Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/520

508 three columns deep; the enemy was repulsed, but returned in a short time more vigorously, and strengthened by several columns, who broke through my lines over our works, the left of the Forty-fourth Alabama having given way. I here ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Scruggs, commanding Fourth Alabama, to swing his regiment across the ridge and to hold his position at any sacrifice, which was promptly done, the men and officers acting promptly. Here I ordered Col. Perry, commanding the Forty fourth Alabama, to rally his men and to take his position at all hazards; the Fourth Alabama co-operating with him, soon drove the enemy from and beyond the breast-works; he soon returned, but was driven back. About this time I received orders from General Law to fall back to the tall hill near the bridge. When I received this order the firing had ceased. I gave the order to fall back in order and in line of battle. I fell back to the first ridge, remained there a few minutes, and then fell back to where I first formed line of battle, when I received orders to recross the bridge. In leaving the ridge where I had engaged the enemy, I was notified of a column of the enemy advancing down the valley from the river, between the two ridges; at the same time I saw a heavy column marching by the flank on my left, which was evidently the column which passed through the fields in my front in the direction where General Jenkins' brigade was engaged; we had been in our position on the ridge, I suppose, one hour or more, before the firing commenced on our left by General Jenkins' brigade.

I cannot close my report without expressing my thanks to Lieutenant Jo. Hardwick and Sergeant-Major Bobbins, of the Forty-eighth Alabama, who volunteered to assist me, in their promptness to deliver every order, also to the commanders and company officers, and men of the Fourth, Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth Alabama regiments, for promptness in driving back the enemy in the several charges; also to Col. Perry, of the Forty-fourth, for rallying his men and driving the enemy from his position they had taken. These regiments were under my immediate observation. The casualties were: Fourth Alabama, 1 killed; Fifteenth Alabama, five wounded, two officers and nine men missing; Forty-fourth Alabama, one killed, ten wounded, eleven missing; Forty-seventh Alabama, none; Forty-eighth Alabama, one mortally wounded, Capt. Eubanks, and three privates wounded. The loss of the enemy was evidently very great, much more so than ours.

, Col. Commanding Law's Brigade.