May 20th
Friday

The Md. Brig. Returned to the Beverly house. The enemy had retired during the night withdrawing his entire force to the west side of the Ny; many stragglers were picked up by Birney’s men, and all of our wounded men that had fallen into the enemy’s hands the previous evening. The country that Ewell had to advance over was very unfavorable for him; a very thick scrubby pine woods, with but two narrow woodroads; he could bring up no artillery, and I doubt whether he had a chance to deploy more than half of his force effectively. Our loss in dead lying on the battlefield was at least four times that of the rebels; the majority were shot in the head. Crawford remained in his position all day; the position that he had held on the previous day on our left was completely covered by the combined advance of the 6th and 9th Corps on the left flank of the Army on the 19th. These corps entrenched themselves during the night, so that Gen. Wright was enabled to spare Russell’s Div. I went over with Gen. Russell who relieved Birney’s and Tyler’s command.

The remainder of the day passed off quietly, the 2nd Corps leaving early in the morning. The road to Fredericksburg was unobstructed.

In the morning ordered were issued for an ultimate change of base to the White house; it was hoped that by a rapid movement we would be able to place ourselves across Lee’s communications between him and Richmond.

May 21st
Saturday

The morning was spent in preparation to move; the Artillery began to move towards Anderson’s at 10 A.M. As Gen. Russell was to move first, and take position on the south bank of the Ny near Anderson’s; Gen. Crawford did not get started until 10 ½, Kitching, the Md. Brig., and Art. Following. By 11 ½ they were past Anderson’s. Their movements at this point could be seen by the enemy; they fired some shots at Cutler’s line, and stood to arms. Griffin and Cutler moved at the same time, near 12 o’clock, Cutler bringing up the rear; the enemy followed closely with his skirmishers, down to the banks of the Ny below the Beverly house, capturing some of Cutler’s rear skirmishers. At this point they were checked by Russell’s men. Considerable cannonading was heard at the 6th Corps front. Marched rapidly towards the east; met Gens. Grant and Meade at the Massaponax Ch.; crossed the telegraph road 1 mile south of the church; thence the rod followed the top of the bluff on the eastern bank of the Po, the valley of which was two miles wide. The movement of our Corps was plainly seen from the enemy’s signal station on the other side, who signalled every thing as it passed to Spotts. C.H. our own signal men reading their messages constantly. At 5 ½ P.M. we reached the bridge over the Po at Guinea’s, the enemy’ cavalry made some resistance, but were dislodged in half an hour, principally by Gen. Meade’s escort. The bridge was surrounded by swamps and dikes answering as breastworks, the river was unfordable, so that even a moderate force could have held it for a long time; we were fortunate in forcing a passage so quickly. The enemy was rapidly pursued up the hill to Catlett’s. Here it commenced to rain heavily. At the forks of the road a halt was made and instructions asked for. The right fork leads to Thornburg and Mud tavern on the telegraph road, and the left fork across the Ta to Madison’s ordinary and Nancy Wright’s on the telegraph road. Gen. Crawford was put in position on the former road, sending his skirmishers out 1 ½ m. where they met the enemy’s cavalry videttes.I went out the left fork with Kitching’s Brig. To take possession of the bridge over the Ta, and push on to Madison’ ordinary if possible. A small body of cavalry, 2 companies, preceded us, they chased a few cavalrymen; we met nothing; arrived at Madison’s at 9 P.M., men tired and worn out, only 500 out of 1500 came up; so much Dutch cursing will never be heard again in the valley of the Ta. At Madison’s a road leads to Downer’s bridge on the Po, and the men were posted so as to cover this road and the one to Nancy’s. The cavalry posted videttes out at Lebanon Ch. And out the Downer’s bridge road. No one went out to the Telegraph road that night, and we did not know what was going on there; our videttes saw no enemy. Our position there was important, giving us a foothold on the plateau of the Telegraph road. The Ta bottom was a mile wide and commanded by the wooded hills forming the western 2nd bank.

I returned to Catlett’s at 9 P.M. and reported. Griffin was encamped at Mrs. Schouler’s, Cutler at Cattlett’s. The Md. Brig. Had been left at Guinea’s to guard the HdQrs. A. of P.

It was expected this evening that we would move to the Telegraph road at daylight and effect a junction with Burnside who was coming down the Telegraph road via Stannard’s mill.

May 22nd
Sunday.

