Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/231

 Major-General Stephen D. Kamseur. 231

an officer, courteous and urbane; as a soldier, fearless and chivalrous. He early commanded the respect and ultimately won the hearts of all of whom he held command. This brigade at the time he assumed command was in Rhodes' division of Jackson's corps. Ramseur remained in command without events of any particular importance occurring until he entered upon his

CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.

His report of that famous battle is so full and complete, and so clearly displays the unselfish and chivalrous nature of this officer, I am con- fident I cannot do better than to incorporate it as a part of this sketch. It reads as follows :

" May 23, 1864. "SiR:

In obedience to Orders No., dated May yth, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade in the series of skirmishes and battles opening at Massaponax creek and ending in the splendid victory at Chancellorsville :

"Wednesday, A.M., April 29th, the brigade was placed below Massaponax creek to dispute the enemy's crossing, and remained in that position, occasionally annoyed by their artillery (by which I lost a few men) and kept on the alert by picket firing until Thursday evening, when we were withdrawn to a point near Hamilton's Crossing.

" Friday, May ist, at 3 A. M., we were aroused for the march and led the advance of Major-General Rodes' division in the direction of Chancellorsville. At a distance of seven miles from Fredericksburg we were detached from our own division and ordered to report to Major-General Anderson, when we advanced upon the enemy, who fell back in confusion before our sharp-shooters for several miles, strewing the way with their arms and baggage, this brigade, with General Posey on our right and General Wright on our left, for upwards, perhaps, of two miles, being in advance. About 6 P. M. we found the foe in force upon our front and supported by batteries that poured grape unsparingly into the woods through which we were still advancing. Night approaching a halt was ordered, and we slept on our arms with a strong picket line on the outposts.

"Saturday, May 2d, we were relieved about sunrise and shortly thereafter marched by a series of circuitous routes and with surpass- ing strategy to a position in the rear of the enemy, whom, at about 5 P. M., we were ordered to attack.