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Sept. 14th. Sunday
Marched at 6 ok – our division
leading. Heavy firing again began
early and continued in direction
of Harper’s Ferry and along up the
valley. Crossed the mountain and
entered Jefferson about 9a.m. There is
a most magnificent view from
the summit.
Power through Jefferson to the
music of fifes and drums. People
seemingly glad to see us. Proceeded
on to within a mile of Birkheadsville,
began to skirmish from that point
up to the village which was finally
occupied by our skirmishers. Discovered
batteries in various positions in the
mountain side and on both sides
of the Gap. Tried to reach the enemys [sic]
battery with 3 inch ordnance guns,
couldn’t do it. Finally there was a
consultation held between the Division
and Brigade Commanders and it was
determined to storm the pass.
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Accordingly the division was
moved under cover of the woods
to the front and in lines of
two battalions. Bartlett leading, and
Newton next, they pressed forward.
The line of march was to the
right of the town. While moving
over the open fields our men
were subjected to a severe fire
of Artillery from the enemy’s batteries
posted on the hills until they reached
the base of the mountain. There we
began to feel the enemy’s infantry.
After an hour’s firing the lines made
a general charge up the slope and
this ended one of the most
magnificent fights of the war.
They fired at our Staff repeatedly.
The battle ground was a terrible
sight. And then the passing
of the wounded + the prisoners
and the hurrying by of
ammunition trains all mingled
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with the troops was one of the
most satisfying + satisfactory
spectacles that I have witnessed
during the war.
For once we whipped the
enemy. We gained possession of
the Gap and forced the enemy
to retreat down the other side of
the mountain into the valley. We
took prisoners, colors, and guns.
The wounded and dead of the enemy
were scattered all along the mountain
side. Our loss was considerable.
1st Brigade
Killed Wounded total
42 142 184
2nd Brigade 233
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-Cobb’s brigade –
16 Georgia McClellan’s div
24 N.C. A.P.A.P. Hills corps
16 N.C.
Cobb Legion
Malones [?] brig, Anderson’s div
Longstreet’s Corps
16th
12th Virginia
Grime’s battery 4 guns
_________________ .. _________________
18th Miss. Is also in McClellan’s Div.
Two brigades of this division were
posted at the other Gap above
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