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With General Johnson in the Horseshoe.

I was on Major General Edward Johnson's staff as aide-de-camp during that battle, and was with him at the ‘Angle’ until a moment before his capture. I was sent for General Evans' brigade, which was about a quarter of a mile to our left and rear, for the support of Rode's and Johnson's divisions in case another attack such as was made on Rode's front on May 10, 1864, should occur. Evans'1 brigade was in Gordon's division, and as I started for the brigade, General Gordon himself appeared, and when I told him my mission, he urged me to go for the brigade, as he had no staff officer with him. After General Johnson's capture I reported to General Ewell and was with him on the 12th, carrying his orders, and continued with him until he was relieved from the command of the corps and General Early was placed in command.

On the morning of the 13th or 14th of May, I saw the trees that were whittled down. I think my attention was called to them by some of our men, and I examined them carefully. Later in the day [19] I reported the fact to General Ewell, who at the time was with General Lee and some other general officers. When I did so, General Lee, seeming in doubt what I reported, in his quiet way said: ‘Captain, can you show us those trees?’ I replied that I could, if he would follow me, and, leading the way, I guided General Lee and the party to the trees.


1 More properly Gordon's Brigade of Early's Division. On that day, Early was in command of Hill's Corps, and Gordon was in command of Early's Division, and Col. Evans in command of Gordon's Brigade. But both Gordon and Evans were promoted from that day.

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