At dawn on the following morning, (twentieth,) the corps moved forward in the following order: Generals A. P. Hill, Ewell, and Taliaferro. I was ordered by General Jackson to remain at Summerville's Ford, where the corps crossed the Rapidan, till all the divisions had crossed, to see that there was no delay in fording the stream. This being accomplished, I rejoined General Jackson about two miles beyond Stephensburg, on the Brandy Station road, where the corps bivouacked for the night. I here found that General Stuart, with Robertson's brigade of cavalry, had engaged the cavalry of the retreating enemy near Stephensburg, and driven them across the Rappahannock at the railroad bridge. Early on the morning of the twenty-first, the command resumed its march in the following order: Taliaferro, A. P. Hill, and Ewell. Passing Brandy Station, the front of Taliaferro's division emerged from the wood a quarter of a mile south of Beverley's Ford about ten A. M. Finding the ford guarded by a body of the enemy's cavalry, General Taliaferro brought up two pieces of Poague's battery and drove them off; General Stuart then crossed the run with the first Vir Colonel C. J. Faulkner, Chief of Staff to Lieu-ginia cavalry and two pieces of Poague's battery; tenant-General Jackson: but the enemy advanced a heavy force, and comCOLONEL: I have the honor to report, that on pelled them to retire. A desultory artillery fight the evening of the thirteenth August, 1862, hav-was kept up during the entire day between the ing just returned from Clarke's Mountain, a very elevated point, three miles east of Rapidan Station, I reported to Major-General Jackson the following as being the position of the enemy's forces on the opposite side of the Rapidan. The main body encamped around the slopes of Garnett's and Slaughter's Mountains; one division one mile north of Culpeper Court-House, on the Brandy Station road, and a small force between Mitchell's Station and Lime Church. General Jackson then directed me to examine, and, on the following day, to report to him the most desirable route for passing around the enemy's flank and reaching Warrenton, Fauquier. I advised that the corps should march from its encampment just west of Toddsburg, through Orange Court-House, thence down the Fredericksburg plank road to Dr. Terrill's, then turn to the left, pass Pisgah Church, and cross the Rapidan at Summerville's Ford, thence by Lime Church, Stephensburg, Brandy Station, and Beverley's Ford, to Warrenton. This route being approved, the march was commenced on the evening of the fifteenth, and on the sixteenth the three divisions of Taliaferro, Ewell, and A. P. Hill, encamped near Pisgah Church, where they remained for three days, awaiting the arrival of a portion of General Longstreet's command, till the morning of the twentieth. batteries of General Taliaferro and those of the enemy on the opposite side of the river. I was ordered by General Jackson to take a position on the right, from which I could see Rappahannock Station, and to report to him any movement on the part of the enemy. I stationed myself on a high point a little to the right of the railroad, and about three quarters of a mile from the river. From this point I could see that the enemy were in heavy force around Rappahannock Station, and that a small body of infantry occupied two very high bluffs on the south side of the river, and a few hundred yards above the railroad bridge. I communicated these facts to General Jackson, and suggested that the enemy might be driven from those bluffs, though they were some- . what higher than any point on either side of the river, by placing a large amount of artillery on the ridge east of Glassell's house and on the hill which I then occupied. Colonel Crutchfield was sent by General Jackson to examine the position with me, but we did not meet until it was so late that nothing could be done. On the following morning, (twenty-second,) the three divisions, in order, Ewell, Hill, and Taliaferro, left their encampment near Beverley's Ford, marching by farm roads and across fields to Welford's Mill, where they crossed Eastham River, thence to Freeman's Ford, but finding this ford On the morning of the eighteenth, a body of strongly guarded by the enemy, General Trimthe enemy drove our pickets from Clarke's Moun-ble's brigade was left to prevent a crossing, and tain, and found out the position of our troops; the remainder of the troops moved across the and on the nineteenth they commenced their re- country, keeping as much as possible under cover, treat toward the Rappahannock. I was on to Dr. M. P. Scott's farm, just opposite Lee's Clarke's Mountain at the time that the retreat Springs. General Early's brigade and a portion commenced, and immediately gave the informa- of Lawton's brigade were advanced across the tion to General Jackson. Rappahannock, and took position respectively on the Foxville and Warrenton roads. Heavy musketry, during the evening, announced that the enemy had crossed the river and attacked General Trimble; but later it was found that he had driven them back. A very heavy fall of rain during the night raised the Rappahannock so much as to render it entirely impassable, the bridge having been destroyed by the enemy in their retreat. in the direction of Alexandria. It was fired upon by the Louisiana brigade, and an attempt made to stop it, but without effect. A third train soon came in sight, and was fired upon; the track, a short distance beyond the depot, had been previously removed, and