Field Notes of the Campaign of

1864

by Albert Barnitz

Capt. 2nd Reg. O.V.C. Co. "G"

Sunday, May 1, 1864

Was stopping at the Metropolitan Hotel in Washington, D.C. with Loveland, Rand, and Captain Ulney. In the afternoon we visited the den of lions - afterward we went to Camp Stoneman near Gersboro Point - found that the Regiment had started that morning to Fairfax Court House. (further destination only guessed at). Reported at Headquarters of Col. McIntosh, commanding the camp, and got the necessary orders enabling us to join the Regiment at Warrentown Junction - returned to Washington, got supper at a restaurant, and remained all night at the Metropolitan and the next day, Monday, at 9:45 started by the Orange and Alexandria R.R. for Warrentown Junction, the difficult routine necessary to get aboard the cars. Passed the Regiment at Bristol Station and went on to the Junction - arrived there at 12 m. - sat around on the woodpile until 5. Went to Headquarters and reported to Col. Lewis Richmond - and got a pass to go back to Bristol Station. Saw General Burnside chopping wood. A heavy windstorm came on, nearly prostrating all the tents - and raising immense clouds of dust, followed by heavy rain. Went back to R.R. - no trains going to Bristol until 9:30 p.m. and night very dark and rainy - concluded not to go back for fear that I could not find the regiment. Got a place to sit up all night, in the cook shanty of a R.R. employee for which I paid him $1.00 in the morning - Rand and Loveland did the same, and the next day, May 3 at 10 a.m. the Regiment arrived, poorly mounted - on old broken down Government horses - revamped and interspersed with old farm horses and team horses that had never been broken to curb bits - mounted one - an old stiffened pony - the only one that had been reserved for me - or rather the only kind.

There were several on the "Miscellaneous" string - all of them worthless, and rode out to the field, where we discharged a few volleys from our new Burnside Carbines and went into bivouac, and the next morning, Wednesday May 4 were unexpectedly ordered to march at 2 a.m. - night quite dark and chilly - saddled, packed up, mounted and wandered about through the brush - among stumps and logs until daylight - and then marched down the R&R to Ingalls Station - which is within a mile of Brandy Station - and five or six miles from Culpepper Court House - and eight or ten miles from Warrentown Junction, where we are now (12 m.) lying around among the pine trees, old piles of manure, and rubbish, while an old grey horse with the glanders roaming around among our horses, and defying all efforts to expel him with clubs. The weather is very warm. General Headquarters are within half a mile of here. General Burnside and three or four orderlies have just ridden by in the direction of General Meade's Headquarters. Thousands of troops of Infantry and Cavalry are passing here, or were passed by us on the way here, and numerous wagon trains are moving. It is rumoured that the whole Army of the Potomac is in motion today, that we bridged the Rapid Ann (sic) with pontoons last night (by the way, we crossed over the Rappahannock) (on an elegant pontoon bridge). Our horses have not been watered today and we have had but little to eat. We were directed to take three days supply of forage with us from Warrentown Junction, but owing to the want of dry sacks to carry it in we have scarcely one day's supply with us. I think we will not be able to send any more letters home for a month or two after today. Railroad trains are passing every half hour, heavily loaded with soldiers - going both ways! We cannot understand it! Why should one train, heavily loaded, go up toward Warren town Junction and an hour later another return, equally heavily laden, with different troops? May be Veterans - or troops whose time has expired - going home - and it may be meant as "strategy" to confuse the enemy, who doubtless have plenty of spies watching our movements.

German Ford North Bank of the Rapid Ann River (sic)

Thursday May 5, 1864

The regiment is halted in "Four Columns" waiting apparently, for other troops to come
in advance of us; the day is quite warm, and the roads dry and dusty. Banks of the river
hilly but graded at this point. From where I sit I can see large bodies of troops
massed on the risings or high, rolling ground beyond the river, apparently waiting
his appearance of the enemy; no firing is heard. Saw two or three houses today with
fences standing! - the first we have seen this side of Alexandria. Also passed several
lines of excellent fortifications, evidently erected by our Army. An Officer of the
Day - had twenty men on guard last night to "prevent surprises". I surprised them all
during the night. All supplies were ordered to be moved back to Brandy Station - Warren-
own Junction last night by the order of General Burnside, I believe - at least an officer
heard him give orders to that effect. We did not leave Ingalls' Station until daybreak -
this morning and then came here, the rear companies of the regiment are driving a herd
of beef cattle. Mails have ceased for the present. We expect that the ball will open
today - though there are rumours that Lee is falling back to draw us on, I suppose.
Lt. Bill arrived from Washington last night - but failed to accomplish what I wished
him to - mentioned in my last letter home. 5:45 p.m. We afforded the Rapid Ann above
the pontoon bridge about an hour ago, ascended the hill by a winding and graded road -
passed through several lines of strong rebel works, and are now sitting on the grass
about some old rebel parapets, with embrasures - flanked by well-constructed rifle pits.
Pine forests on our front, right and left - the Rapid Ann to our rear. Ground rolling
and somewhat cut up with ravines. Just as I opened my book to jot these notes, the ball
opened, apparently in earnest. Heavy Artillery firing in front, apparently about
a mile distant. Ambulances are going up and some rebel prisoners are coming back.
Captain Week's battalion went up to the extreme front an hour or two ago. Have just
heard a rumor that "Beast Butler" is at Petersburg 20 miles south of Richmond fighting
the "fiery rebulls" - Ammunition train now passing up to the front - more ambulances a

