Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

[528] reported without a field-officer and without ammunition. Reorganized the regiment, and, while trying to procure ammunition, caused them to rest and refresh themselves with coffee, etc. Having distributed ammunition, and finding the major fit for duty, with your consent I turned over the command of the regiment to him and resumed my staff duties, about 1 h. P. M. Continued with you, placing troops and hurrying forward reserves, etc. Carried an order to Captain Bankhead to advance his battery to the front. This he executed by the Pittsburg road. At the time the enemy were being rapidly driven to the river along our centre and right flank. Soon afterwards, part of General Anderson's brigade, and then a Louisiana brigade—I think that of Colonel Gibson—were advanced in the same direction.

Some time after this, a staff officer having reported a brigade without a commander, you directed me to assume command of and lead it into action. Proceeding with said officer to the point designated, I met General Hardee, who commanded that portion of the field, and reported my orders to him. He directed me to lead the brigade by the left flank as far as possible to the rear of a camp of the enemy in front of our left, and, if possible, to take it in reverse. At the same time he placed under my command Captain Hodgson's battery, Washington Artillery of New Orleans, already in position, to shell the said camp, and reply to a battery of the enemy there in position. After assuming command of the brigade, which I found to consist of the 16th and 18th regiments Louisiana Volunteers, and the battalion of Orleans Guards, all under the command of Colonel Pond, I made a reconnaissance by which I found that the camp I was ordered to carry was in a strong position, separated from the ground we had already gained by a deep ravine, a branch of which extended to our front, along our left of said camp. A considerable extent of open ground to the left of this ravine contained another camp of the enemy, who could be seen drawn up in line of battle in large force, at the edge of the woods still farther to the left and front.

* * * * * * *

In this connection, while noticing the general gallantry of the officers and men I had the honor to command, I wish to call particular notice to the brave and efficient services of Lieutenant E. Puech, Adjutant of the Orleans Guards, and of Lieutenant C. M. Sheppard, Acting Adjutant of the 18th regiment Louisiana volunteers, who acted as my staff; also of Major F. Dumonteil, a volunteer with the Orleans Guards; and of Father E. Turgis, who, in the performance of his holy offices, freely exposed himself to the balls of the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General,—I have the honor to report, in obedience to your orders, the following