Commanding Troup Artillery, Army of Northern Virginia Atlanta Historical Society Report of Lieutenant C. W. Motes, Troup [Georgia] Artillery. CAMP NEAR CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this date to furnish you with a report of the part taken in the late battle of Gettysburg and subsequent operations by my command, I have the honor to submit the following: The battery, Captain Carlton commanding, took position the morning of the 2nd instant with the battalion on the right of the ----- road, fronting the enemy's position on the mountain; the section of Parrott guns occupying a position behind the stone fence between Captains Manly's and McCarthy's batteries; section of 12-pounder howitzer on the left of the battalion. About 3 o'clock, Captain Carlton ordered a fire from the Parrotts to be opened on the enemy, who were endeavoring to place a battery in position on the left, near the orchard, assisting in successfully driving them back. Soon the firing became general along the whole line, and continued until near dark, when it partially ceased. By your order, the battery was withdrawn to a field about half a mile in rear, where we parked during the night and replenished our ammunition chests. Early the morning of the 3d, following, Captain Carlton was ordered to a position on the left of the road, in advance of Pickett's division, and in front of the enemy's strong position on Cemetery Hill. Here he placed the section of Parrotts in position, ordering the section of howitzers under cover of the hill, the enemy's position not being in their range. At the signal to commence firing, he opened fire upon the enemy's position, and continued until the infantry of Pickett's division advanced, when the firing partially ceased, firing only when the safety of the infantry in front would permit. At this period of the action, Captain Carlton fell, severely wounded, while gallantly discharging his duties. I then assumed command of the battery, when I was ordered to take an advanced position of about 300 yards, with the four pieces of my command, from which point I fired upon the enemy, advancing across the bottom, which assisted in repulsing them. I remained here until dark, at which time the enemy's pickets, having driven ours to the fence, came within a few hundred yards of my position. By your order, I quietly withdrew my command to the park occupied the previous night. Early the next morning [4th instant], by your order, I sent my section of howitzers, Lieutenant [T. A.] Murray commanding, to the position occupied during the engagement of the 2nd instant. Having expended most of my Parrott ammunition, and being unable to get a supply, the guns were not placed in position on the 4th instant. After dark, I withdrew the section of howitzers, and was ordered to join the battalion, preparatory to marching. Nothing worthy of notice transpired on the march to Hagerstown, Md. On the morning of the 10th instant, I received orders, and was conducted to the position occupied by General Wofford, to whom I reported, he placing me in position on the left of the Williamsport and Sharpsburg pike, near Saint James' College, where I remained until next evening, when, by your order, I retired to a position on the right of the road, left of General Semmes' brigade, with orders to fortify my position, which was done during the night and following day. During the evening of the 13th instant, your order to send my caissons across the river and to have the battery in readiness to move, was promptly obeyed. We crossed the river without loss of either carriages or horses. In the battle of Gettysburg we had 1 man killed, 2 officers and 4 men wounded. Several others were slightly wounded, but only temporarily disabled. Our loss in horses was 13 killed and 4 wounded, disabling them only for a short time. I know not what terms to use so as to convey to your mind the daring and coolness displayed by the men on the field. They fought determinedly, and were found at their post all the time until the order was given to cease firing. Many of them were nigh exhausted, and scarcely able to perform their duties. Suffice it to say, every man did his whole duty, and they fought like men determined to enjoy the blessings of freedom. C. W. MOTES, Lieutenant, Commanding Company. Colonel H. C. CABELL, Commanding. |
Last updated: February 12, 2025