Survivors Association, The. "History of the Corn Exchange Regiment, 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers." Philadelphia, PA: J. L. Smith, Map Publisher. 1905.

Pages 250-251.

"Colonel Gwyn gave orders to 'about face.' It has been said that our brigade was withdrawn with undue haste. Now, if it was not time to retire, when the guns of the 9th Massachusetts were in the hands of Barksdale's Mississippians, who were on our right flank, and firing so close that Corporal S. M. Caldwell, of Company E, was shot through the right side of the head, then all we had learned or knew of the art of war as veterans was in vain. Lieutenant S. N. Lewis and other officers emptied their revolvers at the now eager enemy, who were charging and firing on us. Our men withdrew slowly, firing on them as we fell back. Organization was fairly preserved. The whole battlefield was in a twirl since the attack had begun in the frequent changes of front, and directions and requirements had become so intermingled that they were at the moment trying to unwind themselves. There were times when regularity of formation was lost; but the colors indicated vantage ground and confidence to the hesitating ranks, and the men kept their eyes on the colors. It is said that the 21st Mississippi Regiment of Barkdale's Brigade, McLaw's Division, who charged on us and the 9th Mass. Battery, lost every color-bearer. Many of our men had their cartridges on the ground ready for quick firing as the Rebels charged on us. They were the troops who charged on us in our first and second positions.

No histories give mention that the 118th Regiment supported Bigelow's Battery, and rendered good service. Phillips' 5th Massachusetts Battery also did splendid fighting, vainly struggling to check the onward rush of the rebel masses. The rapid peals from their guns told the awful work alloted them was being well done by the gallant cannoneers. The rebel General Wofford attacked the line held by Zook and Sweitzer. Barnes' two brigades were driven out from their position in the woods and wheatfields. The losses were frightful, and our whole line at this part was soon broken, Humphrey had meanwhile completed his movement.

Generals Sickels and Barnes were wounded. Bigelow's Battery, with the 118th Infantry as support, was on the left of the Trostle House, near the left of Plum Run, and opened fire upon the enemy, now advancing from the west and south, and taking their battery."