Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/260

 254 Souihern Historical Society Papers.

]. R. Cabell had been promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Captain G. K. Griggs to Major, date from 3d July. The regiment remained in, winter quarters until ist November it was sent to Hanover Court- house, Virginia, and returned on nth to Kingston, North Carolina. On 30th January, 1864, the regiment with the division ordered to invest Newbern. On morning of ist February formed line of battle at Polletsville and opened fire on enemy's works at Brice's Creek. Re- mained in line of battle until night 3d, when fell back and with rapid and hard marching arrived in camp at Kingston on 4th, remained until 14th, took train for Richmond, Virginia, going into camp near the city on 3d May on nine-mile road. Ordered and disposed of all surplus baggage. Marched on 7th, taking steamer to Drewry's Bluff to check the enemy under Butler. Colonel Whittle having been retired, Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Cabell promoted to Colonel and Major G. K. Griggs to Lieutenant-Colonel. He having cut the Petersburg and Richmond railroad near Chester station, remained in breast- works until 6}4 A. M. On loth ordered forward. The brigade under General Barton was divided by order of General Ransom and sent on different roads (official report made of the campaign), and soon engaged the forces of General Butler, United States Army, esti- mated at from twenty to thirty thousand strong, upon the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike. In this action the Thirty-eighth Virginia regiment was formed on the left of brigade and left of the turnpike. About 9 o'clock A. M. the signal for advance was given, the regi- ment moved forward and soon engaged the enemy's skirmishers, driving them upon their line of battle. At this point I found my left entirely unprotected and the enemy upon a line with my own. I immediately reported the fact to Colonel Cabell and one of General Barton's staff and deployed my left. Company K, Lieutenant W. G. Cabaniss commanding, perpendicular to my line of battle and con- tinued the advance, breaking and driving back three lines of battle the depth of my regiment, capturing two pieces of artillery. My ranks having in this time been so much depleted from casualties, and the enemy on my left having passed around and in my rear, I was or- dered by Captain Thom, Acting Adjutant and Inspector General, to fall back, and turning about, fought its way out, killing about fifteen, wounding many, and capturing fifty of the Thirteenth Indiana regi- ment. My loss in this action was heavy, and none more regretted than that of the brave and noble Colonel Cabell, who fell mortally wounded in the early [)art of the action. For casualties you are respectfully referred to Forms A and B.

I cannot mention any particular instance of gallantry where all