LCol Benjamin Simpson's Official Report

Report of September 30, 1862

LOUDOUN HEIGHTS, VA.,
September 27, 1862.

Report of the proceedings of the Purnell Legion during the battle of Antietam:

We entered the field about 7 o'clock, and were immediately detached from our brigade, by order of General Williams, and sent to the support of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, which position we held until ordered away. It entered the woods on the right of a white school-house [Dunker Church], where it formed in line and went into action, where it remained until the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers and compelled it to retire. It fell back to the woods on our right, where our artillery were stationed, when we again formed in line, and went into camp with the brigade.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

B. L. SIMPSON,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Purnell Legion.

Source: OFFICIAL RECORDS; Series 1, Volume 19, Part I (Antietam - Serial 27), Page 515