[Penciled in on top of Scan 1 [1863] ] Near. Boonesboro. [Maryland?] Tuesday July 6th I had thought I would not attempt to keep another diary but of late we have passed through [illegible in original] and interesting scenes and a [illegible in original] shall be more satisfactory for [illegible in original] reference than none and a [desire?] to have something to show has again induced me to again bring [illegible in original] into use.. On Sunday June 21st we left Fairfax C.H. in [illegible in original] with the whole division. we had been ordered in from camp [illegible in original] Chantilly on Friday the 19th and had been under marching orders during the intervening time. It was about 10. AM when we took up our march and for two hours. the war of cannons had been coming to our camp from towards Aldie and Ashby's Gap. But as we passed off towards Centerville the reports seemed to advance full as rapidly as we did and as fast and as far as we went we could find no one that knew where the fighting was.. We passed Gainesville and put up at Buckland a small village, having marched about 20 miles. Our train did not come up and we had nothing to feed our horses then and next. morning when our regt advanced to New Baltimore about five miles. where we remained during the day picket ing and scouting the country.. At dusk we again took up our march and went as far as Warren ton and remained over night when at daylight Cos ‘A” & E were sent to Beaeleton and from there in company with detachments of the 5th & 6th Mich regts marched back to Gainesville by way of Germantown and Greenwich.. where we found that orders had been received to march to Fairfax C.H. and that the 2nd & 3d brigades had already done so. We could get no grain that night and although then about 10 Oclock our horses were taken out and grazed about an hour. and we were called up again at two next morning when our horses got a quart of corn each.. We arrived at Fairfax C.H. at 10. A.M. and were again on the march at 4 P.M. having got three days rations and two days forage.. We marched till near ly two Oclock stopping near Draines ville.. We were on the march again next morning early and reached the Potomac at Edwards Ferry about noon. where we encountered the train of the 11th Corps. and our battery passed over wh the pontoon bridge. while we who thought we were to cross at the same place waited two or three hours when we found that we could not cross there and mounting again struck out for Conrads ford where the remainder of the division had crossed.. The ford was passed with out any accident and we were then obliged to march back between the river and canal to the little village. when we fol lowed our division which we fou d a short distance from the river where we halted long enough to make a hasty dinner for ourselves and horses: The infantry had crossed and were also on the march and we marched in their company a mile or two when we took different roads yet leading in nearly the same direction The army seemed to be moving in four columns, ours being one of the center ones. We passed through Poolesville. and Barnesville a small village of a not very prepossessing appearance. and all the inhabitants seemed to lean somewhat towards “Secesh.” The most of the citizens we met after crossing the river seemed to be Union and a great change had taken place in the appearance of the country through which we were and had been travelling.. Instead of deserted houses. bare and desolate fields and few inhabitants we now found beautiful fields of grain of all kinds nice houses smiling citizens and everything seemed more like civilization than anything we had seen for months.. It had commen ced to rain about noon and kept up a slight sprinkling shower during the afternoon.. We were heading toward the city of Frederick and at one time, just at night were told that we were within seven miles of that place.. but about dark a part of our column missed the road and we were delayed at different points till midnight where we stopped in column in the road and were night told to pass the [illegible in original].. The rain was coming steadily down, the mud then an inch or two deep. and all dark as ere [illegible in original] and no choice of ground could be made.. In pity for my horse I had left behind my camp blanket and had nothing but my poncho and rubber coat so. Allen Park and I led our horses a little to one side of the road and wrapping up well as we could lay down and soon forgot our misery in sleep.. I slept quite soundly ‘till daylight when I was able to see our position.. We were about half way up a small hill through which the road had been dug and the soil being of a clay we could carry quite a respectable amount on our boots. and blankets and clothes were all covered with the same substance.. Yet every one seemed in good humor.. and all were laughing at the ap pearance some. one else presented.. Nearly all had fared alike in convenience of sleeping apartments from Col to lowest private.. We remained there until nearly nine A.M. and in the meantime solaced ourselves on coffee. pork and “hard tack” A short distance from where we camped we passed through the small village of Urbana which contained one or two very nice, large, dwelling houses. but no other buildings of any note un less we except the small village school house, which we have found in every village this side of the Potomac. and which brings to mind the many happy days of the past that I have spent in such an edifice, and regrets that they could not have been many more, and better improved.. A little while before noon we passed through Frederick which we found to be a much larger place than I expected and were much pleased with the reception we received from the citizens The good old flag was waving from many windows along the principal streets and doors windows and sidwalks were crowded with men. women and children waving hats and hand kercheifs, and, cheering lustily for the Union and “Uncle Abe.” We passed on without halting and in an hour two reached Middle town a mile from the foot of South mountain, where we again met