USA > New York > Dutchess County > Address delivered Wednesday, 28th November, 1866 : in Feller's Hall, Madalin, township of Red Hook, Duchess Co., N.Y. > Part 14
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On the 4th May, the 2d Division held the left of the Army of the Potomac. As the 6th Corps stood before Chancellorville, the Division was then less than six thousand strong, and it occupied a position that was exposed to an attack for a distance of two miles, with the character of the country such that the enemy could deliver an attack upon any point of our line without giving us any information of the point or mode of attack until it was made. By a reference to the report of the 6th Corps commander it will be seen that the 2d Division was attacked that day by a force of fifteen thousand of the enemy. To successfully resist that attack, I had to depend largely in the early part of the engagement on my artillery. It is but justice to the artillery of the Division to say,
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that they performed their part nobly and gallantly, and enabled the Division triumphantly to drive back, broken and whipped, the whole of the attacking force. Lo king at that unequal contest, with the surround- ing features, from a military standpoint, I have ever felt that every officer and man engaged in it won for himself an immortality of fame. In the operations of that day, Col. DE PEYSTER took an active and bore a conspicuous part.
I am satisfied that the condition of the Colonel's health on the 3d May was not such as to warrant his 1 going into action, and it was a matter of surprise to me that he was able to bear up under the heavy pressure upon him that day, and I was still more astonished to find him able to acquit himself in the gallant and chivalrous manner that he did on the following day.
It seems to me that he could not have borne the part he did except by an extraordinary strain upon the nerve and will-power of the man, and I have no doubt that, in itself, is sufficient to account for bis : present impaired state of health.
I regret very much that his health is in the con- dition that you state, and I earnestly hope that time and attention will restore it again.
The many manly qualities the Colonel exhibited while on duty with me produced in me a strong friendship for him, and I shall always feel an interest in his welfare.
I have not the record of the 2d Division, 6th Corps, with me now, but any data that I can furnish you with. in relation to the Colonel's services, it will give me pleasure to do so.
Your friend and ob't servt,
A. P. HOWE,
Brev. Maj-Gen,. U. S. A.
Sergeant THOMAS B. PAULMIER, 150th Regt., N. Y. V. Additional Note to pages 110-'1.
Brev. Maj .- Gen. DE PEYSTER :
March 16th, 1867, Upper Red Hook. Dear Sir :-
I received yours on Thursday. but have been unable to answer until now. I hope you will be able to get me a copy of your work, as I have a brother whose name is recorded in it, and who fell in his country's defence ; therefore, my family, through me, are desirous of getting a copy.
You requested me to write out my service in detail. I'll endeavor to do so.
I enlisted, with others, Aug. 26, 1862, under your son (now Brev. Lt .- Col. JOHNSTON L. DE PEYSTER, U. S.
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and N. Y. V.), through J. McGILL, but was transferred to . 150th N. Y. Vols., and by Col. KETCHAM assigned to Co. F., Capt. JOHN. C. GREEN. and by the last was promoted to Corporal, Sept. 1. 1862. Detailed with four men whilst regiment lay in Poughkeepsie. to proceed to Lafayetteville and there arrest two deserters. KILLMER and MELIUS I caught both of them. and took them under guard to camp. MELIUS subsequently deserted again, was caught, and confined in Fort Mc- Henry, Md. We left Poughkeepsi .. Oct. 11, arriving in Baltimore 14th We lay in depot all night. next day proceeded to Camp Millington, where we lay in company with 128th Reg't, N. Y. V. and others. In November moved to Camp Belger. where we lay in canvass tents, until the barracks were put up. All this time I was doing my ordinary duties part of the time in camp and the rest at Newton University. where we were guarding hospital, under command of Lieut. (now Brev. Maj. U. S. V., Brev. Lt. Col., N. Y. V.) CRUGER. Shortly after sent to Locust Point, with Sergt. McGILL, from thence to Camden Hospital ; from thence to Union Relief Rooms, Baltimore. where I was quartered with four men about three months. We here used to feed over 500 a dav. I, in the mean- time, had to visit the Fortress Monroe boats every morning ; also waiting on every train from Washing- ton. Many is the poor soldier I have taken into the quarters and provided with bed and board; many a discharged mnan seen to the cars on his way home. As to my arduous and efficient duties there. the gentlemanly superintendent, Mr. SWINDEL. can at- test. I was there until June, when we were ordered into camp, and