On the 10th of August, the troops moved out from their position at

Halltown, marching fifteen miles, passing through Charlestown, where

John Brown was hung. The march was continued the next day, marching

eighteen miles more, the enemy retreating up the valley, our forces

following them. After marching fifty miles in three successive days,

overtaking their rear guard on the afternoon of the 12th at Cedar Creek,

having passed through Newtown and Middletown, secesh villages, filled

with Mosby's guerillas, who were very peaceable until our army passed,

when they were ready to fall upon our rear guard, plundering, robbing,

and even murdering all they could. The main body of the rebels were

strongly entrenched on Fisher Hill, a place almost impregnable, that

could not be carried by a direct assault. The Shenandoah Valley was

filled with waving fields of grain, the crops ripe and ready for the

scythe. For nearly one hundred miles, the valley was level, and the

scenery splendid, this being the prettiest part of Virginia. At a

distance of seven to twelve miles apart, were villages that could be

discerned in the distance from Harper's Ferry to Stanton. No engagement

took place at Cedar Creek, as was expected, as we were too far from our

base of supplies to risk a battle. After lying near Cedar Creek three

days, the troops were ordered to fall back for the purpose of drawing

the enemy from Fisher Hill; starting at dark, moving back on the valley

pike; marching all night, passing through Newtown, Middletown and

Kurrentown, halting at Winchester for breakfast, passing through the

place, once a fine village, but now nearly deserted; no business was

transacted, as both rebel and union armies occupied the place at

different times. The troops marched during the night eighteen miles, and

during the morning ten miles, halting on a hill.

The enemy supposing us retreating, followed us closely, skirmishing with

the cavalry at Winchester, in which a portion of the 1st New Jersey

brigade was captured while supporting the cavalry. Our rear guard was

driven from Winchester with considerable loss. The troops were compelled

to move the next day eighteen miles, encamping near Charlestown, the

enemy again halting at Winchester. In retaliation for Chambersburg, the

men burned and destroyed everything, entering houses and helping

themselves to all that came in their way. The men were out of rations,

living on the country two days, but flour, green corn and chickens in

abundance.

Both armies were again in camp, with tents up in regular order, the

operations during the month of August being both of an offensive and

defensive character, resulting in a few skirmishes, but as yet no

general engagement had taken place. The two armies now lay in such a

position, the enemy on the west bank of the Opequan Creek, covering

Winchester, and our forces in position at Charlestown, so that either

army could bring on a battle at any time. Defeat to us would lay open to

the enemy Maryland and Pennsylvania for long distances, before our army

could check them, and under such circumstances Gen. Sheridan hesitated

to attack, and waited for more positive orders from Grant. The 14th

regiment was again recruited, swelling the number to about three

hundred men. Colonel Truex being at home, the regiment was commanded by

Major Vredenberg. Lieutenant Colonel Hall having been wounded at

Monocacy, resigned his commission. Major Vredenberg having been for the

past year inspector general on headquarter staff, he being the ranking

officer was relieved, and ordered to the command of the regiment at

Halltown on the 19th of August.

Sunday, August 21st, the enemy surprised our camp at daylight attacking

in force. The troops soon formed in line of battle, fighting during the

day and building works; but few were lost on either side, as nothing but

skirmishing was kept up. At night our forces fell back to our old

position at Halltown, eight miles distant, the enemy pursuing and firing

upon our rear guard, compelling them to fall back in a hurry within the

defences of Maryland Heights, when the pursuit was abandoned, the rain

pouring in torrents. For several days bodies of troops, mostly cavalry,

were sent out on a reconnoissance, which discovered the enemy still in

position at Charlestown. The men were fast losing confidence in General

Sheridan, as he did nothing but advance and retreat without fighting a

decisive battle; but none of the men knew the energy and determination

of their gallant leader, who was only waiting for orders from General

Grant to bring on a general engagement.

The troops remained in camp at Halltown six days, until Sunday, the

28th, when orders were given to move, passing the enemy's works near

Charlestown (the enemy having fallen back), and halted in a wood. During

the afternoon Chaplain Rose delivered a brief discourse as the men lay

in line, after which we moved again, halting in the old camp we were

driven from the previous Sunday, eight miles from Halltown, remaining

there until September 3d, when the troops moved again, marching eight

miles, encamping at a place called Clifton Farm. The 8th corps being on

the advance, met the enemy at Opequan Creek, and after a severe

engagement drove them back across the creek, with heavy loss on both

sides. Darkness and rain ended the contest, the troops sleeping on their

arms. Both armies were now very vigilant, as they were but a few miles

apart. The troops lay in camp at Clifton Farm fifteen days, drawing

extra rations and clothing. On the 15th of September, the 2d division of

the 6th corps with a brigade of cavalry, moved out on a reconnoissance

to Opequan Creek. The enemy were found in force, with strong works

erected on the opposite side, they were completely surprised. The 2d

division succeeded in capturing a South Carolina regiment, numbering

four hundred men, together with its officers and colors.

After exchanging a few shots, the division returned with the prisoners

captured, the rebels crestfallen at our daring, but afraid to follow us

up. The men were very tired of maneuvering up and down the valley, and

were anxious to meet the enemy and decide which of the two armies was

the most competent to hold the valley. Grant finding the use of the

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, which

were both obstructed by the enemy, became so indispensably necessary to

us, and the importance of relieving Maryland and Pennsylvania from

continuously threatened invasion so great, that he determined to visit

General Sheridan and order an immediate attack. Leaving City Point on

the 15th of September, he visited him at Charlestown to decide after a

conference with him, what should be done, and after a calm deliberation

it was decided to attack as soon as the army and trains could be brought

into position. For convenience of forage the teams for supplying the

army were kept at Harper's Ferry. Grant remained at Sheridan's

headquarters but one day, giving his final orders, and leaving Harper's

Ferry for City Point, Sheridan returning to his headquarters and issuing

orders for a forward movement.

On afternoon of Sunday, the 18th, orders were given the troops to move

at a moment's notice. All now felt that the time had arrived when the

rebel army under its audacious leaders, should be driven from the

Shenandoah Valley, where for the last two months they had bid defiance

to the loyal North, and with their frowning earthworks at Winchester

were ever ready to resist our advance. For several mornings previous to

the attack, the cavalry had darted up to their front and then retired,

after exchanging a few shots. This was done so often that when the

attack was made they were not as well prepared as if this had not been

done, as the advance was led by the dashing Custer, with his brigade of

cavalry.

At two o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, the troops on

two roads moved out, and marching twelve miles, crossed at Opequan

Creek. As usual the cavalry in stronger force than heretofore, attacked

them in their position. The rebels were completely surprised. Kershaw's

division had left the day before for the purpose of burning and

destroying what they could in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They were at

Bunker's Hill, ten miles off, when the attack was made, and Gen. Early

sent immediately for them, when they returned in haste, nearly all the

way on a double quick.

Both armies soon became hotly engaged, and for some time it was doubtful

which side was gaining, but after a most sanguinary battle, which lasted

until six o'clock in the evening, the enemy were defeated with heavy

loss, their entire position carried from Opequan Creek to Winchester,

together with several thousand prisoners and five pieces of artillery;

the enemy rallied several times, only to be broken again by the terrible

onslaught of the Union boys. Kershaw's division arrived during the

afternoon, but too late, and with their comrades were compelled to fall

back. During the morning, the 19th army corps, which was on the extreme

left, was driven in, but supported by one division of the 6th corps they

rallied, and in turn drove the enemy back some distance; it was a hard

fought battle, and the enemy with their thinned ranks in a demoralized

condition retreated in haste through Winchester. General Early was so

intoxicated that it was with much difficulty that he could keep upon his

horse; the rebel press attributed their defeat to this. The rebel

soldiers were positive that Grant was in command, as Sheridan never

before had exhibited such generalship. The 3d division lost heavily in

killed and wounded; Colonel Ebright commanding the 126th Ohio was

killed, also General Russell, commanding 1st division 6th corps.

The 14th lost in killed and wounded one hundred and sixty men, but the

greatest loss of all was Major Vredenberg. A braver officer never lived.

He was at the head of his regiment, ordering the men to charge a rebel

battery, when a shell struck him in the breast, knocking him from his

horse and killing him instantly. He was carried to the rear and his

remains sent to New Jersey. His loss was deeply felt by the men, as he

was always esteemed a brave and competent officer. The regiment charged

the battery, captured it, and the last order ever given by him was

executed with promptness, and the death of Major Vredenberg avenged.

Lieut. Green, commanding Co. I, was killed, and Capt. Bodwell, of Co. E,

wounded. Capt. Janeway was as conspicuous as ever, and fought well. He

was again placed in command of the regiment, as every other officer was

disabled, either killed or wounded. The 87th Pennsylvania had but a few

days to stay, but were as eager as ever to join in the fight. Several of

them were killed whose term had already expired. The rebel loss was very

severe in officers and men. Gens. Rhodes and Wharton that led the attack

at Monocacy, in which the 3d division suffered so severely, were both

killed.

The ground was covered with the munitions of war, as our victorious army

pressed on after the flying rebels. The groans of the wounded and dying

were forgotten. Ghastly sights everywhere presented themselves to the

eye, but to the soldiers were as nothing, as such scenes were every day

sights. The houses in Winchester were filled with rebel wounded, who

were kindly cared for by the ladies of the place, both loyal and

disloyal. The news of our success was telegraphed immediately to

Washington, and the papers North were full of praises of our gallant

little Sheridan and his noble army; there was now no fear of another

invasion, and our National Capital was out of danger. The army now

reposed every confidence in Sheridan, and gave him the name of "Little

Phil," and those who but a few weeks before were ever ready to denounce

him were now the loudest in his praise. One hundred guns were fired at

Washington in honor of this great victory, which in itself was

considered one of the decisive battles of the war. Had our forces been

defeated and driven back, both Washington and Baltimore would have been

taken, and before another army could have been raised, both places would

have lain in ashes. This was the third and last attempted invasion of

the North by the Confederate army, which had each time ended in

disaster. The rebel papers were clamorous for the removal of Early, who

had praised him so highly but a short time before.

The enemy retreated during the night, and made a stand in their strong

position at Fisher Hill; here they were confident of success, as it was

thought impossible to dislodge them from their position. Here Early

intended to make a stand until he received re-enforcements from

Richmond, and then retrieve his fast falling reputation. He supposed

General Sheridan would not attack, and he would have time to recruit.

