254

                                                                                    Head Quarters 2^nd Georgia Reg^t

                                                                                                            July 27^th 1863

 

Lieutenant H. H. Perry

                        A.A.A.Genl

                                                I have the honor to make the following report Conduct of the 2^nd Georgia Regiment commanded by Lieut Col W^m F. Hanes during the sanguinary battle near Gettysburg Penn.

 

After a most tiresome march through the mountains this regiment, belonging to Benning’s Brigade, arrived at 12 PM in the neighbourhood of the scene of an engagement which took place on the 1^st inst, when it was permitted to bivouac for a few hours, at 3 AM it resumed the march, and again halted after proceeding some three miles. at 1 PM it again took up the line of march moving by a circuitous route to the right, notwithstanding the extreme heat, and the fatigueing march. the officers and men of this regiment moved forward with great cheerfulness seeming anxious to meet the enemy. Just before reaching its position in line the regiment advanced by the right flank through an open field under a heavy fire from the enemy’s Artillery which was posted on a commanding position. It gives me great pleasure to state that the officers and men of this command acted very coolly, and moved forward in good order. here Lieut J. C. Sapp was slightly wounded but continued with his company. Before advancing in line of battle the command was permitted to rest a few moments. the 2^nd Geo composed the right, and the 17^th Geo the right wing of Bennings Brigade. Soon the order to advance was given, when the entire regiment moved forward in splendid order until it came to a deep gorge, when the nature of the ground was such, that it was impossible to preserve an alignment. but notwithstanding the rocks, undergrowth, and the deadly fire of the enemy, the officers and men of this regiment moved forward with dauntless courage driving the enemy before them, and did not halt until they saw the men some distance/

 

                                                                                                                                    253

in advance of their line, and beyond a rocky eminence on the left which had been previously held by the enemy. Here the regiment made a stand, and fought as gallantly as men could fight, and did not yield an inch of ground but repulsed several charges made by the enemy who were protected by a battery, and a hill lined with sharpshooters. It was shortly after the regiment halted that Lieut Col W^m T Harris fell pierced through the heart by a minnie ball. He behaved gallantly and coolly while advancing, and was in the act of cheering on his command when he received the fatal shot. The command then devolved upon the undersigned who was Major of the regiment; we held our position until night closed the bloody drama. We have to deplore the loss of many gallant officers and men, a list of whom has been previously forwarded. I take great pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed both by officers and men and in my humble judgement men never fought with more determination and bravery. We captured quite a number of whom previous mention has been made. It is impossible to individualize when all acted so nobly and courageously. I would respectfully call your attention to Forage Master R. M Scrogin of company I 2^nd Geo Regt who went into the battle voluntarily, and fought bravely until wounded. The 2^nd Geo and a portion of the 17^th Ga being a short distance in advance I received orders from Head Quarters about 3 oclock A.M. on the 3^rd inst to fall back and connect with the main line, which command we executed in good order, and not until all our wounded had been removed to the rear.

                                                            All of which is respectfully

Submitted

                                                                        W^m S. Shepherd

                                                                                    Lieut Col Comdg 2^d Geo Regt

SOURCES