the skill and gallantry displayed by them in this day's fight. Lieutenant Harvey, Fourteenth North Carolina sharpshooters, commanding sharpshooters, deserves especial praise for his daring conduct. He whipped a Yankee regiment (150th Pennsylvania) with his sharpshooters, and took their regimental colors from them with his own hands. Colonel Battle, with the Third Alabama, rendered brilliant and invaluable service; attaching his regiment to my command, on his own responsibility, he came in at the right place, at the right time, and in the right way.
July 2d—Remained in line of battle all day, with very heavy skirmishing in front. At dark I received an order from Major-General Rodes to move by the right flank until Brigadier-General Doles' troops cleared the town, and then to advance in line of battle on the enemy's position on the Cemetery hill; was told that the remaining brigades of the division would be governed by my movements. Obeying this order, until within two hundred yards of the enemy's position, where batteries were discovered in position to pour upon our lines direct cross and enfilade fires. Two lines of infantry behind stone walls and breastworks were supporting these batteries. The strength and position of the enemy's batteries and their supports, induced me to halt to confer with General Doles, and with him to make representation of the character of the enemy's position, and ask further instructions. In answer, received an order to retire quietly to a deep road, some three hundred yards in rear, and be in readiness to attack at daylight; withdrew accordingly.
July 3d—Remained in line all day, with severe and damaging skirmishing in front. Exposed to the artillery of the enemy and our own short range guns, by the careless use or imperfect ammunition, by which I lost seven (7) men killed and wounded. Withdrew at night and formed line of battle near Gettysburg, where we remained on the 4th of July. Commenced retreat with the army on the night of the 4th instant.
I desire to express my thanks to the gentlemen of my staff, Captain Gales, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant Richmond, Aid-de-Camp; and Lieutenant Morrison, volunteer aid, for gallant and efficient services. My casualties are as follows:
