Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/552

540 Skinner (First Virginia), dashing forward in advance of the whole line, was the first to reach the battery, and I saw him dealing deadly blows with his sabre to the Yankee gunners. The steady veteran Terry, with the gallant Twenty-fourth, delivered a destructive volley into the enemy's ranks on our left, and pushed forward to the charge. The valiant Patton led the heroic Seventh Virginia. Its list of casualties in officers and men gives proof they were where the battle raged fiercely. Colonel Patton, Lieutenant-Colonel FlorenceFlowerree [sic], Major Swindler, and Adjutant Patton all fell, severely wounded in this brilliant onset. The ever-ready First, as usual, did its work manfully. Major Clements, with the war-worn Eleventh, moved forward with veteran firmness. The Seventeenth, led by the ardent Lieutenant-Colonel Marye, advanced in perfect line. Just before reaching the battery Colonel Marye fell, wounded severely (leg since amputated), and, under the command of the intrepid Major Herbert, the regiment continued the charge.

The charge was a success, the enemy was driven from his guns, his infantry supports scattered, and his battery taken.

My line was now somewhat broken, owing to the impetuosity of the charge, and seeing the enemy advancing his reserves, I dispatched my assistant adjutant-general, Captain Bryant, and aid de campaid-de-camp [sic], Captain Beckham, to you for aid, which was promptly furnished. Samuel Coleman, private, company E, Seventeenth Virginia, in the hottest of the fight, wrested from the hands of the color-sergeant of the Eleventh Pennsylvania regiment, his regimental colors and handed them to me. These colors I have already had the honor to forward to you. At this juncture, having received a wound in the thigh, and finding that my horse was tottering under me from a wound through his body, I turned over the command to Colonel Terry, reported to you, and with your permission, retired from the field.

Never was a brigade commander more gallantly and efficiently supported by field and company officers and brave men. To the gentlemen of my staff, Captains Bryant and Beckham, I return my thanks for gallant and efficient aid in the hour of need. To enumerate the acts of individual courage, would too greatly lengthen out my report, and lest I might omit to mention many who were meritorious, I now bring it to a close. Suffice it to say, that officers and men discharged their respective duties well and faithfully, and while we owe thanks to Almighty God for the success to our arms on this occasion, we have to lament the loss of many good men.