Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/387

 386 Southern Historical Society Papers.

through the field, but they failed to do so. I advanced to the top of the hill and drove the enemy from it. After holding the hill a few moments, pouring a destructive fire into his fleeing columns in my front, a fire was opened on both my right and left flanks. This fire, I believe, came from our own men in the rear of my flanks, the same that I had asked to advance with me, but before I could stop it my line had been thrown into confusion, and I found it necessary to fall back to reform. As I fell back, and just as I reached the timber, observing Major-General Hood, I rode up 10 him to get orders, but just as I was at the point of addressing him, he was wounded and carried from the field. Believing that I could not retake arid hold the position on the hill alone, and having failed to get the co-opera- tion of the only forces in reach, I formed my brigade in the timber and awaited orders. On reporting to General Law, I was ordered to form on the left of the division and throw up temporary works in my front.

In the aforesaid charge, I lost some of my best officers, among them Lieutenants Bookman and Killigsworth, of the Fourth Texas; Captain Billingsly, of the Fourth Texas, and Lieutenant Streitman, of the Fifth Texas, and Lieutenant Worthington, of the Third Arkansas.

Late in the evening I was moved to the position of General Pres- ton, where I relieved General Kershaw, and bivouacked for the night.

In closing my report, justice requires that I should express my indebtedness to my personal stafiffor their promptness and assistance. Lieutenant Kerr, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieutenant Scott, Aide-de Camp, were active and efficient, and rendered me valuable assistance. To Major Hamilton, my commissary, I am in- debted for valuable aid and assistance on the field in the battle of the iQth. He was slightly wounded.

I herewith submit the report of the regimental commanders. My list of casualties is heavy, and affords a better test of the conduct of both officers and men than any remark of mine could give. They are herewith submitted.

I am, Captain, very truly,

J. B. ROBERTSON, Brigadier- General Commanding.