Edwin R Havens Co. A.7th Mich Cav. 35 35.00 Capt G W Wells 1728 3 16 2 14 34 [Left-hand side of inside front cover] Edwin R Havens Co A 7th Mich Cavalry Army of Potomac] [Upside-down of inside front cover] 54 1st [illegible in original] 24 7th Mich [19th?] Wells 2 83 Jan 11th 1864 [several figures illegible in original] My Diary Edwin R Havens Co “A” 7th Mich Cav. [several lines illegible in original] and Fredericksburg Va May 7th 1864 We have now been on the move since Wednesday morning. having left Camp at 7. A M. of that day. This like all of [illegible in original] [illegible in original] took nearly all by surprise. The first understanding I had of [illegible in original] 434 F street Between 6th & 7th Mr Brown immediate movement was on Tuesday afternoon when Lieut B_ and myself went to Ingalls to procure horses. We found everything torn up and Capt [illegible in original] inform [illegible in original] that the army would move that night. We returned to camp as soon as possible and at 8 PM recd ord to be ready to break camp at [daylt?] next AM. We marched W. to [illegible in original] 3 m. of [illegible in original] and crossed then [illegible in original] at about 8. Jan 12th 1864 Horses 1st Mich 80 1st Vermont 24 7th Mich 19 Capt Wells 2 125 We marched that day [illegible in original] where we remd over nite. and [line illegible in original] [illegible in original] [illegible in original] This A M. we marched back to [illegible in original] and red till M. when we [again?] started and came here Heavy fighting was heard [illegible in original] and consid today no decisive resul has been heard yet [tend?] Our brig. was engaged yesterday. and the 1st 5th & 6th lost slightly $ 12 [illegible in original] 150 Hired help 20 25 40 30 277 277 121 156 CM 200 60 356 20 30 110 80 190 Borders Due By [illegible in original] 34 Hunt 34 Scott 40 Miss Depuy 12 35 $121 Our regt is reported not to have lost any although engaged. No result has been heard from to days fight. Gen Hays was Killed [T.?] Today while laying at C_ a part of 9th came up. It was the colored troops which were the first I had ever seen. While coming out of Chancellorsville little Henry fell from one of the mules and was run over and died soon after reaching here Anna Graham Between 1st & 2nd May 10th 1864 We now lay ½ a mile from where the preceding pages were written. On Sun day we moved from here some five miles in direc tion of Spottsylvania C.H. and started in a field where we remd until nearly night when we came back here. Sunday A.M. our cav stirred up a nest of Johnnies and engaged them until releived by the 5th Corps Heavy fighting was kept up all day neither side appearing to gain much. When we returned here at night the Mich troops belonging to 9th A.C. were camped but a short distance from us. But we did not know it until next morning and then it was too late to see them as they had moved at daylight to the front. I saw one of the 2nd who was left behind. He told me that Frank Farnsworth was with the company. Considerable fighting took place yesterday and last night. About 12 Oclock last night seve ral wagons were sent out to bring in our wounded It is reported that Maj Gen Sedgwick was killed while on the picket lines yesterday morning Gen Birney is reported to have been killed yes terday or day before. On the rebel side Gen Long street is reported to be wounded. This re port comes from citi zens who say that rebel soldiers gave them the report. Last night a body of prisoners re ported to contain over 2600 passed by here. and a short time afterwards a squad of twenty others passed us It is reported that 2500 have gone another route The wounded have been sent to Fredericksburg where they are to be quar tered. Yesterday morn the Cav. Corps started on a movement which no one seems to fully understand Some reports say that they have gone to open communication with Butler Others, that they have gone to open communica tion between Fredbg and the Potomac. Some one reports that they met old Stuart yesterday and cut their way through him Heavy fighting in the direction of Spottsylvania this morning. It is now the seventh day since the movement commenced no and ^ day has yet passed without fighting. What is most remarkable. no man has yet fallen.. a phenomenon never before known since the war commenced. The weather is dry and very warm. Between Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg May 11th /64 We yet remain in the same spot chosen by us on Sunday night which is now ascertained to be seven miles from Fredericks and five from Chancellorsville We expected rain last night: but it did not come and this morn.g gave but few promises of a shower excepting the intense heat and silent air. It however commenced raining about 2. P.M. and slight showers still continue at intervals. and meet with a hearty welcom from all But little firing has been heard to day, and that at a much greater distance than yesterday. The cannonading was regular and steady until after dark last night: and was by far the heaviest and most terrific I have heard since that of Gettysburg This morning upwards of 800 prisoners were brought in many, if not all. of whom were captured yesterday. A large number of wounded were sent to Fredericksburg yesterday and quite a large number to day. Good news if true reached us yesterday. One report says that Gen Butler has taken Petersburg and is marching rapidly on Richmond Another that Gen Segel has possession of Gordon ville. That our forces cap tured the first line of their defenses yesterday; and that the cavalry had destroyed their communications with Richmond. Thus nearly or quite surrounding them and placing both Richmond and the army of Northern Va in jeopardy. Gen Lee is said to have been wounded so severely as to compel him to leave command of the army, which Ewell assumes Another report says that Joe Johnson and Beauregard have been severely handled and thrashed in the southwest: [He?] is heaping things up almost too fast to be readily believed as it seems too good to be true. Can it be that Gen Grant is really going to accom plish. what McClellan, Pope Burnside. Hooker and Meade have tried for three long weary years to do. May a kind and beneficient Providence order this to be so. Lieut Ballard has just received an order to have the [R Q M?] [illegible in original] in teams and wagons [line illegible in original] [Written in pen over top of bottom two lines – This was a rumor started by some one] to Washington while the rest of [remainder of line illegible in original] transported to Fortress Monroe [Written in pen over top of lines 2 – 4 – and utterly unfounded] bg Four miles from Fredericks^ May 12th 1864 This morning at sunrise we received orders to prepare to move and after waiting and working we finally halted here having gone a distance of about three miles. The day has been very rainy and there is every prospect of more rain to night. We are expecting our train with forage almost every moment. as six wagons from our brigade were sent to Belle Plain for forage last night: This has been an event ful day and one of the hardest fought of the present campaign. It is reported and beleived that Gen. Grant fell back some three miles last night with all appearances of a ske daddle and that the [Johnny?] followed him up. Those who were awake during the night say that there was heavy fighting in the after part of the night: Certain it is that at early day light heavy can nonading was distinctly heard which has continued nearly up to the present time About nine A.M. the report was brought in that two brigades had been captured by our boys. and soon they came up. One whole division was surrounded and taken with 15 pieces of artillery and the hospitals and everything pertaining to the division. It has been