received o.ders to go on General Hill's division, who would coöperate picket the next morning at seven o'clock. Durwith me in driving off the enemy and capturing ing Thursday, and until Friday, ten A. M., I the arms, which I was ordered to do. I assembled acted as the picket reserve of a Louisiana regimy command as speedily as possible, and began ment, when I was relieved by Colonel Nance of the march, from my camp near Malvern Hill, to Shirley, about an hour before sundown. After marching about six miles, I arrived at Colonel Cobb's camp, and procured the information desired, and a guide, and then resumed the march, taking with me the detail of one hundred men from General Hill's division, who were under the command of Captain Tayloe. I reached the cavalry outposts of Colonel Cobb, under command of Captain King, about half past one P. M., where, on account of the darkness of the night, and the scattered condition of the arms, I concluded to bivouac for the night.

the Third South Carolina regiment. Returning from picket, when about half way to camp, I was halted, and ordered to report again to Colonel Nance, and, with him, to "feel the enemy" in front of our pickets. When prepared in line of battle, with skirmishers thrown out, to make the advance, orders were received to withdraw, and for the Seventh regiment to report as a support to Colonel Barksdale, but form on his right, and advance with him against the enemy. I formed as ordered; and, for some reason, was not notified by Colonel Barksdale that an advance was about being made, until four and a half o'clock in Early in the morning, I called up my com- the afternoon. Skirmishers were being thrown mand, and after requesting Captain King (who forward, and the advance about being made, when promptly complied) to send cavalry scouts in ad- Colonel Hennegan appeared on the field, and vance, I took up the march for the field in which ordered me to join him at the point I had left Colthe arms were scattered. Neither a land force onel Nance in the forenoon. I did so with denor the gunboats of the enemy were to be seen. spatch; and from that point attacked and drove So, with the assistance of Captain King, of Cobb's in the enemy's pickets, advancing only so far as legion, and of Major White, of the Seventh South enabled our skirmishers to see the breastworks of Carolina regiment, who was ordered to accompany the enemy, our orders being to prevent a genme on the expedition, and of the officers of my eral engagement, but simply to learn the enemy's command, we went earnestly to work, and soon strength, if possible. While halted in this posipicked up all the arms on the field, and conveyed tion, we were subjected to constant shelling from them about a mile to the rear, where they were the enemy's fortifications, resulting in a loss to turned over to Captain Tayloe, who had wagons the Seventh regiment of one killed and three from General Hill's division in waiting, to convey them to the ordnance department. I then allowed the men time to breakfast, and returned to camp, reporting, immediately on my arrival, my return to Brigadier-General Kershaw.

The number of arms gathered was about nine hundred and twenty-five, (925.) Several arms were brought to the wagons after I received reports from commanders of companies is the reason I cannot specify the exact number. The arms were good, of modern patterns, and in fine condition, considering the exposure.

I take occasion to express my obligation to Colonel Cobb for furnishing me with valuable information and a guide. Also to Captain King of the same corps, for his assistance to me in gathering the arms.

The distance marched was about ten miles each way.

I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JAMES D. NANCE, Colonel, commanding Third South Carolina Regiment.

REPORTS OF COLONEL AIKEN OF OPERA-
TIONS FROM JUNE 25 TO JUNE 29, 1862.

wounded. At dusk we withdrew to the rear of the picket reserve, just in front of the fortifications occupied by Semmes's brigade, where we remained until half past nine P. M., when we were ordered back to Camp Reserve. From that time until Sunday morning, the Seventh regiment remained in bivouac, when we were again ordered forward; mention of which was made in my former report. Respectfully submitted.

D. WYATT AIKEN, Colonel, commanding Seventh South Carolina Regiment.

BATTLE OF JUNE 29, 1862.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH South CarolinA
REGIMENT, July 10, 1862.

GENERAL: I beg leave to submit the following report of the action of the Seventh South Carolina regiment, in the engagement of the twentyninth ultimo :

At eleven P. M., Saturday, twenty-eighth, I received orders to prepare to march at early dawn on Sunday. Such preparation was made; but we did not move until nine A. M., when I joined with my command the remainder of the brigade, at a point known as our picket reserve. From this HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH SOUTH CAROLINA we advanced upon the enemy's breastworks, and REGIMENT, July 13, 1862. found them evacuated. Hence we marched by a GENERAL: In obedience to a circular received flank down the Nine-mile road to the railroad, this A. M., I beg leave to submit the following where we were drawn up in line of battle on the report: left of the railroad. Advancing but a short disOn Wednesday, twenty-fifth ultimo, the Sev-tance, we moved by the right flank, and crossed VOL. IX.-Doc. 33

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