The following is an excerpt from Robert Campbell's memoirs - a very detailed telling of the Texas Brigade's charge at Gaines' Mill. Campbell served in Company A "Bayou City Guards" of the 5th Texas Infantry; he jotted down his reminiscences just four years after the war, so everything was still rather fresh in his mind. Campbell's memoirs were rediscovered in 1970 and have been edited and published as
Lone Star Confederate: A Gallant and Good Soldier of the Fifth Texas Infantry edited by George Skoch and Mark W. Perkins (2003).
“Gaines Mill” 27th June-1862
I will endeavor, in my homely way, to give some idea of the topography of this battlefield, at least of that position where “Whitings Sub Div” engaged in bloody contest the “chosen bands” of Yankee chivalry.
Gaines Mill is situated on a runing branch by which it is propelled. This branch runs some two miles in direction of James river and as you leave the Mill – the banks on either side begin to ascend– and in half mile of the mill they are very steep – and some 50 feet deep – and near this position are large eminences which McLelland had fortified. On the Richmond side of this run, beginning at and runing some 400 yards back – and extending along the bank of the branch – is a woodland. Trees had filled the side of the banks – but had been cut down by the Yanks – and now formed an almost impassable barrier. The enemy had fortified the brow of the hill or banks – on their side of this branch – and in their intrenchments were thick as black birds. So to charge them – we would have to descend our side of the hill – under fire and obstructed by felled trees, would have to wade the branch, and then ascend their side of the hill – and make our way over trees and sharpened stakes – and under a murderous fire. The line defending this Gaines Mill position, was some mile and a half & many a noble soul would have to surrender life before we could drive them from their stronghold. Genl Lee with his devoted soldiers were equal to the task.
Maj Genl Longstreet opened the battle at this line – though a mile to the right of the Mill. Virginians principally engaged the Yanks in their stronghold near the Mill.
Up to this hour (4 P.M.) the battle had been rageing – with an awful sacrifice of life on our side.
Our troops had charged and charged again – carried the works at some points, but were on the whole – unsuccessful. At no point did the Yanks seem so defiant and immoveable as at Gaines Mill – no less than 3 fresh lines of battle had charged them and each time were hurled back, bleeding, maimed and thined.
As we (Whitings Sub Div) were marching along, protecting the flank – listening to the roar of bloody battle – and beholding the filled Ambulances as they hurried to the rear – with our maimed and dying boys, a staff officer from Genl. Jackson galloped up, and delivering his orders, we immediately moved by the left flank –towards the heavy firing. Leaving the main road we moved across an open field – and took our position in a lane parallel to the line of battle. Here we found the “Hampton Legion” of South Carolina, who were attached to the Brigade. Immediately – orders were given to load and cap. Line of battle was quickly formed—4th Txs on extreme right – next 18th Ga. 5th Texas in center – then 1st Txs, and the “Hampton Legion” on extreme left.
We were now ready for battle. We moved out of the lane in battle array – into a little field – which intervened between us and a body of woods – at a double quick, we crossed this field and entered the woods, we found the woods filled with stragglers – and just ahead a few hundred yards – we could see the smoke of battle, and our boys hard at work – already the Yankee balls began to fly among us. The 4th line of battle had gone in, made a charge and been repulsed. With the gallant Hood at our head – we moved forward, a heavy fire, both from artillery and rifles being poured into us – we moved up to the brow of the hill, (before described) which confronted the Yankee breastworks on the opposite brow – The Virginians fell back. As soon as arriving at this hill, we were ordered to lay down, and commenced a brisk fire upon the enemy. Co. K of the 5th was detached as skirmishers – our brave Lt. Col. J. C. Upton – a Texas stock man, but as noble, brave and generous as ever lived, was walking up and down the regt – calling on us “My brave boys, give it to them” and then he would wave his saber over his head and give a yell. About this time, an officer dashed up and began in the following strain “Don’t run my boys, give it to them – stand my men, for Gods sake stand– or the day is lost.” Balls of all discription were flying like hail and now and then a groan would tell us of some brave comrade who was no more. As soon as this officer invoked us “For Gods sake stand,” Col. Upton ran up to him and in an awful anger, cried out“ Who in the hell and damnation are you?” “I am a staff officer of Genl. Ewells” – replied he. “Leave here, you **** coward, these are my men, these are Texans, and they
don’t know how to run – and sir, if you don’t leave here immediately, I will teach you how to run.” The officer hesitated not a moment – for he knew from Col. Upton, that he meant what he said. About this time the clarion voice of Genl. Hood was heard “
Attention” and in a second every man was to his feet.
