39th North Carolina Infantry Regiment: Battle of Allatoona

Report of Col. David Coleman, Thirty-ninth North Carolina
Infantry.

HDQRS. THIRTY-NINTH NORTH CAROLINA REGT.,
Near Tuscumbia, Ala., November 1, 1864.
CAPT.: In obedience to the order of yesterday I have the honor to
report the participation of this regiment in the action of the 5th ultimo
at Allatoona, Ga.:

The regiment, with the Thirty-second Texas Cavalry, dismounted, was
in rear of the Pointe Coupee Battery south of Allatoona, in support of
the artillery on that side. At 10 a. m., the assault having commenced,
forty men, with their officers, under my command, were advanced as
skirmishers by order of Col. Andrews, Thirty-second Texas Cavalry,
commanding, through the woods on the right of the field in front, the
remainder resting in their position under Lieut. Col. F. A.
Reynolds. The skirmishers advanced rapidly, cheering and firing
briskly, driving in the enemy's skirmishers to the railroad, some 150
yards from a range of tents (supposed hospitals) at the foot of Allatoona
Hill, near their principal fort, on the extreme right and about 200 yards
to the right of the railroad cut, dividing their works. On nearing this
point a force of the enemy, seemingly about 200, who had been driven
from the base of the hill by our advance, were observed on the side of
the hill in our front in the act of halting, apparently confused and
undecided what to do. These by a sharp fire from us were driven into
the shelter of their works on the summit. From our position at the
railroad, sheltered by it and the adjoining ground, a constant fire was
maintained on the enemy, principally in and near the fort. During the
action their fire [was] spirited but not heavy, and sharpshooting was
continued until 2.45 p. m., when by order of Col. Andrews the party
was withdrawn to the skirmish line occupied before the assault, and
soon after from that to follow the march of the division.

Three horses (one equipped) and 1 mule were captured by us.

The casualties were Privates W. A. Dyson, Company E, wounded
slightly in head, and Elisha L. Kimzey, Company G, slightly in left
shoulder; both of the skirmish party.

The command behaved with commendable alacrity and gallantry. Their
advance as skirmishers and fire throughout was admirably spirited,
prompt, and effective.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. COLEMAN,
Col., Cmdg. Thirty-ninth North Carolina Regt.

Capt. R. TODHUNTER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Young's Brigade.