Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 04.djvu/247

Rh the ordnance trains was not sufficient to support a fifteen minutes' fire, or either to renew our present effort, or attempt another, he recalled the order and allowed the division then just approaching (at ten minutes to 2) to advance, saying, however, to me, that he dreaded the result, and only ordered it in obedience to the wishes of the Commanding-General. As soon as the infantry had passed I rode down the line of guns, ordering all with less than fifteen rounds of ammunition to remain in their position, and fire over the heads of the infantry, and all with over that number to move forward and support the charge. In this way I collected eighteen guns from different commands, with which we advanced in time to assist in the repulse, with great slaughter, of a heavy attack on Pickett's right flank; but in the meantime the left of the infantry attack gave way, and the whole line from left to right rapidly followed, until the guns were left in advance, without even pickets between them and the enemy. This state of affairs was not altered until late in the afternoon, the enemy's pickets taking occasionally a mild offensive, and subsiding on receiving a few shells. About sundown most of the guns were withdrawn, and at 11 P. M. all of the remainder with the last brigade of infantry when it fell back to the new line.

On the fourth, the artillery was nearly all placed in position on the defensive line occupied that day by the army, but no action occurred, and the retreat was commenced that night. The casualties in the various battalions, and the subordinate officers mentioned for good conduct, are reported in the several battalion reports through the chief of artillery of this corps. I beg leave particularly to commend the following officers: Colonel Cabell, Major Huger, Major John Haskell, Major Eshleman, Major Dearing, and Major Henry, commanding battalion, on separate commands. Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, , Col. Artillery. To, Adjutant-General First Corps.