620613TE

Dated June 13 1862

To Eli Slifer

From H. D. Maxwell

3 pages

The family of Col. James Miller, who recently died in battle near Richmond, requests that Slifer send Maxwell the Colonel’s commission which he never received. Maxwell describes Miller’s death. Seeing the men in front of an advancing force wearing "the blue blouses," Miller called out, "What Regiment is that?" A voice answered, "Colonel Owens. Penna ‘9’ - ." Thinking they were friends, Miller ordered his Regiment to lower their guns. It was later learned the blouses were stolen from fallen Union soldiers at Williamsburg. A command in undertone, "make ready," was heard. Miller saw the movement to bring out arms hidden under the blouses, got up and shouted, "Down, men, down." While most of his troops escaped the deadly fire, Miller was killed. McKeen, the adjutant and Miller’s cousin, rode at full gallop, stopped the disorganized retreat of some of their companies, recovered the body of Colonel Miller, then led an orderly withdrawal. For his gallant conduct, McKeen was appointed Major. McKeen’s family also asks that his commission be forwarded.