Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/176

 Official Reports of the Battle of Gettysburg. 175

C. Moore, Assistant Adjutant-General of the brigade, who had been in hospital, reported for duty on the loth. To Captain Cleary, who I found in charge as Assistant Adjutant-General, I am greatly indebted for active and intelligent assistance in taking charge of this command while on the march. Your obedient servant,

BRADLEY T. JOHNSON, Colonel Commanding.

REPORT OF COLONEL BRYAN GRIMES, OF FOURTH NORTH CARO- LINA.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS,

July i9th, 1863. Captain S. GALES,

Acting Adjutant- General :

In compliance with orders, I have the honor of submitting the following report as the part taken by the Fourth Regiment, North Carolina Troops, under my command, in the engagements around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania:

On Wednesday, the ist of July, we were encamped near Heidlers- burg, and were under arms and on the march by sunrise. About 4 P. M. arrived near the battlefield and formed in line of battle, being on the left of our brigade; after resting a few minutes were ordered to advance in line of battle, which was soon countermanded, and then moved by the right flank.

After proceeding a few hundred yards, the regiment, together with the Second, was recalled by Major-General Rodes, and posted on a hill to repel any attack from that quarter, as at that time there were indications of an advance on the part of the enemy. This position was parallel with the road down which the other two regiments of our brigade had moved. After a very few minutes, the enemy not ad- vancing, and a regiment of theirs having been seen obliquing to the left instead of advancing towards us, General Rodes ordered me with the Second Regiment to advance. After getting from under cover of the hill we were exposed to a severe galling and enfilading fire from a woods to our right, which compelled me to change front towards the right.

We then advanced upon the enemy, joining our brigade and driving them in great confusion, and but for the fatiguing and ex-