Our column had halted at Winchester until daylight the next morning,

when they rapidly pressed on; the enemy were at this time on Fisher

Hill, twenty-two miles from Winchester; the troops halted at nine

o'clock at Newton for breakfast. The men had marched up and down the

valley so often, that every house and barn was familiar to them.

Kurrentown was the birthplace of the rebel General, Stonewall Jackson,

whose remains now repose there; had he then been living, and in command

of the rebel forces in the valley, it would have been different, for as

a strategic leader he had no equal. One day he would be in our front,

the next day in our rear, and it would have required all the skill of

our leaders to oppose him; as it was, Early was completely out-generaled

by General Sheridan.

The troops halted at Newton one hour, and then moved forward; squads of

rebel prisoners were picked up, as they were too tired to proceed

farther. The number of prisoners captured in all was about five

thousand, while our loss at Winchester would not exceed one thousand

five hundred. After marching twenty-two miles, we crossed Cedar Creek on

a bridge built by the enemy, halting in the same woods the troops were

in five weeks before. The rebel army had just been paid in Confederate

money, which to them was as nothing; gold, which had been up to its

highest notch, now fell some twenty per cent., and produce in

proportion.

The 21st of September was spent in forming the troops in position, as

General Sheridan had determined to attack; but nothing was accomplished

till night, when the 126th Ohio and 6th Maryland regiments charged the

enemy's skirmish line, driving them back two miles, and occupying a

splendid position for artillery; batteries were placed and the enemy

shelled, they not replying, as their ammunition was scarce. The morning

of the 22d found the troops in position; batteries from all parts of the

line opened, but as yet no response from the rebels. At three o'clock

Sheridan ordered an advance, the troops moving forward in eight lines of

battle. Early, expecting an attack in his immediate front, withdrew his

forces from the left of his line; taking advantage of this, the 8th

corps, with the 3d division, moved on their flank, and before they were

aware of it our cavalry were completely in their rear. A desperate

battle now ensued, which lasted until dark, when the enemy were driven

pell mell from their fortified position and retreated in confusion,

flanked both right and left, and their cavalry, under Imboden and Jones,

were compelled to run in one demoralized mass, followed by our

victorious columns pouring shot and shell into their retreating ranks.

The 3d division captured six pieces of artillery, two of them were taken

by the 14th regiment. Twenty-four pieces of artillery, fifteen stand of

colors, and one thousand one hundred prisoners were the fruits of this

victory. Sheridan was now almost worshiped by the men, as Fisher's Hill

had always been considered as impregnable, but "Cavalry Phil," or

"Flanking Sheridan," as he was called, had accomplished what Fremont,

Hunter, Banks and Shields had failed to do in the early days of the

rebellion. He was appointed a Maj.-General in the regular army, to fill

the place vacated by McClellan. In the battle of Fisher's Hill, the loss

in the 14th regiment was small, as they were on the flank with the 8th

corps; the 2d division lost heavily in killed. The casualties in the

regiment were but ten killed and thirty wounded. Captain McKnight's

battery of the 3d division created considerable panic in the enemy's

ranks, as every shell they fired fell among them. Under cover of this

battery, the division advanced and captured a line of works with four

hundred prisoners and four pieces of artillery. No time was allowed the

men to rest, although tired and weary and begrimed with dirt and powder.

The flying rebels were pursued during the night of the 22d, marching

twelve miles, through Strasburg and Woodstock, halting for a few hours'

rest in the morning. The enemy had a mortal fear of Custer and his

cavalry, as he was always on their flank and rear when least expected;

with one brigade to charge and another to blow the bugle, they could not

stand. Their cavalry leader, Imboden, was called "Runboden," as he was

always first to run when our cavalry appeared in sight. Four days'

rations were issued the men at Woodstock, the trains having followed.

The 87th Pennsylvania had served their three years, and were ordered to

return home, with the exception of the re-enlisted men, whose term of

service had not yet expired.

Leaving Woodstock on the afternoon of the 23d, the troops marched six

miles, passing the village of Edenburg, and encamping in woods near the

railroad. The enemy had again halted on a hill and were skirmishing with

the cavalry. In the battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, the enemy

had lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, fifteen thousand men, fifteen

stands of colors, and thirty pieces of artillery, while the Union army

had lost but four thousand men. The troops were now pretty well rested,

and moved again on Saturday, the 24th, marching twenty miles, passing

the villages of Mount Jackson, Hawkenstown and New Market, still

following the enemy and skirmishing with the entire march. The pike was

level, and the retreating rebels could be plainly seen. McKnight's

battery was placed on the skirmish line, continually shelling the rear.

It was a splendid sight; the troops, in four parallel lines, with

cavalry on either flank, pursuing the flying rebels, they making a stand

several times, but our skirmish line compelled them to leave. The

weather was yet very warm. At dark the enemy opened upon us from a hill

with four pieces of artillery, but were soon compelled to leave. It was

a splendid picture for an artist--the sun setting behind the hills; the

flash of the cannon and musketry was grand beyond description. The men

foraging lived well, as the country was filled with vegetables of all

kinds; the army was now forty-two miles from Winchester and thirty miles

from Staunton. The troops entered camp for the night, marching the next

day eighteen miles in line of battle up the valley; the enemy could not

be seen, having moved during the night up the Luray Valley; halting at

Harrisonberg, 3d division headquarters at the house formerly occupied by

Fremont and Hunter as their headquarters. The troops remained in camp at

Harrisonberg ten days, confiscating tobacco, sugar, matches, etc.;

Harrisonberg is a very pretty place, twenty miles from Staunton, of

about one thousand inhabitants. Squads of men were sent out each day to

forage on the country, as the troops were out of rations, and it was

necessary the men should be supplied. The army was now one hundred and

four miles from Harper's Ferry, the base of supplies; it took the teams

four days to go and four to come; the route was infested with guerillas,

making it necessary to have a strong guard; but in spite of all

vigilance numbers of men were killed and the wagons captured.

On the 29th the troops moved out at four o'clock, marching seven miles

to relieve the cavalry at Mount Crawford. Finding the enemy in strong

position they were driven back, as they were strongly posted in a gap in

the mountains; they were not again attacked and the troops moved back to

Harrisonberg.

On the first of October the supply train arrived from Harper's Ferry,

with mail and papers, also the paymaster; the troops receiving two

months' pay. It was rumored in camp that Grant had moved at Petersburg,

capturing fifteen guns and four hundred prisoners. The cavalry again

started off, reaching Staunton, destroying the bridges and a large

amount of supplies, and advanced as far as Charlottesville.

On the 6th of October orders were given to move; marching back, the

valley was now clear of the enemy. As it was feared they would again

return, every barn, out-house and hay-stack was burned on the route, to

prevent the enemy from subsisting in the valley, as most of the farmers

were secesh and helped the guerillas along. It was a splendid sight to

see the fires as the troops moved up the valley, from mountain to

mountain one continual blaze of fire. Twenty-four miles were made that

day, as it was cool, and the men were out of rations; the supply train

could not get up, and the valley was stripped by troops continually

passing. The troops slept that night in sight of Mount Jackson with

nothing to eat. The next day we marched seventeen miles, through Mount

Jackson and Woodstock, halting at dark; on the 8th marching twelve miles

to Strasburg, passing Fisher's Hill, where the enemy were whipped so

badly on the 22d of September. After stripping the valley of the most of

their supplies for the rebel army, the troops halted at Strasburg, and

took position on the north bank of Cedar Creek.

Having received considerable re-enforcements, Early again returned to

the valley, and on the 9th of October encountered our cavalry near

Strasburg. Custer with his brigade advanced, and after a brief encounter

the enemy captured thirty wagons from General Torbert; the weather was

very cold and windy. Our whole force of cavalry now arrived, and the

enemy was driven back some distance, with the loss of eleven pieces of

artillery, a number of prisoners, and all their wagons, with those

captured from Torbert, our forces following them vigorously.

As the valley was supposed to be clear of the enemy, the 6th corps was

ordered to Petersburg. Grant had moved several times and had captured

the Weldon Rail Road, extending his lines some distance. On the 10th,

orders were given to move, marching seventeen miles, passing through

Strasburg and Middletown, halting at Front Royal near Manassas Gap.

During our stay there, a man was accidentally shot in the Regiment,

dying the next day; his name was Ayers, of Co. B. A petition was

circulated among the Jersey soldiers to return home and vote; it was

signed by the officers, but was not carried through. The Legislature of

New Jersey was opposed to it, and used their utmost endeavors to prevent

it. While all other troops were allowed to vote in the field, New Jersey

was in the hands of the Copperheads, and her soldiers were not allowed

the privilege, and with bitter feelings of enmity towards them the

soldiers were compelled to stand it.

The troops were now ordered to Petersburg, as there was no sign of the

enemy in the valley. On the 13th the corps started from Front Royal.

The troops had been in the valley some time, and did not wish to leave.

Sheridan was loved by all, and the men were still anxious to be under

his command, but positive orders from Grant were that the corps should

again join the Potomac army, having been only temporarily detached. The

weather was very cold, and visions of earthworks and trenches in front

of Petersburg rose vividly before the men, and none wished to go. After

marching fifteen miles, passing a place called White Post, the column

was ordered to halt, and soon it resounded throughout the line that the

order was countermanded. Cheer after cheer was given, and it was noised

around that Grant had taken Petersburg, with sixty pieces of artillery

and thirty thousand prisoners. The men were very jubilant over the move,

as it was believed. Moving back, the troops halted at a very pretty

place called Millwood, and the men immediately commenced foraging, as

there was provisions in abundance, no troops having ever encamped there.

