USA > New York > Disaster, struggle, triumph. The adventures of 1000 "boys in blue," from August, 1862, to June, 1865 > Part 20
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Saturday, August 8th .- Brigadier-General JOSHUA T. OWEN assumed command of the Brigade.
Monday, August 31st .- Moved with the Division to Hart- wood Church to support cavalry reconnaissance, and returned September 2d.
Saturday, September 12th .- Broke camp and marched to Rap- pahannock Station. Sick sent to general hospital.
Sunday, September 13th .- Crossed the Rappahannock and sup- ported the cavalry, who met the enemy at Brandy Station, and drove them to near Cedar Mountain. Encamped at Culpepper Court-house.
Wednesday, September 16th .- Marched to Cedar Mountain and encamped for the night.
Thursday, September 17th .- Marched to Robinson's river and went on picket, and remained there on that duty till relieved by the 6th Corps, October 5th.
Tuesday, October 6th .- Marched to Culpepper Court-house and went into camp.
Saturday, October 10th .- Broke camp and went into line of
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battle west of Culpepper, facing the Blue Ridge, and bivouacked for the night. The Army of the Potomac in retreat.
Sunday, October 11th .- Marched to Bealton via Rappahan- nock Station.
Monday, October 12th .- The trains of the army parked at Bealton Station. Brigade on picket.
Tuesday, October 13th .- Marched to Auburn Ford via War- renton Junction and Warrenton railroad to Three Mile Station and encamped for the night.
Wednesday, October 14th .- Engaged in action at Auburn Ford in the morning, and marched via Catlett's Station to Bristow Sta- tion, and engaged there in action until dark. At 9 p. M. resumed march for the heights of Centreville, arriving there at 3 A. M. on the 15th, crossing Bull Run at Mitchell's Ford. Went into posi- tion to meet an attack from the enemy's cavalry.
Monday, October 19th .- Recrossed Bull Run and marched to Bristow Station.
Tuesday, October 20th .- Marched to near Auburn and encamped.
Friday, October 23d .- Marched to the railroad near Warren- ton, and went into camp.
Saturday, November 7th .- Broke camp and marched to Kelly's Ford, the whole army advancing upon the enemy on the Rappa- hannock. Men with eight days' rations, sixty rounds of cartridges, and full supply of winter clothing. 5th and 6th Corps surprise the enemy at Rappahannock Station, capture four pieces of artil- lery and 1,100 prisoners, and cross the river. The 3d Corps, being in advance, cross at Kelly's Ford and capture 800 prisoners.
Sunday, November 8th .- Crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and moved with the entire army, supporting the cavalry, which, with sharp fighting, drove the enemy past Culpepper Court- house. Encamped at Brandy Station. This is the third crossing of the Rappahannock on Sunday by the Corps, with intervals of four weeks each.
Tuesday, November 10th. Marched to Milton's Mills and went into camp.
Tuesday, November 24th .- Orders received last night to advance with the army across the Rapidan, but rain setting in, the orders were countermanded.
Thursday, November 26th .- Thanksgiving day. Marched at
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half past six A. M. to cross the Rapidan. At sunrise General GRANT's announcement of the great victories at Lookout Moun- tain, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge were read to the army. Crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, on a pontoon bridge; advanced four miles on plank road, and bivouacked for the night.
Friday, November 27th .- Marched at sunrise, along a by-road, through a dense pine thicket, to the Fredericksburg and Orange Court-house plank road ; then rapidly to Robinson's Tavern, at 10 A. M., where skirmishing with the enemy at once commenced, and continued all day.
Saturday, November 28th .- Advanced two miles in line of bat- tle ; found the enemy along a ridge across Mine Run. Heavy cannonading and sharp skirmishing through the day. Regiment go on picket along the run at night.
Sunday, November 29th .- Relieved by the 5th Corps. The 2d Corps, and 3d Division of the 6th Corps, under General WARREN, moved to the left, and took position on the enemy's right, under an artillery fire, and lay in line for the night.
