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Re: 2nd Battalion, Arkansas Infantry, CSA

The Battle of Mechanicsville-Mechanicsville Bridge-Meadows Bridge-Beaver Dam Creek-Ellerson's Mill where all parts of the same battle and were the opening engagement of the Seven Days Battle.

From what I have understood from Dorsey Pender report in the OR's and other sources the the 2nd Arkansas was the lead unit of Pender's Brigade to cross the Meadows Bridge above Mechanicsville and advanced Southeast along the Chickahominy River to clear the Mechanicsville Bridge. The Union forces had withdrawn before the advance of Penders Brigade to a position on the east side of Beavers Dam Creek.

Union Brig. Gen. Geo. A. McCall wrote of this position;

"The position selected on the Beaver Dam Creek was naturally a strong one, the left resting on the Chickahominy and the right extending to thick woods beyond the upper Mechanicsville road, which were occupied. The passage of the Beaver Dam Creek was difficult throughout the greater part of my front, and, with the exception of the roads crossing at Ellison's Mill and that above mentioned, impracticable for artillery. On the right of the last-named road an epaulement calculated for four pieces of field artillery was thrown up and rifle pits for a regiment each were constructed in advance of each brigade. Cooper's battery of six 10-pounder Parrott guns on the right of the upper road and Smead's battery (regular) of four 12-pounder guns on the left commanded that approach. De Hart's battery (regular) of six 12-pounder guns was near the front-center, commanding a more distant view of the same road and also the lower road direct to Mechanicsville."

OR's Series 1, Vol 11, part 2, page 384:

The 2nd Arkansas Battalion acting as Skirmishers on the right in front of Penders Brigade was positioned directly in front of Ellerson's Mill.

General McCall wrote on page 385;

"At about 3 p.m. the enemy's lines were formed in my front and the skirmishers rapidly advanced, delivering their fire as they approached our lines. They were answered by my artillery and a rather general discharge of musketry."

...

"The Georgians rushed with headlong energy against the Second Regiment, only to be mowed down by the steady fire of that gallant regiment, whose commander soon sent to the rear some 7 or 8 prisoner taken in the encounter."

...

"After a time, however, a heavy column was launched down the road to Ellison's Mill, where a determined attack was made. I had already sent Easton's battery to General Seymour, and I now moved the Seventh Regiment down to the extreme left, apprehending that the enemy might attempt to turn that flank by crossing the stream below the mill. Here, however, the Reserves maintained their position and sustained their character for steadiness in splendid style, never losing a foot of ground during a severe struggle with some of the best troops of the enemy, fighting under the direction of their most distinguished general. For hour after hour the battle was hotly contested, and the rapid fire of our artillery, dealing death to an awful extent, was unintermitted."

Maj Gen A.P. Hill reported on page 835;

"Pender was ordered to support these brigades already engaged,and to take position on the right of Field. This was gallantly done in the face of a murderous fire."

...

"The Thirty-eighth North Carolina, Colonel [William J.] Hoke, and the Thirty-fourth North Carolina, Colonel [Richmond H.] Riddick, of Pender's brigade made a gallant but abortive attempt to force a crossing."

Gen. Dorsey Pender said on page 902;

"Here I would mention the loss on Thursday of a most competent and gallant officer, Major W. N. Bronaugh, of the Second Arkansas Battalion. With his death ceased the battalion, as far as was concerned its usefulness on the field"

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