“
Fix Bayonets” and in a second the bright steel points glistened along our line. The dead and dying lay thick around us. The declivity which we had to descend, was strewn with the bodies of those who had charged before us. “
Forward” said old Hood, and with a leap and a yell, heard for miles around, we
pitched down the bank, jumping over felled trees. Genl. Hood lead the 4th Texas (his old regt) Genl. Archer (our former Col.) was in reserve with his brigade, as soon as he heard our yell, remarked to his command “There go the Texans and my old regt, and they will sweep everything before them.” Down the hill we went, yelling like mad men, with men falling at every step – we reached the ravine and plunged in, and in drawing my foot from the mud and water, I lost a shoe – but
now was no time to tarry. Up the hill we started, climbing over felled trees and sharpened stakes – toiling and tuging away, whooping and yelling, comrades falling on all sides we steadily but rapidly advanced upon our foe – who imagined that we would be driven back like the four preceeding lines of battle. But the Lone Star flag– which had been upon the field of “San Jacinto” cheered us on and we moved into the very mouth of their belching canon. They allowed us to get in ten paces of them, when seeing that we were determined to
do or
die, they broke like cowardly dogs and left their works to us. With a yell we leaped into them, waved our banner oer their fortifications, and started in pursuit. After leaving their works – we emerged into a field – which extended for miles. In all directions could be seen the fleeing Yanks – and as we started in pursuit – the regimental flags of the whole Brigade were right and left. Now their numerous batteries from the hills began to play upon us and as we were charging on a battery the gallant George Onderdonk – color sergt of my Regt – fell wounded – and as he fell, he raised the flag on high, and Tom Watson of Co. “E” snatching it bore it on. In a few moments it was waving over the Yankee battery. The enemy were fleeing in all directions – and for a few moments we sat down to regain strength. Lieut Clute the only commissioned officer in my Co A present, and who had acted bravely,was seated near me. Turning round he remarked, “Boys they have put a hole through my coat.” Just then “Attention” was called and the word “Forward” given. As Jim Clute rose, he gave a groan –and fell back dead – hit by a piece of shell.
He was noble, brave, generous and beloved by all. He was a young man – a native of NY – and a few years previous to the war– settled in our town (Houston). He left Texas as Orderly Sergt –and was soon elected 2nd Lt. The whole company mourned his loss. The boys took off his watch and valuables, to send them when able to his Mother & Sisters at Buffalo NY. Will McGowan – a native of Texas, good, noble and brave – took command of the company – he being Orderly Sergt. After Jim Clute was killed we advanced but a few paces, when our Col – J B Robertson was wounded – and the gallant Upton took command. When Col R was wounded, the cry arose – “We are attacked in the rear” & behold a Yankee command, came advancing and firing as they advanced, from our rear. The boys gave a whoop, and with fixed bayonets – started at a run for them. When in 30 paces of them, each Yank began to wave something white and bawling out “I surrender, have mercy on me.” The boys went to work taking prisoners and I hauled in a freshly imported Dutchman who seemed inclined to fight – but I convinced him of the impropriety of such a move. The prisoners proved to be the 4th New Jersey – entire – Col., all officers, ten companies – colors and brass band. They surrendered to the “Bloody Fifth.” The Col of the 4th New Jersey upon his sword being demanded by Lt Col Upton – replied “I desire to surrender to a field officer.” Col Upton had on an old pair of pants, a dilapidated pair of cavalry boots, and an old cotton shirt, a slouch black hat – a huge sabre, with a pair of six shooters – looking less like an officer than any of his men. Col Upton in his blunt way, told him that he was a field officer and “to give up in a hurry” and says Upton “If you dam Yanks don’t surrender when my boys call on you, officer or not, you will get shot.”
