Kershaw's Division moved out on the 20th and reached New Market Heights next night. We found the enemy had taken possession of Deep Bottom and constructed a pontoon bridge across James River at Tilghman Farm and constructed a tete de point. Genl. Gary had been operating against him. Kershaw ordered me to make an attack on the tete du point with Humphreys Brigade and Kershaws Brigade. I advanced my line at night to River Road capturing 49 prisoners. The artillery under Col. Carter was placed at Tighman's Gate before day light. As soon as the fog lifted 2 Divisions of

the enemy were discerned [page 26 ends] on my left flank. I at once saw it was too late to attack and instructed Carter to hold the artillery horses in readiness to retreat - but he had sent them to the rear. I ordered Genl. Gary to attack the enemy's line as he was in their rear and detain him until the horses could be brought up, but too late. The enemy was too fast. I abandoned the guns and retired the infantry to New Market Heights. The enemy pursued and having adjusted my lines on New Market I repulsed him. My loss in these three days was 7 killed, 37 wounded, and 7 missing. History of the Sunflower Guards By Benjamin Humphreys J.F.H. Claiborne Papers #151 Southern Historical Collection Manuscripts Department, Wilson Library The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bryce A. Suderow