...We received the following particulars of yesterday's operations from a gentleman who left the field at two o'clock p.m. About ten o'clock in the morning the enemy's infantry made an advance on our left, on the Charles City Road, in the vicinity of Riddle's Shop. They were met by General Gary's cavalry and stoutly resisted, but being hotly pressed, General Chambliss came to his assistance, and made a gallant charge upon the enemy. General Chambliss received a shot, which knocked him from his horse, and he, together with a number of his men, fell into the hands of the enemy. Gen. Gary kept up the fight and the enemy retired to cover.
About an hour after this demonstration the enemy made an assault with infantry on our center, near Fuzzle's Mills, on the Darbytown Road, about 12 miles from the city. The assault received by Saunders' and Wright's brigades. The enemy made three assaults, but were repulsed in each with heavy loss. Our loss slight.
In the affair on the left General Gary lost forty captured and took over one hundred yankees. His loss in killed and wounded slight. The loss of Chambliss' brigade was not ascertained when our informant left. Skirmishing was general along the line at --p.m.
-The Daily Richmond Examiner
Aug. 17, 1864
p. 1 col. 4
An official dispatch received at the War Department states that the enemy did not renew the attack on our lines after four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon. His force on the Charles City road, after advancing to within two miles of White's Tavern, was driven back across White Oak Swamp. Our loss was small.
Among the gallant dead of the battle near White's Tavern , on Tuesday, we regret to record the name of Brevet Brigadier General Victor J.B. Girardy, who was assigned to the temporary command of Wright's brigade about two weeks ago for gallant and meritorious conduct before Petersburg. He was shot in the forehead and instantly killed. His body reached the city on yesterday morning and was prepared for transportation to Augusta, Georgia where the family of the deceased lives. General Girardy entered the war as first lieutenant of Company C of the Louisiana Guard, subsequently became Adjutant General of Wright's brigade, and during a brief period afterwards, being made to perform field duty, was assigned to the command of a battalion of local troops at Augusta Georgia. upon returning to the field, he was appointed a staff officer to Gen. Mahone and his conduct on the 30th of July, added to his previous reputation for gallantry, caused his promotion to the position which he held when he fell.
In the affair of Tuesday, we learn that a negro brigade was put in advance in the assault upon our lines and that they were met by a destructive fire, which left many of them dead and wounded on the field.
Four hundred and eighty white Yankees, some of whom were wounded, arrived at the Libby on yesterday from the field of Tuesday.
Matters on yesterday were comparatively quiet. At an early hour the enemy threw out a strong force from his left, which took undisputed possession of Signal Hill, about two miles and a half below Chaffin's farm, and just as the neck of Dutch Bend. This place was not fortified and has never been occupied by any other than the Signal Corps. The enemy immediately set to work fortifying the position on the front towards Richmond. About twelve o'clock a demonstration was made upon our center, in which negro troops were engaged, and was repulsed; the negroes, as usual, being in front, suffered the most. Heavy firing was heard during last evening, but its origin did not transpire. It is supposed to have originated in an effort to drive the enemy from Signal Hill.
Further and Interesting Particulars
We are indebted to a gentleman who arrived from headquarters yesterday for the following further particulars of the events of Tuesday and yesterday.
After his repulse on the morning of Tuesday, the enemy massed his troops (10th and 2nd corps) in front of our line, about half a mile north of Fuzzle's mills, charged furiously, and quickly succeeded about 12 M. in breaking through Wright's brigade, of Mahone's division. Lane's North Carolina brigade, which was on the left of Wright's, immediately moved by the right flank until it reached the Darbytown road, filed down this a short distance, and then in the presence e of Maj. Gen. Field, wheeled into line at a double-quick, charged the enemy, who had poured through the gap in great numbers and drove them ? yards to the cover of the captured breastworks. Here at 60 yards distance, both sides kept up a terrible fusillade for some fifteen minutes, when, raising a wild yell, the brigade rushed upon the breastworks. In three minutes, the works along the entire brigade front were captured. Scores of Yankees white and black, lay dead in the trenches, and jumping over the works, the 'Tarheels' poured volley after volley into the flying masses of the enemy. A considerable number of the enemy however, still held the works to our left (their line being so much longer than ours) and turned their fire upon our flank. But, in ten minutes, one hundred and fifty men were thrown forward through a ravine in front of the breastwork, and, suddenly, all attacking the enemy in flank and rear, caused the remainder of his line to break, leaving the entire line in our possession. In this charge we captured some six hundred prisoners and a stand of colors, a number of fire arms, plenty of rich booty, and better than all, re-established the broken lines.
It is proper to say that in this charge Lane's brigade was joined by some of Anderson's and Benning's Georgians who did gallant service.
The enemy have not since repeated their attempt, but kept up a continuous skirmish fire. Otherwise, all is quiet near the scene of this day's battle.
Our loss was comparatively small. When the works were recaptured, however, the dead body [of] General Girardy, who commanded Wright's brigade, was found in the trenches, a minnie ball having passed through his head.
On our extreme left, which was occupied by Gary's and Chambliss' cavalry, supported by Gregg's Texas infantry brigade, we drove the enemy about dark last evening, through White Oak Swamp, in which they abandoned a large number of horses and scattered in all directions in the bog. In this handsome little affair we captured 50 prisoners.
