Hluse, July 5, 1862

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of the Seventeenth Mississippi Regiment, engaged on the evening of July In pursuance of orders the regiment was moved down on the right into the woods and then took position and awaited orders. During the time shot and shell fell among my command, proving very destruetive. Two orders reached the command to move out in support of General Wright’s brigade, then engaged with the enemy, which was promptly done, and executed in splendid order and without the least confusion.

Col. W. D. Holder, while gallantly leading his men into action through a shower of grape and shell, fell severely wounded, hence the command devolved upon me, this being at a time when the command was forming a line immediately after crossing a very difficult ravine.

The command moved and dressed to the colors promptly and in order. I ordered the command to forward, which it did without wavering, although in the thickest of the fire, to the brow of the hill. I halted my command, finding my front masked by several regiments, extending from right to left. At this point [ ordered Captain Govan, commanding Company B, to act as field officer and assist in the command of my regiment, which I can say he did with coolness and gallantry.

From this point I moved my command to the right, endeavoring to get a chance at the enemy without being masked by friends. Finding that impossible, on account of the scattered fragments of regiments, and night coming on, I ordered my men to lie down for protection from the grape and canister, which was raking the field in front and the air above.

Night coming on, and the firing of small-arms having ceased, I withdrew my command from the field in splendid order and files well dressed, with regiments of the brigade.

I must further state that my position on the field was hazardous; several regiments came near firing into my rear. I exerted myself to prevent different regiments from firing into each other, which, I am sorry to say, was done on several occasions, but none of this brigade.

I am indebted to Captain Moreland, acting major, for his gallantry and valuable assistance rendered me throughout the engagement.

I take pleasure in saying that Adjutant Sykes was at his post and rendered me valuable assistance.

I cannot close without thanking Assistant Adjutant-General Inge, whom I found, on reaching the field, nobly discharging his duty in directing regiments into battle. ,

I am, colonel, with high regard, your friend and obedient servant, Col. WILLIAM BARKSDALE, Commanding Third Brigade.

Report of Lieut. Col. Wiliam H. Luse, Highteenth Mississippi Infantry, of the battle of Malvern Hill.

IN THE FIELD, July 5, 1862.

DEAR Sir: It becomes my duty to report to you the action of the Kighteenth Mississippi Regiment in the engagement of July 1 near Charles City road:

Upon receiving your order to do so, the regiment, under the command of Col. Thomas M. Griffin, started from its position in rear of our line of battle and took its position and participated in the engagement. Counter-marching, the regiment moved by the right flank, so as to receive protection of natural defenses against the enemy’s batteries to our front, but was all the while exposed to a heavy and destructive fire from his batteries on our right. Just before reaching the scene of action Colonel Griffin fell wounded and was carried from the field. On reaching the foot of the hill upon whose crest rested the line of the enemy the regiment was thrown into line. While this was being done I sent Lieutenant Johnson and Private Edward Dunning, of Company ©, to the front to locate the enuemy’s battery and infantry, who returned and reported accurately his position, and also reported that the only opening to be seen long enough in our line (at that time engaged) to admit of our entering was about 200 yards to our left. I accordingly marched the regiment to the left and then to the front, rising the hill, still partly masked by the regiment on my right. This was unmasked by an oblique movement to the left; which being accomplished, I moved the regiment forward to within short musket-range and opened on his batteries and infantry.

This position I occupied until twilight began to dim the field, when Lieutenant Buckles (Company E) informed [me] that all support had been withdrawn from our left, which [ saw at a glance to be true. This unfortunate circumstance threw a more destructive fire into our left than veterans could be justly called upon to withstand, yet officers and men stood firm, and resolutely returned the enemy’s fire from ranks now reduced by more than one-third of their former number. At this juncture the same officer reported the enemy moved around our left flank, whereupon I withdrew the regiment in line, firing in retreat.

Where the conduet of all was so satisfactory it is difficult to identify those to whom is due the credit of peculiar gallantry, but I feel it my duty to put upon record the heroism of some who displayed conspicuous gallantry. To Capt. i. G. Henry on the right and Capt. F. Bostick on the left wing, the former acting lieutenant-colonel, the latter major, the regiment is indebted for much of the order and steadiness which marked its action in this engagement. Each fell mortally wounded at his post while heroically in the discharge of the most dangerous and responsible duties. To Assistant Adjutant-General Inge, of Colonel Barksdale’s staff, I would express my obligations for assistance upon the field, where his zeal, skill, and bravery inspired all who beheld him. So numerous were the instances in which non-commissioned officers and privates in the ranks distinguished themselves that it would be impossible to mention all in a report like this; but some there were whom the accidents of the battle threw under my immediate observation. Sergeant Smith (color-bearer) is deserving of the highest praise for his steadiness during the fight and considerate coolness after being wounded. Orderly-Sergeant Goodloe, Company C, for activity and coolness in dressing his men while under terrific fire. Privates Cooper, Company F; George Green and ©. Berry, Company D, and Corporal Huston and Private Tyler, Company I, were among those prominent who distinguished themselves for gallantry and boldness. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,