said that 13 Gens. were taken I saw three 2 Maj Gens and one Brig. One of them is said by many to be a Gen Stuart not the famous Cavalry Gen of that name but a brother commanding infantry. He was an ordinary looking man and many of the men in the ranks appeared as well dressed and intelligent. The prisoners are camped a short distance from here and are said to number 6500 Fredericksburg Va May 15th 1864 I was awakened before daylight this morning by hearing Huntington calling me. and saying that we were going to move immediately. We got under motion with much less wailing than usual and about 8 Oclock halted here. We are now parked just out of town on the highths. and have a very pleasant place. with the exception of wood being very unhandy. No fighting of consi quence has taken place since the 12th. The 13th scarcely again was heard and yester day but very few cannons were heard About four P M some cannonading was heard which lasted about an hour. One or two re ports have been heard today. Yesterday after noon I procured a pass and Roop and I went down to the city and spent a couple of hours riding around and visit ing viewing the place. The idea. I had formed of its beauty. while lying at Falmouth were realized. It is certainly the largest and most beautiful place I have yet seen in Virginia. Nearly every building not occupied by families are now used as hospitals and are filled with wounded. The weather is still rainy. Several showers fall every day Fredericksburg Va May 16th 1864 We still remain in the camp chosen by us yesterday morning. and prospects now are that we may remain here till our cavalry comes back. we have had but two slight showers today and it has looked more like clear ing up than it has at any time before since the storm commenced. Our train returned from Belle Plain last and brought soft bread and pork. and a few hams. We received pork today. rations for three days. the first we have drawn since we drew at Chancellorville the 6th. A large number of cavalry detachments for the whole corps came in today. Some were new recruits and others. those who had been to Camp Stone man to be remounted.. I saw Sergt Dunnett of Co. D and Sergt Gregg of Co B. who have been absent from the regt on recruiting for a long time. Ed. Nye and I went down into the city this afternoon and rode all over it and I saw many things which I did not notice the other time I was down there. Wrote a letter to our folk on returning to camp Our cavalry is reported at Fortress Monroe Fredericksburg Va May 17 /64 We still remain in the same encampment and everything is quiet as usual. The day has been mild and with out rain.scarcely a drop has fallen. This morning we were surprised by a capt. report ing to Lieut Bullard that he had been appointed to relieve him and occu py the place of Brig. QM. His name is Bowman. We heard before leaving Culpepper that such a thing was probable. but had begun to hope that it might not be so He is now occupying quarters. at Cav. Corps Headquarters. while Lieut B- will remain here the remainder of this month. Our dismounted men who guarded the prisoner to Belle Plain returned here today arriving about noon. About 5 O'clock a large body of infantry went out on the pike to wards the front. Some one reported them as numbering 40,000. The report that Gen. Custer was killed a few days ago has some way got into circulation but is generally disbeleived. No fighting has been heard today. Those who have been to the front report all quiet. Fredericksburg May 18th All has been quiet today so far as. I have heard. A few of our men who were dismounted were going to the front this morning and when a few miles out were fired on by a party of bushwhackers and one of them was woun ded in the leg. Word was sent back to camp. & Cap North went out with twelve men and captured two rebels a Capt & Lieut at a house. and also brought in a citizen and burned the house where they were found. The Lieut was badly wounded through the body. and it is a doubtful chance that he lives Some say that he was shot by the man who was wounded this morn ing. while others say that he. himself. says he was shot while attempting to take one of our trains last night. Ten wagons were sent to Belle Plain for forage today. Nothing reliable has been heard from our cavalry yet. Some say that they were expected to land at Belle Plain tonight from transports. Mail can be got by sending an order to the Dept. for it but as no one knows when the cavalry will be back it is not advisable to get it. We had a slight shower of rain today. May 19th 1864 This morning Anthony Densmore and myself went to the front in search of the 9th A.C. which was said to be about nine miles distant from here. Arriving out there we found that it had moved some four or five miles farther to the left and had some diffi culty in finding it. but succeeded after a time The others were in search of the 17th Mich infantry while I was looking for the 2nd in hopes to find Frank Farnsworth I found the regt and Co but learned that Frank was left at Warren ton Junction while on the march from Alexandria here. After ascertaining this I turned to leave, not dreaming that there was any one else there that I knew. when I heard some one inquire if I were not from Niles. I knew the voice instan ly and turning back saw one of my old scholars N.T. Dyer. whom I had never dreamed of finding in the army. as he was at home and stoutly resisting all attempts to induce him to enlist when I came away. I had quite a pleasant visit of half an hour with him. but was forced to come away as they were in line of battle and none knew how soon a fight might commence The country where they were and between here and there is like all that we have seen this side of the Rapidan and Rappahannock. very hilly and covered with a thick growth of short timber. We came directly back from where they lay and on the same route and saw but little if any of the lately fought fields. I have heard no can nons and presume that no fighting has occurred. although we heard no cannonading yesterday and there was a very severe battle. in which our men were successful in driving the rebels from one or two lines of their defences. Last night just at dusk two of our dismounted men belonging to the [13th?] Mich took a notion to go out guerrilla hunting on their own hook so pulling off their side arms they slung their carbines over their and shoulders they went out as though they had no arms on. They had not gone far before a couple of Johnny's arose from the bushes and presenting a pair of revolvers gave them an invitation to go to Dixie with them. But our boys “could nt see it” and just reaching over their shoulders drew a couple of Spencer's and bringing them to bear fired killing one and causing the other to surrender ‘[instanter?]” When we reached camped we found a large amount of mail waiting. which Pete and Nell. were very busy assort- ing. But although it had been three weeks since I had seen a letter I received in about six or eight bushels of mail two letters and two papers. and those older than Methusaleh. We hear very conflicting reports concerning our cavalry Some pretending to know say they will be here within a day or two while others who have fully as good a chance to get information say they will not be back for a long time. Several more men came in from Wash ington last night Fredericksburg. May 20th We hear nothing new today. A skirmish took place last night some 6 or 8 miles from here towards the front in consequence of the guerrillas making an attack on a wagon train. but were driven back with out accom plishing their object and suffering considerable loss. Ed and Lou went out to the front today with Capt Bowman. They said nothing was being done while they were there but that the troops had