the train, consisting of an engine with about twenty empty cars, was thrown down a high embankment and very much broken. A fifth train shared the same fate. Still another came in sight, but returned in the direction of Warrenton. Early on the morning of the twenty-third, Lieutenants C. R. Howard and H. T. Rogers, engineers on General Hill's staff, commenced to General Jackson directed me to build a temporary bridge for the passage of Gen- move the engines and cars across Broad Run eral Early's troops. About eleven A. M., General Bridge, in the direction of Manassas Junction; Jackson, fearing lest the enemy might advance a but I reported, after examination, that the engine heavy force against General Early before the and cars were so broken that it would be imbridge could be finished, ordered me to point out possible to move them; he then ordered me to to General Early's Assistant Adjutant-General, destroy the bridge over Broad Run, and, at dayMajor Hall, a road by which the brigade might break on the following morning, to fire the cars be moved to Waterloo in case it should be forced and engines, which was done. During the night, back. This was done, and on my return to the General Stuart, with a portion of his cavalry and Springs, a little before sunset, I found the bridge General Trimble's brigade of Ewell's division, completed and General Early engaged in an artil- took possession of Manassas Junction, and early lery fight with the enemy, advancing on the Fox- on the following morning, twenty-seventh, Genville road; they were driven back, and during eral Taliaferro and General A. P. Hill's divisions the night General Early recrossed into Culpep- joined them at that point. General Ewell, with er. A fierce carmonade was kept up during the Taylor's, Lawton's, and Early's brigades, reentire day of the twenty-fourth between our bat-mained at Bristoe. After completing the deteries, on the hills near Dr. Scott's, and those of struction of the trains and bridge, in which I was the enemy, on the opposite side of the river. assisted by Captain C. R. Howard and LieutenAbout three P. M., I received an order from Gen-ant H. T. Rogers, of General A. P. Hill's staff, I eral Jackson to report immediately to him at Jeffersonton, which being done, he directed me to select the most direct and covered route to Manassas. I recommended that by Amissville, Hinson's Mill, Orlean, Salem, Thoroughfare, and Gainesville, which he approved, and directed me to select guides, which I did from Captain Adams's company, Sixth Virginia cavalry, and to direct the front division, in person, at dawn on the following morning. Finding General Ewell's division the most advanced, I conducted it through Amissville, and crossed the Rappahannock at Hinson's Mill. Soon after crossing the river, I was ordered by General Jackson to take a portion Enclosed you will find a map of the region of the Black Horse cavalry, Captain Randolph, from Orange Court-House to Sudley Mills, with and Captain Tebbs's company Second Virginia the route of the corps designated by a heavy cavalry, and advance to Salem, which place I black line. reached, via Orleans and Hume Run Church, about four P. M., without encountering any portion of the enemy's forces. Later in the evening, Colonel Munford came up, with the Second Virginia cavalry, and we spent the night in the town, REPORT OF CAPTAIN BROWN OF BATTLE OF the advance of the infantry encamping a mile south of the town. Early on the morning of the twenty-sixth, General Ewell moved forward, followed by A. P. Hill and Taliaferro, passing through the Plains and Thoroughfare Gap, to Gainesville. Here, leaving the Manassas road and moving to the right, the advance came in sight of Bristoe Station, Orange and Alexandria Railroad, about sunset, just after one of the enemy's trains of cars passed the station. Advancing suddenly, the Louisiana brigade captured a number of prisoners, acting as depot and bridge guard. In a few minutes another train came in sight, moving joined General Jackson just in time to see the rear of the enemy's retreating column. During the evening, General Ewell had a brisk engage ment with the advance of Pope's army, moving from Warrenton in the direction of Alexandria; he fell back to Manassas Junction at sunset. During the night the entire command marched in the direction of Sudley Mills, and bivouacked between Cartharpin Creek and Sudley Mills, one mile north of Groveton. On the following day, I was taken sick and sent to the rear, and did not rejoin the command till the nineteenth September. I am, Colonel, most respectfully, SLAUGHTER'S GAP. HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH VIRGINIA On Sunday, the fourteenth of September, the Nineteenth Virginia regiment, numbering one hundred and fifty men, after marching from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Boonsboro', was ordered to load and prepare for action. The sun was nearly setting behind the western hills when the regi ment was formed in line of battle, on the top of a hill, with an open space in front, where the enemy lay, concealed behind a stone fence, at the distance of fifteen paces. A murderous fire was at once opened upon the regiment by the con cealed foe, which was manfully replied to by the with all the batteries and take position on the Nineteenth for more than an hour, when the left of the road, opening fire on the enemy's batranks were thinned to such an extent as to prove teries posted in an orchard near Dogan's house. a withdrawal absolutely