Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 5.djvu/79

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
CONFEDERATE MILITARY HISTORY.
67


and only two regiments of the latter at that. The brunt fell on the gallant command of Kershaw and his splendid battery. Hart’s battery, which operated with Jones division on Kershaw’s left, lost 5 men wounded, 2 mortally. Hart engaged the enemy from D. R. Jones right, "compelling the retreat out of view of the enemy’s infantry."

Jones put his division in admirable position on Kershaw’s left for attack, but he reports: "Scarcely had this disposition been made when I received orders from General Magruder to fall back to the railroad bridge with my whole command to support the right of his line. This unfortunate order was inspired by Magruder’s over rating the movement which turned Kershaw’s right, and which Semmes checked, at little cost. But for Jones withdrawal at the moment he was about to attack, Savage Station might have been a harder blow to General McClellan. McLaws compliments his brigade commanders in high terms. Of Kershaw he says : "I beg leave to call attention to the gallantry, cool, yet daring courage and skill in the management of his gallant command exhibited by Brigadier-General Kershaw." Kershaw praises the gallantry, self-possession and efficiency of his regimental commanders, and the conduct of the men and officers. Lieut.-Col. B. C. Garlington, of the Third, was killed, sword in hand, at the head of his regiment. Lieut.-Col. A. D. Goodwyn, of the Second, and Lieut. -Col. Elbert Bland, of the Seventh, were severely wounded and honorably mentioned by Kershaw. Gaillard was distinguished in command of the skirmishers. Kemper added to the laurels he won at Vienna, Bull Run and Manassas. Captain Holmes and Lieutenants Doby and W. M. D wight, of the staff, were active and gallant in dispatching the orders of their chief. The Second lost Captain Bartlett, "one of the most gallant and conscientious officers belonging to it;" and Lieutenant Perry, Company H, was severely wounded. The Third, besides its gallant lieutenant-col-