orders to advance at 12 Oclock. They had not commenced to do so however when they left. nor has any cannonading been heard this afternoon Some two hundred prisoners were sent in from the front this morn ing. I do not know when they were captured. Our dis mounted men captured three more guerrilla's last night or yesterday. This morning we had or ders to be ready to move at a moments notice. but after harnessing and hooking up and laying so half a day we finally unhooked and unharnessed and will probably remain here for some time unless they in [mark illegible in original] get frightened and ^ such a case we shall probably move only across the river. The move this morning was only on account of the attack ing of the train last night. A small mail came up today. and as usual brought nothing for me I heard a newsboy crying “Washington Chronicle” this morning. which sounded some thing like civilization once more. Our train which was sent to Belle Plain. yesterday returned with supplies today Today was ration today. but nothing was issued except coffee, “hard tack” and sugar.. no pork. Answered Nell's letter last this afternoon. The day has been warm and pleasant. although we had a very heavy dew this morning. May 21st 1864 We were routed out at 2 Oclock this morning by orders to ready to march at 3 Oclock. but as usual we did not start until day light. No one knew where we were going. we Some said ^ were going to Belle Plain others to Port Conway. Others to Guinea Station. and still others to Bowling Green. We marched quite steadily until noon. when we parked here. We hear that we are eight miles from Bowling Green and some 18 from Fredericksburg.. There has been some cannonading this afternoon. Milford Station. Va Monday May 23d /64 We lay at the camp where the last page was written all yesterday and moved from there this morning at about seven O'clock and arrived here at about 6. P.M. The weather has been pleasant and dry since Friday. and promises to be good for some days to come. We have travelled through the most beauti ful country since Satur day that I have seen in Virginia. We passed through Bowling Green about four O'clock and found it to be much larger than I expected. and a most beautiful place. This Station is a beautiful little place for a Virginia and contains several nice little. buildings. and lies near the Mattapony River The first of our troops ar rived here this morni last Saturday morning and the last left here this morn ing about eleven O'clock. May 26th We remained at Milford one day and two nights. moving yesterday to this place. which is I should think about four miles from Milford. While there day before yesterday Lieut Ballard. myself and some eight or ten others went foraging beautiful place. This Station is a beautiful little place for a Virginia and contains several nice little. buildings. and lies near the Mattapony River The first of our troops ar rived here this morni last Saturday morning and the last left here this morn ing about eleven O'clock. May 26th We remained at Milford one day and two nights. moving yesterday to this place. which is I should think about four miles from Milford. While there day before yesterday Lieut Ballard. myself and some eight or ten others went foraging started out again with four teams. We went to another farm near this one and filled the wagons with corn and then re turned to camp. and found the train hooked up and ready to pull out. It was threatning rain very hard and after laying still about an hour the order came to unhook and unharness, and just then a furious storm of wind, hail and rain broke which lasted about three fourths of an hour. After arriving here we started out again and going some five or six miles found a large number of hams and shoulder, which we appropriated immediately Our cavalry came in yesterday afternoon and there was great rejoicing to see them. Our regt. lost slightly but the worth of those lost was great. Billy OBrien is gone! killed while gallantly heading the company in a charge at Glen Allin. Major Granger was also killed there.. and others were killed and wounded whose names I did not learn. They moved to the front again this morning May 30th 1864 On the morning of the 27th we moved at ten. A.M. from where we lay. and returning to Milford took the road leading towards New town and marching about ten miles halted for the night at about 12 O'clock. The next morning at 10½ we started again and marching through Newtown stopped about a mile from Dunkirk and remained near till yesterday about 9.A M. We then moved on again stopping here about sundown. The country we have passed through on these three days march has been as good as any we have yet seen. and we have passed through many pleasant little villages. Newtown is not a very large place containing but a few dwelling houses. a mill and store house and a store. The papers strewn about these buildings showed one S.S.Gresham, to have been the proprietor and indicate that he had been long estab lished. and extensively connected with business firms in Richmond. Liverpool and other cities. Between one and two hundred prisoners bushels of wheat still remained in the Storehouse. At Dunkirk we crossed the Mattapony the wagons crossing on one of our own pontoons. while the horse and footmen crossed on one of the bridges captured from the “Johnny's” It consisted of the boats stretched across placed lengthwise across the river and the floor laid below the edge of the boats The river at Dunkirk was about the same width as the Rapidan at Ely's Ford and much deeper. About 2 miles from Dunkirk we passed through Elliott quite a village on the Matta pony. Several buildings had been burned, which a citizen told us were burned by a Delaware regiment in June of last year. they having come up to a town lower down the river on gunboats and then marched up there. About two miles from here we halted at a point in the road where there were two dwelling houses. a blacksmith shop. cooper and wagon Shop. which was dignified with the title of Mechan icsville. We hear that our brigade fell in with a strong force of “rebs” in riflepits and although. being badly cut up. drove them from their works. Gen. Custer. had a horse killed under him. an Officer named Stranahan on his staff was wounded severely. Capt Maxwell of the 1st was wounded se verely and had his arm amputated while the [5th?] was badly cut to pieces.. Our regt and the 6th have not been heard of but there is little reason to think they did not have anything to do: I saw about one hundred prisoners probably more that were taken in that fight. From what the citizens told us yesterday I think we must now be about a mile from the Pamunkey at Hanover Town and if we move today will probably go to near some point on the Yorktown and Richmond railroad.. Many think the White House our destination It was near Mechanics ville seventeen miles from Richmond that our brig ade. was engaged yesterday morning June 2nd 1864 We are now camped in a field near where our brig ade was engaged day before yesterday. We passed through the fields where the fight occurred, while coming here this morning. and saw some dead horses and a few graves. Monday afternoon we heard that some of our company were wounded and at the Corps hospital a short distance from the river on the opposite side and Ed. Nye and I procured a pass and went over. We found Harvey with his right leg taken off between the thigh and knee. but ap parently feeling and doing finely. Hanney was there too, wounded in the right arm near the shoulder; a severe flesh wound but not dan gerous. Luke was killed on the field. Poor fellow. the death he so much dreaded and tried so long to shun at last overtook him at the mom ent when spurred to desperation. by the [jeers?] of comrades he was