Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/236

 226 Southern Hiskyrical Society Papers.

during the day the fog was very dense on the mountain side. It was almost impossible to distinguish any object at the distance of one hundred yards. The enemy made no attack on my right or on Brig- adier-General Moore's line. But the attack on the left was continued, and finding that the purpose of the enemy was to force my left, at the suggestion of Brigadier-General Walthall I ordered Captain Davis, commanding the Twentieth Alabama regiment, to move forward, keeping his left well up to the bluff, and drive the enemy from the higher ground they then held. The order was executed promptly and in gallant style. The higher ground was gained and held during the fight.

About 8 o'clock at night Clayton's brigade, commanded by Colonel Holtzclaw, relieved Walthall's brigade and the Twentieth and Thirty- ^ first Alabama regiments of my command. These two regiments were withdrawn and formed in the road a short distance in the rear. Some time after this I went to the road leading down the mountain, and there met Brigadier-General Jackson coming down. He di- rected me to keep my command where it was and await orders, and then passed on down the mountain. After i o'clock that night I received orders from the Brigadier-General commanding to retire with my command across Chattanooga Creek at the upper bridge, which was done quietly and in good order.

Captains Gould and Smith, of my staflf, bore themselves gallantly throughout the affair. Below is a statement of the casualties in my command. It is small. The day was dark and the men well shel- tered on the rock.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

[Signed] E. W. Pettus,

Brigadier- General Comma7iding.

CASUALTIES IN PETTUS's BRIGADE IN THE FIGHT OF 24TH ULT.

Killed, 9 ; wounded, 38 ; missing, 9. Total, 56.