Today in History:

228 Series I Volume V- Serial 5 - West Virginia

Page 228 Chapter XIV. OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA.

result is to be attributed in a great degree to the remarkable coolness of regimental and company officer, who never seemed for a movement to lose their presence of mind, never allowed their men unnecessarily to expose themselves, and profited by every advantage of ground and position to shield them from danger.

In conclusion, I take great pride in saying that the bearing of all the troops, both officers and men, with but few exceptions, was highly creditable to themselves and to the army. Among those who enjoyed the opportunity coveted by all of attracting special notice, in addition to the name of Colonel Johnson, I would mention those of Captain Shumaker, who was wounded at his battery, and to whom I have already had repeated occasion to refer; of Captain Willain H. Rice, of whom Captain Shumaker speaks in the following emphatic language: " He had been working his piece beautifully for two hours, and too much praise cannot be given him for the deliberate manner with which he loaded and fired his piece, loading and firing by detail for an hour in the midst of storm of shot and shell from the enemy," until he was stricken to the earth severely wounded; of Captain Deshler, who directed a rapid fire with marked effect, and of Sergeant Graves,w ho fell mortally wounded in the cool and gallant discharge of his duty. Peculiarly distinguished among the advance among the advance guard, where all were distinguished, must be recorded the names of Lieutenant Gibson, of the Third Arkansas Regiment, the officer in immediate command; of Private Slayton, of the Thirty-firts Virginia Regiment, who was severally wounded,a nd of Private J. W. Brown, of Company F, First Georgia Regiment, who, upon hearing the order to fall back, exclaimed, "I will give them one more shot before I leave," and while ramming down his twenty-ninth cartridge fell dead at his post. Nor can I omit mention in this connection of Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, who, in the absence of engineer staff officers, designed and was in active prosecution of the works to which we are so much indebted for the defense of our position, and who has shown himself at all times prompt to render cheerful and efficient service.

It is hardly necessary to add that Colonel Taliaferro, whose marked coolness and energy could not fail to inspire his men, and Colonel Rust, in command of the left wing, from which the enemy was first repelled, discharged their responsible duty successfully and well. Finally, my own thanks are specially due to my aides, Major F. S. Bloom and Lieutenant W. D. Humphreys, C. S. Army, for the gallant and efficient manner in which they responded to the peculiar an deposing calls made upon them. It is but justice to add that Cadet Henry Jackson, C. S. Army, drew notice to himself by his gallantry under fire.

I have the honor to inclose herewith a list of casualties.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. R. JACKSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Colonel C. L. STEVENSON,

Adjutant General, N. W. A.


Page 228 Chapter XIV. OPERATIONS IN MD., N. VA., AND W. VA.