the advance of the 11th corps. We passed on and entered the South Pass and found that a few scattering rebs were ad retreating from us.. Our company was sent on as advance guard and kept on some distance ahead.. We passed on up to the top of the mountain on the battle field of Sept. 14 /62 when the Col coming up we were or dered ahead to gain information from the inhabitants We advanced about three miles and up to within little more than a mile of Cadysville when we turned back.. We were led by a Maryland soldier who was acting as a scout and on turning back two men with whom he had been talk ing called him aside and told him that an ambush of quite a body of rebels was laid in a field of wheat a short distance ahead.. We found the regt encamped at the top of the mountain on the field where the battle of South Mountain was fought.. and we set our tent against the self same stone wall over which our gallant 17th charged a rebel brigade. and won for themselves and our native state the glorious name and imperish able honor they now bear. Marks of the intense fighting of that day could be found everywhere. Not a rail a twig or tree but what bore the scars and marks of rifle balls. A small log house in the midst of the clearing contained an immense number of balls in its gable ends.. A well which was partly dug was said to contain the bodies of 58. rebels and another grave near the wall contained a like number killed by our sharp shooters as they rose above the walls to shoot our men Near the center of the field a small square stone some two feet high marked the spot where Genl. Reno fell.. Our dead were buried on the eastern slope of the mountain farther down.. I had no opportunity to visit their graves.. much as I wished to We remained there during the day and at 4 P.M. I was ordered to take the remain der of the company and releive Segt Holton from picket duty.. Next morning at two Oclock I heard first revellie and soon afterwards boots and saddles from Barneys bugle.. and in a short time orders began to come and the dismounted carbiniers of other companies were called in. About 4 O.clock E.D Cooke came down with some grain which we dealt out among the men and soon Holton came and ordered us in.. We started as soon as our videttes could be brought in.. and joined the co. a short distance from camp where I halted to procure some bread. and was much surprised to have the old farmer inquire if I knew any one in Mich named Jacob [Geltmachen?] and who seemed much pleased when I told him what I could concerning him.. We marched back to Frederick and took the pike leading from there to wards Gettisburg Pa. and stopped near a toll gate about 4 miles from Frederick where we found our division, train, and all except the 5th & 6th Mich. regts.. In the valley around Middle town was large camps of [illegible in original] and between there and Frederick we passed a train more than five miles long.. In the afternoon a grand division review was held and the command turned over to Genl Pleasanton. Genl Stahel being placed in com mand of the 11th Corp and taking Genl. Copeland with him.. Genl. Kilpatrick was placed in command of the division and our brigade having the 1st Mich added to it was given to Genl Custerd for merly chief of Pleasantons staff At day light next morning the advance of the 11th corp again came up and at ten Oclock we saddled up and started after them.. It had rained all the morning and kept it up till after we passed [Cragentown?] where we also passed the advance of the infantry.. The country was not quite so good as in the immediate vicinity of Frederick where I saw I beleive the largest wheat I ever saw and the citizens called it a light [one?] at that We passed Emmetsburg about 4 A.M. and began to look for the Pennsylvania line Emmetsburg was quite a pretty village but a week before an accidental fire had destroyed several fine buildings and occasioned a loss of nearly $100.000 [illegible in original] dollars worth of property. Near the town is a large Catholic institution called the Sisterhood of St Josep institute.. We halted a short dis tance from there to let our horses graze and again started on towards Littlestown at which place we reached about 10 at night [Written on the left-hand side of Scan 15] While I was writing these blotted pages I was sitting in a fence corner. with my “hole'y” shelter tent laid over two or three rails with the rain coming down right smart which fact accounts for the blots Next morning we were off at daylight and passing through Hanover where the citizens brought out everything we could have asked for from the choicest delicious bread and butter to the most elegant cake and pies and drinks from pure cold water to the choicest wines and brandies.. we marched on to within sight of Abbotstown when a caisson of the 2nd U.S. Art. Batt. M. filled with cap shells blew up. killing two horses. blowing one mans leg off from which he died next day and tearing a corn house near by to pieces badly. Immediately afterwards we heard cannonading in our rear and after the head of the column had reached the village we turned back and marched at a quick trot to Hanover. where we found that some rebels had attacked our rear and were then posted in the woods on the left of the town: Our regts were sent to the front and cos A & F were sent forward as skirmishers mounted. We advanced mounted nearly half a mile when we came in sight of the dismounted skirmishers of the enemy and our carbiniers were dismoun ted and sent forward while the rest with the horses fell back under cover. Our boys held their position nearly an hour until their ammu nition gave out and our left was being flanked by a superior force of the rebs and they began.. to gradually fall back and just then, too, came the order to retire which we did in good order. and without loss. A. corp of Co F named Livings ton was wound in the hip at the commencement of the skirmish and was the only man struck on our side.. When we fell back quite a body of rebs advanced > some ways up into town where they were charged by one of our regts and 37 captured with one stand