Chapter 5

_Friday, November 7._--We remained in camp to-day. The horses are in a bad condition, and most of the men without shoes. Snow fell three inches deep.

_Saturday, November 8._--Marched in the morning with only four horses to a gun. Passed through Salem and Rectortown. Generals McClellan, Burnside, and Sumner, rode past the line. We went to camp at four o'clock P. M.

_Sunday, November 9._--Arrived at Warrenton at twelve o'clock M., and went to camp outside of the town.

_Monday, November 10._--Warrenton. To the astonishment of the army, it was announced to-day that General McClellan was to be removed from the Army of the Potomac, and the command transferred to General Burnside. The troops turned out on parade along the road. General McClellan and staff passed by. He seemed to be greatly affected. The air rang with the cheers of the troops for their old commander.

_Tuesday, November 11._--Warrenton. The army is poorly supplied with provisions at present.

_Wednesday, November 12._--Warrenton. We received the first mail since the twenty-first of October.

_Saturday, November 15._--Left Warrenton this morning. Marched nine miles and went to camp.

_Sunday, November 16,_--Started at eight o'clock A. M. Marched fifteen miles and went to camp.

_Monday, November 17._--Left at eight o'clock A. M. for Falmouth. Pettit's Battery went in position on a hill opposite Fredericksburg, and had quite an action with a rebel battery. Our battery advanced to support, but did not fire. At five o'clock P. M. we retired and went to camp.

_Tuesday, November 18._--Camp near Falmouth. The Army of the Potomac is divided in three grand divisions. Sumner commands the right, Franklin the left, Joe Hooker the centre, and Sigel the reserve.

_Thursday, November 20._--We moved our camp closer to Falmouth. It rained all day.

_Wednesday, November 26._--Near Falmouth. Lieutenant Henry Newton left the battery and service to-day.

_Thursday, November 27._--Thanksgiving day, but a poor one for us. The army lives on hard bread, pork and coffee.

_Sunday, November 30._--The railroad to Aquia Creek is in operation now.

_Monday, December 1._--The men of our battery cleaned up the camp of the First Minnesota regiment. A guard was kept on the ground all night.

_Tuesday, December 2._--Near Falmouth. The battery moved on the new ground.

_Wednesday, December 3._--A stable for the officers' horses in the course of building.

_Monday, December 8._--Commenced to build a stable for the battery horses.

_Wednesday, December 10._--New clothes were given out to-day. Everything ready for an advance.

_Thursday, December 11._--Bombardment of Fredericksburg. Last night a large part of the artillery was brought in position, close to the river, and before daybreak, about one hundred and thirty guns were throwing shell and shot in the city, without eliciting any reply, except from rebel sharpshooters in the cellars on the river line, compelling the engineers to give up the attempt of laying pontoons across the river. Fires broke out in several places during the day. Towards evening, two companies, one of the Seventy-first New York, (Tammany,) and one of the Seventh Michigan, volunteered to cross the Rappahannock on scows, charged on the sharpshooters, and took fifty prisoners, losing fifteen killed. The pontoon bridge was completed shortly after, and three thousand men entered the city before night. We remained this side of the Rappahannock. Our battery was close to the river all day, but did not fire.

_Friday, December 12._--Troops are crossing over on the pontoons to Fredericksburg. Our battery moved towards the river about eight o'clock A. M. Near the bridge we were received by a tremendous fire from the enemy's batteries on St. Mary's Heights, but, fortunately, sustained no loss. Not so, Frank's New York battery, they having one man killed and several wounded. One shot took effect in stopping one of their pieces. Without delay we crossed the Rappahannock. Artillery, cavalry and infantry went over all the morning. A new regiment crossed the bridge at four o'clock P. M., their band playing the tune of "Bully for you." All of a sudden the enemy's batteries opened on the regiment, which run back in bad order, committing the mistake of running right in the enemy's fire. The troops are committing depredations all over the town. The stores were completely ransacked. Most every man had a lot of tobacco. In the evening, the battery marched around the town, but returned again to our former place, close to the river. The scenes in the streets were really picturesque. Soldiers could be seen, sitting on splendid furniture, mixing dough for flap-jacks. Most of our battery were cooking all night.

