Report of Captain M. H. Dixon, Third Confederate Infantry, commanding Third and Fifth Confederate Infantry.

Hdqrs. Third and Fifth Confederate Regiments., December 2, 1863.

Sir: From a position behind what I learned to be Taylor’s Ridge, covering the road and railroad bridge, the regiment advanced in line of battle some 300 or 400 yards to the summit of the hill. Our sharpshooters encountered  the enemy’s, and immediately after he appeared in line of battle, making his way up the opposite steep. The firing was opened on both sides, and continued for about three-quarters of an hour, the enemy pressing with great obstinacy and perseverance in the face of the continuous fire until he was within 30 or 40 yards of our line, the more adventurous and daring leading to within that number of feet. These were mostly killed or wounded and captured. After sustaining, as he must have done, a heavy loss the enemy broke and fled down the hill.

Our loss, 2 killed and 17 wounded. Among the latter, Lieutenant Colonel  J. C. Cole, who was shot-and believed mortally-while directing and encouraging his men. Upon the fall of Lieutenant-Colonel Cole, the command devolved upon Captain W. A. Brown, senior officer present, until my arrival with a detachment of the regiment ordered to guard Shallow Ford Bridge.

The officers distinguished for gallant bearing are Captain Brown, Lieutenants R. H. Hayes, E. H. Fite, and Sergt. Major W. B. Clark. I have the honor, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. H. Dixon,

Captain, Comdg. Third and Fifth Confederate Regiments.

Captain W. A. King,

Assistant adjutant-General.

Source: Official Records Series 1, Volume 31, Part 2. Chapter 43, pp. 761-762