occurred before reaching the top of them; first
lieutenant W. H. Smith being killed as he arrived
at its crest. The enemy having retreated toward
the northwest toward the second and third
blockhouses, new lines were formed and rapid
advance was made upon the new positions.

The regiment assisted in capturing these works
from the enemy and with the exception of Troops C
and I who had joined the first volunteer cavalry,
then took up a position north of the second
blockhouse, remaining there during the night. With
some changes in the positions of troops they held
this line of the second and third under a heavy
and continuous fire from the enemy's intrenchments
in front and the regiment now occupying a part of
the advance intrenched positions. Some troops lost
their relative positions in line during the first
day of the battle but attached themselves to
others and continued to move forward. During the
entire engagement the regiment acted with
exceptional coolness and bravery. It held its
position at the ford and moved forward
unflinchingly after deploying through the advance
under the heavy fire from the enemy's works.

The officers and men in general throughout
exhibited great bravery obeying orders with
unflinching alacrity while attacking with small
arms an enemy strongly posted in intrenchment and
blockhouse supported with artillery. Words cannot
express my gratification at such conduct and I
would request such service receive some special
recognition. It is difficult to distinguish
between officers and men all of whom are so
deserving but of the officers whose conduct on the
field came under my direct personal observation I
would especially mention Major S. T. Norvall,
Major T. J. Wint, squadron commander, first
lieutenant J. J. Pershing, quartermaster, and
first lieutenant M. H. Bowman, adjutant, for their
untiring energy, faithfulness and gallantry during
this engagement and would recommend the officers
mentioned for brevet commissions, ...

Very respectfully,
(s) T. A