e reliable
than any other writer, says:

"'The colored troops charged forward, cheering with
enthusiasm and gallantry. Colonel J. K. Sigfried, commanding
the first brigade, led the attacking column. The command
moved out in rear of Colonel Humphrey's brigade of the Third
Division. Colonel Sigfried, passing Colonel Humphrey by the
flank, crossed the field immediately in front, went down the
crater, and attempted to go through. The passage was
exceedingly difficult, but after great exertions the brigade
made its way through the crowded masses in a somewhat broken
and disorganized condition, and advanced towards the crest.
The 43rd U. S. Colored troops moved over the lip of the
crater toward the right, made an attack upon the enemy's
line of intrenchments, and won the chief success of the day,
capturing a number of prisoners and rebel colors, and
_re-capturing_ a stand of national colors. The other
regiments of the brigade were unable to get up, on account
of white troops in advance of them crowding the line. The
second brigade, under command of Colonel H. G. Thomas,
followed the first with equal enthusiasm. The men rushed
forward, descended into the crater, and attempted to pass
through. Colonel Thomas' intention was to go to the right
and attack the enemy's rifle-pits. He partially succeeded in
doing so, but his brigade was much broken up when it came
under the enemy's fire. The gallant brigade commander
endeavored, in person, to rally his command, and at last
formed a storming column, of portions of the 29th, 28th,
23rd, and 19th Regiments of the Phalanx division.'

"'These troops' made a spirited attack, but lost heavily in
officers and became somewhat disheartened.
Lieutenant-Colonel Bross, of the 29th, with the colors in
his hands, led the charge; was the first man to leap upon
the enemy's works, and was instantly killed. Lieutenant
Pennell seized the colors, but was shot down, riddled
through and through. Major Theodore H. Rockwood, of the
19th, sprang upon the parapet, and fell while cheering on
his regiment to the attack. The conduct of these officers
and their associates was indeed magnificent. No troops were
ever better lead to an assault; had they been allowed the
advance at the outset, before the enemy had re