Editor’s Note: This article was transcribed by Jackie Martin.
CAMP OF ROSSER’S BRIGADE,
Near Reams’ Station, September 4, 1864.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EXAMINER:
This region of country has recently been the theatre of some military operations which have imparted considerable lustre to our arms, and been proportionably disastrous to the Yankees. The battle of Reams’ station was indeed a glorious victory. The invincibility of Southern valour has never, in any battle of the war, been more signally displayed, and never has the superiority of the Southern soldier over the Yankee been made more apparent. It was no half-way affair. It was a masterpiece, finished and perfected in the highest style of the military art. But [Union Second Corps commander Winfield S.] Hancock, finding himself unable to cope with [Confederate Third Corps commander A. P.] Hill, even with the advantages of elaborate fortifications and superior numbers, has resolved to make up for his inferiority by producing a masterpiece of art in a department more congenial to Yankee character. By the long practiced alchymy of lying, he has readily transmuted a Southern into a Northern victory, and while all Yankeedom reads the glowing account with amazement at the terrifick fighting, we, too, are amazed at the sublimity of the lying. The Yankees have certainly reached as near perfection in lying as human infirmity will permit. They have thoroughly explored every nook and corner in the region of lying. They have passed the pillars of Hercules, and for them there is now NE PLUS ULTRA1.
Our brigade has followed the track of the fleet-footed Yankees from the battlefield of Reams’ station, and we looked upon the piles of ammunition, guns, cartridge boxes, haversacks and all the equipments of an army scattered along the route, with vivid reminiscences of the first Manassas.
Brigadier-General [Thomas L.] Rosser, although but partially recovered from his wound received at Trevillian’s station, has returned to active service and taken command of his brigade. His return was welcomed all along our lines with a sincere and unpremeditated burst of enthusiasm. He has the warm affection and unbounded confidence of the men of this brigade, and they will follow wherever he leads. He returned to the field just in time to participate in the recent engagements, and our cause is much indebted to his cool judgment, quick perception and unflinching courage for the brilliant results which attended these operations.
The only fault to be found with General Rosser is one which he shares in common with too many of our generals. During an engagement he constantly exposes himself to danger. During this campaign he has had several horses shot under him and been wounded himself, and most of the members of his staff and of his couriers and personal attendants have been killed, wounded, or had their horses shot. Inspired by the GAUDIA CERTAMINIS, he seems entirely oblivious of personal danger. The country cannot well afford to lose his services, and it is earnestly desired that General Rosser and our other generals will in the future not unnecessarily expose themselves to personal danger. AVIS.2
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