Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/261

 Memoranda of Thirty-eighth Virginia Infantry. 255

acted so well. The regiment was engaged on dutj' after this in trenches around Richmond, operating against the Sheridan raiders until i6th May. When the battle of Drewry's Bluff was fougiit, the brigade, then commanded by Colonel Fry, formed a part of the attacking force on the left, and acting as a support to Brigadier- General Hoke's North Carolina Brigade, which, owing to the density of the fog, was invisible at forty paces, and having left my front my regiment was precipitated upon the enemy's works, and many were shot down without firing a gun, while laboring under the delusion that General Hoke's brigade was in our front, and it was not until when within twenty paces of the enemy's works, which were yet in- visible, that a fire was made, when, with much reduced ranks, only a few of the right and many of the left wing entered the enemy's works, capturing many prisoners. I lost here many good and noble men, who had attested their gallantry upon many a bloody field. For casualties you are referred to Forms C and D.

Lieutenant-Colonel George K. Griggs was shot through the thigh. The regiment, with the brigade, took the train for Milford on the iSth, and marched thence to Spotsylvania Courthouse to join Gen- eral Lee, but finding him falhng back, returned to Hanover Court house, having marched two days and nights on short rations, and but little rest. May the agtn, the division was reunited, and General Picket took command, to the great joy of all. On the 17th June, it took part in driving the enemy from our lines, near Bermuda Hun- dreds, which was accomplished with the loss of one killed and wounded. Since that time my regiment has been holding one of the most exposed positions on this most important line, and has been engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy since occupying its present position. August the 25th, the enemy's picket line in my front was captured with some prisoners, but my loss here was not repaid by the advantage gained, having lost two very valuable offi- cers — Captain Joyce, Company A, killed, and Captain W. G. Caba- niss, shot through the face, so as to disable him from service — besides some good men. November the 17th, it being desirable to advance our picket line, and all necessary arrangements being made, the line being slightly reinforced moved forward, and before the enemy well knew what was going on the larger number were prisoners. I lost one man wounded in this charge, established my picket line as far as was desired, captured about thirty-seven pri- vates and non-commissioned officers, one lieutenant and one captain.

Brigadier -General George H. Sieuart, of Maryland, was placed in