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| Official newsletter of the 14th Tennessee Co. B Volunteers | ||||
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| Official newsletter of the 14th Tennessee Co. B Volunteers | ||||
Lt. Col. P. Wm. Burke
Chief of Staff
Lenhardt's Brigade
Army of Northern Virginia
Dear Sir,
Having received orders from Col. Lenhardt during the week of March 12, 1863 to assemble my command at Camp Parks, near Dublin, on the morning of March 24, I issued orders to the members of Company B to begin assembling at the point of rendezvous the evening of the 25th.
Upon my arrival at Camp Parks I found the 14th and reported to Brigade Headquarters. Here I was ordered to assemble to Company with the various Companies of Rider's Battalion, the Infantry contingent of Lenhardt's Mixed Brigade. Major Riderbeing absent, the Battalion was under the command of Captain Sylvester of the 5th Texas Infantry. The first order of business being the muster rolls, all members were counted, and enlistments were renewed where necessary.
Many veteran members were absent at the rendezvous, Sgt. Lund being absent with leave, others sick in hospital, others apparently delayed in getting trains back to the front after winter furloughs. However, several new recruits, as well as several transfers from other companies, left our company the second largest assembled in the battalion.
We proceeded to undertake evolutions of the Company and the Battalion, and to break the Companies into smaller groups for various instructional purposes. A break was then made for a meal, and the battalion was again assembled for drill. At this point the weather and the Federals were both what could be described as "threatening".
As Federal artillery and troops passed to the West and emerged from the hills to the North and rear of the camp, the Brigade formed and moved northward to intercept their force. Our Brigade was spread out in two wings, with an artillery piece brought forward by hand spike and prolong in support of each wing of the infantry battalion. The 14th Tennessee and the 5th Texas were brought up on the right, with the Texans on the extreme right. Captain Sylvestercommanded the right wing.
As the enemy advanced out of the pass to our North and front, we pushed towards the high ground to meet them. The ground on the right being somewhat higher, the advance became critical on our part of the field, as artillery posted on that ground would have a clear and complete sweep of the field. Realizing this, the Federals pushed towards this ground with a howitzer, their main infantry force, and a company of dismounted cavalry screening their left flank. The rain began to close in, but failed to amount to much.
The left wing of our infantry battalion, comprised of the 1st and 7th Virginians, moved forward across the level open ground towards the reservoir, which dominated the bottom of the gap to our north. They were pushed back however, and the enemy made a bold push on our left, temporarily flanking our position. We withdrew by right of companies and reestablished our line in advance of the artillery piece, and were soon flanked again on our left by the enemy's advance. They advanced to our left flank and rear while we were occupied on our front with the cavalry and artillery, which resulted in the temporary loss of our gun. The right wing reformed and retook the gun, pushing the enemy back.
As the enemy fell back, Captain Sylvester was killed, and I took command of the right wing, which was now somewhat diminished in strength. As the enemy's infantry was chased back on our left, the cavalry and artillery on our right began to withdraw. Sending the Texans sweeping around their left flank, I advanced the colors and sent my remaining force forward at charge bayonets.
We surged forward at the double-quick with a yell, which caused the enemy to hasten their retreat considerably. Our wing advanced so far as to again expose our left flank and rear to the fire of the enemy's infantry, which by now had reformed after being pushed back by the Virginians. I halted my command, and immediately changed front to our left flank and returned the fire of the enemy's infantry. The remaining Texans pushed forward to a position on our right flank, continuing to press and harass the enemy cavalry's retreat.
At this point, we held the critical ground on the field, and the howitzer was called for, to be put into what was now a dominating position. Seeing this move taking effect, the enemy withdrew back into the gap, and made no further threats.
Returning to camp, I had the Company secure their arms, which were cleaned and checked. As supper was being served, the weather took more ominous overtones. As the enemy had completely withdrawn, as our usual rapid march to the field had again left us without tentage of any kind of the troops, I received orders from Col. Lenhardt to disperse my command and have the men seek what shelter they could. Having done so, I took leave from the camp, and sought out shelter for myself as well. All of which is,
Most Respectfully Submitted,
Captain K.S. Claytor
Commanding, Co. B., 14th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry
