Mine Run Campaign

Excerpts of report from Lt. Col. John S. Garvin, Twenty-sixth Alabama (January 22, 1864)

    On November 26, 1863, the regiment went into line of battle at the breastworks in front of Morton's Ford.  Soon after (about noon) it was ordered to relieve the Twelfth Alabama regiment on picket at Tobacco Stick Ford.  It remained on picket until near 12 p.m. when it was relieved and the brigade took up the line of march toward Locust Grove, for a short time supporting Johnson's division to the right of Broad Run, I believe.  At this point the regiment was again placed on picket to guard the blind fords on the run, near the residence of Mr. Rhodes.  It was soon after relieved, and the brigade continued the march toward Locust Grove, and went, into line of battle near this place on the evening of November 27 ultimo.
    We continued in line, throwing up temporary breastworks, until the morning of the 28th, at 4 a.m., when we were moved to Mine Run, occupying the crest of the ridge to the left of the Brock road, in a very exposed position.  The regiment was employed on November 28, 29, and 30, in throwing up breastworks and otherwise strengthening their position, subjected occasionally to a cannonade of the enemy, with no casualties, only one shell striking the breastworks, fortunately doing no damage.
    On December 1, the enemy again opened upon our position with their artillery, but with no effect, as far as this regiment is concerned.  WE remained in this position until the morning of December 3, when we were moved by the right flank some 2 miles along the breastworks, and had just taken our position when the enemy were reported as in full retreat.  The brigade started in pursuit, and continued it within a few miles of Germanna Ford, without, however, overtaking the enemy, he having crossed the river.  The brigade then returned to the old camp near Morton's Ford, where it arrived on December 4.
    Being in no active engagement, there were no casualties in the regiment worthy of reporting; but I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the patience and endurance of the officers and men of my command.  They occupied a position in the open field on the crest of the ridge which exposed them to the cold winds and very inclement weather, and, being poorly clad, suffered very much from exposure.  For twenty-four hours or more they had no rations, but they bore all without a murmur, only anxious to meet and hurl back the invading foe.  Much of the sickness now in camp may justly be attributed to their exposure on that field.