_Saturday, December 13._--The battle of Fredericksburg. Firing commenced about eleven o'clock in the morning. Captain Tompkins left the battery to-day, being promoted to Major. Making his farewell speech to us, he introduced our new commander, Captain Arnold, who addressed the company, also, saying, he understood we were a fighting set, and he would stick to us to the last. Shortly after that the command, "forward," was given, and we went to the outskirts of the town. Shell and shot were ploughing through the streets already. Our battery went in action by sections, posted at different roads leading to St. Mary's Heights. The battery kept up a constant fire all the afternoon. Some of the nine months regiments behaved very badly, leaving the field ingloriously, without orders. Battery B, Rhode Island, Frank's New York battery, and Kirby's regular artillery, smooth-bore guns, were ordered out to encourage the infantry, while Humphrey's division of regular infantry, were in readiness as a reserve. General Couch wanted our battery to advance to the extreme front; but, thanks to Colonel Morgan, chief-of-artillery, who objected to that, it was not done. Lieutenant Jacob Lamb made the most splendid shots during the day. Owing to our being covered by houses, our loss was small. Henry Hicks was shot through both heels by a musket ball, making the amputation of both of his legs necessary. Captain Arnold's horse was shot. After the action was over, we occupied the surrounding houses, which were found well stocked with all sort of provisions. Cooking and eating was kept up all night. The caissons recrossed the river during the night, for a new supply of ammunition. The night was very cold, and the groans of the wounded on the field of battle, sounded terrible.

_Sunday, December 14._--Fredericksburg. The rebel batteries opened early, firing thirty-two pound shells. One shell took effect in the centre section, tearing off the head of Sergeant Thompson's horse, splintering the limber-chest, fracturing a heel of Charles Spencer, and wounding an infantry man. Our pieces were instantly pulled out of sight. Our infantry fortified during the night past. We expected another assault to be made to-day; but General Sumner's advice, in the council of war, was against it. The rebel sharpshooters kept up an incessant fire all day, killing quite a number of our men that were exposing themselves. The day was well-spent by the battery in cooking and baking, Jim Harrison and Stacy, acting as cooks and bottle-washers.

_Monday, December 15._--Fredericksburg. The enemy's artillery and sharpshooters were firing all day. Our guns were kept out of sight during the afternoon. Generals Howard, Couch and Sully, inspected our lines, and said they would send a brigade of infantry to fortify our position. The men of our battery worked all day, throwing up breastworks behind a fence. Once in a while the rebel batteries threw a shell at us. The weather has been beautiful since we occupied the city. While we were sleeping by our guns, orders came at eleven o'clock in the night, to pack up quietly and get away as quick as possible, which was executed without the least noise, every man being anxious to move away, but not without being loaded with all sorts of provisions. We recrossed the Rappahannock at twelve o'clock in the night. The whole army followed during the night under cover of the batteries. We lay down to rest immediately after arriving on the other side. One gun of the right section was dismounted, one limber and several wheels disabled.

_Tuesday, December 16._--The rain commenced pouring down in streams since four o'clock in the morning. A deep gloom spread all over the army in consequence of our unsuccessful movement. At six o'clock A. M., our battery returned to the old camp on the hill, which was no small undertaking, the mud being a foot deep. At dark, Captain Arnold, with a squad of men, went to the river to obtain the trail of the dismounted gun.

_Wednesday, December 17._--Camp near Falmouth. General Sigel's reserve corps is camping around Falmouth. Our camp has its usual appearance. It is cold, and snowing.

_Saturday, December 20._--The troops are building winter-quarters.

_Wednesday, December 24._--Great inspection in camp, by Generals Sumner, Howard, and Sully, and their staffs. They all expressed their satisfaction with the appearance of the battery. This was the last visit of the venerable hero, General Sumner, to our battery.

_Friday, December 26._--The pontoons were sent to Belle Plains.

_Wednesday, December 31._--Quiet in camp.

1863.

_Thursday, January 1._--Camp near Falmouth. The army is very poorly provisioned.

_Monday, January 5._--A new stable for the battery horses commenced, below the ravine.

_Tuesday, January 6._--The news of the battle of Murfreesboro arrived.

_Thursday, January 15._--Our camp was partly burned down to-day, through a fire in the camp of the Thirty-fourth Regiment New York volunteers.

_Friday, January 16._--A severe storm. Rations are to be cooked for three days. We are kept in uneasiness all the time, about moving.

_Saturday, January 17._--Great review of the army by General Burnside.

