On the 7th, Mott's Division marched out with the 5th Corps and the
Cavalry, the whole under command of Warren, under orders to destroy as
much as possible of the Weldon Railroad. Went by way of the Jerusalem
Plank Road, crossed the Nottoway River at dark, and bivouacked on the
South side, 20 miles.
8th, Marched at daylight, passed through Sussex Court House and Coman's
Well, 12 miles, and bivouacked for the night within 2 miles of the
Weldon Railroad.
9th, Daylight, marched 2 miles, striking the Weldon Railroad near
Jarrett's Station. From this point Southward to Bellefield, a distance
of 11 miles, the Railroad was effectually destroyed.
10th, The object of the Expedition having been accomplished, Warren
started backward toward Petersburg, marched 18 miles, and bivouacked
for the night 4 miles South of Sussex Court House.
11th, Started at daylight, again passed through Sussex Court House,
recrossed the Nottoway River, stopping for the night 4 miles beyond, 11
miles.
12th, Off again at daylight, the Regiment deployed as flankers, and
back at our lines at 2 P.M., 16 miles.
There were no casualties, except as will be stated, no rebel force
having been encountered.
On the way back it was discovered that several Union soldiers had been
murdered by guerillas, their bodies having been found in the woods, off
the line of march, horribly mutilated.
On the way down they had strayed from the road to lie down, being
overcome by too free indulgence in the discovery made at one of the
houses, not knowing its powerful after-effect. It was a terrible sequel
to the over-taking of the seeming harmlessness of Apple Jack, to one
not acquainted with its ardent qualities.
The result of the discovery of the bodies was the order given to burn
every house and other building anywhere near the line of march.
13th, Moved into the woods and took position in line for the purpose of
laying out camp and putting up quarters.
14th, Erection of Winter Quarters.
* * * * *
22d, Expiration of three years since muster of the Regiment into the
Service of the United States.
* * * * *
23d, Division paraded to witness the execution of John E. Dixon,
Private 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, for desertion. Dixon had
made a break for the rebel line, but not noticing the direction of
the two lines, ran into our own line without knowing it, when it was
learned from his words and manner that he supposed he was on the other
side, and that his purpose had been to desert.
* * * * *
31st, Regiment consolidated into Battalion of 4 Companies.