J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

476 Nortru Carorina Troops, 1861-65.

not a word, while the troops in the works joined in the cheer-
ing as those tired and hungry heroes went to the front.

On 18 May, while General Early, temporarily in com-
mand of A. P. Hill’s Corps, and Generals Wilcox and Lane
and a number of staff officers were standing near the brick
kiln, the enemy honored the group with a short, but rapid ar-
tillery fire, under which Nicholson was severely wounded.
Major Thomas J. Wooten, of the Eighteenth, was then or-
dered to take charge of the corps and he continued in com-
mand until the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
Young, cool and brave, but modest as a girl, he was a worthy
successor of Knox and Nicholson.

This corps rendered splendid service from Spottsylvania
Court House to Petersburg. Its first brilliant exploit near
the ‘““Cockade City” was the surprise and capture of the en-
emy’s videttes and reserve, without the loss of a man. The
following will tell how it was appreciated :

Heapquartrers Lann’s Brigane,
September 9, 1864.
General Orders No. 21.

The following communications are published to the bri-
gade, not only as an act due the distinguished merit of their
gallant recipient, but with the hope that it may encourage
officers and men to emulate this noble example:

Heapquarters T'urrp Army Corps,
September 7, 1864.

GrneEraL:—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
the report of Major T. J. Wooten, commanding the skirmish-
ers of Lane’s Brigade, containing an account of his surprise
of the enemy’s videttes at the Davis House and attendant cap-
ture. The Lieutenant-General commanding desires that you
will congratulate Major Wooten for his handsome success,
and to assure him that he highly appreciates the activity, abil-
ity and gallantry which he has displayed in his present re-
sponsible position.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,

W. N. Srarxe.

tine cance hm PR AA PRINS RR: isa ft Te NR ETNA A Depa hele em pe erties orac AN inbe elRe R

eat cle dake em

Tur Brancu-Lane Bricave. 477

Heapquarters Witcox’s Lieut Division,

September 7, 1864.
Masor:—The Major-General commanding desires me to
express his gratification in transmitting the enclosed letter
from Major Starke, A. A. G., Third Army Corps, conveying
the congratulations of Lieutenant-General Hill to you upon
your handsome capture of the enemy’s videttes at the Davis
House, and also to acknowledge his own appreciation, not
only of this affair, but of the valuable service rendered by
you and the gallant officers and men under your command,

during the arduous campaign of the last four months.
I am, Major, very respectfully,
Tos. A. Enerenarp.

Heapquarters Lann’s Brigape.
Major T. J. Wooten, Commanding Sharpshooters :

Masor:—The Brigadier commanding feels a proud pleas-
ure in transmitting to you the congratulatory notes of Lieu-
tenant General Hill and Major-General Wilcox. And while
he adds to these well-earned compliments his own hearty con-
gratulations upon the brilliant accomplishment of your well
conceived purpose, he rejoices that you have furnished him
this fitting opportunity formally to thank you and your gal-

lant command for the steady performance of every duty—

whether of dangerous enterprises or laborious watching—
which has distinguished your action since the campaign be-
gan. With respect, your obedient servant,
E. J. Hatz, Jr., A. A. G.
By command of Brigadier-General J. H. Lane.
E. J. Harz, Jr., A. A. G.

Major Wooten was never more happy than when engaged in
his “Seine Hauling,” as it was called by the brigade. He
would steal up to the enemy’s skirmish line—sometimes
crawling until within easy running distance—then dash for-
ward, halt on the line of pits, and just as the rear of his com-
mand passed him, he would order both ranks to face outward
and wheel; and they coming back in single ranks and at a
run, would capture everything before them and not fire a