Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/372

 Battle of C hickamauga. 371

an hour afterwards, the remaining brigades of his division, Grade's and Figg's. These brave troops, as they arrived, were conducted by officers of my staff to the right of my line, and promptly advanced in conjunction with the rest, upon the enemy. From this time we gained ground, but, though commanding nine brigades, with Ker- shaw's co-operating, and all in action, I found the gain both slow and costly. I have never known Federal troops to fight so well. It is just to say, also, that I never saw Confederate soldiers fight better.

Between half past seven and eight P. M. the enemy was driven from his position, surrendering to the gallant Preston six or seven hundred prisoners, with five standards and many valuable arms. One piece of artillery, two or three wagons, and about fifty prison- ers, fell into the hands of Deas's brigade. This was the victorious ending of the battle of Chickamauga.

At ii P. M., suffering much pain from an injury received about mid-day, I relinquished to Brigadier General Anderson the command of my division.

The usual commendatory expressions would almost seem to cheapen the services of the officers and men of my immediate com- mand during the day, and those who fought with us in the afternoon. The relation of what they performed ought to immortalize them. For signal gallantry and efficiency, the army and country are in- debted to Brigadier-Generals Preston and Johnson, and their several brigade commanders; also to Brigadier General Kershaw, and the three brigade commanders of my division Anderson, Deas and Manigault. Without the decided success which they won on Dyer's Hill, Chickamauga would not have been a victory, unless after an- other day of fighting and slaughter.

On the same roll of honor should be inscribed the names of the chivalrous staff officers, the devoted officers of the regiments and companies, and the heroic rank and file. The reports of my subor- dinates mention many of each grade who distinguished themselves. Not a few of them fell gloriously, and now rest on the field ; others bear honorable wounds, and others, fortunately, remained unhurt. I respectfully ask attention to the records of their conspicuous bravery, and that the appropriate rewards of valor be conferred on them.

The following staff officers were with me on the field: Colonel C. W. Adams, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General and Chief of Staff; Major I. P. Wilson, Assistant Adjutant-General; Captain