of colors.. The artillery kept up occasionaly firing and other regiments were skirmish ing mounted and dis mounted until about 5 Oclock when the enemy retired.. I have seen no papers and I have seen no official reports of the loss on either side and only know that the victory was won without knowing its cost or profit.. After remaining in battle array till night we pitched camp and remained during the forenoon of the next day procuring rations and forage and preparing rolls for our bi monthly muster.. Beers. Allen and Edwards were in the rear of the column with the led horses and were among the first attacked. Edwards came through all right.. while Allen has been missing ever since and no tidings have been received from him.. Beers was cut off. his horse killed and he captured another which he lost than escaped and hid in a barn and laid until next morning and rejoined us just as we were ready to leave camp. Horsh was also missing his horse having given out and for a long time we feared he was a prisoner. Howe, and Nye were also in the rear. Nye had his horse shot but got another rebel [rig?] horse, saddle blan kets and every thing. At two Oclock we again took up our march and went as far as East Berlin 24 miles from Harrisburgh where we could see traces of a large body of rebs that had passed through there the day before numbering about 8,000 Something caused the brig ade to be drawn in line of ed battle in which way we remain^ until dusk.. While in line Col Mann mustered our regt and Wm Graham was pro moted to a Sergt At dark we went into camp and made ourselves comfortable as we could. Next morning Barber and Springer strayed off and have not been heard from since.. They undoubtedly intended to desert.. While waiting in line of battle the night before we heard heavy cannonading to our left rear which we conjectured must be at Gettisburg.. Next morning we started back again and at 10. O'clock halted at Abbottstown where we remained an hour or two and then took the [Settle? Little?] York pike leading towards Gettisburg. We passed through New Oxford where we heard that a party of rebels had captured our advance scouts half an hour before.. We moved on and soon heard the war of cannon around Gettisburg and heard that quite a hard battle was fought there the day before and that they had been fighting nearly all that day We halted for a time in light of the smoke of the battle and were then sent off to the right. Pitts Walling stopped to get a shoe set on his horse and has failed to overtake us yet.. We reached Hunterstown just at dusk and our d advance drove in a rebel picket killing and wounding 8 or 10 of them. An artillery duel of about one then hour, ^ occurred between three of our pieces and one or two of the rebels in which the reb was silenced Both batteries did excellent showing the shot and shells from the rebs flying very close to our pieces. Our co. and F supported the battery while the rest of the regt deployed as skirmishers dismounted.. The cannonading and mus ketry toward the main field was quite heavy till about 9 Oc.k At that time it had almost entirely ceased and we fell back half a mile where we remained in line one man in each section holding the four horses while the other three slept about midnight we left there and passing around to the right front reached a reserve at daylight where we remained until about nine Oclock when we were sent to protect the extreme right which a force of cavalry and artillery was threatening.. Our artil lery exchanged shots with theirs until about four Oclock and the cavalry maneuvered about. our regt being always at the front supporting the battery.. At about four P.M. our regt was ordered forward and we charged upon a large force of dismounted skirmishers protected by a strong fence and hedge of bushes.. All went well until within range of their guns and right upon their lines we had to charge through a gap where but four or five could pass at a time and where they proved a very destructive fire upon us.. When we got through that we found ourselves between a fire on each flank while their cavalry came down in front.. We broke, Who could have done otherwise. I saw but few fall about me yet the balls sung a lively tune and one horse just ahead of me fell heels over head and just then a ball struck the forefinger of my right hand at the knuckle just breaking the skin. but at the start it occasioned causing me to drop my sabre. My horse too got out from under me and I found myself in a ditch. There commenced a confusion almost a panic but after retreating out of range by the exertions of the officers the men were rallied and again charged the rebel cavalry which broke and retreated behind their dismounted riflemen.. Our men on receiving their fire again retreated and again rallied and the gal lant old “1st” coming up at a charge we prepared to support them, But they ed did not need any they charg^ through the rebels when receiving a charge on the flank broke and rallied and were soon masters of the field.. Then came the looking up of comrades. I had seen but a few of our company since passing the Gap that had proven so fatal to us.. I had seen Chester Calvin who was badly wounded in the thigh and sent him to the rear. Poor Walters was lying just in range of their balls shot ly through the head and apparent^ just breathing his last. his horse standing quietly by his side until lead led away.. I assisted to carry him back out of danger of being run over.. I met E.D. Cooke whose horse had been shot through both hind legs, and was told by him that the Capt was badly wounded. Crocker and OBrien also came up and Holton soon after.. At sundown we rallied at our old position from whence we started on the charge and found ten men and our Lieut and could account for three more whom we knew were unhurt.. This was discourag ing.. We started on that charge with 36 men and here was what was left.. Of the missing we could account for only a few Those few were Walters, Killed; Calvin wounded. Hollis wounded Caines wounded. Reames wounded Of those that could not be accounted for, were Brownell. Brickell