I was assigned to the Colors. We left Baltimore, June 27, '63, and after a weary march ar- rived near Gettysburg, July 2d, I carrying the colors for Sergeant SMALLY. We lay in reserve in a wheat field. Whilst lying here Sergeant BRANT made a trivial excuse, and requested Corp. WEEKES. of Hyde Park, to hold the colors until he returned. He did not get back until weeks after ; was then court-martialed ; again deserted, was again court-martialed and pun- ished. Towards night we were ordered to advance and recover some pieces which the Rebs, had taken. passing on our way through crowds of men of the 11th Corps, mostly Germans, some wounded. the largest part frightened. It was enough to frighten any one, to hear the shell and shot shrieking through the air : even pieces of railroad-tire was: hurled nt ws, and came in fearful proximity to our ranks. Whilst on this advance Sergeant SMALLY. County Flag bearer. gave out from some cause, and told Col. KETCHAM (who was near him) he could go no farther: The Col. then called out for one of the corporals to take it.
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I was the only one responded. I was the lightest and shortest of stature. He then directed me to take them and take care of them. I did so until forced to relinquish them by sickness. It was the County flag I bore. We recovered the pieces, advancing over the brow of a bill on a double quick We then fell back and lay on our arms all night. The next day we were ordered behind entrenchmen's to repel advance of EWELL's Corps. We lay there six hours, giving and receiving. Fourteen bullets passed through the colors I carried, besides one through the staff above, about one foot above my hand, cutting it almost in two. We held our position until relieved by 5th Conn. then fell back, and next day started with army after LEE (whom we didn't catch). Marching from 10 to 31 miles per day, I carrying those heavy colors all the march. sick all the time, until we reached Kelly's Ford, Va. Here I and Corporal WEEKES, who carried the Government (U. S. ? ) flag, and never got any credit, gave out and were sent to the Division Hospital. The troops moved to Bran- dy Station .. We were then sent to Washington. I Was quartered in Columbia Hospital, and remained there until ordered home to vote for "Honest Abe," " The Martyr." After election I was sent to David's Island, where I recovered and was appointed Ward Master. I had 170 men under my charge, losing some every day. One of our Red Hook boys here came under my charge, HENRY KLINE, wounded at Coal Harbor, losing leg. I wrote to his father, who got there in time to see him die. During GRANT's ad- vance we received 2.000 to 3,000 a week, losing 25 and 30 per day. All hours of the night we were called out. After being here 8 months. a number. I among them, were ordered to the front. But at this time we got no farther than Bedloe's Island, where we lay 5 months ere we could rejoin our reg't. Whilst here, I acted as Commissary's Clerk. under Col. MERCHANT of the Regular Army ; in both situations as Wardmaster and Commissary's clerk giving entire satisfaction. Col. MERCHANT remarked to me when I was ordered off' that he was sorry to part with me, but the orders were imperative and I had to go. We left Jan. 1. 1865, and I rejoined my reg't Jan. 14th, at Savannah. The boys were all glad to receive me. I here found I had been reduced to ranks in conse- quence of long absence from reg't, although I could not rejoin them, Sherman being ever on the march, and therefore men to the rear could only join him at stated times. But that did not affect me. I went at once into my duties again .. We shortly left Savannah. I always kept up. At Averysboro and Bentonsville, I was on the skirmish line. We, one STIKLES of this
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place (Upper Red Hook) and I, were the first over the enemy's fortifications at Averysboro, collecting there some trophies, which we brought home; then on to Raleigh ; thence to Washington, after JOHNSON's surrender, where I was again brought in play, mak- ing out Rolls and Discharges. From the capital we returned to Poughkeepsie, where we were discharged. All through my course I gave entire satisfaction and was well pleased with all the officers I was under, going out as private, rising to Corporal, serving as Color-Corporal, then Color-Sergeant, then Ward- Master, then Commissary's Clerk, and, at last, arriving home a private ! but such are the fortunes of war. I do not find fault with any one, conscious of having done my duty. I am now serving as 2d Serg't Co. B, 21 Reg't, N. G. ; being offered the position of Orderly Sergeant. I declined it in consequence of not residing near the drill room. I am now in for it, 7 years, always holding myself in readiness to march at my country's call. This is a succinct account of my share of the war, hoping it will prove satisfactory to you, I sign myself your obed't servant.
