_Wednesday, May 6._--Our whole force has retreated across the river during

the night. The rear guard crossed at eight o'clock this morning. Eight

batteries are in position to cover the retreat. The engineers commenced to

break off the pontoons. Some of the rebel skirmishers appeared, but

retreated as soon as our batteries opened on them. Captain Thomas' battery

had quite an action with a rebel battery, losing two men killed and

several wounded. The action was kept up until a rebel caisson was blown

up, whereon firing ceased. The pontoon train got in motion at three

o'clock P. M., and the artillery at four o'clock. The roads were in a

horrible condition. It rained at intervals during the day. In the evening

a heavy rain set in, making it disagreeable beyond description. Our

battery was stuck in the woods several times, till at last we were

compelled to stop for the night. Quite a number of our battery's men

travelled on their own hook, that night. Discipline was getting very

loose. This night will never be forgotten by any man in the battery.

_Thursday, May 7._--The weather cleared off in the morning. We resumed our

march at eight o'clock, arriving in camp at ten.

_Friday, May 8._--Camp near Falmouth. General Sedgwick's corps came in

from Banks' Ford. This corps suffered a heavy loss. At five o'clock P. M.

our battery was ordered to report near the Lacy House. We arrived there at

dark, going in camp close to the Thirty-fourth New York regiment.

_Saturday, May 9._--Opposite Fredericksburg. This morning we placed our

guns in position behind breastworks, occupied by a German battery from New

York, before we came. We are close to the railroad bridge. The Second

division is camping around us again. Stonewall Jackson, having

accidentally been wounded by some of his own men, died to-day. The

Thirty-fourth New York regiment changed camp this afternoon.

_Sunday, May 10._--The weather is pleasant. The ringing of bells, and the

singing in the churches of Fredericksburg, can be heard plainly on this

side of the river. People are walking in the streets just as usual. We

are exchanging words with the rebel videttes across the river.

_Monday, May 11._--Opposite Fredericksburg. Bands are playing in the rebel

camps. Some of their regiments are in parade line,--having muster by all

appearances.

_Thursday, May 14._--Corporals Stephen M. Greene and William Rider left on

ten days furlough. A one hundred pounder Parrott gun arrived from

Washington, by way of Aquia Creek. A heavy thunder-shower.

_Friday, May 15._--The battery received a number of recruits from Battery

G, Rhode Island, and from some of the infantry regiments.

_Monday, May 18._--Opposite Fredericksburg. We commenced to build summer

shades.

_Wednesday, May 20._--We had to furnish one corporal and three privates as

headquarters guard for the artillery brigade, to-day.

_Sunday, May 24._--The news of General Grant's victory on the Big Black

river in Mississippi, were read in line.

_Monday, May 25._--Corporals Greene and Rider returned from Rhode Island.

_Tuesday, May 26._--Bill Drape mistook this day for Thanksgiving, living

in such grand style.

_Wednesday, May 27._--French's division marched to Kelly's Ford in great

haste.

_Saturday, May 30._--We were paid off for two months service.

_Sunday, May 31._--Great excitement prevailed this morning. We were roused

at half-past three o'clock, and the battery hitched up. Battery A, Fourth

Regulars, went in position instantly. The Thirty-fourth New York infantry

formed as support for our battery. But nothing happened; everything quiet

in the afternoon.

_Monday, June 1._--At four o'clock P. M. the battery had to be hitched up

again.

_Tuesday, June 2._--New shelter tents were distributed. This afternoon we

had division drill, under Generals Hancock and Gibbons.

_Thursday, June 4._--Order to be ready to march at a minute's notice.

_Friday, June 5._--Left our camp near the river, establishing another near

General Hancock's headquarters, two miles from the depot. Five o'clock P.

M.--a fight is going on near the Lacy gas works. Our battery opened on

Fredericksburg. The Sixth corps crossed the river on pontoons, and took

the first line of rifle-pits, making some prisoners. Fighting kept on till

seven o'clock, P. M. From our camp the flash of the batteries could

plainly be seen.

_Saturday, June 6._--Expiration of our second year of service. Artillery

firing going on at intervals between Sedgwick's corps and the rebels. A

heavy shower in the evening.

_Sunday, Jane 7._--We got ready to march during the day.

_Tuesday, June 9._--Changed camp again, but moving a short distance only.

The Thirty-fourth New York regiment started for home, their time of

service having expired. A heavy cavalry fight occurred at Beaver Ford,

between Pleasanton, Gregg, and Dufour, and Stuart and Fitz Hugh Lee. The

latter was taken prisoner.

_Thursday, June 11._--The rebel batteries opened on Sedgwick's corps.

_Friday, June 12._--The rebels fired at our balloon near Banks' Ford. The

Twenty-fourth regiment, New Jersey nine months men, went home to-day,

their time being out. We lost five men by it, who were on detached duty in

the battery--honest John amongst them.

_Saturday, June 13._--Our army begins to leave the Rappahannock. The

supplies at the depot are carried to Aquia Creek with the most possible

speed. The First, Third, Fifth, Eleventh and Twelfth corps started towards

Warrenton. All the pontoon trains, but General Sedgwick's, have gone. The

one hundred pounder Parrott gun was brought in position to-day, and fired

once by Major Tompkins, after which the gun rolled off the platform. The

Second and Sixth corps comprise all the troops that are left in front of

Fredericksburg. At seven o'clock P. M. a heavy shower set in. Our battery

was ordered to proceed to the Lacy House. Sedgwick's corps is recrossing

the river. We left camp in a heavy rain, at ten o'clock in the night,

arrived near the river at twelve, and got in position. The thirty-pounder

Parrott gun battery, (Connecticut,) left at once. The one hundred pounder

Parrott gun was taken to the railroad. The Sixth corps passed by all

night. The pontoon train and heavy artillery left at four o'clock A. M. on

_Sunday, June 14._--Opposite Fredericksburg, in position, behind redoubts.

Only the Second corps is remaining yet. The rebels were quite surprised to

find our troops across the river. They walked around their rifle-pits in

squads, and fired at us and our infantry pickets on the shore; but the

general commanding threatened to open on them with artillery, if they did

not stop it. During the afternoon the rebel troops lying around St. Mary's

heights, marched and countermarched. Towards evening, we could see the

cannoniers pull their guns by hand outside of the redoubts, and march off

in the direction of Culpepper. We had orders to leave fifteen minutes

after dark. A deserter swam across the river into our lines about seven

o'clock. Nine o'clock P. M.--leaving the Rappahannock. The guns were

limbered up quietly. We started on the telegraph road, crossed Stoneman's

Switch, and marched all night.

_Monday, June 15._--Arrived at Stafford Court House about seven o'clock A.

M. We found a part of the Sixth corps in line of battle. The Second corps

went in line of battle instantly. The balloon went up for the last time, a

good sign of better prospects, for the balloon never brought luck to our

army. At eleven o'clock, marching was resumed. We crossed Aquia Creek at

three o'clock P. M., going in position near by, and remained there for

the rest of the day and night. The day was terribly hot,--110 deg. in the

shade. Eighteen men died from the effects of the heat. A man of the

Twenty-eighth Massachusetts regiment broke his neck, falling over a stump

of a tree. We marched seventeen miles since leaving Falmouth. Reports of

artillery firing can be heard all day.

_Tuesday, June 16._--The column got in motion at three o'clock in the

morning. Heavy cannonade in the direction of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We

arrived at Dumfries about ten o'clock A. M. Rations were issued there, and

our march resumed at noon. The right section of our battery, under

Lieutenant Peter Hunt, was acting rear-guard to-day. We passed Wolf's run

at seven o'clock, and went to camp for the night, after having marched

twenty miles. The strong fortifications at Wolf Run Shoals, are counted to

the defences of Washington.

_Wednesday, June 17._--This morning we marched to Fairfax Station, (six

miles,) and formed in line of battle. Our corps numbers not more than

eight thousand effective men. The roads leading to Manassas are full of

the army trains, coming from Warrenton.

_Thursday, June 18._--Near Fairfax Station, in line of battle.

_Friday, June 19._--Near Fairfax Station. Marched at four o'clock P. M.,

and arrived at Centreville about six. Went in position in one of the

redoubts. A heavy shower in the night.

_Saturday, June 20._--Centreville. Great row between the Tammany regiment,

New York, and some of the new troops under General Hayes. We left

Centreville at one o'clock P. M., crossed the Cub Run, and marched over

the old battle-field of Bull Run at five o'clock, which awoke all the

bitter feelings of the troops, especially the sight of the skeletons of so

many brave soldiers lying around. It is a shame to the country that the

remains of those men, who fell in the two battles, are not better taken

care of, as the ground lies within our lines. Arriving at Gainesville, the

First and Third divisions, and our battery went to camp. The Second

division marched to Thoroughfare Gap in the night.

_Sunday, June 21._--At Gainesville. A battle is going on between

Pleasanton's and Stuart's cavalry near Ashby Gap. Our cavalry pickets near

Gainesville, were driven in this afternoon. Three companies of infantry,

and the right section, got ready for support. About seven o'clock P. M.,

General Stahl's division of cavalry, with three rifled guns and a

four-pound howitzer, taken from Moseby, near Fairfax Court House, two

weeks ago, passed through, going to Warrenton. A dangerous experiment was

made by John Tyng this evening. Pounding on a round shell, lying there

since the second battle of Bull Run, the shell exploded amidst a crowd of

the battery, without hurting any one.