It turned out that Grant's taking Petersburg was a hoax, and instead,

Early was moving down the valley, having received considerable

re-enforcements. The 8th and 19th corps were compelled to fall back from

Fisher's Hill, and encamped on the north bank of Cedar Creek. Soon the

deep booming of the cannon was heard at Millwood; at first the men

thought it a salute in honor of the great victory, but it proved to be

the 8th and 19th corps engaged with Early at Cedar Creek. On the morning

of the 14th at 2 o'clock, the corps was ordered to move immediately back

the same road to Fisher's Hill, marching twenty miles, and halting in

position near Middletown, as the enemy were again in force on Fisher's

Hill. All idea of going to Petersburg was now abandoned, as there was

enough to attend to in the valley. Early again had a large army and once

more confronted Sheridan, this time with both flanks heavily guarded on

Fisher's Hill. It was not then known how many troops the enemy had, as

their coming was unexpected. Pickets were doubled, and a line of works

erected on Fisher's Hill for the purpose of resisting our advance. The

troops now moved forward to Cedar Creek and were formed in line as

follows: The 8th corps on the extreme left, near Manchuhattan Mountain;

the 19th corps next, and the 6th on the right. Every morning the men

were routed out early expecting an attack, but none was made, and the

vigilance of the men was relaxed; five days the troops remained in camp

near Middletown. General Sheridan being on a visit to Grant at City

Point, during his absence the army was commanded by General Wright. All

was thought secure, and the men began to think the enemy's force

comparatively small; but they were in force, and the boys of the Union

soon knew it. Early had determined to make one grand effort, and if

possible save his reputation and recover all he had lost. Filled with

this determination he moved his whole force on the night of October

18th, crossed the mountain in single file which separated the branches

of the Shenandoah, forded the north fork, and early on the morning of

the 19th, under cover of the darkness and the fog, surprised and turned

our left flank, and captured the batteries that infiladed our whole

line, some 24 in all; the men were aroused from slumber only to find the

enemy in their rear. The 8th corps, panic stricken, fled, leaving all

their arms and ammunition in the hands of the enemy; they knew not which

way to turn, and hundreds were shot down and numbers captured. The 6th

corps, used to such things, rallied, and formed in line near Middletown.

By this time the wagons were on the road to Winchester. It was a

complete surprise, the troops falling back in confusion five miles.

General Wright ordered them to re-form, but with the 8th and 19th corps

in full retreat, the 6th could not stand alone, and with the rest were

compelled to fall back, but in order. A terrible battle was now fought,

and Early, confident of victory, urged on his men, who fought with

desperation; and visions of Washington again appeared before them. The

spoils that fell in their hands were a great compensation for what they

had lost; shelters, rubbers, knapsacks, blankets, and well filled

haversacks fell in the hands of the Johnnies, and to their half starved

and half clothed bodies were indeed prizes. After falling back five

miles our lines were partly rallied and the retreat stopped, but at a

fearful loss of life, and our boys were mad, fairly mad to think that

after ridding the valley of the enemy as they supposed, and whipping

them so badly, they were again in force and our army retreating from

them. Where is Sheridan? was the cry, as all seemed to feel that if he

was near the tide of battle would be turned in our favor. Soon a cloud

of dust was seen on the road; far in the distance, and with thunder

tread, came the well-known horse, carrying with it its rider, the brave

Sheridan; reaching the disordered line he inquired for General Wright.

The men soon knew that Sheridan was near, and all felt confident of

success. When the battle commenced he was at Winchester, but he arrived

in time to arrange the lines and repulse a heavy attack of the enemy.

The 8th and 19th corps were now partially rallied and formed in line,

with the 6th corps in the centre, immediately assuming the offensive and

attacking the enemy in turn. After considerable maneuvering Sheridan

ordered a charge, and the enemy in turn were driven back with great

slaughter, with the loss of their trains and artillery and the trophies

captured during the morning. Had not Sheridan arrived as he did, all

would have been lost. The cavalry under Custer were sent on their flank,

driving them pell mell across Cedar Creek, slaughtering them like sheep.

Sixty-one pieces of artillery were captured from them and eight thousand

prisoners. Our success was complete, though our loss was heavy, and

victory crowned our arms. Capt. McKnight's battery lost four pieces, and

nearly all their horses were killed or wounded. The 14th regiment was

commanded by Captain Janeway and lost heavily. Adjutant Burroughs Rose

was killed; he was formerly a private, and for gallant conduct had been

promoted from one position to another until he received his commission

as Adjutant, in place of Buckalew, who had resigned on account of wounds

received at Monocacy; he was a fine officer, and his loss could not

easily be supplied.

The wreck of the rebel army escaped during the night, and fled in the

direction of Staunton and Lynchburg, and pursuit being made by the

cavalry to Mount Jackson, hundreds of them were captured. The battle of

Cedar Creek will long be remembered by the 6th corps. At first driven

back with severe loss, they in turn rallied, and to the brave 6th corps

will be attributed the tide of battle turning in our favor; for, had

they retreated in such confusion as the other corps, the enemy would

have been victorious. But the Wilderness, and those hard-fought battles

of the Potomac army, were lessons not easily forgotten, and the 6th

corps, as usual, was ready for any emergency. The 2d division lost

heavily in men, more so than the rest, as our lines fell back. The enemy

had stripped our dead and wounded as they lay on the field, and when our

men recovered their lost ground they were seen lying as they fell, stark

naked, and cold in the embrace of death. Such scenes only made our men

fight the harder, and Early paid dearly for his boldness in surprising

us in the morning. The rebel General, Ramsuer, was mortally wounded and

fell in our hands a prisoner. He died at the headquarters of General

Sheridan, and his remains were sent South by way of City Point. Thus

ended the enemy's last attempt to invade the North via the Shenandoah

valley; and Early, with his demoralized and disheartened troops, was

seen no more in that vicinity. Ninety pieces of artillery had been taken

from them at different times in the valley, and with ten pieces of

artillery, and about ten thousand men, they reached Staunton, and all

but one brigade were transported to Richmond, there to take part in the

subsequent battles near Petersburg. Our forces encamped in their old

position, and the next day engaged in burying the dead, the ground being

covered with both Union and Rebel soldiers. The field was hotly

contested by our men, and although surprised they were not whipped.

General Sheridan rode along the lines and was cheered by the men.

General Ricketts was temporarily placed in command of the 6th corps, and

was severely wounded early in the day. He was the best division

commander in the service, and when the men heard of his wound, all were

anxious for his safety. The papers spoke of him in the highest praise as

an excellent and able general. The following is an extract from Harper's

Weekly, which is quoted for the benefit of those who knew him well:

General James B. Ricketts, wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek, is

a native of New York, from which State he was appointed a Cadet to

West Point in 1835. He graduated in 1839 with the grade of 2d

Lieutenant of artillery; in 1846 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant,

and in August, 1852, was appointed Captain, having since 1849

occupied the position of Regimental Quarter Master.

General Ricketts was wounded in the first battle of Bull Run and

taken prisoner. For distinguished service in that battle he was

promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and in nearly all the

Virginia campaign he has commanded a division. His division of the

6th corps was in July last detached from the army of the Potomac and

sent to Harper's Ferry, taking part in the battle of Monocacy and in

all the subsequent battles in the Shenandoah Valley. In General

Sheridan's absence, General Wright assumed command of the army of

the Valley; his place at the head of the corps was occupied by

General Ricketts, who was wounded in the early part of the battle on

the 19th, and was for some time supposed to be in a dying condition.

If his wound should indeed prove a mortal one, the country will have

lost a very able officer.

General Sheridan had again immortalized his name. As he came down the

pike, he exclaimed to the men: "Join your commands, boys, I'll wax h--l

out of them before night." At the sight of him our men pressed forward

with their usual impetuosity, and soon the Johnnies were in full

retreat. Thus a decisive battle was gained, which, but for the timely

arrival of General Sheridan, would have resulted in disaster. The

troops again entered camp, the tents on a line, with the cavalry in

pursuit of the flying enemy far up the valley. General Custer succeeded

in recapturing the colors lost by the 15th New Jersey; their

color-bearer being killed, it fell into the hands of the enemy. He

complimented the men for their bravery, telling them not from cowardice,

but through accident, they were lost, and that he was very much

gratified to return them.

The weather was now very cold, and there were yet no signs of Winter

quarters. Nearly six months had passed since the troops crossed the

Rapidan, and what had been accomplished? Lee was driven step by step

from his stronghold in the Wilderness, flanked several times by Grant,

until he was within the fortifications of Richmond, his supplies cut

off, and closely besieged by Grant. Sherman had driven Johnson and his

successor, Hood, whipping them in every battle, and finally capturing

Atlanta, their stronghold, in the very heart of the Confederacy. Early

had been whipped in four pitched battles by Sheridan, and driven far up

the valley to Staunton, his artillery nearly all captured and his army

completely routed, and everything that an army could subsist on in the

valley destroyed. Price, in Missouri, had been driven in confusion, and

was in full retreat, followed by Rosecrans. The Copperheads North,

defeated in their every scheme, the soldiers now looked for the

re-election of Lincoln, and for a speedy termination of the war.

It was now currently reported that Longstreet had succeeded Early, and

with thirty-five thousand men was again advancing up the valley. The

troops lay in camp at Middletown nineteen days, and it was discovered

the enemy had left the valley. On Nov. 6th the troops were ordered back

in the direction of Winchester, but the morning being very cold and

frosty the order was countermanded. On the 8th the election for

President was held in the various camps; the people of New Jersey had

denied their soldiers that privilege, and with bitter curses toward

them, the men lay quietly in camp. McClellan was scarcely thought of,

and the votes for Lincoln were far ahead. New Jersey had long been

considered as disloyal, and had she been one of the border States, would

long ago have seceded. Staunch old Maryland stood firm, and was far more

loyal than Jersey. But the rule of the Copperheads was of short

duration, and when the war was ended, and the boys in blue returned to

their homes, they were soon ruled out and their places filled by loyal

men.

On the 9th of November the orders to move were again given, marching ten

miles, and passing for the last time Middletown and Newtown, halting at

Kurrentown, a very nice place; wood plenty, but water scarce. The

enemy's cavalry had again advanced, under their leader, Rosser, and

attacked our out-posts, but after considerable skirmishing they were

driven back in confusion and retired during the night. The papers now

arrived, and the re-election of Lincoln was hailed by the soldiers with

joy, as the majority of them were in favor of him. Many of the men now

commenced to build Winter quarters, and log huts were rapidly erected,

with chimneys built of sod. Officers and men were uncertain what to do,

as no orders were given to build Winter quarters.