Monday, November 30th .- Reinforced by 3d Division 3d Corps ; moved forward and massed in column by Regiment, under orders to charge the enemy's right. The enemy being found in a posi- tion strongly intrenched, the order to charge was countermanded. Cannonading along the entire line. Remained in position till night, when the Regiment was moved to the left on picket. The night was intensely cold.
Tuesday, December 1st .- On picket till four P. M., when relieved by details from the other Regiments of the Brigade. At eight P. M. took up line of march to recross the Rapidan via New Hope Church and Parker's Store, and through the Wilderness ; march- ing all night.
Wednesday, December 2d .- Recrossed the Rapidan at Culpep- per or Gold Mine Ford, at eight A. M., and halted at half past eight for breakfast and rest. Resumed march at half past one P. M, and at seven P. M. arrived at the old camp at Milton's Mills.
Thursday, December 3d .- Entire army in camp as before the advance.
Saturday, December sth .- Broke camp and moved to Stevens- burg.
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Monday, December 7th .- Broke camp at 8 A. M., and moved to Dumpling Mountain, three miles east of Culpepper Court-house, and three miles south of Brandy Station, and went into winter quarters.
1864.
Friday, January 1st .- Regiment comfortably quartered in log huts; in good health, and engaged in heavy fatigue and picket duty.
Saturday, February 6th .- Advanced with the Corps, on a reconnaissance in force, across the Rapidan, at Morton's Ford, and sharply engaged with the enemy during the day. Retired across the river after dark, and bivouacked on the left bank.
Sunday, February 7th .- Returned to camp at night.
Monday, February 22d .- Washington's birthday. One half of the Regiment's term of service expired this day. Day spent as a holiday. Brigadier-General OWEN delivered an address to the Brigade.
Tuesday, February 23d .- The 2d Corps and cavalry reviewed by Major-General MEADE, accompanied by Vice-President HAM- LIN, Secretary WELLES, and other distinguished officers and citizens.
Thursday, March 24th .- General GRANT arrived and took up his head-quarters with the Army of the Potomac at Culpepper Court-house. The army reorganized and consolidated into three Corps. The three Divisions of the 2d Corps consolidated into two Divisions, and the 1st and 2d Divisions of the 3d Corps transferred to the 2d Corps, as the 3d and 4th Divisions of this Corps, Major-General HANCOCK commanding. The "Old Bri- gade," consisting of the 39th, the 111th, the 125th and the 126th New York Volunteers, was assigned to the 1st Division as the 3d Brigade, and increased by the addition of the 7th, 52d and 57th New York Volunteers, and commanded by Colonel PAUL FRANK. 52d New York; Brigadier-General FRANCIS BARLOW command- ing the Division.
Monday, March 28th .- The army reinforced by 10,000 heavy artillery from the defenses of Washington.
Friday, April 4th .- One hundred enlisted men and two officers detailed from the Regiment as provost-guard at Corps head- quarters.
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Saturday, April 16th .- Brigade reviewed by Brigadier-General BARLOW.
Tuesday, April 19th .- Division reviewed by Major-General HANCOCK.
Friday, April 22d .- The Corps reviewed by Lieutenant-Gene- ral GRANT.
Tuesday, May 3d .- Orders to move received at two p. M. Broke camp and took up line of march at 10 P. M.
Wednesday, May 4th .- Crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford at daylight ; marched to Chancellorsville, and encamped at ten A. M.
Thursday, May 5th .- Marched at six A. M. to Todd's Tavern, and the Regiment, with a part of the Brigade, was detached and went into line of battle at twelve M., supporting the cavalry, which was engaged with the enemy. The balance of the Brigade, with the Corps, moved to the right in the Wilderness. At mid- night the detachment rejoined the Corps.
Friday and Saturday, May 6th and 7th .- Engaged in the battle of the Wilderness.
Sunday, May 8th .- Moved to the left and went into line of battle, near Todd's tavern. Skirmishing during the day and night.
