Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/53

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Battle of Gettysburg—Report of General Doles.
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stayed there ten days longer, I could have almost doubled that number. I brought out my wagon train and artillery safely, although I have never experienced such weather and roads. My stock, however, is much jaded, and requires rest.

I have a lot of prisoners, and General Tuttle has signified his willingness to exchange man for man. Would I be justified in doing so?

I think of moving my headquarters to Oxford, and will encamp my command in Panola in order to organize it and arm and equip it. The locality is a good one for forage, unless my command can be supplied with forage from the railroad. If so, I would prefer to be south of the Tallahatchie to organize.

I will advise you positively of my location as soon as made.

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. B. Forrest, Major-General Commanding.

Battle of Gettysburg—Report of General G. Doles.

Headquarters Doles' Brigade, July 19th, 1863.

Major H. A. Whiting, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Major—This brigade was formed into "line of battle" about one o'clock P. M., July 1st, 1863, in front of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. We occupied the left of Major-General Rodes' division.

The enemy's cavalry picket appearing in force on our front and left flank, skirmishers from this command were ordered to dislodge him. After a short engagement, he was driven from his position, when we occupied his position (a hill to our left), about 3½ o'clock P. M. The enemy moved his force from our front; made a strong demonstration on our left, driving our skirmishers from the hill from which we had driven him. The command was then moved by the left flank to meet any attack the enemy might attempt on our left and rear. We found the enemy strongly posted with infantry and artillery on the hill from which our skirmishers had been driven. The brigade of General Gordon, of Major-General Early's division, having made a conjunction with our left, we moved forward to attack the enemy in his position. Our effort was successful. He was driven from behind a rock fence with heavy loss