Col John Marshall of the 4th (Texas) while leading his boys, was shot down. Lt Col Warrick succeeded him, and shared his fate. Capt Keys of Co “A” 4th then took command, and fell badly wounded. Col Raines of 1st fell badly wounded. The 4th Txs. had charged the worst position and suffered the most.
The Yanks were fleeing – and retreating in a hurry – and the battle of “Gaines Mill” was over but now in time of peace – I shudder to think what the victory had cost. I was with some 15 other of the boys – and 25 Georgians – placed over the 4th New Jersey, and as dark closed in, we started for Richmond with our prisoners. Being very young and boyish, an Irishman took great delight in argueing the question with me “My boy” says he – “You are all brave fellows, but you are fighting against the stars and stripes, and my little man, you will all fail.” Not desiring to discuss the question I relieved him of his canteen and shared my last chew of tobacco with one of the prisoners. Now that they were in our power I sympathized for them. One of the Georgians grasping me by the hand, in tears of gladness said “Thank God, Texas, the day is ours.”
As we started off with our prisoners, night closed the bloody drama, and though in going back to the rear we had to travel for a mile and a half of the battlefield – yet we could distinguish nothing, except as now and then we stumbled against a corpse across the path. Yet from every direction – came sorrow and human suffering. Yanks and Confederates, mingling their death groans together,torches could be seen flying about – borne by some afflicted soldier– seeking in the faces of the slain – a dear brother or kindered.
Thank God, I felt, I have no one here dearer than a friend – no brother or relative to worry me in the hour of battle.
We carried the prisoners some six miles in the direction of Richmond – when we were relieved by a detachment of Virginians. It being too late to find the Brigade – Will George of my company (A) and myself spread our blankets down, after feasting off of captured provisions – and wearied with the work of the day – we soon sank into a refreshing slumber – not however before I had thanked my God for His protection, which had been given me in dangers of the battle field.
By 7 A.M. we were up and on our return for the Brigade. After proceeding a couple of miles, what a sight greeted our eyes. We came upon the fields – where the bloody work of the previous day had been carried on. On every side lay the victims of Death – three Confederates to one Yank – which attests the power of their position and the desperation with which we fought. Caisons, rifles of every patent – muskets – belts – knapsacks – cartridge boxes – ammunition – haversacks – and all the necessaries of war, lay scattered about as the Yanks had thrown them when we drove them from their works and chased them. The Southern dead were many!! Some were in the act of aiming – some about to ram the cartridges home– some were biting the cartridges – and in all positions could they be seen in cold embrace of death. George and myself moving on a mile farther, came into an oak grove and there beheld our fellow Texans – some dead – some dying – and others in awful agony. It was our in infirmary. Leaving this sad scene we moved on, and soon came across the “old Brigade” – Cheerful, defiant and yet much reduced. As an incident of this battle, I noticed one of the company – Jim Riley – as we were pursueing the Yanks, take deliberate aim at a “Blue Belly” and fire – and hitting the cartridge box of the Yank, he blew him up. The loss of the “Texas Brigade” was very heavy – though I do not know the number. The Brigade carried into the battle at least 4,000 men, and lost at least one fourth –killed and wounded.
- Robert Campbell,
Lone Star Confederate: A Gallant and Good Soldier of the Fifth Texas Infantry, ed. George Skoch, Mark W. Perkins (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2003), pp. 37-43.