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This battle was probably THE battle of the 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment. After the war veterans of the Regiment referred to this battle as "pre-eminently our fight". The fight started with the Regiment placed in the middle of the Confederate line and as the extreme left regiment of Early’s brigade. To the left of the 13th the Stonewall brigade was placed (under James A. Walker). The Federals closed in on the Confederates, and the fighting was intense for several minutes. Then the two brigades just to the left of Early’s brigade fell back as well as several regiments to the right. Only the 13th and 31st Virginia stood their ground in that sector of the battlefield. Walker recognized the danger to a confederate artillery piece right in front of him and ordered both regiments forward to protect the gun. At the same time the Federals had enveloped the left flank of the 13th, but still the men fought in good order. Walker withdrew the regiment 200 yards, halted, and rallied.
The Official Records O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY SECOND CORPS, COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the artillery of this army corps in the battle of Cedar Run of August 9, 1862: The road on which we advanced debouched from a piece of woods upon the immediate battle-field, which was open and somewhat broken, a brook running across it and the prolongation of the road, and making a small angle with our general line of battle. The advance of our troops was the division of Brig. Gen. C. S. Winder, and its artillery became first engaged. The enemy's batteries occupied rising ground to the right and beyond the mouth of the road, while his infantry extended from these batteries toward our left. About 2 p.m. a gun placed at the mouth of the road by Maj. R. S. Andrews, commanding the artillery of General Winder's division, opened on the enemy (his cavalry skirmishers and outposts had been previously driven in by Brigadier-General Early's brigade, which was just to the right of this point). The reply was immediate, and from this time the enemy kept up a sharp fire at this point as one near which our troops and batteries must pass in taking position. I found that to the right and front some 250 yards were rises in the ground favorable for positions for artillery. I therefore directed Major Andrews to move forward his rifled guns to these points. He moved out four rifled and one 12-pounder Napoleon; the latter and two rifles were from Captain Poague's battery, and the others from those of Captains Caskie and Carpenter. Their fire was directed against the enemy's batteries in order to protect the deployment of our infantry. They were excellently served, and so completely occupied the enemy's guns, about twelve in number, I think, that Major Andrews proposed to move one or two smooth-bore batteries farther down the road, and endeavor to enfilade the enemy's position. In trying to do this he was wounded, and the complexion of affairs just after prevented its subsequent execution. Meanwhile the battery of Captain Latimer, which had moved with Major-General Ewell's division, had opened on the enemy from a position at the base of Slaughter Mountain far to our right, while the batteries of Captains Brown and Dement (the two comprising six guns) had position between the battery of Captain Latimer and those of Major Andrews. These two batteries were capitally served, and evidently damaged the enemy severely. Thus far the fight had been between the opposing artillery exclusively. At this time the enemy's infantry advanced in line of battle---that is, a regiment of them--through a corn field just beyond the brook and in front of Major Andrews' guns. Unable apparently to cross in this formation, they formed column of companies for the purpose. Just then Major Andrews turned his guns upon them (for it was before he had been wounded), and opening with canister soon broke them. At this time Lieut. Col. R. L. Walker coming up with the artillery of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division, I directed him to place four rifled guns on the rising ground to Major Andrews' right. He placed them by sections--two from Captain Pegram's battery and two from Captain Fleet's, the latter under command of Lieutenant Hardy. These guns now were formed en echelon, Captain Pegram being in advance and to the right, next to him Lieutenant Hardy, while the guns from General Winder's division were farther to the left and something in advance of Lieutenant Hardy, giving an oblique fire across their front. At this moment the enemy's infantry advanced again in general line across the corn field, and Lieutenant-Colonel Walkers guns were turned on them exclusively. In a short time our infantry on the left of the road was apparently thrown into confusion and gave way. The enemy advancing, the rear of the guns of General Winder's division was exposed, and they were withdrawn by General Jackson's order. At the same time the enemy made a feeble effort to advance through and from the corn field, but a well-directed fire of canister from the guns of Captain Pegram and [Lieutenant] Hardy, supported by, I believe, the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, Col. J. A. Walker, checked them, though their skirmishers got quite near under cover of the accidents of the ground. The temporary confusion on the left was soon overcome, and in a short time the enemy gave way, and our whole line advancing, the artillery moved along the road, unable to cross the brook in front through the fields. The pursuit continued until, having crossed the second brook, we came upon a large body of woods. It being deemed advisable to shell these before advancing