(ar90_609)
There has been but one regular inspection of troops in this division since it left Richmond on the 13th of June last. It will sufficiently account for this to say that since this date to the present time it has performed 800 miles of route marching, independent of movements in the presence of the enemy; that it has been engaged in seventeen battles and skirmishes, some of which have lasted through two and three days, and in which it has captured 500 prisoners, and that it has been almost constantly in the presence of the enemy, either in the advance or in retreat. Under such circumstances regular inspections have been impossible, and inspectors have been compelled to make their observations whilst moving along the column on the march. On leaving Staunton in the latter part of June the transportation of Lieutenant-General Early's command was reduced so as to allow neither company nor field officers an ounce of baggage, except such as they could carry themselves or on their horses; hence records have been left behind and reports are irregular and incomplete. For the same reasons officers of the quartermaster's and commissary departments have been compelled to leave the most of their papers in rear and carry only such as were indispensable.
The discipline in this command is lax. It will be remembered that York's brigade is composed of the discordant fragments of Hays' and Stafford's brigades, and that Terry's is made up of the remnants of the Stonewall, Jones', and Steuart's brigades, formerly of Johnson's division, comprising the remains of fourteen regiments. Both officers and men bitterly object to their consolidation into one brigade. Strange officers command strange troops, and the difficulties of fusing this incongruous mass are enhanced by constant marching and frequent engagements. Evans' brigade has lost by casualty so many and such valuable officers as to interfere seriously with its good management. I am pleased to be able to add that the discipline of the command is improving, and that in spite of all defects, the division has fought with conspicuous gallantry and constant success. The clothing of the troops, though poor, is better than could be expected in so active a (ar90_610) campaign, and under the difficulties of transporting supplies so great a distance. Ordnance stores have been supplied to the full extent of need from battle-fields, and it has been a matter of regret that want of transportation has prevented our saving more ordnance supplies from the same source. Our animals have been worked hard and very poorly supplied with grain; grazing and hay have, however, been abundant, and they are in excellent condition. The troops have been well supplied with rations of flour and beef, to which the country has added milk, butter, and vegetables; are consequently in good health.
EDWIN L. MOORE,
Major and Assistant Inspector-General.
[Indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
September 10, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded.
Special attention called to the remarks of Major Moore, which show the embarrassments under which the two consolidated brigades of this division suffer. The troops of the old organizations feel that they have lost their identity, and are without the chance of perpetuating the distinct and separate history of which they were once so proud. This loss of prestige must excite to some extent a feeling of discontent, but it is gratifying to know that the men and officers still fight with "conspicuous gallantry and constant success."
H. E. PEYTON,
Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General.
Lawton-Gordon-Evans' Brigade | Wartime Service
Last Update: Sept. 12, 1998