Sergeant T. B. PAULMIER.
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GEORGE WAGKERHAGEN enlisted as private in Co. I. 156 N. Y. Vols., Aug, 31st, 1862, at Castleton, S. I .: Commanding-Officer of Co .: Captain O. D. JEWETT ; Commanding Reg., Col. Cook. The Regiment was mustered into U. S. service, Nov. 17th, '62, at New York City; sailed with Genl. BANKS' expedition for New Orleans, Dec. 3d, '62, on board steamer M. Sand- ford; was wrecked on Florida Reefs, near Keresford Light, Dec. 10th; taken on board U. S. Steamer Gemsbok ; landed at Key West; was quartered at Fort Taylor ten days ; transported to New Orleans by steamer . Genl. Mc Clellan; landed at Carrolton; re- mained at Carrolton, until March 1st, '63; lett for Baton Rouge; marched within three miles of Port Hudson ; returned to New Orleans; was ordered up the Teche Country as far as Alexandria, La., a distance of 300 miles; engaged the Rebels at Beasland Planta- tion, driving them beyond Alexandria, where our troops were encamped ; from Alexandria marched to Port Hudson ; was engaged during the siege, also in a number of charges. After the surrender of the Fort to Genl. BANKS, GEORGE WACKERHAGEN was sent to the Baton-Rouge-Genl. Hospital, as unfit for active service, being unable to walk, in consequence of rheu- matism brought on by constant exposure.
It is related of G. W., that during the engagement. he was one of the first to rush forward, crying "Come on boys, we'll take it this time !" He was not quite 18 when he enlisted. Sometimes his sister did not
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get letters for a long time. Occasionally she met on the S. I. ferry boats different captains on leave of ab- sence. Their answers to her enquiries were always "Oh ! he is doing well ; he is a brave fellow !" Being sick and untit for active service, and, by profession, a druggist, he was ordered to take charge of the dis- pensary. G. W. served as Acting-Hospital-Steward till April 12th, '64. Having been recommended by six Medical Officers for a position in the Medical Corps of the Regular Army he was recommended by the Surgeon-General as a fit person to receive the appoint- ment of Hospital Steward U. S. A., and was accord- ingly enlisted and appointed April 12th, 1864. He served at Genl Hospital as Executive Steward for a period of two years, when he was dis- charged on his own application, as he wished to attend Medical Lectures the coming Fall and Winter. During his service as Hospital Steward he was Acting- Assistant Surgeon, but could not receive the pay nor emoluments of that rank, not being a graduate of any Medical College. He was discharged from the U. S. ariny, June 14:h. 1866, making a total of four years' service. George resided in Red Hook from 4 years of age till his fourteenth, when he left for N Y., to "do for himself." as he termed it, and in time assist his mother. He received his first instruction in Genl. DE PEYSTER'S Parish School.
Of CHARLES and EDWARD WACKERHAGEN there is but little information furnished. CHARLES A. WACKER- HAGEN enlisted at St. Paul, Minnesota, in Co A, 7th Minnesota ; served two years as private; was pro- moted to a 2d Lientenancy 68th U. S. Colored Infy .. then to a Ist Lienteneney, and was mustered ont as Captain. He was engaged in the Indian battles on the frontier, also at Fort Blakely. Mobile Bay, and was the very first officer to enter the Rebel works. Charles resided in Red Hook from his ninth year till his twentieth. He was a Ilarness and Saddle Maker, and learned his trade of Mr. EDWIN KNICKERBACKER, who will say that Charles was a very profitable ap- prentice.
