Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 06.djvu/92

82 head of our column from the woods on our right occupied by Mahone's brigade. By this volley General Longstreet was prostrated by a fearful wound. Brigadier-General Jenkins, my Aid-de-Camp, Captain Alfred E. Doby, and Orderly Marcus Baum were instantly killed. As an instance of the promptness and ready presence of mind of our troops, I will mention that the leading files of Jenkins' brigade on this occasion instantly faced the firing and were about to return it, but when I dashed my horse into their ranks, crying "they're friends," they as instantaneously realized the position of things, and fell on their faces where they stood. This fatal casualty arrested the projected movement. The Commanding-General soon came in person to the front, and ordered me to take position with my right resting upon the Orange railroad. Though an advance was made later in the day, my troops became no more engaged, except General Wofford, who moved against the enemy in the afternoon on the left of the Plank road, and met with some success in that quarter and suffered some loss.

I have not the particulars of casualties at hand, except those in Kershaw's brigade, which were 57 killed, 239 wounded and 26 missing. Among the losses of that brigade were two of the most gallant and accomplished field officers of the command: Colonel James D. Nance, commanding Third South Carolina regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Franklin Gaillard—both gentlemen of education, position and usefulness in civil life and highly distinguished in the field. Captain Doby had served with me as aid-de-camp from the commencement of the war. He distinguished himself upon every battle field, and always rendered me the most intelligent and valuable assistance in the most trying hour. Orderly Baum was on detached service, and was not called to the front by his necessary duties, but during the entire day he had attached himself to the staff and continued actively discharging the duties of orderly, although remonstrated with for the unnecessary exposure, until he lost his life.

It is most pleasing to recall the fact that going into this action as they did under the most trying circumstances that soldiers could be placed in, every officer and man bore himself with a devoted firmness, steadiness and gallantry worthy of all possible commendation. Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.