Started out before daylight with Robinson’s Brig. 4th Div. to relieve Kitching who was tired and hungry; put them in line and threw up breastworks. Two comps. Of Cavalry went down the road to Downer’s bridge. I went out to our cavalry vidette at Lebanon church; from a point 200 yds in advance of the church. I could see a wagon train and ambulances moving rapidly to the south; no troops were seen accompanying it, or between us and them; the train was continuous while I was there; perhaps ½ hour; the vidette told me he had heard wagons rumbling all night. This looked to me like a retreat on part of Lee, and I sent work back to HdQrs. to that effect about 5 1/2/ A.M. Tried to get Lt. Col. Pope to make a dash on the wagon train but he would not do it.

Here was a chance to capture the whole of Lee’s wagon train; never was the want of cavalry more painfully felt. Such opportunities are only presented once in a campaign and should not be lost.

Returned to HdQrs.; troops busy entrenching, otherwise quiet; a brigade was pushed out to the mud tavern (Col. Bates’) sending back word that nothing was there., but that Ewell’s and Longstreet’s corps had passed south during the night; this information was received at 8:30. At 7 o’clock I was sent down towards Brook’s store to see whether a road crossed the Ta river in that direction. Could not find any; the whole bottom is intersected with dikes and deep ditches to drain the lowlands, impassable without bridges. Found some of our cavalry at Bridges, they having crossed Downer’s bridge an hour previous. Pope’s cavalry which started for this bridge from Madison’s early in the morning reported the enemy at Downer’s; they must have mistaken our own cavalry for the enemy. Returned via Mrs. Washington’s, reaching Mrs. Schouler’s at 10 A.M.

Moved at 10:20, Griffin leading, via Madison’s and the Telegraph road, intending to go to Harris’ store that night. The rebel trains had all passed, our escort went ahead picking up stragglers, ambulance men, etc. Gen. Wright followed us. Heard nothing of Hill’s corps, he must have taken the Childsburg road. The rear of the rebel army was about 3 hours march ahead of us, and as we had no cavalry we had no expectation of catching up. Our maps told us we would soon encounter the Mat which crosses the Telegraph road; it was anticipated that the enemy would make a stand on the south side of that stream. None of the people on the road had ever heard of a stream called the Mat. At 1 P.M. struck the enemy’s cavalry near L. Flippers posted on a wooded height beyond a little run, which must have been the Mat. They had two pieces from which they fired considerably. Bartlett’s Brig. Deployed and drove them off to the right in course of an hour; one old nigger was badly scared during the fight. The cavalry was Rosser’s and went towards Bethany Ch. On the Childsburg road; fired at them with a section of Parrotts a mile further on; killed some of our own men. Reached Flippo’s at 3 P.M. and Harris’ store at 5 P.M.; communicated with Hancock that evening. Griffin camped near Flippo’s, Crawford at the Mill, and Cutler at Bull Ch. One regiment was put on the road to Childsburg by way of precaution. HdQrs. at Dr. Flippo’s.

May 23rd
Monday

At 5 A.M. Cutler’s Div. moved towards the Telegraph road, striking it at Newton’s tobacco store, Griffin following, then Crawford; no incident of note occurred until we reached My. Carmel Ch. Our maps were utterly erroneous, and we had to rely upon guides and general information of the inhabitants. A road turned to the right at this point, leading to Childsburg; a mile beyond the main road forked, one branch leading straight on to Oxford, the other to Chesterfield and R.R. bridge on the left. Our cavalry under Lt. Col. Pope went a mile down the left fork until they were checked by some of the enemy’s dismounted cavalry skirmishers covering some ford on the north side of the river. The troops in the meantime were massed at Mt. Carmel Ch. I went down the direct road across a little run (long creek?) to a point where I could see the river and the R.R. bridge a mile off to the left. Half a mile further on we struck the enemy infantry pickets on top of the Bluff North bank. On the south bank of the North Anna a column of infantry was marching down the river with flags flying and bands playing. They must have crossed the river at some point further up (Butler’s bridge?). While making this reconnaissance Torbert’s cavalry arrived at Mt. Carmel, informing us that the 2nd Corps was 1 ½ m. behind; we also learned from Capt. Miller of Gen. Hancock’s staff that we were on the road they had expected to take. Our column therefore turned up the right road at Mt. Carmel at 11 A.M. to see if we could not find some other ford further up. We knew there was a ford at Jericho an indefinite locality on the river. We had for a guide an old negro who had not been on the road for 53 years. Marched about 2 ½ m. and turned down an old road, which our guide informed us led at one time to a ford. Following this road we struck the river at Jericho mills, found a few deserters from Hill, and chased half a dozen mounted home guards; no enemy visible on the opposite bank; there was no real ford here, merely a row boat ferry above the dam; it was determined to cross at once while there was a chance; Bartlett’s Brig. Waded over and formed line on the other side; his skirmishers soon struck a few of the enemy’s. Locomotives were heard 1 ½ m. off. At 4:30 the pontoon bridge was laid, and two divisions across. The batteries had been suitably posted on the north bank to cover the crossing. A prisoner informed us that a division of Hill’s Corps was waiting for us behind the R.R. The line of battle was formed as quickly as possible. Crawford who had forded while Cutler was crossing the bridge, went into position on Griffin’s left; Cutler took the right. The whole line was formed on the hither edge of a piece of woods between us and the R.R. Two light 12 batteries were brought over as soon as the last of the infantry had crossed, and went into position on the open plain in rear of our line.