doing better than he was ever known to do before. I saw there. Sergt Buck [Corp. Delamader?] & Todd and privates Hyde. Miller. and one other whom I did not know. Sergt Perkins was reported dead having died since coming to the hospital. and Sergt Nolan was said to be dying I saw Corp Williams from the same company but did not see him. Emmons of the 1st was also there badly wounded in the right shoulder and [Gonell?] of the 1st wounded in one arm and one thigh while scores of [illegible in original] gers were there with wounds of all descriptions from arms and legs off to mere scrat ches. Everyone said that the fight of Friday last was the hardest and ever known by our cavalry Gen Custer had three horses shot under him. and Lieut [Christenzey?] was wounded in three places. Major Walker was said to have received a slight wounds and several officers of other regiments were wounded. On return ing to the train we found everything ready to pull out. and as soon as possible we got into the road and crossed the river and camped about three miles this side on a road said to lead directly to White House landing. that after noon the train that had been sent several days before the Port Royal came up with supplies and also brought a small mail from which I got three letters. We remained in the camp chosen by us that night. until nine Oclock last night when we marched about six miles. halting at three O.clock We moved again about 11 A.M and halted here about 3 P.M. We have the best camping ground now that we have had since leaving Culpepper. The weather has been warm and dry until this afternoon when we had a nice little shower lasting about half an hour. day before yesterday our brigade was slightly engaged. but yesterday morning they were pitched into and had a severe time and it is said lost heavily. I have not heard from our regt and know nothing of its loss. Capt Brevoort of the 1st was killed. and Capt Hazlett wounded. It is said that four men and halted here about 3 P.M. We have the best camping ground now that we have had since leaving Culpepper. The weather has been warm and dry until this afternoon when we had a nice little shower lasting about half an hour. day before yesterday our brigade was slightly engaged. but yesterday morning they were pitched into and had a severe time and it is said lost heavily. I have not heard from our regt and know nothing of its loss. Capt Brevoort of the 1st was killed. and Capt Hazlett wounded. It is said that four men going via Elliott or Newtown are expected up with supplies to night or tomorrow morning. We are said to be ten miles from White House. and about six teen from Richmond and some where's near to Coal Harbor. where our men were fighting yesterday. But in the absence of an accurate map. I can not tell in what direction either of these places lie. Near Coal Harbor June 5th Scarcely had I laid aside my pencil after writing the above few lines when order came to “hook up,” and be ready to move immediately. We got ready and pulled out about a hundred rods when we found the road we were to move on crowded with the trains of the 5th & 6th corps. and after waiting till about nine Oclock orders came to unhook and we pitched our tents and slept until daylight when the roads being clear we pulled out and marched to within less than two miles of Bottom Bridge. where we found the 1st and 2nd Divis' of cav. We remained there until yesterday morning when we moved to this place. They tell us we are near Coal Har bor but in what direction that place is from here I have no idea. We came a very roundabout road to get here. Night before last our train from White House came up with one days forage for the command and eight. or ten for the train. The same night another part of the train was sent there after rations. and which arrived here soon after we did. Yesterday morning another part went out again for forage and will probably get here today.. We found our com pany all well. They lost none in any of the fights since the one at Salem Church. When the command went into camp near Bottom Bridge the batteries opened on the rebels on the oppo site side of the river and for about an hour brisk artillery fire was kept up Two or three shells from the rebel's guns fell in camp. and one falling in the camp of the 1st burst and killed two horses and wounded one man. Day before yesterday about five Oclock P.M. can nonading commenced again between them and as before some of their shells fell near the camps. Yesterday morning our division of cavalry moved off in this direction. and I think must now be near here as four days rations were sent to them last night. It commenced raining soon after we got here and rained slightly all night: and this morning. We received a mail night before last and expect another to day. Got two letters from Home June 6th 1864 We still remain in the same place in which we halted on Saturday. but begin to look for a move tomorrow or in a few days. at farthest. Orders for a new supply of rations and forage have been received. which articles are to be sent to the command immediately. It is rumored that the cavalry is going into the Shenandoah Valley to Join Gen Sigel.. Last night about nine o'clock a terrif ic fire of musketry and artillery was heard to com mence apparently but a very short distance from here and which continued about an hour. We have heard no very authentic report of its cause today But some one reports that it was the result of a trap laid by the 2nd Corps into which the Johnnies fell and got fearfully cut up. The day had been warmer than any I have before seen in a long time. and as a result it threat ens a severe thunder storm ere long.. We received a mail this morning and I was fortunate enough to receive two letters from Nell and one from Aunt Mary.. I have felt rather unwell today. being troubled with a severe headache and diarrhea. with which nearly everyone seems to be affec ted. and which is probably occasionaed by the warm weather and bad water June 8th 1864 For a wonder we yet remain here and it is one of the greatest wonders of the present or past campaigns. that we have not moved today. We had a bit of fun last night in a lot of the teamsters getting out a fiddle and having a dance; something that has never been known before wh without our moving in less than twenty four hours afterwards. The corps started out yes terday on the great raid. The last I heard from them they were waiting at Newcastle Ferry on the Parmunkey for a supply of grain to come up. but the train which came up from White House went on as far as Old Church and not finding the command. nor receiving any orders came back here. and I presume the command did not receive any. Yesterday was not so hot as the day before nor has today been much warm er. Both have been quite com fortable. No mail came [up?] yesterday. and we hardly know whether to expect any before the cavalry returns or not; the chances are that we will not. although. [illegible in original?] is about starting now to go there and return tomorrow. Our officers tried this morn ing to get an order to move nearer White House that we might get good grazing. Fight h ing is kept up steadily althoug^ not very severe. Heavy cannons were heard at intervals all last night White House Landing Sunday June 12th /64 On the morning of the 9th we received orders to move to this place and reached here about 3. P.M. that day. without anything worthy of note occurring. The day was warm, dry and dusty The next morning (10th) when I returned from a short ride on the river bank I received orders to send a man to the 9th Corps with Capt Matthews of the 17th Mich. Inf. to bring back a horse lent him by Lieut Ballard to ride out there; and thinking that I should feel better to ride out there and back than I would if I