_Monday, June 22._--Gainesville. It was read in line that General

Pleasanton, supported by Barnard's division of infantry, Fifth corps,

gained a victory over Stuart's cavalry at Upperville and Ashby Gap, taking

two guns and a quantity of small arms.

_Tuesday, June 23._--Gainesville. Trains came up from Alexandria this

morning, bringing supplies. Stahl's cavalry came back from Warrenton.

_Thursday, June 25._--Gainesville. Orders came to pack up. Two trains

arrived from Alexandria, bringing supplies, and the news that the

telegraph line had been broken and several cars burned, between this place

and Fairfax Station, by guerillas. We left Gainesville at noon, crossed

the Bull Run, marched on the Winchester and Leesburg turnpike, passed

Sudley's church, taking the same route we did under McDowell, going to and

coming from the first Bull Run battle, until we turned off to Gum Spring,

halting for the night. Marched eighteen miles in all. Battery B, lost a

caisson and two men taken prisoners, coming from Thoroughfare Gap.

_Friday, June 26._--Gum Spring. Left at ten o'clock A. M., going to

Edward's Ferry, where we arrived by eight o'clock P. M.--ten miles march.

Two pontoon bridges are drawn across the Potomac. Troops are going over

all the time. We halted for the purpose of camping. Tents were pitched,

but the order came at ten o'clock P. M., that all the troops had to cross

before daylight. General Hayes' brigade of Heintzelman's corps, consisting

of the Thirty-ninth, One Hundred and Eleventh, One Hundred and

Twenty-fifth, and One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York regiments, was

attached to the Second corps.

_Saturday, June 27._--Crossed the Potomac at two o'clock in the morning.

Went to rest a mile from the river. Remained until two o'clock P. M.

Resumed marching. Passed through Poolesville at four, Barnesville at nine,

and went to camp at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain at ten o'clock P. M.

_Sunday, June 28._--Resumed our march at six o'clock A. M., passed through

Urbana by one, and came in sight of Frederick at three o'clock P. M. We

went in position on a hill, five miles from the city, having marched nine

miles. Joe Hooker has been superseded by General Meade in the command of

the Army of the Potomac. The rebels occupied Carlisle, in Pennsylvania.

_Monday, June 29._--Marched at eight o'clock. Crossed the Monocacy river.

After passing through Frederick, we turned off to the Baltimore road,

crossing the Stone Bridge. We went through Mount Pleasant, Liberty, Union

Bridge and Uniontown. Cherries are plenty on the road. The people in

general are very patriotic, doing anything for the soldiers. This day's

march, thirty-five miles, is the longest ever made by the battery,

excepting that after the first Bull Run battle. We went to camp at ten

o'clock in the night.

_Tuesday, June 30._--Uniontown. Our corps is resting to-day. Whiskey is

very abundant round here. We have marched one hundred and thirty-nine

miles since the fourteenth of June.

_Wednesday, July 1._--Left Uniontown in the morning, passed through

Taneytown, and were two miles from Gettysburg at dark, having marched

fifteen miles. The First and Eleventh corps fought a battle to-day, losing

the town of Gettysburg. General Reynolds, of the First corps, was killed.

_Thursday, July 2._--Second day's battle of Gettysburg. In line of battle

since six o'clock in the morning. The First, Second, Third and Eleventh

corps in array. Skirmishers firing briskly. Artillery commenced to play.

Nothing of importance was done, until about half-past four, our left wing

advanced and opened the battle. The centre and left were soon hotly

engaged. Our battery was in action all the afternoon. The Third corps lost

ground towards evening, until General Hancock advanced with the First and

Second corps and decided the day. The enemy made another demonstration on

the right, without success. The battle raged until nine o'clock in the

night. One time it seemed as if we were all surrounded. Battery A, Fourth

regulars, reversed their pieces ready to fire to the rear. This battery

and ours fired canister in the evening. Our fourth piece was disabled

early in the action, and sent to the rear in charge of Corporal W. Drape.

One of the rear wheels of the fourth caisson, was shot away. When night

settled down upon the battle-field, each army rested for the final blow.

_Friday, July 3._--Third day's battle of Gettysburg. The enemy's batteries

on his right opened on us before daylight. Three limbers of Battery A,

Fourth regulars, were blown up early in the morning. Our caissons were

sent after ammunition several times. At eleven o'clock firing ceased,

rations were given out, and the men commenced cooking. At one o'clock, all

of a sudden, two signal guns were fired by the enemy, followed by the most

terrific cannonade of more than a hundred pieces of artillery, playing on

our centre. Our reply did not seem to make any impression at all. That

dreadful artillery fire seemed to paralyze our whole line for a spell.

Suddenly as it commenced it ceased, and three immense lines of infantry

advanced to take our almost annihilated batteries. Battery B, Rhode

Island, A, Fourth regulars, I, First regulars, and Pettit's New York

Battery, were taken, but not held by the rebels. Our battery withdrew

their guns with honor, leaving the dead, some of the wounded, and two

caissons behind. At the time of our leaving, the battle was at its turning

point. The most desperate fighting was done on Cemetery Hill and the

Emmettsburg road. The field presented a ghastly appearance. Our officers

behaved very well, especially Lieutenant Jacob Lamb, who, being wounded in

the hand, refused to leave the field, carried ammunition and encouraged

the men. Our loss was: Killed--Patrick Lannegan, first piece, shot in the

groin; John Zimmerli, fourth piece, head taken off by a cannon ball; Simon

Creamer, sixth piece, skull severed by a shell. Wounded--Lieutenant J.

Lamb, hand; Sergeant Benjamin Childs, shoulder; Corporal W. Rider, arm;

Corporal W. R. Calder, back; Corporal Shaw, shoulder; Privates--Grady, leg

off, died afterwards; Gil. Harrison, foot; Higgins, arm shot away, died

afterwards; Markey, shoulder; Curtis, foot, slightly; Googin, arm,

slightly; Cargill, leg; Byron Snow, back; Walter Arnold, leg; Wellman,

elbow, slightly; Morrissey, leg, badly; Hathaway, shoulder; Shampman, hip;

Tuttle, arm; Carlier, slightly; Middleton, leg, slightly; Dawson,

slightly; Tomdorf, leg, slightly; Oaks, slightly. Jack Hughes, and Long

Clark and his brother, ran away. Our battery went two miles to the rear,

in an exhausted condition. The Sixth corps reached the battle-field about

three o'clock P. M.

_Saturday, July 4._--Gettysburg. The battle is over. The skirmishers of

the two armies are yet still confronting each other. Three men of our

battery rode back to the battle-ground to inter our dead; but found them

already buried by Battery C, Rhode Island. Lannegan was buried near our

camp; also, Lieutenant Cushing, Battery A, Fourth Regulars--this battery

is to be consolidated with Battery I, First Regulars. The great artillery

assault on our centre, was the last effort of Lee's army to force our

lines from Cemetery Hill. The rebels' ammunition must have been nearly

expended after that. Our battery used as much as twenty-two hundred rounds

of ammunition, during the battle. The town of Gettysburg is occupied by

our forces. A heavy shower this evening.

_Sunday, July 5._--Battlefield of Gettysburg. Our army has taken twelve

thousand prisoners. The rebels are in full retreat. Pleasanton's cavalry

and the Sixth corps are in pursuit. Our battery will be consolidated with

Battery B, Rhode Island. We received a new supply of ammunition and

marched off on the Baltimore road, by seven o'clock P. M., going in camp

near Littletown, six miles from Gettysburg, by nine P. M. It rained during

the night.

_Monday, July 6._--Remained in camp near Littletown all day. General

French took a pontoon train from the rebels near Williamsport. The Potomac

reported to be very high.

_Tuesday, July 7._--Marched to Taneytown, seven miles, and went to camp,

on account of the infantry having been without rations for several days.

The Twelfth corps passed through this afternoon. The town is under

contribution of rations for the troops.

_Wednesday, July 8._--Left Taneytown early. Marched twenty-four miles

during a tremendous rain-storm. Passed through Woodsborough and

Walkersville, and went to camp in a field of oats, live miles from

Frederick City. The news of the surrender of Vicksburg were read in line

on the road.

_Thursday, July 9._--Marched at seven o'clock A. M. Passed through

Frederick City, which was guarded by the Seventh Regiment, New York

militia, and a new battery; Jefferson City and Perkinsville, crossed the

South Mountain and went to camp for the night, not far from Sharpsburg.

Near Frederick we saw the body of the spy Richardson, hung on a tree by

order of General Buford of the cavalry. Marched eighteen miles to-day.

_Friday, July 10._--Marched through Kettysville. The Third corps, General

French, was fighting yesterday, and cannonading is going on now. Passed

the battle-field of Antietam at twelve o'clock M., going to camp three

miles beyond. The Twelfth corps is camping close to us. The different

corps are fortifying their positions.

_Saturday, July 11._--Marched four miles. Passed through Tillmington. The

enemy was found in front. Our columns formed in line of battle.

