The Rockbridge artillerymen did not receive orders to retire and remained at their guns until Plaisted's two regiments were within fifty yards. They attempted to limber up, but the fire of the 11th Maine and 10th Connecticut prevented the artillerymen from bringing off the cannon. The artillerymen, then fled, leaving behind one man wounded and another a prisoner. The commanding officers of the 11th Maine and 10th Connecticut were the first to reach the four parrots.

About the first of August a large force of the enemy made a serious demonstration on Richmond by way of Deep Bottom. We were on the extreme left, just above Malvern Hill. The fighting was pretty lively and Major Robinson [sic, Robertson] ran away with six companies of the regiment [24th VA CAV] (Col. was absent sick). I stayed with four companies and had the credit of saving one of our batteries from capture, whether deservedly or not. My opinion is the credit was accidental, but accidents sometimes happened in the army.

”For his performances the Major was compelled to resign or stand a court martial. He resigned.”

Source: Theodore G. Barham, “War Record of T. G. Barham,” 41 pp. This selection appears on p. 31.

Bryce A. Suderow
streetstories@juno.com