remained in camp I conclu ded to go myself: thinking too that perhaps I might see the 2nd Mich Inf.. The distance I found to be some 18 miles and as we went skylarking all over the country it was sometime after noon before we reached Gen. Willcox's Hd Quarters where the Capt was to stop. I remained there until my horses could eat and also got some dinner. and then a young man of the 17th went with me to find the 2nd. We went clear to the outer line of breastworks but found that the 2nd of were in the skirmisher pits and it was dangerous to attempt to reach them. therefore I returned without seeing any of them.. There was no fighting going on in any part of their lines. One or two pieces of artillery was bellowing every few minutes. and the sharp shooters were firing at whatever they might chance to see but no reply was made to either: There was any amount of breast works. rifle pits and forts all through the woods at that point and there were many marks of the late fighting at that point: In a small log shanty half way between Gen Willcox's Hd Qrtrs and the outer line of works was a crazy man. who was said to have been there for several months.. He was destitute of any clothing and the only covering he had was a light quilt. I saw no citizens there and concluded that he had been left to the tender mercies of the soldiers.. It was after dark before I reached camp and had been here but a few minutes when orders came to move. I began to shudder at the thoughts of a long night's ride. when we learned that we ^ were to move but a short distance so as to get within the fortifications As there were orders given also to have some men there to guard a little grain and hay I concluded to remain myself. Nothing of note occurred yes terday: I remained in camp all day writing letters and reading. or riding around. About 5 O'clock P.M. we had a smart. little shower which cooled the air considerable.. At sundown we went over to the river and took a swim. I swam more last night and this morning than I have before since leaving home to go into the store nearly two years ago.. Troops are going and coming constantly. filled with troops whose term of service has expired and who are going home. or with troops coming in to fill their places. We have received a mail each day since coming here. The 9th I received two letters and today one. White House June 13 Nothing new of much im portance has occurred since this time yesterday. We yet remain here with no signs of moving soon. Lieut Clark still continues to receive forage at the landing and issue it to the whole army. Capt [Blood?] is removing his stores. as is also Capt Strang. Capt Smith showed no signs of moving at dark last night. still every one thinks we will soon change our base of supplies. and that Harrison's Landing will be the new base. Some have spoken of City Point as the new one; but this seems improbable. Last night a part of the 18th A.C. camped near here having ed coming in the front. and march^ off again this morning. I also heard that a part of the 9th Corps. including the 2nd Brig. 3d Div. consisting of the 2nd 8th 20th and 1st Mich Sharpshooters had been transferred from to Gen. Butlers department.. Yesterday afternoon in company with two or three others I went down to the landing for the purpose of seeing more than I had before seen. The most principal interesting thing that I saw was the gunboat lying near the old bridge. She is a boat about one hundred and fifty feet long and some forty in width.. She is built in a regular passenger boat style. with only the deck on the top of the cabin. The guns, six in number, four heavy Rodman guns. and two small brass howitzers are placed on the main deck at the stern and bow of the boat. Everything looked neat and tidy about the decks and the windows and doors of the cabins and rooms being open gave us a glimpse of as comfortable quarters as any could ask for. On returning to camp I found that J. W Harrison from the Invalid Corps had been to our camp and had been gone but a few minutes. As I had not seen him since we left Washing ton. I made him a call last night and had a very good visit. He certainly looks as able to endure the hardships of a life in the field as the majority of those now doing duty at the front and in fact such is the case with the majority of the thousands we see at this place Everything looked neat and tidy about the decks and the windows and doors of the cabins and rooms being open gave us a glimpse of as comfortable quarters as any could ask for. On returning to camp I found that J. W Harrison from the Invalid Corps had been to our camp and had been gone but a few minutes. As I had not seen him since we left Washing ton. I made him a call last night and had a very good visit. He certainly looks as able to endure the hardships of a life in the field as the majority of those now doing duty at the front and in fact such is the case with the majority of the thousands we see at this place White House. June 15th But few signs of our moving as yet. although we are left nearly alone. all of the “Hundred Day” men are gone and nearly all of the “Invalids.” The hospitals were all gone last night and several batteries of the Reserve artillery were awaiting transportation. last night. While at the landing yesterday afternoon I saw the New York and another large government transport go out loaded to their utmost capacity with hundred day men. The remainder of the 18th Corps which lay near us took the boat for some other port. The dismounted men of our corps who lay near us yesterday morning. moved off towards the river. but whether they took a boat or not I do not know. A rumor reached us last night that our cavalry. a day or two since. charged into Manchester near Richmond. but the infantry on whom they depended for support failing to come up they retired.. We received no mail yesterday and it is said will not receive any more until our new base of supplies is established.. Yesterday was very cool as also the night before and last night. and this morning was very cool but it is now becoming very warm and promises by noon to become extremely hot. No news has been received from the front for several days. It is said that the 3d Division of Cavalry crossed the Chickahominy at Bottoms Bridge day before yesterday. Near White House June 21st Time flies and brings changes of all kinds Each day.. From the 15th each day saw more and more taken away from the landing till nothing was left but the trains and a few troops left to guard them.. Almost Every one began to look for an attack. The guer rillas had been rather bold and troublesome for several days running off cattle and capturing their guards firing on pickets etc. and we began to wish for our cavalry. Our expectations were realized yesterday morning when in a dense fog just after daylight a small body of rebel cavalry charged upon our pickets and captured many of them. and then rode almost to our breastworks and finding it too hot there driving retreated carrying off a large number of cattle and about fifty prisoners. Our batteries played on everything they could see while the fog lasted. When they fog cleared up it showed us a large force of cavalry marching along the crest of the hill and back of the woods towards our left: Our batteries soon stopped this as in a short time only a few in small squads could be seen. One of our gun boats opened about half past six and getting a splendid range on the hill some made it too hot for any thing to remain there. At seven Oclock the rebels brought up a battery of artillery and opened from this hill and came near creat ing a picket panic among our train which was the only one that had not pulled out of [park?]