Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/278

 Casualties Killed—Officers, none Enlisted men, 5

Wounded—Officers 12 Enlisted men 36 48

October 15th, 1862.

Com'd'g 1st Brig.

In compliance with your orders, I have the honor to forward to you a report of the part taken by the 1st Va. Reg't in the battle of Groveton. This Reg't arrived under command of Lt. Col. Skinner, with the brigade upon the right of our lines, on the railroad leading from Gainesville to Manassas on Friday, the 27th of August, at about half-past one o'clock; from there we moved across the railroad about half a mile under a heavy shelling from a battery of the enemy to our left. We then fell back under cover of a woods, and after remaining in that position an hour, returned, marching past the first position and formed in line in rear of Hood's Brig., remaining there that night and until Saturday evening, when at 4 o'clock we were ordered forward, and to the left to support Genl. Jenkins. Passing through a small woods we came into a large field, having the "China House" to our left. There we were ordered to make a left half-wheel and then forwarded under a heavy canonade for about five hundred yards, the enemy holding on most stubbornly, but, unable to stand, they fell back, leaving in the battery in our hands. Here, Colonel, allow me to call attention to the gallant bearing of Lt. Col. Skinner, who, at the head of his Regiment, rode into the battery, cutting down two of the enemy at their guns. We advanced beyond the battery down a slope into some pines and there remained, holding that position until night, then falling back and bivouacing near our first position. Loss during both days, four killed and twenty-six wounded