O. R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/1 [S# 12]

MAY 31- JUNE 1, 1862-- Battle of Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines, Va.
No. 115. -- Report of Col. John B. Gordon, Sixth Alabama Infantry, commanding Rodes' brigade.

Although Brigadier-General Rodes did not retire from the field in one hour and a half after he was wounded, and not until the firing had entirely ceased, he was compelled from exhaustion to turn over the command of the brigade. Notified that I was placed in command, I reported to Major-General Hill for orders. Under his direction I moved the brigade about half a mile to the rear, and ordered them to encamp on either side of the Williamsburg road, spending nearly the entire night with large details from the brigade in nursing the wounded whom the surgeons had been unable to remove.

I was ordered soon after the firing began Sunday morning to move the brigade forward to support the troops then engaging the enemy on the left of the Williamsburg road and to prevent the enemy from retaking his earthworks. Moving down by the right flank, we met fragments of a regiment which had been routed by the enemy retreating, officers and men, at a rapid pace and in great confusion. Every effort was made to rally them by appealing to their pride and patriotism and pointing to the example then being set by the men who had borne the burden of the day before. Rebuked by Major-General Hill, who was passing at the time, a few of them formed in rear and followed the brigade to the position designated by General Hill. Forming a line around the front of the abatis, on the left of the road, this position was held, in constant expectation of being called into action, until we were relieved by the brigade of General Colston.

Among the articles captured by this brigade was a flag, since turned over to the proper authorities; the order-book of Colonel Bailey, First New York Artillery, and the orders and correspondence of General Casey. Among the latter was a letter to Secretary Stanton in reference to the means to be adopted to hold the Confederate States in subjection when conquered. This letter has since been published.

I inclose herewith a list of the casualties of each command of the brigade.

I am, very respectfully, major, your obedient servant,

J. B. GORDON, Col., Comdg. Third Brig., Third Div., Army of the Potomac.