farther, the batteries of Captains Pegram, Fleet, Braxton, and Latham were placed in position under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker some 80 or 100 yards distant, and a heavy fire opened in various directions. After a short time Captain Pegram's battery was ordered forward with an infantry brigade through these woods about a quarter of a mile. It took position just beyond and opened upon what was thought and proved to be the enemy's camp. A battery was soon opened in reply, and a heavy cannonade was the consequence for some time, causing Captain Pegram severe loss. His battery, however, retained its position until next morning, when it was withdrawn. We lost no pieces or caissons, but had two guns dismounted by the enemy's fire. We captured one 12-pounder Napoleon (spiked) and carriage and caisson, with two other caissons and a limber, all of which were brought off. The gun and caisson were sent to Richmond, one caisson exchanged into Captain Poague's battery, and the other caisson and limber also sent to Richmond. It is due that I should call especial attention to the gallantry displayed by Maj. R. S. Andrews in this action. He was severely wounded, and in our withdrawal fell a prisoner into the hands of the enemy. Capt. J. Carpenter, a most excellent officer, received a wound (from which he has since died) while fearlessly exposing himself in looking out a position for his battery. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. CRUTCHFIELD, Colonel and Chief of Artillery, Second Corps. Lieut. Col. C. J. FAULKNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. HEADQUARTERS LIGHT DIVISION, COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Light Division, under my command, at the battle of Cedar Run: On the night of August 7, 1862, my division, to which had been added the Louisiana Brigade, of Colonel Stafford, encamped around Orange Court-House. That night orders were received by me from Major-General Jackson to move at dawn in the morning, and in the following order, viz: Ewell's, Hill's, and Jackson's divisions. At the appointed time I was ready, with the head of my leading brigade resting near the street down which I understood Ewell was to pass, and ready to take my appointed place in the column of march. A little after sunrise a division commenced passing, which I supposed to be Ewell's. One or two brigades having passed, I then recognized it to be Jackson's, and learned that Ewell had taken another route, by Liberty Mills. Of this no intimation had been given me. Not desiring to separate the brigades of this division, I awaited its passing and fell in in rear of it. Jackson's division was followed by quite a train of wagons, and such I understood to be General Jackson's order, and nothing had been said about the trains in the order of march. My column progressed so slowly that I rode on to the river to see the cause of the delay. I there found that a portion of Jackson's division had not crossed, and all were delayed by the passing of Ewell's troops and trains, his road joining ours at this point. I sent word to General Jackson that the trains were delaying the march of the troops very much, and to know if it was his order that the trains were to follow in rear of each division. Between 4 and 5 o'clock--the wagons of Ewell still passing and a portion of Jackson's division still not having crossed the river--I received an order from General Jackson to go back to Orange CourtHouse and encamp for the night. The head of my column having only made about a mile, I bivouacked the brigades where they were. That night I sent a note to General Jackson, at Garnett's house, that it would be impossible for me to get along the next day with my artillery unless the road was cleared of the trains; that, familiar with the country, if he would permit, I could take my division by a short road by the ford at Holliday's Mill and join him at any point he might designate. The reply I received was that the trains had been ordered from the road, and to move immediately by the route first designated, as it was his intention to be in Culpeper Court-House that night. Moving before daylight, Lawton's, Taliaferro's, and other brigades were overhauled just as they were in motion. The enemy's cavalry having made some demonstrations on our left, Gregg was ordered to remain at the ford and protect the crossing of the trains and as a guard on the march. My order of march was Thomas, Branch, Archer, Pender, Stafford, and Field. Arriving within about 6 miles of Culpeper CourtHouse, the heavy firing in front gave notice that the battle had commenced. I was directed by General Jackson to send a brigade to the support of Taliaferro, who was in line of battle on the right of the main road. Thomas was sent on this duty, and formed his line immediately in rear of Taliaferro. Lieutenant-Colonel Walker placed Pegram's and Fleet's batteries in eligible positions in front of Early's brigade (on Taliaferro's right). Branch, Archer, and Pender as they came up were successively formed on the left of the road. Winder's brigade, immediately in front of Branch, being hard pressed, broke, and many fugitives came back. Without waiting for the formation of the entire line, Branch was immediately ordered forward, and passing through the broken brigade received the enemy's fire, promptly returned it, checked the pursuit, and in turn drove them back and relieved Taliaferro's flank. The enemy, driven across an open field, had rallied in a wood skirting it. Branch was engaging when Archer came up, and with Pender on the left. The enemy were charged across this field, the brigade of Archer being subjected to a very heavy fire. General Thomas, on the right, had been ordered by General Jackson to the right and support Early's