Oxford Times, June 1, 1864
In the field near Harrison's Landing, Va., May 15, 1864
I have a little leisure, and will improve it by writing you a few lines, to let you know the part I have acted in this great drama. I think I wrote you in my last that the army was, every moment, expected orders to move. The suspense was not of long duration. At 11 o'clock on the night of the 3d, we were ordered to march in unison with the whole army. The army never moved with a better and firmer purpose. Everyone was sanguine of success. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 4th we reached Germania Ford. Our Regiment was selected to charge across the river and rout enemies' pickets, which we did in good style, without the loss of a man. The enemy fled, leaving one of their number on the field. We continued the march via Chancellorsville to the vicinity of Mine Run on the Orange C.H. road, without interruption. On the 5th we fought the enemy's Cavalry at Donaldsville. Our time was employed in skirmishing, scouting and picketing until the 9th, when the whole Corps started on a raid in the enemy's rear. The first day we marched to Beaver-dam Station, where we destroyed the R.R., two trains of cars, two locomotives and Quartermaster and Commissary stores, valued at 3,00,000 of dollars. We also recaptured 39 officers and 300 enlisted men who were on their way to Richmond under a cavalry guard. They were, foot sore, hungry and tired, and the sight of their deliverers was most cheering to them. The cowardly guard discharged their pieces in their faces and then fled, fortunately they hurt no one. It was another specimen of Southern chivalry. The enemy made an attack upon our flank several times, but then. Sheridan hardly gave it a passing notice. Each Brigade would send out two or three squadrons to skirmish with the enemy while the column was passing, thus the march was continued without being retarded in the least.
On the morning of the 10th, while eating our breakfast, the enemy tossed in a few shells for dessert which we did not relish very much, and to tell the truth about it rather destroyed our appetite for what we had. We sent a few messengers to inform them that we did not appreciate such hospitality and they soon retired. We marched to the South Anna River and bivouacked on the right bank. We resumed the march on the 11th. But Stuart was hanging around us with his whole force and was destined to be rather troublesome. He attacked us in rear in the morning and was handled rather rough. About noon, we cut the railroad again at Ashland, and destoryed it for miles. Stuart had taken a shorter rout and came in our front. We had a sharp fight for about 3 hours. We completely routed the enemy capturing 2 pieces of artillery and 60 prisoners. We remained here until about midnight, when we resumed the march. At 2 A.M. on the 12th we were within two miles of the Rebel Capital. As we were moving along a torpedo exploded in the road which gave the enemy warning of our approach. We entered the enemy's outer fortifications and he opened on us before day. We fought till about 3 P.M. when we crossed Meadow Bridge. About 8 A.M. the enemy had us surrounded, but everyone had learned to put entire confidence in our commander and there was no confusion, but everyone stood at his post. After desperate fighting we drove back this enemy in our rear and towards the city and completely routed him at the Bridge and the whole company crossed the Chickahominy without further molestation. We captured two guns and some prisoners, but not without loss on our side. The 8th lost 1 killed, 6 wounded and 3 missing. Adelbert Lamphere of my Co. had one leg shot off and the other badly shattered. The shell which wounded him passed thro' a brick building and took off one leg for a man in the 1st Vermont at the same time, and rushed on in its hellish fury and exploded in our rear. We marched to Gains Mills and encamped for the night. We arrived here yesterday without anything more of note occurring. We passed over many of the fields of Gen. McClellan's military achievements. The buildings, trees and fences still retain the mark of the deadly missiles which were hurled by the two powerful armies. We are all fatigued and sleepy, and I trust you will pardon my disconnected style as I can hardly collect my thoughts. How long we shall remain here I cannot say. We have not yet heard the result of the great battle yet but feel confident that it cannot be otherwise than cheering. Richmond papers claim a victory but says that their army has fallen back, which we can easily interpret.
I remain as ever your Friend C.
