No. 51.
Report of Brig. Gen. Charles W. Field, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade.
Headquarters First Brigade, Light Division,
August 13, 1862.
Major: I have the honor to report that my brigade marched from Orange Court-House early on the morning of the 9th instant, bringing up the rear of the whole army.
About 2 or 3 o’clock cannonading was heard and I endeavored to push forward rapidly, but on account of detentions in the brigades in my front I did not reach the scene of action until sunset, when the firing was nearly over. Forming in line of battle on the field, I was directed by General Hill to push forward on the Culpeper Court-House road and press the retreating foe. After moving about 1 ½ miles to the front the enemy was found in position on the left of the road. Pegram’s battery, of my brigade, was directed by General Jackson to open with shell and canister while I was ordered by General Hill, who came up at that moment, to take position with the infantry a little to the left front as support. Pegram’s battery ___ of four guns only ___ was soon replied to by three batteries of the enemy. This gallant officer maintained this unequal contest for an hour and until his guns were silenced by his losses in men. I remained in this position until next morning, when I was withdrawn and placed on picket in a wood on my left rear, being retired from that point late in the evening.
It is proper to observe that several prisoners were captured by my brigade during the night.
I have taken occasion before to speak of the distinguished services of Pegram’s battery. It is sufficient to say now that it fully sustained the reputation made on other fields. The battery sustained a heavy loss in the death of the brave and accomplished Lieut. Mercer Featherston.
A list of the killed, wounded, and missing is herewith inclosed.*
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. W. FIELD,
Brigadier-General Commanding.
Maj. R. C. Morgan,
Assistant Adjutant-General.