Report of Col. W. H. Wallace, Eighteenth South Carolina Infantry,
of skirmish at Malvern Hill August 5 1862

CAMP NEAR WINCHESTER, VA.,

October 21, 1862.

CAPTAIN: In pursuance of orders from brigade headquarters I have the honor to report that, it having been ascertained that the enemy had occupied Malvern Hill in force, the Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers, under the command of Col. J. M. Gadberry, was to take part in dislodging them.

On August 5 the Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers left its camp at Laurel Hill and proceeded in the direction of Malvern Hill. When we had reached a point in the road near to where the enemy's pickets had been observed the Eighteenth was formed on the right of the road, the other regiments of the brigade being upon the left. On the right of the road we advanced in line of battle through a body of woods and out into a large field of wheat, which, although long since ripe, had not been reaped. For a considerable distance we advanced through this field, finding picket stations as we passed with evidence of their hasty abandonment. The advance was continued until about night-fall, when the regiment was halted by order of General Evans.

Soon after dark, the moon, however, shining brightly, the movements of the enemy began to be heard in our front, and a body of the enemy's cavalry was discovered marching up the road upon which our left flank rested. When within easy range the regiment opened fire upon them. They immediately wheeled and fled in confusion. A company being sent out, they discovered several men and horses killed and gathered some cavalry arms and equipments. The enemy made no further demonstrations in our front, and we retired about a mile and went into camp. The next day it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned the hill.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

W. H. WALLACE,
Colonel Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers.

Captain EVANS.