Nothing of importance occurred during the month of November; as usual

rumors were plenty. The different regiments were detailed to guard the

supply trains to and from Martinsburg, our base of supplies, as the

guerillas still infested the route. A railroad was commenced, and was

soon built from Halltown to Winchester, and was heavily guarded by the

8th corps. Winchester now became a lively place, as Sheridan's

headquarters were there.

The 6th corps was reviewed by General Sheridan, and preparations were

again made to leave, as orders from Grant were to send the 6th corps to

Petersburg. The review was witnessed by the people of the surrounding

country; the day was not pleasant, but rainy and disagreeable. General

Sheridan took a farewell leave of the men, thanking them for their

bravery, and was sorry to see them leave; to the 6th corps the praise of

saving Washington was given. The men gave three rousing cheers for

Sheridan and the Shenandoah Valley; he then rode to his headquarters,

and the troops dispersed to their various camps. Their work in the

valley was over, and they were to again join the Potomac army, to take

part in the final drama--the capture of Richmond. Since leaving

Petersburg, the troops had in five months fought five pitched battles,

each time victorious, and had marched nearly 1,000 miles, a record that

no other corps in the army could boast of. The men deserved the praise

which was awarded them.

On the 1st of December the 1st division moved, and was placed on cars at

Winchester for Washington. It was now certain the corps was to leave and

Winter quarters were abandoned. On the 3d, the 3d division followed the

1st, General Wright having gone the previous day. The division marched

ten miles, taking the cars at Stephenson Station and riding one hundred

and forty-two miles on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, again passing

Monocacy Bridge; it being night the men were mostly asleep; arrived at

Washington on Sunday morning. But a few months before, when the city was

in danger and the troops were hurried from City Point, the people

flocked to see them and cheer them on their way, now scarcely a sound

was heard, Washington was out of danger. The 6th corps was again to

return to City Point, and by the people their hardships in the valley

were forgotten; they passed scarcely noticing the men, and without a

reception of any kind the troops were placed on transports for City

Point. The weather had changed and was as warm and as mild as spring.

The troops were furnished with three days' rations, and by three o'clock

were all on board. The 14th was placed on transport Keyport, passing

Fortress Monroe, and arriving at City Point at 11 o'clock on Monday

morning, riding on Grant's railroad sixteen miles. This track is laid on

the ground without grading and runs up hill and down in range of the

enemy's shells. The corps was to take the quarters of the 5th corps,

they moving on a reconnoissance to Weldon, North Carolina, for the

purpose of cutting the Southside railroad, and as much of the enemy's

communications as possible. The regiment had been in the middle

department nine months, lying at Monocacy Bridge; in the Potomac army

one year; and in the valley five months, and now back in the Potomac

army again. The 5th corps' quarters were on the Weldon railroad that had

been captured at an immense loss of life. There were now but two roads

leading into Richmond, the Southside road and the Danville road, which

were now aimed for, and as soon as the 6th corps arrived, the 5th with

two divisions of cavalry, moved out to Hatcher's Run, on the Boydton

plank road. They did not wish to leave their quarters, but were glad to

see the 6th corps come back and willingly gave up their quarters to

them. The troops halted until morning, and then occupied the tents

vacated by the 5th corps. The headquarters of the 3d division was in a

pretty place, having been fitted up with considerable care, but the

quarters of the men were very poor, being put up in the Fall with no

intention of remaining.

The troops remained in quarters but one day, when they were ordered to

the support of the 5th corps, which had attacked the enemy at Weldon,

destroying thirty miles of the Southside road, and burning a large

amount of rations, besides capturing a number of prisoners and

contrabands. The division returned the next day, having marched but ten

miles, the 5th corps needing no assistance. It was snowing hard, and the

men suffering severely lying out in the storm. Both armies now

confronted each other for a distance of forty miles, with works in some

places but a few rods apart, but every precaution was taken to prevent a

surprise. The men from both sides were on friendly terms, talking with

each other and exchanging papers. In front of Petersburg was a fort

named Fort H--l from its close proximity to the rebels. Firing from

this fort was incessantly carried on day and night, and the men gave it

that name as it was continually under fire, killing numbers daily.

Winter quarters were now fairly established, the men fixing up the old

tents very comfortably. Cold weather had now commenced and rainy days

were frequent; furloughs were granted the men from ten to twenty days,

large numbers visiting their homes. General Sherman was moving through

the heart of Georgia. His campaign is familiar to my readers, and as the

14th was in the Potomac army, it is not necessary to give an account of

Sherman's march. It was supposed by the men that the armies of Grant and

Sheridan would be consolidated in time, but all ideas of soon moving

were abandoned, as the roads were almost impassable, while Sherman was

farther south and able to move with his heavy trains, living on the

country. It was the main object of Grant to hold Lee in check to prevent

him from re-enforcing Johnson, and in time to sever all communication

from Richmond, compelling Lee to retreat farther south or to surrender.

By frequent moving he had extended his lines some distance, thereby

weakening the enemy's lines considerably. They were getting short of

rations, as Sherman was cutting their railroads in every direction. A

vast amount of supplies was stored at City Point for the use of our

armies; sutlers were in abundance and City Point in reality soon became

a city. The headquarters of General Grant were on a hill near the river.

Immense guns and fortifications were seen in all directions, fully

manned by men, while it was with difficulty that the enemy could raise

enough men to fill their works. Pickets and videttes from each side were

but a few rods apart, and frequently conversed with each other. The

battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg

were forgotten, and no one would ever think that those men who now were

so friendly with each other, had ever engaged in terrible strife on the

field of battle. The men from Early's command were in front of the 3d

division, and when on picket the scenes of the valley were often talked

of, but always with bitterness on the side of the enemy. Our boys would

cry out, "Halloo, Johnny Reb., did you get enough of the valley?" Johnny

replies, with his fingers up to his nose, "Do you Yanks see anything of

the South-side railroad?" Our men had been aiming for that, but had

failed repeatedly.

The 14th was now re-organized, having received several recruits, to the

amount of two hundred. Captain Janeway, for bravery and meritorious

conduct, was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment, he and

Lieutenant Baily being the only old officers from Freehold. The officers

were now mostly enlisted men, and by their conduct had won for

themselves a lasting reputation. Among those that distinguished

themselves, and in every action were at their posts, were Captains

Wanser, Manning and Marsh; Lieutenants Foster, Barkalew, Fletcher,

Hanning, White and Manderville. Each one had entered the ranks and had

won for himself his position. Colonel Truex was still in command of the

brigade, acting Brigadier General. The division commanded by General

Seymour, formerly commander of the 2d brigade, being captured in the

Wilderness, he was taken to Charleston and subsequently released, and

placed in command of the division in the absence of General Ricketts.

All was now quiet in camp, with the exception of cannonading in front of

Petersburg, and picket firing along some portion of the line. This was

the third and last Winter in the army for the regiment; the first Winter

was spent at Monocacy, the second at Brandy Station, and the third at

Petersburg.

Reports from various sources led Grant to believe that the enemy had

again detached three divisions from the army in front of Petersburg, to

again attempt the capture of Washington, via the Shenandoah Valley. He

therefore sent the 2d corps and Greggs' division of cavalry from the

army of the Potomac, and a force of General Butler's army, to threaten

Richmond from the north side of the James to prevent Lee from sending

troops away, and if possible to draw back those that were sent. In this

move six pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners were

captured. Detained troops that were under marching orders ascertained

that but one division of the three reported detached had gone, which

soon returned when the movements of our forces had been discovered. The

enemy having drawn heavily from Petersburg to resist this movement, the

5th corps moved out on a reconnoissance on the left, to take possession

of the South-side road. During the day there was considerable fighting,

but the enemy were found in force, and the 5th corps was ordered back,

forming a line in rear of the army and building new quarters.

The 6th corps was under marching orders, but did not leave as they were

not needed. Camp life again passed very pleasantly, as quiet was

resumed. A branch railroad was completed from the City Point and

Petersburg Railroad to the Weldon Railroad, and supplies were forwarded

in all kinds of weather without difficulty to all parts of the line.

Occasionally the enemy shelled our trains as they passed, but our

batteries opening theirs were soon silenced, as our ammunition was

plenty and theirs scarce. Recruits now arrived rapidly, and the army was

increased to one hundred and fifty thousand men. The enemy, by merciless

conscription, had pressed every man and boy in the field capable of

bearing arms, leaving none but the negroes at home to do the work. Each

Friday there was an execution of some kind in the army; men were hung

for deserting to the enemy, and others were shot for jumping bounties

and then deserting. It soon became a common thing, but it was necessary

as a lesson to others that these men should be executed. The troops had

lain in camp some time, when Grant again attempted to take the

South-side Road. The 2d corps followed by two divisions of the 5th

corps, with the cavalry in advance and covering the left flank of the

army, forced a passage of Hatcher's Run and moved up the north side of

it towards the South-side Road, until the 2d corps and part of the

cavalry reached the Boydton Plank Road where it crosses Hatcher's Run;

at this point our advance was but six miles distant from the South-side

Road, and the whistle of the enemy's engine could be plainly heard. But

finding that we had not reached the end of the enemy's communications,

and no place presented itself for a successful assault, it was

determined to withdraw within our fortified line, and orders were given

accordingly. On the return the enemy moved out across Hatcher's Run, and

made a desperate attack on General Hancock's right and rear. Hancock

immediately faced his corps to meet it, and after a bloody combat drove

the enemy within his works, and withdrew that night to his old position.

From this time forward the operations in front of Richmond and

Petersburg until the spring campaign of 1865 were confined to the

defence and extension of our lines, and to offensive movements for

crippling the enemy's lines of communications, and to prevent his

detaching any considerable force to send south. Visitors from the north

again came in large numbers, among them several distinguished

foreigners. Our lines were to them a wonder, as they thought it

impossible for two armies to lie in such close proximity to each other

without fighting all the time; but the past had taught the men that

picket firing was but murder, and resulted in no advantage to either

side. The men drilled daily and were inspected each Sunday. The spring

campaign was looked forward to as a hard one, as it was supposed that

Lee and Johnson combined, if once together, would move south, and we

would have to follow. The tents of the men were ordered to be cleaned

neatly, as several cases of small-pox had made their appearance. General

Seymour commanding the division, was a strict disciplinarian, and orders

were issued by him that were thought by the men to be useless; every

non-commissioned officer was ordered to wear his chevrons, and if not

obeying was immediately reduced; each man in the division was also

ordered to wear his badge, and if any private was found without the blue

cross, he was placed under arrest. Division headquarters were but a

short distance from the troops, and were near the camp of the 50th New

York engineers, they having the prettiest camp in the army. They built a

splendid church, and negro minstrels were held nightly, officers of

distinction visiting it, and divine service was forgotten; each night

found the church full of men, who, if service had been held, would not

have been found there.