who was known to be wounded; Chappell wounded or Killed: Worthen thought to have been Killed; Dumphrey who when last seen was dismounted but unhurt. Nye who was seen to fall. Wilcox whom no one had seen; [Hienck?] not seen. Fisher since known to be wounded but safe. and our Capt Perrine was taken prisoner disarmed and struck once with a sabre but managed to escape and was eager to go forward again Wm Graham had his horse shot under him. cooly saved his carbine which was attached to his saddle and commenced taking off his blankets when the rebs came too close upon him and he “skedaddled” Crockers horse was shot down Dumphrey's was beleived to have been shot and many other in stances which I can not now remember.. In other cos the loss was also quite heavy In Co F. Lieut Carpenter was shot in the breast and for a long time thought to be Killed but was brought from the field by an ambulance and was still alive next mor ning.. Sergt Minor was Killed. Corp [Homer?] wounded and 10 or twelve others missing. At the rally they had but one corp C.. P. White.. 2 Sergts and 12 men only wounded In. Co D. Sergts Dunnett ^ and Milburn were Killed. and Sergt Shotwell wounded. Their loss in men was considerable also. In Co “C” Sergt Griffith was wounded in the head and Sergt Church who carried the regimental colors Killed. Sergt Rose wounded and Sergt Kelehers wounded in the hand by a sabre.. Capt. [Darling?] was injured by the fall of his horse. which was shot.. Capt Moore of Co K was taken prisoner and disarmed but escaped.. I should have stated that Lieut Birney while attempting to bring off the regimental colors was surrounded and taken prisoner The losses in other Cos I am not much posted in as they were in other battalions.. Col. Mann had his right stirrup shot off without injuring either himself or horse and the buckle of his belt was also struck and indented by a ball.. Lieut Col Litchfield had his horse shot under him.. and Major Newcombe was wounded / in the calf of the left leg.. Soo Soon after our fighting had ceased the fighting along the whole line had also ceased.. and it was reported that the enemy had begun to fall back.. extreme The firing on our ^ left had not been very brisk.. the heaviest seem ing to be from the center near the city towards our right.. At 10 A.M. the cannonading along the whole line was light only an occasional gun booming forth its notes of death.. This continued for nearly two hours and we began to hope the battle was over. But it was only a lull in the storm which at 1 o'clock d broke forth again with increase^ and terrible energy. From that time until 5 O.clock the roar of cannon was constant and we could scarcely discern the report of one cannon from another. Neither side seemed to waver and it seemed as though every cannon in the field was gathered in one spot and endeavoring to ex haust itself as rapidly as possible.. Sergt OBrien's horse being shot he accompanied the Capt to a private house where the Capt intended to remain.. At dark we fell back to the field from which we started in the morning where we remained until morning when we moved a short distance to our wagon train where we fed our horses and replenished our stock of ammunition and rations.. Here the officers were called to gather and received complimentary thanks from Genl Kilpatrick.. who informed them that he had received complimentary orders from Genl Mead saying that our work on the right had decided the battle and that to the boldness. and decis ion of our movements was due the success of our arms that day.. About noon we again started forward and marched to Emmetsburg and from there taking the pike leading through the mountains on the right.. About two O'clock it commenced raining and we had a very severe storm.. Soon after passing Emmets burg it became rumored that we were to attack and burn a wagon train of the rebs which was passing just ahead of us.. We moved very cautiously and about 9 Oclock our advance received three rounds of grape and cannister from a rebel gun posted in the road.. The extreme advance consisted of two men of Co. ‘M' 1st Mich Cavalry. neither of whom were struck and who stood their ground until charged by the rebs.. who immediately fell back. The 5th & 6th were dismounted and sent forward as skirmishers The rebs did not attempt to make but one more stand and retreated down the mountain as rapidly as they dared to.. As fast as was prudent our forces were pushed forward and about 11 Oclock the 1st charged down a narrow and dangerous defile upon the train which was found to be mostly ambulance wagons filled with wounded confederates.. Our regt was marched up to the point from which the charge commenced and near where stood a a large Hotel. which was m^de by Genl Kilpatrick his Headquarters.. Here we were formed in a field close by in solid column of squadrons. and Cos A. B. & F dismounted and deployed around the field in the bushes as skirmishers and pickets Here we lay until 3 Oclock. listening to the skirmishing. shelling and charging going on in the defile and rally below us.. At that time we mounted and started on.. In the defile were strewn disabled wagons dead and wounded horses and the journey was a difficult and slow one.. At daylight we reached the foot of the mountain and found nearly a hundred prisoners.. Turning to the left we took the road towards Smithtown and passed many wagons. some disabled some unharmed but all filled with sick and wounded confeder ates. and all along the road was prisoners walking along and at one barn I noticed some twenty of them without a guard near them.. All seemed con tented and fully as well satisfied to be a prisoner among Union soldiers as fighting them among the rebels.. We reached Smith town about noon where in a lane nearby was nearly a thousand of the gray jackets ap pearing quite easy in mind and body.. We halted for an hour or two and got some grub and fed our horses. and thought perhaps we might rest awhile; but at about 4 O'clock we were ordered out and took up a position and soon one of our batteries was engaged [within?] a rebel battery.. They exchanged shots for