John Cuthbertson to Gkorge A. McCall, November 4, 1862

General GkorGE A. MCCALL:

GENERAL: * * * This regiment was at the commencement of the action of June a number of ineffectual attempts to take this battery, several times charging up within a few yards of the guns, but each time driven back with great slaughter. ;

About 6 o’clock this regiment was ordered to the left, the enemy apparently making headway there, leaving other troops to support the battery. When the enemy on the left was repulsed we were moved to the rear of Cooper’s battery, which had just been taken by the enemy. :

The regiment was ordered to retake the battery, and the men advanced, cheering lustily, to the attack, although it was in possession of a superior force and was defended with great vigor. A hand-to-hand struggle ensued; muskets were clubbed and bayonets were used; the enemy was driven from the guns, fleeing in great confusion, our men after them to the road. Here our men were with difficulty halted, I having to catch hold of the color-bearer to stop him.

The regiment then fell back. Soon afterward a body of the enemy several times our number came up and were at once engaged, our men behaving with a valor and heroism that could not be surpassed. Though not over 50 yards separated us and officers and men fell rapidly under the terrible fire, nota man faltered. In afew minutes a musket-ball passed through both my thighs. It was then nearly dark, and as I was carried off I could see my gallant comrades were still maintaining the unequal contest with a recklessness of life that astonishes me when I now cally reflect upon it.

As near as I can estimate it was about fifteen minutes before 8 o’clock when I was wounded. JI was the senior captain, and temporarily in command of the regiment at the time. This regiment during this battle was not at any time in rear of the line of battle adopted by you.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,