Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 7.djvu/157

138 28th; Frayser's Farm, June 30th; Malvern Hill, July 1st. In these engagements nearly half the regiment were killed or wounded. It was in the van of the army when it moved over the Potomac, and fought at Boonsboro, September 15th, and at Sharpsburg, September 17th. At Fredericksburg, December 13th, it displayed its accustomed valor, and led by Lieutenant-Colonel Garvin, its gallant Colonel O'Neal being in command of the brigade, it shared the honor with the Fifth Alabama of being the first to charge and win the enemy's works at Chancellorsville, capturing three batteries. Forced to fall back, it lost its colors, but returning, drove the enemy back and recovered them. The praise of the Twenty-sixth was on every tongue and every report teemed with commendation of its valor. It was at Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, 1863; Kelly's Ford, August 1st; and Mine Run, November 26th to 28th.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment was ordered on special duty to Dalton, Ga., and afterward assigned to General Johnston's command. It took part in the Atlanta campaign, always preserving its reputation and winning fresh laurels with every battle. The regiment was in Tennessee with Hood and was badly crippled at Nashville, only a small remnant being left to surrender at Greensboro, N. C.

Its colonels were William R. Smith, who resigned his commission to take a seat in the Confederate Congress; Edward A. O'Neal, afterward brigadier-general and twice elected governor of Alabama, a gallant officer who was wounded at Seven Pines, Boonsboro and Chancellorsville.

The lieutenant-colonels were John S. Garvin, William H. Hunt and William C. Reeder; the majors, R. D. Redden and David F. Bryan. Lieutenant-Colonel Garvin was wounded at Chancellorsville and Franklin. Capt. Sidney B. Smith was wounded seven times. Capt. Thos. Taylor and Lieut. R. K. Wood were killed at