an hour or two and then both parties ex changed position and at dusk we fell back and marched to near Boonesboro arriving there about two Oclock A.M. The next morning we started again and taking the “Western Pike” went to Funkstown. where we learned the that ^ rebels were at Hagerstown two miles distant.. and forces were sent forward and our brigade was kept for a time protecting the pike near Funkstown. but afterwards we were sent away to the right of the city. when our men were dis mounted and sent out as skir mishers.. The rebs were in good force but fell back under the fire of our boys. After fighting between one and two hours our men were called in and while we were falling back our battery engaged theirs briskly.. We fell back on another pike to the left of the one on which we had This pike led to Williamsport advanced^. After marching about two miles we heard cannonading in front of us and soon came to the conclu sion that Buford had attacked their wagon train a part of which we had seen moving in this direction. The fighting from this time till dark was brisk and heavy when we fell back some three miles, staying there until morning and then marching back to this place and taking up a camp. Co “K.” was nearly all taken together with Capt. Willet of Co E. and Lieut Gray of Co. B. “Lieut Gray had been skirmishing and being very warm drank very plenty of water which made him sick and being charged by the rebs could not get away.. While at Funkstown Lieut [Newman?] of Co. G. took one man from each Co. and left the column to procure some horses. While out they were pursued by a number of rebs. and Sergt Laird of Co “B” and Corp. White of Co. F. were taken prisoners. Wm Graham had just changed horses. and was scarcely ten rods from them when they came up. Had he not done this he would undoubtedly have been captured too.. We found our wagon train here, and have drawn a small quantity of rations.. It has rained some and promises a rainy night.. Bivouac Near Maryland Boonesboro Md Thursday July 19th 1863 July 10th Time flies: and every day brings something new. eventful and interest ing in the history of this campaign.. Tuesday night was wet rainy. and disagreeable and the forenoon of Wed nesday was also stormy. At about two Oclock A M. “Boots and Saddles” sounded and while preparing to move we could hear an occasional report of cannon or rifle and knew that the foe was again near at hand. About noon we marched out to the north side of town and our regt supporting the battery took up a position on the first range of hills just out of town.. Here the battery exchanged a few shots with one of theirs and then advanced to the next range. Bivouac Near Maryland Boonesboro Md Thursday July 19th 1863 July 10th Time flies: and every day brings something new. eventful and interest ing in the history of this campaign.. Tuesday night was wet rainy. and disagreeable and the forenoon of Wed nesday was also stormy. At about two Oclock A M. “Boots and Saddles” sounded and while preparing to move we could hear an occasional report of cannon or rifle and knew that the foe was again near at hand. About noon we marched out to the north side of town and our regt supporting the battery took up a position on the first range of hills just out of town.. Here the battery exchanged a few shots with one of theirs and then advanced to the next range. One of their batteries was placed in a position that harassed our our skirmishers on their right. and two pieces of our battery was sent out with the first battalion of our regt to support them We took up a position in a field of wheat where their battery had an excellent range which ate they did not fail to use but fortun^ for us though their shot and shell flew in all directions above and around us not a man or horse was harmed.. After expend ing all their ammunition. (they had only their limbers) we retired to our first position.. About this time the fire between the skir mishers becamse steady and heavy and for a time I began to fear that our boys might be driven back but their Spencers were too much for the “Johnny Rebs” and they fell back.. Then our section of the battery and our battalion was moved down the pike far in advance of where we had been before and while our battery was taking up a position the cavalry was ordered forward and we went down the pike ¼ of a mile to where Genl Custer and his staff were stationed when we were ordered back to support the battery.. turning to the right we marched across the field until a shell from one of the rebel guns struck in the ground just ahead of Col. Litch field and Sergt Holton without r bursting.. Another^ bu^st directly over Col Mann's head the force of the concussion blowing him out of the saddle doing him no other damage. Another. more unlucky one, exploded in the ranks of Co D. and literally blew Peter Campeau and his horse all to pieces and seriously wounding Scott Gibbs.. Soon after this our regt was sent back to camp and the battle was over Kilpatrick and Buford held their ground.. We were expecting them again yesterday morning. but all was quiet. Early the infanty commenced marching by us.. The 1st 6th & 11th Corps came by. and took up positions or advanced towards Hagerstown and Williamsport.. We moved our camp last night and now occoupy a piece of woods about a mile southwest of the town. At dusk last night we heard severe musketry and an occasional report or artillery to the South and west of us.. which continued between one and two hours: and expected that this morning would open another great battle.. But all has been comparatively quiet.. About seven Oclock cannonading and mus ketry was heard two or three miles from us. but it has rapidly retrea ted and now it sounds ten or fifteen miles away and rapidly growing more and more distant.. Last night Major Granger with two new companies S & M for our regt arrived.. They number about 100, and poorly arrived with nothing but sabres. scarcely any of any them having either car bines or revolvers.. Camp Near Warrenton Junction Sunday August 9th /63 Nearly a month has elapsed since I finished the foregoing pages and an attempt at dates would be folly on my part.. We were not long allowed to enjoy the camp spoken of in the last page. but in a day or two we were moved out on the extreme right of Meade's line which he had lately formed We remained over night at one place then moved a mile or two and remained a day and night and then moved on as far as Hagerstown.. The 1st Mich charged through the place taking near a hundred prisoners among whom were 1 Brig. Gen.