- The Daily Richmond Enquirer
Aug. 18, 1864
p. 1 col. 4
LATE CAVALRY FIGHTING ON THE
CHARLES CITY ROAD
[Correspondence of the Richmond Enquirer]
Cavalry Outposts, White Oak Swamp
August 18, 1864
In justice to facts, which we see imperfectly given in the columns of the daily press of your city in relation to the cavalry engagements of the 15th and 16th instants on this part of the line, allow us a space to set forth those facts as full as the nature of the case will admit of. As the fighting was of such a character as to reflect the highest credit upon the troops engaged, it will be a matter of satisfaction to them and interesting to the public.
In the last great see-saw movement of Grant's, our cavalry division (W.H.F. Lee's) was hurried in a forced march on the evening of the 14th from its base, eight miles on the left of Petersburg, crossed the James at Chaffin's Bluff; General Lee ordered Barringer's North Carolina brigade in advance, across to the Charles City road, upon which the enemy were reported to be rapidly advancing. Gen. Barringer tapped the road at White's Tavern, six miles below Richmond, finding the head of the enemy's column in his immediate front, consisting of Gregg's entire cavalry division, supported by two brigades of infantry, from Barlow's division. Here General Lee had this brigade dismounted and thrown at once beyond the enemy who rushed in with an elan that carried the enemy's line steadily before them, driving them across the middle fork of White Oak Swamp. The enemy made repeated efforts to withstand the fierce onset of this brigade by throwing line after line behind the broken ones, but the determined charge of the North Carolinians broke and drove them in disorder before them across the swamp - the enemy taking a right hand road. Here the dismounted men, after pressing in almost a continuous charge of three and a half miles, became exhausted. Captain McCamma, with a mounted squadron, was ordered forward by the by-roads, which he did in the most gallant manner, driving them helter skelter back upon a strongly entrenched position on Wilson's Farm. Here was executed a daring dash that reflects the highest credit on our cavalry. As our pursuing party neared the enemy's strong position, they were greeted with a heavy volley. Cutting and slashing, they unquailingly dashed upon the heels of the flying her - leaping their works through the opposing ranks - sabreing and taking out several prisoners, and in the midst of the excitement that ensued, dashed back without losing a single man.
The enemy, after recovering from his sudden onset, made a sally out with nearly a whole division of infantry, which advanced on the north side of White Oak Swamp. Col. Roberts with his regiment, 2d North Carolina, was covering the movement. He gallantly faced his command and withstood the shock of the pressing assailants; who swept around on the flanks of his limited line, seeming to engulf his heroic little band in the seeping wings of their heavy lines; but the sagacity and cool determined valor of this young officer, at no time allowed them an undue advantage. Stubbornly contesting every inch of ground, falling back in good order before this overwhelming odds, the 1st North Carolina reached his support, rushing up with a yell, which fortuitous event caused the enemy to believe that large reinforcements were arriving. They relaxed their efforts to await our developments, while our forces withdrew to their position on this side of the Swamp. The enemy evincing no further disposition to advance, the fighting ceased, save occasional picket firing during the night. Chambliss' brigade, which had been held in reserve this side the Swamp, nor relieved Barringer's , and took position at this point, and the latter withdrew across on the Darbytown road, about six miles distant.
SECOND DAY'S FIGHT
C.J. Beale, with his regiment, (9th Va.) was left during the night in the works that overlooked and commanded the crossing at the Swamp. Early in the morning the enemy commenced advancing with his whole cavalry division in front, followed by a heavy force of infantry, and by mere strength of numbers carried the position. Gen. Chambliss gallantly threw his brigade in line and opposed them at every available point. His comparatively small force was steadily borne back before this overwhelming odds. The brave, gallant officer recklessly dashed from point to point along his overpowered lines, cheering and encouraging his men to contest every inch of ground. His noble example cost him his life; he fell mortally wounded within a few paces of the enemy's battle-line and died in his hands. The enemy rapidly pressed this command back to White's Tavern, within six miles of Richmond, where Gen. Barringer, with his brigade, had hurried up and reached their support, which was immediately dismounted and deployed on the left and Chambliss' brigade on the right. With this disposition our lines were advanced under a heavy fire, at a double-quick, driving the enemy from his first position. Driven by a succession of charges, with his artillery, cavalry, and infantry, he made a final stand on Hagan's farm Capt. McGregor's battery, which had been pealing it into their retreating ranks, again takes position, and the artillery of each party breaks in over tones over the small arms. The heavy columns of the enemy are drawn up in an open field, resting his left flank on a thick skirt of woods beyond the road, while his right rested on his cavalry drawn up en echelon on the right flank. A fierce yell bursts from our right - a brigade (the Texas brigade) of infantry leaps from the road, joins our line, and sweeps out across the field, carrying the enemy's line before them in the wildest disorder and confusion. A part of Young's brigade, just up, dashed forward in the common rush, adds chaos to confusion and breaking upon their cavalry rush many of them helter skelter into the impenetrable morass of White Oak Swamp, leaving their horses struggling in the bog. The remaining column make their way down to the crossing, leaving the road strewn with the debris of their hasty flight. Exhausted and overcome by heat, after chasing them across the Swamp, the pursuit was called off, the enemy leaving all his dead and wounded in our hands, a large lot of arms, and 120 prisoners in all. The victory of the past two days cost us many valuable lives, while the loss of the enemy must have been very heavy.