necessary. One third Immediately after, I was ordered to change posiof the men were rendered unable to fight, and tion to the right of the road and advance, which a precipitous retreat from the hill was ordered. was done. Captain Reilly taking position on the In this engagement Colonel J. B. Strange fell, hill in front of Groveton house, engaging the batseriously wounded, and, in the retreat, was left teries immediately in front, under a terrific fire, behind. His voice was heard, after he had re- while Bachman's battery advanced still farther, ceived his wound, urging his men to stand firmly; passing through the woods to the right, and asand he commanded with that coolness and daring sisted by the howitzer section of Reilly's battery, that is found only in the truly brave. In addi- under command of Lieutenant Myers, opened on tion to this severe loss, the regiment mourns the the flank. In changing position, Captain Bachdeath of Lieutenant M. A. Shepherd, of company man had one of his rifle guns disabled. Both B, than whom a truer patriot, a firmer officer, or batteries were handled with great skill and effect, a nobler youth, is not to be found in our country's and the fire of the enemy soon silenced. It beservice. The list of casualties shows the number ing near dark, and the ammunition exhausted, of the brave ever to be lamented by the friends Reilly and Bachman were ordered to withdraw. of the Nineteenth. The command fell upon In the mean time, I was ordered by General Captain John L. Cochran, after the fall of Colo- Longstreet to advance Captain Garden's battery in nel Strange. Total loss, sixty-three. Names the field on the left of the road. This was done, have been heretofore furnished. and a flanking fire opened on the batteries near Dogan's house. We were soon, however, ordered to cease, as Colonel Law's brigade was advancing, in the opposite direction on the same point; the Federals, at the same time, manifesting great energy in the rapidity of their movement down the turnpike and Sudley Ford road. Captain Garden, with two other batteries, continued to pursue until the Sudley road was reached, when, not being able to distinguish friend from foe in the darkness, the battery was finally withdrawn. B. BROWN, Captain, commanding Regiment. REPORT OF MAJOR FROBEL OF SECOND BATTLE OF MANASSAS. CAMP NEAR FREDERICK, MARYLAND, Captain W. H. Sellers, Assistant Adjutant-Gen- CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the participation of the batteries under my command in the battles of Friday and Saturday, August twenty-ninth and thirtieth: Of the conduct of officers and men in both Your obedient servant, SHARPSBURG. At eleven A. M., on Friday, I was ordered by General Hood to proceed to the right of the turnpike road and report to General Stuart. This I did, with Captain Bachman's battery, Reilly being already in position on the left, and Garden having no long-range pieces. General Stuart had selected a position near the Alexandria and Orange Railroad. The battery was brought up, and immediately opened with marked effect on a column of the enemy moving to the right, which at once changed direction, moving rapidly to the left. Fifteen rounds were fired, when, the distance being greatly increased, I ordered Captain Bachman to cease firing. At one P. M., Captain REPORT OF MAJOR FROBEL OF BATTLE OF Reilly was ordered to the left of the turnpike, and to take position with other batteries on a hill commanding the hills near Groveton house, where the enemy had several batteries strongly posted. Immediately afterward, I proceeded with Captain Bachman's battery to the same position, (Captain Garden's being considered of too short range to be effective there.) The position assigned us was on the extreme left, both batteries passing through a heavy fire in reaching it. After being hotly engaged for two hours and a half, and firing about one hundred rounds, the enemy ceased firing and withdrew his guns. We were then ordered to return to the road, for the purpose of replenishing our ammunition. At three P. M., on Saturday, I was ordered by General Longstreet to proceed down the turnpike Captain W. H. Sellers, A. A. G.: October 1, 1862. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders to report the participation of the batteries under my command in the recent engagements before Sharpsburg, I would respectfully submit the following: After bringing up the rear on the march from Boonsboro', Captains Reilly and Bachman's batteries were placed in position by Colonel Walton about noon on Monday, the fifteenth September, on a hill to the right of the turnpike road, and a short distance in front of Sharpsburg; Garden's battery being held in reserve, in case the enemy should attempt an advance by a bridge over the Antietam, still farther to the right. We held these positions on Monday night. On Tuesday, a fierce cannonade was kept up could not reach them on the bridge. Being without between our batteries and those of the enemy, in ammunition, only his howitzer section was availawhich Captain Reilly was ordered by Colonel Walton to participate until his rifle ammunition was exhausted, but without any perceptible result. Bachman's battery was, at the same time, exposed to a heavy fire, but had orders not to reply. Tuesday night we occupied the same positions. ble. I at once placed it in position. The enemy had, in the mean time, advanced some eight or ten guns across the river, and placed them in front of us. Under fire of these, assisted by all their longrange