CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY:  Mansfield

*********************************************************** 
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
7 June 2002 
*********************************************************** 
TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson, pages 232-233 

MANSFIELD.

The gallantry of Texas troops on every field during the war between 
the states is spoken of in commendable terms. Gen. Dick Taylor, in 
his report of the battle of Mansfield, pays Texans the following 
high compliment:  "Major, with his division, consisting of his 
brigade under Col. Lane, Bagby's brigade, Vincent's brigade of 
Louisiana cavalry, rein­forced by Terrell's regiment drawn from the 
right, dis­mounted his men on Mouton's left and kept pace with his 
advance, forcing back and turning the enemy's right.  Ran­dal 
supported Mouton's attack by advancing his regiment en echelon from 
the left.  In vigor, energy and daring Randal surpassed my 
expectations; high as they were of him and his fine brigade.  These 
movemonts on the left of the road to Pleasant Hill were under the 
immediate direction of Maj.­Gen. Thomas Green, who displayed the high 
qualities which have distinguished him on so many fields.  As soon 
as the left attack was well developed I ordered Maj. -Gen. Walker to 
move Waul's and Scurry's brigades into action, directing Gen. Bee, 
on his right, to press on with Debray's and Buch­el's cavalry to gain 
the enemy's rear.  Believing my right outflanked by the enemy, Gen. 
Walker was instructed to throw forward Scurry to turn his left and 
gain a position on the high road beyond the main line of battle.  
The dense wood through which Bee advanced nrevented him from gaining 
much ground, but the gallantry and vigor with which that accomplished 
soldier (Walker) led his fine brig­ades into action and pressed on the 
foe have never been sur­passed.  Until he was disabled by a painful 
wound on the following day, every hour but illustrated his power for 
com­mand.  The enemy in vain formed new lines of battle on the wooded 
ridges, which are a feature of the country.  Every line was swept 
away as soon as formed, and every gun taken as soon as put in 
position.  For 5 miles the enemy was driv­en rapidly and steadily.  
Here the 13th corps gave way entirely and was replaced by the 
19th, hurriedly brought up to support the fight.  The 19th corps, 
though fresh, shared the fate of the 13th.  Nothing could arrest the 
astonishing ar­dor and courage of our troops.  Green, Polignac, Major, 
Bagby and Randal on the left, Walker, Bee, Scurry and Waul on the 
right, swept all before them.  Just as night was closing in the enemy 
massed heavily on a ridge over­looking a small creek.  As the water 
was important to both parties, I ordered the enemy driven from it. 
The fighting was severe for a time, but Walker, Green and other 
gallant leaders led on our tired men, and we camped on the creek as 
night fell, the enemy forced back some 400 yards beyond. The conduct 
of our troops was beyond all praise. There was no straggling, no 
plundering. The vast captured prop­erty was quietly taken to 
Mansfield and turned over, un­touched, to the proper officers.