Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/199

 198 Southern Historical Society Papers.

forward with great cheerfulness, seeming anxious to meet the enemy. Just before reaching its position in line, the regiment advanced by the right flank through an open field under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, which was posted on a commanding position. It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers and men of this command acted very coolly and moved forward in good order; here Lieutenant J. C. Sapp was slightly wounded, but continued with his company. Before advancing in line of battle the command was per- mitted to rest a few moments. The Second Georgia composed the right, and with the Seventeenth Georgia, the right wing of Ben- ning's brigade. Soon the order to advance was given, when the en- tire regiment moved forward in splendid order until it came to a deep gorge where the nature of the ground was such that it was im- possible to preserve any alignment ; but, notwithstanding the rocks, undergrowth and the deadly fire of the enemy, the officers and men of this regiment moved forward with dauntless courage, driving the enemy before them, and did not halt until they saw they were some distance in advance of their line, and beyond a rocky eminence on the left, which had been previously held by the enemy. Here the regiment made a stand, and fought as gallantly as men could fight, and did not yield an inch of ground, but repulsed several charges made by the enemy who were protected by a battery, and a hill lined with sharpshooters. It was shortly after the regiment halted that Lieutenant-Colonel Wm. T. Harris fell, pierced through the heart by a minie-ball. He behaved gallantly and coolly while advancing and was in the act of cheering on his command when he received the fatal shot. The command then devolved upon the undersigned, who was Major of the regiment. We held our position until night closed the bloody drama. We have to deplore the loss of many gallant officers and men, a list of whom has been previously forwarded. I take great pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed both by officers and men, and, in my humble judgment, men never fought with more determination and bravery. We captured quite a number of prisoners, of whom previous mention has been made. It is im- possible to individualize where all acted so nobly and courageously. I would respectfully call your attention to Forage Master R. W. Scrogin, of Company I, Second Georgia regiment, who went into the battle voluntarily and fought bravely until wounded. The Second Georgia and a portion of the Seventeenth Georgia, being a short distance in advance, I received orders from headquarters, about 3 o'clock A. M. on the 3d inst., to fall back, and connect with the main