Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/331

Rh Colonel Charles Marshall, of General Lee's staff, on several occasions talked with me of the anxiety expressed by General Lee for the safety of the Danville Railroad at this crisis, and of his satisfaction and gratification at the result of this battle, and as a further mark of his appreciation expressed his pleasure in a congratulatory order sent to me soon thereafter, which I had read on dress parade, where it was received with much enthusiasm by the entire command, my men being proud of this recognition from General Lee. What soldiers would not have been at any time, but especially when this commendation was not to seasoned veterans, but in recognition of their fortitude in their baptismal fire against a force far better equipped and numbering over five to one.

My artillery consisted of two twenty-pound guns, mounted in bastions at the outer angles of the fortifications, effective a distance of two miles, and two rifled six-pounders, and four smooth-bore six-pounders, these last more noisy than serviceable, carrying effectively barely 1,000 yards. The two twenty-pound pieces and the two rifled Napoleons I had but just received after persistent appeals following much procrastination on the part of our Ordnance Department.

I had only 1,238 men and officers, including Captain Paul Edmunds, with about fifty mounted men, whom I stationed to defend the first ford above the bridge, and Colonel Stanhope Flournoy, with about the same number, whom I stationed at the first ford below the bridge, each about one and one-half miles off as I now recollect, to prevent or advise me of the enemy crossing above or below, and attempting to get in my rear.

I shall always feel thankful to Col. R. E. Withers, who was commanding at Danville at the time, for his prompt response to my telegram to send me every available man from Danville, including every one in the hospitals able to handle a rifle.. These, with the two Danville companies added to my men and boys, made a more seasoned force, which I used effectively.

I am pleased to have you arouse the good people of Halifax to what is due to them and those who come after, in perpetuating the history of this spot in the borders of old Halifax.

The New England States attained a great deal of their