Report of Colonel William A. Owens, Fifty-Third North Carolina Infantry.
JULY 19, 1863.
SIR: In the engagement at Gettysburg, Pa., my regiment took part in the field as follows:
On July 1, I moved from Little Creek to within 2 miles of Gettysburg, and was in line of battle at or about 1 o'clock, when we advanced through an open field, coming in sight of the enemy on the crest. The line moved forward some 200 yards, when I moved by the left flank some 300 yards, under fire. I again moved to the front some 50 or 100 yards, when I was ordered to take my regiment to the support of General Iverson. I again moved by the flank, and brought them into line on the left of the Third Alabama, which was on General Iverson's right. I next moved to the right of the Third Alabama, and moved forward through a wheat-field to within 50 yards of some woods in front. The Third Alabama fell back, leaving my left exposed, and I ordered my regiment back some 50 yards, it at this time being exposed to a fire on both flanks. I changed my front to the right, to face the enemy on the right. I afterward moved my regiment back to the position on the right of the Third Alabama, which was then going off to the left. I fronted, and moved forward to the woods, where I joined the right of the Twelfth North Carolina Infantry, and moved on through the woods to the railroad embankment, where I halted, and moved by the left to the edge of the town, where I halted and remained during the night.
July 2, I was ordered to take position on the right of Colonel O'Neal, commanding Rodes' brigade, behind the railroad embankment, my right resting at a very deep cut. Finding Colonel O'Neal's brigade would cover all the ground, I reported, and was ordered to take position on the right of the brigade, which was in a corn-field, and behind a section of Colonel [T. H.] Carter's battery. It was left at discretion with me to move my men, if they suffered from the enemy's fire, but to remain within supporting distance. I moved my regiment about 50 yards to the right, in rear of the left of General [J. H.] Lane's brigade, where I remained until dark, when I was ordered to take my position on the right of the brigade. We then moved forward about half a mile toward the enemy's position, and remained about half an hour, when I moved by the left flank to the road leading through town, and bivouacked in line for the night.
July 3, at 3 a. m., I moved with the brigade through Gettysburg, and around to the right of the enemy, which was about 4 miles, and lay in line at the foot of a hill, the Thirty-second North Carolina being on my right. After some skirmishing, I was ordered to move by the left flank, to the support of some brigade on the left. I moved, and was fronted behind a brigade, and then ordered forward. After firing some little time, I was ordered to let my men fall back under cover of the hill, keeping out my sharpshooters. Again I was ordered forward, and kept position just under the edge of the crest until, about 2 or 3 o'clock, I saw the regiments on my right and left going back. I then ordered my men to fall back some 50 yards, when I was ordered to move by the right flank, and was halted about 150 yards from the position left, where I remained until 3 a. m., and then moved by a circuitous route back to the hills which we had taken the first day, where we remained until Sunday (July 4), 3 a. m., when we left.
As to the casualties in my regiment, they were forwarded. My officers and men acted very well. I would especially mention Sergeant [E. J.] Null, Company H, and Private [W. D.] McAdoo, Company A, both, I am sorry to say, severely wounded.
There were many others who acted very gallantly, but these two surpassed all.
Very respectfully,
W. A. OWENS,
Colonel, Commanding. Captain W. M. HAMMOND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
