Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/113

Rh the whole force of the enemy were in my front. Branch becoming hard pressed, Pender was sent to his relief. *  *   *  Gregg and Branch fought with varying success—Gregg having before him the vaunted Zouaves and Sykes' regulars. Pender's brigade was suffering heavily, but stubbornly held its own. Field and Archer met a withering storm of bullets, but pressed on to within a short distance of the enemy's works, but the storm was too fierce for such a handful of men. They recoiled, and were again pressed to the charge, but with no better success. These brave men had done all that any brave soldiers could do. Directing their men to lie down, the fight was continued and help awaited, From having been the attacking party, I now became the attacked, but stubbornly, gallantly, was the ground held. My division was thus engaged two hours before assistance was received. *  *   *

About 7 o'clock, the General-in-Chief in person gave me an order to advance my whole line, and to communicate this order as far as I could to all the commanders of troops. This was done, and a general advance being made, the enemy were swept from the field, and the pursuit only stopped by nightfall and the exhaustion of our troops.

Frazier's Farm—The firing becoming very heavy, I was ordered forward with my division. Branch's brigade took the route, and with springing steps pressed forward. Arriving upon open ground, he formed his line and moved to the support of the troops in his front.

Malvern Hill—Finding that General Magruder needed assistance, I sent two brigades—Branch's and Thomas' (Anderson's). They were, however, not actively engaged. My division, however, was placed in line of battle near the scene of action and under fire, but passive.

Killed and wounded—Among the general and field officers killed and wounded during these battles are Colonels Campbell, C. C. Lee, *   *  killed, and Colonels Cowan, J. H. Lane,  *   *  wounded.

Especial mention for conspicuous gallantry is made of the following officers: Colonels *   *   *  J. H. Lane and Cowan.

Chickahominy—Pressing on towards the York River railroad, A. P. Hill, who was in advance, reached the vicinity of New Cold Harbor about 2 P. M., where he encountered the enemy. He immediately formed his line nearly parallel to the road leading from