1862 December 21

Unlike the two prece
eding ones, these two
past weeks have been remarkably active, and
eventful, until the 10th however, every thing was
very quiet; on that day, we received
theorders
to march to attack G. Early on the morning
of the 11th, we left our encampment at Belle
Plain. Oh, wasn’t it cold! (The rebs having refused
to comply with Gen Burnside’s summons to
surrender, the city of F. to our forces.) over one
hundred peices of artillery opened simultaneously
on the ill fated city, and from day light
until dark a most furious bombardment was
kept up. Arrived at the banks of the
Rappahannock river, at three P. M. where
we encamped for the night, after making
a vain attempt to cross the river. Early
the next morning we were again turned out,
hitched up, and at 7. A. M we crossed the
river at Franklin’s crossing on a pontoon bridge,
and went into position about 2000 yds in front
of the rebel lines. The day has been very misty,
about three P. M, the mist began to disappear
raiseleft.
At this time, the 1st N. J. Brigade was moving
through the battery in column by division,
closed in mass: the rebs seeing this movement,
opened on us, a heavy and rapid fire from
their artillery; to this fire the 1st N. J. and 1st
N. Y. batteries replied vigorously, and until dark
a severe cannonading was kept up, all along
our lines, our guns being short range, we retired.
Early the next morning all our batteries right
and left opened, and to our fire the rebs replied
vigorously: until 11. A. M a most terrible action
ensued; we were repulsed at every point, at
this time both sides, as if by mutual consent
ceased fireing, and until two P. M. all was
very quiet. At 12. M. we were sent to take the
position occupied by an Ohio battery during
the forenoon, but who were unable to stand
their ground. Shortly after going into position,
a reb battery came into position exactly
opposite to us, upon which we trail
led our
guns, and opened a very rapid and heavy
fire, and which was so accurate that the
rebs did not return a single shot. we
entirely demolished this battery. Our battery
opening when it did proved a signal for our entire
line, and from two P. M. until four a [word lined through] terrible
fight ensued, the cannonading was perfectly
deafening, at four the rebs opened on us a cross
fire from a 20 pdr. gun, their first shot striking
one of our limber wheels, breaking it in pieces,
cutting off a serg’ts leg, and seriously wounding one
other man in the arm. Night coming on, the
conflict ceased, and found our army severely
whipped; we were repulsed in every undertaking,
especially on the right was our loss severe;
on the left we were more successful, and but
for the treachery of Gen Franklin
g, a most
decisive victory
was gainedwould have been
gained. The next two days we lay in position,
but nothing of a serious nature took place.
On the night of the 15th Burnside having
called a council of war. who deemed it unad-
visable to attack the rebs again; we re crossed
the river and returned to our respective camps.
Our loss has been from eight to twelve
thousand. With one or two exception’s, the
weather has been mild and pleasant.

1862 Dec[ember] 7

During the past two weeks, every thing
inside our lines has been very quiet. The
supply and ordnance trains have been very
active, hauling stores, in anticipation of the
attack on Fredreicsburg, as the rebs are
determined to defend the place to the last.
On the 4th, we were turned out at three A. M.,
harnessed and packed up, and by day light were
on the road again. At three P. M we arrived and
encamped on Belle Plain Landing. On the
5th a cold rain storm set in, which lasted all day,
when it turned to snow. Since and before that
day, the weather has been cool and very pleas-
-ant.

MSS 8493

1862 November 22

The past fortnight has been spent much the same
as the previous one. On the 12th were reviewed
and inspected by Lieut Col. Platt. Chief of Div.
Arty. At 8 A. M of the 17th we again took up
our line of march, for Stafford Ct. House, at
which place we arrived on the 19th after two days
very hard, and muddy marching. We are to make
Aquia Creek our base of supplies for this camp-
-paign. Expect orders every day to march to assault
the rebel works [word lined through] around Fred^‘e’ricsburg,
which are very strong and formidable. A surrender
of that place has been demanded by Gen
Burnside. The weather has been quite cool. On
the 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd, we had a very severe rain
storm, which rendered the roads unfit for traveling.


MSS 8493

1862 November 9

The past fortnight has been one of unusual
activity: another grand advance of the army is in
progress, and the rebs are falling back rapidly.
On the 28th and 29th the rebs sent another flag of
truce. On the 30th were relieved by the Baltimore
Light Battery. From W. we marched to the south
side of Champton Pass, and encamped for the
night. To day we passed through Keedysville, and
over Antietam creek, where the battle of the 17th


of Sept began. Early the next morning were again on the
road, passed over one old battle field at the pass,
passed through Burketsville, and at five P. M we
arrived at Berlin where we are to cross the river
into Va. Were turned out again in two hours
to hitch up, and cross the river immediately, which
we did, and at midnight we encamped at Lovits-
ville. At one P. M the next day, we hitched up
and moved a short distance, and joined the div.
from which we had been deta tched some time.
On the 7th and 8th, we rested at White Plains,
where we had quite a fall of snow, rendering the
roads unfit for traveling. Gen McClellan has
been superceded by Gen. A. E. Burnside, thus for
some petty, contemptible, sneaking jealousy, on
the part of that thing, called President,
more harm has been done to this army than
if we had suffered a bad defeat. The army
will not fight as well under any Gen. as under
McClellan. (It is just a lucky thing for you,
you poor, miserable, weak minded rail splitter,
that the soldiers of this army can’t get you
into their hands, or I should very much fear
for your personal safety. Such a thing as you
for a President, I would not let you oversee
a gang of coal heavers.) On the 9th we were
joined by the 11th corps at Thoroughfare Gap.
After a short march, we encamped at New
Baltimore. Our 1st Lieut. has been appoin-


-ted to a Captaincy, by Gen Franklin, one of our
corporals to the 2nd Lieut. The weather has
been pleasant and cool.

