|
Report of Major J. H. Lambeth, Fourteenth North Carolina Infantry. NEAR DARKESVILLE, W. VA., July 19 1863. SIR: The following report of the action of the Fourteenth North Carolina troops in the recent engagement at and around Gettysburg, Pa., commencing on Wednesday, July 1, is respectfully submitted: On July 1, about 2 p. m., the command was moved to the front, and engaged the enemy, driving in their sharpshooters and skirmishers, and advanced on the strong positions behind stone walls and other well-selected obstructions, completely routing them, killing, wounding, and capturing an immense number of the enemy, driving them through the town of Gettysburg to their fortified heights on the eastern side of the town. The men being so much fatigued by the eastern side of the town. The men being so much fatigued by the forced march of 14 miles on the morning before entering the field, the pursuit was discontinued. The command remained in town in line of battle during the night and until late in the evening of the succeeding day, when the command was moved to the extreme right of the division, where it connected with General A. P. Hill's left, and remained in line, occupying an old road entering the town on the southeast side. Remained there until the morning of the 4th, all of which time we were exposed to the fire from the enemy's batteries. Our sharpshooters in front were constantly engaged. On the morning of the 4th, our position was changed to a more formidable one at the theological seminary, which position we occupied until the morning of the 5th, when the line of march was again resumed in the direction of Hagerstown. Our loss during the entire engagement was 5 killed, 39 wounded, and 1 missing. Officers killed and wounded: Bvt. Second Lieutenant J. A. Griffith, killed July 1; First Lieutenant F. M. Harney, Company F, mortally wounded July 1, died July 2; Colonel R. T. Bennett, commanding, and Bvt. Second Lieutenant J. D. McLester, wounded on July 3, at which time the command devolved upon myself. Where both officers and men did their duty so well, it would be unjust to discriminate. J. H. LAMBETH, Major, Commanding Fourteenth North Carolina Troops. Captain [SEATON] GALES, Assistant Adjutant-General. |
Last updated: July 16, 2025