Officers and Soldiers of the First brigade:

Your recient achievements in the terrible battle of Frankli, command my profound thanks and admiration. When the furious masses of the enemy had stormed and carried our main works at the key point of our whole position, and were driving our other forces in confusion, you gallently rushed forward, your bayonets gleaming in the sunligh, assaulted the victorious foe, crushing him beneath your mighty energies, captured 394 prisoners, 19 of whom were officer, 9 rebel battle flags, retook the colors of a less fortunate but friendly brigade, retook 8 pieces of artilleryand worked them awful havoc on the deep columns of the enem, restored our lines and saved the army from disasterous overthrow. Generals Wagner, Cox, Wood, Stanley and Schofield have each asserted that "First Brigade saved the day" and even the immortal Thomas said, "From what they tell me, Colonel, your brigade saved the day."

Shoulder to shoulder, discipline and valor must always triumph. Your fame is high; defend it and maintain it or die gloiously  the effort. It is an honor to belong to the First Brigade. Let us mingle our tears over our fallen comrades.

Emerson Opdycke
Colonel, Commanding