nimation during the day. At 10 o'clock Weitzel's
brigade, with the division of General Grover, reduced to about
two brigades, and the division of General Emory, temporarily
reduced by detachments to about a brigade, under command of
Colonel Paine, with two regiments of colored troops, made an
assault upon the right of the enemy's works, crossing Sandy
Creek, and driving them through the woods to their
fortifications.

"The fight lasted on this line until 4 o'clock, and was very
severely contested. On the left, the infantry did not come up
until later in the day; but at 2 o'clock an assault was opened on
the centre and left of centre by the divisions under
Major-General Augur and Brigadier-General Sherman.

"The enemy was driven into his works, and our troops moved up to
the fortifications, holding the opposite sides of the parapet
with the enemy on the right. Our troops still hold their position
on the left. After dark the main body, being exposed to a flank
fire, withdrew to a belt of woods, the skirmishers remaining
close upon the fortifications.

"In the assault of the 27th, the behavior, of the officers and
men was most gallant, and left nothing to be desired. Our limited
acquaintance of the ground and the character of the works, which
were almost hidden from our observation until the moment of
approach, alone prevented the capture of the post.

"On the extreme right of our line I posted the first and third
regiments of negro troops. The First regiment of Louisiana
Engineers, composed exclusively of colored men, excepting the
officers, was also engaged in the operations of the day. The
position occupied by these troops was one of importance, and
called for the utmost steadiness and bravery in those to whom it
was confided.

"It gives me pleasure to report that they answered every
expectation. Their conduct was heroic. No troops could be more
determined or more daring. They made, during the day, three
charges upon the batteries of the enemy, suffering very heavy
losses, and holding their position at nightfall with the other
troops on the right of our line. The highest commendation is
bestowed upon them by all the officers in command on the right.
Whatever doubt may have existed before as to the efficiency of
organizati