and straggling troops going up. Got a little fat pork, raw, a half hour ago - having eaten
nothing previous, except hard bread, since leaving Washington City, Lt. Col. Purington.

Major Seward, Major Nettleton, Surgeon Smith, Q.M., Tenney, Commissary Abby, Adjt.
Pike, Lts. Hamlin and Paris, and M. adison Hddley and Edward Livingston form the
principal features of the group lying here - on the grass - resolving the chances of
the night and morrow - and telling yarns and rehearsing rumors.

In the Old Fields, In Close Column, Friday, May 6 8 a.m.

We went into bivouac last night just at dark in the burnt woods near the Rapid Ann - slept with the horses saddled, ready to march at a moment's notice - hearing frequent volleys of musketry and heavy cannonading. Mounted at 2 o'clock this morning (very dark) and followed a small road through the dense woods for about a mile and a quarter to near this point, where we turned out of the road into an old field, and Infantry, Artillery and Ambulances still passing us until daylight - going towards our left - towards Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg -.

At daylight General Barnside ordered us here to keep the rebels out of field and to guard a gap in our line of battle immediately to our front. Continued and rapid cannonading - and heavy musketry firing by volley has been going on in our front - and in fact, all along the line to our right and left, ever since we arrived, and is growing louder. Co. 2 of the O/V.V.C. is stationed in the woods in our front and in the rear of the gap in our line of battle. The field which we occupy comprises about 200 acres, full of stumps and occasional large pine trees - the ground very rolling and four or five considerable ravines, and is surrounded by forests of pine and oak, with dense growth of underbrush and the tangled tops of felled trees. Very few of the horses in my company are bridle wise - accustomed to the curb bit - and the recruits are utterly undrilled in their management, having started fpr the field as soon as they mounted, and been on the march ever since - no watering bridles had been drawn - and when at rest the horses were too tired to drill!

9 a.m. The firing has ceased for the present - the general direction of our line appears to be due east and west facing south - about eight or ten lines in length, I should judge, and at distances from the Rapid Ann varying from

two to four or five miles. Should not be surprised if we attempt to turn the right flank of the enemy and shut him off from Richmond - and probably drive him against the Rapid Ann - 8 p/m

Was told by an Artillery officer - who said that he had been clear around the lines - that our lines extend from near the Rappahannock beyond Chancellorsville and around in something of a semicircle to the Rapidan above Germania Ford, don't know how far above it - presume several miles - probably above the other ford. Heavy firing was heard about dusk in the vicinity of Sedgewick's line, the heaviest and most incessant firing that I have ever heard, it continued probably half an hour. Heavy firing was also heard at different points west of the line during the afternoon, but only brigades, or vast divisions appear to be engaged. The whole stratosphere is becoming impregnated with the fumes of burnt gunpowder - the air is warm and the oak trees are just beginning to show their foliage. The birds sing cheerily through all the cannonading and "everything is lovely and the goose hangs high!" That is to say that the American eagle still continues afloat - It is rumored that we have already lost fourteen thousand men in killed and wounded - this rumour is quite current - and generally believed, but for myself, I rather doubt it.

Saturday May 7

(Same place as yesterday - 6 a.m.)

Last evening the Regiment took squadron distance and moved by the right flank (west) into the woods - but only a few rods and unsaddled. At, 10 p.m. terrific musketry fire was heard in the vicinity of the right of Sedgewick's line - and in other times during the night in the same vicinity. We saddled at three a.m. and are waiting for orders. Heavy cannonading was heard half an hour ago, to the right of Sedgewick's line. Was told last night that our positions were as follows - Hancock on the left; then one division of the 9th A.C. (Burnside's) under Wilcox, then Warren, then Burnside, then Sedgewick on the right, with Colonel Thomas with part of General Ferris' force (4th Division, 9th A.C.) and probably some other troops forming a kind of picket line, to the Rapid Ann. Our train (of whole Army I presume or a great part

of it) was near Germania Ford last evening, but was moved toward Chancellorsville, it is said, during the night. Most of our troops are now thought to be making a movement in that direction - the Cavalry Corps, under General Sherman, I believe, is somewhere on-the left flank of our Army. We are now supporting Col. Thomas' brigade - colored troops, mentioned above - the "bloody rebulls" are strongly entrenched in the dense woods, with their whole line protected by well constructed abbat s. The ravens are about this morning and the sky is cloudy.

