Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 7.djvu/93

74 position in vicinity of the Union Mills ford, August, 1861. Beauregard's report, engagements from July 16 to 31, 1861. (537) General Ewell in his report of Manassas mentions Seibels' Sixth Alabama. (944, 1000) Assignment as above, general orders No. 20, June 20th, and No. 169, July 25th.

Vol. V—(737) Mentioned in letter of E. J. Allen, January 27, 1862. (825) Assignment as above, August 31, 1861. (1029) In Rodes' brigade, General Beauregard's district, January 14, 1862.

Vol. XI, Part I—(971-976) Gen. R. E. Rodes' report of battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, May 31 to June 1, 1862, says: Wound in his arm so painful that he was compelled to turn over command of brigade to Colonel Gordon, of the Sixth Alabama. "The regiment," he says, "lost more than half its force." Ninety-one killed and 277 wounded. "Lieutenant-Colonel Willingham and Major Nesmith, of the Sixth Alabama, and Capt. C. C. Otey, of the heavy artillery, who had been conspicuous for their gallantry and efficiency, fell while pushing forward with their men into the thickest of the fight. Among the living whose gallantry and coolness entitle them to distinction, I beg to mention Col. J. B. Gordon." Also speaks of Captains Fox and Bell of the Sixth as distinguished. "The Sixth Alabama lost nearly 60 per cent of its aggregate force. The right company was engaged at such close quarters with the enemy that its brave commander. Captain Bell, after having fallen mortally wounded, was able to use his revolver with effect upon the enemy. The loss of his company was 21 killed and 23 wounded, out of a total of 50." (979, 980) Report of CoL James B. Gordon, commanding brigade, battle of Seven Pines: "Captain Fox, no less brave than accomplished, was killed." Colonel Gordon praises his regiment in the most unqualified terms for their unswerving and dauntless heroism in the face of the enemy. "In this charge my fearless and efficient field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Willingham and Major Nesmith, fell, nobly doing their whole duty. To me their loss at this trying hour was great indeed — to the regiment it is almost irreparable. Company A, under command of Capt. Thomas H. Bell, than whom a more gallant officer never gave his life for love of country. In a sheet of fire, and within a few rods of overwhelming numbers, this company stood