* 1 Lieut Col and a Major I think this was Gen Jenkins As we entered the town and when we were within sight of the seminary building a 12 pound piece of the rebels opened on our column with shell many of which struck on either side of the column only but ^ one of which did any harm. This one struck Lieut Hamlin in the fleshy part of the left arm taking out the flesh right to the bone and wounded his horse before exploding We found the citizens in Hagerstown eager to receive us and glad to be freed from rebel rule.. under which they had lived for four weeks. We were sent out to the right of the town on the road leading towards Gettys burg.. where we remained until nearly midnight when we were releived by the 6th Mich Ar, We moved to a hill on the Waynesboro pike where our camp was established.. It rained during the night and some next day. The next day such horses as needed shoe ing were taken to the city and as many of them, shod as we had shoes and nails for.. Sergts Holton Graham and myself went down to the city with horses. and while there E D. Cooke came down with the pay rolls and orders to have them made out immediately.. d Holton and myself accompanie^ him down the streets when we found a room which the owner told us had been used by the rebs for a commissary department.. We went to work got our table and seats ready and well spread out when we found that we had no old roll to copy from nor even a check roll. Here was a dilemma. What should we do? A consultation ensued during which we ate some very nice blue plums which grew just outside our back window.. It was finally decided that I should return to the blacksmith shop and send some of the boys to camp to find if possible the rolls and bring them to us.. while the others sallied out to engage a dinner for three.. We all met again in a short time and prepared to make oursel ves as comfortable as possible until the rolls arrived. Soon Bonnell re turned bringing the report that the rolls could not be found so wait ing what we thought to be a reason able time we started out to find our dinner.. It was a good one but I had eaten so many plums that I could not do it justice That night our regt was ordered out on picket to releive the 6th.. As I felt by this time nearly sick I went to Dr. Richards and he asked an excuse which ^ readily granted. This was the first Surgeons excuse I had ever received since entering the service.. That night I suffered considerable and next morning did not feel in very good trim for following the regt which was ordered to follow the brigade. I again went to Dr Richards who gave me some pills and told me that I might ride in the ambulance but if I could ride my horse I had better do so even if I did no fighting We reached Hagerstown where I heard that the rebs who had been entrenching themselves some two miles from town since Saturday had drawn in their pickets about 1 Oclock the night before and slid out. Giving us another example of Lee's slipperyness.. Our cavalry followed them to Williamsport and finding none there went down the river to Falling Waters on Dam No 4 where after considerable fight over breastworks.. they captured a brigade of rebel infantry numbering about 2000. two pieces of cannon and three battle flags. One of the cannon was captured by our new companies L & M and one of the flags by Sergt Hol ton.. The loss of our Co was one wounded Chas. Malcolm who was shot through the right side.. The loss in the brigade was severe especially among officers and the proportion of killed to wounded was said by those who had an oppor tunity to judge to be very heavy on both sides.. The rebel loss in killed and wounded was said to be much greater than our own.. Sergt Cochrane of Co F was shot through the head and died instantly.. Major Weber of the 6th was killed by a ball through the head: also Lieut Bolza of Co B. of the 6th.. Sergt Cochran was 1st Sergt of Co F and was a noble fellow enjoy ing the love and esteem of all who him knew ^ whether among superiors. comrades or inferiors.. He was about one and twenty: Major Weber entered the field as Capt of Co B of the 6th and had received his Majors commission only four days before. and had not yet put on his Major stripes.. He was a young man not over three and twenty and was loved by all who knew him Lieut Bolza was also a young man and would have succeeded Major Weber in the command of their Co.. The bodies of these three were embalmed and sent to Washington Michigan to be interred.. Many other officers were killed or wounded but I did not learn any names.. In reading this, one might think that I took an active part in this fight. They would be mistaken.. Soon after passing through Hagerstown I was sent back to the place where we had left our master rolls to get them.. I remained there talking with the merchants nearly an hour and then started on after the regiment.. After getting about two miles from town I came to the rebel fortifications which were roughly constructed. and though well posted did not look very well strong.. I met a great many with prisoners who had been either unable to get across the river or had purposely remained behind.. Of the latter there were a good many mostly North Carolinians or Marylanders.. I went on to within two miles of Williamsport and on the ground of our fight at night of the 6th where I met Sergt OBrien going back to Hagerstown and liking company I rode back with him.. We got some dinner and then falling in with Capt. Moore & Sergt Lucas I went with them out to join the regiment.. We first went to Williamsport where we found Lieut Gray of Co B.. who had been left behind by the rebs in their hurry of crossing.. He