the Nineteenth Indiana Battery, at 2.30 p. m. At 3 p. m. Colonel Webster commanded Colonel Taylor to change position to the left, about a regiment and a half distance, on the crest of the hill, to support the same battery at this point. Finding myself the ranking officer present of the regiment, I assumed command and ordered it to the front and commenced firing to resist the enemy, who was closely and rapidly marching on us. The movement was successful, and the steady and continuous fire of the Fiftieth Regiment drove the enemy back. I was then ordered by Colonel Webster to make a charge directly to the front over a fence and through a corn field down a ravine, which was done so promptly and successfully that the enemy fled in great disorder.

The regiment continued to hold this position, at which point I was ordered by Colonel Webster to halt it until about 5 o'clock p. m., when, not having seen nor heard from Colonel Webster for some fifteen minutes' time, an aide rode up and reported Colonel Webster mortally wounded and that the order was to move by the left flank. At this moment I saw the Nineteenth Indiana Battery moving to the rear. Without having any further orders I moved the regiment to the left about 200 yards. I then filed the regiment to the left about battalion distance, where I was met by General Rousseau. He ordered me to move to the front to support a battery, which I promptly did. I must here mention that Company A, Captain Cook, and Company F, Captain Clark, by order of Colonel Webster, from the first were left to the immediate support of the Nineteenth Indiana Battery, and remained in that position, under the command of Captain Cook, during a continuous and heavy fire of musketry, which was effectually returned until the moving to the rear of the battery, when the two companies moved off, supporting the battery, in perfect order.

The officers and men under my command behaved coolly and bravely through the entire engagement. It would be injustice to make any distinction. Captain Carr, of Company D, fell in the charge while boldly leading his men on. Captain Carter, of Company I, fell as gloriously, with his face to the foe, as a soldier should. Lieutenant Key, of Company I, after the fall of Captain Carter, while bravely leading his boys in the charge, was seriously wounded in the knee. I must acknowledge in grateful terms the invaluable services throughout the day of the gallant soldier Maj. Thomas L. P. Defrees. I also take great pleasure in bearing testimony to the promptness and bravery of Adjt. George R. Elstner in his constant assistance throughout the engagement.

Although out of the ordinary course of a report of this kind, still I hope you will permit me to make honorable mention of the bravery and timely assistance rendered me at a critical point of the engagement by Lieut. J. T. Collins, of Company E, Ninety-eighth Ohio Regiment, acting aide to Colonel Webster. The Fiftieth Ohio went into action with 597 and came off the field with 467; lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 130; now present and returned fit for duty, 513.

Recapitulation.-Known to have been killed, 19; wounded, 32; missing, 79.*

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

SILAS A. STRICKLAND,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Vols.

Colonel HALL, Commanding Tenth Division.

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*But see revised statement, p. 1034.

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