9 a.m.

Formed in battalion column in rear and to the left of our former position, on bad ground, waiting the appearance of the enemy who drove in the right of Sedgewick's 6th Corps last night,

11 a.m.

The regiment moved (after Meade's scouts had left) about 400 yards to the front of its former position and then by fours - to the left, up a bad road that led through a forest of thick pines, oak and underbrush, towards General Sedgewick's Headquarters. Having gone a little over half a mile we reached an opening in the woods - and an old, deserted farmhouse used as a hospital. 90 rebel wounded - and 150 of ours there - Form line and dismount - sun dreadfully hot - cannonading on the right towards Germania Ford - Stampede of the 22nd N.Y. Cavalry - (Am not positive - may have been the 5th N.Y.) under Lt. Col. Hammond, Shells flying everywhere - a dreadful and terrific scene - Withow missing - regiment moves back -out of range - at a walk. I am directed to ascertain particulars of the rebel forces and report same to General Sedgewick. Did so - and then returned and found the regiment in columns in the woods leading from the Old Hospital to Germania Ford - My squadron in advance and myself in command of the battalion -Rebels advancing on charge with yell and immense clouds of dust - Am sent forward with a portion of my squadron to repulse them - regiment moving to the rear. Afterwards am joined by Sergeant Rand and party and form line to resist rebel advance on our left - Lively skirmish. Then ordered by Lt. Col. Purington to report to General Sedgewick - for orders. Got lost in the woods - climb over abbat s and

PARA

Pickets and report to the General in person - Get orders for the regiment to report to Lt. Col. Hammond and shown copy of the order that would be carried by him. We were to report at Old Wilderness Tavern - all the cavalry to assemble there at dark - and remain there in readiness to move until Col. Hammond should be informed by General Hancock that the pickets of the 2nd Corps had been withdrawn - when we - all the Cavalry Brigade - were to follow that Corps - The movement expected to take place about eight o'clock p.m. - direction presumed to be Chancellorsville - or Fredericksburgh. Reported these instructions to Lt/ Col. Purington. He was ignorant of the exact location of the Regiment but presumed it was somewhere in the woods in the direction of General Sedgewick's Headquarters. We proceded together at the head of my squadron - until we entered an old field to the left (north?) of General Sedgewick's Headquarters, when we learned from stragglers the direction taken by a body of Cavalry presumed to be our regiment. Reached an upland pasture in the vicinity of the old Wilderness Hotel just at dusk - and found the rest of the regiment grazing horses and making coffee. Feel bad on account of the inexplicable field conduct on the part of certain officers and others of the 2nd O.V.V. C., Major Nettleton reports sick - Frank Paris ditto and gone to the hospital or train - Clark sick and accompanied him - forage exhausted and the horses gaunt and tired. Private Church missing and supposed to have been killed or at least wounded and taken prisoner in the skirmish today when last seen was in great danger of death or capture. He was my especial favorite. Terrific assault on Sedgewick's lines - great cheering - result unknown - day intensely hot - the debris of battle! the night march! the tide of troops! The arrival late and in the darkness at old house on the hill - Artillery on the broken ridges - Saw General Wilcox - heard the order in regard to the rear guard - Column halted - men lie down by their horses, in the road, and go to sleep. At daybreak Regiment moves to the rear - recrosses the bridge that we came over during the night, ascends to the elevated old fields, deploys and advances skirmishers, and the firing commences. I command the battalion, embracing Company G, (sergeant Rand) Company I, Company E,

