Jer. O. C. Sullivan to H. G. Armstrong, March 26, 1862

I have the honor to make the following report of the part my brigade took in the battle of the 23d, near Winchester:

The Second Brigade, which I commanded, consisted of the Thirteenth Indiana, Fifth Ohio, Thirty-ninth Illinois, and Sixty-second Ohio. My position was on the left wing in a large open field, facing the woods, which were occupied by the rebels. I had no sooner formed my line of battle than the enemy opened on me a heavy and well-directed fire from his artillery, which was sustained for over five hours. The right wing being hard pressed, General Kimball sent to me for re-entorcements. I sent to him one regiment. Again and again were re-enforcements asked for until I was left on the left wing with but one regiment—the Thirtyninth Llinois—and two pieces of artillery. I, however, advanced and opened fire on the enemy concealed in the woods, and drove back the artillery that was playing on me. The firing on my right had now nearly ceased, but no evidence could be obtained to warrant a belief that the enemy had retired. We rested that night on our arms, expecting every moment an attack. The next morning at daylight I started to attack them, but found that all had retired save a rear guard, which I drove some 3 miles before any re-enforcements reached me.

The loss of the regiments in my brigade is heavy, but owing to our being in advance and yet pursuing the enemy have no means of ascertaining correctly. Officers and men behaved nobly, and once even gave evidence that their hearts were in this cause. With such soldiers our flag will soon be carried in triumph over the rebellious States.

Inclosed I send copies of the reports of the different commanders on the field. Being in advance and in bivouac, my facilities for obtaining correct information of our loss are small. I am now 25 miles from the field of battle, and surgeons have made no reports.

respectfully,