Ron --

I would have to collect and mail the letters and other material assembled some time back on Ketchum's Battery. Also, I don't see any connection to Chalmers, but here's Brewer's report from the OR. (series I, vol. X, pp. 461-62). Note the mention of Major Baskerville at the bottom.

April 6-7, 1862..--Battle of Pittsburg Landing, or Shiloh, Tenn.
No. 165. -- Reports of Lieut. Col. R. H. Brewer, Battalion of Mississippi and Alabama Cavalry.

CAMP, NEAR PURDY, TENN., April —, 1862.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my battalion of Mississippi and Alabama cavalry in the bat-the near Shiloh Church:

I moved from Purdy in the direction of Pittsburg on Saturday morning, bringing up in the rear of Brig. Gen. Bushrod Johnson's brigade.

Saturday night, by order of Major-General Polk, I sent two of my companies in the direction of Adamsville, to watch the movements of Wallace's division.

Sunday morning, with my three companies (one having been taken by the major-general for escort), I took my position, as ordered, on the left flank of Major-General Polk's corps. We were there engaged skirmishing with the skirmishers of the enemy, while Colonel Russell, commanding brigade, was advancing, capturing 25 or 30 and killing and wounding others.

In the afternoon, at Major-General Hardee's suggestion, we attempted to pass around to the left, to get in rear of the enemy. In doing so we encountered a detached regiment, which we charged and fired into with shot-guns, killing the officer commanding and others, getting 1 killed and 3 wounded. We then received orders from Major-General Hardee to remain where we were for the present. We bivouacked that night on Owl Creek.

On the morning of the 7th I was ordered by General Beauregard to go with my command to the assistance of Colonel Ferguson. I reported to Colonel Ferguson, but was not needed. For the rest of the day my battalion was employed, by order of General Beauregard, keeping back stragglers. When the army fell back, by order of Major-General Polk, we covered his retreat, getting into camp at Mickey's at 10 o'clock that night.

The next morning I reported to General Breckinridge for duty. Remained three days collecting arms and assisting in removing artillery, &c., as ordered.

I herewith send a list of killed and wounded, as follows: Killed, 5; wounded, 12; missing, 2. Many of my horses were disabled or killed. Both of my horses were shot under me.

Major Baskerville, to whom I am much indebted for coolness, &c., had one of his horses shot.

Very respectfully,

R. H. BREWER, Lieut. Col. Comdg Battalion Mississippi and Alabama Cavalry.

Maj. GEORGE WILLIAMSON, Assistant Adjutant-General.