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                                Camp near Gordonsville Va
                                     August the 13th 1862

To
Col. A. G. Taliaferro
Comdg 3d Brigade
                  In making my report of the part
acted by the 37th Regt in the action on Cedar Creek on the
9th inst it is necessary for me to state that it was late in the engagement
where the command devolved on me.  Consequently I was not
informed as to the position we were to take until after we had
gone on the field, being marched into the woods in rear of
our batteries, we were ordered to lie down there to support them.
Lying there for some time very much exposed to the enemy's
shells which were continually bursting over and around, we
were then ordered to the field. Coming into the field, taking
position on the left of the 23d Regt (which regt was on the extreme
right of the brigade) we were marched forward crossing a small
hollow to the brow of a low eminence, from which position the
enemy in three columns, in battle order opened fire on us,
which was gallantly returned by my men, which continued, the
action soon becoming general. In this position the action con-
tinued for some time, the first line of the enemy giving way, the
second were thrown into the utmost confusion when the left of this
Regt being left unprocted and unsupported by the 47th or 48th
Alabama Regts: having given way, and being thus exposed to
a fire in front rear and on the left flank was compelled to
give way, which was taken up by each company from the left,
not however until after we recd orders to fall back, which was done
in tolerably good order by most of the companies, some however
becoming a little confused.  I soon succeeded in rallying the men
not until a great many of them were killed by being exposed to
fire from the front and left flank. As soon as they were rallied
they advanced gallantly to the contest driving the enemy from
before them in every direction.
    It is proper to state here that this regt would have been able
to maintain that position had the 47th & 48th Ala. Regt been
able to have maintained theirs.
I must express my thanks to the officers and men of this Regt
for the gallant manner in which they conducted themselves
during the whole engagement and where all conducted them
selves so gallantly it is impossible to mention particular individ
uals although there were those whose gallant conduct render them
worthy of the proudest position.
                                 H. C. Wood Maj.
                                  Comdg 37th Va Regt