EDWARD WACKERHAGEN enlisted in the 14th Brook- lyn and was amongst the first to volunteer. He was at the Battle of Bull Run, Ist, and shared the labors and dangers of his regiment. More is not related. Ed- ward was a clever, good lad.
Brevet Captain FREDERIC DE PEYSTER. Junior .- Additional Note to Pages 17*, 18. 19. 20-11, 33, &c. Albany, 4th April, 1867. To be MAJOR. b; Brevet, for " faithful and meritorious services in the late war," in accordance with Certificates of Brig: Gen: Louis BLENKER, U. S. V .; " for peculiarly meritorious con-
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duct near the Stone Bridge, Battle of Bull Run, Ist. Col: WM. P. WAINWRIGHT, U. S. V., and other offi- cers witnesses of Brevet Major DE PEYSTER's faithful and energetic discharge both of Medical as well a- strictly Military duties.
23 EAST 28TH STREET, NEW YORK, 2d January, 1867. MY DEAR GENERAL :- You speak of asking for a S brevet for your son Frederick, formerly on the Surgi- cal Staff of the Eighth New York Militia, and ask me to state what I know of his soldierly conduct at the first battle of Bull Run.
On that occasion, being one of the officers of the outposts who were placed along Cub Run to cover the retreat, I met him, at early dawn of the day after the battle, and when his regiment must have been far on its way toward Washington. entirely alone. and on the outer line toward the enemy, looking out for any call in the way of his official duties as a sur- geon.
I was particularly struck by the cool way in which he took things when in a position so entirely novel to him. You have, I believe, testimony to his brave be- havior from other sources than myself; but it occurs to me that the merit of his conduct may be easily measured by ascertaining how many other surgeons were then at a post so much requiring their services. whether ordered there by the calin forethought of superiors, or, like your son. brought to the spot by the spontaneous promptings of a gallant spirit when obliged themselves to choose their line of duty.
Always, my dear General, Very sincerely yours, W.M. P. WAINWRIGHT, formerly Major 29th N. Y. V .. and Colonel 76th N. Y. V. To Brevet Major-General J. WATTS DE PEYSTER.
Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON DE PEYSTER, U. S. and N. Y. Vols .- Additional Note to Pages 14* 2d, 11. 16||. 18. 18f. &c. Albany. 4th April, 1867; to be COLONEL by Brevet for gallant and meritorious services in the late war in accordance with Certificates and Letters of G. K. WARREN. Maj: Gen: U. S. V :. Brev: Maj: Gen: U. S. 1 :. Commdg 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. in 1865: S. W. CRAW- FORD, Maj: Gen: U. S. V:, Brev: Maj: Gen: U. S. A: : CHARLES K. GRAHAM. Brev: Maj: Gen: U. S. V .. Conrmdg, 1865, Naval Brigade in the James River. &c., and others.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE MOVEMENTS, SERVICE & DISCIPLINE
OF THE "ULSTER GUARD,"
Twentieth Regiment New York State Militia,
(80th N. Y. Vol. Infantry.) COMMANDED BY COLONEL THEODORE B. GATES,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31. 1862.
ICompany A recruited almost, if not altogether, in . Duchess County, New York. Company B comprised 25 volunteers from the First or Upper district of Red Hook, from the villages of Tivoli and Madalin and their vicinities. The names of these volunteers are designated by " T."}
January 1 .- Regiment in camp at Upton's Hill. Va.
January 12 .- Regiment on picket for forty-eight hours in front of Falls Church, Va From this date until March 10 engaged in drill, forage, and picket duty.
March 10-Regiment marched at 6 A. M., with General Wadsworth's Brigade, McDowell's Division, and bivonaeked at 6 p. M., 16 miles from Upton Hill, and 2 miles east of Centreville.
March 14 .- Two Hundred and Twenty-two men under Captain Tappen marched to and bivouacked on Bull Run battle field
March 15 .- T, is. detachment marched from that bivouac, joined the regiment, and the entire command marched to " Three Mile Run," near Alexandria, in a terrible storm of rain, 17 miles. The detachment marched 25 miles.
March 16 .- Regiment marched to Upton's IIill, 6 miles.