brigade. Quite a large portion of both Early's and Taliaferro's brigades had been thrown into confusion, some of the regiments standing firm--the Thirteenth Virginia, Twenty-first Virginia, and Twelfth Georgia. Thomas formed his line of battle along a fence bordering a corn field, through which the enemy were advancing. After a short contest here the enemy were hurled back. Pegram's and Fleet's batteries (the latter under command of Lieutenant Hardy) did heavy execution this day, and drove back several attempts to capture their guns. The Fourteenth Georgia, under the gallant Colonel Folsom, having become separated from the rest of the brigade by our fugitives, charged the advancing enemy and with brilliant success. The enemy had now been driven from every part of the field, but made an attempt to retrieve his fortunes by a cavalry charge. Their squadrons, advancing across an open field in front of Branch, exposed their flank to him, and, encountering a deadly fire from the Fourteenth Georgia and Thirteenth Virginia, had many saddles emptied and fled in utter disorder. Much credit is due Thomas' brigade for the admirable manner in which they acted under very discouraging circumstances. It was now dark and the field had been won. I was directed to follow the enemy. Colonel Stafford and General Field being now up, Stafford's brigade was put in advance, and Field, with Pegram's battery, next. The woods in our front having first been shelled for some minutes by all my batteries, Stafford advanced, feeling his way cautiously, skirmishing, and taking prisoners. Passing through the woods he came upon the enemy in force. By direction of General Jackson Pegram occupied a little knoll upon the margin of the field and opened fire. Field was thrown into line along the edge of the woods bordering the field and a little in rear of Pegram. Very soon a concentric fire from three batteries, at short range, was opened on Pegram, and his loss in men and horses was so great that he was soon silenced. No further attempt was made to advance. My brigades bivouacked upon the ground won, and next day were withdrawn a short distance back and the dead buried. Very respectfully, A.P. HILL, Major-General Lieut. Col. C. J. FAULKNER
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. MARCH--, 1863. MAJOR: 1 have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the artillery of the Light Division in the battle of Cedar Run. August 9: At about 3 p.m., all my batteries being in park near the house ----- --------, I received an order from Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill to carry forward all my long-range guns, which order I immediately obeyed, but was unable to get more than two of my batteries in position, as the road was so blocked up with wagons and ambulances as to prevent any more artillery from reaching the front. The two batteries placed in position were those of Captains Pegram and Fleet. I posted them in position on the field and near the center, passing through the gate, at which I found Captain Caskie's battery, which had converged the fire of the enemy to a point necessary to be passed by all of our troops. Captain Pegram's battery and Captain Fleet's battery, the latter commanded by Lieut. W. B. Hardy, were posted, as stated above, near the center of the field and within 150 yards of the enemy's skirmishers, Lieutenant Hardy being in front. These batteries were supported by the brigade of Brigadier-General Early, and held their position for at least half an hour, and after the infantry, with the exception of the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, had fallen back from them. So soon as I saw the Light Division make its appearance I ordered the batteries to retire, the loss in both men and horses being considerable. Reports of these losses have already been made to the proper officer. I moved forward as soon as possible with all the artillery at my command, and by General Hill's order brought the batteries of Captains Pegram, Braxton, Latham, and a part of Captain Fleet's battery, to bear upon the point supposed to be occupied by the enemy. At 10 o'clock that night, after firing about eight rounds from each gun, Captain Pegram was sent forward with Colonel Stafford's brigade and had for an hour or more a severe fight with the enemy, losing several men and horses and inflicting considerable loss upon the enemy. Next morning at daylight I was ordered by General Hill to select a position much to our left and on south side of the creek, which I did, placing two batteries of mine, viz, Captains Fleet's and Davidson's, and one of General Early’s. This position commanded the enemy's camp, somewhat to their rear. Captain Pegram and Lieutenant Hardy inflicted great loss on the enemy on Saturday evening, and their conduct, with that of the men under their command, cannot be too highly commended. The batteries of my command were all retired on Sunday evening, Captain Braxton bringing up the rear and retiring by half battery. I have the honor to remain, major, your obedient servant, R. L. WALKER, Lieutenant Colonel,