D.B.R.
Daily Richmond Enquirer
Aug. 23, 1864
p. 2 col. 3
FIELD'S DIVISION
To the Editors of the Enquirer:
Camp Holly, Aug. 3d 1864
Gentlemen: The spot from which I write is hallowed by classic associations. It is the place where Washington and our patient fathers of the first Revolution, after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, rested from the labors of a seven years' struggle for self government. Gather inspiration from that illustrious example the sons of the South, their loyal descendants, in imminence, of the same great principle, after the lapse of three-quarters of a century, have added another chapter to the historic associations that cluster around these classic grounds, and given another instance that:
"Freedom's battle once begun
and have proven themselves well-worthy by their great ancestry.
With your permission, I propose to give the public a brief sketch of the fighting and maneuvering during the past week around "Camp holly," more familiarly known as New Market Heights. And, although this article is headed Field's Division, it is not my purpose to confine my remarks to the part it played in the tragedy, but to give each command, as far as my knowledge extends, full credit for all it did. My sole object is to give "honor to whom honor is due." I shall "nothing extenuate, and set down naught in malice."
It has been known for some time that Grant, foiled in his attempt to take Richmond by way of Petersburg, contemplated its capture by surprises and "coup de main," by way of New Market and Chaffin's Bluff. To meet any emergency in this quarter, Field's division and some detached brigades, all under command of Major General Charles W. Field, were located here about three weeks ago to watch Grant's movements.
On Saturday, the 13th, he embarked on transports the 2d and 10th army corps at City Point and moved down the river towards Old Point Comfort. At dark he made a "right about," and that night disembarked his troops at Deep Bottom, and placing them in "battle array," at twilight's early dawn broke the peaceful quietude of our beautiful Sabbath morning by the booming of artillery and the sharp rattle of musketry. He attacked in force our picket's near Four Mile Run, and the line in front of Law's and Bratton's brigades gave way. The enemy immediately pushed forward his column through a dense thicket and had passed the flank of Anderson's skirmishers and the 8th and 59th Georgia regiments, sent out as supports, before they were aware of the skirmish line of their right having fallen back. This unexpected turn forced them to retire, with the loss of about 20 prisoners from the 59th Georgia, and necessitated the abandonment of four eight-inch howitzers planted nearly a half mile in front of our line of battle.
This battery, intended to be used a mortars, was placed there by Lieut. Col. Pemberton against the wishes and judgment of our officers. They believed the ground to be untenable in case of a vigorous attack in force.
At this junction, the enemy having developed his strength, the situation looked critical in the extreme. Rapidly extending his line, he had driven in our pickets at every point in front of Field's division, commanded by Brigadier General Gregg,, of the Texas brigade, and opened a furious artillery fire upon our position from his land batteries and gunboats. With comparatively a handful of men, Gen. Field had more than four miles of front to defend and more than treble his number to confront. But "nothing daunted," he stretched out his men in single rank, and on a large portion of the line at wide intervals, and thus was enabled to present a show of force all along his line. A brisk skirmish was kept up in Gen. Gregg's front, and also in front of Gary's brigade of cavalry, located at Fussell's Mills, on Darbytown road. Early in the afternoon the enemy, in heavy column of infantry, made three assaults upon Gregg, who had dismounted his men and placed them in an advanced line of entrenchments near the mill pond, but by the aid of artillery, he repulsed them handsomely every time, without loss. After repulsing them the third time, for prudential reasons, he retired to a position on the prolongation of our regular line of battle. The enemy seeing him retire, erroneously concluded he had been whipped, and following him up, made a vigorous assault upon him and the left of General G.T. Anderson's brigade, but were hurled back with considerable slaughter and the loss of about forty prisoners. About this time Col. Jack Brown, of the 59th received a painful wound in the leg.
Thus ended the fighting of Sunday, and according to their own account, the enemy had lost, in killed, wounded and captured, about one thousand men.
The next day was spent in artillery duels, skirmishing and manoeuvering. General Field had been reinforced during Sunday night and Monday by Wright's and Sanders' brigades of infantry and W.H.F. Lee's division of cavalry. They were immediately disposed of on the left of our line, the latter, in conjunction with Gary's and the Texas brigades, to operate against a large force of the enemy's cavalry massed on the Charles City road.
Tuesday morning found the following disposition of our troops: Field's division (except Texas brigade) under General Gregg, on the right, occupying New Market Heights; Saunders' and Wright's brigades, under command of the former, on his left, and Lane's and McGowan's brigades, under General Conner, on extreme left of our infantry, all stretched out in single rank. Sharp skirmishing was kept up until about one o' clock p.m. when the enemy made a determined assault upon Wright's brigade, under command of General Girardy, on the left of the Darby Town road. That brigade, which had won such imperishable renown in successfully breasting the storm and fury of so many battles, gave way in great confusion and in attempting to rally it, Girardy, that lamented and gallant young officer, fell, pierced through the head by a Minnie ball. Though his career was brief, it was brilliant and full of promise --- time will never wither.
