Benjamin recalls events from what came to be known as the Battle of Fredericksburg. He mentions that the Union troops (the Michigan 7th Infantry among them) preceding his regiment's arrival plundered Fredericksburg. He then describes the dangerous conditions under which he and the other troops crossed the Rappahannock River, and tells of casualties inflicted upon the Michigan 2nd Infantry. Next, Benjamin details the silent march they were ordered to undertake shortly thereafter. During the night, they covertly marched through town and went back across the pontoon bridge they originally crossed to enter Fredericksburg. He closes by explaining his sleeping arrangements and the components of a pontoon bridge.
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