Christmas was spent as usual dull and lonesome. Boxes were sent from

home to the men, and those that had none fared well, as the rations

given the men by the Government were plenty. The last day of the year

was very rainy. Early in the morning the rebel pickets in front of the

division made an attack, and surprised our men. The morning was dark and

our men were driven back, but the reserve pickets soon formed and drove

the rebels back in turn. Three men from the 9th New York were killed and

several were captured. The firing soon ceased, and the last day of the

year passed gloomily enough. The regiment was mustered in for four

months pay by Colonel Janeway, and the members of the 14th spent the

last day of the year very dull and lonesome in camp.

January 1st, 1865, was a dull New Year's to the men, for instead of a

warm dinner at home, the fare of the men was hard-tack and salt pork.

The bands of the regiments were playing national airs. It was the

Sabbath and all was as still as death; not a shot disturbed the silence

of the day. The soldier as he thought of his home, contrasted that with

camp life, and wondered when the war would end. Most of the headquarter

officers were under the influence of liquor, but the regimental officers

were unable to obtain whiskey and remained sober, as the orders of Gen.

Seymour were very strict, that no whiskey should be sold at the brigade

commissaries. It was feared that the enemy would make an attack at

night, and orders were given the pickets not to sleep, as it was rumored

in the southern papers that Lee was about to astonish the world by some

bold movement, and what it was no one could tell. His movement was

anxiously looked forward to by the men, as it was reported that he was

heavily re-enforced by troops from General Hardee's command and from

Breckinridge's. The rebels seemed to be in good spirits, and our men

supposed something unusual had occurred, but it turned out that the

rebel officers had furnished the men gunpowder and whiskey, and then

ordered them to cheer in honor of some great victory, but what victory

it was they knew not, neither did our men.

General Sherman was making sad havoc on southern soil, and the rebel

soldiers, disheartened by repeated defeats, were discouraged, and they

deserted in large numbers to our ranks. Proclamations were issued by the

authorities at Washington and freely distributed among the rebel

pickets, that any one of their number deserting would be sent within any

part of our lines to his home, and paid for his musket and equipments;

though many deserted to our ranks, there were double the number that

went to the rear. The rebel soldiers were ordered to fire on all their

men attempting to desert, but the most of them were anxious to leave,

and fired their muskets in the air. Despondency now prevailed to a great

extent among the rebels, and all felt that their cause was lost, while

on our side the men were furnished with clothing in abundance, with

plenty of rations, and were well contented. Guerillas and raiders were

very active, hovering on our flank and rear; often with concealed

batteries posted on a hill on the banks of the James, would fire on our

boats as they passed to and fro from Washington to City Point. The river

was lined with gunboats, but a few shells from our iron-clads soon drove

them off. The most noted of those was Mosby; with picked men from

Virginia, men that knew every road, his operations were very successful,

but not so successful as the previous year, when our army was dependent

upon a single track railroad from Washington to Brandy Station, as this

passed the entire distance through a hostile country, and every mile had

to be guarded by troops. Occasionally Mosby with his men would make a

grand raid, and after destroying a portion of the track, would retire

with but small loss and with considerable plunder, before our men could

recover from their surprise; now our water communications needed but a

few men on iron-clads, while the most of the troops were at the front.

Heavy rains now set in, and nothing of importance occurred during the

month of January. During this time Jefferson Davis visited Macon,

Georgia, and made a speech, which was reported in the papers south, and

soon became known to the whole country, as the men exchanged papers

daily with the enemy in front of Petersburg. He disclosed his plans,

thus enabling Grant to fully meet him. He also exhibited the weakness of

supposing that an army that had been beaten and fearfully decimated in

vain attempt at the defensive, could successfully undertake the

offensive against the army that had so often defeated it, as he said in

his speech that Lee would soon resume the offensive, and would drive the

Potomac army from its almost impregnable hold on Richmond and

Petersburg; but the future showed that this never was accomplished.

The rebel cause now Looked gloomy enough. Sherman had reached the sea

coast, and the Confederacy was cut completely in two. Nothing more could

be looked for in the southwest, and the whole attention of Grant and Lee

was turned to this one point. In the latter part of January the enemy

again attempted to surprise our pickets and break our lines if possible,

but they were signally defeated in their plans and driven back with

severe loss. In front of the 2d brigade of the 3d division was one of

the largest forts on the line, mounting fifteen guns; it was named Fort

Fisher, and was manned by the 9th New York Heavy Artillery. A large

lookout some two hundred feet high was built near this fort for the

purpose of witnessing the enemy's movements. It was reported that on a

certain day the enemy were to shell this lookout; all preparations were

made in Fort Fisher, the guns doubly shotted and turned upon the enemy's

works, and upon the headquarters of General Longstreet, but a short

distance in the rear of their lines. The day passed and not a shot was

fired, as they knew full well that our guns out-numbered theirs two to

one, and if once opened would do terrible execution, as they had done

heretofore. The breastworks at this point were nearer together than at

any other part of the line, being but a few rods apart. Details were

made from the various regiments daily to guard supplies from City Point,

and to bring ordnance stores for the troops. The new recruits were also

guarded to the front, and then furnished with arms and assigned to their

different commands.

On the night of January 16th, the troops were formed in line of battle,

as it was rumored that the enemy were about to attack; with extreme

caution the men formed in line behind the works, but no attack was made.

It was not known what move they would make, as their leaders were

becoming desperate, and would not hesitate to sacrifice the lives of the

men to accomplish their ends. The news of the capture of Fort Fisher was

read to the troops, and cheer after cheer given for our army and navy.

Gen. Butler was denounced as incompetent to command an army in the

field; all honor was due Major General Terry for his bravery. One

hundred guns were shotted and trained upon the enemy's works from Fort

H--l as a salute. The enemy did not reply; they were crest-fallen

enough, as Wilmington, their most important point, would soon fall, and

like Fort Fisher would soon be occupied by United States troops.

On the 24th of January, the enemy made a desperate attempt to break

through our water communications at City Point. Three gunboats moved

down, and after a desperate fight with our shore batteries, they were

compelled to fall back with the loss of one of their boats and another

disabled. Our iron-clads had nearly all of them gone with the expedition

to Fort Fisher. Lee hoped to take advantage of this, and lay City Point

in ashes and destroy our base of supplies, thereby compelling Gen. Grant

to fall back; but the shore batteries of one hundred pound guns did

terrible execution, and with but small loss on our side, the enemy

retired with heavy loss. For several months Gen. Butler had been digging

Dutch Gap Canal, which had proved a failure, as the war ended before it

was finished; he was relieved by order of General Grant, and ordered to

report at Lowell, Massachusetts. The weather was now very cold, and the

Potomac was frozen; often two and three days elapsed before the

transports could arrive from Washington. The month of January passed

dull enough. Desertions from the enemy were more numerous than ever,

often one and two hundred coming over each night.

On the morning of February 1st, all was excitement in camp, as the

troops were ordered to move out on the left of the line to Hatcher's

Run. The sick were all sent to City Point, and preparations made to move

with all the troops, with the exception of enough to hold the lines in

our immediate front, which were strengthened by the pioneers. All

preparations were made when a terrible storm arose, and the movement was

abandoned. Montgomery Blair had been on a mission of peace to Richmond

but had failed. President Lincoln had agreed to meet representatives

from the Southern Confederacy, and arrange, if possible, terms of peace.

Accordingly Vice President Stephens, Hunter and Campbell passed through

the lines on February 2d, and met President Lincoln and Secretary Seward

at Hampton Roads; but no terms could be agreed upon, as the enemy wished

the recognition of the Southern Confederacy, their cry being

independence or extermination. After a brief conference they returned to

Richmond, and all hope of a speedy peace was abandoned.

The 67th Pennsylvania from the 3d division was filled with new recruits

that had received large bounties. A great many of them deserted, and

several of them were caught and sent back to division headquarters and

placed in irons. They were tried by a military court-martial, and one of

their number sentenced to be shot as a warning to others. Six of them

had hid in the woods near City Point, and were constructing a raft for

the purpose of escaping, but were captured, and one of their number

named James Hicks, was sentenced to death. He was placed in close

confinement in a tent with two guards over him, and was informed of his

fate but bore it very composedly. He was furnished with good victuals,

and attended by a Catholic priest from the 2d corps. He was also allowed

to telegraph to his friends who interceded for him, and was finally

pardoned by President Lincoln, and ever after made a good soldier, doing

his duty well.

On the 5th of February, the 5th corps with two divisions of cavalry,

moved out again to Hatcher's Run, on the Boydton Plank Road, for the

purpose of lengthening our lines. After remaining out two days, the

enemy in force attacked the 5th corps driving them back. The 1st

division, 6th corps, was ordered to their support, and arrived in time

to assist the 5th corps, driving the enemy back in return. The whole

army was under marching orders but did not move, as nothing could be

accomplished, and the 5th corps returned with the loss of one thousand

men, several of the wounded dying from cold and exposure.

The rebels were now deserting at the rate of one hundred per day. The

fall of Charleston was announced, causing gloom in the rebel army, but

great rejoicing in ours, and the men now looked forward to the end of

the war, it being currently reported that the enemy were to evacuate

Petersburg and Richmond. Nearly four years had passed, and now our flag

was floating over the battered walls of Fort Sumter and Charleston where

the ordinance of secession was first passed. General Sherman was moving

rapidly northward, and news of victories were constantly reaching us.

The fall of Wilmington was their last important place, and they were now

cornered, not knowing which way to move. The officers were now deserting

as well as the men, bringing with them their side-arms and equipments.