Monday, May 9th .- At two P. M. marched toward Spottsylva nia Court-house, and crossed the Po River, at Tulley's farm, at sunset, under a heavy fire, taking position on the extreme right of the army.
Tuesday, May 10th .- Engaged in the battle of Po River. The entire army engaged. Over 200 guns on our side in position, Terrific cannonading. Fighting constant and losses heavy.
Wednesday, May 11th .- Sharp skirmishing during the day. Communication opened to Fredericksburg, and sick and wounded sent to general hospital. The Corps moved to the left center, preparatory to making a charge the next morning.
Thursday, May 12th. "The battle of Spottsylvania fought. At four and a half A. M., the Corps was massed and charged the enemy's works, capturing the rebel General JOHNSON, with nearly his entire Division, twenty guns and thirty stands of colors. The whole army became engaged.
Friday, May 13th .- Skirmishing during the day and the wounded sent to Fredericksburg.
Saturday, May 14th .- Skirmishing continued.
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Sunday, May 15th .- The Corps moved to the left and took position on the Fredericksburg pike, fronting Spottsylvania Court- house.
Monday, May 16th .- Skirmishing all day ; no general engage- ment. The army reinforced via Fredericksburg by 24,000 troops, mostly heavy artillery.
Tuesday, May 17th .- Troops changing position. At night the Corps withdrew from the line and massed for an attack on the position assaulted on the 12th.
Wednesday, May 18th .- The 1st and 3d Divisions charged the enemy's works with heavy loss, and failed to carry the position.
Thursday, May 19th .- The 1st, 2d and 3d Divisions of the Corps, moved to Anderson's Mills and massed in reserve, the 4th Division remaining near the Fredericksburg road. At 6 P. M. the 4th Division was attacked by EWELL, and the other Divisions were marched to their support.
Friday, May 20th .- In reserve during the day at Anderson's Mills. At 11 p. M. took up line of march to the left, 1st Division in advance. Roads good.
Saturday, May 21st .- Marched all last night and at daylight crossed the Fredericksburg and Richmond railroad at Guiney's Station. At 10 A. M. passed Bowling Green. At 2 p. M. arrived at Milford's Station. Crossed the Mattapony and intrenched ; the Corps on the left of the line. Day intensely hot. Marched twenty-four miles. Heavy cannonading on the right at night.
Sunday, May 22d .- In position all day. Slight skirmishing. Trains of the army moving to the left, and heavy cannonading to the right. Weather still hot.
Monday, May 23d .- Moved to the left at 7 A. M. and. reached the North Anna river at 3 P. M.,-a march of twelve miles,-and skirmished with the enemy. BIRNEY's Division charged and crossed the river. Heavy cannonading.
Tuesday, May 24th .- Heavy fighting all day ; the entire army engaged, and the river crossed on the right and left; 2d Corps on the left. A great rain storm towards night.
Wednesday, May 25th .- Skirmishing, but no material change of position. General GRANT destroys the bridge across the river and tears up several miles of railroad to the rear.
Thursday, May 26th .- Skirmishing during the day. At night the army in motion toward the left.
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Friday, May 27th .- March to the left continued, 2d Corps bring up the rear. Weather hot.
Saturday, May 28th .- Marched to the Pamunkey and crossed at Nelson's Ferry, four miles above Hanovertown and intrenched three miles south of the river.
Sunday, May 29th .- Advanced and met the enemy near the Tolopotomy and intrenched. Sharp skirmishing and cannona- ding.
Monday, May 30th .- Fighting and sharp skirmishing along the line. The Regiment advance and cross the Tolopotomy under a sharp fire, and gain the heights beyond and hold them till night. Relieved at dark and retire to the works previously held.
Tuesday, May 31st .- Sharp skirmishing and fighting continued. At night the 6th Corps moved to the left, leaving the 2d Corps on the right of the line.