1862 October 26

The past three weeks have been remarkably
quiet and dull. Were reviewed by the President
and Gen Mc Clellan. On the 9th the battery
marched to Hagerstown to be repaired and
painted. During the night of the 11th, Stuart and his
rebel cavalry crossed the Potomac and made
a raid through this state into Chambersburg, Pa.
destroying a large amount of Government property
in that place, and escaped across the river
without the loss of a man. On the 16th we were
ordered to Williamsport to relieve the 3rd N. Y.
battery, who were on piquet at that place
The 26th (to day) was quite stormy: during the afternoon
the rebs sent in a flag of truce to Gen Henley.
Gen H. W. Slocum our div. Commander has
been appointed to the command of the 12th Corps,
Gen Brooks of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Div. has been
appointed to the command of our div. The weather
since we have been at W. has been pleasant
and cold. And at times very windy, several heavy
frosts have fallen.

1862 October 5

On the 29th of Sept Capt Porter resigned his
commission and left for home. On the 1st of this
month G. W. Clarke another of our men was
very suddenly taken from us by death, having
been sick but a few days. C. C. Currier also
died in the Hospital at Fort Monroe.
New regts are constantly joining the army.
Pleasant and mild.

1862 September 28

Every thing this week has been very quiet. Day in
camp at the St James College all day of the 22nd.
At noon of the 23rd we harnessed up, and marc-
-hed to Bakersville, where we are to remain some
time to recruit our strength, and to repair the
battery. A number of our men are quite unwell,
I myself am quite unwell. Pleasant and.
Warm

1862 September 21

This week has also been very actively employed,

the heaviest and most severe battle of the war

has been fought during its limit. On the 15^th at

noon we harnessed up, and after a long and

a difficult pull, we succeeded in reaching the

top of the South Mts where we went into park.

The road all the way up, was filled with the

bodies of the dead Johnnies, who were killed

yesterday. All of our own dead are buried and

our wounded taken care of. On the 16^th the reb

prisoners were occupied in burying their dead,

placing from 15. to 60 in one grave laying them

in, heads and points. Harpers Ferry has through

the treachery of Col Miles, been surrendered

to Jackson, thus giving the rebs an opportunity

to escape when they were fully surrounded,

Early on the 17^th we were again on the road,

a very heavy cannonading can be heard in

the direction of Sharpsburg, Arrived at Antietam

Creek at noon, when we found a most

terrible battle in progress: we were sent to the right

center of the lines, where the fighting is, and has been

the most severe. Went into position in the celebr-

-ated corn field where Hooker’s Corps was so badly

cut up, and where Hooker was himself wounded..

We soon changed our position to the left. the dead

and wounded lay so thickly, that it was with

great difficulty we could move our carriages.

From 12 M to 7. P. M. a steady and most terrible

fire was kept up by both sides: we are having

great numbers wounded. The rebs have been

driven all along the line to day, but hold their

present position very well. Night put an end to

the conflict. Early next morning Gen Lee sent in

a flag of truce requesting time to bury his dead and

to take care of his wounded, a truce of seven

hours was granted him, as our forces were too

much exhausted to attack him. The field to

day presents an awful spectacle. Dead, wounded

and dying men and horses, covered the field in

all directions.. dismounted guns. limbers and cassions

and parts of the same which have been blown up

literally cover the ground. One would think to look

on the ground that there had been a rain

storm of small arms, the ground was so complete

-ly covered with muskets, swords, and revolvers. The

dead in many cases are horribly mutilated. having

heads, arms, and legs shot off, and some were

entirely torn in pieces by the explosion of shells,

Some even after being killed, as they lay

on the ground were struck by sold shots, as

they ricocheted along the ground and torn

open; others who had been wounded, were

afterwards killed before they could get off

the field. In one place, where the rebs made a

stand a person could walk for over a mile

with out treading on any thing else but dead

rebs. Our loss in this battle thus far, has been

about 10,000 in all, among whom was Gen’s

Mansfield and Richardson killed, Hooker

Sedgwick and Dana were wounded. The rebs

have lost much heavier both in Gen officers and

men. The strength of both armies before the battle

was about 100,000. Friday morning we expected

to renew the battle, but upon advancing our

piquets, we found that the rebs had fallen back

under cover of night, not being able to stand another

day’s fight. Immediate pursuit by the entire army

was made after them, but Johnny had a good start

of us, and succeeded in escaping across the Potomac

into Va. Our artillery which could reach their

retreating columns opened a brisk fire on

them. At four P. M went into camp. Lay still

all the next day, at 11. P. M we were turned

out to march to Williamsport where the rebs

have again crossed the river. left camp at mid-

-night, arrived at the St. James College at day

break, but the rebs had fled at our approach.

At five P. M, all being very quiet we went into camp.

The weather this week has been very mild and

pleasant.

1862 September 14

This week we have been constantly on the
jump at 8 A. M of the 8th we again took up
our line of march. passed through Rockville,
and at seven P. M took a position, and
encamped for the night. Did not move
until ten A M the next day/. at two P. M
after a short march the div halted and
encamped in line of battle. The 32nd N. Y.
and a section of our battery were sent
out on piquet. On the 10th were up and
off very early. at seven P. M. after a long
and very fatiguing march, we halted and
encamped for the night at the foot of the
Sugar Loaf Mts. . We are close on to the rebs,
and will doubtless have a battle in a few
days. Next day we lay still for a rest. On
the 12th were up and off very early, and after
a long and very severe march we went into
position, and encamped for the night. On
the 13th after a very short march we halted
just outside Buckeystown, and encamped for
the night. The rebs occupied this ground this
morning and tried hard to hold it, but
were driven from it by our advance. To
day were up and off as early as usual,
at noon we halted just out side the
town of Jefferson. At two P. M. we again
started on, and at three P. M arrived at Burketts-
-ville, immediatly in rear of which we found the
rebs posted in force on both sides of the
road with Artillery: their position was very
strong. The 1st Div was formed on the right of
the road. the 2nd on the left. a line composed
of Bartletts, and Talbott’s Brigade supported
by Newton’s advanced steadily on a charge.
The rebs were driven from their position at
the base of the Mt. and forced back to their
artillery. Here they attempted another stand,
but the impetuosity of our troops again routed
them from their position, and they retired
fireing their pieces by echelon: after an action
of two hours, the crest was gained, and
the rebs fled hastily down the other side of
the Mts. On the left of the road. Brook’s
and Irwin’s brigades of the 2nd div. formed to
protect our flanks, and charged up the
Mts. in the same steady manner, driving all
before them, and carried the crest on the left.
Four hundred prisoners, seven hundred stands
of arms, and one piece of Artillery were captu-
-red, also three colors. Our loss was 115. killed
16 wounded, and several missing, the rebs lost
beside their prisoners three hundred killed
at Browns Pass on these same Mts: Gen’s
Burnside, Sumner and Hooker’s corps, and
Sykes div. had a very severe and obstinate

