Transcription:
on both flanks, began to advance. This charge was
made of the 38 Mass. 156, 160 and 163 [New York]
regiments forming a portion of the old brigade of
Brig Gen Witzel¹ of the federal army, as he afterward
informed me. It was ordered just as Col. Steedman
reached his last line of defense. My own command
was in considerable confusion, owing to the rout
in the troops, and I had not time to organize my
broken companies, for the charge that I saw intended
to be made upon me. I ordered the men to take the
places I assigned them, as they entered the works,
without regard to their places in their companies
or the works. In this I was ably assisted by Major
Stewart and all of my officers present. Wm.
Couch 1st Lieut., Co. C was almost instantly killed, while
assisting me this duty. This young officer was
one of the best in my command, and of great promise.
He died as only a good officer can die, promptly
obeying the orders of his commander. Having thus
collected about two hundred and thirty men, I
moved two hundred of this number to the front of
my works, where I thought that the enemy would
make his fiercest assault, and left Major Stewart
in command of the remainder, to protect my left
flank and rear, with orders to hold the position
at all hazards, while I should, with the ballance