March 18 .- Marched 2 miles below Bailey's Cross- Roads, and bivouacked with brigade.
April 4 .- Regiment marched with General Patrick's Brigade, from camp near Bailey's Cross- Roads, at 3 p. M., and bivonacked at 7 p. M., 2 miles south of An- nandale. Distance marched. 6 miles.
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April 5 .- Regiment resumed its march at & A. M .. and marching through Fairfax Court-house and Cen- treville, crossed Bull Run, and bivouacked 1 mile south of Blackburn Ford. Distance marched, 15 miles.
April 6 .- Regiment continued its March at & A. M., and passing Manassas Junction. crossed Broad Run, and encamped near Bristow Station, at 2 p. M. Dis- tance marched, 17 miles.
April 7 .- A terrible storm of rain. snow. and sleet, against which shelter-tents afford little protection, began to-day, and continued sixty hours, occasioning much suffering.
April 16 .- Marched to Catlest Station. Distance, 7 miles.
April 18 .- Regiment marched at 6 A. M. : obliged to leave forage. ammunition, and sundries on the ground for want of transportation, reaching a station 12 mlies north of Falmouth, in a storm of rain. Distance marched 18 1-2 miles.
April 19 .- Marched at 7 A. ... reaching the hill side directly opposite and in front of the City of Fredericksburg at 5 p. M .. a distance of 14 nubes. The enemy have retreated after a little skirmishing, across the Rappahannock, burning the three bridges and all their shipping, including the notorious steamer ,St. Nicholas, captured by the French Lady, Thomas.
April 28 .- Moved camp half a mile further sonth.
May 5 -Three companies of this regiment. with two from the Twenty-third and one from the Thirty- fifth N. Y. Volunteers, all under command of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Theodore B. Gates, crossed the river at 5 P. M., and occupied the City of Fredericksburg, Va.
May 10 .- Regiment crossed the river at & o clock, r. M. marching to a point 1 1-2 miles beyond the City of Fredericksburg on the Telegraph Road to Rich- mond, where encamped. Distance marched. 3 1-2 miles.
May 11 .- At 3 P. M. the regiment was ordered, and moved some 2 miles down the Bowling Green Road, to repel a threatened attack of the enemy. in- der General Anderson, who was driving in a recon- noitring party, and advancing toward the city in considerable force. A few shots were fired. with a loss of one horse on our side, when the enemy with- drew.
May 14 .-- Companies B, C, Il. and G, under Major Jacob B. Hardenbergh, on picket for twenty-four bours.
May 17 .- Companies A, B. C, D. E. F. G, and K. relieved Thirty-fifth N. Y. Volunteers on picket for twenty-four hours.
Muy 20 .- Companies A, B, C. D. E, I, and H. on picket for twenty-four hours. At 10 o'clock, p. M.
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advanced our picket line 1 mile, driving in the enemy .. and occupying the Toll Gate on the Plank Road.
May 23 .- Companies B. C. D, E. F, G, and K. on picket for twenty-four hours. Enemy keeping up a brisk fire on our men at the Toll Gate. Regiment reviewed by President Lincoln.
May 26 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 3 P. M., up the Telegraph Road to Massaponix Creek, and encamped at 7 p. M., on the ground occupied by the enemy ( the day before) under General Anderson. Distance marched. 6 miles. Companies C and G, un- der Major Hardenbergh doing picket duty through the night.
May 29. Regiment marched at 12 M. to Hazel Run ; joined brigade. and continued its March through . Fredericksburg. crossing the Rappahannock, through Falmouth, to a point 6 miles beyond. Bivonacked at 9 p. M. Distance marched. 14 miles.
May 30 .- Regiment marched with brigade at & A. M .. and after a very fatiguing march of 20 miles crossed Elk Run. and bivouacked at 7 P. M. Frequent heavy rain storms.
May 31. - Regiment marched at 6 A. M, with brig- ade. crossed Cedar Run, and bivouacked at Catlett Station. on Orange and Alexandria Railroad, awaiting cars to transport it to Front Royal, Va. Wagon train sent to Thoroughfare Gap by road ria Haymar- ket. accompanied by Co. If as escort. Heavy rain storms during the night.