[Johnson breaks here and continues on the 17th]

Battle of South Mountain

1862 September 7

This week has also been very busily employed,
On the 1st we lay in camp all day, every thing
is being sent to the rear. the army is to fall
back to its old line of defense on the
Potomac, During the afternoon our lines
at Chantilly were attacked, and a brisk
engagement followed: the rebs were finaly
repulsed but with a severe loss to our
side.. Gen’s Kearney and Stephens were
killed. Our corps is as usual left as
the rear guard. At five P. M. we harnessed
up, at six a severe thunder shower set in
and it continued stormy all night. At.
one half past eight every thing being well on the
road, the head of our corps started on its way
toward Alexandria. Tuesday morning we halted
at Fairfax, here we remained until eleven A.
M, when we again started on. halted again
at two P. M., we soon after started on again
reaching Alexandria at seven P. M. Next day
we returned to our old encampment on the
Leesburg turnpike. The army is to be reconstr-
-ucted. Gen Mc Clellan is reinstated in
command of the army. The 4th and 5th were
very quiet, At five P. M of the sixth, we very
suddenly received marching orders, and by six
P. M. we were on our way for Md. The
Johnnies have crossed the Potomac at Willia-
-msport and have marched as far north as
the Pennsylvania state line. Passed through
Washington and Georgetown and at 11. P. M.
we encamped for the night. Lay still all
the next day, a steady column of troops
and trains has been passing by our camps.
Several of the new regts have joined this
army. Pleasant and mild

The battle of Chantilly was the last engagement in the battle of Second Bull Run/Manassas.

General Philip Kearney, 1815-1862, was killed in the Battle of Chantilly after accidentally riding into Confederate lines and then trying to fight his way out rather than surrender.General Wifield Scott called him "the bravest man I ever knew, and a perfect soldier."

General John Ingalls Stevens, 1818-1862, graduated first in his West Point class, was breveted for gallantry in the Mexican War, and served as governor of Washington Territory. He made his Civil War reputation by restoring order to the mutinous 79th New York after their Colonel was killed at 1st Manasses.

[Generals in Blue, lives of the Union Commanders]

1862 August 31

Lay in the stream all day of the 25th. On the
26th the steam[a second ‘m’ lined through]er Herald, took us in tow
and started for Aquia Creek. Passed Fort
Monroe. On the 27th we entered the
Potomac, again arrived at Aquia Creek at
three P. M; from this place we were ordered to Alexandria,
where we dropped our anchor at six P. M. To day
the 1st N. J. brigade of our div. (who had arrived
here before the remainder of the div. and had been
pushed on to Manassas.) had an engagement with
a vastly superior force at the Junction, and
after an obstinate fight were badly whipped.
Gen Taylor lost a leg, and soon after died from
his wound. On the 28th the remainder of the div.
arrived and disembarked, and at [hour unclear, may be 2.] P. M we
were once more encamped out side of the city.
Gen Pope who has fallen back from the
Rapidan has made a stand at Manassas and
if all thing continue as they commenced, we will
doubtless annihilate the rebs this time. At. 9. A. M
the next morning we hitched up (the 29th) and
started to reinforce Gen Pope: arrived at
Annandale at noon where we went into position
and remained for the night. Harnessed up at
8. A. M on the next morning, and were soon
after on the move again. Passed through the
village of Fairfax Ct. House; at noon we
halted for a rest, at three P. M we again
started on, passed through Centreville and
kept on for the battle field, upon which we
arrived just in time to witness another
disgraceful retreat, fortunately in time to [‘prevent’ lined through]
prevent a perfect panic. Our forces had again,
owing to the mismanagement of Mc Dowell,
and Porter, been defeated on this fatal
field, when victory and the capture of the rebel
Army of Va. was in our grasp. The army
fell back to Centreville, and encamped
in a confused mob. Sunday the 31st the
army was got in order and into position,
and a new line of battle was formed. The
sick, wounded, and all the trains are being
sent to Washington and Alexandria. Our
battery took a position in a fort which
the rebs built when they occupied this place.
In the evening were relieved by battery A.
Md. Artillery. Cool and unpleasant.

1862 August 24

[additions to the entry for August 21]

Next morning (the 21st ) were turned
out at three A. M. and by day light were
again in motion. Arrived at Newport News at
noon; from this place we were ordered to
Hampton. where we are to ship for Aquia.
Creek, Arrived at Hampton or “rather the
place where it once stood, the rebs having
burned it after the battle of Great Bethel.
At four P. M we went into camp. This
march has been a very pleasant one but the
dust has been so very thick, that one might
catch it by hands full, as it flew in the air.
On the 23rd the batteries were shipped on the
old Chelsea Ferry boat, Winnissimmet.
Cloudy and rainy all day and night. On the
24th the Horses were shipped on the
schooners Annie Magie and Filander,
Haul^‘e’d out in the stream and anchored
for the night.

1861 August 21

Were turned out at three A. M on the 18th and by
five were in motion; at noon passed through
Williamsburg. It was at this place that Sumner
and Heinzelman after a very severe and
desperate battle, succeeded in driving the rebs
at every point from works almost impregnable.
This is next to Yorktown the most strongly
fortified place that we have seen; as far as
the eye can reach in either direction, are very
large and strong fortifications, all enfilading each
other; there are also two large and very strong lines
of rifle pits, protecting the approaches to these
works. At three. P. M we halted and encamp-
-ed for the night. Were up as early as usual the
next morning, but did not move until 8. A. M.
passed through Yorktown. and encamped just
outside the fortifications of the place. Johnny
Rebel must have been most decidedly crazy,
when he evacuated this place with out a
struggle for it. On the 20th turned out at five
A. M, hitched up, and by seven were again
on the tramp. To day we have passed a
large number of fortifications, which the rebels
built when they occupied this part of the country;
for miles in most any direction, some
kind of fortification can be seen. at
three P. M halted and encamped for the
night at. Lee’s mills. It was here that the
Vt. brigade was repulsed in the siege of
Yorktown.

