Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/87

Rh On Saturday, the 29th, we proceeded to recross the Chickahominy, and pursued the enemy until Monday evening, the 30th, when we overtook him and were at once formed in columns of regiments, on the right of the road, under cover of the woods. In a few minutes we were led into action by you in person. Since you witnessed the daring of my regiment while advancing towards the enemy, under a terrific fire, and the disadvantages under which they labored in meeting retreating batteries, and in not knowing with accuracy the point for which they had been designated, I shall leave it to you, General, to say all that is necessary in their praise.

So soon as the enemy appeared in sight, the order was given for our regiment to charge, which we did without faltering, and drove him before us at least a mile, every inch of which was hotly contested. It was now near sunset, and finding that he had fallen upon his reserves which extended far beyond my right flank, and that we had driven away the immediate force that were protecting the enemy's batteries, I ordered a change of position, so as to reform in rear of General Pender's brigade, which was then advancing to our support. About this time, I was myself disabled by a slight wound on the head, but by the assistance of some of my men was enabled for a while to keep the field and send a portion of my men again into action, under command of Major J. L. Hill.

During this action, and the reformation just spoken of, I take occasion to acknowledge the eminent services rendered to me, my regiment and the cause, by Major Hill, who was always ready to expose himself to the hottest fire; to Lieutenant L. D. Stockton, my adjutant, who was at my side during the whole action, except when bearing official messages, under the enemy's fire, and did great service in assisting me in rallying the men; Lieutenant Munro, of the Second North Carolina regiment, who was acting as volunteer Lieutenant in Company E, also distinguished himself by conspicuous bravery. Captain J. McLeod Turner, Company F, and his command, distinguished themselves, as they have always hitherto done, by the eagerness with which they approached the foe. Lieutenant Murchison, Company C, also proved himself a worthy successor of his disabled captain, R. B. McRae. It was in this contest that Lieutenant J. Milton Alexander was mortally, and Lieutenants Dickey and Blackmar seriously, wounded. In this battle I have no complaint to make of any officer or man in