The REPORT of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, at the action known as "West Woods/Sunken Road"
The brigade, having been assigned to General Daniels Division, assembled at a pre-arranged location. Marching by the right flank, the brigade was the third in the line of march. Moving through several batteries actively engaged, the brigade formed into line and was the third of four brigades formed into a column of brigades.
Moving to within 100 yards of the lead brigade, it was observed that a large force of rebels had appeared to their front and on our left flank. Without halting, my brigade executed an "on the eighth company, second battalion, change front forward". Performing this movement with parade ground precision, the brigade then commenced fire upon the enemy force now to our front.
Driving them away with several volleys, the brigade then advanced at the right oblique. Suddenly, a considerable force of rebel cavalry attacked the left flank of the brigade. This threat was repulsed by the steadiness and effective fire of the second battalion. Major Worthington coolly formed the flank company into a square, thus anchoring the line.
Suddenly, the first two brigades of the division began a rapid withdrawal. This forced my brigade to readjust the line in an effort to avoid disruption by the retreating force.
Now in line and facing the original direction, the brigade was ordered to cover the retreating brigades. Facing at least an oversized brigade of rebels, my brigade succeeded in driving them from the field.
I then received orders to move the brigade to a shaded woodline near several batteries moving forward to support the efforts of the balance of the army. Upon arriving at this shady location, the brigade rested and resupplied their ammunition. I then received orders that the brigade was transferred to the division commanded by Colonel Andrew Waskie.
After about 15 minutes, a rebel brigade composed of 4 regiments appeared on our right flank and began to threaten the artillery, now in battery, to our front. I rode to Colonel Waskie and asked permission to engage the rebels. I was promised a response as soon as possible via courier. Returning to my brigade, I discovered the rebels had launched a vigorous attack upon our batteries to our front. I deployed the right wing of the 1st Battalion to delay the rebels. No sooner than they were engaged when I received a message via courier granting my request to deal with this unexpected rebel attack. Dispatching the other wing to the 1st Battalion, the 2nd Battalion double-quicked into a position that would outflank the rebel lines.
Spotting a considerable force of dismounted cavalry, I inquired if they wished to join in the attack. Upon their enthusiastic response, I deployed them on the left of' the 2nd Battalion. This effectively placed the rebel force in a box flanked on three sides. The 2nd Battalion, under Colonel Kuracz, had placed its right wing in a position to extend its line toward the 1st Battalion under Colonel McKinch.
Meanwhile, the rebels attempted several charges against our line but were repulsed each time. Finally, their line retired in great disorder and ceased firing. Their commander rode to the front under a white flag and surrendered his force to me. Be identified his command as the 3rd Brigade of the Army of Northern Virginia (ANV). Paroling his troops on the spot, my brigade reformed its line and rested for 10 minutes. A message was sent to General Valuska of the progress of the now-concluded battle. Sadly, it was discovered that the force of dismounted cavalry had ran away without cause and were nowhere to be found.
By this time, the balance of the army was heavily engaged at a sunken road some 1/4 of a mile away. Moving toward the fight in progress, I received orders from a courier to join the battle on the right flank. These orders were difficult to understand since the courier was an Englishman with a thick accent. Several moments were wasted in interpreting his brogue.
Due to the distance traveled, the brigade at the right flank of the ongoing fight in a state of exhaustion. Still, the 1st Battalion double-quicked in the gap to their front and the 2nd Battalion double-quicked into a position supporting the 1st Battalion.
After several minutes of intense fighting, the rebel commander, Colonel Nick Medich, surrendered his battered brigade. This effectively ended the fighting in this section of the battlefield.
The brigade into this action with an aggregate total of 472 men and officers. During the action, it suffered 12 killed, 102 wounded and one man missing. The brigade captured seven artillery pieces, 7 stands of colors and an estimated 1,200 men and officers. Both battalions served with the greatest display of courage and bravery ever seen on this continent.
It would not be honorable to fail to on certain acts that led to our success. The gallantry of the two battalion commanders, Colonel Kuracz and McKinch as well as my two mounted couriers, Captain and Sergeant Dedman are to be commended.
In the 1st Battalion, the personal courage of Captains McKinney and Kolb as well as the 2nd Battalion's Major Worthington. Captain Lowery and Lt. Colonel Giffin are to be noted.
At the conclusion of the action, the Brigade was ordered to stand down to collect its wounded and to marshal its meager resources to aid the captured rebels.
-----Colonel David Shackelford, Commanding