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Report of Major Eugene Blackford, Fifth Alabama Infantry. DARKESVILLE, W. VA., July 17, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of the corps of sharpshooters under my command during the battle of July 1, 2, and 3: The corps was deployed 2 miles from Gettysburg, with the left resting upon the Heidlersburg pike. After receiving instructions from General Rodes to keep connected with those on my right, and feel for General Early's advance on the left, I moved steadily forward upon the town, driving in the cavalry vedettes, posted in the road and on commanding hills. About half a mile from the suburbs, a large force of cavalry was observed in line, with a heavy line of men dismounted as skirmishers. The former charged us twice, but were easily repulsed. After an hour or more of active skirmishing, the enemy's infantry advanced in force through the town, and, under cover of a cloud of skirmishers, moved upon our batteries. The right company of my command annoyed these very much, holding their position steadily until our infantry came up. Against the center there was no movement by any force heavier than a double line of sharpshooters, when our men invariably drove back, charging them once in gallant style. On the extreme left, the enemy advanced in three lines, and drove in my men there posted behind the trees. These retired, firing from tree to tree until they met Gordon's brigade advancing, after which they were rallied on the center at the sound of my bugle. The whole command then moved up the pike, and, passing through the town, took up its position on the left of Ramseur's brigade, then lying in the Fairfild road. After dark, I reported to the colonel commanding brigade. July 2, about 9 o'clock, my corps was deployed in front of the Fairfield road, where it remained until dark, when I took position in the suburbs of Gettysburg, as near the enemy's lines as possible, the men being sheltered in the houses. At daybreak on the 3d, we opened fire upon the enemy's artillery and skirmishers, and upon their lines of battle whenever they advanced, as they frequently did. This must have annoyed the enemy very seriously, as the average number of rounds fired was not less than 200, at ranges varying from 300 to 500 yards. The Northern papers confess that their gunners could not stand to their guns, and that the officers were picked off by rebel sharpshooters. One battery near us, after firing several shots at us, was removed out of our sight. Our loss was not more than 20 killed and wounded. No list of casualties is inclosed, as they have been returned on the lists of the respective regiments. Abundant supplies of ammunition were obtained by sending details through the town to collect cartridge-boxes. At daylight on the 4th, I was ordered to fall back through the town, and deploy in front of the new line of battle on the hills to the west. This was accomplished just before sunrise. Though all acted so well that I scarcely like to make a distinction, yet I must call your attention to the conduct of Sergt. Christopher Clark, commanding the company from the Fifth Alabama Regiment. He handled his company throughout with great skill and courage, and would well fill a commission. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, EUGENE BLACKFORD, Major Fifth Alabama, Comdg. Battalion of Sharpshooters. Lieutenant S. H. MOORE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Rodes' Brigade. |
Last updated: July 16, 2025