Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-06-19

The following card has been sent to us by General
Branch for publication. 1t explains itself.
HEADQUARTERS 4TH BRIGADE
LIGHT DIVISION, ON THE CHICKAHoMINY,
June 9th, 1862.
Editors STATE Journal:
l have been informed by several friends in North
Carolina that anonymous letter signed Hanover"
published in the Richmond Examiner has been repub-
ished in most Of the papers in the State and that
it public opinion has been formed, very unfavor-
able to me, and which it will be almost Impossible
to change.
The author of that letter was Mr. William T. Mich
olson, Adutant OF the 37th Regiment commanded by
Col. Charles G. Lee.
| A public opinion that would consgn me- to disgrace
on such evidence, cannot be expect to have either
the hope desire to change But for the satisfaction
of those who feel an interest in my reputation, and still
TO Quetthe approximations of those whose sons
entrusted to my command [ wish it known that Gen.
Lee, the veteran commander of all the Confederate
armies, not knowing me personally having the least
reason 10 favor above any other officer under bis
command (but fear before he 7ead Hanovers letter.
has written me aleter in which he says, take great
pleasure in expressing my approval of the in
which you have discharged the duties of the position in
which you were placed"
Not in the nature of appeal from this mphatic
Judgment of my distinguished commander to whom all
the facts were known hut spread upon the records
the War Department other evidence those facts than
my OVID report, | have asked for Court of Inquiry
before which Col Lee and his Adjutant will be called
to testify. As many of the best known officers Of my
Brigade as the Court shall have time and patience
examine will be before it. The COrt will be requested
to call them ndiscrminaely without suggestions from
myself
Ghe doors of the Court will be wide open to critics
whether they merely caumniators honest fools
who think themselves robbed Of their deserts because
they have not been appointed to command armies.
/ shall prove before the Court by many witnesses
as the Court will allow to be examined
LIST. That my Headquarters, instead of being more
than mile distant, less than 300 yards from th
centre of my Brigade where had slept bench II
my clothes the night before.
ID. That Latbams battery and all the infantry regi
ments, except Gel Lees were ordered under arms
Latham sent to reply to the eDemys artillery by myself
That | reached Col Lees camp which was my extrem
eft and nearest to the enemy within FIVE minutes se
he did himself and before his regiment had got out
] camp.
That was twice at Latham's battery whilst the ar
tilery firing going infantry being engaged
on either side-and all along my line, giving drec
tions to commanding officers and making the necessar
dispositions to meet the attack. What these dispos
lions were, will be shown by the statement of theo
e GERS who were directed to execute them.
All this and much more will be shown, notwithsand
ing Hanover says reached the field after Latham
Il battery had been withdrawn
l. 3rd. | will show that every regiment had, excep
Campbes 7th n c., which l held in reserve, er
gagged in services of the most important character tn
L. withdrawal from which would have exposed my brgad
to instant rou and capture and that as soon as coul
l. withdraw it from service it on, the 33d Regimen
was sent to COL Lee. will show that for three houl
courers were arriving with scarcely intervals of tie
d minutes from COL Robertson Of the 4th Va. cavalr
j. a brave and experienced officer, informing that
# heavy column of the epemy having driven bis rex linen
n were advancing rapidly my from Hanover
t. H. and from the cavalry pckets The Ashcake roat
S, to the effect that column approaching my res
e. from that direction, and was driving item ill., Conf
ID ding ia COL Hardeman of the 45th Georgia Regimes
n whom had ordered to hold the mouth of the Asar
road at whatever cost and in the tried courage and d
epline of the 7th N g. to the retirement of
A. command from the field, maintained my position uni
near sunset in the hope that reinorcements would
aaq ersre Se % eal S s
as 7th enabled me to effect it in perfect order