|
a.
|
Note: From "History of Stewart County Georgia, Vol. I" "Letters of Captain W.H. Harrison, Richmond, Va.; June 30, 1862" "We went on the cars to Gordonsville and marched to the rear of McClellan's Army and completely routed him. I hear that he is killed. Our Brigade went into the fight Friday evening at six o'clock. On the enemies' right the 31st and 38th Ga. Regiments engaged five regiments of U.S. regulars and two Artillery companies. We marched up within two hundred yards of the Yankees who were stationed behind a fence protected by cedar trees. Our line was formed in a cornfield down an inclined plane from the Yankees. Tthey ought to have whipped five times our number with such advantages. We fought them till 8 o'clock P.M. when the Yankees retreated. The ammunition of our regiment gave out. We were ordered to take off the wounded. The 38th having lost its commander (this is wounded and not able to command) Col. Evans marched up to them and asked, "What have you stopped for?" "We have no one to command us" was the reply. "I'll lead you" said the Col, and taking the colors in his hand and speaking a few words of encouragement, waved his hat and ordered the regiment to follow him. They charged and took a battery and ran the Yankees off. Thus ended the hardest fought battle of this war. Glory enought for one day. Forty of Regiment killed and one hundred fifty wounded. Our company had three killed and twenty-two wounded. I will give you a list of killed and wounded:....Wm. B. Patterson, wounded slightly in arm and leg....
W. Henry Harrison.
_________________________________________________
"Camp near Hagerstown, Md.; July 7th, 1863" "My dear Mother,
Oh, how anxious you must feel now as I have no doubt you have heard of the great fight at Gettysbury, Penn. thanks to an Almighty hand I am spared so far. Our Brigade went into the engagement about 4 o'clock on the 1st of July..... I am sorry to have to communicate the sad news of the death of Lt. Patterson. He was shot through the head and killed soon after we entered."
W.H. Harrison Capt. Co. "E" 31st Ga.
________________________________________________
|
