I remember you and myself, during one search, stumbling over a wounded soldier, covered with an oil cloth, but whom we could not see for the darkness of the night.
Hoping this may agree with your recollections on the subject,
I am, yours truly,
Letter from General A. L. Long.
Rev. J. William Jones,
Secretary Southern Historical Society:
My Dear Sir—General Ewell in his report of the battle of Spotsylvania, May 12, 1864, states that Major Page "left the duty to an orderly sergeant" of getting off some guns said to be recaptured, and that "they were thus allowed to fall again into the enemy's hands."
In this statement General Ewell does unintentional injustice to Major Page, who was one of the most faithful and energetic officers in my command.
My recollection is that Major Page did everything in connection with these guns that a diligent officer could do.
Evidence, besides, has recently been placed in my possession, which shows conclusively that Major Page did not leave the duty of finding and removing these guns exclusively to a sergeant, but went, in person, to see about the matter.
The way in which General Ewell fell into error, was that Sergeant Green (a first-class man) volunteered to go for the guns, and not being able to find them, reported that fact to Major Page, who, in turn, reported it to General Ewell. But immediately thereupon Major Page went with the men, in person, to look for the guns, but did not so inform General Ewell, who was gone when he returned.
He made a diligent and faithful search, which was not relinquished till the withdrawal of our pickets. The result was the finding of some caissons only.
Very respectfully and truly, yours,
Late Brigadier-General and Chief Artillery, Second Corps, A. N. V.
