Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1863-05-15
The First Delaware Official Report of
Colonel Smith.
HEADQUARTERS lsr iKGiMEET,
DEL AWARE Vol. lNFAETRY,
May Z, 1868.


DEL AWARE Vol, lNFARTRY,
May Z, 1868,
Lieut.. VIM p. SEVILLE,
4. Il. 4. q. Sd brigade, Sd Dir.
sIhi-l have the honor 10 report, that in obe-
dlence TO doneral Order No. 81, Headquarters
I'd Division, ~ Corr >, The Regiment under my
command marched from its camp near Falmouth.
ut sunrise on the morring of the 2Sti of Anil.
having position in the centre oil the 81 Brigaier.
We moved up the road toward Banks Ford, near
which place we halted about II O'Clock, n. m,
nnt bivbuacked for the remainder of the day
aud night. On the morning of the 30 Ii, orders
were again received To hold ourselves la readi-
ness to march.at moments notice. At o'clock,
p. M tue column took up it's line of march,
moving towards u. S. Ford, mud halted for the
night within two aud half miles of the Ford.
On the following day the march was again re-
sumed, aud eiossed the Rappahannook early in
the evening at U. S. Ford; we moved up the
road towards Chanocllorsyille, halting within a
mile of that place about ! / p. M.
On the first of May the regiment remained in
column, under arms without moving. On the
morning of tho 2d the enemy began Smelling our
position but without effect Late in the after
noon the regiment was formed in line of battle.
facing to the woods. About o'clock in tho
evening, the ] lth army corps having given way
on the right the regiment was moved TO tho
lett OF the Chancellorsyille Road, four companies
being thrown across the road to aid in arresting
the straRglefs. Alter the panic had somewhat
abated we received orders from Moior Noryal
to support Capt Franks Battery, posted in the
open field to the right Of Major General Frcnch's
Head Quarters Our company, under command
oI Capt. smith, being thrown forward 10 tho
edge of the wood AS picket guard, where we
remained during the night. On the morning Of
the I'd we were moved, by order Of Major General
French, short distance to the left, ready to ad.
vance To the support Of that brigade, then NOV
ing to reinforce tho 81 corps heavily engaged
with the enemy in 'front.' While in this position
temporary breastwork, formed Of knapsacks,
fence rails AMI bags OF earth, was erected as n
protection against 'he fire of the enciny's in
lantry. About a. m the Sd corps being hard
pressed in front, gave way, and, in company
with the 1921 L. ", we advanced to the edge Of
the woods, when wei encountered the enemy in
considerable force, and drove him for the dis
lance of half mile. Tho enemy having been
reinforced, We halted and held him Ia check for
about hours, when the brigade Oh my right
gave way, allowing tho enemy to gain position
upon my right flank and rear. Being thus ex-
posed to CALLING fire from three directions, |
gave the command to change front to the rear
on 10Th company, which was executed in perfect
order, aud, assisted by the fire from one of the
batteries. repulsed the enemy in great disorder,
taking several prisoners. / here received On
order to retreat, we fell tack IN good order, and
took our position in the rear of the LIST brigade.
The enemy getting range OF our position, opened
upon us with shell, upon which No retired in
obedience to orders, into the woods. Having
rested for about half au hour, we were ordered
to the front to support the LIST brigade, taking "a
position in the ~ iuc of battle we remained
there frequently exposed to hot fire of shell,
round shot and muskc Try, until 3 o'clock on the
morning of the 9th, when We took up our line
of march for the river, march ing left in front,
and following the 1924 p. V. Without haliing,
we crossed the pontoOn bridge, at U. s. Ford,
and reached our old camp about noon
Our loss in the five days, during which time
we were exposed to the fire of the enemy was
killed, IS wounded, and 10 missing; among the
wounded, is included Major D. woodal.
The conduct Of the regiment, both officers
and men, is worthy of all praise. The men who
fought so bravely at Antetam and Fredrcks-
burg, forgot not their record, nor failed 20 add
to it another page inscribed with glorious deeds
of patriotic valor. Where all acted go nobly it
would, perhaps, be invdous to mention any one
particularly. Yet the coolness, under fire,
evinced by Lieut.. Col. Harris, Major b. Wood
all aud acting Adjutant Tanner, aud the bravery
of Captains Smith, Yardly, Heger, Sparks, Al
exander, Nicholas, EllegoOd, aud Lieut Draper
have shown, not only at the battle of Chancel-
louisville, hut in previous engagements, enttle
them to especial notice; particularly would
call the attention Of the commanding officer to
the gallant conduct OF Capt. Smith always
brave. At tho battle of Chancellorsville his
bravery was more than usually conspicuous by |
his example, he encouraged the men, and by his
GOODNESS aided materially in rcpulsing the enemy
upon our TANKS.
Very respectfully,
your obedent servant,
col. THOMAS A. SMYTH,
Commanding LIST Reg. Del lnf'y.