Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/235

 Major-General Stephen D. Ramseur. 235

borne, they richly deserve the thanks of our beautiful and glorious Confederacy.

" I cannot close without mentioning the conspicuous gallantry and great efficiency of my regimental commander. Colonel Parker of the Thirtieth* North Carolina was detached during the fight of Sun- day to support a battery, and having accomplished that object moved forward on his own responsibility and greatly contributed to wrest the enemy's stronghold at Chancellorsville from their grasp as well as prevent their threatened demonstrations upon the right of my brigade ; the gallant Grimes of the Fourth North Carolina, whose conduct on other fields gave promise of what was fully realized on this ; Colonel Bennett of the Fourteenth North Carolina, conspicuous for his coolness under the hottest fire, and last, though not least, the manly and chivalrous Cox of the Second North Carolina, the ac- complished gentleman, splendid soldier, and warm friend, who, though wounded five times, remained with his regiment until ex- hausted. In common with the entire command, I regret his tempo- rary absence from the field, where he loved to be.

"Major Daniel W. Hurtt, Second North Carolina State troops, commanded the skirmishers faithfully and well.

" To the field and company officers, one and all, my thanks are due for the zeal and bravery displayed under the most trying cir- cumstances.

" To the gentlemen of my staff I owe especial thanks for services rendered on the march and upon the field. Captain Seaton Gales, Assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Caleb Richmond, aide- de-camp, were with me all the time, promptly carrying orders under the very hottest fire. I take pleasure, too, in speaking of the bravery of private James Stinson, courier, a youth of twenty, who displayed qualities a veteran might boast of, and of the conduct of private J. B. Beggarly, also a courier to headquarters.

"To Dr. G. W. Briggs, senior surgeon of the brigade, my thanks are due for his zeal, skill, and care of the wounded.

" I am, sir, very respectfully,

'* Your obedient servant,

" STEPHEN D. RAMSEUR, ' ' Brigadier- General Commanding. ' '