Skirmishing was kept up briskly. The rebels fell back a little, as our

artillery opened on them. The cavalry advanced in a body at half-past four

o'clock, gaining some ground. At midnight, the infantry was ordered to

advance and take possession of the Hagerstown road. We remained all night.

We have marched two hundred and twenty-three miles since the fourteenth of

June.

_Sunday, July 12._--We advanced a short distance at eight o'clock A. M.

Our infantry is half a mile ahead. Skirmishing was going on all the

morning. Artillery is used once in a while. All the artillery of the Fifth

corps passed by between four and six o'clock P. M. A heavy shower this

afternoon. In the evening, we changed our position, advancing a quarter of

a mile nearer to the front.

_Monday, July 13._--Changed position in the morning, going a short

distance behind breastworks. Three fortified lines are already formed by

our army. A battle is expected. We remained in our new position all day.

It rained the whole evening and night.

_Tuesday, July 14._--Advance and reconnoissance of parts of the Second,

Fifth and Twelfth corps, cavalry ahead. Our battery marched on the

Williamsport turnpike. Cannonading and musketry fire could be heard at

mid-day. The roads are very muddy. Rebel caissons, full of ammunition, are

frequently found on the roadside. Lee's army is crossing the Potomac at

Falling Waters. General Kilpatrick charged through Williamsport, capturing

the rear guard, consisting of eight hundred men. On our approach, a short

but desperate fight was going on at one of the redoubts, close to the

river. A brigade, in command of General Pettigrew, defending the redoubt,

hoisted the white flag. Forty men of the Eighth Michigan cavalry,

charging, in good faith of their surrender, were all slaughtered after

going in the trap. The redoubt was carried by the infantry shortly after;

but General Pettigrew and most of his men escaped. We had a heavy shower

this evening.

_Wednesday, July 15._--The greater part of the army is marching towards

Sharpsburg. Our battery returned to its former position. We were told to

rest until one o'clock P. M., as we had to do some marching yet. About

three o'clock we started, passed through Sharpsburg at five o'clock, and

marched halfway to Maryland Heights, going to camp late at night. The

Second and Twelfth corps occupy the place.

_Thursday, July 16._--The battery followed the canal road, passed Harper's

Ferry, Sandy Hook, and went to camp in Pleasant Valley. All these places

are full of our troops. Marched two hundred and fifty-six miles since the

fourteenth of June. The engineers are laying pontoons at Berlin and

Harper's Ferry. Iron-clad cars, with a howitzer in each, are running

between Washington and Harper's Ferry. News of the surrender of Port

Hudson, and the occupation of Morris Island, near Charleston, by our

troops.

_Friday, July 17._--Camp in Pleasant Valley. At rest for the day.

_Saturday, July 18._--Left Pleasant Valley at six o'clock A. M. The Second

and Third corps crossed the Potomac to Harper's Ferry on pontoons, and the

Shenandoah river on the trestlework bridge. Marched eight miles into

Loudon Valley, going in camp.

_Sunday, July 19._--Loudon Valley. New clothes were issued to the battery.

We started at six o'clock A. M., marching only four miles. The country

abounds in delicious blackberries.

_Monday, July 20._--Marched ten miles on the Leesburg turnpike, and camped

outside of Bloomfield.

_Tuesday, July 21._--Camp at Bloomfield. Captain McMahon is to be shot

to-morrow for killing Captain McManners.

_Wednesday, July 22._--Bloomfield, Virginia. Started by one o'clock P. M.

Marched through Upperville by six, and Paris by seven o'clock in the

evening, going to camp at the foot of Ashby Gap. Marched eight miles

to-day. Captain McMahon's sentence to be shot, has been changed by

President Lincoln to ten years in the State Prison. The Fifth Regular

cavalry met the rebels at Manassas Gap.

_Thursday, July 23._--Left Ashby Gap early, marching on the mountain road,

leading to Front Royal. Arrived at Markham's Station, on the Manassas Gap

Railroad, by three o'clock P. M. Passed Linden at five. The Stone Church

there is full of our wounded from the engagement two days previous. The

Third corps engaged the enemy during the day. We went to park at eight

o'clock P. M., in Manassas Gap, near the village of Petersburg. The Fifth

corps is ahead of the Second. We marched twelve miles to-day.

_Friday, July 24._--A desperate fight took place on Wapping Heights

yesterday. Our infantry under General Spinola charged the enemy three

times. Lee's army is marching towards Culpepper Court House. Their long

line of trains are visible on the other side of the Shenandoah river. Our

troops are in want of rations, and the horses need forage. The army left

Manassas Gap at one o'clock P. M. Our corps went to camp outside of

Markham's Station, for the night.

_Saturday, July 25._--Started at six o'clock A. M. We had a very difficult

march over the mountains, in intensely hot weather. Lost several horses

during the day. Passed through Rectortown. Our rear was once attacked by

guerillas. Arrived at White Plains by three o'clock P. M. Our battery

parked near the woods. Rations were given out. A heavy rain fell this

evening.

_Sunday, July 26._--Left White Plains at five o'clock, A. M., taking the

course of the Manassas Gap Railroad, turning off to New Baltimore, from

there to Warrenton, arriving at noon. The battery rested until half-past

one o'clock, and marched to Warrenton Junction. The weather was intensely

hot. Dead and dying soldiers were lying along the roadside. Our battery

lost six horses. We marched twenty-four miles to-day. The troops camped

half a mile from the railroad. A shower fell in the night.

_Monday, July 27._--Camp near Warrenton Junction. We have marched three

hundred and thirty-four miles since the fourteenth of June. A heavy fall

of rain in the night.

_Tuesday, July 28._--Camp near Warrenton Junction. We remained quiet. A

shower in the night.

_Wednesday, July 29._--Camp near Warrenton Junction. Remained quiet. A

fall of rain in the evening.

_Thursday, July 30._--Camp near Warrenton Junction. At six o'clock in the

evening, we were ordered to march, going only six miles further and went

to camp at Elktown.

_Friday, July 31._--Went six miles further, towards Morrisville, going in

camp. Clothes were issued this evening.

_Saturday, August 1._--The third division of the Second corps, and our

battery, marched back to Elktown. Our camp is very pleasantly situated

near the woods.

_Sunday, August 2._--Camp at Elktown. The weather is very hot.

_Monday, August 3._--The battery was paid off for two months service.

_Tuesday, August 4._--Camp at Elktown. Cannonade in the direction of the

Rappahannock.

_Friday, August 7._--Battery B drew horses to-day.

_Saturday, August 8._--Elktown. Battery B separated from Battery A,

(ours,) getting a new set of guns at Morrisville.

_Thursday, August 13._--A heavy fall of rain to-day.

_Saturday, August 15._--Elktown. Troops are going to Alexandria.

_Thursday, August 20._--The rebels made a demonstration from the vicinity

of Dumfries.

_Saturday, August 22._--General Warren took command of the Second corps.

He inspected our battery to-day. Hot weather.

_Monday, August 31._--Elktown. Reconnoisance of the Second corps.

Intelligence was brought that Wade Hampton's cavalry had crossed over to

the northside of the Rappahannock on a raid. Our cavalry is to follow

them up, while infantry and artillery are guarding the different fords on

the river. We marched by daybreak, going fifteen miles, and went in park

one mile from United States Ford.

_Friday, September 4._--Return from the Rappahannock. The battery left at

six o'clock P. M., followed by the First division. We did not go back to

Elktown, but were ordered to report at Morrisville. Kilpatrick's cavalry

returned, having destroyed the gunboat taken by the rebels.

_Wednesday, September 9._--Morrisville. Mounted drill.

_Thursday, September 10._--Mounted drill.

_Friday, September 11._--Cannonading heard in the direction of the

Rappahannock.

_Saturday, September 12._--Morrisville. The Second corps left camp at ten

o'clock A. M., marched to Bealton Station, from there to Rappahannock

Station, going in camp for the night. The First and Fifth corps are

camping near the fords. Our cavalry has crossed the river, and is

skirmishing with the rebels; We marched ten miles to-day.

_Sunday, September 13._--At Rappahannock Ford. The whole cavalry corps is

across the river. The Second corps crossed about eight o'clock A. M., on a

pontoon bridge. The cavalry and horse artillery are already fighting

between Brandy Station and Culpepper Court House. We halted for an hour at

Brandy Station, on the road to Culpepper. Three rebel guns, and twenty

artillerymen, who were Maryland rebels, and well dressed, captured by

Kilpatrick's cavalry, were carried by. We arrived in Culpepper at six

o'clock P. M. The view of the surrounding country is splendid. Our cavalry

drove Stuart's cavalry clear to Cedar Mountain, occasionally firing a gun

at them. We were in line of battle, the artillery on the hills, and a part

of the infantry around Culpepper Court House. Rain fell during the night.

_Monday, September 14._--In line of battle at Culpepper Court House. The

cavalry still fighting near the Rapidan.

_Tuesday, September 15._--Culpepper Court House. Cannonading going on

since morning.

_Wednesday, September 16._--Culpepper Court House. At nine o'clock A. M.,

orders came for the Third division, our battery and Battery B, to advance.

We marched through the town to Cedar Mountain, General Pope's battle

ground, and occupied the hill during the evening and night, in line of

battle. We could see the rebel artillery fire on our cavalry at Raccoon

Ford. Marched eight miles to-day. A very cold night.