At 6 P.M. the enemy made his assault, the heaviest attack being made on Griffin and Cutler. Cutler’s line broke the enemy following until they came within sweep of our batteries, who made short work of the rebels, driving them back to the Rail road. Kitching’s Heavy Art. had been posted so as to form a right flank for Cutler; they held their ground. At nightfall cutler’s line was established after considerable urging, although the enemy had all left. The whole line was entrenched during the night. The heaviest attack no doubt came upon Cutler. The enemy had no idea that we were so well prepared for them, because they marched against Griffin by the flank along a narrow road, the first man caught being the Col. at the head of his brigade.

Just as the fight commenced, I had been sent back to bring up Gen. Wright, the head of whose column was at Mt. Carmel; the enemy being repulsed they did not cross the river that evening, but encamped at the cross road leading to the ford. Prisoners were taken representing the whole of Hill’s Corps. We expected the enemy would renew his attack by daylight.

May 24th
Tuesday

The whole night was spent issuing rations and bringing up ammunition, as there was only one bridge and a single track up and down the hill on each side, great confusion ensued and the wagons were barely got out of the way by daybreak; by 6 A.M. it was definitely ascertained that the enemy had retired, going towards the junction; many stragglers were picked up. At 7:30 our skirmishers were out as far as we cared to send them. Two divisions of Gen. Wright’s came across and relieved Griffin and Cutler; on both of our flanks the enemy had thrown up hasty entrenchments, which were abandoned by morning; our own line on the right was pushed forward and strengthened.

It was understood that the 9th Corps was to cross at Oxford or some other ford below us this morning; at 7 o’clock Gen. Crawford sent a regiment down the south bank to find them; receiving no report from them, his whole division moved down about noon. At 2 ½ P.M. he formed a junction with Crittenden’s Div. of the 9th Corps who had waded the river at a rocky ledge a mile above Oxford; the right of Gen. Crawford struck the enemy and after some skirmishing developed their line well entrenched; it ran from the N. Anna to the Little river; at the latter place our cavalry found the enemy’s cavalry, who fired some guns at them. The interval between Crawford’s right and that point was about 2 miles.

Later in the afternoon the enemy came around Crawford’s right cutting off our communication with him; he refused his right forming a horseshoe with his back resting against the river, remaining that way all night.

Late in the afternoon a division of the 6th Corps pushed out between Jericho and Crawford, skirmishing somewhat with the enemy, and establishing their picket on the railroad. Ayres’ Brig. Was moved over to old Noel’s house, so as to be ready for a move in that direction; Heth’s Div. was reported south of us. During the night orders were received to develop the enemy’s line with our whole Corps in the morning.

May 25th
Wednesday

Moved at daybreak, Griffin taking a road along the R.R., Cutler between him and Crawford. The enemy on Crawford’s right had retired during the night, enabling him to post his picket line in the morning where he had it the previous afternoon. After considerable skirmishing a line was established extending from the river to the south of the R.R. the enemy showed himself in strong force behind his breastworks, and opened a heavy fire whenever our line showed itself; our loss was perhaps 200 for the day. In the afternoon part of the 6th Corps came up on our right; they did not cross the Little river, the enemy’s cavalry holding the various fords. Some of our corps and of the 6th commenced to destroy the central road, perhaps five miles were destroyed; a good working party would repair it again in 10 days. By night our whole line was entrenched. Two batteries opened fire on Griffin’s front at the Anderson tavern without much effect; the enemy replied feebly; all day long their sharpshooters were very active. It was thought that the guns of Wilcox on the north bank might enfilade part of the enemy’s line in our front; the attempt however was abandoned after one or two trials.

During the day a bridge was built at Crittenden’s crossing, likewise one at Quarle’s further up.