1862 August 17

On the 11th we received marching orders. at 7
A M struck tents and packed up. and
awaited for orders to move. On the 14th we
received orders to be ready to move at day-
-light; were turned out at three A. M.
harnessed and packed up; all night
long a steady column of troops & trains were
passing our camp on their way to Fort
Monroe and Newport News. Remained in
harness all day and night, at three P. M
the entire army with the exception of our
corps ( the 6th) having evacuated their encamp-
-ments, the head of our corps column, took
up their line of march and followed the
remainder of the army to Fort Monroe.
At six P. M, halted and encamped for the
night. Early the next morning were turned
out and by day light were moving. crossed
the lower. Chickahominy by a pontoon
bridge. at five P.M went into camp.
As usual our corps is the rear guard of
this movement. The weather has been pleasant
but very warm and oppressive

1862 August 10

The past week has been to the battery a very
^ ‘busy’ one. Between 8. A. M of the 5th and 7 P. M of the
6th twenty three funerals passed our camp,
On the 5th Heintzelmans corps were sent out
to Malvern hill on a reconnoisance, where a
heavy skirmish ensued: the same day we
received our new cassions. we are to change
our Parrotts for the brass light 12 pdr guns.
Were in harness all night. On the 6th five
pieces of heavy Artillery. ( 30 pdr’s) arrived at
our camp, and went into position on our
right. Next day we were releived by battery
B. Md. Artillery. after which we moved
our camp about ½ mile to the rear. In the
afternoon were paid off. On the 8th we
received our new guns. turned in our old
ones and our old cassions on the 9th. In the
evening had a severe thunder shower. Sunday
had our usual inspection. The weather,
has been quiet pleasant but excessively
warm. the thermometer has not been lower
than 115 and as high as 122. [A small ‘0’ denoting degrees is used after these numbers.]

MSS 8493

1862 August 3 [Marlbourne, Hanover County, Va.]

Unlike the previous week this one has been
very quiet with but one or two exceptions.
Have had our usual drills every other
day. The Army has received orders to be
in readiness to move. we expect to evacuate
the peninsular and to reinforce Gen Pope
who is on the Rapidan. During the night
of the 31st we were suddenly awakened by
a rapid and heavy artillery fire on the
river. The rebs had run some field
batteries down to the banks of the river,
and had opened on our shipping which
lay in the river. They were soon silenced
however by our gun boats, but before
this could be done, they had killed and
wounded 17 men, and destroyed one of our
ordnance boats; On the 1st of Aug. Gen
Morrells div. was sent to occupy the south
bank of the river, to be prepared against
another night attack. three houses were
burned by order of Gen Porter. Our corps
is encamped on the plantation of the
celebrated Ruffin. the one who fired the
first gun at fort Sumter. On the 3rd had
our usual inspection. During the past week
there has been an average of two funerals
daily pass. One man belonging to the 2nd
Vt. regt. who had been unwell for nearly six
months, asked one morning to be excused from
fatigue duty,: his request was refused him, and
while at work he fell dead in his tracks, and
was buried with no ceremony or respect. The
weather has been much the same, as the last
fortnight.

MSS 8493

1862 July 27

This week has been a very busy one to us all.

On the 21^st three men of the 2^nd Vt regt were

drummed out for cowardice in the recent battles.

Gen. Mc Clellan has reviewed the different corps

this week. On the 23^rd had another tedious brigade

drill, new tents have arrived and were pitched

in rear of the park. a machinist from Fort

Monroe is at work on the vents of our guns

which were blown out at Glendale. The

fortifications in front of the battery are

finished, and we now have one of the

best and neatest camps in the whole army.

On the 25^th had another severe drill. During

the afternoon of the 26^th, the rebel cavalry drove

in our piquets, but as soon as we could

send them reinforcements, they recovered

their lost ground, and caused Mr. John

Henry, Rebel to get up and get in a very

decided hurry. at six P. M we were reviewed

and inspected by a Col. of Art’y of Mc Clel-

-lans staff. About seven P. M a thunder

shower came up and it lasted unpleasan-

-t all night. To day were inspected by Capt

Platt. The weather this week has been

Pleasant and extremely warm

MSS 8493

1862 July 20 [Harrison's Landing, Virginia.]

During the past week every thing has been as
quiet as usual. On the 14th Gen Burnside
arrived at the landing; his command is at
Fort Monroe. One of our men was discharged
on the 15th. On the 19th the Vermont Brigade
commenced to throw up a line of breast works
in front of the batteries. To day were inspected
by Capt Platt, after which we had a long
and severe brigade drill. During the past
week, the rebel sharpshooters and their flying
artillery have greatly annoyed our transports
in their passage up and down the river,
We have had some very heavy thunder showers
this week. On the 16th we had the most severe
one I ever witnessed, the rain fell in a
perfect torrent for over an hour completely
deluging the ground. During the day time
of this week the weather has been pleasant
and warm but most every evening it has been stormy.

MSS 8793

1862 July 13 [Harrison's Landing, Va.]

Since the 7th every thing inside our lines has
been very quiet. On the 8th the President
arrived here and reviewed the army in their
encampments. To day. G. B. White a member
of the battery died after a very short illness
with the [word lined through] typhoid fever. He was one of
our very best men and had not an enemy
in the battery. he will be greatly missed by
us all. At 4 P. M he was buried near our
camps the burial services being conducted
by the chaplain of the 2nd Vt. and a detach
-ment of the same regt. fired a salute over his
grave. The balloon has made several
reconnoisances, and reports the rebs to have
fallen back to their old line in the defenses
of Richmond. A . very strong fort has.
been built on our left, mounting several
heavy guns. With the exception of the 10th and 11th ,
The weather has been warm and pleasant,
those two day’s were very stormy.

MSS 8493

1862 July 7 [Harrison's Landing, Va.]

The N. J. battery took up a position on our
left to day. both left sections being short range
guns, they were sent to the right to cross fire
our guns, if we were attacked. Were turned
out at 4. A. M and remained in harness
until 7. A. M. Very warm and pleasant.


MSS 8493

1862 July 6 [Harrison's Landing, Virginia?]

Yesterday and to day have once again passed
in quietness. the balloon was up both days;
this afternoon we changed our camp about
one mile to the front. Smith’s div. are
building fortifications on our left. Warm and
pleasant.

