The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-10-13

be sent back for them the rear Of the column had
passed ,. =.
During the slow and tedious march to the
bridge, in the midst of q violent storm Of rain
some Of the men lay down by the way to rest.
Officers sent back for them, failed to find many in
the obscurity of the night, aud these, with some
stragglers, fell into the hands of the enemy.
Brigsdier- General Pettigrew was nortally
wounded In an attack made by small body of
cavalry, which was unfortunately mistaken for our
own and permitted 10 enter our lines. He was
brought to Bunker Hill, where he expired few
days afterwards. He was a brave and accom-
plished officer aud gentleman, and his loss will be
deeply felt by the country and the army.
The following day the army marched to Bunker
Hill, 10 the vicinity Of which il encamPed for sew
eral days. The day after its arrival large iorco
of the enemy's cavalry, which had crossed the
Potomac at Harper's Ferry, advanced towards
Martinsburg. 1t was attacked by General Fitz
Lee, near Kearneysville, and defeated with heavy
loss, leaving its dead and many Of its wounded on
the field.
Owing to the swollen condition of the Shenan-
doah river, the plan of operations which had been
contemplated when we recrossed the Potomac
could not be put in execution, and before the
waters had subsided the movements Of the enemy
induced me to cross the Blue Ridge and take
position south of the RsppahAnnocE, which was
accordingly done.
As soon as the reports Of the commanding Off
GERS shall be received, q more detailed account Of
these operations will be given, and occasion will
then be taken to speak more particularly OF the
conspicuous gallantry and good conduct Of both
officers and men. It is not yet in my power TO
give a correct statement Of our casualties, which
were severe, including many brave men, and an
unusual proportion Of distinguished and valuable
officers Among them, l regret to mention the
following general officers: Major Generals Hood,
Pender and Trimble severely, and Major-Gene
Heth slightly wounded.
Gen. Pender has since died. This .lamented
officer has borne distinguished part in every en-
gagement of this army, and was wounded on sew
eral occasions while leading his command with
conspicuous gallantry and ability The confidence
and admiration inspired by bis courage and ca
pacity officer were only equalled by the
esteem and respect entertained by oil with whom
he was associated for the noble qualities Of his
modest and uDassuning character. Brigadier-
Generals Barksdale and GarDett were killed, and
Brigadier- General Semmss mortally wounded while
leading their troops with the courage that always
distinguished them. These brave officers aud
patriotic gentlemen fell in the faithful discharge
Of duty, leaving the army to mourn their loss
and emulate their noble examples.
Brigadier Generals Keuper Armstead, Scales,
G. 7. Anderson, Hampton, j. NJ. Jones. aud
jenkins, were also wounded. Brigadier General
Archer was taken prisoner. General Pcuigrew,
though wounded at Gettysburg, continued in com
mand until he mortaly wounded near Falling
Waters.
The loss of the enemyis unknowu, but from
observations on the field, and his subsequent
movements, it is supposed that he suffered severely
Respectfully submitted,
(sigDed) R. L. LEE, General