Report of Captain M. L. Bowie, Sixth Alabama Infantry. HAGERSTOWN, July 9, 1863. SIR: In pursuance of orders, the following report is respectfully submitted: The regiment, having been on picket below Fredericksburg for two days (June 2 and 3), took up line of march in the direction of Culpeper Court-House, Va., at 2 a. m. June 4, and made Raccoon Ford, where it encamped for the night. June 5. -Continued the march, and encamped that night 5 miles beyond the Rapidan River, between Orange Court-House and Culpeper Court-House, where it remained one day. June 7. -Made a heavy march; Passed through Culpeper Court-House, and encamped 2 miles on the north side of the town. June 8. -Rested all day. June 9. -At 10. a. m. was ordered to Beverly Ford, to aid in sustaining a portion of the cavalry of General Stuart, engaged with the enemy. Moved to the scene of action in double-quick time, and formed for battle. The cavalry having driven the enemy across the river, no infantry became engaged, and at 7 p. m. the regiment went into camp for the night. June 10. -Renewed the march toward the Valley, and encamped that night at Hazel River. June 11. -Marched to Flint Hill, at foot of Blue Ridge Mountains, and went into camp. June 12. -Crossed over the Blue Ridge at Chester Gap; passed through Front Royal, Va., crossed the Shenandoah River, and encamped that night within 16 miles of Berryville, Va. June 13. -Arrived before Berryville at 12.30 p. m. and, having formed line of battle, aided in capturing the town, from which the enemy's main force had precipitately fled. The regiment then rested a couple of hours, continued the march, and went into camp for the night within 8 miles of Smithfield, Va. June 14. -Continued the march through Smithfield and Bunker Hill, Va., and arrived before Martinsburg late in the afternoon. I'm mediately formed line of battle, and assisted in repulsing the enemy and capturing the place. That same night the regiment was taken into the town, and placed in charge of prisoners, store-houses, and provisions. June 16 and 17. -The regiment performed provost duty at Martinsburg. June 17. -Left Martinsburg, and marched to the south bank of the Potomac, and encamped near the river, opposite Williamsport, Md. June 18. -Lay in camp all day. June 19. -Crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, Md., and, marching through Hagerstown, Md., went into camp on the bank of the Antietam Creek, opposite Funkstown, Md., where we remained two days in camp. June 22. -Resumed line of march, and proceeded as far as Greencastle, Pa., where we remained in camp the next day. June 24. -Marched to Chambersburg, Pa., where we went into camp and remained one day. June 26. -Marched to Shippensburg, Pa. June 27. -Marched from Shippensburg to Carlisle, Pa., where we remained in camp for two days. June 30. -Marched to Heidlersburg, Pa., where the regiment was placed on picket for one night. July 1. -Marched from Heidlersburg toward Gettysburg, Pa., and, arriving in sight of the enemy's forces 2 miles in advance of the town, the regiment, together with Rodes' old brigade, was formed in line of battle, and engaged the enemy for a number of hours, aiding in repulsing and driving him through the town. July 2. -The regiment was not particularly engaged in the fight. July 3. -Participated in the desperate charges on the enemy's right line of fortifications. The casualties of the regiment in the above engagements have been duly and fully reported. Estimating the number of men carried into action about 360, the loss is heavy, being, in killed, wounded, and missing, 162 men, officers and privates, inclusive. The command of the regiment devolved upon me during the engagement of the first day, and from that moment to the end of the conflict at Gettysburg the conduct of the men of the regiment, with very few exceptions, was highly commendable, entitling them to the confidence of their commanding officers, and reflecting credit upon the name and character of the Sixth Alabama Regiment. All of which is respectfully submitted. M. L. BOWIE, Captain, Commanding Sixth Alabama Regiment. Lieutenant S. H. MOORE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. |
Last updated: July 16, 2025