MSS 8493

1862 July 3

About ten A. M, Gen Mc Clellan commenced
to form his new line. Shortly after, the rebs
who had followed close on our rear, opened
on us with a rifled battery, making some
exce^ ‘l’lent shots, but they could not dance long
to the music of the 100 pdrs from our Gun boats,
so they retired, and all became quiet again.
By 9. P. M. our line was formed. Our battery is
now on piquet. Cloudy, unpleasant and very
muddy.

1862 July 2

Left our position at two A. M and again
fell back reaching Harrison Landing on
the James River at seven A. M. here we are
to form a new line of battle covered by the
gun boats. by five P. M our entire army
had arrived and encamped here. The
army in the recent battles has lost. 1,582
killed. 7,709 wounded and 5,958 are missing
total. 15, 229. Rained hard all day and
night.

1861 July 1

Early this morning we arrived at Malvern
Hill, where we halted to rest; the army
is here to be deployed in line of battle

on a range of very commanding hills; our left
is protected by the Gun boats. About 8. A. M.
the advance of the rebs. (which had followed
close upon our rear) began to engage our
picket line. Our div. being out of ammunition
and the troops completely exhausted, we were
ordered to the rear, at noon we halted on a
large plantation about seven miles from the
James River. At five P. M. the 1st N. J. and our
battery were placed in position for the night.
A severe engag ^‘e’ment has been in progress all
day at Malvern hill, in which the rebs
have been repulsed with great loss at
every point, and several stands of colors have
been taken. Pleasant and warm.

MSS 8493

1862 June 30

At 9. A. M we harnessed up again, and
continued our retreat. At one P. M. we
formed a line of battle in prolongation of
Kearney’s Div. at Glendale; our right resting
on the Charles City cross roads. At ½ past
two P. M. Longstreets div. was discovered
advancing to attack our lines; at three
he opened a brisk fire on us from a 6 pdr
battery. Battery D. 2nd U. S. and our battery
immediately opened fire on his lines, and

for three hours poured in upon him a most
deadly and distructive fire. So accurate was
our fire, that one battery which was in
position in our immediate front, was entirely
demolished, and two others which were trying
to gain a position, were so completely
disabled, that they become perfectly useless:
not however until we had one man
instantly killed, and another mortal^ ‘l’y woun-
-ded. About six P. M. the vents being
blown out of our guns, and the guns being
so much heated as to render them unfit
for service, we were releived by a R. I.
battery. We then retired about one mile
to the rear: all in our immediate front,
had now become very quiet: the rebs
having been repulsed in all their attempts
to dislodge us. On our left however things
wore a much different aspect. Heintzelmans
corps greatly outnumbered by the rebs, was
being severely pressed, and slowly but
surely driven, though they disputed every
inch of the ground with a terrible[ ‘stuborn’ lined through]
stubbornness, which cost the rebel army a
large amount of valuable lives. Every
thing on that part of the line began to
wear a most serious face, and for a short
time the capture of our entire army
seemed very probable. Fortunately Mc Call’s

Division of the 5th Corps, and the 1st N. J.
brigade of the 1st Div. of the 6th Corps, [‘cor’ lined through]
came up at this critical moment, and
were sent to the immediate front. and
the tide of battle soon changed: the
rebs were repulsed. and driven back in
confusion. all the lost ground was
regained, and we remained, undisputed
victors on that part of the line also,
At 8. P. M. we were sent to the front
again, and just as we were going into
position, a brigade of the rebs was discov-
-ered crawling on their hands and knees
up the hill to charge on our line of
batteries. Battery D. 2nd U. S. immediately
opened on them a double shotted fire of
canister, driving them back in confusion,
killing and wounding one half their
number. After this all became very quiet;
we remained in our position until mid-
night. when we limbered up our guns
and fell back. We lost also one man
taken prisoner. Warm and quite
pleasant.

Today in his diary Johnson describes the 6th day of the 7 Days Battle outside Richmond, known as the battle of Glendale or Charles City Crossroads.

For a Confederate soldier's view of the Seven Days Battle see the letters of William H. Perry, Jr.

MSS 8493

1862 June 29

To day the army continued its retreat. A
great quantity of all kinds of military
stores are being destroyed, so that our
progress shall not be retarded. At six
P. M. we halted, and encamped for the
night. Gen Sumners Corps engaged the rebs
at Allens farm and after a severe struggle
forced the John Henry’s to retire. Smith’s
div. of the 6th Corps, engaged a portion of
the Rebel Army at Savage Station, and
although they repulsed the rebs. still owing
to a misunderstanding between Gen’s
Sumner and Heintzelman, they barely
escaped capture. Pleasant and very warm.

Battle of Savage's Station and Allen's Farm. Johnson notes the "misunderstanding" between Union General Samuel Peter Heintzelman, 1805-1880, a Mexican War veteran in command of the III Corps who was supposed to block the Williamsburg Road but instead withdrew without notifying General Edward Vose Sumner who had command of the II Corps. William Farrar "Baldy" Smith, 1824-1903, commanded a division of VI Corps in the Peninsula campaign, was probably most noted for constant criticism his superior officers. The Federals safely withdrew but left 2500 sick and wounded behind.

MSS 8493

1862 June 28

Were turned out at three. A. M and marched
to the banks of the river, to protect the right
flank of the army. the army is compelled to
fall back from before Richmond. not being
strong enough to hold our position against
the reinforcements the rebs have received
from the South. (For all this we can thank
that poor, weak minded thing, that is styled
President Lincoln,) All day long a steady
[The parentheses are in pencil and also in pencil,
in the margin is written, “ You don’t mean that.”]
column of sick, and wounded troops, trains,
and other material of war, was passing
by us. At four P. M. our div was sent to
the front with orders to hold our position
at all haz [second ‘z’ lined through]ards until midnight. we are
to be left as the rear guard to cover the
retreat. Remained in position until mid-
-night, when we limbered up, and fell back
after the remainder of the army. As far as I
can under stand the proceedings, the authorities
at Washington have done the best they could
to sacrifise this army, and if we ever
reach the James River it will be wholly
to the credit of Gen Mc Clellan and to
him will this country’s thanks be due.
Warm and pleasant.

