Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/208

196 My brigade remained all that day in the same position where I had left it, and on the morning of the 19th of September, together with Gregg's and Branch's brigades, formed the rear guard of the army on its return to the Virginia shore.

Shepherdstown, 20th September—On the morning of the 20th the division moved down to repel the enemy, who were crossing the Potomac at Shepherdstown ferry. Line of battle was formed in a cornfield about three-fourth of a mile back from the ferry. Pender's brigade moved forward in the direction of the ferry, and General Gregg's and Colonel Thomas' toward a point somewhat to the right. When General Pender had gotten about half-way to the ferry, General Hill directed me to take command of the three remaining brigades (Field's, commanded by Colonel Brockenbrough, on the right; Lane's in the centre, and my own, under senior Colonel Turney, on the left) and advance to the support of Pender. I moved straight forward until within a few hundred yards of General Pender's brigade, when, on his sending me back information that the enemy was attempting to flank him on the left, I moved my flank to the left, and the left regiment of my brigade, as soon as it was unmasked by Pender's, and each other regiment as soon as unmasked by the preceding one, went in at a double-quick. Colonel Lane's next and then Field's were in like manner, and with equal spirit, thrown forward on the enemy, killing many and driving the rest down the precipitous banks into the river.

The advance of my command was made under the heaviest artillery fire I have ever witnessed. Too much praise cannot be awarded to officers and men for their conduct.

, Brigadier-General Commanding.

Shepherdstown—My brigade formed the left of our division. Advancing to within about three hundred yards, we were opened upon by the artillery from the opposite side of the river, which lasted all day at a most terrible rate. We came upon the infantry which had crossed. I had gone to the left to oppose this force, which was far superior to my own. Finding an effort made to flank me, I placed two regiments under cover from artillery, facing the river, and threw the others on my left flank so as to check this disposition of the enemy. Holding this position a short time, General Archer came up with three brigades to the support of the