General Grant deemed it of the utmost importance before a general

movement of the armies operating against Richmond, that all

communications North of the James River should be cut off, the enemy

having withdrawn the bulk of their forces from the Shenandoah Valley,

and sent it South up the valley, which, if successful, would accomplish

a great deal towards the capture of Richmond. Ordering General Sheridan

to move on Lynchburg, leaving a sufficient force to look after Mosby and

his guerillas, he started from Winchester on the 27th of Feb. with two

divisions of cavalry numbering five thousand each, and on the 1st of

March he secured the bridge which the enemy attempted to destroy, across

the middle fork of the Shenandoah at Mount Crawford, and entered

Staunton on the 2d, the enemy having retreated to Waynesboro. Thence he

pushed on to that place, where he found the enemy in force in an

entrenched position under General Early, and without stopping to make a

reconnoissance, an immediate attack was ordered, the position carried,

and one thousand six hundred prisoners, eleven pieces of artillery and

seventeen battle flags were captured; the prisoners under a strong

escort were sent back to Winchester. After destroying a vast amount of

property and railroads, he took up his line of march for the White

House, following the canal towards Columbia, destroying every lock upon

it and cutting the banks wherever practicable. He rested at Columbia one

day, and sent information to General Grant of his whereabouts; an

infantry force was sent to get possession of the White House, with

supplies to meet him. Moving from Columbia in a direction to threaten

Richmond, he crossed both North and South Anna Rivers, and after

destroying all the bridges and many miles of railroad, proceeded down

the north bank of the Pamunkey to White House, which place he reached on

the 19th with his command in safety. After the long march by the cavalry

over Winter roads, it was necessary to rest and refit at the White

House. At this time the greatest uneasiness to the men was, the fear

that Lee would leave his stronghold about Petersburg for the purpose of

uniting with Johnson before driven out, or before our men were ready for

pursuit, as Lee had the interior route and could form with Johnson, and

with their forces combined, whip Sherman before our forces could get up.

As usual before a campaign, the troops were furnished with new clothing

and extra rations. On the 24th of February the paymasters arrived, and

the troops received four months' pay, their last payment in the field;

but none knew it then, nor had the least idea of the war ending so soon.

General Sheridan's raid had created a panic in Richmond, and Pegram's

division was sent through Richmond at a double quick on Sunday morning,

passing Libby Prison, and was seen by our prisoners; but they returned

the next day, as Gen. Sheridan was safely at the White House strongly

fortified against any attack. The pickets were ordered to watch the

enemy closely, and if they attempted to leave at night, to follow them

up. The 28th of February was the last day of Winter, and was rainy and

disagreeable; the log shanties, or as the men called them, shebangs,

were full of water, as this was the hardest rain there had been in some

time. At division headquarters there were nineteen bounty jumpers

heavily ironed, and under sentence of court martial; it was determined

by the military court that one of them should die as a warning to the

rest. Hicks had been pardoned by the President, and was at his regiment

doing duty. Rebel officers now came in our lines, three and four each

night; when the officers began to desert, there was not much to look for

from the men.

Of the number of bounty jumpers under sentence of court martial, John

Kelly, from the 67th Pennsylvania, was sentenced to be shot to death

with musketry on Friday, the 10th of March. The rest were punished in

various ways; some of them were sent to the Rip Raps, and others were to

work on the fortifications around Fortress Monroe. As this was the

first military execution in the division, it was hoped that he would be

pardoned. His friends interposed in his behalf, but all to no purpose,

and the order for his execution was given. The morning of Friday, March

10th, dawned clear and bright, and all were impressed with the solemn

scene. The division was formed in line at nine o'clock about one mile

from camp, to witness the sad event. He had been visited daily by the

priest, and was prepared to die. At 10 o'clock he was led from the

guard-house by the sergeant in charge of the prisoners from the 14th New

Jersey, and the procession moved as follows: First, the band playing the

dead march, followed by the prisoner sitting on his coffin with the

priest and four pall-bearers, and an escort of twenty men marching with

reverse arms to the scene of the execution. The division in line

presented arms. After passing the troops, the band and firing party

filed to the right, the prisoner and pall-bearers to the left. His

sentence was then read to him, and the priest administered the

sacrament; but he seemed totally indifferent, and as unmoved as if a

spectator. He was then placed on his coffin with his arms and eyes

bandaged, and exclaimed, "Fire low, boys, hit me in the heart and kill

me at once." The command was given to fire, and eight balls entered his

body; each one of them would have proved mortal. Four men were reserved

in case he was not killed, but they were not needed, as he was instantly

killed, a warning to all deserters. He was placed in his coffin and

buried where he fell. The arrangements were conducted by the Provost

Marshal, Major Brown; everything was in perfect order, and the division

returned to their quarters.

It was now evident to all that the end of the rebellion was near at

hand. Johnson was retreating from before Sherman, who, with the forces

of Generals Terry and Schofield combined, was sweeping everything before

them. Charleston and Wilmington in our hands, and all blockade running

stopped, there was no hope for them. The last gun and the last article

from England had reached them, and all hopes of foreign intervention

long since abandoned. With their men deserting by hundreds, and all

communication with Richmond and Petersburg severed, with the exception

of two roads, and those insufficient to supply the armies within the

defences of the rebel capital; the last raid of Sheridan had done them

more injury than any previous one. Our army was large and well equipped,

only waiting for the roads to permit an advance. The men dreaded a

forward movement, as there was no way of flanking Lee; their works must

be assaulted and carried at an immense loss of life if attempted, but a

decisive blow must be struck and that soon.

The 17th of March being St. Patrick's day, it was largely celebrated by

the Irish brigade, by racing, tumbling and jumping for the amusement of

the rest; there were several accidents, and one or two were killed. On

the 20th, the 1st division 6th corps was reviewed by General Meade. This

was the finest day there had been in some time and the men presented a

fine appearance. The New Jersey brigade was admired by all for its

precision in marching, and for the noble bearing of the men. Several

major-generals were present; also Admiral Porter. General Wheaton, the

division commander, was mounted on a superb horse, with a splendid

bridle and saddle presented to him by the men. At three o'clock the

review was over, and the men marched back to their quarters.

All surplus baggage was now sent to the rear, as instructions for a

general movement of the armies operating against Richmond were issued,

and all sutlers, purveyors and citizens were ordered to leave within

twenty-four hours. General Sherman moved from the White House, crossed

the James, and formed a junction with the army of the Potomac in front

of Petersburg.

The 14th regiment now numbered three hundred men for duty, commanded by

Lieut. Colonel Janeway. The men had but a few months to stay, and were

not anxious to again enter an engagement. The orders from Grant were for

the men to move on the left, for the purpose of turning the enemy from

their position around Petersburg. All preparations were how made for an

immediate advance as soon as the weather would permit. The month of

March with its colds and rains had nearly passed. Gen. Sherman had

reached Goldsboro, and was resting his weary army. Johnson was in

command of Hood's army, but like the army of Lee, his men were deserting

in large numbers, as they deemed their cause lost; but their leaders

determined to hold on to the last, and then, if unsuccessful, to leave

the country.

The 6th corps had been so far recruited that it numbered nearly twenty

thousand men. After the battle of Monocacy the 14th numbered but

ninety-five men for duty. The regiment had been repeatedly recruited,

and now, with three hundred men and eighteen officers, was ready for the

campaign. A great many of the men had received furloughs, but there

were some who had not seen their homes since enlisting. Of the number

that had left New Jersey nearly three years before, there but few

remained; numbers had been killed, and numbers were at their homes

discharged on account of wounds. At the hospitals many poor fellows lay

in pain that would willingly rejoin their comrades if able; there were

scarcely any of the old boys left that had not been wounded.

On the 23d of March, Lee passed along the whole line of the rebel army,

inspecting and reviewing the troops. There was very little display of

the old enthusiasm with which his presence was wont to be greeted, as

the men were discouraged and saw no farther use of fighting. Desertions

were still numerous, and a new arrangement was made by the rebel

officers; instead of details from the several regiments as heretofore, a

whole regiment was placed at once on picket. They believed that this

would prevent desertions. But this new device was wholly without effect,

as whole companies would desert at once, bringing with them their arms

and equipments.

The troops were all in their respective positions, with no positive

orders to move, nor was it scarcely thought that the enemy would dare

attack our position. Early on the morning of the 25th of March, when

least expected, they assaulted our lines in front of the 9th corps, and

so unexpected was the attack, that ere our men could recover from their

surprise the enemy had captured Fort Steadman and part of the line to

the right and left of it, established themselves and turned the guns of

the fort upon us. But the troops on either flank held their ground until

the reserves were brought up, and after a desperate battle the enemy was

driven back with heavy loss in killed and wounded, and two thousand

prisoners. They paid dearly for their advance, as it was their intention

to break our lines, if possible. General Meade at once ordered the other

corps to advance and feel the enemy in their respective fronts. The

campaign had now commenced, which soon ended in the downfall of the

rebellion. It was hastened by the enemy, as General Grant would not have

moved so soon.

The whole army was now in motion and winter quarters abandoned; pushing

forward, the 2nd and 6th corps captured and held the enemy's strongly

intrenched picket line with heavy loss. The enemy made desperate

attempts to retake this line but without success; our losses were heavy

but the enemy's still greater. Ever since General Grant halted in front

of Petersburg, General Lee had been watching for some weak point in our

lines where he might hope for success, and not waste his men against our

strongly fortified line. He took his time because it was necessary to be

very careful, he could not afford to lose a chance or a single man and

yet this point where he made his attack was apparently on the

supposition that Gen. Grant had weakened his lines to help Sherman, as

his attack was in heavy force; but the whole affair was a splendid one

for us as they were repulsed with great slaughter, their loss in killed,

wounded and prisoners amounting to nearly six thousand men, and this at

that time was a terrible loss to Lee. The nights were spent with anxiety

by the men, lest each morning should bring the report that the enemy had

retreated during the night before. It was firmly believed that Lee would

retreat, and with Johnson and him combined, a long, tedious and

expensive campaign consuming most of the Summer, would become necessary.

By moving out of quarters, the army would be in a better condition for

pursuit, and would at least by the destruction of the Danville Railroad,

retard the concentration of the two armies of Generals Lee and Johnson,

and cause the enemy to abandon much material that they might otherwise

save.

