No. 33.
Report of Lieut. Col. R. D. Gardner, Fourth Virginia Infantry.
Camp Garnett,
Near Gordonsville, Va., August 14, 1862.
Sir: I submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle of Cedar Creek on the 9th instant:
The regiment, being under my command by reason of Colonel Ronald having been assigned command of the brigade, was formed in line of battle on the extreme left of the brigade, under a heavy fire of the enemy’s artillery, in the woods to the left of the old stage road leading from Orange to Culpeper Court-House, at about 300 yards distance from an open field, where the enemy were first discovered. This regiment advanced with the balance of the brigade on the line of the fence of the field and halted, rectified the line and rested a few minutes, when the enemy made their appearance on the opposite side of the field, directly in front of all the other regiments except this, which rested on the left and in the woods. The order being given, “Forward,” moved in line of battle with the rest of the brigade to a point beyond the field, where the enemy had been driven from. I was then ordered to fall back and take position in the field, which was done promptly and in good order, changing front at right angles with the former front; then marched upon the flank of the enemy, driving them from their position. In doing so this regiment had to pass through a thick under-growth and over a fence and became somewhat scattered. I was then ordered to fall back and reform the regiment, which was executed. The brigade remained in that position until a part of Major-General Hill’s forces took position on the left of this regiment. The whole line advanced, driving the enemy before them in great confusion beyond a point where their artillery had been in position, when the line was halted and skirmishers thrown out some 200 or 300 yards in advance. Remained there a short time and fell back some 200 yards, where we bivouacked during the night.
While the skirmishers were out they brought in a number of prisoners, and captured some horses, mules, &c.
I take pleasure in commending the good order and conduct of the officers and men of this regiment, which was all that I could wish.
I am under obligations to Captain Gibson, of Company D, for his services, acting as major on the day of the engagement and rendering me good service.
Lieut. J. Kent Ewing, acting adjutant of this regiment, rendered efficient aid by his brave conduct and promptness in carrying out my orders.
The following is the list of casualties:
| Killed. | Wounded. | Missing. | |
| Officers | — | — | 1 |
| Non commissioned officers | — | 1 | — |
| Privates | 3 | 5 | — |
| Total | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Respectfully submitted.
R. D. GARDNER,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fourth Regiment Virginia Volunteers.
Capt. John H. Fulton,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.