Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 04.djvu/209

Rh was discovered some short distance behind the front line, with a number of men scattered about through the pines near him. On inquiry, he reported himself as color-bearer of the Thirteenth Louisiana regiment, and stated that he had tried to get the men to follow him to the front, but could not prevail on them to do so. The officers of the regiment were then called for, but none responded. The color-bearer expressed great desire to carry the colors forward, and, upon my directing him to do so, he did advance them gallantly, calling upon his comrades to follow. I regret to say that but few responded. When the conduct of officers or troops justifies it, I deem it to be a duty no less imperative to censure than to praise; and it is under a sense of this duty that I relate this circumstance. I would not be understood as imputing reprehensible conduct to the whole regiment, whose color-bearer I have alluded to, for I know that on other fields that regiment has acquitted itself with the highest honors. But I do say, that if the men in question did belong to the Thirteenth Louisiana regiment, as represented to me, they are unworthy comrades of a gallant color-bearer, and that they reflect discredit upon a gallant regiment from as gallant a State as shines in the Southern constellation.)

Regarding the extreme right of my line as in great danger, and desiring to hold our position there until assistance might arrive, I now proceeded along the line from Brantley's right towards Sharp's position. At this time the troops of the front line were lying down within sixty yards of the enemy's breastworks, and, at many points, much nearer, keeping up a hot fire upon every thing that appeared above the defences. From these defences the enemy, too, poured an unremitting fire upon the assailants. Though at a distance from them, Sharp's gallant Mississippians could be seen pushing their way, in small parties, up to the very slope of the enemy's breastworks. Officers could be plainly observed encouraging the men to this work. One on horseback, whom I took to be General Sharp, was particularly conspicuous. After having roderidden [sic] along the line from Brantley's right—urging the officers and men to stand a little longer—when I had reached a point near Sharp's left I received a wound which compelled me to leave the field, and which has resulted in my absence up to the present time. This occurred about 4:30 P.M.