The giving way of Wright's brigade caused Lane's and McGowan's to change front, and in doing so, the former was very much scattered. General Saunders, who was on the right, held his position, though a brisk fire was kept up on his front and flank. The enemy, taking advantage of the breach and confusion, had occupied our breastworks in force, and was pressing our men far back to the rear. This was an hour of fearful apprehension, and nothing but cool sagacity and undaunted courage saved our little army from a great disaster.
Gen. Field comprehending the situation at a glance, immediately sent to Gen. Gregg to send him reinforcements, and accompany them himself. Though threatening demonstrations were being made in his front, with that quick perception and well-balanced judgment so characteristic of the man, Gen. Gregg, without a moment's hesitation, made a judicious selection of his forces on different parts of the line, and sent them forward with the greatest possible dispatch, and accompanied them in person.
The 15th and 48th Alabama regiments of Law's brigade were the first upon the field, and were at once hurled against the advancing foe. With an impetuosity that was almost irresistible, they rushed to the attack, and, deriving the enemy back some distance on the left, held him in check until reinforcements arrived, but not without fearful loss. Col. Lowther, commanding the two regiments, had fallen, seriously wounded, and the gallant Col. Oate, always conspicuous upon the battlefield, had lost his right arm while leading the 48th Alabama; and Capt. Hill, commanding 15th Alabama, had received a severe wound in the thigh, besides several other gallant officers and men had been placed hors de combat. But, in the nick of time, Colonel Coward, of the 5th South Carolina regiment of Bratton's brigade, and Col. Du Bose, with the 15, 17th, and 20th Georgia regiments, reached the field and though much exhausted by a rapid march, cooperating with each other, charged the heavy advancing columns in the centre, and drove them back to the breastworks our men had vacated. Col. Little, with the 9th and 11th Georgia regiments of Anderson's brigade, who had been placed on the left of Lane's brigade before the battle opened, had made a simultaneous attack upon the enemy's right flank, composed largely of negro troops, and had driven them back behind our intrenchments with great slaughter. At the same time, Col. Barber, commanding Lane's brigade, came up and was assisting in driving back the enemy handsomely, when he received a severe wound and was borne from the field, which circumstance, as a natural consequence, caused some confusion in his command.
Pausing in a ravine long enough to reform their lines, Colonel DuBose, being the only brigade commander then on the immediate field of conflict, assumed command of several detachments from other commands, and, acting in concern with Col. Coward and the Alabama regiments on the right and Col. Little on the left, with a yell that only rebels know how to make, charged and carried the works under a galling fire, and Colonels DuBose and Little throwing their commands across the fortifications, swept the enemy pell-mell far beyond, inflicting heavy loss.
A portion of the 8th Georgia, under Capt. Lewis and a portion of Lane's brigade, under Major --, bore their parts well, and were among the foremost in that gallant charge. Prior to this, an incident occurred well worthy of notice: Captain Williamson of the 8th Georgia and six men being cut off from their command, came suddenly up in rear of the enemy's line of battle, and determining not to surrender, the Captain, before being discovered, gave the command, "Charge!" and to add force to this order, one of his men cried out: "Forward, guide centre -- march!" and they rushed forward with a yell. The enemy, panic stricken at the sudden noise in their rear, without waiting to ascertain the force, fled in confusion, and the Captain and his six men passed through safely and rejoined their command. This gallant little exploit shows what presence of mind and a bold front may accomplish, even in the most desperate strait.
While the troops just mentioned were hotly engaged, other portions of the line were more or less involved. McGowan on the left and Sanders and the seventh and fifty-ninth Georgia regiments of Anderson's brigade, on the right, and the fourth Alabama and second South Carolina, which came up near the close of the battle, were partially engaged, and Colonel Carmichael of the seventh Georgia was very severely wounded in the face. The battle was waged hotly until 5 o'clock in the evening. Would that I could here award to each one of the men and officers who participated in that battle a tribute of praise commensurate with the valor he displayed. To the private soldier, who, actuated by no motive save that of patriotism, belongs the highest ecominum, and to him, in the hearts of his grateful countrymen, is erected a Mausoleum more durable than marble.
Among the officers whom I met upon the field, Col. Coward bore a prominent part and is one of the most gallant officers in the division. Col. Little is a dashing officer full of enthusiasm and insensible to fear on the field of battle, and he and his men handled the negro troops with "gloves off."
Colonel DuBose, who has commanded Benning's brigade with unvarying success since the morning of the battle of the Wilderness, acted with conspicuous gallantry on this occasion, and no officer of my acquaintance is more deserving of promotion. General Gregg, who commanded the division, was in the midst of his troops during the hottest of the conflict, giving directions to and cheering them on by his presence. His quick perception, promptitude in action, untiring vigilance and intrepidity in the midst of danger, never fail to inspire his men with confidence. During this action, his Aid-de-Camp, Lieut. Sykes, a brave and promising young officer, was dangerously wounded.
While the fighting was progressing on the Darbytown Road, Gen. W.H.F. Lee, assisted by the Texas brigade of Field's division, was waging a successful battle at White Oak Swamp, the particulars of which have already been made public.
