No. 53.
Report of Brig. Gen. Edward L. Thomas, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.
Headquarters Third Brigade, Light Division,
October 25, 1862.
Major: I have the honor to report that this brigade on August 9 was, by order of General Hill, turned from the line of march to the right of the road and ordered to report to General Jackson. By the latter, was placed in line at rest in the border of a wood; occupied this position a short time, then, by order of General Jackson, reported to General Hill. By him the brigade was placed in a wood with orders to support General Early, who occupied at that time the right of our line. After a short time, by order of General Jackson, it was directed to take position to the front and right. While this order was being executed a brigade in front of the Third was being forced back. One regiment (the Fourteenth Georgia) was ordered to support it, the Thirty-Fifth, Forty-fifth, and Forty-ninth Georgia Regiments occupying the extreme right of our line, with orders to hold that position. The advance of the enemy was checked and this position was held until nearly dark, when an advance was ordered. We marched some distance through the field and bivouacked that night upon the ground previously occupied by the enemy.*
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I have the honor to be, major, with highest respect, your obedient servant,
EDWD. L. THOMAS,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. R.C. Morgan,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Light Division.