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Head Quarters Adams’ Regiment,
Decr 16th, 1862.
To Col. R. G. Shaver, Commanding Brigade.
Sir—To you, and through you to the Major-General commanding Corps, I respectfully present the name of John Howerton, Third Corporal of Company “A” of my Regiment, as the soldier entitled by meritorious conduct to the gun proposed to be presented by the Maj. Genl. commanding Corps.
Corporal Howerton was one of my Color Guard on the day of the battle of Prairie Grove. The Color Sergeant being sick, Howerton was designated by myself to bear the colors of the Regiment. As stated in my report, my Regiment went forward under a brisk, I may say heavy fire of artillery and small arms, and remained under a terrific fire for more than half an hour. Of the eight corporals composing my Color Guard, five were killed and two wounded. My flag is pierced by nine balls, yet Howerton never in the least degree faltered, never but when ordered by myself let the flag drop in the least, and in the confusion which ensued in my regiment when repulsed in the first charge, and when Major Williams and myself were using our utmost exertions to rally the men under a heavy fire, Howerton steadily upheald the flag and used both word and action to prevail upon the men to rally to their flag. His entire conduct on the field gave the fullest evidence of cool, unflinching courage and bravery. He bore the flag safely from the field, and I can but think that if true bravery is to be rewarded by so beautiful a present as the gun in question, Howerton’s cool bravery under most trying circumstances entitles him to the handsome reward.
I have the honor, Sir, to be,
Your Very Obt. Svt.,
CHAS. W. ADAMS,
Col. Comg. Regt.
[Endorsements.]
Hd. Qrs. 2d Brig. &c,
Camp Mazzard,
Dec. 18, 1862.
Respectfully forwarded for consideration of the Brig. Genl. Comdg. Div. In my opinion the gallantry of this Color Corporal deserves to be rewarded.
R. G. SHAVER,
Col. Comdg.
Hd. Qrs. 3d Div.,
Dec. 18/62.
Recommendation of Col. Shaver fully concurred in by ord. Brig. Gen. D. M. Frost.
F. VON PHUL,
A.A.C. & A.A.A.G.