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. RICHMOND, Va, March 6, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report as follows the movements of my division at Cedar Run on August 9, 1862: My division followed the cavalry advance, and when we reached the south end of the valley the enemy's cavalry were seen in strong force in our front. A reconnaissance was made, and artillery fired on the enemy, which drove them back, soon to reappear. It was evident that the enemy intended to make a stand at this place. Shortly after 1 o'clock my division was ordered forward, Early's brigade, under cover of the woods, to the left; Trimble's and Forno's brigades on the right; Dement's Maryland Artillery, Brown's Chesapeake Artillery, and D'Aquin's Louisiana Artillery were posted in the valley, and served with effect under the general direction of Major Courtney in the plain. I reached the point of Slaughter Mountain with the two brigades of Trimble and Forno and established from a commanding position Latimer's battery, with a section of Johnson's, under Lieutenant Terry, which opened with marked effect on the enemy, drawing much of the artillery fire which had been concentrated against our left wing. Captain Latimer was advanced later in the evening, so as to obtain a more effective position. The enemy moved a section of artillery to meet this fire and protect their left flank. Captain Latimer exhibited his usual coolness and judgment. Major Lowther was ordered forward with the Fifteenth Alabama, deployed as skirmishers, against the enemy's left flank. They were exposed to the fire of artillery, which they supported with unflinching bravery, and led the later movements from our right. I found a mill-pond stopped the farther progress of our right, and for a short time the only approach against the enemy was swept by our batteries in the valley. When this difficulty was removed the two brigades--Trimble's on the right and in advance----marched under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery against the battery on their left, the front covered by skirmishers from the Fifteenth Alabama, the brigade advancing en echelon of regiments. The enemy hastily abandoned the field, leaving their wounded, several loaded ammunition wagons, and a piece of artillery. As it was too late to distinguish friend from foe, and shouting was heard to my left rear of the line of battle, I halted to communicate with the center, now advancing under General Early in a direction to intersect my line of march. While waiting I received orders to join the left wing, under the major-general in person. Night stopped the pursuit, and next morning I was remanded to Slaughter Mountain. An armistice having been agreed on to bury the dead, General Early returned to the field with a detachment from his brigade, and while there removed six wagon loads of arms, besides burying nearly 100 dead left by the other divisions of the army, and which would not have been buried but for his energy. General Early, though on duty since the battle of Malvern Hill, was still so enfeebled from the effects of a wound received at Williamsburg as to be unable to mount his horse without assistance. I beg to call the attention of the major-general commanding to the gallant and effective service rendered by General Early, repulsing repeated attacks of the enemy, contributing largely in driving him from the field. I beg leave to recommend him for promotion, and also heartily indorse his recommendation for the promotion of Colonel Walker, of the Thirteenth Virginia, to the rank of brigadier-general. My staff present were Lieut. Col. J. M. Jones and Capt. G. Campbell Brown, Adjutant-General's Department; Lieut. T. T. Turner, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Richardson, Engineer Corps. These officers were, as usual, active and efficient in the performance of their duties. Lieutenant Elliott Johnston, aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Garnett, volunteered on my staff for the battle, and here, as well as afterward at Bristoe, I profited largely by his activity, coolness, and intelligence. This officer was severely wounded at Sharpsburg. His valuable and long services to the Confederacy, most of the time without rank, entitle him to promotion. I inclose herewith reports from Captain D'Aquin, Louisiana Battery; Major Courtney, chief of artillery; Colonel Walker, Thirteenth Virginia; Colonel Forno, commanding Hays' (Louisiana) brigade, and Generals Trimble and Early. Respectfully, R. S. EWELL, Major-General. Col. C. J. FAULKNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my brigade in the battle on Cedar Creek, near Slaughter Mountain, in Culpeper [County], on Saturday, the 9th instant: Early on the morning of that day I was ordered by Major-General Ewell to move forward to the cavalry camp of General Robertson, picketing the road at suitable points to the right and left, so as to prevent surprises by the enemy's cavalry on our flanks, and the Forty-fourth Virginia Regiment and six companies of the Fifty-second Virginia Regiment were detached for that purpose. With the balance of the brigade I reached General Robertson's headquarters. After some time spent in observing the enemy's cavalry in our front my brigade, by direction of General Ewell, was advanced on the road toward Culpeper Court-House to a school-house at the intersection of a road from Madison Court-House with the road to Culpeper Court-House, and was placed in the woods by the side of the road, the Thirteenth Virginia being extended to the left behind the school-house, so as to command the road from Madison Court-House; the Fifty-eighth Virginia Regiment being placard in a clump of pines to the right of the Culpeper road, so as to command the fields to the right, and the rest of the brigade along the edge of the woods to the left of the latter road, between the Thirteenth and Fifty-eighth Regiments. While this operation was going on two pieces of Captain Johnson's battery, under Lieutenant Terry, which had been carried to the right near the foot of the mountain, opened on the enemy's cavalry, as did some pieces in front of General Robertson's headquarters, and were responded to by some pieces of the enemy, posted in rear of their cavalry toward Culpeper Court-House, but this firing lasted only for a few minutes, and the enemy's cavalry, which had at first moved back, soon returned to its former position. After I had remained near the