Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/236

 236 Southern Historical Society Papers.

In the report of this battle by Major-General Rodes he makes the following remarks as to the part borne by Ramseur's brigade:


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" While these movements were taking place on the left, Ramseur and Doles pushed forward on the right, past the first line of entrench- ments, which had already been carried, passed the first and second lines of our troops, and became fiercely engaged. Doles deflecting to the right, passed up a ravine behind the graveyard on Chancellor's Hill, and finally came out in the field nearly opposite the house, driving the enemy before him as he advanced, actually getting several hun- dred yards to the rear as well of those troops opposing the rest of my division as of those opposing General Anderson's Division. Subse- quently he was compelled to fall back and was directed by General Lee to take a large body of prisoners to the rear. Ramseur, after vainly urging the troops in the first line of entrenchment to move for- ward, obtained permission to pass them, and dashing over the works, charged the second entrenchment in the most brilliant style. The struggle at this point was long and obstinate, but the charge on the left of the plank- road at this time caused the enemy to give way on his left, and this, combined with the unflinching determination of his men, carried the day, and gave him possession of the works. Not being supported, he was exposed still to a galling fire from the right, with great danger of being flanked. Notwithstanding repeated efforts made by him, and by myself in person, none of the troops in his rear would move up until the old "Stonewall Brigade" arrived on the ground, and gallantly advanced in conjunction with the Thirtieth North Carolina regiment, Colonel F. M. Parker, of Ramseur's bri- gade, which had been detached to support a battery, and was now on its return. Occupying the works on the right of Ramseur, and thus relieving him when his ammunition was nearly exhausted, the Stone- wall Brigade pushed on and carried Chancellorsville heights, making the third time that they were captured."

In this battle, Ramseur, though severely wounded, declined to leave the field, and is especially mentioned by Rodes as one who was " dis- tinguished for great gallantry and efficiency in this action."

It will be remembered that it was here that that great ideal soldier of the army of Northern Virginia, who stood second only to Lee, Stonewall Jackson, fell mortally wounded, and was carried from the field. His command then devolved on A. P. Hill, who was wounded, and then upon General J. E. B. Stuart, whose plume, like that of Henry of Navarre, was always seen conspicuous in the thickest of the