1862 June 27

At seven A. M, we harnessed up, and
proceeded to the front, and went into
position, expecting an engagement.
Gen Porter having fallen back to
Gaines Mills, burning his commissary
and quarter-master’s stores. there he
formed a new line of battle in a
strong position. Remained in
position until noon, when all being
quiet we returned to camp and
unharnessed. Early in the afternoon
the rebs opened on our lines with
their Artillery. and drove Bartlett’s
and Newton’s brigades. D. battery 2nd
U. S. and our battery, from our camps.
At two P. M. Porter who was severly
pressed at Gaines Mills, sent in for
reinforcements., Our div.( Slocum’s)

was ordered to march to his assistance.
Crossed the river at Woodbury bridge, and
by ½ past three, we had arrived on the
field. Our div. was sent to different parts
of the line where they were most needed,
Bartlett’s brigade, and a Penn. battery. of
McCalls div; at five P. M. French’s and
Meagher’s (Irish) brigades were sent to reinfor-
-ce us. At six the rebs attacked us in great
force, but were repulsed, after a most
desperate struggle; our position was a
most critical one. The rebs next opened,
on us a cross fire, which they kept
up for nearly an hour, and a most
terrible fire it was; the air over, around,
and even the ground beneath us, was
full of shot shell and musket balls;
during this storm of iron hail, we
changed our position a little to the
left, and it was a perfect miracle
that half of the battery was not
killed, while we were changing our
position, At seven, they again attack-
-ed our lines, with still greater fury,
and finaly gained the woods on
our left, this reverse, aided by the
confusion which followed an


unsuccessful charge by five compa-
nies of the 5th U. S. Cavalry, caused
us to fall back to a hill, overlooking
Woodbury bridge, French’s and Meaghers
brigade’s now appeared, driving before them
the stragglers, who were crowding for the
bridge. These brigades advanced steadily to
the front, and by their example
reanimated our retreating columns, and
warned the rebels that reinforc ^ ‘e’ments
had arrived. It was now nearly dark,
and the rebs who had been repulsed
several times with great loss, hearing
the shouts of these fresh troops, failed
to follow up their advantage; this gave
us time to rally our columns, and behind
our reinforcements, advanced again ready
to repulse another attack. Night ended
the fighting: during the night our forces were
with drawn to the left bank of the
river, and the bridges were blown up.
We lost some twenty two pieces of Artillery,
and although were finaly compelled to
retire from the field, we gained the
object which we fought for. The entire
4th N. J. regt was captured. which fate for
a few moments appeared to be ours.
we had one man wounded. We had
but 30,00 men engaged, while the force of
the rebs exceeded 80,000. Pleasant and warm.

Battle of Gaine's Mills. For a Confederate soldiers view see the letter of William H. Perry.

Irish born Thomas Francis Meagher, 1823-1867, was banished to Tasmania for participation in various revolutionary Irish groups. He escaped to the U.S. and New York where he organized a Zouave Company in 1861 which became part of the 59th New York. After 1st Bull Run/Manassas he organized the Irish Brigade in New York City and served as its Brigadier. The brigades hopeless charge of Marye's Heights in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 1862 was depicted in the movie Gods and Generals.

MSS 8493

1862 June 26

Skirmishing very heavily on our left all
day. During the afternoon, our advance on
the left after a brisk and decisive fight,
succeeded in capturing redoubt No. 4 of
the defenses of Richmond. At noon the
rebs on our right advanced, and crossed
the Chickahominy at Meadow bridge,
attacked, and drove in our pickets at
Mechanicsville. Morrells. Div. and two
brigades of Mc Call’s div. were deployed
in line of battle. Meade’s brigade being
held as a reserve, At three P. M the
rebs rapidly advanced and attacked
our whole line, making a determined
attempt to drive back Reynold’s
brigade, but after a severe struggle
they were forced to retire with a heavy
loss. A rapid Artillery fire was kept
up along the entire line. at five P. M
the rebs made another desperate assault
on our right, and were again repulsed
by Gen Seymore with a heavy loss,
Night coming on, the conflict ended,
Pleasant and very warm

Battle of Mechanicsville or Beaver Dam Creek

George W. Morell, 1815-1883, led a division of the 5th Corps during the Peninsula Campaign. His close association with Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter, his corps commander, led him to testify on the latter's behalf when Porter was unjustly court-martialed for dereliction in the Second Battle of Bull Run. Morell's military career was ruined and he had no more field service after the Battle of Antietam.

George A. McCall, 1802-1868, a veteran of both the Seminole and Mexican Wars, and one of the oldest generals in the war, led the division known as the Pennsylvania Reserves. He was captured in June of 1862 and sent to Libby Prison in Richmond until exchanged for Confederate General Simon Bolivar Buckner. His health broken by imprisonment he retired to his West Chester, Pennsylvania, estate. He was a relative of the noted novelist Edith Wharton.

John F. Reynolds, 1820-1863, was also a veteran of the Mexican War where he develped the famous friendship with fellow officers Winfield Scott Hancock and Lewis A. Armistead that was depicted in Killer Angels and Gettysburg. His brigade in the Pennsylvania Reserves was hit hard by the Confederate attack described by Johnson above but his defensive line held and Reynolds later received a letter of commendation from his division commander, George A. McCall

Truman Seymour, 1824-1891, another veteran of the Mexican War, commanded the left wing of the Federal Reserves at Mechanicsville on June 26, Gaines' Mill on June 27, and Glendale on June 30 and then led the division at Malvern Hill on July 1 after McCall was wounded and captured. He was later sent to the Dept. of the South where he commanded the Union troops at the Battle of Olustee, the largest Civil War battle fought in Florida.

MSS 8493

1862 June 25

To day Gen Hookers div was advanced to
the front, and fought the battle of Oak Grove,
in which our forces gained one mile of
ground. In the evening the rebs made a
demonstration on our entire line, but were
repulsed at every point. Gen Mc Clellan
and staff passed through our camp to day.
Warm and quite pleasant.

MSS 8493

1862 June 24

Were turned out at three A. M as the
rebs have kept up a brisk musketry
fire all night on our picket line,
which led us to beleive that we would
be attacked at day light. Remained
in harness until 9 A. M when all being
very quiet, we unharnessed. During the
evening had another severe thunder
shower. The day was pleasant and
very warm.