school-house something less than an hour, Capt. A. S. Pendleton, of General Jackson's staff, came to me and informed me that General Jackson had ordered an advance; that General Trimble would advance on the right over the side of the mountain (Slaughter), supported by the Louisiana Brigade, of General Ewell's division, and that I would advance from the position I then occupied, and be supported by General Winder with three brigades of General Jackson's own division, and he directed me to advance as soon as I received a message from General Winder that he was in position to support me. While waiting for the message from General Winder I reconnoitered the ground in front, and the position of the enemy's cavalry, which was in the fields of Mrs. Crittenden's farm, to the left of the Culpeper road, deployed as skirmishers, supported by about a squadron in reserve. My command was concealed from this cavalry, and I determined to advance upon it, if possible, so as not to be seen until within a short distance of it and I discovered a way which I could, in all probability, do so. On riding back to the school-house I found a courier from General Winder with the information that he was ready. I then commenced any movement, being about 2 p.m., and made a detour to the left, passing through the edge of a woods and behind a hill until I reached the place where I proposed to form my line of battle. In making the advance from this position I found it necessary to march the greater portion of the brigade in line across a corner of woods through which the Culpeper road leads, so as to get in reach of the cavalry. I sent forward the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, under Col. James A. Walker, deployed as skirmishers, a short distance into the woods behind which I desired to form line of battle, and as soon as the skirmishers had advanced the required distance the brigade was formed in a meadow on the north of a branch of Cedar Creek, in an oblique direction to the Culpeper road and to the left of it. While the line was forming a few shots were heard on the left of the skirmishers, which proved to have been fired on a body of cavalry, which immediately gave way. As soon as the line was formed I directed the skirmishers to advance, taking care to bear to the right, so as to cross the road and come into the fields beyond, in order to form upon the brigade, and ordered the brigade forward, sending the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, which was on the right, by flank to form behind a ridge, beyond which was the enemy's cavalry. The brigade moved forward through the woods in handsome style until it came up with the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, when the whole advanced until it came in sight of the enemy's cavalry. About this time Colonel Walker's skirmishers commenced firing, as did the regiments on the right, and the cavalry scampered off. The brigade continued to move forward, swinging around the corner of the woods and coming out into the open field in line of battle. It had by this time got to the right of the Culpeper road and moved in pursuit of the enemy's cavalry through the fields in a direction parallel to the road until it came to a farm road running from Mrs. Crittenden's house, on the right, perpendicularly to the Culpeper road. Here it was halted for a few minutes behind a fence running along the farm road, and the Thirteenth Regiment was drawn in and formed on the left. The fence was then pulled down and the brigade moved forward in line to the crest of a hill which commanded a view in front of what afterward proved to be the battle-field. As soon as the brigade reached the crest of this hill three batteries opened on it, and a large body of cavalry was discovered in a wheat field in front to the left. I ordered the men to retire a few steps and lie down, so as to avoid the effects of the enemy's artillery. The Seventh and Eighth Brigades were then some distance to the right on the side of the mountain, and General Winder's command was about three-quarters of a mile to the rear. The hill sloped down in front, and farther on was a corn field running back to the crest of the next hill, along and behind which were posted the enemy's batteries, and it was evident that there was a depression behind this hill in which large bodies of infantry might be concealed. There was woods also on a hill in the rear of the wheat field, in and behind which infantry might be placed under cover, and to the left was a woods through which my flank might be turned. The opening of the batteries and the halting of the cavalry in its flight convinced me that the enemy intended to make a stand here and that he was in force. The hill upon which I was being a commanding one, from which the enemy's movements might be observed, and, though my left was exposed, being a strong position in itself if the woods on my left could be occupied, I determined to hold it, and sent my aide (Lieut. S. H. Early) back to General Winder for reenforcements, with directions to come along the Culpeper road, as that was clear. My left at this time rested on the Culpeper road where it runs between the field in which I was and the woods to the left. General Winder was met with the head of his column just crossing the branch of Cedar Creek, half a mile in my rear. A short time after Lieutenant Early was sent to General Winder I sent Maj. A. L. Pitzer (a volunteer aide) to ask that some pieces of artillery should be sent up. Before this request could be complied with by General Winder, Captain Brown, of the Chesapeake Artillery, with one piece, and Captain Dementia, with three pieces, came up through the fields in rear on a gallop, and were posted, by my direction, a little in advance of my right near a