|
HDQRS. THIRTEENTH REGT. TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS, April 10, 1862. On the evening of April 2, in obedience to orders, I caused to be put in motion the Thirteenth Regiment in the direction of Pittsburg, in the vicinity of which place I encamped on the night of the 5th. The next morning I advanced upon the enemy, who was strongly posted with a battery of six guns, commanding every avenue of approach, and supported by strong detachments of infantry. While in this position I was told by General Bragg that this battery was a source of great annoyance to our troops, and that it must be taken at all hazards. I was ordered to take this battery by a right flank movement. I had proceeded but a short distance when I discovered that I would be exposed to a heavy fire from two of the enemy's camps. I therefore ordered an advance to be made directly forward at this particular crisis. Four companies of the left wing were separated from the command, but with the remainder of the command,under fire of their batteries, I soon engaged a heavy body of infantry, which, after a severe conflict and a desperate charge, I succeeded in putting to flight, and captured their battery. The ammunition being nearly exhausted, I supplied myself with that found in the enemys encampment The remainder of my command having joined me, I was ordered to he support of Captain _______'s battery, which was taking position to my right. This I did, but soon afterwards I was ordered to support Captain Stanfords battery, which occupied a more advanced position. At this time heavy firing commenced on our right, and I was ordered to support it. I did so, when I met with General Cheatham, who ordered me to remain where I was until further orders. Here I received an order from Colonel Russell to fall in the rear of his regiment and proceed down the river until we came under the fire of the enemys gunboats. It being now near about dark, I was ordered to fall back to an encampment, where we took up quarters for the night. Early next morning I took position in line of battle and under the immediate command of our brigade commander; remained but a short time before we discovered the enemy making a flank movement on our left; planted a battery, which opened a deadly fire upon us, when we fell back out of range of the battery. At this time, my horse being disabled by a cannon-shot, I was dismounted, and turned the command over to Lieutenant-Colonel Morgan, who reformed the regiment and took position to the rear, when I was again mounted and resumed command. I then, under the immediate command of our brigade commander, proceeded to advance upon the enemy, whom we found in strong position, and after a terrible conflict was forced to retire. As early as practicable the regiment was collected together and joined the main command. Throughout the whole engagement of two days fight I am proud to say that the officers and men under my command conducted themselves bravely, gallantly, and with the utmost coolness, and to mention the particular instances of gallantry and bravery displayed by each one would make this report too lengthy. Early in the action Sunday morning I was deprived of the services of Adjutant Harwell, he having received a slight wound. Among the wounded are Capt. J. A. Wilkins, of Company D, severely, in the face; Capt. R. W. Pitman, of Company H, in the thigh; First Lient. C. H. Whitmore, of Company A, killed; Second Lieut. W. F. Cowan, of Company D, killed; ,Third Lieut. W. A. Bell, of Company A, slightly wounded; First Lieut. T. B. Dougan, of Company B, severely wounded; First Lieut. E. W. Douglass, of Company C, slightly wounded; Second Lieut. R. E. Holmes, of Company D, slightly wounded; Second Lieut. T. B. Allen, of Company E, slightly wounded; Lieut's. S. W. Henry and J. P. Johnson, of Company F, slightly wounded; First Lieut. B. M. Bray, of Company I, severely wounded; Lieut. T. C. Buchanan, of Company K, severely wounded, and Adjt. R. M. Harwell slightly wounded. Casualties of the Sixth and Seventh are-
Commissioned officers:
Non-commissioned officers:
Privates:
Total - - - - 137 It is but just that I should mention the name of S. L. Ross, a citizen of Henderson County, who fought gallantly and was slightly wounded. Herewith I submit a list of the names of the killed and wounded. Very respectfully, A. J. VAUGHAN, Jr., Colonel Thirteenth Regiment. Col. R. A. RUSSELL, Comdg. First Brig., First Div., First Army Corps.
SOURCE: Offical Records of the War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 10 Part 1, pages 425-426.
|
 Promote Your Page Too |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||