March 18th. Left camp at 5:30. Marched 11 miles and encamped at 1 p. m. for the afternoon and night.
March 19th. Left camp at 9 a. m., and marched about four miles down the Goldsboro road, at which point we left the road and turned to the right. Moved about one half mile in this direction and went into position on the right of the second line, in which position we remained about two hours, when we, with the brigade, were ordered out, and directed to push across to the road to our left. In this movement the brigade was in single line with my regiment on the left. After wandering through numerous swamps, over brush, vines and briars, we reached a position and formed line parallel with the road. This advance was disputed all the way by rebel skirmishers, to meet which I ordered out as skirmishers, two companies commanded by Capt. Halloway. Our new formation on the road was scarcely completed, when heavy firing on the right of the brigade, denoted that the contest was to be a severe one. Stepping into the road and casting my eye in the direction of the firing, I observed a strong column of the enemy, four lines deep, moving against the point where I supposed the right of the brigade rested. My suppositions soon proved correct, and after a brief contest, I observed that the right was giving away before the advance of the rebel column. At this instant a line of rebels struck my front and that of the left wing of the 22nd Ind. on my right. This line was met by our troops without yielding an inch, and after a severe fight of five minutes, the rebels fell back and were easily kept at bay, by a strong line of skirmishers. But not so on my right, for by this time the main column of the enemy had advanced to within one hundred yards of the right of my regiment, and the left wing of the 22nd Ind. on my right was beginning to give way. My position was fast becoming untenable, besides I was apprehensive that the confusion incident to a repulse on the right of the brigade, might result to the enemy's advantage, in making many captures, and I determined at once to defeat, as far as possible, this object, and at the same time better my own situation, to do which I immediately executed a change of front to the rear, on left company, and then presented a front direct to that of the enemy. This movement was not executed by the entire regiment at once, nor after the approved system of battalion drill, but by detaching two companies at a time from the right and placing them on the new alignment. In this way I kept most of my line continually firing upon the advancing column. This change, which gave me the advantage of a direct fire, induced the enemy to move by its left flank and deploy his four depth column to a double line formation, which movement again threatened my right. On noticing this I again changed front to the rear as before. Finding myself nearly surrounded and with no prospect of support, I directed my regiment to retire firing, which was bravely done as it had maintained every position in which it had been placed. My left, which had not up to this time moved ten feet from its original position on the Goldsboro road, was the last to withdraw, nor was this done until the first line of the enemy was within fifty yards of my two left companies, when they deployed as skirmishers and fell back firing. I have no wish to make a bright picture for my regiment beyond what the facts will justify. I have commanded it under very critical circumstances on former occasions. I have witnessed the conduct of many regiments in perilous situations, but I never saw a body of troops act with greater coolness, or more heroic daring, than the 125th Ills, manifested on the eventful 19th instant. When the enemy's firing was hottest, my men were most earnest. Not one man left the ground until ordered to do so. Every man seemed to appreciate that the efforts of the regiment were being bent towards the safety of the brigade, and every man was determined to do all in his power for that object. Far be it from me to claim a higher quality of bravery for my men than belongs to other troops of the brigade. If I were even disposed to be jealous of the prowess of my own command, I could say nothing to disparage the claims of other regiments to equal bravery with my own. They were suddenly attacked without warning, and in a position where their flank was too boldly exposed, not to tempt the utmost efforts of the enemy to fall vigorously upon it. Once started they were easily pressed back. Being made aware of the situation on the right, I prepared my command for any emergency. While all the officers and men of my command did nobly, yet I cannot forbear to call special attention to the conspicuous bravery of Captain Geo. W. Cook, acting field officer, and adjutant Wm. Mann, for their eminent services in preserving at all times a good alignment and directing the fire of different parts of the line. I also commend to your notice, W. Blackeney, sergeant major; George W. B. Sadorus, of company E; Barton Snyder, sergeant of company I, and Louis Taft, corporal of company E, whose cool bravery and noble daring, won for them the admiration of all who saw them. When my regiment withdrew as far as the open field to the rear, I observed that Captain Snodgrass, commanding the 22nd Ind., had formed the basis of a new alignment, about three hundred yards to the rear and left of the first position. I determined at once to form my regiment on his left, and directed the colors to be placed on that prolongation, and formed line accordingly. While this was being done, you reported to me that General Fearing was wounded and disabled for further command. I immediately turned the command of my regiment over to Captain Cook, and by virtue of seniority in rank, assumed command of the brigade.
The subsequent operations of the regiment, will be reported by Captain Cook.
I am, Captain, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
(Signed) Jas. W. Langley,
Lt Col. 125th Regt. I. V. I.
To Charles Swift, Capt. and A. A. A. G,
3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th A. C.