Summary:
Col. J. H. S. Funk commanded the Fifth Virginia Infantry which was in the Army of
Northern Virginia. Funk reports that the regiment fought the enemy before its
works until the regiment ran out of ammunition.
Lieut. C. S. Arnall, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
August 18, 1863
In conformity to a circular from brigade headquarters, I have the honor of submitting the following report of the engagement at Gettysburg:
On the morning of July 1, my regiment left camp near Fayetteville with the brigade. We crossed South Mountain, and marched in the direction of Gettysburg, where Gen. Heth's division had engaged the enemy. Reached Gettysburg near dark, passing through a portion of the town, and following the York and Gettysburg Railroad nearly 2 miles, then filing to the right, where we were thrown in line of battle with the brigade on the extreme left of the division, northeast of the town, my regiment being in the center of the brigade.
On the morning of the 2d, we were aroused early by our skirmishers firing. We remained in this position until late in the afternoon, when, after changing our position several times, moved in direction of Wolf's Mountain (or Red Hill), where the enemy had taken refuge.
About 2 a. m. of the 3d, we were placed in position in rear of Steuart's brigade. At dawn we moved up to some breastworks, behind which lay Steuart's brigade, who were then skirmishing with the enemy. Remained here an hour or more; then ordered by Gen. Walker to the right, to relieve the Fourth Virginia, which had exhausted their ammunition. Advancing to the top of the hill in front of the enemy's works, we were engaged for over two hours. After having exhausted our ammunition, and used the cartridges of the killed and wounded, were relieved by Daniel's brigade. The brigade was then reformed. Moving to the right some 400 yards, relieved Gen. Nicholls' brigade, where we were hotly engaged for some three-quarters of an hour, under a murderous and enfilading fire.
The line on the left began to give way, which was soon followed by the whole line. Falling back some 300 yards, reformed, and took position on the right of Jones' brigade, where we remained skirmishing with the enemy until 1 a. m. the 4th, when we fell back, and took position on the hills 1 mile westward of the town, the enemy being in too crippled a condition to follow.
It is gratifying to state that the coolness, bravery, and determination displayed by both officers and men during this engagement have not been equaled by them on any of the hard-fought fields which have been marked by their dead. Their efforts not being crowned with the usual success, they retired stubbornly from the field, manifesting a willingness to hurl themselves upon the foe again, if so ordered.
I regret the loss of Lieut. Jacob [H.] Keifer, who fell, mortally wounded. He was a gallant and efficient officer. His loss is felt throughout the command.
Color-Sergeant Speck deserves mentioning for his gallantry throughout the engagement.
The casualties were 3 killed, 42 wounded, and 11 missing.*
Respectfully submitted.
J. H. S. FUNK, Col. Fifth Virginia Infantry.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I. Vol. 27. Part II. Reports. Serial No. 44., Page 526, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