_Thursday, September 17._--Cedar Mountain. Left at ten o'clock, A. M.,

marching only three miles. Heavy skirmishing was going on during the

afternoon at Robinson's Creek. The rebels are in strong force on the

Rapidan. Our battery went to camp near the woods in the evening. A heavy

fall of rain all night.

_Friday, September 18._--Near Robinson's Creek. Two deserters, of the

Fourteenth Connecticut regiment, were shot to-day, in presence of the

Third division, Batteries A and B, Rhode Island. At the same time a fight

was going on near the Rapidan.

_Saturday, September 19._--Near Robinson's Creek. We changed camp. The

battery was hitched up until four o'clock P. M. Quiet until

_Tuesday, September 22._--A cavalry fight took place on the other side of

Robinson's Creek.

_Wednesday, September 23._--Robinson's Creek. Fighting going on all the

afternoon. We can see the troops manoeuvring on the other side of the

creek. Artillery was firing rapidly. Afterwards we found out that

Kilpatrick's cavalry returned from a reconnoissance, the enemy disputing

his passage fiercely.

_Thursday, September 24._--Robinson's Creek. The battery was paid off for

two months service. New clothes were issued in the afternoon.

_Sunday, September 27._--The Eleventh and Twelfth corps are leaving the

Army of the Potomac, going to join the Western army.

_Tuesday, September 29._--Our battery, without the caissons, turned out

this afternoon under cover of the woods, to Robinson's Creek, to support

the cavalry, they making a dash on the rebel picket lines towards evening,

which was done in good style. We did not fire, and returned to camp at

dark.

_Friday, October 2._--It rained all day. A deserter was shot in the First

division.

_Saturday, October 3._--Robinson's Creek. The Third brigade of the Third

division, Second corps, under General Paddy Owen, came to camp this

evening, close to our battery.

_Sunday, October 4._--Mounted inspection.

_Monday, October 5._--The Sixth corps arrived to-day to relieve ours, (the

Second.)

_Tuesday, October 6._--The Second corps left Robinson's Creek, at seven

o'clock, A. M., returning to Culpepper. The main body of the army camps

around Culpepper. The town presents a lively aspect.

_Friday, October 9._--Lee's army reported to operate on our flank.

_Saturday, October 10._--Culpepper Court House. The army is in line of

battle around Culpepper. A battle expected. Our battery marched three

miles to the right of Culpepper, going in position in the woods at night.

The engineers of the Second division were cutting trees all night. The

position of our battery is very poor, as manoeuvring is absolutely

impossible in these woods. Lee's whole army is in motion on our right

flank.

_Sunday, October 11._--Our corps fell back to Culpepper at two o'clock in

the morning, halting there until daybreak, when we marched back to

Rappahannock Station, the Sixth corps in our rear. The whole army is

falling back. Infantry are busy levelling the redoubts that cover the

ford. The battery went to Bealton Station, going in park.

_Monday, October 12._--Bealton Station. Heavy fighting going; on between

Kilpatrick's and Stuart's cavalry. At twelve o'clock the Second and Sixth

corps received orders to recross the Rappahannock. Arriving there in quick

time, we crossed immediately, and formed in line of battle. The two corps,

drawn up in a straight line, half-way between Brandy Station and the

Rappahannock, presented a splendid sight. The enemy fell back to Culpepper

after sunset. General Gregg's cavalry was defeated at White Sulphur

Springs to-day. Orders came suddenly, at twelve o'clock in the night, to

fall back across the Rappahannock.

_Tuesday, October 18._--We arrived at Bealton Station before daybreak, and

were immediately ordered to White Sulphur Springs, to support Gregg; but

the order was countermanded when we were within a few miles from there. We

marched at once in the direction of Warrenton Junction, and halted at

dark, on account of the Third corps trains. Marched twenty-five miles

since last night.

_Wednesday, October 14._--Action on Coffee Hill and at Bristow Station.

The Second corps was in motion at three o'clock in the morning. Large

fires were burning all along the roadside. Near daybreak, one of our

caissons and one of Battery B's, were upset in crossing a stream. Reports

of carbines greeted our ears, astonishing everybody, as no attack from the

enemy was expected. Great excitement prevailed at first. Several men of

the First division were killed and wounded, the rebels opening furiously

on a hill where the infantry were busy cooking coffee. The rebel force

consisted of cavalry and horse-artillery. Our battery took position on the

hill, but changed front soon after, firing to the rear, facing a deep

creek below the hill. Generals Warren and Caldwell were present. General

Warren ordered General Hayes to march his division directly to Manassas

Junction, and if opposed by the enemy, to charge with the bayonet at once.

A short time after a battery appeared in our front. Captain Arnold wished

to open fire; but, incredible as it sounds, yet true, General Caldwell

would not allow it, taking the rebels for our own troops. They unlimbered,

and opened a well-directed fire on our battery, which had a very exposed

position. Our fire did not seem to have much effect. General Caldwell did

not remain after finding out his mistake. Our battery was compelled to

withdraw. A section of regular artillery tried to get in position, but was

unable to do so. The line of march was taken up immediately, cavalry and

horse-artillery marching on both flanks. We were not disturbed any more

until four o'clock P. M., our troops suddenly met the enemy on the

railroad at Bristow Station. Only four guns of our battery were at hand,

the right section acting as rear guard. We were opposed by a six gun

battery, having mostly white horses. A desperate engagement followed,

lasting one hour. We fired point blank most of the time. The rebel

battery was nearly annihilated, and five of their guns carried away by

our infantry; but our battery deserves due credit for the capture of the

rebels. The right section arrived after the engagement was over, taking up

its position instantly. At dark the enemy suddenly attacked us on our left

flank, bringing a battery to bear on us from the other side of the

railroad; but the dam being too high, they could not fire with accuracy.

We changed front at once, opening fire, and silencing the battery shortly

after, ending the engagement thereby. Hill's corps and Stewart's cavalry

were the opposing forces. The Second corps captured five guns and nearly a

thousand prisoners. We all crossed Kettle Run, late in the night, marched

to Centreville via Manassas Junction, arriving there in a tired-out

condition. Our loss at Bristow Station was: Killed--Philip Crayton.

Wounded--John Moran, died afterwards; M. Desmond, James Gardner, Patrick

Healey, and Theodore Reichardt.

_Thursday, October 15._--Centreville. The battery is refilling ammunition.

_Friday, October 16._--A heavy rain. The battery advanced in front of Cub

Run.

_Saturday, October 17._--Cub Run. Cannonading is going on near Bull Run.

The left section received new guns. During the afternoon the engineers

laid a pontoon bridge across Cub Run, without meeting any opposition. The

battery turned out to support, while a brigade of cavalry and some horse

artillery, crossed the Run to reconnoitre.

_Sunday, October 18._--Cub Run. The cavalry is fighting on the way from

Manassas Junction to Bristow Station.

_Monday, October 19._--A heavy fall of rain at four o'clock in the

morning. The Second and Third corps crossed Cub Run by daybreak, marched

over Bull Run and Manassas Junction, and went to camp two miles from

Bristow Station. The infantry carries rations for ten days. We marched

eight miles to-day. The rebels have broken up the Orange and Alexandria

railroad.

_Tuesday, October 20._--Marched over the battle-field at Bristow Station

and through Greenwich, going in position on Coffee Hill at dark. Marched

eighteen miles to-day.

_Wednesday, October 21._--Remained on Coffee Hill all day. The remains of

the soldiers who fell here on the fourteenth were buried by our troops.

The Third corps advanced further.

_Thursday, October 22._--Coffee Hill. Changed camp this afternoon.

_Friday, October 23._--Marched to within two miles of Warrenton Junction,

going in camp.

_Saturday, October 24._--Camp near Warrenton Junction.

_Monday, October 26._--Cannonading going on, some distance off. All the

artillery of our corps was packed up until half-past six o'clock.

_Wednesday, October 28._--Skirmishing going on at Bealton Station.

_Saturday, October 31._--Camp near Warrenton. The battery was mustered in

for two months service, by Captain Hassard, of Battery B. Mounted

inspection at eleven o'clock A. M., by Lieutenant Colonel Munroe,

Chief-of-Artillery of the Second corps, our former lieutenant.

_Friday, November 6._--Review of the artillery of the Second corps, by

Lieutenant Colonel Munroe.

_Saturday, November 7._--The army in motion. All the corps are marching

towards the Rappahannock. Forced march to Bealton Station. Our corps took

the road towards Kelly's Ford. The Sixth corps surprised the rebels

completely at Rappahannock Ford, charged on their works, and captured four

guns, four colors, and eight hundred prisoners--four colonels and three

lieutenant colonels amongst them. The Third corps took four hundred

prisoners. After arriving at Kelly's Ford, our corps went to camp for the

night.

_Sunday, November 8._--At Kelly's Ford. The Second and Third corps crossed

the river at half-past six o'clock A. M., on pontoons, forming in line of

battle. No opposition was met with when we advanced. Ewell's corps seemed

to have occupied the ford, winter quarters having been built already. The

different corps advanced two miles further from the river. Our corps

camped on Colonel Thomas' plantation in the evening.

_Monday, November 9._--Camp on Colonel Thomas' plantation. The first snow

fell. All remains quiet.