This battle concluded the hard fighting on the North side of the James and defeated one of Grant's most hopeful and determined efforts to capture Richmond. To its success he had brought to bear not only great weight of numbers, but all the military genius of his splendidly appointed army. On this field was the great Ulysses himself, and there was Meade, the commander of the boasted army of the Potomac, and there were Hancock, and Butler, and Birney, and a host of smaller lights. And lying on the South bank was Warren and his celebrated corps, awaiting the issue. But their presence here only made the failure the more magnificent. Beaten and humiliated he has again retired his force to their entrenchments around Petersburg. He left in our hands on the Darbytown Road over 200 of his dead and many wounded, besides over 400 prisoners and 2,000 stands of arms and the colors of his "gallant colored troops." And the prisoners captured on this part of the field represent 54 regiments, which give some idea of the force with which he made the attack. Our casualties were comparatively few - 800 men will cover the sum total of our loss.
On our part it was a great success, and Gen. Field deserves great credit for the judicious disposition of and able manner in which he handled his troops. His success itself was a compliment to his ability, but the confidence which General Lee reposed in leaving the management of this formidable advance upon our capital in his hands was a still more handsome compliment and worthily bestowed. This was his first opportunity of showing his ability as a separate military commander, and its successful results have established his claims to the title of a prudent, skillful, efficient and gallant officer.
S
Daily Richmond Enquirer
Aug. 31, 1864
p. 2
col. 2-3
To the Editor of the Examiner:
I notice two communications recently published, one in your paper and the other in the Petersburg Express, from which it would appear that Chambliss' and Barringer's Brigades were the only cavalry engaged in the late battle at Ream's Station. These troops acted with conspicuous gallantry, and their conduct is worthy of all praise, but it is due to Rosser's and young's brigades to say that they, too, bore a prominent part and acted with distinguished courage in the battle, and are entitled to share in the glory of that brilliant achievement. General Rosser held the left of our line, formed just above Malone's crossing, against a largely superior force of the enemy, who made several unsuccessful attempts to force his line. After the enemy was driven back to the woods surrounding Reams' station, these two brigades were transferred to the right of our line, where they advanced steadily to the attack; and after we had passed Lannier's house Young's brigade was some fifty yards in advance. General Butler, who was commanding Hampton's old division, then sent an order to Colonel Wright, commanding Young's brigade, to halt and wait for the troops on the left come up, and an order to move forward was then sent to General Barringer, and when Barringer came up and connected with young's line, the whole command moved off together against the enemy's last line, where he was strongly intrenched. This they carried, under a galling fire, in the most gallant style.
ONE WHO WAS PRESENT
Richmond Examiner
Sept. 14, 1864
p. 2 col. 4
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Law's Brigade, Near Deep Bottom
August 10th 1864
Grant has been very quiet since his bloody repulse on the 30th ult. There is reason to believe, however, that he still continues his mining operations, though doubtless on a somewhat limited scale. The experimental mine of General Beauregard will probably cause them to abandon their underground works entirely, as it gave them a wholesome scare, and has awakened them from their fancied security, by revealing the fact that our own picks and spades are not idle. Besides, the lesson of the 30th must have taught Grant that mining is a slow and costly process of taking Petersburg, and all other methods being conceded failures long ago, he has but one resource left him -- to try another base.
There can no longer be any doubt that the bulk of Grant's army has left the front of Petersburg. He will keep a show of strength there, of course, but he cannot deceive the lynx-eyed chieftain in command at that place. James River is swarming with transports, whose continual whistles, as they pass up and down, can be distinctly heard from this point. The Yankee fox, Ulysses, is certainly leaving. Richmond and Petersburg are sour grapes.
The question then is, what will he next essay? Will he start anew from Fredericksburg, where a large body of his troops are now said to be, against Richmond from the north side? The 30,000 men slain at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor "shake their gory locks" at him and warn him to beware? Will he endeavor to push a swift and heavy column up the west bank of the Potomac, to isolate and capture Early in the lower Valley? Or will he move directly to the Upper Potomac to prevent the capture of Washington, or, at any rate, a serious invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania? We shall see; in the mean time, we think the last movement the one that will probably be made, for Early's presence in the Valley is a troublesome thorn in Abraham's side. Early, at last accounts, was at Hagerstown, and still going. The general situation and prospects in Virginia are highly encouraging.
The news from Gen. Hood is also hopeful. The capture of Stoneman, and the defeat and route of McCook reflect honor and credit on the men whose work it was. Sherman has been brought to a complete stand still, equivalent to the defeat of an invading army. The frost that scars the autumn leaf will find this Yankee leader far higher up in his own cold clime, we opine.
