Sergt. William M. Murray

Fifty-second Georgia Infantry

Report of Capt. Rufus R. Asbury, Fifty-second Georgia Infantry,
of operations May 15-25.

HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND REGT. GEORGIA VOS.,
In the Field, near New Hope Church,
Paulding County, Ga., May 29, 1864.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the late actions
in which this command has been engaged:

Detachments from the regiment were engaged in the skirmishing
at Rocky Face. One man wounded slightly by a piece of shell.

In the fight at Resaca Sunday evening, May 15, we were in the
front line and were actively engaged in the fight. Aided in making
the assault upon the enemy, driving them to their fortifications, when,
finding them in strong force, we were compelled to retire.

Our loss was 2 killed, 23 wounded, 3 missing. Officers and men
all performed their duty nobly, advancing to within sixty yards of
their fortifications, which position they held for some time.

I cannot omit to make special mention of the coolness and bravery
displayed by Sergt. William M. Murray, the color-bearer. He could
always be seen in advance leading the charge. The action continued
about one hour.

May 25, in the fight at New Hope Church, Paulding County, Ga.,
we were actively engaged with the enemy for about two hours, fighting
upon the open ground, holding our position during the day, repulsing
every assault upon our lines. All, both officers and men,
never performed their duty better. They exhibited by their coolness
and bravery that they were determined to teach the invader that
they were fighting freemen, who knew their rights and would dare
maintain them.

Our loss was 17 wounded.

Respectfully submitted.

R. R. ASBURY,
Capt., Cmdg. Regt.

Capt. J. P. C. WHITEHEAD, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.--CONFEDERATE. PAGE 830-74
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part III, Reports. Serial No. 74.]