Wednesday, June 1st .- Skirmishing and cannonading all day At 6 P. M. heavy fighting commenced and continued till dark, 2d Division suffering severely. At 9 P. M. left our works and marched to the left.
Thursday, June 2d .- Marched all last night, and arrived at Cold Harbor early in the morning, dusty, tired and sleepy. In the afternoon went into position on the left of the army. Fight- ing all day. Communication opened with White House, on the Pamunkey.
Friday, June 3d .- Repeated charges and counter charges made throughout the day. Terrific fighting and fearful losses. The Brigade in reserve early in the morning, but under fire; and in the forenoon went into position on the extreme left of the line and intrenched. Remained intrenched, under fire, doing picket duty and engaged in mining and fortifying till the army moved.
Tuesday June 7th .- Suspension of hostilities from six to eight P. M., for removal of the wounded between the lines, and burial of the dead.
Sunday, June 12th .- Continued fortifying till night, when the army retired from before Cold Harbor. The Corps massed in rear of the works.
Monday, June 13th .- The Corps took up its line. of march at one A. M .; crossed the Chickahominy at Long Bridge, and marched to the heights, two miles from James river, opposite
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Windmill point, and near Charles City Court-house, and intrenched, facing to the rear.
Tuesday, June 14th .- Colonel PAUL FRANK released from arrest and restored to the command of the Brigade. Orders received at night to be ready to cross James river.
Wednesday, June 15th .- Moved at half past two A. M. and crossed on steam transports at Windmill point, at daylight; marched one and one-half miles and halted till quarter past one P. M. for rations, then marched rapidly some miles, then counter- marched and took another road, and arrived in front of Peters- burg at midnight.
Thursday, June 16th .- At half past two A. M. moved to the front and left of Petersburg and halted. At six P. M. moved one mile to the right and charged the enemy's works in front of Petersburg, driving them from their first line. Colonel BAIRD killed.
Friday, June 17th .- Fighting all day; the Regiment under fire ; communication opened with City Point, and sanitary and other stores brought up. Regiment acting as provost guard, under fire all day. Losses of the Corps for three days, 3,500. Over 1,000 killed and wounded in the 1st Division.
Sunday, June 19th .- All quiet along the lines except skirmish- ing. Wounded sent to City Point.
Monday, June 20th .- Skirmishing.
Tuesday, June 21st .- Corps moved to the left, crossing the Jerusalem plank road, to the south of Petersburg, and intrenched, the 6th Corps on the left.
Wednesday, June 22d .- Division advanced beyond the intrench- ments, and were met by the enemy in force, who struck the left flank and drove the Division back in disorder to its intrench- ments. Captain MORRIS BROWN, commanding the Regiment, killed, and several of the Regiment killed and wounded.
Thursday, June 23d .- Skirmishing. Sick and wounded sent to City Point. Weather extremely hot. Positions of the Corps of the army from right to left, as follows : 9th, 18th, 5th, 2d, and 6th Corps.
Tuesday, June 28th .- Practice of bursting a shell over the city of Petersburg, every fifteen minutes, commenced.
Monday, July 4th .- Quiet along the entire line. A national
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salute of 34 shotted guns fired into Petersburg at sunrise. Wea- ther extremely hot, and water scarce.
Friday, July 8th .- Sixth Corps left for Washington ; 2d Corps extended into the works of the 6th. Troops engaged in building works and roads.
Tuesday, July 12th .- Rumors of the Corps being moved to Washington. Hospitals broken up. Sick and wounded sent to City Point.
Saturday, July 16th .- the rear lines of Union works leveled. The Corps changed to the front of Petersburg, to the right of 5th Corps, which was extended to the left. Division hospital estab- lished at the Burchett House, in rear of Army head-quarters.
Monday, July 25th .- At 2 P. M. the Corps moved out and crossed the Appomattox, at Point of Rocks, marching all night.
Tuesday, July 26th .- Crossed the north side of the James River, at Deep Bottom, early in the morning. Engaged in the battle of Deep Bottom all day.