Rousseau has returned to Marietta, and boastfully proclaimed that with two thousand men he traversed one hundred and fifty miles of Alabama (in which there were at least five thousand men capable of bearing arms), stolen scores of negroes, hundreds of mules and horses, thousands of chickens, ducks, eggs, &c, tore up thirty miles of railroad, burned the depots and tanks, and then made his exit -- all with a loss of five killed and fourteen wounded; and this loss was inflicted by three companies of schoolboys, while the "citizen soldiery," the "gentlemen melish," who rode to the battlefield in their buggies to fight Yankee raiders, were flying by them, in their many colored uniforms, like the ringed, streaked and striped flocks of Jacob, when a wolf pounced in among their folds! Such is the tale of shame from Alabama that reaches her soldiers in the field. For the honor of the State we trust it is not so. Shall Virginia and Georgia militia whip raiders from their States while the doughty yeomen of Alabama take to their heels or hide their heads in swamps or caves -- the Yankees, in the meantime, plundering their homes and insulting their families with utter impunity. While the sons of Alabama in the field have won for their State such glorious distinction, will not those at home defend their very firesides around which are seated their wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters, against a thieving band of cutthroat invaders? The man that is too cowardly or over-cautious to defend, at his own door, his wife and property, is unworthy of either. We trust there are no such in Alabama.
"I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon,
Than such a Roman."
Not one of Rousseau's band should have been allowed to escape and had the people been resolute, he would have gone the way of Sheridan, Kautz and Wilson in Virginia and Stoneman and McCook in Georgia. He should not have been suffered to come and go unmolested; such conduct on the part of our people offers an inducement to raiders -- the certainty of plunder without danger to life. No, at the first alarm of the approach of an invading enemy, the pibroch of war should be sounded and repeated from hill-top to hill-top, men should fly to arms like the clans of Scotland, collect in squads, and fight at every turn; wherever the foeman moved, hang, like a fatal ignis futus upon his rear, or fly before him, only to lure him to destruction. Let our people do this - let them not fail to do it -- and raids int Alabama are not more. But let them by their supineness encourage the enemy to further and bolder attempts and all they have will pay the penalty in the end. Now is the time to prepare for action. We know the Yankee, and we tell the people not to trust again the "cleverness" of their raiders'
"...Meet this 'they set it down.
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain."
Rousseau expected to be captured; their own accounts admit it and hence his clemency. But when the Yankees come again, Rousseau's raid will be as the gentle summer breeze to the hurricane that follows. Let our people take warning in time, PREPARE AND BE READY! and when the Yankees come, FIGHT!
News from Mobile is awaited with anxious interest. The disgraceful surrender of Fort Gaines, as reported by telegraph, is the most humiliating affair that has yet befallen our arms. We earnestly trust that there is some yet undiscovered palliation or excuse; else the name of Col. Charles D. Anderson must be given to posterity like Benedict Arnold's, to "fester in the infamy of years." The general opinion here is that Mobile proper is not endangered yet, and that she can and will hold out to the end. For Heaven's sake, let us have no more surrenders -- not at least till trebly paid for in Yankee blood. Mobile must not, she will not be behind her gallant sister cities of the sea, Charleston and Savannah!
The weather is exceedingly dry, hot and dusty, and oppressively disagreeable to troops. No rain has fallen in this immediate vicinity in over six weeks. Crops are all ruined, save in the low-grounds. Many apples and water melons are in market, and the soldiers are eager purchasers. Perhaps it may be interesting, as a part of the history of the times, to relate that Law's brigade sent off $2,500 this morning for the purchase of watermelons!
Soldier
Montgomery Daily Mail
Aug. 23, 1864
p. 2. col. 1-2.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Law's Brigade, Near Deep Bottom
September 17, 1864
Great activity has prevailed on the south side of the James for the last four days. On the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th, Grant crossed two corps of infantry and a division of cavalry on his pontoons at Deep Bottom, and promptly attacked with the evident hope of again surprising us. The attack, however, which was feeble, was easily repulsed by Anderson's brigade (Field's division), and Dearing's dismounted men, with trifling loss to ourselves, but considerable to the enemy. Skirmishing was kept up that and the following day, but the enemy made no further attempts upon our position, until the morning of the 16th, when he endeavored to turn our left, resting upon the Charles City road, near White Oak Swamp. Here the fight was severe. Our line was considerably extended, in order to cover the whole front, and was too weak in consequence to resist the onset of two heavy lines of battle. Wright's (Girardy's) and Lane's brigades were driven from their works, with some loss, the gallant Girardy himself being killed in his attempts to rally his brigade. Major Jones and Captain Mason, of General Field's staff, were also killed while endeavoring to reform the broken ranks.
General Field was on the spot in person, and prompt to the emergency, ordered Anderson's and Law's brigades to retake the los portion of the lines. Charging the enemy while he was still in confusion from his own assault, these troops, after a very brief struggle, re-took the works with eight hundred prisoners.
The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded will reach about eight hundred, perhaps one thousand. Our total loss, killed, wounded and missing is three hundred and fifty, of whom about one hundred are prisoners from Wright's and Lane's brigades.
The loss in Law's brigade is 60, in all. The proportion of field officers is very large. Col. Oates, commanding the 48th Alabama, lost his right arm; Col. Louther and Capt. Hill, acting Major of the 15th, were severely wounded; Major Carey, of the 44th, and Capt. Wigginton, acting Major of the 48th, were also wounded. The brave Lieut. Thornton, of the 15th, was killed.
Col. P.D. Bowles, of the 4th Alabama, commanded the brigade, Col. Perry having been disabled a few days previous by leaping from a parapet. Col. Bowles did well, as he always will, for his is one of those brave, high-souled good-nature spirits, whom soldiers love and will follow to the death.
