Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 25.djvu/261

 Tin Y 'A//-///-.-/'//'//' \nrtfi <',,mlhia Ittyi'ment. 257

On account of the nature of the country, this region being known as the wilderness, rapid pursuit was almost impossible. In the charge tin- troops were scattered, and after being gotten together, the com- mand maintained its position Sunday and Monday, and on Tuesday evening the enemy re-crossed the river. General Fender in his re- port s.ivs;

" I can truly say that my brigade fought, May 3, with unsurpassed courage and determination. I never knew them to act universally so well. I noticed no skulking, and they never showed any hesita- tion in following their colors. My list of killed and wounded will show how manfully they fought on that glorious day. After having witnessed the fighting of nearly all the troops that fought on the left of the road I am satisfied with my own but by no means claiming any superiority. All' that I saw behaved as heroes. * * *

"Lieutenant-Colonel John Ashford, Lieutenants Alsa J. Brown, John Robinson, 38th North Carolina, the former part of the time and the latter part of the time in charge of my sharpshooters, dis- tinguished themselves very much. Colonel Ashford was remarked for his gallantry by all, and Lieutenant Brown continued with or in charge of the sharpshooters for several days. He is a young man who deserves promotion. He kept his skirmishers so close to the enemy's breastworks on Monday and Tuesday as to pick off the artillery horses, men working on their trenches, and any one seen mounted. He drove in other skirmishers on all occasions. I should mention that Major M. McR. McLaughlin, 38th North Carolina, was badly wounded while behaving most gallantly. Adjutant D. N. Mclntyre is also spoken of for his distinguished conduct."

The loss of the brigade was 700, the 38th North Carolina losing two officers, Captain McRae and Lieutenant Hare, killed. Officers: eighty-one wounded; sixteen privates killed; twelve missing. The Confederate Congress passed an act by which badges might be given to enlisted men, whom the companies might select as being entitled to them. After the battle of Chancellorsville the following were given badges:

Company A Private Jesse A. Nethercutt, Duplin county; Com- pany B Private Thomas Dinkins, Yadkin county; Company C Private Benjamin Sutton, Sampson county; Company D First Ser- geant David A. Thompson, Sampson county; Company E Private William J. Hutcheson (killed), Richmond county; Company F Private William S. Huffman, Catawba county; Company G Private