We came here from "old field hospital" - now understood to have been a late battle-
field - yesterday about noon - having left twenty or thirty of our wounded there in
partial shade under trees near the road to fall into the hands of the enemy - not having
teams to take them away. Encamped on flat or ravine 400 yards north of Chancellor's
house till dark - then came there. Heard heavy fighting yesterday all day at interwals -
and especially from 10 to 5 o'clock - in the direction of Spotsylvania Court House.
At dusk heard great cheering among the Infanrty in the 9th A.C. and on inquiring the
cause was told that we had captured Spotsylvania Court House and were driven out by the
rebels and had then recaptured the place drove out the enemy, and retook 1500 of our
men who had been captured in the different engagements of the past few days - also
that Lee is in complete retreat from Richmond and Grant moving on his left flank -
having the shortest route to the rebel capital - having slightly turned the right
flank of Lee's line of battle several times. It is also rumoured that General Butler
has taken Fort Darling on the James River, 9 miles from Richmond, and that our forces
hold Fredericksburg. We, the Cavalry, are ordered to march (when we start from here)
to some point S.E. of Spotsylvania Court House - our horses have had no hay since leaving
Warrentown Junction, and only about one third allowance of oats, and now we are informed
officially that we cannot draw any more forage sooner than five days - if so, the horses
must starve to death - they are already so weak that they can scarcely walk - and our last
scanty allowance of oats was fed yesterday. No grass in this country - may find it
further south - if we can reach it. It is now 9 a.m. Leaves coming out on the trees
daily, and foliage now sufficient to provide a little shade. At 10:30 my company re-
turned (Lt. Eggleston it seems, was in command) from picket duty, and reported that
on reaching Ely's Ford on the Rapidan 4 miles from here, which they had been sent out to
guard, they met 7 or 8 men dressed in our uniforms, with corps badges, arms and accoutre-
ments of our model, who told them that Ely's Ford was three miles further up the river -
Company marched up three miles and finally suspected that the men were rebels in disguise -
who were trying to send them into an ambush and returned to the first ford and on

and Company C. My company employed as skirmishers - Sergeant Tullan of my Company (every inch a soldier!) shot through right arm - arm amputated one hour later - Regiment withdrew to the rear - leaving a small force to protect removal of wounded soldiers of the Cavalry Corps from the Field Hospital. Young soldiers of a Penns. regiment from Philadelphia stragglers - Provost Guard "hiding"-them blankets, overcoats, knapsacks, bayonets and accoutrements scattered everywhere - day dreadful hot - Lt. Col. Hammond passed us with the 5th N.Y. Cavalry - Have jotted these notes at the Old Field Hospital (at Melgi Chancellor's house on the plank road 1½ miles from Chancellorsville) while supply train of rough Army wagons are removing the wounded - this at 9:30 a.m. - We know not the object of the movement we are making - know not whether we have been successful or not - only know that we have had dreadful fighting and tremendous losses, and that this is only "the beginning of the end" whatever that may mean - Our loss is reported - rumoured - to be about 24000 killed, wounded or missing. Think that is perhaps too large as an estimate. Wonder where we are going and who we will find there and what we will do when we get there? Wonder whether we can find hay. Heard a rumor last night that the Assistant Secretary of War had just arrived bringing authentic news that General Smith (or was it General Butler?) has surprised and taken City Point. We may be moving to form a junction with him eventually. The forgoing written Sunday, May 8, at place designated above, sitting in the hot sun.

Monday morning May 9, 1864
Chancellorsville in the woods - 150 yards east of
the ruins of Chancellor's large brick house -

Rhepp, Story, Williams and Waters present. Rand gone with the squadron to Ely's Ford. Myself in command of the 3rd Battalion. Morning sultry and hot - and considerable thunder heard a while ago - in the north. 9th A.C. camped in the vicinity - wounded and dying everywhere - especially in the ruins of Chancellor's house. Dreadful stench of putrifying carcasses of dead animals killed in late action here - fragments of shells, common shot, old clothing, new clothing, saddle blankets, arms and accoutrements, debris of present and last campaign scattered everywhere. Woods full of scattered graves and skulls and human bones and dried bodies everywhere exposed.

reaching there, found a battalion of rebel cavalry advancing to head them off, and
came near being "taken in" - five minutes later and their chances would have been
desperate. As soon as the company returned, the Battalion (under Major N.) and in
fact, all the regiment except my company, statred to some pasture two miles out on
the Fredericksburg road. Half an hour later, after the men had made some coffee, marched
my company to the same place - and after grazing ten minutes - or trying to on very
scanty grass (and seeing arm of some man of Company "B" - just amputated - buried)
was ordered to join the Battalion now moving at a trot back toward Chancellorsville -
and then the whole force moved to a point near Ely's ford, 3rd Battalion posted behind
the earth works, while other battalion and the 5th N.Y. Cavalry crossed and made a
reconnaisance - ascertaining that a brigade of rebel cavalry with a battery had just
passed - the Rapidan - near Germania Ford - moving towards Chancellorsville - to
which place we now returned - passing on the way a brigade of colored troops - who
were stationed behind the breastworks - and felling trees to barricade the road. Found
at Squadron distance (in column right in front) at C, and witnessed preparations to
receive the enemy. Were then ordered to return to the old barren pasture field where
we are now, at dusk, in bivouac. A circular order placing the army on half rations -
has just been sent down.