Friday July 29th .- Re-crossed the James and marched toward Petersburg.
Saturday, July 30th .- Arrived in front of Petersburg at four A. M. Mine exploded. Re-occupied the old line in the afternoon.
Monday, August 1st .- Suspension of firing from 5th to 9th, under flag of truce, to bury the dead.
Tuesday, August 9th .- Ordnance boat, with ammunition, at City Point, blown up.
Friday, August 12th .- At three P. M. the Corps moved out of its works again and marched to City Point, arriving at nine P. M. Sick and wounded sent to hospital at City Point.
Saturday, August 13th .- Embarked on transports at four P. M., and moved down the river till after dark; then turned and passed up the river.
Sunday, August 14th .- Disembarked at Deep Bottom at day- light. Reinforced by the 10th Corps. Engaged in the battle of Strawberry Plains.
Monday, August 15th .- Manœuvring and skirmishing. The line advanced. General GRANT inspects the lines.
Tuesday, August 16th .- Heavy fighting ; a temporary advance made to within six miles of Richmond. Severe losses.
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Wednesday, August 17th .- Skirmishing during the day. Wounded sent to City Point. At five P. M. a terrific fire opened from the gun boats and monitors on the rebel lines and land bat- teries, and continued until dark.
Thursday, August 18th .- At one A. M. a heavy cannonading opened along the entire line from Richmond to Petersburg, con- tinuing furiously till daylight. At six P. M. the enemy spitefully attacked our lines at Deep Bottom, and a sharp engagement con- tinued for an hour, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.
Friday, August 19th .- Wounded sent to City Point.
Saturday, August 20th .- Four P. M. Sick sent to City Point. At dark, moved out of the works and marched toward Peters- burg.
Sunday, August 21st .- Marched all night, arriving in front of Petersburg at four A. M. At eight A. M. heavy fighting near the Weldon railroad by the 5th Corps. The 2d Corps marched to their support.
Monday, August 22d .- Engaged in tearing up the Weldon railroad toward Reams' Station.
Tuesday, August 23d .- Continued tearing up railroad.
Wednesday, August 24th .- Intrenched at Reams' Station, and continue to destroy the railroad south of that point.
Thursday, August 25th .- Skirmishing till four P. M., when the enemy attacked in force. Battle raged till dark. Losses on both sides heavy. At eight P. M. the Corps withdrew from Reams' Station and went into position on the left of the 5th Corps, in the works formerly occupied by the 6th, near the Williams' House.
Friday, August 26th .- Corps remained in position. Wounded sent to City Point.
Saturday, August 27th .- The Corps, except the 2d Division, returned to the front of Petersburg, and occupied its former works, under a furious cannonading, which continued until mid- night. The Division hospital re-opened at the Burchett House.
Sunday, September 4th .- The capture of Atlanta by SHERMAN officially announced in General Orders at dress parade. At mid- night a shotted salute fired at the enemy, accompanied with music from all the bands. The fire was vigorously replied to by the enemy, and a heavy cannonading continued till two A. M. The awful roar of artillery, the' bursting of shells, and whistling of
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shot, with the music of the bands heard at intervals; and added to all the fire pouring forth from a thousand pieces of heavy ord- nance, and flashing from bursting shells, presented a scene whose grandeur was almost overwhelming.
Monday, September 5th .- The 1st Division was moved to the left of the 5th Corps, near the Williams' House, to guard the left flank. Hospital moved to an open field, near the Norfolk railroad.
Thursday, September 8th .- Balance of Corps moved to the left and joined the 1st Division in support of the 5th Corps. Heavy artillery firing along the whole line.
Saturday, September 10th .- A portion of the lines of the Corps advanced, with loss, in prisoners, to the enemy, who attacked in return, and was repulsed. Government railroad completed from City Point to the Yellow Tavern on the Weldon railroad. Divi- sion hospital re-established at the Burchett House.
Thursday, September 15th .- 2d Corps, being relieved by the 10th Corps, re-occupied its former line in front of Petersburg.