June 2 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 12 M., from Catlett Station, Va., and bivouacked in a violent storm at 6 p. M. on the bank of Kettle Run, on the road to Haymarket. Distance marebed 8 miles.
June 3 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 7 A. M., and crossing Broad Rnn reached Haymarket, a dis- tance of 5 miles. Marched 1 mile south, and en- camped hear Bull Run.
June 6 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 8 A. M. and crossing Broad Run and Cedar Run, passed through the villages of Buckland and New Baltimore, and encamped 1 1-2 miles north of Warrenton, Va. Distance marched, 12 miles.
June c .- Regiment marched with brigade at 4 P. M . passed though Warrenton. and bivouacked at 7 P. M .. 6 miles beyond and 2 miles north of Warrenton Junction. Distance marched, 6 miles. .
June 9 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A. M., passed through Warrenton Junction, and encamped on the bank of Elk Run, at II A. M. Distance marched. 6 miles.
June 13 .- Marched. with brigade at 3 p. M. crossed Flk Run, and encamped 4 miles south of Catlett Sta- tion at 5 P. M. Distance, 8 miles.
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June 21 .- Marched with brigade at 2 p. M., crossed Power Run, and encamped at 6 p. M., 12 miles south of Fredericksburg, Va. Distance marched, 8 miles.
June 24 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A. M., passed through Hartwood and Falmouth, reach- ing old camp opposite Fredericksburg at 2 p. M. Dis- tance marched, 13 miles.
June 27 .- Moved camp 2 miles back from the river. Company C, Captain J. R. Tappen, ordered on special . duty on the Railroad between Fredericksburg and Richmond.
July 7 .- Company C rejoined the regiment.
July 28 .- Regiment marched from Camp two miles back from the Rappahannock, to and across the river to Fredericksburg, where it divided, the four right companies, A, C, H, and K, under Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore B. Gates, marching to Mrs. Stanbury's · house above Fredericksburg; the rest of the regiment to near Mrs. Fennihoe's house below Fredericksburg. The regiment enclosed the city with a cordon of sen- tinels, preventing all communication with the interior. Distance marched by right companies, five miles ; by rest of regiment, three miles.
August 4. - Right companies marched from Mrs. Stanbury's house and rejoined the regiment at 2 P. SI.
August 6 .- Companies A, E. K, I, and C, two com- panies of Twenty- third New York Volunteers, 1 sec- tion of artillery, the whole under command of Colonel George W. Pratt, marched on a reconnoissance toward Bowling Green at 6 p. M., in consequence of a report. that the Rebels had taken possession of Ilick's Hill. and returned at 3 A. M .. August 7, having marched 17 miles without seeing the enemy.
August 7 .- Regiment relieved from the duty of pre- vent ng communication between the city of Freder- icksburg and the interior, by the One Hundreth regi- inent Pennsylv nia Volunteers.
.. August 8. - Companies B and D. six companies of Twenty-third New York Volunteers, four companies Third Indiana cavalry, and a section of the First New Hampshire battery, under command of Colonel Pratt. marched on a reconnoitring and foraging expedition at 7 p. M., to Round Oak Church, while Lientenant- Colonel Gates with four companies of the Twentieth marched up the Telegraph Road to Massaponix Creek, the bridge o. er which was found to be on fire, but the enemy had fallen back. This detachment then march- ed across the country to the Bowling Green Road and joined Co onel Pratt. The entire force returned at 33 A. M., August 9, having marched 20 miles and cap -. tured two prisoners. 25 mules, 80 horses, and 50 head of cattle
August 9 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 5
P. M., to reënforce General Pope, then engaged in bat- tle near Culpepper Court-house, and bivouacked at 10 P. M., on the Plank Road, 11 miles from Fredericks- burg.
August 10 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 5 A. M .. crossed the Rapidan River at Ely's Ford at 11 A. M., and bivouacked at 4 p. M. at a point 4 miles north- west of that river near the road from Burnett's Ford of the Rappahannock. Distance marched. 14 miles.
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