The National tribune., 1899-05-25

When Gen. Gilmore took force on a
reconnaissance toward Petersburg on
June 8, the Sd N. H. formed a part OF said
force, and advanced to the farthest
points. The writer has since been over
the ground, and finds that our regiment
was very near the two extensive works
called "The Double Sisters" on an eleva-
ton above the railroad, and overlooking
and commanding large area. The dis
covery of these works by Sd n. III. scouts
showed Gen. Gilmore that his force was
too small TO justify real advance. The
whole force returned to its camp at Ber-
muda Hundred the same day.
June 16 witnessed fight in which the
Sd N. H. had its part. In the early morn
1t was discovered by our pickets that the
enemy had gone, and the report OF TINS
singular occurrence was sent in to Head
quarters. Nothing was done about 1t
until nearly noon, when large force was
sent out to discover the rebels. 1t would
appear that the evacuation was mis-
take, the relief force being slow. We
went out, over and beyond their works,
line after line, and presently met them
in considerable force Our policy was 10
resist and fall back slowly to our works,
which we did, permitting them to re-
occupy their old line.
The fighting at times was very fierce,
being mostly in the woods. Many man
and officer here fell to rise no more. Our
forces kept the enemy back, SO that they
were actually out OF their works for more
than day.
When Sheridan and his forces were to
arrive at the White House Landing the Sd
n. II. and other regiments were sent TO
cover him. This was on June 20, and we
returned the same day. On this little
trip we suffered more from dust than we
had ever before. So many troops had
passed over the line OF our march tnear
White House, that the Virginia mud had
become ground TO a fine powder, like
snuff and arose in clouds as we marched,
being at once suffocating and nauseaung.
During July we heard runorS OF great
mine that was to be exploded on the 30th,
and on that morn nearly all the troops
were under arms, momentarily expecting
orders to move.
Early in August our first three-years
men began TO look forward to muster out,
due about Aug. %; but on Aug. 13 the
whole regiment was ordered to the north
side of the James River, where we were
promised some very active service; and
we got it.
We crossed on pontoons at Deep Bot
tom about midnight Of Aug. 10, and the
morn found us near Malvern Hill. We
did but little fighting the 14th and 18th,
but on the 10th we had fright smart"
fight. It was at first in the woods, and
finally in an open field, where, about
noon, under hot sun, the enemy, whom
We had previously driven, and of whom
We had captured many, now came against
us in overwhelming force, and we fell
back.
Previous to our retirement we had lost
heavily, among others Lieut.-Col. Plimp-
ton, commanding, who was shot dead. In
this particular fight the casualties among
the officers were very large, and when the
regiment reorganized next day there were
scarcely officers enough to "go round p"
The writer was among the wounded, and
never again saw the regiment. His last
view OF 1t was as fighting regiment
grappling with the enemy. 1t is said that
about one-hah OF the Sd N. IS fighting
force of that day were among the killed,
wounded and missing
From the 18th to the goth the Sd N. H.
was several times ordered to dangerous
points, but did not become actually en-
IN Its old camp which 1t had left on the
i3th.
And now the regiment, fearfully
dwindled, composed itself again to rou-
tine, but not for long. The '6I men, about
200, were mustered out the 23d, and were
Capt. Houghton and Lieuts. Hazen and
Hitchcock. Capt. II. S. Dow returned to
she regiment from leave on the 18th, and
BY his rank was entitled to command
The Sd N. II. was off for Petersburg on
the 24th, and soon found itself In the
trenches in front of that city. The duties
here have been SO fully printed that q
recital will be omitted. Suffice it to say
thst the regiment had its full share of ali
that was done.
Maj. Roundlett returned on the 9th
6om detached service, relieving Cant,
Dow, who was soon after sent North on
Recruiting duty.
While In front Of Petersburg We made
the acquaintance Of the Dictator" a
largo mortar mounted on q platform car