batteries on the opposite bank, their line advanced. Their sharpshooters at the same time opened a hot fire on us from a cornfield on our right, a stone fence in front, and a wood and orchard near by. Our batteries immediately replied, and continued their fire until the line was broken and the enemy recoiled. On Wednesday morning the battle was again renewed. Captain Reilly was sent to the rear to replenish, if possible, his exhausted ammunition. At eight o'clock A. M. Captain Bachman, with a section of Napoleon guns, was ordered to pro- At this time the enemy were distant less than ceed to the extreme left of our line, and report to one hundred yards. Our ammunition was exGeneral Longstreet. Shortly after he was placed hausted. One of Captain Garden's guns was in position in a cornfield, and opened on the ene-dismounted, the carriage being entirely destroyed; my at a distance of one hundred and fifty yards. another rendered utterly useless by the bursting The position was exposed to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, who occupied a wood not more than fifty yards off. In a few minutes, the section lost three men wounded, two mortally, and six horses killed. Finding that to continue longer would involve the loss of his guns, Captain Bachman withdrew to a hill near by, and reported the section disabled, on account of the loss of men and horses. I ordered him to retire, for the purpose of repairing damages. In the mean time, his rifle section was hotly engaged near the turnpike. This section was in charge of Sergeant Schlemmermeyer, who fought his guns most gallantly, and remained in position until all his ammunition was expended. At two o'clock P. M. I received orders from Major-General Jones to prepare to hold the road leading from the bridge over the Antietam, on our extreme right. A few minutes after the enemy were reported advancing, the infantry_near the bridge at the same time giving way. I immediately placed Garden's battery in position on the left of the road. The enemy had crossed the bridge, and were advancing rapidly, under cover of a furious fire from all their batteries, concentrated upon us, when Garden's battery opened a most destructive fire upon them, and, assisted by a rifle section under Captain Squiers, soon drove them back. Fearing they might yet turn us by passing still farther to the right, I directed Captain Garden to look well to the road and woods in front of him, while I proceeded to the right in search of General Jones. On arriving at the top of the hill to the right of the road, the enemy were seen advancing, in strong force, in that direction. By permission of General Jones, I placed Captain Brown's battery in position at this point. The enemy were distant about four hundred yards, when he opened a hot and welldirected fire upon them, breaking their ranks and driving them back to the cover of a hill from which they had just advanced. At this time large bodies of the enemy (infantry and artillery) were moving on the opposite side of the river. When near the bridge, they halted some ten or fifteen minutes. I immediately sent to Captain Reilly to come up, as the guns then in position were all short-range, and of a shell; while from one of Captain Reilly's pieces all the horses had been killed. But three guns remained fit for service, and they were without ammunition. Having run the pieces to the rear by hand and secured our disabled guns, the enemy all the time advancing and firing upon us, I ordered the batteries to retire. In passing to the turnpike, Lieutenant Ramsay, in command of the rifle section of Captain Reilly's battery, came up to our support. At that time the enemy occupied the position we had just left, and were advancing in line. I ordered Lieutenant Ramsay to take position in the field to the right of the road, and open, which he did, soon breaking their line and throwing them into great confusion. At this time General A. P. Hill came up, and, charging, drove them from the field. I regret to report that First Lieutenant Pringle, of Garden's battery, after fighting his guns most gallantly, fell, late in the day, mortally wounded, and has since died. I cannot too highly applaud the conduct of both officers and men. Captains Bachman and Reilly fought their batteries with their usual determination and devotion to the cause. Captain Garden, Lieutenants Simmons, Myers, Ramsay, and Sergeant Schlemmermeyer deserve particular notice for their gallant conduct during the battle, and also Assistant Surgeon Buist for his attention to the sick. Acting Adjutant W. L. Scott rendered me great assistance, and is entitled to my warmest thanks. Enclosed you will find a list of killed and wounded. I am, Captain, very respectfully, REPORT OF COLONEL BAKER. HEADQUARTERS FIRST NORTH CAROLINA! CAVALRY, August 9, 1862. Captain Barker, Assistant Adjutant-General First Brigade: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the enemy advanced to the Gatewood field about nine o'clock P. M. on the fourth instant, and there had one badly wounded from Captain Houston's company. I am, sir, with much respect, L. S. BAKER, Colonel First North Carolina Cavalry. REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL YOUNG. halted during the night. A courier was despatched to Lieutenant-Colonel Young and to me at that time, saying that the enemy was coming up in large force artillery, infantry, and cavalry. I immediately marched down with my regiment, and soon satisfied myself that the report forwarded to me was correct. Another