_Wednesday, November 11._--The battery changed camp. All the artillery of

the Second corps is forming one camp. The enemy is on the other side of

the Rapidan.

_Thursday, November 12._--We were paid off for two months service.

_Saturday, November 14._--A heavy shower fell about nine o'clock in the

evening.

_Sunday, November 15._--Our battery was packed up, ready to march, all the

morning. Heavy cannonading going on at the Rapidan. The order to march was

countermanded in the afternoon. It rained all day.

_Monday, November 16._--Mounted inspection by Lieutenant Colonel Munroe in

the afternoon. The first train of cars crossed the bridge over

Rappahannock Ford.

_Wednesday, November 18._--Review, in honor of some English officers. Our

battery was harnessed up, but did not turn out.

_Saturday, November 21._--It rained all day.

_Sunday, November 22._--New clothes were issued to the battery.

_Thursday, November 26._--Thanksgiving day. The army is advancing again.

The Second and Fifth corps marched by daybreak. Before marching, it was

announced to the troops, that the western army, at Chattanooga, achieved a

great victory over Bragg's forces. Arriving at Germania Ford, most of the

artillery, our battery amongst it, was brought in position, while the

cavalry charged across the Rapidan. Approaching the enemy's works, they

were found deserted. A pontoon bridge was immediately laid for the

infantry. The artillery had to ford the river. We marched on the

plank-road, leading to the Wilderness, until seven o'clock P. M., going in

position by eight. All the troops are in line of battle. A severely cold

night.

_Friday, November 27._--Resumed our march on the plank-road, turning off

to the Orange Court House road by nine o'clock A. M. Our skirmishers met

the enemy at the Red Tavern. Brisk skirmishing commenced, and some of the

short range artillery went in action. We remained on the roadside until

five o'clock P. M., going in park then. A large quantity of rails were

secured by the battery boys to keep large fires burning all night.

_Saturday, November 28._--The order was to be awake by three o'clock in

the morning. At daybreak our lines advanced, but the enemy fell back some

distance. Our line of battle followed rapidly until ten o'clock A. M.,

when suddenly our advance was checked in front of Mine Run. Finding the

rebel army in battle array, presenting a formidable line, our battery was

brought in position at once; but, shortly afterwards, ordered to advance

and open fire on them. Our unexpected firing broke the front line of

infantry very soon; but two batteries taking the position, opened a

terrible fire on our battery. Owing to our exposed position, we had to

withdraw our guns by hand to the rear, where the ground formed a sort of

ravine. At this time, Rickett's Pennsylvania battery, and Ames' New York

battery, opened from our left. Our battery fired sixty rounds. We had one

man wounded, Burrill,--a detached infantry man,--a cannon ball breaking

his arm. Shortly after we retired to our former position. All hands went

to digging until eleven o'clock in the night. About midnight we were

ordered to fall back on Red Tavern. The roads are in a horrid condition.

Rain set in early in the morning.

_Sunday, November 29._--Red Tavern. March of the Second corps and a

division of the Sixth to the left flank, at seven o'clock A. M. All the

rear boxes of the caissons were left behind, so as not to impede the march

on the muddy roads. We turned off to the Gordonsville plank-road. Our

cavalry was skirmishing all the time. Passing through the woods, the

enemy's batteries opened a heavy fire, but were responded to by our horse

artillery. A line of battle was formed at once. Our battery went in

position on a knoll, close to the woods. The enemy ceased firing at dark,

and the glare of both armies camp-fires was soon visible. The night was

very cold. We are only three miles from Orange Court House.

_Monday, November 30._--Most of the infantry of the Second corps, and the

division of the Sixth, advanced before daylight, with the intention to

take the enemy's works by assault. It was understood that we should open

fire at an elevation of nine degrees, by the first bugle sound. The

second signal of a bugle should be for the infantry to storm the works.

But we waited in vain for any signal, General Warren stating the works

could not be taken without immense loss of life; the main works being

built of solid logs, two feet thick, the breastworks eleven feet high and

six feet thick, mounted with eighteen guns. Our battery opened several

times on the enemy, who was endeavoring to carry artillery by our front.

Sergeant Olney made a splendid shot during the morning. Heavy cannonading

was kept up on the right the whole forenoon; but neither army seemed to be

very anxious to open the battle. Horse artillery fired on our position

several times, without doing any damage. During the afternoon the right

section took position ahead of us, a little to our right, firing some. Our

whole line was fortified during the day. At dark, our battery was ordered

to fall back to the rear, which was gladly responded to. Going about two

miles, we went in park close to the Fredericksburg plank-road.

_Tuesday, December 1._--All the trains are going towards the Rapidan.

Troops were marching back all the afternoon. The right section of our

battery, under Lieutenant Hunt, was sent back to the front to guard the

Orange road, but returned again in the evening. At eleven o'clock in the

night, the Second corps commenced marching to the rear, on the

Fredericksburg plank-road. Our battery was the last of the corps. The

night was cold but clear. The moon shone. We travelled very fast. A

division of cavalry and some horse artillery concluded the rear-guard. We

marched all night. Large fires were burning on both sides of the road.

Sometimes the woods were all on fire. On this march we were undergoing

great sufferings, many of us having no overcoats.

_Wednesday, December 2._--We crossed the Rapidan at Culpepper Ford, early

in the morning. All the troops went over at once; the cavalry cutting off

on a shorter route. The pontoons were taken off immediately, while the

troops halted to rest on the other side of the Rapidan. The rebel

van-guard made its appearance, but were shelled by our horse artillery,

dispersing them soon. We marched until eight o'clock P. M., when we

reached our old camp on Colonel Thomas' plantation. The mansion was

destroyed entirely by our troops during the seven days campaign across the

Rapidan. This is the first night for some time, we rest again in peace.

_Friday, December 4._--All the artillery changed camp.

_Saturday, December 5._--Left at eight o'clock A. M., and went to camp

near Stevensburg, five miles from Culpepper; the poorest place that could

be selected in winter time, as there is no firewood near at hand.

_Sunday, December 6._--Camp near Stevensburg. Lieutenant Lamb left the

battery, going to Battery C, Rhode Island. Lieutenant Blake, formerly

orderly sergeant of Battery B, took his place.

_Monday, December 7._--Camp near Stevensburg. The infantry of the Second

corps marched to the woods to build winter-quarters.

_Tuesday, December 8._--Camp near Stevensburg. The artillery brigade left

camp, going to winter-quarters within one and a-half miles of Brandy

Station.

_Wednesday, December 9._--Camp near Mountain Run. Everybody is cutting

wood for winter-quarters. A battalion of engineers are building a bridge

over the Mountain Run. Lieutenant Colewell arrived for our battery.

_Thursday, December 10._--The artillery brigade changed camp, going across

Mountain Run at noon, and again by four o'clock P. M.

_Friday, December 11._--It is now decided to remain here for the winter,

and orders were given to build winter-quarters. A general order was read

in line, to the effect that veterans, wishing to re-enlist, would get

eight hundred dollars bounty and a furlough of thirty days.

_Saturday, December 12._--It was announced that soldiers could obtain

furloughs for ten days. The building of winter-quarters is progressing. It

rained to-day.

_Wednesday, December 16._--Mounted inspection by Lieutenant Colonel

Munroe. Orderly Sergeant Thompson went home on a furlough.

_Thursday, December 17._--Captain Arnold left on a furlough of ten days.

_Friday, December 18._--Private Bontemps arrived in the battery after

seven months absence. Raid of guerillas on the Orange and Alexandria

Railroad.

_Sunday, December 20._--Mounted inspection.

_Tuesday, December 22._--Commenced building stables for the horses.

_Thursday, December 24._--Cold weather.

_Saturday, December 26._--Orderly Sergeant Thompson returned from home.

_Sunday, 27_, _Monday, 28_, _Tuesday, 29_, _Wednesday, 30_, _and Thursday,

December 31._--Rainy weather all this time.

1864.

_Friday, January 1._--Winter-quarters at Mountain Run. Cold weather.

_Saturday, January 2._--Many horses die from the cold.

_Wednesday, January 6._--Cold weather.

_Thursday, January 7._--Mountain Run. Snow storm.

_Monday, January 11._--The use of countersigns commenced again from this

day.

_Friday, January 15._--Mounted inspection.

_Monday, January 18._--Rain.

_Thursday, January 21._--Mrs. Captain Arnold arrived in camp.

_Sunday, January 24._--Mounted inspection.

_Friday, January 29._--Mounted drill before General Hayes.

_Tuesday, February 2._--First thunder-shower.

_Friday, February 5._--The First Minnesota regiment marched off at

daybreak, going home to reorganize.

_Saturday, February 6._--Reveille at four o'clock in the morning. We had

orders to march by six o'clock A. M., with a blanket and rations for three

days. The infantry of the Second corps, and all the long range artillery,

marched through Stevensburg to the Rapidan. Arriving at Morton's Ford,

skirmishing commenced between ours and the rebel infantry. A rebel battery

on a hill opened on our battery, while going in position close to the

river. We did not open immediately, as the rebel battery fired but a few

rounds. The Third division, under General Hayes, forded the stream. At

four o'clock in the afternoon, General Webb, of the Second division,

ordered the infantry to advance, and our battery to fire. We used

twenty-four rounds. The infantry pushed on, half-way up the hill, but had

to retire at dark. Our battery fired fifteen more rounds, by Lieutenant

Colonel Munroe's order. The infantry kept on fighting until seven o'clock

in the evening. It rained all day.

