Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/284

270 I drove them three miles, not, however, without the loss of one of my most gallant and efficient officers, Captain Joseph Chenault, of Company B, who was shot through the body and died almost without breathing again. Captain A. J. Bruner, of Company C, was shot through the foot about the same time. This was all my loss on this part of the field. That portion of my command sent to your assistance sustained some loss. Corporal John McClay was killed, and Orderly Sergeant B. F. McCoy was shot through the body and thigh, and had his leg amputated.

Early on the following morning I received an order to move with four of my companies to the front and engage the enemy, which order was executed by Major J. B. McCreary, who moved down and engaged them about 8 A. M. The remainder of my regiment was ordered in line to the extreme right of the whole command. About this time the enemy opened upon us with their artillery. My men, although they had been under fire eight or ten hours, without water or anything to eat, stood firm, and, when overpowered and compelled to fall back, did so in good order, and when the command was given to rally and charge, they did so with the most perfect coolness and gallantry, and were among the first to charge the enemy, and pursued them in advance of the whole column, until called in, near the river, by General Morgan.

My loss was one man killed in Sunday's action, and four wounded. My loss in both days' actions foots up three killed and six wounded. I have to regret the wounding of Captain Thomas B. Collins, of Company F, who behaved most gallantly during the entire day, refusing to leave the field (although shot through the fleshy part of the thigh) until the conflict was closed.

I can not close this report without expressing my thanks to Colonel Tucker and Major McCreary, who rendered most efficient service. To Adjutant William L. Hickman I am also under lasting obligations. In fact, where all did their duty so well, it is impossible to distinguish, and therefore, I return my thanks to all.

D. W. Chenault.

By May 25th Colonel Chenault's Regiment had permanently