Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/175

Rh succeeded to the command of Adams' brigade, the country is indebted for the courage and skill with which they discharged their arduous duties.

The officers and men of the division, with exceptions so rare as to place in striking contrast to them the general good conduct, sustained their former reputation, and were alike worthy of each other.

To the gentlemen of my staff I feel sincere gratitude for the prompt, fearless and cheerful manner in which they discharged their duties.

Major Wilson, Assistant Adjutant-General; Colonel Von Zinken, Assistant Inspector-General, who had two horses shot under him; Captain Mastin, Assistant Inspector-General, who received a contusion from a grape shot; Lieutenant Breckinridge, Aid-de-Camp, whose horse was shot; Captain Semple, Ordnance Officer; Lieutenant Berties, Twentieth Louisiana, Assistant Inspector-General; Dr. Heustis, Chief Surgeon; Dr. Kratz, on duty in the field, and Messrs McGehee, Coleman, Mitchell and Clay, volunteers on my staff, performed their duties in a manner to command my confidence and regard.

One member of my staff I cannot thank. Major R. E. Graves, Chief of Artillery, received a mortal wound in the action of Sunday the 20th. Although a very young man he had won eminence in arms, and gave promise of the highest distinction. A truer friend, a purer patriot, a better soldier never lived.

Major-General, P. A. C. S.

In speaking of the final attack, on the afternoon of the 20th, General Breckinridge employs a phrase in a different sense from its ordinary meaning. He says: "I received permission from Lieutenant-General Hill to make another charge." The facts in the case are simply these: About 3½ P. M., or it may be a little later, I ordered another Major-General, not of my corps, but who had been sent to report to me, to make the attack, telling him that Breckinridge's men, after their repulse, were scarcely in a condition to make another charge. He replied: "My division was sent by General Polk as a support to General Breckinridge, and under my orders I can do nothing more than support him." I then returned to