_Sunday, February 7._--In line of battle at Morton's Ford. All of our

infantry recrossed last night. The rebel sharpshooters advanced to their

rifle-pits, firing on us. We remained quiet nearly all day. At dark we

returned to camp, arriving about ten o'clock P. M. The roads were in a

floating condition. The loss of our corps amounts to three hundred men.

_Friday, February 12._--Sergeant Greene and Eugene Googins, went to Rhode

Island for the purpose of recruiting. Mounted drill.

_Sunday, February 14._--Mounted inspection.

_Tuesday, February 16._--Monthly mounted inspection, by Captain Thompson,

acting chief-of-artillery.

_Wednesday, February 17._--The battery was paid off for two months

service. Some of the men received clothing money.

_Friday, February 19._--Review of the artillery of the Second corps by

General Warren.

_Sunday, February 21._--Mounted inspection.

_Monday, February 22._--Washington's birthday. Battalion drill of the

artillery of the Second corps, by Captain Thompson.

_Tuesday, February 23._--Review of the Second corps and General

Kilpatrick's cavalry division. The review was held between Stevensburg and

Pony Mountain. The weather was splendid. The troops presented a good

appearance. Generals Meade and Warren, Senator Sprague, and many ladies

were present.

_Saturday, February 27._--The Sixth corps is going towards the Rapidan, on

a reconnoissance. We have orders to keep three days rations on hand, and

be ready to march.

_Tuesday, March 1._--A heavy fall of rain.

_Saturday, March 5._--Rain.

_Sunday, March 6._--Mounted inspection.

_Thursday, March 17._--St. Patrick's day. Monthly inspection by Captain

Thompson.

_Friday, March 18._--One section of each battery in the corps had to turn

out for target-shooting in the afternoon.

_Saturday, March 19._--All the artillery had to go in position on the

hill, but returned soon to the camp again.

_Tuesday, March 22._--We were paid off for two months service. Snow-storm.

_Friday, March 25._--The Army of the Potomac is to be divided in three

corps. The Second will be consolidated with the Third corps, and commanded

by General Hancock; the Fifth corps commanded by General Warren; The First

and Sixth corps by General Sedgwick.

_Saturday, March 26._--Lieutenant General Grant arrived at Brandy Station.

_Sunday, March 27._--Mounted inspection.

_Tuesday, March 29._--A heavy rain.

_Wednesday, March 30._--Rickett's Pennsylvania battery changed camp, going

on top of the hill on the other side of Mountain Run.

_Friday, April 1._--Rain.

_Saturday, April 2._--Rain.

_Sunday, April 3._--We exchanged ammunition with Thompson's Pennsylvania

battery.

_Monday, April 4._--Captain Thompson's battery left for Washington.

_Tuesday, April 5, and Saturday, April 9._--A heavy fall of rain on both

days.

_Monday, April 11._--Mounted inspection by the new chief-of-artillery,

Colonel Tidball, of the Fourth Heavy Artillery, New York.

_Tuesday, April 12._--Eugene Googins and Bill Taylor returned from

Providence.

_Thursday, April 14._--Fred Frown, promoted to captain, arrived to-day,

and was presented with a sabre, in presence of Colonel Tompkins and

Lieutenant Colonel Munroe, by Battery B, his new command.

_Sunday, April 17._--Lieutenant Colewell left the battery to-day, being

discharged on his application.

_Tuesday, April 19._--The artillery practised target-shooting in the

morning.

_Wednesday, April 20._--Review of the artillery of the Second corps, by

General Hancock. The corps has eight batteries now.

_Friday, April 22._--Review of the Second corps, numbering nearly forty

thousand men, by General Grant.

_Sunday, April 24._--Mounted inspection.

_Monday, April 25._--This afternoon, a private of the Nineteenth

Massachusetts regiment was hung for violating a woman eighty years old.

_Wednesday, April 27._--The battery broke up winter-quarters this morning,

and went to camp between Stevensburg and Pony Mountain. Sergeant Greene

returned from recruiting.

_Friday, April 29._--The battery changed camp again, moving close to the

infantry.

_Saturday, April 30._--We were mustered in for two months service.

_Sunday, May 1._--Mounted inspection. Burnside's corps arrived at

Warrenton Junction.

_Tuesday, May 3._--The Army of the Potomac commences the great campaign

against Richmond. General Grant is with the army. Our battery left camp at

eight o'clock in the evening, and marched all night.

_Wednesday, May 4._--Arriving at the Rapidan, we halted but a few minutes.

Our cavalry was already across. About six o'clock A. M., we forded the

river at Ely's Ford. The infantry crossed on a pontoon bridge. We marched

directly towards the Wilderness, and arrived at Chancellorsville at noon.

One division of the Second corps formed in line of battle, facing

Fredericksburg, and remained there all day and night.

_Thursday, May 5._--Battle in the Wilderness. At seven o'clock in the

morning, the army was in motion, on the road leading to Spottsylvania. The

Sixth corps was in possession of Mine Run. Fighting commenced on our right

about one o'clock P. M. The First division, Batteries A and B, Rhode

Island, turned to the left at four o'clock P. M. Parts of our corps were

hotly engaged near sunset. Our battery went in position near a farm house,

and commenced to fortify immediately. So did the infantry on our left. The

troops on our left were to be withdrawn, but suddenly ordered to halt as

the rebel cavalry was reported to attack our left. In the night, our

battery withdrew some distance to the rear, going in park. General Hayes

was killed to-day.

_Friday, May 6._--Battle in the Wilderness. The troops were awake at three

o'clock in the morning. Our battery returned to its position at daybreak,

and was strengthening the fortifications. Incessant musketry fire was

going on from five o'clock until ten o'clock A. M. Most of the fighting

took place in the woods. Very little artillery had been used so far. The

right section of our battery went to the rear to guard a road against the

rebel cavalry. The enemy opened on our left with artillery, but was

vigorously replied to by the Tenth Massachusetts battery. Heavy

cannonading was going on on the extreme right. One gun of Rickett's

Pennsylvania battery bursted. A general attack from the rebels was

expected in the evening; but all remained, quiet during the night. We

stayed within our fortifications all night, laying alongside of our guns.

_Saturday, May 7._--Battle in the Wilderness. We were fortifying our

position stronger yet. Little fighting was done in our front to-day. The

woods are on fire, exposing the wounded to a horrible death. General

Sheridan's cavalry has been fighting hard all day, near Todd's Tavern. Our

battery went to the rear at eight o'clock in the evening; but was kept in

readiness for marching all night.

_Sunday, May 8._--Battle in the Wilderness. Fredericksburg is in our

possession. All of our wounded are sent there. The Second corps advanced

as far as Todd's Tavern, forming in line of battle, the cavalry on the

flanks. Fighting was kept on until night, mostly in the woods. Artillery

not much used. General Grant and staff passed by. The infantry was

fortifying all night.

_Monday, May 9._--Battle in the Wilderness. Line of battle at Todd's

Tavern. Before break of day, our battery took position behind breastworks,

built by the Thirty-ninth New York Regiment. But no engagement took place

at this point. We left the position at noon, marching to the right. About

three o'clock we got sight of the enemy's trains on the other side of the

Po Creek. The right section, under Lieutenant Hunt, and one of Battery B,

went in action, shelling the rebel trains. An hour afterwards, the rebels

brought four pieces of horse artillery to bear on the two sections, but

were silenced in twenty minutes. Walter Arnold, of our battery, was

slightly wounded. Battery B had two men killed. The Second corps crossed

the Po Creek at dark. Our battery went to park at ten o'clock P. M.

General Sedgwick was killed by a sharpshooter. Picket firing all night.

_Tuesday, May 10._--Near Spottsylvania Court House. Fighting commenced all

along the line. A report of the fall of Petersburg was read to all the

troops. Our battery went a few rods to the rear, to be out of the way. The

right section started off, and had an action of half an hour's duration,

coming very near being flanked. At eleven o'clock, our whole battery went

to the rear, which was threatened by the enemy. We went in action on the

roadside, firing for half an hour. The rebels evidently drove our

infantry. The battery changed position, having the open field in the front

and the woods in the rear and no road left to retreat but one, which was

already endangered by the enemy. General Barlow, commanded our troops at

this point. It was decided now to withdraw the right and centre sections,

leaving the left section to cover the retreat, without any support at all,

to oppose the enemy, who was massing three formidable lines of infantry

against us. Captain Arnold and Lieutenant Blake remained with the left

section, giving orders to load and lay down until the enemy should be very

near. This was done accordingly. At command of Captain Arnold, the pieces

were fired with good effect, and two of the rebel guns soon silenced. The

left section fired point blank during this action. Four lines of rebel

infantry advanced on the left, throwing back our line of infantry across

the only remaining road. Captain Arnold ordered our two guns to be brought

to the rear by hand, limbering up from the rear, and try to make through

the woods. The sixth piece escaped; but not the fifth, the wheels getting

stuck between trees. The enemy being very close upon us, opened such a

terrific musketry fire on the piece as to make the horses unmanageable.

