Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/212

204 remainder, except 900 captured by the "Stonewall" brigade.Eleven stands of colors were captured, of which the "Stonewall" brigade captured six, Steuart's brigade four and the Louisiana brigade one.

For particulars as to the numbers captured, and the individual instances of gallantry, I have the honor to refer you to the accompanying reports of the brigade and regimental commanders. It will be observed that my force, until the timely arrival of the "Stonewall" brigade, did not amount to over 1,200 muskets, with a portion of Andrews' battalion, J. M. Jones' brigade, and two regiments (Twenty-third and Thirty-seventh Virginia) of Steuart's brigade and a portion of the artillery having been left in the rear on the Front Royal road. The number of prisoners considerably exceeded the whole number engaged on our side, including the "Stonewall" brigade.

Before the closing of this report, I beg leave to state that I have never seen superior artillery practice to that of Andrews' battalion in this engagement, and especially the section under Lieutenant Contee, Dement's battery—one gun of which was placed on the bridge, above referred to, and the other a little to the left and rear. Both pieces were very much exposed during the whole action. Four successive attempts were made to carry the bridge. Two sets of cannoneers (13 of 16) were killed and disabled. Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews and Lieutenant Contee, whose gallantry calls for special mention at this point, fell wounded here. Lieutenant John A. Morgan, First North Carolina regiment, and Lieutenant Randolph H. McKim, took the place of the disabled cannoneers, rendering valuable assistance and deserving special mention.

I feel much indebted to Majors B. W. Leigh, H. K. Douglas and E. L. Moore, of my staff, for their gallantry and efficiency on the field and in pursuit of the enemy; to Surgeon R. T. Coleman for correcting a misapprehension of orders on the part of my engineer officers, thereby expediting the march of General Walker who found me most opportunely.

The total list of casualties in the engaged division during the operations embraced in this report, amounted to fourteen killed and seventy-four wounded.

Your obedient servant, , Major-General.