J. A. Walker to Thirteenth Virginia Infantry, August 2, 1862
August 2, 1862.
August 2, 1862.
In compliance with instructions from division headquarters, directing me to report the operations of the Fourth Brigade at the battle of Gainesâ Mill, fought on June 27, I have the honor to report that I was not called upon to take command of the brigade until after General Elzey was wounded, late in the evening, and that I know nothing of the movements of any regiment except my own prior to that time.
When informed that General Elzey had been wounded and carried from the field I went in search of the other regiments of the brigade ; but General Elzeyâs aides having all been killed or wounded, I was only able to find the Thirty-first, Fifty-eighth, and Forty-fourth Virginia. These regiments remained in the action until dark, when I directed them to withdraw to Beulah Church to rest and procure ammunition.
The next morning the remaining regiments of the brigade, viz, the Twelfth Georgia and Twenty-fifth and Fifty-second Virginia, reported to me, they having been detached by General Elzey the day betore to support batteries.
Cuar. XXUI) SEVEN-DAYSâ BATTLES, 611
I inclose the report of the commanding officer of each regiment for particulars and for list of killed and wounded.
My own regiment (Thirteenth Virginia) was sent forward as skirmishers in the morning and killed and wounded 5 or 6 of the enemy and took some 25 prisoners. In the evening it was in the hottest of the fight, and both officers and men, with a few exceptions, behaved well and fought with a determination and bravery worthy the cause in which we are engaged.
The loss of the regiment in killed and wounded was very heavy in proportion to the number engaged. Only about 250 went into action, and of that number 112 were killed and wounded. The loss in company officers was particularly heavy, and is the best evidence of the gallant manner in which they discharged their duties.
I beg leave to add my humble testimony to the gallantry of Capt. William H. Sherer, of Company H, who was mortally wounded while bravely encouraging his men; also to that of Capt. C. G. Cooke, of Company A; First Lieut. F. D. Sherrard, of Company K, and Lieutenant Streit, of Company H, all of whom fell, like brave and true men, at their posts.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Colonel Thirteenth Virginia Infantry.
Lieut. G. CAMPBELL BRown,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
No. 254.
Report of Brig. Gen. JubaleA. Harly, O. S. Army, commanding Fourth
Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill.