The Virginia in the Civil War Message Board

2nd Mass. Cav. at Five Forks, VA

diary of George Buhrer of Company E, 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry

Tuesday 28
In camp, we expect to move to morrow, had 15 days rations issued, 5 days to carry with us, ten days in the wagons. A good deal of artillery and infantry on the move. Sharp canonading going on during the day, sharp firing during the night.

Wednesday 29.
The effective force of all the Calvary was as follows: Gen. Merritts command, First & Third Divisions.....5,700. Gen. Crooks command Second Division.....3,300. Total effective force....9,000. Early in the morning we left our camp, we moved by the way of Reams Station, on the Weldon Railroad, and Malon’s Crossing, on the Rowanty Creek, where we were obliged to construct a bridge. At this point our advance encountered a small picket of the Rebel cavalry, and drove it to the left across Stony Creek, capturing a few prisoners, from whom we heard that the enemy’s cavalry was at or near Stony Creek Depot, on the Weldon R.R. on our left Flank & Rear. After dark we arrived at Dinwiddie Court House, my regiment went on picket, all quiet during the night. Weather bad, rainy.

Thursday 30.
Early in the morning we were send out to reconnoiter, we encountred the enemy on the White Oak Road in the vicinity of Fife Forks, we had some heavy skirmishing throughout the day, we captured a number of prisoners. Capt. Cools [Henry Kuhls, Co. L] and three of our men were captured. Corp. Moore [William H., Co. E] of my Co. was seriously wounded. Weather bad.

Friday 31.
On the advance towards Fife Forks, we meet considerable opposition, but drove the enemy, P.M. the enemy was heavy reinforced, they made several attacks, but were unable to drive five brigades dismounted Cavalry from an open plain in front of Dinwiddie Court House. The enemy’s force was 2 divisions of infantry and some cavalry it was an obstinate fight. Lt. Monker was killed, Lt. Papanty was wounded twice, the lose of wounded & killed on both sides considerable. It was after dark when the firing ceased, and the enemy lay on their arms
that night not more than one hundred yards from our line.

Saturday April 1. [1865]
Reveille at 2 A.M. we went back a few miles after some forage, then returned to Dinwiddie Court House, advanced towards Fife Forks. The first division had to dismount, we made an assault on the enemys works and soon carried them at several points. The enemy were driven from their strong line of works and completely routed, we captured the enemy’s artillery and turned it upon them it so demoralized them, that they made no serious stand after their line was carried, but took to flight in disorder, between 5000 and 6000 prisoner fell
into our hands. We pursued the enemy until long after dark for a distance of six miles. There was heavy firing during the night in the direction of Petersburg. Weather fine.

Sunday 2.
A.M. we destroyed the Petersburg R.R., skirmished some with the enemy’s Cavalry. P.M. on the march again, we crossed Hatcher’s Run, the enemys Cavalry were in considerable force north of the stream, but they would not stand to fight, about dusk we had a slight skirmish.

Monday 3.
Early in the morning we took up the pursuit, routed the enemy’s cavalry and captured many prisoners, we had a severe fight with the enemys infantry; at night we encamped on Deep Creek. Weather warm, some rain during the night