had been a prisoner since the 6th and had seen a good share of Lee's army.. He expressed the opinion that 20000 resolute men could have bagged the whole of Lee's army and said that it was only by the greatest exertions of their officers that a panic did not break out among the troops in Williamsport while crossing.. A short distance from the town we fell in with Qrtr Master Doty and the regtl wagons and kept along with him that night camping near the 2nd Corps. Next morning Doty and I started ahead to find the regt and proceeding a short dis tance met the whole division return ing.. We were told that we would in go to Berlin where we would go ^ to camp for 30 days.. That day we marched through Hagerstown to Boonesboro where we staid over night and resumed the march next day reaching Berlin about 1 O'clock. It commenced raining towards night and rained some during the night and com menced again next morning early We had pitched our tents and made preparations to stay awhile. got our mail which we had not received before for three weeks. but about 6 Oclock Boots & Saddles sounded and we were ordered to be ready to move at 7 A.M. We crossed the river on the pontoon bridge at Berlin and found ourselves on the “Sacred Soil” of Virginia about 11 Oclock.. We marched that day to Purcell we ville where ^ stayed until Sunday morning.. On Saturday we made out our payrolls correctly and sent them in.. I had forgotten to state that while at Berlin a consolidation of the companies was effected [A?] & G being consolidated and placed under command of Capt Thompson. Lieut Knight was sent back to Co D. and Lieut Newman placed in command of our Co.. which did not suite us very well.. On Sunday we marched to Snicker ville near Snickers Gap from there to a small village four miles from Upperville where the division halted and the 1st Battalion of our regt was sent out on picket while going out to take up our position being in advance with four others I captured a “Johnny” who was straggling around A short time afterwards a few came up and fired on one of our pickets but without hurting any one however. In the afternoon the division was moved out to Upperville while the 1st and 7th were sent back to Purcell ville to bring up the division train.. We marched until nearly midnight before reaching there and. the remain der of the train coming up we started back about 3 A.M. and reached Upperville about [6?] P.M. when we moved into camp about a mile from the town.. I had forgotten to state that soon after the battle of Falling Waters Genl Kilpatrick had obtained a leave of absence for 20 days and left Genl. Custer in command of the division while Col Town of the 1st took command of the brig ade.. We remained at Upper ville two days when the 7th went to Ashby's Gap while the division moved on another road.. We reached Paris a small town near the mouth of the Gap about 5 P.M. and moved on up the Gap. The pike from Aldie and Hepperville ran directly through the Gap. It was a distance of half a mile to the top of the mountain at a pretty steep grade: when we reached the top of the mountain we could see away across the Shenan doah Valley to the Little North Mountains on the farther side. A long line of dust could be seen apprently near the foot of the mountains supposed to be made by Lees wagon train. The sun being nearly down and the Valley filled with the thin, blue vapor common to mountainous countries the view though beautiful was not very clear.. The 2nd Battalion was left on picket and the 1st after ad ers vancing through the Gap as skirmish^ mounted and dismounted to the Shenan doah river returned to the camp where the 3d Battalion was. We lay here next day.. The 12th corps passed us and went on towards Warrenton. that day [Next?] morning bright and early started on to join the division.. We halted for dinner near the small town of Orleans and found the division at Amyssville. A portion of our cavalry had a fight that same day near Thorntons Gap with a crop of rebel infantry and were whipped.. Saturday morning we saddled up and started with the whole brig n ade and battery to occupy Thor^ton's Gap, but found the 1st brigade already there and so we turned back and went into camp.. About 5 PM we received the order to go on picket and reached our reserve at about dusk. Our rations had given out early in the morning and our train being far behind we were unable to draw any more and prospects looked gloomy enough for a tour of picket duty for twenty four hours even. We managed to get a little for supper. To add to our discomfort a heavy rain storm came up and lasted nearly all night.. I came in from my post about ten Oclock and we could find no place that we could get under shelter.. so spreading our Poncho's on the ground we crawled under one had pleasure and ^ the melancholy ^ of finding myself completely wet through next morning [several words illegible in original] sound sleep.. I dried myself by a fire so that when it came time to go on post again I felt very well for a hungry man.. As it required but two men at a post during the day time we sent the extra four men foraging beyond the lines. After we were relieved Crocker & OBrien. came in having been out about two miles. bringing in a little.. Matchett & [Luigo?] had gone on. beyond a road where only the night before rebel pickets had stood.. They returned about an hour later having met with better success. than Crocker & O' Brien. and seeing no rebs. After they had eaten their breakfast Cos A & G under command of Lieut Newman. started out forag ing.. We went the same road that the others did only going farther intending to visit a certain Mr Browne near the bank of Hazel River who was said to have large quantities of corn ham and bacon. but on arriving in sight of the house we also came in sight of rebel pickets on the opposite bank of the river and Lieut Newman thought best to turn back which we accordingly did That night we were on picket all night. being releived next morning about 10 Oclock when the whole detachment under command of Capt Thompson were ordered out foraging again It was the intention