MSS 8493

1862 June 23

Yesterday and to day have been so
remarkably quiet, that the report that the
rebs had, or were evacuating Richmond,
was greatly beleived by the troops.
This morning a reconnoisance was made,
and a short but obstinate skirmish ensued,
but as neither party could gain any advan-
tage, both sides with drew, as if by mutual
consent. In the evening, had a severe thunder
shower. During the day it was excessively
warm.

MSS 8493

1862 June 21

Early this morning the rebs were discovered
drawn up in line of battle, but for some
reason they retired. During the afternoon they
attempted to drive in the pickets of
Gen Sickle’s brigade, but the Excelsior
boys could not see it in such a light, so
the John Henry’s gave it up as [ ‘a’ lined through] decidedly a
bad job. Early in the evening they made
another attack on our piquet line, and
were again repulsed. A heavy musketry fire
was kept up all night long.
Warm and pleasant.
MSS 8493

1862 June 20

Yesterday moved camp a short distance. the
Johnnies have kept up a pretty brisk fire upon
our lines to day, but as usual no material
injury has been done by them. Pleasant and
extremely warm.

MSS 8493

1862 June 18

Were turned out early as usual, packed
and harnessed up, and at noon we were
releived by D. Battery 5th U S. Arty’
of Porters 15th Corps. Left our position at
Mechanicsville, and were soon on the
tramp again. At seven P. M halted and
encamped at Fair Oaks, crossing the
Chickahominy river, at Woodbury bridge,
This bridge a mile long (that is corduroying
and trussle work) was built by the U. S.
Engineer brigade in nine days. We are
now but four miles from Richmond.
Pleasant during the day, cloudy and at
times rained hard during the night.

MSS 8493

1862 June 16

As usual all is very very quiet, both armies
are closely watching each other, there will
be a break some where soon. The rebs are
throwing all their reserves on to their right,
During the night the rebs threw up an
immense rifle pit, also mounted several
field batteries in their breast works,
Very warm and pleasant.

MSS 8493

1862 June 15

Every thing still remains very quiet. About
noon a flag of truce accompanied by Gen
Franklin, passed out to the rebel lines, to
effect a change of prisoners. Our whole line
is under arms. During the afternoon had a
severe thunder shower.

William Buel Franklin, 1823-1903, performed well in the Peninsular Campaign, and at Antietam but was accused by Ambrose Burnside of disobeying orders at Fredericksburg and so being partly responsible for the Union defeat. Lincoln refused to remove him from command but he was posted to the western theatre where he was wounded. After the war he had a varied and successful career managing of Colt's Firearms, supervising the construction of the Connecticut state capitol, serving as a presidential elector in 1876, and acting as commissioner general for the United States at the Paris Exposition in 1888.

MSS 8493

1862 June 14

Every thing to day is full as quiet as was yesterday,
although we are in expectation every
moment, of making, or being attacked. The rebs
are very uneasy. two deserters swam the river
and came into our lines last night.
Warm and pleasant.

1862 June 13

All very quiet to day, we were in harness all
day expecting to move at every moment.
The balloon is up to day. quite warm and
pleasant.

1862 June 12

Were turned out at four A.M. harnessed
and packed up, and by seven were on the
road for M. at which place we arrived
at 9 A.M., and went immediately into
position. At six P.M. the rebs opened on us with
a thirty two pdr. and an old fashion eighteen
pdr. to get the range, and exact distance
between the lines. they having just completed
mounting these guns in some heavy fortifica
-tions, just in front of us. They kept up a
pretty brisk fire for about 1/2 hour, when
we opened on them, and in one half hour
more had silenced them, dismounting one
of their guns. Warm and pleasant.

MSS 8493

1862 June 11

The past six days have been very quiet, and
monotonous. Have had an inspection by
Capt Platt, Chief of Arti. 1st Div 6th Corps.
Most every day there has been more
or less fireing between the pickets, but no
material injury has been inflicted on either
side. With the exception of the 10th (on that
day rained very hard) the weather has been
mild and quite pleasant. To day we
received orders to relieve the 1st N.J. Battery
F, who were on picket at Mechanicsville
at Meadow bridge.

MSS 8493

1862 June 5

Yesterday was also very quiet. Smith's Div. of
the 6th Corps, (Franklin's) crossed the Chickahom-
iny at New bridge, in face of a galling fire from
five points, but the rebs were obliged to fall
back. We were paid off in the evening. Mild
and pleasant.

MSS 8493

1862 June 3

Yesterday and to day have been the two
most quiet day's we have had for a long
while, A. twenty pdr parrott battery has been
busy shelling the rebel piquet line all day,
to which the rebs would occasionally
reply. Mild and pleasant.

1861 June 1

Early this morning the battle which was in
progress yesterday on our left, was recommenced
The fireing continued very heavy until 10 A.M,
when it became more distant and less
severe, by noon it had ceased entirely.
The battle of yesterday and to day, was
fought at Fair Oak's some four miles
from Richmond. the rebs taking advantage
of a terrible storm which had flooded the
valley of the Chickahominy, and had left a
portion of our troops in an exposed
position, attacked them suddenly, (our troops
comprised the corps of Sumner. Heintzel-
man, and Key's) and after a severe and
desperate conflict, Gen Casey's Div. which
comprised the first line of battle fell.
back in disorder upon the second line,
thus causing a temporary panic. but
Heintzelman and Kearny rapidly advanced
their columns, and checked the rebs, who
were pouring down in immense force,
Night ended the battle for the day. the
rebs fell back a short distance to a strong
position, our troops formed new lines,
and placed the Artillery in strong positions
This morning the rebels again attacked
our lines, and although our Artillery
mowed them down by scores, the gaps
were immediately filled with fresh troops:
both sides fought with determination
and gallantry, but the rebs were at last
obliged to retreat in confusion. Their loss
is enormous. ours is about 7000 in all.
Jo. Johnston, the rebel Gen in chief, was
wounded in the foot. Warm and pleasant.