May 26th
Thursday

Heavy rains during the morning; everything quiet otherwise; began to send wagons across the river before noon; at 12 m. received orders to be prepared to recross the river at dusk and march to Hanovertown on the Pamunkey. This left flank movement was preferred to that on the right flank because we would have only one river to cross, whereas on the right there would be three; moreover it brought us nearer our base. No attempt on our part had been made to turn the enemy’s left flank. After dark, commenced to cross a bridge at Quarles Mill, night intensely dark and roads very muddy; it was almost daylight before the rear of the column got over. No pursuit was attempted on part of the enemy; the 9th remained to hold the river bank at daylight the next morning. The bridge was destroyed after the pickets had passed,

May 27th
Friday

Passed Mt. Carmel Ch. At sunrise; delay of half an hour to allow wagon trains to pass. Crossed R.R. track on a high bridge; halted for an hour at St. Paul’s Ch., water scarce, weather warm. Our original destination was New Castle Ferry, but it was changed to Hanovertown in course of the day. Considerable work in finding the shortest and most direct route; picked up a few straggling rebs. The whole country along the road is a dry level; crossed Reedy swamp, an insignificant one, near Hall’s. Camped for the night at Darrell’s run. HdQrs. at Mrs. Tucks two miles from Mangohick Ch.; the 9th Corps was about 5 miles or more behind us. Troops went into camp tired and hot.

May 28th
Saturday

Started early and marched towards Hanovertown via Mangohick Ch. And Enfield; reached the river about 9 o’clock, crossed it on two pontoon bridges, laid for the cavalry which had preceded us. Found Russell’s Div. 6th Corps encamped on the bottom, perhaps a mile from the river; they were relieved by our arrival; whether they went away or not I do not remember. Our orders were to take up a position from the Tolopotomay towards Mrs. Newton’s near the Pamunkey. Spent several hours reconnoitering the country for the purpose of establishing our lines; could find no Mrs. Viau’s. Towards evening got our line established and entrenched, the left resting on the road from Harris’ shop to Linney’s, passing south of Dr. Brockenbrough’s with the right on a little run west of Brockenbrough’s. Cavalry became engaged in the afternoon beyond Harris’ shop. The left of the 2nd Corps line that afternoon was 1 ½ m. in advance of our right at Waters; one Brig. supporting the Cavalry. Found the existing maps very erroneous. All quiet during the night.

May 29th
Sunday

Fine morning. 9th Corps moved through our lines up to Harris’ shop; after they had passed our Corps moved up. The county had been pretty well reconnoitered in the morning. Considerable confusion was caused getting through the 9th Corps; by 10 o’clock we had a temporary line along Mill Creek. At 1 P.M. Gen. Griffin moved across the creek at the mouth of Mill Creek; after getting up the hill into the large field around Mrs. Via’s house, he struck the enemy’s infantry skirmishers, driving them for half a mile or more. His skirmish line for the evening was established across the road to Shady Grove south of Mrs’ Via’s. During the afternoon the enemy moved considerably in his front towards his left and away from him; it was evident that we would strike the enemy in large force by morning. The reorganized 2 Div. under Gen. Lockwood was brought across to Griffin’s support before night. In consequence of this supposed movement of the enemy to our left it was apprehended that he might be moving towards Linney’s corner and get into our rear. A brigade was sent there after dark, and entrenched itself around Linney’s corner. Found a few cavalry videttes of ours there at least 4 miles from our left flank.

HdQrs. that night at Norman’s house. Gen. Burnside prepared in the evening to move up the Tolopotomay on the north bank. From a negro information was derived that Lee’s army was near Shady Grove Ch.

May 30th
Monday

During the night the enemy's skirmishers had retired from the immediate front of Griffin; he followed up slowly, striking them again near an abandoned steam saw mill; rebel cavalry was constantly hovering on our left flank on the Mechanicsville pike. In course of the morning Crawford and Cutler crossed, and laid in the Shady Grove road behind Griffin. At noon our skirmishers connected with Burnside's on the other side of the creek, but soon passed them as we pushed forward; one Div. of the 9th Corps crossed subsequently and connected with us on our right. Several prisoners had been taken from Rhodes' Div. who stated that Ewell's Corps was in force at Shady Grove and entrenched.