Brig. Gen. Law and Lieut. Col. Terrell, of the 47th Alabama, returned to duty to-day, having recovered from the wounds received by them in June. They will assume their respective commands tomorrow.
The weather is very pleasant, now, from recent showers, and the health and spirits of the troops all that should be desired.
To relieve the anxieties of relatives and friends, I will state that there were no casualties in the 4th and 47th Alabama regiments, in the fight of the 16th, as these two regiments were very slightly engaged.
Gen. Lee is here in person.
Soldier
Montgomery Daily Mail
p. 2 col. 3 OUR RAMS DO SOMETHING
Before the last advance of Grant upon the north side of the James our lines included Signal Hill, an important point on the north bank, two miles and a half by land east of and below Chaffin's Bluff. During the movements and fights of Monday and Tuesday we lost this position, and the enemy occupied it in force and planted upon and in rear of it heavy siege guns. By our success of Tuesday evening we re-established our whole line with the exception of this point, and it being desired to retake this, Wednesday evening our iron-clads, then lying at the Grave Yard Bend, were ordered to drop down and shell the position. They performed the required service most effectually. Their firing was beautiful! Every shell exploded at the right place. The enemy replied with heavy guns, some of them being 280 pounders. But so accurate and rapid was our fire upon the Hill that the enemy found it necessary to evacuate it. When, at daylight yesterday morning, our infantry advanced upon the position, they found it abandoned. Some prisoners taken in the immediate vicinity state that the enemy's loss during the engagement was 21 killed and a large number wounded. There was no casualty in our fleet, none of them being struck. The enemy fired from a distance 2,800 yards, we from 12 to 2300 yards. The celebrated McAVoy fuse was used by us, and to it, in a great measure, it is due that we were enabled to explode our shell just where desired. It is to be regretted that this fuse is not in more general use in our armies instead of the most unreliable percussion fuse.
THE BATTLES OF MONDAY AND TUESDAY
We have authentic information that in the series of severe engagements fought on this [side] of the river during Monday and Tuesday, culminating in the battle below White's Tavern on Tuesday evening, our entire loss in killed, wounded and missing did not exceed one thousand. it is believe that our killed will scarcely number 100. The enemy's killed alone will exceed our losses from all causes. In killed, wounded and prisoners Grant's loss is not less than 7 or 8,000.
TENTH GEORGIA BATTALION
Headquarters 10th Ga. Battalion
Camp Near White's Farm, Aug. 18, 1864
Editor Macon Daily Telegraph:
Sir -- At the request of Capt. J.J. Dykes, commanding 10th Ga. Battalion, I send you a list of the casualties of said command in the fight near that place on the 16th inst. from which you see the nature and character of the engagement.
The brigade (Gen. Wright's) was deployed as skirmishers, and the Yankees charged in front of the Battalion and the 64th Ga. Regiment in columns of companies, fifteen or twenty deep, and shot and bayoneted a large number in the trenches before the line, as weak as it was, gave way. Reinforcements coming up, the enemy was driven back, and the works were retaken, and are now occupied by our troops.
Macon Daily Telegraph
Aug. 31, 1864
p. 2 col. 2
COMPANY B, SIXTY-FOURTH GEORGIA
A letter from Mr. A.H. Draper to his father in this city, dated at New Market Heights, August 17th says:
"I have just come out of another fight, and lost all of my company except two men. Our Brigadier General Girardey, was killed with the colors of the regiment in his hand, and when he was killed, I took the colors and carried them through the fight. Our regiment was all captured and killed except fifty three men. . .
We are near Malvern Hill, on the Darby City road, and near New Market Heights. We were deployed in the breastworks in one rank, and our lines were broken by the Yankee line of battle. They came against us in about ten columns deep, and as they were in a thick woods, about thirty yards from our breastworks, we did not get more than one shot after they came in sight, before they were in our works, and then the 2nd and 10th Georgia Battalions had it with the butts of their guns -- for it was between the 2nd and 10th Battalions that the works were broken. The 2nd Battalion lost very heavily
Macon Daily Telegraph
Sept. 1, 1864
p. 2 col. 4
Special correspondence of the Constitutionalist
LETTER FROM ANDERSON'S BRIGADE
Richmond, Va., Aug. 18, 1864
Mssrs. Editors: For the first time during the war, a portion of Anderson's Brigade, the 9th and 11th Ga., fought negroes.
Early in the morning of the 16th these two regiments under Col. R.H. Little were detached and sent to assist in recapturing that portion of our works the enemy had taken from our troops. About one o'clock the fighting commenced and then the charge. In conjunction with Lane's N.C. brigade, after a desperate and close conflict the enemy were driven from the works the extent of their front. Soon as this was done, the 9th and 11th Ga. being on the left of Lane's Brigade, Col. Little, in his usual dashing style, formed them at right angles with the line of works, charge, and succeeded in capturing the entire line. In this last charge, the gallant Capt. Jack Arnold, commanding the 9th Ga., fell badly wounded on top of the works leading the regiment.
