Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 03.djvu/288

278 the front on the Williamsburg road, and Colston's and Pryor's by my right flank. At the same time the decided and gallant attack made by the other brigades gained entire possession of the enemy's position, with his artillery, camp equipage, &c. Anderson's brigade, under Colonel Jenkins, pressing forward rapidly, continued to drive the enemy till night-fall.

The severest part of the work was done by Major-General D. H. Hill's division, but the attack of the two brigades, under General R. H. Anderson—one commanded by Colonel Kemper (now Brigadier-General), the other by Colonel M. Jenkins—was made with such spirit and regularity as to have driven back the most determined foe. This decided the day in our favor.

General Pickett's brigade was held in reserve. General Pryor's did not succeed in getting upon the field of Saturday in time to take part in the action of the 31st. Both, however, shared in repulsing a serious attack upon our position on Sunday, the 1st instant, Pickett's brigade bearing the brunt of the attack and repulsing it.

Some of the brigades of Major-General Huger's division took part in defending our position, but being fresh at the work did not show the same steadiness and determination as the troops of Hill's division and my own.

I have reason to believe that the affair would have been a complete success, had the troops upon the right been put in position within eight hours of the proper time. The want of promptness on that part of the field, and the consequent severe struggle in my front, so greatly reduced my supply of ammunition that, at the late hour of the move on the left, I was unable to make the rush necessary to relieve that attack.

Besides the good effect produced by driving back such heavy masses of the enemy, we have made superior soldiers of several brigades that were entirely fresh and unreliable. There can scarcely be a doubt about our ability to overcome the enemy upon any fair field.

Brigadier-General J. E. B. Stuart, in the absence of any opportunity to use his cavalry, was of material service by his presence with me on the field.

The conduct of the attack was left entirely to Major-General Hill. The entire success of the affair is sufficient evidence of his ability, courage and skill. I will refer you to his reports for particular mention of the conduct of his officers and soldiers.