General,
I have the honor to transmit
herewith a report of the operations of this Company during the battle and
operations of Allison Woods on August 24 through August 26.
After receiving your orders to
proceed with most haste to Statesville, our Company arrived through the day of
August 24th. Captain Womble was not with us due to orders to report to the 3rd Corps
Headquarters for a discussion of ordinance. We were ably led by Lt. Jarmin. Our
cannoneers became delayed and arrived at various times due to the
battery train being mixed with captured baggage and ambulance trains of
the enemy infantry, both being forced to take a small winding road. One
supply wagon had to be abandoned due to a lost wheel as the wagon drove
of f the side of the road. Federal troops were rumored to be in the
area so no time could be devoted to righting the wagon as we were in great
haste to find our commands. The first night passed without incident with
arriving cannoneers finding the camp in high spirits. The camp musicians played
with the camp awash with moonlight and candle glow while our stomachs expressed
disappointment with the outcome of the days fishing expeditions and forage
attempts.
I respectfully submit the following
incident that occurred the following morning for your amusement. Sgt. Stables was
out on a foraging mission when he ran across a Federal Artillery camp.
Dressed in Federal attire with everything but jacket and kepi,
he was invited into camp. Not immediately seeing the Federal guidon,
Sgt Stables assumed they were Confederate troops. He was invited for breakfast
when he realized his perilous condition. He informed his hosts that
he was foraging for his mess and he must return. Quickly thinking, he asked if
they could spare a few pieces of bacon for his pards. With a large grin, one
sgt. escorted him over to a supply wagon that they had "recovered"
from the side of the road. It was our lost wagon, and a hardtack box was filled
with food. Our camp enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, and
biscuits...courtesy of The Army of The Potomac!
The battle record of the day found
our Company being placed on a high hill among knee high wheat. Below us was a
railroad embankment, posted behind that and obstructed from Union view was
our infantry in support of our company. A local militia artillery unit with an
ancient piece requested to join the day as some of them had not "seen the
elephant." They were commanded by a gentleman named Woods. Lt
Jarmin placed them to our right. The day was beautiful but we
were blanketed by stifling heat. Luckily we enjoyed a brisk breeze that made
our work bearable. Around 1:30, Federal troops appeared in column to our
right and marched in front of us parallel to the railroad cut not
realizing our presence nor our infantry. We opened upon them with staggering
effect. Through the smoke we noticed they had formed and were advancing to
our position. Our infantry arose from their positions and poured in a murderous
volley to the Federal lines that staggered under shot, shell, and musketry.
Immediately, a Federal battery unlimbered and started shelling our position.
The "Napoleon" gun Satan was commanded to support infantry while our
long range Parrott took on counter battery fire. It was hot for a time when we
found Lt Jarmin walking over to our piece. Immediately he sighted
the piece, took a few twists on the elevation screw, stood back, pondered, was
evidently satisfied... then commanded "fire." Immediately we
saw a large explosion behind the Federal guns as a caisson exploded sending
visible debris in the air. It so dispirited the Federals that we heard nothing
from them the rest of the day. Shortly afterward the Federals were completely
driven from the field and we enjoyed the cessation of hostilities with a
complete whipping of the Yankees!
I deem it proper to call to your
attention to the brave and valorous behavior of 2 of our cannoneers, Pvt Tyler
Godwin and Pvt Levi Poplin. During the counter battery engagement, our number 4
position was wounded by shell fragment. Immediately and without hesitation, our
two troopers advanced to take his place without waiting for orders. They
switched on and off the position as they ran back and forth to the
limber chest to prepare ordinance to be fired. They are the youngest on our
crew yet displayed inspiring bravery in the face of shell and shot filling
the air and plowing the ground around them without as much as flinch. It is
indeed comforting to know that the seed corn of our cause are men such as
these!
As a note, the local population in
its gratitude for the day's work invited us to supper. We found that other
officers were there including our very own gallant Captain Womble.
The second day of battle found us
in an advanced position to support our infantry as the Federal troops wanted to
try us again. A Federal battery unsupported was immediately overrun by
our cavalry and captured. A section of our artillery was commanded to "Fire advancing by half battery" and
supported cavalry charges against the flank of the Union line" The
Federals were again driven from the field. As an honorable note, the militia
crew commanded by Mr. Woods performed well with our company.
Those serving in our company saw to their duty without
hesitation and with much bravery. We are profoundly grateful to Almighty God
for the victory granted to us and to the success of this brave and honorable
company. We have returned to camp and are awaiting your orders.
I am, with the highest respect and esteem, your obedient
servant.
Grover Godwin
Private