Wade Hampton to Fitzhugh, August 10, 1862

August 10, 1862.

MAJor: I have the honor to submit for the information of the majorgeneral commanding the following report of the operations of my brigade on the recent advance of the enemy, together with the reports of the colonels under my command:

At 12.30 a. m. August 5 Colonel Young notified me that he had received information of the presence of the enemy in front of Colonel Baker, and that they were apparently advancing. I sent this courier immediately to General Toombs, and dispatched another to endeavor to procure accurate information as to the movements of the enemy. This latter returned just before daylight, confirming fully the report of the first, and bringing the additional information from Colonel Baker that the enemy were in strong force of all arms. This courier was sent forthwith to give his report to General Toombs also, and I then ordered out the reserve of Cobb’s Legion to proceed with them to the support of Colonel Baker. Just as I was about to leave my quarters, having previously dispatched a courier to Major-General Longstreet conveying all the information in my possession, I heard the enemy open fire on the artillery and infantry stationed at Malvern Hill. I rode at once to the quarters of General Toombs and communicated this intelligence to him, suggesting to him the propriety of re-enforcing his troops on the hill. I told him that if he would take re-enforcements to the hill and would let me have some artillery, I would attack the enemy in their rear near Crew’s house. This was agreed on, and proceeding with the Cobb Legion Cavalry and two sections [of] Moody’s artillery I gained the position from which General Magruder had attacked the enemy on July 1 ultimo. On reaching this point I found the enemy on the same ground occupied by him in the battle of the Ist [of] last month, while the troops which had been stationed on Malvern Hill were retreating. Fearing for my rear guard, and having only four pieces of artillery, with two small squadrons of cavalry, I withdrew to our main lines. During that day I held the enemy in strict observance, but had no opportunity to strike at him. New picket lines were established and well maintained. ; :

On the 7th I was ordered by General Lee to reconnoiter on the right flank of the enemy with my command. This was done as the infantry advanced in front, and I proceeded through Gatewood’s farm to Carter’s in with. My personal observation was confined to the right and center of my line. As Iwas unable to learn their positions during the two days’ operations, I must, therefore, refer you to the report of Colonel Magruder for information as to the occurrences on the left, where he was stationed. Ican confirm the reports of Colonels Baker and Young from my own personal knowledge of all the facts stated.

I neglected to state that while consulting with General Toombs in the morning a courier brought to me news of the attack on the hill and a request to the general from one of his officers there for re-enforcements.

I beg to call your attention to the very efficient manner in which Colonel Baker maintained his picket line and to the timely information he furnished as to the movements of the enemy. This information was always promptly communicated by Lieutenant-Colonel Young, and these officers both proved themselves watchful and energetic.

The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Magruder has not yet been sent in, though it has been called for. It shall be forwarded as soon as it reaches me. Since the infantry have been withdrawn from the picket line the enemy have made constant demonstrations against me. They have always been promptly met and our lines have been maintained.

Of course the position cannot be held by cavalry alone against a serious attack, but orders have been given to hold it as long as possible. I incline to the belief that the enemy are withdrawing, and I strongly recommend a forced reconnaissance with infantry, artillery, and cavalry. This is entirely practicable.

Referring you for details to the accompanying reports,

I have the