Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/158

150, and, by a movement handsomely executed, connected with him, and the two brigades were thrown on the flank of the enemy. At the same moment the whole line, under the immediate command of Major-General Fitz. Lee, charged the works of the enemy, who, after fighting stubbornly for a short time, gave way, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. This advance of our troops, was made in the face of a very heavy fire of artillery and musketry and it was most handsomely accomplished. As soon as the enemy gave way I brought up the Phillips and the Jeff. Davis legions, mounted, ordering them to charge. This they did most gallantly, driving the enemy for three miles in confusion. Bobbins' battalion and the Twelfth Virginia cavalry were mounted and participated in a part of this charge, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Massie, commanding the latter, was wounded, whilst gallantly leading his men over the works of the enemy. The enemy were completely routed and were pursued to within two and one-half miles of Charles City Courthouse—the pursuit lasting till 10 o'clock at night. We captured 157 prisoners, including one colonel and twelve commissioned officers, and the enemy left their wounded, amounting to quite a large number, scattered over the ground upon which we had fought. My loss was six killed and fifty-nine wounded in my own division. The reports of losses from the other commands have not been sent to me. Sheridan retreated to Wyanoke Neck in order to cross the James river under protection of the gunboats, and I, in accordance with instructions from the General-Commanding, moved on the 26th June to the Pontoon bridge, with a view to cross and join the army on the south side of the James river. This closed my operations, which had for their object the defeat of Sheridan's movement in our rear.

The recent publications of the enemy, together with some of their orders which have been captured, show that Sheridan's object was to destroy Gordonsville and Charlottesville, with the railroad near those places; to unite with Hunter in his attack on Lynchburg, and, after the capture of that place, to move their joint forces to the White House on the Pamunkey, from which point they could join Grant or threaten Richmond. Sheridan was defeated at Trevylian's; was punished in the skirmishes at the White House and Forge bridges, and was routed at Samaria church. We captured 852 prisoners, whilst his loss in killed and wounded was very heavy. I beg to express my entire satisfaction at the conduct of officers and men in my command. Major-General Fitz. Lee co-operated