Our loss was very slight, that of the enemy was considerable. Our boys fought with renewed energy when they learned they were facing Burnside's pets, the negroes. Only two genuine Yankee negroes were captured as prisoners of war. Their dead dot the field black. Haversacks, knapsacks, blankets, arms and accoutrements, were thickly strewn over the field. The men have as trophies neatly bound bibles, testaments, watches, and portfolios, &c. Prisoners were captured belonging to three corps. They were completely whipped. Anderson and Law's Brigade of Field's Division, and Lane's and Wright's Brigades bore the brunt of the battle.
Grant will have to try some where else if he wants Richmond. He is now skulking under cover of his gunboats.
Augusta, Ga. Daily Constitutionalist
Aug. 26, 1864
p. 1 col. 2
ANOTHER VICTORY OVER SHERIDAN
. . . From a gallant officer who participated in this engagement we have some interest particulars. In Saturday's paper we described the engagement near Forge bridge on Thursday, in which one of our brigades drove back a brigade of the enemy upon Sheridan's main body, who were at the time crossing the Chickahominy. It will be recollected that after this affair, our men withdrew in the direction of Richmond and rejoined the rest of Hampton's force at Samara church, near Nance's Shop. It seems that Sheridan was completely deceived by this maneuver. Believing that this brigade was the entire force we had in this neighborhood had determined to cut them off. With this design he halted with two divisions at Charles City Court House, and dispatched Gregg and Custer with their divisions to get in our rear.
During Thursday night these enterprising Yankees, by following the direct route south from the Court House to Long Bridge, put themselves in Hampton's rear at a point between Hawe's Shop and Samana church, and no doubt congratulated themselves exceedingly upon the outcome of their plans for our certain capture. To make assurance doubly sure, and to provide against the possibility of our escape, they spent most of the day in throwing up heavy double lines of earthworks in front of themselves and between us and Richmond.
General Hampton also threw up intrenchments. At three o'clock Friday evening the hostile forces were half a mile apart, a thick wood and a narrow field being between them, the enemy fronting southeast, our forces northwest. Chambliss was on the left of our line, then Young, Wickham and Lomax and Butler on our extreme right. Each side had a skirmish line thrown out some two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards in front, between whom skirmishing began about noon.
About four o'clock p.m., all of our men being dismounted, General Hampton sent Chambliss to turn the enemy's right flank and take him in rear, and soon after ordered the rest of our force to leave their breastworks and charge the enemy. When our troops reached our skirmish line they were opened on by the enemy's cannon with canister and grape, at a distance of three hundred yards. Not wavering for an instant, our men pushed forward, firing valley after volley, their fire being mostly directed against the artillerists. When we got into the field before mentioned, just beyond which were the enemy's intrenchments and cannon, a large body of the enemy's cavalry charged upon us. Our men were ordered to lt and receive their onslaught. They dashed up to us in very handsome style, but on receiving two steady volleys broke and fell back in confusion. Again being rallied they were brought to the charge, but this time with much less steadiness and impetuosity. A volley or two scattered them, and they came back no more, but scampered away to our right. Our men resumed their charge upon the enemy's works, but observed, with regret, that his cannon had disappeared. It had been withdrawn during the diversion created by the cavalry charge, and was at that moment clattering away towards Charles City Court House. But the enemy's dismounted line kept up a hot fire from his breastworks upon our advancing line, a fire which we returned with good effect. On our getting near the enemy's first line of intrenchments, his men deserted them and fled, leaping and running over the men in the second line. Our men scaled the outer works and dashed up to the second, from which not a shot was fired upon them, and where they found the Yankees seeking safety by crouching behind the intrenchments. As we scaled this line its companies fled, and joined pell-mell in a regular race for Charles City Court House. Simultaneously with our advance Chambliss had struck them in rear.
Our men pressed them closely, pouring into them a galling fire. The pursuit was kept up till we arrived within two miles of the Court House, when night having come on, we halted.
Immediately on the arrival of his beaten divisions, Sheridan made a hasty change in his plans. Instead of attempting to reach Harrison's landing, as he had proposed, he immediately started for Wyanoke, a point on James River, five or six miles below Charles City Court House. At this place, on Saturday, he crossed on pontoons to the Southside of James River.
In this battle, the enemy lost not less than five hundred killed and wounded, two hundred prisoners, and a large number of horses. One hundred will cover our casualties. Most of the enemy were killed after they had been driven from their works and were in retreat, when we fired into them from rear and flank.
Among the enemy's killed who were left on the field were two lieutenant colonels, a major and several captains. Colonel Hoey, Eighth Pennsylvania and eleven other commissioned officers, and one hundred and sixty men reached the Libby yesterday morning.
Among our casualties we regret to enumerate Lucius Davis, jr., -- Gray and J.D. Wagner, of Henrico, killed; Captain Dettor, wounded in the wrist, and Captain Newham, jaw fractured.
We look with some interest for Sheridan's official report of this affair. We are curious to learn how he will translate it into a victory. Citizens who saw the rout state that a negro regiment who were mounted fled on the instant that Chambliss struck their rear, and that all attempts to halt them were utterly time thrown away. They buried their spurts into their horses' flanks,a nd turning their heads towards Charles City Court House, never looked behind. Of course Sheridan must notice the distinguished gallantry of this "coloured" regiment.
We omitted to state that our pursuit of the enemy was rendered less effective by the fact that the enemy, having ascertained the position of our horses, had shelled them during the action, and when we were ordered to mount and ride