clump of cedars, where they had a good cover for their horses and caissons and occupied a commanding position. They very soon opened fire upon the enemy, and were followed in a short time by some pieces from General Winder's command from the corner of the field where the road from Mrs. Crittenden's crosses the Culpeper road. About this time the pieces with the Seventh and Eighth Brigades opened fire from the mountain, and a very brisk cannonading was kept up for some time---perhaps for two hours or more. The shells from the enemy's pieces burst over and around my men constantly, doing some damage occasionally, but not a great deal. I observed that the fire from our own guns was having considerable effect, and I saw one of the enemy's batteries compelled to change its position. In the early part of the cannonading I sent an aide to tell General Winder that the enemy's batteries might be attacked with advantage by the left, but in a short time afterward movements were observed in front that induced the belief that the enemy was sending infantry to our left, and notice of this was sent to General Winder, with the caution to be on the lookout; but just before my aide reached the place where General Winder was this gallant officer received a mortal wound from a shell, and the information was communicated to General Jackson in person, he having arrived on the ground. Not long afterward a line of skirmishers from the enemy was seen advancing across the corn field in front and several regiments in rear supporting them. A body of infantry also commenced moving up toward my right, which rested near the clump of cedars where the guns of Brown and Dementia were posted. The hill there falls off rather abruptly to the right, and as infantry could have come up under cover of this hill very near to me, I sent to General Jackson for a brigade to support my right, which was promised. The enemy's skirmishers had halted in the edge of the corn field nearest us, as had the regiments which supported them, and before the brigade promised me came up, very unexpectedly to me, several of our pieces from the left dashed down the slope of the hill in front of my left to within close range of the enemy's skirmishers, which they had not seen. The enemy's skirmishers and the infantry in their rear commenced moving and firing on them immediately, and seeing their danger, I at once ordered my brigade forward at double-quick, which order was complied with, the men rushing down with a shout and reaching the pieces just in time to save them. At the same time a fire was opened from the woods to the left by some troops of General Winder's command, and the infantry fight thus began. The enemy's front regiments soon began to give way, and other regiments were seen advancing through the wheat field to the left and additional regiments through the corn field in my front. I rode to my right, and threw the Twelfth Georgia Regiment to the left along the crest of a ridge, which made a curve in front, affording it a very good natural defense and enabling it to give the enemy a flank fire. Just as I completed this movement I observed a brigade passing from the rear to my right, which proved to be one of Major-General Hill's brigades, commanded by Colonel Thomas. I immediately proceeded to post this brigade to the right of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment and at right angles with it, where it also had a strong position. After getting this brigade in position--during which operation my whole left was excluded from my view--I rode toward the left, and found that the pieces of artillery that had been advanced had retired, and that the left regiments of my brigade and all the troops to their left as far as I could see had fallen back, and the enemy were advancing up the slope of the hill. I saw at once the critical position in which we were placed. The Twelfth Georgia Regiment, the four companies of the Fifty-second Virginia Regiment, with Lieutenant-Colonel Skinner, and a part of the Fifty-eighth Virginia Regiment, under Major Casey, of my own brigade, had not given way, and Colonel Thomas' brigade was still left on my right. These troops were then isolated and in an advanced position, and had they given way the day in all probability would have been lost. I could not, therefore, go to rally those of my regiments which were retiring, but dispatched Major Hale, my acting assistant adjutant-general, to do so, and I immediately rode to the right to urge the troops there to hold their position. After doing this I rode again toward the left and discovered the enemy retiring before some of our troops which were again advancing. These I discovered to be a portion of my own brigade, which had been rallied, and a part of General Taliaferro's brigade. I rode up to them, and while I was here the enemy attempted to retrieve the fortune of the day by a cavalry charge along the Culpeper road, which was, however, successfully repulsed by a fire from the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment – and Colonel Taliaferro's regiment, of General Taliaferro's brigade--and a number of parties from other brigades. This was after sunset, and the troops which had rallied and driven the enemy back advanced into the corn field. I rode off to the right again and found the troops there maintaining their ground against body of infantry in front of Colonel Thomas' brigade, which kept its position for some time. The ammunition of my own regiments being nearly exhausted, as was that of Colonel Thomas' brigade, I directed them to maintain their ground at all hazards and use the bayonet if necessary, and they did not waver for a moment. I did not order an advance from this position because it would have had to be made under great disadvantages and with