Griffin was still moving on slowly, skirmishers beyond the saw dust pile in the swamp; the main branch of the Tolopotomoy here crosses the Shady Grove road, dividing into a number of branches, the whole forming a thickly wooded swampy piece of ground to pass over. On the other side of this swampy ravine the enemy was posted in line to receive us. The skirmishing on our left on the Mechanicsburg road now increased; we still thought it was cavalry. Gen. Crawford sent one Brig. over to attend to them; while they were going over Cutler moved up to the support of Griffin. This Brig. of reserves had scarcely arrived near Bethesda Ch. On the pike, when the enemy's infantry moved down the road to attack them; it was Rhodes' Div. Seeking the best shelter obtainable, the unequal contest was maintained for perhaps 10 minutes, our men then fell back rapidly to the Shady Grove road, the enemy following up. A battery had fortunately been posted at a house near Booker's (subsequently burnt) they opened fire and served to check the enemy for a little while, until the other Brig. of reserves was placed in line and advanced up to the battery; this checked the advance of the enemy at this immediate point; but he was already attempting to pass around Crawford's flanks, to meet which the scattered brigades of the 2nd Div. were put in line not a moment too soon on Crawford's left by Gen. Warren; Crawford placed Kitching on the right of the battery by the burning house; in course of half an hour the enemy was repulsed, after having made one good effort to drive us off. Great credit is due to this battery which alone kept the enemy back for 5 minutes while the scattered Brig. of reserves was reorganized behind it. Towards evening the Md. Brig. swung around on our left over to the pike, driving back the enemy's pickets from that neighborhood over to the church. The enemy fired from two batteries near the church but with little effect. By 10 P.M. it was ascertained that the enemy had abandoned the field moving back on the Mechanicsville pike, leaving their wounded and dead in our hands, the latter quite numerous.

This attack of the enemy of course put a stop to our advance towards Shady Grove that day. HdQrs. at Mrs. Via's for the night.

May 31st
Thursday

Our skirmishers were pushed out half a mile beyond the church, the enemy having fallen back to a new position perhaps 1 ½ mi. from the church. Spent the morning in reconnoitring. One or two of Gen. Burnside's Divs. having come across the creek, Gen. Griffin was moved to the south of the pike. The enemy was not demonstrative during the day in our front. Some cannonading on the right. The Penna Reserves went home today, their time having expired. That evening, the A.A.G. & I.G. of Lockwood's staff were captured while out reconnoitring in their front beyond a wooded swamp. It was understood that the 2nd and 6th Corps would move to our left towards Coal Harbor that night.

June 1
Friday

Went to the picket line behind Bethesda Ch. Having heard reports of the enemy's moving. Saw a column of troops moving at a double-quick to our left towards Coal Harbor; their flankers moved directly along the front of our skirmish line. Went back and reported it to Gen. Meade at the Via house. Gen. Meade at once ordered us to attack the moving column. Gen. Lockwood's Div. was got into line as quickly as possible, and commenced to move S.W. from the church at 11 o'clock; Gen. Cutler likewise came into line on his right. As soon as the enemy perceived any signs of our advance, he opened with a rifled battery from an entrenched position out in a vast open field.

As it was nearly 5 miles to Coal Harbor, and no connection between us and the 6th Corps I was sent in that direction with part of the Md. Brig. to find their right and also ascertain the position of the enemy in case he was between us and the 6th Corps.

Marched along with considerable caution; but nothing occurred until I reached Woody's; found a line of entrenchments here which seemed to have been but recently occupied; ascertained from Woody that McLaws' Div. Longstreet's Corps had left there 10 minutes previous; picked up one of their stragglers confirming it; moved on past Woody's, a mile beyond which I found Upton's Brig. of the 2nd Corps. Explained to Upton that Kershaw had just left, and that it was a good time to pitch in after him before he had time to entrench or form a new line. Went to Gen. Wright's HdQrs. at 1 P.M. and explained matters to him; while there Baldy Smith came up with his troops; they went in on the right of the 6th Corps subsequently.

Started to go back about 3 P.M. taking a shorter road; met an orderly from Gen. Warren directing me to move to the left and connect with a reconnoitering party which he had sent out from his own left. Found part of his force at Mrs. Jenkins' House, they comprised the rest of the Md. Brig. and some other regiment, and were then skirmishing towards the S.W. in a piece of woods—the swampy head of the Matadiquin.

I went over to the left of this skirmish line with my command, comprising now the whole of the Md. Brig.; finding a fence with a good field in front of it; I posted them behind it; threw out a strong skirmish line, and commenced to advance towards the enemy; moved half a mile past a point of woods, when the batteries opened on us from our right and left, and likewise musketry from the enemy's skirmish line. The line at once broke and ran back out of sight; Maj. Foehtz succeeded in rallying about 30 men; with these I reestablished the line somewhat in the rear by a house; they remained there that night; the enemy not pursuing. Going back to the Brig. I found that they had also run off during the scare; brought them back and entrenched them for the night in a pretty good position. It was now dark, and I returned to Mrs. Jenkins' House. Saw two Brigades rushing through the woods towards the E.; running after him I found it was Gen. Lockwood with the other two Brigades of his command; they were lost, and had no definite idea where they were going, except in the direction of the firing. I halted them on my own responsibility, and placed them in line, making a pretty fair connection with the Md. Brig. and the main body of our troops around the ch. with a gap of perhaps half a mile to the latter; everything was safe for the night; it was now 9 o'clock and starting to go back to Bethesda Ch with an orderly as a guide, he had his horse drowned in a swamp and I returned to the Mrs. ___ house, remaining there for the night which was very dark and somewhat rainy.