It was not fully ascertained at first the amount of damage done by the

enemy in their attack on the 25th. They had massed four divisions under

General Gordon, and when our men were asleep, made a furious attack on

our line in front of the 9th corps, capturing the fort and guns, and at

the same time they attacked Fort Haskell, but were repulsed with heavy

loss. President Lincoln and lady were present, and witnessed the fight

at a distance. For several days, the division commanded by General

Gordon had held a position in front of the 9th corps, and at midnight

they were silently and promptly formed for a charge; everything was now

ready, and the order forward was given without raising an alarm or a

suspicion. The rebel troops were out safely to their line of works

thrown up for the protection of their skirmishers. At a given signal

they bounded over these works and rapidly cutting gaps in our _Chevaux

de Frise_, pressed on with a yell towards our lines. The attack being

sudden and totally unexpected, and made in almost overwhelming force,

caused our skirmish line to give way before our reserves could get up.

The rebels, confident of success, pressed on with vigor and succeeded in

breaking our line at a point near Fort Steadman; reaching our abattis

they poured a terrific volley in our lines, breaking through on the

left; they captured the fort by charging from the rear. So rapidly was

this accomplished that the officer in command of the fort was captured

with a portion of his men. Re-enforcements soon arrived from the other

corps, and a terrible volley was poured into the enemy's ranks, who were

now bent only on plunder; they could not long remain under such heavy

fire and at last were compelled to fall back. Our infantry flanked the

fort and cut off a large body of the rebel troops, that were commanded

in person by Gen. Gordon, who led the attack. As they fell back they

were literally slaughtered by our men, as grape and cannister were

poured in their retreating ranks. This was their last hope, and

crest-fallen, they fell back to their lines with a loss of over six

thousand men.

Just four hours after the repulse of the rebel attack on the right of

our line, the thunder of artillery and the crash of musketry again

rolled loudly on the chilly March air. This time, however, everything

was changed, the sound came from the left, not from the right; we were

now the attacking party, not the rebels, and the ground we won was not

recovered by them. General Grant, angry at their boldness, determined to

let them know that the Potomac army was yet as ready as ever, and the

6th corps, which never knew the word fail, was ordered to the assault

for the purpose of preventing the rebels from massing their troops, and

at the same time to ascertain if possible their strength; advancing in

three lines, the enemy's entire skirmish line was captured. They had

erected a number of rifle pits in front of their main line; they were

driven out of these works and compelled to fall back or else be

captured; several surrendered at once as they were anxious to enter our

lines. The position from which the attack was made by the 6th corps, was

at the left of our line and near Fort Fisher; the thirty pound guns

doing terrible execution. At two o'clock in the morning, Major-General

Wright and staff reached Fort Fisher, where he was joined by Generals

Wheaton, Seymour, Getty, Keifer and other 6th corps officers. The picket

line was now held by the 10th Vermont and 14th New Jersey, supported by

the 110th and 122d Ohio regiments. The order forward was given, and the

first assault was made by the 10th and 14th, under command of Colonel

George B. Davison, of the 10th Vermont. The rebel position was charged

with great gallantry and success, entering and occupying the line

assaulted. The rebels were now aware of the weakness of the attacking

party, as the two regiments advanced, and they soon massed a column of

troops to drive them back; but the 3d division of the 6th corps was on

hand and gave them such a volley that they fell back in confusion, and

the entire line remained in our possession. The loss in the 14th

regiment was comparatively small, as the fighting did not continue long.

The artillery in the different forts by this time became warmly engaged

with the rebel batteries, and a company of the 9th N. Y. Heavy

Artillery, of the 3d division, sent a shell with such accuracy as to

blow up a caisson in one of the rebel forts; shells were screaming

through the air, and away to the left volleys of musketry told that the

2nd corps was now heavily engaged. Part of the 3d division was placed on

the left of the line with the 2d corps. It was composed of the 10th

Vermont, 14th New Jersey, 110th and 122d Ohio, 6th Maryland and part of

the 9th N. York Heavy Artillery; this composed nearly all the 2d

brigade, with two regiments from the 1st brigade.

The line was now formed for another assault, and when everything was in

readiness the flag of the 1st brigade of Colonel Truex was waved as a

signal to move forward. From the parapet of Fort Fisher the blue cross

of the 3d division, 6th corps, waved, and from thousands of brave men

about to risk life and limb came back a ringing cheer, and as onward

they swept many a God-speed followed them. The batteries on both sides

were hard at work, and not many minutes elapsed before the sharper ring

of small arms was heard.

The line was fast closing on the rebel position, and their outer works

were soon reached. Major Prentiss, from the 6th Maryland, was the first

to enter their works. Scores of rebels preferred capture to running

away, and as soon as they saw our troops inside of their lines, they

threw down their arms and gave themselves up as prisoners of war. The

loss on both sides was heavy; the 14th, as usual, fought well, losing

their share of men in killed and wounded. The result of this fight

proved that the enthusiasm and energy of Lee's troops had dwindled down

to zero. They fought like hopeless, not desperate, men; the spirit which

animated them two years ago had been broken by repeated defeats, and

tamed by short rations. The new position gained was, on Sunday morning,

March 26, held by the entire 6th corps, ready to repel any attack the

enemy would make. The 14th was again on picket, and the long night

passed slowly away, without a shot along the entire line; the enemy was

badly beaten and was quiet the rest of the night. Our men fought

splendidly and successfully, and at night there was a wide-spread

enthusiasm among the troops at the glorious success of the day. The

enemy began the sanguinary work.

The Spring campaign was now opened with favorable auspices to our side,

with a prospect of soon ending the war. The ground gained by the 6th

corps was held during the next three days, the lines having been

advanced one mile and a half from our former position. The 14th was now

relieved from picket; tired and weary, the men lay down to sleep, having

had none for nearly three days. The rebel dead, as they lay strewn

around, were but skin and bone, a fact not to be wondered at, when it is

remembered that for the last six months their chief article of diet had

been a small quantity of corn meal daily.

From the night of the 29th to the morning of the 31st, the rain fell in

such torrents as to make it impossible to move a wheeled vehicle, except

when corduroy roads were laid in front of them. On the 30th, General

Sheridan had advanced as far as Five Forks, where he found the enemy in

force, and awaited re-enforcements. In the meantime, the 2d and 6th

corps were holding the line they had captured without any farther

fighting, awaiting orders to advance. The men were now confident that

the enemy's main works could be carried, and were clamorous to be led

on; but the rain and roads would not permit an advance.

On the morning of April 1st, General Sheridan, re-enforced by the 5th

corps, drove the enemy back on Five Forks, capturing all their artillery

and six thousand prisoners. In front of the 2d and 6th corps there was

nothing but picket firing during the day; at night a heavy cannonade

commenced, and was kept up until morning. Gen. Grant now ordered an

attack along the entire line; accordingly, the 6th corps was massed and

formed in three divisions. At three o'clock on Sunday morning, without a

noise, the column was formed for a charge, with the 9th corps in reserve

to follow the 6th, if successful. General Sheridan, with his cavalry and

the 5th corps, were to attack at the same time, the result being well

known to our readers. At four o'clock the order to move forward was

given, and the 3d division in advance, with a yell charged the enemy's

works, and their entire line was captured with many prisoners and guns.

The 6th corps swept everything before them; the wildest enthusiasm

prevailed, and the men fought reckless of life and limb. Three thousand

prisoners were captured by the 6th corps alone. There was a tremendous

struggle during the day in woods, fields, hills and valleys, and on the

roads and creeks a few miles south and west of Petersburg, and from

twenty to thirty miles beyond the rebel Capital; never was such a scene

presented to the eye. The whole rebel army was now in full retreat

before our victorious troops. Petersburg was captured by the 6th corps

and the Southside road reached and torn up for many miles. The result of

this day's fight was the capture of Petersburg with twelve thousand

prisoners, many thousand stand of arms, and the utter rout of the rebel

army. The most wicked of all rebellions had now absolutely received its

death-blow, and was so positively crushed that no power on earth could

save it. Lee's retreat proved an utter rout. At midnight on Sunday,

Richmond was evacuated, Jeff. Davis taking the rail for Danville; the

lower portion of the city was burned and totally destroyed. For four

long years had our brave men fought, and now the rebel Capital was in

our possession, General Wetsell entering and occupying it on Monday

morning at daylight. The rebel army seemed to hold together feebly

before the battles, but the fierce struggle of Saturday and Sunday had

completely used them up. We had taken twelve thousand prisoners in the

two days, and there were twelve thousand more killed and wounded. Only

one-half of Lee's army was now left; such a force could not long stand

alone with a victorious army in pursuit. It was now Lee's intention to

join Johnson if possible, and such a run would cost them ten thousand

more men.

While the 6th corps was holding the captured picket line without much

fighting, there was severe fighting on the left of the line. It was

reserved for this corps to divide the formidable rebel army, which for

so many months defied our power to drive them from the city of

Petersburg. There were two objects in view; one to create a division in

favor of Gen. Sheridan, and the other to cut the rebel army in two and

destroy the far-famed Southside road. The first notice given the men was

at nine o'clock, when a dispatch came from Gen. Meade, telling of the

success of Gen. Sheridan on the left, and his heavy capture of

prisoners, and ordered the troops to be massed at three o'clock on

Sunday morning as was heretofore stated, and charge the rebel line. The

pickets were also ordered to advance in front of the different

divisions, but did not succeed in arousing a suspicion among them that

we were to attack. The rebels showed how far they were from suspecting a

movement, by calling out to know if we were celebrating April fool's day

at that time in the morning. The order given for the assault was carried

out very punctually, owing to the fact that the greater the surprise the

greater would be our chance of success; the troops therefore moved

outside of the works at two o'clock. The moon had gone down, and the

night was intensely dark; a thin chilly mist arose from the ground,

which served still farther to conceal our movements from the enemy. On

the extreme left of the line was the 1st brigade, with Colonel Truex in

command, and the 14th New Jersey on the right of the brigade under

Colonel Janeway. In forming the line, it was Gen. Wright's intention to

attack in such overwhelming force that failure would be impossible; then

when the column had made good its entrance into the rebel works, the

divisions on the right and left might deploy, and drive the enemy from

their works as effectually as if a fresh corps had attacked. To

co-operate with the attacking column, Gen. Park, with the 9th corps, was

held in reserve, while Sheridan, far away to the left, was thundering on

their flank. Just before the attack, Gen. Wright and staff rode up to

the picket line; a match was struck and the time ascertained; it wanted

just fifteen minutes of four o'clock, and an officer was sent back to

Fort Fisher with orders to fire a signal gun exactly at four o'clock. A

few shots were fired by the enemy as the match was struck, and then all

was still; no object was visible at a distance of a few yards, and of

the thousands of men massed, not one could be seen by the enemy's line.

