November 27, 1863.
Battle of Ringgold Gap, Georgia.
Report of Col. Hiram B. Granbury,
commanding Texas Brigade.
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HEADQUARTERS SMITH'S BRIGADE,
Near Tunnel Hill, Ga., December 3,
1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of the Texas
brigade, of Major-General Cleburne's division, in the battle of
Taylor's Ridge, near Ringgold, Ga., on the 27th ultimo:
About sunrise I received orders from the major-general to send
the Seventh Texas, Capt. C. E. Talley commanding, to the top of
the ridge, and to form the other two regiments along -the slope
fronting the town, and far enough in the timber to conceal the line
from the view of the approaching enemy. The Sixth, Tenth, and Fifteenth
Texas Regiments (united), Captain Kennard commanding, were on the
left, the extreme left of this regiment being within 150 paces of
the railroad where it enters the pass, and where two pieces of our
artillery were put in position. The Seventeenth, Eighteenth. Twenty-fourth,
and Twenty-fifth Texas Regiments (united), Maj. W. A. Taylor commanding,
constituted the right of my line, extending to a considerable swell
in the ridge immediately in front of the town, from which point
the course of the ridge deflected to the right and rear. Along this
swell Major Taylor deployed one of his companies as skirmishers
to protect the right flank. In the course of the engagement I had
occasion to order two companies from the left of Captain Kennard's
regiment to re-enforce this point. I had skirmishers thrown out
down the slope covering the entire front of my line and the right
flank. By the time these dispositions were completed the enemy had
occupied the town, deployed a strong line of skirmishers, and advanced
upon our position. The firing was very spirited on the right from
the beginning, and soon became general along my entire skirmish
line, the enemy taking position behind the embankment of the railroad
and in some houses immediately in our front.
About 11 a.m. I received a message from Major Taylor to the effect
that the enemy were moving a large body of troops with the evident
intention of scaling the ridge where his right flank rested, and
to the right of that point. Feeling apprehensive for the safety
of the Seventh Texas, I sent Lieutenant English, acting assistant
inspector-general, to Major-General Cleburne with this information.
The general relieved my solicitude by assuring Lieutenant English
that Brigadier-General Lowrey's brigade was also on the top of the
ridge and other troops were moving there. To further protect my
own immediate flank, I ordered two companies from the left of Captain
Kennard's regiment to report to Major Taylor to re-enforce that
portion of the line which deflected to the right, and also sent
instructions to Major Taylor to move one or more of his own companies
to that point. Major Taylor promptly drew off two of his companies,
and formed them along the swell of the ridge at a right angle with
his main line.
The enemy coming up in gallant style to the assault, Major Taylor
ordered the three companies to charge, and they swept down the hill,
routing an entire regiment, the Twenty-ninth Missouri (Federal),
capturing their colors and between 60 and 100 prisoners, and causing
the attacking brigade to withdraw. Considering the fact that this
portion of my line was attacked by an entire brigade of the enemy,
it will be conceded that Major Taylor handled his men with great
judgment and effect. Nothing could exceed the noble gallantry which
distinguished the three companies led into this charge by their
chivalrous major.
Receiving intimation from Major-General Cleburne that the enemy
would probably attempt to charge and carry our battery in the gorge
by the railroad, I moved Captain Kennard's regiment farther down
the hill, slightly swinging the right to the front, ordered bayonets
fixed, and sent Captain Hearne, assistant adjutant-general, to the
line of skirmishers to notice when the attacking column should advance.
From prudential or other considerations, the enemy changed his design
in this regard, much to the disappointment of Captain Kennard and
his gallant men.
As at Missionary Ridge on the 25th, Captain Hearne and Lieutenant
English were ever prompt in the discharge of their perilous duties,
passing from point to point, as directed, under the shower of balls
that continually swept the hill-side.
I refer the major-general to the report of Captain Talley for the
part taken by the Seventh Texas in the engagement.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded was very severe, their bodies
being strewn from near our lines to the middle of the village.
The Sixth, Tenth, and Fifteenth Regiments lost 9 wounded and 3
missing. The Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth
Regiments lost 5 killed, 20 wounded, 20 missing. The Seventh Texas
lost 5 wounded. Total loss of the brigade, 5 killed, 34 wounded,
23 missing.
At 2 p.m. I received orders from the major-general to retire, which
was done promptly and in good order, the skirmishers covering the
retreat.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
H.B.GRANBURY,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
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