In company with Major [H. A.] Whiting, assistant adjutant-general, I immediately started in a run for the center of the brigade, to execute this order, and, when near the center, was stricken down by the fuse of a shell, which disabled me for the balance of the day. I directed Major Whiting to move the brigade forward, and to inform Colonel Hall, of the Fifth Alabama, that the command devolved on him. Colonel Hall was at the time on the extreme left of the line with his regiment. The brigade moved forward under a most terrific storm Of shell, grape, canister, and musketry, and for what took place afterward I respectfully refer you to the report of Colonel Hall, who so bravely led it, and that of Colonel Pickens, who so gallantly resisted the advance on our left, and ask that these reports may be taken and considered a part of this.
In obedience to orders from the corps commander to report what standards were captured and which lost, I have the honor to report that the colors of the Fifth Alabama Regiment were captured by the enemy in the attack upon the intrenchments at Chancellor’s house on the morning of the 3d instant. This regiment, supported by only a portion of the Twenty-sixth Alabama and four companies of Iverson’s brigade, was the first to charge and carry the enemy’s works near the Chancellor house. Having taken possession of the epaulements which commanded the Plank road, this regiment moved forward in the charge considerably in advance of the right, and, being unsupported by the brigade on its left, had its left flank turned by a superior force, and was forced to retire from the works. In doing so, the color-bearer was wounded, and with the colors and over 100 of its men were surrounded <ar39_953> and captured. Retiring only to the Plank road, this regiment again charged, and took these works without support, and a second time had to retire before superior numbers. Captured in the midst of the enemy’s guns and intrenchments, and some time before any other troops reached that point, the loss of their flag is one of the highest evidences of the gallant and daring service rendered by the Fifth Alabama Regiment in the action of that day.