Same place as above -
Tuesday morning MAY 10 7 a.m.

We heard heavy firing all ady yesterday especially in the afternoon and evening in
the vicinity of Spotsylvania C.H. and last night were informed that General Sedgewick
had been killed - shot by a sharp shooter - an excellent officer gone. Result at
Spotsylvania doubtful. Four ambulances sent to rebel lines under a flag of truce
to bring away our wounded were retained by the order of General Lee = Horses and
drivers returned, with promises to return the ambulances as soon as consistent - Lt.
Hamlin had finger amputated day before yesterday. Our wounded to be sent off by transport
from Aqua Creek tonight.

30 minutes p.m.

Constant and heavy cannonading has been heard since 7:30 a.m. in the direction of Spotsylvania C.H. and the fight is still in progress - Most of the regiment has been marched off somewhere - destination unknown. Visited our train in park one mile from here this afternoon. 59 ambulances laden with our wounded (containing, among others, Sergeant Tullan of my company) passed here in the direction of Fredericksburg this morning, is rumoured that Hooker is at Charlottesville and advancing on Lee with 50,000 men, including Sigel's command.

3 p.m.

Pasture field 1/2 mile east of bivouac when former notes were jotted. Fighting still goes on as briskly as ever at Spotsylvania - not a moment's cessation since 8 o'clock this morning - and fighting there all last night. Pasture here not fit for grasshoppers - good water plentiful in this country, but springs small and not "cultivated" - Pine trees everywhere around us. Weather exceedingly hot - yet the sky is slightly cloudy now, and slight breeze occasionally from the south.

Wednesday May 11

Heavy fighting all yesterday afternoon in the direction of Spotsylvania C.H. - At dusk the regiment left bivouac and marched for Chancellorsville - thence west on plank road two miles - Company "G" ordered to make reconnaissance to the forks of the road - then take left hand road and push on half a mile - and remain on picket all night. Very hazardous undertaking as the night was extremely dark, and the rebels were supposed to hold that road in force and were expected by General Grant (as we were informed) to make an advance by that road during the night, with a view to turn his right flank. Egner and Kent volunteered to take the advance under Corporal Osborn - a very perilous duty - all deserve medals of honor. However the designated position was reached without any recontre with the enemy - Two mounted and two dismounted men were challenged and fired upon during the night by my videttes - we maintained our position until 7 o'clock this morning - and were then recalled. None of us slept a wink during the night, and we were almost constantly in the saddle - Rebels were heard apparently driving piles or stakes in a boggy stream near us

during the night, and occasionally axes were heard, as though they were constructing
a bridge or a battery. Captain Ulney guarded the road on the right flank (towards
the Old Wilderness Tavern), Lt. McBride held the forks of the road, and the regiment
remained in reserve at old house 500 yards in the rear - danger of being shot by
men on the skirmish line in front of the regiment. We reached our old bivouac in
pasture fields 2 miles east of Chancellorsville at 10 a.m. and grazed horses,

May 12

Were ordered out several times yesterday afternoon and marched to Chancellorsville
etc. Heavy detail for picket made from my company during the day - and others last night -
and this morning at three o'clock the regiment was ordered out and marched to Chancell-
ersville through the rain - had quite heavy rain during the night - where we were formed
in close column and remained in position during the night - in the heavy rain until 9
a.m. - when word was brought that Stuart's cavalry had broken through our line and had
got possession of our supply train. Were at once ordered to mount and moved down the
plank road toward the train, two miles, at the "trot out" - my squadron in advance, during
the most terrible cannonading ever heard - amid a torrent of rain and terrific thunder
and lightning, fully expecting that "for one or all of us the end had come" as we were
determined to make a desparate charge with the sabre, and in open column, by squadrons,
and endeavor to recapture the train, consisting of not less than 3 or 40000 wagons.
Pass "Contrabands" and Artillery getting into position - engineers cutting down trees
that interfered with range - General Ferris and staff pass us at the gallop - Train
teaches and we find the rumour false! Cause of alarm the indiscretion of the engineers
and the fright of the Brigade Quartermaster. Regiment halted and wheeled into line.
My squadron escorts General F. on a rapid reconnaissance of the center and right wing in
direction of Tod's Tavern, and beyond the Fredericksburg and Orange R.R. (unfinished)
and returning by way of the burnt furnace.

