|
Captain James E. Smith, commanding the 4th New York Battery: “Fighting became so close that I ordered my men to cease firing, as many of the Fourth Maine had already advanced in front of the guns...At this time the Sixth New Jersey Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkyson commanding, and Fortieth New York Regiment, Colonel Egan commanding, came to our support....When I left three guns on the hill (one having been sent to the rear disabled), I was under the impression we would be able to hold that position, but, if forced to retreat, I expected my supports would save the guns, which, however, they failed to do.” Smith’s battle report, in War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, series I, volume 27, part 1, page 589
Colonel Thomas W. Egan, commanding the 40th New York Infantry: “Captain Smith’s (Fourth New York) battery was stationed upon the ridge on my right, and was in a very perilous situation. The enemy having already captured two of his pieces, he called upon me in beseeching terms to save his battery.” Egan’s battle report, in War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, series I, volume 27, part 1, page 526
Colonel William F. Perry, commanding the 44th Alabama Infantry: “General Law informed me that he expected my regiment to take a battery which had been playing on our line from the moment the advance began, This battery was situated, not on the mountain itself, but on a rugged cliff...I rushed forward, shouting to [my regiment] to advance. It was with the greatest difficulty that I could make myself heard or understood above the din of battle. The order was, however, extended along the line, and was promptly obeyed. The men sprang forward over the rocks, swept the position, and took possession of the heights, capturing 40 or 50 prisoners around the battery and among the cliffs.” Perry’s battle report, in War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, series I, volume 27, part 2, pages 393-394
|
