Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-06-19
battle Of Richmond-aen. Pender,s Report
In CAMP NEAR RICHMOND, Va,

Az
June 9th, 1862
General: AS l commanded the 9th n. @. in the hat,
tie OF May 3lst, 1862 deem it my duty to make ~
the Governor through you, the following report of the
part it took in that engagement.
We marched from Richmond, reaching the immeG
ate vicinity of the enemy about 5, p. m, when was
at once ordered to my regiment forward and n
drive the enemy before me.
The various regiments and brigades were brought
into line of battle to the right and left.
We met with no check until we had proceeded about
one mile, mostly through the woods, but emerging
from small wood, was delayed sufficiently long, bV
another regiment which had obliqued while PASSING
through field, getting in my front-to enable me IL
discover three regiments making an effort to take US in
flank changing my 'front.' the regiment went at them
at the double quick. They about faced, filing behind
wood and unmasking masked battery which opened
US when about $50 yards from it.
In this position the left wing of the regiment rested
behind wood, and the right in the open field.
The fire of the battery so unexpected and severe
that the right broke and could not be rallied until
it had reached wood about 500 yards to the rear.
Three companies OF the left, Capts. Tate, kirkland
and Carter maintained their position rather adranc
ed slowly upon the infantry of the enemy in pits aud
brush, driving them back These companies were also
under the fire Of the battery but not so heavy as the
right.
These three companies maintained their position
noby but seeing that the right had been forced back
they retired also, but not until they were too late to
form On them, and they consequently were Joined BY
their ocersStO another regiment, and acted with it.
Having rallied or partially rallied the right-sill
under heavy fire of she'll and grape shot, was order
ed to advance and again attack the battery 10 coDunc
ton with other regiments. This the men did in force
still approaching to within about IS yards of the guns
but here the fire from the battery and supporting n
antry became terrible, that it impossible to 20
forward; but unwilling again to retreat the regiment
maintained its ground being partially sheltered by some
rising ground, for some time Here there was consd-
cradle confusion in consequence OF several regiments
having been thrown upon the same ground.
Finding it impossible to 10 any thing but sacrifice
! lives, | withdrew the men.
This is the last Of the fight so far as the 9th n G.
was concerned It was very nearly dark and busted
myself in ralying and collecting the regiment. This
battery played sad havoc with our Acknowledgment
after regiment charging it, but each in turn falling
The 9th n O. the first to try it, and one of the last
to leave it, Officers and men behaved in the coolest
and bravest manner possible. They could not have
shown more courage. But would fail 10 saying all
| if | did not state that there few miserable
wretches who not only left the field but scattered all
along the road the most exaggerated reports of the
tien am only enabled to give you the names of the
commissioned officers wounded, and the number of xii.
led wounded and missing of the enlisted.
Capt Freeland was severely shot in the leg and had
to be left the field Capt. j. w. Lea was painfully
but not dangerously wounded ia the very first of the
action while CALAMITY leading his company.
Lieutenants Ray, Go. D, Barbee, Co. l, and Smith,
Co. a, were only slightly wounded Fourteen enlisted
we're killed. eighty-twe 1927 wounded and twenty mis-.
sing
l can give my testimony to the gallant conduct
the Regiment and say that think it has not lost any
Of its ancient glory In conclusion feel that will
be doing injustice to none when l specify the gallanty
Of Major Webb throughout the day, and convey to
you the assistance rendered me.
1t. Vincent led his company most gallantly to charge
small party across a field. The stubborness with
which Capts. Tate, kirkland and Garter maintained
their position the left in the first charge the bat
terry entities them to great credit The GOODNESS Of Capt.
now Lieut. Colonel Avery, also very conspicuous.
am convinced there hundreds of instances besides
those, which should be mentioned but it is impossible
to see or mention all. 1st Sergeant CovingtoD Go.
II, although wounded in several places upon the head
and body, maintained his position in the front Of bis
company. Corp. Cox, of Co. E, also was very con,
spicuous. Capt. Freeland particularly distinguished
himself as am told, but his company being absent did
not come up in time to join bis Regiment and went in
with the 22d N. g. He, it is feared has fallen into
the hands of the Yankees They could not have taken
Drawer manor more cool and gallant officer.
would also mention the great services rendered me
by my Adt, lst Lieut.. B. r. Smith. He was brave
cool and active.
am, sir, very respectfully,
our ob't Servant
w. D. PENDER,
Brig. Gen. Z. A. &. s.