Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/237

 236 Southern Historical Society Papers.

duties, so impressing me that I have often wished he could have a command in the line, if it were possible to fill his place on the staff. It is but simple justice to say that the quiet and efficient manner in which Surgeon McGuire performed the duties of his important de- partment left nothing to be desired, while Colonel Allan's abilities were recognized at headquarters by both compliments and promo- tion. Major Brown had been with me from the first battle of Manas- sas, and on nearly every field had been intrusted with important duties. On no occasion did I have reason to regret my confidence in his coolness, judgment and discretion. I also wished to recommend him for promotion to a Tennessee brigade, but he declined. Proba- bly no officer had more distinguished himself by repeated acts of per- sonal bravery and dash than Lieutentant T. T. Turner, or with so slight personal advancement. Up to the time when he was wounded at Spotsylvania Courthouse he had constantly been foremost wherever opportunities presented themselves. Lieutenant Harper Carroll and Lieutenant John Taliaferro, Acting Aide-de-camps, had horses shot under them on the i2th of May, and displayed much personal gal- lantry. My total loss at the Wilderness was 1,250 killed and wounded. The burial parties from two divisions reported interring over 1,100 of the enemy; the third and largest made no report. When we moved, probably one-third or more were still unburied of those who were in reach of our lines. At Spotsylvania, though the enemy held the ground for a week, we found on regaining it many of their dead still unburied, while the numerous graves showed their loss to have been immense; it must have exceeded ours in the pro- portion of at least six to one, taking all the engagements together. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. S. EWELL, Lieutenant- General.

REPORT OF GENERAL S. D. RAMSEUR, FROM 4-TH TO 2JTH MAY, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS EARLY'S DIVISION,

August 3d, 1864. Major PEYTON,

Acting Adjutant- General:

In accordance with the request of Major-General Rodes I have the honor to submit the following brief account of the operations of my