. The first half dozen shells they threw were directed toward the train but find ing that our batteries were paying their regards in such a manner that they deserved some reply they ceased firing at the train. and pitched in to the train batteries It was two Oclock before I came across the river at the rear of the train and during all this time the firing of artillery had been kept up very steadily. It ceased soon after however. Our cavalry commenced to arrive but halted and camped on this side of the river The 2nd division came up as fare as here while the first staid back a mile or more. The 2nd division crossed the river dismounted before day light this morning and ours soon after mounted. Artillery. has been heard for more than an hour but seemingly at a great distance off. A few reports from one of our gunboats below here were heard half an hour or more ago but she has been silent since Everyone was astonished at the accuracy with which the gunners on the boats directed their shots. Not one of them but seemed to hit the spot and the right one every time.. It seems that our cavalry had two days very hard fighting on their last raid at Louisa C. H. and Pavilion Station. Our brigade was at one time surrounded and it was with the greatest only by severe fighting that they escaped capture As it was they lost all their pack train, Gen Custers headquarters wagon all the caisson belonging to Batt. M. which also lost a larg number of men and horses.. besides a very heavy loss of killed wounded and prisoners in the brigade. The first regt lost heavily in officers. having five killed and as many more wounded The 5th was badly cut to pieces again. The loss of the [6th?] I have not learned. Our regt it is said lost 79 men. Lieut Hamlin lost the sight of his left eye while the other was badly injured. Major Bowers was wounded in the left arm. These are all the casualities I have learned among the officers. In our company Adams & Matchett were killed and Springer taken prisoner. Several others in the regt have been mentioned but I do not remember their names Our regiment received a new stand of regimen tal colors brough last night: which were brought from Michigan since the opening of this cam paign. They are not quite so handsome as the ones lost at Gettysburg in July last. They are carried by Sergt Shotwell. Sergt Meshaw of the 1st Gen Custer's Color bearer was killed in the last action. while the and the color bearer of the 1st was shot among through the lungs. A Sergt of the 1st now takes the place of Me shaw. Among those taken prisoner in the 1st were Sergts Allen Vincent & Babcock of Co M. and Morrell saddler and among the wounded [Art? Alf?] Cooke Capt Greene. Custers Adjt Gen was taken prison er also Chaplain Hudson of the 1st Mich and Lieut Bayles brigade provost Mar shall was wounded. Among the wounded officers were Lieut Bullock of the 1st form erly acting C.S. for the brig ade Lieut who lost a finger Lieut Emerson of the 1st woun ded in heel. Capt Duggin 1st a mere scratch in the arm and others whose names I have heard but whom I did not know. Capt Sprool 7th had a horse killed and several men in the ranks had horses killed. By the capture pack of the [illegible in original] train Major Walker lost three horses and all his clothes and papers and many others fared equally with him. June 27th 1864 The past week has been a busy one with us. and we have been in as great danger as ever before. On last Wednesday afternoon we received orders to cross the river which we accomplished at about 3 P.M. At midnight we received orders to be ready to move in an hour. and by pulling a few rods at a time we reached the road at day light and finally got started in good order.. We reached New Kent C.H. about ten A.M. and turning to the right took a new road About noon we halted in the road in a dense pine woods and fed the teams and got our breakfast. there started on again and crossed the Chickahominy at a point below Jones bridge and halted for the night in a meadow near the river. We found that our advance was but a short distance out and we could hear the skirmishing very plainly and which seemed very heavy at times. A few shells were thrown towards night but none of them came near the train. The next morning at 3 Oclock we started out again. and arrived at Charles City C.H. about 9 Ock Here our advance encountered a small force of rebels who on discovering us broke for the woods and formed a skir mish line and waited for us to make an attack.. The 9th N. York regt was their got up to our support as soon as possible and the train parked near the court house in a large field. Our brigade came up about noon and soon after we pulled out again and moved to Wilcox's wharf where it was thought we would be ferried over. At about dark the 2nd Div. of cavalry came in having been whipped and forced back and soon after we hooked up and pulled out. We took the back track and went as far as Charles City C.H. and then crossing the stream turned to the right and struck a landing at daylight about two miles below Wilcox. and which I did not learn the name of Transports were soon there and the train commenced loading as soon as possible. First [illegible in original] HdQrts wagons, then the hospital train and Sanitary com mission. then Capt Helman's Our brigade was the last of our division. and we did not commence loading until yesterday morning about seven o'clock and it was nearly night before the last boat load came over. The 2nd Division train is crossing today and will probably be all day and per haps nearly all day tomorrow in doing so. The weather has steadily and gradually grown warmer and warmer each day until the heat is almost insupportable. Heavy showers passed to the south and east of us last night which cooled the air some but it is warm as ever again this morning.. The country along the road from White House to the James river is changeable. some of it as beautiful as any we could wish to see and other parts such as no Northern farmer would settle on. We found plenty of raspberries. and dewberries along the road and some few cherries. The village at New Kent C.H. I did not see as we halted under a hill just before reaching the town and feeling more like resting than riding more than com pelled to I did not go to the top of the hill. Charles City had all been burned except the Court House and jail. the Court house and offices were built of brick but were completely gutted of everything. The jail was a strong wooden building with a strong and high brick wall surmounted with a railing of iron pickets on one side forming a small yard. Some mischievous Yankee thinking it had stood long enough set fire to it and ere we left there was nothing but the brick wall left standing the rest was a pile of smo king cinders and ashes. We are expecting to receive forage. clothing and quarter master's stores at the landing today. Lieut Ballard and [illegible in original] went over the river about One O'ck last night to issue grain to the command at the landing on the other side. We have had no grain in the train for three days. My horse has not tasted grain since Saturday morn ing. The meadows here. how ever are covered with grass and corn and the horses find good grazing. June 29th 1864 We have remained in this spot ever since Sunday night and everything has been busy. The cavalry commenced crossing yesterday morning and kept it up until late last night.. Our brigade was the first to cross and our regt crossed about noon. Near City Point June 30th /64 Just as I finished the above few lines we received orders to move. and were on the road all night arriving at this point at about 10 Oclock this morning. I had been at the regt all day yesterday helping Loomis make out muster rolls. and had just finished the last when we heard “Boots & Saddles” at brigade Head Quarters and when I left the regts were all saddled and