Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to Theodore O'Hara

Headquarters, Adams Brigade, Buckinsides[?] Riv.
Hosden's[?] Corps A.T. Tullahoma, Jan.11, 1863

Col. T. O'Hara,

A.A.A. Genl

Sir,

I beg leave to submit the following report of the post taken by the 13th La Vols, in the action of the 31st. We were posted on the right of Adam's Brigade, the right of the Regiment resting near the River and the two left companies overlapping the rail track. We advanced in line of battle until we reached the houses destroyed by fire and the point at which the ground swelled into a considerable hill stretching towards the line of the enemy and where the River turns off quite abruptly to the right. We were halted in order that dispositions might be made to pass the obstacles in front of us -- the Regiment next to the 13th the 16th La Vols having been thrown into columns. We then advanced up the ascent leaving quite an unoccupied space between my right and the River. Ascending the elevated position, I discovered the enemy moving troops rapidly down the River on our right, and placing them also in ambush in the cornfield on our front. Riding to the rail track I saw not more than fifty yards distant a line of battle of the enemy, using the embankment as a landmark and to conceal them from our troops on the low ground to our left. The line of battle on the rail track, as the line of battle along the River bank was at right angles to our advancing line, and the enemy reserved his fire until the Command was flanked. So soon as I discovered the dispositions of the enemy -- I rode across the railroad and informed Gen'l Adams. It was, however, too late to accomplish a timely change in our positions. Moreover from the moment of our advance in the face of the enemy, their artillery had kept a Constant fire upon us while the fire of his Infantry was reserved; rendering it more difficult in addition to the broken nature of the ground, to make new dispositions.

The first fire we received was from the river bank and[?] upon the Infirmary Corps of the Regiment posted considerably in our rear. I immediately moved the Regiment double quick by the right flank towards the River but finding a front as well as flanking fire open upon us I commanded a halt and determined to contest[?] the field. The right of the Regiment stood firm for a few minutes -- but under the combined fires gave way -- the men naturally faced the direction in which the severest fire came, and this caused some confusion. We were enabled to hold the left in its position the fence in its front affording some protection. I felt the necessity of holding our position until the balance of the Brigade -- already falling back, should pass the point at which the enemy was pressing us on the right. Should this be prematurely lost, there had been a very much larger force than the rest of the Brigade, with every advantage of position -- covering its entire front and enveloping its right flank. I called upon Maj. Austin to form on my line and assist in its defense. In a few moments he disposed his battalion of sharp shooters as I suggested. We were successful in holding the high ground on the right of the railroad until the left portion of the Brigade driven back by a storm of artillery & infantry fire of its front flank, had reached a point beyond our line.

The ground was much broken -- a continuous line of battle could not be formed on the hill and this was one of the main reasons why there was some apparent irregularity in falling back. I should do some injustice to the officers & men of the 13th La Vols, did I not state, that they displayed the best qualities as soldiers. It is difficult for troops to stand firm against great odds, under a heavy fire from the front and on the flank. -- This was not only done for some minutes but at the outset and until the full force of the enemy was developed on our right flank, we drove back his line on our front, charging beyond the fence in the cornfield rescuing the colors of some Confederate Regiment which had previously engaged the enemy in this position and whose dead marked plainly its line of battle. I send the colors that you may return them to the gallant Regiment whose brave dead spoke its eulogy.

I am indebted chiefly to Capt. M[?] O. Tracy, acting Major & in charge of the left wing for the steadiness with which it moved forward and for its handsome behavior on [?]ing.

This officer has been mentioned in every report of various battles in which the Regiment has been engaged -- Shiloh, Torrington[?], Perryville, and having lost his leg in this action, I would especially commend him to the favorable consideration of our Superior Officers. Maj. Chas. Millet[?] Comdg. the right likewise contributed much to steady the exposed flank of this command. And to Capts King, Bishop, & Ryan, the praise of having borne themselves with great efficiency and marked courage is especially due.

We moved to the rear of our Artillery and were no longer on that day under the Infantry fire of the enemy. Lts. Hepburn & Smith were killed in this action -- they were brave and devoted young soldiers.

A reference to the list of casualties will show the heavy loss sustained in this action.

I have the honor to remain

Your obt servant
R.L. Gibson
Col. Comdg.