with that regiment. We, following this regiment, withdrew from the field, and rejoining my brigade, took the position I had originally occupied in the morning. I have never, on any field during the war, seen more splendid gallantry exhibited than on that field of Williamsburg, but that splendid gallantry was thrown away and wasted by bad management, when it would have been entirely effective if properly directed. This was, I will add, the first and last time that I ever asked for a place in a charge—a pardonable folly, I hope, at that stage of the war.
The balance of Anderson's brigade was in Fort Magruder and the works about. They were more or less warmly engaged all day. About 9 or 10 o'clock A. M., General Anderson himself was put in command of troops on the right of Fort Magruder in the woods, where I am told that the severest fighting was done.
Very respectfully yours,
