Official Report of Colonel Cullen A. Battle

Cullen A. Battle

Alabama Department of Archives and History

Report of Colonel C. A. Battle, Third Alabama Infantry.

NEAR HAGERSTOWN, MD., July 9, 1863.

LIEUTENANT: I resumed command of this (the Third Alabama) regiment at Greencastle, Pa., on the 22nd ultimo. From that point the regiment proceeded without the occurrence of anything worthy of remark until the morning of the 1st instant, when it was formed in line of battle on the right of Rodes' brigade. Just before the advance was ordered, I received instructions to move with General Daniel, who was on my right, and keep upon his alignment.

These instructions were followed until Daniel moved to the support of Iverson, when their longer observance became impracticable. I then sent an officer to General Daniel for orders, who on his return reported to me that General Daniel said that he had no orders for me, and that I must act on my own responsibility. I at once moved up upon the right of General Ramseur, then advancing to the attack, and offered him my regiment. The offer was accepted, and my command acted under this gallant officer in a charge which drove the enemy from one of his strongholds, and then rejoined Rodes' brigade.

This regiment did not engage the enemy on the 2nd instant, but remained in position on the right of the brigade.

On the morning of the 3rd instant, the regiment moved with the brigade to the left, and acted with General Johnson's division. At 4.30 a. m. I advanced, and attacked the enemy in strong position. A furious combat continued until 11 o'clock, when I withdrew, by order of General Johnson.

The conduct of officers and men during the period embraced in this report is considered highly commendable.

I am indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel forsyth and Major [R. M.] Sands for valuable assistance during the late military operations.

Accompanying this report is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of this regiment in the engagement near Gettysburg, Pa.

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

CULLEN A. BATTLE,

Colonel Third Alabama Regiment.

[Lieutenant] S. H. MOORE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

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