June 2
Saturday

Returned to Bethesda Ch. In the morning; saw that our main line had but barely succeeded in pushing through the woods to the edge of the large open field where the rebel lines were; there was considerable skirmishing there, and also Artillery fire; we had four or five batteries established along our front; they managed to keep down the rebel fire pretty effectually. At an early hour a road was cut through the woods to communicate with the left of our line; several batteries were moved over, placed in position, and towards noon Gen. Crawford went there taking command of the left of the line; he placed the remnant of the Reserves between the Md Brig. and Col. Lyle’s; to the right of Lyle’s came Bates, then Kitching whose right connected with the troops under Cutler. On the extreme left a battery was located, so as to cover our flank there; it became engaged with the enemy’s batteries several times; several buildings were burnt by our shells behind the rebel lines.

Our entire line at this time was of great length, very nearly four miles, extending from the Shady Grove to a point a mile S.W. of Woody’s; it was mostly a single line, with but few reserves; it was strongest on the right where the enemy was in heaviest force, and kept constantly annoying us; in front of our left the enemy had retired a short distance at daybreak; his line then seemed to run almost south along the bank of a little stream, probably the headwaters of the Gaines’ Mill stream. We felt but little apprehension for our left as long as the enemy kept a heavy force on our right, and in Burnside’s front.

It was Gen. Meade’s intention to assault the enemy’s position at Coal Harbor the next morning with the 6th, 2nd, and Baldy, and in view of this, positive orders were issued for our Corps to move to the left, and close this gap, while the 9th Corps was to retire altogether and mass on our right and rear. Notwithstanding the objections of the two Corps commanders concerned, this movement was insisted upon. At noon already when a portion of Gen. Burnside’s right was withdrawn the enemy a brigade down on the north bank of the Tolopotomoy. At 4 o’clock in the midst of a heavy thunderstorm, the movement was commenced. The enemy must have been expecting it, as they followed up at once in line of battle, driving the 9th Corps skirmish line, cutting off about 400 of them who were principally captured. Their infantry moved rapidly along the Shady Grove road toward Armstrong’s and Via’s where they cut the telegraph wire.

This sudden attack of course put an end to our contemplated movement, and compelled us to act on the defensive at once to avert any positive disaster. Cutler who had not moved yet extended a little to his right; Griffin’s Div. which had been chiefly massed around the church was arranged in line of attack. Bartlett in the centre, Ayres on the left, and Sweitzer on the right. They moved forward in fine style toward the North and N.W. against a heavy musketry and Artillery fire, driving the enemy back to the Shady Grove road, checking his advance completely in that direction; Bartlett and Sweitzer sustained the heaviest loss, Ayres having moved so as to still guard the Mechanicsville pike with his left and yet form a left flank for Bartlett. It became dark, the enemy still holding the line of the Shady Grove road; Sweitzer was within 200 yds. of the road; his musketry preventing them from working their artillery; several of our light 12 batteries had also got positions close to the enemy and contributed very much toward stopping him for the night. At dusk one Div. of the 9th Corps moved up to Sweitzer’s left driving the enemy out of the woods at that point, the remainder of the 9th forming along the Mechanicsville pike, partly behind some breastworks which the Md. Brig. had thrown up some days previous during Crawford’s fight with Rhodes. Before dark I went around to the right of the 9th Corps to see how far the enemy’s left extended; I went within 50 yds. of the road leading from Mrs. Via’s to the Shady Grove road where I could see the end of the rebel line in the Shady Grove road, busy firing at Griffin and Marshall; in about five minutes they moved out a line of flankers to protect their left flank. There was a chance here for Potter’s Div. to have got into the rear of the rebel line which might have resulted in the capture of Ewell’s Corps before night. I took one of Potter’s staff officers to the spot who agreed with me; I reported the circumstances to Gens. Potter and Burnside but they took no notice of it. While all this fighting was going on the enemy opened from his batteries to the south and west of Bethesda ch. Making that a very hot place.

