In obedience to Orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the 44th Georgia, Company C under the command of Captain Art Mallette in the field from October 15 to October 17, inclusive:
Responding to a call to arms in the Valley the 44th Georgia, Company C made arrangements to join a larger force of the Army of Northern Virginia, along the Valley Pike south of Middletown, Virginia.
Armed with conscious vigilance we gathered one again, after one years absence due to the effects of an unseen enemy afflicting the entire World.
Arriving in camp beginning in the afternoon of October 15th we set up the Company street North of the Belle Grove plantation, aligning our tents north of Lieutenant Mallette, expecting new arrivals at any time.
Friday evening we gathered around the campfire enjoying the fall weather. Our view of the camps provided us a panoramic view as the tent cities expanded, highlighted by the orange glow of dozens of campfires and silhouettes of canvas tents. In anticipation of future skirmishing we turned in early.
Saturday morning we fell in for morning drill around 10 o’clock, knocking the rust off our brogans whilst executing our field maneuvers.
In the early afternoon we were summoned to form up and prepare for battle, advancing northward through the rolling hills and entered a scuffle between two other large forces, driving the Yankees in our fore, both sides taking losses. The Union command busily moved their troops to different areas of the field to address the constant attacks being thrown at them by our Southern units, albeit in a reverse march.
In our excitement we passed the Heater House, only to be reminded that we were NOT to “pass the stream”, the remains of which have been reduced to rocks and furrows and were now in our rear. We met stronger resistance as the Union forces seemed re-energized upon encouragement from their General having ridden their line. I was informed that the rider was none other than General Sheridan, haven risen from a nap after a long ride from the vicinity of Westminster.
We were commanded to fall back and did so several times, struggling each time to maneuver amongst the rocks and Yankee brains, while climbing the ridges we had so skillfully mastered on the attack. During these adjustments of our position I saw many of our troops fall, observing on the retreat the rout of the right wing of our army.
All ground which we had gained earlier was lost during the afternoon, and we were obligated to leave the field in the hands of the enemy. When the battle having ended, those of us ambulatory enough to regain our feet reformed and prepared to salute those recently fallen.
We returned to camp, having burned a great deal of powder, prepared to tend to our rifles and sample the evening meal which awaited our palettes. Throughout the evening some took advantage of the closeness of the sutlers and comrades while the remainder of us attended, at a distance, a meeting of the Regiment. With no further reinforcements making their presence we turned in early to gather a few hours of sleep.
Sunday morning I awoke rested and took advantage of the opportunity to attend Church service in the large tent. Meanwhile, the Brigade turned out for an assembly nearby, honoring the fallen of the past year, including our very own Major Clark VanBuskirk.
The smells of bacon (LOTS of it) and coffee infiltrated the air, and, as we had done the day prior, we assembled for weapon inspection. Shortly thereafter we formed up again to participate in an attack in an effort to drive the blue bellies from the Valley.
While in formation it was noted that a passing soldier bore strong resemblance to our newest “recruit”, who was obviously shirking his obligation to join our unit. Bounty jumpers have infiltrated the ranks, and Corporal Lordi was quick to remand the boy and recover the wages due the 44th, and more.
Finally, we formed columns and marched to the battlefield, where we maneuvered to a position facing the enemy and commenced the battle, pushing the enemy hard, driving them rapidly northward , pursuing them down the pike with a multitude of volleys. Barely had we fired each round that we advanced, the vanguard of the Southern Army. We closed to within mere yards of the enemy time and again, led by the most capable of leadership.
Time and again we poured vicious volleys into the Lincoln mob, our reports shaking the countryside, and the Brigade maneuvered with unsurpassed precision. Never had I seen the Yankees pressed so, as entire units in blue were surrounded and overrun.
Were it not for the eventual truce it was evident that we would have pushed the Yanks beyond the outskirts of Middletown itself. Indeed it is supported that throughout the remainder of the afternoon Northern wagons were viewed leaving the area and heading home along the Valley Pike, their camps packed and armaments stored.
Let us bask in the successes of the weekend and commit to memory the gratification felt by each of us on hallowed ground so dear to us.
To that end, let us ALL gather soon under the sycamore and march in unison before cheering and adoring supporters, shouting our allegiance and commitment to the 44th Georgia, remembering the sacrifices being made by those in harm’s way in defense of freedom as well as those who offer their support to the cause. May God’s grace fall upon them and their families for their commitment to Duty.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pvt. Jim Marshall
44th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Co. C.
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