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fired from my line, Colonel
R. K. Scott, commanding my Second Brigade, was captured by the
enemy while returning to his command from a detached regiment;
and during the first attack, both Brigadier-General M. F. Force,
and the Adjutant General, Captain J. B. Walker, fell severely
wounded. These officers occupying the position they did, and
having the entire confidence of their commands, could not be spared
without great detriment to the Division. This was particularly
the case with Brigadier-General M. F. Force, whose coolness, sagacity
and bravery had long since won the admiration of the whole Division,
and always inspired the men with confidence and enthusiasm.
The Batteries of Artillery in my Division, the Third
Ohio, Battery "D," First Illinois, and Battery "H,"
First Michigan, did very efficient service during all of these
successive engagements, and their officers and men showed great
skill and determined bravery. Captain W. S. Williams, Third Ohio
Battery, my Chief of Artillery, is entitled to great credit for
the coolness and skill displayed in adjusting and using his batteries,
and in saving them when exposed.
Especial notice is also due to Colonel George E.
Bryant, Twelfth Wisconsin, who assumed command of the First Brigade,
when General Force fell, and to Lieutenant Colonel G. F. Wiles,
Seventy-Eighth O. V. V. I., who took command of the Second Brigade.
These officers, though taking command after the battle commenced,
displayed great skill and coolness. Captain G. D. Munson, my
picket officer, was very efficient in the management of the skirmishers
until drawn in, and in acting as Aid during the balance of the
time. My Aids, Lieutenants A. W. Stewart and George W. Porter,
Captain J. C. Douglass, A. A. G., Lieutenant W. H. Hessin, A.
A. A. G., and Major John T. Rainey, A. A. I. G., all displayed
great coolness and bravery in collecting information and delivering
orders, and Lieutenant V. Warner, Ordnance Officer, for his skill
in saving his train, and his promptness in keeping the command
supplied with ammunition.
The character of the fight was such, our front changing
so often and so rapidly, that the position of a staff officer
was more than usually exposed, yet all were prompt and efficient.
Lieutenant Hessin fell from his horse severely wounded, during
the latter part of the fight. * * * We captured about
four hundred prisoners, and from less than two-thirds of the ground
fought over by the Division, buried and delivered to the enemy
under flag of truce, between nine hundred and one thousand dead
rebels. I am fully confident that my Division killed and wounded
more rebels than I had men engaged.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully,
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