ing them with a shout. They were met, however, by a fire from the line so steady and so well aimed that they halted, and after receiving a few rounds retreated. The order to cease firing was given, and the skir- mishers were again thrown forward. The brigade remained in this position until past 11 oclock that night, when it was retired to the position from which the movement was begun. In this action the officers and men acted well, rendering most prompt and willing obedience to orders. There were no stragglers. Col. J. B. Bibb, Twenty-third Alabama Regiment, acted with remark- able coolness and gallantry, and rendered valuable service by his vigi- lance and activity. It is believed that he deserves a higher command. IAeuts. W. W. Girard and William Jones, acting on my staff, bore themselves most gallantly. They were prompt and attentive to their duties. Lieutenant Pettus, my aide.de-camp, a modest, brave young officer, was killed. Inclosed is a list of casualties.* Most respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMD. W. PETTUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 295. Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Palmer, C. S. Armny, of operations March 19. HEADQUARTERS PALMERS BRIGADE, Near Smithfield, March 29, 1865. MAJon: This brigade took position in the front line of the general line of battle formed by the Army of Tennessee near Bentonville on the. 19th instant, at or about 10 a. in., and immediately fortified. Skir- mishers were at once thrown 300 yards forward under command of Lieut. Col. A. Hall, of the Forty-fifth Tennessee Volunteers. At 12 oclock a single line of battle of Federal forces moved upon our position, striking, however, more directly General Stovalls line of Major-General Claytons division, on my right, but covering, say, one- half of my right wing, which, in connection with the brigade on my right, repulsed them with ease, killing and wounding a number with. out any loss on my part. At 3.15 p. m. the whole line advanced upon the enemys position. This brigade moved steadily forward for about 400 yards in common time, preserving its alignment almost as if on parade, although for a part of that distance under considerable fire. This carried the brigade within 200 yards of the enemys first line of works, which were at once charged and carried. This command did not halt there, but moved forward in double-quick, pursuing the enemy, flying in disorder and confusion to their second line of works, which was also charged and carried, capturing one piece of artillery near the second line. The pur- suit was continued as far as the Goldsborough road, when it became necessary to halt the command, much exhausted by the two charges just made, and for the purpose of rectifying the alignment, more or less Not found, but seep. 1096.