About 8 o’clock I started for Gen. Meade’s HdQrs. with a message from Gen. Warren, and to explain to him the state of affairs and what ought to be done; arrived there at 11 o’clock. Gen. Meade was urged to come there himself in the morning and take command. This he refused at once, saying that at 3 A.M. he had ordered his coffee, at 4 he was going to mount with his staff, and at 6 he would smash the rebel army at Coal Harbor. To the proposition to put one man in command, either Gen. Burnside or Gen. Warren, he was more favorably inclined, but referred me to Gen. Grant; I went there, explained the matter, but the Lt. Gen. did not have much to say one way or another; he did not think it proper to put Gen. Warren over Gen. Burnside; he gave me a note to Gen. Meade, the contents of which I did not learn. However he (Gen. Meade) dictated a note to Gen. Warren to the effect that he and Gen. Burnside should cooperate, that they should be good boys and not quarrel, that they should attack the enemy at precisely 1800 seconds after 4 o’clock, and that if the enemy gave way at all we should at once follow him closing in to the left and south; inasmuch as the enemy was due North of us this latter injunction was a manifest impossibility.

Returned to Bethesda Ch. At 2 A.M. next morning on a borrowed horse, mine having been stolen at Gen. Meade’s HdQrs.

There was some expectation that the enemy would perhaps retire during the night.

June 3
Friday

At daylight found the enemy still in force along the Shady Grove road; he had thrown up a high breastwork behind which he had secure shelter. Heavy firing was steadily kept up on our front; ammunition was getting somewhat scarce as our trains had all been sent off the previous day and could not be brought up in time on account of the mud. There was of course no attack made at 4 ½ a.m. by the 9th Corps; they gradually made arrangements however to get the greater part of two divisions around so as to attack the enemy’s left flank, and by noon had one brigade posted across the eastern end of the Shady Grove road, who were hotly engaged with the enemy all the time.

Our own Corps was strung out in such a thin line that we would do well if we would hold our own. In fact about 2 o’clock the enemy did make an attack on our right centre, which we repulsed.

The enemy’s force opposed to us was pretty considerable. Opposite Crawford was a Div. of Longstreet, while on our right front and Burnside’s was Ewell’s Corps and part of Hill’s. There was also some of the enemy’s infantry north of the Tolopotomoy with which Wilson’s Cavalry subsequently became engaged near Hawes Shop. At 10 o’clock I went down to Linney’s corner to see how the cavalry was. Found Gen. Wilson there, and say 2000 convalescents, recruits, etc. under Col. Cesnola. I brought them up the pike and posted them south of Hawes’s house on the right flank of the 9th Corps relieving the cavalry who rejoined Wilson.

About 2 o’clock the 9th Corps was ready to make the attack on the enemy’s left but it was countermanded for some unknown reason, perhaps because there was a prospect for success. The batteries of the 9th Corps had got around sufficiently far to the right to make the rebel position very unpleasant to them.

The main attack at Coal Harbor having failed, Birney’s Div. became disposable and filled up the gap between our left and Smith, relieving at the same time a small portion of the Md. Brig.; his line was very short and thus made our left stronger than any other part of our line.

Nothing further transpired that day; it was probable that the enemy would retire by morning.

June 4
Saturday

In the morning it was ascertained very soon that the enemy had retired during the night, leaving nothing whatever behind; they had retired west on the Shady Grove road, but not very far as we soon struck their pickets near the saw dust heap; they probably retired to the line they held when we first advanced in that direction. Opposite the right of Cutler, out of the pike and all along the west of Bethesda Ch. they were still in force. Our lines were modified during the morning so as to hold the Shady Grove road, and toward noon Burnside left with 2 divisions abandoning a big redoubt which he had commenced to build. Crittenden’s Div. remained for some time afterward. They moved on a newly cut road toward Woody’s. Toward evening Crittenden moved also, leaving us alone to guard the right. A considerable body of recruits arrived for us under Col. Gibson. Commenced to rain in the evening; enemy quiet on our front during the day. We had no cavalry on our immediate right. Late in the evening orders were received to push out our lines during the night as closely to the enemy as possible. No preparations had been made for it, and as it could not be accomplished without well-digested arrangements there was nothing done for that night.

Night passed quietly.

June 5th
Sunday

In pursuance of the instructions of the previous day, I spent the morning reconnoitering the left of our line, so as to push out our lines during the night to the farthest practicable point. Returning to HdQrs. at noon found orders issued for a withdrawal during the night to Leary’s north of Coal Harbor; by this movement we would abandon all the ground north and west of the Matadiquin and take up a strictly defensive line behind Allen’s mill pond and the branch running into it. All out wagons etc. were sent away during the day. In the afternoon the skirmishers were advanced a short distance out the Shady Grove road, finding some Cavalry videttes and the infantry back in their old original line. The road we were to move on at night was examined during the day and repairs made to the extent that the limited time would allow. Just at sunset Ayres’ Brig. made a slight demonstration below the pike and Shady Grove road so as to deceive the enemy. Crawford moved out first, then Cutler, followed by Griffin bringing up the rear with Artillery here and there. The night was very dark; in places the road was quite muddy causing the men to straggle along slowly; in consequence it was almost dawn before Griffin’s Div. left the ch. The enemy did not follow up at all; the rear of the column passed Allen’s mill dam by daylight, and everything was in camp around Leary’s. The road we had taken did not interfere with the dispositions of the 9th Corps who now held the right flank of the Army, our Corps being in the rear.

