[238]
satisfied that Keyes' corps would have been destroyed, instead of being merely defeated.1 Had it gone into action even at four o'clock the victory would have been much more complete.
Major-Generals Smith and Longstreet speak in high terms of the conduct of their superior and staff officers.
I beg leave to ask the attention of the Government especially to the manner in which Brigadier-Generals Whiting and R. H. Anderson, and Colonels Jenkins and Kemper and Hampton, exercising commands above their grades, and Brigadier-General Rodes are mentioned.
This, and the captured colors, will be delivered by Major A. H. Cole, of my staff.
I have been prevented by feebleness from making this report sooner, and am still too weak to make any but a very imperfect one.
Several hundred prisoners were taken, but I have received no report of the number.
Your obedient servant,
J. E. Johnston, General.