_Sunday, January 18._--The coldest day we have had this winter.

_Tuesday, January 20._--The Army of the Potomac commenced another move to-day. Troops are marching by, towards United States Ford. The weather is of the poorest kind, raining and snowing.

_Wednesday, January 21._--Our corps is retained in camp yet. Quite a miracle.

_Thursday, January 22._--A heavy storm.

_Friday, January 23._--Franklin's corps is marching back to the winter-quarters. The great forward movement is given up. The troops are returning in disgust. Some of the artillery left their guns sticking in the mud. Bodies of soldiers were found dead in the woods, having perished from exposure.

_Saturday, January 24._--Stragglers are coming in yet.

_Monday, January 26._--We were paid off for two months.

_Tuesday, January 27._--Heavy rain.

_Wednesday, January 28._--Severe snow-storm.

_Thursday, January 29._--Generals Burnside, Sumner and Franklin left the army to-day. Joe Hooker is in command now.

_Sunday, February 1._--Mounted and foot inspection.

_Monday, February 2._--Mounted inspection.

_Tuesday, February 3._--Captain Arnold was thrown from his horse, and left on furlough.

_Wednesday, February 4._--The battery commences to build chimneys and fire-places.

_Thursday, February 5._--Received the first soft bread since we left Harper's Ferry.

_Sunday, February 22._--Heavy snow-storm. Washington's birth-day. Our battery fired thirty-four guns. Ours and the rebel batteries fired in honor of the day.

_Saturday, February 28._--Robert Raynor, wounded at the battle of Antietam, returned from the Baltimore hospital.

_Thursday, March 5._--General Joe Hooker is reviewing the Army of the Potomac.

_Friday, March 6._--The first battery drill this year.

_Tuesday, March 10._--Snow to-day.

_Thursday, March 12._--A part of the army was kept under arms all night, the enemy being reported about to make a demonstration in our rear.

_Friday, March 13._--The cavalry is reconnoitering to-day.

_Tuesday, March 17._--St. Patrick's day. Great horse-race at the headquarters of Generals Meagher and Sickles. During the afternoon, cannonading was heard in the direction of Stafford Court House. The long-roll sounded in all the camps, but the troops were not to be surprised. The demonstration did not amount to much.

_Wednesday, March 18._--The enemy attacked our lines at Rappahannock Station yesterday.

_Friday, March 20._--Snow-storm.

_Saturday, March 21._--Snow-storm.

_Monday, March 23._--The death of General Sumner was read to the troops to-day.

_Wednesday, March 25._--The cavalry has crossed the Rappahannock.

_Monday, March 30._--Inspection of our baggage. Three spare wheels were taken from the battery by general order.

_Tuesday, March 31._--Snow-storm.

_Wednesday, April 1._--At two o'clock in the morning we were aroused by Colonel Morgan, chief-of-artillery. Order was given to hitch up, and be ready to move, on account of the rebel cavalry crossing United States ford. After sunrise the horses were unhitched again and everything was quiet.

_Friday, April 3._--Review of the Second division by General Gibbons, near Falmouth.

_Sunday, April 5._--Snow-storm.

_Wednesday, April 8._--President Lincoln and family at Joe Hooker's headquarters.

_Friday, April 10._--Muster, in the Army of the Potomac.

_Saturday, April 11._--Battery drill in the morning.

_Tuesday, April 14._--The army under marching orders. Eight days' rations to be kept on hand.

_Saturday, April 18._--Grain is already kept on caissons and limbers, and one bag on top of the gun.

_Monday, April 20._--Secretary Stanton at the headquarters.

_Wednesday, April 22._--Our battery was paid off for four months service by Major King.

_Thursday, April 23._--A heavy rain.

_Monday, April 27._--Received orders at eight o'clock P. M., to march in the morning.

_Tuesday, April 28._--Reveille at two o'clock in the morning. Left camp at six o'clock A. M. We were attached to the Third division under General French. The Second remained behind. We marched six miles towards the Rappahannock; halted at mid-day, and camped in the woods. The pontoon train passed by in the evening.

_Wednesday, April 29._--Marched again at two o'clock P. M., and went to camp at dark three miles from the river. Rainy weather.

