Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/393

 392 Southern Historical Society Papers.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gaillard to take possession of the enemy's hos pital and to picket to the front. The day was spent in caring for the wounded, burying the dead and collecting arms. In the afternoon Major-General McLaws resumed command of the division. My brigade was marched a few miles that night towards Chattanooga, and next day drove in the enemy to their present lines, in conjunc- tion with Wofford's brigade, my Eighth South Carolina being chiefly engaged. But few men were lost in this affair. During the first charge of the 2Oth my brigade captured nine pieces of artillery, three of which were taken by the Eighth South Carolina, and some half- dozen caissons, with ammunition. Most of these were taken before they could open fire. My losses were heavy, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying detailed report. Among them are some of the most gallant and efficient officers and men of my com- mand, and choice spirits of Carolina chivalry.

Lieutenant-Colonel Elbert Bland, Seventh South Carolina, fell at the head of his regiment in the first moment of our triumph. A few moments later, Major John S. Hard, his successor, was instantly killed. The command then devolved on Captain E. J. Goggin. Captain J. M. Townsend, commanding James's battalion, was killed leading the charge upon the enemy's stronghold. Lieutenant-Col- onel Hoole, Eighth South Carolina regiment, was killed in the early part of the action. Lieutenant-Colonel Bland was recognized gen- erally as an officer of rare ability.

His power of command, his cool, dauntless courage and self-con- trol in battle, his excellent judgment, disciplinary skill and ability in camp, marked him as a man of a high order of military talent. His personal and social characteristics were equally noble and elevated. In him we have lost a champion worthy of our glorious cause. Major John S. Hard was a gallant and accomplished officer, and has highly distinguished himself on every battlefield in which his regi- ment has been engaged. Captain Townsend commanded his battalion on this occasion in such a manner as to elicit my commendation on the field before he fell, and would, if he were living, have been here mentioned with high distinction.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hoole was an officer of much merit, but had been prevented by protracted illness from attaining that distinction he might have achieved with his gallant regiment. He was much beloved for his personal qualities, and his loss will be deeply deplored by his comrades. For particular mention of other brave spirits who have fallen, I respectfully refer to the accompanying reports of regi-