Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1863-12-12
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WRITTEN COLUMBIA DEnocRhT.
Letter from the Potomac Army.
CAMP NEAR BERRY HILL, VA,l
December 3D., 1868.
My Dear SIR
On the Gath Of November it was in
tended that this army should move in con-
Junction with Grants. But on that morn
ing heavy rain set in making the roads
impossible, therefore the order was coun-
termanded and the troops which had start
ed went back to camp. On the morning
of the 26th, however, we again made a
move, the different Corps moving towards
different fords on the Rapidan. The 9th
and 1st Corps believe crossed at Cul-
pepper Ford, the Sd and 9th at Jacobs
Mills, while the 2nd advanced between the
two to Germanna Ford. At the latter
place we expected strong resistance, as
the enemy had thrown up strong line
Of earthworks, capable Of containing 90
guns. We could find no position for our
artillery equal to theirs. 1t was night be.
fore the troops all crossed, and we en-
camped on the plank road, few miles
from the yiver. Next morning, the 9th,
we resumed our march, and proceeded
along the Fredericksburg and Orange pike
as far as Robertson's tavern, with but lit
lie opposition. We reached that point in
advance Of any other Corps, and as the
enemy showed bold front, h was deemed
unsafe to attack them with one Corps
Our artillery was posted as we'll as the pa
ture of the ground would permit, and the
cannoneers Immediately throw up earth
works in front of the guns. Towards
evening the skirmsbing was severe but no
serious move was made. The Sd Corps,
on our right, met with considerable oppo.
sition, and the 9Th Corps, on our left, lost
ammunition wagons from an attack made
by guerrillas.
On the morning of the 2sth the End
Corps again advanced along the pike, un-
til it reached White Run, where the enemy
were found to be strongly posted. The
opposite bank was steep, and on its sum-
NIT they had erected formidable earth.
works, covering guns which commanded
every avenue of opproach for a mile at
least. To add to our chagrin it commenc-
ed raining, and kept it up nearly the entire
day. Towards noon their Infantry was
discovered moving to our left, and Ar
nold's and Ricketts, Batteries were i'm.
midiately ordered to take position at
gallop and open on them. They did so,
drove back their Infantry, and silenced the
only Battery the enemy opened on them.
Towards evening Ricketts, Battery threw
some percussion shells into their works,
compelling them to leave off working until
after dark. The men in short time threw
up intrenchmen,s equal 10 those of the en-.
emy.
Nothing of consequence was performed
during the day, though the Corps were
constantly changing their places in line
At midnight the Infantry and artillery of
the 2nd Corps were Withdrawn.
On Sunday morning their rifed Bat.
terie of the End Corps, Arnold's, Thomp.
sons, and Rickets s'-were ordered TO strip
their carriages ofrations, forage, baggages,
and to dismount one ammunition chest
thereby making themselves as light as fly
ing artillery-and to prepare for a rapid
flank movement in connection with the In
fantry of the 2nd Corps. We moved
across the country towards the enemies
right as rapidly as the bad roads would
permit, and about noon reached the Orange
plank road, whore we formed a small num-
Der of Grey's Cavalry. Ricketts, Battery
was put in the advance, and the whole COL
umn slow y advanced. The nature of the
whole country from the Rapidan is per.
feet "Wilderness," and as the country is
covered with an almost impossible jun
gle, YOU can imagine the difficulties under
which we labored. The advance of any,
thing like a line Of battle was impossible.
After advancing about three miles be.
yond New Hope church, and reaching a
point only eight miles distant from Orange
9. H., our skirmishers came in contact
with those of the enemy. We pushed them
gradually back to their supports, although
they contested the ground stubbornly.-
Night came on it became necessary to halt.
1t was bitter cold, but we had to stand it
as our blankets were in the rear, and no
fires could be built.
During the night preparations we're made
to make a grand assault on the enemie' S
rioht Con Warran uoo 20 Lad - T.