Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/414

 Battle of Chickamauga. 413

about eleven oclock for the headquarters of the army or the wing, with a view to making a report of my position. Failing in this at- tempt, I returned to my command worn out with the toils of the day. The following morning revealed to us the fact that the enemy had left us in possession of the field. Details were now made to collect the spoils and bury the dead.

I ought here to mention the heroic efforts on the part of officers and men which came under my observation, but, for want of per- sonal acquaintance with the parties, I cannot do justice to all. I especially notice the faithful toil and heroic conduct of Lieutenant- Colonel Reynolds, of the First battalion of dismounted rifles, Mc- Nair's brigade, who was conspicuous in his efforts to preserve our lines and encourage and press on our men. For hours he, with many other officers, faithfully and incessantly labored in this duty. In this connection, I must, in justice, mention Colonel J. S. Fulton, of the Forty-fourth Tennessee regiment, commanding Johnson's brigade; Colonel R. H. Keble, of the Twenty-third Tennessee regi- ment; Lieutenant Colonel Floyd and Captain Terry, of the Seven- teenth Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Snowden, and Acting Adjutant Gregg, of the Twenty-fifth Tennessee regiment. To Colonel Suggs I feel especially indebted for his gallant, able and efficient services in commanding Gregg's brigade. He is a good and meritorious officer.

Colonel Walker and Lieutenant-Colonel Clack, of the Third Ten- nessee; Colonel Grace, of the Tenth Tennessee ; Captain Curties, of the Fiftieth Tennessee, and Captain Osburn, of the Forty-first Ten- nessee regiments, all of Gregg's brigade, merit special commendation for their services in this protracted struggle. To the courage and fortitude of the men of this brigade, as well as to every other bri- gade which struggled with them in our last persistent efforts to drive the enemy from their final position. I trust the proper sense of grati- tude will be awarded. Colonel Coleman, commanding McNair's brigade, did gallant service, and carried his command faithfully through all the varying fortunes of the field, on the left, to the very close of the fight. I regret that I am unable to specify more partic- ularly the services of meritorious officers of this brigade.

I beg leave to call attention to the efficient use made of artillery in my command. My purpose, in accordance with preconceived no- tions, was to keep my artillery employed to the utmost practical extent in conjunction with my infantry; and my little experience this battlefield only determines me, on all like occasions, to improve