Summary:
Col. J. H. S. Funk commanded Paxton's brigade of the Army of Northern Virginia,
which included the 5th Virginia Infantry. Funk reports that the brigade fought
behind breastorks and suffered severe losses.
Major General J.E.B. Stuart
March 16, 1864.
DEAR GEN.:
Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART,
Cmdg. Cavalry Corps, Army Northern Virginia:
I have noticed several communications in North Carolina papers from men in Ramseur's brigade charging the "Stonewall" with misbehavior at Chancellorsville on the 3d of May. As I was in command of the brigade during most of the day, Gen. Paxton having fallen before we were actually engaged, I feel it my duty to notice the charge. Gen. Ramseur asserted on the field, as I have heard, "that his brigade had run over this one," but has since addressed me a communication in which he says he was mistaken. Being aware that the action of the brigade was under your eye during a greater part of the engagement, I am desirous, should it meet with your approval, of having your opinion as to its action, and, with your permission, to publish it in conjunction with Gen. Ramseur's letter.
Early on the morning of the 3d, Gen. Paxton advanced toward the works on the right of the Plank roads, but fell before reaching them; a fact of which I was not aware. The brigade moved on over the works, behind which lay a line of troops, became hotly engaged upon reaching the brow of the hill about 100 yards in front of them, the enemy occupying the works near the frame house, and extending into the woods on our right, which enabled them to enfilade our whole line. As we had no support on our right, we were formed to retire to the works, when, while reforming my regiment, I was informed of Gen. Paxton's death, and of the brigade, with orders to move forward. This order was delivered by Col. [A. S.] Pendleton. I at once put the brigade in motion, the Twelfth Georgia on my right, and carried the works near the frame house. The troops on our left gave way, when we were subjected again to an enfilade fire, and forced to retire. This is but a brief statement of facts. I know the brigade performed its part well, and regret that its conduct has been brought into question.
I hope you will pardon this trespass upon your time, and will favor me with an answer. I make this request at the suggestion of the officers of the brigade.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 399., Page 1013, Broadfoot Publishing Company, , .
