In this review of the history of the third brigade during the late campaign, I have confined myself thus far, as nearly as possible, to a simple recitation of facts and circumstances; having been absent from the brigade a part of the time, and afterwards only with one of its regiments until the late fight at Jonesboro. Special mention of the conduct of many brave officers and soldiers, would, perhaps, meet with little favor from my feeble pen, even of those who have distinguished themselves by their heroic and daring behavior on every battle field. So far as I can learn, on the march, and in every engagement, they all did their entire duty, and the appalling casualty list, show the sanguinary character of the many conflicts in which these troops have taken part. The losses of the brigade foot up, since the 3rd day of May last, the enormous sum of ONE THOUSAND AND EIGHTY-TWO, killed, wounded and missing, being little less than the number now present in the ranks for duty. The brigade met with its heaviest loss in the assault on the enemy's works at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27th. The number has been stated previously. There every regiment was engaged, and where the contest was hottest, the front line could be claimed by no particular regiment, but was made up of the bravest men from all. At Peach Tree creek, July 14th, the 52nd Ohio, commanded by Lieut. Col. Clancey, with skirmishers, under command of Major Holmes, did nobly in clearing the heights beyond the creek, thus enabling the remainder of the brigade to cross and form line free from the enemies fire. In the same engagement, the 85th Ills., commanded by Major Rider, advanced to within a few yards of the enemy's main line, but could not hold its position. The loss to the regiment was heavy, but it behaved manfully. The 22nd Ind., commanded, in the early part of the engagement, by Maj. Shea, stood, unsupported, the brunt of a heavy assault, and yielded only as it was overpowered by superior numbers. Maj. Shea was wounded, and the command fell to Captain Snodgrass, under whose charge it has been most of the time since. The conduct of this officer, and his command, were all that could be asked in the late battle of Jonesboro, and as truly may I say the same of Maj. Holmes, who commanded the 52nd Ohio in the same engagement, until wounded and disabled, when the command devolved upon Capt. Rothacker. Also the 85th Ills., commanded by Maj. Rider until disabled, when the charge of the regiment fell to Captain Griffith. The 86th Ills. commanded part of the time by Lt. Col. Fahnestock, and part by Maj. Thomas. The 110th Ills., commanded throughout by Lieut. Col. Topping, and also the 125th Ills., commanded, through the latter part of the engagement, by Captain Geo. W. Cook. I wish to bear testimony to the general good conduct and bravery of the several officers above named, and their respective commands. I observed several striking instances of noble courage and true bravery among subordinate officers and enlisted men, but want of space forbids that I should mention them here. The reports from the commanders of regiments must suffice. Captains Anderson, Swift and Burkhalter, and Lieut. Tanner, of the brigade staff, are all known to the brigade, and appreciated for their coolness and bravery in action. My heartfelt thanks are due to the three last named for the eminent assistance they so cheerfully rendered me during the engagement on the 1st instant. Captain Anderson, A. A. A. Gen., while in the discharge of his duties, received a severe wound just before the command of the brigade fell to my charge, thus depriving me of his valuable services.
Our honored dead, of whom from this brigade there are many have all received a soldier's burial, and their scattered graves mark the meandering course of our march all the way from Resaca to Atlanta.
I have the honor to be, Captain,
Very respectfully, your obdt. servant.
(Signed) JAS. W. LANGLEY,
Lt. Col. 125th Ills., comd'g brigade.
To
Theodore Wiseman,
Capt. and A. A. Genl., 2nd Div., 14th A. C.