Report of Lieutenant Colonel John C. Goodgame, Twelfth Alabama Infantry, commanding Twenty-sixth Alabama Infantry. HAGERSTOWN, MD., July 9, 1863. SIR: I was detailed to take command of the Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment on June 26, at Chambersburg, Pa. The regiment, with the brigade, left Chambersburg on the morning of the 26th instant [ultimo]; reached Carlisle, via Shippensburg, on the evening of the 27th ultimo. At this place remained two days, when the march was taken up in the direction of Gettysburg, at which place we engaged the enemy about 12 m. on July 1. The enemy made a stubborn resistance, but was finally driven from the field. The loss of the regiment was heavy. Some 40 were taken by the enemy, but it is my opinion that every man could have escaped being captured had they done their duty. On the 2nd instant we were not engaged, but exposed to shells from our batteries as well as the enemy's. On the morning of the 3rd instant, we were under command of General Johnson. Engaged the enemy at an early hour, but were unable to dislodge him from his fortified position. The firing was kept up during the whole day, with severe loss on our side. At 2 a. m. the 4th instant we were retired, and intrenched ourselves on a hill commanding the city, and awaited the attack of the enemy, who made no advance. At 12 p. m. we left the field in the direction of Hagerstown, Md., at which place we arrived the evening of the 7th instant, after a fatiguing march, it having rained incessantly for three or four days. The loss in killed was 7; wounded, 58; missing, 65. Respectfully submitted, JOHN C. GOODGAME, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Twenty-sixth Alabama Regiment. Lieutenant S. H. MOORE, Acting Assiatant Adjutant-General. |
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