The Siege of Knoxville. 387
closer approach, but when once broken, I never knew them to rally under fire. At Second Manassas the Twenty-ninth New York stood until it was necessary to use the bayonet. At Gettysburg four regi- ments maintained unbroken front until the hostile colors almost kissed.
A large number of prisoners (over one thousand) were captured Sunday, but as Stewart's men had part in the capture, I cannot say what number thereof properly belonged to the brigade. It was at Benning's suggestion that Stewart made any captures at all, however, for I heard it made and Stewart assent.
The Siege of Knoxville.
Report of the Operations of Third South Carolina Regiment from the 4th November to the 22d December, 1863.
H'DQ'RS THIRD SOUTH CAROLINA REG'T,
NEAR RUSSELLVILLE, TENN.,/awary 6, 1864.
Captain C. R. HOLMES, A. A. G.:
CAPTAIN In obedience to instructions from brigade head- quarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the command from the time it left Chattanooga to its arrival at this camp :
Nothing of special interest occurred to the regiment from the time, 4th November, the date it left Chattanooga, to the 8th November, when we arrived at Sweetwater, or to the i4th November when we arrived at London, nor until the lyth, when we reached Knoxville, although after the isth instant we were constantly in the presence of the enemy, who were retiring upon that town.
On the evening of the lyth, when within three miles of Knoxville, I was ordered by Brigadier- General Kershaw to cross the railroad on my left and flank the enemy's advanced line of skirmishers, which crossed the railroad perpendicularly about two miles from town and extended at least to the woods on the west side. I immediately sent scouts in advance and followed with the regiment, crossing Second creek and the railroad, and making into the woods beyond, when I turned to the right and marched parallel to the railroad.
After going in this direction about a third of a mile I discovered,