For a Confederate view of the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines see the blogged letters if William H. Perry

MSS 8493

1862 May 31

To day has been the most sultry day of the
year. Early in the afternoon, we were star-
-tled by a very rapid and heavy cannonading
but a short distance to our left the
musketry fire was quite distinctly heard also.
The fireing continued until dark, we were in
harness expecting orders to move every moment.
Pleasant and warm.

1862 May 30

Yesterday several of the wounded prisoners
were brought in; they are mostly all North
Carolinians. To day the rebs threw a
number of shells into our lines, but as
usual no injury was inflicted by them.
During the evening a severe thunder
shower set in, which lasted all night.

MSS 8493

1862 May 28

The cannonading heard yesterday, was as
supposed, Porter's corps, who met, and after
a severe fight of eight hours, badly whipped
the rebs at Hanover Junction capturing 15.
pieces of Artillery. A train of cars, and its
engine, a train of wagons loaded with supplies,
500 prisoners, and seized and effectualy
destroyed the rail road. The balloons were up
to day. Gen Banks has been defeated
and driven across the Potomac by the
rebel Gen Stonewall Jackson, Pleasant
and very warm.

1862 May 27

Yesterday all was remarkably quiet, although-
- we were expecting to move every
moment. Today Bartlett's brigade, the
1st N.J. Battery, and a squadron of the
1st N.Y. cavalry were sent out to Mechanics-
-ville on picket, to guard the road leading
to Richmond and Meadow bridge of over
the Chickahominy. During the afternoon
two balloons were sent up, to reconnoiter:
a heavy cannonading is heard on our
right; supposed to be Gen Porters corps
engaged. Pleasant during the fore afternnoon
although it rained quite hard in the
fore noon.

MSS 8493

1862 May 25

Yesterday all was very quiet, received orders
to march, but they were soon countermanded,
To day we again received orders, and by
eleven A.M were in motion. at one P. M
after a short march we halted and encam-
-ped on the Gaines Plantation. about five
mles from R. and but one from our piquet
line. During the evening the rebs by way of
compliment, threw us over a few shells
but no damage was done by them.
Warm and pleasant.

1862 May 23

To day the Balloon made an ascent
near our camp to reconnoiter the rebel
position. They report a great number of
unoccupied tents, between the Chickahom-
-iny and Richmond. placed there probably
to deceive our picquets in regard to the
number of troops in the defenses of the
rebel capital. A heavy cannonading can
be heard on our left. Warm and
pleasant.

1862 May 22

To day Gen Bartletts brigade, a squadron
of the 1st N.Y. cavalry, a section of battery
D, 2nd U.S. and one of our batteries were sent
out to the Chickahominy on a reconnoisance
The cavalry lost two men. During the
afternoon a very heavy thunder shower
came up, and for one hour the rain
fell in a perfect torrent. warm and
peasant

1862 May 21

Reveille was blown at five A.M
harnessed and packed up, and by seven
were again in motion. At three P.M.
after a long and very fatiguing march, we
halted and encamped at Cold Harbor,
some seven miles from Richmond and
two from the Chicahominy. We are expecting
a battle in a very few days. Pleasant
and very warm.

1862 May 20

At one P.M we received marching orders
and by three were on the go. about six
halted and encamped on a plantation
in Hanover County. This county is so
thinly inhabited that it is not divided
into town ships. We are but twelve miles
from Richmond. Pleasant and quite
warm. during the day: in the evening a
rain storm set in which lasted all night.

1862 May 19

The 16th 17th and 18th were very quiet, nothing worthy
of note transpiring during those day's.
Gen Fitz John Porters corps (the 5th) arrived
and encamped here on the 16th. Last even-
-ing we received orders to march at day
light. At four. A. M were turned out and
by six were in motion, at two P.M we
halted and encamped on a plantation
some ninteen nineteen miles from the
rebel capital. Was taken suddenly very
sick last night, and was obliged to ride
in an ambulance. Rained hard during
the fore noon, in the afternoon cleaned
up and became quite pleasant.

1862 May 15

Turned out early, and by five A. M were
again on the road. At noon after a very
disagreeable march, we arrived at the
White House. (on the banks of the Pamunkey)
It was here that Gen George Washington was
married. This is the finest and best
cultivated plantation we have seen
thus far, it is now owned by the rebel
Gen. R. E. Lee's Rained very hard all
day.

1862 May 14

To day the first time for nearly a month
we have had a rainy day: the rain has
been falling in torrents all day. Prisoners
are constantly being brought in. During the
afternoon we received orders to be in
readiness to move at day light.

1862 May 13

Lay still all day yesterday. Were turned out
at three A.M. harnessed and packed up,
and by five were once more on the tramp.
At 12. M we arrived at Cumberland
and encamped on a hundred acre
corn field. this place is the Head Qrs,
of Gen McClellan. quite a number of
prisoners are being brought in, or give them-
-selves up voluntarily. there are 1300 in one
camp. Very warm and pleasant.

1862 May 11

This morning we received marching orders
and by 10. A.M were in motion.
Halted at one P.M. after a short march,
and encamped on the Richmond and
West Point turnpike, some thirty six miles
from the city. Pleasant and very warm.

1862 May 10

Quite a number of prisoners were brought
in to day. We are encamped on the
plantation of a rank reb. named
Sathy. who forced his Negro slaves to
murder the Federal soldier's who were
wounded and taken by the rebs. In the
evening the Gun Boats. sailed up the
river and opened on a fatigue party
of the Johnnies, who were building fortifica-
-tions. The day has been very warm
and pleasant.

1962 May 9

Battery drill. during the forenon. Early in
the afternoon, our div. (Slocum's) and Gen.'
Sedgwick's received orders to march to the
banks of the Pamunkey, in prolongation
of the line. encamped at five P.M near
the river. Warm, and pleasant.

1862 May 8

Remained in harness all night. every thing
is very quiet. The celebrated Hampton
Legion, 2nd Va. 4th Ala. two regts of dismou-
-nted cavalry, and several Louisana regts,
were among the reb's who fought us
yesterday. Reinforcements are constantly
arriving. In the evening. Gen McClellan
and Staff arrived. News of the capture
of Norfolk, and the iron clad Merrimac
reach us to day. The woods in which
the heaviest of the fighting took place
are on fire. Prisoners are being
brought in constantly. Mild and
pleasant.