Besides that, the cannoniers being all new men, left. Nobody remained but

Captain Arnold, Lieutenant Blake, Sergeant Calder, myself and the

drivers. We found it impossible to remove the gun, and had to abandon it

therefore, and crossed the Po Creek, the best way we could. The batteries

on the other side of the creek, opened furiously on the victorious enemy.

The remainder of our line of infantry fell back across the creek; but over

one thousand men were taken prisoners. Two men of our left section were

wounded--Reynolds and Willy of the fifth piece. The latter had to be left

on the field. Arriving at the battery, our comrades rejoiced to see us

come back safe. We were engaged all the afternoon, setting fire to several

shanties which served as rendezvous for sharpshooters. In the evening, we

blew up a caisson of a rebel battery, which rode up at full speed, trying

to get in action, causing them to withdraw immediately. We were in

position all night.

_Wednesday, May 11._--Battle near Spottsylvania. Our battery fortified

before daybreak. Heavy skirmishing, and some firing of artillery, was kept

up all day. A heavy shower fell in the evening. Our horses were

unharnessed and sent to the rear of the woods. At ten o'clock in the night

our corps received orders to leave. We marched all night.

_Thursday, May 12._--Battle of Spottsylvania Court House. Great assault of

Hancock's corps, supported by the Sixth. Near daybreak we arrived on the

extreme left of our army. The infantry, was already formed in line, ready

for an impetuous onset. General Hancock and his division commanders rode

up in front of the lines harranguing the troops. The long line advanced

suddenly, soon disappearing in the fog that hung over the ground. After a

short but desperate engagement, the works were carried, and two Generals,

Stewart and Johnson, eighteen pieces of artillery, seven colors, and three

thousand men, captured. Our battery changed position three times while in

action. When in the second position, our horses were unhitched to carry

the captured rebel artillery to the rear. Our third position was close to

the line of works taken from the enemy. We were hotly engaged for two

hours. The rebels concentrated all their forces towards this point. Our

ammunition giving away, we were compelled to withdraw. The musketry fire

was so severe that, had we remained a few minutes longer, we would

undoubtedly have lost half of our men. Battery C, Fifth Regulars, occupied

our position afterwards, but had to leave, and abandon two guns. The

battle raged all day, and the loss of both armies was very heavy. Our army

took eight thousand prisoners. During the day, our battery returned to the

position held first, remaining there the rest of the day and night.

_Friday, May 13._--Near Spottsylvania Court House. Skirmishing continued.

Our battery changed position twice in the afternoon, going in park at

last, unhitched and unharnessed. According to an official announcement to

the army we captured two generals, eight thousand men, eighteen guns, and

twenty-seven colors from the rebels. Our loss since we entered the

Wilderness is estimated at forty thousand men in all. The rebels held

their position all day, making the line of works taken yesterday, very

uncomfortable. Picket-firing was kept up all night. One of our battery, by

the name of Hoyle, a recruit, was shot in the foot while going near to the

outer line.

_Saturday, May 14._--The rebels are falling back. General Sheridan's

cavalry has done great damage in their rear. Our fourth detachment

received a rebel gun to-day, in place of the one lost on the tenth of May.

Two more guns and caissons were taken from the enemy to-day. A mortar

battery was playing on the enemy's lines all day. Rainy weather.

_Sunday, May 15._--Our battery left at half-past one o'clock in the

morning, marching but a few miles. The Second corps was relieved by the

Eighth, General Augur, being in reserve for a few days. We rested all day.

A heavy shower fell in the evening.

_Monday, May 16._--Remained quiet all day. It was read in line that

twenty-three thousand men, reinforcements, were on the way.

_Tuesday, May 17._--All the batteries were reduced to four guns. The guns

of our left section were sent to Belle Plain, by way of Fredericksburg. We

changed camp at four o'clock P. M., and again about six, and marched off

about ten o'clock in the night, going to the right of the line.

_Wednesday, May 18._--At daybreak, heavy fighting commenced on the right.

Our battery was in position, but as reserve. Generals Grant and Meade were

in front of our battery, watching the progress of the contest, which was

fought almost precisely where the great assault of the twelfth instant

took place. Battery B, Rhode Island, was in action. Many of the new

troops, the Corcoran Legion amongst them, took part in this fight. We

returned to our camping-place in the afternoon.

_Thursday, May 19._--Near Spottsylvania Court House. We changed camp at

eleven o'clock A. M., going in front of the army headquarters, and were

pleasantly situated on the edge of the woods. A little after three o'clock

P. M., great excitement prevailed on the line, the rebels being reported

to have made an attack on the Fredericksburg road. Our battery was ordered

out, going two miles. The fight was nearly over at our arrival, the enemy

being driven back. We returned to the camp with orders to be ready to

march at eleven o'clock P. M. The battery remained packed up all night,

but did not leave.

_Friday, May 20._--Near Spottsylvania Court House. Quiet all day. Started

at eleven o'clock in the night. The battery wagons were all uncovered. We

marched all night.

_Saturday, May 21._--Forced march of the Second corps. Crossed the Mat

river at seven o'clock in the morning, struck the Fredericksburg and

Gordonsville Railroad, and entered Bowling Green at noon. A fair-looking

town. Nine thousand of our cavalry and horse artillery passed through

early in the morning, scattering the militia of the place. Marching

further, we arrived at Milford Station at five o'clock P. M. This is an

important railroad junction, with a good depot, and many dwelling houses.

Our cavalry and horse artillery occupied the surrounding farms. At six

o'clock P. M., we crossed the Mattapony river, over a stationary bridge,

going in park for the night. About seven o'clock the rebels ran out two

guns, firing on our camps for a short time. We marched twenty-five miles

to-day.

_Sunday, May 22._--On the Mattapony river. We advanced but one mile, at

seven o'clock A. M., taking our position in the line of battle, and

fortified at once; but, after finishing the works, we had to give them up

to another battery, and dug a new line of intrenchments about one hundred

yards off. This created great dissatisfaction among the men. Heavy firing

was going on to our right, some ten miles off. An attack from the enemy on

our corps was expected, but we were not disturbed.

_Monday, May 23._--The Second corps was in motion again at daybreak. After

marching ten miles, we crossed the Pole Cat Creek. About noon we arrived

in the vicinity of the North Anna River, the Fifth corps being there

already. After an hour's rest, our right section was ordered to advance,

taking position behind a narrow strip of woods, in front of the river. The

rest of the battery, and all the other batteries of the corps, came soon

after, and went in position. At three o'clock P. M., a desultory fire was

opened on the enemy's works, ceasing by five o'clock. The right section

was ordered to go in advance of the line of battle, in front of a strong

redoubt of the enemy, and to open furiously, and be a signal to all the

batteries of the corps. The enemy offered great resistance for some time.

If it had not been for a few very large trees in front of our position, we

would have lost a number of men. A heavy cannonade was kept up until dark,

when our assaulting columns carried the works at the point of the bayonet.

The right section having expended all ammunition, filled up at once and

crossed the Creek; being the first artillery on the other side of the

North Anna River. We went in position, fortifying during the night.

_Tuesday, May 24._--Battle on the North Anna River. There was more or less

fighting since daybreak. The enemy's artillery fired continuously on the

stationary bridge leading across the North Anna. Our sharpshooters and

infantry carried the bridge at ten o'clock A. M. Our battery was attached

to General Birney's division to-day, and ordered to the right of the

bridge to engage the enemy's battery shelling it. We engaged the battery

for an hour without any result at all, as they were strongly fortified.

Tom Steere was shot in the leg by a sharpshooter. We were relieved by

Battery K, Fourth Regulars, and returned to our first position. At four

o'clock P. M. we crossed the bridge over the North Anna river, under the

enemy's artillery fire. The cannoniers were told to scatter and go ahead

of the battery, as horses were likely to draw the enemy's fire. We

sustained no loss in this movement. Most of the infantry of the corps were

in line of battle on the south side of the river. Our battery took

position behind breastworks thrown up by our troops, and sheltered by a

Virginia mansion, instantly. A short engagement took place before dark;

but a heavy shower setting in, put an end to it.

_Wednesday, May 25._--Southside of the North Anna River. The battery was

ordered to advance at eight o'clock A. M. The cannoniers were sent ahead

with shovels and pick-axes, to fortify our position. Not much of any

consequence was done in our front during the day, some sharpshooting

excepted. The corps had three fortified lines of battle. Our battery was

in the first--skirmishers in front of us. The mortar-battery was playing

all the afternoon. Shower in evening.

_Thursday, May 26._--Southside of the North Anna river. The Ninth corps

was considerably engaged. We held our line all day. Shower in evening. Our

forces evacuated the southside of the North Anna River at ten o'clock in

the night, going back to where the first line of battle was formed during

the fight on the North Anna River, and rested until the next morning.

_Friday, May 27._--Flank march to the Pamunkey River. Sheridan's cavalry,

the Fifth and Sixth corps ahead; the Second and Ninth corps in the rear.

Started about noon, and halted at eight o'clock, P. M., having marched

fifteen miles. About eleven o'clock in the night we went three miles

further and rested in a ploughed field.

_Saturday, May 28._--Resumed marching at seven o'clock in the morning.