courier was immediately forwarded by me, about NEW MARKET CHURCH, August 8, 1802. half past ten o'clock, to Lieutenant-Colonel Lieutenant Hamilton, A. and A. A. A. General: Young, to make the same report as at first, and LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that to state that I thought they would go by the the first courier reported to me at a quarter past Quaker road to Malvern Hill in the morning, and twelve o'clock A. M., August fifth. He was sent that he must be on the alert and forward the re- by Lieutenant Early, who commanded my squadport to General Hampton. I also despatched an ron on picket at Malvern Hill. This courier officer to General Ripley, informing him, as he reported that the enemy were advancing, with a had directed me, to call on him for assistance large force of cavalry and some artillery, upon whenever necessary. The officer says he reached the left flank of the North Carolina cavalry the General's headquarters at a quarter to four pickets. I immediately directed my adjutant to A. M. The General wrote to me immediately, write a note to General Hampton, and inform authorizing me to order up a section of artillery him of the state of affairs, which he did. I orand two infantry regiments on picket duty about dered the courier to return, and directed Lieufour or five miles in my rear, and, if this was not tenant Early to send out a scouting party. enough, to send for the brigade that was out Lieutenant Early obeyed the order. The scoutworking. I sent an order, at six A. M., for the ing party discovered nothing in their front, and two regiments of infantry and section of artillery no demonstration was made at this time or afterto come up; but no answer was sent, and they did ward in our front, as the enemy advanced from not come up. I was constantly expecting them the direction of the North Carolina pickets. The until the arrival of General Ripley, about eleven second courier reported to me between the hours o'clock A. M. No explanation has been given for of two and three o'clock. This courier reported the failure of the artillery and infantry to come to from Lieutenant Early that he had been informed, my assistance when ordered to do so. At day- by a courier from the North Carolina pickets, light, the enemy advanced by the Nelson house that the enemy were still advancing, in strong and down the Quaker road to Malvern Hill. I force, upon the North Carolina pickets; that sent another officer, at once, to General Ripley, they could distinctly hear the sound of the bugles to announce that intelligence. General Hamp- and moving of artillery. This courier was sent ton came over to my assistance between seven to General Hampton to report the intelligence and eight o'clock A. M., with the intention of fol- to him. About break of day a courier from the lowing them, until I reported their force, and North Carolina pickets reported to me that the also that they were in force in front, and already enemy were still advancing, but that his (the at Malvern Hill. Captain Cheek made admira- North Carolina) pickets had not been driven from ble disposition of his squadron on picket to get their posts. He reported that Colonel Baker's information, and the men performed the duty or my position would be attacked by morning. with judgment and bravery, keeping their posi- This courier was also sent to General Hampton. tion as videttes as long as it was possible, so as At half past five o'clock A. M., another courier to estimate their force. Lieutenant Iredell, after reported to me from Lieutenant Early. This remaining, with a few men as videttes, until the man reported that a battery of artillery had enemy was in a few yards of him, fired and fell opened upon our reserve picket and our battery slowly back, killing, as I have since learned, two of artillery, (which was at Malvern house,) enmen and wounding several. The enemy endeav-tirely from their rear. The enemy's battery was ored to advance his pickets to cover his march, playing from a hill near Crew's house the batbut I dismounted Captain Siler's company as tery was supported by about four hundred cavskirmishers, and, after a few moments of spirited alry. The courier reported that he had come firing, the enemy fell back, and I obtained posi- for support, and that unless our people on the tion to ascertain his force again. Captain Siler's hill should very soon get help, they must certainly officers and men behaved very gallantly. On the be lost. This courier was sent to General Hampfifth and sixth, thirty-three prisoners were cap- ton. In a few moments after this time, I received tured by Captains Barringer's and Houston's an order from General Hampton directing me squadrons. I lost seven men (four of Captain to leave one squadron at my camp, and form Cheek's and three of Captain Wood's companies) the other two squadrons in the field, which was -a post near Malvern Hill, who had orders to report any advance of the enemy to LieutenantColonel Young's pickets. They remained too long, and were unable to make their way to him. One of my men came up to me late in the day, stating this fact. I also lost, on the sixth, one man prisoner from Captain Ruffin's company, and preparatory to moving to the support of Colonel Baker. I received no information after this from Malvern Hill. It is due to Lieutenant Early to say that he kept up his picket lines during the heavy artillery fire from his rear; nor did he abandon them until ordered by Major Pickett, of the Seventeenth Georgia, to do so.. During |