University of Texas at San Antonio Civil War Diaries

-ceived a serious lesson in the "battle of Williamsburg" The first battle of "62". I failed to mention that the "Texas Brigade" and "Whitings Brigade" formed a sub division, of Genl G W Smiths "army division," hence we were known with Whitings Brigade as "Whitings Div." On the night prior to the battle of Williamsburg, Genl Johnstonreceived reliable information, that "Little Man" had sent a large force in transport, up York river, to land at "Elthams Landing" or "West Pt", The terminus of the "Richmond & York river RR", by which movement if successful, our army, would be cut off from our base, and with a large

our camp, which we occupied before the battle, and till dark the camp reminded one of the noise made in a pond by frogs, every individ -ual giving in his experience, the emotions he had, and the part he played in his first battle. This being our first fight, we of course thought it a "Waterloo." In the year 64, it would rank as a slight skimish. Major Genl G. W. Smith of the "Virginia Army" Thus speaks of us. "The Texans have won immortal honors for themselves, their State, and their commander, Genl Hood, at the bat -tle of "Elthams Landing," but in praise of The "Texas Brigade," I could talk a week, and then not say half they deserve."