bridled and ready to start and I presume did leave soon after. Our march last night was slow and tedious and we did not get more than five miles before daylight: but after that we marched very steadily We have been on historical ground since crossing the river at Wind Mill Point: About a mile and a half below us was Fort Powhattan built on the point where Capt Smith was taken and condemned to death and saved by Pocahontas. The tree under which this took place is still pointed out by old citizens. I had no opportunity of visiting the spot as we were quite busy while lying at Wind Mill Point. Yesterday they drew a small supply of Cloth ing and Quartermaster's stores. and forage. A quantity of forage and quartermasters stores were issued to the command: but no opportunity was given to issue the clothing which we were obliged to bring with us.. We can hear the cannon ading at Petersburg which is kept up incessantly. and quite heavy. We hear no report of the progress of the siege. and can form no idea of the length of time that will elapse before the place is taken.. We are about a mile and a half from City Point which is to the North and West of us. The weather still remains warm and dry and the dust is awful. The afternoon of the 27th we had two or three heavy showers which had the effect of cooling the air for about 12 hours. The nights have been cool since and last night was rather to cool for comfort. Near City Point July 21st /64 Everything quiet with us. as yet. Train went to City Point this morning for grain and is now waiting to go to the com mand with forage and rations. Lt. Ballard went to the front this morning to learn what dis position to make of the clothing now on hand.. and I presume that soon as he returns some one will have to go with it to the front to issue to the command. There are large quantities of clothing at City Point and I expect busy times for a few days if the com mand remains in camp. Reports came to our ears yester day of the defeat of Gen. Wilsons cavalry. which if. the truth has been told was a most disgraceful affair. The 1st Vt is represented as having three fourths of its numbers cap tured. The regt is reported to have been skirmishing and all were captured but the men who were holding the horses. ([illegible in original]) the 2nd N.Y. (Harris Light) is also said to have lost nearly all its numbers in a like manner. The supply train with the com mand is said to have been cap tured. also some eighteen pieces of artillery.. Everything has been very quiet out towards the front. the cannon ading is scarcely heard excepting at very long intervals. Yesterday however the cannonading was very rapid and incessant all day. and all last night one or two very heavy guns kept booming occasionally all nigh at intervals. Today has been very heavy hot and there is no prospect of any rain very soon. Near City Point Va July 2nd /64 The weather still continues hot and dry. although there is more breeze today than before for five or six days. The wind is almost directly east and may possibly bring us some rain soon. I went with Pete. down to the city this morning when he took down the mail. and before we reached there thought I should melt. the sun shone hotter than I ever knew it to before and the dust was so thick as to almost stop my breath. The roads are more like ash beds than roads and an army wagon and six mules raise a terrible dust. City Point is a small village about the size of Fairfax although laid out in a more beautiful form. I saw no very noticeable building either for their beauty or otherwise It is simply a very pretty little village. built in a more modern style than most of Virginia towns. It is strongly fortified and could be held by a small force against a much larger one for a long time. The works are much stronger than any I have ever seen before. There are two large forts. the walls some ten feet high with deep and wide ditches around them. These are connected by breastworks for infantry. built by setting post deep in the ground and then piling timbers and logs against them on the outside. and then these are covered by dirt thrown against them making a wall five or six feet high. Outside this wall is a ditch as deep as the wall is high. the dirt from which has been used to make the embankment. and outside the ditch is a strong palisade of tree tops. the limbs pointing outward and sharpened. while the bottoms are firmly fastened in the ground. It seems to me that it would be almost impossi ble for any force. no matter how strong. to carry such works if they were defended with any determin ation whatever. The assaulting party on reaching these pickets must necessarily falter. for they can not pass through them in any great numbers and this would give an excellent opportu nity to pour in a deadly fire of musketry and grape or cannister. Even should any force their way through this defence they will have the ditch yet to cross and wall to climb. after which their fate is no matter for speculation We hear but very little firing from the front today. and that little seems farther away than it did yesterday and day before.. The boys say that at about half past ten last night a furious fire of musketry and artillery was heard which lasted a long time. I had gone to bed an hour before and was sleeping too soundly to hear it. I was awake later in the night and could hear the same old gun that I did the night before booming away at in tervals. and the report of that at intervals of about half an hour. each is all the cannon ading I hear today A train loaded with five days rations and three days forage was sent to the command last night. No one seemed to know exactly where it was. Lieut Ballard failed to find them yesterday morning. He went about eleven miles and was told there that they were about ten miles farther. but it was thought they would soon re- turn as having releived Gen Wilson they had accomplish ed the object for which they were sent and would in all probability return. soon. The mail carriers all went along carrying three days mail. I received a letter last night from Aunt Jeannette which is the second I have received in nearly three weeks. Light House Point Va July 4th 1864 We moved yesterday P.M. from City Point. a distance by way of the road of some 5 miles but not more than two by water. The whole cavalry corps arrived near here the night of the 2nd and are now in camp along the river bank above us. and it is thought by some that they will remain in camp several days to allow them to recruit their horses. In the afternoon of the 2nd we heard a great deal of cannon ading. both heavy and rapid from the direction of Petersburgh and. occasionally a sound heavier away to the right. in the direction of Fort Darling. Yesterday everything was more than usually quiet. scarcely a canon was heard all day. The usual fire is kept up as usual every night regularly. This morning we have heard a few distant reports but they come very faintly to our ears.. The morning is dark. lower and cool and seems to threaten rain.. Gen. Wilsons command has come in. and it is now ascertained that he lost about 1500 [mark illegible in original] men an immense number of horses. twenty five wagons. and fourteen pieces of artillery. The 1st & 2nd divisions went out on to the battle ground and it was there where our train found them. A large number of con trabands came in with them and a much larger number were retaken by the rebels. The battle ground is said to have been near the Black Waters. and distant nearly thirty miles from here. Light House Point Va July 5th 1864 Another clear. warm day. with a good breeze stirring and we find it quite comfortable here in the woods. The “Fourth” is over. and that very quietly. The only appearance of its observation among the forces here and