June 6th
Monday

Troops made themselves comfortable; weather very warm and dusty; commenced issuing clothing and shoes. Sent a regiment down to Allen’s mill pond to guard the crossing. Reestablished the 2 Div. giving the command to Gen. Ayres, and changing thereby to some extent the composition of the old Divisions. Permission to bring up baggage wagons refused. Gen. Burnside called on us for assistance; went down to see; did not think he needed it.

June 7th
Tuesday

The Divs. of Griffin and Cutler moved down to the Chickahominy at daylight, driving the enemy across at Sumner’s and the R.R. bridge, Cutler’s pickets below the R.R. connecting with the Cavalry; the troops opposing them were said to be the Richmond clerks; there was considerable artillery firing on part of the enemy but nothing more. Kept the other two Divs. Ayres and Crawford, under arms all day to go to the assistance of Burnside who was very apprehensive for his right flank, not knowing that it was covered by Allen’s mill-dam. Down at the R.R. bridge the enemy commenced to fire with their R.R. monitor, the gun a rifled 32 pdr. The enemy’s visible force was small at Sumner’s bridge, but there were indications of camps in the woods in the rear. A few of our skirmishers got over the creek by accident before they knew where they were. The question of crossing there in force could only be solved by actual trial.

Nightly alarms occurred in front of the 2nd and 6th Corps. Gen. Griffin connected with Birney on the Chickahominy.

June 8th
Wednesday

Very dusty. All quiet. Gen. Meade and Gen. Warren rode to the old church and two miles beyond to Ruffin’s place “Roseneath” on the bluff of the Pamunkey, the HdQrs. of Gen. Wilson. Saw review of Nigger Brig. at Old ch. tavern. Returned in the afternoon; saw Mr. Cropsey, an “Enquirer reporter” drummed out, mounted on a horse, with a placard on his back,--“liar,” etc.

June 9th
Thursday

All quiet. The public mind was being prepared for another grand flank
Movement to the left. Maps of the lower Chickahominy in demand.

June 10th
Friday

I took a ride down to the Chickahominy to our two other Divisions; all quiet down there. Pickets at the R.R. bridge exchanging papers and trading tobacco. Our people taking up rails on the R.R. Got some Richmond papers. All quiet and dusty at Coal Harbor.

June 11th
Saturday

Marched in the morning to Moody’s on the Williamsburg pike near New Providence ch. and camped there with Ayres’ and Crawford’s Divs. This was south of the R.R. and was merely taken up as an intermediate camping ground preparatory to crossing the Chickahominy at night. Great care was taken that our movement should not become known to the enemy; pickets were placed all around to keep in stragglers.

A few deserters were brought in from Hill’s Corps, who came in opposite Cutler. No force south of White Oak swamp to their knowledge.

June 12th
Sunday

Started on a trip to Long Bridge, and also to reconnoitre best roads to reach it without observation and so as not to interfere with the other two Divs. when they came down from the Chickahominy. Found the Long Bridge a place easily held by the enemy if he were there in force; saw only a few cavalry pickets there, at least they were supposed to be cavalry pickets from their uniform. A few miles below Long Bridge was Pollard’s ford, where a flanking party might be sent across to uncover Long Bridge from behind in case the enemy held it too strongly. The approach to the bridge was by a narrow slip of land with a swamp on each side. Returned by way of Emmeus ch. examining the country. At 5 ½ P.M. Gens. Grant and Meade reached our HdQrs at Moody’s and at the same time we prepared to start; the ponton trains had been sent some hours in advance, the men repairing the road as they went along. Gen. Ayres took the lead, arriving at the head of the turn off leading to the bridge shortly after dark. The Divs. of Griffin and Cutler were to leave at dark marching by the river road. As the cavalry were just arriving, we bivouacked, and the troops had some sleep. Gen. Wilson had charge of the crossing; to provide against a failure he sent a party to Pollard’s ford to cross there; this party found that ford too deep, but walked over on a log, coming up on the south bank afterwards.

The skirmishers at the bridge had a brisk fight for an hour, and finally got over by 10 o’clock; the night was intensely dark; the bridge was commenced at once by Maj. Ford, and completed by 1 A.M. There was a little island here in the river causing some delay, as it divided the bridge in two parts.