_Thursday, April 30._--Our cavalry has crossed the Rappahannock without opposition. The pontoons were laid. Before crossing an address of General Hooker was read in line, to the effect that the Twelfth and Fifth corps had turned the enemy's left flank, by crossing the Rapidan at Germania Ford, compelling the enemy to fight us on our own ground. Our battery crossed at five o'clock P. M. After marching four miles further towards Chancellorsville, one hundred and sixty prisoners passed by. The troops were highly elated at crossing the Rappahannock so easy, as the shore was strongly fortified, and by nature well-adapted for defence. While marching to Chancellorsville in the moonlight, Joe Hooker and staff passed by, and the rumor circulated, all at once, that Fredericksburg was taken, and the rebel army in full retreat towards Gordonsville.

_Friday, May 1._--The battle opened about ten o'clock A. M., near the Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg Plank-road. The First and Second divisions of the Second corps, commanded by General Couch, formed at two o'clock P. M. Our battery advanced about a mile. Going down a hill we were suddenly received by one of the enemy's batteries, whereupon we countermarched to the top of the hill, going in position immediately. General Sykes' division of regulars fought bravely in front of us, till they had to fall back on our battery, we kept up firing for some time, until General Hancock arrived, informing General Couch that his position was completely outflanked, and that he had better withdraw. The very minute our pieces were reversed, the command, "fix bayonets," could plainly be heard from the rebel line of infantry in the woods. We left at double quick. Our whole line fell back to the tavern. At that moment, the Third corps, under command of General Daniel Sickles, advanced in line of battle, doing good service. Our battery retired to our former place of rendezvous. The fight continued until seven o'clock P. M. Splendid moonlight night.

_Saturday, May 2._--Battle of Chancellorsville. At four o'clock P. M., the battle reopened with great fury. General Stonewall Jackson, massing his forces against our right, completely surprised the Eleventh corps, driving them in great confusion. The roaring of artillery, and the musketry fire, were really terrific. After sunset, the fire slackened a little; but at moonrise, raged again in all its fury, till late in the night. Our artillery suffered heavily during to-day's battle. Some of it was captured by the rebels. A new line of battle was formed at eleven o'clock in the night. The situation of our battery was anything but pleasant. Having long range guns, and our position being close to the woods, nothing could be used, with any effect, but canister. Our line of battle is getting shorter.

_Sunday, May 3._--Battle of Chancellorsville. Our battery was ordered to fall back to the Rappahannock at daylight. Marching back, the First corps, commanded by General Reynolds, passed us, going to the front. Arriving at the brick house, near the river, we found some batteries posted there already,--Kirby's amongst them. Our line of battle fell back to the rifle-pits we occupied last night. The enemy holds the plank-road and tavern. The battle is raging again since six o'clock A. M. About ten o'clock A. M., Lieutenant Kirby ordered his and our battery to the front again, on his own responsibility. We marched back, but very unwillingly. On the way, a division of the Third corps met us, marching back to the river, with a rebel colonel and half of his regiment, as prisoners, and carrying four rebel battle-flags as trophies. Arriving at the front, to our pleasant surprise, we found out that our battery was not wanted at all. Colonel Morgan appeared to be very angry, as there was no use of any rifled batteries. Kirby's battery went in action. Lieutenant Kirby was mortally wounded shortly after arriving in the line of battle. We returned to the brick house, near the river, sending back our horses and limbers to carry the guns of the Fifth Maine Battery off the battle-field. This battery sustained a heavy loss. Their guns were saved by Meagher's Irish brigade. We heard to-day that General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth corps, and the Second division of the Second, carried St. Mary's Heights by storm, but had to give them up again the next day. Sedgwick is fighting hard near Banks' Ford, being pressed towards the Rappahannock. Some of our cavalry and horse artillery have gone to form a junction with him. Fighting was kept up most of the night. Our battery enjoyed a good night's rest. The horses were unharnessed.

_Monday, May 4._--General Sedgwick's corps is fighting ever since daybreak. Little fighting was done near Chancellorsville. The battle is evidently over. We all know that our army, though superior in numbers, has been defeated by the rebels. We remained all day and night at the brick-house, close to the river.

_Tuesday, May 5._--Firing is heard on our left since daybreak. Orders came for ours, Pettit's, and Thomas' New York batteries, to recross the Rappahannock forthwith. We crossed at United States Ford, going in position on the surrounding heights, which enfilade the other side. A heavy shower in the evening.

_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.