Richard Taylor to John S. Mason, May 26, 1862

Mason: I have the honor to render the following report in regard to the actions of the 23d, 24th, and 25th instant, in which my brigade was engaged:

On the 23d the First Maryland Regiment, Brigadier-General Steuart, being in advance, the brigade reached the heights above Front Royal about 3 p. m., the enemy opening upon us with shell at the same time. Here Major Wheat?’s battalion, of five companies, was immediately ordered forward into the town, to assist the Maryland regiment in dislodging the enemy, the Sixth Louisiana Regiment following as a reserve.

Major Wheat performed his part in gallant style, charging through the town, and drawing up his command on the bank of the Shenandoah in a position sheltered from the enemy’s shells, the three remaining regiments—Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Louisiana—at the same time advancing in parallel lines through the fields and woods to the south and west of the town.

The details of the engagement having occurred under the eye of the major-general commanding, it is not necessary to mention them further. The whole brigade was under the fire of artillery and behaved well.

On this day the Seventh Louisiana lost 1 (private) killed and 1 badly wounded. Wheat’s battalion lost 1 killed and 6 wounded ; 1 (an officer, Lieutenant Grinnell) wounded in the hand.

It is with deep regret that I have also to report the loss of Maj. Aaron Davis, my brigade commissary. After crossing the river he became separated from my staff, and, as I afterward learned, led on by a fatal impetuosity, joined in the cavalry charge of Colonel Munford’s regiment, and met his death charging at its head. He was killed by a bullet entering his right breast.

On the 24th the skirmishers of my brigade again encountered the enemy’s cavalry near Middletown, cutting their column in two and killing and capturing a large number of them; also many horses and wagons, the latter loaded with various stores of value, such as medicines and other hospital stores.

The brigade being constantly in motion, it is impossible to state the exact number of the enemy killed or captured in this skirmish.

I have the honor to hand over to you two flags captured in action on this day by Companies A and B, of the Sixth Louisiana Regiment, under command of Major McArthur. Our loss inthe skirmish was 3 killed and 12 wounded.

On the morning of the 25th, being ordered by Major-General Jackson to execute a flank movement upon the enemy’s strong position in front of Winchester, the brigade was formed into line of battle in the face of a severe fire of artillery and musketry, the Seventh Regiment acting as a reserve. The advance and subsequent charge were both conducted steadily and in good order, resulting in the dislodgment of the enemy and the capture of the town.

We lost on this occasion, in killed, Major McArthur (Sixth Louisiana Regiment) and 14 privates; wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholls (Eighth Louisiana) badly, in the elbow, 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, and 85 privates.

Recapitulation for the three days:

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Four guidons, captured by the Seventh Louisiana Regiment in the skirmish at Middletown, have just been sent in and are herewith forwarded.

To enumerate all the acts of gallantry and good conduct would extend this report to an improper length.

Colonels Seymour, Hays, Kelly, and Stafford, of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Louisiana, led their regiments into action with the most distinguished bravery.

Major Wheat, with a part of his battalion, detached on the left, rendered valuable service in assisting to repel the attempt of the enemy’s cavalry to charge our line.

Captain Surget, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Hamilton, aide-de-camp, carried orders under the hottest fire with coolness and precision, the former having his horse struck several times.

To Private H. B. Richardson, of the Sixth Louisiana Regiment, I am particularly indebted for valuable services in reconnoitering and gaining important information of the enemy’s position and movements while acting as a mounted orderly during the engagement of the 25th, and would earnestly recommend him to the Government for an appointment as lieutenant in the Provisional Army.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,