Caught the colored picket guard in a bad predicament! Rejoined command at Chancellors-
ville - Still raining hard - Rain commenced at dusk yesterday evening - Returned to our
old pasture ground for BIVOUAC - arriving there at 12 m. and went into the cedar and
pine woods, when, fondly anticipating a little rest, I was shortly notified to report
at 2 p.m. with my squadron, for picket duty, to go to the sane place where we were sta-
tioned the night before last. Heavy, terrific and incessant firing going on all ady. It
is reported here today that our troops captured a rebel division this morning - about 7000
men, also two Brigadier Generals and one Major General and thirty four pieces of Artillery.
It is also reported that we are now driving the enemy.

May 13 8 p.m.

Rainy. In bivouac among the cedars and the pines on stony little hill near Todd's Tavern - 8 miles south of Chancellorsville and west of General Mead's Headquarters. My company - except for twelve men who were at the time on picket guard - marched at 2:30 p.m. yesterday to forks of the plank and turnpike road - at "Locust Grove" - (Melgi Chancellor's house - near Hawkin's House) and relieved Co. A on picket - Heavy rain yesterday afternoon and last night, and rain at intervals all this day. Men sat up in rain all last night. Co. B on guard in the rear with Yankee Contrivance as protection against sudden dash of cavalry - Reported condition of things to General F. - Paroled surgeon went with flag of truce last evening, and two ambulance trains today to Cavalry Hospital and brought in all the sick and wounded - 65 ambulances and 14 wagons full - Lt. Col. White and Tim?) Chancellor with 100 rebel cavalry visited hospital a mile on my left front threw out videttes and destroyed 1000 muskets that had been conveyed there and left by our sick and wounded. Rebels engaged in this work asserted that their brigade was only half a mile in their rear. I was relieved at 4 p.m. by Lt. McMurray with Co. A - Marched my company through the rain to Chancellorsville and reported to the Adjutant General 4th Div. 9th A.C., Adjutant Jno. J. Pike and was informed that the regiment had marched for this place direct from old camp or bivouac ground - leave on with my company via Aldrich's House. Night dark and rainy. Roads excessively muddy. All our supply

train moved from its former position (on plank road near Aldrich's House) to Fredericksburg, probably. Am quite ill. Not much fighting today except skirmishing, fight expected to be renewed tomorrow. Rode the Sorrel - the "Livingston horse" - today.

Saturday May 14 8 a.m.

Another rainy night passed and for a wonder, we were not ordered put. Horses are nearly exhausted - have had nothing but a little bad grazing for two weeks. At daybreak, slow cannonading recommenced and has continued to increase in violence until now - and is still growing louder - with occasional musketry - apparently along our center. The regimen is now grazing in an old field near the burnt furnace - having left our camp early. Sky lowring and more rain threatened. Larks singing and buzzards croaking. 8 p.m.

After grazing for half an hour on the bayouac sand hill - moved back a mile on the Chancellorsville Road - toward Aldrich's house - past Piney Grove Church - and crossed a stream which flows S.E. - the same, I suppose that flows past the burnt furnace - and went into camp on the point of a hill among open timber - white oak - within 150 yards of the ford - and on the left hand side of the road as you go towards Chancellorville. My company nearest the ford. One company sent back beyond the church on picket. At 2 p.m. some forage arrived from Belles Plains - 3 days' rations of oats - (allowing 7 or 8 pounds to the ration), One company sent to the furnace - At 5 p.m. we heard heavy cannonading from the six gun battery on our left front across the ford, and apparently about one and a half or two miles distant - also volleys of musketry, and, one hour later, (while cannonading was still growing louder showing that the battery was approaching us and as the screaming of shells began to be heard quite distinctly) a soldier of the N.Y. Infantry arrived breathless and without his gun, and with clothes wringing wet, having, as he said, forded numerous ditches and streams breast high, and reported that last night the right flank of our line of battle was withdrawn - having only a line of skirmishers weak of Spotsylvania Court House, and that the Artillery which we heard was a rebel battery that had opened on our skirmish line and driven it back about a mile, and was still advancing, preceded by skirmishers, and with heavy

Support of Infantry and was already between us and the right wing of our Army, and I sent the man to the Colonel, and a moment later "boots and saddles" and "to horse" sounded - and we hastily jerked down our shelter tents, and were ready for action. The Colonel and the Field Officers wandered off to the rear, and I was left in command. Sent my led horses to Aldrich's House - 2 or 3 miles back toward Chancellorsville - sent Lt. Babcock and party to the same place, on picket. Found my company fronting the ford - and awaiting circumstances, firing still continues - A messenger sent to Gen. F. for orders. F.'s division of colored troops is in reserve on our right rear, near Chancellorsville.

Sunday May 15 10 a.m.

