STONE'S RIVER BATTLE 10 January 1863 CAMP NEAR SHELBYVILLE, TENN., January 10, 1863. SIR: In obedience to orders, at daylight on the morning of December 31 [1862,] my battery advanced to the position occupied the day previous by Robertson's battery. Your brigade, then advancing, engaged the enemy and was rapidly driving him back. I followed as closely as the nature of the ground would admit, but, turning to the right too suddenly, became separated from your brigade, and, having advanced in a northern direction about 1 mile, engaged a battery of the enemy, a part of which was soon after captured by our advancing lines. I then passed through an interval in our infantry lines caused by our left swinging too far in that direction, and, taking position near Mr. Cowan's house, some 3 miles form and northwest of our original lines, opened fire upon the enemy's batteries, some 500 yards distant, in position on an elevation equal to our own and partially concealed by a narrow skirt of timber intervening between our position and his. The enemy's guns (supposed to have been sixteen in number), then firing upon our infantry and other troops in his front, were immediately turned upon us with great precision and rapidity. We responded as fast as our guns could be served, and for more than half an hour drew the entire fire of all the guns on the opposite hill. Two of my guns were rendered useless by ammunition too large, and two others were, during the action, disabled by the enemy's shot, one having a wheel shot off and otherwise injured, and the cannoneers of the other being in the same way disabled. Five horses were killed by an exploding shell. With two pieces (a 3-inch rifle and 6-pounder gun) we maintained the fight until our advancing lines were charging the enemy's guns, when we were ordered to fall back, which we did, to a point some 300 yards in rear of that position. Eight men were disabled by wounds. During the engagement there were many acts of individual gallantry displayed, some of which I beg leave to mention. Lieut. John W. Rivers, when the cannoneers at a piece were disabled, seized the sponge-staff, and, calling other to his aid, filled the post of No. 1 with energy and determination. First Lieut. William H. Gore was acting as gunner when he was knocked down and wounded by a shell. He immediately rallied and called upon the men, wounded like himself, to rally to their work. Lieut. Oliver P. Richardson, whose gallantry on the field of Richmond, Ky., attracted the attention of Gen. Churchill, commanded his section with ability. Lieut. Henry C. Riggin, after Lieut. Gore was wounded, was instructed with the command of that officer's section, and rendered efficient service through the day. All the above-named officers in this engagement behaved with a gallantry and displayed a devotion to cause and country which should entitle them to the favorable consideration of the commanding general. First Sergt. William Shea was fearless and efficient. Ensign Cameron, when a part of the flag-staff was shot down, observed coolly that they were ''shooting a little close.'' Private Samuel M. Tucker had a sponge-staff shot out of his hand, and by the same force he was knocked over, but immediately returned to duty. Private Joseph W. Adams was wounded in the foot and had his pantaloons torn off by an exploding shell. Dennis Corcoran was severely wounded in the neck by splinters from a shell, and reluctantly was compelled to leave the field. Duty Sergeants Thompson, Casey, Greer, Long, Brewer, and Burkett are all deserving of favorable mention for high courage and efficiency. In fact, to do ample and full justice I should have to mention every name on the company rolls. All were in trying positions, and suffice it to say that no men could have better while subjected to a terrific fire of shot and shell which tore down threes like the whirlwind and scattered them like the lighting. Fortunately while horses and guns were destroyed the men were protected by the ''Giver of all victories.'' It is to that power and the officers and men mentioned referred to that the success of this battery can be ascribed. Very respectfully, JOHN T. HUMPHREYS, - Capt. Artillery. Gen. E. McNAIR, Comdg. Third Brigade, McCown's Division, Army of Tennessee. Source: Official Records < CHAP. XXXII.] THE STONE'S RIVER CAMPAIGN. PAGE 957-29 [Series I. Vol. 20. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 29.] Chickamagua after battle report: Report of Capt. John T. Humphreys, First Arkansas Battery. SOURCE: Alexander Street's Civil War Collections http://alexanderstreet.com/resources/civilwar.access.htm