Carter’s battery had but little to do, except receive the fire of the enemy, until late in the afternoon, when for a short time, under my orders, with two of his pieces, and later with his whole battery, under the orders of Major-General Jackson, it engaged the enemy’s battery to the left of the Cold Harbor field and silenced it. Fortunately the battery suffered but little loss. Captain Carter and his men on this occasion, as on a former one, behaved with distinguished gallantry.
The total loss of the brigade in this battle was 31 men killed and 114 wounded. Of these the Fifth Alabama lost 21 killed and 45 wounded. After causing the brigade to reassemble we slept on the field of battle. The brigade, under orders, moved down near the Grapevine Bridge and remained there during the day.
At the close of the day (Saturday), I was compelled, from the condition of my arm and from consequent fever, to turn over the command of the brigade to Colonel Gordon, of the Sixth Alabama. I desire to call especial attention to the conduct of the above-mentioned officer; it was distinguished for all that a soldier can admire.
My regular and volunteer staff officers- Captain Whiting, Lieutenants Webster and Peyton, and Messrs. Wood, Thomas Bouldin, V. H. Rodes, and Luresden- were of great service to me, and served me faithfully at great personal risk all the afternoon. Captain Whiting and <ar13_633>Lieutenant Webster deserve especial mention, however. The latter was killed in the charge across the field, after having given evidence of the greatest coolness and courage and of unusual intelligence.