Tuesday, September 20th .- At four A. M., a shotted salute, in honor of SHERIDAN's victory in the Shenandoah valley was fired at the enemy, resulting in a fierce artillery duel along the whole line.
Thursday, September 29th .- The 10th and 18th Corps moved to the north of the James; and the 2d, 5th and 9th Corps held ready to move at a moment's notice. Army head-quarters packed, and army trains ready to move. Sick and wounded sent to City Point.
Friday, September 30th .- Heavy cannonading heard north of the James. WARREN, by the aid of the 9th Corps, extended the lines to the left and southwest, four and a half miles, and intrenched. At night the enemy charged the lines of the zd Corps, and were repulsed, with heavy loss.
Saturday, October 1st .- Cannonading and sharp skirmishing along the whole line. Our lines extended on the right toward Richmond. Our left attacked, but WARREN maintains his posi- tion. Division hospital established at Epps' house, near MEAD's Station.
Sunday, October 2d .- The 2d Corps sent to the left to support WARREN, except the 1st Division, which is extended along the line occupied by the whole Corps. WARREN attempted an
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advance, but was repulsed. Army head-quarters moved to the left, and established near the Weldon railroad.
Thursday, October 6th .- The balance of the Corps returned to their works in front of Petersburg.
Friday, October 7th .- Heavy fighting north of the James.
Tuesday, October 11th .- Quiet during the day. Unusually heavy cannonading and mortar firing at night along the whole line.
Tuesday, October 18th .- The enemy attempted to advance their lines in front of the 2d Corps, and were repulsed. Heavy cannonading.
Friday, October 21st .- At sunset, a shotted salute fired in honor of SHERIDAN's victory, on the 19th, in the Shenandoah valley, and another artillery duel was the result. The army was heavily reinforced by recruits.
Wednesday, October 26th .- The Corps, except the 1st Division, was withdrawn from the line, and sent to the left. The railroad abandoned, and the pickets withdrawn from the rear. The army and hospital trains sent within the fortifications at City Point. The 1st Division received twenty days rations, and a large supply of ammunition, and occupied the whole Corps line, under orders to hold it at all hazards against attacks from front or rear.
Thursday, October 27th .- Severe fighting at the left. The battle of Boydton plank road. Terrific cannonading on the left from 9 A. M. until dark. At 10 P. M. a portion of the 1st Division advanced, under a heavy artillery fire, and captured a fort, with a number of prisoners; but, for want of sufficient force, the fort was abandoned.
Friday, October 28th .- The other Divisions of the Corps returned to their works.
Saturday, October 29th .- Army and hospital trains return from City Point. Rear picket line re-established, and railroad trains again moving. Division hospital established near Corps head- quarters, near Avery House.
Monday, October 31st .- The 1st Division relieved from duty on the line and placed in reserve.
Sunday, November 6th .- At one, A. M., the enemy attacked and captured the 2d Division picket line, in front of Fort Hell; a sharp engagement ensued. The 1st Division moved up for support. The line was recaptured.
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Thursday, November 24th .- Thanksgiving day observed. The army feasted on turkeys, chickens, and other supplies bountifully furnished by the north.
Saturday, November 26th .- Major-General HANCOCK transfer- red to the Department of Washington. Major-General HUMPHREY took command of the Corps.
Monday, November 28th .- Troops moving to the left. Among them several Regiments of colored troops. Heavy firing kept up during the night.
Tuesday, November 29th .- In the morning, the 1st Division was moved to the left, and relieved the 9th Corps. In the after- noon, the balance of the 2d Corps relieved the 9th Corps, moved to the left, and joined the 1st Division. At the commencement of these movements, the enemy opened a spiteful artillery fire ; and heavy cannonading and mortar firing was kept up all day.
Wednesday, November 30th .- Corps and hospital trains moved to the left. All the Division hospitals of the Corps established at Patrick's Station, the terminus of the railroad.
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