great danger of being attacked on the right flank. The position of these troops was all the time, until the enemy had entirely given way, in advance of the line, and I was satisfied that they could accomplish more by maintaining their position than by advancing. A little before dusk the last of the enemy's regiments left the ground on the advance of our troops to the left into the corn field, and we were left masters of the battle-field. In a short time I was informed by Major-General Hill, who came where I was, that General Jackson's order was to advance in pursuit of the enemy on the Culpeper road and that his division was advancing. I informed him of the fact that the whole of my ammunition was exhausted, and that my brigade was much fatigued and in some confusion; but as he expressed the opinion that I ought to advance, I collected the brigade and did advance until I was met by General Ewell, who had come up from the right, and was by him ordered to wait until the other two brigades of the division came upon the road from the right and follow them, which I did, and was shortly after halted and ordered to bivouac for the night. Johnson's battery, attached to this brigade, had accompanied the Seventh and Eighth Brigades, and its movements were under the direction of the major-general commanding the division. I have since ascertained that the giving way of the regiments on my left, which has been mentioned, was caused by the fact that the brigade on their left gave way before the enemy's infantry which advanced through the wheat field, and that the enemy got into the woods on the left and fired into their rear. This disorder was confined to the Twenty-fifth, Thirty-first, and part of the Fifty-eighth Virginia Regiments. Colonel Walker, who was on my extreme left, maintained his position with his regiment (the Thirteenth) and part of the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment until they were left alone and the enemy were firing into their rear in the field. He then ordered them to retire, but he again formed them and brought them forward, and contributed very largely to the final repulse of the enemy, advancing as far as any of our troops were advanced until after the conclusion of the fight. I call especial attention to his report. He is a most efficient and gallant officer, who is always ready to perform any duty assigned him, and the men of his regiment are capital fighting men, there being none better in the army. When Colonel Walker is in front with his men deployed as skirmishers I feel secure against an ambuscade. I respectfully and earnestly recommend him for promotion to the position of brigadier-general. Lieutenant-Colonel Terrill, of the same regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Skinner, commanding the Fifty-second Virginia Regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, commanding the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment (severely wounded); Major Kasey, commanding the Fifty-eighth Virginia Regiment, Major Higginbetham, commanding the Twenty-fifth Virginia Regiment, and Capt. William F. Brown, commanding the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, all acquitted themselves with great gallantry. The brigade generally acquitted itself well. The disorder in some of the regiments was, as before stated, after the troops on their left had given way and the enemy had gotten on their flank and rear, and it was after Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, of the Thirty-first, and Major Higginbetham, of the Twenty-fifth, Virginia Regiments were both wounded and carried to the rear, leaving their regiments, which chiefly participated in the disorder, without commanders. The conduct of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, with which I was more than any other, elicited my especial approbation. It is a gallant, fighting regiment, and I have had occasion before to notice its good conduct. Its commander in this action, Capt. William F. Brown,, who is over sixty years of age, displayed great coolness, courage, and energy. He is eminently deserving the command of a regiment, and I recommend him for promotion to fill the first vacancy that may occur among the field officers of the regiment. Captain Lilley, of the Twenty-fifth Virginia Regiment, with a small body of his regiment, including the color-bearer, attracted my attention by the gallantry displayed by them in advancing among the foremost after the regiment had got into disorder. A body of men from the Thirty-first Virginia Regiment, around their colors, advancing in the same way, attracted my attention by their gallantry. I was particularly struck by the bravery exhibited by the color-bearers of these two regiments, who, with these small bodies of men around them, were waving their flags in the very front, as if to attract a fire upon them, and advancing all the while. Captain Brown, of the Chesapeake Artillery, and Captain Dement displayed great courage, energy, and efficiency, themselves loading and firing their pieces when their men were exhausted. I was attracted by the conspicuous gallantry exhibited by Colonel Taliaferro, of the Twenty-third Virginia Regiment, whom I saw urging his men on. I can also bear testimony to the gallantry and good conduct of Colonel Thomas and the officers and men of his brigade, whose timely arrival rendered my right secure, and whose deadly fire contributed largely to the repulse of the enemy. My staff officers----Maj. S. Hale, jr., acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut S. H. Early, aide-de-camp, and Maj. A. L. Pitzer, volunteer aide-de-camp---displayed great courage and energy in carrying my orders under fire and in rallying and encouraging the troops. They were everywhere on the field where there was danger, each having his horse struck under him. There were doubtless many eases of individual gallantry upon the part of officers and men to which I am not able to do justice, and I do not wish it to be understood that they are intentionally overlooked. My effective strength in infantry on the morning of the 9th was 1,700, of which about 350 were left on picket.. Subjoined is a list of killed, wounded, and missing, showing 16 killed, 145 wounded, and 2 missing. Total, 163. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. EARLY, Brigadier-General, Capt. G. CAMPBELL BROWN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 16 [S# 16] AUGUST 9, 1862.-- Battle of Cedar Run, or Cedar (or Slaughter) Mountain,Va. AUGUST 14, 1862. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my regiment at the battle near Mitchell's Station, fought on the 9th instant: After deploying regiment as skirmishers, as directed by the general commanding the brigade, we advanced into the woods between us and the enemy about 200 yards, where the left wing, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Terrill, encountered the enemy's cavalry, consisting of a small squadron of two or three companies, that attempted to charge the line, but were driven back with a known loss of 2 men and 1 horse killed. Farther on in the woods the right wing came in sight of their vedettes, who retired, firing, at a safe distance until they fell back to the main body, drawn up in the field beyond. When we reached the edge of the wood I halted the line and opened fire upon the main body of their cavalry in the field and kept it up until the rest of the brigade came up, but the distance was too great to do much execution. When the rest of the brigade came up I was ordered to close my regiment and form on its left, which I did, and held that position while it lay behind our battery under fire of the enemy's artillery, and advanced with it and the Third Brigade (immediately on my left) when ordered forward to the crest of the hill, and opened fire upon the enemy's line advancing through the corn field beyond the branch. At this point the fighting was obstinate for several minutes, the enemy advancing slowly but steadily until the brigade upon my left gave way and ran off the field in disorder. The panic thus begun was communicated to two or three regiments on my right, which also fell back, leaving my regiment and a portion of the Thirty-first Virginia, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, the only Confederate troops in that part of the field in sight of our position. Finding that one piece of artillery, which had been brought up on the right and a little in advance of my regiment, was thus placed in great jeopardy, I ordered my own and Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson's men forward to hold the enemy in cheek until it could be carried off. The men obeyed with alacrity, and advancing about 30 yards, opened a well-directed fire, which had the desired effect of checking the advance of that portion of the enemy's line directly in our front until the piece was removed We continued to hold our position for a few moments, holding the enemy in front in check, when, finding the enemy had advanced under cover of the woods on our left, over the ground abandoned by the Third Brigade, and had crossed the road into the field considerably in rear of our position, and were pouring a very annoying fire into my left flank, and seeing no re-enforcements in sight, I ordered my regiment to fall back, and carried it off obliquely to the right and rear in tolerable order. We had no sooner given up our position than the enemy, following, planted a Federal and a Maryland flag where ours stood a moment before, and opened fire upon us at very short range. We continued to fall back for about 200 yards, when, fresh troops coming up on our left and the enemy beginning to give back on that flank, I immediately halted my men and, reforming them upon the colors, advanced directly back to our former position, driving the two stand of colors before us. At this time the enemy brought up a fresh line through the corn field, and for ten minutes the firing was heavy and both sides stood firm, when the enemy began to give way along the whole line, and our troops, dashing forward with a shout, crossed the branch and cleared the field of their infantry. The enemy's cavalry attempted to retrieve the fortunes of the day by charging our advancing and disordered lines, and dashed down the wheat field on the left of the road in gallant style. As their column was advancing on my left, with the main road between us, I advanced my men to the left and front up to the fence along the road at double-quick and gave them a flank fire, which, together with the heavy fire from other regiments immediately in their fronts was very destructive, and drove them from the field in confusion and disorder. After this charge the enemy made to further stand, and we continued the pursuit with the other troops until it was discontinued, when I left them in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Terrill and reported to the general commanding brigade. It would be, impossible for troops to behave better than mine did on this day, with a few exceptions. They fought bravely, obeying all the commands of their officers promptly and cheerfully, displaying throughout the whole day an amount of bravery and disciplined valor which I do not believe has been excelled during the war. I herewith inclose a report of the casualties on that day. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. A. WALKER, Colonel Thirteenth Virginia Infantry. Major HALE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Brigade.
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