Today in History:

591 Series I Volume XXI- Serial 31 - Fredericksburg

Page 591 Chapter XXXIII. BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.

brigade, rendered valuable assistance, and when offered the alternative of being relieved Saturday night, gallantly claimed the honor of remaining. All the regimental field officers and company commanders are entitled to commendation for coolness and courage, and their successful efforts to produce a deliberate and effective fire under the most trying circumstances.

Besides the field officers already mentioned as wounded, Major F. Gaillard, Second Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, was struck in the face before he got into position, and was subsequently severely wounded while conveying directions at my request to the regiments in the rear. For particular mention of others who distinguished themselves in the engagement, I beg leave respectfully to refer to the reports of commanders, herewith submitted.

Captain G. B. Cuthbert's company, Second Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, was thrown out by me on the edge of Hazel Run on the 13th in an exposed position, but one from which they could harass the enemy on their left flank. They held the position the whole day, exhausting their ammunition and effectively annoying the enemy. His loss was considerable, including 2 officers severely wounded.

Captain Read's battery was posted on the hill on the right of my first position, and did great damage to the advancing columns of the enemy. They fired 136 rounds of ammunition, affording excellent practice in the field. I will here remark that during the engagement on Saturday my command fired about 55 rounds per man.

A large red and white battle-flag, with the figure 1 in the center, and and embroidered guide flag of the Sixty-ninth New York Regiment are among the trophies taken in battle by my command, and have already been forwarded to division headquarters.

I append herewith a recapitulation of the losses sustained by my brigade.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. KERSHAW,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major JAMES M. GOGGIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Recapitulation of casualties.

Killed. Wounded. Total.

Command. Offi Men. Offi Men. Offi Men Aggre

cers cers cers . gate.

2nd South Carolina. --- 6 3 53 3 59 62

3rd South Carolina. 5 20 14 124 19 144 163

7th South Carolina. --- 4 6 51 6 55 61

8th South Carolina. --- 2 4 25 4 27 31

15th South --- 1 2 50 2 52 54

Carolina+.

James' (Third)

South Carolina --- 1 --- 1 --- 2 2

Battalion.

Total. 5 34 29 304 34 339 373

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*See also Report Numbers 165, p. 558.

+One missing; supposed to have been killed while the regiment was on picket.

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Page 591 Chapter XXXIII. BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.