Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1865-04-01
Letter from the Army or,he james.
CAMP IN FRONT OF RICHMOND, Va,
9th PA. CAV. March 23d. 1868.

9th PA. CAV. March 23d, 1865.
DEAR AMERICAN Since my last have
been out on q cavalry scout with Kaut's
Division, or rather an extensive scout and
reconnaissance. We left camp on the north
side of the James on the evening of the
10th inst, at dark, taking up our line of
march ON the New Market Road, to the
Charles City Road and thence to the old
White Oak Swamp battle field. We ar
rived at this point near midnight, in a
| drenching rain, which came on before we
had marched two hours, Shortly after mid
night the rain suddenly ceased, the clouds
disappeared in less than fifteen minutes, and
the pale moon and twinkling stars shone
down upon our encamping ground in the
open field, for we had halted for the night.
Tying our horses to our persons, we lay
down at their heads, between clear sky
and watery bed, to take few hours of
tired natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep"
The morning of the 18th opened with q
clear sky and radiant, genial sunshine.
In few moments after the camp was arous-
ed, thousand cracking fires were each sur
rounded by knot of soldiers cooking their
cup of delicious coffee. tell you cup of
hot coffee to q soldier, is worth more than
dozen whiskey punches to lover OF the
flaming bowl! You can never fully ap-
preciate a cup of coffee unless you try it on
the soldiers march and bivouac. From the
White Oak Swamp field, our Division start
ed out in different column to scour the
country in every direction, one towards the
Rebel breastworks in front of Richmond,
another towards Bottoms Bridge on the
Chickahominy, and another to the Long
Bridge on the same historic stream. The
5th Pennsylvania and 1st N. Y. Mounted Ri
fao IL tl,A. La th..
Chickahominy, after carfuly scouting the
surrounding country, toward nightfal. The
bridge, of course, had been destroyed by the
enemy; but part of the "Rifles' crossed in
boats to the other side. Not rebel was to
be seen, not one, and we returned to the
same camp ground at dark.
On the 18th, the weather continuing ex-
trcmely fine, we bridged White Oak Swamp,
and occupied the ground where siXty-fve
rebel cannon poured their heavy fire into
our Motifs and Ayers Batteries on two
knobs beyond in the summer of 1862 The
exact spot was pointed out to me by an old
soldier who fought in that battle under
Mcclellan. We advanced near enough to
the enemy's works on their left to dive in
their pickets and find out that no armed
body of Rebels are stationed anywhere out
side OF their contracted lines around their
UeicaSureo capital.
We learned officially, that Sheridan was
forming base at White House Landing On
the Pamunkey, but have not heard from him
for some days. No news has reached us
countcract;ng the statement. Our move
looked very much us though it was partly
intended for that purpose viz, to protect
Sheridan's flank, between Richmond and
the Chckahomny. On the morning of the
10th our Division concentrated, and before
break of day returned on the New Market
Road to camp, evidently accomplishing all
we went for, without fighting and without
loss, bringing with us several Rebel de-
serters, one Of them an officer well dressed.
Deserters coming into our lines now, are
generally fine looking set of men. | en-
joyed the trip very much. got good soak
ing from the rain, and CAME back unharmed
unlike the action on the l0.h of December
last on the Darbytown Road, whcic | con-
fcss / did some tall running in front of y
Rebel charge. and came OH wi.h Two bullet
holes in my coat.
The lines are very quiet now. ~ firing
anywhere You may rest assured we win
not move until Sherman aud Scohcd have
arrived close enough to grants left, so that
a strong pull and y pull altogether will be
made by our combined armies. The army
e ipccts terrible battle. Soldiers know too
we'll the feeling and pride of the Rebel
leaders, to suppose that the Rebellion will
be ended in any other way than it has been
sustained-in blood
Very truly yours,
A. y. B.
p. 81 have learned, since writing the