at City Point that I noticed was that every vessel in the stream displayed the National ensign at the masthead or flagstaff all day. something which is not done of common days. The river was literally covered with flags and some of the navy vessels displaying their signal flags made a beautiful appear ance. At noon a salute was fired from the gunboats and forts at City Point and last evening several rockets were sent up from the river The reports of artillery from the front have ceased almost entirely since yesterday for now. and all is quiet No rumors of success or defeat come in and all are waiting anxiously to hear what “Mr Grant” is doing I went out to the regiment yesterday. and while there could see large clouds of dust moving rising away to the Northwest and apparently byond the James river. It was in all probabil ity produced by Gen. Butler's sup ply trains, moving in that vicini ty.. I found Billy Graham John Alexander. Calvin. Hunt. [stead?] Bellinger. Stout and others. returned to the company. having received new horses at City Point last week.. Loomis & Graham were busy making their monthly returns for May and June. and as they wished me to help them I did so for several hours It is understood that Major Brewer has been promoted to Lieut. Col. of our regiment. He is a brave and skillful officer and will make a good commander. but will find it almost impossible to give good satisfaction. to all as the majority of the men think it unjust to have a commander appointed from another regiment when we have officers of our own who might and ought to receive the promotion. I heard yesterday that Gen. Wilson com manding the 3d Div. was captured during the late raid Light House Point July 6th /64 After writing the above yesterday morning nothing occurred of note during the day. The day was clear and unusual very hot. Today has been fully as clear but not so hot. as a smart breeze had the effect of cooling the air and making it very com fortable. This morning I received orders to go with one team to City Point after clothing. and was very thankful to find it so much more comfortable than it has before been for some time; true the dust is bad as ever, and if that were possible. worse. and at times while passing other teams or small parties of troops I found it difficult to breathe. While returning I met the 3d Div 6th Corps marching down to City Point. On inquiring of a number of the men where they thought they were going they told me that it was said they were going to Harper's Ferry and Maryland Highths as Gen. Lee was reported to have sent an other expedition towards Mary land. I have heard more cannona ding from the direction of Petersburg than I have before since the 2nd. The reports sound much plainer and as though made by heavier guns than I have heard before.. I saw two very heavy trains of cars going out towards the front. I have not seen larger trains nor neater looking cars since leaving Michigan than those were. The were loaded with hay. grain and rations. For two or three days past we have been receiving from the Commissary. a quantity of pickled onions. beets and cucum bers which are said to have been furnished them by the Sanitary Commission They are very acceptable We received one days ration of soft bread today. Light House Point Tuesday July 12th /64 Nothing of much importance has occurred since the last pages were written. the weather has been hot and dry as usual although a few showers have passed all around us. Yester day afternoon we felt certain that we should get a shower as the clouds were very thick and the thunder very heavy. but we got but a very light shower sufficient to lay the dust for a short time but it is nearly as dry as ever now.. and promises a very hot day: the 7th I went to City Point again after clothing and received a large supply of trousers. boots and shirts. The day was warmer than the 6th and dustier if possible. The 8th was warm as any of the previous ones. I helped [Brass?] in the office. and the 9th went again to City Point with Lieut Ballard and drew a large quantity of Quartermaster's stores clothing and stationery. the morning was cool and cloudy and promised rain but as usual passed off without a sprinkle.. We found that they had had quite a shower the night before near City Point as the roads were crusted and it was middle of the afternoon before the dust was very bad. Our train went to the station west of City Point and loaded with grain. Sunday all took a rest the day was one of the hottest of any we have had. Yesterday we did nothing. The 1st & 2nd Div. of the 6th Corps took transports at City Point on Sunday for Maryland it is supposed.. There is a report that our forces at Peters burg have undermined and blown up a large fort inside the second line of the enemy's works. Heavy firing is heard almost every day. Light House Point Friday July 15th Everything goes off as usual with us. The weather is still dry and hot as ever. No rain as yet. Tuesday afternoon I went to City Point. on an errand and saw three regts of [illegible in original] cavalry returning from a Scout to Suffolk. Among them was the 1st D.C. Cavalry armed with sixteen shooters.. It threatened rain severely and a heavy shower passed around to the right of us.. Wednesday did nothing of any im portance. Lieut Ballard went to City Point and drew some haversacks. Gen. Custer started that morning for home on a twenty day leave of absence. Col Alger is now in command of the brigade. in the afternoon a small force of rebel cavalry with one or two pieces of artillery took up a position on the opposite side of the river near Harrison's Landing and fired at some steamers passing there.. One or two gunboats went down and soon drove them off. they did no great damage to any of the boats although they did strike them once or twice.. Yesterday passed off without any thing occurring. of note A report came in last night that our forces charged the works at Petersburg and took them with seven hundred Prisoners. but we do not know whether it is true or not. Light House Point Saturday July 17 This morning was much cooler than any during the week and there has been more wind than usual all day. This morning went to the land ing and helped to get some hay from a schooner. There has been considerable cannonading up the river today supposed to be at Malvern Hill. Our gun boats were engaged. Have heard no results. The cannonading ceased some two or three hours ago. Yesterday morning William Graham while cleaning the cylinder of his revolver preparatory to inspection accidentally discharged one barrel the ball of which passed through the second joint of his right thumb. shattering the bone badly. It will probably cause the loss of his thumb although as yet it has not been deemed necessary to amputate it. No mail last night Light House Point July 20th 1864 Everything has been quiet since Saturday excepting yes terday and last night when it seemed as though everything had broken loose again at the front and cannonading was quite heavy and rapid.. Yester day morning it commenced raining and kept it up all day and a good share of last night and today the roads are good. Received my pay yesterday morn ing. The regt was paid the day before but as I was compelled to go to Capt Strang's had no time to go after the money [Written upside down] 43 = 5 11 = 6 28 = 1st 19 = 7th 82 = 1st 183 150 [illegible in original] 300 prs Drawers 850 Gray, Fl Shirts 800 [illegible in original] 250 [illegible in original] 250 Boots 100 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100 100 Lt Emerson [illegible in original] 77 Horses 1 Dead Edwin R. Havens Co. A. 7th Mich Cav 1st Brig. 1st Division Cavalry Corps. Army of Potomac E Edwin R. Havens Co. A 7th Mich Cav 1st Brig 1st Division Cav. Corps Army of Potomac