Crossed the Pamunkey River about four o'clock P. M., on a pontoon bridge.

General Meade's headquarters were on the southside of the river. Going a

mile further, our battery went to camp, unhitched and unharnessed. The

smoke of our gunboats on the Pamunkey River, was visible.

_Sunday, May 29._--Southside of the Pamunkey River. The battery was

hitched up at two o'clock in the morning. We remained until evening.

Marched off by seven o'clock, but returned soon after. We left camp again

at eleven o'clock in the night, marched on the Mechanicsville road, going

in park by one o'clock A. M., on

_Monday, May 30._--Within twenty miles of Richmond. The infantry was

fortifying all of last night. Before daybreak, our battery was ordered to

the extreme front, only one thousand yards from the enemy's works. We were

set to work digging; but ordered back to the rear, until the engineers had

thrown up breastworks. It was lucky for us that we could not be seen by

the enemy, on account of the fog, or else but few would have escaped. At

noon the battery returned, taking position behind the works. Shortly after

the enemy opened, concentrating a heavy artillery fire on our battery,

which was vigorously replied to by our four guns. Lieutenant Peter Hunt

was the only man hurt, a piece of a shell fracturing his right heel.

During the afternoon a twenty-four pounder mortar battery was posted

between our guns, keeping up a regular bombardment. Fighting lasted until

eight o'clock in the evening. At that time, five of our batteries were

playing on the enemy's works, which were considerably damaged. Our horses

were sent a half mile to the rear.

_Tuesday, May 31._--The rebels evacuated their line of intrenchments

during last night. We could hear the noise created by the removal of the

artillery, mistaking it for the arrival of reinforcements. General

Barlow's division occupied the works at ten o'clock A. M. A brass battery

was put in position, keeping up a steady fire on the retiring enemy.

Considerable fighting was going on along the whole line to-day. The rebel

sharpshooters were very troublesome, firing from high trees. Norris L.

Church was shot in the head at eleven o'clock A. M., and died ten minutes

afterwards. We changed position about eight o'clock in the evening, going

a-half mile to the right.

_Wednesday, June 1._--Heavy fighting was going on at Coal Harbor. The

Sixth corps, and the Eighteenth, General Baldy Smith, being engaged with

the rebels. Our battery was supported by two companies of the

Twenty-eighth Massachusetts regiment, but not engaged to-day. The Second

corps commenced moving at dark, and marched all night.

_Thursday, June 2._--Battle of Coal Harbor. We arrived at Coal Harbor

about ten o'clock in the morning. Fighting was still going on. The rebels

had attacked the Sixth and Eighteenth corps about two o'clock in the

morning, but were repulsed losing five hundred and twenty prisoners, who

passed by our battery. We were not in action to-day, but yet exposed to

the enemy's artillery fire. Our horses were unhitched and unharnessed for

the night.

_Friday, June 3._--Battle on Gaines' Farm. The battle began at four

o'clock in the morning. Our battery took position about eight o'clock A.

M., but changed it two hours after, going nearer to the front, and

engaging one of the enemy's batteries at once. The breastworks in our

front were of a very weak construction. During the afternoon the enemy

fired with solid shot. As soon as they struck our breastworks, they

stopped. It was only to ascertain the exact range. The use of

strengthening the breastworks was demonstrated to the men of the first

piece, but they did not feel disposed to work. At eight o'clock in the

evening, the enemy's batteries commenced a heavy cannonade on our lines.

Having gained the precise range of our battery, they fired very correct,

two shots passing clear through the breastworks, wounding five men of the

first piece: W. Sweet, in the face; Gileo, slightly, in the face; Swett,

in the back, badly; Coleman, in the groin; and Whitford, right arm shot

off. The engagement lasted a-half an hour. We were told afterwards, that

the firing of our battery caused great havoc amongst the rebels. Charles

Lake was badly wounded by a shell, during the day. In the night, Major

John G. Hassard brought orders for our battery to take an advanced

position in front of Gaines' Hill, before daybreak the next morning,

saying he would see to the erection of strong breastworks by the

engineers.

_Saturday, June 4._--Battle on Gaines' Farm. At the appointed time, we

went to take position on Gaines' Hill, but were disagreeably surprised to

find no fortifications at all. The Fourth Regiment, New York Heavy

Artillery, had just began to throw up a miserable frame of rotten rails.

Besides that, these men were scared to death, and, as soon as the

sharpshooters commenced to fire, could not be induced to work any longer.

We were compelled to lay down, the breastworks being so poor that we did

not dare to provoke the enemy's artillery fire, and standing by the guns

would have been sure death. It was clear to every one's mind that some

mean, malignant villain, not worthy of wearing shoulder-straps, had got

the battery in this dreadful position purposely, for our term of service

expired the next day, and we had long-range guns, while short range guns

were fired a quarter of a mile in our rear, the shells exploding over our

heads, instead of reaching the rebel works. Captain Arnold, sending word

to the commanding general, informing him of our dangerous situation,

engineers were set to work in our rear, throwing up strong works. After

their completion, prolongs were attached to each gun, and these pulled by

hand behind the works, without any loss at all. Shortly after that,

Captain Dow's Maine battery fired a signal, and all our batteries opened

on the long line of rebel works on Gaines' Hill, keeping up the

bombardment for two hours. At eight o'clock in the evening, the enemy

determined to open the fight again, provoked an artillery duel of

three-quarters of an hour's duration, ending the day's contest. Patrick

Murray was slightly wounded to-day.

_Sunday, June 5._--On Gaines' Hill. The enemy's sharpshooters kept up a

deadly fire on our lines all day. Captain Arnold called on General Hancock

to have our battery relieved, our time being out. Major Hassard appeared

shortly afterwards, bringing orders that we were to be relieved by Captain

Ames' New York battery. Just as we were getting ready to go to the rear,

the enemy opened with artillery, and the _old battery_ replied once more,

keeping up fire until nine o'clock in the night, fighting three hours

beyond our time of service. On the appearance of Captain Ames' battery, we

quietly withdrew our guns, and marched to the rear, being cheered by all

the troops we passed, as the services of the battery were well known in

the Second corps, General Hancock saying himself, he was sorry to lose the

battery, as it was the best one in the whole corps. Arriving in the rear,

we joined our battery-wagon, forge and caissons.

_Monday, June 6._--On Gaines' Farm. Captain Arnold is going home with the

old members of the battery. Lieutenant Gamaliel L. Dwight took command of

the remnants of Battery A. A number of non-commissioned officers went to

the quarters of Colonel Tompkins to obtain their warrants before going

home. We changed camp in the evening, but were still exposed to the

enemy's artillery fire.

_Tuesday, June 7._--On Gaines' Farm. The old members returned all articles

that go by the name of camp-equipage, to the battery; the non-commissioned

officers, their sabres and pistols. Some old member made the following

proposition: "Our time having expired, and yet being under the enemy's

fire, we should go a mile further to the rear, to sleep in the woods, as

it would be no honor to get killed or wounded now." The proposition was

readily accepted, and carried into effect.

_Wednesday, June 8._--Before break-of-day the old members assembled at the

camp of Battery A. Captain Arnold procured a mule team to carry our

baggage, and off we went at seven o'clock A. M. Never marched men with a

better will, the fifteen miles to White House Landing, where we arrived by

two o'clock P. M. Fortune smiled on us once more. We were put on board the

propeller New Jersey at four o'clock, steaming down the Pamunkey, and

dropping anchor opposite West Point about nine o'clock P. M.

_Thursday, June 9._--On board the New Jersey. The journey resumed at four

o'clock in the morning. Steamed down the York River, past Yorktown,

Gloucester Point, up the Chesapeake Bay, dropping anchor twenty miles from

Aquia Creek.

_Friday, June 10._--On board the New Jersey. Steamed up the Potomac early

in the morning. Most of the men were below deck to clean up and put their

new clothes on, reserved for this occasion by most of the old members,

when we laid in winter-quarters near Brandy Station. Our captain, and the

crew of the propeller, were quite astonished, seeing us come up in new

uniforms. At three o'clock P. M., the propeller stopped at the Washington

Navy Yard, landing eighty condemned horses. We left the vessel about four

o'clock, at the foot of Sixth street, proceeding to the Soldier's Home,

and remained at the barracks over night.

_Saturday, June 11._--Washington. We left at eleven o'clock A. M., in the

express train. Came through Baltimore and Philadelphia, arriving in New

York City by eleven o'clock in the night. We took up our quarters at the

Park Barracks.

_Sunday, June 12._--New York City. We were at liberty to go wherever we

pleased, until five o'clock P. M., leaving in the train for Rhode Island.

Arrived at Stonington by twelve o'clock P. M. Owing to some accident, we

had to stay there all night.

_Monday, June 13._--We left Stonington at daybreak, arriving in Providence

at six o'clock in the morning. It is unnecessary to give a description of

our reception in this book. I believe it is well remembered by the

inhabitants of Providence, and the old members of Battery A.

_On Saturday, the 18th of June_, we were mustered out of the United States

service, in Railroad Hall.

_On Monday, the 20th of June_, we attended the funeral of our lieutenant,

Peter Hunt, who died from the effects of his wounds.

Roster of Battery A, JUNE 6, 1861.

Captain.