at starting to visit old Brown and become the possessors of this bacon, ham and corn. We proceeded leisurely some two miles visiting certain houses a short distance from the road.. While stopping at one of these I was sent ahead with 3 men and ordered to take my post at a point where a road came from thick, close woods into the road we were then on. and which was some ¾ of a mile ahead.. I had been at this point nearly half an hour when a volley of musketry in the rear told me that they had found some “Johnny's” and knowing that a large wood between them and me afforded an excellent chance for them to cut me off I fell back towards the column. It seems that a squad of some 15 had gone to a house nearly [1/4?] of a mile from the road had been fired on by a body of rebel infantry whose number could not be estimated As it was not thought advisable to pick a quarrel with them the column was turned to the left through a piece of woods and we went foraging another way.. We wandered about until near night when we returned to night camp laden with flour, meal, corn. pork and geese.. One little incident which amused us somewhat I will record. We had just finished “robbing” a widow lady. (mother of two fair daughters) of some corn and flour. and being satrated sated, with our glory we turned our faces. campward.. We had proceeded but a little ways when we came upon a large flock of geese.. Someone near the head of the column spoke of “charging” them, but no one started until we saw Lieut Sessions start when the whole column was immediately broken up.. I started. and drawing my sabre charged one and giving him a ‘left cut against infantry' laid fired on by a body of rebel infantry whose number could not be estimated As it was not thought advisable to pick a quarrel with them the column was turned to the left through a piece of woods and we went foraging another way.. We wandered about until near night when we returned to night camp laden with flour, meal, corn. pork and geese.. One little incident which amused us somewhat I will record. We had just finished “robbing” a widow lady. (mother of two fair daughters) of some corn and flour. and being satrated sated, with our glory we turned our faces. campward.. We had proceeded but a little ways when we came upon a large flock of geese.. Someone near the head of the column spoke of “charging” them, but no one started until we saw Lieut Sessions start when the whole column was immediately broken up.. I started. and drawing my sabre charged one and giving him a ‘left cut against infantry' laid given them to him that morning but that he knew nothing of the pistol.. I reported the case to Col Litchfield. who seemed willing to do all in his power to recover them for me.. But as I was obliged to go on picket I. had no time to attend to it and when next we stopped it was too late to identify any person sufficiently to arrest him.. That morning the regt was ordered on picket.. Cos A, G. & D were sent to Jefferson. some four miles dis tant.. We arrived there during a smart shower. and remained ‘till near dusk when the 1st Pa. Cav. of Gregg's division was came out and releived us, while we were ordered back to camp. which we reached about midnight. We were routed out at five next morning and after the usual delay.. marched about eight and did not stop to feed or for anything else. any length of time until we reached this place where we went into camp. The day was very hot and we reached camp tired hungry, heated and dusty.. This was on Friday July 31st Saturdy everything opened well and we begun to think of rest, but about noon came “Boots & Saddles” and we packed up After drawing rations, feeding horses cooking some “grub” and waiting a couple of hours the order came to unsaddle. discharge our revolvers and clean them.. A detail of [illegible in original] men was made from our Co. and a proportionate number from other Cos also [100?] men from the 5th to go with Col Mann on a raid after Moseby.. We started about 4 P.M.. Col. Litchfield taking Cos A. G. & D. and going by way of [Sigele?] church and Auburn Mills a distance of some eight miles. where we stopped for the night in a piece of woods where we stopped on a former raid some two months before. Next morning we moved on early. our co. being sent ahead and I with four men went to a house where we got a negro boy who had acted as our guide before. Our route lay across the mountains to Salem. from there to White Plains where we joined Col Mann who had gone by way of Thoroughfare Gap to this place. We went into camp about 1 ½ miles from the village where we remained over night.. A negro brought us the report that White and Moseby, with a force of some 400 men were going to attack us that night.. But they did not come.. The next morning we started quite early and moved on toward Middle burg. through which a part of the detach ment charged capturing one man.. A part of us were sent up into the mountains where we got a number of horses. and cattle and heard that White and Moseby were farther up the mountains. [illegible in original] followed them for a time when we turned around and went on to Goose Creek where we stopped near a mill for dinner. We drew rations from the mill consisting of flour meal and corn [illegible due to tear] rye for our horses.. [From?] there we moved on about 5 [illegible in original] stopped at night near the [illegible in original] church. 1½ miles from Aldie and [illegible in original] residence of the famous [illegible in original].. Here next morning Lieut Newman got into a quarrel with a [waiter?] of Capt Clark of the 5th a little boy and ordered [illegible in original] him. But I did not [illegible in original] it just then and flatly told [illegible in original] would'n't [illegible in original] got in [illegible in original] myself. and a [few?] [illegible in original] being sent in to camp I [illegible in original] in [well?] them.. Abour forty men under command of Lieut [illegible in original] fought with two prisoners [illegible in original] that night [illegible in original] Hay market [remainder of page illegible in original]