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