My company remained with horses saddled last night - and lay down in a line fronting the ford - to fight on foot in case the enemy attempted to cross. At midnight heard three shots in the direction of our pickets - sprang up and got ready for the "Johnny Rebs" - but they didn't arrive - but they didn't arrive - and we lay down again - and dozed until morning. Rain during the night. We now have up some of our shelter tents - not much firing heard up to this hour. Many of the horses are barefooted - and although the Q.M. has some shoes, yet he has no nails - has not been able to procure any since leaving Washington - nor before - and we are compelled to let the horses run down.
7 p.m.

In the woods, same place as last night. Night dark and foggy and a prospect of more rain. At 11:30 this forenoon, while I was dozing, I was awakened by someone saying: "Captain! The other companies are saddling - they say that the rebels are right upon us!" I sprang up, heard a few shots in the direction of our pickets a quarter of a mile in advance, in direction of "Piney Grave Church" - Gave the order to saddle up saddled my own horse in half a minute, seized my arms, and ran down toward the ford to reconnoitre. me
Major Nettleton came up in haste and ordered to form my squadron, dismounted, to hold the ford until the end of the regiment was saddled and did so. Pickets fell back to the ford, fighting. Two companies saddled and crossed and drove back the rebels who had charged our men, mounted, with a yell, down to the very ford. Ordered men to finish saddling; before it was accomplished, our companies recrossed the ford - fighting on

confusion, rebels after them - was ordered to mount my company and hold the ford - some of the horses unmanageable - got most of the men mounted, however - and formed a line, and opened fire. Kept it up (within 50 yards of the enemy) - for a quarter of an hour, until, being flanked, and under heavy cross fire - and seven of my horses disabled - and a number of carhines out of order, I gave orders to fall back and forming successive lines, and firing, at length reached the woods - distant 8 or 900 yards from the wooded point we at first occupied, across an open field, where I found Co. "L" (Captain Eastman) in line, and formed on its right and delivered several volleys together and then was ordered to take command of the battalion - and move it back toward Aldrich's - on the plank road - did not wish to obey the order as I regarded the rebel attack as a reconnaissance - and thought it was desireable for us to hold our position - or at most fall back very slowly to give time for reinforcements to reach us from Chancellorsville, before we should have retired far enough to enable the enemy to see out over open ground along the plank road in the vicinity of Aldrich's house - and discover that our train had been withdrawn from there. (A courier had been dispatched to Chancellorsville to apprise General F. of the attack and request reinforcements before I had retired from the ford.) However, I soon received a preemptory order from Major Nettleton in person to fall back, and consequently did so. Successive lines were however formed by squadrons of the battalion in advance (or retreat) wherever the pines were sufficiently open for that purpose, and finally we made a stand at Aldrich's house - and delivered a final volley by battalion - (the horses recoiling in fine style!) and just then, Gen. F's reserve of colored troops from Chancellorsville came in sight - approaching in column on the "double quick" and rapidly forming a line on their right flank - moved on the enemy who were formed in the woods where the road from the ford we had been guarding debouches from the woods into the open ground in the vicinity of Aldrich's house. Rebels at once fell back - having wounded some of the colored troops and Batchelder's horse - The 2nd. O&V.V.C. was now ordered in pursuit - and followed the rebels back to the ford - through a heavy rainstorm - and excessively muddy roads. Could perceive

from the tracks that a great part of the rebel force (which we now found to consist of a full brigade of cavalry, with one field piece) had advanced dismounted, giving them a great advantage over us, armed as they were with long-range guns. Part of our force - two squadrons - was dismounted going back - having the horses led in the rear. After occupying the ford with one squadron (Lt. Newton with Company E) being meanwhile at the Burnt Furnace - and Lt. Buell with Company K on the plank road in direction of Chancellorsville - the remainder of the regiment returned slowly to Aldrich's house for orders, expecting to remain there until next day. On reaching point where the road debouches near Aldrich's house, we halted and in a few moments were joined by Lt. Col. Purington (who had been absent at the wagon train - declaring himself sick since morning!) and the regiment was again marched back to the ford; the commanding officer having been censured, it is understood, By General F. for abandoning the ford at all - and very justly so - I think - as it has given the enemy an opportunity for discovering that our train has been removed -and that our right is comparatively unprotected.

8 p.m.

