Today in History:

622 Series I Volume XXI- Serial 31 - Fredericksburg

Page 622 OPERATIONS IN N.VA.,W.VA.,MD.,AND PA. Chapter XXXIII.

and continued doing so throughout the night, at the same time deploying to their left to and below Mr. Arthur Bernard's house, thereby indicating his intention to attack our right. During the night I withdrew the force from the Bowling Green road and the line of skirmishers back to the road.

About 10 o'clock on the morning of the 12th, I was relieved by General A. P. Hill's division, and, in obedience to orders from the lieutenant-general commanding, relieved General Pickett on my left. Discovering a body of the enemy's cavalry deployed along the railroad, I detached two companies from Toombs' and one company from Law's brigades, and without loss on our side drove them off, killing 2 or 3 men and 5 horses. About dark, General Pickett reoccupied his original position, and, in compliance with instructions from the lieutenant-general commanding, I moved my command back to my original position, with orders to co-operate with A. P. Hill or any other troops of General T. J. Jackson's corps.

On the 13th, during the engagement on the right of our line, a considerable force of the enemy defiled from the right bank of Deep Run, and, forming line of battle, advanced, driving our skirmishers from and occupying the railroad. Two of Brigadier-General Law's regiments, the Fifty-seventh North Carolina, Colonel A. C. Godwin commanding, and Fifty-fourth North Carolina, Colonel J. C. S. McDowell commanding, were thrown forward, the Fifty-seventh leading, and in a gallant style drove the enemy from the position he had gained, following him up to within 300 yards of the Bowling Green road, and punishing him severely. These regiments, with the Fourth Alabama [Law's brigade] in support, held the railroad until dark, when they were relieved by other troops from my command, who retained possession of it until the enemy recrossed the river, on the night of the 15th.

As usual, Brigadier-General Law was conspicuous upon the field, acting with great gallantry, and had his horse killed under him while personally directing the movements of his brigade.

It is with much pleasure that I call your attention to the gallant bearing of both the officers and men of the Fifty-seventh North Carolina Regiment, Colonel A. C. Godwin commanding, in their charge on a superior force of the enemy posted in the strong position he had gained. Equal praise is due the Fifty-fourth North Carolina Regiment, Colonel J. C. S. McDowell commanding, for their able support of the Fifty-seventh, and especially for their display of discipline in changing front under fire to cover the left flank of the Fifty-seventh from the fire of a force of the enemy occupying Deep Run below the railroad, to which they became exposed in consequence of their pursuit of the force they had dislodged. Indeed, I cannot in justice omit to mention the bearing and morale of my entire command during the time the enemy was in our front, as evidenced by their earnest desire to be led to battle and their presence at all times, as, to the best of my knowledge, not a single officer or mn left ranks without proper authority. The members of my staff were, as usual, at their posts and zealous in the discharge of every duty devolving upon them.

Below will be found a summary of the casualties of my command*.

For further particulars, attention is called to accompanying reports of brigade commanders.

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

J. B. HOOD,

Major-General, Commanding.

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*Supplied by Addenda, p.623.

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Page 622 OPERATIONS IN N.VA.,W.VA.,MD.,AND PA. Chapter XXXIII.