Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/247

 246 Southern Historical Society Papers.

artillery well handled. A select force of ten or twelve thousand in- fantry was broken and driven from the field in less than thirty min- utes by twenty-nine pieces of artillery alone.

In the afternoon,* General Ewell having determined to make a flank movement, Lieutenant-Colonel Braxton was directed to accom- pany him with six guns of select calibre. After proceeding two or three miles the roads were found to be impracticable for artillery, and Braxton was ordered to return to his former position. The Second Corps, on the 2ist, moved to the right to Mud Tavern, there taking the Telegraph road to Hanover Junction ; arrived at that place on the 22d. The enemy soon confronted us; but not making any at- tempt on our lines, the artillery remained quietly in position till the morning of the 2yth, when the whole army moved in the direction of Richmond, and on the 28th went into position on the Totopotomoy, General Ewell' s corps being near Pole Green Church. About this time General Early assumed command of the Second Corps.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to call the attention of the Commanding General to the uniform good conduct of all the officers and men under my command. In battle they were brave and deter- mined, and in camp they were obedient and attentive. I have ever found them what soldiers should be. I would especially call atten- tion and express my thanks to Colonel Carter, who commanded a division of artillery, and also rendered valuable assistance in selecting positions and in the general supervision of the lines, and to Lieuten- ant-Colonels Nelson, Hardaway and Braxton, Majors Cutshaw and Page, commanding battalions, and to Majors Stribling and Moorman. These officers were always particularly distinguished for gallantry in the field, and for their careful attention to discipline in camp and on the march. I would also call special attention to the members of my staff. Lieutenant S. V. Southall, Acting Adjutant-General, was with me in all our operations, and rendered me the most valuable aid; he was always conspicuous for coolness and judgment. Major F. P. Turner, Chief A. G.; Captain W. J. Armstrong, C. S ; Captain Gregory, Ordnance Officer, and Dr. J. A. Strath, Chief Surgeon, were all distinguished for the able administration of their depart- ments; also my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant R. O. Arrington.

Being absent from my command, I am unable to append a list of casualties. The chief loss was upon the capture of Cutshaw's and Page's battalions on the I2th of May.


 * An error, as this attack was made next day, the igth. C. BROWN.