On reaching the ford, alternate companies were ordered to remain saddled, and now, half an hour later, all are ordered to re-saddle and it is understood that Col. Purington has gone back to confer with General F. in relation to having the Regiment move back to Aldrich's, which has now become a central opint, as we are to reinforce Co. K - Lt. Buell's - on picket at Chancellorsville - and Co- L. (Captain Eastman) at the furnace - in case either or both are attacked -

Monday May 16

The Regiment was quietly moved back from the ford to dense pine woods near Aldrich's in the black darkness at 10 o'clock last night in conformity with the latest orders from General F., hitched our horses to the trees, and lay down "booted and spurred" in the mud and remained saddled all night, nearly suffocated by the stench from the dead horses and mules - while the wounded horses were standing about on all sides - and early this morning, after some of our videttes had captured a roving "Johnny" the regiment crossed the plank road, and encamped in the woods about half a mile east of Aldrich's house - and just as I had got up my tent and got my horse unsaddled - was ordered to

march at once with my company to relieve Lt. Busell, Company "K" stationed at Chancellorsville. Instructions: to post pickets and patrol the plank road toward Wilderness Tavern and communicate by pistols with Captain Unley stationed at the junction of Ely's and U.S. fords roads. My reserve to be kept at the ruins of Chancellor's house - and smaller reserve at redoubts. Sent on the company under Sergeant Rand, and went myself to General F.'s Headquarters and then followed - Captain Eastman was relieved on burnt furnace road by Lt. Mason at 4 p.m. - Kept up frequent communication with pistols with both Companies A and M. Ambulance passed out under a flag of truce for General Wardsworth's body at dusk - while I was off at the redoubts reconnoitering rebel horsemen with my glass) - the fourth or fifth effort that has been made to obtain his body. 7 p.m. Have just returned from grazing my horse half an hour at Melgi Chancellor's house, on Wilderness Tavern Road, Went alone, taking Sergeant Storey's Enfield Rifle with me. Saw no rebs, but heard horsemen crossing the bridge in front - heavy rain fell twice today. Visited deserted camp of colored troops today - Tents standing - blankets and talmas plentiful also axes, spades, shovels, buckets, camp kettles, etc..., My company and all the regiment out of rations the day before yesterday - Got a little salt pork - very salt - coffee, soap and candles last evening, but no hard bread, sugar, salt, vinegar, beans or beef and there is not an ounce of either in the company. Expected to draw some today, having sent Gould and party to Col. Morrison's Head Quarters for that purpose, but they have not yet rejoined us, and we are slightly hungry. Many of the horses have not had as much as one full feed in four days - and most of them nothing whatever today. Mine has had nothing but perhaps two or three pounds of poor grass.
11:50 p.m.

Am sitting by a smoking fire built in the ruins of Chancellor's house waiting the result of a patrol that I have just sent out to discover the origin of noise as of Artillery or of a heavy train moving towards us apparently, on the plank road. Noise reported to me by patrol from Lt. Mason. Formed the reserve a little while ago and moved down to the chain of redoubts and dismounted to fight on foot - sending horses under Corporal

Rogers to left rear, to shadow of woods - but after a while all seemed quiet - returned.
Later, patrol returned, having gone to the fork of the road; could learn nothing. Think
noise may have been that of an ambulance which returned half or three quarters of an hour
ago. Sent several patrols at intervals to Co. M to keep Captain Ulney informed. Night
dark, with occasional rain. Saw Lt. Emory, Commissary of Subsistence today - to try and
make arrangements to purchase something to eat. He was destitute but promised to sell
to Officers of the 2nd O.V.V.C. when he received supplies and had any surplus to spare,
after supplying the wants of his own brigade. Gould has just arrived with fifteen small
"hard breads" for each man, and a little fresh beef.

Tuesday May 17 9p.m.

Was relieved by Company "F" at 11 a.m. Part of my company ordered on a scout to Ely's
Ford; order rescinded by Captain Watson (Field Officer of the Day) and part of Company
"F" sent in its place - Marched my company by "dirt road" to spot where the regiment
was encamped on the 10th for the purpose of grazing, but found the grass all consumed
and continued into camp (finding the regiment where I left it on starting on guard).
Got prescription from Surgeon Smith, that had been prepared by the Medical Director, Dr.
Praence. At dark, the regiment marched back three or four miles to a new camp at the
junction of the plank and dirt roads leading from Chancellorsville to Fredericksburg,
and about six miles from Chancellorsville. Companies G and A ordered to remain sad-
dled tonight, 4 other companies on picket, and three others unsaddled - Read the
Washington Star of the 15th - brought by Captain Denning, who arrived today. Lay
down at midnight and before falling asleep noticed the "realizing sense of danger" -
manifested by the horses when a shot was fired in close proximity to our camp -
Got fifteen pounds of oats to the horses tonight; the same calculated to last us three
days - rather slight diet for horses that get no hay or grass, and are kept saddled or
heavily packed constantly, and are required to do the scouting and picket duty necessary
to guard all this right wing of the army, from the N.Y. River to the Rappahannock.

Wednesday May 18