Suddenly a bright flash leaped out into the darkness, and a loud report

from a twelve pounder rolled in the air; a minute elapsed and a similar

sound came from the left some ten miles away, telling that the signal

was understood. The veterans of the different divisions were now pushed

forward, and the dull crash of musketry and the flash of artillery told

that the battle had begun. The enemy was surprised, but soon rallied,

and a terrific strife now took place. The entire line from right to left

was heavily engaged. Daylight dawned slowly to the men, whose hearts

were already relieved, as it was noticed that the enemy's firing became

more feeble. Gen. Wright's assertion was fulfilled, that he would go

through them like a knife, as their entire line was captured, together

with thousands of prisoners, numerous pieces of artillery and many

battle flags. It was the most complete achievement of the war, and the

first rays of the morning's sun beamed on the ramparts of the captured

forts with the rebel army in full retreat. To retain what we had gained

was necessary to gain more; for this purpose, the 3rd division was

deployed to the left from forts on other parts of the line. The rebels

were already firing on our men, and it was necessary to capture those

forts and silence the guns. The two brigades under command of Colonels

Truex and Keifer, pushed gallantly forward, and Gen. Wright after

assuring himself of the safety of that part of the line, turned his

attention to the left. The division took possession of a portion of the

rebel lines, and soon struck the Southside road, destroying it for over

ten miles. Later in the day when our men had completely cleared the

rebels out of that part of the line, the work of destroying the road was

resumed. General Seymour continued pushing toward the rebels left with

the 3d division, and at one point had as severe a fight as any which

occurred during the day. The rebels had a battery of six guns, two

twenty pounders and four light field pieces, which they served in

magnificent style. Our line was rapidly advanced and a charge made by

the 1st brigade, and six more guns were added to the number already

captured. From this point our progress to the left was comparatively

easy, as the enemy were in full retreat. Soon a line of glittering

bayonets were seen advancing towards us, and Major-General Gibbons

informed Gen. Wright that the advancing column belonged to the 24th

corps.

The 6th corps had by this time reached the vicinity of Hatcher's Run,

and it was decided to right-about-face and march for Petersburg by the

Boydton Plank Road. The troops had but commenced moving towards

Petersburg, when a hearty cheer was given by the rear regiments. The

cause was soon ascertained to be the arrival of Lieut. General Grant and

staff, and as soon as the soldiers saw the Lieutenant-General, they

shouted, "Boys, here's General Grant, three cheers for him," and all

along the line as he rode on his black horse, Jeff. Davis, the men

cheered him with the wildest enthusiasm; he rode with head uncovered,

and bowed his thanks for the soldiers' hearty greeting. On seeing

Generals Wright, Seymour, Wheaton and other 6th corps officers, he shook

hands with great heartiness, and after spending a short time in

conversation, he proceeded towards Petersburg, the corps following

rapidly. On reaching the place, preparations were at once commenced to

attack the works immediately surrounding Petersburg. For this purpose

Gen. Seymour of the 3d division was sent forward to the right of the

line; Gen. Getty to the centre, and Gen. Wheaton to the left. Artillery

was put into position, and soon the battle raged with even greater fury

than in the morning. The rebels seemed determined to defend their forts

to the last, but nothing could withstand the tried valor of General

Wright's troops. The long lines were gradually closed on the forts and

garrisons, and they were compelled to give way before the hard fighting

of the 6th corps. Until after nightfall the contest continued, and the

fate of Petersburg was decided. Major C. K. Prentiss, of the 6th

Maryland, was the first to enter the rebel works, but was unfortunately

shot through the chest a short time afterward. A rebel lieutenant was

picked up wounded, who gave his name as Lieut. Prentiss, of the 2d

Maryland regiment; he was a younger brother of the major, whom he had

not seen since the rebellion broke out; they were both placed in the

hospital together, and their wounds dressed. The meeting between the

brothers was very affecting, causing many to shed tears. Our losses in

killed and wounded, considering the hard fighting, were very light, as

the rebels aimed too high for their fire to be destructive. Night found

us in the possession of Petersburg, with an immense quantity of stores

and ammunition that the enemy had left in their haste. Lee with the

remnant of his army, had fled in the direction of Danville, a

demoralized disheartened force. The loss in the 14th did not exceed one

hundred in killed and wounded. The troops fought well, but none better

than the 14th New Jersey. Led by a brave officer, Lieut.-Colonel

Janeway, they with the rest caused many a rebel to bite the dust, and

with about one hundred and fifty men left, participated in the attack.

The charge of Major-Gen. Wright's veterans under cover of the darkness

and mist, preceding the break of day, will forever live in history as

one of the grandest and most sublime actions of the war. With

irresistible force they broke through the rebel line, in which months of

labor had been expended, and then turning the rebel guns on other

hostile forts, they swept along the rebel line for a distance of five

miles, capturing men, guns and colors. When it is remembered how much

depended on them, and what would have been the consequence if they

failed, the country will treasure as household words the names of

Wright, Getty, Seymour, Wheaton, and other generals who led the

oft-tried but never defeated men of the 6th corps to victory, on the

morning of Sunday, April 2d.

Under cover of the darkness on Sunday night, Lee withdrew the remnant of

his army and fell back across the Appomattox. The bridge across the

river was partially burned by them, but the flames were soon

extinguished by our troops, who commenced entering Petersburg shortly

after sunrise on Monday morning, and were objects of great curiosity to

the negroes of the city. They capered around our men in a most ludicrous

manner, and at every fresh arrival yelled out, "Dar comes de clebber

yankees." The stores were all closed, and the city seemed to have left

off doing business. Our enterprising news boys entered the city along

with the soldiers, and almost before the rear guard of the rebels had

crossed the river, the New York Herald, of March 31st, was sold in the

streets of Petersburg.

The final movement in pursuit of the balance of Lee's army commenced at

daylight. It was General Grant's intention to use them up entirely in

case the charge of the 6th corps should prove a success, and accordingly

the 2d, 5th, 6th and 24th corps, together with the cavalry under General

Sheridan, were put in motion to find the rebels. The camps around

Petersburg were left, and the whole of the grand army of the Potomac was

fairly en route by eight o'clock, with all their teams, ambulances, pack

mules, droves of cattle, and all other necessities for campaigning.

After long weary waiting around Petersburg for nearly nine months, the

change was agreeable, and the recent victories added considerably to the

good spirits of the men. The country passed through was in a fine state

of cultivation, and the bright green of early vegetation looked very

cheerful when contrasted with the brown sandy waste we had looked on for

so long a time. The 6th corps moved in the following order: Getty's

division ahead, Wheaton in the centre, and Seymour with the 3d division

in the rear.

During the day the troops marched forty miles; night found the advance

at Mount Pleasant Church. Hundreds of rebels had been picked up on the

march. The roads were very muddy from the recent rains, and on no other

occasion could the men have marched as far, but all knew the necessity

of capturing Lee's army, and all were willing to do their best. During a

temporary halt in the afternoon, Gen. Meade passed the 6th corps on his

way to the front. He was recognized by the men and greeted with loud and

enthusiastic cheers; for a short time the scene was one that could be

better imagined than described, so great was the enthusiasm inspired by

the presence of the Commander of the army of the Potomac. Caps were

waved and cheers given in a manner which is only heard and seen where

thousands of soldiers are greeting a commander who has won their

confidence and esteem. General Meade returned the greeting of the 6th

corps by repeated bows, although compelled to bestow considerable

attention on the management of the spirited horse he was riding. On

reaching the spot where Gen. Wright was standing, he reined in his

horse, and said to him, laughingly, "The 6th corps men are in such good

spirits that they seem determined to break my neck;" to which the

General replied, that "He imagined they were proud of their success,"

when Gen. Meade, with much feeling said, "Yes, we all know, _and the

country shall know_, that the 6th corps did the business; to them we owe

our success in breaking the rebel line, and we feel very grateful to

them for it."

On the 6th at daylight, the 2d, 5th and 6th corps were at Burksville

Station, and Lee was near Amelia Court House. The enemy again made a

stand, when they were attacked by General Sheridan with his cavalry, and

the 1st and 3d divisions of the 6th corps. A desperate battle was again

fought, which resulted in the capture of six rebel generals, Ewell,

Pegram, Barton, DeBoise, Corse and Fitz Hugh Lee, several thousand

prisoners, fourteen pieces of artillery, and thousands of small arms.

Lee's army was now closely pressed, and nothing could save him from

capture. The troops moving down the road on a parallel with the enemy,

they were again attacked at Sailor's Creek. The 3d division in advance

was moved up the road held by the enemy, which was carried by the

division. By this time Wheaton's division was put into position as

rapidly as possible on the left of the line. While these operations were

going on, similar ones were occurring at other points. By bold and

strategic movements Grant had almost surrounded Lee, and his surrender

was speedily looked for. The men were exhausted and needed rest, but

there was none until Lee's army had been captured. The lines of the 1st

and 3d divisions were again advanced, and swept down the road for a

distance of two miles. Arriving at a deep and difficult creek, the enemy

were found in line on the opposite side; they were immediately attacked

and driven back from Sailor's Creek. In this engagement our loss was

heavy, especially in the 1st division, as the men were compelled to

cross under heavy fire. The 14th was now rapidly diminished in numbers,

with only about 100 men left; but those that were left were as full of

fight as ever. The rebel General A. P. Hill was killed in front of

Petersburg while urging on his men; his loss was felt by them, as he was

one of their leading corps commanders. Ewell was in our hands, and of

the four leading generals of the rebel army, Lee and Longstreet only

were left.

The pursuit was kept up the entire week following the capture of

Richmond and Petersburg, in which the troops marched over two hundred

miles. It was soon found that the enemy had fled from Sailor's Creek to

the north side of the Appomattox; but so close was the pursuit that our

forces secured the bridge, and immediately crossed the 6th corps at

Farmersville. Feeling that Gen. Lee's chance of escape was utterly

hopeless, and his men dropping out at every mile, the following dispatch

was sent to him by General Grant;